View allAll Photos Tagged prioritization
A government that prioritizes Gross National Happiness over GDP must surely engender a happier people. These Bhutanese schoolgirls were full of smiles on their way to class.
i prioritized a consistency of texture on the "ball", and detail on the pylons, over making something symmetrical, or properly spherical.
A technic axle goes all the way through.
Taken during a long weekend in Valley Forge in 2010, - newly re-edited using today's Lightroom, Photoshop and DxO Photolab.
We were lucky to meet mikonT - one of my Flickr friends - in Audubon, Pennsylvania.
Valley Forge played a major role during the American Revolution.
Driven by the need to escape the brutal cold of December 1777, the Continental Army arrived at Valley Forge and immediately prioritized shelter for its 12,000 soldiers and camp followers.
Out of necessity, they turned to the trees.
The math is staggering: A virtual city of huts, each structure taking 80 trees, arose in a matter of weeks. In addition, the accessible forestry was also used for defence structures, fires and other supplies.
Amazingly, however, not every tree at Valley Forge was felled during Washington’s stay.
One of the most impressive survivors, the Pawling Sycamore, still stands.
The tree is 25,5 meter tall and with a spread of 43 meters.
It is about 285 years old.
What was the last difficult decision you had to make? How did you feel? What kept you grounded? We all wrestle with decisions that test our resolve and challenge our emotions. Whether it’s choosing between two paths with unknown outcomes or navigating a dilemma that affects the people we care about, these moments often feel overwhelming. There’s a mix of anxiety, self-doubt, and mental exhaustion as you weigh your options and search for clarity.
But in the midst of the struggle, there’s an opportunity to discover strength and perspective. Taking time to pause, reflect, and prioritize what truly matters can be grounding. Seeking advice from trusted voices, focusing on your values, and accepting that no decision is perfect are crucial steps in finding peace with your choice. While wrestling with difficult decisions can feel like an uphill battle, it’s often these moments that shape character, teach resilience, and pave the way for growth. These challenges are more than just obstacles—they’re the turning points that define us.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
The Crucifixion is a life sized painting by the Venetian artist Titian, completed in 1558 and presently hanging in the sanctuary of the church of San Domenico, Ancona. Jesus Christ is shown crucified, with Saint Mary and Saint John standing either side of the cross in the Stabat Mater tradition. The kneeling figure is of Saint Dominic. The canvas was completed during Titian's fifth decade of painting, and is one of the works marking a shift toward his extensive exploration of tragedy and human suffering.
The mirderoa heads of the standing figures are presented in an upturned triangle arrangement near the base of the cross. All the figures appear in the foreground, which is on a single plane, lending a sense of immediacy to the picture. The composition is dominated by a colouristic conception of painting in which the picture's predominant dark blue, brown and red hues are pierced through with near-white flashes of light. The cloying regions of dark hues, such as the area of browns and near-black comprising the Golgothan terrain from which the saints emerge, intensify the sadness and horror of the crucifixion. Against this, the moonlit highlights draw attention to significant dramatic and emotional elements of the spectacle. In the late years of his life, in such works as the Ecce Homo (National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin), and the Saint Margaret and the Dragon (Museo del Prado, Madrid), Titian used this method of contrasting of light and colour as a key—or even pivotal—tool for rousing in the viewer a dominant emotion of one kind or another. With the Crucifixion, this method of generating a tragic sensibility is used almost to the exclusion of any other method. It is one of the earlier—possibly the earliest—and most direct uses of the technique in all of Titian's paintings.
But this was not a practice the artist used in all his paintings from this period, and it is indeed in sharp contrast with The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, another depiction of human suffering Titian was completing at the same time he was working on the Crucifixion. Whereas the Crucifixion has a simple layout, The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is a complex—almost baroque—composition. Although the use of colour, light and contrast in the Martyrdom has some obvious similarities with the Crucifixion, it makes no use of any plan of monolithically coloured forms to convey any of its message or gravity.
In Giorgio Vasari's account of The Crucifixion in terms of Titian's late style, he noted Titian's use of what he termed as "stains or patches" (referred to as "macchie")—forceful, striated and impasto applications of paint, alongside more concise brushwork. Vasari particularly pointed out the vigorous and textured quality of these strokes. The sparse yet skillful highlights on Saint Dominic's head and the expansive earthy tones defining Christ's feet bear a striking resemblance to the suggestive technique observed in Titian's unfinished works.
Even before entering the last phase of his life, Titian demonstrated a more liberated painting approach in certain situations. This occurred, for instance, when the artwork's surface wasn't meant for close inspection or when dealing with larger-scale compositions. In pieces like the Crucifixion and The Annunciation in San Salvatore in Venice from around 1560-6, there are several instances exemplifying this 'late style', such as the expressive, impasto lilies in the latter. These artworks, likely destined for dimly lit church settings, might have influenced Titian's decision regarding the level of meticulousness applied to these works. A similar scenario might be observed in The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, which not only is set at night but also allows for broader, more dynamic brushwork. The fact that these paintings left Titian's studio during his lifetime suggests an intentional pursuit of this more relaxed stylistic effect.
Another notable aspect of Crucifixion as well as other late works from Titian, is the presence of flecks of colour applied across the painting. When the canvas is viewed from a distance, these spots of bold colours have the effect of bringing animation to the surface of the picture.
This artwork stands out as a pioneering piece in Counter-Reformation art, which notably prioritized narrative clarity and emotional empathy. The deliberate positioning of the three mourners in the foreground encourages viewers to empathize with their grief. The Virgin and saints form a crescent shape, resembling the head of an anchor, positioned at the foot of the cross. The Virgin expresses solitary sorrow on the left, while St Dominic, depicted with elongated fingers, fervently grasps the base of the cross for strength. Christ, noticeably more illuminated, appears somewhat distant, slightly smaller than the others, evoking a sense of separation. Titian vividly portrays blood coursing along Christ's arms and soaking into the loincloth, aligning with the Counter-Reformation's aesthetic and principles.
The back wall is hinged via the pipes, which I thought was quite neat.
The building is 12 bricks wide and thanks to the walls taking up 3 bricks of space in total, the interior space is only 9 bricks wide. However designing the interior wasn't too challenging despite that. It meant that I could design a lot less and make the most of the few objects in the space which was a lot of fun. I prioritized a cozy feeling above all else.
Using these paper clips helps me keep documents, prioritized, categorized and organized at a glance.
I have a nice circular clip holder with pie shaped compartments for the various colors.
My N1J4 w/ 55mm @ f8 Nikkor Macro F lens from the 70's.
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. Views from small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 showed 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.
Guy Anderson (1906-1998 Washington)
Oil on Board 12"x17.5"
Original gilt framing 16.5"x21.5".
Signed lower left and notated "Edmonds, Wash." on the back.
Painting has been glued at edges into framing.
Overall excellent condition.
Guy Anderson’s Harbor Scene, Edmonds, Washington (1930s) depicts a lineup of sailing ships still active on Puget Sound decades after steam had become dominant. Edmonds was a key departure point for the Alaska trade, and many older wooden schooners and barkentines remained in service hauling lumber, salmon, and general cargo northward. The Depression prolonged their use, as they were cheaper to operate and maintain than steamships.
Painted with a bold, blocky impasto and a palette of muted blues, violets, and russets, the work reflects Anderson’s early Northwest modernism. Rather than aiming for meticulous detail, he captured the structural rhythm of masts and rigging, setting them against a subdued sky. The composition emphasizes vertical thrust, echoing both the maritime forest of spars and the rising ambitions of a young artist.
Guy Anderson (1906–1998) was a central figure of the “Northwest School” alongside Morris Graves, Kenneth Callahan, and Mark Tobey. Born in Edmonds, Anderson studied at the Cornish School in Seattle and developed a style rooted in Pacific Northwest landscapes and spirituality. While his mature work leaned toward mythic and symbolic figuration, his early paintings—like this harbor scene—document the working ports and coastal culture of Puget Sound with an expressive, almost Fauvist brush. Today, he is recognized as one of the leading voices of mid-20th-century Northwest art.
Context in the 1930s Art Debate:
When Anderson painted this scene, American art was divided between regionalist realism—celebrated in the Midwest by artists like Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton—and the emerging strains of modernism that prioritized form, color, and emotional resonance. Anderson’s Harbor Scene straddles both impulses: the subject matter is firmly local and documentary, tying him to regionalist concerns, yet the execution is modernist, with its loose brushwork and abstraction of structure. This balance anticipates the distinctive Northwest School, which fused local imagery with universal, often spiritual, concerns.
This text is a collaboration with Chat GPT.
The Nishi Building in Canberra was designed by a large team including Fender Katsalidis Architects, Suppose Design Office (Japan), and March Studio, among others. Its interior is known for using recycled and natural materials, especially in its dramatic timber staircase made from over 2,000 reclaimed wooden beams. The lobby combines hotel, residential, and social spaces with a mix of concrete, timber, and plants. Hotel Hotel (now part of Ovolo Nishi) occupies several floors and features handcrafted furniture, local artworks, and inward- or outward-facing rooms that connect with the natural light and atrium garden.
The building focuses strongly on sustainability and received a 6-Star Green Star rating and an 8-star NatHERS rating. It uses solar power, natural ventilation, and recycled water systems. The interior design prioritizes energy efficiency and local materials. Nishi has won multiple awards, including International Project of the Year (2015) in London and several honors from the Australian Institute of Architects. Its design combines environmental performance with striking, artistic interiors.
♦ Instructions available at Rebrickable ♦
"This is where the fun begins!"
My latest ship from the Prequel Trilogy has arrived, and it surely was a lot of fun to make: here's Obi Wan's Eta-2 Actis Interceptor from Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars.
This small unit consists of 281 pieces (stand included), and has one major feature: true Minifig scale!
There's a handful of beautiful MOCs of this ship out there already, but most of them are based on the huge cockpit piece from the playsets, so they're drastically oversized. So here I am with a, dare I say, more accurately scaled version.
It does come with a drawback, you guessed it: you can't put a fig inside. A bit ironic I know, but I chose to go for a brick-built cockpit in order to get as close to the original design as I could, prioritizing accuracy over playability, as usual.
The wings were pretty challenging given the ridiculously small scale, and my goal was to have them as thin as possible without compromising the SNOT look.
I'm quite happy with the result and I think this makes a nice little display piece. It's also very swooshable despite the intricate wing design.
I'm usually not a fan of stickers, but I thought this one deserved some sweet markings. I used the sticker sheet from the playset - it is included in the parts list. The color scheme can be changed to red with only a few part swaps (see last page in the instructions).
► Instructions for the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor are available at Rebrickable!
Fantastic red colors in these amazing outbreaks on the beginning of the evenig March 10th. A little later in the evening the aurora became more green/white/yellowish. This was not a planned shot, I was looking behind my back, and was shocked when I saw the colors at display.
I just had to turn around my camera, compose quickly, using the barn and the house, and fire away.
Man I am happy I got to experience this!
Shot at Ulsfjord, close to Tromsø, Northern Norway.
BR.
Ole
PS! PLEASE PLEASE no flashy big group icons!! Real comments are always welcome, positive and constructive negative, but PLEASE spare me of those fancy flickr-idol logos!! Comments with huge pictures/logos in it will be removed. Please don't invite me to groups with the purpose of commenting on 3 pictures etc.
AGAIN! I have been deleting lot's of meaningless comments lately with nothing more than a huge logo inviting me into groups for commenting on pictures. I will comment on the pictures that I like, and I will prioritize the work of the excellent photographers that I follow! PLEASE do not invite me into these groups, spare your energy! Those logos are so impersonal I'd rather you don't post anything. Please respect this!!
Ole
It's amazing to observe how some leaves have the perfect light on them. The shot is mostly unprocessed, was shot in RAW and the only thing i played around with was the WB.
Dedicated to this really amazing semester in college. Although at times, it seemed like a series of unfortunate events, it has helped me re-prioritize things and hopefully it has brought changes in me for the better..
Also dedicated to Foo Fighters, current favourite by them being Statues, and Nine Inch Nails for In this Twilight.
Press L and F11 to view on Large and Black, it brings out the details
Signed J. J. Bulten in lower right corner. I was unable to locate information about the artist.
This is one of a pair of oil portraits that complement the nautical theme of a newly reopened and redcorated restaurant in the seaside community of Long Beach, Washington.
At least three other marine paintings graced the walls. I'd say whoever selected those prioritized genre and availability over quality.
On the other hand, I wish I had found this portrait and its companion piece before the current owner did.
A "Jhaalmuri" / "Spicy Puffed Rice" seller by profession, he puts 100% dedication towards his customers. He did notice me while I took the photo, but preparing jhaalmuri was prioritized higher than posing for a photograph.
a moment to imbibe.
Sometimes we need a break from our daily life. To relax, reflect, mediate and recharge from the stress of our lives. How we prioritize it is up to our own discretion and availability of the moment. I hope you will forget your distractions, if even for a moment then I will have achieved a little victory in my simple post.
Thank you.
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! (:
Another shot from March 10th. Incredible long and vivid rays, never experienced it like this. Truly an amazing experience.
More info to follow.
Canon 5D Mark II + Nikon 14-24 2.8G
Hope you like it.
BR.
Ole
PS! PLEASE PLEASE no flashy big group icons!! Real comments are always welcome, positive and constructive negative, but PLEASE spare me of those fancy flickr-idol logos!! Comments with huge pictures/logos in it will be removed. Please don't invite me to groups with the purpose of commenting on 3 pictures etc.
AGAIN! I have been deleting lot's of meaningless comments lately with nothing more than a huge logo inviting me into groups for commenting on pictures. I will comment on the pictures that I like, and I will prioritize the work of the excellent photographers that I follow! PLEASE do not invite me into these groups, spare your energy! Those logos are so impersonal I'd rather you don't post anything. Please respect this!!
For more pictures, follow me on facebook:
arctic light photo - on facebook
Ole
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! (:
In the first half of 2023 I made many F1 machines with Lego, some of them are already posted to Flickr, but this is one of the remaining.
Mclaren MP4/8, driven by Ayrton Senna in 1993 won 5 races, including victory in the Monaco and his home, Brazil.
The technique used for this is basically same as MP4/4 I 've already introduced.
I prioritized its size than giving small details.
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 this beauty!
As I woke up… there are dark clouds … there are strong sun rays…. I’m thinking that the weather might be uncertain.. I for myself can relate to this.. haha! I have lots of things to do over the weekend and I’m not that sure which to prioritize… oh well time management can solve it sometimes…. Haha! Have a nice day to all!
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This image is one of my favorite images from 2008, not simply because of the eerie result, but the circumstances that resulted in this image were a good reminder to me in keeping my mind open and my expectations from running away from me.
It all starts with a camera, as it so often seems to. In this particular case, the camera in question was the Fuji 6x17 panoramic. I do not usually succumb to kameralust but I admit to having a touch of it whenever I am around one of these beasts. So to scratch that itch, I had rented the camera in high expectation of taking it out to shoot a specific waterfall up around Mt. Adams one fine Fall day in the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately someone forgot to inform me that it was going to be pouring buckets that day. And I don't mean the little plastic buckets you give your kids when they are playing on the beach, but the big, industrial-strength kind of bucket. In other words, it was raining with an almost biblical severity. It was so wet, I was nervous even carrying the camera in its case for fear the case could not even resist the deluge. I have an aversion to getting $2000 cameras wet, particularly when I don't own them...
So... I did not get to shoot the camera nearly as much as I had anticipated. I basically did not shoot it at all. I made one fumbling exposure, balancing my cable release in one hand, desperately clinging to an umbrella with another. But by the time it came to drive home, I had made only that single exposure, not even half a roll on a camera that only needs four shots to burn an entire roll. But then on the drive back, necessity stepped in. See, I had a choice. I was pretty certain I was not going to shoot anymore that day, yet I still had three images left to toy with to finish the roll off before I returned it the next day. So I figured, I may as well experiment with some panning shots while driving down the wooded back highways of southern Washington. And this shot was the result, something that if the first half of my day had proven to be more successful, I may never have even have attempted. If I had come away with those successful images of the waterfall that I had hoped and planned to capture, that satisfaction may have caused me to drive right by this image of these trees. Oh, it would have still been there I think, but not for me.
Shifting gears only slightly, photography never fails to amaze me thus in that it constantly reminds me just how much there is out there to see. Even in the exact same spot, ten people will see ten different things usually. Or better yet, put one photographer in the same spot ten different times under ten different sets of circumstances (I have driven this stretch of highway dozens and dozens of times, never before making this image) and they will create ten different photographs. This is one of the reasons I photograph. Sometimes I think about the recording of my vision as a way of recording who I am. It is an odd thought to wonder where my negatives may end up in 100 years, who may be looking at them, and what will they think. What are they going to know about me? Or the places I went? The things I saw? Sometimes that is why I photograph at such a breakneck pace. I am not really concerned too much with slowing down now to do much with my images. I know if I poured more time and energy into it, I could probably market a decent number of these. And in some ways I do. But having to slow down to do this stuff means I am out shooting less. I am not only documenting these places and time less, but I am documenting myself less as well. And there is going to be a point at which age (hopefully it is age) or some other factor forces me to slow down. Where I am not going to be able to photograph to this degree any longer. When I no longer find myself driving through the pouring rain down a wooded highway with photographs-to-be the click of an imagination away. That is the point in time I am more concerned about.
I do not think of this in any sort of fatalistic or pessimistic fashion, it is just a realization that time and opportunity are finite, so I care to prioritize how I spend them. It is a unique gift each photographer has, to document not the world, but their world. For each image like this, there is a photographer without whom it would have been impossible for that image to exist. Or so I sometimes think.
Anyway I am rambling now, so I am going to call it a night. Good night (or good morning) all and thank you for looking as well as reading.
And I apologize in advance for those frustrated by the small thumbnail. This image becomes more impressive large but I try to manage who has access to the larger files. I am sure there are plenty of you out there who should be contacts but I have not made you such. If so, just drop a comment here or send me an e-mail.
Ángeles
My marks aren't real but their's were. And the deepest marks are not in sight. Thousands of sanitarian had to face workdays at risk, without secure and enough material. Some of them had lost their lives.
This is something that cannot be forgotten. Never forget to prioritize what is important as health.
Without health, there's no life, and without life, there's nothing.
Mis marcas no son reales pero las de ellos sí que lo han sido. Y las marcas más profundas son las que no se ven.
Miles de sanitarios se han tenido que enfrentar a jornadas de trabajo en riesgo, sin material suficiente y seguro. Algunos incluso han perdido la vida.
Esto es algo que no se debe olvidar. Que no se olvide nunca priorizar lo verdaderamente importante como es la Sanidad.
Sin salud no hay vida y sin vida no hay nada.
Last year's for comparison. Other people doing similar things: Owen McCabe.
In general, black is walking, red is bicycling, blue is cars or buses, and green is above-ground rapid transit or freeways. (Color is from speed, not from an actual record of transportation mode.) Not shown: tunnels and subways.
In spite of that ritual caption, there's basically no red on here because I haven't actually been on a bike all year. The other striking thing is how small my San Francisco is now: I go to work and I go to #geobreakfast, and I get lunch, and that's about it.
What have I been doing instead? Trying to turn myself into a better piano player. It's very time-intensive and home-oriented. The other big time-suck that does show up as geography is a bunch of trips to the Berkeley campus to go the library and read everything that's ever been written about colorblindness.
One thing you can see on the map is the change in how I walk to BART. Now it is generally on 42nd Street instead of 41st so I can avoid having to use any of the traffic signals on Broadway, now that AC Transit and the City of Oakland have misguidedly prioritized through vehicle movement in an ineffective attempt at transit efficiency.
The big thing that doesn't show up at all is that I went to Spain to speak at the Technarte conference. I walked a hundred miles in a week and still only saw a tiny fraction of what there was to see. Spain looks like California and shows how good California could be if the United States knew how to build cities. Steph and I also went to New Orleans, which demonstrates how the US can do less damage to the cities that it does have by not doing any traffic engineering for decades.
How big is your world?
“Lessons:
(a) Anyone can abandon an action when it’s still at the ‘romantic’ stage.
(b) There is always someone to tell you: ‘Now that you’ve started, finish.’
(c) Everyone has the authority of an official when he or she is absolutely convinced of what he or she is doing.” –Like the Flowing River
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I started my 365 to prove myself that for once I can start something, enjoy the journey in between and hopefully get to finish it with a big smile. Unfortunately, certain circumstances have been presented (I will only be around here for two days a week, the most) that made me think perhaps this project will have to wait. That there are things I have to prioritize and thus I’ve contemplated on postponing everything. Postpone, never quit. Yet, I don’t want to act on impulse and thus I turned to people whom I look up to and I know will enlighten my clouded senses. Some agreed with me, but mostly did insist that I should go on.
Vanessa, I won’t be doing a cleaning around here, I promise you that.
Janey, you’ve provided the biggest comfort with your words and for that thank you.
Beautiful McKayla, you’ve always been a wonderful friend, a gift.
Belle, good luck with everything, I hope you know how wonderful you truly are.
Sir Rich, you should know that I’ve always been grateful for your presence and never ending words of encouragement.
And Edan, I LOVE YOU<3
Today marks day 129, but I opted to post an outtake from day113. I just want to be reminded of that day when I took my camera out for a shoot, after a week of hiatus. The day I was most thrilled to take a photograph- waking up as early as 5 in the morning with my first set of printed photos on hand, ignoring all the insect bites and the scary noises around, and being caught in that private area was the least of my worries. All I wanted was to capture the photo I envisioned it to be (and in the end be pleased with it.)
I know I haven’t been following the rules of a 365 as strictly as I should, but I’m going to continue. No matter how long this may take.
I don't want to live in a world without melody.
Sometimes the rhythmic din of society is too much for me.
But purpose is prioritized these days the goal is win the prize.
There's a sleeping resonance we hold through which we're unified.
So let it out!
Don't get lost in the crowd.
No one can deter you from your own path.
There's no trip too remote from which you can't come back.
And I've got this hunch about you and me,
None of us are ready for a world without melody.
- Bad Religion
Alien art
Science fiction
If a life form arrived at our planet millions of years ago, it would have found the proper environment to develop. Cells contain genetic information that allows life to thrive on Earth. The "tree of life" shows how life developed from simple forms to humans. As life evolved, many species emerged, and some got extinct.
The cells of life forms have survived by going from spices to species. On the way of the development, there were some hurdles like species have killed and ate other species. It looks like the development went in the wrong direction, but the cells have survived with the killers and survivals. Important is cells and hosts. Species are created to be just hosts, just to carry the cells. The species' blueprint was always kept in cells to make sure that dominant species go on, live.
Sperms, made of cells, travel to other host during love making so that the life of the cell continues, with the latest genetic information. Our bodies comprise interconnected cells. When we watch TV, cells watch too. Aliens may have spread their cells throughout the universe to ensure survival. They might have created suitable environments for cell survival in asteroids.
Humans are not perfect and have flaws. Our sufferings are not imported as we are just hosts, acting in that way too. We prioritize humanity over individuals. Humans have a lot of cells to compare to a human. Many people die in wars, traffics accidents, etc. Who cares? There are already more hosts on earth, billions of them. A couple dies, no problem!
If we would not be just hosts, we would act differently, would care for the death of a fellow human being, and would adopt the mindset that one death is too many.
Sound City Files, Volume 1 - Chapter 5
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< Sound City Files, Volume 1 - Chapter 4
The water poured down with a splash, sheets flowing from her body as it cleansed her body and mind. A shower. She knew the name, but this... this was far better than she expected. Not like the rain, this water made you feel clean... refreshed.
The water clicks off.
"s̷h̷o̷w̷e̷r̷ ̷c̷y̷c̷l̷e̷ ̷c̷o̷m̷p̷l̷e̷t̷e̷"
The voice startles her to jump with a verbal squeak.
"Are you okay?"
His voice calls from the other side of the door.
"I'm fine.. This... thing? just said my shower was over..."
She's standing in the shower with the unit beeping and water dripping from the shower, now off.
He lets out a hearty laugh.
"Sorry for not warning you about that, they limit us to how much water we use. Were you able to finish?"
"Mhmm"
She dries off, squeezes her hair dry, and wraps the towel around her.
"Was there anything that you found would fit me?"
"Well, yes... but... everything I own is for men... definitely not a woman your size. I still had a few things that got confiscated when I was with CorGen and I washed them, but...."
He hesitated.
"It's fine, it can't be any worse than walking around in a towel."
Her legs were covered in goosebumps, rubbing her arms to stay warm. The heat systems at this altitude weren't exactly great. She sticks her arm out the door, cracked open just enough.
"D̴͚̜͓̳͓͈̭̀̓͐͒̇͑̐͜A̴͍͚̦̘̚T̶̨̡̘̬̰̼̪̋͂̓̋̉̒̅̓͜͝A̸͉͐̆͑͊́̾̿̕͠͝ ̸͖͎͗̒ͅÇ̸̠̻̪̦͊͗͛̍̀̃͘̚͝͝Ŏ̵̡͇̻̝̝̯͖̘̌̾R̸̨̲̤͉̣̠̼̣͎͐̈́̀͌Ŗ̴̯̰̂̈̐̽̿̏̔̎̏̐Ṵ̸̪̘̘͍̦͇̜̞̮̎́̀P̵̢̡̫̗̬͍͎͠T̶̖̰̣̲͔̗̜͖͎̪͗̈́͐̎́̃͘͝ ... you didn't really think I wouldn't be expecting you... did you?"
He kicks the ground.
"You know, I didn't even go there looking for him. Nice cover, by the way. But hey, I guess it was just my lucky day right? I owed that motherfnck3r." Vinzer smiles a vicious smile filled with perfectly aligned, perfectly white, perfectly fake teeth.
The four lapdogs surrounding her are all visibly eager. She sizes each one up carefully. One to the left. One to the right. Vinzer in front, with one flanking him on each side. Prioritize close combat targets. She thinks to herself. Remeber what he taught you. Know their next three moves. Then nine. Keep going until they don't.
"Do you give them doggie treats after each mission?"
"Is this /REALLY/ all you had?"
She sighs.
He stammers.
"I... I swear. I can go to a store and find something for you right now. Just give me li-"
"No. It's... fine."
Her face feels like it's on fire. The bodysuit barely covered anything. Confiscated? Of course the confiscated box would be from a strip club. Her body can't help but react, thinking about his eyes on her.
The door opens slowly and she takes a tedious step forward. She tries to be modest, but the tiny bit of cloth covering her made that difficult.
He's sitting on the sofa, focused on the comm in his hand when he looks up to see her. The comm drops to the floor with a dull thud. He stands up slowly, almost instinctively.
The first strike is from the agent to her left. She parries with an elbow and follows it with the muzzle of her pistol right to the female agents chest.
One.
She weaves to avoid the next shot, gunfire from the agent to her right. She swings her arms over her shoulder sending two shell casings clattering as the agent slumps to the ground.
Two.
An open shot. She moves to take down Vinzer, but the slippery rat dodges behind his own teammate to use them as a shield. Good thing it was a full synthetic. Now it's about... two-thirds of one.
Three.
He walks towards her, quiet. His eyes fixed on her. Her thighs press together, as though she can feel his eyes touching everywhere he gazes.
"w-what?" Her voice is weak, why is her heart racing like this?
He just shakes his head.
"I.. you... you're beautiful."
"It's... just this outfit. You put me in something too sexy..."
Her body is aflame. It feels like fire would erupt from her every pore. Hot. Burning.
Now only inches from her, his hand reaches up and tilts her head up by the chin to meet his gaze. So tall. So strong. So... big.
She bites her lip, making it sting slightly.
He moves forward, slowly urging her back towards the wall. It's cold against her skin. Like ice, compared to how hot she feels. She slides her calf against his, wrapping her thigh around his and pressing against him.
His hands move to the straps of her bodysuit, slowly sliding them down until they go past her wrists. They're both breathing heavily, chests heaving. She musters only four words...
"Like what you see?"
A fist slams her jaw, stars dance in her head for a moment.
The last thug grabs her from behind, arm wrapped around her neck. Thunder rings in her ears. A clang. Searing pain.
"How does it feel to take a shotgun point blank? Even your suit can't stop all of the force. I should know, I helped them test the d4mn things."
Vinzer stands holding a tactical shotgun just feet away.
"ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ, ᴄʀɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ꜱᴜɪᴛ ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇ.
ʙɪᴏʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇ ᴅᴇᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ:
ꜰʀᴀᴄᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ ɪɴ ʀɪʙꜱ 3, 4, 6, 7, ᴀɴᴅ 12.
ʜᴀɪʀʟɪɴᴇ ꜰʀᴀᴄᴛᴜʀᴇ ɪɴ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴏʀᴀᴄɪᴄ ᴠᴇʀᴛᴇʙʀᴀᴇ.
ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴍᴏʀʀʜᴀɢɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏᴍᴀᴄʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇꜱᴏᴘʜᴀɢᴜꜱ."
The suits lecture isn't what she needed right now.
"Fnck. You."
The attack had stunned her, and now her guns were at her feet. She tugs at the thugs hold, twisting hard, and another blast roars through the streets.
The thug falls to the ground in a wet splat.
Four.
"Are you fncking serious??"
Vinzer fumes as she stumbles forward to her knees. The thug blocked most of the blast, but her back was almost numb from the pain.
She coughs. She knows now. There was never any chance of turning back. This is her judgement, and Vinzers requiem.
And not she or him could do a d4mn thing to avoid it.
Her hands slide under his shirt, the chest hair running between her fingers. His hands slide down her back, lower... lower... then lifts her up to be face to face.
She giggles softly and wraps her legs around his waist. His deep growls and firm grip send lightning through her body. His breath is warm against her chest as she runs her hands through his hair.
His scent, smooth and cool yet worn and rugged. She pulls his shirt open, buttons clatter to the floor. Feeling his bare skin against hers she leans in and bites his neck gently, letting her tongue run against his skin.
Her hands find his belt buckle and promptly release it. She moans low into his chest feeling him swell against her. He presses her hard against the wall as he drops the bodysuit to the floor.
Imposing. That's how most anyone would describe him. Few people stood taller, and her arms didn't even come close to fitting around his chest. No matter how you looked at him, he was a big man. His hands grip her hips firmly as he pulls her down until she can't go any further. She lets out a sound from her mouth she didn't even know possible. Deep, for her, and growling in ecstasy. A /very/ big man.
He lifts her to her knees by her hair. The back of his hand cracks against her mask.
"Just like good old times, right?"
His fist slams between her eyes and she falls back from the force.
Vinzer tosses a clump of blue hair to the side.
"What was it that came next? I forget... was it a kick to the stomach, or a knee to the head?"
Red mist pumps from the mask as she rolls to her back.
"Fnck it, let's go for double points." The steel toe of his shoe slams into the mask, snapping her head to the side like a whip. Silence. Darkness.
His muscles flex against her, the movements smooth, steady. Her hips roll, as his soft grunts set the rhythm. Her arms wrap under his to hold his shoulders as her legs bounce in the air.
His fingers slide along her neck, his palm pressing against her throat softly. His hand moves up, and to the back of her head while the other arm wraps her waist like a massive python. He leans back, pulling her from the wall and holds her as his arms guide her body. Faster now. She gives in completely. Her body tenses suddenly, then goes limp as she lets out a muffled moan into his neck.
Her mind races as she's filled with warmth, love. His love. Her mind reels in pleasure. Nothing ever felt more right.
She lays on the sofa relaxing, crop top and panties as usual. The door latch clicks. She checks the time.
"Welcome home!" She bounces up from the sofa and does her best to tackle the man.
"Wow. You really put the shine on her, dint ya?" Jessups voice is unmistakable.
"I did nothing of the sort." He's stern, more than usual.
When she realizes, she ducks behind a cabinet. "Hey! Why are you here??" She tries to cover herself.
"Jessup is just helping me bring up some boxes from the storeroom so I didn't have to make 2 trips." He slides the box over and stacks the one from Jessup on top. "Thanks, I'll stop by later so you can check the actuator in my knee. It's been a bit glitchy."
"Ya ya, no freebies this time." Jessup shuffles to the stairs. "Full price!"
"So what have you been up to?" He pulls her close as he shuts the cabinet door she was hiding behind.
"Well, first I went out and sold myself to EVERY guy on the block." She giggles.
"Oh really? Did you make a lot?" He squeezes her.
"Oh lots, but THEN I went and bought all of the expensive clothes I've wanted." She wiggles against him.
"Oh, then I get a fashion show?" His hands sneak lower.
"I don't need new clothes to do that for you..." She looks down and pulls the loose collar of her top off her shoulder, then looks back up to him softly biting her lips as she peers up from under her long eyelashes.
His lips press against her forehead. "So what did you really do?"
"I had an early delivery, then a commute across town to get another in the afternoon. That's about all. Also... I cleaned!" She points at the floors.
"Did said cleaning involve dancing?" He chuckles, knowing the answer.
"Duh, like I would clean and NOT dance." She slithers her body against his.
He spins her around like a ballroom dancer. "I'm glad your day was good."
"Yep! Let's celebrate!" She springs around the apartment, stopping at the sofa and leaning over the back to talk to him.
"I've been here for a month now!"
"Oh, you are absolutely correct. That most definitely /is/ reason to celebrate. So..."
The word echoes in her mind.
"Where are we going?"
They lay back on the bed, content and worn. "I'm sorry... you might need another shower..." His voice is soft from heavy breathing.
She giggles and snuggles into his chest. "Want to share one?" Her voice is seductive and low.
He pulls her close and sighs contently as a moments eternity of peace gives them a tiny taste of respite.
She lays on top of him, both sweaty and panting. "Let's leave."
"What?" He blinks, surprised by the statement, looking down into her eyes.
"Let's leave. This place. It's... rotten. Maybe if there was some order.. or even just... someone that cared. This isn't the place to start a life." She draws patterns on his chest with the tip of her finger as she lays her cheek against him.
"You know I'd go anywhere with you. Just say the word." He brushes her hair back over her ear.
"I just.... I want it to be us. Just us. No CorGen. No thugs. No more operations. What if... one day... you don't come back to me?" A tear wells in her eye and drops onto his skin.
"Ok. Fine. So..."
The word echoes in her mind.
"Where are we going?"
"... *crackle* to *krzzzzz*ie."
.
.
.
"... going to *digital noise*"
.
.
.
"You're going to DIE!"
It's warm, but cold at the same time. She's here, but everywhere also.
"... up."
.
.
.
"get*static*"
She looks where her hand should be. Nothing. Everything is white. There's nothing but... light.
"I knew you'd do something reckless." His voice comes from beside her, behind her, inside her. "You have to get up. If you don't, you're going to die."
"Am I dead?" She tries to look around but there's no left or right, up or down.
"I need you to listen. I wasn't... entirely honest with you. That place... where they kept you. It wasn't just a place to torture you. They did things. Horrible things. Vinzer was taking young girls from the streets and using implants to force them to do what he wanted. Murder, robbery, and... other things. But you... nothing they did would break you. I couldn't do it any more. Chasing you down, dragging you back to that place. Your screams..."
He looks away.
"I left his crew, and the moment I could come get you... I did."
"Why?" She wants to cry. "Why did you lie to me?"
"I didn't want to force you to remember. Any of it. It was wrong. Can you forgive me?"
His words are soft.
"I love you." Her response comes without any will of her own.
"I can't make it right, but I can help you... one more time. All of the VES suits, they're modeled after you. You were subject #000. When I worked on your suit, I linked it to your neural implant..."
His explanation makes little sense.
Her mind interrupts. "You're dead."
"Well, yes... technically. And... technically, so are you." His voice doesn't waver.
"Dead?" She questions.
"Yes. For now." He sighs. "All done. I love you. You don't have to do this. Please. Get out of there. Run. Don't look back. Forget me. Forget the city. Be free. I'll always be watching you, my love."
The white fades to gray. "I love you. My light." Her thought sends vibrations through her reality, shattering it to nothingness. Dark. Quiet.
The apartment is pitch black, the only sound the rain pattering against the windows.
Quiet. Dark.
"D̴̀̓A̴͍̚T̶̋͂A̸͐͠ ̸͗̒C̸͊͘Ŏ̵̌R̸͐̈́R̴̂̈U̸̎́P̵̢͠T̶͗͘???" She calls for him. Silence. Her eyes adjust, and she sees the apartment in shambles.
"D̴̀̓A̴͍̚T̶̋͂A̸͐͠ ̸͗̒C̸͊͘Ŏ̵̌R̸͐̈́R̴̂̈U̸̎́P̵̢͠T̶͗͘?!?!?!?!?!" She calls out again, and again... silence. She flicks the lights, nothing.
She uses the light of her comm to look around frantically. Calling his name, over and over. As she turns the corner to their bedroom she falls to her knees.
Her hands shake as she reaches for his... Cold. She screams in pain. It's so dark. So cold. She can't see his light.
She drags herself close to his still body and lays her head on his chest. "You can't go... you can't leave me..."
The door bangs open suddenly and Jessup rushes in carrying a flashlight. "Is everyone alright? I heard a screa-" He stops abruptly as he sees her. "Oh fnck..."
She turns towards Jessup, eyes cold as the oceans depths. "Jessup..." Tears stream down her face. "My light..." The words barely escape her lips.
"They took him from me."
-------------------------------------------------------
Sound City Files, Volume 1 - Chapter 6 >
😭😭😭😭😭*kicks and punches at the air* Go get em! RAWR!! lol
I love how this shot came out. I always proof my photos before I post them, andthis one was just sooo much fun. I took a backdrop, modified it for use in the city, then used it as a more elaborate backdrop. I think there's probably about 150 lights in that shot. Seriously. There's definitely thousands of particles. I know everyone I've shown previews to has been really amped up about it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did taking it!
Only a couple of chapters left.... are you ready?
EDIT: I'm sorry about the formatting. Flickr feels that they should modify what you enter. I'm not sure why... but they do. I also can't use anything to format it more properly since they ignore or remove the formatting. Please reach out if you know of a way to keep formatting when I post descriptions. Thanks! :)
❤️ Epi!
One of the few things I clearly remember from when I rushed to catch the light on this lily was the song playing in my head as I looked at its leaves:
“Fill your pockets with the dust and the memories,
That rises from the shoes on my feet.”
Slint - Washer
X-Pro2 • Voigtländer Nokton Classic 40mm f1.4MC
Probably f2 because light was fading and I think I was using the…
Marumi DHG Super polarizer
Pro-Neg Hard
WB: 5600k
Straight out of camera
First post from the new Voigtländer 40mm Nokton. Going with this one not because it’s particularly representative of the character of the lens but because it’s the prettiest shot I’ve gotten of the lilies that sprung up at the beginning of spring, and I want to get the post out of the way so I’m not stuck in the analysis-paralysis of indecision any longer.
But also it is a shot that makes me think about the lens, because the slightly gentle, non-clinical rendering of the details forces me to remind myself: this is exactly why I got the lens! I don’t obsess over sharpness, but even so I find myself zooming in and noticing that it’s not as crisp and clinical as some of my modern Fujis (and maybe a few of my actual vintage lenses)… even though the whole point to me is to have a vintage-character lens with modern coatings. Our relationship with gear can really mess with our minds.
I also have to shake my feeling that I screwed up the focus. I said a long time ago that I think you can tell a lot by someone’s focus selection on a flower: are they showing off how sharply they can render the detailed components, or are they rendering what’s beautiful about a flower in a beautiful way? In this case, I recall thinking that the curling tip with a bit of cobweb would be conspicuous if not sharp, and I also liked the texture of the pollen on the leaves, so those are the things I focused on. Yet in hindsight I find myself wondering if I should have focused on the central spadix (I had to look that up), even though I think that part of it is as ugly as its name and better left out of focus. Why does it concern me? Because I shot it the way I like to see it, but it’s not how I see everyone else shoot it, and that gets at me even though I know better.
In both lens and my own choices, I achieved what I wanted in this shot, yet have to remind myself that it’s ok that my priorities aren’t what most others prioritize. That’s why this feels like it should be the first thing I put up from the Nokton. Hopefully many more to come; I’m enjoying the character of this tiny lens a lot.
(DSCF8844)
In my humble opinion, the greatest knowledge one can posses is to realize that we all have limited time.In my own life, this thought allows me to prioritize the right things in my life.
ODC:Knowledge
SPYDR47
ATHENA ISR Program. US Army
BIZJETS OF WAR - APR 07, 2024
Amid program delays and revamps, the first ATHENA jet started a series of test flights in early March 2024. Shortly afterwards, the director of the U.S. Army's ISR Task Force shared the first clear image of the Global 6500 jet, showcasing its large radome and SIGINT sensor suite. The ATHENA program is the bridging phase between the ARES and ARTEMIS platforms and the final HADES jets and will consist of four Global 6500 bizjets with radome and SIGINT capabilities. Delays and supply-chain issues led to a restructuring of the program, but initial flight tests are now well underway ahead of delivery later this year.
The Army Theater-level High-altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ATHENA) program is the bridging phase between the contractor-owned and operated ARES and ARTEMIS jets, which are already flying operational missions, and the final HADES platform.
When the ATHENA contracts for the four modified Global 6500s were awarded to the MAG Aerospace-L3Harris team and SNC, the program was structured into two components: ATHENA-R and ATHENA-S. The first phase, ATHENA-R (Radar) was planned to house a DoD-provided radar system and a SIGINT suite. Delivery to the U.S. Army was set for January 2024, but supply chain and program issues have resulted in delays. In parallel, the U.S. Army assessed that both ATHENA variants require both SIGINT and radar capabilities, leading to the service dropping the ‘-S’ and ‘-R’ variants and no longer prioritizing the delivery of one ‘variant’ over the other.
The first ATHENA jet will be deployed to South Korea, joining ARES deployed to Japan and several other COCO ISR bizjets in the region. While the specific deployment areas of the other ATHENA jets are unknown, two airframes will presumably be deployed to the Indo-Pacific theatre and the other two to Europe.
Besides the clear threats, the assumption that ATHENA will join the ARTEMIS jets in Europe is also based on an announcement from last year that stated ATHENA-S will ‘‘support U.S. Army missions in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.’’ However, the program revamps and the ever-changing ISR needs of the U.S. military may have changed those plans or will do so in the future.
____________________________________________
Also:
MAG Aerospace and L3Harris team to deliver the US Army Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne (ATHENA-R) ISR aircraft.
~
Press Release, Fairfax VA, 22 August 2023: The US Army awarded prime contractor MAG Aerospace and teaming partner L3Harris Technologies a contract to deliver two enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to support the Army’s Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR-Radar Program – known as ATHENA-R.
Integrated on Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, the system will help the Army meet global intelligence requirements. Operating at high altitude will provide the aircraft greater survivability and line-of-sight, both essential to help the Army achieve its long-range precision fires modernization priorities.
MAG Aerospace is currently the prime contractor for the Army’s Sensor Technology Operations and Readiness (STORM) contract. Being deeply embedded in these critical capabilities is core to MAG’s mission of making the world smaller and safer.
“MAG is honoured to support the Army’s ATHENA-R Program. Current geopolitical circumstances dictate a need for an adaptable and resolute ISR solution that can adequately address near-peer threats and future contested environments, and we are prepared to execute,” said Joseph Reale, CEO, MAG Aerospace. “MAG has an exceptional performance history of delivering and managing extensive turnkey aerial C5ISR programs in the most austere and challenging operational environments worldwide. This award is validation of the relentless work our employees execute everyday alongside our customers.”
Designed to close the gap between the Army’s medium and high-altitude ISR aircraft fleet, the ATHENA-R Program will provide greater endurance, more payload capacity, longer standoff ranges and leading-edge sensor technology in support of US combatant commands.
“We have a great track record of working with the Army,” said Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “Our team understands the urgency of fielding these long-range, deep-sensing capabilities to support the Army’s mission needs and is positioned to deliver.”
Besides winning a contract in September 2022 to develop Phase 2 of the Army’s Multi-Domain Sensing System program, L3Harris supports an additional Army ISR mission: the Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare aircraft known as ARES.
UPDATE: This is how I edit my photos:
Video 1: youtu.be/9jY0BPGaM6A
Video 2: youtu.be/xew7eLrpfVg
================
Urgh, I wish I can prioritize this photography thing because I love doing it, I really do, but the thing is there are more important things to do. I am bombarded with lots of “reality” stuffs.
I miss talking to my flickr friends who have the same story as mine. Flickr world can be a paradise to some ~_~
I promise to get back to you as soon as I can, I miss talking to you all!
Anyway, this is Jomer, the guy from my previous upload. I love shooting with him because he lets me explore how this portrait photography thing works- the how-to of bringing out your emotions and posing and everything under the sun modelling- wise. It’s a lot harder than how I used to think.
I've been sick again. Some days are better, some are harder. But I'm hopeful that I'll be better soon. My photos just might lack the effort until then because I'm prioritizing rest.
What is he supposed to say? Please prioritize kids over guns?
© Web-Betty: digital heart, analog soul
It has been months and months that I have not had the time to do a SP, as the business has been growing more and more I have had to prioritize those shoots (which I like better than photographing myself of course) anyways i missed doing this too! I hope you enjoy these, I had fun taking them :)
PS: Also, i cut my hair about 8 inches, you like?
Bloom with the attitude you value... 🌸🌞
It doesn't matter how others are, focus only on what matters to you - ecstasy and happiness... 💕
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" Prioritize what you value over the noise and complaints. Don't trade a rare quality for something ordinary that can easily be replaced.
Dismiss the notion of equality lamentation. Status isn't tailored for equals... it's exclusively reserved for the rare superior who exudes unmatched excellence, ticking all of your checkboxes. "
________ Scarlett Saphira
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
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maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Utopia%20Isles/141/160/4003
Belle Epoque - Vega Dress / Exclusive @ FaMESHed
"The Vic," formerly known as "The Victoria," is a striking and modern re-imagination of a waterside office building in MediaCityUK, prioritizing contemporary design and occupant wellbeing. Originally a 23-year-old building, it was redeveloped starting in 2018 with a £9 million investment to create a more relaxed and flexible workspace.
Exterior architecture
Contemporary update: The renovation by architect Bate & Taylor focused on updating the building for modern business needs. The design emphasizes natural light and creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Waterside focus: The Vic's architecture is built around its tranquil waterside location on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal. Outdoor terraces, waterside views, and lush green landscaping are integrated into the design to maximize this feature and provide spaces for relaxation.
Industrial context: While thoroughly modernized, the design acknowledges the area's industrial heritage by using construction materials like steel, natural stone, cement, and wood in a contemporary style.
Interior architecture
Modernization and remodel: The extensive refurbishment included a full overhaul of the interior, from the reception and common areas to the office floors.
Focus on wellbeing: The interior design has a specific focus on occupant health, wellbeing, and mindfulness.
Flexible and collaborative spaces: The reconfigured spaces are designed to accommodate a range of work styles, with Wi-Fi enabled co-working areas to foster flexible and creative work.
Enhanced amenities: On-site amenities support a healthy work-life balance and are a core part of the architectural vision. These include a café, bike storage, showers, and dedicated spaces for fitness activities.
My dad gave me $40 for a field trip today, and since I knew I probably wouldn't buy anything at the museum, I went to Target during first block since I was signed out of all my classes for today anyways x) I went to buy a belt, but then I saw that this one had the LITDH dolls out on shelves, so naturally I prioritized and got Talkin' Barbie. The basic Barbie doll is out now too, but IMO, she's not nearly as gorgeous as the talking one, and neither of her dresses are as cute ;p
The field trip was fun! I've been to the museum of fine arts a ton of times already tho x) But yeah, kewal :)
Oostende’s promenade was once lined with grand villas and Art Nouveau buildings, reflecting its status as a luxurious seaside resort during King Leopold II's era. After World War II, most of these historic structures were demolished to make way for modern high-rise apartments. This transformation was driven by the rise of mass tourism, prioritizing functionality over preserving architectural heritage.
Today, the Belgian coastline, including Oostende, is heavily urbanized and often criticized for its lack of charm compared to other European coastal areas. Dense apartment blocks have replaced natural dunes and historic landmarks, permanently altering the landscape. Unlike places such as the French Riviera or Dutch coastal towns, which have preserved their historical appeal, the Belgian coast has lost much of its unique identity.
In this image, I aim to create beauty out of this stark reality, playing with light and shadows to transform the setting.
Ostend, Belgium
Well, Justice League is tonight!! My showcase is going to be pushed off until after The Last Jedi because I'm prioritizing those figs, but here's a quick teaser in the meantime :)
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.
Effective Range: Medium
Classification: Intelligence / Recon
Armaments: (1) SMG-UZ01A, (1) HR-HIBMSU01
One reason why the New Earth Strategic Trust faction is such a dominant force in the Quorus Wars is due to their supreme tactics and efficient strategies and have outfitted specific units like the Eagle EWAC to prioritize recon and intelligence gathering.
The Eagle EWAC is actually based on the NESF-M05E Eagle, a standard combat type reFrame that is deployed in heavy combat areas and serve as a main unit in NEST Special Forces ranks. The EWAC (Early Warning And Control) unit allows for efficient intelligence gathering that is sent to NEST's tactical HQ as data to create up-to-date battle strategies. Extra thrusters were equipped on the Eagle EWAC to give it better mobility in order to move faster to key locations for data scanning as well as avoid enemy units. It is equipped with a light submachine gun (SMG-UZ01A) and a hand cannon mounted on its left arm for emergency combat purposes.
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Build notes:
You can find more about the build in my blog article :D
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More info, WIP details, and other LEGO mechs over at my blog:
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For those interested in LEGO mech building, I put out an eBook over at Amazon Kindle a while back called Mech Wars Instructional Primer. If you’re looking for a resource that could help you start or even improve your mech building skills, you might find this eBook useful :D
The year 1936 brought forth an automotive gem, the Ford Model 68, a vehicle that not only captured the essence of its era but also pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. Born from the storied assembly lines of the Ford Motor Company, this classic car emerged during a time when America was finding its footing after the Great Depression. As a testament to resilience and forward-thinking, the Model 68 showcased Henry Ford's commitment to affordable yet stylish transportation for the masses. One particularly intriguing fact about this model is that it was among the first to offer a glimpse into streamlined design, which would dominate the automotive industry in the years to come.
Design and Innovation: A Blend of Style and Substance
The exterior of the 1936 Ford Model 68 exuded elegance with its teardrop-shaped headlamps and a bold, v-shaped grille that commanded attention. The car's sleek lines and rounded fenders were a departure from the boxy shapes of earlier models, hinting at the aerodynamic future of automobile design. Inside, owners were greeted with an interior that prioritized simplicity and functionality without compromising on quality. Luxurious touches like mohair upholstery and wood-grain accents spoke volumes about the craftsmanship of the era. Technologically, the Model 68 stood out with its flathead V8 engine, a marvel that offered unprecedented power and reliability to everyday drivers. Color options ranged from Washington Blue to Cordoba Tan, with many buyers favoring darker hues that accentuated the car's sophisticated silhouette. Available in various body styles including coupes, sedans, convertibles, and even wood-paneled station wagons known as "Woodies," it was the Deluxe Roadster that often stole hearts with its irresistible blend of performance and panache.
Performance-wise, the 1936 Ford Model 68 was no slouch. Its V8 engine could propel it to top speeds that were impressive for its time, while acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in a manner that could best be described as spirited for a pre-war car. On various driving conditions, from bumpy rural roads to newly paved highways, the Model 68 handled with poise and assurance. Drivers often reveled in the throaty rumble of the flathead V8 as they navigated through their journeys, enjoying a tactile connection with their machine that modern vehicles struggle to replicate.
The 1936 Ford Model 68 stands as more than just another vintage vehicle; it is a symbol of innovation during times of adversity and a precursor to modern automotive design philosophies. Its legacy is etched into history books and continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts around the globe who are captivated by its story and enamored by its character.
The Discovery Museum, located in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, is a renowned institution that showcases the history and heritage of the region. With a rich and diverse collection, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial, scientific, and technological advancements that have shaped the area. In this historical account, we will explore the origins, development, and significant events of the Discovery Museum up until the year 2021.
Origins and Early Years:
The roots of the Discovery Museum can be traced back to the late 19th century when the Newcastle upon Tyne Corporation established a museum and art gallery in the city. In 1899, this original museum moved to a new building on Westgate Road, designed by the prominent architect Oliver Hill. The structure, known as the "Newcastle Museum and Municipal Art Gallery," aimed to provide educational and cultural resources for the community.
The Move to Blandford Square:
In the late 1970s, plans were made to relocate the museum to a larger premises in Blandford Square, a historic part of the city center. The move aimed to accommodate the growing collection and provide improved exhibition spaces for visitors. After extensive renovations and adaptations, the new Discovery Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 18, 1993.
Collection and Exhibitions:
The Discovery Museum boasts an impressive collection that spans various disciplines, reflecting the industrial and scientific achievements of the region. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including shipbuilding, coal mining, engineering, electricity, and local history. One of the museum's highlights is the iconic Turbinia, a steam-powered vessel designed by Charles Parsons, which became the fastest ship in the world in 1897.
The museum also features the Newcastle Story, a permanent exhibition that delves into the city's history, culture, and people. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that depict Newcastle's evolution from a Roman settlement to a thriving industrial hub.
Notable Events and Partnerships:
Over the years, the Discovery Museum has hosted numerous events, collaborations, and special exhibitions. These initiatives aim to engage and educate visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. The museum has often collaborated with local organizations, universities, and artists to create unique displays and interactive experiences.
In recent years, the Discovery Museum has embraced technology to enhance its offerings. It has incorporated digital displays, virtual reality, and interactive installations to provide an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
The Discovery Museum has always prioritized community engagement and outreach programs. It has partnered with schools, colleges, and community organizations to deliver educational initiatives, workshops, and events that cater to different age groups. Through these endeavors, the museum has played a vital role in fostering an appreciation for science, history, and culture among the local population.
Recognition and Legacy:
The Discovery Museum has garnered several accolades and recognition for its contribution to the field of museums and heritage. It has been praised for its innovative exhibitions, dedication to education, and community involvement. The museum continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its visitors, remaining a prominent institution in the cultural landscape of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Looking Ahead:
As we reach the present day, the Discovery Museum remains an important cultural institution, continuously striving to preserve and showcase the region's history. With ongoing efforts to expand its collection, improve accessibility, and develop engaging exhibits, the museum aims to inspire future generations to explore and appreciate the remarkable heritage of Newcastle upon Tyne and Tyne and Wear.
In conclusion, the Discovery Museum in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, stands as a testament to the region's industrial and scientific achievements. With its diverse collection, educational initiatives, and commitment to community engagement, the museum offers a captivating journey through history, making it a vital part of Newcastle's cultural landscape.
Well, it is time. With many things coming up, especially college in September, I’m afraid that I won’t have much time to devote to Lego as I would have liked. In short, because I have to prioritize what I can devote my free time to, I’m afraid that I’m going to have to put a pause into my Lego hobby. How long is this pause? I honestly do not know. Could be a few months or a few years as I’m beginning a new life in college studying game design, or ‘Computer Game Science’ as the major is named there. Once I have things figured out, as in schedule and the gravity of my classes and other things, I might come back. However, seeing my class schedule ahead of time, the possibility of me going back into Lego within a few months is quite slim.
As some of you guys may have noticed my upload rate has declined, ever since the beginning of Junior year of high school. Honestly there was not much I could do as I had to focus on school and that I have come across new hobbies, specifically 3D modeling with Sketchup. And now with college at my doorstep, I fear that I would have no time, let alone any time for the matter, to devote to building my microscale creations and what-not. As a result, I feel that this pause in my Lego hobby is appropriate since I have to focus on other things and frankly, I have reached a ‘’dark age’’ which began around April of this year.
I made this account in 2009 but intensely got into building microscales in 2010 when I had fresh ideas of what I want to build and how to go about doing so. I took inspiration from many sources for my microscale creations, some of which include Real-time strategy games like Command and Conquer (Red Alert 1+2+3, Tib Sun/War, Generals) and Starcraft as I love amassing armies of vehicles and having them fight each other. I remember before ’09 of going onto Flickr everyday to see many amazing microscale scenes with tons of stuff going on in such a small space. It hit me that if I save up some money and make some time, I would be able to replicate those scenes and make armies. After around 3 years of going into this hobby I feel that I have accomplished that goal in Lego form pretty well as I today have made 5 unique microscale factions with different types of units (6 if you count my nanoscale faction; not shown). Honestly, I’m quite happy of where I’m at regarding my goals with Lego but I’m also sad that I won’t have the time to build and share my creations with all of you.
Speaking of you guys, I just want to thank everyone who commented/favorite my creations. It’s because of you guys that I strive to make more and more and to expand my armada. You guys have provided me with tons of inspiration and I learned a lot from observing some techniques not known to me before. The Lego community on Flickr is an amazing one, full of amazing builders. The people I tagged are people who have inspired me the most and who have become great friends. Each and every one of you are amazing builders, specializing in many different aspects of Lego, from mechs to entire minifigure-scale war scenes to fleets of spaceships and everything in between. You guys are awesome and I couldn’t be happier to have known each and every one of you. Seeing creations from you guys pop up in my feed makes me happy to be a part of this amazing community.
In closing, I won’t be uploading anything Lego-related for a while, but I will still be around once in a while uploading my Sketchup creations and commenting/fav’ing creations. Don’t hesitate to keep in touch with me, be it through here or Deviantart!
Milestones:
-Made 100+ different microscale entities out of Lego over the past few years (92 are shown above)
-363 people added me as a contact
-Was blogged many times by Microbricks and once by The Brother’s Brick (www.brothers-brick.com/2012/08/29/a-few-mini-ports/_)
-Won second place in the ‘’Micro Vehicles Mini Faction’’category of the Lego Military Annual Build Competition in 2012. (www.flickr.com/groups/legomilitaryannualbuildcompetition/...)
Multihawk a.k.a ‘’CommanderHawk’’
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This morning, I went over to my cousins house and asked him what ideas he could think of for this topic. After a long debate about shooting a photo of me hanging off a tree (typical), we decided that this topic related to the inability to manage time, and prioritize. I wanted a giant clock (and I intended on setting it alight) but sometimes things don't really turn out as planned.
Nonetheless, this is an unusual step out from my typical shooting style. And I'm glad I've been branching out and trying new things.
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Here's a picture of a WIP build. It's an excuse to post life updates. :)
1. I’m basically in a dark age now - all I do is look at Brickset a couple times a day. I wanted to finish I Dreamt of Rust this summer, but as a college kid I’ve been working full time instead.
2. This also means I Dreamt of Rust is on hold. I WILL finish it. I'm just a perfectionist so it's taking a while. I have 2 out of 3 sets finished for the next episode. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait.
3. I don’t have many followers to begin with, but sorry if I’m letting anyone down 😬 I do plan on coming back to Lego, but only when I have time. I haven’t lost interest at all - I just don’t have time and have to prioritize other things right now.
Still love Lego, still love the community, just need to focus on other stuff for now and the foreseeable future.