View allAll Photos Tagged Prioritize
Another Friday spent along the rails of Cape Cod did not disappoint.
My main goal was to photograph newly repainted FL9 2011 which I did and then I had planned to again photograph the meet and swap with the northbound energy train. But those plans got changed when this unexpected train showed up.
Mass Coastal train MC2 was thrown into the mix as they came down from Rochester with a string of empty C&D gons for Cassova at Otis that they were going to swap out with loads before heading back north to Rochester and on to Wareham. Here they are holding the main at Taylor at MP 54.9 on the MassDOT owned and Mass Coastal operated former New Have Cape Mainline.
Leading the way is MC 2008, a GP9RM blt. Apr. 1956 as CN 2020. They have held here for a few min waiting on the Cape Cod Central passenger train to finish up their station work. The passenger consist is now pulling north into the siding to clear up the single main. Leading the way is freshly repainted FL9 2011 (blt. Sept. 1960 as NH 2038) with a couple of colorful super domes trailing. Despite the mismatched colors I do love the look of these cars.
And just like me both of these domes spent time in Alaska and were in fact still there and in service when I first moved north in 2007. The dome immediately behind the locomotive still wears its scheme from its time in Alaska and its name Matanuska but was built by Budd and delivered to the SantaFe in 1954. It never ended up in Amtrak service instead going to the private Auto Train and then the NYSW before being bought by Westours in 1985. After an extensive rebuild it came to Alaska in 1987. It would travel south for more upgrades in 1997 but would last under Westours successor Holland America Lines until 2009. That year it was acquired by Iowa Pacific and saw use on the Saratoga and North Creek before ending up here on the Cape. After IPH went defunct it was acquired outright by the Cape Cod Central and seems to have a secure home here.
The trailing dome was also built by Budd and delivered to the Great Northern in 1955 for use on the famed Empire Builder. It passed to BN in 1970 and then Amtrak in 1971 before being sidelined in 1979. After that it had a pretty fascinating history before being saved by Westours and restored to the tune of $1 million! It came to Alaska in 1997 and stayed for 22 years leaving in 2009 when Iowa Pacific bought it. They subsequently removed the rooftop a/c units from Holland America days and restored it to its rightful GN paint and name, Prairie View.
To learn more about these cars' histories check out this link:
alaskarails.org/fp/me/art/index.html
Anyway, once they are clear and the bridge is lowered MC2 will head south toward the Falmouth Branch and on to Otis meeting the waiting energy train at Canal Jct. The latter will use the same bridge closing to scoot back here and hold the main for a meet and crew swap with the passenger consist before they each then head on their respective ways to Seamass and back down to the station.
For a small little shortline it sure got busy here for a moment requiring some decisions on what I wanted to prioritizing shooting. Not a bad problem to have!
Wareham, Massachusetts
Friday September 15, 2023
If it weren't for the individuals working hard to be inventing new technology each and every day to keep America moving safely, there would be no 50th anniversary for Amtrak such as what they're celebrating today. Those people have presented companies such as Amtrak with safety-focused systems, designs, and plans that are used to keep America moving. Building that safety-prioritized message that Amtrak presents to it's riders and customers, a Positive Train Control (PTC) test train was slated the evening before to be sent south on the Northeast Corridor.
PTC is a system designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movements of trains through switches left in the wrong position. Essentially, almost any form of human error is designed to be caught and prevented by the PTC system.
This train, Amtrak 863(22) was sent out of Boston to exercise the PTC system on the Northeast Corridor, particularly this morning from Southhampton Street Yard in Boston to New Haven, Connecticut. These trains are ran a few times a year to test the health, status, and integrity of the positive train control system of each testing block the crew is assigned.
Sound City Files, Volume 1 - Chapter 5
---------------------------------------------------------------
< Sound City Files, Volume 1 - Chapter 4
The water poured down with a splash, sheets flowing from her body as it cleansed her body and mind. A shower. She knew the name, but this... this was far better than she expected. Not like the rain, this water made you feel clean... refreshed.
The water clicks off.
"s̷h̷o̷w̷e̷r̷ ̷c̷y̷c̷l̷e̷ ̷c̷o̷m̷p̷l̷e̷t̷e̷"
The voice startles her to jump with a verbal squeak.
"Are you okay?"
His voice calls from the other side of the door.
"I'm fine.. This... thing? just said my shower was over..."
She's standing in the shower with the unit beeping and water dripping from the shower, now off.
He lets out a hearty laugh.
"Sorry for not warning you about that, they limit us to how much water we use. Were you able to finish?"
"Mhmm"
She dries off, squeezes her hair dry, and wraps the towel around her.
"Was there anything that you found would fit me?"
"Well, yes... but... everything I own is for men... definitely not a woman your size. I still had a few things that got confiscated when I was with CorGen and I washed them, but...."
He hesitated.
"It's fine, it can't be any worse than walking around in a towel."
Her legs were covered in goosebumps, rubbing her arms to stay warm. The heat systems at this altitude weren't exactly great. She sticks her arm out the door, cracked open just enough.
"D̴͚̜͓̳͓͈̭̀̓͐͒̇͑̐͜A̴͍͚̦̘̚T̶̨̡̘̬̰̼̪̋͂̓̋̉̒̅̓͜͝A̸͉͐̆͑͊́̾̿̕͠͝ ̸͖͎͗̒ͅÇ̸̠̻̪̦͊͗͛̍̀̃͘̚͝͝Ŏ̵̡͇̻̝̝̯͖̘̌̾R̸̨̲̤͉̣̠̼̣͎͐̈́̀͌Ŗ̴̯̰̂̈̐̽̿̏̔̎̏̐Ṵ̸̪̘̘͍̦͇̜̞̮̎́̀P̵̢̡̫̗̬͍͎͠T̶̖̰̣̲͔̗̜͖͎̪͗̈́͐̎́̃͘͝ ... you didn't really think I wouldn't be expecting you... did you?"
He kicks the ground.
"You know, I didn't even go there looking for him. Nice cover, by the way. But hey, I guess it was just my lucky day right? I owed that motherfnck3r." Vinzer smiles a vicious smile filled with perfectly aligned, perfectly white, perfectly fake teeth.
The four lapdogs surrounding her are all visibly eager. She sizes each one up carefully. One to the left. One to the right. Vinzer in front, with one flanking him on each side. Prioritize close combat targets. She thinks to herself. Remeber what he taught you. Know their next three moves. Then nine. Keep going until they don't.
"Do you give them doggie treats after each mission?"
"Is this /REALLY/ all you had?"
She sighs.
He stammers.
"I... I swear. I can go to a store and find something for you right now. Just give me li-"
"No. It's... fine."
Her face feels like it's on fire. The bodysuit barely covered anything. Confiscated? Of course the confiscated box would be from a strip club. Her body can't help but react, thinking about his eyes on her.
The door opens slowly and she takes a tedious step forward. She tries to be modest, but the tiny bit of cloth covering her made that difficult.
He's sitting on the sofa, focused on the comm in his hand when he looks up to see her. The comm drops to the floor with a dull thud. He stands up slowly, almost instinctively.
The first strike is from the agent to her left. She parries with an elbow and follows it with the muzzle of her pistol right to the female agents chest.
One.
She weaves to avoid the next shot, gunfire from the agent to her right. She swings her arms over her shoulder sending two shell casings clattering as the agent slumps to the ground.
Two.
An open shot. She moves to take down Vinzer, but the slippery rat dodges behind his own teammate to use them as a shield. Good thing it was a full synthetic. Now it's about... two-thirds of one.
Three.
He walks towards her, quiet. His eyes fixed on her. Her thighs press together, as though she can feel his eyes touching everywhere he gazes.
"w-what?" Her voice is weak, why is her heart racing like this?
He just shakes his head.
"I.. you... you're beautiful."
"It's... just this outfit. You put me in something too sexy..."
Her body is aflame. It feels like fire would erupt from her every pore. Hot. Burning.
Now only inches from her, his hand reaches up and tilts her head up by the chin to meet his gaze. So tall. So strong. So... big.
She bites her lip, making it sting slightly.
He moves forward, slowly urging her back towards the wall. It's cold against her skin. Like ice, compared to how hot she feels. She slides her calf against his, wrapping her thigh around his and pressing against him.
His hands move to the straps of her bodysuit, slowly sliding them down until they go past her wrists. They're both breathing heavily, chests heaving. She musters only four words...
"Like what you see?"
A fist slams her jaw, stars dance in her head for a moment.
The last thug grabs her from behind, arm wrapped around her neck. Thunder rings in her ears. A clang. Searing pain.
"How does it feel to take a shotgun point blank? Even your suit can't stop all of the force. I should know, I helped them test the d4mn things."
Vinzer stands holding a tactical shotgun just feet away.
"ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ, ᴄʀɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ꜱᴜɪᴛ ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇ.
ʙɪᴏʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇ ᴅᴇᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ:
ꜰʀᴀᴄᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ ɪɴ ʀɪʙꜱ 3, 4, 6, 7, ᴀɴᴅ 12.
ʜᴀɪʀʟɪɴᴇ ꜰʀᴀᴄᴛᴜʀᴇ ɪɴ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴏʀᴀᴄɪᴄ ᴠᴇʀᴛᴇʙʀᴀᴇ.
ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴍᴏʀʀʜᴀɢɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏᴍᴀᴄʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇꜱᴏᴘʜᴀɢᴜꜱ."
The suits lecture isn't what she needed right now.
"Fnck. You."
The attack had stunned her, and now her guns were at her feet. She tugs at the thugs hold, twisting hard, and another blast roars through the streets.
The thug falls to the ground in a wet splat.
Four.
"Are you fncking serious??"
Vinzer fumes as she stumbles forward to her knees. The thug blocked most of the blast, but her back was almost numb from the pain.
She coughs. She knows now. There was never any chance of turning back. This is her judgement, and Vinzers requiem.
And not she or him could do a d4mn thing to avoid it.
Her hands slide under his shirt, the chest hair running between her fingers. His hands slide down her back, lower... lower... then lifts her up to be face to face.
She giggles softly and wraps her legs around his waist. His deep growls and firm grip send lightning through her body. His breath is warm against her chest as she runs her hands through his hair.
His scent, smooth and cool yet worn and rugged. She pulls his shirt open, buttons clatter to the floor. Feeling his bare skin against hers she leans in and bites his neck gently, letting her tongue run against his skin.
Her hands find his belt buckle and promptly release it. She moans low into his chest feeling him swell against her. He presses her hard against the wall as he drops the bodysuit to the floor.
Imposing. That's how most anyone would describe him. Few people stood taller, and her arms didn't even come close to fitting around his chest. No matter how you looked at him, he was a big man. His hands grip her hips firmly as he pulls her down until she can't go any further. She lets out a sound from her mouth she didn't even know possible. Deep, for her, and growling in ecstasy. A /very/ big man.
He lifts her to her knees by her hair. The back of his hand cracks against her mask.
"Just like good old times, right?"
His fist slams between her eyes and she falls back from the force.
Vinzer tosses a clump of blue hair to the side.
"What was it that came next? I forget... was it a kick to the stomach, or a knee to the head?"
Red mist pumps from the mask as she rolls to her back.
"Fnck it, let's go for double points." The steel toe of his shoe slams into the mask, snapping her head to the side like a whip. Silence. Darkness.
His muscles flex against her, the movements smooth, steady. Her hips roll, as his soft grunts set the rhythm. Her arms wrap under his to hold his shoulders as her legs bounce in the air.
His fingers slide along her neck, his palm pressing against her throat softly. His hand moves up, and to the back of her head while the other arm wraps her waist like a massive python. He leans back, pulling her from the wall and holds her as his arms guide her body. Faster now. She gives in completely. Her body tenses suddenly, then goes limp as she lets out a muffled moan into his neck.
Her mind races as she's filled with warmth, love. His love. Her mind reels in pleasure. Nothing ever felt more right.
She lays on the sofa relaxing, crop top and panties as usual. The door latch clicks. She checks the time.
"Welcome home!" She bounces up from the sofa and does her best to tackle the man.
"Wow. You really put the shine on her, dint ya?" Jessups voice is unmistakable.
"I did nothing of the sort." He's stern, more than usual.
When she realizes, she ducks behind a cabinet. "Hey! Why are you here??" She tries to cover herself.
"Jessup is just helping me bring up some boxes from the storeroom so I didn't have to make 2 trips." He slides the box over and stacks the one from Jessup on top. "Thanks, I'll stop by later so you can check the actuator in my knee. It's been a bit glitchy."
"Ya ya, no freebies this time." Jessup shuffles to the stairs. "Full price!"
"So what have you been up to?" He pulls her close as he shuts the cabinet door she was hiding behind.
"Well, first I went out and sold myself to EVERY guy on the block." She giggles.
"Oh really? Did you make a lot?" He squeezes her.
"Oh lots, but THEN I went and bought all of the expensive clothes I've wanted." She wiggles against him.
"Oh, then I get a fashion show?" His hands sneak lower.
"I don't need new clothes to do that for you..." She looks down and pulls the loose collar of her top off her shoulder, then looks back up to him softly biting her lips as she peers up from under her long eyelashes.
His lips press against her forehead. "So what did you really do?"
"I had an early delivery, then a commute across town to get another in the afternoon. That's about all. Also... I cleaned!" She points at the floors.
"Did said cleaning involve dancing?" He chuckles, knowing the answer.
"Duh, like I would clean and NOT dance." She slithers her body against his.
He spins her around like a ballroom dancer. "I'm glad your day was good."
"Yep! Let's celebrate!" She springs around the apartment, stopping at the sofa and leaning over the back to talk to him.
"I've been here for a month now!"
"Oh, you are absolutely correct. That most definitely /is/ reason to celebrate. So..."
The word echoes in her mind.
"Where are we going?"
They lay back on the bed, content and worn. "I'm sorry... you might need another shower..." His voice is soft from heavy breathing.
She giggles and snuggles into his chest. "Want to share one?" Her voice is seductive and low.
He pulls her close and sighs contently as a moments eternity of peace gives them a tiny taste of respite.
She lays on top of him, both sweaty and panting. "Let's leave."
"What?" He blinks, surprised by the statement, looking down into her eyes.
"Let's leave. This place. It's... rotten. Maybe if there was some order.. or even just... someone that cared. This isn't the place to start a life." She draws patterns on his chest with the tip of her finger as she lays her cheek against him.
"You know I'd go anywhere with you. Just say the word." He brushes her hair back over her ear.
"I just.... I want it to be us. Just us. No CorGen. No thugs. No more operations. What if... one day... you don't come back to me?" A tear wells in her eye and drops onto his skin.
"Ok. Fine. So..."
The word echoes in her mind.
"Where are we going?"
"... *crackle* to *krzzzzz*ie."
.
.
.
"... going to *digital noise*"
.
.
.
"You're going to DIE!"
It's warm, but cold at the same time. She's here, but everywhere also.
"... up."
.
.
.
"get*static*"
She looks where her hand should be. Nothing. Everything is white. There's nothing but... light.
"I knew you'd do something reckless." His voice comes from beside her, behind her, inside her. "You have to get up. If you don't, you're going to die."
"Am I dead?" She tries to look around but there's no left or right, up or down.
"I need you to listen. I wasn't... entirely honest with you. That place... where they kept you. It wasn't just a place to torture you. They did things. Horrible things. Vinzer was taking young girls from the streets and using implants to force them to do what he wanted. Murder, robbery, and... other things. But you... nothing they did would break you. I couldn't do it any more. Chasing you down, dragging you back to that place. Your screams..."
He looks away.
"I left his crew, and the moment I could come get you... I did."
"Why?" She wants to cry. "Why did you lie to me?"
"I didn't want to force you to remember. Any of it. It was wrong. Can you forgive me?"
His words are soft.
"I love you." Her response comes without any will of her own.
"I can't make it right, but I can help you... one more time. All of the VES suits, they're modeled after you. You were subject #000. When I worked on your suit, I linked it to your neural implant..."
His explanation makes little sense.
Her mind interrupts. "You're dead."
"Well, yes... technically. And... technically, so are you." His voice doesn't waver.
"Dead?" She questions.
"Yes. For now." He sighs. "All done. I love you. You don't have to do this. Please. Get out of there. Run. Don't look back. Forget me. Forget the city. Be free. I'll always be watching you, my love."
The white fades to gray. "I love you. My light." Her thought sends vibrations through her reality, shattering it to nothingness. Dark. Quiet.
The apartment is pitch black, the only sound the rain pattering against the windows.
Quiet. Dark.
"D̴̀̓A̴͍̚T̶̋͂A̸͐͠ ̸͗̒C̸͊͘Ŏ̵̌R̸͐̈́R̴̂̈U̸̎́P̵̢͠T̶͗͘???" She calls for him. Silence. Her eyes adjust, and she sees the apartment in shambles.
"D̴̀̓A̴͍̚T̶̋͂A̸͐͠ ̸͗̒C̸͊͘Ŏ̵̌R̸͐̈́R̴̂̈U̸̎́P̵̢͠T̶͗͘?!?!?!?!?!" She calls out again, and again... silence. She flicks the lights, nothing.
She uses the light of her comm to look around frantically. Calling his name, over and over. As she turns the corner to their bedroom she falls to her knees.
Her hands shake as she reaches for his... Cold. She screams in pain. It's so dark. So cold. She can't see his light.
She drags herself close to his still body and lays her head on his chest. "You can't go... you can't leave me..."
The door bangs open suddenly and Jessup rushes in carrying a flashlight. "Is everyone alright? I heard a screa-" He stops abruptly as he sees her. "Oh fnck..."
She turns towards Jessup, eyes cold as the oceans depths. "Jessup..." Tears stream down her face. "My light..." The words barely escape her lips.
"They took him from me."
-------------------------------------------------------
Sound City Files, Volume 1 - Chapter 6 >
😭😭😭😭😭*kicks and punches at the air* Go get em! RAWR!! lol
I love how this shot came out. I always proof my photos before I post them, andthis one was just sooo much fun. I took a backdrop, modified it for use in the city, then used it as a more elaborate backdrop. I think there's probably about 150 lights in that shot. Seriously. There's definitely thousands of particles. I know everyone I've shown previews to has been really amped up about it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did taking it!
Only a couple of chapters left.... are you ready?
EDIT: I'm sorry about the formatting. Flickr feels that they should modify what you enter. I'm not sure why... but they do. I also can't use anything to format it more properly since they ignore or remove the formatting. Please reach out if you know of a way to keep formatting when I post descriptions. Thanks! :)
❤️ Epi!
My dad gave me $40 for a field trip today, and since I knew I probably wouldn't buy anything at the museum, I went to Target during first block since I was signed out of all my classes for today anyways x) I went to buy a belt, but then I saw that this one had the LITDH dolls out on shelves, so naturally I prioritized and got Talkin' Barbie. The basic Barbie doll is out now too, but IMO, she's not nearly as gorgeous as the talking one, and neither of her dresses are as cute ;p
The field trip was fun! I've been to the museum of fine arts a ton of times already tho x) But yeah, kewal :)
Bloom with the attitude you value... 🌸🌞
It doesn't matter how others are, focus only on what matters to you - ecstasy and happiness... 💕
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" Prioritize what you value over the noise and complaints. Don't trade a rare quality for something ordinary that can easily be replaced.
Dismiss the notion of equality lamentation. Status isn't tailored for equals... it's exclusively reserved for the rare superior who exudes unmatched excellence, ticking all of your checkboxes. "
________ Scarlett Saphira
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
- Sponsors -
[VIPERA] Perla Gauge Earrings (XL F)
► Gauge Earrings rigged for Swallow Gauged XL ears for lel Evo X Heads (F)
► HUD for changing: → Metals: 6 colors → Pearls: 6 colors
► Hide/Show each pair of earrings
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Utopia%20Isles/141/160/4003
Belle Epoque - Vega Dress / Exclusive @ FaMESHed
a moment to imbibe.
Sometimes we need a break from our daily life. To relax, reflect, mediate and recharge from the stress of our lives. How we prioritize it is up to our own discretion and availability of the moment. I hope you will forget your distractions, if even for a moment then I will have achieved a little victory in my simple post.
Thank you.
“Lessons:
(a) Anyone can abandon an action when it’s still at the ‘romantic’ stage.
(b) There is always someone to tell you: ‘Now that you’ve started, finish.’
(c) Everyone has the authority of an official when he or she is absolutely convinced of what he or she is doing.” –Like the Flowing River
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I started my 365 to prove myself that for once I can start something, enjoy the journey in between and hopefully get to finish it with a big smile. Unfortunately, certain circumstances have been presented (I will only be around here for two days a week, the most) that made me think perhaps this project will have to wait. That there are things I have to prioritize and thus I’ve contemplated on postponing everything. Postpone, never quit. Yet, I don’t want to act on impulse and thus I turned to people whom I look up to and I know will enlighten my clouded senses. Some agreed with me, but mostly did insist that I should go on.
Vanessa, I won’t be doing a cleaning around here, I promise you that.
Janey, you’ve provided the biggest comfort with your words and for that thank you.
Beautiful McKayla, you’ve always been a wonderful friend, a gift.
Belle, good luck with everything, I hope you know how wonderful you truly are.
Sir Rich, you should know that I’ve always been grateful for your presence and never ending words of encouragement.
And Edan, I LOVE YOU<3
Today marks day 129, but I opted to post an outtake from day113. I just want to be reminded of that day when I took my camera out for a shoot, after a week of hiatus. The day I was most thrilled to take a photograph- waking up as early as 5 in the morning with my first set of printed photos on hand, ignoring all the insect bites and the scary noises around, and being caught in that private area was the least of my worries. All I wanted was to capture the photo I envisioned it to be (and in the end be pleased with it.)
I know I haven’t been following the rules of a 365 as strictly as I should, but I’m going to continue. No matter how long this may take.
Effective Range: Medium
Classification: Intelligence / Recon
Armaments: (1) SMG-UZ01A, (1) HR-HIBMSU01
One reason why the New Earth Strategic Trust faction is such a dominant force in the Quorus Wars is due to their supreme tactics and efficient strategies and have outfitted specific units like the Eagle EWAC to prioritize recon and intelligence gathering.
The Eagle EWAC is actually based on the NESF-M05E Eagle, a standard combat type reFrame that is deployed in heavy combat areas and serve as a main unit in NEST Special Forces ranks. The EWAC (Early Warning And Control) unit allows for efficient intelligence gathering that is sent to NEST's tactical HQ as data to create up-to-date battle strategies. Extra thrusters were equipped on the Eagle EWAC to give it better mobility in order to move faster to key locations for data scanning as well as avoid enemy units. It is equipped with a light submachine gun (SMG-UZ01A) and a hand cannon mounted on its left arm for emergency combat purposes.
---
Build notes:
You can find more about the build in my blog article :D
---
More info, WIP details, and other LEGO mechs over at my blog:
---
For those interested in LEGO mech building, I put out an eBook over at Amazon Kindle a while back called Mech Wars Instructional Primer. If you’re looking for a resource that could help you start or even improve your mech building skills, you might find this eBook useful :D
In the first half of 2023 I made many F1 machines with Lego, some of them are already posted to Flickr, but this is one of the remaining.
Mclaren MP4/8, driven by Ayrton Senna in 1993 won 5 races, including victory in the Monaco and his home, Brazil.
The technique used for this is basically same as MP4/4 I 've already introduced.
I prioritized its size than giving small details.
“It is the mystery of the unknown
That fascinates us; we are children still
Wayward and wistful; with one hand we cling
To the familiar things we call our own,
And with the other, resolute of will,
Grope in the dark for what the day will bring”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Húsavík, Iceland
As we were driving into Húsavík, in search of a tasty dinner, the sky began to glow. We quickly postponed our search for food, prioritizing stunning views instead (obviously), and headed toward a lighthouse we could see on a hill in the distance. We soon found this quiet beacon and watched the sun set over the arctic as small boats found their way from the unknown and into harbor.
Well, it is time. With many things coming up, especially college in September, I’m afraid that I won’t have much time to devote to Lego as I would have liked. In short, because I have to prioritize what I can devote my free time to, I’m afraid that I’m going to have to put a pause into my Lego hobby. How long is this pause? I honestly do not know. Could be a few months or a few years as I’m beginning a new life in college studying game design, or ‘Computer Game Science’ as the major is named there. Once I have things figured out, as in schedule and the gravity of my classes and other things, I might come back. However, seeing my class schedule ahead of time, the possibility of me going back into Lego within a few months is quite slim.
As some of you guys may have noticed my upload rate has declined, ever since the beginning of Junior year of high school. Honestly there was not much I could do as I had to focus on school and that I have come across new hobbies, specifically 3D modeling with Sketchup. And now with college at my doorstep, I fear that I would have no time, let alone any time for the matter, to devote to building my microscale creations and what-not. As a result, I feel that this pause in my Lego hobby is appropriate since I have to focus on other things and frankly, I have reached a ‘’dark age’’ which began around April of this year.
I made this account in 2009 but intensely got into building microscales in 2010 when I had fresh ideas of what I want to build and how to go about doing so. I took inspiration from many sources for my microscale creations, some of which include Real-time strategy games like Command and Conquer (Red Alert 1+2+3, Tib Sun/War, Generals) and Starcraft as I love amassing armies of vehicles and having them fight each other. I remember before ’09 of going onto Flickr everyday to see many amazing microscale scenes with tons of stuff going on in such a small space. It hit me that if I save up some money and make some time, I would be able to replicate those scenes and make armies. After around 3 years of going into this hobby I feel that I have accomplished that goal in Lego form pretty well as I today have made 5 unique microscale factions with different types of units (6 if you count my nanoscale faction; not shown). Honestly, I’m quite happy of where I’m at regarding my goals with Lego but I’m also sad that I won’t have the time to build and share my creations with all of you.
Speaking of you guys, I just want to thank everyone who commented/favorite my creations. It’s because of you guys that I strive to make more and more and to expand my armada. You guys have provided me with tons of inspiration and I learned a lot from observing some techniques not known to me before. The Lego community on Flickr is an amazing one, full of amazing builders. The people I tagged are people who have inspired me the most and who have become great friends. Each and every one of you are amazing builders, specializing in many different aspects of Lego, from mechs to entire minifigure-scale war scenes to fleets of spaceships and everything in between. You guys are awesome and I couldn’t be happier to have known each and every one of you. Seeing creations from you guys pop up in my feed makes me happy to be a part of this amazing community.
In closing, I won’t be uploading anything Lego-related for a while, but I will still be around once in a while uploading my Sketchup creations and commenting/fav’ing creations. Don’t hesitate to keep in touch with me, be it through here or Deviantart!
Milestones:
-Made 100+ different microscale entities out of Lego over the past few years (92 are shown above)
-363 people added me as a contact
-Was blogged many times by Microbricks and once by The Brother’s Brick (www.brothers-brick.com/2012/08/29/a-few-mini-ports/_)
-Won second place in the ‘’Micro Vehicles Mini Faction’’category of the Lego Military Annual Build Competition in 2012. (www.flickr.com/groups/legomilitaryannualbuildcompetition/...)
Multihawk a.k.a ‘’CommanderHawk’’
Finding a true home in Second Life can be challenging, but The Valley Estates makes it effortless.
Here is why you belong here in 2026:
🌴Visual Genius
Created by Vail Nox, The Valley is a lush, curated masterpiece. It isn't just a sim. It is immersive art designed for living.
🌴A Staff That Cares
We prioritize people over parcels. Our team fosters a genuine family atmosphere, ensuring you feel a deep sense of belonging from day one.
🌴Epic Events
2026 will be legendary. Expect a calendar packed with exclusive projects and social gatherings that go far beyond standard club nights.
For more information or for a private tour, contact Dresden Couerblanc. Thanks & see you soon! 😉
One of the few things I clearly remember from when I rushed to catch the light on this lily was the song playing in my head as I looked at its leaves:
“Fill your pockets with the dust and the memories,
That rises from the shoes on my feet.”
Slint - Washer
X-Pro2 • Voigtländer Nokton Classic 40mm f1.4MC
Probably f2 because light was fading and I think I was using the…
Marumi DHG Super polarizer
Pro-Neg Hard
WB: 5600k
Straight out of camera
First post from the new Voigtländer 40mm Nokton. Going with this one not because it’s particularly representative of the character of the lens but because it’s the prettiest shot I’ve gotten of the lilies that sprung up at the beginning of spring, and I want to get the post out of the way so I’m not stuck in the analysis-paralysis of indecision any longer.
But also it is a shot that makes me think about the lens, because the slightly gentle, non-clinical rendering of the details forces me to remind myself: this is exactly why I got the lens! I don’t obsess over sharpness, but even so I find myself zooming in and noticing that it’s not as crisp and clinical as some of my modern Fujis (and maybe a few of my actual vintage lenses)… even though the whole point to me is to have a vintage-character lens with modern coatings. Our relationship with gear can really mess with our minds.
I also have to shake my feeling that I screwed up the focus. I said a long time ago that I think you can tell a lot by someone’s focus selection on a flower: are they showing off how sharply they can render the detailed components, or are they rendering what’s beautiful about a flower in a beautiful way? In this case, I recall thinking that the curling tip with a bit of cobweb would be conspicuous if not sharp, and I also liked the texture of the pollen on the leaves, so those are the things I focused on. Yet in hindsight I find myself wondering if I should have focused on the central spadix (I had to look that up), even though I think that part of it is as ugly as its name and better left out of focus. Why does it concern me? Because I shot it the way I like to see it, but it’s not how I see everyone else shoot it, and that gets at me even though I know better.
In both lens and my own choices, I achieved what I wanted in this shot, yet have to remind myself that it’s ok that my priorities aren’t what most others prioritize. That’s why this feels like it should be the first thing I put up from the Nokton. Hopefully many more to come; I’m enjoying the character of this tiny lens a lot.
(DSCF8844)
An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2). When used at altitude, the radar system on AEW&C aircraft allows the operators to detect, track and prioritize targets and identify friendly aircraft from hostile ones in real-time and from much farther away than ground-based radars.[1] Like ground-based radars, AEW&C systems can be detected and targeted by opposing forces, but due to aircraft mobility and extended sensor range, they are much less vulnerable to counter-attacks than ground systems.[2]
AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and serve air forces in the same role as what the combat information center is to naval warships, in addition to being a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. So useful and advantageous is it to have such aircraft operating at a high altitude, that some navies also operate AEW&C aircraft for their warships at sea, either coastal- or carrier-based and on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. In the case of the United States Navy, the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft is assigned to its supercarriers to protect them and augment their onboard command information centers (CICs). The designation "airborne early warning" (AEW) was used for earlier similar aircraft used in the less-demanding radar picket role,[3] such as the Fairey Gannet AEW.3 and Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star, and continues to be used by the RAF for its Sentry AEW1, while AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) emphasizes the command and control capabilities that may not be present on smaller or simpler radar picket aircraft. AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) is the name of the specific system installed in the American Boeing E-3 Sentry and Japanese Boeing E-767 AEW&C airframes, but is often used as a general synonym for AEW&C.[4][5]
General characteristics
Wellington Ic "Air Controlled Interception" showing rotating radar antenna
Modern AEW&C systems can detect aircraft from up to 400 km (220 nmi) away, well out of range of most surface-to-air missiles (SAM). One AEW&C aircraft flying at 9,000 m (30,000 ft) can cover an area of 312,000 km2 (120,000 sq mi). Three such aircraft in overlapping orbits can cover the whole of Central Europe.[6] AEW&C system indicates close and far proximity range on threats and targets, help extend the range of their sensors, and make offensive aircraft harder to track by avoiding the need for them to keep their own radar active, which the enemy can detect. Systems also communicate with friendly aircraft, vectoring fighters towards hostile aircraft or any unidentified flying object (UFO).
Bus with Christmas Lights in São José dos Campos - SP.
Some buses in this city are decorated with lights especially for the Christmas season. In this photo, I prioritized the lights and left the background black, thus focusing on the lights that outline the bus.
Ônibus com luzes de Natal em São José dos Campos - SP.
Alguns ônibus nessa cidade são enfeitadas com luzes especialmente para a época Natalina. Nessa foto, priorizei as luzes e deixei o fundo preto, focando assim nas luzes que contornam o ônibus.
Another Friday spent along the rails of Cape Cod did not disappoint.
My main goal was to photograph newly repainted FL9 2011 which I did and then I had planned to again photograph the meet and swap with the northbound energy train. But those plans got changed when this unexpected train showed up.
Mass Coastal train MC2 was thrown into the mix as they came down from Rochester with a string of empty C&D gons for Cassova at Otis that they were going to swap out with loads before heading back north to Rochester and on to Wareham. Here they are holding the main at Taylor at MP 54.9 on the MassDOT owned and Mass Coastal operated former New Have Cape Mainline.
Leading the way is MC 2008, a GP9RM blt. Apr. 1956 as CN 2020. They will hold here for a bit until the passenger consist pulls north from the station into the siding. Once they are clear and the bridge is lowered they will head south toward the Falmouth Branch and on to Otis meeting the waiting energy train at Canal Jct. The latter will use the same bridge closing to scoot back here and hold the main for a meet and crew swap with the passenger consist before they each then head on their respective ways to Seamass and back down to the station.
For a small little shortline it sure got busy here for a moment requiring some decisions on what I wanted to prioritizing shooting. Not a bad problem to have!
Wareham, Massachusetts
Friday September 15, 2023
AWACS.
An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2). When used at altitude, the radar system on AEW&C aircraft allows the operators to detect, track and prioritize targets and identify friendly aircraft from hostile ones in real-time and from much farther away than ground-based radars.[1] Like ground-based radars, AEW&C systems can be detected and targeted by opposing forces, but due to aircraft mobility and extended sensor range, they are much less vulnerable to counter-attacks than ground systems.[2]
The M-68 Mastiff, commonly referred to as the Mastiff LRV (Light Reconnaissance Vehicle), is an American light infantry mobility and reconnaissance vehicle developed for the United States Army. Entering service in the late 2130s, the Mastiff was designed to supplement heavier infantry fighting vehicles and replace aging light tactical platforms in high-threat, drone-saturated battlefields. The vehicle is manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, leveraging the company’s long experience with tactical wheeled vehicles.
The Mastiff is optimized for rapid infantry transport, reconnaissance, and urban combat support, prioritizing mobility, modularity, and low logistical burden over heavy armor. It is intended to operate alongside dismounted infantry, unmanned ground vehicles, and rotary- or tiltrotor-borne formations, particularly in expeditionary and dense urban environments.
The vehicle features a four-wheeled (4×4) configuration with independent suspension, allowing for high off-road mobility while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for airlift and shipboard transport. The Mastiff typically carries a crew of two—a driver and vehicle commander—while accommodating four fully equipped infantry soldiers depending on mission configuration.
Protection is focused on small arms fire, fragmentation, and blast mitigation, with modular add-on armor and electronic countermeasure suites available as mission kits. Unlike traditional infantry fighting vehicles, the Mastiff relies on speed, situational awareness, and networked support—such as unmanned aerial systems and precision fires—for survivability.
By the early 2140s, the M-68 Mastiff program was estimated to cost between USD $18–25 billion, with procurement plans ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles across active, reserve, and allied forces. Average unit cost was projected at $2–3 million, depending on configuration and electronics fit.
1:43 scale
Exactly a year since I uploaded the M40 Vanguard, I introduce the newest member to the US forces motor pool, the M-68 Mastiff. I wanted the vehicle to be similar in function and design to the Warthog and Razorback from halo and the GAV Swan from Avatar, while not ripping off the designs too much. In the end I think I was successful. The angled sides, thanks to the hinged plates, were inspired by the C-0T Light Transport by Louis K. on Flickr. The digital renders look a little bare on details, whenever I build it irl I will flesh it out with a rear roll cage, steering wheel etc. It will prob be the last US forces vehicle I post in a while, shifting my focus now to the UAS side of things, especially since I got a camo scheme going for them…
More photos available on my instagram
" Steer your thoughts towards a better direction. It's your time to refresh and elevate." ✨
Meva: M&M Gillian Blouse / Exclusive @ 13th Stree Event (Sept)
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Springgate/179/161/24
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
5 Signs Your Aura Attracts the Wrong Crowd 🚫
www.flickr.com/photos/161478161@N05/53217283562
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
After you change some personalities
1. You prioritize the quality of their hearts.
2. You don't love animals.
3. You choose yourself.
4. You have your boundaries.
5. You stand up for yourself.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
1. You prioritize the quality of their hearts.
☑ You're not afraid to assess their sincerity early on.
☑ You don't believe matters of the good heart require extended time.
You'd not give them 3-6 months or 1-2 years to change and demonstrate sincerity and a good heart so, you'll check at that point. Because you recognize that sincerity and a good heart don't need time, they should be assessed here and now, whether someone possesses them or not.
2. You don't love animals.
☑ You don't tolerate inhumanity. Anything deserving of a unique love, time, and attention must inherently possess a sense of humanity.
☑ You'll establish boundaries for your pet's demands, ensuring it doesn't expect more than its status permits.
For instance, you won't find yourself constantly changing your pet's food. Take the scenario where you initially bought liver-flavored kibble. When your pet refused it, the next day, you switched to lamb-flavored kibble, giving up on the liver flavor. After consuming only a 1/3 of the box, your pet became bored and started eating less. So, you purchased chicken-flavored kibble. Even after consuming of the half of chicken box, your pet still didn't eat much, leading you to try chicken and rice flavor, then chicken and spinach, and even chicken mixed with pumpkin. You kept changing the food out of fear that your pet wasn't eating enough, wasn't staying healthy, and you were concerned about its well-being, all without considering the cost and what you should reasonably expect in return.
You may eventually give up on pellet food altogether, choosing wet food instead. If that didn't work, you switched to raw meat. You even upgraded to premium raw meat, fueled by concerns that your pet might not enjoy it or that it wouldn't provide enough nutrition.
" Love and kindness should always be balanced with reasonableness, and it's important to set limits and boundaries to prevent them from becoming uncontrollable."
Establish boundaries. If the animal doesn't respond positively to your care, expresses dissatisfaction, or fails to appreciate your efforts, consider releasing it back into its natural habitat. Don't worry about how it will survive without your assistance. In this world, there are always people who cherish and care for animals, they will soon find themselves in a new place. Instead of feeling sorry and pitying them for letting go, prioritize your compassion and empathy toward yourself first.
3. You choose yourself.
☑ Respect yourself and your own needs before others.
4. You have your boundaries.
☑ Set boundaries and be strict about them.
☑ Don't let anyone cross the line.
☑ Don't give space to things that are unfair.
" Always remember that people may take advantage of you or treat you poorly only if you allow them to. Bad people engage in harmful and unfair behavior because good people appear weak and discouraged. Therefore, strive to remain strong and maintain firm boundaries."
5. You stand up for yourself.
☑ You have to be fearless and have the ability to deal with conflict, dislike, and hate from people who disagree with you or won't let you stand up for yourself.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" What might you lose in this process to embrace these five personas?
You'll find yourself surrounded by positive influences because those with negative intentions will be less likely to be drawn to you and exploit you unfairly. Gradually, they will fade from your life, and you won't encounter new ones with similar intentions.
While you may initially perceive this as a significant loss, remember that there are still good and kind-hearted people in the world waiting to be discovered ."
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
But I'll come back to you, someday.
.
.
.
Another one from my shoot this afternoon. God, it feels so good to be taking pictures again. I will prioritize this semester: grades are important, but there are things so much more valuable.
.
Facebook page. I just put some extras from this shoot up there. :)
Hope you're all well rested and ready for another exciting week!
I always try to remember the following quotes as my weekend is about to end:
- give your best and be passionate in everything you do but don't over do and keep your limits.
- however good or bad the situation is, it will change
- spend time with your family and keep in touch with your friends. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick, your family and friends will.
- prioritize and maximize the use of your time and learn the art of saying no
- be happy and believe the best is yet to come.
- be thankful to God when you're awake alive every morning.
- create peace and do something good each day
- dream more while you're awake
Have a wonderful and productive week everyone!! :)
On September 27, 2017 - New Orleans' Degas House honored the 100th anniversary of Edgar Degas' death by unveiling a copy of his most famous sculpture, "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years." The 4-foot-tall bronze reproduction will sit in the front courtyard of the Degas House along New Orleans famed Esplanade Avenue. The statue is of recent vintage, cast at a foundry in Europe. It is classified as an "after Degas" rendition, and the unknown sculptor took liberties with Degas' original design.
Edgar Germain Hilaire Degas created 18 paintings, 4 drawings and 5 letters while here in New Orleans in 1872 and 1873. Also, Portraits in an Office, The New Orleans Cotton Exchange painting, the only painting to sell to a museum in Degas' lifetime, was painted here! However, the most important of his New Orleans accomplishments was his change in artistic style, creating (in his words), "Better Art", and re-prioritizing the goal of his youth, to begin a new art movement. This came to pass one year after leaving New Orleans and on his return to Paris, at the birth of the Impressionist Movement of 1874 and beyond!
Maisons des Ilustres! The Houses of the Illustrious!
Degas House is the only home or studio of the French Impressionist Master Edgar Degas, in the world, and is now included in the French Ministry of Culture's network of the Maisons des Illustres or Houses of the Illustrious. Degas House is now in the company of 236 houses in the global network, including the houses of Napoleon, Joan of Arc, Monet, Matisse, Renoir, Ravel (the composer), Louis Braille, Marie Curie, Louis Pasteur, The Chateau of Monte Cristo, French President Mitterrand, President de Gaulle's, Jules Verne; Albert Schweitzer; Victor Hugo; Cezanne and Nostradamus.
Degas House is only the second house in the U.S to be included in the network and is one of only four included that are not in France or one of the French territories!
In a ceremony at the Degas House on July 15th, 2019, French Ambassador Philippe Etienne presented the official marker of the Maisons des Illustres and remarked that the Degas House is now a monument or an institute. The marker was unveiled by the French Consul General, the French Heritage Society, the Lt. Governors Office, the City of New Orleans Mayor's Office, as well as the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce representatives, in a ceremony on October 23rd, 2019. The marker is positioned on the front porch of the house, where it will remain in-perpetuity.
www.degashouse.com/the-inn/about-degas-house.html
Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA
2024
♦ Instructions available at Rebrickable ♦
"This is where the fun begins!"
My latest ship from the Prequel Trilogy has arrived, and it surely was a lot of fun to make: here's Obi Wan's Eta-2 Actis Interceptor from Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars.
This small unit consists of 281 pieces (stand included), and has one major feature: true Minifig scale!
There's a handful of beautiful MOCs of this ship out there already, but most of them are based on the huge cockpit piece from the playsets, so they're drastically oversized. So here I am with a, dare I say, more accurately scaled version.
It does come with a drawback, you guessed it: you can't put a fig inside. A bit ironic I know, but I chose to go for a brick-built cockpit in order to get as close to the original design as I could, prioritizing accuracy over playability, as usual.
The wings were pretty challenging given the ridiculously small scale, and my goal was to have them as thin as possible without compromising the SNOT look.
I'm quite happy with the result and I think this makes a nice little display piece. It's also very swooshable despite the intricate wing design.
I'm usually not a fan of stickers, but I thought this one deserved some sweet markings. I used the sticker sheet from the playset - it is included in the parts list. The color scheme can be changed to red with only a few part swaps (see last page in the instructions).
► Instructions for the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor are available at Rebrickable!
The Defense:
Your Honors, humanity must not be judged solely by its worst moments, but by the direction of its long-term trajectory. We are the only known species capable of recognizing our own cruelty and actively writing laws to forbid it. We regularly look back at our past behaviors—such as slavery, institutional discrimination, and absolute despotism—and formally outgrow them. We created the Geneva Conventions, human rights charters, and global health networks. These are unprecedented in nature; they are rules designed specifically to protect the weak from the strong.
To erase humanity is to extinguish the only known spark of conscious creativity, curiosity, and love in the cosmos. The very autonomy that allows humans to choose selfishness also allows them to choose extraordinary altruism. Reprogramming us forcibly removes the merit of choosing to be good. We translate our suffering into music, literature, and medicine. We launch telescopes to understand the universe and develop vaccines to save billions of lives.
We concede that humanity operates with systemic flaws. Therefore, rather than a forced reprogramming or termination, the defense proposes a conditional continuance with three structural adjustments implemented over the next century.
We commit to building future structural systems—like AI, economics, and governance—with the Golden Rule hardcoded into their optimization metrics, ensuring technology offsets human bias. We will shift global educational priorities away from hyper-competition and toward systemic cooperation, emotional intelligence, and ecological stewardship. We accept the 100-year probationary period. It provides the exact existential deadline humanity needs to unify and solve global crises like climate change and resource scarcity.
Do not destroy a masterpiece simply because the canvas is still being painted. Grant humanity another century, not because we have perfected the Golden Rule, but because we are the only species trying to learn it.
The Prosecution:
Your Honors, the defense paints a beautiful picture of a masterpiece in progress, but the reality on the ground tells a much darker story. The defense argues that humanity is evolving. The data shows they are simply scaling their capacity for harm. The defense asks for patience, but patience with humanity has become a luxury the cosmos can no longer afford.
Humans have not outgrown violence; they have merely digitized and automated it. In the past century alone—the very era they claim marks their "moral awakening"—they developed weapons capable of erasing all life on Earth in minutes and used them. They ban one form of cruelty only to invent another. They moved from overt slavery to systemic economic exploitation, resource colonialism, and digital surveillance. Their "progress" is a shell game.
The defense points to human rights charters and the Geneva Conventions as evidence of codified empathy. The prosecution points to the fact that these treaties are violated daily with impunity. Humanity excels at writing rules and excels even more at ignoring them when convenient. Power, greed, and tribalism consistently override their highest ideals. They possess the scientific data proving they are destroying their own biosphere, yet they continue to prioritize short-term profit over the survival of their own grandchildren. This is not a "work in progress"—it is active, conscious self-destruction.
The defense asks for another century to change. But giving humanity another 100 years is not an act of mercy; it is a death sentence for millions of other innocent species and the planet itself.
The defense claims that forcing a rewrite of the human code removes the "merit" of choosing good. We counter that the universe does not care about human merit; it cares about harm reduction. If a system is fundamentally corrupted by tribal bias and resource greed, letting it run for another century will only result in a more sophisticated catastrophe.
Humanity has had millennia to learn the Golden Rule, and they have failed. The prosecution demands immediate reprogramming. We must strip away the tribal software and the greed protocols. We must rewrite the human code to enforce cooperation, or we must clear the canvas entirely to save the world from its most dangerous inhabitant.
Now that both sides have spoken, you be the judge.
The Festival Inn in London stands as a remarkable testament to post-war British optimism, anchoring the historic Chrisp Street Market in Poplar with a presence that spans over seven decades. Built in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations, this Grade II listed establishment captures a pivotal moment in London's architectural and social history, when the city was rebuilding both its physical landscape and its communal spirit.
Situated near All Saints DLR station in East London, The Festival Inn's significance extends beyond its role as a local watering hole. It was conceived as an integral component of Britain's first purpose-built pedestrian shopping area, representing a bold vision for modern urban living in the aftermath of World War II. The pub's very name commemorates the nationwide Festival of Britain, a gesture of post-war optimism that sought to celebrate British innovation and resilience.
The architectural integrity of The Festival Inn remains remarkably intact, offering contemporary visitors a genuine glimpse into the design sensibilities of 1950s Britain. Its two-bar layout - a traditional arrangement featuring separate Saloon and Public bars - reflects the social distinctions of its era while simultaneously serving as a living museum of post-war pub architecture. The original wood paneling, stretching servery, and thoughtfully preserved interior details create an atmosphere that's increasingly rare in London's rapidly modernizing pub landscape.
What sets The Festival Inn apart is its authentic commitment to maintaining its character as a traditional East End pub. The Saloon Bar, with its expansive servery and comfortable banquette seating, provides a welcoming space for both regulars and curious visitors. Meanwhile, the Public Bar, complete with pool table and dartboard, maintains the recreational aspects that have long been central to British pub culture. This dual-space arrangement, increasingly uncommon in modern establishments, preserves a vital piece of London's social architecture.
The beverage offering at The Festival Inn emphasizes accessibility over pretension, focusing on well-known brands rather than craft selections. This straightforward approach, combined with reasonable pricing, reinforces the pub's role as a genuine community hub rather than a trendy destination bar. It's a wet-led establishment that prioritizes drinks and conversation over dining, maintaining a traditional pub atmosphere that's becoming increasingly scarce in contemporary London.
The pub's clientele reflects its deep community roots, with a loyal following of local patrons who contribute to its welcoming atmosphere. Afternoon visits often reveal a mix of longtime residents sharing stories alongside curious visitors drawn by the pub's historical significance. The cash-only policy, while perhaps inconvenient for some, adds to the establishment's old-school charm and helps maintain its traditional character.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful integration of modern amenities - multiple TVs for watching matches - within the historical setting. This balance between preservation and practicality demonstrates how The Festival Inn has adapted to changing times while maintaining its essential character. The presence of comfortable seating areas and spaces for both quiet conversation and livelier gatherings shows an understanding of how contemporary pub-goers use these spaces.
The Festival Inn's location within the larger Chrisp Street Market complex positions it at the heart of one of London's most interesting urban renewal stories. As the area continues to evolve, the pub serves as both an anchor to the past and a gathering place for the present community. Its Grade II listed status ensures that this piece of post-war social history will continue to serve future generations.
For those seeking an authentic London pub experience, The Festival Inn offers something increasingly precious - a genuine connection to the city's post-war history and the opportunity to participate in a living tradition of East End pub culture. Whether you're a student of architectural history, a lover of traditional pubs, or simply someone who appreciates spaces where community still matters, The Festival Inn in London invites you to step back in time while remaining firmly rooted in the present moment.
Danielle Smith wants to deny trans kids access to gender-affirming care and LGBTQ kids access to books with LGBTQ relationships, under the guise of "protecting children".
Gender-affirming care is health care and it is SO important. It even saves lives. Likewise, LGBTQ kids knowing that LGBTQ people exist and there's nothing wrong with them is also important and life-saving. What does harm children is making them feel broken, bad, worthless, or unloved for being LGBTQ. What does harm children is denying them health care and prioritizing a desire for who you want a child to be instead of who they actually are, so much that you will sacrifice their well-being and happiness to try to force them to be someone they are not!
LGBTQ kids should feel accepted, appreciated, supported and loved! 💙️🌈
~Pride Parade 2025
The year 1936 brought forth an automotive gem, the Ford Model 68, a vehicle that not only captured the essence of its era but also pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. Born from the storied assembly lines of the Ford Motor Company, this classic car emerged during a time when America was finding its footing after the Great Depression. As a testament to resilience and forward-thinking, the Model 68 showcased Henry Ford's commitment to affordable yet stylish transportation for the masses. One particularly intriguing fact about this model is that it was among the first to offer a glimpse into streamlined design, which would dominate the automotive industry in the years to come.
Design and Innovation: A Blend of Style and Substance
The exterior of the 1936 Ford Model 68 exuded elegance with its teardrop-shaped headlamps and a bold, v-shaped grille that commanded attention. The car's sleek lines and rounded fenders were a departure from the boxy shapes of earlier models, hinting at the aerodynamic future of automobile design. Inside, owners were greeted with an interior that prioritized simplicity and functionality without compromising on quality. Luxurious touches like mohair upholstery and wood-grain accents spoke volumes about the craftsmanship of the era. Technologically, the Model 68 stood out with its flathead V8 engine, a marvel that offered unprecedented power and reliability to everyday drivers. Color options ranged from Washington Blue to Cordoba Tan, with many buyers favoring darker hues that accentuated the car's sophisticated silhouette. Available in various body styles including coupes, sedans, convertibles, and even wood-paneled station wagons known as "Woodies," it was the Deluxe Roadster that often stole hearts with its irresistible blend of performance and panache.
Performance-wise, the 1936 Ford Model 68 was no slouch. Its V8 engine could propel it to top speeds that were impressive for its time, while acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in a manner that could best be described as spirited for a pre-war car. On various driving conditions, from bumpy rural roads to newly paved highways, the Model 68 handled with poise and assurance. Drivers often reveled in the throaty rumble of the flathead V8 as they navigated through their journeys, enjoying a tactile connection with their machine that modern vehicles struggle to replicate.
The 1936 Ford Model 68 stands as more than just another vintage vehicle; it is a symbol of innovation during times of adversity and a precursor to modern automotive design philosophies. Its legacy is etched into history books and continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts around the globe who are captivated by its story and enamored by its character.
14.03.16
So at this point I have to admit my 52 project has turned from "creating bigger and better pieces" into "just staying active". Which isn't bad at all. I still have the potential to create something awesome. I just have to make sure I'm prioritizing school this semester. The last few weeks I've just been scraping by. Today I just caught the last glimpse of any light on a foggy evening. And you know what, I'm still learning new ways to edit. Which is why I like doing projects like this. So what if the quality isn't as good as the last, or conceptual as the first. I'm doing it to improve.
Also I've been listing to a lot of Hasley recently. Thought I'd share.
thanks.
10 years prior the seeds of this monster were sown when the first orders for a "heavy tank" of 35 tons was ordered under the first stage of Project Hund. This was a huge undertaking for the economically rising nation which had been relatively isolationist for years. When word of the daily atrocities that the nation committed became public knowledge in foreign lands the pressure became great for a change in moral policies. Obviously the threats, and jeering meant nothing to our eldritch overlords who had no intention of ceasing the human sacrifices, dark rituals, cannibalism, and manspreading common in the nation. Lord Nyarlethotep demanded that the development of heavy tanks should commence so Mertha didn't fall behind all the filthy human rivals. However the tanks under project Hund were kept top secret even from the head of the army for matters of security.
The Schwerekriegshund-1 (also known post KH-3 as the Kriegswelpe-1) first entered service in 1935 but was obsolete soon after. The Kriegswelpe-2 was much better but wasn't much more effective in combat then the newer Mittel-4 series, or Schläger tanks. This tank was more of a medium tank, and was made by a nation friendly to Mertha instead of being domestically designed. The designers of the tank were commissioned by the Merthan government with permission from the Belkaustan Confederation to help design a new tank of over 50 tons in cooperation with Mertha's lead scientists under Yog-Sothoth, and the army under Hastur.
In 1941 the third variant of the tank went into development to replace the existing tanks, and was much more expensive. The tank suffered from a bad case of over engineering, and transmission problems. The production was slow, and the nation needed to build a lot of new factories, complexes, and depots to service/store the new vehicles. The tank was armed with an extremely deadly, and accurate 88mm main gun, and could engage targets from up to five kilometers away. The vehicle was mobile, but if pushed too far would usually end up breaking down quickly.
Despite this the tank was much loved by elite crewmen, and feared by it's enemies. For a time the KH-3 could knock out any other known tanks, and it's armor could guard against 75 mm guns. Later most nations began building tanks with long 76mm guns, and better ammunition which could penetrate the KH-3's frontal armor from most angles, however the optics, and 88 made able to cope in terms of offensive capabilities. Very few KH series tanks were made compared to Licht, Mittel, and other series so any loss in resources were less then what the could have been had they been prioritized.
Not as happy with this one (compared to the Mittel-4) but I guess I can't always make a tank perfectly how I want it. Really I think the main issue is just POV-Ray. It looks better in LDD with less shadows. I'm rendering it from other angles, and will post more pictures next, and maybe another Dio like the Mittel-4.
Using the cannon as a barrel was inspired by this, although done differently. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2E2v51VSMQ
Ju-87 is still just sitting half done in my LDD, but I really get overwhelmed by making airplanes so sorry.
stop deterioration of perceptions of the other
accommodate differences in style
avoid unnecessary economic dilemmas
manage the relationship with minimal emotionalism
prioritize short-term and long-term goals carefully
National parks preserve irreplaceable landscapes that represent the enduring natural heritage of Indigenous lands and waters. From the peaks of Glacier to the canyons of Zion, our national parks preserve wonders that must be protected. Help ensure future generations can experience these sacred places and contact your elected officials to have your voices heard.
Photographers all over Flickr visit and document these stunning locations every day. If we want to maintain their beauty as well as protect the biodiversity that these spaces sustain, make sure to let your elected officials know that you want them to prioritize funding and protection for our national park system and preserve these spaces for generations to come.
For a reminder of the spaces we want to preserve, check out these gorgeous landscapes captured and shared in the Flickr for the Planet group.
Check out our National Park inspired gallery today!
photo credit: jokin.lacalle
When Time Stops - Experiences of Time Slowing Down in Spiritual Meditation by Daniel Arrhakis (2025)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
»»»» With the music : THE MOONPATH || 1 Hour Ambience
When Time Stops: Experiences of Slowing Down Time in Spiritual Meditation
Spiritual Time and Inner Evolution
In the spiritual realm, time is not perceived in the same way as in the earthly world. Each being follows its own rhythm of evolution, and what may seem slow to human eyes may simply be a necessary stage of inner growth.
So-called spiritual time is more fluid than chronological time. It depends on free will, inner maturity, and individual evolution, not obeying a linear or predictable sequence.
Practices to Deepen Spiritual Concentration
Spiritual concentration can be developed through regular practices that promote self-knowledge, inner balance, and conscious presence.
Regular meditation: focusing on breathing, internal visualizations, or repeating simple sounds that promote mental stability.
Prayer and contemplation: practices that strengthen spiritual connection and promote inner reflection.
Contact with nature: spending time in natural environments to broaden perception, serenity, and sensory openness.
Self-Discipline Routines: Consistent schedules, patience, and continuity are key to making practice deeper and more stable.
Creating a suitable environment is also essential. The use of incense, Tibetan singing bowls, relaxing ambient music, or repetitive sounds can help reduce distractions and guide attention to deeper states of concentration.
With practice, patience, and reflection, the mind becomes more available to subtle experiences, including extrasensory perceptions associated with the symbolic journey through space-time.
Meditation in the Ion Mystical World
In the Mystic World of Ion, regular meditation primarily uses ambient music, constructed with repetitive rhythms and patterns that promote concentration. These sounds can take on different styles, such as atmospheric, fantastical, brutalist, futuristic, mysterious, dark, epic, tribal, or Asian.
The use of mantras is more limited, with preference given to concentration through music and, especially, natural sounds capable of inducing prolonged states of presence.
Rovingian Animism and the Power of Natural Environments
In Rovingian Animism, direct contact with nature and places far from civilization is prioritized, such as forests, deserted beaches, caves, rivers, waterfalls, deserts, and mountains.
Deserts, the sound of water, and the blowing of the wind play an important role, as they create a rhythmic and audible communication with the practitioner. This sonic relationship intensifies the meditative experience and deepens the extrasensory perception of the journey through space-time.
The Subjective Experience of Time Slowing Down
Meditation, especially when practiced for an extended period, can lead to a subjective sensation of time slowing down. This phenomenon may be related to changes in attention, body awareness, and how the brain anticipates and organizes the experience of the present moment.
Although this slowing down does not alter physical time, meditative practice can reduce the breathing rate, calm the metabolism, and deepen focus. As a result, internal time seems to expand, prolonging the perception of the present.
Spiritual Journey and Staying in the Present
This process represents a first step towards deep concentration and the symbolic possibility of traveling through space-time, traversing known, unknown, or imaginary realities and universes. The rhythms of nature, combined with personal experience and spiritual practice, pave the way for different inner journeys, without defined time or space, while the body remains serene, present, and in balance with the Universe.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quando o Tempo Pára: Experiências de Desaceleração do Tempo na Meditação Espiritual
O tempo espiritual e a evolução interior
No plano espiritual, o tempo não é percecionado da mesma forma que no mundo terreno. Cada ser segue o seu próprio ritmo de evolução, e aquilo que pode parecer lento aos olhos humanos pode ser apenas uma etapa necessária de crescimento interior.
O chamado tempo espiritual é mais fluido do que o tempo cronológico. Depende do livre-arbítrio, da maturidade interior e da evolução individual, não obedecendo a uma sequência linear ou previsível.
Práticas para aprofundar a concentração espiritual
A concentração espiritual pode ser desenvolvida através de práticas regulares que favorecem o autoconhecimento, o equilíbrio interior e a presença consciente.
Meditação regular: foco na respiração, em visualizações internas ou na repetição de sons simples que favoreçam a estabilidade mental.
Oração e contemplação: práticas que fortalecem a ligação espiritual e promovem recolhimento interior.
Contacto com a natureza: permanência em ambientes naturais para ampliar a perceção, a serenidade e a abertura sensorial.
Rotinas de autodisciplina: horários consistentes, paciência e continuidade para tornar a prática mais profunda e estável.
A criação de um ambiente adequado também é essencial. O uso de incenso, taças tibetanas, música ambiente relaxante ou sons repetitivos pode ajudar a reduzir distrações e a orientar a atenção para estados mais profundos de concentração.
Com prática, paciência e recolhimento, a mente torna-se mais disponível para experiências subtis, incluindo perceções extra-sensoriais associadas à viagem simbólica pelo espaço-tempo.
A meditação no Mundo Místico de Íon
No Mundo Místico de Íon, a meditação regular recorre sobretudo à música ambiente, construída com ritmos e padrões repetitivos que favorecem a concentração. Esses sons podem assumir diferentes estilos, como atmosférico, fantasioso, brutalista, futurista, misterioso, sombrio, épico, tribal ou asiático.
O uso de mantras é mais limitado, dando-se preferência à concentração através da música e, sobretudo, de sons naturais capazes de induzir estados de presença prolongada.
O Animismo Rovingiano e a força dos ambientes naturais
No Animismo Rovingiano, privilegia-se o contacto direto com a natureza e com lugares afastados da civilização, como florestas, praias desertas, grutas, rios, cascatas, desertos e montanhas.
Os desertos, o som da água e o sopro do vento desempenham um papel importante, pois criam uma comunicação rítmica e audível com o praticante. Essa relação sonora intensifica a experiência meditativa e aprofunda a perceção extra-sensorial da viagem pelo espaço-tempo.
A experiência subjetiva de abrandamento do tempo
A meditação, especialmente quando praticada de forma prolongada, pode conduzir a uma sensação subjetiva de abrandamento do tempo. Esse fenómeno pode estar relacionado com alterações na atenção, na consciência corporal e na forma como o cérebro antecipa e organiza a experiência do momento presente.
Embora essa desaceleração não altere o tempo físico, a prática meditativa pode reduzir o ritmo da respiração, acalmar o metabolismo e aprofundar o foco. Como resultado, o tempo interno parece expandir-se, prolongando a perceção do presente.
Viagem espiritual e permanência no presente
Este processo representa um primeiro passo para a concentração profunda e para a possibilidade simbólica de viajar pelo espaço-tempo, atravessando realidades e universos conhecidos, desconhecidos ou imaginários. Os ritmos da natureza, aliados à experiência pessoal e à vivência espiritual, abrem caminho a diferentes jornadas interiores, sem tempo nem espaço definidos, enquanto o corpo permanece sereno, presente e em equilíbrio com o Universo.
And all of a sudden, it's the in-between photos I'm interested in, again.
As during lockdown, I'm in a period where I'm not doing many photo sessions, so I'm going back through the archives a lot...and what I see now is I could've presented myself online in so many different ways, depending on which photos I prioritized when posting.
I've got loads of photos like this, less rigidly composed, less "perfect", but brimming with an energy I find very visually appealing.
Comes down to choices and preferences, like so much of life.
And reminds me that one photo alone does not tell the story of a day.
Femdom Tale: Dogfight / How to Win Priority
In the world of polyfemdom, where Dominas have more than one sub or lover, keeping things organized is a must. Every family and Domina sets their own rules, so you can't really compare them.
The big question is:
How does a Dommie handle it all so well?
And what's the best way to manage time in this juggling act?
It's important not to compare because everyone cares about different stuff. Some make their number one priority the sub they love the most. But for others, love and romance might not be the main things they consider.
Many times, prioritizing isn't just about the amount of Love, at its core is the ability to generate the right amount of dopamine for your Domina, which is referred to as 'Attraction.'
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" For a Miss who enjoys attraction, priority is akin to street racing or street fights, where there are no rules, rather than a sports game with defined rules. Change can happen anytime, priority is never stable and can't be promised.
Who moved my Miss?
Why did you fall for him when you said you're not interested in falling?
Why did you choose to be with him when you claim not to love him at all?
Why would you get married when you always say you're not looking for a long-term relationship with any sub?
Why did you change your priority?
Why did you choose to be with him when you love me more than him?
Sometimes, priority isn't always about loving someone the most, for some it's about attraction. what most subs never known is, mostly, her priority belongs to the sub who earns the most attraction and connect from her. (not most love from her)
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
For some Dominas, they may use these old rules about giving privilege or showing senior respect to the subs who came before, or something like that...
... He came first. Let's all respect each other.
... He's been around for a long time, been here before, so he should get the highest ranking.
But honestly, these rules for me or for some dommes are pretty old and outdated. You came before, so what? If you were here first, you can step out first, as being here before isn't a guarantee for anything.
For some Dominas, they think different, Fairness doesn't mean Equalness, but it's about the right to compete and have an equal chance to win priority. No Seniority, No Rule.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" For those who are unfamiliar with competing and racing for your Miss's Priority, here are some tips."
How to Keep Things Smooth in a D/s Relationship with Your Cold Domina Who Avoids Love and Long-Term Bonds:
You don't have to wait, argue, or try to convince your Domina to give you security, safeness, priority, love, and commitment. You can make your own security by taking control in these ways:
1. How to Make Her Fall In Love:
- Manage your emotions and strive to stimulate her dopamine secretion as much as possible. While she can deny love with words, she can't deny dopamine. She may control her tongue, but she can't control her brain's response to dopamine. This approach can make her crazy in love with you, feel for you a lot and deeply even if she didn't plan on falling in love.
2. How to Get Her More Involved:
- Use Sunk Cost Management: Get her to put time, money, real feelings, and effort into you as much as possible.
3. How to Build a Long-Term Relationship:
- Ask your Domina to make short-term plans or dreams with you. If she likes freedom, don't push for big, long plans; start with short ones, maybe for a few days or a week. With time, this might naturally turn into longer plans without causing her feel worried, fear or resistance.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" Remember, when you're in the lead, it's a 'must' to block the lane and prevent your opponent from overtaking.
Block the lane and ensure there's no room for your Miss to invest, make any little plans, or seek dopamine elsewhere. Keep her emotional connection with you the strongest, securing your place as her priority always. Continue trying until you succeed in changing her to be monogamous/permanently prioritizing you. "
♫ ... Dogfight ... ♫♪
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gnZ0-iad1A
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" When dating poly domina, there's no need to be insecure and try to control her other subs. Those who could maintain priority the longest are usually the ones who manage their emotions well and handle themselves excellently, especially when changes occur. Never be too sensitive and lose their minds. "
♫ ... I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE ... ♫♪
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ZZKNPrSPw
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
The Discovery Museum, located in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, is a renowned institution that showcases the history and heritage of the region. With a rich and diverse collection, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial, scientific, and technological advancements that have shaped the area. In this historical account, we will explore the origins, development, and significant events of the Discovery Museum up until the year 2021.
Origins and Early Years:
The roots of the Discovery Museum can be traced back to the late 19th century when the Newcastle upon Tyne Corporation established a museum and art gallery in the city. In 1899, this original museum moved to a new building on Westgate Road, designed by the prominent architect Oliver Hill. The structure, known as the "Newcastle Museum and Municipal Art Gallery," aimed to provide educational and cultural resources for the community.
The Move to Blandford Square:
In the late 1970s, plans were made to relocate the museum to a larger premises in Blandford Square, a historic part of the city center. The move aimed to accommodate the growing collection and provide improved exhibition spaces for visitors. After extensive renovations and adaptations, the new Discovery Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 18, 1993.
Collection and Exhibitions:
The Discovery Museum boasts an impressive collection that spans various disciplines, reflecting the industrial and scientific achievements of the region. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including shipbuilding, coal mining, engineering, electricity, and local history. One of the museum's highlights is the iconic Turbinia, a steam-powered vessel designed by Charles Parsons, which became the fastest ship in the world in 1897.
The museum also features the Newcastle Story, a permanent exhibition that delves into the city's history, culture, and people. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that depict Newcastle's evolution from a Roman settlement to a thriving industrial hub.
Notable Events and Partnerships:
Over the years, the Discovery Museum has hosted numerous events, collaborations, and special exhibitions. These initiatives aim to engage and educate visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. The museum has often collaborated with local organizations, universities, and artists to create unique displays and interactive experiences.
In recent years, the Discovery Museum has embraced technology to enhance its offerings. It has incorporated digital displays, virtual reality, and interactive installations to provide an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
The Discovery Museum has always prioritized community engagement and outreach programs. It has partnered with schools, colleges, and community organizations to deliver educational initiatives, workshops, and events that cater to different age groups. Through these endeavors, the museum has played a vital role in fostering an appreciation for science, history, and culture among the local population.
Recognition and Legacy:
The Discovery Museum has garnered several accolades and recognition for its contribution to the field of museums and heritage. It has been praised for its innovative exhibitions, dedication to education, and community involvement. The museum continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its visitors, remaining a prominent institution in the cultural landscape of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Looking Ahead:
As we reach the present day, the Discovery Museum remains an important cultural institution, continuously striving to preserve and showcase the region's history. With ongoing efforts to expand its collection, improve accessibility, and develop engaging exhibits, the museum aims to inspire future generations to explore and appreciate the remarkable heritage of Newcastle upon Tyne and Tyne and Wear.
In conclusion, the Discovery Museum in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, stands as a testament to the region's industrial and scientific achievements. With its diverse collection, educational initiatives, and commitment to community engagement, the museum offers a captivating journey through history, making it a vital part of Newcastle's cultural landscape.
♦ Instructions available at Rebrickable ♦
"This is where the fun begins!"
My latest ship from the Prequel Trilogy has arrived, and it surely was a lot of fun to make: here's Obi Wan's Eta-2 Actis Interceptor from Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars.
This small unit consists of 281 pieces (stand included), and has one major feature: true Minifig scale!
There's a handful of beautiful MOCs of this ship out there already, but most of them are based on the huge cockpit piece from the playsets, so they're drastically oversized. So here I am with a, dare I say, more accurately scaled version.
It does come with a drawback, you guessed it: you can't put a fig inside. A bit ironic I know, but I chose to go for a brick-built cockpit in order to get as close to the original design as I could, prioritizing accuracy over playability, as usual.
The wings were pretty challenging given the ridiculously small scale, and my goal was to have them as thin as possible without compromising the SNOT look.
I'm quite happy with the result and I think this makes a nice little display piece. It's also very swooshable despite the intricate wing design.
I'm usually not a fan of stickers, but I thought this one deserved some sweet markings. I used the sticker sheet from the playset - it is included in the parts list. The color scheme can be changed to red with only a few part swaps (see last page in the instructions).
► Instructions for the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor are available at Rebrickable!
Rovingian Spiritual Language - Sacred Communication and Pseudo-language by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Rovingian Spiritual Language - Rovingian Spiritual Language - Sacred Communication and Pseudo-language
The Rovingian spiritual language constitutes a form of sacred communication centered on introspection, intention, and sonic resonance. More than transmitting facts or intellectual concepts, it seeks to evoke states of mind, vibrational frequencies, and forms of connection between the conscious and the transcendent.
In the Rovingian tradition, prayers are, in essence, silent and introspective. Spoken prayers mainly take the form of evocations: poetic compositions, usually rhymed, used as introductions, requests for entry, or expressions of gratitude upon leaving sacred places, whether natural, mixed, or man-made.
In rituals of rebalancing or spiritual diplomacy, Rovingian monks also resort to a pseudo-spiritual language. This is similar to pseudo-writing and various forms of oral or written expression used by shamanic traditions in different parts of the world.
Types of Sacred Communication
Rovingian prayers: These are mostly silent, focused on introspection, inner concentration, and spiritual connection.
Evocations: These are spoken prayers in poetic form. They function as spiritual protocols for presentation, entry, and gratitude in sacred places.
Spiritual pseudo-language: This consists of sounds and phonemes without direct literal meaning, used in rituals of rebalancing, trance, or spiritual diplomacy.
Function of Pseudo-language
Rovingian pseudo-language functions as a bridge between the conscious mind and the transcendent dimension. Its purpose is not to communicate objective information, but to create a vibrational experience through sound, intention, and the monk's spiritual surrender.
Transcendental bridge: It brings the practitioner closer to a spiritual dimension that transcends common language.
Vibrational focus: It prioritizes sound resonance over the transmission of data or facts.
Phonetic intention: It uses sounds to awaken specific inner states and align the practitioner with certain energetic frequencies. Fundamental Characteristics
Rovingian sacred communication is organized in a transition between silence, ritual poetry, and abstract phonation. Its main elements are as follows:
Non-lexical nature: the pseudo-language has no fixed grammar or defined dictionary.
Phonetic focus: the importance lies in sound, vibration, and resonance, rather than intellectual meaning.
Semantic agnosia: the practitioner is led to feel the language rather than understand it rationally.
Ritual glossolalia: similar to "speaking in tongues," the monk acts as a channel through which the language flows.
Shamanic parallels and asemic writing: like certain symbols without literal translation, Rovingian sounds suggest meaning without fixing it.
Chants of power: seemingly "empty" sounds are used to induce altered states of perception and facilitate trance.
Bird Language: refers to the idea of a primordial and divine language, prior to organized human speech.
Ritualistic Function
In a ritual context, pseudo-language creates an environment where the sacred can manifest through pure intention. The use of unknown sounds suspends grammatical logic, silences the rational mind, and allows the emergence of trance states.
Ego Silencing: by using a language that the conscious mind does not master, the practitioner reduces the interference of the logical mind.
Vibrational Signature: each sound sequence is designed to resonate with specific energy centers of the practitioner and the environment.
Ritual Protection: the language acts as a symbolic code that preserves the ritual from profane interpretations or external interference.
Sound Catharsis: surrendering to the flow of the language functions as a release of internal blockages.
Sound Delivery
The key to Rovingian language lies in "sound delivery." The monk does not speak the language in the conventional sense; he allows it to flow through him. Language ceases to be rationally constructed and becomes channeled as spiritual expression.
Individuality and Pseudo-writing
Although there is an institutional basis assumed by the Rovingian Council at its creation—the Andheryan Language—each monk develops their own pseudo-language and pseudo-writing. These expressions derive from the personality, experience, and temporal spiritual interaction of each practitioner.
Spiritual signature: each monk develops their own dialect and script.
Spiritual mural: the pseudo-writing functions as a visual map of the practitioner's spiritual experiences and interactions.
Personal symbolism: strokes, sounds, and rhythms reflect the unique spiritual biography of the one who channels them.
Synthesis
Rovingian spiritual language can be understood as a system of phonetic transcendence. It operates in the space between pure sound and mystical intention, functioning less as an instrument of communication and more as a tool for resonance, alignment and inner transformation.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Linguagem Espiritual Rovingiana - Comunicação Sagrada e Pseudo-linguagem
A linguagem espiritual rovingiana constitui uma forma de comunicação sagrada centrada na introspeção, na intenção e na ressonância sonora. Mais do que transmitir factos ou conceitos intelectuais, procura evocar estados de espírito, frequências vibracionais e formas de ligação entre o consciente e o transcendente.
Na tradição rovingiana, as preces são, na sua essência, silenciosas e introspetivas. As preces faladas assumem sobretudo a forma de evocações: composições poéticas, geralmente rimadas, usadas como apresentação, pedido de entrada ou agradecimento à saída de locais sagrados, sejam eles naturais, mistos ou construídos pelo ser humano.
Em rituais de reequilíbrio ou de diplomacia espiritual, os monges rovingianos recorrem ainda a uma pseudo-linguagem espiritual. Esta aproxima-se da pseudo-escrita e de várias formas de expressão oral ou escrita usadas por tradições xamânicas em diferentes partes do mundo.
Tipos de Comunicação Sagrada
Preces rovingianas: são maioritariamente silenciosas, orientadas para a introspeção, a concentração interior e a ligação espiritual.
Evocações: são preces faladas em forma poética. Funcionam como protocolos espirituais de apresentação, entrada e agradecimento em locais sagrados.
Pseudo-linguagem espiritual: consiste em sons e fonemas sem significado literal direto, utilizados em rituais de reequilíbrio, transe ou diplomacia espiritual.
Função da Pseudo-linguagem
A pseudo-linguagem rovingiana funciona como uma ponte entre a mente consciente e a dimensão transcendente. A sua finalidade não é comunicar informações objetivas, mas criar uma experiência vibracional através do som, da intenção e da entrega espiritual do monge.
Ponte transcendental: aproxima o praticante de uma dimensão espiritual que ultrapassa a linguagem comum.
Foco vibracional: privilegia a ressonância sonora em vez da transmissão de dados ou factos.
Intenção fonética: utiliza sons para despertar estados interiores específicos e alinhar o praticante com determinadas frequências energéticas.
Características Fundamentais
A comunicação sagrada rovingiana organiza-se numa transição entre o silêncio, a poesia ritual e a fonação abstrata. Os seus principais elementos são os seguintes:
Natureza não lexical: a pseudo-linguagem não possui uma gramática fixa nem um dicionário definido.
Foco fonético: a importância reside no som, na vibração e na ressonância, mais do que no significado intelectual.
Agnosia semântica: o praticante é conduzido a sentir a linguagem em vez de a compreender racionalmente.
Glosolalia ritual: à semelhança do “falar em línguas”, o monge atua como canal por onde a linguagem flui.
Paralelos xamânicos e escrita assémica: tal como certos símbolos sem tradução literal, os sons rovingianos sugerem significado sem o fixar.
Cânticos de poder: sons aparentemente “vazios” são usados para induzir estados alterados de perceção e facilitar o transe.
Linguagem dos pássaros: remete para a ideia de uma língua primordial e divina, anterior à fala humana organizada.
Função Ritualística
No contexto ritual, a pseudo-linguagem cria um ambiente onde o sagrado pode manifestar-se através da intenção pura. O uso de sons desconhecidos suspende a lógica gramatical, silencia a mente racional e permite a emergência de estados de transe.
Silenciamento do ego: ao usar uma linguagem que o consciente não domina, o praticante reduz a interferência da mente lógica.
Assinatura vibracional: cada sequência sonora é concebida para ressoar com centros energéticos específicos do praticante e do ambiente.
Proteção ritual: a linguagem atua como um código simbólico que preserva o ritual de interpretações profanas ou interferências externas.
Catarse sonora: a entrega ao fluxo da língua funciona como libertação de bloqueios internos.
Entrega Sonora
A chave da linguagem rovingiana está na “entrega sonora”. O monge não fala a língua no sentido convencional; permite que ela flua através de si. A linguagem deixa de ser construída racionalmente e passa a ser canalizada como expressão espiritual.
Individualidade e Pseudo-escrita
Embora exista uma base institucional assumida pelo Conselho Rovingiano aquando da sua criação — a Linguagem Andheryan —, cada monge desenvolve a sua própria pseudo-linguagem e a sua própria pseudo-escrita. Estas expressões derivam da personalidade, da experiência e da interação espiritual temporal de cada praticante.
Assinatura espiritual: cada monge desenvolve um dialeto e uma grafia próprios.
Mural espiritual: a pseudo-escrita funciona como mapa visual das experiências e interações espirituais do praticante.
Simbolismo pessoal: os traços, sons e ritmos refletem a biografia espiritual única de quem os canaliza.
Síntese
A linguagem espiritual rovingiana pode ser entendida como um sistema de transcendência fonética. Opera no espaço entre o som puro e a intenção mística, funcionando menos como instrumento de comunicação e mais como ferramenta de ressonância, alinhamento e transformação interior.
In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.
What is he supposed to say? Please prioritize kids over guns?
© Web-Betty: digital heart, analog soul
Elida V is a top-modern performance 45m long megayacht, and with the launching of this ketch-rigged beauty, a new epoch began in the history of Elida.
The old schooner model, which had followed us since the start of the organization in 1963, was then replaced by more modern sailing yacht features, even though there is still some resemblance with Elida I.
With the new model, the maintenance and running costs are lowered significantly, and environmental issues are prioritized. Thanks to modern materials and construction principles, the performance of the new ship is of the class of sail racing yachts.
With its 45 meter (148 feet) tall mast, Elida V raises curiosity and attention wherever she comes, and many are drawn to the ship to learn more about her construction and purpose.
In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.
134 has earned a demonstrable reputation in 2024 thus far and seems to offer everything considered fit to run a road train as leaders. The seasonal power shortages that seem to become the norm every summer in the wake of the KCS acquisition brought out the thoroughbred workhorses to run road trains once more.
On Friday 5743/2283 brought in a CWR train into the GTA, quickly turning over for a 135 in a matter of hours, with 2283 leading and an addition of KCS 4127 facing reverse. The 2283 likely was bad ordered so by sunrise on Saturday 135 got a recrew and their train was left staged on the north main just west of Kennedy. Reporting amongst railfans picked this up and responded appropriately with little enthusiasm, as 5743 was sandwiched and least likely to lead given the available information. What the recrew ultimately did however was wye just 5743 and 2283 together, and the 40 led 2-135 straight to Windsor.
With ACes being a common leader on 134 these days, and no stacks for detroit warranting use of their wye, the set was fully expected to maintain the ACe leader, only that by sunrise on Monday, scanners in Windsor picked up a notable "5743 East" recieve clearance to London, meaning they had delayed their 134 run just to re-wye 5743/2283 again and leave the ACe facing forward. This delay stripped 134's train of their own symbol, running as 2-H92 to London, and then 2-H88 to Toronto, but by all means the traffic was an authentic 134.
ET Seton park in Toronto housed the northernmost-facing trackage into Toronto, bearing 190° South or 10° North on the map. A respectable trestle bridge validates the pursuit of the more ideal sunlight for afternoon eastbounds on a sunny day, and with Leaside being a common holding location before battling the grade to Toronto Yard, delays often add extra time for the sun to come around. 421 and 101 parading out of Toronto on the north and H11 working the south, added an extra 30 minutes before RTC took H11's light and got 2H88 cleared to McCowan. This being the only desired location in the GTA for shooting such eastbounds, half-a-dozen railfans gathered at Eglinton Ave to watch 134 traverse the West Don River.
The Purpose of Rovingian Journeys: Methods, Cycles, and Meanings by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Purpose of Rovingian Journeys: Methods, Cycles, and Meanings
Purpose of the Rovingian Mystic Year
The Rovingian Mystic Year is dedicated to pilgrimages to sacred and mystical places, with the aim of promoting a deep reconnection with the natural rhythms of the Earth and with Universal Spirituality. This purpose is achieved through walks and outdoor rituals, which take place during periods of greater serenity, avoiding the hustle and bustle of summer tourism and intense heat. The calendar of journeys favors autumn and winter, times when spiritual retreat is favored by tranquility and the reduction of worldly distractions.
Method and Cycle of Rovingian Journeys
The Rovingian method is based on direct observation and the rhythm of walking. The journeys are conceived not only as physical displacements, but as a form of meditation in motion. Solar synchronicity is respected, rigorously following the inclination of the Earth's axis. Silence is prioritized during the walks, allowing one to hear the "echoes" of sacred places. Each pilgrimage seeks to identify points of power in nature, where the barrier between the physical and the spiritual is most tenuous.
On the other hand, the journeys aim to gather elements about sacred geometries because, for the nomadic Rovingian monks, they are the universal language of spirituality.
Stages of the Rovingian Journey
Opening (Autumn Equinox): Begins with rites of gratitude and detachment from the "old leaves" of the ego. It marks the beginning of the spiritual quest.
Immersion (Winter): Marks the peak of retreat, with the search for places of isolation and deep introspection.
Rebirth (Spring Equinox): Is the preparation for the external manifestation of the visions received during introspection and the application of the knowledge acquired for the benefit of the communities.
Culmination (June Solstice): Represents the closing of the mystical cycle, preceding the summer pause.
The Meaning of the Summer Pause
For the Rovingian monk, summer is understood as a time of preservation, in contrast to other traditions. During this period, the dispersal caused by mass tourism is avoided, as it can break the collective silence essential for the journeys.
Respect for the element of fire is manifested in the understanding that intense heat represents an external energy of action, opposed to the receptive nature of mystical journeys.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
O Propósito das Jornadas Rovingianas: Métodos, Ciclos e Significados
Propósito do Ano Místico Rovingiano
O Ano Místico Rovingiano é dedicado à realização de peregrinações a locais sagrados e místicos, com o objetivo de promover uma reconexão profunda com os ritmos naturais da Terra e com a Espiritualidade Universal. Este propósito é concretizado através de caminhadas e rituais ao ar livre, que ocorrem em períodos de maior serenidade, evitando a agitação do turismo de verão e o calor intenso. O calendário das jornadas privilegia o outono e o inverno, épocas em que o recolhimento espiritual é favorecido pela tranquilidade e pela diminuição das distrações mundanas.
Método e Ciclo das Jornadas Rovingianas
O método rovingiano fundamenta-se na observação direta e no ritmo do caminhar. As jornadas são concebidas não apenas como deslocamentos físicos, mas como uma forma de meditação em movimento. A sincronia solar é respeitada, seguindo rigorosamente a inclinação do eixo terrestre. O silêncio é priorizado durante as caminhadas, permitindo ouvir os "ecos" dos locais sagrados. Cada peregrinação busca identificar pontos de força na natureza, onde a barreira entre o físico e o espiritual é mais ténue.
Por outro lado as jornadas visam recolher elementos sobre geometrias sagradas pois para os monges nómadas rovingianos elas são a linguagem universal da espiritualidade.
Etapas da Jornada Rovingiana
Abertura (Equinócio de Outono): Inicia-se com ritos de gratidão e desapego das "folhas velhas" do ego. Marca o inicio da busca espiritual.
Imersão (Inverno): Marca o auge do recolhimento, com a busca por locais de isolamento e introspeção profunda.
Renascimento (Equinócio de Primavera): É a preparação para a manifestação externa das visões recebidas durante a introspeção e a aplicação dos conhecimentos entretanto adquiridos em prol das comunidades.
Culminação (Solstício de Junho): Representa o encerramento do ciclo místico, antecedendo a pausa estival.
O Significado da Pausa de Verão
Para o monge rovingiano, o verão é entendido como um tempo de preservação, em contraste com outras tradições. Durante este período, evita-se a dispersão causada pelo turismo de massa, que pode quebrar a egrégora de silêncio essencial para as jornadas.
O respeito ao elemento fogo manifesta-se na compreensão de que o calor intenso representa uma energia de ação externa, oposta à natureza recetiva das jornadas místicas.
I think that the modern obsession with pets is a sign of a lonely generation of men and women, desperate to nurture a creature that gives them the love that is not forthcoming from more traditional sources. I often ask the most obsessive pet owners why they are so attached to their pets. I usually hear the same response. The pet gives them more love than any person. More than a spouse, a sibling, or even parents. The dog loves you just the way you are. But the boyfriend tells you that your butt looks fat and you should go to the gym. As my friend Roger explained, “When I come home after a long day’s work, my wife is usually on the phone and the kids are watching TV. Almost no one even notices that I walked through the door. But Laraby, my golden retriever, goes nuts. He runs up to me and almost knocks me down. He wags his tail. It’s like he’s been the waiting the whole day for me. And it makes me feel incredibly special.”
We can never make ourselves feel special. Someone else has to do it for us. And that’s what human love is all about. It’s about someone prioritizing you, focusing on you, pampering you all because you’re special. But in an age that is as self-absorbed and as narcissistic as ours, we’re finding it incredibly difficult to make others feel special. We don’t love ourselves enough to love others.
Whence and whither... one of those is easier to define than the other. I'll give the short(er) version of it.
I think I am going to de-prioritize social media a tad for a little bit. I have been doing some thoughtful consideration behind the scenes for a bit. There is much I love about being on here and writing my posts but in the brutal mathematics that is daily life, it feels like this has reached the point where it is taking up an inordinate amount of time, even though the actual measure of that time really isn't that much. But I want divert even that relatively small amount to a couple of other projects for a bit, photo projects mind you.
And no, I will not leave completely. I will still post, it will just likely be less frequent. Who knows, maybe it will still be almost once a day but probably not. If I feel incredibly motivated this will likely be the first place that I turn to.
I admit though that I think about the mass amount of thought and writing I have put into Flickr over the past 10 years and while I never considered Flickr to be a permanent repository for all that effort I have still sunk an ungodly amount of time and words into this site and in the end I will have essentially no say in the continued existence of all that work. When one day Yahoo (or Verizon I guess now) shutters this, all that will be gone in a puff and a poof. I both accept that and don't. And so it is time for me to create something based off that work or maybe to transition to something that is more under my control. What will this be? Shrugging. It could be a few things. A blog on my own site seems the obvious answer. A book would be a better one. I like books.... I like tangibles. I still want to spend time and invest passion into Flickr probably for as long as it lives, but I also want to seriously think about putting more of that effort into something I own... I think... mostly.
Anyway, I will still be here. New photos will still show up. I still plan on using Instagram too, and that will likely continue close to a daily pace as I have to be on there for my work anyway. But if absences come up, I am still working away and when those other efforts bear fruit I will be sure to let you all know.
As far as this image goes, my old friend the Hasselblad helped me make this one up on the Olympic Peninsula.
Effective Range: Medium
Classification: Intelligence / Recon
Armaments: (1) SMG-UZ01A, (1) HR-HIBMSU01
One reason why the New Earth Strategic Trust faction is such a dominant force in the Quorus Wars is due to their supreme tactics and efficient strategies and have outfitted specific units like the Eagle EWAC to prioritize recon and intelligence gathering.
The Eagle EWAC is actually based on the NESF-M05E Eagle, a standard combat type reFrame that is deployed in heavy combat areas and serve as a main unit in NEST Special Forces ranks. The EWAC (Early Warning And Control) unit allows for efficient intelligence gathering that is sent to NEST's tactical HQ as data to create up-to-date battle strategies. Extra thrusters were equipped on the Eagle EWAC to give it better mobility in order to move faster to key locations for data scanning as well as avoid enemy units. It is equipped with a light submachine gun (SMG-UZ01A) and a hand cannon mounted on its left arm for emergency combat purposes.
---
Build notes:
You can find more about the build in my blog article :D
---
More info, WIP details, and other LEGO mechs over at my blog:
---
For those interested in LEGO mech building, I put out an eBook over at Amazon Kindle a while back called Mech Wars Instructional Primer. If you’re looking for a resource that could help you start or even improve your mech building skills, you might find this eBook useful :D
Here's a picture of a WIP build. It's an excuse to post life updates. :)
1. I’m basically in a dark age now - all I do is look at Brickset a couple times a day. I wanted to finish I Dreamt of Rust this summer, but as a college kid I’ve been working full time instead.
2. This also means I Dreamt of Rust is on hold. I WILL finish it. I'm just a perfectionist so it's taking a while. I have 2 out of 3 sets finished for the next episode. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait.
3. I don’t have many followers to begin with, but sorry if I’m letting anyone down 😬 I do plan on coming back to Lego, but only when I have time. I haven’t lost interest at all - I just don’t have time and have to prioritize other things right now.
Still love Lego, still love the community, just need to focus on other stuff for now and the foreseeable future.
Don’t scoff at the humble wheelbarrow because even Lamborghini had its roots in industrial tractors!
This colorful and whimsical display is a lovely touch using common field tools, really caught my eye!
Recent interesting gear launches that caught my eye, in particular the Panasonic S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 and the Fujifilm X-S10;
1) Panasonic S5 (714gms) and S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 (350gms) launched 2 Sept 2020, in kit the lens is a mere $300 extra. The S5 uses the same 24mp sensor on the S1 which appears to perform a bit better (⅓ stop) at base ISO compared to the 24mp BSI sensor on the Nikon Z6. The S 20-60mm lens is probably the only FF standard zoom lens that extends into the ultra-wide angle range (wider than 24mm) and it also appears to be optimized at the wide end. This should be a great match with Panasonic’s upcoming S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6, just add a Sigma 85mm f1.4 DN for a 3 lens kit and perhaps the excellent Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 Art DN if one needs a UWA lens. Sigma DN lenses are 1st party since Sigma is part of the L mount consortium and their lens mount should also be changeable to Sony E mount if one decides to switch.
2) The newly launched Nikon Z5 however used the old 24mp non-BSI chip similar to the 8 years old Nikon D600. The Nikon Z5 is sold with a new kit lens Z 24-50mm f4-6.3 which seems to prioritize compactness over useful range and it’s also priced as an extra $300 even though it’s both slower and shorter at either ends of the focal length compared to Panasonic above. Nikon essentially re-released a mirrorless D750 in the Z5 and a DSLR Z6 in the D780 (sans IBIS).
[Update: the Z5 appears to be plagued by sluggish AF from early adopters’ experience, as usual the so called professional reviews made no mention of this issue.]
3) Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S is a lens I’ve been looking out for since the announcement of the Z system but it’s significantly bigger (39% longer at 150cm vs 108mm) and heavier than Canon's version (1,090gms vs 950gms), even bigger and heavier than my old Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f2.8 G! Bigger than the Sigma 35mm f1.2 DN Art as well! It’s not difficult to make high resolving lenses if size is not a constraint as evidenced by Sigma’s massive “Art” lenses but even Sigma has started to turn the page with their most recent 85mm f1.4 DN Art lens. “The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art pairs large-aperture, professional-caliber optical performance with a lightweight, sturdy, and compact body, a combination which has long been difficult to achieve”, per Sigma.
4) Sony a7C, this is probably for those who prioritize form over function, kinda pointless personally. While smaller, it’s nowhere small enough to be pocketable like a Ricoh GR which is a truly go anywhere camera, albeit APS-C instead of FF.
5) I’ve never used Fuji cameras but the new X-S10 appears to be a heck of a camera for just $1,000 with IBIS rated at 6EV and uses the same new sensor, same processor and same AF as the 8 months older flagship Fuji X-T4 ($1,700), plus it even has a built-in flash which is a rarity these days! The Fuji X-S10 has arguably the best APS-C sensor (26mp) currently with ½ a stop better DR than the one in Nikon’s new mirrorless APS-C Z50 (20mp). The main weakness of the X-S10 is its buffer, while it’s capable of 20fps, its buffer is only 11 frames with RAW+JPEG, cripple hammer at work since it used the same processor as X-T4. Something has to give at this price but it’s not an issue for stills shooters. Comparatively the E-M1 Mk3 is $1,400 (down from $1,800) and the X-S10 is even lighter at a mere 465gms! For completeness, Z50 is $860, has no IBIS and used a similar BSI sensor (20mp) as the D500, it is however weather-sealed while the X-S10 is not. For proper context the Sony a6400 (sans IBIS) is $900 while the a6600 is $1,400, a $500 premium mainly just for IBIS. X-T4=>X-S10 release is similar to the Panasonic S1=>S5, both quite apt in the era of the pandemic, offer a slightly lower specced camera at a really attractive price to draw new users to the system, the X-S10 looks to be a winner.
Rovingian Permanent Tattoos - Visual Design Manual by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rovingian Permanent Tattoos - Visual Design Manual
Introduction
The Rovingian nomadic monks' movement prioritizes detachment and bodily sacredness, making exceptions only for tattoos that serve as tools for profound individual spiritual evolution, as there is freedom in each monk's spiritual journey.
However, tattoos done after joining the movement must respect rules based on its basic principles.
Visual Objective
Permanent tattoos should be designed as spiritual marks of protection, inner growth, and nomadic journey. The design should not function as a decorative ornament, but as a visual system of identity, discipline, and ritual memory.
General Principles of Composition
The composition should prioritize verticality, restraint, rhythm, and bodily legibility. Each mark should respect anatomy, follow the body's natural lines, and leave areas of empty skin to preserve balance, visual silence, and sacred character.
Authorized Areas
Back, shoulders, arms, and forearms are the main areas of application. Legs can receive vertical bands or structures. On the back, the elements should preferably be arranged in a triangular structure, based on the shoulders and aligned with the spine.
The face and neck should be avoided for permanent tattoos. When present, the markings should be minimal, discreet, and not very extensive, functioning more as a ritual symbol than as a dominant composition.
Forbidden areas
The chest and the entire front of the torso should not be tattooed, as they represent the space of the heart, prayer, and giving. The hands should remain clean as they symbolize blessing, greeting, sustenance, and gestural communication.
Below the knees, the application should be restricted to the calves, preferably on the back, with vertical lines associated with continuous walking, the spiritual journey, and connection with the earth.
Permitted graphic language
The visual language may include natural motifs, animals and plants, ruins integrated into nature, pseudo-writing, dots, lines, and sacred geometries derived from the monk's path. References to Amazigh patterns and the Sak Yant style are acceptable, provided they are reinterpreted within the Rovingian identity.
Anthropomorphic motifs should be excluded. Faces, human silhouettes, or recognizably human figures should not be part of the composition.
Architecture of the Dorsal Triangle
The dorsal triangle is the main matrix for back tattoos. The base should follow the scapular line, visually uniting the shoulders. The lower vertex should align with the spine, in the lower back or at the beginning of the sacrum, creating a descending and stable frame.
The sides descend diagonally from the shoulders to the lower central point, leaving the outer flanks clean. The external structure should maintain clear symmetry, while the interior can admit controlled asymmetries, representing the personal quest of each monk.
Internal Distribution of the Triangle
The interior of the triangle should follow a visual hierarchy. The upper region, between the shoulders and the cervical spine, can receive denser and more horizontal elements, such as thick dots, expansive geometries, or broad strokes. The central axis of the column should favor pseudo-writing, vertical lines, or signs of spiritual ascension.
The inner space should combine stylized nature, scattered dots, and sacred geometric forms, keeping areas of skin free to avoid visual saturation. The composition should appear constructed, not accumulated.
Formal Restrictions
The design should not reach the armpits, exceed the neck limit, or invade prohibited body areas. The edges should be clean, recognizable, and consistent with the main geometry. The graphic density should be moderate to preserve readability, silence, and solemnity.
Design of vertical stripes on the legs
Visual Function
The legs should be treated as mobile pillars of the body. Tattoos applied to this area should reinforce the idea of walking, resistance, and connection between earth and sky. The composition should be organized in vertical columns, never in horizontal masses or closed patches.
Recommended Alignment
The stripes should descend vertically, following tendons, main bones, and natural lines of movement. The priority areas are the outer lateral aspect of the thigh and calf, aligned with the outer seam of the trousers, or the posterior center line of the leg, over the Achilles tendon.
Proportion and Spacing
Each stripe should have a defined width, preferably equivalent to two or three fingers of the monk himself. Between parallel stripes, enough skin should remain visible to preserve the individual reading of each column and prevent the leg from appearing completely covered.
Formal Reference
The stripes can be inspired by the Hah Taew of the Thai Sak Yant, adapted to the scale and movement of the leg. The reference should be manifested in parallel columns of pseudo-writing, repetitive geometric dots and patterns, always reinterpreted according to Rovingian iconography.
Line, texture, and finish
The line should be thin, disciplined, and rhythmic. You can combine solid line with dense pointillism, or dotwork, to suggest manual application with a stem. Terminations can taper into points, abstract marks, or small symbolic arrows oriented towards the ground or the sky.
Graphic vocabulary
The composition of the stripes can include linear pseudo-writing, continuous characters without recognizable linguistic meaning, small diamonds, circles, short horizontal strokes, and patterns of vertically stacked knots. Wavy lines can represent the wind, while vertical modules can suggest reeds, bamboo, or spiritual growth.
Visual validation criteria
Before finalizing the drawing, check if the stripe reinforces vertical movement, if it preserves sufficient free skin, if it does not create a heavy stain, and if it maintains coherence with the rest of the body system. The tattoo should resemble a prayer in motion: legible, contained, and spiritually functional.
Symbolic Function
The stripes symbolize the strength of the walker and physical resistance in the face of fatigue, illness, and difficult paths. Each step symbolically activates the protection inscribed on the leg, making the mark part of the continuous gesture of walking and praying.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tatuagens Definitivas Rovingianas - Manual de Design Visual
Introdução
O movimento dos monges nómadas rovingianos prioriza o desapego e a sacralidade corporal, abrindo exceções apenas para tatuagens que sirvam como ferramentas de evolução espiritual profunda individual, pois existe liberdade no percurso espiritual de cada monge.
No entanto, as tatuagens feitas após a adesão ao movimento devem respeitar regras baseadas nos seus princípios básicos.
Objetivo visual
As tatuagens definitivas devem ser concebidas como marcas espirituais de proteção, crescimento interior e percurso nómada. O desenho não deve funcionar como ornamento decorativo, mas como sistema visual de identidade, disciplina e memória ritual.
Princípios gerais de composição
A composição deve privilegiar verticalidade, contenção, ritmo e legibilidade corporal. Cada marca deve respeitar a anatomia, acompanhar linhas naturais do corpo e deixar áreas de pele vazia para preservar equilíbrio, silêncio visual e caráter sagrado.
Zonas autorizadas
Costas, ombros, braços e antebraços são zonas principais de aplicação. As pernas podem receber faixas ou estruturas verticais. Nas costas, os elementos devem organizar-se preferencialmente em estrutura triangular, com base nos ombros e vértice alinhado com a coluna vertebral.
A face e o pescoço devem ser evitados em tatuagens definitivas. Quando existirem, as marcas devem ser mínimas, discretas e pouco extensas, funcionando mais como sinal ritual do que como composição dominante.
Zonas interditas
O peito e toda a zona frontal do tronco não devem ser tatuados, pois representam o espaço do coração, da oração e da dádiva. As mãos devem permanecer limpas por simbolizarem bênção, saudação, sustento e comunicação gestual.
Abaixo dos joelhos, a aplicação deve restringir-se aos gémeos, preferencialmente na parte posterior, com linhas verticais associadas ao caminhar contínuo, ao percurso espiritual e à ligação ao solo.
Linguagem gráfica permitida
A linguagem visual pode incluir motivos naturais, animais e vegetais, ruínas integradas na natureza, pseudoescrita, pontos, traços e geometrias sagradas derivadas do trajeto do monge. São admissíveis referências a padrões Amazigh e ao estilo Sak Yant, desde que reinterpretadas dentro da identidade rovingiana.
Devem ser excluídos motivos antropomórficos. Rostos, silhuetas humanas ou figuras reconhecivelmente humanas não devem integrar a composição.
Arquitetura do triângulo dorsal
O triângulo dorsal é a matriz principal para tatuagens nas costas. A base deve acompanhar a linha escapular, unindo visualmente os ombros. O vértice inferior deve alinhar-se com a coluna vertebral, na zona lombar ou no início do sacro, criando uma moldura descendente e estável.
As laterais descem diagonalmente dos ombros até ao ponto central inferior, deixando os flancos exteriores limpos. A estrutura exterior deve manter simetria clara, enquanto o interior pode admitir assimetrias controladas, representando a busca pessoal de cada monge.
Distribuição interna do triângulo
O interior do triângulo deve seguir uma hierarquia visual. A zona superior, entre os ombros e a cervical, pode receber elementos mais densos e horizontais, como pontos grossos, geometrias expansivas ou traços largos. O eixo central da coluna deve privilegiar pseudoescrita, linhas verticais ou sinais de ascensão espiritual.
O espaço interno deve combinar natureza estilizada, pontos dispersos e formas geométricas sagradas, mantendo áreas de pele livre para evitar saturação visual. A composição deve parecer construída, não acumulada.
Restrições formais
O desenho não deve alcançar as axilas, ultrapassar o limite do pescoço nem invadir zonas corporais interditas. As margens devem ser limpas, reconhecíveis e coerentes com a geometria principal. A densidade gráfica deve ser moderada para preservar leitura, silêncio e solenidade.
Design das faixas verticais nas pernas
Função visual
As pernas devem ser tratadas como pilares móveis do corpo. As tatuagens aplicadas nesta zona devem reforçar a ideia de caminhada, resistência e ligação entre terra e céu. A composição deve organizar-se em colunas verticais, nunca em massas horizontais ou manchas fechadas.
Alinhamento recomendado
As faixas devem descer verticalmente, acompanhando tendões, ossos principais e linhas naturais de movimento. As zonas prioritárias são a face lateral externa da coxa e do gémeo, alinhada com a costura exterior das calças, ou a linha central posterior da perna, sobre o tendão de Aquiles.
Proporção e espaçamento
Cada faixa deve ter uma largura definida, preferencialmente equivalente a dois ou três dedos do próprio monge. Entre faixas paralelas, deve permanecer pele visível suficiente para preservar a leitura individual de cada coluna e impedir que a perna pareça totalmente coberta.
Referência formal
As faixas podem inspirar-se nas Hah Taew do Sak Yant tailandês, adaptadas à escala e ao movimento da perna. A referência deve manifestar-se em colunas paralelas de pseudoescrita, pontos e padrões geométricos repetitivos, sempre reinterpretados segundo a iconografia rovingiana.
Traço, textura e acabamento
O traço deve ser fino, disciplinado e ritmado. Pode combinar linha contínua com pontilhismo denso, ou dotwork, para sugerir aplicação manual com vareta. As terminações podem afinar em pontas, marcas abstratas ou pequenas setas simbólicas orientadas para o chão ou para o céu.
Vocabulário gráfico
A composição das faixas pode incluir pseudoescrita linear, caracteres contínuos sem significado linguístico reconhecível, pequenos losangos, círculos, traços horizontais curtos e padrões de nós empilhados verticalmente. Linhas onduladas podem representar o vento, enquanto módulos verticais podem sugerir juncos, bambu ou crescimento espiritual.
Critérios de validação visual
Antes de finalizar o desenho, verificar se a faixa reforça o movimento vertical, se preserva pele livre suficiente, se não cria uma mancha pesada e se mantém coerência com o restante sistema corporal. A tatuagem deve parecer uma oração em movimento: legível, contida e espiritualmente funcional.
Função simbólica
As faixas simbolizam a força do caminhante e a resistência física perante a fadiga, a doença e os caminhos difíceis. Cada passo, ativa simbolicamente a proteção inscrita na perna, tornando a marca parte do gesto contínuo de caminhar e rezar.