#710 society

[bostonbakedbean90]

🫠Some Citrus Circus shatter🍊🎪

[futurequibblerjournalist]

The Ancient and Most Noble House of Black names explained:

I���ve gotten a few asks about my thoughts on the Black family and specifically their names and the middle names I’ve assigned them so I figured I’d make a post and explain them all, along with how I see the meanings of their names translating to their personalities! I was originally going to do the Black sisters and brothers in this one too but it just got too long so you guys are getting Riddle era Black family until I return with the second installment vjnbjgnbj

tw: brief mention of rape in Lucretia's section

Walburga Irma Black:

Unlike most of her family members, Walburga is not named after a star. Her first name is an alternative spelling of Walpurga which comes from Saint Walpurga, a nun born in 710. Saint Walpurga was also given an annual feast day called Saint Walpurgis Night or Saint Walpurgis Eve. Ironically one of the things she was hailed for was battling witchcraft. She was said to repel witches and was known as a healer of illnesses and one of her only talents not fully related to her religion is noted to be very detailed embroidery. I like to pull things from things like this, especially when it comes to characters we know very little about, so what this tells me about Walburga is that she likely did not have a lot of (female) friends which fits with the fact that I generally think the Black family kept to themselves. She was a skilled healer, which is very interesting considering how she’s usually portrayed as a woman who ruins so much. Is she aware of this aspect of her personality and that’s why she decided to learn so much about healing? And at last, she’s talented at embroidery. This yet again fits with another headcanon of mine that the finer families in pureblood society showed their status through things such as embroidery or homemade lace, to show that the women in the family were so well taken care of that they could focus on nothing but raising a family and making said family look good. I would imagine Walburga was taught by her mother.

Speaking of her mother, Walburga gets her middle name from her mother, Irma Black (born Crabbe) which means she is once again not given a name with a connection to the stars. Irma means complete; entire and is derived from the Old High German word ‘irmin’ meaning ‘world’. One could argue that while Walburga does not have a star specific name she is named in a way that could be interpreted as someone’s whole world.

Alphard Pollux Black:

Alphard is named after the star of the same name, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. Alphard comes from the Arabic al-fard which, if Wikipedia is to trust lol, means “the individual”. The star is also known both as “the backbone of the Serpent” and “the heart of the Serpent”. From this I like to pull a bit of personality. Alphard has a clear connection to his family, one with a noticeable connection to serpent imagery through the Black family’s consistent history of being sorted into Slytherin. He’s an individual, he’s got the backbone to stand out yet still in a way more acceptable to the family and he’s got the heart to still show love and kindness towards Sirius. I think, and I don’t know if this is an unpopular opinion, that Alphard values his family a whole lot. Which is ironic, because in part that’s what gets him blasted off of the family tapestry. Another name for this star is Soheil Solitarius, which translates to the bright solitary one. I interpret this to think he’s got some sort of loneliness to him, even within a family with so many people. That is what being too much of an individual in the Black family gets you. You can only push it too much before you become an outsider and I think Alphard is living right on the cusp.

Just like Alphard, Pollux is yet another star that is the brightest in its constellation, this time it’s the Gemini constellation. Just like how Walburga got her middle name from her mother, Alphard got his from his father. The name Pollux, albeit also the name of a star comes from the twins Castor and Pollux in both Greek and Roman mythology.

As a fun little extra thing, I think Alphard’s fun older guy that he seduces whenever he feels like it (Arvid Thicket) calls him Hydrae and occasionally he calls him Hydra’s Heart because he’s a sap lol.

Cygnus Phineas Black:

Cygnus was the third Cygnus in the family, being named after his paternal grandfather. It's suspected that Cygnus I was likely Cygnus's great-great-grandfather which would be the father of the second man he's named after, former Hogwarts headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black. Cygnus, the constellation derives its name from the Greek word for swan. Looking at the most common symbolism associated with swans, we can assume Cygnus has a certain amount of wisdom to him, which also works perfectly with the fact that he was named after a former headmaster at a respected institution.

Speaking of said former headmaster, Cygnus got his middle name from Phineas Nigellus Black, the most disliked headmaster of Hogwarts, at least believing the statement from Cygnus nephew, Sirius Black. The name Phineas does not come from a star but instead it is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “the mouth of a snake”/“serpent’s mouth”. From this we can pull that Cygnus not only shares the typical views of his family, but looking at a similar saying “having a serpent’s tongue” which means having a tendency to speak maliciously, we can assume that Cygnus might have been either particularly opinionated, a tendency to come off as harsh or negative or both. I would also like to note that Cygnus is specifically named after Phineas Nigellus and not Phineas Nigellus’s son of the same name (as he was disowned for supporting muggle rights).

Lucretia Elladora Black:

Upon first glance, one might think Lucretia is another Black not named after a star. That would technically be correct, though she is named after an asteroid known as 281 Lucretia, an asteroid belonging to the Flora family in the Main Belt. Lucretia also shares her first name with a noblewoman from Ancient Rome. Lucretia was raped by Sextus Tarquinius and subsequently committed suicide after confessing about the rape to her father and husband. It's said that this act was the/one of the first stepping stones in the rebellion that made the Roman government transition from a kingdom to a republic. While I won't go into details interpreting the fact that her namesake was raped, we can look into the fact that Lucretia was noted to be exceptionally devoted to her husband. I think this is especially interesting given how the Prewett family is connected to the Weasleys. They likely weren't at the time Lucretia married Ignatius but even if they were she probably walked the line of marrying someone too different from the Black family and yet she was so devoted to Ignatius that to her it hardly mattered.

Lucretia's middle name Elladora comes from Elladora Black, the sister of Phineas Nigellus. Elladora was actually alive when Lucretia was born (she died six years later in 1931) so it wouldn't be far off to assume that the two possibly had some sort of relationship. Elladora is another name not derived from a star or anything similar, though it is speculated on Elladora Black's wiki page that the name comes from Elladora's mother possibly being named Ella and Callidora Black (the character known as Callidora Black is born after Elladora of course, being the daughter of one of Elladora's nephews, but knowing how the Black family liked to name their children after previous relatives it does not seem completely unbelievable that there was a Callidora Black born before Elladora that she could have gotten the second half of her name from). There are two takes on "Ella", that it comes from the Norman form of the Germanic "Alia" which means "other" or "Aella", a Greek name meaning "whirlwind". Either way, looking at Lucretia one could argue that they fit in regard to her marriage to someone who is from a family that is not necessarily the most respected and in later years is very much considered an "other" to the Black family. The second half, "Dora" is derived from the Greek word "doron" and means "gift". It kinda follows a similar pattern to Walburga's middle name. Just like Walburga is "someone's whole world" Lucretia is "gift/a gift". Considering the usual take on the Black family I think this is kind of sweet.

On the opposite end, to talk a bit more about Elladora. She is noted as the Black that introduces decapitating house elves and hanging their heads on plaques when they're no longer useful. I think Lucretia would share a similar sentiment to her namesake and a more aggressive/demanding way of handling the elves does not seem far off.

Orion Regulus Black:

Orion is a constellation known for featuring a number of bright stars. It is also known for being a good star to navigate from. Looking at this I think it fits with Orion being the head of his family but also the head of Black family in general based off of the fact that he and his family were the ones to live and grow up in 12 Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Black family. I’ve always found this very interesting with him being the youngest as well. In ancient Egypt the stars of Orion were regarded as a god and to me this tells me that this man holds himself in high regard, likely above others even his fellow Blacks. Ironically the bible mentions Orion three times, naming it “Kesil” which literally means fool. I think this perhaps speaks more to others perception of him rather than his own. I would suspect that perhaps due to his age there would be circumstances where he wouldn’t be taken as seriously, something that would surely infuriate a man who considers himself godlike. In Greek mythology he is described as unnaturally strong which one could pull from for a physical description though I don’t personally. What I find interesting is that he stood up to Gaia saying he could kill every animal on earth and was thus punished for it by Gaia sending a scorpion (the constellations of Scorpius) after him. He was later revived by Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer. He’s described as a hunter and a skilled one and while the best way I can think this translates to what we know of him in canon, it could be the way he protects his ancestral home with quite skilful magic. The fact that Orion is made up of so many stars, especially bright ones could also symbolise the Black family in general and how many not only came before him but also how tight knit the family is that he is literally made up of them. This could also be a nod to their incest tendencies, especially given how Orion is the only Black we actually know of (other than his wife of course) to marry another relative.

I am personally a big fan of Orion’s middle name being Regulus, no matter if it’s from a cis or trans Regulus standpoint. Either Orion named both his sons after himself which seems entirely on point with a man that likes himself so much, or Regulus looked enough up to his father and valued family naming traditions enough to name himself after the man. Obviously sharing a name with his son there's going to be some overlap when it comes to personality traits that you can pull from it. Regulus means "prince" and/or "little king" in Latin and this is another time where you see Orion with a name that means something of great importance/something that is generally speaking better than someone else. It is also known as "the king", "the great", "the mighty" and "the centre" as well as one of the royal stars in the Persian monarchy. Even if the whole "heart of the lion" does not fit with Orion in the same sense that some might think it fits Regulus, I'd argue that Orion values/possesses/wishes to possess a good amount of the things that a lion traditionally symbolise, such as courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour.

This ended up so much longer than originally planned which is why I'm saving Bellatrix, Andromeda, Narcissa, Sirius and Regulus for another post lol. Hopefully someone enjoys this ramble vjnfjbngjb I've already made multiple people listen to it as it was being made.

This was inspired by an ask I got from @starchildlazaro so I figured I'd tag you since it turned into a post instead of just a normal answer,,,

[duckiemimi]

on the jujutsu mindset and power

what does it mean to be powerful?

in this post (click), i talked about how pre-defection geto operated from a place of arrogance, thinking himself better than non-sorcerers even before he defected. to expand on that, in reality most sorcerers think the same way to some degree.

(geto's case is particularly unique in that he grew up with non-sorcerer parents while having an extraordinary CT—and that later he set out to do what most sorcerers would only think of in moments of weakness. despite his background, his skills were impressive enough to earn him half of the moniker "the strongest duo," sharing the title with someone like gojo who was essentially born and bred for jujutsu. in any case, i did explore on why his background could have a lot to do with how he processed everything post-riko in that first post and a little here (click) and here, too (click)).

in chapter 74, we get some context on the time vessel association and subsequently, the history of jujutsu and how it came to be. it's said that tengen themself laid the moral foundation of modern-day jujutsu in the nara period (ad 710-784), just before the golden age of jujutsu in the heian period (ad 794-1185). despite tengen's efforts, a clash of ideas persisted between jujutsu and religion (Buddhism).

the most interesting part of the conversation here, though, is that the representative of the cult says that, "even jujutsu sorcerers who have authorization beyond normal rights for many things cannot lay hands on non-curse users," implying that historically, jujutsu sorcerers have always had more authority than non-curse users, curse users, and non-sorcerers, an authority etched in a set of agreed upon rules that ultimately developed into the modern jujutsu laws, which were established by the big three clans (click for more context).

aligned with tengen's teachings during the nara period, these rules serve as a ceiling of sorts, to disarm the power sorcerers could potentially wield against the powerless. but as we see with sukuna later on in the heian period, power can be more desirable than morality. as opposed to the famous "with great power, comes great responsibility" quote, something tengen seemed to push for, great power also comes with great arrogance, and the great lust to exercise it.

while modern jujutsu is considerably more "civil" and organized, the sentiment still lingers. the recent system centers around the concept of duty towards humanity, an obligation to protect those who cannot protect themselves from cursed spirits—or in other words, to protect the powerless. as geto once said in the anime, "survival of the weakest. that's how a society should be. the weak help each other and discourage any who are too strong."

even to its roots, the jujutsu education system instills a sense of responsibility in its young to use their powers for the benefit of society, but it's written there in fine-print: "you have power, and you have more of it than other people." we see how this manifests in two major ways, the first being an attitude of apathy (like student gojo, and to an equal or lesser extent, many other sorcerers), and the second being pride in purpose (like student geto). either way, both projections come from a place of "i am better than them, therefore ＿."

herein lies the cleverness of the jujutsu machine: the more powerful you are, the better you are as a sorcerer, thus the more you're put to work to serve its current purpose. for those who care, this acknowledgment of power becomes incentive—until it breaks them. unfortunately, with its lack of resources, the system eats its tail by exploiting its own sorcerers, who are also lacking in numbers. this is the cause of sorcerer resentment and it's what pushes them to leave or turn. after all, why does it seem like they are powerless when they've been taught all their lives that they are powerful?

the secretive nature of jujutsu makes matters worse because sorcerers do not receive direct feedback from the people they have a duty to protect, resulting in a lack of real emotional connection, of empathy. and it's here where arrogance thickens. non-sorcerers cannot give you validation for your work, and the system barely gives any, if at all. you need to have an overflowing reservoir of self-assurance to be able to get through your day to day as a sorcerer. you need to be at least a little bit arrogant to be a sorcerer. you need to believe you matter enough to make a difference, because if not you, then who?

since power is such a big theme in jjk, i do hope we get to see it punctuated in a nice conclusion by the end of the series. because really, what does it mean to be powerful when power isolates? what does power mean when you're alone?

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 7.10

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (Mauritania)

Army Day (Albania)

Battle of Britain Anniversary Day

Battle of Poltava Day (Russia)

Beatles Day (Liverpool, Hamburg)

Capybara Appreciation Day

Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Clerihew Day

Cumin Day (French Republic)

Don't Step On A Bee Day (UK)

Flag Day (Mongolia)

Global Energy Independence Day

Gospel Day (Kiribati)

His Masters Voice Day

International Glut1 Awareness Day

International Safewords Day

Lá Cuimhneacháin Náisiúnta (National Day of Commemoration; Ireland)

Lady Godiva Day

London Bridge Falling Down Day

Merchant’s Festival (Elder Scrolls)

Minion Day

Naadam Day (Mongolia)

National All American Pet Photo Day

National Caleb Day

National Contour Day

National Fish Farmers Day (India)

National Kitten Day

National Lineworker Appreciation Day (Canada)

National Stella Day

National Transplant Financial Coordinator Day

Natto Day (Japan)

Nikola Tesla Day

Oils and Concentrates Day

Police Radio Day

Protogeneia Asteroid Day

Rhodes Day (Rhodesia)

710 Day

Silence Day (Meher Baba)

Srebrenica Memorial Day

Stay Away From Bees Day

Teddy Bear's Picnic Day

Telstar Day

Uniwaine (Senior Citizens’ Day; Kiribati)

U.S. Energy Independence Day

World Airway Disorders Day

World Miniature Golf Day

World Shuvit Cancer Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Beer Distributors Day

National Piña Colada Day

National Pizza Day (Brazil)

Pick Blueberries Day

Independence & Related Days

Bahamas (from UK, 1973)

Federal Republic of New Potato Land (Declared; 2017) [unrecognized]

Wyoming Statehood Day (#44; 1890)

2nd Wednesday in July

National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Montserrat) [2nd Wednesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 10 (2nd Week of July)

Sweetheart Days Festival (Minnesota) [2nd Wednesday; thru Friday]

Festivals Beginning July 10, 2024

American Cheese Society Annual Conference (Buffalo, New York) [thru 7.13]

European Balloon Festival (Igualada, Spain) [thru 7.14]

EXIT (Novi Sad, Serbia) [thru 7.14]

Love International Festival (Tins, Croatia) [thru 7.16]

Mad Cool Festival (Madrid, Spain) [thru 7.13]

Ossipee Valley Fair (South Hiram, Maine) [thru 7.14]

Riddu Riđđu (Manndalen, Norway) [thru 7.13]

Sandcastle Contest (Belmar, New Jersey)

Tangomarkkinat (Seinäjoki, Finland) [thru 7.14]

Vegan Summerfest (Johnstown, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.14]

Winona County Fair (St. Charles, Minnesota) [thru 7.14]

Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (Okemah, Oklahoma) [thru 7.14]

Feast Days

Alice Munro (Writerism)

Amalberga of Maubeuge (Christian; Saint & Widow)

Amalburga (Christian; Saint & Virgin)

Antony and Theodosius Pechersky (Christian; Saints)

St. Bathilda (Positivist; Saint)

Camille Pissarro (Artology)

Canute IV of Denmark (Christian; Saint)

David Teniers III (Artology)

Day of Holda (Goddess of the Underworld; Anglo-Saxon, Norse)

Feast Day of Knut the Reaper, Hela, Holda and Skadi (Norse)

Feast of Translation of Saint Maclovius, Bishop of Saint-Malo (Christian; Confessor)

Feast of The Seven Brothers (Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis, and Martialis; Christian; Martyrs)

Felicitas of Rome (Christian; Martyr)

The First Sermon of Lord Buddha (Buddhism; Bhutan)

Giorgio de Chirico (Artology)

Hela’s Day (Pagan)

Joe Shuster (Artology)

Kanute IV, King of Denmark (Christian; Martyr)

Knut the Reaper's Day (Norse; Scotland)

Marcel Proust (Writerism)

Mel Blanc Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Millennial Fairy Olympics, Day 5 (Shamanism)

New Robe for Athena Day (Ancient Greece)

Otto Freundlich (Artology)

Pina Colada Day (Pastafarian)

Reach Out and Touch a Green Leaf Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Reg Smythe (Artology)

Ronnie Cutrone (Artology)

Rufina and Secunda (Christian; Martyrs & Virgins)

Rusty (Muppetism)

Septic Bralu Diena (Ancient Latvia)

Seth Godin (Writerism)

Seven Brothers (Christian; Martyrs)

Sixto Rodriguez (Humanism,)

Tita or Tatata Ita (Muppetism)

U Festinu (a.k.a. Feast of St. Rosalia; Palermo, Italy) [thru 7.15]

Viaticum of Llefoed Wynebglawr (Celtic Book of Days)

Victoria, Anatolia, and Audax (Christian; Saints)

Wickerwork Giants Parade & Festival (Douai, France)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [13 of 24]

Prime Number Day: 191 [43 of 72]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [39 of 57]

Premieres

Ball Four, by Jim Bouton (Sports Memoir; 1970)

The Brave Little Toaster (Animated Film; 1987)

Cocky Cock Roach (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

Cool World (Animated Film; 1992)

The Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham (Novel; 1951)

Do Way Diddy Diddy, by Manfred Mann (Song; 1964)

Escape from New York (Film; 1981)

The Fox and the Hound (Animated Disney Film; 1981)

Greyhound (Film; 2020)

A Hard Day’s Night, by The Beatles (Album; 1964)

Heat Wave, by Martha and the Vandellas (Song; 1963)

Homesteader Droopy (Tex Avery MGM Cartoon; 1954)

The Hot Spell, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

Lethal Weapon 4 (Film; 1998)

I Got You Babe, by Sonny and Cher (Song; 1965)

I Love You Beth Cooper (Film; 2009)

In Search of Lost Time, by Marcel Proust (Novel; 1927)

In the Midnight Hour, by Wilson Pickett (Song; 1965)

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (Film; 1985)

Minions (Animated Film; 2015)

Moon (Film; 2009)

Mother Necessity (America Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1976)

New Maps of Hell, by Bad Religion (Album; 2007)

Ode to Billie Joe, by Bobbie Gentry (Song; 1967)

The Oily American (WB MM Cartoon; 1954)

The Old Guard (Film; 2020)

Once Upon a Mouse (Disney Cartoon Documentary; 1981)

The Outpost (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Palm Springs (Film; 2020)

Parachutes, by Coldplay (Album; 2000)

Pi (Film; 1998)

Pink Valiant (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1968)

She Wolf, by Shakira (Album; 2009)

Small Soldiers (Animated Film; 1998)

Smoke Signal (Animated Film; 2018)

Son of Schmilsson, by Harry Nilsson (Album; 1972)

Summertime, recorded by Ella Fitzgerald (Song; 1936)

Tempted, by Squeeze (Song; 1981)

Trouble with Lichen, by John Wyndham (Novel; 1960)

Unnatural Death, by Dorothy L. Sayers (Novel; 1927) [Peter Wimsey #3]

Up N’ Atom (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1947)

The Wayward Pups (Happy Harmonies Cartoon; 1937)

We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You, by Queen (UK Song; 1977)

Your Hit Parade (TV Series; 1950)

Today’s Name Days

Engelbert, Knud, Raphael (Austria)

Feliks, Srećko, Viktorija (Croatia)

Amálie, Libuše (Czech Republic)

Knud (Denmark)

Saima, Saime, Saimi (Estonia)

Saima, Saimi (Finland)

Ulrich (France)

Knud, Engelbert, Raphael, Sascha (Germany)

Amália (Greece)

Amália (Hungary)

Armando, Marziale, Pietro, Rufina (Italy)

Lielvardis, Lija, Olīvija, Uve (Latvia)

Amalija, Eirimė, Gilvainas (Lithuania)

Anita, Anja (Norway)

Aleksander, Amelia, Aniela, Filip, January, Radziwoj, Rufina, Samson, Sylwan, Sylwana, Witalis (Poland)

Amália (Slovakia)

Cristóbal (Spain)

André, Andrea, Anund (Sweden)

Anthony (Ukraine)

Emanuel, Emmanuel, Gage, Immanuel, Manuel, Manuela (USA)

Emanuel, Immanuel, Maos, Manuela, Ulla, Ulrich, Ulrika, Ulrike (Universal)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 192 of 2024; 174 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of week 28 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 4 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 5 (Yi-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 4 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 3 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 12 Red; Foursday [12 of 30]

Julian: 27 June 2024

Moon: 21%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 23 Charlemagne (7th Month) [St. Bathilda]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 21 of 94)

Week: 2nd Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 20 of 31)

[saint-ambrosef]

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[triune-god]

i love public transportation and i live in los angeles which has a burgeoning system, so there’s bound to be kinks and learning curves. we weren’t lucky to get a great society metro, most of the city proper is single family housing outside of wilshire, dtla, and some properties in westlake area, and la was built with the car as the main resident within the city, so no matter what, public transpo & pedestrian oriented infrastructure will be an uphill battle. i will always applaud metro for /trying/, but it’s just frustrating sometimes.

i’ve been late to work & school more times than i’m comfortable with because the e line has no signal preemption so we have to wait at jefferson, pico, western, vermont, and crenshaw for four minutes each like a car and then we have to wait at the station for 10 minutes for some unexplainable issue. and then because of that, i miss my bus which wasn’t there anyway because of bunching and poor infrastructure so now there’s 100 people at the bus stop cramming into a bus to get to their jobs, but cars are clogging the roads and making it near impossible to travel more than 20 miles an hour for much of the trip there.

cars are the least efficient form of transportation known to man and one of the greatest cities on earth, my hometown, where i was born and raised, was not built for and will continue to denigrate humans and pedestrian alike. and, car drivers will continue to demean and fear monger about walking and public transportation. the suv & light truck arms race is turning thoroughfares which should have multitudes of modes of transport within and serve people into raceways where you can go 45 with no repercussions. right hand turns on red have nearly hit me more times than i have fingers.

i live in a city where we can afford to widen the 405 into oblivion and bloat lapd’s budget yearly and yet we can’t provide good enough infrastructure for angelenos?? this is a major policy failure and we are living with its effects. i’m so tired of living in a city built for the wealthy and for the vehicle. we need to change los angeles zoning codes, enforce rent caps, institute a low income rent moratorium, tear down the 110, 10, 710, 101, 405, and 210, institute a robust commuter rail system, publicize the railroads, remove eighteen wheelers as the primary mode of freight movement, expand heavy rail through urban core, increase density along metro corridors and use property taxes to pay for projects and maintain system, increase metro ambassadors, clean the cars, update the rolling stock, rebuild union station, create streetcar suburbs in la county, increase density in the suburbs, turn all boulevards and avenues into mixed mode thoroughfares, increase cycling network, create a statewide engineering and construction firm instead of outsourcing, produce american made rolling stock, create a high speed rail system, and turn cities back into thriving hubs of culture where we can afford rent, create art, live lives, move freely, build community, and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

sorry for any typos, inconsistencies, or any oddities. i’m typing this while walking 25 minutes late to my public policy class.

[autisticsupervillain]

It's Fictional Throwdown Friday!

This Week's Fighters...

The Deputy vs Bell!

Conditions:

Call of Duty Zombies and DLC Weapons are restricted. The Deputy during Far Cry 5 is used.

Scenario:

After Willis Huntley is done using the Deputy to retrieve confidential information, he decides to cover up his involvement with them by having Bell dispatched to eliminate them.

Analysis: The Deputy

It is the year 2018. Facism in America is on the rise. The nation's people are gripped by an overwhelming xenophobia fueled by an unquenchable nationalistic pride. The world is spiraling towards nuclear war, riding off the back of national supremacy and modern manifest destiny.

Seeing the oncoming nuclear war, a Christian extremist named Joseph Seed took all of this as a sign from God that he needed to save mankind. Creating the cult of personality known as the Project at Eden's Gate, Joseph would have his family take over all of Hope County. Those who refused to conform would be drugged into compliance or mindlessness by a drug called Bliss, while those who fought back were summarily killed. All to ensure that the humans who survived the nuclear war lived up to Joseph's ideal of a sinless society.

Four these crimes, the government would dispatch a small squadron of cops to arrest Joseph Seed. Of course, the small town cops are immediately overrun and captured by an entire county's worth of cultists, leaving only one Lone Deputy to take the fight to the Project at Eden's Gate.

If there is any good thing about being stranded in rural America, you'll never by short of an arsenal. All the doomsday preppers will have helpfully gathered one for you. The Deputy comes geared up with shovels, bats, brass knuckles, and sledgehammers for close range combat, and an assortment of handguns, SMGs, and an M-79 grenade launcher as side arms. When they need a little more fire power, they bust out the shotguns, the M133, the SBS, the SPAS-12, and the 1887, each with additional incendiary rounds. Their submachine guns and rifles come with armor piercing rounds, while their smiper rifles can be silenced with a suppressor for that clean kill. And that's on top of all their machine guns, bows, and rocket launchers, including a homing rocket launcher to take down those pesky helicopters.

And then there's just the plain old weird stuff. A homemade flame thrower isn't that odd, I guess, but the shovel launcher raises a few questions. As does the Actual Fucking Space Gun. The Magnopulser is a gun given to them that fires magnitized microwaves. These waves cause everything they hit to float helplessly off the ground and can completely vaporize human beings if fired at point blank.

Luckily, the Deputy need not rely on doomsday preppers or... aliens for their fire power. They're a force to be reckoned with all on their own. They're strong enough to chuck a shovel so hard that it spears a man through the chest, smash a wooden door to splinters, beat bulls to death with their bear hands, and survive falling off the hand of this giant statue of Joseph Seed.

Using what appear to be Ponderosa Pine trees around it as a ruler, the statue's hand would have to be 470 feet tall. Assuming that the Deputy weighs the average of a 6'3 American man (Joseph Seed is canonically that tall and they're roughly the same height), they would've landed with an impact of 368 kilojoules. For reference, a speeding car traveling at 70 mph only hits with an energy of 31 kilojoules.

It is notable that the Deputy is comparable to other Far Cry protagonists. They can keep up with Hurk in live combat, who in turn and keep up with Ajay Ghale, who can dodge bullets from an AK-47.

AK-47 bullets move at 710 m/s, meaning Ajay would have to be moving at nearly Mach 2 to dodge them.

With that kind of skill set, it's no wonder they're am expert at.... anything it occurs to them to try, really. Hunting, fishing, arcade gaming, acting, studying aliens, and even various stunts. They're good enough with their wingsuit to hijack planes and helicopters in midair, able to climb any mountain in Hope County with their mountain climbing rope, and good enough at stunt driving to re-enact all the greatest stunts of the best stuntman in the world, Clutch Nixon. They're a jack of all trades, capable of slaughtering cultists both with stealthy gorilla tactics and guns blazing Rambo gun fights. Quite the impressive feat considering each of these cultists were trained by Jacob Seed, a veteran from the first Gulf War in Iraq, who was able to survive eight days in the Iraq wilderness with no resources, no food, no water, and no shelter. Yet the Deputy still kicked his ass.

Yet, for all The Deputy's badass skills, those attributes can sometimes be their biggest weaknesses. For as good as they are at stealth, they're absolutely lousy at getting snuck up on, getting upducted no less than nine times over the course of the game because they were ambushed with a tranquilizer or sprayed with Bliss. Once captured, they're very susceptible to mind control as well. Like when Faith forced them to jump off the Joseph statue I mentioned earlier, or when Jacob mind controlled them into slaughtering their own resistance teammates. Or, most damningly, when Joseph himself completely erased their personality and rebuilt them as The Judge, turning them into his post apocalyptic enforcer.

It was a deliberate tragic irony. The Deputy killed Joseph's entire family in their quest for vengeance, dismantled his entire cult operation. So, in return, Joseph took everything from them, killing all their remaining friends and completely erasing their personality. The conflict left them both with absolutely nothing left to call their own. Just blood on the sand and nuke blasted hellscape to share between them.

Analysis: Bell

The year is 1981. The Cold War rages on. Even with both the United States and the Soviet Union staring down economic crises, both hover over the nuclear button waiting for the other to blink. The fate of billions lay in the hubris of empires.

It is in the midst of this chaos, American black ops operative Russell Adler, known and feared as "America's Monster", stumbles across the master plan of the mythical Russian spy Purseus. Supposedly the spy that leaked the Manhattan Project, though until now, he was considered nothing more than an urban legend. The reveal that the agent was involved the Iranian Hostage Crisis and seemingly had bigger plans on a global scale, was enough to put the United States on high alert. President Reagan authorized Adler to take Purseus down by any means necessary, treaties and international laws be damned. This gave Adler the green light to concoct a particularly devious plan.

Upducting one of Purseus's top agents, Adler subjected them to the United States's experimental mind control program. He tore apart their old personality and rebuilt them from the ground up, creating new memories for them to recontextualize the vital knowledge they already had. They weren't a co-conspirator in Purseus's plans, they were sn American agent who decoded them. They weren't a Soviet operative, they were MI6, no CIA, no ex-KGB. Whatever Adler needed them to be for his current narrative and operation. Their old self was gone, rebuilt and replaced with a codename. Bell. And they had a job to do.

They could still be nonbinary though. Adler didn't care about that. He may be America's Monster, but he's not transphobic. Diversity win?

As amoral as the action was, Bell proved to be worth the risk. They're highly trained in weapons from all over the globe of the Cold War era, including those which technically shouldn't even exist yet. For close range combat and stealth operations, they carry knives, throwing knives, smoke grenades, stun grenades, M67 grenades, tomahawks, and even C4. But for full on gun battles, they come decked out with a variety of rifles, machine guns, and pistols. From the tranquilizer gun when stealth is of the essence, to the glorious and iconic SPAS 12 shotgun. Oh, sorry, the "Gallo SA12". It's a SPAS 12 guys. The trusty recursive bow and "Pellington" (*cough* R700 *cough cough*) sniper rifles make silenced sniping a breeze, while the War Machine and Thumper Grenade Launchers helpfully obliterate everything in their path. And for everything in between, the MP5 and AK-47 submachine guns and automatics shred through dirty communists and filthy capitalists alike.

Bell possesses a remarkable intellect beneath all that firepower too. They're smart enough to track Purseus's best agents across the globe, covert enough to infiltrate the KGB Headquarters in the heart of Moscow, and deadly enough to kill everyone there should their cover be blown and leave no witnesses. The sheer fact that they can get away with half of what they do without causing World War 3 is a testament to their skill and lethality. Hell, the whole reason Adler mind controlled them was because traditional interrogation techniques just wouldn't work on the bastard. And with a willpower like Bell's even that only gets you so far...

As Purseus's plan unraveled, more dark secrets about both sides were revealed. The United States had secretly inserted nuclear weapons inside of allied nations "just in case" they needed to be detonated, and Purseus was planning to activate them to turn the world against the US. Cornered and desperate, Adler had no choice but to dive even further into Bell's mind... inadvertently allowing them to break free of their control in the process.

Bell had seen the worst sides of both halves of the Cold War. Seen that both were perfectly happy to kill billions for their own benefit. The Cold War wasn't a war of ideology, it was two dying empires using foreign nations as a chess board to stroke their ego. And now Bell, fully themselves again, had to choose which one would decide the fate of history.

Should Bell choose to rejoin their Soviet Allies, they'll get the rare pleasure of facing the legendary Alex Mason in combat. The one who fought his way out of a gulag with just a rusty handgun. The one who, when under Soviet mind control, assassinated John F Kennedy. And they would have the even rarer pleasure of killing him.

Early in that very game, Mason would survive an aircraft wing falling right on top of him and get up completely unharmed. A 48,000 kg aircraft wing falling from a height of 48 meters would hit with a force of roughly 1686 kilojoules. And Bell could still kill him.

Of course, the cost of that honor would be allowing Purseus to kill billions. Would it be worth it? Which of these rotting empires deserves the world on a string? And which is the least likely to have Bell killed once the choice is made?

Throwdown Theme:

Throwdown Breakdown:

This fight has a few moving parts to it, so lets break this down.

First off, Bell is certainly more skilled. While the Deputy taking down Jacob Seed is nothing to scoff at, Bell taking on Alex Mason impresses me a fair bit more, as well as soloing entire Soviet Army bases and having official training from both sides of the Cold War. Secondly, the Deputy's arsenal, surprisingly, isn't that much more advanced or versatile than Bell's. Shovel launcher and space guns aside, the two actually share some weapons, like the SPAS 12. That and I don't think the Deputy's traversal tools are all that helpful here. They're fairly circumstantial and in the event they can use it, the wingsuit would really just give Bell the chance to snipe them while they can't fight back.

Despite that, I do think The Deputy would win a straight up fight. They are hilariously faster than Bell for starters, who has no real superhuman speed feats to scale to, and Bell cannot possibly prepare for an antigravity space gun or homing rocket launcher.

That said... this isn't a straight up fight. Bell is a stealth operative and if The Deputy makes this a straight up fight, than Bell can just drop a smoke grenade and disappear again. The Deputy has been canonically defeated nine times by people far less skilled than Bell using simple ambush tactics and stealth is Bell's whole specialty. If they can raid an army base during the Cold War and not start World War 3, they can get the drop on the Deputy.

And once they do, they only need to hit the cop with a tranquilizer. Or snap their neck with their five times strength advantage (1686 kilojoules vs 368 kilojoules). Sure The Deputy could dodge the bullet, but that'd require them to see it coming first.

In hindsight, we shouldn't be suprised the nonbinary communist kills the cop.

This Throwdown's Winner is...

Bell!

[kushcooley]

Honestly my Day 1 Cultivators are the best ☁️

It hit different when people support your first projects 🎵

I can’t wait to show the world 🌍 The Cultivators are the LOUDEST 🫶🏾🍃 & PROUDEST 🌈 POTHEADS IN THE WORLD

Cultivators vs Everybody

Now Streaming

“Disposable Goods”

Kush Cooley - DISPOSABLE GOODS

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Pretty Pothead Society ™️

#Blowed #Lowend #KushCooley #Tiktok #Tumblr #Instagram #facebook #420 #stoner #616 #414 #606 #470 #prettypothead #710 #indierap #cannatrap #cannabash

[brookston]

Holidays 7.10

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (Mauritania)

Army Day (Albania)

Battle of Britain Anniversary Day

Battle of Poltava Day (Russia)

Beatles Day (Liverpool, Hamburg)

Capybara Appreciation Day

Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Clerihew Day

Cumin Day (French Republic)

Don't Step On A Bee Day (UK)

Flag Day (Mongolia)

Global Energy Independence Day

Gospel Day (Kiribati)

His Masters Voice Day

International Glut1 Awareness Day

International Safewords Day

Lá Cuimhneacháin Náisiúnta (National Day of Commemoration; Ireland)

Lady Godiva Day

London Bridge Falling Down Day

Merchant’s Festival (Elder Scrolls)

Minion Day

Naadam Day (Mongolia)

National All American Pet Photo Day

National Caleb Day

National Contour Day

National Fish Farmers Day (India)

National Kitten Day

National Lineworker Appreciation Day (Canada)

National Stella Day

National Transplant Financial Coordinator Day

Natto Day (Japan)

Nikola Tesla Day

Oils and Concentrates Day

Police Radio Day

Protogeneia Asteroid Day

Rhodes Day (Rhodesia)

710 Day

Silence Day (Meher Baba)

Srebrenica Memorial Day

Stay Away From Bees Day

Teddy Bear's Picnic Day

Telstar Day

Uniwaine (Senior Citizens’ Day; Kiribati)

U.S. Energy Independence Day

World Airway Disorders Day

World Miniature Golf Day

World Shuvit Cancer Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Beer Distributors Day

National Piña Colada Day

National Pizza Day (Brazil)

Pick Blueberries Day

Independence & Related Days

Bahamas (from UK, 1973)

Federal Republic of New Potato Land (Declared; 2017) [unrecognized]

Wyoming Statehood Day (#44; 1890)

2nd Wednesday in July

National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Montserrat) [2nd Wednesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 10 (2nd Week of July)

Sweetheart Days Festival (Minnesota) [2nd Wednesday; thru Friday]

Festivals Beginning July 10, 2024

American Cheese Society Annual Conference (Buffalo, New York) [thru 7.13]

European Balloon Festival (Igualada, Spain) [thru 7.14]

EXIT (Novi Sad, Serbia) [thru 7.14]

Love International Festival (Tins, Croatia) [thru 7.16]

Mad Cool Festival (Madrid, Spain) [thru 7.13]

Ossipee Valley Fair (South Hiram, Maine) [thru 7.14]

Riddu Riđđu (Manndalen, Norway) [thru 7.13]

Sandcastle Contest (Belmar, New Jersey)

Tangomarkkinat (Seinäjoki, Finland) [thru 7.14]

Vegan Summerfest (Johnstown, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.14]

Winona County Fair (St. Charles, Minnesota) [thru 7.14]

Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (Okemah, Oklahoma) [thru 7.14]

Feast Days

Alice Munro (Writerism)

Amalberga of Maubeuge (Christian; Saint & Widow)

Amalburga (Christian; Saint & Virgin)

Antony and Theodosius Pechersky (Christian; Saints)

St. Bathilda (Positivist; Saint)

Camille Pissarro (Artology)

Canute IV of Denmark (Christian; Saint)

David Teniers III (Artology)

Day of Holda (Goddess of the Underworld; Anglo-Saxon, Norse)

Feast Day of Knut the Reaper, Hela, Holda and Skadi (Norse)

Feast of Translation of Saint Maclovius, Bishop of Saint-Malo (Christian; Confessor)

Feast of The Seven Brothers (Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis, and Martialis; Christian; Martyrs)

Felicitas of Rome (Christian; Martyr)

The First Sermon of Lord Buddha (Buddhism; Bhutan)

Giorgio de Chirico (Artology)

Hela’s Day (Pagan)

Joe Shuster (Artology)

Kanute IV, King of Denmark (Christian; Martyr)

Knut the Reaper's Day (Norse; Scotland)

Marcel Proust (Writerism)

Mel Blanc Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Millennial Fairy Olympics, Day 5 (Shamanism)

New Robe for Athena Day (Ancient Greece)

Otto Freundlich (Artology)

Pina Colada Day (Pastafarian)

Reach Out and Touch a Green Leaf Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Reg Smythe (Artology)

Ronnie Cutrone (Artology)

Rufina and Secunda (Christian; Martyrs & Virgins)

Rusty (Muppetism)

Septic Bralu Diena (Ancient Latvia)

Seth Godin (Writerism)

Seven Brothers (Christian; Martyrs)

Sixto Rodriguez (Humanism,)

Tita or Tatata Ita (Muppetism)

U Festinu (a.k.a. Feast of St. Rosalia; Palermo, Italy) [thru 7.15]

Viaticum of Llefoed Wynebglawr (Celtic Book of Days)

Victoria, Anatolia, and Audax (Christian; Saints)

Wickerwork Giants Parade & Festival (Douai, France)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [13 of 24]

Prime Number Day: 191 [43 of 72]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [39 of 57]

Premieres

Ball Four, by Jim Bouton (Sports Memoir; 1970)

The Brave Little Toaster (Animated Film; 1987)

Cocky Cock Roach (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

Cool World (Animated Film; 1992)

The Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham (Novel; 1951)

Do Way Diddy Diddy, by Manfred Mann (Song; 1964)

Escape from New York (Film; 1981)

The Fox and the Hound (Animated Disney Film; 1981)

Greyhound (Film; 2020)

A Hard Day’s Night, by The Beatles (Album; 1964)

Heat Wave, by Martha and the Vandellas (Song; 1963)

Homesteader Droopy (Tex Avery MGM Cartoon; 1954)

The Hot Spell, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

Lethal Weapon 4 (Film; 1998)

I Got You Babe, by Sonny and Cher (Song; 1965)

I Love You Beth Cooper (Film; 2009)

In Search of Lost Time, by Marcel Proust (Novel; 1927)

In the Midnight Hour, by Wilson Pickett (Song; 1965)

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (Film; 1985)

Minions (Animated Film; 2015)

Moon (Film; 2009)

Mother Necessity (America Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1976)

New Maps of Hell, by Bad Religion (Album; 2007)

Ode to Billie Joe, by Bobbie Gentry (Song; 1967)

The Oily American (WB MM Cartoon; 1954)

The Old Guard (Film; 2020)

Once Upon a Mouse (Disney Cartoon Documentary; 1981)

The Outpost (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Palm Springs (Film; 2020)

Parachutes, by Coldplay (Album; 2000)

Pi (Film; 1998)

Pink Valiant (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1968)

She Wolf, by Shakira (Album; 2009)

Small Soldiers (Animated Film; 1998)

Smoke Signal (Animated Film; 2018)

Son of Schmilsson, by Harry Nilsson (Album; 1972)

Summertime, recorded by Ella Fitzgerald (Song; 1936)

Tempted, by Squeeze (Song; 1981)

Trouble with Lichen, by John Wyndham (Novel; 1960)

Unnatural Death, by Dorothy L. Sayers (Novel; 1927) [Peter Wimsey #3]

Up N’ Atom (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1947)

The Wayward Pups (Happy Harmonies Cartoon; 1937)

We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You, by Queen (UK Song; 1977)

Your Hit Parade (TV Series; 1950)

Today’s Name Days

Engelbert, Knud, Raphael (Austria)

Feliks, Srećko, Viktorija (Croatia)

Amálie, Libuše (Czech Republic)

Knud (Denmark)

Saima, Saime, Saimi (Estonia)

Saima, Saimi (Finland)

Ulrich (France)

Knud, Engelbert, Raphael, Sascha (Germany)

Amália (Greece)

Amália (Hungary)

Armando, Marziale, Pietro, Rufina (Italy)

Lielvardis, Lija, Olīvija, Uve (Latvia)

Amalija, Eirimė, Gilvainas (Lithuania)

Anita, Anja (Norway)

Aleksander, Amelia, Aniela, Filip, January, Radziwoj, Rufina, Samson, Sylwan, Sylwana, Witalis (Poland)

Amália (Slovakia)

Cristóbal (Spain)

André, Andrea, Anund (Sweden)

Anthony (Ukraine)

Emanuel, Emmanuel, Gage, Immanuel, Manuel, Manuela (USA)

Emanuel, Immanuel, Maos, Manuela, Ulla, Ulrich, Ulrika, Ulrike (Universal)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 192 of 2024; 174 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of week 28 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 4 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 5 (Yi-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 4 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 3 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 12 Red; Foursday [12 of 30]

Julian: 27 June 2024

Moon: 21%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 23 Charlemagne (7th Month) [St. Bathilda]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 21 of 94)

Week: 2nd Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 20 of 31)

[molakolako-blog]

Can J Makoetla Article Marketing Provide an Example of Work?

Certainly! Here’s a sample article created by J Makoetla Article Marketing:

Title: “Exploring Lesotho’s Unique Handicrafts”

Introduction

Lesotho, a landlocked country nestled within the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, boasts a rich cultural heritage. One of its most captivating aspects is its vibrant handicraft industry. In this article, we delve into the world of Lesotho’s artisans, their traditional techniques, and the exquisite products they create.

The Artisans

Lesotho’s artisans are skilled craftsmen and women who have honed their talents over generations. They work with materials such as wool, mohair, clay, and wood. Each artisan brings a unique perspective, blending age-old traditions with contemporary designs.

Traditional Techniques

Basotho Blankets: These iconic woolen blankets, adorned with intricate geometric patterns, are a symbol of Basotho culture. We explore the history behind these blankets and their significance in Lesotho’s society.

Litema Art: Litema is a traditional mural art form where artisans create intricate patterns on the walls of huts using colored clay. We showcase some stunning Litema designs and discuss their cultural context.

Mohair Weaving: Lesotho’s mohair, sourced from Angora goats, is prized for its softness and sheen. Artisans weave it into scarves, shawls, and blankets. We meet a master weaver and learn about the meticulous process.

Products

Qiloane Pottery: The Qiloane region is famous for its pottery. We visit a local pottery studio and witness the magic as clay is transformed into functional and decorative pieces.

Ts’epe Baskets: These intricately woven baskets are both utilitarian and beautiful. We explore the techniques behind their creation and the role they play in Basotho households.

Conclusion

Lesotho’s handicrafts are more than just objects; they carry stories, traditions, and a connection to the land. As you immerse yourself in this world, you’ll discover the heart and soul of Lesotho’s artisans.

I hope you find this article fascinating! If you’d like more examples or have any other requests, feel free to ask.

1)- Lesotho is ruled by a constitutional monarchy and is one of the 3 remaining kingdoms in Africa (the others are Morocco and Swaziland).

2)- Lesotho is a country within a country. It is completely surrounded by South Africa which makes it one of three enclave countries in the world. The other two countries of this kind are San Marino and Vatican City, both surrounded entirely by Italy

3)- The Katse Dam in Lesotho is the highest dam in Africa. It is also the second largest double-curvature arch dam in the continent. It is 185 m high and 710 m in length.

4)-Maletsunyane Waterfall in Lesotho is the highest single drop waterfall in Southern Africa. And it is also the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil (204 m) in the world.

5)- When we think about Africa, snow is not something that comes to mind. But in Lesotho, you not only see snow but also get a chance to ski here. AFRI ski is one of the few ski resorts in the continent.

6)- Sesotho was one of the first African languages to develop a written form and has an extensive literature. This helped to boost literacy rates long before some African countries established formal schooling system. Today, Lesotho has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa with about 85% of the adult population being literate.

7)-There are still cave dwellers in Lesotho. The Ha Kome Cave Houses form a group of cave dwellings made out of mud in the district of Berea. The caves are still inhabited by the descendants of the original Basia clan residing in the region.

8)- An individual person from Lesotho is called a Mosotho. Citizens of Lesotho are collectively Basotho, and Lesotho's native language is Sesotho. Basotho blankets as seen draped over the dancer, have deep cultural significance and history.

9)- The women oooo the women are really amazing and beautiful just like Ada women

[thon717-fmp]

A Look into Japanese history

Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC):

Inhabitants were primarily gatherers, fishers, and hunters.

Known for distinctive pottery named Jomon.

Yayoi Period (300 BC - 250 AD):

Introduction of rice cultivation around 100 BC.

Emergence of social classes and centralized power under landowners.

Influence from Korea, including the introduction of iron.

Mention of Queen Himiko by Chinese travelers.

Kofun Period (250 - 538 AD):

Development of a center of power in the Kinai plain.

Unification of Japan under Yamato rulers.

Building of large tombs known as kofun.

Emperor served as a symbolic ruler, with political power often held by clans like the Soga.

Asuka Period (538 - 710 AD):

Increased influence from mainland Asia, particularly through relations with Kudara (Paikche) on the Korean peninsula.

Introduction and promotion of Buddhism.

Prince Shotoku's role in promoting Chinese ideas and drafting the Constitution of Seventeen Articles.

Establishment of the Fujiwara clan's dominance and the Taika reforms in 645, which adopted a new government and administrative system modeled after China, including land reforms and taxation.

These periods mark significant transitions in Japanese society, including the adoption of agriculture, the consolidation of political power, and the introduction of influential cultural and religious ideas from neighboring regions.

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

Aksaya Tritiya - Festival of Giving Friday May 10 2024 6:30m - 8:00pm

Please join us Friday May 10, 2024 at 6:30pm to celebrate the most auspicious festival of Aksaya Tritiya. Akshaya means eternal. Any austerity, charity and prayers will yield wonders on this particular day. We encourage all our members who can, to attend and participate in an auspicious Agni Hotra Fire Sacrifice to please Lord Krishna on this special day. Every one is invited and welcome. The event will be live streamed and one may participate by viewing online as well as donating and being included in the prayers. Hare Krishna!

For more information: Please contact Shobamayi Dasi @ 917-710-3783

Livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/@iskconnyctv

[theegyptiansocietyorg]

Wisdom of the Ages for the Modern World: Sekhmet ‘Warrior, Destroyer’ – Edition 1

Wisdom of the Ages for the Modern World: Sekhmet ‘Warrior, Destroyer’ – Edition 1

Host: Andrew Rogers: Founder of the Egyptian Society, Egyptian Auteur, Oracle.

The Egyptian Society: Sekhmet ‘Warrior, Destroyer’ – Oracle: Andrew Rogers.

The Warrior Goddess of Egyptian Mythology: Sekhmet

In Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet (also spelled Sachmis, Sakhmet, Sekhet, Sakhet, or Scheme) is a formidable deity revered as both a warrior goddess and a goddess of healing. Typically depicted as a lioness, she commanded great respect and fear among the ancient Egyptians.

Warrior Goddess

Sekhmet is deeply associated with war and protection, being perceived as the guardian of the pharaohs. It was believed that she not only led the pharaohs in warfare but also continued to safeguard them in the afterlife. Her fierce and decisive nature makes her an indispensable ally on the battlefield and beyond.

Goddess of Healing

Despite her intimidating nature as a warrior, Sekhmet also possesses the power to heal. In Egyptian mythology, she is revered as a force of both destruction and restoration, with her healing attributes being just as formidable as her warrior aspect. It is this unique blend of prowess and benevolence that makes her an enigmatic and revered figure in ancient Egypt.

Sekhmet's significance in Egyptian mythology reflects the multifaceted nature of deities in ancient civilizations. Her duality as a warrior and a healer serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances within the pantheon of Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Andrew Rogers

Egyptian Auteur, Creative Director, Creative Consultant, Writer, Oracle

Wisdom of the Ages

P: 0424 531 710

E: wisdomoftheages69@gmail.com

All images, text, design, and art license owner Andrew Rogers©.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 3.17

45 BC – In his last victory, Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger in the Battle of Munda. 180 – Commodus becomes sole emperor of the Roman Empire at the age of eighteen, following the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius. 455 – Petronius Maximus becomes, with support of the Roman Senate, emperor of the Western Roman Empire; he forces Licinia Eudoxia, the widow of his predecessor, Valentinian III, to marry him. 1337 – Edward, the Black Prince is made Duke of Cornwall, the first Duchy in England. 1400 – Turko-Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1776 – American Revolution: The British Army evacuates Boston, ending the Siege of Boston, after George Washington and Henry Knox place artillery in positions overlooking the city. 1805 – The Italian Republic, with Napoleon as president, becomes the Kingdom of Italy, with Napoleon as King of Italy. 1824 – The Anglo-Dutch Treaty is signed in London, dividing the Malay archipelago. As a result, the Malay Peninsula is dominated by the British, while Sumatra and Java and surrounding areas are dominated by the Dutch. 1842 – The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo is formally organized with Emma Smith as president. 1860 – The First Taranaki War begins in Taranaki, New Zealand, a major phase of the New Zealand Wars. 1861 – The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed. 1862 – The first railway line of Finland between cities of Helsinki and Hämeenlinna, called Päärata, is officially opened. 1891 – SS Utopia collides with HMS Anson in the Bay of Gibraltar and sinks, killing 562 of the 880 passengers on board. 1901–present 1921 – The Second Polish Republic adopts the March Constitution. 1942 – Holocaust: The first Jews from the Lvov Ghetto are gassed at the Belzec death camp in what is today eastern Poland. 1945 – The Ludendorff Bridge in Remagen, Germany, collapses, ten days after its capture. 1948 – Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Brussels, a precursor to the North Atlantic Treaty establishing NATO. 1950 – Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley announce the creation of element 98, which they name "californium". 1957 – A plane crash in Cebu, Philippines kills Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and 24 others. 1958 – The United States launches the first solar-powered satellite, which is also the first satellite to achieve a long-term orbit.[ 1960 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the National Security Council directive on the anti-Cuban covert action program that will ultimately lead to the Bay of Pigs Invasion. 1960 – Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 710 crashes in Tobin Township, Perry County, Indiana, killing 63. 1963 – Mount Agung erupts on Bali killing more than 1,100 people. 1966 – Off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean, the DSV Alvin submarine finds a missing American hydrogen bomb. 1968 – As a result of nerve gas testing by the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Skull Valley, Utah, over 6,000 sheep are found dead. 1969 – Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel. 1973 – The Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph Burst of Joy is taken, depicting a former prisoner of war being reunited with his family, which came to symbolize the end of United States involvement in the Vietnam War. 1979 – The Penmanshiel Tunnel collapses during engineering works, killing two workers. 1985 – Serial killer Richard Ramirez, aka the "Night Stalker", commits the first two murders in his Los Angeles murder spree. 1988 – A Colombian Boeing 727 jetliner, Avianca Flight 410, crashes into a mountainside near the Venezuelan border killing 143. 1988 – Eritrean War of Independence: The Nadew Command, an Ethiopian army corps in Eritrea, is attacked on three sides by military units of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front in the opening action of the Battle of Afabet. 1992 – Israeli Embassy attack in Buenos Aires: Car bomb attack kills 29 and injures 242. 1992 – A referendum to end apartheid in South Africa is passed 68.7% to 31.2%.

[joshtalksias]

Illuminating the Path: Maluka IAS Fees and the Essence of Josh Talks

In the labyrinth of competitive exams, where every aspirant aims to crack the code to success, Maluka IAS emerges as a guiding light. Aspirants flock to institutions like Maluka IAS, seeking not just knowledge but a roadmap to navigate through the complexities of civil service examinations. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into Maluka IAS's offerings, particularly focusing on its Maluka IAS fees structure, and juxtapose it with the spirit of motivation and empowerment epitomized by Josh Talks.

Deciphering Maluka IAS Fees

In the realm of civil services preparation, one cannot overlook the pivotal role played by coaching institutes. Maluka IAS stands tall among them, offering a plethora of courses designed to cater to the diverse needs of aspirants. Let's embark on a journey to understand Maluka IAS's fee structure and the array of courses it offers:

Course Offerings

General Studies - Foundation

Fees Range: Rs. 27,139 - 1,61,660

Options Available: 3

Optional Subjects

Fees Range: Rs. 25,960 - 47,200

Options Available: 7

Test Series

Fees Range: Rs. 710 - 14,160

Options Available: 5

Crash Courses

Fees Range: Rs. 3,539 - 11,800

Options Available: 2

Current Affairs

Fees Range: Rs. 1,769 - 3,539

Daily Practice Programs

Fees: Rs. 710

Options Available: 2

Faculty Expertise

The backbone of any coaching institute is its faculty. Maluka IAS boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who play a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations of countless aspirants. Here's a glimpse of the stalwarts who form the core of Maluka IAS:

Niraj Kumar: Assistant Professor - Geography, 4 years of experience

Vaishali Singh: Assistant Professor - Art & Culture, History Optional, 10 years of experience

Samita Pal: Assistant Professor - Indian Society, Sociology Optional, 15 years of experience

Lachman Singh: Assistant Professor - History, 15 years of experience

Mohit Bansal: Assistant Professor - Polity, Current Affairs, 12 years of experience

Gaurav Gupta: Assistant Professor - Environment, 17 years of experience

Alok Kumar Dubey: Assistant Professor - Geography, 8 years of experience

Krunal: Assistant Professor - Polity, Economy, 7 years of experience

S. K. Pandey: Assistant Professor - History, History Optional, 18 years of experience

Neha Rana: Assistant Professor - Economy & Science Tech, Anthropology Optional, 5 years of experience

Gurbachan Singh: Assistant Professor - Polity, Economy, 5 years of experience

Centers Spread Across

Maluka IAS has strategically established its presence across multiple locations, making quality education accessible to aspirants nationwide. Some of the prominent centers include Chandigarh, Karnal, Delhi, Bathinda, and Patiala, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a conducive learning environment.

Delving into Maluka IAS Course Fees

The fee structure at Maluka IAS is comprehensive and meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of aspirants. Courses are offered both online and offline, with fees varying accordingly. For instance, the GS Foundation + Advanced course costs Rs. 27,139 online and Rs. 1,00,300 offline. Similarly, the GS Foundation + CSAT course is priced at Rs. 35,399 online and Rs. 1,14,460 offline. There are various optional subjects available, such as Sociology, PSIR, Anthropology, History, and Geography, each with fees ranging from Rs. 25,960 to Rs. 47,200. Crash courses like Prelims and CSAT are also offered at Rs. 4,719 and Rs. 3,539 respectively, while test series and practice programs have fees starting from Rs. 710. Additionally, there are specialized programs like Current Affairs and Mains Test Series, each with its respective fee structure. Overall, Maluka IAS provides a range of courses to suit the needs and preferences of aspirants, ensuring accessibility and affordability in their pursuit of success.

Embracing the Spirit of Josh Talks

While Maluka IAS equips aspirants with the necessary tools and knowledge, Josh Talks serves as a beacon of motivation and inspiration. Josh Talks, with its array of speakers and thought-provoking sessions, ignites the fire within aspirants, propelling them towards their goals with renewed zeal and determination.

Empowering Through Stories

Josh Talks brings forth real-life stories of resilience, determination, and success, serving as a reminder that the path to success is paved with challenges but is attainable with unwavering grit and perseverance.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Through its platform, Josh Talks encourages aspirants to think beyond conventional boundaries, fostering innovation and creativity essential for tackling the dynamic challenges of today's world.

Bridging the Gap Between Dreams and Reality

By providing a platform for interaction with industry leaders, visionaries, and achievers, Josh Talks bridges the gap between aspirants' dreams and their realization, instilling in them the belief that no dream is too big to achieve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Maluka IAS stands as a beacon of hope and guidance for aspirants navigating the challenging terrain of civil service examinations. With a meticulously designed fee structure and a diverse array of courses, Maluka IAS caters to the needs of aspirants from various backgrounds and preferences. The institution's dedicated faculty, with years of experience and expertise in their respective fields, plays a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations of countless individuals.

Furthermore, platforms like Josh Talks add an invaluable dimension to the journey of civil service preparation. By infusing aspirants with motivation, inspiration, and real-life stories of success, Josh Talks bridges the gap between dreams and reality, fostering a mindset of resilience, innovation, and creativity.

As aspirants embark on their journey towards achieving their goals, equipped with the guidance of Maluka IAS and the spirit of empowerment from Josh Talks, they not only strive for success in examinations but also undergo a transformative experience of self-discovery and growth. With determination, perseverance, and the right support system, they illuminate the path towards their aspirations, ready to conquer challenges and emerge victorious in their pursuit of excellence.

[michaelcosio]

Azlan Musa Manager, Operations and Logistics

Sacramento, California, United States

UC Davis Graduate School of Management

About

Seeking a position in global supply chain management where I may utilize my business communication and analytical skills in order to expedite supply chain logistics effectively and in a time efficient manner

Amazon Full-time · 7 yrs 7 mos On-site

International Business Development Intern

The CHIC Group · Internship Jun 2013 - Oct 2013 · 5 mos Shanghai, China · On-site

Supply chain management internship for Chinese agricultural firm based in Shanghai, China

Conducted feasibility study and established contacts with large coconut agribusinesses in Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar to reduce cost and increase diversification of supply

Fincancial Representative American General Finance Jun 2006 - Aug 2007 · 1 yr 3 mos

Solicited personal loans and analyzed credit of applications and serviced delinquent accounts to have the lowest delinquency rate in our district

Developed contacts with local business to provide credit services to their customers. Established financing for a local RV dealer which enabled our branch to rank top in our district in retail loans.

Sold life insurance policies as a licensed agent (0F43901) and assisted my coworkers in preparing for their state life insurance license exams.

Helped manage an office of five employees and assumed additional leadership responsibilities

Master Instructor The Princeton Review Aug 2003 - Jun 2007 · 3 yrs 11 mos

Taught classes for SAT, ACT, and GMAT tests with a proven record of increasing my students’ scores by an cumulative average of over 200 points per student

Provided 1-on-1 tutoring for students with ADHD and Dyslexia; adapted my approach to accommodate the special needs of my students

Organized and coordinated courses with high schools and student organizations and expanded my company’s operations to the South Bay

Increased the SAT score of a tutor student by over 400 points which resulted in her obtaining the highest score at her school

Education

University of California, Davis - Graduate School of Management Master of Business Administration (MBA) Candidate, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain ManagementMaster of Business Administration (MBA) Candidate, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management 2012 - 2014 Activities and societies: Teaching Assistant, Managing Cost and Quality

University of California, Riverside Bachelor's Degree, Business Administration and Management, General 2000 - 2005 Focus is Management Information System

Projects

Owens-Illinois Sep 2013 - Present

Associated with UC Davis Graduate School of Management

Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment pilot program for a large glass manufacturer as a part of my MBA consultation project. Created collaborative forecasts and exception reports to help manage inventory levels related to the wine industry.

Volunteering

Senior Member, Civil Air Patrol May 2000 - Present · 23 yrs 8 mos Education Senior Squadron 5, San Bernardino International Airport (formerly Norton Air Force Base)

Test scores GMAT Score: 710 · Nov 2011

Associated with UC Davis Graduate School of Management 6.0/6.0 Essay score