#Cook Islands Flag State

[just2bruce]

Dark fleets and Sanctions

We now have two worlds of international commerce, as a result of trade wars and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. As the Western world, principally the EU, UK and related countries and the US look to tighten sanctions on Russian oil exports, some shipowners are finding creative ways to get around the rules set by the West. One important escape hatch is to flag ships with a Flag State that doesn’t…

[usnatarchives]

Forgotten standard bearers? African American Soldiers and Iwo Jima 🦅

The Battle of Iwo Jima is known as one of the bloodiest and most intense battles fought during World War II. It lasted for 36 days, with the United States Marine Corps facing off against the Imperial Japanese Army.

The battle was significant for several reasons, including the iconic photograph of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi, which has become a symbol of American patriotism. However, there is another aspect of the battle that is often overlooked - the role of African American soldiers.

At the time of World War II, the U.S. military was still segregated, and African American soldiers served in separate units from their white counterparts. The majority of these soldiers were relegated to support roles, such as cooks, drivers, and laborers.

However, there were also several African American combat units, including the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and the 761st Tank Battalion, known as the Black Panthers.

During the Iwo Jima campaign African American soldiers were responsible for providing artillery support to the Marines on the ground. They fired over 6,000 rounds during the campaign, often under intense enemy fire. African American Marines often served as ammunition handlers and stretcher bearers.

An estimated 700 to 900 African American soldiers participated in the epic island battle, many of whom were Marines trained in segregated boot camps at Montford Point, within Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

African American soldiers continued to serve with distinction and bravery despite discrimination and racial inequality.

[kimaleart]

Overthinking leads to the bar.

One shot, Open Ended fic

AO3 link; Word Count: 3,750

Rating: Teen & Up

Themes: isekai, reader insert, first meetings.

Warnings: drinking, cursing, not beta read.

Summary:

You've been dropped into the world you don't know. What's going on here and who's this annoying stranger?

You had a shitty few days. A really shitty last few days.

So. That's why you're here. This god awful pub you mean. With its stench of old cooking oil, alcohol, smoke of different kinds (from cigarettes, through pure tobacco, to heavy plant-based drugs) and - the worst of all - few day's sweat and sea stink. For such a small, apparently insignificant island, this one and only bar was packed full.

Oh and it was so goddamn loud.

You drank the last bit of the alcohol you had in your glass. At this point, what else can you do?

As stated before, it's been a few days since you've gotten here. No money. No knowledge. No nothing. Small mercies that you've landed on land and not in the sea water. Water, that covered way more than your usual Earth had. Water, that apparently is festered with pirates and sea monsters.

"Fantastic." You say, looking into your empty cup.

Guess, no matter the universe or world, there always will be those kinds of people. No offence. No judgement of people wanting a quick fuck. Just take a 'No' for the answer.

You never were a heavy drinker. Drinking till passing out was not a way of life in your old world. And here? Well, it probably shouldn't be either but fuck that for few days, right? It's not like you could drink yourself till ruin. You already rely on strangers to buy you next rounds. Next meal. To be a charity. You just had to sit there and there'd always be a drunkard who wants company, information or... company.

Keeping the talks light and respectful, you make sure to not spill too much. Both in information and liquids. Everybody knows alcohol tends to untie the tongues and let the opinions spill so you keep the lid as tight as possible. Mysteriously appearing from nothing loner is already enough of a gossip for these small islanders. No need to add 'crazy' to the mix.

And speaking of the red flags: here comes another sponsor of your drinks. A woman this time, that's way too interested in your business. Clearly wantin some action, looking at the sailor abs she definitely tries to non-verbally and very not-subtly point at. A passing interest on her part if you say so. If it's your looks or your unusual for this island (and world)'s clothing, you don't know. Nor care, really. 'S not like every each person asks you one way or the other where you're from. Local or by passers.

You let the person beside you monologue on you have no idea what about. Politics, economy and somewhere sandy. Oh and how brave or something that she was. Stories and gossip do tend to flow at bars. If you were interested even a little bit, those last few days you'd probably know everything about this world... But you don't. You just want to be. And to maybe go back to the one you already knew enough of.

Perfect situation to get some money if one would care to steal...

Humming and nodding when there's a lull, you keep the 'conversation' going. Just two sloshed parties with the less drunk being the more interested in your personal space. There's so little of it left in this place that you ignore the casual arm brushes or hands on knees.

With the last sip of the whisky, that will pair beautifully with all the other different promiles in your stomach, you decide to finish for today. You push the glasses by you slightly further and lay your upper half on the counter. You don't think you'll be able to stand up from this stool; not mentioning the walking. Yet you don't wish to stay here, so again: what other options do you have?

You tense at the feeling of an arm appearing around your back, trying to lightly nudge you to the woman.

Oh nah.

You resist the movement and turn your head at the tugger.

"Do not touch me." You say with as much intensity in your eyes and assertiveness in your voice. Your voice is steady and loud enough for them to hear over the environment. For a second their eyes go glassy and then they slump. Their body thud down to the floor, unconscious. A puppet with cut strings.

...Fuck.

Small mercies.

You dart your eyes around but it seems nobody noticed. Thank someone they were already sloshed.

You turn your head back and hide your face in your arms. There's a growing pressure behind your eyes that for sure will lead to a nasty hangover.

You try to ignore the world and collect your bearings. The voices are so mixed and loud, they turn into the white noise, hiding the deep rumble of words on your other side.

Where would you go? With what money? What place to sleep?

Way too loud. Way too painful. You should leave. Leave. ...Leave.

Grabbing your mental self, you slowly slide off the stool and straighten up. Guess you'll have to go back to the house at the outskirts, where you've illegally slept in someone's hammock.

You try to navigate the packed bar, trying to touch as few strangers as possible, and leave. Preferably whole and in peace. And if the eyes you've started to feel on your back get lost in the crowd, you wouldn't mind. It takes some manoeuvring to get to that salty fish air.

Freshly nausing air.

This small insignificant island must be some Trouble hub by the amount of individuals. Staying Trouble-free was never that hard for you.

You try as much as possible to steer away from the group of unusual individuals at the entrance. It took an hour into the world to know those people are not to be interacted with. Either trouble-makers or trouble-attractors. The big 'T' trouble you mean.

Seeing as it's dark enough for the stars to appear you take a wobbly walk alongside the 'road' - a path of planks, really - and plop down on a nearby grass to watch the stars.

There's so many stars here. A beautifully painted sky with occasional small cloud. No light pollution bullshit here. With the night insects playing over the muffled voices... it's so serene. Just... Unknown expanse of the universe you can stare at any time. And it stares back. Both staring in wonder at the one they don't recognise.

The constellations are different.

The stars are different.

All you can do is stare up at those beautifully blinking lights.

Those glowing orange orbs. Watching. Observing your every move. Staring at you. Into you. Are the stars here also gas and liquid orbs? Would anyone know the answer? This world is so weird. They could be monsters for all you know. Creatures. Eyes.

The owner does not in fact take a step back but does tilt their head. You huff as they take a few steps closer and squat. They're now fully in your vision, their hat blocking most of your view.

"Sorry but could you take a step away from me?" you say, no longer able to ignore the big black hat in your peripheral. "Please and thanks." You add as an afterthought.

You move your eyes towards the stranger. The hat throws shade at the face underneath, not helping you discern much. Nor does the black clothing. Still, assuming by the beard and bare chest, they're leaning towards masculine. What's more, there are two massive red flags telling you to be fucking nice to the guy.

You acknowledged the stranger so it'd be rude to ignore them. Do you want to be rude? You kinda want to be rude.

First red flag: Clothing. Big black hat, long black coat with patterned lighter (red?) lining, a bulky gold cross necklace instead of a shirt and black pants.

Basically a dream fit of teen enby goth vampire.

That's definitely an individual, all right. And seemingly dangerous at that.

Appearance-wise, clothing hid all but half of his face and chest abs (cover em up slut). What's problematic is the face: A very short black beard highlighting the sharp edges of his jaw; A close shaved but big moustache in a W shape; And a cherry on top - two near glowing golden eyes with a darker circle in the middle of the eyerises with a reddish tint at the edge.

He doesn't say anything, the creep, so you blink twice and:

"Wassup?"

You watch as his eyes squint aaaand that's too much eye contact with a stranger. Since he did not respond, you have the world's permission to ignore him now. As weird as those eyes may be, it's only an initial weirdness. You've seen other humanoid creatures that were not human, as well as shapeshifters, so it's not that strange.

You kinda hoped that'd cause him to move away. Alas.

You move your arm, slow enough for your movement to be easily readable and squish the hat's rondo to look back at the stars. Apart from his eyes observing you intently, he doesn't seem to mind you squishing his hat.

You can feel every second of this stare and how your today's drinks vapor. At least you both can feel a slight uncomfortableness in the situation. You probably stink his breathing air with the bar and a few days of no soap while he visibly dissects you like a bug.

You lay there in hopes he loses interest (or patience) but he continues on staring at you. You try to flicker the hat with your fingers but his slight head tilt frees his hat from your touch. It does shed some starlight though.

"Yre starin'. 'M not that 'nterestin'." you mumble, feeling done with this guy.You feel the headache, drowsiness and hunger creeping on you. The weird meat bite-size bits someone ordered for you was all you ate that day. The village folk are weirdly nice to this new stranger and keep you fed. Keeping you away from the edge of stealing.

Keeping your state in mind, you slowly sit up, giving the goth guy time to move away.

"On contrary." The stranger finally says. His first words to you. He took his goddamn time to respond. "You have... quite interesting accent."

"Thanks. One of my many." you say, slowly heaving yourself up. You're not that stable on your only two legs but you'll manage. "Comes with the languages."

Ah. Of course. Not the worst comment but inquiring enough about your shit. Even if he didn't bull-eye into the 'nope' category, his tone was unfavourable to get information out of you. The tone bored and slightly condescending. Kinda reminds you of someone.

That's another thing that you've noticed in this world. Everyone speaks the same language. If you'd have to guess, it's a weird conglomeration of Japanese and English that you can understand. And no matter what language you speak, they can understand you too. No language barrier whatsoever.

You turn slightly to look over your shoulders at the Main Character's Cool Uncle.

You watch as his head tilts slightly like a dog's in curiosity. He clearly doesn't know any of those, even though he understands all of the words you said so far. If he catches the differences, you have no idea. It's dark and you don't know where to look.

"Y'know. My native, all the English versions and some words in others." You say, giving some examples, switching to each language with the one mentioned.

You might've said too much.

At least he doesn't seem or act like a blabbermouth.

Damn.

Your eyes move from the guy to the thing behind his back and NOPE. You turn back upright and with a quick "nice talking" and drunkenly power walk to the outskirts. You do not turn back at the sounds of loud voices and proclamations. You push on past the stumble at the sound of metal hitting metal. You're way past the line of sight but you continue on past the bloody screaming in pain. You take a break by the bushes to heave and breathe, keeping the vomit at bay. Just to get back up and keep on walking.

Be an NPC. Be just an NPC. The ones that are not interesting enough to fight! You need to blend in. You're not an individual.

You get to the house you've squated by for those few days and-

You need new clothing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The darkness under your closed eyelids suddenly gets too bright and painful.

Right.

The consequences of your actions. You can feel how dry and sticky your tongue and mouth is. Thankfully no acidic burn in your parched throat.

Fucktastic.

You move your arm to hide from the sun, feeling the sway your arm causes on your whole body. Good. You managed to get to the hammock. With a heavy bearing sigh, you slowly open your eyes. A new day, a new world, same old you.

You look around and notice a small chair with a glass of water and a plate with two pieces of bread.

Golden People.

You sit up properly and take your breakfast in your now painted one arm. You let a small smile enter your face at the sight of the non-toxic kid's doodles.

The good graces of this town did not come from nothing. You just had to help a kid or two in a muddy situation and bam. You can wander around without a bother with occasional greetings.

Once, they even left a kid with you to babysit for a day. The mysterious, usually drinking strangers. You both played and thought them a lil of some random things. Like where to find a little bit of clay to make their first pot. Or the 'Stranger Danger' these people don't seem to know of.

That kid is probably the one who, you assume, painted your arm.

Breakfast done, you take the dishes and go to the mini well they have, to clean first the dishes, then yourself at. When that's done, you return the borrowed things back to their porch. Respond with kindness where kindness was received.

You make yourself scarce, walking on the outskirts, grabbing some rocks and wood to carve in. If by any chance you find trash, you grab it too, to dispose later. Nothing much, to not aggravate your state.

You fill your time with some small things while your head is in a buzz with the past, present and future of your life. You know nothing and know enough. Magical fruits that give you superpowers. Even some 'power of will' or some shit to bend reality. A potential way of going back home. But to do so, you'll have to interact with those people. And for a longer period of time. You're enough in trouble as it is. Still, you need to get back.

Teaching yourself such power could take months at least. If not years or decades. If at all. And teaching someone else? It's like a fully deaf person teaching another deaf person singing. It is possible, yes, but you don't think you have enough faith and will for such a trial. And possibly catastrophic errors.

You instantly get back to reality at the feeling right at the edge...of you? Someone's messing your vibes.

You continue on wheedling but your attention goes to the stranger. An individual with a big hat. He seems familiar. And he comes your direction. What have your stupid self done yesterday?

You finish carving the basic shape of the spinning wooden toy. You try it on a flat-ish rock by you and it seems balanced enough. Time to start on the details. You make some grooves and smooth it out with a makeshift sandpaper. It's done and ready to paint right as the stranger gets to right in front of you.

He doesn't say anything, the weirdo, so you only lift an eyebrow at him.

He proudly stands there, his unusual eyes boring into yours. You are definitely not comfortable with the attention they have on you. You itch to say something but opt not to. He seeked you out, not the other way around. Be an- wait. Huh.

You shake your head (which is an awful idea for your still hungover brain) and go back to your work. Putting away the carving knife, youget the worst makeshift paints you can do on your own with these world's materials. Brick powder with water as red, and black accents from leftover ink someone threw out. All painted with some strings of grass leaves. Honestly, it doesn't look as awful as it could.

You gently blow some air at it to slightly dry it and give it a spin. It wobbly does so and you're okay with that. You'll have to test it on an even surface. Letting it be and to fall when it will, you get another piece of bark.

You ignore the stranger and him grabbing the toy you've just made. Can he not read the mood and leave? Glancing up, you notice how the colours actually match his.

Do not get the wrong idea. Don't you dare.

"Hm." is all he 'says' and turns to leave, taking the toy with him. Rude much.

Another temptation to voice your disgruntlement at the behaviour appears but you bite your tongue. Mostly cuz of your rule but that massive sword at his back cements your resolution. The fuck.

Your day continues as they do. You find yourself at the bar and get some free drinks and meals from the patrons. You 'trade' with a kid (a cool sea glass for a blue stone and with some rope you tie it like a necklace) which you end up giving both of those things away. You get a radiant kid smile and a small meal in thanks from the parents.

Nothing unusual happens in the next couple of days.

You do you and think of the possibilities. Portals and rips in reality. Bermuda triangles and all the other theories that come to mind. Crazy talk.

You kinda fear that you're at the stage of bargaining and moving towards the next. Will it be anger or depression? Both? You're definitely not ready for acceptance.

You find yourself at the edge of the docks and look at where the sea kisses the sky. Your world as you knew was spherical but it still ended for you. Would the end of this world move you back home? Like a game mechanic of glitching? Movie's walking into a mist and never coming back? What are you willing to risk to get back to your old rotten world?

Thoughts plague you.

So.

That's why you're here again.

This god awful pub, with its own stink. As usual: packed full. This evening, though, the barman gives you way more glasses of higher-shelf wine than usual. You have no idea who pays for these fancy fermented grapes and you're kinda bothered. Both for your own self and wallet of the stranger. At the fifth, you really get uncomfortable. Wine is way too easy to get drunk on. The only safe thing about this situation is the sight of the barman you see here since you've entered first, pouring the drink straight from the bottle.

Some strangers try to talk to you but after a few sentences they quickly scurry away as if you've burned them. Personal space for a win but what do they know that you don't?

You fear you might have to find yourself a new island.

You flag the barman. They seem surprised, which is honestly understandable. From the moment of your appearance you've never started any conversation at the bar. They appear quickly and with a glance behind your back, starts pouring you another glass. Someone behind you, huh?

"I'm not able to pay you for those." you say worried.

"Don't worry. They're covered." they respond neutrally, not giving you an inch.

"Then this one is the last, thank you."

"Don't thank me." they quickly respond and with a nod, cork the wine close. Clearly, they didn't expect a conversation.

"Say, how far is the next island and how could i get there?" you ask immediately taking a sip after. You let their gawking slide with the swirl of your glass.

"Planning on leaving?" they ask, collecting their professional self together, "And here i started getting used to your self." they tease, making your mouth's corners twitch. When there's no response they sigh. "Closest is a dangerous island past the calm belt. Next one that's not through that, is four days on a boat but it's abandoned. I'd recommend Loguetown. It's a few weeks from here. It's a bigger town with folks nearly as nice as here but it's peaceful."

"...thank you."

You look deep into the red liquid. Few weeks. Weeks with unknown people you'd have to trust for the safe passage. On treacherous waters. Calm belt sounded not that bad but the barman said as if it's the worst thing possible.

"Why would you want to go to the closest island?" a voice asks at your side. A young lad. By the looks, barely an adult. "You don't look like a fighter to go challenge-" ha starts but quickly pales and runs away.

You look after the lad but he quickly mixes with the crowd.

Challenge? Why and who??

"You want a passage to Kuraigina. Why?" a voice you hoped you wouldn't hear asks. You turn to the black clad sword dude and notice his glass of wine. Of course. Of course.

*Reasons.* you want to respond. "Boredom." you say instead. "But if there's only a fight ring, i'd rather not."

"Not there for the owner?"

"I don't know who they are."

"Clearly."

Smartass.

You turn your back to the stranger with an eyeroll. Now you know who he reminds you of!

Long live the king.

You don't want to gulp down this wine like a heathen but you're not interested in this conversation any longer. You sip it as fast and respectfully as you can, feeling the buzz.

"I can take you there" were the last words you expected from the stranger to say but here you are.

Whoop whoop! That's the sound of the 3rd red flag!

"For free." he adds.

"You're aware of how suspicious that sounds, right?" You spill, unable to stop yourself. Without turning, you catch him taking a seat next to you. You might as well- "Why?"

"Let's say, same reason as yours." This is going horrendously. You were supposed to avoid individuals. This is not avoiding. This is the main reason you wanted to leave this island for. "I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon." he says, paying a massive amount of cash, and leaves.

Do you wanna risk it?

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 6.2

Holidays

Acacia Day (French Republic)

American Indian Citizenship Day

Autograph Day

Children’s Day (North Korea)

Civil Aviation Day (Azerbaijan)

Coastal Cleanup Day (Russia)

Contango Day

Coronation Day (UK)

Decoration Day (Canada)

Donati’s Comet Day

Elfreth's Alley Day (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Emancipation Day (Tonga)

Father’s Day (Lithuania)

Festa della Repubblica (Italy)

Festival of Light and Dark Spots

Festival of Utter Confusion

Happy Neil Diamond Day

Hristo Botev Day (Bulgaria)

I Love My Dentist Day

Important People Day

International Sex Workers Day (a.k.a. International Whore's Day)

International Volkswagen Bus Day

Isabel Province Day (Solomon Islands)

Lesbian Pride Day

Local Industry Workers Day (Ukraine)

Lou Gehrig Day

Mother Earth's Day

National Bubba Day

National First Ladies Day

National Greyhound Day

National Janice Day

National Leave the Office Early Day [6.2 or Closest Weekday]

Pimpernel Flower Day

retail, Consumer Services and Public Utility Company Employees Day (Tajikistan)

Sir Randol Fawkes Day (Bahamas)

602 Day

Social Forestry Day (Bhutan)

Telangana Day (India)

Textile Industry Workers’ Day (Turkmenistan)

3-Ring Circus Day

Water Resource Management Employees Day (Ukraine)

World Day to Fight Myasthenia Gravis

World Eating Disorder Action Day

World Mind Map Day

World Peatlands Day

Yell "Fudge" at the Cobras in North America Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Fish & Chips Day (Australia)

National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day

National Rotisserie Chicken Day

Vanilla Coke Day

Velveeta Day

Independence & Related Days

Aenderia (Declared; 2018) [unrecognized]

Republic Day (Italy)

Telangana State Formation Day (India)

1st Sunday in June

Armed Forces Day (Canada) [1st Sunday]

Children's Awareness Memorial Day [1st Sunday]

Day of the Rice God (Japan) [1st Sunday]

Father’s Day (Haiti, Switzerland) [1st Sunday]

Fisherman’s Day (Iceland) [1st Sunday]

German World Heritage Day [1st Sunday]

International Mother's Peace Day [1st Sunday]

National Animal Rights Day [1st Sunday]

National Cancer Survivors Day [1st Sunday]

National Child’s Day [1st Sunday]

National Frozen Yogurt Day [1st Sunday]

National Godparent’s Day [1st Sunday]

Philippine Independence Day Parade (New York City) [1st Sunday]

Sjómannadagurinn (Seamen’s Day; Iceland) [1st Sunday]

World Breakfast Day (Turkey) [1st Sunday]

World Meditation Day [1st Sunday of Every Month]

World Naturist Day [1st Sunday]

Weekly Holidays beginning June 2 (1st Full Week)

America The Beautiful Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Bedbug Awareness Week (thru 6.8)

Black Single Parents Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Community Health Improvement Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

End Mountain Top Removal Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Healthcare Executives Appreciation Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Boating Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Business Etiquette Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Commuter Challenge (thru 6.8) [During Canadian Environment Week]

National Fishing Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Flag Football Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Garden Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Headache Awareness Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Pet Appreciation Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Teacher Thank You Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Festivals Beginning June 2, 2024

Asheville Springfest (Asheville, South Carolina)

Baby Jumping Festival [a.k.a. El Colacho] (Castrillo de Murcia, Spain)

Calgary Lilac Festival [a.k.a. 4th Street Lilac Festival] (Calgary, Canada)

Cape May Restaurant Week (Cape May, New Jersey) [thru 6.9]

Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival (Camarillo, California)

Culinary Coast Restaurant Week (Various locations, Delaware) [thru 6.7]

Heritage Fire (Savannah, Georgia)

Paso Pinot & Paella Festival (Templeton, California)

Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off (Tustin, California)

Feast Days

Ahudemmeh (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Alexander (Christian; Martyr)

Binkham Tamino McDoyal III (Muppetism)

Blandina (Christian; Martyr)

Buddha Day (Indonesia; Buddhism)

Elmo (Christian; Saint)

Émile Munier (Artology)

Erasmus (Christian; Saint)

Eugene I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Felix of Nicosia (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Light and Dark Spots (Shamanism)

Finneces (Celtic Book of Days)

Frank Runacres (Artology)

St. Gregory the Great (Positivist; Saint)

Isaac van Ostade (Artology)

Juno Regina’s Day: Queenship Rite (Pagan)

Laugh Like a Bad Guy Day (Pastafarian)

Marcellinus and Peter (Christian; Martyrs)

Marquis de Sade Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

The Melissae (Ancient Crete; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Mindfulness Day (Zen Buddhism)

Nicholas the Pilgrim (Christian; Saint)

Paul-Albert Besnard (Artology)

Pothinus, Bishop of Lyon, and Attalus, Blandina, and other martyrs of Lyon (Christian; Saint)

Shapatu of Ishtar (Everyday Wicca)

Solemnity of the Body & Blood of Christ (Roman Catholic)

Stephen of Sweden (Christian; Martyr)

Thomas Hardy (Writerism)

Vesak Day (Buddha Day; Singapore)

Yell “Fudge” at North American Cobras Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

The Betty Boop Mystery (Animated Film; 1989)

Churchill (Film; 2017)

Cooked, by Michael Pollan (Food Book; 2013)

Corvette Summer (Film; 1978)

Darkness on the Edge of Town, by Bruce Springsteen (Album; 1978)

Dead Poets Society (Film; 1989)

Deliverance, by James Dickey (Novel; 1970)

De-Lovely (Film; 2004)

Excellent Women, by Barbara Pym (Novel; 1952)

Hells Heels (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home, by Tim O'Brien (Memoir; 1972)

Isabeau (Lady Godiva), by Pietro Mascagni (Opera; 1911)

The Light Fantastic, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 1986) [Discworld #2]

Obscured by Clouds, by Pink Floyd (Album; 1972)

Oil!, by Upton Sinclair (Novel; 1926)

The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster (Novel; 1961)

The Prize Guest (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1939)

Room and Bird (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Animated Film; 2023)

Storms of Life, by Randy Travis (Album; 1986)

The Unexpected Pest (WB MM Cartoon; 1956)

The Wire (TV Series; 2002)

Whitney, by Whitney Houston (Album; 1987)

Wonder Woman (Film; 2017)

Today’s Name Days

Armin, Erasmus, Marcel, Petrus (Austria)

Erazmo, Eugen, Marcelin, Petar (Croatia)

Jarmil, Jarmila (Czech Republic)

Marcellinus (Denmark)

Veevi, Viiva, Viive, Viivi, Viivia, Viivika, Vivian (Estonia)

Venla (Finland)

Blandine (France)

Armin, Blandine, Erasmus (Germany)

Marinos, Nikiforos (Greece)

Anita, Kármen (Hungary)

Emilia, Erasmo, Marcellino (Italy)

Emma, Emmija (Latvia)

Auksė, Ąžuolas, Erazmas, Eugenijus (Lithuania)

Runa, Runar, Rune (Norway)

Efrem, Erazm, Eugeniusz, Marcelin, Maria, Marianna, Mikołaj, Nicefor, Piotr, Racisław (Poland)

Ioan (România)

Oxana, Xénia (Slovakia)

Eugenio, Marcelino, Pedro (Spain)

Roger, Rutger (Sweden)

Elma, Elmer, Elmo, Elmore, Erasmo (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 154 of 2024; 212 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 22 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 22 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 26 (Ding-You)

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

Hebrew: 25 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 25 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 4 Blue; Foursday [4 of 30]

Julian: 20 May 2024

Moon:18%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 13 St. Paul (6th Month) [St. Gregory the Great]

Runic Half Month: Odal (Home, Possession) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 76 of 92)

Week: 1st Full Week of June

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 13 of 31)

[wttt-dirus-work]

British Columbia (Headcanon)

British Columbia, the “chill province”. Biggest province of the west, she’s the third most populous of the country with a population estimated to 5,368,266 (2022). She’s the second most expensive place to live in, after Ontario.

When in the east coast, with New France and the thirteen colonies, it was the French fighting the British to get more land, BC was disputed between Spain in Russia, in the 1700s. It’s when James Cook, an English man who was the first to chart the land (this is not considering the many Natives communities who lived there first), came in that Britain settled the conflict. Before the 1850s, it was mainly used as fur post, with the Vancouver island managed by the Hudson bay company. Then, in 1857, it was the gold rush, and the colony of British Columbia was made, which the Vancouver colony joined after the rush in the 1860s. BC, who was separated by the rocky mountains from the rest of the British colonies, was made a province in the 1871 (country was made in 1867) when MacDonald promised there would a rail link from the east cost to them. (Note: this is generic reshearch I did. BC is the province of the West coast and I'm from the Québec on the East coast, so I don't really know their whole history)

British Columbia is friendly, but not kind (think of the West coast states like when Washington joins the Table). She keep to herself, but is nice enough to be friend with Alaska, Washington, and Yukon. She can relate to them with the earthquakes and wildfire season, but she’s kind of cynical. She understand many languages (Spanish and Russian from the conflict, and remember but can`t really speak her Natives' languages anymore), but mostly speak English; she’ll speak French either to annoy Alberta, or to mock Québec. Like most of the provinces, she’s a loner, and will annoy the others when she can. She’s chill, kind of "don’t really care for work" (she hates it) and still share some hippie vibes to anyone who don't know her. She also a good actress, making you believe she cares about it when she can't wait to never see you again.

As for temperature, she’s fairly stable, staying around 20°C/70°F in the summer to 0°C/32°F to 5°C/41°F in the winter. Concerning her relationships with other provinces, as said before she mostly keep to herself, so not close to them at all. She will banter time and time again with Alberta, who wants a pipeline to cross the Rocky mountains to sell oil in Asia, but BC is pro-environment, therefore she obviously refused, thus the banter environment vs economy is common between those two, but if you insult the west? The west twins and Yukon are suddenly her bests friends.

Physically, she (6’4) is taller than Texas (6’3), and got that smile where you’re not sure if she’s honest or fucking with you. She has golden skin, mid-back curly, bleached blond hair with and dark green eyes. She has an eternal pacific dogwood flower crown on her head, a white cropped tank top with a Canucks pin and she wears her flag as a boho skirt with black doc martens. She always got a join on her, even if she already smoking one (she’s meaner when she’s not high, so the other provinces don’t mention it to Cana).

Here she is, polite, visibly chill. She’s probably savouring the fact that she made Alberta angry again.

Masterpost here

[xtruss]

Scenes from Nazi Summer Camp

In the years leading up to WWII, children across the United States spent their summers learning archery and antisemitism.

— January 18, 2024 | Kirstin Butler

Children at a German American Bund camp stand at attention as the American flag and the Bund youth flag are lowered in a sundown ceremony in Andover, N.J., July 21, 1937. Associated Press.

Camp Wille und Macht—Will and Might—came first, in 1934, and was joined in New Jersey by Camp Nordland in Andover and Camp Bergwald in Bloomingdale. In Wisconsin, Camp Hindenberg claimed ground along the banks of the Milwaukee River, and children left their homes for Camp Siegfried in Long Island, the Deutschhorst Country Club in Pennsylvania and Sutter Camp in Los Angeles, California. Photographs and footage from the 1930s document those children pitching tents, cooking baked beans, hiking and singing songs. “It looks like any kind of Boy Scout camp or Girl Scout camp,” author Arnie Bernstein told American Experience. “But these were Nazi camps in America.”

The camps were owned and operated by the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization formed by U.S. citizens of German descent in the years leading up to World War II. With scores of chapters and thousands of members across the country, the Bund promulgated an antisemitic, isolationist agenda that sought to establish Nazi ideology in the new homeland. An important part of Bund policy was the creation of a program modeled after the Hitler Youth, the Nazi movement for young Germans. Bund parents enrolled children as young as six into the Jungvolk, which at age 14 split into the Jugendschaft for boys and Mädchenschaft for girls. The Bund camps became the main site for their indoctrination.

Most of the camps were located in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, but others sprouted up in locations like Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and California, with an estimated 15 to 25 camps distributed across the country, most in communities with a large German diaspora. Campers were dressed in uniforms featuring the Hitler Youth’s lightning bolt insignia, adorned with swastika pins and given knives inscribed with the phrase “Blut und Ehre,” or “blood and honor.” Daily activities also took on militaristic tones, including target practice and the Sieg Heil salute.

The Bund also published a German-language magazine for its youth members—first called Jung Sturm and then Junges Volk—whose pages featured campers’ accounts and photo spreads dedicated to selective parts of the camp experience. Not depicted, however, were activities that later became public knowledge—like forced nighttime marches that culminated in fireside renditions of the Nazi anthem—after an erstwhile camper testified in 1939 before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. (HUAC was originally formed in part to address concerns about the Bund, as well as other Fascist and Communist organizations in the U.S.) Its leader was ultimately charged with embezzlement, and the group’s assets were seized; some of its leaders and members deported. As the Bund’s troubles multiplied and membership dwindled, the camps closed.

But many of the camps’ archives survived, as did, presumably, children’s recollections of their time spent there and the messages that accompanied it. “It was an experience, a trip, that will remain in our memories forever,” Adirondacks camp director Gregor wrote in Junges Volk.

Four young boys peek out of their tent at the Deutschhorst Country Club, a recreational Bund site outside of Sellersville, Pennsylvania. July 26, 1937, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

“The German Youth Association will be opening a camp this summer… I’m looking forward to what we’re going to do. We’ll go swimming, play soccer, do gymnastics, go on rides, tell stories, go for walks, do outdoor activities and play lots and lots of games. And now the best part: get up at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning and bathe in ice-cold water.” - Edgar, 11, camper in Jungsturm

Bund youth raise a flag at half mast in tribute to Nazi Germany’s late President Hindenburg in Griggstown, New Jersey, August 1934. Getty Images.

“The bugle wakes you up for morning exercise, washing and raising the flag. After the stars and stripes and the camp flag have been hoisted, the pennants are put in their places, the daily motto is announced and a new camp day begins, filled with work and pleasure until curfew.” - Anita, 14, camper, in Junges Volk

The cover page of the inaugural issue of the Bund youth newsletter, first called Jungsturm. Image courtesy Leo Baeck Institute.

Bund youth group boys parade at Camp Siegfried, the largest Bund camp located in Yaphank, Long Island, in 1936. Alamy.

Female members of the Bund youth march at Camp Siegfried. The lightning bolt, or “sieg” rune, was the emblem of the Hitler Youth, and was meant to symbolize victory. 1936, Alamy.

“Just watch those long columns march past, their gaily colored flags flying in the breeze, their strong, tanned legs keeping time to the roll of the long drums, and you shall realize the value of the camp: training ground for the generation of tomorrow. This new generation used to the rigors of camp-life with its long marches, its lonely sentinel duty, its life in the open by rain and storm and hot, burning sun, will be fit to carry on the resurrection of the German in America.” - Paul M. Ochojski, Junges Volk columnist

The summer 1937 issue of the Bund youth magazine featured a gallery of images from its various camp sites—”unsere Jugendlager”—across the country. Image courtesy Leo Baeck Institute.

“We stayed at this fabulous lake for another week and a half, shot wild game and climbed the highest mountains, before it was time to go home. It was an experience, a trip, that will remain in our memories forever. Our youth group has been going to this wonderful mountain range for four years now to set up a summer camp there.” - Gregor, camper, in Jungsturm

Bund youth movement children give a Nazi salute onstage during a German Day celebration in honor of the first German settlers in America. October 5, 1936. Anthony Potter Collection/Getty images.

“We look with heartfelt reverence and sincere trust to the great leader of our old homeland, with the wish that God bless his new work—we are aware of our responsibility as German-American youth and will do our part to ensure that the new spirit of our times will once again become a force for the renewed health of our people. Rise up!” - Erna, camper, in Jungsturm

“This is our main goal, to create a large community of American-German youth, where all boys and girls who are of German blood pass through our youth movement. We want to ensure that the German race of the American people will be healthier and stronger, and from which the leaders of the nation will emerge.” - Junges Volk editorial, summer 1937

This image was part of Bund records seized by the Department of Treasury in 1942 in its investigation of the group’s finances. National Archives and Records Administration.

[emphaticallyyes]

here's every flag that emojis have to offer.

Misc

🏁 Chequered Flag

🚩 Triangular Flag

🎌 Crossed Flags

🏴 Black Flag

🏳️ White flag

🏳️‍🌈 Rainbow Flag

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Flag

🏳️⚧️ Transgender Flag

Countries & Territories

🇦🇨 Ascension island

🇦🇩 Andorra

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

🇦🇫 Afghanistan

🇺🇲 United States of America

🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda

🇦🇮 Angullia

🇦🇱 Albania

🇦🇲 Armenia

🇦🇴 Angola

🇦🇶 antarctica

🇦🇷 Argentina

🇦🇸 American Samoa

🇦🇹 Austria

🇦🇺 Australia

🇦🇼 Aruba

🇦🇽 Åland Islands

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan

🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina

🇧🇧 Barbados

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

🇧🇪 Belgium

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso

🇧🇬 Bulgaria

🇧🇭 Bahrain

🇧🇮 Burundi

🇧🇯 Benin

🇧🇱 Saint Barthélemy

🇧🇲 Bermuda

🇧🇳 Brunei

🇧🇴 Bolivia

🇧🇷 Brazil

🇧🇸 Bahamas

🇧🇹 Bhutan

🇧🇻 Bouvet Island

🇧🇼 Botswana

🇧🇾 Belarus

🇧🇿 Belize

🇧🇶 Caribbean Netherlands

🇰🇲 Comoros

🇨🇨 Cocos Island

🇭🇷 Croatia

🇨🇩 DR Congo

🇨🇰 Cook Islands

🇨🇱 Chile

🇨🇲 Cameroon

🇨🇳 China

🇨🇴 Columbia

🇨🇵 France

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

🇨🇺 Cuba

🇨🇽 Christmas Islands

🇨🇼 Curaçao

🇭🇷 Croatia

🇹🇩 Chad

🇨🇾 Cyprus

🇨🇿 Czechia

🇨🇫 Central African republic

🇩🇪 Germany

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Denmark

🇩🇬 Diego Garcia

🇩🇯 Djibouti

🇩🇲 Dominica

🇩🇰 Denmark

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

🇩🇿 Algeria

🇪🇦 Spain

🇪🇨 Ecuador

🇪🇪 Estonia

🇪🇬 Egypt

🇪🇭 Western Sahara

🇪🇷 Eritrea

🇪🇸 Spain

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

🇪🇺 European Union

🇫🇮 Finland

🇫🇯 Fiji

🇫🇰 Falkland Islands

🇫🇴 Faroe Islands

🇳🇮 Guam

🇬🇩 Grenada

🇬🇪 Georgia

🇬🇫 French Guiana

🇬🇬 Guernsey

🇬🇭 Ghana

🇬🇮 Gibraltar

🇬🇱 Greenland

🇬🇲 Gambia

🇬🇳 Guinea

🇬🇵 Guadeloupe

🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea

🇬🇹 Guatemala

🇬🇷 Greece

🇬🇺 Guam

🇬🇾 Guyana

🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau

🇬🇸 South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands

🇭🇲 Heard & McDonald islands

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

🇭🇳 Honduras

🇭🇺 Hungary

🇮🇨 Canary Islands

🇮🇩 Indonesia

🇮🇪 ireland

🇨🇮 Ivory coast

🇮🇳 India

🇮🇱 Israel

🇮🇴 British Indian Ocean Territory

🇮🇶 Iran

🇮🇷 Iraq

🇮🇸 Iceland

🇮🇹 Italy

🇯🇪 Jersey

🇯🇲 Jamaica

🇯🇴 Sudan

🇯🇵 Japan

🇰🇪 Kenya

🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan

🇰🇭 Macedonia

🇽🇰 Kosovo

🇰🇮 Kiribati

🇰🇳 St. Kitts & Nevis

🇰🇵 North korea

🇰🇷 South korea

🇰🇼 Kuwait

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

🇱🇧 Lebanon

🇱🇦 Laos

🇱🇨 Saint lucia

🇱🇮 Liechtenstein

🇱🇷 Liberia

🇱🇸 Lesotho

🇱🇹 Lithuania

🇱🇺 Luxembourg

🇱🇻 Latvia

🇲🇦 Morocco

🇾🇹 Mayotte

🇱🇾 Libya

🇲🇨 Poland

🇲🇩 Moldova

🇲🇪 Montenegro

🇫🇲 Micronesia

🇫🇷 St. martin

🇲🇬 Madagascar

🇲🇭 Marshall islands

🇲🇰 North Macedonia

🇲🇱 Mali

🇲🇲 Myanmar

🇲🇳 Mongolia

🇲🇵 North Mariana Islands

🇲🇴 Macao SAR china

🇲🇶 Martinique

🇲🇷 Mauritania

🇲🇹 Malta

🇲🇺 Mauritania

🇲🇻 Maldives

🇲🇼 Mali

🇲🇽 Mexico

🇲🇾 Malaysia

🇲🇿 Mozambique

🇳🇦 Namibia

🇳🇨 North Macedonia

🇳🇪 Niger

🇳🇫 Norfolk Island

🇳🇬 Nigeria

🇳🇱 Netherlands

🇳🇵Nepal

🇳🇷 Nauru

🇳🇺 Niue

🇳🇿 New Zealand

🇴🇲 Oman

🇵🇦 Panama

🇵🇫 Paraguay

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea

🇵🇭 Philippines

🇵🇱 Poland

🇵🇲 St. Pierre and Miquelon

🇵🇳 Pitcairn islands

🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

🇵🇸 Palestine

🇵🇹 Portugal

🇵🇼 Paulu

🇵🇾 Paraguay

🇶🇦 Qatar

🇷🇪 Réunion

🇷🇴 Romania

🇷🇼 Rwanda

🇷🇺 Russia

🇸🇦 Saudi arabia

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland

🇼🇸 Samoa

🇸🇧 Solomon islands

🇸🇨 Seychelles

🇸🇩 Sudan

🇸🇪 Sweden

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

🇿🇦 South africa

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇨🇭 Switzerland

🇸🇭 St. Helena

🇸🇯 Svalbard & Jan Mayen

🇸🇮 Slovenia

🇸🇰 Slovakia

🇸🇱 Sierra Leone

🇸🇲 San Marino

🇸🇳 Sengal

🇸🇴 Somalia

🇸🇸 South Sudan

🇸🇻 El Salvador

🇸🇽 Sint Maarten

🇸🇾 Syria

🇸🇿 Eswatini

🇹🇦 Tristan Da Cunha

🇹🇨 Turks & Caicos Islands

🇹🇫 French Southern Territories

🇹🇬 Togo

🇹🇯 Tajikistan

🇹🇰 Tokelau

🇹🇱 Timor-Leate

🇹🇲 Turkmenistan

🇹🇳 Tunisia

🇹🇴 Tonga

🇹🇷 Turkey

🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago

🇹🇻 Tuvalu

🇹🇼 Taiwan

🇹🇿 Tanzania

🇻🇪 Ecuador

🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands

🇻🇮 United States Virgin Islands

🇻🇳 Vietnam

🇻🇺 Vanuatu

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales

🇼🇫 Wallis & Futana

🇾🇪 Yemen

🇿🇲 Zambia

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

thanks

[rorytait]

Proclamation of Accession

On Sunday 11 September 2022, on the steps of the New Zealand parliament, the Proclamation of Accession ceremony acknowledged King Charles III as King of the Realm of New Zealand.

The Realm consists of five countries and territories for which the monarch of New Zealand is the head of state. It consists of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency.

Being quite an important moment in history, I thought I'd head down and take a look.

The Proclamation itself was read in te reo by Parliamentary Kaumātua Kura Moeahu and in English by New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary Phillip O’Shea.

At the heart of the ceremony was Dame Cindy Kiro, the Governor-General. She represents the monarch throughout the Realm, not just New Zealand.

The Prime Minister was also present and delivered words to the crowd.

The crowd was quite subdued, though one small group did fly Te Kara (the United Tribes flag) - which traditionally represents enduring Māori sovereignty.

[head-post]

Details of Sicily yacht incident

Divers were searching for six missing people, including British technology tycoon Mike Lynch, who were on board the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily during a storm.

Specialist cave divers, in 12-minute underwater shifts, were searching for six missing passengers and crew members on Tuesday. The yacht Bayesian was carrying a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers when it suddenly sank near a Mediterranean island around 4 a.m. on Monday. One body was recovered and 15 people survived.

Fire and rescue officials said six people believed to have remained in the hull of the sailboat would be considered missing until they were found among the wreckage.

Italian civil defence officials believe a sudden and severe storm that hit the Sicilian coast in the early hours of Monday caused a water tornado at the very spot where the 56-metre (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian vessel was moored. Karsten Borner, the captain of another yacht moored nearby, found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of whom were injured. They brought them aboard their yacht and alerted the coastguard.

Rescue services reported that the wreck rested at a depth of 50 metres (163 feet) about half a mile off the shore of Porticello fishing village.

Missings and survivors

In June, Lynch was acquitted of all charges in a US fraud trial related to the $11bn sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. However, Lynch still faces a potentially huge bill stemming from a civil case in London that HP largely won in 2022. The amount of damages in that case has yet to be determined, but HP is seeking $4 billion.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah was reportedly among those missing. His wife, Angela Bacares, and 14 others survived. One of Lynch’s US attorneys, Christopher Morvillo of Clifford Chance, and Morvillo’s wife, Neda, went missing on Tuesday, according to the civil protection agency.

Jonathan Bloomer, non-executive chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy are also missing. One body was recovered on Monday, identified as a flight cook.

Charlotte Golunski was among the survivors. She said she lost her one-year-old daughter Sofia in the water for a moment, but then managed to grab her and hold her above the waves until a lifeboat inflated. The father, identified by ANSA as James Emslie, also survived.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry stated that the Dutchman, whose identity was withheld for privacy reasons, also managed to survive.

More details

Sicily has been languishing in a heatwave this summer, and a panel of UN climate change experts says the Mediterranean Sea is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with the rate of warming about 20 per cent higher than the global average. Experts say it is extremely rare for a luxury sailing yacht of this size to capsize due to weather events.

Skip Novak, a lifelong sailor who has taken part in multiple round the world yacht races and written books about sailing, said:

“This just doesn’t happen. You know, boats sink because things like keels fall off, or they run aground and breach the hull … whereas just from a weather angle, a boat that big being pushed over on its side is absolutely extraordinary.”

When you’re at anchor, even if it’s blowing with a storm in the Mediterranean, you rarely shut the whole boat down because nobody expects something like this to happen. So if the boat wasn’t completely watertight at the deck, you’d have flooding going in. It would take a couple minutes and that would be it.

As the search for the missing continues, authorities have already begun trying to reconstruct an accurate picture of what happened. Prosecutors in the Sicilian town of Termini Imerese have launched an investigation, as is usual in such cases, even when no suspects have been identified.

The British Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were on their way to Palermo.

Read more HERE

[theboywithburninghands]

The Mood of Plastic Beach

So, this isn’t really a review or anything. Gorillaz have been very beneficial to my mental health lately, so I decided to write about how the two albums I’ve listened to the most make me feel and what imagery the songs conjure up. It’s not like, a ranked list or anything, I don’t really want to say one song is better than another, but I may have more to say about one than the other. Read it if you like, if you don’t, that’s fine too.

1: Orchestral Intro- Beautiful, feels like a pink sunrise over an enormous ocean.

2: Welcome to the World of The Plastic Beach: Chill, synesthesia inducing cadence. Feels like Snoop is gonna tell you a cool story.

3: White Flag: Starts off like you’re on a sailboat in a crystal blue sea, but then you and your friends find a cool, isolated island full of trash and you interact somewhat peacefully with the natives. It’s a new discovery for you.

4: Rhinestone Eyes: Tickles the brain just right, despite invoking imagery of a beach being invaded by the military and nature being poisoned by forces way out of your control. Definitely a song about bad news but it feels so good.

5. Stylo: Feels like a long drive down a neon-lit highway in a constantly chugging city. Bright and colorful but kind of grimy.

6: Superfast Jellyfish: Feels like when you walk into a convenience store or fast food joint at like 9 am and you’re starving, you can smell the cheap food cooking and you want it all. You know it’s bad for you and the environment but you’re hungry goddammit.

7: Empire Ants: It’s weird to explain how this one makes me feel. I used to work a long way away from home and would have to leave early in the morning when it was dark and cold. I’d be cold and unhappy, but eventually I’d fall into this sort of zen when my car would warm up and it’d just be me and some other headlights and a thermos of something warm to drink. That’s what this song feels like.

8: Glitter Freeze: Feels like a digital blizzard you’re running through. Pretty and all, but you gotta keep moving.

9: Some Kind of Nature: Groovy and relaxed, but sort of sad. Kind of like an old guy with depression talking about the sorry state of the world, but he has a really good sense of humor.

10: On Melancholy Hill: A bittersweet and completely genuine love song. Two people that are on and off in love with each other and don’t have the best lives, but stick together anyway. Beautiful.

11: Broken: Feels like you’re out at a beach at night and looking up at the stars and city skyline, and you feel bad, but the sort of introspective kind of bad where you realize everything is messed up but it’s messed up for everyone, not just you.

12: Sweepstakes: You’re in a city and everything is constantly moving and loud. Sort of like Wall Street where everyone is trying to hit it big and is dressed nice and walking fast and you feel out of place.

13: Plastic Beach- Sort of the thesis statement of the album. It’s a beach that’s incredibly polluted, but oddly clean. You feel safe swimming in the water and laying in the sand even if you know there’s trash all over the place, just out of sight.

14: To Binge: You just got really bad or disturbing news, but you have a day at the beach planned. So you go to the beach and you enjoy yourself but every now and then you get a reminder that something awful happened.

15: Cloud of Unknowing: Feels like smoking by yourself on a balcony, or like a clear sky after the world ends. Something happened that has you depressed. So you need a long time to think about it and cry. Things could get better or they could stay bad.

16: Pirate Jet: The world is out of control, there’s new information being chucked in your face every day, and you’re one person. So you live the life you got knowing things aren’t working right, but you need to live too, so you just enjoy what you have. Things are okay. For you, at least.

[brookston]

Holidays 6.2

Holidays

Acacia Day (French Republic)

American Indian Citizenship Day

Autograph Day

Children’s Day (North Korea)

Civil Aviation Day (Azerbaijan)

Coastal Cleanup Day (Russia)

Contango Day

Coronation Day (UK)

Decoration Day (Canada)

Donati’s Comet Day

Elfreth's Alley Day (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Emancipation Day (Tonga)

Father’s Day (Lithuania)

Festa della Repubblica (Italy)

Festival of Light and Dark Spots

Festival of Utter Confusion

Happy Neil Diamond Day

Hristo Botev Day (Bulgaria)

I Love My Dentist Day

Important People Day

International Sex Workers Day (a.k.a. International Whore's Day)

International Volkswagen Bus Day

Isabel Province Day (Solomon Islands)

Lesbian Pride Day

Local Industry Workers Day (Ukraine)

Lou Gehrig Day

Mother Earth's Day

National Bubba Day

National First Ladies Day

National Greyhound Day

National Janice Day

National Leave the Office Early Day [6.2 or Closest Weekday]

Pimpernel Flower Day

retail, Consumer Services and Public Utility Company Employees Day (Tajikistan)

Sir Randol Fawkes Day (Bahamas)

602 Day

Social Forestry Day (Bhutan)

Telangana Day (India)

Textile Industry Workers’ Day (Turkmenistan)

3-Ring Circus Day

Water Resource Management Employees Day (Ukraine)

World Day to Fight Myasthenia Gravis

World Eating Disorder Action Day

World Mind Map Day

World Peatlands Day

Yell "Fudge" at the Cobras in North America Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Fish & Chips Day (Australia)

National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day

National Rotisserie Chicken Day

Vanilla Coke Day

Velveeta Day

Independence & Related Days

Aenderia (Declared; 2018) [unrecognized]

Republic Day (Italy)

Telangana State Formation Day (India)

1st Sunday in June

Armed Forces Day (Canada) [1st Sunday]

Children's Awareness Memorial Day [1st Sunday]

Day of the Rice God (Japan) [1st Sunday]

Father’s Day (Haiti, Switzerland) [1st Sunday]

Fisherman’s Day (Iceland) [1st Sunday]

German World Heritage Day [1st Sunday]

International Mother's Peace Day [1st Sunday]

National Animal Rights Day [1st Sunday]

National Cancer Survivors Day [1st Sunday]

National Child’s Day [1st Sunday]

National Frozen Yogurt Day [1st Sunday]

National Godparent’s Day [1st Sunday]

Philippine Independence Day Parade (New York City) [1st Sunday]

Sjómannadagurinn (Seamen’s Day; Iceland) [1st Sunday]

World Breakfast Day (Turkey) [1st Sunday]

World Meditation Day [1st Sunday of Every Month]

World Naturist Day [1st Sunday]

Weekly Holidays beginning June 2 (1st Full Week)

America The Beautiful Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Bedbug Awareness Week (thru 6.8)

Black Single Parents Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Community Health Improvement Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

End Mountain Top Removal Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Healthcare Executives Appreciation Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Boating Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Business Etiquette Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Commuter Challenge (thru 6.8) [During Canadian Environment Week]

National Fishing Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Flag Football Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Garden Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

National Headache Awareness Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Pet Appreciation Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Teacher Thank You Week (thru 6.8) [1st Full Week]

Festivals Beginning June 2, 2024

Asheville Springfest (Asheville, South Carolina)

Baby Jumping Festival [a.k.a. El Colacho] (Castrillo de Murcia, Spain)

Calgary Lilac Festival [a.k.a. 4th Street Lilac Festival] (Calgary, Canada)

Cape May Restaurant Week (Cape May, New Jersey) [thru 6.9]

Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival (Camarillo, California)

Culinary Coast Restaurant Week (Various locations, Delaware) [thru 6.7]

Heritage Fire (Savannah, Georgia)

Paso Pinot & Paella Festival (Templeton, California)

Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off (Tustin, California)

Feast Days

Ahudemmeh (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Alexander (Christian; Martyr)

Binkham Tamino McDoyal III (Muppetism)

Blandina (Christian; Martyr)

Buddha Day (Indonesia; Buddhism)

Elmo (Christian; Saint)

Émile Munier (Artology)

Erasmus (Christian; Saint)

Eugene I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Felix of Nicosia (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Light and Dark Spots (Shamanism)

Finneces (Celtic Book of Days)

Frank Runacres (Artology)

St. Gregory the Great (Positivist; Saint)

Isaac van Ostade (Artology)

Juno Regina’s Day: Queenship Rite (Pagan)

Laugh Like a Bad Guy Day (Pastafarian)

Marcellinus and Peter (Christian; Martyrs)

Marquis de Sade Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

The Melissae (Ancient Crete; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Mindfulness Day (Zen Buddhism)

Nicholas the Pilgrim (Christian; Saint)

Paul-Albert Besnard (Artology)

Pothinus, Bishop of Lyon, and Attalus, Blandina, and other martyrs of Lyon (Christian; Saint)

Shapatu of Ishtar (Everyday Wicca)

Solemnity of the Body & Blood of Christ (Roman Catholic)

Stephen of Sweden (Christian; Martyr)

Thomas Hardy (Writerism)

Vesak Day (Buddha Day; Singapore)

Yell “Fudge” at North American Cobras Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

The Betty Boop Mystery (Animated Film; 1989)

Churchill (Film; 2017)

Cooked, by Michael Pollan (Food Book; 2013)

Corvette Summer (Film; 1978)

Darkness on the Edge of Town, by Bruce Springsteen (Album; 1978)

Dead Poets Society (Film; 1989)

Deliverance, by James Dickey (Novel; 1970)

De-Lovely (Film; 2004)

Excellent Women, by Barbara Pym (Novel; 1952)

Hells Heels (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home, by Tim O'Brien (Memoir; 1972)

Isabeau (Lady Godiva), by Pietro Mascagni (Opera; 1911)

The Light Fantastic, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 1986) [Discworld #2]

Obscured by Clouds, by Pink Floyd (Album; 1972)

Oil!, by Upton Sinclair (Novel; 1926)

The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster (Novel; 1961)

The Prize Guest (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1939)

Room and Bird (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Animated Film; 2023)

Storms of Life, by Randy Travis (Album; 1986)

The Unexpected Pest (WB MM Cartoon; 1956)

The Wire (TV Series; 2002)

Whitney, by Whitney Houston (Album; 1987)

Wonder Woman (Film; 2017)

Today’s Name Days

Armin, Erasmus, Marcel, Petrus (Austria)

Erazmo, Eugen, Marcelin, Petar (Croatia)

Jarmil, Jarmila (Czech Republic)

Marcellinus (Denmark)

Veevi, Viiva, Viive, Viivi, Viivia, Viivika, Vivian (Estonia)

Venla (Finland)

Blandine (France)

Armin, Blandine, Erasmus (Germany)

Marinos, Nikiforos (Greece)

Anita, Kármen (Hungary)

Emilia, Erasmo, Marcellino (Italy)

Emma, Emmija (Latvia)

Auksė, Ąžuolas, Erazmas, Eugenijus (Lithuania)

Runa, Runar, Rune (Norway)

Efrem, Erazm, Eugeniusz, Marcelin, Maria, Marianna, Mikołaj, Nicefor, Piotr, Racisław (Poland)

Ioan (România)

Oxana, Xénia (Slovakia)

Eugenio, Marcelino, Pedro (Spain)

Roger, Rutger (Sweden)

Elma, Elmer, Elmo, Elmore, Erasmo (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 154 of 2024; 212 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 22 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 22 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 26 (Ding-You)

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

Hebrew: 25 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 25 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 4 Blue; Foursday [4 of 30]

Julian: 20 May 2024

Moon:18%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 13 St. Paul (6th Month) [St. Gregory the Great]

Runic Half Month: Odal (Home, Possession) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 76 of 92)

Week: 1st Full Week of June

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 13 of 31)

[logian-drifter]

Logia: A planet with countries or something

Some of these continents are totally original while some are totally not just me being not original. There are no borders yet as I still have yet to draw them but I'll get to them eventually. Also, I have flags for these countries that I might post later. Time period that I'm hoping to take this in like somewhere in the ballpark of being modern but incorporating magic and technology coexisting with each other.

PRODAI CONTINENT

Constitutional Republic of Gouraga

Democratic Republic of Grevania

Federal Republic of Grevania

Federal Republic of Kaspia 

Imperial State of Subaila

Kingdom of Grasauland

Kingdom of Lirea

Kingdom of Navroatia

Kingdom of Sidia

Kingdom of Tersia

Republic of Altara

Republic of Batshia

Republic of Olumynia

United Uneskerta Emirates

Valkland Federation

KELGAN CONTINENT

Astergarde Federation

Federal Republic of Arknon

Kingdom of Sardonia

Maversk Federation

Republic of Arastuz

Republic of Ayutan

Republic of Belegorsk

Republic of Gazhan

Republic of Giralké

Republic of Haskova

Republic of Hazion

Republic of Jinhae

Republic of Kargorsk

Republic of Kasteran

Republic of Katari

 State of Al Saphene

MU CONTINENT

Holy Republic of Fermanagh

Kingdom of Draxing

Kingdom of Yvelion

Republic of Kruha

Republic of Yaserine

IFEND CONTINENT

Sarea Federation 

Republic of Orenza

Republic of Sonezh

STAMITZ CONTINENT

Republic of Kozernka

Sigan Federation

BRAHMS CONTINENT

Federal Republic of Salrena

Kingdom of Gelkai

Republic of Grobazi

GERSHWIN CONTINENT

Kingdom of Birosta

Molkovo Federation

Republic of Kagrosh

Republic of Garland

EAPLIN CONTINENT

Kingdom of Avalgard

AUSKALIA CONTINENT

Auskalia Federation

INDIVIDUAL ISLAND NATIONS

Arzach Confederation

Kingdom of Alvena

Kingdom of Dalminas

Kingdom of Langevik

Kingdom of Narsonia

Kingdom of Osvanger

Kingdom of Takarajima

Kingdom of Taured

Republic of Chalet

Republic of Filipijen

Republic of Malawan

Republic of San Miza

Republic of Valdrland

Yurilica Federation

I have like 64 countries to flesh out and I've had this world cooking since 2021 ever since I found out about Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator and I've been working with that and expanding it into this map I currently have.

If you're reading this have a happy new year and see you in 2024! :)

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 2.23 (after 1940)

1941 – Plutonium is first produced and isolated by Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg. 1942 – World War II: Japanese submarines fire artillery shells at the coastline near Santa Barbara, California. 1943 – The Cavan Orphanage fire kills thirty-five girls and an elderly cook. 1943 – Greek Resistance: The United Panhellenic Organization of Youth is founded in Greece. 1944 – The Soviet Union begins the forced deportation of the Chechen and Ingush people from the North Caucasus to Central Asia. 1945 – World War II: During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a group of United States Marines reach the top of Mount Suribachi on the island and are photographed raising the American flag. 1945 – World War II: The 11th Airborne Division, with Filipino guerrillas, free all 2,147 captives of the Los Baños internment camp, in what General Colin Powell later would refer to as "the textbook airborne operation for all ages and all armies." 1945 – World War II: The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is liberated by combined Filipino and American forces. 1945 – World War II: Capitulation of German garrison in Poznań. The city is liberated by Soviet and Polish forces. 1945 – World War II: The German town of Pforzheim is annihilated in a raid by 379 British bombers. 1945 – American Airlines Flight 009 crashes near Rural Retreat, Virginia, killing 17. 1947 – International Organization for Standardization is founded. 1954 – The first mass inoculation of children against polio with the Salk vaccine begins in Pittsburgh. 1958 – Five-time Argentine Formula One champion Juan Manuel Fangio is kidnapped by rebels involved in the Cuban Revolution, on the eve of the Cuban Grand Prix. He was released the following day after the race. 1966 – In Syria, Ba'ath Party member Salah Jadid leads an intra-party military coup that replaces the previous government of General Amin al-Hafiz, also a Baathist. 1971 – Operation Lam Son 719: South Vietnamese General Do Cao Tri was killed in a helicopter crash en route to taking control of the faltering campaign. 1974 – The Symbionese Liberation Army demands $4 million more to release kidnap victim Patty Hearst. 1980 – Iran hostage crisis: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini states that Iran's parliament will decide the fate of the American embassy hostages. 1981 – In Spain, Antonio Tejero attempts a coup d'état by capturing the Spanish Congress of Deputies. 1983 – The United States Environmental Protection Agency announces its intent to buy out and evacuate the dioxin-contaminated community of Times Beach, Missouri. 1987 – Supernova 1987a is seen in the Large Magellanic Cloud. 1988 – Saddam Hussein begins the Anfal genocide against Kurds and Assyrians in northern Iraq. 1991 – In Thailand, General Sunthorn Kongsompong leads a bloodless coup d'état, deposing Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan. 1998 – In the United States, tornadoes in central Florida destroy or damage 2,600 structures and kill 42 people. 1999 – Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Öcalan is charged with treason in Ankara, Turkey. 1999 – An avalanche buries the town of Galtür, Austria, killing 31. 2007 – A train derails on an evening express service near Grayrigg, Cumbria, England, killing one person and injuring 88. This results in hundreds of points being checked over the UK after a few similar accidents. 2008 – A United States Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber crashes on Guam, marking the first operational loss of a B-2. 2010 – Unknown criminals pour more than 2+1⁄2 million liters of diesel oil and other hydrocarbons into the river Lambro, in northern Italy, sparking an environmental disaster. 2012 – A series of attacks across Iraq leave at least 83 killed and more than 250 injured. 2017 – The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army captures Al-Bab from ISIL. 2019 – Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767 freighter, crashes into Trinity Bay near Anahuac, Texas, killing all three people on board.

[life-sport-travel]

5 cool places to visit in Virginia

https://lifesporttravel.com/?p=1359 5 cool places to visit in Virginia - https://lifesporttravel.com/?p=1359 Cool Places to Visit in Virginia If you are thinking of making a trip to the United States, there are a number of cool places to visit in Virginia. The state is located in the southeastern part of the country, and is home to the Atlantic coastline, as well as the Appalachian Mountains. Colonial Williamsburg Colonial Williamsburg is the place to be if you are interested in learning more about the early history of the United States. In addition to the history of the area, there are plenty of interactive activities for kids. Among the most interesting aspects of the colonial town is the fact that many of the buildings are on original foundations. Some are even marked by colonial flags. You can also see a replica of the Governor’s Palace, which was home to the first two elected governors of Virginia. The palace also boasted an 11-bin wine cellar and a natural park. Other points of interest include the official Episcopal church and the College of William and Mary, which is the second oldest college building in the U.S. Founded in 1715, it had students of all levels. If you’re looking for a bit more of a hands-on experience, head over to the Governor’s Palace for a cooking demonstration. You may also want to stop by the Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a strange-but-true museum that features a shrunken head, a real two-headed cow, and a 4-D movie. Another thing to do in Colonial Williamsburg is take a stroll through the historic gardens. They’ll tell you about the crops that were grown in the early years of the settlement. And don’t forget to pick up a free map at the Visitors Center. Manassas National Battlefield Park If you’re an avid history buff, you’ll want to visit Manassas National Battlefield Park. It is located in the Prince William County, Virginia region and preserves the sites of two major Civil War battles. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities at this historical site. The park’s visitor center is full of artifacts and displays from the battles. In addition to the museum, you can take a self-guided tour of the battlefield. At the Visitor Center, you can see an exhibit about the Second and First Battles of Manassas. There is also a 45-minute film that you can watch. There are also many trails in the park. You can visit the Stone House, which served as a Union field hospital during both battles. After the Visitor Center, you can head out on the First Manassas Loop Trail. This trail runs along the Henry Hill loop and continues into the woods. Another trail to explore is the Stone Bridge Loop Trail. This trail combines a wooded area next to Bull Run with a stretch of boardwalk. For additional information, you can check out the website of the Manassas Battlefield Park. They also offer daily interpretive programs. Guided tours of the battlefield are offered in the summer. No advance reservations are needed. To learn more about the Civil War, visit the Henry Hill Visitor Center, which features a bookstore and an information desk. Chincoteague Chincoteague is a beautiful island in Virginia that is a great place to visit. The town has an idyllic atmosphere and has many things to see and do. While you’re in Chincoteague, you can’t miss the annual Pony Swim. This event draws thousands of people in late July. In addition to the ponies, there are a number of other fun activities to do in Chincoteague, VA. The Museum of Chincoteague Island features exhibits about the history of the island. Among them is a first-order Fresnel lens from the Assateague Lighthouse. There are also many parks to check out. One of them is Veteran’s Memorial Park, which has a pier and a view of the water. You can enjoy a picnic, swim in the sea, or walk along the water trail. Another great thing to do in Chincoteague is to check out the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. This is a 14,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge located in Accomack County. It’s a great place to go for fishing and bird watching. Other places to check out include the Museum of Chincoteague Island, the Chincoteague Center, and the Herbert Bateman Educational & Administrative Center. The Center offers unique programs, while the Library has a variety of book clubs. The Museum of Chincoteague features a wide range of art and historical artifacts. Some of the displays include fossils, shipwreck items, and famous Chincoteague ponies. Frontier Culture Museum The Frontier Culture Museum is a museum in Staunton, Virginia. Located on about 200 acres of land, it is one of the largest open-air living history museums in the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to traditional rural buildings from around the world, the museum has eleven historic exhibits representing different time periods in American history. There are also four illustrative working farms from the 1800s. These farmsteads represent different cultures, such as an Irish farmhouse, a West African village, and an American Indian wigwam. It’s not hard to see why the Frontier Culture Museum is a family favorite. Not only does the museum offer fun events, like the “Curious Farm” and the 1820’s American Farm, but it also provides an interesting perspective on the history of the United States. Visitors can choose to tour the museum on their own or with a guide. Both options take approximately 1.5 miles. Designed by architect Carlton Abbott, the visitors’ center features three frame gable-roofed buildings grouped around a courtyard. Other displays at the Frontier Culture Museum include a 17th century Irish Forge, an 18th century German Farm, and a West African village. Each one of these demonstrates how the settlers of America were able to combine their native culture with their European and Native American backgrounds to create a new culture. The museum also has an American Indian village, a schoolhouse from the 1800s, and a 17th century Ganatastwi Native American wigwam. Those interested in learning more about the origins of the United States can visit the museum any time of the year. Luray Caverns Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States, and one of the top places to visit in Virginia. This cave in the Shenandoah Valley is home to an underground lake, crystal-clear waters, a Great Stalacpipe Organ, and more. In addition, there are several other attractions on site, including a garden maze and a rope adventure course. The Luray Valley Museum is a historical museum that features pre-contact Native American artifacts and items from the mid-19th century. There are also exhibits devoted to cars, stagecoaches, buggies, and more. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Luray Caverns, or choose to join a guided tour. You’ll find that the tours last about 45-60 minutes. It’s possible to buy tickets at the gift shop, which offers a variety of options. If you do decide to buy tickets, you’ll be able to purchase a ticket that includes admission to the Luray Valley Museum and Toy Town Junction. Other activities at Luray Caverns include gemstone mining, a Rope Adventures Course, a Garden Maze, and a Ropes Course. You can also explore the historic Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, which has over 150 vintage vehicles from the past 150 years. Another attraction at Luray Caverns is the Luray Singing Tower, which is a 47-bell carillon. This instrument originated in Belgium in the early 1600s. When it plays, it sounds like a symphony. Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This park is home to abundant wildlife, such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and many different kinds of songbirds. The park features hundreds of miles of hiking trails and campgrounds. There are also a number of great things to do in the park. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Skyline Drive, which runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has over 75 scenic overlooks, making it an ideal place to take in the beauty of the area. Another cool thing to do in the park is to hike on the Appalachian Trail. This trail runs through the park and has three rock scrambles. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the peaks. Shenandoah is also home to a number of waterfalls. Most falls occur on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. These falls are generally easier to see in the fall. If you’re looking for something more active, consider white water rafting. There are several areas in the park that are suitable for rafting. Depending on the water levels, you can choose from a variety of difficulty levels. You can also check out the park’s visitor centers to find out more information about hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the park, stop by the Byrd Visitor Center. Here, you’ll find exhibits about the park’s history as well as about the park rangers. Mike Izzo https://lifesporttravel.com/?p=1359

[swldx]

RNZ Pacific 1309 2 Dec 2022

7390Khz 1259 2 DEC 2022 - RNZ PACIFIC (NEW ZEALAND) in ENGLISH from RANGITAIKI. SINPO = 45333. English, s/on w/bellbird int. until pips and news @1300z anchored by Lydia Lewis. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has approved the redeployment of independent fisheries observers in its purse seine fishery from January 1. Senior commission executives confirmed the decision on Thursday afternoon midway through their annual meeting which is being hosted by Vietnam in Da Nang. Questions have been asked in the Tonga Legislature about the lack of progress in relocating and rehousing the hundreds of people made homeless by the January eruption and tsunami. The Tonga Government had committed to building more than 300 houses, creating new villages, rebuilding roads, not only for the most recent victims but the people still suffering in the wake of devastating cyclones in 2014 and 2018. The Cook Island Tourism Industry Council is elated at the government's announcement of two new airline partnerships. This includes direct flights between Rarotonga and Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines which kick off in May next year. Direct flights to and from Sydney from June were also announced. Pro-independence groups in New Caledonia have proposed the Kanak flag as an official flag for the territory. At the moment, the Kanak flag and the French tricolour are jointly flown but the pro-independence emblem does not have official status. French Polynesia has 300 new active cases of Covid19. US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have presented a united front on Ukraine at the White House, with Biden saying he would talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is willing to end the invasion. Biden has resisted talking to Putin since the Russian leader launched the invasion in February, while Macron has kept lines of communication with Putin open. Sports. @1308z "Pacific Waves" anchored by female announcer. Backyard fence antenna, Etón e1XM. 100kW, beamAz 35°, bearing 240°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 12912KM from transmitter at Rangitaiki. Local time: 0659.