Spring Field Work by Alan Yahnke Via Flickr: Canon Canonet QL17 GIII, Color Plus 200, Epson V750 Scanner

Music scene by J Radcliff Via Flickr: Kiev 4, Jupiter 12, Lomography 400.

2022

Canon Ⅳsb改

SERENAR 50mm f1.8

The urge to buy all of the things I’ve been putting off buying now that I have a new job

OLYMPUS 35 DC (Earlier Version) F.ZUIKO 40mm F1.7 Range Finder Film Camera

First glimpses of Big Bend

The original plan was to camp and hike Big Bend National Park. We didn’t factor in the spike in popularity of national parks following the pandemic, and were unable to reserve a camp site. But I found plenty of available sites right next door at Big Bend Ranch State Park so I figured we could park there and make daily forays into the national park. As it turns out, while the two parks are next…

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Framing Escobar: Chapter 1 - Snapshot

General Warnings: 18+, as is the whole of my blog, I will mark anything specific but be aware this is predominantly a smutty blog with plot. DNI if you are a minor. By reading further you have taken the responsibility to do so with the warnings I have given.

Specific Warnings: This chapter has some sexual suggestions, allusions to violence, mostly just scene setting and fluff.

Welcome to the reboot! I hope you enjoy this little piece of my heart 💜

[Read on AO3] Masterlist | Next Chapter ->

Snapshot:

You’ve been in Colombia for six hours, and in those six hours you’d found your apartment, shopped for the essentials, clothes, camera stock, tampons. You’d also swerved eager street vendors with your less-than-adequate Spanish, and you’d almost got hit by three cars, and a bus.

You stare down at the box on the shabby dining table that had seen some serious use, the varnish gone, leaving the bare wood open to all the various nicks and dings inflicted upon it.

“Fuck.” You breathe as you open the Olympus OM-4T box with a giddy gasp. Professor Thomas had one of these bad boys and you had been able to use it from time to time, but you never expected to have your own, not before you’d finished your PhD. You take some time to flick through the manual, but you already know how to use it, what film stock to use, then you turn to the other lenses provided.

They’re older but still good, you snap a few shots of your apartment as a test. The viewfinder something you still need to get used to, your Leicas at home are range finders. But the technology fascinates you. You’re almost forgetful of the dangerous place Colombia is as gun shots erupt outside and you drop to the floor, cradling your head as you wait for the din of the street fighting to stop.

Silence falls over the street and after a few minutes the stray dogs start to bark once more, people bustle about noisily in the street below. You do a precautionary check of your body, no bullet holes, good. You’ve been housed on the top floor of the unofficial DEA apartment block, but you still had to be sure.

“I need a drink.” You breathe as you gather yourself, stowing the camera and lenses under your bed, just in case. You grab your purse and head out, down the many flights of stairs, and through the back door of the building into the streets of Bogotá as you scold yourself for not having picked up a few beers earlier that day.

~*~

You sit at the bar with a beer and a large glass of water. You’re gulping the water down at a rate that even the bartender raises an eyebrow at as you ask for a refill. The beer is better than you remember than anything back home, and you sip on it from the bottle, letting the harsh edge of your nerves be smoothed over with the alcohol buzz. A song comes on over the jukebox, a shift from the Latin Rock that had been playing since you arrived, and you perk up as you recognise the singer.

You look out over the bar and see a pair of men eyeing you from the jukebox, they must have put the song on. You feel self-conscious as you look down at the long cargo shorts and yellow tank top, wondering what was drawing their attention. Your nerves are on fire hoping you hadn’t given yourself away before you even officially started. The DEA had given you a crash course on all things undercover, which seemed like nothing at all now you were here.

“Hey there, hon,” A warm voice broke you out of your panic and you look up into the blue eyes of the taller of the two men. He’s gorgeous, and his smile just makes your heart flutter, “New in town?” He asks as he sits to your right, his blonde hair sticking to his brow as you know yours is too. He’s dressed like every jock you’d ever met, blue button down, khaki chinos, white sneakers.

“Flew in today, gap year, taking a break from my PhD.” You grin as you respond with your pre-approved reasons for being in Bogotá, ready to launch into the in-depth backstory you had been given, but the handsome stranger just nods.

“The fuck you doing in Colombia, kid?” The other man’s voice comes from behind the blonde one. He stalks around his friend, quickly taking the seat on the other side of you. Suddenly you’re penned in by these strangers and panic is rising in your throat. The other man is the opposite in every way to his friend, his features sharp against a tousled mess of dark hair, a strong moustache adorns his upper lip. He sports a rich maroon shirt, and dark jeans. Unlike his friend, you can’t place his accent, only making you more wary of the pair.

“I’m- You begin but the blonde man interrupts you. He signals to the bartender to bring over another round of beers.

“She’s here on a gap year, José, here in Bogotá?” He informs his friend, a wicked smile spread across his face as you turn to the stern man to your left, his dark, scrutinising eyes afire with glee.

“What is a pretty girl like you doing in Bogotá? It’s not a nice place these days.” His tone is teasing, an echo of his friend’s. You want to just curl up and die, they’re clearly having fun toying with you. You feel like you’re twelve years old again, getting picked on the high school jocks.

I should have bought beer at the market, I could be at home, safe.

You think to yourself as you plaster a smile on your face.

“I’m travelling through South America for photography and, more importantly, life experience. “You wince internally, embarrassed that you were describing yourself as the kind of person avoid like the plague, all starry eyed, soaked in privilege and, worst of all, naive. “Going to be completing my PhD in photography when I get back. I want to capture the world through my eyes, y’know?” You let your eyelashes flutter a little as you speak.

“That’s pretty bold isn’t it, Stan?” The dark-haired man, José, asks, his lips set in a mocking smile. You can’t keep your gaze from drifting to the low cut of his shirt, left unbuttoned enough to show you the curve of his chest muscles.

“Very, mommy and daddy pay for this trip?” The blonde man, Stan, teases as you squirm. You’d happily take more gunshots outside your apartment than this. But you can’t help but notice that José’s gaze is lingering on you. Throughout the course of the teasing, you notice his eyes softening, curious and bright in the shabby lighting of the bar. You look back to Stan as you reply, tearing your eyes from the man who’s stirring a something inside you just by looking at you.

“I paid for it, my mommy and daddy aren’t around anymore.” You hiss bitterly at the rough treatment by these strangers, the information is only a half-truth. The DEA had paid for the whole thing after all, including your new camera. No matter how hot José is you don’t have to put up with this bullshit.

“Oof, stepped in it there, Stan,” José whistles low as he shoots you a slightly more sympathetic look, but the heat never leaves his eyes, “Sorry doll, he’s not the best with the ladies.”

“It’s fine, I’m just trying to have a drink before heading home.” You mutter, draining your beer in indication that you’re done. Your heart threatening to burst out of your chest as you try and get away from the two handsome men, already feeling like you’ve blown everything. The round of drinks land in front of you and you wince, not wanting to snub a kind gesture.

“No, I’m sorry, I’m heading back to my wife,” He says the final word with venom aimed at José and you almost smile, “Goodnight you two, enjoy the beers, have fun.” Stan waves as he walks away. You’re stunned, not sure what the hell had just gone on.

“Sorry about him, he caught me looking at you and decided to make it a whole thing.” José apologises, the skin around his warm brown eyes creasing at the corners as he grimaces at his friend’s teasing.

“It’s fine, I do think I need to get home though.” You insist, the interaction seems harmless but you’re already on edge. José is handsome, suave, a few years your senior, but you already want to run and hide from the world after the pair’s relentless teasing.

“Leave the beers, I’m sure I can share them around, how about a nightcap?” José asks with a smile as he gestures to the bartender, rolling off fluent Spanish as he orders the next round.

“Ok, but I do have to get back.” You insist but the large measure of whiskey is placed next to you makes you exhale. You were already feeling a little dizzy from the alcohol and lack of sleep, and you were conscious of not turning up hungover to your first day on the job.

“No worries, chica, one more drink.” José promises but you could see the flickering curiosity in his gaze as you fawn up at him. You wring your hands on the hem of your tank top before deciding to stay.

“So, what pick up lines do you usually use on the stupid American tourists?” You ask, savouring the rich spicy peat of a good whiskey. If living with your uncle had taught you anything, it was to appreciate good whiskey.

“Bold, I like it,” José chuckles as he nurses his own drink, “Usually that I’m a telenovela star trying to reconnect with my character, and that a night with a beautiful stranger is just what I need.” He rambles and you find yourself smiling, coming down from the adrenaline spike with ease as José’s face softens. He’d been all hard edges and brooding until you actually dared ask him a question about himself.

“Ah yes, because Arturo Peniche needed such inspiration to be so lusted after by little Latina aunties.” You tease and a flash of genuine delight crosses José’s face, and you take the win, knowing that you’re in good company.

“Where are you from, sugar? And how do you know who Arturo Peniche is?” José asks with genuine curiosity as you melt under his gaze. He smells divine, a perfect blend of smooth whiskey and not-cheap cologne that drives heat to your core.

“Albuquerque,” You had agreed that with the DEA, it made most sense, “But I grew up with an unorthodox family, my uncle loved telenovelas and I’d end up getting sucked in while doing homework after school.” You admit, the thought bringing you a soft buzz of nostalgia. José nods in approval.

“You and your uncle close then?” He asks, his tone light but you can see he’s reading everything you do, methodically.

“Yeah, when my parents passed, he took me in, I was ten?” You try and remember but it’s all a bit of a blur these days, “But yeah we were never close, but we bonded over our love of photography, guns, and Dolly Parton.” You admit, getting lost in your own thoughts as you realise, you’re giving way too much away to the second stranger you had actually spoken more than a few words to in Bogotá.

“So, your friend,” You gesture towards the door steering the conversation away from you, “He always such a good wingman?”

“Yes, and no, he’s always more interested in winding me up, than actually helping me score.” José admits with a shrug.

“I’d say he did a pretty good job.” You admit as you did enjoy watching José squirm a little.

“As my wingman? Or as an annoying prick?”

“Both.” You feel heat rising to your cheeks. The alcohol makes you bold as you place the empty glass on the bar, “But I have an early start, so I should be going.” You stand up too quickly and he steadies you with a strong, firm hand on your waist. You laugh at yourself as the heat rises to the tips of your ears.

“You alright, doll?” He asks as his other hand comes up to rest on your cheek. The calloused skin of his fingers is delightfully rough against your cheek. Your lips part involuntarily as you look up into his dark eyes, bottomless pools of chestnut and ochre, framed by long, thick lashes. The grip on your waist tightens slightly as you see his chest heave, the tan skin of his chest glistening slightly with perspiration. You’d never been one for one-night stands or casual hook-ups but something about the way this man was drinking you in had you weak at the knees.

“I’m fine, just tired from all of the travelling.” You whisper, your breath coming in shallow rasps as you try and resist the urge to kiss him. You wanted to blame the alcohol, but you were only slightly buzzed, a false sense of confidence flooding you as you smell his subtle, floral cologne that draws you closer to him.

“Need me to call you a cab?” He breathes, you feel his hand twitching on your waist as you feel him constraining himself.

“Please.” You nod, dropping your gaze to your feet, trying to reel yourself back from the point of no return. José turns to the bartender and asks him to call a cab for you, you let out a shallow breath as his hands leave you, trying to collect yourself.

“One’s on the way, come on I’ll wait with you outside.” He insists and you let him walk you out, the hot night air oppressive as you expect to step out into a cooler atmosphere than the bar.

“Fucking Colombia.” You grumble, not used to being so hot all the time, the presence of José at your back not helping matters. You stand in the alleyway, just off the street, waiting for the cab when you hear him chuckle from behind you. The snap of a zippo catches your attention as he lights a cigarette. You wrinkle your nose; you’ve always hated smoking. He catches the look on your face and snubs the unsmoked cigarette on the wall. He clearly doesn’t want to put you off if he was even remotely in with a chance of taking you home. You turn away, not trusting yourself to not throw yourself at him if you kept his gaze.

“Not a fan of the heat?” José asks as he eyes you from behind, you mentally beg him to step forward and close the distance, to grab you from behind and touch you. The tension is just too much.

“Not when I have so many clothes on.” You whisper, something in you hopes that it was too quiet to hear but the soft hum in your ear as strong arms circle around your waist, pinning you to him, confirms that he definitely heard you.

“You sure you need to go back to your place tonight?” He asks as he presses a soft, lingering kiss into the sensitive flesh of your neck, the brush of his moustache on your skin and the warm press of his lips bring a strangled moan to your lips and you feel his smile against your skin as he hears it.

“Yes, I really do.” You assure him, you ball your fists at your side as you try and fight the urge to tangle your fingers in his hair. You could feel his growing erection against your ass, and you whimper softly, this time he hadn’t heard you, to your relief.

“Shame, would have loved to hear what other noises I could tease out of you.” He chuckles as he sinks his teeth into your shoulder, sucking an angry mark into your neck, the sensation is enough to moisten your panties as your head rolls back in pleasure at the depraved act.

“Fuck.” You breathe as he plants a kiss on your jaw, nipping lightly as he thumbs the hem of your cargo shorts.

“Your ride’s here, shame, but maybe I’ll see you around before you leave Bogotá?” He asks as he pushes you forward. The abrupt release from his tight hold startles you and you just manage to right yourself before turning to scowl at him.

“Maybe, I don’t know how long I’ll be in town.” You say with a smile, “But maybe I’ll see you here Friday night?”

“Sounds like a plan, goodnight, sugar.” He gives you a mock salute and you roll your eyes, fumbling to get the back door of the cab open in your flustered state. You practically fall into the back seat as you give the driver your address. You try not to look back like a love-sick puppy as the car pulls away. You massage the spot where he had left a mark and hope that you can cover it up in the morning. Somehow.

Bogotá, what a fucking place.

~*~

You stand at your bathroom mirror, frustration rolling off you in waves as you take in the large, angry mark on your neck. You apply concealer and a bit of foundation over the mark, it looks better but it’s still there. You give up and glance at your watch, you have a few minutes before you needed to leave. You grab your camera bag and take one last look around your new home. It needed some decoration, especially if you were going to be here a while.

“Idiot, what were you thinking? Should have stayed home.” You curse yourself for being so stupid as you fly down the flights of stairs. You notice the tall blonde woman at the last moment, stopping just short of mowing her down in the foyer.

“Shit, sorry! Uh, lo siento!” You correct, forgetting where you were for a moment.

“No worries, hon, you alright there?” The blonde woman gives you a knowing smile as she looks pointedly at the already smudging makeup on your shoulder.

Another American, are there any Colombians in this part of town?

“Yeah, sorry I’m going to be late for work.” You blurt and the woman raises an eyebrow at you. “So, you’re not the woman Javi was with last night? I thought, seeing as you were coming from that direction…”

“Don’t know anyone called Javi. Sorry, ma’am!”

“Connie, Connie Murphy, my husband Steve, and I live in this block too. Nice to meet you” You give her your name and she nods, filing it away for future reference.

“Anyway, nice to meet you Connie, I really do need to run.” You apologise as you sprint out of the building.

Connie watches you go, a wry smile plastered on her face as she connects the dots.

“Oh Javi, what have you done?” She asks herself with a chuckle as she heads back into the apartment.

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Meet Fujifilm's New X100VI Digital Camera

While some might argue that a majority of consumer-grade photography nowadays is now mostly achieved through the use of smartphones, it goes without saying that there's still a sizeable population of enthusiasts and professionals who'd still rather get their photography done via a dedicated camera. This has resulted in some rather impressive hardware from the biggest names in the industry, including Fujifilm. With that in mind, the company recently unveiled the launch of the Fujifilm X100VI digital camera, which boasts some pretty cool features. The camera is the latest addition in Fujifilm’s X Series line of digital cameras, and Fujifilm says that the new model offers exceptional image quality, in addition to its compact size and lightweight profile, as well as Fujifilm’s colour reproduction quality.  Camera Design and Features Fujifilm says that the top and bottom of the X100VI's body is built from aluminium which is pressed and machined for sharp edges, while the surface is finely blasted for a smooth texture in addition to the anodised aluminium on its surface. The camera also features an LCD monitor for media viewing and playback which can be stored in a fully flat position, and also comes with touch support. Additionally, the control buttons on the back have been moved to a position that is easy to operate with the right hand. As the sixth-generation model in the X100 Series, the X100VI comes with the new 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, as well as a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. The camera also includes a newly-developed in-body image stabilisation function, with up to 6.0 stops. Fujifilm says that this is the first time that this feature has been incorporated in an X100 Series product, without a considerable increase in size and weight. Going back to the camera's hardware, the 40-megapixel CMOS 5 HR sensor inside is designed to allow more light to be captured in comparison to its predecessors, as well as native ISO 125 support. The X100VI also comes with a total of 20 "Film Simulation" modes, including a new ‘REALA ACE’ mode with a wide range of different tones. The camera also incorporates an autofocus prediction algorithm for reliable focusing that works even on moving subjects, with subject detection autofocus to accurately track a range of subjects. Fujifilm says that its developed using deep-learning AI technology, allowing it to detect wildlife, vehicles, and more. Other Details The X100VI also includes an ‘Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder’ that lets users switch between the optical viewfinder (OVF) and the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The latter is equipped with a high-resolution OLED panel with around 3.69 million dots for a clear visual user experience. The camera comes with a built-in ‘Electronic Range Finder’ (ERF) function allows a small EVF to be simultaneously displayed on the OVF, which can allow photographers to capture a subject in the OVF and subsequently magnify the in-focus area in the smaller EVF, making it convenient for snapshots and such. For video recording, there's built-in support for 6.2K resolution 30P movie recording that also supports tracking AF function during recording. One of the X100VI's most handy features comes in the form of Frame.io Camera to Cloud support, allowing users to wirelessly connect to an active internet connection, authenticate to Frame.io, and automatically upload photos and videos online right after creation, speeding up a user's workflow process. Pricing and Availability The X100VI will be sold in Black and Silver models, and will be available in the UK from 28 February 2024 from authorised retailers and the Fujifilm House of Photography in London starting at £1,599 including VAT. There will also be a special edition of the camera to celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary year, which will be available starting on 6th April at £1,934. The limited-edition models are individually numbered and delivered in a special box with strap, soft release button and history cards. The camera body is engraved with the original Fujifilm corporate brand logo from 1934, along with the unique serial number. Read the full article

one of the greatest but also most underrated point and shoot cameras

back in 2012 Zony(yes ZONY) dropped possibly one of the greatest little cameras ever to be released. it’s almost unheard of to have a Full Frame point and shoot that sports a 35mm f2. That’s no ordinary 35mm f2 either, that is a Zeiss Sonnar glued to this tiny little camera.

Pros: Small, Quiet, Autofocus, Digital, Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f2, 24mp sensor w/ 14+ stops of Dynamic Range, Macro mode.

Cons: slow autofocus, expensive, electronic connections sometime struggle to talk when turning on resulting in E:61: error code. (there are work arounds) The mk1 doesn’t have a viewfinder so you have to buy one separately.

the copy i got came with the external view finder.

after shooting with the camera i have no issues pushing the cons right under the rug because the images that you are capable of capturing with it are beautiful! i treat this camera as if it was a point and shoot film camera, so the slow Autofocus doesn’t bug me too much. its an almost perfect documentary camera.

Sony released 3 versions of this camera:

Rx1 (2012): 24mp with 14+ stops of dynamic range

Rx1r (2013): Same sensor, as the original it just doesn’t have the Anti- Aliasing filter. removing that filter adds sharpness and resolution.

Rx1rmk2 (2015) (a mouthful): adds a 42mp sensor, updated Af, and a built in view finder. pretty much a Sony A7R2 in the body of a point and shoot camera.

I really do live a charmed life - even my dreams are keen to help out, it seems. At some point during the course of the night, 
I was walking along a camino. 
On my right, there was a large, mostly dilapidated Finca, 
and behind that a pine forest. 
Between the two and with some erraticism there was a kite. 
Not just any kite though. It looked like it was made from old paper, roughly in the shape of an eagle. But two things made this kite really demand my attention. It was huge! Bigger than the finca it was trying to rise up beside, And Whoever was flying the kite seemed to be training their loft of white pigeons to help lift the kite; 
at least six of them spread along the front of the kite as it stuttered in the air, dipping in and out of sight behind the finca. I ran up the drive, trying to get closer, 
pulling my retro digicam from my pocket, 
turning it on, 
raising it to my eye (weird, as it doesn’t have an EVF - Electronic View Finder) 
… to find the camera was water-logged. It seemed to turn on but no screen nor lights sparked into life.
 I tried to take a photo as the kite lurched fleetingly into view.
The camera vibrated a little.
Had it caught the shot? I had no way of knowing. I almost never travel with just one camera, but left the 10x more expensive semi-pro camera in my pocket. There was a moment of “aww 😔 “ at the thought my digicam might finally be bust, 
but the thing was, because it was so inexpensive (in reality, in this instant, free) 
whilst never disrespectful of my equipment, 
if I had ever really wanted a shot over the last month, and the conditions - eg rain, sand etc - ran the risk of busting my devices, 
then I’d erred to using the digicam. Great photo vs. € 35- € 135 camera (eBay range of prices for this device) Great photo vs. € 1,299+ camera. Yeah, no. There was a TREMENDOUS freedom in that. Waking up, I’m pleased to say the digicam isn’t bust, although regrettably I don’t have the image of the kite to share with you. #ipreview via @preview.app (at Ibiza, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CprcKWctJWK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Tertiary Prepper Skills – Reconnaissance

The world of prepping is constantly evolving.  Just look at how far technological advancements in the past five to ten years have come and how it has benefitted not only the military and law enforcement but the prepper community as well.  But alas, with every technological advance, the prior way of doing things and that knowledge tends to slowly slip away into an abyss.  One major change has been in how we view defensive operations.  In the “ole” days one would have to reconnoiter if you needed to gather intel.  Fast forward to today and you ask any MAG, tribe, or prepper group, and more than likely they will have one, if not two, drones along with highly skilled and knowledgeable operators.  In essence, drones have become a force multiplier for not only the military but civilians as well.  The “eye-in-the-sky” is the new way of performing reconnaissance, but is it always the best way? DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECONNAISSANCE, RECONNOITER, AND SURVEILLANCE: Before going further, I want to take a moment to explain the difference between reconnaissance, reconnoiter, and surveillance.  Many times, these words are used interchangeably, but there is a difference between reconnaissance and surveillance.  Surveillance usually involves the use of electronic equipment (drones, surveillance cameras, wiretaps, etc.).  Meriam-Webster Dictionary definitions are as follows: Reconnaissance: (N) a preliminary survey to gather information  Reconnoiter: (V) to make a reconnaissance of Surveillance: (N) close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective) For the sake of this article, this tertiary prepper skill is going to be focused on utilizing old-school reconnaissance teachings to get back to the basics and not have to rely on technology, other than a comms system. If comms is not available, you could use a two-person team where one is a runner and communicates back to the team the findings of the reconnoiterer.  Lastly, there is nothing wrong with utilizing drones for surveillance or reconnaissance, however learning the manual way of collecting intelligence will ultimately help you and your group in the long run, if need be, given an EMP event. Once learned, meshing both drones and reconnoitering skills during TEOTWAWKI will only broaden your offensive and defensive security plan. The Prepper SKILLS OF RECONNAISSANCE: The GoArmy website definition for the military occupational specialty (MOS) 13F, or Joint Fire Support Specialist, is: As a Joint Fire Support Specialist, you’ll gather intelligence and enemy target location to help the Army determine where and how to deploy artillery in mission-based situations. You’ll set up and operate communications systems, encode, and decode messages, assist in the preparation of fire support plans, coordinate, and target, operate laser range finders, and target devices, and determine the target’s location using computers or manual calculations. The first part where it states, “gather intelligence and enemy target location” means in layman’s terms, stealthfully seeking out your enemy’s location without giving away your position and then reporting it back to your base of operations. This is mainly for FO’s (reconnoiterer) attached to light infantry and infantry airborne units (at least it was when I was an FO). Aside from getting to and setting up an observation post (OP), one must first be proficient in the art of stealthy reconnaissance.  This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the skills a forward observer needs to possess for reconnoitering are: - Topographic map reading - Day and night land navigation - Target / object distance estimation - Stealth and concealment - Radio operations (comms) - Physical and mental stamina - Ability to work autonomously - Basic survival knowledge (water procurement, wild edibles, etc.) - Intestinal fortitude In my belief, it is here that these skills should be more of a primary or possibly a secondary principle of prepping than a tertiary one.  Although drones can play an important role in OPSEC (Operations Security), physical reconnaissance has now become more of a TPS, which needs to be practiced and developed.  This is also one of the more elaborate tertiary prepper skills that need more attention than just a weekend or two to learn.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cF0ovA3FtY SCENARIO: It has been 9 days since the U.S. descended into chaos and it is a true WROL situation. The president shortly thereafter declares martial law across the United States, and all cellular towers and internet services have been disabled.  You hear chatter over the ham radio that there seems to be an estimated one-thousand-person caravan of starving people heading northbound on the major highway located five miles from where you live.  The horde is 15 miles away to the south currently.  There is also a secondary highway off the major northbound highway that skirts to within one mile of your bugout location.  If the caravan takes the secondary highway, you might have some serious problems, as scouts will most likely be venturing out to scavenge. To add insult to injury, it is dusk and the wind is blowing at 30 mph. You are hearing reports on the NOAA alert that a hurricane is coming inland and will be a tropical storm by the time it goes over your location.  (Yeah, it is a little far-fetched, but always try to incorporate Murphy’s Law into every scenario you develop.  You will thank yourself later.) This is where having reconnoiter experience as a tertiary prepper skill will come into play.  There are some knowns and unknowns in this scenario.  The Knowns are: - No one in the group has prepared for this type of scenario.  There is a potential threat approximately three to five hours away heading northbound in your direction (depending on how quickly a horde of starving people can walk). - The size of the caravan is reported to be 1k people. - You have one drone that is a long-range waterproof machine and can handle strong winds, but you risk the loss of the drone if you chance it.  - It is dusk and about to get ugly outside.  A hungry horde may be looking for a place to wait out a storm that could jeopardize your current location. The Unknowns are: - Is there really a large caravan of hungry people heading in your direction?  Are there really 1k people or is it only 50?  Is someone deploying psyop tactics in the hopes people in the surrounding area bug out and leave behind most of their prepper possessions? - Does the potential caravan threat have current vulnerabilities?  Are they armed?  Are they mostly women and children?  Are they all on foot or using other means of travel? - Your immediate group has not assessed and has had the time to process the risk of their vulnerability and potential of being exploited by a mass of starving people.  - Is it feasible to put countermeasures in place in such a short amount of time? The only way to address the unknowns is for someone from your prepper group, tribe, MAG, or even your family, to gather more intel to calculate this potential threat / non-threat and report it back to the team to take the necessary precautions. ITEMS NEEDED: Aside from the attributes above, to be successful at reconnaissance, one must start off with having the right equipment.  Although this is not an exhaustive list, this should give you a good idea of what you would need in the event you or someone from your group must perform these reconnoiter duties. - A 12-hour rucksack (5.11 Rush 12 2.0 is a good example) - 1:50,000 waterproof grid map of your area - Lensatic or orienteering compass - A good pair of binoculars (w/ range finder reticle pattern if possible; 10x50 magnification is a good start) - Two (2) military protractors (they are clear; two is one and one is none) - Pace counter beads - Comms (Ham, CB, or GMRS radio with an earpiece and small microphone would be preferred to remain as quiet as possible. You will also want a long enough antenna to transmit across harsh terrains.) - Range Cards - State Highway map (check your state’s dot.gov website for free visitor state highway maps) - Camouflage face paint - .3mm drafting mechanical pencils - Grease markers (non-permanent) - Large 4mil sealing plastic bag or map case - Flashlight or headlamp with red lens - Write in the rain notepad w/ pen - Rain Poncho - Firearm (Long Rifle or sidearm depending on the mission and terrain) - Proper seasonal clothing (camouflage preferably for your area, gray man if in the city or suburbs) - Proper footwear and socks for seasonal conditions - Water - Additional Items to consider:- Ghillie suit - Night Vision or Infrared (depending on budget) - Range Finder - Water Filter (Sawyer mini or squeeze) - BIC Lighter - IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) - Snacks - Ammo (consider the additional weight as to how many magazines you think you’ll need) - Paracord - Pocket road atlas This bag should always be packed to grab at a moment’s notice.  Do not confuse this bag with an INCH (I’m Never Coming Home) bag or a get-home / bug-out bag.  This bag has one purpose and that is for reconnaissance.  Try to avoid utilizing all the real estate on and inside the bag. Try to keep this bag around 15 lbs. if you can.  Remember, ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.  Being stealthy is the key to the mission.  Being a minimalist is also key here, so you will want just the essentials to get to your OP or area of reconnaissance so you can grab the intel and extract yourself quickly and quietly.  10 STEPS TO GETTING STARTED: The art of reconnoitering needs to be developed over time as there are many aspects and skills needed to be successful, especially in a grid-down situation or WROL.  If you are serious about having someone perform reconnaissance, here is a non-exhaustive list to get you pointed in the right direction. - Purchase as many of the above items on the list as possible (NOTE:  Do NOT try to find the cheapest protractors or compasses.  A protractor that needs to be “trimmed” is not worth buying.  A great Lensatic compass is Cammenga.  Buy once / cry once). - Invest in a 1:50,000 grid map if you can.  (https://mapstore.mytopo.com/) - Purchase (or download) Map Reading and Land Navigation (FM 21-26) OR (FM 3-25.26). - Study these manuals if you are unfamiliar with map reading and land navigation and figure out your pace count and commit it to memory. - Once you have acquired your reconnoiter materials and you have familiarized yourself with the information, figure out whom from your tribe, group, MAG, or family has any experience map reading, glassing, and/or hunting and can physically handle the reconnoiter responsibilities for your group. - This one isn’t critical, but you might want to set up a code word cheat sheet for you and your group if you are planning on communicating on an unsecured radio channel during an SHTF situation. (NOTE:  Please abide by all FCC regulations when utilizing open-air communication devices.) - Begin creating dry run scenarios with your group or family.  Start off small, say, reconnoitering a half click (500M) to a location where you can set up a camouflaged Observation Post (OP).  Use your preferred comms to call into your base station, group, or family what it is that you see. - Egress.  Try to determine on your grid map an egress or two before committing to your OP.  It is good practice to always think about your extraction plan as things might get squirrely once you get into position. - Red team everything.  After your dry runs, get back with your group or family and assess the pros and cons of what you have just practiced.  Do NOT fall into an echo chamber during this time and embrace confirmation biases.  These dry runs need to be taken seriously and they need to be dissected for both the good and the bad for them to be perfected.  Getting captured (or even killed) while on a reconnaissance mission jeopardizes not only your well-being but the safety of the group as well. - Practice, practice, and practice some more because Murphy never takes a day off.  Ever. CONCLUSION: Reconnoitering is a tertiary prepper skill that is going to take some time to learn if you have never done it before.  But be rest assured, thousands of soldiers every year learn the basic skills of land navigation and map reading and you can too.  This is a skill that you will want to develop sooner rather than later, especially while times are still somewhat calm.  Read up on your manuals, watch YouTube videos, and talk to military veterans to learn tips and tricks to better perform reconnaissance. Stay strong, keep learning new tertiary prepper skills, and enjoy stealth reconnaissance! Sgt. Silverman Read the full article

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Captures Video of Record Flight Imagery has come down from Mars capturing a recent flight in which the rotorcraft flew farther and faster than ever before. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter’s black-and-white navigation camera has provided dramatic video of its record-breaking 25th flight, which took place on April 8. Covering a distance of 2,310 feet (704 meters) at a speed of 12 mph (5.5 meters per second), it was the Red Planet rotorcraft’s longest and fastest flight to date. (Ingenuity is currently preparing for its 29th flight.) “For our record-breaking flight, Ingenuity’s downward-looking navigation camera provided us with a breathtaking sense of what it would feel like gliding 33 feet above the surface of Mars at 12 miles per hour,” said Ingenuity team lead Teddy Tzanetos of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The first frame of the video clip begins about one second into the flight. After reaching an altitude of 33 feet (10 meters), the helicopter heads southwest, accelerating to its maximum speed in less than three seconds. The rotorcraft first flies over a group of sand ripples then, about halfway through the video, several rock fields. Finally, relatively flat and featureless terrain appears below, providing a good landing spot. The video of the 161.3-second flight was speeded up approximately five times, reducing it to less than 35 seconds. The navigation camera has been programmed to deactivate whenever the rotorcraft is within 3 feet (1 meter) of the surface. This helps ensure any dust kicked up during takeoff and landing won’t interfere with the navigation system as it tracks features on the ground. Ingenuity’s flights are autonomous. “Pilots” at JPL plan them and send commands to the Perseverance Mars rover, which then relays those commands to the helicopter. During a flight, onboard sensors – the navigation camera, an inertial measurement unit, and a laser range finder – provide real-time data to Ingenuity’s navigation processor and main flight computer, which guide the helicopter in flight. This enables Ingenuity to react to the landscape while carrying out its commands. Mission controllers recently lost communication with Ingenuity after the helicopter entered a low-power state. Now that the rotorcraft is back in contact and getting adequate energy from its solar array to charge its six lithium-ion batteries, the team is looking forward to its next flight on Mars. More About Ingenuity The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter was built by JPL, which also manages the project for NASA Headquarters. It is supported by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley and NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, provided significant flight performance analysis and technical assistance during Ingenuity’s development. AeroVironment Inc., Qualcomm, and SolAero also provided design assistance and major vehicle components. Lockheed Space designed and manufactured the Mars Helicopter Delivery System.

lil mechs, me and a few friends of mine were talking about trying to salvage whats left of my original mech game because I killed the original narrative  and so started working on translating this design in to pixels the idea for this one was kinda like a cross between a mad dog and a catapult from battletech. the second version however has much less influence in its ideas and is a more medium version of the first.

 Think I might have lost some of the original technical info from the setting, but its supposed to function as a fire support/command mech, featuring a pair of heavy caliber autocannons for long range, and rapid fire smaller caliber for lighter targets/closer engagements.

The Farlar like to make robust equipment  with robust but cutting edge tech. Like extra viewing cameras or built in laser range finders to better hit targets from longer range, or linking pilots to their machines for better reaction etc.

But they wont go as far as to design very complicated mechs that are more people like in their design, like with fully functioning arms and such, the current Federated Republics of Farlar are more than happy to keep up this standard of mech design.

The medium version sheds a lot of the heavier guns, machine guns, and missiles for lasers and twin 40 mm gun mounts. They are meant to close the distance and overwhelm their opponents with overwhelming firepower and often run very hot due to the sheer amount of weapons on their frame.

I might try and dig up some of the Skattari Collective mech designs because those are a bit more fun and interesting, but other Factions Like The Imperial Vestige just use old Farlar mechs that they made off with, and anything they can capture or salvage

Whereas Ostilyia will just make whatever designs they can buy or whatever they make for export and have fewer domestic models because a significant part of their economy revolves around making weapons for other people.

These are some of the main factions in the current game I am working on, their importance in the mech game was mostly filtered down to what kind of mechs they made, but it is obs much more important in the current one as you are in the FRF specifically.

I dont want to say toooooooooooooooo much to give too much away, but the FRF is just trying to keep everything together after taking power back from the Imperials (now the Vestige who are trying to retake power and sabotage the new democratic government).

also these are def not finished and still need a bunch of work, but not bad translating some older drawings into pixel art in like 2 hours ^^

2022

Canon Ⅳsb改

SERENAR 50mm f1.8

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