#DOXA Case

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Caroline Haskins at The Guardian:

Late on Tuesday night, when it became clear that Donald Trump would be re-elected as president of the United States, the so-called “heterodoxy” was elated. For years, these male podcasters, influencers and public figures had marketed themselves as free-thinking pundits who evaded the bounds of political classification. “Their political views could once have been described as libertarian,” Anna Merlan wrote for the Guardian in August; the word used to describe them pointed to the same, derived from the Greek heteros, meaning other, and doxa, meaning opinion.

However, in 2024, the heterodoxy universally endorsed, supported and celebrated the hyper-masculine promise of Trump. This has created a moment in which the vast majority of online voices who appeal to young men are explicitly pro-Trump. In the wake of his win, those who at least feigned political ambivalence now feel no need to moderate themselves.

Joe Rogan reacted to Trump’s win on Tuesday night by yelling a reverential “holy shit” in a video he posted to X that showed him watching Trump’s election party on Fox News. Rogan, whose chart-topping podcast has an estimated 81% male audience, considers himself more of a conversationalist than a pundit but nevertheless endorsed Trump hours before the election, after hosting Trump and JD Vance on The Joe Rogan Experience. (He invited Kamala Harris, but they could not agree on interview terms.) Rogan endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic primary and then voted libertarian, and initially liked Robert F Kennedy Jr in 2024. He has supported left-leaning policies like drug and marijuana legalization, same-sex marriage and abortion rights, though he vehemently opposes gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Ultimately, he attributed his pivot to Trump to Elon Musk, the last guest to appear on his podcast before the election.

“If it wasn’t for him we’d be fucked,” Rogan posted, referring to Musk. “He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way.” Musk, who is generally well-liked among heterodox figures and their supporters, was gleeful as it became clear that Trump had won. He posted a picture to X showing him holding a sink in the Oval Office – a reference to his 2022 takeover of Twitter HQ – captioned “let that sink in”, seemingly relishing the business success and policy influence he anticipates having under a second Trump administration, which he helped secure.

Musk’s shift to the far right – after voting for Obama and opposing Trump in 2016 – became noticeable during the pandemic, when he became frustrated that lockdown requirements were slowing production at SpaceX and Tesla. Since taking over Twitter, now X, he has re-platformed Trump and conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones as well as racist and sexist provocateurs like the white nationalist Nick Fuentes. “Your body, my choice. Forever,” Fuentes posted on Tuesday night; the phrase has been making rounds on social media since. Musk personally shares an increasingly large volume of far-right content on his own page – especially transphobic content, seemingly in response to his estranged daughter coming out as transgender.

While final election data has yet to be released, initial exit polling indicates that men, and particularly young men aged 18-29, were a crucial pillar of support for Trump. Now more than ever, young men are at odds with more liberal young women, supporting Trump over Harris 56% to 42%, while young women preferred Harris 58% to 40%, according to exit polls. These young men, especially those without a college degree, have expressed feeling unfulfilled, dissatisfied with their jobs and lives, and desirous of a society and home life with traditional gender roles. For years, media outlets have documented how more and more young men have been radicalized after consuming content from right-leaning entertainers and commentators, especially on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Now, as more of those men have reached voting age, this phenomenon appears to be benefiting Trump and the far right. One 2021 study found that a leading predictor of support for Trump – over party affiliation, gender, race and education level – was belief in “hegemonic masculinity”, defined as believing that men should be in positions of power, be “mentally, physically, and emotionally tough”, and reject anything considered feminine or gay. Some heterodox influencers gained a following by embodying or promoting precisely this brand of masculinity, and giving their followers a script for blaming dissatisfaction on women.

[...] During this election cycle, Trump’s embrace of the bro-centric podcast scene came as he sidelined (and in some cases, fumbled) traditional campaign tactics like door-knocking and canvassing. This choice appears to have had no negative effect on his election bid. In fact, it may have even helped him. Trump’s victory could very well be an emboldening choice among heterodoxy figures, who now see the possible fruits of openly embracing the right. They certainly aren’t going away.

Donald Trump’s win was a victory for the right-wing manosphere and hyper-masculinity, as young men aged below 30 went for Trump (while women the same age went for Kamala Harris).

[gemsofgreece]

A place for every month - commentary

This is directly inspired by a Daily Mail travel article, which recommends one Greek destination for every month, as it declares the country a year-round destination. I loved the concept but I do have some thoughts on the recommendations themselves. This is not to say I don't agree with the recs - all places mentioned are beautiful - but I am not sure they are the ideal option for the month their chosen for each time. The article focuses on avoiding the crowds which is understandable, however it also sometimes leads to missing the trademark summery places in summer and the wintry places in winter and... where's the charm in that, right? So I don't know what exactly the point of this post is, maybe some insider commentary on that overall good article concept.

January - Mystrás

Daily Mail recommends Mystras. Mystras is the Byzantine Castle City, the last Byzantine stronghold which also served as a capital for a while, the times Constantinople was sacked and fallen. It is a must-see medieval cultural site, however I would not pick it for January. The article does not explain the reasoning, but I believe it is picked for this month because it is in the southmost mainland, therefore it is a way to experience as a mild January as possible. Mystras is situated in a beautiful hilly region in the countryside that gets very green and beautiful in spring. January would be a relatively unremarkable time to go there. Furthermore, the surrounding regions are coastal and summery, so it's better to visit this region in late spring - early summer. It's not a tourist trap anyway. As for where to go in January, well, this is a tricky month. It is not the coldest month of the year - it has what's called "Alcyonides meres". This is a phenomenon of ongoing mild, pleasant weather in the midst of winter. Because it's hard to predict what facet of January you will encounter, especially when travelling from abroad, January is a good month to visit diverse destinations that look great both in mild and cold weather. Those usually are mountainous coastal regions in the mainland (i.e Magnesia - Mt Pelion, Pieria - Mt Olympus, even Chalcidice where Holomon is unfairly overshadowed by the beaches) or very large mountainous islands (i.e Crete and Euboea). Technically, Laconia (where Mystras is) can serve too, as it's where Mt Taygetus is, but all I am saying is January won't make Mystras much justice.

Mystras on the left, Pieria and Euboea island on the right. I realise I am self-nagating right now but look, of course it snows on Mt Taygetus and occasionally it can snow in Mystras as well, however just because there are photos of it, it doesn't mean it is as frequent an occurence as the ones I recommended. But like I said, weather in January is a hit or miss case - in general finding the weather you want in winter in Greece is tricky.

February - Patra(s)

Daily Mail recommends Patras because of its big Carnival Festival. This is a good choice. A visit to Patras in February can be combined with exploring the countryside around it, including the mountain town and ski resort of Kalavryta and a visit to nearby Corinthia, to Mount Killini, Feneos and Lake Doxa. February is the coldest Greek month to be sure, however it's still tricky because you don't know if you will fall into a typical cold February or an early spring. Other good recs for this month are all other regions with carnival traditions, such as Xanthi in Thrace or the west regions of Macedonia. And because it's February and those places, unlike Patras, are in the very north of the country, you are going to get the winter vibes well there.

March - Athens

Athens is a clever choice for March. The capital is located in the driest, hottest region of Greece, therefore it is smart to spend March there and avoid the spring rainfalls or the surprising cold March brings along in most other regions. Furthermore, Athens doesn't have significant summery attractions therefore it should be avoided in summer unless you want a pointless sunstroke. The article makes a valid point; if you are in Athens in March, you shouldn't miss the military parade on Independence Day. It's worth seeing. My only commentary is that March is a beautiful month, so if you have a lot of time available, it would be nice to spend some days in the countryside close to Athens, Parnitha or Parnassus mountains, the site of the Oracle of Delphi or Arachova. Again, March is a surprisingly cold month, sometimes as cold as January or even more! This means that while Athens may be almost warm, in the nearby regions that are full of mountains, it can be prolonged heavy winter.

April - Hydra

For April Daily Mail focuses on Orthodox Easter, fairly so. The Saronic islands do have a lot of Easter traditions.... but so does Kerkyra (Corfu) island, probably the ultimate Greek Easter destination. There's nothing wrong with Hydra whatsoever and both destinations are going to be sunken with visitors anyway. My only objection is that we are four months in and three out of the recommendations are from the same geographical region... Some variety, come on, guys. So, Hydra is great, Kerkyra is a great alternative far away and Chios island is another great alternative in the very opposite side of the country.

Easter celebrations in Hydra island.

May - Parga

Oh wow, we changed region, guys! Daily Mail recommends this coastal town surrounded by mountains for the end of spring. It's a good choice, though I will argue... it's May, you can go anywhere in Greece and be happy.

June - Corinthia

Oookay back to basics. Let's be real, the journalist either has spent 95% of their time in the Peloponnese or is secretly a southern Greek. I already recommended Corinthia as a combo vacation with Patras in February and I will stick to this. June is such an amazing month in Greece - save for the sudden thunderstorms - it's summer but the tourist masses haven't arrived fully yet. There are so many places to enjoy before Corinthia; beaches, islands! I don't mean to diss Corinthia at all, it has the stunning Feneos I already mentioned, it has the unique Corinth Canal and it has many significant archaeological sites, but those can be enjoyed throughout the year. Save June for something else, if possible.

See, Corinthia is amazing but earlier in the year is more charming than June.

July - Náfplion

Errr... the Peloponnesian sweep continues. Nafplion is one of the prettiest cities in Greece, without doubt. It has significant historical monuments and very important archaeological sites nearby. But, again, it's July, go to some island, go to a beach. Save Nafplion for autumn. Nafplion is indeed coastal and has several small islands nearby...but STILL, there are some places that are simply more ideal for July. The article probably wants you to escape the very hot, very touristy destinations in the peak season. I hear this, but there are some remote, lesser known islands that are totally worth visiting. And it's not like Nafplion doesn't have its fair share of tourists anyway...

See, Nafplion can work in winter...

August - Ioánnina

As a person who somehow it is always August when I visit Ioannina and I am perpetually on the verge of moving there, no, August is not the ideal month for this place. In truth, every month can be ideal for Ioannina because the city and its surrounding countryside is of outstanding beauty. But, again, it's August in Greece and you recommend a lake city inside a ring of mountains? This is for heavy winter. This is for heavenly spring. This is for dreamy autumn. This is for everything except AUGUST. I understand the heat and tourist avoidance but, let's be real, isn't this part of the charm? What's the point of coming in the heart of the Greek summer, if not to get a little roasted? This is part of the fun of going to a different place. Be careful, of course, put on a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, blast the air conditioner in the hotel room... but also get a little roasted. That's the deal. See some desert and water. Get some blinding sun and taste the salt in the air. Board a ship. I think it's a seriously missed opportunity if you are in Greece in summer and not experience it in its admittedly most ferocious might. It's also a little hypocritical, if you are willing to go to Hydra on Easter, then why not go to Tinos island in August? Like a second easter in the summer, the island's largest chuch, which is the major Marian shrine of the country and said to have been the place of many miracles, commemorates the Dormition of Mary and has a huge festival that attracts pilgrims from all over Greece and the Orthodox world. Landscape-wise, it is exactly the place you should be getting roasted in August.

Somewhere in Ioannina in what is certainly not August (left), Tinos island (right).

September - Crete

September in Greece is prolonged summer, especially in its southmost large and most diverse island. Crete is good for any time of the year, including September, no objections here.

October - Thessaloniki

This is a very correct one yet funny, because somehow it's like everyone has collectively agreed this is the right time to visit Thessaloniki. The second largest city of the country is a very loved destination amongst Greeks and is on the rise with foreign tourists as well. It is sometimes called the cultural and food capital of Greece, although to be fair Athens is not lacking in either. In any case, October is a good month for some city break, although it might be a little windy there. What's also funny is that Daily Mail recommended Athens in March for the military parade. Here's the thing, in Thessaloniki the military parade takes place in October! I don't know if Daily Mail is aware of this but it ain't letting you miss any big Greek military parade from now on XD Thessaloniki is in the north of the country, which has several forests nearby. It is a good time to explore the forests, while the first autumn colourings will be observed.

November - Santorini

This is where I flip a table probably. If it's your first time in Santorini, DON'T GO there in November. If you have been there multiple times, have seen all the important stuff, love it and now you just want to chill there forever, sure. Otherwise, it's a pity to see it in its most unremarkable season for the first time. Sure, the high season is getting elongated, the prices will be lower, but you will also be getting cold dark waters and cloudy skies. Please go to Santorini anytime from April to September if it's your first time. It's a really striking place, see it in its peak. As for November destinations, all the mainland mountainous and forested countryside is perfect for this month.

Santorini in definitely NOT November and, as an example, Kastoria in quite possibly November.

December - Mt Maenalo Ski Resort

Back to the usual suspect, Peloponnese. It wasn't mentioned the entire last season and I got scared. Arcadia is a most mountainous region of the Peloponnese, it is very beautiful and Daily Mail recommends its ski resort so...nothing wrong here. But it's December which is the warmest winter month, it's southmost Greece and Maenalo is almost ultra but not the biggest mountain of the region. The Kalavryta ski resort I mentioned for February is in a higher altitude. Kyllini and Taygetus are also bigger mountains than Maenalo. All I am saying is... it might not have enough snow yet in December. And here's the thing, Greece has bigger mountains and far more northern regions! So, for December, other ski resorts might be safer choices. On the other hand, Arcadia has many lovely traditional mountain villages that will be beautiful during the Christmas holidays. It's a good rec, it's just that many other places in very overlooked regions might have even more wintry and Christmas-y vibes at the time (i.e Parnassus and Arachova, Volos and Pelion ski resort, Trikala, Vasilitsa ski resort, Lailias Ski resort, Kaimaktsalan ski resort etc etc).

That was it! Any additional thoughts? Hopefully not from a Peloponnesian who wants to bite my nose off XD Huge love for this gorgeous region, it's only I wished for wider representation! Hopefully, this might be useful for aspiring travellers from abroad, perhaps it will help you develop a strategy or a certain way of understanding about the things you should be considering when travelling in Greece.

Many of the photos are from Creative Commons, but for some places it was pretty hard. All photos belong to their rightful owners.

The Daily Mail article.

[zololacan]

Elements of Gnosticism in Dialectical Materialism (Soviet Marxism) cont

2. The Relationship between Gnosticism and Dialectical Materialism

The domination of magic praxis over scientific theory is strongly reminiscent of Gnostic doctrines that recognized the mastery of the transformative Cosmic praxis as a unique brand of wisdom, because all other forms of knowledge suffered from having arisen under the conditions of this world, which was created by an evil world creator. They are, according to the Gnostics, therefore tethered to this world, can describe only this world, and are already for this reason fundamentally deficient and unworthy. The only type of knowledge that is needed is not of this world. This knowledge would not describe or comprehend the existing world but abolish and destroy it. “Gnosis is the remedy for disintegration and the means of reintegration, because it makes it possible to recognize humanity’s place within the totality and to see through what passes for knowledge in its arrogance—it puts false wisdom in its place.” Since the critique of ideology purports to confirm Descartes’s suspicion that the subjective self-evidence of consciousness could be simulated by the malin génie whose name is the “unconscious” or the “material base,” it sees it as its inescapable task to combat this evil genius at its “deep” level, instead of making a pact with it. Philosophy, as Marx demanded, turns into (magic) praxis.

The relationship between modern secular salvation movements on the one hand and Gnostic doctrines on the other was recognized relatively early and discussed in particular by Eric Voegelin. Thus, Voegelin interprets Hegel’s call “to contribute to bringing philosophy closer to the form of science—the goal of being able to cast off the name love of knowledge and become actual knowledge,” as a program of replacing philosophy with gnosis and the figure of the philosophos with that of the sophos, the gnostic. In both modern and ancient gnosis, the claim to exhaustive knowledge of the nature of the world that was formerly reserved for the gods or for God is subordinated to the aim of saving the world, or, more correctly, is precisely the knowledge of this salvation: “In modern gnosticism it [the possibility of deliverance] is accomplished through the assumption of an absolute spirit which in the dialectical unfolding of consciousness proceeds from alienation to consciousness of itself—or through the assumption of a dialectical-material process of nature which in its course leads from the alienation resulting from private property and belief in God to the freedom of a fully human existence.” The action leading to transformation of the world should precede any questioning of and reflection on it.

Voegelin sees the essential role of modern gnosis as the “prohibition of questioning.” Gnosis places thinking up “against the wall of being” by making the validity of theoretical inquiry dependent on “this world” and thus limiting it. Voegelin writes of this resistance to thought: “This resistance becomes truly radical and dangerous only when philosophical questioning is itself called into question, when doxa takes on the appearance of philosophy.”

It may be helpful at this point to turn to the extraordinarily astute remarks of Georges Bataille on the relationship between gnosis and dialectical materialism. Bataille begins by defining the latter as “the only kind of materialism that up to now in its development has escaped systematic abstraction,” and he continues: “materialism … necessarily is above all the obstinate negation of idealism, which amounts to saying, finally, of the very basis of all philosophy.” Bataille sees in classical gnosis both “one of materialism’s most virulent manifestations” as well as hostility to philosophy. Thus far, Bataille’s analysis is essentially consistent with that of Voegelin’s. This is also the case for his analysis of Gnostic morality, about which he writes: “If today we overtly abandon the idealistic point of view, as the Gnostics and Manicheans implicitly abandoned it, the attitude of those who see in their own lives an effect of the creative action of evil appears even radically optimistic.” However, Bataille’s analysis takes a very interesting turn when he then continues:

Thus it appears—all things considered—that Gnosticism, in its psychological process, is not so different from present-day [dialectical] materialism … For it is a question above all of not submitting oneself, and with oneself one’s reason, to whatever is more elevated, to whatever can give a borrowed authority to the being that I am, and to the reason that arms this being. This being and its reason can in fact only submit to what is lower, to what can never serve in any case to ape a given authority. I therefore submit entirely to what must be called matter, since that exists outside of myself and the idea, and I do not admit that my reason becomes the limit of what I have said, for if I proceeded in that way matter limited by my reason would soon take on the value of a superior principle.

Thus, Gnostics are proud of submitting to what is lower than themselves and hence does not command the allegiance of their reason. In this way, they become the “toys” of a process that, because it is absurd, does not wound their pride. Thus, they also cease to have any actual need for salvation and thus do not call the Gnostic promise into question or measure it against the possibility of its fulfillment. In this way, gnosis becomes perfect and irrefutable. Bataille discovers the symptoms of this consciousness in modern art: “The interest of this juxtaposition is augmented by the fact that the specific reactions of Gnosticism led to the representation of forms radically contrary to the ancient academic style, to the representation of forms in which it is possible to see the image of this base matter.” (i chose both are equally real)

While Bataille here still operates with the ontological hierarchy that distinguishes between the various levels of matter, a fully developed materialism means appropriating and instrumentalizing the “higher” forms within a total materialist praxis that leads to using the ancient art forms in new social and political constellations, as occurred, for example, in socialist realism. A rigorous, unswerving materialism does not lead to abolishing ideology, reason, morality, etc., but to include them in the dialectically conceived total praxis, in which they are primarily employed as means of education, mobilization, and of stabilizing the already realized “accomplishments,” so that they become actually quite capable of playing a constructive role in the transformation of reality.

[minipliny]

I'm aware of being in a glass case of emotions and frustratingly these do involve needing more sleep. Turns out the night time is not free real estate for reading! Anyway I'm on Human Rights In The Twentieth Century aka how did we all come to decide we needed those and also how come the world didn't then stop doing that, the book. Everything is a doxa baybey! Non fiction is also slowing me down and slowing my brain down, like, fractionally. I am At Speed but not per se At Productivity

[hellacoolprion]

Would you come with me to go on a middle of the night quest for food and/or the beach?

-Nyx/Doxa/Arthur/etc.

WAH YES I LIVE FOR MANY SUCH CASES

[claudehenrion]

La ''Pax franca''... Qui s'en souvient ?

 J'écrivais, il y a peu (c'était à Noël) : ''En ce temps-là'', des Mages allaient de Babylone à Bethléem, aller et retour, sans problème [...] dans la “Pax Romana” décomplexée, alors que nous avons honte [...] de parler des jours pourtant proches où la “Pax Franca” permettait une concorde –fût-elle ''secouée'' une ou deux fois par siècle– entre les hommes (NDLR : j'ai bien connu, vécu et aimé ce temps-là, et je vous en parlerai bientôt, c'est promis)''. Au moment où Macron, racontant qu'il aurait ''plié'' sa réforme des retraites, veut nous imposer --à peine repoussés dans son calendrier de nos malheurs programmés-- ses contre-vérités sur l'immigration, je dois tenir ma promesse de vous parler de ce sujet, difficile entre tous, pour moi...

Difficile, d'abord, parce que je parle de souvenirs, c'est-à-dire de ''recoins'' de la mémoire où l'objectivité, même au prix d'un véritable effort, est quasi impossible.  Difficile, ensuite, parce que ma vérité va exactement à l'encontre de tout ce qui se dit, s'écrit, se lit... donc, forcément, ''se pense'', un peu ! Difficile, enfin, parce que j'ai tant de choses à dire que je ne sais par où commencer et quoi ''passer sous silence''. Je remercie par avance pour leur indulgence et leur compréhension ceux qui auront le courage de poursuivre cette lecture sans me détester.

Car il s'agit, simplement, de l'histoire d'un petit garçon qui a grandi ''aux colonies'' –comme on disait alors, même si le Maroc était un ''Protectorat''-- et dont pas un seul souvenir ne rentre dans une seule des cases de ce qui est devenu, à force de répéter les mêmes mensonges, ''l'enfer colonialiste''... quand lui ne se souvient que d'un pays de rêve –terre, cieux, lieux, et gens-- où régnait une harmonie entre les hommes, qui était la règle –les exceptions, qui existaient très normalement, étant de nature statistique ! Ce garçonnet, devenu étudiant, se souvient d'un ''raid Rabat-Tunis en camion-stop'' en septembre 1954, raconté, ici, le 25 janvier (n°1524) : la Pax Franca, que j'ai vérifiée in situ, n'était pas que dans ma mémoire...

Je suis né en 1934 à Rabat, où mon Père, familier du Maréchal Lyautey, avait été chargé par lui de bâtir des ''ponts'' entre le Code Coranique et le Code Napoléon. Il a créé le notariat français au Maroc et établi les statuts de toutes les entreprises qui ont permis et fait le Maroc moderne : chemin de fer, autocars, mines, phosphates, industries... on ne les compte pas ! On m'a raconté dix, cent fois cette véritable ''épopée'', mais mes vrais souvenirs ‘’ à moi’’, structurés et chronologiques, ne commencent qu'avec la Guerre, quand la France, ici ''puissance (?) coloniale'' est vaincue, humiliée, honteuse. Ses armées –dont Lyautey disait : ''il faut montrer sa force pour ne pas avoir à s'en servir''... se sont perdues, et pour longtemps : à l'époque, nul n'imaginait que cette guerre finirait un jour, si vite... et surtout... ‘’de cette façon-là’’ ! (le Reich, dans la folie de Hitler, se rêvait durer... mille ans !).

La vulgate, la doxa et les gourous de Gauche affirmeraient que ce frêle édifice va s'effondrer et ne pourra pas ''ternir''. Une fois encore, ''tout faux'' ! Devant l'ampleur de la défaite de nos armées, le Sultan Mohamed V, un Alaouite –descendant du Prophète, d'où le nom ''chérifien'' donné à son Empire-- va prendre la parole sur les ondes de la jeune ''Radio Maroc'' et demander à son peuple de soutenir la France, d'aider les français, de ne créer aucune difficulté aux pauvres ''forces'' de l'ordre –si faibles ! Et il va être entendu jusque dans le moindre petit ''recoin'' de cet ''Empire chérifien'' conquis par les envahisseurs arabes dès le VII ème siècle, où l'islam a donc eu le temps de s'ancrer jusqu'à être partie intégrante de l'identité de chacun !

J'ai donc grandi dans un pays calme, en pleine guerre mondiale. Autant nous étions privés de tout (impossible d'importer tout ce que le pays ne produisait pas encore), autant la paix civile régnait sur tout le territoire : le Sultan protégeait les juifs de presque toute initiative raciale ou religieuse, et la chrétienté n'a jamais subi la moindre contrainte, la plus petite vexation… et a fortiori de violences, profanations d'église, ou silence des cloches : rien de tel n'était, même, envisageable... ce qui explique ma double attitude permanente devant ce qu'est devenu l'islam : je le regrette et je le déplore...et je me souviens d'un islam ouvert, tolérant au vrai sens du terme (càd. à l'opposé absolu de la version en ''-isme'' qui empoisonne le monde entier) dont témoigne superbement, entre autres, une Sonia Mabrouk –nous parlions d'elle il y a peu, à propos de son magnifique livre ''Reconquérir le sacré''.

Mes petits enfants ont du mal à me croire lorsque je leur raconte que, français dans une terre d'islam ''colonisé'', qui est donc décrite et comprise aujourd'hui comme ''obligatoirement hostile'', mes parents, leurs voisins, et tous les autres français, n'ont jamais fermé à clé ni leurs jardins, ni leurs villas ou leurs appartements, ni leurs fermes –même isolées... Ou bien que, en villégiature chaque été à Ifrane, ravissant village du moyen-Atlas, (pas question de sortir du pays : les sous-marins allemands, les ''U-Boote'', coulaient tout ce qui flottait... et l'Espagne était en ruines), une trentaine d'enfants de moins de 10 ans quittaient l'hôtel (''la Balima'') et partaient se balader dans les forêts de cèdres majestueux, des heures durant, au hasard de notre fantaisie... sans que personne, jamais, ne se soit inquiété de notre absence prolongée et de nos retours tardifs... ni su où nous allions (ni nous !)

Plus incroyable encore : parmi cette joyeuse troupe insouciante, il y avait les 4 enfants aînés du Sultan, dont le futur roi Hassan II (alors Prince héritier Moulay (= Mgr) Hassan, resté mon ami), ses sœurs Lalla (= Madame, ou Princesse) Aïcha et Lalla Malika --qui avait un an de plus que moi et fut une tendre amie regrettée-- et le prince Moulay Abdallah. Il n'y avait en tout et pour tout, pour les accompagner, que leur seule Préceptrice, Melle Meyer, remarquable intelligence, française israélite (ce qui prouve, s'il fallait, l'ouverture d'esprit du Sultan), mais pas un seul argousin, policier, ''Assès'' ou ''Moghazni'' : la Pax franca était une garantie de sécurité suffisante. Dans nos balades, nous nous arrêtions parfois dans la ''rhaïma'' (vaste tente noire en poils tissés) de ''chleuhs'' transhumants qui nous offraient gentiment le  thé à la menthe (''latchaïi bin na'na'') au milieu de poules, de chèvres et de moutons, ignorant que les enfants de leur roi étaient parmi leurs petits ''invités''...

Je ne me souviens pas d'avoir entendu parler de ''peur des arabes'', enfant. Mieux, encore : d'Ifrane à Khemisset, de Ouarzazate à Ahermoumou des BirTamtam –joli nom!-- et d'Immouzer des Marmoucha au Souk-el … ce que vous voudrez --NB : ''Souk el '' veut dire ''le marché du... --suit le jour, Souk el-Tléta, si le marché est chaque mardi, Souk el-Arba le mercredi, Souk el-Had si c'est le dimanche...), chaque petit village avait sa chapelle catholique, où un franciscain, généralement très barbu, officiait le Dimanche pour les 3 ou 4 familles d'européens installées là et les ''colons'' des environs, et soignait les populations locales le reste du temps. Je n'ai pas souvenir de brutalités envers ces ''n'srani'' (= gens de Nazareth !) isolés et sans défense... En revanche, lorsque notre cuisinier, ''notre'' cher Bachir, a atteint l'âge de la retraite, mon Père a trouvé tout naturel de lui offrir le pèlerinage à la Mecque, dont il est revenu ''el Hadj el-Bachir'', et tout ruisselant de bonheur...

Je ne crains pas de le répéter : j'ai connu un islam ouvert, chaleureux, fraternel, humain (qui existe encore au Maroc, presque partout... mais qui disparaît dès que des ''migrants'', marocains ou autres, débarquent ''chez nous'' et sont soumis, dès leur arrivée --et parfois avant-- à une relecture masochiste de l'histoire --qui se croit bien-pensante mais n'est que vicieusement ré-inventée)... Et je suis ''malade'' de la caricature violente, agressive, et, depuis peu, haineuse à en être ''remplaciste'' qui l'a remplacé. D'un autre côté, comment voulez-vous que ''ces gens-là'' (sic !) aiment un pays dont les dirigeants eux-mêmes leur font croire que l'aisance actuelle des autochtones serait le fruit du pillage en règle de leurs ancêtres à eux, hier ? Dans les violences actuelles, la responsabilité de nos politicards ''shootés au mensonge devenu rituel'' et de nos journaleux-à-gauche-toute est totale, déconnectée de toute réalité... et faite en connaissance de leur méconnaissance systémique de cause.

J'accuse l'Occident d'être responsable de son propre malheur –et du nôtre... et du leur--, en s'auto-flagellant (n'est-ce pas, M. Macron ?) sans raison vraie, jusqu'à secréter une inévitable haine télé-commandée chez ceux qui, n'ayant ni repères ni culture, croient à ces récits effectivement dérangeants, mais qui n’ont jamais concerné, comme je l'ai dit et comme c’est évident, qu'une frange ''normalement statistique'' de cas --qui ont existé, évidemment : au nom de quelle raison notre histoire ''coloniale'' aurait elle été le seul phénomène humain à n'être composé que de désintéressement excessif, de bonté poussée à son paroxysme et d'une charité caricaturale jusqu’au masochisme, qui serait due à ''l'autre'' mais ne finirait jamais ?

''Calomniez, calomniez, il en restera toujours quelque chose'' écrivait Francis Bacon. On a cru malin de jouer au... malin (qui ne peut s'écrire, dans ce cas  que en 3 lettres), et on s'étonne de récolter la tempête... Les mensonges institutionnels ont, logiquement et comme annoncé, débouché sur la violence, la haine, et le wokisme criminogène... Une question : le monde, globalement, et chaque pays, individuellement, sont-ils plus heureux sous ce nouvel éclairage, inventé par des idéologues ''maboul'' ? Non, bien sûr... et c'est à cela que s'accroche mon espoir d'une guérison de cette maladie infantile qu’est le soi-disant progressisme...

H-Cl.

[clementinenoah13]

Entitled Opinions Part 2: Doxa

First of all, I am sorry for this late post. I have been struggling a lot mentally since election night, and these readings just hit way too hard during that time period. Anyway, onto the post.

In Part 2 of the book, Alford discusses "how doxa function [or dysfunction] as creative building blocks in digital media ecologies," (77) and also "All doxastic infrastructure helps distribute the formations of bodies learning to practice such motivations as desire," (71). She heavily focuses on how public and popular opinions can have good and bad consequences.

The popular opinion on social media can have its ups, but also its downs. Some people are capable of forming their own thoughts without needing to hear what others think or say, but some people need to, as the kids say, "touch grass" or they're very "chronically online". There are people like this everywhere, who get really hurt as if your opinion being different from theirs will harm them in some way. These people act as building blocks, for their opinions are now a part of the crowd, no matter how much we might want to get away from them. Thus, contributing to the functionality and even the dysfunctionality (if that's even a word lmao) of doxa.

Unfortunately, being a white woman at birth in the south, my extended family is a part of the "chronically online" crowd. You even bring up the name "Biden" or "Harris" and watch them turn red with rage and go on and on about how "they're ruining the government" and "they want to destroy America". They used to be so kind and caring, not caring much about politics. I could bring up my gender or sexuality to them, and they'd still love me. Up until COVID hit, and that's when I noticed a significant change, I even had to delete my old Facebook to preserve my mental health at the time. And, it's not just my family, it's a ton of older people, and even a few of the people I used to call my friends. They are seemingly being forced by like-minded people (at their church, on Facebook, and other places where right-wingers like to stay) into believing in these opinions that are more like conspiracy theories in a way. They are pointing out these "signs" that the world is ending all because abortion is a big, hot topic. When really, abortion is going to happen whether they like it or not. All they can do is stop safe abortion, which will lead to higher rates of death in women and girls. Alford talks about noticing signs and changing your opinions because of that, and how tempting it is to do so. I think it would be best if we all had our opinion that wasn't influenced by outsiders (or insiders in this case, ba dum tsss). Sometimes, I think it would be best to just turn off social media and sit in nature for a long time, not just for my sake, but for the sake of the people I love too.

[emmaameliamiaava]

Best Watches Under 2 Lakh for Every Occasion

Lets debunk the myth that fine timepieces must be exorbitantly priced by showcasing a selection of high-quality, affordable watches. Each featured watch is an exemplary blend of style, technology, and craftsmanship without necessitating a hefty investment.

Doxa Sub 600T: Released in 2021, the Doxa Sub 600T is a tribute to a 1980s dive watch. It boasts a 40mm angular tonneau-shaped steel case and 600m water resistance. The watch features unidirectional bezels, bright dial color options, and an automatic Sellita SW200-1 calibre. This piece is available with a steel bracelet or matching rubber strap.

Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC: This timepiece offers luxury with its integrated bracelet and a distinctive 41mm hexagonal case. Its dial, featuring an engraved grid pattern and luminous hour markers, is driven by the FC-303 chronometer calibre. This watch stands out for its value, offering a certified chronometer at an accessible price.

Longines HydroConquest: The HydroConquest collection, updated in 2021, features a dual-toned case and bracelet with a 41mm diameter. It offers 300m water resistance and a ceramic bezel. Available in various dial colors, it’s powered by the L888.5 automatic calibre, providing a 72-hour power reserve.

Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde: Known for value, this watch has a 42mm steel case, domed sapphire crystal, and a Sellita SW261-1 automatic calibre. Its matt silver dial with blue fir-shaped hands and small seconds sub-dial exudes elegance, complemented by a nubuck calf-leather strap.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic: Inspired by the 90s Calypso, the Aikon Automatic has a 42mm case with a distinctive bezel featuring six double claws. The watch is powered by the ML 115 automatic movement and comes with either a stainless steel integrated bracelet or a brown leather strap. An all-black PVD-coated version is also available.

MeisterSinger Neo: The Neo series offers a mnimalist design with a single hand for time-telling. Available in 36mm and 40mm steel cases, it features a hardened acrylic crystal and is powered by the Sellita SW200 automatic movement. Its retro style is balanced by a simple yet elegant dial.

Nomos Club Campus 38: Aimed at a younger audience, the Club Campus 38 has a 38.5mm steel case and a manually-wound Alpha calibre. Its California dial, water resistance of 100m, and playful color options make it a standout piece. It’s paired with velour leather straps for a fun yet sophisticated look.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date: Inspired by pilot’s watches from the 1930s and 40s, this 41mm watch features a large crown and fluted bezel. It’s powered by the Oris 751 calibre and features a sunray-finished blue dial with large luminous numerals. The brown leather strap adds to its classic appeal.

Rado True Square Automatic: Known for its ceramic craftsmanship, Rado’s 38mm True Square Automatic features a plasma high-tech ceramic case and bracelet. The watch offers an 80-hour power reserve with the Rado R763 movement and a stylish grey dial with rose gold accents.

Raymond Weil Maestro Automatic Visible Balance Wheel: This 40mm watch combines a steel case with rose gold PVD treatment and features an open balance wheel at 12 o’clock. The RW4200 automatic calibre is visible through an exhibition caseback, and the design elements reflect classic Swiss watchmaking.

Seiko Prospex Glacier ‘Save The Ocean’ 1965 Re-Interpretation: This watch, a tribute to Seiko’s first mechanical dive watch, features a 40.5mm steel case and 200m water resistance. The icy-blue dial mimics glacial textures, and it’s powered by the 6R35 calibre with a 70-hour power reserve. It’s built to endure everyday wear.

These watches under 2 lakh INR exemplify that luxury and sophistication in timepieces can be achieved without breaking the bank, offering excellent craftsmanship, diverse styles, and reliable performance.

[rickchung]

May Days 2024

Metro Vancouver Events Calendar:

Now-May 5: Dream Tomorrow Today @ Science World

Now-May 12: Sexy Laundry @ Granville Island Stage / Mary Poppins @ Massey Theatre

Now-May 26: Eastside Flea @ Flower Box (weekends)

Now-Oct. 26: Riley Park Farmers Market / Trout Lake Farmers Market (Saturdays)

Now-Oct. 14: Richmond Night Market

May 1-4: I Know Your Secret @ Yaletown Roundhouse

May 2-5: Jurassic Quest @ Pacific Coliseum

May 2-12: DOXA Documentary Film Festival

May 4: Pi’s Phucking Phunny Celebration of Comedy @ Little Mountain Gallery / Kingsgate Mall Turns 50!

May 4-5: Got Craft Spring Market @ Maritime Labour Centre

May 4-5 & June 1-2: Kids First @ Polygon Gallery

May 5: BMO Vancouver Marathon

May 8-11: Eunoia @ Firehall Arts Centre

May 9: Artist Talk: Janet Wang @ Vancouver Art Gallery

May 9-11: BC Ballet: For Ever @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

May 9-23: The Show @ Emily Carr University

May 11: Art Party @ Vancouver Art Gallery / Sad Mag: Texture Launch Party @ F as in Frank Vintage Clothing

May 14-15: Top Drop @ Yaletown Roundhouse

May 17-July 13: Camp What’s-It-Called @ The Improv Centre (Fridays & Saturdays)

May 18-Oct. 26: West End Farmers Market @ 1100 Comox (Saturdays)

May 16-June 9: A Case for the Existence of God @ Pacific Theatre

May 19-Oct. 27: Mount Pleasant Famers Market @ Dude Chilling Park (Sundays)

May 22-June 2: rEvolver Festival @ The Cultch

May 23: Sad Mag: Collage Night @ Slice of Life Gallery

May 24: Nooroongji Social Club @ Nooroongji Books

May 24-June 2: Paddle Song @ Firehall Arts Centre

May 26: Spot Prawn Festival @ Fisherman's Wharf

May 27-June 2: Vancouver International Children's Festival

Photo credit: Jeremy Mimnagh

[pazodetrasalba]

Trashposting

Dear Caroline:

I love it that I learn very curious and quirky uses of English from your blog, even if this is the sort of vocabulary that it wouldn't pay much to teach my students in class...

The last post is funnier than the first. Indeed, the common doxa was indeed that only the low-skill jobs were going to be replaceable, but AI keeps progressing with leaps and bounds. I remember a book that started to change my mind in this regard: Richard Süsskind's The Future of the Professions made the exact opposite case. Even if you are being goofy, Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t. Even in the most utopian scenario, I can imagine our descendants occupying their time in some complex games, rituals and entertainments to while away the time while the machines do everything we could do, but better.

The woke inquisition (I mean this literally, as in inquīsītiō f (genitive inquīsītiōnis); third declension. search, inquiry, examination, investigation. collecting of evidence) does have some appeal too, and all the more for your coyness. Twelve can be measured quite precisely -unlike, say, most real numbers-. My impressions from reading your blog would place you in a generally centric space, with mostly leanings to the left. I see you as very squarely democrat, but not of the woke variety. Your trad brushstrokes might make people think otherwise, but I feel they significantly declined after 2018, or were retained mostly in the aesthetic realm. As for all other elements that might infuriate some of the left, they are of the same type that mobilize them against EAs and Rationalists, on the line of an unflagging and unashamed attachment to exploring truth, however many landmines might lay buried in its fields.

(On a side note: I've just reached chapter 15 of Worth the Candle, and feel that I have another fictional character to map onto you, besides Rationalist Hermione...).

Quote:

In Internet culture, shitposting or trashposting is the act of using an online forum or social media page to post content that is satirical and of "aggressively, ironically, and trollishly poor quality"; it may be considered an online analog of trash talk. Shitposts are generally intentionally designed to derail discussions or cause the biggest reaction with the least effort. It may even sometimes be orchestrated as part of a co-ordinated flame war to render a website unusable by its regular visitors

[watchmasters]

Geneva Watch Days 2023: The Hottest Watch Releases

In its fourth year, Geneva Watch Days has risen to become Switzerland's second-most important watch fair and trade event. Live from the 2023 edition in Geneva, we bring the connoisseurs of luxury watches Delhi a glimpse of the latest watches presented by top exhibitors.

Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Mechanical

Alpina watches showcase vintage calibre 490 movements and unique rectangular mirror-polished silver cases, a departure from Alpina's norms. The 2023 edition features the automatic AL-530 calibre, anti-glare sapphire crystal, and vintage logo-adorned dials.

Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue

The 2023 Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition continues Angelus's legacy as the first wristwatch chronograph with a calendar. Powered by the in-house calibre A-500, it's complemented by a satin-finished titanium bracelet.

Armin Strom One Week First Edition

Armin Strom presents a 41mm stainless-steel watch showcasing the complex calibre ARM21 with a seven-day power reserve. Its open-worked dial and integrated steel bracelet add modern elegance.

Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 38 Mintnight

The Perpetual Moon in an 18-karat white-gold case is adorned with mint green, turquoise, teal, and sky blue mother-of-pearl. Driven by Arnold & Son’s in-house calibre A&S1612, it offers a moon phase that remains accurate for 122 years.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo

Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic is one of the world’s thinnest mechanical watches. Housing Bulgari's automatic mechanical calibre BVL 138, it provides a 60-hour power reserve.

Corum Concept Watch

Corum introduces a 39.5mm timepiece that pays homage to the night sky. This watch is a blend of organic shapes and sustainable materials, offering a unique horological experience.

Czapek Place Vendôme Complicité Harmony Blue And Stardust

Czapek & Cie unveils the Place Vendôme Complicité in Harmony Blue (18-karat rose gold) and Stardust (steel). These watches feature two independent oscillators beating at the same pace, a unique 1930s mechanism.

Doxa Sub 300β Sharkhunter

Doxa presents a dive watch with an 18-karat 3N gold bezel and a black ceramic case. It's water-resistant up to 300m, making it an ideal choice for diving enthusiasts.

Frederique Constant Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture

Frederique Constant boasts a big date, a 50-hour power reserve indicator, and a moon-phase complication on the dial. It comes in platinum and rose-gold cases.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute 8tech

Girard-Perregaux continues to push boundaries: the cases are made from unidirectional carbon fiber and titanium, offering a modern and lightweight design.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Vantablack

This 40mm watch boasts a Vantablack-coated dial, slim red gold indexes and leaf-shaped hands,  that creates a mesmerizing visual effect. It houses the automatic calibre HMC 200, offering a three-day power reserve.

Jacob & Co The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone

Inspired by a vintage dual time zone Wakmann watch, it features maps of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa in 18-karat rose gold. The watch is powered by the JCAA11 calibre movement, offering precise timekeeping and a unique design.

Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 40

Laurent Ferrier pays tribute to the 1979 Porsche 935 No. 40 with the Sport Auto 40. These 41.5mm titanium watches feature gradient viridian green dials and a cross motif for speedy readability.

Louis Erard La Petite Seconde Metropolis 'Louis Erard X The Horophile'

Louis Erard collaborates with The Horophile to create the La Petite Seconde Metropolis. With just 178 units available, this limited edition “New York art deco style” watch combines Swiss watchmaking and modern design.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe

Maurice Lacroix presents the Aikon Skeleton Urban Tribe in a smaller 39mm stainless steel case. This urban-inspired watch features a dark grey flange, Super-LumiNova indices, and the Sellita SW200-1-based ML115 automatic movement.

Oris AquisPro 4000m

Oris pushes boundaries with the AquisPro 4000m, a dive watch water-resistant to an impressive 4,000 meters. It features an Oris-patented rotation safety system and an extension for diving suits.

Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium

Perrelet introduces its smallest Turbine watch, the Turbine 41 Titanium, in a 41mm titanium case. Despite its novel display with spinning propeller-inspired blades, it remains lightweight and durable.

Trilobe Nuit Fantastique Brume

Nuit Fantastique Brume is a unique timepiece. Its grey-brown shade shines through guilloche motifs, creating an artistic look. Inside, the X-Centric calibre movement powers the watch, developed at Trilobe's workshop in Paris.

Urwerk UR-100V Stardust

Urwerk presents the UR-100V Stardust, a 41mm stainless-steel watch with a dial adorned with 400 diamonds. Its self-winding UR 12.02 movement offers precise timekeeping and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Water-resistant to 30m, it comes with a blue fabric strap and steel pin buckle. If you are eyeing some classic masterpieces among luxury watches sell Delhi sellers, these are definitely the pieces you need to take home back today.

[linguistlist-blog]

TOC, Babel Vol. 68, No. 6 (2023)

ICYMI: 2022. iii, 162 pp. Table of Contents Articles “Even more Reuters than Reuters”? A case study on the quality of blog translation Bai Liping pp. 781–801 La traducción y lo lúdico en el cambio social: la traducción inclusiva de Morgane contra una doxa de género dominante Esther Monzó-Nebot y Miguel Llanos-Guerrero pp. 802–838 Translating (or not) a South American Philosopher: The paratexts of the works of José Enrique Rodó in English Gabriel González Núñez pp. 839–859 Arabic-English metaphor t http://dlvr.it/Sq0F0c

[mariacallous]

The Russian authorities have opened a felony case against Maria Menshikova, the head of the news department of the independent student media outlet Doxa, on charges that she publicly called for terrorism, the Telegram channel Baza reported on Friday.

A source familiar with case materials confirmed the news to the outlet Current Time.

According to both Baza and Current Time, the pretext for the case was a post on Doxa’s page on the Russian social media platform VKontakte in which the outlet suggested that readers write letters in support of Russians who are in prison for setting fire to military enlistment offices. Investigators have concluded that the post contained “signs of justification of terrorism” and “incitement to terrorist activists,” according to the reports.

“In a fascist regime, everything is upside down: war is peace and freedom is slavery. And the main threat to fascists is the solidarity of people who care, which is now being equated with ‘terrorism,’” Menshikova, who is currently in Germany, said of the case against her.

Menshikova could face up to five years in prison if she returns to Russia.

[watchilove]

DOXA's waterproof history

DOXA CEO, Jan Edöcs, is often quoted as saying his brand “stays in or around the water”. Today, DOXA focuses on the dive watch business and celebrates this raison d’être through established timepieces such as the SUB ranges and the Army watch. This wasn’t always the case, however, as DOXA has a dressy past with a plethora of elegant watches from the mid-20th century that have a very committed and…

[azhdakha]

1. It's terrible.

2. I'll be honest, I don't know why every time in such cases people go the the utmost vatnik blogs and sources where the comments will clearly be anti-ukrainian and show it as an evidence of "there are no good russians". The same way I can go to some doxa or holodmedia or any other similar russia-based opposition source and show their comment section as a proof that russians are actually good.

[hellacoolprion]

In case it is unclear by my posting I am high and listening to vampire lore and I am just going DoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxaDoxa in my brain 🧠 because Doxa☝️he's the best