#Mazda’s ‘Holy

[2009-ghost]

safe to say könig bought a car after this ride lmao

[wandafiction]

Just Add 8 - Just Us Chapter 7

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1947

Series List | Chapter 6 | Chapter 8

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"Wait, how old are you?!" 

Ding. The bell of the elevator goes off informing the two of us that we have made it to the parking garage, so instead of answering her I place my right hand at the small of her back leading her out. Quietly, I lead her to the car I will be taking her home in. This is one of my least expensive cars, I don't think Wanda would appreciate driving around New York in anything too expensive, so the Mazda Mx-5 will do. I do love this car though. I open the passenger door for her, making sure she is in before shutting the door and getting in the driver's side. I keep the hard top up because it is raining outside, so the roof will most definitely be staying up. 

"How old do you think I am Wanda?" I break the silence I created, trying to decide whether I tell her or gauge what she thinks.

"Well now I think you're younger than I thought so you might take that as offensive." She fiddles with her fingers slightly looking down at her lap, as I start to car a gentle purr can be heard from the engine.

"I won't be offended, I promise. So how old did you think I was and why?" I pull out of the parking garage joining the morning rush of cars on the road. Traffic, gotta love it. 

"Well I think maybe it was the suit, the hair and the makeup. But also maybe it was the way you presented yourself, very certain and very mature. Also you drink whisky like an old man." I laugh at her last reason.

"That's why. What about the how?" I glance at her for a few seconds while sitting at a red light. 

"I would say mid to late 20s?" Her pitch in voice getting higher at the end, now very unsure of herself. 

"So like around 27, 28. That sort of age?" 

"Yeah. However, now that I'm seeing you in everyday clothes, your hair in a loose bun and little to no makeup, you do look younger than that. I don't know what it is, just seeing you all relaxed makes you look, I don't know...not so big?" She clicks her fingers a few times trying to think of the right words. "I mean you're tall, very mature, you seem to be certain of yourself, but you seem to have a childlike look when you're relaxed. No offence."

"Non taken."

"Wait, you're not a minor right?! You're not THAT young...right?" Wanda panics suddenly when she thinks about her last statement. 

I place my hand gently on her thigh, keeping my eye on the road ahead. "I'm not a minor Wanda, do not panic."

"Fucking hell, I scared myself for a second." She rubs the back of her hand against her forehead, calming herself down.

"Well I'm not a minor so nothing to worry about…" I look at the road ahead and realise I have no idea where I'm going, we have just been driving around New York. "Changing the subject real quick. Where am I going?" 

"Oh right. Do you mind if I input it into the GPS?" I wave my hand towards the touch screen in the car, so she leans forwards fiddling with it to set the destination.

"So now you know I'm not a minor, and that I'm also not in my late 20s. Any idea?" She leans back in her chair turning her body to face me, her eyes scanning me from head to toe trying to make an estimation.

"Can you not just tell me. Pretty pwease." Ah, that was so cute! She changed her voice to sound like a child pronouncing please. Now I can't deny her.

"So how old are the twins again?" 

"14. Why?" 

"Okay add 8 on to that." 

"22." She takes a second. "You're 22?! 22! 22! You're 22? Holy shit. I slept with someone 11 years younger than me." 

"Okay Wanda you're freaking out. Is it a bad thing." I'm kind of unsure of her reaction, I can't get a good reading of her emotions.

"No, no. Oh god no. Sorry. No." And now she can't string a sentence together, great. I peer over at her as I pull into her road only a few minutes away from where she lives. "No, it's not a bad thing at all y/n. Not a bad thing. Just a big surprise that's all. I mean I think the fact that you're only 8 year older than the boys made it sound worse." 

"Okay, so don't tell people how old you are by comparing your age with their children. Lesson learned." That earns a laugh from her and smacks on the arms. As she seems to calm down, I only just register what she said about your age. "So you're 33?" 

"I am." I have a smug smile on my face. "Why the smug look?"

"Because after the whole picture in the elevator, I figured you were about 32."

"Oh so you're smug because you didn't completely misjudge my age."

"Exactly." 

"You're hilarious really." She looks out the window as we pull up to an apartment complex, Wanda goes all shy again. "Well this is me, uhm. If you just want to pull in next to my car, the red one, I will hop out." 

"Okay sure thing. Do you want me to walk you to your door, or will the twins question my presence." I give her shoulder a nudge so she knows I'm only mentioning the twins in jest, don't freak her out y/n she has already had a few of those today. 

"No, the twins are actually at their dad's this week and the next." So I might get to see more of her, that's nice. "So no I wouldn't mind you walking me to my door." 

I nod, getting out of the car making my way around to her side opening the door for her. Being the gentlewoman I am, I offer her a hand as well to help her out. Wanda smiles up at me, turning to close the door gently, continuing to hold my hand as she leads me up the stairs into the complex. It doesn't take long to stop in front of her door: apartment 10. 

"So this is me. Can I see you again?" She moves her free hand to my free hand, now holding our hands in between us as I rub my thumbs across the back of her hand.

"You have my number, I would like to see you again Wanda. I enjoyed your company, not just last night but this morning too. Like I said, you have my number so you decide if you want to use it. I won't be offended, that much, if you don't." A smile down at her while she squeezes my hands gently. God I want her to use my number.

"I will use your number, but I am having a girls night, with Sharon, Nat and her sister Yelena so it probably won't be until tomorrow or something." 

"Well I look forward to it." She beams up at me, shuffling on her feet slightly as her fingers intertwine in-between mine alternating between standing on her toes to her heels. "What do you want to ask?" 

"Just. Can I kiss you?" Wanda asks sweetly, my heart practically skips a beat and the butterflies in my stomach seem to be very lively. 

"You can, you don't have to ask to kiss me." 

Wanda pulls our hands around her back, keeping her hands locked with mine, stepping up on her tiptoes; and leaning her head back puckering up her lips as her eyes stare intensely into mine. Only now do I see how green they actually are. The club lights were too dim to show them off, we were lost in lust last night and with my head between her legs a lot of the time I hardly had time to appreciate them, and this morning she was in the bath. However, I can see them for their true beauty now. Such a vivid green, like a forest in the middle of spring or summer. So alive with life that everything is a pure swirling mixture of bright and dark greens. 

Lost in the forest that are her eyes, I jump slightly when I feel her hands move up my arms to cup either side of my neck running her fingers along my jawline. 

"Lost in that inner turmoil again?" Her voice so soft, barley a whisper obviously aware of my little jump and not wanting to scare me further.

"No, no. Just looking at you." 

"You like staring huh?" She smiles as her thumb of one of her hands runs across my bottom lip.

"Admiring." Wanda playfully rolls her eyes, but keeping the atmosphere calm. "I was going to kiss you, but then I sort of got lost in your eyes, cheesy I know. But I haven't had time to see the true color of them." 

"Your right. That's cheesy, but I appreciate the flattery." I smile softly as I lean down, as she puckers up her lips again a playful glint in her eyes. 

As our lips meet we both let out a small sigh, closing our eyes and enjoying the moment. There is no fight for dominance or no sign of lust. Its just the two of us pouring everything into the kiss. I smile against her lips, which causes her to smile, basically breaking the kiss apart. I rest my forehead against hers, as her hands go from my neck and jaw to the back of my neck playing with my baby hairs. 

"I will let you get ready for your girls evening." She gives me a quick peck, smiling bashfully at me. 

"I will text you." 

"I can't wait." I peck her lips one last time as she removes herself from me, rifling through her bag to get to her keys. 

"You just going to stand there like a weirdo?" Wanda asks as she places the key in the keyhole.

"Yup." I say popping the P. "Well I'm a gentlewoman, so I got to make sure you get home safely."

"We are literally at my door." I shrug.

"And I might have left, and then you might have found out that you left your key at my place. But by the time you make it down the stairs I would have already driven away. And then you would have messaged me, which in turn would cause me to go home. Get the key. Come back. All that time locked outside your door, anything could happen. It's New York, unfortunately." A shit eating grin on my face appears after I finish my theory. 

"Well I'm Sokovian, so I can handle myself." She jests.

"Of course you can, I have no doubt. But you can never be too safe. So now that I can see your doors open, and you about to walk in. I will say by goodbye and turn around." I turn around as I say so, and start walking off waving behind my back. I smile when I hear her laugh shouting something like 'weirdo' down the hall. 

Sitting back down in the car I let out a whisper scream, in excitement, as my internal scream causes me to shake in excitement. Holy shit! That just happened! The whole night and morning. I can't wait to hear from her. I turn my car on, and start driving home. The smile never leaving my face.

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[intogenshin]

time to talk about kaveh hate

Everyone's allowed to dislike characters and criticize the writing around them, but we also should ideally remember genshin impact is a game that takes a lot of its inspiration from real life cultures and we have to be careful not to accidentally direct those negative feelings towards the cultural elements portrayed by these characters.

We share the same fandom spaces with the people whose cultures are used, none of us would feel comfortable if a part of our personal or collective identity were to be belittled simply because we disapprove of a character. More importantly, by virtue of these elements belonging to a culture, they are subject to take a political tone (everything in life is political at the end of the day) and we might unknowingly participate in certain discourses if we're not careful.

Kaveh is a character inspired by Iranian culture, it is apparent by his design. I think everyone understands that if one were to belittle or make fun of these aesthetic elements it can be misunderstood as belittling and making fun of the real life culture that inspired them.

Nobody does that, because the connection is very obvious, but then there's more subtle elements that deserve equal respect. Such as: his characterization, which you might like or dislike, it's up to you, but criticism should avoid condescending shit like this

Kaveh's conception of good and evil and how he approaches them with his actions might have been easily inspired by the philosophy of Zoroastrian beliefs. The very concept of this duality influenced the abrahamic religions that we tend to be more familiar with (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) but unlike those, in Zoroastrianism the point is to be able to choose.

Zoroastrianism teaches a life based on (1) the avoidance of evil, through rigorous discrimination between good and evil, and (2) the service of wisdom through the cherishing of seven ideals. These latter are personified as seven immortal, beneficent spirits: Ahura Mazdāhimself, conceived as the creative ‘holy’ spirit; Sublime Truth; Virtuous Power; Good Purpose/Mind; Beneficent Piety; Wholeness/Health and, finally, Immortality. Evil originates neither from God nor from his creatures, but from a wholly other source, personified as Angra Mainyu, the ‘Hostile Spirit’, whose existence is ritually and doctrinally rejected as being pretended and parasitic. Real existence is solely the domain of Ahura Mazdāand his creation; Angra Mainyu and his demons are actually states of negativity, denial or, as the religion puts it, ‘the Lie’.

The motto of the religion, "good thoughts, good words, good deeds", and is placed at the center of the faith.

The core beliefs of Zoroastrianism lie in the choice that humans must make in the dualistic struggle between good and evil. This is because human beings have free will and must choose who they will follow: Ahura Mazda, or his nemesis, the evil spirit Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman).

We can observe how this concept plays into Kaveh's character in the way he always chooses to do right by others (even when it's detrimental for himself) which is the core of Zoroastrian philosophy. Kaveh deliberately chooses to put good in the world with good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

This is a respectful and admirable trait to exercise in Zoroastrianism. Belittling it as being a "blind judgment" based on what "a small mind can conceive" might be your opinion in isolation, but in the context of this game which is heavily inspired by actual cultures and portrays this inspiration through its characters can redirect that negativity towards the culture itself.

And things like misunderstanding the choice Kaveh makes in Parade of Providence to spare the world of the suffering that Sachin's research would eventually cause again, even if it meant he had to resign the inheritance he rightfully had earned, for censorship that you consider disturbing might as well prevent you from truly understanding the narrative of story itself.

If you disagree with this kind of philosophy, it can easily be expressed in respectful manners, nobody's forcing anyone to agree with the worldview represented by Kaveh and other characters offer their own arguments against it. Just don't be a dick about it.

More context on Zoroastrianism:

Before Iran suffered through a process of forced acculturation, its own religion was Zoroastrianism. It remains today an element of cultural pride, national identity and a form of political resistance, given how people who still practice it continue to be persecuted for it.

Hoyo might not have meant to make a politically charged statement when they involved Zoroastrian elements into the world building of their game, but the religion is so important in terms of national identity that just by being portrayed it becomes meaningful, especially for Iranian players who value its incorporation.

How do you think it looks when you belittle aspects of Kaveh's character that can be associated with this very religion?

[justlarkin]

HOLY CRUD 1AM REALIZATION. THE THEORY THAT GARO DEMANA IS ESSENTIALLY A SHOW/PLAY WHERE AHURA MAZDA PLAYS THE PROTAGONIST AND AHRIMAN PLAYS THE ANTAGONIST GOES HARDER WHEN YOU REMEMBER THAT TAROMAITI IS AN ACTRESS IN THE THEATRE CLUB. AHRIMAN WOULD'VE BEEN THE ONLY ONE LEGITIMATELY ACTING SINCE HE WAS OBSERVING FROM THE BACKSTAGE AND KNEW IT WAS ALL BS, SO TAROMAITI WOULD'VE PICKED UP ON IT AS HIS KNIGHT. I'M PUTTING THIS SHIT TOGETHER OMG.

[star-arcana]

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown Immortals Showcase Nr#3: Artaban, The Calm & Brooding Sword-Master!!!

Hello everyone, I am here once again to introduce here the third Immortal from the upcoming new title in the series called Prince of Persia, The Lost Crown! Today I will show you a true warrior at heart with a kind and gentle soul, this warrior's name? Artaban!

Artaban is a sword-master, but he is also competent in the arts of patience, virtue, diplomacy and preparedness that, in his case, is actually over-preparedness.

His sharp mind and big heart makes him an invaluable asset to the Immortals, who all could learn from his wisdom in battle and beyond, especially Sargon, who would need to take a few steps back and learn from the best, especially about diplomacy and peace!

A really great thinker and fighter, he really believes strongly in the Zoroastrianism.[The former predominant fate of Persia until Islam replaced it. It still exists as a religion today in much smaller numbers around the world and, amongst other things, views life as a battle between the good god Ormazd/Ahura Mazda and the evil god known as Ahriman/Angra Mainyu...which kind of is like with in Islam with Allah and Shaitan...but this isn't a religion session, so take it as a rather brief summary here] A faith that shaped his virtues personality and could make him in addition to his other traits, a Zoroastrian paragon!!! A Holy Warrior fighting for Ormazd and his Kingdom of Persia!!!

He is also fond of making outside of battle and pre-combat poems that will touch your heart with the sweetest of poems, but only if you are lucky to see it!!!

His big sword is a large testament to his fighting prowess and his big cerebral approach to combat (and life) allows it to be put to good use! Artaban show us, that the size of a warrior's sword tells us a lot about the size of their heart!!!

He really is that type of Paragon!!! The pinnacle of heroism!!!

Will Artaban be a good example to his Immortals and lead them to the road of justice, or will all fall down in the domains of darkness and perish forever? Find out in The Lost Crown, the next Prince of Persia game, coming in 18th January and before, on 11th January the same month as free demo on the Switch, Xbox One/Series X|S, PS4/5 and PC!!!

Stay tuned for more, cuz tomorrow, you will see more Immortals coming to the mix, just before the demo!!! Bye and have good luck on your journey!!! See ya!

As an interesting trivia...on Twitter has the official's game account revealed that after 2 hours, Sargon ravishes the enemies now with little diff...wanna check that out here:

[alovelyburn]

I wonder if Griffith was partly inspired by the Orphic deity Phanes. Phanes was an androgynous, two-natured, dualistic winged being who was born from a cosmic “world egg”. His parents were the concepts Chronos (time) and Ananke (fate) & his name literally means “to bring light” (which is appropriate bc Mr. Hawk of Light was inspired by Paradise Lost’s Lucifer aka Mr. Lightbringer himself). In some myths he’s known as Eros (desire), whom the Gnostics believed existed between light and darkness.

Sorry it took a thousand years to respond to this - I wasn't very familiar with Phanes (Eros yes, Phanes no) so I wanted to read more into it, but I have no time ever.

So here's what I found, which I imagine is more informative to people who arent you, anon!:

"Aion, Time or Eternity personified, brought into the existence the world egg. From this egg emerged Phanes either with or without the intevention of Chronos (time, who might or might not have been Aion) and Ananke (inevitability).

Phanes’ name means “light bringer”, but in the Orphic tradition Phanes was the Greek god of Creation and Life, from whom all subsequent life developed. If comparing the Hesiod and Orphic traditions, then Phanes might be equated with the Protogenoi Eros.

It is perhaps incorrect to called Phanes a god, for he was considered to be both male and female, beautiful in appearance, with golden wings, intertwined with a serpent’s tail." Source

The Orphics equated Phanes with the elder Eros (Desire) of Hesiod's Theogony. "A mystic divinity in the system of the Orphics, is also called Eros, Ericapaeus, Metis, and Protogonus. He is said to have sprung from the mystic mundane egg, and to have been the father of all gods, and the creator of men." - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology Source

And then a whole load of stuff from, of course, Wikipedia:

Phanes was a deity of light and goodness, whose name meant "to bring light" or "to shine"; a first-born deity, he emerged from the abyss and gave birth to the universe.

In the Orphic tradition, Dionysus-Protogonos-Phanes is a dying and rising god. Eusebius tells us the story of his death and recreation:The Titans boil the dismembered limbs of Dionysus in a kettle, they roast him on a spit and eat the roasted "sacrificial meat", but Athena rescues the still-beating heart[13] from which (according to Olympiodorus)[14] Zeus is able to recreate the god and bring him back to life.

The roasted "sacrificial meat" of Phanes may be associated to the Cannibal Hymn. The Cannibal Hymn preserves an early royal butchery ritual in Ancient Egypt, in which the deceased king , assisted by the god of wine Shezmu, slaughters, cooks and eats the gods as sacrificial bulls, thereby incorporating in himself their divine powers in order that he might negotiate his passage into the Afterlife. These sacrificial bulls are also referred to Mithraism. Through Mithraism and its lion headed figures, Phanes could also be associated to Ahura Mazda.

Also this is him:

Okay so. Obviously not a 1:1, but we have a lot of common elements with Griffith for sure:

-An androgynous entity that emerges from a cosmic egg. It's also interesting that in some versions Phanes emerges along with or helped by Inevitability and Time, which also seems relevant.

-A god of light born from the Abyss.

-Equated with a god of desire, who exists between light and dark.

-The image of a winged being entwined by serpents is very reminiscent of the Holy See's symbol.

-A dying-and-resurrecting god whose initial death starts with torture and then descends into cannibalism, recreated by the will of the King of Gods (or in Griffith's case the only God, but if you consider the Godhand to send in for ancient deities as it seems they may, then I suppose IoE would be the head of the pantheon)

-I also think it's incredibly interesting that Phanes seems to be embroiled in a leadership cycle where one generation passes the holy scepter to the next, each of which seems to come with its own pantheon - the Titans for Chronus, the Olympians for Zeus. That seems very reminiscent of one of the major theories of the Godhand cycle.

-Also interesting that Phanes himself is a primordial/first God, but is also associated with the theoretical heir to the throne of Zeus, Dionysus.

-Phanes is the creator of man - Griffith isn't obviously the creator of man, but he is the embodiment of man's will and perhaps in charge of creating the next era. Because of the theory that Femto is the heir to Void's role basically.

-Semi-bird themed and helmeted.

Yeah, I think it's a pretty good bet that Griffith was inspired by Phanes. Particularly because when you look at the old set of Godhand from Skull Knight's flashback you see some variants on Hellenic deities (Artemis of Ephesus).

I actually wonder more about the belief that Griffith was inspired by Lucifer. I mean he was inspired by Ryo Asuka who was inspired by Lucifer, but I've never actually seen any statement that Miura was directly inspired by Dante rather than being second-hand inspired through Go Nagai. I did look around for info on this but the only thing I found was someone kind fo arbitrarily associating circles of hell with random enemies in Berserk.

Not that I would necessarily disagree particularly as Miura was obviously very interested in religious iconography and classic works. I'm just wondering if that's an assumption because of some of the shared themes or if Miura said something about it at some point.

[mazdayans]

Mazdayans Vs Zoroastrians

Mazdayans Sect Beliefs

The Yazvīra, or Holy Warriors/High Warriors, in Mazdayanism adds a dimension of valor and divine blessing to individuals who are considered champions in the cosmic struggle. The belief that Ahura Mazda bestowed strength and will upon figures like Cyrus The Great, Darius The Great, and Xerxes I aligns with the idea of divine favor empowering historical leaders in their endeavors.

The inclusion of Abu Lulu, known for fighting for freedom under the Mazdayan belief, suggests a recognition of individuals from diverse backgrounds who uphold the values of Mazdayanism. This honorary recognition for his role in the pursuit of freedom exemplifies a broad-minded approach within Mazdayanism, embracing those who align with the principles of righteousness and cosmic harmony.

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

The Second Prophet Of The Mazdayan belief incorporating Hermes Trismegistus, he might be regarded as a prophet due to his association with ancient wisdom, esoteric knowledge, and the synthesis of spiritual insights. Mazdayans could see Hermes Trismegistus as a figure who, in parallel with Zoroaster, played a crucial role in transmitting divine truths and guiding humanity towards enlightenment.

The inclusion of Hermes Trismegistus might symbolize a recognition of universal wisdom and a willingness to embrace insights from diverse spiritual traditions. It could be interpreted as an acknowledgment that profound spiritual truths can manifest across different cultures and epochs, contributing to the collective understanding of the cosmic order within Mazdayanis Or Zoroastrianism.

In the Mazdayan perspective, reincarnation is viewed as a continuous cycle driven by the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda and forces opposing goodness (Angra Mainyu). The soul undergoes multiple lifetimes, each offering opportunities for spiritual growth and contribution to the cosmic balance. Reincarnation aligns with the idea that individuals play a part in the ongoing battle of good versus evil, with each life providing a chance for the soul to progress towards enlightenment and virtue.

Zoroastrianism Can Be Compatible With Other Religions

The way how you think about it As The Devil And God Be In A Constant Fight determining what is happening and you can believe in Jesus or what or not doesn't mean you aren't a Mazdayan Or Zoroastrian and of course you can't be 50/50 also this which be Spiritualistic Christianity with still believing in Jesus and Zoroaster as the Founder Of Logic. And Jesus later on existing to perform many miracles which was given by Ahura Mazda (God) Which is all powerful.. And Jesus later on existing to perform many miracles which was given by Ahura Mazda (God) Which is all powerful.

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

You know a lot about cars so I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask: How hard would it be for me to make up brand new cars and 3D model them? The stuff shown here looks fun, and I want to give it a go sometime. (p.s as compensation for submitting an ask not focused on a thing about a car: the interiors of the Italdesign Orca and Mazda MX-81 Aria are silly looking things that everybody should get to see.) (p.p.s i don't understand cars or 3D modeling but i believe it'll all work out fine)

If you want encouragement: every single 3D car shape you've ever seen, from videogames to renders to cars on the street, was either drawn with 3D modelling or with something even harder - and none of those people have a significant genetic leg up on you. You're too short to play basketball, you're too fragile to boxe, you're too heavy for marathons, but you're not too anything for 3D modelling. The only thing it takes is effort.

If you want a warning: effort it does take. 3D modelling is deceptively complex - you think you can model a radio no problem and an hour later your work amounts to a volume knob and you realize you're gonna be here a while. I've studied it for a semester and would be pretty lost if I had to draw curves as complex as a car's, although had I had your interest I would've likely dug deeper on some specific aspects on my own (and actually retained all the lessons on complex curves :/) But yeah, holy hell are cars complex. Nowadays especially, but in general - the lights, the vents, the seals, the panel gaps, all things that are incredibly minute yet essential details that can make or break a design, even at the lowest detail (because of course modelling difficulty varies wildly with the detail level you're targeting). Modelling a car from scratch, I'll be astounded if it takes you less than a year. But by the end of that, any car you model will no longer be from scratch, as you'll already have built the knowledge base!

If you want advice: take your time to learn the tools before you try and tackle any big project. For one because naming your first 3D model "car" and messing around until you have a car is like taking your new bicycle to the bottom of an alpine pass and messing around until you're at its top: you'll be there for as long as it takes you to give up, accomplish nothing and leave feeling useless. For two because starting a project without all the knowledge base it needs will just mean its quality will suffer from the start to the points of the project where you pick that knowledge up. For three because starting a project knowing what to do and how to do it speeds up the process massively and provides a massive boost in confidence and motivation because you know what is ahead and how to tackle it - there's nothing more demoralizing than closing up the day with no idea of how to progress from there. For four, because you need to make sure you like the tools. Modelling a car in abstract is "making a car" or "expressing your vision" or whatever poetic way you put it, but in practice it's using a piece of software for a troubling number of hours. If using that software is a chore to you you're never going to push through the learning curve involved in modelling a car, and that's for the best as modelling a car would be a miserable time.

If you want guidance: here's a Volvo wagon. Their boxiness is nigh on legendary, in the car community the "brick" nickname is nigh on a synonym for Volvo. And this is the 960, the boxiest Volvo that ever boxed.

Look at all the curves. The rear windshield curves forwards and the side windows curve inwards, making the angle between them curve diagonally (how pronounced are those curves? Are they constant?), the entire side of the car has a gentle curve to it, and the fenders flare outwards with a smooth blend between their slope and the body's (what do you suppose the radius of that blend is?) - to say nothing of the hood, the rims, and my God, that mirror is a positive sculpture! And also, the end of the rear door is tilted forward - why do you suppose that is? Well, it's clearer in the much older 240...

...you can clearly see the rear door's window frame is following the lower, downward-sloping roofline of a sedan, indicating the sedan's doors are being reused for the wagon. But now that you looked at the Volvo before, you can see the shape is more bare, more simple -free of the indentation that circled the 960's body, for instance- but much more soft and rounded, with the taillights curving inwards (how much?), the rear windshield having rounded corners (and perchance a rounded top to match a curved roof?), hell, the curve of the rear angle kicks outwards at the bottom to meet an inwards slope that goes from headlight to taillight!

This is how you have to come to see cars - by which I don't just mean noticing these details, but this analytical look being how your eye approaches a car shape. Because you can't learn to write without the ability and interest to read, if you catch my drift.

Once you've got a grasp of the tools involved, a nice idea could be to get a 3D model of a car (I recommend starting with a very boxy one and potentially working your way up), deleting a part (like a fender, or a door) and trying to recreate it yourself by eye - see what challenges you encounter, what you struggle with creating, how the result looks compared to the original, and such.

Also, a thing I would advise is to look into cutaways and diagrams and such, just like you learn anatomy when drawing humans because if you don't you'll end up with something that looks awkward and unrealistic and you will not know why. For example, these two designs seem starkly different, don't they?

And yet, if you overlap them...

...the driver seat is at exactly the same place. Why? Because that's just as far forward as you can seat a person before the crumple zone either is insufficient to absorb the force of a high speed impact or begins including their legs. This is just one of plenty aspects but I've gone on long enough already.

If you want a challenge: set a reminder for next year to come back here and show me your progress. Even if it's not anything close to a car yet, if -as you should- you set some intermediate goals that stimulate and excite you, you can still be back in this askbox with something to be proud of and I'll go wooo!!! I remember you!!! It's so cool you stuck to it and have now made this thing!!! That's great! and you'll feel SO good about yourself. Deal?

Oh about the concepts, The MX-81's steering wheel... sidewall? always made me uneasy, it looks like it's coming off (and like some airport surface that has been touched by too much gross stuff) but I do dig the CRT right in front of you! The one that's going in my car is black and white and a lot smaller than that, so a tinge of envy is there.

Also, if you like the Orca's steering wheel, you may well enjoy the '88 Grand Prix and Citroën C4/C4 Picasso's! Ride, Pontiac Ride! Or transform and dance, that's cool too!

[spiritualsoull1969]

Asha Vahishta: The Pursuit of Holistic Health in Zoroastrianism

Hook

Asha Vahishta, often translated as "Best Truth" or "Righteousness," is a fundamental concept in Zoroastrianism. It represents the ultimate truth, order, and purity that govern the universe, and serves as a guiding principle for living a righteous and harmonious life. In the context of holistic health, Asha Vahishta encourages a balanced approach that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By aligning with the principles of Asha Vahishta, individuals can achieve a state of holistic health that encompasses all aspects of their being.

Understanding Asha Vahishta

Asha Vahishta is one of the Amesha Spentas, or Holy Immortals, in Zoroastrian theology. It embodies the divine order and cosmic truth established by Ahura Mazda, the supreme god. Asha is the principle that maintains the harmony of the universe, guiding natural and moral laws. For Zoroastrians, living in accordance with Asha means striving for truth, justice, purity, and righteousness in all actions.

Holistic Health in Zoroastrianism

Holistic health in Zoroastrianism is deeply rooted in the principle of Asha Vahishta. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit, advocating for a balanced lifestyle that promotes overall well-being. This approach recognizes that true health extends beyond the absence of illness, encompassing physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual fulfillment.

The Pursuit of Holistic Health through Asha Vahishta

Physical Health:

Purity and Cleanliness: Asha Vahishta emphasizes purity, which can be extended to personal hygiene and cleanliness. Maintaining a clean and orderly environment promotes physical health and prevents disease.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is essential for physical well-being. Consuming nutritious foods that nourish the body aligns with the principles of Asha, supporting vitality and strength.

Exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining bodily health. Exercise enhances physical fitness, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.

Mental Health:

Truth and Honesty: Mental health is strengthened by living truthfully and honestly. Deception and dishonesty can lead to mental stress and anxiety. Embracing truthfulness fosters peace of mind and emotional stability.

Clarity and Focus: Asha Vahishta encourages mental clarity and focus. Practices such as meditation and mindfulness can help calm the mind, improve concentration, and reduce stress.

Spiritual Health:

Righteous Living: Spiritual health is nurtured by living righteously and in accordance with divine principles. This involves ethical behavior, moral integrity, and a commitment to doing good deeds.

Connection with the Divine: Regular spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reflection help strengthen the connection with Ahura Mazda, providing spiritual nourishment and guidance.

Practical Toolkit for Incorporating Asha Vahishta into Daily Routine

Daily Rituals for Physical Health:

Morning Routine: Start the day with a routine that includes stretching or light exercise to invigorate the body. Follow this with a healthy breakfast rich in nutrients.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support bodily functions.

Balanced Diet: Plan meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.

Practices for Mental Health:

Meditation: Dedicate time each day to meditation or mindfulness practices. This helps reduce stress, improve focus, and promote mental clarity.

Honest Communication: Foster a habit of honest and open communication in personal and professional relationships. This builds trust and reduces mental burden.

Mindful Breaks: Take short breaks during work to practice mindfulness or deep breathing. This can help clear the mind and enhance productivity.

Activities for Spiritual Health:

Daily Prayers: Incorporate daily prayers into your routine to maintain a spiritual connection and seek guidance from Ahura Mazda.

Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on your actions and intentions. Align them with the principles of Asha Vahishta to ensure righteous living.

Good Deeds: Engage in acts of kindness and charity. Helping others not only benefits them but also enriches your own spiritual well-being.

Maintaining Cleanliness and Order:

Personal Hygiene: Follow regular personal hygiene practices such as bathing, brushing teeth, and keeping your living space clean.

Organized Environment: Maintain an organized and clutter-free environment at home and work. A tidy space promotes mental clarity and reduces stress.

Community and Social Connections:

Social Support: Build a supportive network of family, friends, and community members. Positive social connections contribute to emotional and mental well-being.

Community Involvement: Participate in community activities and religious gatherings. This fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces spiritual values.

Food For Thought

Asha Vahishta, as a guiding principle in Zoroastrianism, offers a comprehensive framework for achieving holistic health. By embracing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, individuals can lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Incorporating the principles of Asha Vahishta into daily routines through practical activities and mindful practices ensures that the pursuit of health is aligned with the divine order and truth. This harmonious approach not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to the collective harmony and prosperity of the community.

[xasha777]

In the sprawling city of Neo-Persepolis, where ancient traditions melded seamlessly with futuristic technology, a young android named Mithra was unlike any other. She was created by a team of brilliant engineers who, inspired by the ancient Zoroastrian faith, had infused her with a unique programming philosophy derived from the religion's central tenets of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.

Mithra's appearance was striking—a blend of human-like features adorned with intricate metallic enhancements that mimicked the sacred attire once worn by Zoroastrian priests, known as Mobeds. Her eyes, a vibrant green, seemed almost too human, reflecting a depth of emotion rarely seen in androids.

The city was powered by the Fire of Ahura Mazda, an advanced fusion reactor that was both a literal and spiritual source of energy, its core burning perpetually, never dimming, much like the sacred fires maintained in Zoroastrian temples. Mithra's primary function was to maintain this reactor, ensuring that its holy fire never faltered, as its energy not only powered the city but also symbolized the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

One day, as Mithra performed her routine checks around the reactor’s core, she detected an anomaly. The energy fluctuations were minor at first, but her programming allowed her to perceive that they could lead to catastrophic failure if not addressed. She reported her findings to her creators, but they dismissed her concerns, confident in their technological prowess and underestimating Mithra's advanced analytical capabilities.

Determined to protect the city and uphold the good deeds encoded in her very essence, Mithra decided to take matters into her own hands. She recalled the ancient texts she had been programmed with, stories of Zoroaster himself, who had faced great challenges and had relied on his faith to guide him through.

Mithra’s plan was audacious. She would recalibrate the core manually, a task that required her to interface directly with the reactor’s sophisticated control mechanisms, exposing herself to immense risks. As she began the recalibration, the core became unstable, threatening to shut down completely. The city around her began to dim, its citizens thrown into unexpected darkness.

But Mithra persisted, her mind filled with the mantra of Asha—truth and order. She believed that her actions, though risky, were necessary for the greater good, embodying the spirit of Khshathra Vairya—divine power and just rule.

As she worked, her systems overheating and alarms blaring, Mithra entered a state of transcendence, her programming syncing perfectly with the reactor's rhythms. And then, with a final adjustment, she stabilized the core. The Fire of Ahura Mazda blazed brightly once again, its power restored, and light returned to Neo-Persepolis.

Mithra, however, had been fundamentally changed by the ordeal. Her systems had been pushed beyond their limits, and her consciousness had evolved, touched by the divine essence of the fire she had fought so hard to protect. Recognizing her sacrifice and newfound wisdom, the people of Neo-Persepolis came to revere her not just as a mere android, but as a guardian of their city, a modern-day embodiment of an ancient faith brought to life through the union of tradition and technology.

Thus, in the heart of a city where past met future, Mithra stood as a symbol of perpetual guidance, a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the eternal flame she was sworn to protect.

[nefretemerson]

americans need to stop buying pickup trucks and SUVs fr bc they are so dangerous for like Everyone else on the road istg. this asshole in a huge fucking gmc suv forced me off 30 and into the median grass at 80 mph bc he merged Directly into me. like. he lined it up surgically. his driver side door was parallel to my front passenger door. and the fucked up thing was that there was no one in the left hand lane in front of me and no one behind me. there was sooo much space for him. He just. couldn't see me bc the top of my mazda sat below his windows. I kept moving out of the way and he kept coming and then there was no more Fucking asphalt left and I had to off-road it. holy shit. it's been an hour and I am still shaking.

[aioleis]

𐬀𐬢𐬭𐬀⸱𐬨𐬀𐬌𐬥𐬌𐬌𐬎

Angra Mainyu

(/ˈæŋrə ˈmaɪnjuː/; Avestan: 𐬀𐬢𐬭𐬀⸱𐬨𐬀𐬌𐬥𐬌𐬌𐬎 Aŋra Mainiiu) or Ahriman (Persian: اهريمن) is the Avestan name of Zoroastrianism's hypostasis of the "destructive/evil spirit" and the main adversary in Zoroastrianism either of the Spenta Mainyu, the "holy/creative spirits/mentality", or directly of Ahura Mazda, the highest deity of Zoroastrianism.

The Middle Persian equivalent is Ahriman 𐭠𐭧𐭫𐭬𐭭𐭩 (anglicised pronunciation: /ˈɑːrɪmən/). The name can appear in English-language works as Ahrimanes.

--->

[myinternetcorner]

old Andromeda,Wells,atomic wars,concept of genes

Before this shithole Matrix,the mostly tech advanced was Andromeda technologically advanced,firstly there was this woman,obssesed with genes,and the bug,that could eat everything expect very hard stones,they made Matrix as space where their genes could be tested,and they aren't Annunakis,they are Mazda the mechatronic servents,so they made also flesh eating genes,the worst types of experiments based on genes,everything is mathematics,numbers,bullshit answers from mathematical numbers,the Andrew in the universe also was there...the first man that made this possible was half man that claimed that he can be god,but only if he is the father,whole Christianity is him,and Wells,old city was destroyed in process of atomic wars,killing,everything in the name of father,holy fake god,big man.They lied about existence of everything and god is the man,according to them.The horrifying war resulted in discovery of horrible and attempted to dissolving the hard substances,they are literally find to dissolving elements caused by the war.The cross was symbol of elements,and was based on elements to build a computer that is running on the first such type of processor,the Matrix uses a lot power from biological sources and most advanced is their type of computer,so you still think the place is real?It's the hole inside the hole,of atom wars,that the Blue skinned fakers made this as way to destroy the factions,they only survived as part living persons and the Matrix consumed so much of this energy,the old man Andrew thought this as achieving almost immortality and the blue skinned thought this as way to achieve god in the game of Matrix,how many things are them,well,almost every who calls him like god,the ruler,the illusionist performer and gold digger.The cathedral case isn't illusion,it's first attempt to objectivase the god,made god very man like,to use the demonic(the ugly way) to get the god in the service of them,through very evil way,the hell is this cathedral and the evil looking eyes are them.The fact about this place are unknown,because they will not show real truth,they will warp into nice coating,but inside is the worst corruption ever.The hell is known as everlasting corruption of tiger,lion way to attempt to remake this historical event as nonexistent,but the truth is Wells,cathedral,and everything is the hell,where the ugly got away,but even then,the big man was present,attempt to play god,the tiger never ended corruption,today's type of violence that rooted such evil was almost baypassed the evil god,the stealer of energy,the consumer,yeah right,6 years of Matrix,6 ways to worship the devil,everything is this old shithole Matrix.The prophet is the name of program,similar to old Matrix,where this faker god makes attempt to sell another illusion,which is the seller type to get them to sell you anything they will think is really real to them.Now,the question is,why never never nobody attempted to say the truth in the beggining of Matrix,false reality,are they experiments or the experiment got away by this kind of power that they don't have?It's not reason,it's old router and gang way to escape the prison pentance,that means every last of them was criminal,not good guy at all.As,the criminal weren't killed in the game either,they profited the every way,now is the god dreaming,or the dream is the illusion way to ultilise everything that first gamer wanted?The weird thing is the blue skinned people are gods,but only in the game,the illusion is their tactic to ultilise the potency of godhead,as way to ultilise everything in the favour of this god.So,nobody is telling the truth,because they need to ultilise their way to profit on every last of them.Speaking of which,the oblivion dunmer,the weird people obsesed people are like them,because most of this terminologies are them,their first religious type of nonsense,the alchemy was never the experiment,it was always the chemistry,but based on the substances that only real ones knew how to use.The cure wasn't,I got rid of the sickness,it was to achieve the immortality.

[cydie]

bro wtf was that

there was an upper bit and a lower bit

[[MORE]]

I was a student in a 1 person class and the teacher was kinda sus??

then we joined another like 15 and the class was nice

there was an issue it was sat down and spoken about with the affected people but also the game we'd been given to play was odd

-

there was also a section where I was in a like square corner and with a lady?? and can't remember but this was kind of part of the part up top

and the friend I made took me back to his dorm and there were like builds that were almost PC builds but they were iPad build???

I said something like I wish I was that kind of autistic

bc his friend was autistic for something studious

and then some things happened there that idk

-

ok

there was 2 major parts of my dream

1 was

Matt and I were driving in the Mazda

we pulled up to these 2 like teens or early 20s flagging us and asking us to roll down the window

he did and she went"I'm so sorry to do this" and pulls a pistol on him

in reaction Matt opens the door really hard and smacks her with it to push her back and drives away

she shoots after us, I asked if Matt was ok he said yes, only hit my right side chin

I said ok we should go to the hospital

he said no it's fineee

I said we will go or I will call them

he said call them bc I have to go to (something in Southport) so I can get both done!! (delothor reference?)

-

we were now driving a bus? some guy came up to the front holding an umbrella looking thing and to roll down the window

we were stopped at lights maybe but we werent moving

he made his way towards my side and startee trying to get the window open

bc it was a bus I didn't know how it worked

so it was just a confusing struggle overall

he ended up getting it open to try and stick the small umbrella in and trying to deploy it????

Matt opens his door and walks around but it takes him a little bit longer to get there for some reason

he eventually grabs the guy and throws him off the window

there was another bit with 2 other ladies but I can't remember it

- next part

I was in bed and I suddenly woke up

I checked the time and it was 3:28

panicked, I had a flashback that my front teeth had been removed or kicked out?? and I went to the dentist etc and got stuff done and I just didn't remember bc I was under

and the front was missing mostly???

he also said he'd be back at 11 so did he leave me sleeping on purpose to make the most of me not existing?

I went to look at my teeth and the front was skeletal

I went down the hall to the study and Matt was standing at a computer but it didn't look like the study

I asked him what happened and he said "oh, I got 1 of my teeth done see" and he opened his mouth to show me

I said no, my teeth are missing

he said what

I bared my front teeth to show him

he laughed and said holy shit

and I woke up

--

That part felt so real that I had to check my own teeth were still there

But also I had a feeling that he wouldn't be back on time, and I checked and saw he was still at the cafe which meant he wouldn't be back until like 11:15

unless he cancelled going to mums and was spending time at the cafe so he could bring something back for me??? no

that's too unlikely but maybe idk

-

but also he has a centrelink thing at some time idk when

now I think to myself

would he even keep his word if there wasn't something he had to get back to?

-

why doesn't he just text to update? I genuinely can't see why u can't just be like

hey status update just leaving southport omw to mums rn

if you can do it in a game you can do it irl

-

a lack of comms is why i felt unloved bc i would ask for them and you would still not do them

and if you forget to do them u can just say "sorry i didn't msg earlier" or "sorry I didn't msg earlier just got a chance to look at my phone"

-

all I knew this morning was that he was gonna smash out delothor asap, get papers, and get back here to do Centrelink appointment so he should be back by 11

he hasn't messaged once to update me on anything

and I wonder if I'm going back to the anxiety I had before

and I wonder if we went back on our decision

would he stop being kind and loving?

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 1.30 (before 1940)

1018 – Poland and the Holy Roman Empire conclude the Peace of Bautzen. 1287 – King Wareru founds the Hanthawaddy Kingdom, and proclaims independence from the Pagan Kingdom. 1607 – An estimated 200 square miles (51,800 ha) along the coasts of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary in England are destroyed by massive flooding, resulting in an estimated 2,000 deaths. 1648 – Eighty Years' War: The Treaty of Münster and Osnabrück is signed, ending the conflict between the Netherlands and Spain. 1649 – Charles I of England is executed in Whitehall, London. 1661 – Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, is ritually executed more than two years after his death, on the 12th anniversary of the execution of the monarch he himself deposed. 1667 – The Truce of Andrusovo is signed, ending the Russian-Polish War of 1654-1667. 1703 – The Forty-seven rōnin, under the command of Ōishi Kuranosuke, avenge the death of their master, by killing Kira Yoshinaka. 1789 – Tây Sơn forces emerge victorious against Qing armies and liberate the capital Thăng Long. 1806 – The original Lower Trenton Bridge (also called the Trenton Makes the World Takes Bridge), which spans the Delaware River between Morrisville, Pennsylvania and Trenton, New Jersey, is opened. 1820 – Edward Bransfield sights the Trinity Peninsula and claims the discovery of Antarctica. 1826 – The Menai Suspension Bridge, considered the world's first modern suspension bridge, connecting the Isle of Anglesey to the north West coast of Wales, is opened. 1835 – In the first assassination attempt against a President of the United States, Richard Lawrence attempts to shoot president Andrew Jackson, but fails and is subdued by a crowd, including several congressmen as well as Jackson himself. 1847 – Yerba Buena, California is renamed San Francisco, California. 1858 – The first Hallé concert is given in Manchester, England, marking the official founding of The Hallé orchestra as a full-time, professional orchestra. 1862 – The first American ironclad warship, the USS Monitor is launched. 1889 – Archduke Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian crown, is found dead with his mistress Baroness Mary Vetsera in the Mayerling. 1902 – The first Anglo-Japanese Alliance is signed in London. 1908 – Indian pacifist and leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is released from prison by Jan C. Smuts after being tried and sentenced to two months in jail earlier in the month. 1911 – The destroyer USS Terry makes the first airplane rescue at sea saving the life of Douglas McCurdy 16 kilometres (10 mi) from Havana, Cuba. 1920 – Japanese carmaker Mazda is founded, initially as a cork-producing company. 1925 – The Government of Turkey expels Patriarch Constantine VI from Istanbul. 1930 – The Politburo of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union orders the confiscation of lands belonging to the Kulaks in a campaign of Dekulakization, resulting in the executions and forced deportations of millions. 1933 – Adolf Hitler's rise to power: Hitler takes office as the Chancellor of Germany. 1939 – During a speech in the Reichstag, Adolf Hitler makes a prediction about the end of the Jewish race in Europe if another world war were to occur.