#[Resume: Adept Co.]

[explodok1lls]

-llion Impressions? You're hired! | BKDK | Office AU | Part 1

Over the past five years, Izuku Midoriya has dedicated himself tirelessly, honing his skills in digital marketing with a single goal in mind: securing a position at BKG Co., one of Japan's premier luxury fashion companies. His ultimate dream? To join DYNAMIGHT, a subsidiary renowned for its affordable sports and active wear.

But why DYNAMIGHT specifically? Well, therein lies a reason his friends still tease him about—Katsuki Bakugou, the scion of this vast conglomerate, and the commanding figure at DYNAMIGHT. It was Bakugou who ignited Midoriya's interest in marketing, shaping his career trajectory. Yet, commendably, what began as a pursuit driven by admiration evolved into a genuine passion.

Midoriya adamantly denies any claims of being a stalker; rather, he simply yearns for the opportunity to collaborate closely with Bakugou, whose business acumen he greatly admires. They're peers in age, which Midoriya can't help but find unfair. But his motivations remain pure: professional admiration, and perhaps, just maybe, a slight crush.

–

Contrary to common perception, Katsuki Bakugou could easily be mistaken for the embodiment of Lucifer himself. If his personality were depicted on a pie chart, it would consist of 50% anger, 40% fury, and a mere 10% annoyance, with variations depending on the stupidity of the ideas presented to him.

Despite his formidable persona (bolstered by his impeccable appearance), Bakugou is fortunate that his company's key employees are his college comrades. Without them, resignation letters would flood in, spelling doom for him. His brainchild, DYNAMIGHT, is his pride and joy, a venture he fiercely contested with his mother. He desired a company aligned with his vision, passions, and hobbies. Though he admits to being born into privilege, Bakugou defends his involvement in DYNAMIGHT; he micromanages every aspect and credits its success not to his parents' wealth, but to the collective genius of those who endure his abrasive demeanor, including himself.

Keen on maintaining their upward trajectory in sales, Bakugou currently grapples with his mother's attempt to poach a valuable member of his marketing team, someone exceptionally adept at their role. With a resigned sigh, he dials Mina, one of his college confidants and head of the Marketing Department.

Barely concealing his exasperation, he greets her, "What took you so long to pick up?"

But Mina, seasoned by years of friendship and shared trials during DYNAMIGHT's inception, responds with a laugh, "Hey there, hot shot! You know I can't resist a Slack huddle call. Gets me grooving!"

"This is serious, Mina!" Bakugou retorts sharply. "Mom's trying to snatch Shinsou for her team. Shinsou!"

Undeterred, Mina quips, "Relax, she just needs him for three months. Besides, I've been thinking we could use an extra pair of hands. We're swamped."

Frustrated, Bakugou presses on, "This is news to me, Mina."

With a sigh, Mina explains, "Your mom's sudden request for Shinsou got me thinking. We've needed more help since the start of the year."

Grudgingly, Bakugou relents, "Fine, find someone as good as Shinsou, if not better."

"Got it, boss," Mina replies, before ending the call.

–

Being nearly online 24/7, Izuku maintains a religious habit of checking both his personal and work emails. So, when he opened his personal inbox, he noticed an unread email labeled "DYNAMIGHT." He had set up this filter to ensure that all alerts from DYNAMIGHT Careers would be directed there automatically.

His heart raced as he glimpsed the subject line:

DYNAMIGHT Careers | Hiring: Social Media Manager

Always staying a step, or even two steps, ahead, Izuku ensured his resume was consistently up-to-date. Without hesitation, he clicked on the email and promptly submitted his resume through the provided link.

Clasping his hands together, he whispered fervently, "This is it! Oh, please, let this be my chance. PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE. Consider me as a candidate. THIS is the company I've always dreamed of working for!"

This moment had been eagerly anticipated; he was prepared. He had the experience to back it up, ready to showcase the campaigns he'd spearheaded throughout his career. Manifesting that they would choose him, he yearned for the opportunity to finally meet his idol.

In just 12 hours, DYNAMIGHT's hiring team wasted no time in extending an interview invitation to Izuku. He couldn't contain his joy, almost on the verge of tears. After all, he was the mastermind behind the highly successful social media campaign for a cola featuring none other than Yagi Toshinori, the legendary actor renowned for his portrayal of All Might. It was a significant achievement, collaborating with his idol, and now, he had the opportunity to join the company he'd always dreamed of working for.

The company boasted excellent reviews, gathered meticulously over the years from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor. A competitive salary package, paid time off, generous employee benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance were among the perks. However, a recurring complaint caught Izuku's attention in every review: "the salary and benefits compensate for the unpleasant demeanor of our boss." It raised a slight concern, but Izuku reasoned that he could endure any tirades if the compensation was right. Money was his primary motivator.

Upon receiving the interview invitation, Izuku promptly replied, confirming his availability for the scheduled interview slot, intending to request time off from his current job. Speaking of which, he hoped his colleagues Hatsume and Kendo would understand his decision to resign if he secured the position at DYNAMIGHT.

Outline

[daveinediting]

The key is: how do we want to spend our time?

Okay so lately, the topic of boundaries has come up interestingly often, though not in the way I'm used to. 

Usually, I think of boundaries as keeping out toxic people or intrusive requests. What's come up lately is about creating space for better professional experiences. Which also means letting go of specific work in order to pursue more satisfying and rewarding work.

In one case the client/service provider relationship was a brutal mismatch. One of the parties was unpredictable, disrespectful of schedules, and undermined decisions already made even when those decisions were actively being implemented until finally...

One of the parties had enough and respectfully backed out of the relationship.

How do we want to spend our time?

Professionalism aside, if we're going to pursue a career across years and decades, what do we want that experience to be? Because I won't lie. Dysfunction abounds. Lack of communication skills, lack of social skills, lack of management skills is rampant. 

Not every client is worth having.

Not every service provider is worth hiring.

What do you want.

Your experience to be?

Tied into knowing what you want is also knowing your worth. A lot of that's your experience, your resume, of course. A lot of it's the opinions of co-workers and past clients. A lot of it's comparing your work with the work of your cohort. Not just the final product but also the client service, your communication skills, your social adeptness, your ability to manage your client toward a win-win.

From the other side of the counter, the hiring end, knowing what you want can be just as straight forward as knowing what you want. It can also be about comparing notes with your cohort, with people who're in your shoes, with mentors. Because you're not only looking for the right person or company to do the job, you're looking for the right person or company to do the job.

What.

Do you want the experience to be?

And don't settle for anything else.

It's important to take a hard pass on dysfunctional working relationships because they're so rampant in the work environment.

Now, the other conversations that come to mind that dance with boundaries are similar to my first example while being more preemptive. They all involve work that the professionals in question don't want to do anymore. This isn't about bailing in the middle of projects. It's about no longer accepting projects from certain clients.

This is a complicated call to make, by the way. Especially early on when any paid job in our industry is the objective. Or especially when you've got something that's got to get done. Definitely in the early going of my career I took everything. No questions asked. I kept working everything. And there was stuff in there that wasn't healthy... but I overlooked it so I could keep having a job in my industry.

Whoops.

Because just as there's such a consideration as quality of life, there's also such a thing as quality of work life.

And it's important to get that right because a poor quality of work life can be demoralizing. It degrades our best work and our best professional selves. And it can convince us we don't want to do what we've been trying to do this whole time. Or that maybe we're not good enough. Or maybe we just don't belong. 

There's only so much of our lives we can dedicate to work, you see. And if 100% of it sucks then...

100% of it sucks. If 80 then 80. If 50 then 50. And so on.

The question is, how much of our careers do we allow to suck? How much negative experience do we allow to rob us of our Muchness? How much dysfunction do we allow to color our lives?

These are all personal calls, of course. I would only suggest that working in such circumstances is not sustainable. Like any other pressure that bears down on us, we can't bear this pressure indefinitely. Because day after day that pressure transforms us into lesser versions of ourselves.

Lesser versions.

Of ourselves. 

So.

The ball we've gotta keep our eye on is What kind of professional experience do I want to define my career?

Not joking, by the way. The job itself is not enough. If it were, then there wouldn't have been any people in my first jobs who had to attend mandatory anger management classes. There wouldn't have been any people who were habitually triggered into public displays of anger including shouting profanities, yelling at coworkers, throwing items from pens and pencils to furniture, and pouring gasoline over already existing dysfunctional work relationships.

What kind of professional experience do you want to define your career?

You achieve it by relentlessly seeking out and working jobs that are professionally fulfilling with people who bring out your best. 

Which means letting go of jobs that are professionally debilitating. Getting them out of our lives as quickly as possible because the cost of not doing so is steep. They undermine our professional quality of life and eventually compromise our straight up quality of life.

Letting these jobs loose indefinitely in our careers is like tolerating cancer.

It does nothing, they do nothing but metastasize.

Now I said before the key is: how do we want to spend our time?

The answer to that question is absolutely defining. It addresses such a huge area of our lives that it demands an answer. And, with that answer in mind, we're enabled to draw to ourselves the right experiences and throw away the wrong ones.

It's not a simple task, mind you. I don't want to give the wrong impression.

But it is the most important action we take on our own behalf to manifest careers that are not only fulfilling but also contribute to bringing about our best selves...

And our best lives.

[proedgeco]

Consulting Careers: A Path to Success

In this blog post, we will discuss what consulting is, the different types of consulting, and the skills you need for a career in consulting. We will also provide some tips on how to get started in a consulting career.

What is Consulting?

Consulting is a service that provides professional advice and analysis to organizations. Consultants help businesses solve problems, improve efficiency, and make better decisions. They also advise governments on policy and help them implement new programs.

There are many different types of consulting, including:

Management consulting: Management consultants help businesses improve their operations. They may focus on areas such as strategy, marketing, or operations.

IT consulting: IT consultants help businesses with their information technology needs. They may help businesses with the planning, implementation, or maintenance of their IT systems.

Financial consulting: Financial consultants help businesses with their financial planning and analysis. They may help businesses with budgeting, forecasting, or risk management.

Key Skills for Success in Consulting Careers

To thrive in the consulting industry, individuals must possess a combination of technical and soft skills. Here are some key skills that are highly valued in consulting careers:

Analytical Thinking: Consultants must be adept at analyzing complex data, identifying patterns, and drawing actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making.

Problem-Solving: A consultant’s ability to assess challenges, think critically, and develop innovative solutions is crucial for success. Strong problem-solving skills allow consultants to tackle diverse business issues.

Communication: Effective communication, both verbal and written, is essential for consultants to convey complex ideas, collaborate with stakeholders, and present recommendations clearly and concisely.

Adaptability: Consulting often involves working on diverse projects with different clients and industries. The ability to adapt quickly to new environments, embrace change, and learn continuously is vital.

Leadership and Collaboration: Consultants often lead teams and work closely with clients and colleagues. Strong leadership skills, combined with the ability to collaborate and build relationships, contribute to successful project outcomes.

If you aspire to embark on a consulting career, consider the following steps:

Education and Specialization: Obtain a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields such as business, finance, engineering, or a specific industry-related discipline. Specializing in a specific area can enhance your expertise and marketability.

Gain Experience: Seek internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in consulting firms or relevant industries to gain practical experience and exposure to consulting methodologies.

Networking: Build a professional network by attending industry events, joining consulting associations, and connecting with consultants or professionals in the field. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and potential job openings.

Develop Core Consulting Skills: Continuously develop your analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills through professional development programs, certifications, and hands-on experience.

Refine Your Resume and Interview Skills: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills. Prepare for consulting interviews by practicing case studies and showcasing your ability to think critically and solve problems.

If you wish to know more about consulting field: watch https://www.youtube.com/@Shatakshi.Sharma

A career in consulting can be a rewarding and challenging experience. If you are looking for a career that allows you to use your problem-solving skills, communication skills, and analytical skills, then consulting may be a good fit for you.

[advertisinginindia]

Things you need to know about Chat GPT

Things you need to know about Chat GPT

An innovative language creation technique, Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a new search engine owned by Open AI. Chat GPT is similar to conversing with a chatbot that can write essays, programme, compose emails, and do many other things. A San Francisco-based startup created it. This firm has received significant investment from Microsoft and the co-founder of LinkedIn, proving that it is not some meaningless piece of technology. After the GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 families of substantial language models, it was constructed in November 2023. It is incredibly adept at solving difficult issues. Since it was introduced in 2022, Chat GPT has been utilised by millions of individuals.

Key Features of Chat-GPT

Characteristics of Chat-GPT

- Create a resume and cover letter: Chat-GPT created my first resume. When you ask Chat- Gpt to write your resume, it requests information about your education, employment background, and skills.

- Describe Complicated Concepts: To your amazement, your online tutor answers all of your questions. Simply state your issue and demand an explanation. Not a bad tutor, is it?

- Song Query: Well! This is not simply restricted to resumes and difficult problems. Writing titles for their lyrics also aids artists. Simply write your song and request a title.

Create Code: This AI model can aid in the creation of code in languages like Python, C , and Java.

How does the tool for Chat GPT operate?

It can successfully learn to do tasks requiring natural language processing while processing enormous amounts of text. To get a response from this AI, one must articulate their problem.

GPT Red Flags

It is prohibited in some nations, including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Italy. A temporary ban and a €20 million fine have been levied by Italy due to privacy concerns. Use of AI chatbots like Chat GPT has brought to light issues with privacy invasions, bias, and the dissemination of incorrect information. Although there is still a long way to go before AI chatbots can be safely and securely used everywhere, Open AI is working to assuage concerns .

- Intelligence: The creator asserts that this model is extremely intelligent and is fully knowledgeable. However, it failed the JEE entrance exam in India since it provided only 11 right responses, which caused it to flunk the paper. However, it has successfully completed the Wharton MBA exam. Although it appears that the AI chatbot can answer any query, the responses should not be taken as gospel.

- Lack of emotional intelligence: Chat GPT can understand and interpret words, but it lacks emotional maturity. Because of this, it might find it challenging to comprehend and effectively respond to more complex human emotions, which could lead to unsatisfactory or incorrect responses.

In conclusion, Chat GPT has been developed, although it is not as advanced as Google. However, it will eventually be updated with fresh modifications, and companies like Microsoft have also invested in improving their search engine. In the future, Chat GPT will be used more regularly.

For more information please visit Advertising agency in UP - Awesomesauce Creative

[cyarskj1899]

GMA host TJ Holmes’ ex Marilee Fiebig hires second lawyer as she gears up for nasty divorce after his ‘affair’

Jessica Finn

Updated: 15:48 ET, Jan 24 2023

THE Good Morning America host's estranged wife has hired a second powerhouse attorney as she gears up for a nasty divorce following his reported affair with co-host.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal that Marilee has brought on Fara Rodriguez - who recently made partner at her firm Philips Nizer LLP in Manhattan.

5Marilee Fiebig has bolstered her legal team as she braces for a nasty divorce from her estranged husband, GMA3 host, TJ HolmesCredit: Getty

5Marilee was said to have been blindsided by TJ's alleged affair with fellow host, Amy RobachCredit: Instagram/Marilee Fiebig

The move comes as she faces off against suspended GMA3 host TJ following his reported affair with co-host Amy Robach.

Both TJ, 45, and now-girlfriend Amy, 49, were taken off the air and sidelined at ABC two months ago, as the network investigates the co-host lovers' workplace conduct. 

Marilee, who is an attorney herself, brought Fara onto her team late last week - just one day after her attorney Stephanie F. Lehman, who is also a partner at the firm, demanded that TJ file his official divorce complaint.

Fara's impressive resume boasts over a decade of experience in handling various intricacies of divorce and family law.

Her bio reads: "​​Fara is adept at representing clients during this distressing time in their lives by compassionately and confidently finding solutions to the complex challenges they often face."

MARILEE SPEAKS OUT

Marilee's no-nonsense legal team has taken the high-profile case head-on. 

Earlier this month, her lead attorney Stephanie told The U.S. Sun: "During the holiday season and in light of the challenging times, Marilee's sole focus has remained on the overall best interest of her nine-year-old daughter."

"To that end, T.J.'s lawyer and I have been working together to move their divorce forward privately, expeditiously, and as amicably as possible.

Most read in Entertainment

GLOVES OFF 

GMA's Amy & TJ 'are ready to file suit' against ABC for their suspension & probe

WHOOPI CUSHION? 

The View hosts left red-faced after loud fart noise disrupts live broadcast

NO HOLZ-ING BACK 

James Holzhauer says angry Jeopardy! champ 'should get lifetime ban'

WHAT A CROC 

Kris' boyfriend Corey slammed for flaunting $40K Birkin bag in new photos

"Notwithstanding, we continue to be disappointed by T.J.'s lack of discretion, respect, and sensitivity toward Marilee and the party's daughter."

She concluded: "Marilee has been touched by the outpouring of support and looks forward to a new beginning in this new year."

Stephanie's biography boasts her experience in "representing high-net-worth individuals in contested and uncontested matrimonial actions and child-related matters."

TJ FILES FOR DIVORCE 

TJ filed for divorce on Wednesday, December 28 in New York, after 12 years of marriage.

TJ hired attorney Robert H. Moses of Moses Ziegelman Richards & Notaro, LLP. In December 2022, he was named NYC's "Lawyer of the Year" in Best Lawyers: The Family Law Issue 2023.

He received 4.8 out of five stars on Martindale-Hubbell ratings. He's also been featured on Super Lawyers, an exclusive list of top-rated attorneys, since 2006.

Per his attorney profile: "Rob is known for his pragmatic approach to the law, helping countless clients resolve their family disputes economically, thoughtfully, and fairly.

"His clients range from celebrities and high-net-worth individuals in financial, publishing, sports, and other fields to those of more modest means."

Rob joined the boutique matrimonial law firm as a partner in 2011.

Their office is located in the Empire State Building in Manhattan. 

The former couple shares one child together, a nine-year-old daughter named Sabine.

TJ also has two children, Brianna and Jaiden, from his previous marriage.

GROWING ALLEGATIONS

Last week, the DailyMail reported that TJ had an alleged affair with an ABC intern 13 years his junior early on in his marriage to Marilee. 

It was also alleged he had slept with an ABC producer before his romance with Amy.

While Amy was reportedly aware of TJ's alleged relationship with ABC producer Natasha Singh, a source told The U.S. Sun that she was "blindsided" by the full extent of the star's other alleged office romps.

EXIT TALKS

As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Amy and TJ are unofficially out at GMA3 and the pair believe they are out from their jobs at ABC entirely. 

Last week a well-placed insider claimed mediation talks are scheduled for this week with their lawyers, ABC's attorneys, and the network's top brass to hammer out the pair's exit package. 

However, another source said while mediation is in the works, they weren't aware of anything scheduled just yet.

"All parties are willing to mediate, but there is just no guarantee that mediation will be successful," the second insider added.

Another source with knowledge of negotiations added that Amy and TJ's attorneys are absolutely in close contact with the network's legal team.

"They are all working through strategies to make the hosts comfortable enough so that the network can move on from this as quietly as possible," the source said.

5Sources said that TJ fears he is on the chopping block at the network following a slew of allegations about inter-office dalliancesCredit: Getty

5It was revealed that Amy and TJ were involved in an alleged affair while co-hosting GMA3Credit: Getty

5Amy and her estranged husband Andrew Shue are said to be working on their divorce, though nothing has been filed as of yetCredit: Getty

[brindaneer]

Film-making, like almost every other creative endeavour, requires not just an incredible level of talent and hard work but also immense fortitude. Naturally, good films are hard to come by. Masterpieces, however, are rare. A movie is most often just a source of entertainment for viewers; at times, it is a medium of abstract communication with actors they admire. However, cinema truly becomes art only when it is able to stimulate the emotions as well as the artistic sensibilities of its audience. And Jodha Akbar does exactly that. It is without an iota of doubt, a masterpiece of the modern era that ought to be watched by art lovers across the world.

The words ‘Akbar’, ‘Jodha’ and ‘Mughal Empire’, whenever uttered in the context of Indian cinema, have been primarily associated with the all time classic ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. K. Asif’s epic directorial venture of 1960 has remained the benchmark of historical costume dramas in India since its release, not without any reason. Created on a budget of rupees 1.5 crore, considered mammoth six decades ago, Mughal-e-Azam continues to be the greatest Indian blockbuster of all time even today. It amassed roughly 11 crore rupees after its run at the box-office then, which is equivalent to about a massive 2000 crores now. Such is the film’s aura that substantial interest was generated among cine-lovers during the release of its coloured version even as late as in 2004 and 2009. Hence, those were enormous shoes that Ashutosh Gowarikar had to fit in; there was no way of escaping the comparison since the subject matters of both films were too closely related. And because it was Ashutosh Gowarikar, he succeeded.

Not only did he find the perfect story (courtesy of Haider Ali) and draft a soulful script with Haider Ali and K.P. Saxena, he also roped in musical maestro A.R. Rahman and poetic genius Javed Akhtar to take care of the ‘music and lyrics’, two attributes that were required to be absolutely flawless in a period film such as this. While Neeta Lulla’s costumes and accessories made every actor look the part, ace set designer Nitin Desai recreated the Agra and Amer forts at shooting locations with faultless precision. However, all of this could have gone to waste had Ashutosh not been able to get the perfect cast on board. Having Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Mughal emperor Akbar and feisty Rajput princess Jodha respectively was nothing short of achieving an ultimate casting coup. And these two were going to be indispensable for the grand success of this colossal project, probably more so than anyone else, except the director himself.

Hrithik Roshan might have already established himself as a terrific nuanced actor in the industry by the time he signed Jodha Akbar but taking on a role which would draw comparisons with the iconic Prithviraj Kapur and the legendary Dilip Kumar himself was a challenge he was yet to undertake. Likewise, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, despite being the undisputed claimant to the title of the ‘most beautiful woman in the world’ during that time (which she still probably is) had never had her talent and beauty measured against the ethereal Madhubala before. Naturally, the burden of expectations lay as much on their shoulders as their director’s. The task at hand was going to be difficult for both but even more for Hrithik since he would be setting foot into the world of period films for the first time. His co-star had had previous experience from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdaas and Doug Lefler’s The Last Legion. The Last Legion in particular, deserves to be mentioned in this context because the sword-fighting training that Aishwarya had received for her role in that film probably helped her in Jodha Akbar too.

Despite not having the advantage of prior experience, Hrithik, like a true artist, owned the character of Akbar, making it seem like he had been playing historical characters all his life. His body-language, attitude, diction, voice modulation and movements were so attuned to someone of Akbar's stature that it took real effort to remember that the latter was a separate person. In a promotional interview before the film’s release, Ashutosh Gowarikar revealed how amazing an experience it was for him to see Hrithik get into the skin of the most famous Mughal of all time with an approach that was a combination of preparedness and spontaneity. Aishwarya too gave everything to the role of Jodha, and made this her career best performance since ‘Provoked’. Anyone who has watched ‘Jodha Akbar’ will agree that it is impossible to even imagine other people playing these two characters. If praise of the common man is not credible enough, let it also be known that Dilip Kumar saab himself was impressed by Hrithik’s versatility as an actor after watching the film at a special screening arranged for him by Ashutosh. He also admitted that the film had rekindled memories of the Magnum Opus ‘Mughal-e- Azam’ for him. Aishwarya too received immense praise for her performance as Jodha from critics, audience and industry colleagues alike.

Although comparisons between Mughal- e- Azam and Jodha Akbar were inevitable, it must be noted that both films dealt with very different aspects of Akbar’s life. While the older classic was about the aged Akbar’s conflicted relationship with his son Salim over the latter’s love affair with Anarkali, a courtesan renowned for her exquisite beauty, Gowarikar’s Jodha Akbar depicted the love story between the young emperor and his first wife, the Rajput princess Jodha. The similarity between both films, apart from Akbar and the Mughals, lay in the fact that the identities of both Anarkali and Jodha had been a matter of contention amongst historians since decades. However, staying true to his meticulous nature, Ashutosh correctly issued a statement explaining that it was not his intention to disrespect any one; Jodha was one among the several historically mentioned names of Akbar’s Rajput wife and it had been chosen in the film over the rest due to its considerable popularity among commoners. Ashutosh was also very clear about the love story between Akbar and Jodha being completely fictional since no such account had ever been documented in history. Basically, the film was a fiction set against a historical backdrop, and as far as that setting was concerned, Ashutosh tried to be as accurate as possible, building a story around events that had been recorded in the Akbarnama.

Now that we have given the prelude, it is time to experience the film all over again, and we hope that prospect excites our readers. ‘Jodha Akbar’ opens with the second battle of Panipat that took place in 1556 A.D. between Mughal forces led by the child Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad’s regent, Bairam Khan, and King Hemu. After defeating the latter, the Mughals were able to recapture the throne of Delhi. The war scenes are all flawlessly directed, keeping in mind the period and style of warfare adopted during that time, something that is naturally expected from a director whose resume boasts of films like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Swades’. By the time Hrithik appears on the silver screen in one of the most challenging roles of his life, six years have elapsed and Jalal is an adult. Demonstrating his terrific grasp of the character, Hrithik sweeps the audience off their feet as Jalal finally sends Bairam Khan away to Mecca after stopping him from beheading the unarmed defeated opponent, and effectively takes over the administration of ‘Hindustan’ ('Ab apne faisle hum khud lena chahte hain'). Hrithik’s portrayal of Jalal’s suppressed rage as well as authority in this scene was a delight to watch then, and remains so even after all these years. As Jalal plans to annex the entire Rajputana, we are introduced to the other half of the film’s title, princess Jodha. Adept at sword-fighting, having learnt the skill from her cousin Sujamal (played beautifully by the talented Sonu Sood), Gowarikar’s Jodha is the perfect example of ‘beauty with brains’. Aishwarya is as graceful at sword-fighting as she usually is while dancing and imbibes the exact body language required to play a Rajput princess aptly.

Staying loyal to historical facts, Ashutosh Gowarikar depicts Jodha and Jalal’s marriage just as it actually was- a politically motivated alliance. Troubled by Jalal’s over-ambitious brother-in-law Sharifuddin, Jodha’s father, the King of Amer, requests Jalal to marry his daughter so that Amer could obtain Mughal security (In the film, Raja Bharmal of Amer sees Jalal for the first time as he tames a wild elephant in a superbly executed action sequence. Hrithik obviously did it himself, and in order to ensure his safety, he used to feed the said elephant regularly before the shooting of this particular scene took place). Her father’s decision comes as a rude shock to the young Jodha who does not want to compromise her culture after marriage, and is therefore left devastated. Despite not being completely sure about the proposal initially, Jalal eventually agrees to it in front of the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti as he realizes that this inter-faith marriage may be of assistance in promoting religious harmony throughout the country. In a beautiful monologue, he admits to the Khwaja that religious differences were the reason why previous rulers had not been able to establish their rule over the entire ‘Hindustan’; he believes his marriage with Jodha shall solve that problem.

However, Jodha’s decision is yet to come. She is not a stereotypical submissive sixteenth century female, unable to stand up for her own rights. Instead, she is brave enough to summon the Mughal emperor to her tent and lay two conditions in front of him, the fulfilment of which, is mandatory for her agreement with this new association (the famous ‘Humari do maange hain’ scene). First, she does not want to be forced into giving up her religion and customs; second, she wants a temple to be built inside her room in the Mughal palace for her spiritual guide, Lord Krishna. Aishwarya is enthralling in this scene; her calm yet rigid posture and polite yet bold speech are worth watching. Hrithik is simply magnigficent here; no other adjective is suitable enough to describe his phenomenal performance as Jalal hears Jodha out and later recounts the two demands to her relatives and rest of the entourage. He obviously goes on to accept these demands, his respect for Jodha increasing in leaps and bounds at her fearlessness and simplicity (‘Amer ki Rajkumari ke bekhawf jasbe aur saadgi ko hum salaam karte hain’). Naturally, Jodha has no other option left other than agreeing to the marriage.

Had the director wanted, the wedding could have been an elaborate dramatic affair, but Ashutosh Gowarikar is not just another director looking for success through gimmicks. The grand wedding sequence lasts only for about a few seconds during which Jodha and Jalal wed each other as per both Hindu and Islamic traditions in an exemplary display of socio-religious amalgamation. Any extra time devoted to this would have been unnecessary and detrimental to the pace of the movie. After the wedding, a group of Sufi singers perform the utterly captivating ‘Khwaja mere Khwaja’, one of A.R. Rahman’s all time best compositions, in probably the most poetic Hindi film sequence of recent times. Such was its impact upon Mr. Bachchan that he termed it the ‘most apocalyptic moment’ in cinema since the great Stanley Kubrik’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. It is not just the song that casts a spell upon the audience during this scene; rather, the direction and acting, in conjunction with the soulful music engender a near hypnotic effect among viewers which last in their minds forever. Hrithik’s expressions as Jalal experiences a spiritual epiphany and joins the Sufis in a trance are simply fascinating. He is a privilege to watch. The scene is an acting masterclass in itself and had he received every existing accolade for this moment alone, it would still not have been unfair.

Jodha and Jalal’s first night together is another instance of the subtlety that this film ceaselessly displays. Jalal, perceptive enough to understand that Jodha’s unyielding attitude towards his romantic gestures is not shyness in disguise, but unwillingness to be with him, has the perfect solution- she is free to leave him if that is what she wants. However, once again giving proof of her simplicity and honesty, Jodha directly confesses that she has no intention whatsoever of walking out of this relationship despite her inhibitions towards it; for her it is an unbreakable bond that shall last unto death. Respecting her wishes, Jalal vows to never be intimate with her against her will. Hrithik and Aishwarya’s acting styles truly compliment Ashutosh’s direction as is evident from this scene among many others in the film; without an ounce of melodrama, they are able to set the stage for an epic love story ridden not just with external impediments but personal inhibitions as well.

The rest of the movie is basically a collection of beautiful moments between the two leads, interspersed with an optimal amount of drama to propel the plot. The first sequence post their marriage that needs to be discussed in detail is the Deewan-E- Aam scene followed by the part wherein Jalal and Jodha see each other's faces without a curtain or ‘ghoonghat’ in between. As Jalal conducts his first hearing at the Deewan-E-Aam after his marriage to the Hindu Jodha, he, quite expectedly, faces opposition from the Ulemas of the court regarding his decision. However, before he is able to solve the problem at hand, the melodious voice of his newly wed bride distracts him, thereby interrupting the court proceedings. The expressions on everyone's face are worth watching as Jalal leaves his throne and begins to walk out of the court, clearly too engrossed to even officially dismiss everyone present. Realization hits him a bit too late, leaving him embarrassed in front of the entire Deewan-E-Aam, but he manages to salvage the situation by uttering an awkward 'Takliya'. This entire scene is once again a brilliant testimony to the skills of the director who expertly incorporates subtle humour in such a serious scene without overdoing any of it or making it seem farcical. Hrithik's performance here is admirable, his comic timing being absolutely flawless. Drawn by Jodha's entrancing voice, Jalal enters her 'Mahal' and they see each other for the first time in what was arguably the most romantic meeting sequence of Bollywood then and has been so since the last two decades. Ashutosh does not provide the actors with any dialogues here, who, therefore, rely completely on facial expressions to convey their feelings towards each other. Hrithik has been a master in expressions since he first entered the industry and in this scene, he is at his nuanced best. But Aishwarya is no less, and that is precisely why their interaction looks so natural and enchanting. With tiny eye gestures and body postures, they express admiration for each other's physical appearance, their eyes speaking a thousand words at once. The part where she wants him to put sindur on her, and he fails to understand initially, is such a wonderful portrayal of his willingness to understand and respect her culture that it strikes a chord with one and all.

For Jalal, it is almost love at first sight. Though completely smitten by her, he knows instinctively that Jodha is going to take more time, no matter how impressed she is with him. In the next few minutes, Ashutosh shows Jalal and Jodha gradually treading the first steps of love with Javed Ali's mellifluous voice ringing in the background. 'Kehne ko jashn-e-bahara hai, ishq ye dekh ke hairaan hai, phool se khushboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein, chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein'. When the inimitable Javed Akhtar is in charge of lyrics, songs get transformed into dialogues and help the story to march forward. Jashn-e-bahara does just that, and does so exquisitely. It challenges the notion that romantic scenes must always entail physical intimacy, and proves that sometimes a look or a smile is worth much more. Most of the credit for this should go to Hrithik and Aishwarya who defy every existing idea about screen chemistry by making heartbeats race even through mundane acts such as walking side by side while glancing furtively at each other, or smiling in embarrassment as they sit miles apart in a garden. Who says old-fashioned romance is always boring? When two individuals are able to set silver-screens ablaze by just standing together in one frame, every trivial action becomes exciting.

Scattered in between their light-hearted romantic moments during this prolonged sequence are two ‘more important’ ones. The first one depicts Jalal in an angry mood as he admonishes Maham Anga’s son Adham Khan when the latter dares to insult Jodha; as his awe-inspiring authoritative ‘Khabardar Adham, Rajkumari ka naam adab se lo. Ye na bhulo ki ab wo Malika- e- Hindustaan hain’ echoes through the silent night and reaches Jodha, she understands the extent of his respect for her and there is an expression of happy pride on her countenance. The second is probably everyone’s guilty pleasure and inspired multiple ‘tele-serial adaptations’ back in the day; while Jalal practices moves with the sword bare-bodied, Jodha suddenly catches sight of his chiselled body and cannot stop staring. In a brilliant directorial move, Ashutosh makes her put the plate of worship down so that she can actually concentrate on the view better 😂😁🤩🤩. Aishwarya is terrific here, portraying Jodha’s attraction to her husband perfectly although in an extremely nuanced manner. Of course when the man in question is Hrithik Roshan, it helps. Jalal is shrewd enough to notice his ‘wifey dearest’ and catches her off guard by turning around suddenly after which the poor girl hastily draws the curtains. Hrithik’s mischievious look is a treat to eyes! But seriously, how mean of him to intrude upon his wife’s private moment of ‘adoring her husband’ that way?🤪🤪

Being one of the best directors in the industry, Ashutosh Gowarikar ensures that his film contains the right mix of romance and drama. The first instance of drama in the movie since the wedding is provided by Maham Anga, Jalal’s ‘Badi Ammi’ (played by the exceptional Ila Urun) a politically shrewd woman, whose possessiveness for her foster son and displeasure at the advent of a strong-willed intelligent Rajput princess into the fort of Agra makes her vindictive towards the said person. When Jodha decides to prepare authentic Rajput food herself after Jalal orders a ‘Rajputi Daawat’ on the day of ‘Peer’ in her honour, Maham Anga spews venom at her through harsh words and accuses her of trying to establish control over the kitchen, and eventually Jalal himself. Jodha, although shocked, gives her befitting replies, and ultimately completes the entire cooking by herself. The scene that follows could easily have been a disaster if it had been handled by an ordinary director; it could have been an excruciatingly slow and boring sequence testing the patience of the audience. The fact that it is one of the most interesting parts of the entire film is a measure of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s genius. Substantial credit must also be given to the actors including supporting ones without whom Ashutosh might not have been able to produce the desired outcome in this scene ultimately. However, this scene belongs to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Her shock at being insulted by Maham Anga when she asks her to taste the food before serving it to the emperor, rage as she turns to her husband for support, and suppressed anger as well as sadness when she realizes that there is no way out are nothing short of mesmerizing. Her genuine happiness when Jalal decides to have food from the same plate she has eaten and her sly look towards Maham Anga are a sight to behold. Truly, Aishwarya is probably one of the most underrated actresses in our industry; she is fantastic but does not always get the due credit for it. Most of the time, it is her beauty and personality that gets talked about. Nevertheless, she is a terrific actress too and we sincerely hope people acknowledge that more often. Hrithik supports her fascinatingly throughout the scene, his eyes showing anger, helplessness and embarrassment at his wife’s insult flawlessly. It is the mark of a great actor to allow his co-actors to soar when the scene requires so. In an old interview, while explaining why Aishwarya was his favourite co-star, Hrithik said that they had very similar working styles which made them more compatible with each other; according to him, both of them were more concerned with the larger picture, and did not care if they were being given importance in every frame or not. This particular scene is the perfect example of that working style he was talking about.

The ‘Rajputi Dawat’ sequence changes something between Jodha and Akbar; they have managed to cross that initial threshold of hesitation towards each other. However, just when they are gradually coming closer, circumstances and people pull them apart. When Adham Khan murders one of Jalal’s most trustworthy ministers, Shamsuddin-Muhammad-Atgah-Khan, and intrudes into the emperor’s personal premises with a sword, the latter tackles him and orders royal guards to throw the traitor with his head downwards into the ground below. When he is only half dead after the first fall, Jalal, showing his cruel side, orders his soldiers to bring Adham up to the roof so that they can throw him down again. Future generations will remember Hrithik for this scene among many; he is spectacular here with a stance that is completely majestic and a face that exudes rage and grief in equal measure. He was actually able to generate tangible fear amongst the audience back when the film had released; we still remember the collective gasp at the theatre during this scene. This is also the first time Jodha gets acquainted with Jalal’s darker side. Until this moment, she had known him as a gentle, understanding young man; now she sees him as capable of being cruel to someone. Aishwarya’s portrayal of fear is spot on and subtle with no melodrama whatsoever, for which the director also deserves praise.

The next scene had actually been deleted from the movie to manage its length but we genuinely feel it should have been included due to its significance. Horrified at Jalal’s action, Jodha confronts him in a terrific angsty sequence only to realize that Jalal is mourning the loss of a father figure in Shamsuddin-Muhammad-Atgah-Khan. Hrithik is superlative as Jalal breaks down and confesses to his wife about being orphaned again. This is the most tender moment both have yet experienced, and that realization is clearly etched upon Jodha’s face, who gives her heart-broken husband sound advice. She understands why he killed Adham, but asks him to apologize in front of Maham Anga, despite all the troubles the latter has created for her. We surely would not have minded sitting in the theatre for a few extra minutes to watch this brilliant scene Mr. Gowarikar!

The scene wherein Jalal explains his behaviour to Maham Anga is one of the most important sequences in the film for multiple reasons. Firstly, the acting is phenomenal; emotions have always been Hrithik’s forte and what do we say about Ila Urun? We are probably not qualified enough. So, its better to just bow our heads in respect and keep quiet. Second, this is when Maham Anga is able to instigate Jalal against Jodha by feeding him false information. She shows him a container of poison that her spy had extracted from Jodha’s personal belongings earlier and lies that his wife may be planning to harm him. In reality, Jodha’s mother had given her the poison so that she could kill herself if she feared of being dishonoured by her husband after the marriage. Maham Anga also misleads him by talking about a letter that Jodha has written to Rajkumar Ratan Singh, the Rajput prince, she had been betrothed to since her childhood. This letter had actually been written by Jodha to her cousin Sujamal, who had left Amer after being denied the throne. In the letter, Jodha had requested him to rescue her from being married off to the Mughal emperor. However, she had never sent it. After finding it in Jodha’s room, Maham Anga sends it to Sujamal, to take advantage of the situation and create a rift between Jalal and his wife. Unfortunately, this diabolical ploy works because of Jalal’s blind trust in his ‘Badi Ammi’. Upon receiving the letter, Sujamal believes it to be genuine, and goes to the Agra fort at night without caring about the risk. Jodha comes out to meet him, surprised at this sudden visit, but assures him that she is happy with Jalal. To her misfortune, her husband, who has never seen Sujamal or Ratan Singh before believes the intruder to be the latter and sends soldiers to capture him. Sujamal escapes, but only after thinking that Jodha deliberately called him there to be arrested. Meanwhile, Jalal accuses her of plotting with Ratan Singh behind his back. Outraged and shocked at this humiliation, Jodha tells him that Maham Anga is the one who has caused this entire misunderstanding. When Jalal refuses to believe her, she asks what punishment he has in mind. And, he tells her to go back to her parental house! Jodha naturally feels terribly insulted at his decision, and decides to leave him and protect her self-respect! This is a wonderfully executed sequence with the two leads reacting to each other masterfully, and turning it into one of the best angsty interactions ever. This was also the moment that Ashutosh chose as the point of intermission, a sound decision obviously because to be very honest, by this time the audience was indeed in need of some food and drinks 😄😄. On a serious note, this was a watershed moment in the lives of our two lead characters, and a perfect opportunity to take a break and come back refreshed.

Any analysis of Gowarikar’s Jodha Akbar is bound to be elaborate simply because it is impossible to designate any scene from the film as unimportant or bad. It is not for nothing that we termed this film a masterpiece at the beginning of this blog. Every second of it is still a pleasure to the senses and deserves mention. However, for the purpose of your sanity and ours (not to mention the time constraint), it is vital that we take an ‘interval’ too, and analyse the second part of the movie in a separate blog. Don’t worry, we will not take too long. So au revoir as the French say ; hopefully you will bestow your good wishes upon us once again like you have till now.❤️❤️

[365daysofrwby]

Canadian RWBY AU - Weiss Schnee

Idk if you're here for the bad art or what, but here's most of the Weiss stuff. Thanks to @misslionfigther for the figure skating idea.

Weiss Schnee is an Atlesian born Canadian with German roots that go way back, (America is now the United States of Atlas in this AU, so Atlesian = American)

She's an Olympic figure skater and is also relatively adept in a variety of other fields including firearms, fencing, business, finances, and music.

She speaks German, English, and several dialects of French fluently.

When her older sister Winter decided go into politics rather than the family business all the expectations of inheriting both the Schnee Dust Company, and Schnee Lumber and Oil CO fell on her shoulders.

Her childhood and upbringing was micromanaged by her father, so that she would become the perfect candidate for running the companies.

She's lonely, trapped, and constantly burdened by her family's dark historical past, her future responsibilities, and the fact that it's up to her to somehow make amends for all of the bad her father and family have done.

During her first experience with competetive pair skating her partner accidentally kicked her in the eye, she's lucky she didn't go blind, after that she only did solo routines.

She met Pyrrha briefly a couple times during the olympics, and because her father considers Pyrrha "a wise investment" she keeps in touch with her.

Her 18th birthday is soon. The day when she would begin work at the company and as each day passes she gets more and more stressed. At this point she just wants some kind of out from the literal hell she's living in.

Notes on her Family:

Willow Schnee: Atlesian, former CEO of the Schnee Dust Company, Alcoholic, she lives in a summer mansion in Hawaii, where there's no ice to be seen.

Jaques Schnee: Canadian born, CEO of both Schnee companies and founder of the Schnee Lumber and Oil CO. Abusive and Racist Asshole. Lives in Atlas Canada, an area in Quebec near Toronto, that used to be an Atlesian colony.

Winter Schnee: President Ironwood's VP, Atlesian, used to be an ice skater herself. Owns way too many guns. Served in the military before moving into politics.

Whitley Schnee: Atlesian born, lives with his father, spoiled and undersupervised younger brother. Since no one ever payed attention to him or made him do anything he never developed any particular talents besides manipulation and avoiding work.

Attends a private school in Atlas Canada. Is a very depressed and spiteful young boy.

Klein: Weiss' figure skating coach, basically the one who keeps her sane.

Now have a badly written short fic!

Unknown Number

The day before her 18th birthday she got a call from an unknown number. Normally she would let it ring, but for some reason, be it boredom or hope, she picked up.

Instead of answering with her usual cold 'This is Weiss Schnee, heiress of the SDC, why are you calling.' She simply answered with a tentative "Hello?"

The voice that responded was high pitched and childish "A-ah! Hello! I mean-"

The voice cut off and there were panicked noises in the background, she heard a cheery 'Just be yourself' and a cryptic 'I can't just talk to important people normally!' Before the voice resumed

"Most esteemed heiress! I am Ruby Rose! The finest player of the Canadian Nation's iconic sport! Your, frie- uh, fellow comrade in arms! Pyrrha Nikos bestowed thy number upon me! And! I wish to, um. . Uh."

There was a pause, and more mumbling before

"Okay you know what this is hard! I can't talk fancy! Weiss Schnee! I need to talk to you about how to fix the disparity between Faunus, Semblancers, and Normies!"

Weiss hung up. She was already constantly bombarded with reporters and angry crowds asking about what she "Planned to do" about every little grievance and misdeed attached to her name.

Now they had gotten their hands on her private number. She made a mental note to block Pyrrha permanently later.

The girl who had called. What was her name again? Ruby Rose?

Weiss googled the name and was soon hours in to an intensive investigation on the sixteen year old hockey rookie.

Human Rights, Faunus Rights, Semblancer and Normie equality. Autism Awareness, Gun safety, Children's health,

These were all causes that this seemingly awkward and underqualified redhead had involved herself with.

Weiss sighed and looked at the ornate clock in her room as it ticked to midnight. She was 18, and her life was never going to be her own again.

She stared at the last webpage she had opened, Beacon Academy's player roster.

She scrolled down to the bottom and found the link to the Beacon website homepage,

Here she found pictures advertising the programs specifically catering to Semblancers, and the school's hockey program.

And there it was, the Academy's address, somewhere in Northern Alberta Canada.

She stared at it, the old forgotten feeling of defiance rising in the pit of her stomach.

Picking up her phone she dialled her coach's number and left a simple message.

"Klein, I won't be making it to rehearsal tomorrow"

[diveronarpg]

Congratulations, EMMA K! You’ve been accepted for the role of GERTRUDE. Admin Rosey: Friends, Romans, countrymen -- lend me your ears! For today, we have our beloved Gertrude back in our fold. Emma K, your Gertrude is so strong, captivating, and utterly enthralling. When we saw your application in our inbox, we were absolutely over the moon. How lucky are we to be subjected to the utterly unique tragedy that is our beloved Genevieve Zhang -- a woman who has the whole world at her fingertips, while it is simultaneously stacked against her? Welcome back to the trash pack! Please read over the checklist and send in your blog within 24 hours.

WELCOME TO THE MOB.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Alias | Emma K

Age | 23

Preferred Pronouns | she / her

Activity Level | I’m always lurking on discord and aim for a two-day response rate at the least.

Timezone | GMT

How did you find the rp? | I was recommended about six months ago and, well, I’ve never really left.

IN CHARACTER

Character | Genevieve ‘Gertrude’ Zhang

What drew you to this character? |

I’ve never stopped loving Gertrude, even after I gave her up. I believe the points I made in my original application which drew me to her - how her worth is reaped through her status and her reliance on man - still stand, but the main attraction of Gen is that she is an anchor; grounded and stable amidst the sea of chaos that is Verona, designed to moor the ship that is the Montague faction. However, what is an anchor without a ship and without a purpose to serve? I think that is the question that Genevieve’s purpose hinges on, as well as her role both within the mob and as a mother, and what makes her so interesting to me as a character.

What is a future plot idea you have in mind for the character? |

Genevieve and Henry, in my mind, always had an intense relationship but it was exacerbated through the environment both operate in. As a mother, she has striven for balance between allowing her son to experience the world on his own terms and the desperate need to pull on the reins in order to protect him. Howard’s method had been a volatile concoction containing elements of both, that had only left his wife and child choking on the fumes in the aftermath. In the months following his murder death, Genevieve has felt that sensation returning to her as each glance at her son that reminds her of her husband; and everything associated with him that she would rather forget.

Her son’s needs were paramount and came before her own, until she did something that she couldn’t anticipate; she fell in love with her Cristian De Luca. Genevieve currently doesn’t know the true nature of her late husband’s death (or has started to believe the lies that she has told herself), but this will have to change. It would be the climax for several series of events; the tension between her lover and son that she has chosen to ignore, the choice to seek revenge or show mercy, and unearthing the chance of absolution that she had thought buried with Howard.

Before her promotion to Underboss, Genevieve had been afforded the privilege of not needing to dirty her hands in mob affairs too much. She had married high within the ranks meaning she often worked behind the scenes, ensuring that both the Montague cohort and the Zhang family companies operated smoothly. However, in light of her promotion, I can see a fork in the road of Gen’s future now she is more culpable for mafia decisions - either embrace the power, along with the risk of corruption or be unseated from her perch.

The inter-mob relationships also something I’d like to explore and the impact they have or have had on Genevieve as a person, from people such as Alex and Odessa to those who knew her before she was openly associated with the Montague mob.

Are you comfortable with killing off your character? | It would have to be for the right reasons, besides seeing Howard again, but I’m going to go with a tentative yes!

IN DEPTH

In-Character Para Sample:

Genevieve’s attention was summoned from the documents in front of her by the sound of her front door opening, knowing it was one of three people; that had not long ago been one of four. Brow arches, expectant, in the moments between the door closing and Horatio making himself known to her, a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth in response to this revelation. Her work is discarded, pushed to one side in tandem with the fleeting expectation that he brought good news, before the Zhang woman gestures for him to take the seat beside her.

“Mamma -,” his beginning is tentative, and Genevieve is unable to discern whether the pause that followed indicated speaking difficulties in light of his injuries or that his tongue fought against the syllables that it wanted to form. Genevieve notices the furrow of his brow, the seeming sadness lurking at the edges of his expression and the slight increase in breathing, knowing what they meant. Genevieve notices, though she says nothing, reaching out and clasping his fingers in her own instead. The simple gesture seemed to dislodge the words that had been stuck in her second son’s throat, “ - I need to go, Mamma, I need to leave Verona.”

Hector’s words stole the air from her lungs in a harsh gust of wind which extinguished the small flame of hope that he had coveted inside her, though her composure doesn’t shatter; it couldn’t. Genevieve blinked - once, twice, thrice - against the steadily forming lump in the centre of her throat and the unbidden thoughts about what the decision meant for Henry… or for her. However, she was adept in knowing what her children needed (or she liked to think that) and knew that what Hector needed then was support. He was always too soft for the life that he had chosen to lead, something which had originally endeared her to him that Verona had warped into his fatal flaw. Mouth pulled upward, a practised expression settling on her features as she squeezes his hand in her own. I understand, the gesture whispered.

It lied.

“I’m proud of you, mio angelo,” she tells him, standing as she pulls the much taller man toward her in an embrace; one she hopes will express everything she dare not say. Genevieve and Hector discuss several things over the next hour, the majority of which relating to his resignation which she tells him she will take care of, though he eventually departs with another brief embrace and utterances of love while he departs to tell her biological son the news.

Her heartbeat drums through her ears in the silence that followed the man’s exit, frustration at her new circumstances turning to tears, taking their queue from the gentle click of the closing door, that blur her vision as they swim along her lash line. Gertrude ignores the slight tremor in her hand as she reaches upward to swipe at the treacherous drops, leaning back into the couch and pulling the file she abandoned earlier toward her to resume her work following several unsteady breaths.

For when you are the foundation of the pyramid you cannot crumble, and the Empress of the Zhang Empire would always be seen stand strong to the outside observer - she had no other option if she wanted to survive.

Extras: CFO of Zhang & Co., a freight company established by her late husband, this is her “regular” job that can also double as a cover for the Montague shipments which go out from, and come in to, Verona.

[bongaboi]

A Bedlam Reborn.

After several years of slight modifications to the layout of my blog, The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue, I have finally decided to make the blog more accessible for people of different persuasions while staying true to the Solid Pink color that is an official color of this blog, along with the now adopted secondary shade of French Pink and the tertiary accent of white. Akatsuki has been retired as mascot of my blog, with Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi resuming their roles as co-mascots. Version 203 is the version where the Emporio theme is used to allow for better accessibility by computer users who may not be so adept. A few widgets have been axed, and a couple of text widgets have been moved as standalone pages (yes would you believe that there have been no actual pages on this blog until now? And it's been more than 10 years!).

Also, my tumblr page has been updated with a new look took to better emphasize accessibility. The Tumblr Official look had been the look for my blog for years. Now it's been given a change to reflect my ever evolving whims. In this, I am looking forward with hope to bigger and better things. So, I hope you enjoy the content on the Bedlam, because we have a big year of Saimoe coming up and we'll make sure you know what's going on, because at the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue, there's always something going on down there.

[severewizardphilosopher]

How to Get Into a Cybersecurity Internship

How to Get Into a Cybersecurity Internship

A cybersecurity internship will allow you to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced and competitive field. This industry is always changing and requires fast learners who are adept at cutting-edge technologies. It will also give you a chance to network with other program interns and experts in the field. Many cybersecurity internships will host networking events and include keynote speakers to give you the opportunity to learn from those in the field.

Unpaid

If you're a student and would like to earn money while working towards your degree, unpaid cybersecurity internships can be a great way to learn more about the field. But, before you apply for an internship, make sure that you have the skills necessary for the position. In order to get started, you'll need to submit a resume and cover letter. Make sure to highlight your relevant coursework, experience with information technology, and transferable skills. It will also help if you've participated in cybersecurity contests or bug bounty programs. These contests are organized by various organizations, and bug bounty programs reward people for reporting vulnerabilities.

There are several ways to get started in a cybersecurity internship. For example, you can apply for the NSA's co-op program. These programs provide hands-on experience in cybersecurity. You can choose to work on a project with a specific company, or you can work on a team of cybersecurity experts at a large corporation. Many cybersecurity internships require experience with a specific programming language.

Paid

Paid cybersecurity internships can be a great way to learn about this industry while simultaneously earning money. These internships typically last for one summer and provide students with hands-on experience. These internships may not be as lucrative as a co-op program, but they can offer students a wealth of learning opportunities. In addition, these positions don't require current student status. They are open to anyone who is interested in learning about cybersecurity.

Most cybersecurity internships require applicants to submit a resume and sometimes complete an interview as well. The resume should highlight coursework and work experience in cybersecurity, as well as other transferable skills. Students can also demonstrate interest in the field by taking part in cybersecurity contests or bug bounty programs. Many organizations sponsor contests involving cybersecurity, and bug bounty programs will reward people for reporting vulnerabilities or flaws.

Paid cybersecurity internships are also available in the private sector. For example, OPTIMITY Group is hiring full-time interns to develop their skills in a technical field. The company's cybersecurity division is focused on arming IT infrastructure around the world. As part of the program, candidates will complete nine industry-recognized certifications. The goal is to develop an elite cybersecurity task force.

Government

Getting hands-on experience in a cybersecurity internship can be a great way to get a leg up in this competitive field. You'll gain experience in risk management, vulnerability assessments, incident response, and the technologies that most organizations use today. You'll also develop a thorough understanding of cybersecurity as both a service and a mission.

There are many options for government internships in cybersecurity. You can choose between a summer internship or co-op program. These positions are a great way to gain hands-on experience in the field and earn up to $61,000 a year. You can also choose to earn a graduate degree to advance your career in cybersecurity.

You can also apply to work for the National Security Agency, which is always looking for the top students in cyber security. To be considered, you must be a top student from an accredited cyber security program. This position requires detailed analysis of security architecture and protocols, as well as developing risk assessments. The internships are unpaid, but you'll be provided with comfortable housing. They last around thirteen weeks.

Non-profit

If you're interested in pursuing a career in the cybersecurity field, you'll be able to find an internship that will give you hands-on experience. You can choose between a summer internship and a co-op program. The average salary for these internships is $61,000 to $81,000 per year. Depending on your academic background, you can apply for a graduate program to gain even more experience.

These internships require prior knowledge in specific tech areas. You'll also need to demonstrate leadership skills and have experience with the relevant programming languages. Moreover, some may require you to move to another location, which may not be ideal if you're new to cybersecurity. For this reason, these internships are best suited for students who already have some experience and have a good grasp of basic cybersecurity concepts.

In addition to working on cybersecurity projects, interns may also be assigned to develop educational materials and distribute them to the public. For example, a department may need someone to write articles on cybersecurity. Technical writing jobs require specialized knowledge of information technology, but this shouldn't be a problem for a junior or senior. However, for students who have less experience in the discipline, it may be difficult to gain the specialized knowledge required.

[anothergracekellyblog]

I'd intended to post this yesterday to coincide with the 64th anniversary of its publication. However, true to my nature, I got hung up on minor details and it went unposted. Now that I’ve edited the crap out of the cover, it’s finally ready for primetime... sort of.

NEWSWEEK magazine - May 17, 1954

THE COVER: A calm, clear-eyed beauty, Philadelphia's Grace Kelly is the latest star to reach Hollywood's top rung. Now one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood, she undoubtedly inherits much of her drive from her father, the fabulous John B. Kelly, who built a multimillion-dollar construction business from a $7,000 loan. Kelly, a famous oarsman and Olympic winner, saw his fondest dream come true when Grace's brother, John B. Jr., won the Henley Regatta in England. But Kelly dreams have a way of coming true with surprising regularity. For a story about Grace and her family of champions, see page 96.

THE KELLYS’ COOL FILM BEAUTY

In a quieter moment of history, as the words of George M. Cohan's song go, everyone was crazy about a legendary New York girl named Nellie, the daughter of Officer Kelly, and as beautiful and lively a girl as ever danced an Irish reel:

The Boys are all mad about Nellie, the daughter of Officer Kelly; And it's all day long they bring flowers all dripping with dew, And they join the chorus of Nellie Kelly, I Love You © 1922 M. Witmark & Sons, © renewed 1949 Agnes Cohan. © assigned 1952 to George N. Cohan Music Publishing Co.

In 1954 Hollywood, a world away from Nellie in time and space, everyone is still a little awed and breathless by the shooting star of quite a different Kelly girl, from Philadelphia, a coolly beautiful actress named Grace.

At 24, Grace Kelly (see cover) is a relative Hollywood rarity - a star who came out from the East already bright and shining, dispensing with the usual apprenticeship through the ranks of the studio publicity posers, the leg-conscious starlets, and the struggling featured players. After only two years in pictures, she has the kind of contract with M-G-M that Beverly Hills regulars envy - only three films a year and extra payment for any others she chooses. She is currently regarded as one of the hottest properties in films. Since she came to public notice, as Gary Cooper's peace-loving wife in High Noon, and, later, as Clark Gable's major distraction in Mogambo, Grace has made four major films, and her list of leading men (Ray Milland, James Stewart, William Holden, Bing Crosby, and Stewart Granger) sounds like an autograph hunter's New Year's resolutions. Her current hit, Dial 'M' for Murder (NEWSWEEK, May 10, 1954), has just been released.

All of this puts blond Grace quite a bit ahead of little Nellie; but only, in point of fact, by a generation or so. Behind Grace, and probably in great part responsible for her success, is the story of the rise of a great Irish-American family, of men and women blessed by strong arms and good looks, a dogged instinct for hard work, and a sure feel for success.

Grace's father, John Brendan Kelly, 64, is a handsome, vigorous, and wealthy Philadelphia contractor, who won himself a corner of sporting history by his great rowing victories in the '20s. One uncle, George Kelly, is a ranking American playwright (The Show-Off, Craig's Wife). Her late uncle, Walter, was the beloved “Virginia Judge” of the vaudeville stage. Her brother, John B. Jr., followed in his father's footsteps by becoming the greatest oarsman of his time (Diamond Sculls champion in 1947 and 1948). To be a standout in the Kelly family, as Philadelphians justly observe, takes some doing.

Pat Went to School: The story of Grace Kelly begins, perhaps, on her great-grandfather's farm in Ireland.

“There were five boys in the family," as her father John relates, “and not much money to spare. It was plain to my grandfather that he could not educate them all so he called them together one day and said: 'Boys, we are going to put the oldest one of you through school, but the rest will have to stay and work the farm and contribute a share to Pat's schooling. At least one Kelly will be educated.' So Pat went to school and ended up the dean of Dublin University. My own father never had a day in school himself, but he had a wonderful memory, all right, and maybe that's where Grace gets her talent for learning a part.”

At 20, the County Mayo farm boy who was to be Grace's grandfather came to the United States and met and married Mary Costello, who had preceded him out of the same county. They settled at the Falls of the Schuylkill, 5 miles from Philadelphia, and began raising their family. The first seven children all went to work in the mills before they were in their teens. The last three, among them Grace's father, got a break: They were able to go through grammar school before settling down to work.

Tunney and the King: John Kelly served three years' apprenticeship as a bricklayer. He was getting nicely started on his trade - and growing adept at his hobby of rowing on the Schuylkill when the first world war took him off to France. There, in his off-hours, he boxed at 175 pounds, and he was well on his way to taking the light-heavyweight championship of the AEF when he broke his ankle in a truck accident. The man who did win the title was a Marine named Gene Tunney.

Last week in his pleasant Philadelphia office (the building is a replica of William Penn's Letitia Street house) John Kelly read aloud a letter from the former heavyweight champion which concluded: “Polly [Tunney's wife] doesn't know that but for an accident the world would never have heard of her husband as a pugilist.” This may have been so. The man Tunney beat for the AEF title stayed three rounds with him; Kelly had stiffened the same fighter in the first round in an earlier bout.

Bricks and Oars: Kelly came back from France to resume his bricklaying and his oarsmanship. In 1920, having already won the national singles, he went to England to try for the Diamond Sculls at Henley, rowing's highest prize. At the last moment, his entry was rejected because he was not a gentleman - the Henley definition of that being one who has never worked with his hands.

He got his revenge two months later by winning the Olympic singles at Antwerp, beating England's champion, among others. In exultation, he sent his sweaty green rowing cap to the King of England, with the compliments of John Kelly. Twenty-seven years later he stood on the banks of the Thames and saw his son John, University of Pennsylvania student and by Henley standards a “gentleman,” take the Diamond Sculls by eight good lengths.

In 1924, John Kelly married a beautiful Philadelphia girl of German ancestry named Margaret Majer, an athlete and magazine-cover model herself. By the time Grace, the third of their four children were born, the Kellys were growing prosperous. John Kelly had started a bricklaying business with $7,000 he borrowed from his brothers, George and Walter, and he was rapidly turning it into what is now an $18 million contracting concern.

In 1935, John Kelly ran for mayor of Philadelphia on the Democratic ticket and was narrowly beaten. Two years later, when Grace was 7, a much more important thing happened to her. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. came to the Kelly house to visit. (“He kissed me goodnight. I was never going to wash again.")

A Trouper at 11: Grace was a quiet child, who could, however, forget her shyness on the stage. When she was 11, she played a part at a presentation of Philadelphia's old Academy Players. In the middle of the show, her stage mother muffed her lines. With characteristic coolness, Grace dropped her handbag, turned her back on the audience, and gave the older actress her lines, while she was picking up her bag. John Kelly turned to his wife: “We've got a trouper on our hands."

In 1947, fresh from Stevens school in Philadelphia and a trip to Europe, Grace started trouping in earnest. She sped to New York and enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to learn how. To support herself, she found work as a model and worked her way up to the sixth heaven of those models who command $25 an hour. Six times, during her New York days, she looked out at her friends from the covers of Cosmopolitan and Redbook. “The money was very nice," she says as she recalls this, “and that's what makes it all worth-while."

After modeling and the academy, young Grace worked her way into television and did very well on TV's dramatic circuit. Her thinly drawn blond beauty and a certain discipline of manner were heavily in demand, although often for specialized roles. (“I was afraid for a while that I'd be typed as an English wife.”) But few directors who saw her forgot the Kelly features - a face, as one Hollywood surveyor put it, which reminds him of a cool, fast stream in a mountain hideaway.

In 1951, after starting a movie part on location in New York, she went out to the Coast. Preferring New York to Hollywood, she had no desire to move away, and M-G-M had to hustle before she considered a contract. She got her second big part, in Mogambo, on the strength of a screen test which John Ford, its director, remembered. It was a test, fittingly enough, in which she played an Irish girl with a brogue. Ford, an Irishman, found it hard to believe when he heard that she was American born.

A Classic English Type: In California, Grace Kelly lives as quietly as can be in a small apartment on Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood. She still retains her apartment on 66th Street in Manhattan. She is not given to making friends easily, and her manners give many people the impression that she is aloof. Hollywood columnists who try to interview her, after their first fruitless attempts at eliciting expansive or humorous responses, finally emerge as if they had been presented at court.

When she finishes her present picture, Green Fire, a drama about emerald hunting in Colombia (with Stewart Granger as the emerald hunter), she has two more pictures waiting for her (The Cobweb and [To] Catch a Thief). Perhaps atomic-age audiences feel some vicarious reassurance and stability in watching her restrained behavior and gazing into the cool stream of the Kelly face - what many call a classic English type. It makes a nice Hollywood switch-ending to recall that this classic English type is really the daughter of the Philadelphia Irishman who once angrily mailed his sweaty green cap to Buckingham Palace.

[didanawisgi]

Hi Bro. What makes you so into guns collective if it was built the blow up people heads? And an alchemist? What kind of Great Work, Mr. Freemason?

This is a good question I think, as I understand how it can be confusing. I get this question only when I post about firearms and related imagery. I will attempt to give you some insight into my actions/thoughts and frame of reference. There are three points I would like to make about this, in brief and then explained further later.  1) The uniqueness of the American Constitution and American history, the form of government, that of a Constitutional Republic (not actually a Democracy) and specifically the importance of the Bill of Rights cannot be understated.  2) The Hermit does not need to go outside, therefore, he/she has a luxury to not be pragmatic. Their Great Work is Internal only. The Adept, if they are to affect change, which is the highest artform, is obliged to practicality. This form has its operations in the real world.  Therefore, you cannot do The Great Work if you are not mindful of the current conditions around you. I prepare for those eventualities/probabilities (more of this kind of thinking can be found in philosopher’s Sam Harris’ Riddle of the Gun).  3. I was a weapons (of all kinds) collector/user before I was an Alchemist. My father, and both grandfathers (both of whom served in WWII and Korean war), all served in the Military in some capacity. One grandfather fought in three separate wars, WWII, Korean, and Vietnam, and reached the rank of Command Sergeant Major. OK, here we go:

Point 1: I wrote a little about this maybe a couple weeks ago. I will reiterate what I wrote here, in that statement I said:  “9 years ago I was a different person. Before my quest for spiritual and personal enlightenment, before I became a freemason, before my Masters and before I was accepted into Medical School. Before my strong interest in Alchemy. Before I met my soon to be wife. I would even argue, before I became a Man. Even then I had a strong sense of Justice, and firmly believed in the idea of Natural Law that serves as the theoretical underpinning of the Bill of Rights, included in these, the Second Amendment. As a student of history and human nature, I know many fear what they do not understand. I am also keenly aware of the possibilities, that may repeat themselves, should a Citizenry whose degree of liberty and freedoms, never before seen in known human history, ever forfeit their ability to defend, by force if ever necessary, those same freedoms and liberties that allow them life, liberty, and to pursue those joyous experiences that represent peak experiences of the human condition. History teaches us that people who wield power must be tempered. Plato’s idea of the Philosopher King was such that a King whom, essentially, learning of the several liberal arts and sciences, and becoming closer to God and Nature, and understanding Natural Laws of Mother Nature, would be embodied with compassion and wisdom and other qualities quintessential for successful and benevolent rulership. But as the currents of time flow in one direction, so too does the truth. As it turns out, this is not enough. Francis Bacon’s ‘New Atlantis’ was a place influenced by an academy known as the House of Solomon, a mythical place where humankind will meet its greatest potential. This place is America; the Novus ordo seclorum (New order of the ages). This order, a Republic founded in the principles of the Constitution, is a system devised to benefit all within its borders; a permanent ‘Philosopher King’ found only in a text that allows America (possibly named after the Merica, the Mandaean Star of Venus, and consort to the King/Pharaoh) to not suffer as our ancestors have, and has allowed each successive generation incrementally more freedom, more well-being, and more opportunity, should we take it. This is not to say we don’t have our modern day challenges. But it is the Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights, not granted by Government, but by God, the intrinsic cosmic consciousness and Architect of the Universe, that ensures us at least the opportunity to defend the natural evolution of Liberty and Freedom, and to stop those who would seek to destroy it or take it away from us; for tyranny historically springs forth from the well intended initially. This is perhaps why, in terms of importance, it is the second, after the Amendment which protects our freedom of thought and the ability to communicate those thoughts; the ability to stand up and act, by force if necessary, against forms of Tyranny which throughout the course of Human history has enjoyed many appearances.May you have a Blessed day! I wish you well on your Journey in this life. Respectfully, with Love Brother Richard E. Gordon III p.s. apologies for the old photo, it was the only one of me I could find with my rifle”

Nowhere on Earth is there a Bill of Rights so comprehensive with a philosophy founded in Natural Law. This uniqueness in American history does influence us today, particularly those who believe the Second Amendment exists to limit the power of the Federal Government (as the rest of the Amendments do) and to protect our Liberty and personal Freedom henceforth and for posterity; for in a crisis, many times you are the only one to rely on. 

Another aspect of this is the push for Gun Control, which for me is rooted in racism, if you examine history.  Huey P Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party in the 60′s once said, “The policemen or soldiers are only a gun in the establishments hand. They make the racist secure in his racism.” It is true that, if you study history, you will find that gun control is rooted in racism. Attorney Ralph Sherman has, what I think, is a good synopsis of this argument. This was written in 1999:

Legal Opinion by  Atty. Ralph D. Sherman

April 1999

Blacks and the right to bear arms

It’s time to resume my discussion of the history and meaning of the Second Amendment (as requested by several readers).

One of the myths that you hear from the gun-ban crowd is that the U.S. Supreme Court has “never” said the Second Amendment guarantees every individual the right to keep and bear arms. Our deceitful President would like you to believe that your right to firearms has something to do with duck hunting.

There are several reasons that Handgun Control and company don’t want you to know the truth. One reason is that when you research what the Supreme Court has actually said, you quickly find that “gun control” laws are rooted in racism.

Wait. I haven’t turned into some kind of conspiracy nut. If somebody had told me 15 years ago that “gun control” and racial discrimination are inseparably linked in the history of the United States, I would have been skeptical, too. After I started to read some of the old cases and statutes, however, I saw that it is impossible to reach any other conclusion. (In fact I recently gave a talk at UConn on the connections between “gun control” and racial, economic, and sexual discrimination.)

Anyone who studies the history of the United States in the 19th Century comes across the Supreme Court case known as the Dred Scott decision. The correct title of the case is Scott v. Sandford (1856), and you can find it in any law library. Usually the case is studied because of its bearing on the status of blacks.

Today the Dred Scott case is infamous, a good example of how the Supreme Court can be dead wrong. Dred Scott himself was a free black. The Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a free black was a citizen, entitled to the full protection of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other laws of the United States. The court held that blacks were not citizens, because the founding fathers didn’t have blacks in mind when the Constitution was written.

This is no longer the law of our country, thank goodness, because even the Supreme Court corrects its errors, if given enough time. But the Dred Scott case is still important because it is one of the first cases in which the Supreme Court gave its view of the Second Amendment.

In this column I don’t have space to discuss most of the decision. But here’s the critical section. The court found it unthinkable that blacks could be considered citizens, because:

“[If black people were] entitled to the privileges and immunities of citizens, it would exempt them from the operation of the special laws and from the police regulations which [Southern states] considered to be necessary for their own safety. It would give the persons of the negro race, who were recognized as citizens in any one State of the Union…the full liberty of speech in public and in private upon all subjects upon which its own citizens might speak; to hold public meetings upon political affairs, and to keep and carry arms wherever they went. And all of this would be done in the face of the subject race of the same color, both free and slaves, inevitably producing discontent and insubordination among them, and endangering the peace and safety of the State.”

The “special laws” mentioned by the court are the Black Codes, drafted to keep blacks down even if they became free. Essential to the Black Code of every Southern state was a law prohibiting blacks from owning firearms - a total gun ban for blacks only.

The “full liberty of speech” is the court’s reference to the right of free speech, guaranteed by the First Amendment. The freedom “to hold public meetings upon political affairs” likewise refers to the First Amendment.

And the right “to keep and carry arms wherever they went” - I don’t have to tell you where the Supreme Court found that one. But you can see the meaning as plain as day, in the words of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Because of dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling that blacks weren’t citizens, Congress eventually passed the 14th Amendment. This also is quite relevant to the right to keep and bear arms, and anyone who reads this column needs to know why. I’ll explain in a future column.

(Source: ralphdsherman.com)

Much of the “black codes” apropos possession of guns, are rehashed in contemporary fashion; except now, the codes are tailored for everyone, not just black people.  If my point has not been made well enough, I shall tell you a story of the only Coup D’Etat in U.S. History: “A mob of white supremacists armed with rifles and pistols marched on City Hall in Wilmington, N.C., on Nov. 10 and overthrew the elected local government, forcing both black and white officials to resign and running many out of town. The coup was the culmination of a race riot in which whites torched the offices of a black newspaper and killed a number of black residents. No one is sure how many African-Americans died that day, but some estimates say as many as 90 were killed.” -https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93615391

What they neglect to mention is that the “black codes” had disarmed the populace, and they were ill-prepared for the slaughter.

Again, racial tensions are not as high today, and this occurred in the not-so-recent past, however the ugly memes of tribalism, which globally and historically have resulted in Warfare, discrimination, violence, racism, religious killings, terrorism etc. are thriving in some parts of the world, and because history, no matter how small the chance, potentially could repeat itself. To quote Fallout: “War, war never changes”.

Point 2: If you want to live in the real world, you have to be practical to some extent. You have to realize that “s— happens”.  

“The world is not entirely governed by logic. Life itself involves some kind of violence and we have to choose the path of least violence.” -

The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi.

If you have ever been a victim of any crime, or hate crime, you know that it is a terrible ordeal, and that your peace of mind is disrupted.  I have before had to face threats, for instance, racists smashing my mailbox and racial slurs; my grandmother, who lived alone, had her house broken into and virtually everything she ever owned stolen when she returned by cowardly thugs. These things can affect how you perceive the world. I find that many armchair philosophers often come from a highly privileged state of mind, a state that is developed overtime from a perch of relative safety; an Ivory Tower. They underestimate the rate of defensive uses of weapons and overestimate the rate of illegal, criminal acts with firearms, when in fact, according to the CDC, the rate is about equal, or even more defensive uses therefore counter-intuitively avoiding violence. 

Defensive Use of Guns

“Defensive use of guns by crime victims is a common occurrence, although the exact number remains disputed (Cook and Ludwig, 1996; Kleck, 2001a). Almost all national survey estimates indicate that defensive gun uses by victims are at least as common as offensive uses by criminals, with estimates of annual uses ranging from about 500,000 to more than 3 million (Kleck, 2001a), in the context of about 300,000 violent crimes involving firearms in 2008 (BJS, 2010)…

A different issue is whether defensive uses of guns, however numerous or rare they may be, are effective in preventing injury to the gun-wielding crime victim. Studies that directly assessed the effect of actual defensive uses of guns (i.e., incidents in which a gun was “used” by the crime victim in the sense of attacking or threatening an offender) have found consistently lower injury rates among gun-using crime victims compared with victims who used other self-protective strategies (Kleck, 1988; Kleck and DeLone, 1993; Southwick, 2000; Tark and Kleck, 2004). - CDC,  Priorities for Research to Reduce the Threat of Firearm-Related Violence (2013) https://www.nap.edu/read/18319/chapter/3#15

There is something to be said for the art of complete nonviolence, however this must be cultivated over time. Only two people I know of have mastered it; MLK and Gandhi. I do not doubt other examples can be found, however, it is extremely rare.

Just as one must learn the art of killing in the training for violence, so one must learn the art of dying in the training for nonviolence. Violence does not mean emancipation from fear, but discovering the means of combating the cause of fear. Nonviolence, on the other hand, has no cause for fear. The votary of nonviolence has to cultivate the capacity for sacrifice of the highest type in order to be free from fear. He recks not if he should lose his land, his wealth, his life. -

The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi

I want both the Hindus and Mussalmans to cultivate the cool courage to die without killing. But if one has not that courage, I want him to cultivate the art of killing and being killed rather than, in a cowardly manner, flee from danger. For the latter, in spite of his flight, does commit mental himsa. He flees because he has not the courage to be killed in the act of killing. 

The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi

So in the meantime, while I “cultivate the cool courage to die without killing,” I will maintain my weapon, drill, and assert my Second Amendment Right, based in Natural Law, for the defense of myself, family, community, and Liberty. If you do not defend yourself, and get hurt or worse, die, you will no longer participate in The Great Work. I am not a Hermit, I do not stay inside studying all day, only working on the perfection of my Mental landscape. I am an Adept, and I go where others do not wish to, in order to further The Great Work, however, I reserve the right to protect myself when I go.

Point 3 I come from a line of “warriors with a warrior mentality”.  

I grew up with all kinds of martial arts and weapons, and have basic proficiency with most. That’s just something I like to do. Something I have enjoyed since I was 11. I suggest reading Sam Harris’ The Moral Landscape. He also has a piece called The Riddle of the Gun, which in my opinion is a good philosophical treatise on the issues surrounding guns, both morally and in terms of rational philosophy. Excerpt:

“Most of my friends do not own guns and never will. When asked to consider the possibility of keeping firearms for protection, they worry that the mere presence of them in their homes would put themselves and their families in danger. Can’t a gun go off by accident? Wouldn’t it be more likely to be used against them in an altercation with a criminal? I am surrounded by otherwise intelligent people who imagine that the ability to dial 911 is all the protection against violence a sane person ever needs.But, unlike my friends, I own several guns and train with them regularly. Every month or two, I spend a full day shooting with a highly qualified instructor. This is an expensive and time-consuming habit, but I view it as part of my responsibility as a gun owner. It is true that my work as a writer has added to my security concerns somewhat, but my involvement with guns goes back decades. I have always wanted to be able to protect myself and my family, and I have never had any illusions about how quickly the police can respond when called. I have expressed my views on self-defense elsewhere. Suffice it to say, if a person enters your home for the purpose of harming you, you cannot reasonably expect the police to arrive in time to stop him. This is not the fault of the police—it is a problem of physics.Like most gun owners, I understand the ethical importance of guns and cannot honestly wish for a world without them. I suspect that sentiment will shock many readers. Wouldn’t any decent person wish for a world without guns? In my view, only someone who doesn’t understand violence could wish for such a world. A world without guns is one in which the most aggressive men can do more or less anything they want. It is a world in which a man with a knife can rape and murder a woman in the presence of a dozen witnesses, and none will find the courage to intervene. There have been cases of prison guards (who generally do not carry guns) helplessly standing by as one of their own was stabbed to death by a lone prisoner armed with an improvised blade. The hesitation of bystanders in these situations makes perfect sense—and “diffusion of responsibility” has little to do with it. The fantasies of many martial artists aside, to go unarmed against a person with a knife is to put oneself in very real peril, regardless of one’s training. The same can be said of attacks involving multiple assailants. A world without guns is a world in which no man, not even a member of Seal Team Six, can reasonably expect to prevail over more than one determined attacker at a time. A world without guns, therefore, is one in which the advantages of youth, size, strength, aggression, and sheer numbers are almost always decisive. Who could be nostalgic for such a world?” - https://samharris.org/the-riddle-of-the-gun/ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0DYpaLgWIo

 I find it the height of hubris when people try to tell me what is and what is not alchemy, what is and what is not freemasonry, what the Great Work means and what is and what is not good morality. Newsflash, moral relativism is lazy pseudo-intellectualism, however, if you are increasing the potential for self-actualization for yourself and those around you, keep going and continue to do what you do. How dare someone say their “Great Work” is somehow purer, somehow better, because they do not ascribe to this or that. In reality, it is a personal journey and Quest, and it is one that only the Traveler can take. There are many paths; take the ones that make you a better person.

And so, my final point is, you do you, and I will do me.  

-The Modern Alchemist

[opportunitywow]

Nova Pioneer Apprentice Teachers 2021 Program

Nova Pioneer is looking for superstar Apprentice Teacher to teach Pre-Primary and Primary School (grades 000 – 7) at the Midrand Campus in 2021. This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring teacher who is currently in their 3rd or 4th year of their BEd qualification or completing their PGCE in 2021 to join a team deeply committed to the development of our people and our children. You will partner with your Resident Teacher to empower students using an enquiry-based learning approach and be a part of an innovative network of schools that is developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

Apprentice teachers support instruction and classroom management and are responsible for helping to drive a rigorous, enquiry-based learning environment the Nova Pioneer way. Apprentice teachers are supported by Resident teachers who partner with them in their growth journey – observing lessons, providing feedback and coaching.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

Help and support Resident teachers to deliver impactful and engaging enquiry-based lessons supported by technology to enhance instructional delivery

Infuse joy and passion for learning into lessons so that students are excited about and invested in their academic excellence

Help to set and communicate rigorous and ambitious goals for all students and provide student feedback so they internalize it

Work collaboratively with the resident teacher to conduct ongoing assessment of student progress. Use assessment data to adjust instructional content and delivery techniques accordingly

Attend weekly feedback meetings with resident teachers and Deans to enhance teaching practices

Fully participate in opportunities for professional growth including daily team meetings and reflections, weekly professional development meetings, instructional coaching, and organisation wide learning and reflection

Communicate regularly with parents through e-mail, telephone and parent-teacher conferences

Contribute to and participate in co-curricular programming for at least one activity in the course of a term

Participate in a variety of collaborative teams and committees, fulfil supervision duties as assigned including some morning, evening and weekend events

Skills and Qualifications required:

You are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and entering your third or fourth year of study OR a Bachelor’s Degree + Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

You will not be a qualified teacher at the start of 2021

You are specialising in either ECD (Grades 000-00) or Foundation phase (Grades R-3).

You are provisionally SACE registered

You have English and Mathematics teaching experience or curriculum knowledge – experience in Singapore Maths and THRASS (English) is not compulsory but ideal

Experience and/or understanding of Cambridge curriculum objectives would be an advantage

If you teach specialist subjects such as Science, History, IsiZulu etc. in grades 4 to 6, you should have done the relevant specialist subject in university or have a deep understanding of the subject

Qualities of a successful candidate:

You love teaching and care deeply about the success of each and every student

You have a deep understanding of children and you know how to connect with the  specific age group that you teach

You are deeply committed to your development as a teacher and welcome constructive feedback, translating feedback into improvements and innovations in your approach and in your classroom

You are able to work within a team-based environment and collaborate with other resident teachers, apprentice teachers and deans

You communicate openly and effectively with your colleagues

You are adept at using technology for instruction

How to Apply:

Does working at Nova Pioneer excite you? If so, then apply now!

To apply, please complete the form on the right hand side of this page. We cannot process applications that are emailed to us.

Please note: Where a copy of your resume and your proof of studies is required, copying and pasting from a formatted document e.g. Microsoft Word may not result in the formatting transferring correctly to the final resume. You are encouraged to attach your resume in Microsoft Word® or PDF format to protect formatting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the right candidate is identified. Only qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Nova Pioneer Apprentice Teachers 2021 Program

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2WuW5ih via IFTTT

[it-will-not-last-the-night]

Bowl

Ryuji and Yusuke look at a bowl. 

The sudden gesture caught Ryuji unawares, the boy halting halfway to lifting another piece of beef into his already open mouth, gazing with an expression halfway between blank-faced confusion and mystifying curiosity at the boy seated opposite him and, more precisely, the object he was pushing towards him.

Faced with a rather baffling situation Ryuji, rather eloquently, responded with; “Huh? What’s that?” Before resuming his interrupted motion, the piece of meat hoisted between two chopsticks finally making it into his mouth, at the same time letting Ryuji now point, for emphasis, with the empty chopsticks at the package, for lack of a more precise term, of brownish wrapping paper.

“Repayment, or, if it is not to your liking, we can consider it like collateral,” his companion, perched on the edge of his seat rather than slouching into it like Ryuji did, explained in a calm voice, his face neither blank or confused, but rather, if you were to ask Ryuji, just the same inscrutable mask of calmness it normally was.

The two boys were almost a study in contrast, Ryuji’s posture was abysmal, his shoulders hunched, his face scrounged up, whilst Yusuke sat with the sort of straight rigidity which was usually the province of Cranes, his willowy legs folded neatly one-over-the-other, as his calm, to the point of serene, expression continued unwaveringly in the face of Ryuji’s rather loud chewing. From clothing, to bearing and appearance, the two were, to be blunt, an odd duo. 

“Co…what? What are you talkin’ about, lemme see,” he had begun peeling away at the boring brown paper covering…whatever it was, something small and rectangular in shape, using one finger to tear a small gap in it, even as his other hand continued to pack food into his mouth.

Outside the eatery Shibuya was noisy and bustling as usual, people moving, people talking, people being people, life and the living going on, unperturbed or bothered by the strange exchange happening in a small Beef Bowl Eatery along the walkway. It was, by now, a relatively frequent haunt of both boy’s, though they’d never intended it as such. It was just a confluence of circumstance, Ryuji insisted in getting Yusuke what he liked to call ‘real meat’ and Yusuke couldn’t be bothered to choose a place to eat, thus they made the same trip to the same place Ryuji could afford, in other words the cheapest in the area, factoring in potential cost of train fare needed to get they’re in the process. 

They hadn’t planned for it to be a reoccurring thing either, but somehow it had become so, although it wasn’t regular or frequent, they didn’t have a ‘Beef Bowl Day’ as it were, but erratically, intermittently, they would go, together. Even more so since the end of last year.

Regardless, inside, Ryuji had finally caught a peek of what Yusuke’s ‘repayment’ was and, after a stumped look at his friend, had messily torn the wrapping off completely, revealing;

“A…bowl?” He said, slower than usual, as his eyes travelled up and down the length of what, it seemed, was a painting of a meal of some sort, familiar to an extent, with décor packed around it in the background. Ryuji, as if to confirm he wasn’t just looking at it wrong, twisted the small canvas in his hands, cocking his head to the side, whilst Yusuke answered; “I based it off the Curry Bowl we had, two weeks ago actually, remember? We both tried it? You said it we should both experiment with flavours we were unused to so I ordered it and-”

“I remember, I remember,” by now it wasn’t said hastily or abruptly, Ryuji meant no rudeness by it nor was it even a sign of irritation, he just knew that if Yusuke wasn’t stopped early on then he could easily ramble for ages over the most inconsequential of details and, if given the chance to reminisce about almost anything, would take that chance to explore how his own recollection of sensations operated. Normally Ryuji wouldn’t even mind it, as Yusuke could gab on for ages without needing someone else’s input, giving him a chance to finish his food in peace. Also, though he’d probably never be willing to say it out loud…sometimes Yusuke said some pretty interesting stuff.

Today, though, was different, today he’d stopped him because he didn’t want them getting off track;

“Huh? Oh yeah, I do see it actually, huh, pretty good likeness, ‘specially since, what, you did it from memory? …wait! That’s not the point!” Realizing he was now in danger of going off track, Ryuji placed the painting down (gently!) so he could lean forward over the table, one eyebrow raised sceptically; “I don’t get what you’re givin’ it to me for? Repayment? Collateral? For what?” 

As if a flower wilting, Yusuke’s neck bent ever so slightly to one side, his head following it, as his eyes regarded Ryuji with slight incomprehension; 

“I thought…it would be obvious,” but the silence from Ryuji which followed made clear it wasn’t and, seeing an explanation was necessary, Yusuke’s head aligned itself upright again, a slender finger coming from out beneath the table to tap thoughtfully at the side of his cheek;

“You’ve so often provided funds towards our meals here, and transport as well, that I felt a need to provide some form of compensation. I know you don’t require any,” he neatly interrupted an almost grumbled rejection, his other hand coming up placatingly; “Consider it something I chose to do for myself, not because I felt I owed you it, but because I wanted to give it,” 

Ryuji’s slight frown wasn’t hard to catch, he’d never been very adept at hiding anything, least of all his feelings, but, to his credit, he did manage to suppress the instinctive impulse to tell Yusuke to ‘stop being so weird’. If one thing good had come from his friendships, all of them, it was a more understanding attitude towards other people, to try to see their points of view and…it worked because, if he took only a moment to think about it then, though the method Yusuke used was one Ryuji found weird, the actual idea wasn’t.

Ryuji was exactly the sort of boy who, if his friends told him he didn’t have to pay them back, would feel it a matter of his own honour to do so; a fact which only made him remember he still needed to pay Ann back.

But he could understand Yusuke’s desire to ‘pay him back’ as it was and found himself, whilst Yusuke went on talking, idly looking down at the image depicted. 

“Since I am, alas, yet again rather lacking in monetary wealth, I thought I would maybe try something like the artists of old, and provide you with payment in the form of portrait, I had actually been talking with Futaba not so long ago, on the infernal ‘social media’ she signed me up to without my knowledge or approval, and, I should note, as a result once again compromising my email address, forcing me to change it-“

“Yusuke, I told you I don’t need to single Futaba story you have,” he perched back in his seat now, actually picking up the picture, looking it up and down, brow furrowing, as if he was actually putting some effort into scrutinizing it.

Of course, as always, Ryuji could say it was ‘good’, a blind chimpanzee could do that, Yusuke’s grasp of art was amazing, his skill incredible, saying it was ‘good’ was about the bare minimum that could be said of it. However, sadly, it was still all he could say. Ryuji didn’t know what else to say, how else to say it, it was just…’good’. 

And so, he dreaded the moment, a little, he knew was coming. The moment Yusuke would ask him ‘what do you think’ and he’d be forced to give the lamest of answers. Makoto and Haru would have known the words to use, the devices to compliment, the styles to note. Ann would be able to gush like no-one else, and Futaba would have found something to criticize about it just to stir up trouble, heck Akira would probably have been able to do all three…

But…’good’…just felt…so lame. Was that the best he could say? Over something Yusuke had made just for him? Even if, part of him, felt that was weird surely, he could think of something, anything, to say, something more than just a bland placeholder for a lack of his own opinion, something…something…

“As I said, if it isn’t to your liking then consider it collateral until such a time as I have enough funds to-”

“It makes me hungry…”

The silence following Ryuji’s comment was not long enough to be awkward, or oppressive, the fact that it was broken by Yusuke’s very poor attempt at stifling a chuckle, resulting in a sound akin to someone coughing whilst blocking their nose, helped make it comical as opposed to depressing;

“Well I will…take that as a compliment of the realism of the depiction then,” he said, smiling that slight smile he preferred, so curiously prone to rather subdued facial expressions, even though in almost everything else he tended towards the flamboyant. 

“Right, we’re doing this now,” the painting was down, and Ryuji was signalling to a server, fire now lit in his eyes;

“Doing what exactly? Isn’t it about time we head out?” 

“Curry bowls, both of us, now,” by happy coincidence his curt instruction doubled both as an order for their server and an answer to Yusuke’s question, the elegant boy now having a chance to be the somewhat confused one;

“Huh? But last time you said-”

“Doesn’t matter what I said, we’re doing it,” Ryuji turned, giving Yusuke a rather smug, half-smile, before pointing a finger at him accusatorily; “’Sides, its your fault making me hungry with this damn painting of yours, if you wanna think of this as extortion,” 

“Extortion…” Yusuke repeated.

In the end it’d been better than just saying ‘good’ again, Ryuji stuck to that. Sure, it’d been a weird comment but, in the end, a comment from his gut was probably more what Yusuke wanted than a comment from is brain. 

He could have thrown it away, but he obviously didn’t. Not because he was particularly attached to art, he simply wasn’t, even now, though he could recognize Yusuke’s art was good, he still didn’t really care about any piece of art in particular. However…it was Yusuke’s, it mattered to Yusuke, and because it mattered to Yusuke, it mattered to Ryuji. It had weight, it had significance, because of what it meant to them both and, so, it was for that he kept it, and not because he thought it was particularly good art (which it was!).

Looking at it, the truth was, made him feel good. Besides, more importantly;

“Mom’s gonna love this story,” he grumbled, smiling, to himself in sight of his home.