The police showed up, and with that came questions. Questions that the twins weren't necessarily prepared to answer. Gretel lied, and said that they were just watching a movie. Hansel, on the other hand, stayed silent. Upon pushing further, they would learn the truth as Hansel wasn't as good a liar as Gretel was. He would tell them of the body that was dragged into the woods, and the rifle that was used. He covered up the fact Gretel was the one to shoot the man however, and said it was all his idea, as he was tired of the man abusing them. Gretel didn't want Hansel to go away for her actions, so she would later admit to killing the man. As they weren't sure which of the kids to believed, they were both brought in to juvenile court.

----------------------

The bullet soars through the air, but of course, there's a forcefield protecting Big Time. The crowd goes into a panic, and the Archon team works on evacuating the building. It's then, that the ground starts to shake beneath them.

 

"I'll go after the sniper. After all, it's me they want dead. They're really going to regret this." Big Time says, as she locomotive jumps towards the building. Within a few jumps, she's almost within range. Disassembling the sniper rifle, I pull out my signature rifle, the one I used for my very first kill all those years ago. Loading it with bean bag rounds, I get ready for the fight ahead. Almost a minute later, Big Time smashes through the window.

 

"I'm not sure what your beef is with me, or who hired you. Either way, bring it on." She taunts, as Hansel shoots a smoke arrow, allowing for me to get a bean bag shot at her ribcage. Stumbling back, she uses her grappling gun to yank the rifle from my hands, before throwing it across the room. Pulling out a baton from her back holster, she runs towards Hansel, nimbly avoiding each shot he takes. They exchanges blows, with various punches and kicks mixed together. As I reach for my gun, Big Time throws her baton at my hand, before rolling over to the stove. Grabbing a frying pan, she hits Hansel in the back. Hansel grunts in pain, but he's able to grab her cape, and throw her into the kitchen table, it breaking upon impact. This doesn't too to much to dissuade her though, as she gets up rather quickly, throwing discs, which explode right in front of me. Such a confined space, it's hard to effectively use our trademarked weapons.

 

"Really, this is nothing personal. Strictly business. Or maybe it is a little personal too." My brother coughs, as he regains his composure. I try tackling her, but she simply sidesteps out of the way, and as I fall down, she drops a pellet, which encases the lower half of my body in ice. Hansel quickly shoots a fire arrow, which melts it rather fast. It already feels like this fight has dragged on for hours, even though it's maybe been a couple of minute, as all of us are sweating profusely. My ears start ringing, as a flashbang goes off.

 

"Just give up already!" She yells, her voice echoing in my ears.

 

"Ow, ow, ow!" I groan, as she keeps on pummeling me. But it's moments later, that it all stops. Once my vision finally clears, there she was, Big Time, shot through the heart, a pool of blood, forming on the ground. I look to my brother, and he, of course, has his bow drawn.

 

"Yeah, I know we were supposed to bring her in alive. One wrong blow, and you would've been crippled for life, or dead. I'm sorry, but I'll always prioritize you and your health over this job sis. I'm supposed to be the one to protect you after all, I'm older."

 

"By like a minute, so it hardly even counts!"

 

"A minute's still a minute!" Hansel says with a laugh, as he starts packing up our gear.

 

"Guess this means we aren't getting paid." I say with a frown, as we leave the crime scene.

 

"Well, there's always next time!" My brother says, trying to cheer me up, but I can blatantly see that he's worried.

 

"Yeah.. We better get going." I say, slinging the bag over my shoulder.

 

"Agreed." Hansel nods, and with that, we leave.

Self-care is an act of self-love. Prioritize yourself, take care of yourself, and discover how personal well-being can radiate to all areas of your life. 💖💖

A conservationist zoo that prioritizes the welfare of its animals and provides a really pleasant, relaxing and instructive experience for its visitors.

Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,115. Naples is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area, which had a population of about 375,752 as of 2020. Naples' USPS City population (i.e. the total population that lists Naples as the city on their postal address and who consider themselves residents of Naples) includes most of the communities in Collier County with the notable exceptions of Immokalee, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Everglades City and a few others, and thus Naples' USPS City population is approximately 333,083.

 

The city is mostly known for its high-priced homes, white-sand beaches, and numerous golf courses. Naples is the self-titled "Golf Capital of the World", as it has the second most holes per capita out of all communities, and the most holes of any city in Florida. The city is also known for being appealing to retirees, and a large percent of the population is made up of them.

 

Credit for the data above is given to the following website:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples,_Florida

 

© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.

  

 

SKBW Cheongsam

♡ The Japanese-style dress, based primarily on the kimono and yukata, is characterized by its minimalist elegance. It prioritizes comfort, clean lines, natural materials, and a wrap silhouette, reflecting tradition and cultural sophistication.

♡ For bodies:

♥ Gen X Classic ♥ Lara ♥ Petit ♥ Lara X ♥ Lara X Petit ♥Bomshell ♥ Erika ♥ Reborn ♥ Waifu ♥ Star ♥ Legacy ♥ Perky

♡ 10 beautiful colors!

♡In World: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Exclusive%20Village/207/18...

♡Marketplace: marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/119058

♡Primfeed: www.primfeed.com/zinti.resident

♡Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/126285169@N02/

♡Skindustrial Bodyworks Ceo: Zinti Resident

 

“Peel-up” benches are a signature element of High Line an elevated railway line owned by the City of New York, today the High Line is a 1.45-mile-long linear public park maintained, operated, and programmed by Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. High Line was opened in 1934 and moved goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district until 1980. The third and final phase officially opened to the public on September 21, 2014. The High Line's green roof system with drip irrigation is designed to allow the planting beds to retain as much water as possible; because many of the plants are drought-tolerant, they need little supplemental watering. When supplemental watering is needed, hand watering is used so as to tailor the amount of water to the needs of individual species and weather conditions, and to conserve water. High Line is independently funded from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS). Urban forestry and green spaces are priority areas for USFS. With 80 percent* of the nation's population in urban areas, there are strong environmental, social, and economic cases to be made for the conservation of green spaces to guide growth and revitalize city centers and older suburbs. Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at industrial brownfield sites. Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide needed environmental services by cleaning air and water helping to control storm water, and conserving energy. They add form, structure, beauty and breathing room to urban design, reduce noise, separate incompatible uses, provide places to recreate, strengthen social cohesion, leverage community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Green infrastructure works at multiple scales from the neighborhood to the metro area up to the regional landscape. This natural life support system sustains clean air and water, biodiversity, habitat, nesting and travel corridors for wildlife, and connects people to nature. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) is a cooperative program of the US Forest Service that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources. UCF provides technical, financial, research and educational services to local government, non-profit organizations community groups, educational institutions, and tribal governments. The program is delivered through its legislative partners, the state forestry agencies in 59 states and US territories. Forest Service cooperative programs are currently being redesigned to make more effective use of federal resources. Programs will be focused on issues and landscapes of national importance and prioritized through state and regional assessments. Over the next five years an increasing percentage of funding will be focused on landscape scale projects. Three national themes provide a framework for this work: conserve working forest landscapes; protect forests from harm; and enhance benefits associated with trees and forests. More information and upcoming webinars on December 9, 2015 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; January 13, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; and February 10, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET can be seen at *http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/program.shtml. USDA Photo By Lance Cheung.

what could possibly be his age now.

At his age, a lot of young men may worry about education, party, getting into good colleges.

some worry about prioritizing their study abroad programs, Greece or Barcelona?

some may worry on how the date would go tonight.

 

He does not seem to be bind in those worries. He is chilled out listening to his 'thing' through his earbuds. He does not have the luxury to worry about life, the heat, the poverty and shit.

All he knows is the fact that he has to be 'on the move' : to catch his next customer.

 

press 'L' to look at the story.

 

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Next < On every street .4 < Previous

Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2011

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.

Although at first glance you would be forgiven for thinking that this loco is at the end of the line and awaiting the chop. The good news is that it is in fact on the comeback trail with Railway Support Services. Having been at Tyseley for over a year, the Gronk has been moved back to Wishaw to allow for its overhaul and repaint to be completed. At the time of writing, the plan was for this shunter to be the next to receive major attention once 08516 engine repairs are complete and the loco moved back to Briston Barton Hill. This is as ever subject to other members of the RSS active fleet needing unexpected attention in which they would likely be prioritized.

 

The loco itself was completed at BR Crewe Works way back in the spring of 1959, its first identity being D3735. Its first allocated shed was St Margaret’s in Edinburgh and has spent its whole BR career in Scotland. 08568 having called Inverness, Aberdeen and Motherwell all home at some point or another. During its privatised career, the loco has been based at Glasgow works for many years and with it had several different owners as the plant changed hands.

 

During its Alstom ownership, it was overhauled, along with other Glasgow works resident 08730 (which coincidentally is now owned by RSS and is visible in at least one of these shots) in the early 2000’s and released in an attractive two-tone grey with red sole bar, buffer beams and finished off with a blue roof and the name ‘St Rollox’ in yellow on the battery boxes. 08730 received the name ‘The Caley’.

 

Diversity as an Ethical Value in Universal Diplomacy and Space Exploration by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

 

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Diversity as an Ethical Value in Universal Diplomacy and Space Exploration

 

Diversity as a Driver for Coexistence and Universal Peace

 

The appreciation of diversity is presented as a fundamental principle for peaceful coexistence and the construction of world and universal peace. Within the framework of Rovingian animism, spiritual development is not measured by the ability to dominate the ecosystem, but rather by the aptitude to maintain harmonious relationships within a diverse environment. Thus, the acceptance of diversity is seen as the first step towards peaceful coexistence among individuals and among different peoples.

 

Diversity: An Essential Diplomatic Competence

 

The Rovingian animist perspective highlights diversity not only as an ethical value, but also as a crucial diplomatic competence for the future of humanity. By applying the logic of animism—where everything possesses agency and spirit—to space exploration, a model of cosmic ethics is proposed that can avoid the errors of the colonialist past. This model prioritizes integration over conquest, promoting spiritual evolution based on the construction of horizontal relationships.

 

Universal Ecosystem and Cosmic Diplomacy

 

In Rovingian animism, the concept of horizontal power replaces the traditional hierarchy of domination with a network of relationships. Earth is perceived as the first circle of an ecosystem that expands into the cosmos. The acceptance of biological and cultural diversity in our own environment is presented as an indispensable condition for success in dialogue with the "truly other" in space, whether near or far.

 

The Interstellar Rosetta Stone

 

When encountering other civilizations, the importance of technical language is secondary to the ontological stance. Intrinsic respect, recognizing the "other"—even if not biological or comprehensible—as a subject with rights, becomes essential. Animism teaches us to value the diplomacy of listening, encouraging us to "hear" that which does not speak our language, such as the forest, the river, or the void. This paradigm puts an end to anthropocentrism, suggesting that, to coexist in the universe, humanity must abandon its role as the center of the narrative and become an integral part of the universal fabric.

 

The First Step: Internal Acceptance of Diversity

 

Acceptance of universal diversity begins with the pacification of one's own internal differences. Rovingian animism, as a tool for translation, demands a revolution in perception: it is necessary to see the universe as a community of subjects, and not merely as a storehouse of resources. This is the starting point for a cosmic ethic grounded in coexistence and mutual respect.

 

Transcultural and Exobiological Communication - Sacred Geometries as a Connecting Tool.

 

Geometry is the basis of mathematics, the only language we presumably share with any advanced intelligence in the universe. Unlike phonetic languages, which depend on human cultural conventions, geometric patterns are based on physical constants and universal laws that govern the structure of matter and energy.

 

The study of sacred geometry in human multiculturalism reveals recurring patterns that act as the "encrypted memory" of our species. The study of the diversity of these geometries as witnesses to our millennial existence as humanity can provide the tools for communication with other universal extraplanetary cultures.

 

Geometries as a Connecting Tool

 

Understanding how different human cultures have encoded knowledge in geometries helps to create translation models for intelligences that operate on distinct scales of perception.

  

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A Diversidade Como Valor Ético na Diplomacia Universal e Exploração Espacial

 

A Diversidade Como Motor Para a Coexistência e a Paz Universal

 

A valorização da diversidade é apresentada como um princípio fundamental para a coexistência pacífica e a construção de uma paz mundial e universal. No âmbito do animismo rovingiano, o desenvolvimento espiritual não é medido pela capacidade de dominar o ecossistema, mas sim pela aptidão em manter relações harmoniosas dentro de um ambiente diverso. Assim, a aceitação da diversidade é vista como o primeiro passo para uma convivência pacífica entre os indivíduos e entre diferentes povos.

 

Diversidade: Competência Diplomática Essencial

 

A perspetiva animista rovingiana destaca a diversidade não apenas como um valor ético, mas também como uma competência diplomática crucial para o futuro da humanidade. Ao aplicar a lógica do animismo — onde tudo possui agência e espírito — à exploração espacial, propõe-se um modelo de ética cósmica capaz de evitar os erros do passado colonialista. Este modelo prioriza a integração em vez da conquista, promovendo uma evolução espiritual baseada na construção de relações horizontais.

 

Ecossistema Universal e Diplomacia Cósmica

 

No animismo rovingiano, o conceito de poder horizontal substitui a tradicional hierarquia de domínio por uma rede de relações. A Terra é percecionada como o primeiro círculo de um ecossistema que se expande para o cosmos. A aceitação da diversidade biológica e cultural no nosso próprio ambiente é apresentada como condição indispensável para o sucesso no diálogo com o "verdadeiramente outro" no espaço, seja ele próximo ou distante.

 

A Pedra de Roseta Interestelar

 

Ao encontrar outras civilizações, a importância da linguagem técnica é secundarizada em relação à postura ontológica. O respeito intrínseco, ao reconhecer o "outro" — mesmo que não seja biológico ou compreensível — como sujeito portador de direitos, torna-se essencial. O animismo ensina a valorizar a diplomacia da escuta, incentivando a "ouvir" aquilo que não fala a nossa língua, como a floresta, o rio ou o vácuo. Este paradigma põe fim ao antropocentrismo, sugerindo que, para coexistir no universo, a humanidade deve abandonar o papel de centro da narrativa e tornar-se parte integrante do tecido universal.

 

O Primeiro Passo: Aceitação Interna da Diversidade

 

A aceitação da diversidade universal começa pela pacificação das próprias diferenças internas. O animismo rovingiano, enquanto ferramenta de tradução, exige uma revolução na perceção: é necessário ver o universo como uma comunidade de sujeitos, e não apenas como um armazém de recursos. Este é o ponto de partida para uma ética cósmica fundamentada na coexistência e no respeito mútuo.

 

Comunicação Transcultural e Exobiológica - As Geometrias Sagradas como Ferramenta de Ligação.

 

A geometria é a base da matemática, a única linguagem que presumivelmente partilhamos com qualquer inteligência avançada no universo. Diferente de línguas fonéticas, que dependem de convenções culturais humanas, os padrões geométricos baseiam-se em constantes físicas e leis universais que regem a estrutura da matéria e da energia.

 

O estudo da geometria sagrada no multiculturalismo humano revela padrões recorrentes que atuam como "memória criptografada" da nossa espécie.

O estudo da diversidade destas geometrias enquanto testemunhas da nossa existência milenar enquanto humanidade, podem dar as ferramentas para a comunicação com outras culturas extraplanetárias universais.

 

As Geometrias como Ferramenta de Ligação

 

Compreender como diferentes culturas humanas codificaram conhecimento em geometrias ajuda a criar modelos de tradução para inteligências que operam em escalas de perceção distintas.

   

Fifteen pounds. I've left them behind. So long, suckers… may you never return to my lovehandles. Eleven more, and I will reach my goal.

 

I've never really fully committed to making my lifestyle healthier, because I don't think I prioritized my health much in the past. I would tell myself, "I deserve to eat this [bad junk foody thing]" because I felt I'd had a hard day, or was miserable at my job, or frustrated about something. There always seemed to be a fair reason why my comfort was more valuable to me than my health.

 

I think when you talk about dieting, people make a lot of assumptions. I know I always have. But this hasn't felt anything like all the assumptions I've always made. It really doesn't seem like much of a physical change… my reflection looks the same, so far as I can tell. It feels like a mental change… an emotional change. I feel strong enough to not have to rely on false comforts that not-so-good foods provide. I feel like instead of wanting to say, "I deserve to eat this," I now want to say, "I deserve to NOT eat this." It has been a personal challenge where I get to prove to myself that I am stronger than I thought I was.

 

My mom has motivated me so much. She lost FORTY POUNDS in about five months. It helped me immensely to have an image of her in my head on the days I felt like succumbing to a bad temptation. In the past, when I'd eat, I wouldn't really snack… I'd binge. I always felt I didn't have enough self-control to successfully pull a turnaround like this off. But when someone close to you can do it… you start truly wondering if you might just be able to, too. I was *loathe* to ever consider counting calories. It sounds like a prison sentence, doesn't it? Well, guess what? It's more like budgeting money. So, I've been budgeting calories for two months without making *too* many changes or rules for myself about what I eat. I haven't changed my [limited] exercise habits, nor have I discontinued my consumption of cheese (my favourite food). And lo and behold… magic happened.

 

So, folks of Flickr… just in case you have felt the way I felt… I'm pleasantly surprised to tell you that you can indeed do it. If you ever need a little motivation, please drop me a line, 'cause I am starting to actually believe my goal is achievable. And now that I believe in me… I believe in you, too.

 

Cervine: of or relating to deer

 

The ending of an unfinished 52 week

You may have noticed I have not posted in a few weeks and you may also be thinking doesnt a 52 week mean you post once a week for a year? Well I regret to inform you that I am retiring my 52 week. I dont want to say quitting or giving up because, while I am stopping it, I dont feel like those are the right words. It ran its course and looking back I did improve and had some amazing times and did some crazy things that I may have not gotten to do if I had not been doing my 52 week. But at the same time it wasn't the 52 week I wanted to lead. I wanted to accomplish a successful 52 week where you could see steady and great growth in my photography skills, understanding of lighting, photoshop skills and creativity. I wanted a 52 week where very few, if any, weeks were skipped. I wanted a 52 week that I coud devote a good amount of time to. But I wasnt always growing, I definitely missed many weeks and I neglected my project tremendously. Often times I would wait until the last day to think of an idea, shoot it, and then edit it. But the main reason I am stopping this first attempt (there will definitely be future ones that will be more successful!) at a 52 week is because this is it. This is my final year of high school. Throughout this year I will experience my last year as an editor, my last year as a designer for the yearbook, my first and last year as a designer for the paper, my last year as a photog for NW, my last year with my journalism family in that room I began to call home. And the truth is Im running out of time. There isnt enough hours in the day or days in the week. So in order to hopefully have more quality concept photos Im going to put more focus in each one rather than worrying that I get one posted before I go to bed Sunday night. And in order to put my full effort into becoming the best editor I can be and taking the best journalistic photos I can take and creating the most beautiful spreads I can design, I need to put in the time. Because I am not satisfied enough with all my work that I have done here, because I want to end this precious time here by blowing everyone away with something amazing. for once I want to do something great. And I want to give my time to being a better editor, because I feel like I have been a pretty awful one so far. And it hurts, I hate thinking im a bad editor...but the truth is that I have been. So I had to create new priorities. I had to put journalism first. concept photography second. and money, well I have to cut that out for now. my 52 week isnt the only thing Im cutting out. Despite how I said I hated my job that first week I got it, I forgot to mention that I kind of ended up loving it. It was a stellar job and i got to work with some great people and it really was a lot of fun. Being a griller at Mongolian BBQ was most definitely the best job a high school student could ever even hope for. However I recently turned in my 2 weeks notice which made me a lot more upset than I thought it would. I will hopefully be back their in the summer but for now, I have to prioritize. I should have appreciated what a great job I had more, but I didnt. So I will these last couple of weeks and then I will continue on focusing on trying to become better. and will hopefully still be posting good things here relatively frequently.

 

in other news...Ill be 18 on the 18th, which is pretty soon! My golden birthday, so hopefully that means itll be a good year! Trying to think of what photo I want to do for my birthday....

201222-N-N0777-1002 PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Dec. 22, 2020) Hospitalman Naomi Ishou, from San Diego, assigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), fills a syringe with the new COVID-19 vaccine. Medical staff assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) were at NMCP to receive the first round of the vaccine. NMCP is supporting the fleet by providing the voluntary vaccination within the DoD phased approach to prioritizing mission-essential healthcare personnel in receiving the vaccine. GHWB is currently at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Novalee Manzella)

Are animals really kept differently in organic farming?

 

The Federal Ministry and the EU assure us that the animals have more space, organic feed and exercise and that this is regularly checked by state-approved inspection bodies.

 

ChatGPT:

What is the truth about organic food?

 

The truth about organic food is that it is grown or raised without the use of synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, or hormones. Organic farming practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and the use of naturally derived or organic inputs.

 

Studies have shown that organic food may have higher levels of certain nutrients, such as antioxidants and certain vitamins, compared to conventionally grown counterparts. Organic farming also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing pollution, conserving water, and promoting wildlife habitat.

 

However, some studies have found only minor differences in nutrient content between organic and conventional foods. It is important to note that organic food is not necessarily healthier or safer than conventionally grown food, as both can be part of a healthy diet. The primary benefits of choosing organic food are the reduced exposure to synthetic pesticides and supporting more sustainable farming practices.

 

Additionally, it is important to note that organic certification standards can vary across countries, and there can still be some level of pesticide use in organic farming. Consumers should look for reputable organic certification labels to ensure their food meets specific organic standards.

 

Ultimately, the decision to choose organic food depends on personal values, preferences, and budget.

My first visit to MRL in 2015 I remembered seeing a flame cut whistle post on the mainline somewhere east of Garrison. We (Welch and I) had places to be seeing as we were racing towards Helena to get the local with an SD45 leader and I didn't remember seeing another one. I didn't prioritize it but I didn't forget it. So, since my experience on MRL's branch lines was nonexistent until this spring I had assumed that was a one-off. Imagine my surprise as I arrived at Sappington and saw another one freshly painted!

 

The next day was Harrison Day for the Logan local. I figured it would be a pretty easy job to pick shots on a 10mph line but then I got out towards Harrison and there were 4 things I wanted to do within a mile or so of one another! Some aggression got me this neat dark-sider of a flame cut whistle post with mountains and the train climbing one heck of a grade and I'm pretty happy.

Le Parc is a luxury beachfront high-rise condominium located at 4951 Gulf Shore Boulevard North in the prestigious Park Shore neighborhood of Naples, Florida.

 

Development and Construction

Completion: The building was completed in 1990.

 

Developers: It was delivered by the Lutgert Companies (specifically the Lutgert Group) in collaboration with BCB Builders.

 

Architecture: Designed by the firm WilsonMiller Inc., the 22-story tower features a distinctive curved facade with reflective glass windows.

 

Curved Facade: The building features a distinctive curved exterior that creates a striking silhouette against the Naples skyline.

 

Reflective Glass: It utilizes expansive reflective glass windows to blend with the surrounding sky and Gulf of Mexico.

 

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Units are designed with 9-foot floor-to-ceiling glass to maximize panoramic views of the water.

 

Lobby Aesthetics: The interior public spaces, such as the grand two-story lobby, incorporate sophisticated materials like Venetian tile, Brazilian hardwood, and mother-of-pearl inlays.

 

Structural Materials: The building is constructed with concrete block and stucco, typical of Florida high-rise architecture for durability and insulation.

 

While many buildings in Naples follow a Mediterranean or Neo-Mediterranean style, Le Parc leans more toward a contemporary, clean-lined luxury aesthetic intended to prioritize visibility of the Gulf of Mexico and Venetian Bay.

 

Recent Updates:

The building recently underwent a total renovation of its lobby and social rooms to maintain its luxury status.

 

Building Specifications

Structure: The high-rise consists of 22 residential floors (often cited as 19 to 23 stories depending on the inclusion of the lobby and parking levels).

 

Units: There are 78 total residences, including 10 penthouse units.

 

Unit Sizes:

2 Bedroom + Den: Starting at approximately 2,300 square feet.

3 Bedroom + Den: Ranging up to 3,579 square feet.

Penthouses: Expansive units reaching up to 5,779 square feet.

 

Market History and Milestones

Record Sale: In April 2022, a penthouse unit (#PH-402) set a building record by selling for $14,600,000.

 

Historical Low: The lowest recorded sale price in the building was $699,500 for unit #704 back in 1998.

 

Value Retention: Its position as the northernmost high-rise in Park Shore provides unobstructed views of the Gulf, Venetian Bay, and Clam Bay, which has historically helped maintain high property values.

 

Amenities and Lifestyle

Beach Access: Direct access to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf and the 1.25-mile Park Shore Beach promenade.

 

On-site Facilities: Includes a beachfront pool and spa, a modern fitness center with saunas/steam rooms, a Har-Tru tennis court, and a grand social room with a catering kitchen.

Security: The building features 24-hour security, a gated entry, and a resident manager.

 

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:

www.google.com/search?q=history+of+le+parc+condos+naples+...

rocketreach.co/wilsonmiller-inc-profile_b5c6cb85f42e0cca

 

© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.

Ecosystems and Fauna: A Cinematic Wildlife Study

 

This collection, titled "Ecosystems and Fauna," presents a high-fidelity visual exploration of the animal kingdom through a hyper-realistic lens. The series traverses diverse habitats, from the mist-covered wetlands where Great Blue Herons and Egrets stand in silent vigil, to the sun-drenched, arid plains home to wild mustangs. Each composition prioritizes atmospheric storytelling, utilizing dramatic lighting, soft bokeh, and intricate textures—capturing the rugged fur of a Grizzly Bear, the prehistoric scales of an alligator, and the piercing gaze of a Great Horned Owl amidst forest embers. This work aims to bridge the gap between traditional wildlife photography and modern digital synthesis, focusing on the quiet, powerful essence of nature in its rawest form.

 

These images have been generated by Artificial Intelligence.

 

After a 5 year hiatus, the recent return to service of Conway Scenic Railroad's beefy 0-6-0 #7470 once again allowed the Mass. Bay Railroad Enthusiasts (MBRRE) to run their "Steam in the Snow" excursion on January 4th. Until 2015, this excursion had been a regular, annual event, run on the first weekend of each new year, but the expiration of the engine's Form 4 had left New England's rail fans a bit steam-starved for several years. In the summer of 2019, the railroad's new management prioritized the completion of an FRA 1,472 Service Day Inspection, allowing the locomotive to return to service for special events, including this excursion.

 

The 7470 was built in 1921 by Canada's Grand Trunk Railway, which later became part of the Canadian National System. She's an 87-ton, 0-6-0, coal-burning switcher with 36,700 lbs of tractive effort. She was acquired from Canada in 1968 by Dwight Smith, the founder of the Conway Scenic Railroad, and has been there ever since. Because she was built for yard service and never intended as a road engine, she does have limited range, mainly due to water usage. Since her recent return to service, the Conway Scenic folks have also rehabbed a tank car for use as an auxiliary water car, and on all of her recent trips beyond Bartlett, she's been using that car as a water bottle. In this photo, we see the 7470 with her water car, making the short run from the roundhouse to the platform area, where she'll shortly tie-on to her passenger train and bring smiles to New England steam fans once again.

( is flickr's new layout making it impossible to read such a long commentary? if so, you can find it and read it here instead if you want @ leitan.ghost.io/update-041714/ ) -

 

hi, flickr follower and friends of mine (and new friends, too!) -- time for an update.

  

i've been almostly totally AWOL from flickr and very absent from most of the internet & my usual social circles online (i.e Second Life) for about a month now. while most of my close friends & acquaintances may know why this is the case, i obviously have not been in communication with everyone, and i've also met quite a few new people recently IRL who i've exchanged screennames and contact info with (hi!) - so i thought i'd write a general update on how things are going for anyone who may have concern for me, and talk about what's been going on, and what my plans for the second half of April and the beginning of May are.

  

first of all, it's no secret - or at least fairly obvious - to most people that follow me online or perhaps even meet me IRL that i have both physical and mental health complications. i like to play these down most of the time unless i am simply trying to express my negativity to get it out of my sytem, because i don't want to draw unnecessecary attention to myself for these reasons or seem like i am trying to be a special little snowflake to anyone. however, it's undeniable that these are at times serious enough that they do at times severely interfere with my day-to-day functionality and ability to live, study, work, play, learn, etc as another person of my age might be able to do.

  

i have tried to be more open about my problems in recent years because i feel that the better people understand me, the more they can comprehend that i mean absolutely no ill intent when, for example, i do not reply to your messages in a timely manner, or if i do not get around to uploading photos of you as promptly as would be expected if i was a professional (which i am not) but is simply polite courtesy even as an amateur.

  

however, i never mean to offend, deliberately ignore, or inconvenience anyone who had been kind enough to be my friend (online or offline) over the years, no matter whether you are a vague acquaintance whom i like, someone i admire, or someone who i have become good friends with - i both appreciate your tolerance of my shortcomings and am thankful to have you all around when i myself actually am around.

  

briefly going back to what i said about not wishing to be given pity or to appear that i am attention whoring, this is also why i tend to refer to my problems in a vague rather than specific manner when talking about them in public (with a few exceptions, perhaps). however this is not because i will be offended if you wish to know exactly what is going on with me (for those of you who don't already) -- i have been working on being more open about discussing these things, as spending nearly half a decade in therapy and on medications and actually getting appropriate medical care has, actually, helped me make some personal progress about how i approach this.

  

so what i basically wish to say is that if you feel put out in any way by my behavior (or lack of), then please do not be afraid to ask about my personal circumstances, as i will talk about them as candidly as i am comfortable with without taking offense. however i try my best to avoid talking about them in specific detail unless specifically asked, as i do not want to burden others with them, and again, do not want to appear like i am whining or begging for pity and attention when - despite the severity of the problems i have - i also have many things in my life to be extremely grateful for, so i do not think that i have the right to complain and expect pity or vindication.

  

all i want is for people to understand that i only mean well, even if i cannot always cope with my own self enough to come through and be as good a person as you might hope me to be.

  

in the past week, i've finally been feeling capable of socializing, going out more, being creative again, working on projects, and so on, as a result of being slightly less sick. this does not mean i am 'better' - i will never get 'better' in the sense of being 'cured' - but it does mean that i'm hoping to rejoin and be active again in both the online & local communities i love, spend more time with my friends (IRL and online), and to follow through on any promises i may have made to people and had to postpone due to my sickness (for example, processing and sending out photographs, replying to messages, as above, etc)

  

i do please ask that you be patient with me in all of this and forgive me if my erratic behavior has inconvenienced you in any way.

 

i will be trying to continue my 365 from now on, and i will begin working on my backlog of photos that dates as far back as mid-March, especially prioritizing the ones i took at Anime Boston although i will mix in some other snaps inbetween in the coming days or weeks.

  

on a final note, if i am capable of handling all of this, i have some exciting and fun project plans i want to talk about and share with you all, but right now i am going to wait a little longer before doing so, as i want to make sure that i am still feeling grounded and regain my 'balance' once more before announcing something i don't feel i can commit to.

  

so, yeah! a big hello and thank you to both my oldest friends & followers online and offline, as well as my very new acquaintances who may have stumbled across my flickr or other contact info (if i did not just straight up give it to you outright)

  

if you have anything of urgent importance to me, i encourage you to leave a message on my public Skype @ xxleitanxx as i do not respond to emails, FMs, PMs etc with the same expediency as i do to Skype or text messages (the latter only being relevant if you have my phone number!)

 

if you read this entire thing, i'm also extremely grateful.

 

i hope to start updating every day again as soon as i feel fully capable of doing so.

 

thank you so much everyone.

We had a magical night last night. We watched the second successful launch of the week at a remote mission control node, and then went on stage to talk about the inspirational SpaceX story. (more photos below)

 

Unfortunately, it was not recorded, but I noticed that they used the same "red-pill Matrix chairs" as my Elon interview a couple years ago across campus (which was recorded).

 

And the Reddit community came to the rescue, transcribing their notes (their words, not mine):

 

by GregLindahl:

 

Gwynne Shotwell gave a talk at Stanford on Oct 11 titled "The Road to Mars". Here are a few notes that I made, and hopefully a few other Redditers will fill in more details:

 

•She started off with a fun comment that she was pleased that they'd made it to orbit today, or else her talk would have been a downer.

•She said that Falcon Heavy was waiting on the launch pad to be ready, repeated December as a date, and then I am fairly sure she said that pad 40 would be ready in December.

•She said that they had fired scaled Raptor (known) and that they were building the larger version right now.

•She mentioned that they were going to build a new BFR factory, because it turned out to be too expensive to move big things from Hawthorne to the water.

•She told a story about coming to SpaceX: She had gotten tired of the way the aerospace industry worked, and was excited that SpaceX might be able to revolutionize things. And if that didn't work out, she planned on leaving the industry and becoming a barista or something. Fortunately, SpaceX worked out well.

  

By Sticklefront:

 

On Falcon Heavy

Reaffirmed that the rocket is ready and they are just waiting on the launchpad

Confirmed plan to launch in December (this is not just an Elon-date)

 

On launch sites

Pad 39a will be used for Falcon Heavy launches and crew flights

Boca Chica launch site under construction is the "perfect location for BFR"

She did not mention anything else about Boca Chica other than its prime suitability for BFR

 

On Commercial Crew

Reaffirmed timetable for launching crew next year

Extremely proud of Launch Escape System

First manned flight will have two astronauts on board

 

On "Global Broadband Network"

"Does anybody like their cable company? [Laughs] No one!"

Dragon is a very sophisticated satellite, so in that light, sees internet constellation as a natural extension of their current work

Compared size of global launch market (~8 billion dollars/year) to broadband market (~1 trillion dollars/year) to further explain SpaceX's interest

 

On Mars

Perhaps it was just an awkward phrase, but used the term "propellant depot" to describe orbital refueling process for BFR

Talked about tanker BFR and mentioned how Elon wants the fuel transfer to actually be as fast as seen in the Adelaide animation

 

At this point, it became a Q&A session. Audience members submitted questions online and voted on other questions. Steve Jurvetson sat down on stage with Shotwell and selected top voted questions and skillfully modified them as necessary to make them more sensible. This is perhaps the best SpaceX Q&A I have seen, this format is worth emulating.

 

Does SpaceX have the resources to do the satellite constellation and the BFR together, or will they need to prioritize?

We can do it, no question. We can fund both developments, depending on the time frame you're talking about. But Elon is impatient to get to Mars, so we'll have to get a bit creative with the financing.

 

How far can SpaceX take reuse?

The second stage is not designed for reuse on the Falcon 9 or the Falcon Heavy. However, we do want to bring it back slowly. Currently, it reenters but too hot. On missions with extra propellant, we want to bring it back to see how it behaves, not to recover or reuse. This data will be very valuable. Fairings have been recovered. We expect recovery will be good enough to start regularly reusing them in the first six months of next year.

 

Can normal people tolerate the g-forces of point-to-point BFR flight?

We are designing it so normal people can fly in it. We'll take care regarding the g-limit, but the experience will undoubtedly be sportier than an airplane.

 

Will SpaceX work with other companies regarding infrastructure on the surface of Mars?

SpaceX is focused on the transportation part of the Mars problem, but people need somewhere to go once they arrive. I don't think it's an accident that Elon started the Boring Company, tunnels will be very important in the first steps of living on Mars, before we build domes and terraform. We want other companies to start thinking about it and working on it, but we'll do it if we have to. I think the BFR might be ready before these other components of actually living on Mars.

 

Moon base vs Mars?

The moon is to some extent a practice to go to Mars, but given how government programs are, it'll take decades to even get to the moon. If the goal is Mars, then let's not waste resources going to the moon. But a real lunar base would be interesting, that's worth fighting for. Our ship will go to the moon, I'm sure we'll be part of the program that does go to the moon, but it will be designed for Mars.

 

What is the biggest obstacle to the BFR's success?

The composite tanks will be challenge, but we are doing it already. We are currently building a larger raptor right now, and currently have a scaled version of raptor on the test stands. Harder than the rocket, though, will be where poeple are going to live, what will life be like, what will they do there? Also, while the choice of fuel for the BFR was constrained by resource availability on Mars, it is no accident that the final choice of methane is the cheapest energy source here on earth. This will greatly facilitate the economics side of things.

 

How many BFR failures does SpaceX expect in development, and how many can it withstand?

I'm sure we'll have failures in the development program. However, as far as the launching piece, I'm going to say none (knocks on wood). Also, [referencing Mark Twain anecdote] we've learned so much from previous development programs, and have already hit all the sandbars, so I'm confident in our ability to design it properly.

 

Where will the BFR be built?

We thought we'd build it in our factory in Hawthorne, but we priced transport to the harbor, and it came out to $2.5m per trip. It would require taking down stoplights, and just wouldn't be worth it. So we will build a new facility by the water. We will eventually also have a number of production sites out by the launch sites.

 

What is it like having been a part of SpaceX since the beginning? Both in terms of being this successful, and being able to stay on mission?

I wasn't sure we would make it when I joined SpaceX, but I knew I wouldn't want to be part of this industry if SpaceX didn't make it. I had a lot of experience in the industry before joining SpaceX and was sad at the lack of innovation in the industry. I was very disillusioned and decided to quit industry entirely and perhaps become a hairdresser if SpaceX didn't work out. Government money was being spent in stupid ways, and I wanted to show how to spend money on an exciting way, and it happened to be in space. The first time we went to the ISS, I didn't think we'd make it. If one more sensor had failed we'd have had to abort. But that success, and our first landing success, made it all worth it. Just being a part of that... When you watch the video of the Orbcomm landing, you can feel the energy that went up, the way everyone cheered... That's just not something they do on Wall Street.

I think the Formal Funk collection is probably the number one line I had to find when I began collecting dolls again in 2011. I remember seeing these dollies in the stores when they came out. For Christmas 2003, my sister and Dad picked out the Formal Funk Super Stylin' Runway Disco with Nevra, as well as Formal Funk Dylan. I didn't have any prom clothes for my Bratz back then, which made me want these girls even more. The dolls seemed so exquisitely beautiful and ornate. They were almost too good to be true to my younger self. How I fantasized about owning their delicate prom dresses and putting my favorite Xpress It! Yasmin doll in every one! Even back in 2003, I think Jade had my favorite outfits of the set. I love her daring orange prom dress and her alternate kimono inspired one. But all the girls are dressed in a very flattering way, and can we just appreciate how many accessories they came with?!!! Colleen didn't even bother setting them all out for the photo, or it would have looked too cluttered. But the dolls came with two complete outfits, with fixings like purses and headbands. They also had an assortment of makeup and journals with little tiny PROM pictures!!! My heart skips a beat at the thought of little cartoon Formal Funk Bratz on doll sized photos! It's no wonder I prioritized collecting this line from the get go. I've also been known to hoard extras from this set. Strangely, spare prom dresses come in handy. For instance, Jade's orange gown is dashing on my outfit-less Chic Mystique Yasmin!

 

I have duplicates of all the dolls, except Cloe. I actually have four Sasha dolls in all--one is in the other Formal Funk outfit, one models a fashion pack, and one models a Hollywood Style dress. Despite being "limited" these dolls were obviously abundant! The Dana in this photo came from "Craigslist 1." She has amazing hair! It sits perfectly on top of her head still, and it doesn't feel stiff and icky like my other Dana doll's hair used to feel. The Sasha doll pictured here was my second. My cousin's girlfriend gave me her childhood Bratz during the summer of 2012--and Sasha was one of them. I was really happy because this Sasha came with all her clothes...at the time, I didn't have the blue tube top. Yasmin is very special to me, because she was my first girl Formal Funk doll ever, besides Nevra. Dad bought me Yasmin and Koby together at an indoor flea market, during the summer of 2011. I felt like the luckiest girl ever, because both dolls were in awesome shape and had quite a bit of their stuff. I believe I found the Jade in this photo during the summer of 2012 at my local flea market. I happened to get her orange dress the same day on my second Winter Ball Beauty Cloe doll. However, when I got my second Jade off eBay, she came with all her clothing and accessories, which were much nicer than the scraps I had before. So that's what the Jade in this photo is actually wearing. Cloe was a pain in the butt to find. I was constantly getting her clothing, but the doll evaded me for three years. I saw one at my local flea market during the summer of 2013, but she was in bad condition, and the seller wanted way too much money for her. A few months later, I found this girl on eBay in a lot with Wintertime Wonderland Sasha, New Year's CeleBratztion! Yasmin, and a few others.

 

I also have Formal Funk Dylan, Cameron, and two Koby dolls. I chose not to picture them yet because Cameron is missing most of his stuff, and I have yet to find Eitan.

Rovingian Council - Spiritual and Personal Independence - Metaphysical Resilience and Algorithmic Resistance by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

 

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Rovingian Council: Spiritual and Personal Independence

 

Metaphysical Resilience and Algorithmic Resistance

 

The Rovingian Council presents a unique approach to spirituality and personal autonomy, outlined by a philosophy of life that values intellectual freedom and metaphysical resilience. Unlike conventional monastic traditions, Rovingian nomadic monks do not follow rigid rules, but rather an individual animistic spiritual quest, becoming a reference for independence and self-determination.

 

Self-Constructed Moral Edifice

 

Rovingian morality is constructed, not inherited. This process involves three fundamental pillars:

 

- Empirical Experience: Truth emerges from direct contact with reality and with the "other." The nomadic monk learns and adjusts his ethics from experience, rejecting imposed dogmas.

 

- Spiritual Diplomacy: The Rovingian moves between different cultures without losing his essence, developing a capacity for adaptation and mutual respect.

 

- Solid Humanistic and Ecological Foundation: The focus is on human value and ecological respect, considered universal laws above any clerical code.

 

Animism and Universal Ecology

 

Rovingian spirituality transcends the limits of temples, being lived in nature. The main elements are:

 

- Vital Connection: The recognition that everything possesses a "soul" or vital energy fosters an ethic of natural and spontaneous environmental care.

 

- Independence from Dogmas: By seeing the sacred in the natural world, the individual frees themselves from institutional intermediaries, becoming responsible for their own relationship with the divine.

 

Silent and Indomitable Resistance

 

In practice, Rovingian philosophy reveals itself in times of crisis through three central attitudes:

 

- Against Misinformation: The spirit trained in direct observation becomes immune to false narratives and digital bubbles, strengthening discernment.

 

- Algorithmic Sovereignty: The refusal to allow behavior to be shaped by mathematical calculations or social networks protects individual autonomy.

 

- Antifragility: While rigid systems break under pressure, the nomadic monk adapts, maintaining his inner integrity intact.

 

Application in Contemporary Daily Life

 

Spiritual independence can be cultivated along three practical axes:

 

- Curating Experiences: Prioritizing travel and real encounters instead of passively consuming information.

 

- Developing Critical Thinking: Questioning whether personal convictions are authentic or implanted through media repetition.

 

- Cognitive Hygiene: Practicing "data fasting" to recover inner hearing and observation of nature.

 

- Ideological Minimalism: Abandoning labels and temporal dogmas, seeking what is perennial and universal.

 

- Existential Minimalism: Reducing dependence on external structures to maximize freedom of movement.

 

Pillars of Metaphysical Resilience

 

The strength of the Rovingian Council lies in its ability to transform vulnerability into antifragility, highlighting three fundamental principles:

 

- Inner Compass: Ethics is a conscious response to the suffering and beauty of the world, replacing prohibitions with discernment and compassion.

 

- Diplomacy of the Self: The nomadic monk inhabits any system without being colonized, maintaining his inner law as an eternal, respectful "stranger."

 

- Sacred Ecology: Environmental care is an act of devotion, for the sacred resides in the biosphere, not in books.

 

Algorithmic Resistance

 

This is the most innovative aspect of Rovingian philosophy, manifesting in two central points:

 

- Disobedience to Data: Basing decisions on intuition and empirical experience makes the individual "incalculable" for marketing and social control systems.

 

- Real Presence: In a world of simulations, the organic, the breathing, and the finite are valued, reinforcing the authenticity of the experience.

 

In short, the Rovingian Council proposes that true freedom does not reside in the absence of rules, but in the capacity to create internal laws based on compassion, observation, and respect for nature.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

Conselho Rovingiano: Independência Espiritual e Pessoal

 

Resiliência Metafísica e Resistência Algorítmica

 

O Conselho Rovingiano apresenta uma abordagem única de espiritualidade e autonomia pessoal, delineada por uma filosofia de vida que valoriza a liberdade intelectual e a resiliência metafísica. Ao contrário das tradições monásticas convencionais, os monges nómadas rovingianos não seguem regras rígidas, mas sim uma busca espiritual animista individual, tornando-se referência de independência e autodeterminação.

 

Edifício Moral Autoedificado

 

A moralidade rovingiana é construída, não herdada. Este processo envolve três pilares fundamentais:

 

- Experiência Empírica: A verdade emerge do contato direto com a realidade e com o "outro". O monge nómada aprende e ajusta sua ética a partir da vivência, rejeitando dogmas impostos.

 

- Diplomacia Espiritual: O rovingiano transita entre diferentes culturas sem perder sua essência, desenvolvendo uma capacidade de adaptação e respeito mútuo.

 

- Sólida Base Humanista e Ecológica: O foco está no valor humano e no respeito ecológico, considerados leis universais acima de qualquer código clerical.

 

Animismo e Ecologia Universal

 

A espiritualidade rovingiana transcende os limites dos templos, sendo vivida na natureza. Os principais elementos são:

 

- Conexão Vital: O reconhecimento de que tudo possui uma "alma" ou energia vital fomenta uma ética de cuidado ambiental natural e espontânea.

 

- Independência de Dogmas: Ao enxergar o sagrado no mundo natural, o indivíduo liberta-se de intermediários institucionais, tornando-se responsável pela própria relação com o divino.

 

Resistência Silenciosa e Indomável

 

Na prática, a filosofia rovingiana revela-se em tempos de crise, através de três atitudes centrais:

 

- Contra a Desinformação: O espírito treinado na observação direta torna-se imune a narrativas falsas e bolhas digitais, fortalecendo o discernimento.

 

- Soberania Algorítmica: A recusa em permitir que o comportamento seja moldado por cálculos matemáticos ou redes sociais protege a autonomia individual.

 

- Antifragilidade: Enquanto sistemas rígidos quebram sob pressão, o monge nómada adapta-se, mantendo sua integridade interior intacta.

 

Aplicação no Quotidiano Contemporâneo

 

A independência espiritual pode ser cultivada em três eixos práticos:

 

- Curadoria de Experiências: Privilegiar viagens e encontros reais em vez de consumo passivo de informação.

 

- Desenvolvimento do Sentido Crítico: Questionar se as convicções pessoais são autênticas ou implantadas por repetição mediática.

 

- Higiene Cognitiva: Praticar o "jejum de dados" para recuperar a audição interior e a observação da natureza.

 

- Minimalismo Ideológico: Abandonar rótulos e dogmas temporais, buscando o que é perene e universal.

 

- Minimalismo Existencial: Reduzir a dependência de estruturas externas para maximizar a liberdade de movimento.

 

Pilares da Resiliência Metafísica

 

A força do Conselho Rovingiano está na capacidade de transformar vulnerabilidade em antifragilidade, destacando três fundamentos:

 

- Bússola Interna: A ética é uma resposta consciente ao sofrimento e à beleza do mundo, substituindo proibições por discernimento e compaixão.

 

- Diplomacia do Eu: O monge nómada habita qualquer sistema sem se deixar colonizar, mantendo sua lei interna como um eterno "estrangeiro" respeitoso.

 

- Ecologia Sacralizada: O cuidado ambiental é um ato de devoção, pois o sagrado reside na biosfera, não em livros.

 

Resistência Algorítmica

 

Este é o aspeto mais inovador da filosofia rovingiana, que se manifesta em dois pontos centrais:

 

- Desobediência aos Dados: Basear decisões na intuição e experiência empírica torna o indivíduo "incalculável" para sistemas de marketing e controle social.

 

- Presença Real: Em um mundo de simulações, valoriza-se o orgânico, o que respira e o que é finito, reforçando a autenticidade da experiência.

 

Em síntese, o Conselho Rovingiano propõe que a verdadeira liberdade não reside na ausência de regras, mas na capacidade de criar leis internas baseadas na compaixão, observação e respeito pela natureza.

  

Vision:

 

AirSmart’s journey began in 2005 when Paul Steelman, an acclaimed architect and the Founder and CEO of Steelman Partners, established Steelman Aviation Inc. Paul is renowned for designing world-class casinos and resorts and has been a resident of Las Vegas for over 30 years.

 

His vision for an aviation company was inspired by the need for on-demand, efficient air travel customized to individuals, corporations, families, and even pets. Based in Las Vegas, Steelman Aviation aimed to fill a void in the private air travel market by combining luxury, reliability, and affordability, setting it apart from other aviation services.

 

Evolution:

 

In 2019, Steelman Aviation evolved into AirSmart and introduced a fractional ownership program for PC-12’s. As they embraced growth and innovation, the company made the strategic decision to shift focus in 2024. They no longer offer fractional ownership, and stay focused on specialties in fleet management and aircraft acquisition, enabling them to better serve owners and clients.

 

In 2023, the company welcomed Keith Drake as CEO. With over 30 years of experience in private aviation, Keith has energized AirSmart’s vision and brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their team. His strategic insights have led to the enhancement of services and offerings, including a tailored fleet, management solutions and streamlined aircraft acquisition processes.

 

Under his leadership, AirSmart has implemented innovative practices that prioritize compliance, client satisfaction and operational efficiency. Keith’s commitment to excellence has set a new standard in the ever-evolving aviation industry, ensuring that AirSmart remains at the forefront of providing exceptional on-demand air travel.

 

Based in Las Vegas, their versatile charter fleet, matched with  experienced pilots and flight operations staff, guarantees an exceptional travel experience. Flying on AirSmart’s private charter flights, passengers enjoy luxurious amenities, flexible scheduling, and an on-time arrival.

 

A round of golf in Tahoe or a quick trip to Aspen? They have you covered! Need to be in Salt Lake City or have business in Burbank? Fly with them! Looking for a private plane to Vegas? Their Las Vegas based fleet of PC-12s and PC-24s are ready for you! They will get you there on time, every time.

 

With private aircraft charter flights, there are no security lines, no TSA, and zero waiting! You can drive right up to your aircraft, have your bags loaded, and go anywhere, anytime without delays or headaches.

   

Sainte-Chapelle, the radiant Gothic chapel in the middle of Paris, has been a "bucket list" photo destination of mine for years. It's hidden within the Palais de Justice and underneath the shadow of its more famous, larger cousin: Notre Dame.

 

Gothic cathedrals are famous for their heavy stone structures and foreboding decorations. The purpose of all that masonry is to provide support for enormous windows. Nowhere is this more evident than Sainte-Chapelle: it seems the entire structure is made of garishly-saturated stained glass.

 

Now, I find many of the most interesting Sainte-Chapelle photographs were taken when just light enough outside to illuminate the windows, but dark enough to necessitate the interior chandeliers to be lit. Given you are not allowed to bring a tripod into the chapel, that means that most of the work I've seen of the chapel either lacks dynamic range, detail, or is butchered by overly-aggressive post-processing.

 

Years ago, during my last visit to Paris, I had missed the opportunity to tour the chapel. Knowing I had a few free hours in Paris upcoming, I immediately prioritized bringing a camera to the chapel and I decided to rent a new Sony A7r III for two purposes: to compare it to my standby D800, and to see if the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) that the camera boasts was truly able to offer multiple stops of stabilization.

 

I received a Sony A7r III (I'm sure I was the first person to use this particular camera) and a Novoflex Nikon G to Sony FE adapter on a Thursday and by Saturday I had shoved it along with a tripod and my D800 and associated lenses into a duffel and was on my way to the airport.

 

The first visit I made was during the daytime hours on a Sunday, the place was relatively empty and the sunlight was both intense and direct. It shone through the glass and cast shades of purple and blue throughout the chapel. Though the photographs (and more importantly, the experience of visiting) were beautiful - I had a different image in my mind.

 

Under these well-lit conditions, there was little difference between the Nikon and the Sony - chalk that up to the ability to stop down and still achieve a low ISO with either camera. The Nikon was far more pleasant to use (perhaps a function of familiarity), however, and therefore I ended up taking more images and ended with a better set.

 

When the skies opened up a day later and stormy weather began to roll over Paris, I had a short window of time available before meetings and I decided to try again. I trudged through the rain to wait in line once more. This time, I was rewarded with near perfect lighting conditions - the thunderstorm had created precisely the atmosphere I was seeking.

 

Inside the chapel, I worked to capture most angles with both cameras - I wasn't interested in a scientific comparison, but in a real-world test of image quality in the field. This is about comparing the in-the-moment experiences and qualitative impressions of both systems captured while using both heavily under time pressure and in difficult lighting.

 

Another long flight back and I sat in front of the computer to compare results. A couple of conclusions:

 

1) On overall image quality, and particularly dynamic range, the Nikon D800, for being many years old, can still hold its own against the latest and greatest offerings.

 

2) For those of us accustomed to DSLRs - the OVF and ergnomics are superior to the more compact, mirrorless options. This is purely subjective and, as advantages go, short-lived. Photographers who buy into mirrorless will feel the opposite way once their muscle memory is accustomed to their cameras. Kudos to Sony for making something I could rent and learn and use effectively in a weekend - but it's tiny and cramped and all a bit, well... unsubstantial.

 

3) Nikon owners don't have automatic adapters yet (or at least I didn't) and therefore are still reliant on manual focusing and manual aperture control - if you're thinking of switching you can use your Nikkor lenses, but don't expect to enjoy it.

 

4) 42MP is a truly marginal improvement over 36MP - if you're a D800 user lusting after more resolution, you're either eyeing the D850 or (more accurately) a 100MP back or future camera to see another step-change the likes of which you experienced moving to the D800

 

5) The Sony A7r III produces truly amazing images - on par or better with the best DSLRs. This bit is obvious and has been shown over and over again in qualitative and quantitative tests.

 

6) The Sony's IBIS gave me at least 1-2 stops improvement over the Nikon - producing sharp images at ~1/8 of a second and below. When you consider that IBIS systems in general degrade image quality (the sensor is moving, after all) and that 42 megapixels is a brutal judge of sharpness - that I could reliably shoot below 1/10th of a second and produce sharp images is truly remarkable. The top image is 6 frames shot handheld and stitched - all of them were taken in quick succession and have no issues with blur or hand shake. Amazing.

 

7) The Sony's dynamic range and therefore the ability to draw out shadows and pull back highlights in post was at least as good as the D800 - an awesome parlor trick for those of us who grew up on film and early digital no matter how old.

 

8) I have no idea if the A7r III has a focusing advantage or even how it operates with an autofocus lens.

 

9) It's not that much smaller. If you're trekking through the back-country then the size matters, but the much-touted smaller form factor comes with as many costs as benefits. I have a Leica Q, so maybe that disqualifies me from commenting on size (as I already have a camera that solves for the size/quality maximum) - but if you're a DSLR user, I wouldn't buy this for the size advantage. After all, a good lens (and you'll need one to benefit from that sensor) isn't going to clock in any smaller on the Sony than the Nikon

 

10) There are a mix of Nikon and Sony images on this page - you can't tell them apart unless you look at the EXIF - and both are years ahead of mobile image quality. As good as it is, the iPhone photo below (shot in RAW and processed with Adobe Lightroom Mobile) is clearly inferior to the "big camera" images. Mobile cameras were, at one point, "catching up" with DSLR image quality, but we've now entered into a time where that gap is opening again.

 

11) None of these images were possible anywhere near this quality 10 years ago. This is the bit that's exciting - despite diminishing returns - digital tech is still opening up new frontiers in what you can capture. That goes double for the "low quality" iPhone image - if I'd brought film with me, the iPhone would blow it out of the water.

 

Was the image quality noticeably better under tougher conditions with the Sony? Yes. Would I switch to Sony mirrorless? Not yet. Would I rent again for a situation like this? Yes - I may even leave the DSLR home next time and save a little carry-on room for a warmer jacket.

 

This technology is real - Nikon and Canon (who may have fallen permanently behind) need to continue to over-deliver on their DSLRs - the D850 probably keeps me in the Nikon fold if I need to replace my 800 in the coming years.

The Garm AGDS' target identification, acquisition, prioritization and tracking systems consist of a passive electro-optical sensor retractable head containing FLIR, TV a laser rangefinder and a laser beam guidance sensor, the latter redundant with the new missile’s fire-and-forget capabilities though a viable secondary fallback option. Additionally there is a retractable dual-band pulse Doppler surveillance radar located behind the sensor head, ensuring rapid target detection, IFF interrogation, acquisition and tracking. The targeting radar for the twin auto cannons is located on the front left of the turret.

 

Joint upload with Matt's awesome Object 490 'Poplar' main battle tank.

The man’s behavior stems from a clear case of "main character syndrome," where he treats a shared public space as if it were his own private living room. By propping his mud-caked sneakers directly onto the seat fabric, he displays a blatant disregard for basic hygiene and the comfort of future passengers. It’s a move that prioritizes his temporary relaxation over the collective effort required to keep public transit clean, essentially leaving his footprints for the next person to deal with.

 

Furthermore, casually sipping coffee in a moving vehicle - especially while being so physically unanchored - is a recipe for a mess. Most transit systems discourage or ban open containers because a single sharp turn or sudden stop could turn that latte into a permanent stain on the upholstery. His relaxed grip on the cup suggests he hasn't considered the consequences of a spill, showing a lack of accountability for the environment he is currently occupying.

 

Finally, by stretching his legs completely across the center aisle, he has created a physical barrier that disrupts the flow of the bus. This is more than just a minor annoyance; it’s an act of entitlement that forces other commuters, including those with limited mobility or heavy bags, to navigate around him. His beaming smile suggests he is either blissfully unaware of the social friction he's causing or feels entirely justified in taking up three times the space he actually needs.

Destiny

 

All my life, I am a missionary. I reach

out to the common tao, prioritize their needs

over mine. This is my destiny.

Amen.

 

/totomai

I'm terrified of trying to do a 365. With how many unfinished art projects lay around my house, day to day, I'm so nervous about only making it to 45 and punking out, prioritizing "other things."

 

But here it is: my bare honesty, my fear, my creative mind, and the proof that I can dedicate my mind and heart to something and complete it.

 

Please don't take offense to any illusion of nudity in this project; it's all artistic and intended to be tasteful. This concept was built off of the fear of exposure this kind of art represents to me.

 

This will be my heart, on paper. Here it goes.

There are those moments, days, weeks when regardless of capacity we over do it. I've had a few such periods over the last couple of years, and am currently passing through the stress zone. Prioritization, simplification, sleep and sublimation will help me through... and as always a little help from friends and family.

 

Strobist: AB 800 at 1/16 power through medium PB octabox, shooting down on hand. Fired with Pocket Wizards.

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.

First, I will prioritize Japanese and English, and release my novel, B♭ (B-flat).

It is available in the Drive below.

 

Drive folder for novel publication:

drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EUyKO4locQKzfKfvmlh0-uamF...

 

B♭

Mitsushiro Nakagawa, with ChatGPT 5.5

 

A North Korean cryptocurrency system is hacked.

Hundreds of millions of dollars disappear.

At the end of that invisible flow of money, a group of Palestinian men and women from Gaza secretly enters the United States.

Their purpose is not merely revenge.

They intend to “recreate” the lost homeland of Gaza on American soil.

Hardline immigration policies.

A nation divided by fear and resentment.

A society already beginning to fracture from within.

Using all of it, a silent plan moves forward.

During a speech, Republican presidential candidate Justin Bradford is shot.

At almost the same moment in Los Angeles, former President Owen Reed is also attacked at a campaign event for Democratic candidate Ryan Bennett.

Two gunshots.

One divided nation.

But Justin survives.

His life is saved by an extraordinarily rare blood type: Bombay blood.

The only person able to provide it is Anaya Patel, a community art facilitator working in Brooklyn.

One woman’s blood touches the fate of a nation.

What seemed like coincidence slowly begins to draw her into the center of a much larger design.

Terror.

Election politics.

Immigration.

Memory.

Blood.

Prayer.

A plan born from revenge begins to blur the line between justice and emptiness, salvation and hatred.

Some still believe the wounded world deserves punishment.

Others begin to understand that beyond that punishment, nothing may remain.

The lights of Manhattan.

The silence of Brooklyn.

Memories left beside the river.

The city keeps shining as if nothing has happened.

But beneath its streets, a low sound continues to resonate — unheard, unresolved, unforgettable.

What does revenge take from us?

Whom can prayer save?

And where do we go, carrying everything we have lost?

 

Trailer

flic.kr/p/2rTrncc

Soundtrack

B♭ — My Novel Playlist

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b-my-novel-soundtrack/pl.u-47...

B♭ — My Novel Playlist for Japanese

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b-my-novel-soundtrack-for-jap...

 

© 2026 Mitsushiro Nakagawa. All rights reserved.

No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, modified, or transmitted without permission from the author.

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僕はまず、日本語と英語を優先して、僕の小説、【B♭（ビーフラット）】を公開しました。

それは以下のドライブにあります。

 

Drive folder for novel publication: (小説専門の公開用ドライブ)

drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EUyKO4locQKzfKfvmlh0-uamF...

 

B♭

Mitsushiro Nakagawa, with ChatGPT 5.5

 

北朝鮮の仮想通貨システムがハッキングされ、数億ドルが奪取された。

その資金の流れの先で、ガザ出身のパレスチナ男女のグループが、密かにアメリカ合衆国へ潜入する。

彼らの目的は、失われた祖国ガザを、アメリカの地に「復元」することだった。

共和党による強硬な移民政策。

国内にくすぶる排外感情。

分断されていく社会。

そのすべてを利用し、アメリカを内側から崩壊させる計画が、静かに進行していく。

共和党大統領候補ジャスティン・ブラッドフォードが演説中に撃たれ、ほぼ同じ時刻、ロサンゼルスでは前大統領オーウェン・リードもまた銃撃される。

国家を二分する、ふたつの銃声。

だが、ジャスティンは奇跡的に生還する。

彼の命をつないだのは、世界でも極めて希少な血液型――ボンベイブラッド。

その血を提供できたのは、ブルックリンで活動するコミュニティアート・ファシリテーター、アナヤ・パテルだった。

ひとりの女性の血が、国家の運命に触れてしまう。

その偶然は、やがて偶然ではなかったかのように、彼女自身を巨大な事件の中心へ引き寄せていく。

テロ、選挙、移民、血、記憶、祈り。

破壊を信じる者と、破壊の果てに残る空虚を見てしまう者。

復讐として始まった計画は、いつしか救済と虚無の境界を曖昧にしていく。

マンハッタンの夜。

ブルックリンの光。

川辺に残された記憶。

都市は何事もなかったかのように輝き続けている。

だがその足元では、誰にも聞こえない低い音が鳴っている。

復讐は、何を奪うのか。

祈りは、誰を救うのか。

そして人は、失われたものを抱えたまま、どこへ向かうのか。

 

Trailer

flic.kr/p/2rTrncc

Soundtrack

B♭ — My Novel Playlist

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b-my-novel-soundtrack/pl.u-47...

B♭ — My Novel Playlist for Japanese

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b-my-novel-soundtrack-for-jap...

 

© 2026 Mitsushiro Nakagawa. All rights reserved.

本作品の著作権は Mitsushiro Nakagawa に帰属します。内容の全部または一部を、著者の許可なく複製・転載・改変することを禁じます。

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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#novel #B♭ #小説 #ビーフラット #ネットフリックスへの挑戦 #ChallengetoNetflix #Netflix #ネットフリックス #千葉 #やちまた #八街 #八街市 #yachimata #yachimatacity #cityofyachimata #NewYork #ニューヨーク #マンハッタン #Manhattan #アメリカ #USA #Chiba #MrLonely #BobbyVinton #oneokrock #thepilot #apple #iPhone #アップル #アイフォーン

 

Brendan received a smartphone for his 18th birthday. He is now officially what I call a "cellphone zombie" as he walks a little slower, pays a lot less attention to the real world and generally prioritizes his phone over most ordinary tasks.

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.

Well... finally, after all the delays and design challenges, it is done. Here is my B-18A Bolo LEGO MOC, a medium bomber used by the U.S. Army Air Corps primarily in the Pacific during the interwar and early World War II periods. It was a notoriously funkily-proportioned aircraft, with its round-bellied fuselage, its backwards-tapered wings and its odd bombardier canopy shaping at the front; but, all in all, it was a sturdy, rugged bomber (though nothing to write home about as for success in World War II XD). Lots of these were destroyed on the ground during the raids of Pearl harbor, but I really wanted to challenge myself in attempting to construct a plane that isn't all about the glamour and good looks so many beautiful aircraft of its era retained. Having incorporated working landing gear and included string for the wings, I am proud of its functionalities. However, I sadly could not include a working bomb bay due to the construction of its simulated rounded "doors" flush with the fuselage. Nothing opens on the underside, but that was due to the fact of me wanting to prioritize structure and look to the Bolo. Unfortunately, the sacrifice ended up being without a functioning bomb bay... but, overall, the result (for now) is adequate for my liking. But, let me know YOUR thoughts in the comments! Faves are also appreciated, and, as always, have an awesome day! (:

View On Black

Twin arched bridges on Interstate 255 crossing the Mississippi River from Missouri into Illinois. I like the design of the arches, which are located about 12 miles downriver from the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, Missouri.

 

Processed in Topaz Adjust. I prioritized the bridge structure during processing, and lightened the scene since it was very overcast that day. I wound up blowing out some of the clouds during processing, but I think that the bridge structure makes up for it.

. . . Zeboran . . .

 

His heart, as vast as the ocean, knows no bounds in selfless sacrifice.

 

The depth of his extreme romance becomes the core, deepening her love each day.

 

" Your open spirit and prioritization of my feelings and happiness are truly adored. Thank you for being the constant warmth in my life... 💕"

The KALISTO Tierpark (often referred to as the Kalisto Zoo) is a charming, family-friendly animal park located in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany, within the scenic Lower Rhine region. Nestled inside the historic Zechenpark - the site of the former Friedrich Heinrich colliery - the zoo beautifully blends industrial heritage with nature. It has become a beloved recreational oasis for locals and travelers alike, especially noted for its picturesque setting featuring a towering, historic mining shaft deck that acts as a backdrop to the green space.

 

Designed primarily with young children in mind, the park focuses heavily on creating close, memorable interactions between visitors and its animal residents. Rather than housing massive or exotic predators, Kalisto features a welcoming array of mostly domestic and small animals. Visitors can get up close to pet and feed approachable creatures like alpacas, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and runner ducks, making it an excellent educational space for toddler and primary school-aged kids.

 

Among the most popular highlights of the zoo are its daily interactive events and specialized animal exhibits. Guests can gather to watch enthusiastic feeding sessions for the resident ferrets, ducks, and chickens, or spend time observing the playful antics of the park's popular meerkat clan. Because the staff prioritizes the animals' well-being and enrichment, it is not uncommon to see the zookeepers taking some of the animals out for casual walks right through the open paths of the public park.

 

Beyond the animal enclosures, Kalisto functions as a comprehensive, relaxing day-trip destination. The park features an integrated café where parents can unwind with coffee, light snacks, or ice cream while their children explore the massive, neighboring adventure playground. With its affordable admission, certified barrier-free accessibility, and unique therapeutic programs, the park provides a highly inclusive, community-focused environment where families can comfortably spend an entire afternoon.

Visitors can take their time to enjoy an elevated view of New Youk City from High Line an elevated railway line owned by the City of New York, today a 1.45-mile-long linear public park maintained, operated, and programmed by Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. High Line was opened in 1934 and moved goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district until 1980. The third and final phase officially opened to the public on September 21, 2014. The High Line's green roof system with drip irrigation is designed to allow the planting beds to retain as much water as possible; because many of the plants are drought-tolerant, they need little supplemental watering. When supplemental watering is needed, hand watering is used so as to tailor the amount of water to the needs of individual species and weather conditions, and to conserve water. High Line is independently funded from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS). Urban forestry and green spaces are priority areas for USFS. With 80 percent* of the nation's population in urban areas, there are strong environmental, social, and economic cases to be made for the conservation of green spaces to guide growth and revitalize city centers and older suburbs. Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at industrial brownfield sites. Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide needed environmental services by cleaning air and water helping to control storm water, and conserving energy. They add form, structure, beauty and breathing room to urban design, reduce noise, separate incompatible uses, provide places to recreate, strengthen social cohesion, leverage community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Green infrastructure works at multiple scales from the neighborhood to the metro area up to the regional landscape. This natural life support system sustains clean air and water, biodiversity, habitat, nesting and travel corridors for wildlife, and connects people to nature. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) is a cooperative program of the US Forest Service that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources. UCF provides technical, financial, research and educational services to local government, non-profit organizations community groups, educational institutions, and tribal governments. The program is delivered through its legislative partners, the state forestry agencies in 59 states and US territories. Forest Service cooperative programs are currently being redesigned to make more effective use of federal resources. Programs will be focused on issues and landscapes of national importance and prioritized through state and regional assessments. Over the next five years an increasing percentage of funding will be focused on landscape scale projects. Three national themes provide a framework for this work: conserve working forest landscapes; protect forests from harm; and enhance benefits associated with trees and forests. More information and upcoming webinars on December 9, 2015 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; January 13, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; and February 10, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET can be seen at *http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/program.shtml. USDA Photo By Lance Cheung.

A antique stereoview. No info on the back.

  

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (/ˈroʊzəvɛlt/ ROH-zə-velt;[b] October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919), often referred to as Teddy or his initials T. R., was an American politician, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He previously served as the 25th vice president under William McKinley from March to September 1901, and as the 33rd governor of New York from 1899 to 1900. Having assumed the presidency after McKinley's assassination, Roosevelt emerged as a leader of the Republican Party and became a driving force for anti-trust and Progressive policies.

 

Roosevelt was a sickly child with debilitating asthma but partly overcame his health problems by embracing a strenuous lifestyle. He integrated his exuberant personality, a vast range of interests and achievements into a "cowboy" persona defined by robust masculinity. He was home-schooled and began a lifelong naturalist avocation before attending Harvard. His book The Naval War of 1812 (1882) established his reputation as a learned historian and popular writer. Upon entering politics, he became the leader of the reform faction of Republicans in New York's state legislature. His wife and mother both died in the same night and he was psychologically devastated. He recuperated by buying and operating a cattle ranch in the Dakotas. He served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley and in 1898 helped plan the highly successful naval war against Spain. He resigned to help form and lead the Rough Riders, a unit that fought the Spanish army in Cuba to great publicity. Returning a war hero, he was elected governor of New York in 1898. The New York state party leadership disliked his ambitious agenda and convinced McKinley to make Roosevelt his running mate in the 1900 election. Roosevelt campaigned vigorously, and the McKinley–Roosevelt ticket won a landslide victory based on a platform of victory, peace and prosperity.

 

Roosevelt assumed the presidency at age 42 after McKinley was assassinated in September 1901. He remains the youngest person to become president of the United States. Roosevelt was a leader of the progressive movement and championed his "Square Deal" domestic policies, promising the average citizen fairness, breaking of trusts, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs. He prioritized conservation and established national parks, forests, and monuments intended to preserve the nation's natural resources. In foreign policy, he focused on Central America where he began construction of the Panama Canal. He expanded the Navy and sent the Great White Fleet on a world tour to project American naval power. His successful efforts to broker the end of the Russo-Japanese War won him the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt was elected to a full term in 1904 and continued to promote progressive policies. He groomed his close friend William Howard Taft to succeed him in the 1908 presidential election.

 

Roosevelt grew frustrated with Taft's brand of conservatism and belatedly tried to win the 1912 Republican nomination for president. He failed, walked out, and founded the Progressive Party. He ran in the 1912 presidential election and the split allowed the Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson to win the election. Following the defeat, Roosevelt led a two-year expedition to the Amazon basin where he nearly died of tropical disease. During World War I, he criticized Wilson for keeping the country out of the war; his offer to lead volunteers to France was rejected. He considered running for president again in 1920, but his health continued to deteriorate. He died in 1919. He is generally ranked in polls of historians and political scientists as one of the five best presidents.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt

I never saw much practical use in there being three versions of Julie's basketball uniform. For years, I had the Hoops Outfit, the first rendition of them all. I got this on eBay around the time I bought Julie in 2014. It was actually cheaper than retail and was complete. By that point, it had already been retired for five years. I eventually wanted to get the second version for Ivy...that way both my girls could wear basketball outfits together. It took me a while to finally prioritize getting this one. It had also retired by the time I snagged it on eBay. I recall it was quite cheap, since it was missing the basketball (and I bought a few of Julie's outfits from the same seller, saving on shipping). This is my personal favorite of the three ensembles. It looks the most 70s to me--with the slit up the side of the shorts and the layout of the tank top. It reminds me of old movies I'd watch with my dad as a kid. I'm also partial to the funky yarn hair ties, which inspired the fringe earrings I made for this outfit. I like how these work on Julie or Ivy (I wasn't so sure how they'd be with Ivy's short bob). The Home Game Uniform is the current basketball outfit available. It was not something I cared about getting right away. In fact, it really only came onto my radar once I had picked off all of Julie's available fashions. Even then, it didn't interest me much. As you can see, it's virtually the same as her Hoops Outfit, but with flipped around colors. I actually prefer the color scheme of this one over the original. Normally I gravitate towards brighter colors. But I like the sharpness and contrast of the white tank top. Anyways, once I was given Jolene, my second Julie, I knew I HAD to get this. It's SO fun having three uniforms for my three girls. This is the only one I've gotten brand new--it was on a flash sale in 2023, and I had a rewards coupon too. This one is the simplest in terms of contents. The accessory set is sold separately...it doesn't even come with a headband. But that's alright, since I was able to style her hair in ponytails with my own elastics. The sweatband looks cute on the Hoops Outfit, but it can be a pain to get it to sit just right on AG wigs. I had fun designing special earrings to go with each of these looks. Needless to say, they cannot hold their basketball, let alone have an actual game. So the excessive bling I made for them is just fine...it's not like they will get it caught while playing!

 

Outfits in photo (from left to right):

-Julie's Hoops Outfit

-Julie's Basketball Uniform

-Julie's Home Game Uniform

Well... finally, after all the delays and design challenges, it is done. Here is my B-18A Bolo LEGO MOC, a medium bomber used by the U.S. Army Air Corps primarily in the Pacific during the interwar and early World War II periods. It was a notoriously funkily-proportioned aircraft, with its round-bellied fuselage, its backwards-tapered wings and its odd bombardier canopy shaping at the front; but, all in all, it was a sturdy, rugged bomber (though nothing to write home about as for success in World War II XD). Lots of these were destroyed on the ground during the raids of Pearl harbor, but I really wanted to challenge myself in attempting to construct a plane that isn't all about the glamour and good looks so many beautiful aircraft of its era retained. Having incorporated working landing gear and included string for the wings, I am proud of its functionalities. However, I sadly could not include a working bomb bay due to the construction of its simulated rounded "doors" flush with the fuselage. Nothing opens on the underside, but that was due to the fact of me wanting to prioritize structure and look to the Bolo. Unfortunately, the sacrifice ended up being without a functioning bomb bay... but, overall, the result (for now) is adequate for my liking. But, let me know YOUR thoughts in the comments! Faves are also appreciated, and, as always, have an awesome day! (:

A couple years back I was hired by Andy and Fred of 'AFA' (pioneers of advanced noise cancellation technology).

 

These images were harder to produce than might appear. I knew I wanted to prioritize Andy and Fred, but also at the same time give a sense of speed and movement. Had I shot in traditional fashion then the shutter speed needed to produce motion blur of the cars would have been dangerously low to also introduce motion blur of Andy and Fred as well. So in order to successfully achieve this look I needed to shoot the images on a tripod and involve strobe work directed at the guys which assists with 'freezing motion' (as well as helping them 'pop out' of the scene). In addition to this I used ND filters to allow me to shoot at wide apertures to allow me to help separate them from the busy backdrop and keep attention placed firmly on them.

The additional benefits of using a tripod allowed me to take several images and blend speeding cars and smoke into any scene of the two of them that I liked.

Overall I think they turned out pretty good.

 

I am saddened to hear that since this shoot Fred has passed away (pictured on the right). He seemed like such a lovely man with a genuine gentle soul.

Trying out Liz's techniques from the Prioritizing Line Tea Break sketches in lesson 3. I think I like the watercolor pencil plus watercolor paint technique the best. I feel so comfortable sketching with the pencils and there are so many options for softening the edges. #edgesteacup

MOVEMENT RESEARCH AND PRACTICE - ALANNA KRAAIJEVELD

 

www.alannamoves.com

  

Alanna's approach to movement training is informed by her career as a professional contemporary dancer.

 

She has been active in the milieu for over 15 years.

 

Her extensive experience includes national and international performance with some of Canada's most respected choreographers.

 

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Alanna shares her knowledge of movement as a teacher and trainer across various disciplines including dance, theatre, sports and at-risk youth.

  

She is a close student of Linda Kapetanea and Jozef Frucek, co-developers of Fighting Monkey (FM).

 

FM is an evolving movement training practice centered on context driven, collaborative practices that prioritize communication, intuition and whole body coordination to accelerate skill development.

  

Since 2015, Alanna's workshops, classes, and movement coaching embrace FM's values and approach.

 

She has taught at institutions and organizations including Circolando (Portugal), Concordia University, EDCMTL and Studio 303 (Montréal), St-Thomas University (Fredericton), T.O. Love-In (Toronto), Company 605 and Modus Operandi (Vancouver).

 

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Kraaijeveld holds a Master's degree of Professional Practice (Dance Technique Pedagogy) from Middlesex University in London, England.

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.

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.

The western walls of Vatican City narrow to a dramatic, acutely angled bastion characterized in modern times by the helipad at the parapet. Rounding out the city-state’s infrastructure is the Vatican City Heliport which provides short distance airlifts for the pope and visiting heads of state.

 

I would never have imagined that designing a landscape of Vatican City would be so heavily influenced by the military engineering of the now obsolete perimeter walls. Devising suitable boundary lines for the edges of the piece was theoretically an act of connecting the dots between the multiple bastions. Practically, on the other hand, this was anything but a cursory endeavor as even slight misalignments of such asymmetrical geometry might have led to vast elevational or spatial discrepancies when the two running lengths of the walls eventually met at this western tip. Having sub-divided the design of the piece over eight separate stages consisting of fifteen sub-sections, I was careful not to take too many liberties, preferring to strictly adhere to the angles and elevation of the walls rather than prioritizing parts usage which may have resulted in more LEGO-compatible angles at the cost of glaring inaccuracies. Eventually though, after more than 500 hours of design over seventy days, my efforts came to a fitting final point as I wrapped things up at this narrow tip of Vatican City in early October of 2020.

 

On May 8, 2019, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "Let me be clear: I will be the ‘grim reaper’ in the Senate when it comes to socialist schemes that would destroy jobs, private health insurance, and the free enterprise system."

 

McConnell calls anything that includes government help for its citizens "socialism." That includes Social Security and Medicare. Politicians like McConnell often paint variegated issues in stark black and white or good versus evil terms. Oversimplification is often the fuel that sparks hyper-partisanship and tribalism. It's to McConnell's and the GOP's benefit to work this way to counter an electorate now skewing younger, more diverse, and more progressive. He wants the 2020 election to be a referendum between "socialism" and "capitalism," a government-run economy or a corporate-run economy. That, he suggests, is our only choice.

 

No one in Congress is calling for socialist society. Instead, many believe government programs which help people in need and reduce income inequality is to the country's benefit. There are reasons for a mixed economy with government oversight. Many, including CEOs of large companies, are not calling for an end to capitalism, but a shift.

 

Billionaire capitalist Ray Dalio has called this disparity between rich and poor an existential threat to our country. According to Dalio, most Americans see the United States as one with great opportunities for economic mobility and opportunity. In reality, we are one of the least economically mobile countries in the developed world. Dalio states, "The most intolerable situation is how our system fails to take good care of so many of our children. Low incomes, poorly funded schools, and weak family support for children lead to poor academic achievement, which leads to low productivity and low incomes of people who become economic burdens on the society." The poor are locked in place for generations.

 

Profits are prioritized while often ignoring this strategy's effects on American workers. Dalio says, "The problem is that capitalists typically don’t know how to divide the pie well and socialists typically don’t know how to grow it well." But, instead of corporate and government leaders working together, they fight. Through McConnell's leadership, he and the Republican Party have grown to represent the interests of corporations, the status quo. The Democrats represent the interests of the people. Instead, they should be working together to adjust capitalism so we invest in our workers (and, thereby reduce income disparity), while growing our capital. JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon has said, "Capitalism enables competition, innovation and choice. This is not to say that capitalism does not have flaws, that it isn’t leaving people behind and that it shouldn’t be improved."

 

There are many grim reapers in our society today. But, Mitch McConnell is the grimmest. His resistance to a mixed economy, where companies and the government work together, and his position that the fight is between socialism verses capitalism, pitting corporate interests against social value is anachronistic (better suited for the Cold War era). Rather than work with the House to pass legislation of critical importance, he has focused on filling positions in Donald Trump's White House and packing the judiciary with as many conservative judges as possible, while he banks on a GOP Senate win in 2020. He's not interested in fixing the system that keeps people poor (ironic since he represents Kentucky, which has the fourth highest poverty rate in the country). Instead, he is obstructing any change in governing that better reflects the needs of Americans.

 

Mitch McConnell is an anathema to the Republic for which he stands.

 

[Pictured behind McConnell are other American grim reapers. From left to right: Donald Trump, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Alex Jones.]

 

See all the posters from the Chamomile Tea Party! Digital high res downloads are free here (click the down arrow on the lower right side of the image). Other options are available. And join our Facebook group.

 

Follow the history of the last eight years of our country's political intransigence through a six-part exhibit of these posters on Google Arts & Culture.

VENDEDOR-ALFOMBRAS-AFGANISTAN-ARTE-PINTURA-PLASTICA-TIENDAS-PERSONAJES-LONDRES-PINTOR-ERNEST DESCALS-

 

Siguiendo en el pintar los personajes y las escenas en la ciudad de Londres, Inglaterra, el vendedor afganès de alfombras en el interior de su tienda, he primado el manchado sobre los detalles para captar la colorista atmósfera del establecimiento, predominio del color rojo, que la luz acentúa. Pintura con amplias y sueltas manchas de los pinceles del artista pintor Ernest Descals sobre papel de 50 x 70 centímetros.

 

Following the painting of the characters and the scenes in the city of London, England, the Afghan carpet seller inside his store, I prioritized the stained over the details to capture the colorful atmosphere of the establishment, predominance of the color red, which the light accentuates. Painting with large and loose brush marks by the artist painter Ernest Descals on 50 x 70 centimeter paper.

Well not quite, but less than minutes for sure. The sun was dropping quietly quite quickly as we contemplated what angle might produce the desired effect, i.e., the sweetness of glint. It was not to be. She beat us, and our actor was late in arriving. An empty, dime-a-dozen grainer. Hung up at Ritzville, not yet lined further as heaven’s all-seeing eye was leaving our composition and closing in on the horizon as swiftly as we re-composed hoping we could still capitalize on what the scene had left to offer. Tossing a few teeth-chattering expletives into the brisk wind our intel reveals the earthworm is at Essig (Vinegar in German, no doubt an archaic family name) and then at West Tokio some four miles away, still! With no possibility of glint-action, we re-position and stage traverse BNSF's high-density Spokane-Pasco main where trains jump from one siding to the next between long segments of double track to make way for prioritized traffic. Alas, in the not-too-far distance a headlight – just like the many thousands I’ve seen and waited for in my half-century – appears. Bending a rising, long-sweeping curve just beyond the defunct corrugated elevator, the stretch of rolling steel bombs down a slight decline as we record its progress: packing up even before the head-end thunders by at track-speed though this iron road conveyor belt is already signaled into the next hole for one of numerous meets on its trek towards Spokane. And, while it wasn’t what we had envisioned, the capture produced the handsome result nonetheless: I think! (© 29Oct17)