#Emperor of India butterfly

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Although it has no true governing power, the Emperor of India butterfly certainly deserves its royal title! More commonly known as the Kaisar-i-Hind in Hindi and Urdu, this species is renowned for its bright green wings. This color comes from microscopic structures called photonic crystals, which scatters light to create a vibrant, iridescent color.

(Image: A male Kaisar-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis) by Cheongweei Gan via iNaturalist)

Want to request some art or uncharismatic facts? Just send me proof of donation of any amount to any of the fundraisers on this list, or a Palestinian organization of your choice!

[bm-blog01]

Revisiting the first look at the Viscountess for Season 3

Whilst we wait for the first official look at the Viscountess for Season 3 I am going to revisit a couple of the leaked photos we first saw in August 2022, and see what they could tell us about Kate's story.

Kate is not wearing a wedding ring:

The first thing to note is that Kate is not wearing a ring. I am aware that blogger Cassandra Morann (Rewatch Blog), and some others, have suggested one reason could be that it was Edwina's ring, however, I think this takes a very western view of how Kate would behave after marriage, and shows a lack of understanding of the character of Kate. If there was one thing we learned about Kate it was that her culture and heritage are an integral part of who she is, and I don't think this is something that will be forgotten going into Season 3.

In doing some research I discovered that rings are not necessarily an accessory married women from India would wear, and especially not in the early 19th Century, what I discovered is that bangles are a more significant piece of jewellery, both in the marriage ceremony and after the ceremony. We saw in Season 2 the significance of Kate's mother's bangles, and I believe that this is a tradition Kate will stay with, as such I believe that instead of wearing a ring Kate will symbolise her marriage in public with the wearing of bangles, and I think the picture of her hugging Colin shows this. We can see that Kate is wearing a thick, wide, gold bangle on her left wrist (I can't tell if she is also wearing one on her right wrist as well), I believe that this could potentially be a traditional bangle that she is wearing to symbolise her status as a married lady, and the bangle being gold symbolises fortune and prosperity.

Kate's Hair Adornment:

I have seen some suggestion from both Cat Quinn and Cassandra Morann that Kate has butterflies in her hair as a 'sweet nod' to Penelope being the lead for this season, however, I don't think this is correct. To me it also makes no sense, no female character wore anything as a 'sweet nod' to Kate being the lead in Season 2, nor did they for Daphne in Season 1, so why would any main female character wear something as a 'sweet nod' to the Season 3 lead? Especially when the characters in question never interacted in Season 2.

I believe that Kate is wearing adornments that invoke the idea of a Laurel Wreath in her hair, not to dissimilar to what the ancient Romans and Greeks wore. Whether the wreath is meant to represent the bay laurel leaf or the strawberry leaf is up for debate, however, I see this as the most likely hair adornment for Kate due to the symbolism.

The Strawberry Leaves could be a call to her position as Viscountess. Traditionally many in the peerage would wear coronets with representation of strawberry leaves for a coronation, and whilst this is not a coronation and technically a Viscount would not have Strawberry Leaves on his coronet, this could be a nod to that aspect of English tradition. However, I think it is more likely to be a representation of bay laurel leaves, something which I think has more symbolism for the character of Kate.

Wreaths were a sign of victory, and for Kate she has gained a victory of sorts in making her own decision and finally living her life for herself, but more interesting is the meaning behind the laurel. Laurel reminds us to reclaim our voice and our wisdom as we rebalance our lives, and this very much fits with Kate's arc. As we enter Season 3 of Bridgerton Kate is reclaiming her voice, and also she is working to rebalance her life away from her half sister and stepmother, and with her new family and role in life. Roman Emperors wore laurel wreaths in order to show their status and importance, for Kate this could be representative of her new status and importance within the Bridgeton family.

Whilst I believe that her hair adornment is most likely representative of a laurel wreath, there is one further possibility to consider, and that is that it is meant to represent the lotus flower - the traditional flower of India. This would be a further connection of Kate to her heritage, something that began in Season 2 with small nods to her Indian heritage, and it would be something that would be nice to see carried on for Season 3.

Is Kate presenting or being presented?

In the first photos seen of Kate in Season 3 we can clearly see that this is for Francesca's presentation at court, as we see Francesca dressed in a court dress with feathers. Kate is dressed in Gold and Cream, and there are two possibilities for this.

Kate is the one presenting Francesca, as Violet did with Daphne and Eloise. This would call back to Season 2 when Anthony told his mother that the woman he married would be responsible for launching his sisters into society, and as the presentation is the official 'launch' for a young lady this makes sense.

Kate is being presented as the Viscountess by Anthony. This could be a solid theory, though the reasoning I have seen for it is weak. This theory put forward by Cassandra Morann on her Rewatch Blog is reasoned due to the way that Anthony is dressed in his more formal Court Dress. However, in both Season 1 and Season 2 during the presentation scenes we did see some men dressed in more formal Court Dress (similar to what Anthony is wearing in the photo leaks), so using Anthony's dress as a basis for this theory presents a weak argument in my opinion.

Based on Violet's dress we would have to conclude that if Kate is being presented by Anthony, then Anthony is also presenting Francesca as Violet does not appear to be dressed for a presentation, as she was in Season 1 and Season 2. It is looking at Violet's dress that I believe the most likely scenario is the first, and Kate will be presenting Francesca. It is possible that Kate will have been formally presented either just before, or just after, their marriage, as presentations were not limited to the beginning of the Social Season.

Kate's overall look:

The first thing to notice is Kate's look is much softer than in Season 2. As these pictures are obviously for Francesca's presentation it is hard to know what her colour scheme will be for the rest of the season, however, the cream and the gold in these pictures add to her overall glow.

We won't know for certain about the details until Season 3 comes out, but my overall feel is that this first look really shows Kate as the Viscountess, and coming into her own. For Season 3 she will be happy and in love, and this look projects that to the viewers.

I cannot wait to see her overall look, and hope that they continue with this softer look for her as I think it really suits her.

[dailybutterfly]

Butterfly #4: Golden Emperor (Dilipa morgiana)

Image credits: 1, 2, 3

Found in India, Nepal, Vietnam and northern Myanmar, these butterflies are attracted to overripe fruit and Buddleia blossoms.

[heracliteanfire]

The Emperor Moth, Saturnia pavonia; Thomas Dewell Scott, 1857.

Proof of a plate for H.T. Stainton, A Manual of British Butterflies and Moths, 1857. Wood-engraving printed on India laid paper.

via British Museum

[trinetratours1]

Plan Your Holiday in Jaisalmer with Trinetra Tours

Trinetra Tours is a tour operator in India that offers customized Rajasthan family holidays tour plans. By taking insight from this top-most travel partner of many, this blog will share a guide on touring spots you and your family can enjoy in Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer- The Golden City

Jaisalmer is also known as Golden City. The sand all around the city looks like gold in the sunlight. As one of the top-most warmest places in summer, Jaisalmer offers the coolest nights. During the day, the wind will not let you feel hot. In winter, you can enjoy the sunlight while lying on the sand and watching the sunset. Some of the most popular touring spots to enjoy with family in Jaisalmer are as follows-

Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis

Jaisalmer is a city of emperors, which is reflected from its fort, Havelis, and their architecture. This city has havelis telling a tale of opulence and wealth. Stone art, and beautiful ‘Parkota’ (balconies) from where Maharani (Queens) used to see the city define the class of architecture. The top three havelis in this regard are Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and Nathmal Ki Haveli.

Desert Safaris

Jaisalmer’s tour is incomplete without a desert safari. So, if you are planning to land in the Golden City for touring reasons, reserve an evening for the camel ride. For this, Sam Sand Dunes is there to welcome you. Here you will find ‘Thar ka Jahaj’ — The Plane of the desert, i.e., camel for desert safari. This ride will give you a mix of See-Saw (Swing) and butterflies in your tummy while sitting and standing on the floor. Here, you can also enjoy a game of hide and seek and climbing up and rolling down from the dunes. Running in the sand itself is the best adventure. The right time to do a desert safari is evening. You also stay here overnight in camps and enjoy the breezy nights and folk dances.

Kuldhara

It is one of the oldest abandoned villages a few kilometres from the city. This village belongs to the 18th century. The assumption is that this village was abandoned due to the water shortage. Some say invaders destroyed it in one night; one can see evidence of that while visiting this place. Kuldhara is one the most haunted places where overnight stays are risky.

Tanot Mata Temple

There are so many touring spots in Jaisalmer. To know more along with the best place to enjoy the authentic food of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and shopping places in Jaisalmer you can get assistance from a travel partner. You can consult Trinetra Tours and Customized Vacations to India this time for Jaisalmer. The expert trip planners will help you in planning a beautiful and memorable stay at Jaisalmer. Contact Trinetra Tours now!

Original Source:- https://trinetraworldtours.blogspot.com/2024/01/plan-your-holiday-in-jaisalmer-with.html

[daastane-musafir]

Top 12 Unexplored Places In Delhi

Top 12 Unexplored Places In Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India, is rich in history and culture. While it is home to many popular attractions such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar, there are also several lesser-known and unexplored places in Delhi that are worth discovering. Here are 12 such places:

Mehrauli Archaeological Park: This park is located in Mehrauli, one of the oldest inhabited areas of Delhi. It houses numerous ancient monuments and ruins, including the Qutub Complex, Balban's Tomb, and Jamali Kamali Mosque.

Agrasen ki Baoli: This ancient stepwell, located in the heart of Delhi near Connaught Place, is a hidden gem. It features intricate architecture and is believed to be haunted. Agrasen ki Baoli is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and history lovers.

Hauz Khas Village: This urban village in South Delhi offers a mix of history, art, and culture. It is home to a 14th-century water reservoir, trendy cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and a deer park.

Tughlaqabad Fort: Built by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, this imposing fortress lies in ruins but still exudes a mysterious charm. It provides a great opportunity for exploration and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Nizamuddin Dargah: Located in the Nizamuddin West area of Delhi, this Sufi shrine is dedicated to the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. It is a spiritual and cultural hub, known for its qawwali performances.

Sanjay Van: This sprawling forest area near Vasant Kunj in South Delhi is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. It offers walking trails, a lake, and ancient ruins hidden amidst dense vegetation.

Sunder Nursery: Located near Humayun's Tomb, Sunder Nursery is a beautifully landscaped garden complex. It features several Mughal-era monuments, a bonsai park, and a butterfly conservatory.

Shankar's International Dolls Museum: Situated in the heart of Delhi, this unique museum houses a vast collection of dolls from all over the world. It is a fascinating place for both children and adults.

Jahaz Mahal: Located in Mehrauli, Jahaz Mahal is a medieval palace that resembles a ship. It was built during the Lodi dynasty and offers a glimpse into Delhi's architectural history.

National Rail Museum: If you have an interest in trains, this museum in Chanakyapuri is a must-visit. It showcases a wide range of vintage locomotives, carriages, and exhibits related to the history of the Indian Railways.

Delhi Ridge: As one of the largest protected forests in the city, Delhi Ridge is an ecologically significant area. It offers nature trails, bird watching opportunities, and a chance to explore the city's wildlife.

National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum: Located in Pragati Maidan, this museum showcases a vast collection of traditional Indian crafts, textiles, and artifacts. It provides insights into India's diverse handicraft traditions.

These unexplored places in Delhi offer a unique perspective on the city's history, culture, and natural beauty. Exploring these hidden gems can be a delightful experience for both locals and visitors alike.

What are 2 famous places of Delhi?

Delhi is home to numerous famous places, but two of the most iconic and widely recognized attractions are:

Red Fort: The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's rich history. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1857. The fort is known for its impressive red sandstone walls, intricate architecture, and significant historical events that took place within its premises. It is a popular tourist destination and hosts the annual Independence Day celebrations on August 15th.

India Gate: Located in the heart of Delhi, India Gate is a prominent landmark and a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it stands at a height of 42 meters and bears the names of more than 13,000 servicemen inscribed on its walls. India Gate is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during evenings when it is beautifully lit up.

These two attractions represent the historical and cultural significance of Delhi and are visited by thousands of people every year.

Which is the most beautiful area in Delhi?

Beauty is subjective, and people may have different opinions on what they consider the most beautiful area in Delhi. However, one area that is often regarded as visually appealing and charming is:

Hauz Khas Village: Hauz Khas Village, located in South Delhi, is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary vibes. It features a medieval water reservoir, deer park, and a lake, all surrounded by lush greenery. The village is lined with narrow lanes adorned with vibrant street art, boutique shops, trendy cafes, and art galleries. The combination of the old-world charm and the vibrant modern atmosphere makes Hauz Khas Village a visually captivating and popular destination for both locals and visitors.

While Hauz Khas Village is often praised for its aesthetics, it's important to note that Delhi has several other beautiful areas, each with its own distinct charm and appeal. Exploring different parts of the city can unveil hidden gems and scenic spots that cater to various preferences.

Where can I chill in Delhi New?

If you're looking for places to chill and relax in New Delhi, here are some options:

Lodhi Garden: Located near Lodhi Road, Lodhi Garden offers a serene and green oasis in the heart of the city. You can take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The garden is dotted with historical monuments and has well-maintained pathways.

Garden of Five Senses: Situated in South Delhi's Said-ul-Ajaib village, the Garden of Five Senses is a beautifully landscaped park designed to provide a sensory experience. It features lush gardens, waterfalls, sculptures, and various themed areas. You can spend time exploring the gardens, enjoying the tranquility, and indulging in a meal at the nearby restaurants.

Nehru Park: Located in Chanakyapuri, Nehru Park is a popular spot for relaxation and leisure. The park is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and offers ample green space, walking trails, and a lake. It also hosts occasional cultural events and music concerts.

Café and Restaurant Terraces: Delhi has numerous cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating and terraces where you can chill and unwind. Places like Hauz Khas Village, Khan Market, Connaught Place, and Cyber Hub in Gurugram (just outside Delhi) offer a wide range of options to choose from.

India Habitat Centre: Located in Lodhi Road, the India Habitat Centre is a cultural and convention center with lush green lawns and a peaceful ambience. It houses several cafes and eateries where you can relax, enjoy a meal, or grab a cup of coffee.

Paharganj: This bustling neighborhood near New Delhi Railway Station has a bohemian vibe and is known for its backpacker culture. It offers a range of budget accommodations, rooftop cafes, and street food stalls where you can chill, meet fellow travelers, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Remember to check the current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions before visiting any place. Additionally, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan or alternative options in case any of the mentioned places are temporarily closed or unavailable.

Which places of Delhi are worth seeing?

Delhi is a city with a rich history and diverse culture, offering numerous places worth visiting. Here are some top attractions and places in Delhi that are definitely worth seeing:

Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is a majestic fortress known for its stunning red sandstone architecture. It served as the main residence of Mughal emperors and now houses museums and beautiful gardens.

India Gate: This iconic war memorial is a must-see attraction in Delhi. It commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and bears the names of the fallen inscribed on its walls. The area around India Gate is a popular spot for leisurely walks and picnics.

Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar is a magnificent tower built in the 12th century. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and showcases intricate carvings and Islamic architecture. The Qutub Complex also includes other historical structures.

Humayun's Tomb: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun's Tomb is a splendid mausoleum built in the 16th century. It is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and served as a inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

Jama Masjid: Located in Old Delhi, Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most renowned mosques in India. Its grand architecture and serene atmosphere make it a significant religious and cultural site.

Lotus Temple: Also known as the Bahá'í House of Worship, the Lotus Temple is a unique and visually stunning structure. Its lotus-like design has made it an architectural marvel and a symbol of peace and unity.

Akshardham Temple: This magnificent Hindu temple complex showcases intricate carvings, beautiful gardens, and cultural exhibitions. It offers a spiritual and cultural experience for visitors.

Chandni Chowk: One of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is a vibrant and bustling area filled with narrow lanes, old shops, and street food stalls. It's a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Delhi.

National Museum: Located in Janpath, the National Museum is one of the largest museums in India, housing a vast collection of art, artifacts, and archaeological treasures. It provides insights into India's rich history and cultural heritage.

National Gallery of Modern Art: Situated in the beautiful Jaipur House, this art gallery showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Indian art. It's a haven for art lovers.

These are just a few highlights, and Delhi has much more to offer in terms of historical sites, museums, gardens, markets, and cultural experiences. Exploring the city will reveal many hidden gems and allow you to immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and fascinating history.

[creationsuhani]

Attractive Places tatravel in Delhi

Best travel places in Delhi

INDIA GATE

A war memorial called India Gate can be seen in New Delhi on Rajpath. It honours the 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. When the fountain is lit up at night, India Gate is just gorgeous. The adjacent, verdant lawns are a favourite place for picnics. This area also houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a minaret or victory tower situated in the Mehrauli neighbourhood of Delhi's Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second-tallest monument in Delhi is Qutub Minar, which is 72.5 metres (238 feet) tall. The vast, verdant lawns of the Qutub compound are a well-liked picnic area.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a well-known Hindu temple and a spiritual-cultural complex that stands as the pinnacle of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. It is devoted to Lord Swaminarayan and is also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised Akshardham as the largest, most comprehensive Hindu temple in the world.

Humayun's Tomb

The Mughal Emperor Humayun's ultimate resting place is, as the name implies, his tomb. It is the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and is situated in the Nizamuddin East neighbourhood of Delhi. Empress Bega Begum, the primary consort of Humayun, gave the order for this magnificent work of architecture to be built in the years 1569 and 1570. It is one of the very few buildings at the time that utilised red sandstone on such a large scale. Typical Mughal architecture with Persian elements can be seen in the design of Humayun's mausoleum, which was conceptualised by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Humayun's Tomb was included to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1993 due to its exquisite design and storied history.

Red Fort

A ancient fortification in the old Delhi region is called the Red Fort. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1639 as a result of the transfer of the capital from Agra to Delhi. This massive piece of architecture, which served as the Mughal dynasty's rulers' primary home, got its name from its formidable red sandstone walls. It served as the ceremonial and political hub of the Mughal state, as well as housing the emperors and their households, and was the scene of significant regional events. Today, this monument is home to a number of museums that display a variety of priceless artefacts. On this Independence Day every year, the Indian Prime Minister raises the flag.

Sunder Nursery

Six World Heritage Sites can be found in Sunder Nursery, a park in New Delhi that dates back to the 16th century. A paradise garden with a marble fountain, approximately 300 plant and tree types, 80 bird species, and 40 butterfly species is also part of the 90-acre area close to Humayun's Tomb. It was initially created by the Mughals in the 16th century and was formerly called as Azeem Bagh.

[briery]

The Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis), is a rare species of swallowtail butterfly found from Nepal and north India east to north Vietnam. The common name literally means "emperor of India". The green iridescence of the wings has been found to be due to three-dimensional photonic structure of the scales and is the subject of much research. (Photo 1, 2).

[cybermoonmoon]

“...A Parallel Earth”

We live in a multiverse. Our earth in one of an infinity of them. I like writing stories about such. On some we never evolved or there are Neanderthal interstellar societies. Others are as dead the moon. Airless open to the void. This one has a baseline of Kennedy not being successfully assassinated. He lived into the early 1990's.

Our historic divergence from each other. From ours to the Kennedy lives world was in the mid-1800's. A seriously failed U.S. Civil War Reconstruction. More complete genocide of the Natives Peoples. A longer Great Depression. WW2 started earlier. The United Kingdom is not a friendly power. A different Royal line with a hostile Emperor. Our histories tho' close have important differences.

Once upon a world: 

In the other world's WW2 Germany in early 1945 made the components for one functional atomic bomb. However, didn't use it. The Russians overran its construction site before it could be moved. The Russians based on German work were making their own bombs by mid-1947.

In the Kennedy history as ours two American A-Bombs were dropped. But theirs on uninhabited islands in the south pacific for Japanese observers. The second demonstration bomb failed to detonate. However, the Japanese delegation got the message. The Pacific war had a negotiated end in late 1944. 

In the Kennedy history Peter Best stayed in the Beatles. Ringo died of Polio as a child. George was never born his father having been killed in WW2. Two other artists unknown on our world filled those places. The Beatles had limited fame. They disbanded in 1966.

The Edsel was a success. It is still being built by the other world's Ford. Newfoundland is a U.S. state. It nearly became one on our world in the late 1940's. India is three different nations. Australia/New Zealand is one country and has been a republic since 1994.

There was never large scale black and white TV broadcasts in the U.S. Color was mandated by the FCC as the norm in 1952. The first internet message was sent in 1964. The first with color images and video in 1982. A decade before we did. DVDs came early as well. This in the mid 1970's along with CD's, and cheap cell phones. There are six international space stations.

What in our world is North Dakota in theirs is 'Jubilee'. A state given to freed Slaves. This was nearly done in our history. Jubilee was gradually taken from them in the 1890's when gold was found. This led to the great migrations of Blacks to the Northern industrial cities. Which caused a violent clash with new European immigrants. This caused the same problems as in our history just much worse.

The Civil Rights Act which ended legal segregation and returned a small portion of Jubilee came sooner than ours in the Kennedy timeline. May 1962. There was a failed assassination attempt because of it on JFK a month later. 

There was no prolonged Vietnam war beyond a short period of military advisors. These were recalled in 1964. However, there was a three-year U.S./Soviet proxy war in Iran. The country was divided between east and west in 1970. That nation was re-unified in 2012.

The Equal Rights Amendment for Women was passed in 1976.Limited federal gay rights in 1979. Though both constantly challenged by religious groups. The Cold War ended in 1982 with the NATO Warsaw Pact conventional 'Phony War'. After an accidental near detonation of an American tactical warhead at its forward base. A mutual battlefield pull back set in motion peace negotiations. Their world still has a Soviet Union tho' a more liberalized and stable one.

There was a major flu pandemic in Mexico in 1996. This an earlier mirror of our COVID. The Rio Grande Flu took more than half a million lives there, and in parts of the U.S. Southwest. This both brought the U.S. and Mexico closer together and butterflied away the Cocaine Cowboy Cartels. 

There was race tinged sentiment to build a US/Mexican wall to prevent another cross border pandemic. This was refused by the federal government as an irrational response to an international tragedy.

The American Mars Juno mission failed with the loss of its crew of 8 in 1989. An International flotilla of ships returned in 2009. This exactly 20 years after the failed U.S. mission. They successfully established bases at the equator, and south pole of Mars. In 2014 a memorial to the American Juno crew was built at the Martian equatorial base.

A former businessman named Trump is currently doing life in Angola prison. This for fraud jury tampering multiple statutory rapes and being part of a mob conspiracy to murder federal judges. All this and selling classified documents to a foreign hostile power.

In 2021 a signal from a star 28 light years away was received by Chinese radio telescopes. This was later confirmed by other nations. It was basic mathematical equations plus compress data streams. Radio telescopes on our world are now also listening to that frequency. So far...silence.

[redgoldsparks]

September Reading and Reviews by Maia Kobabe

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman and read by Kim Mai Guest and Vikas Adam

I listened to this collection of 15 retellings of Asian myths written by contemporary POC writers as an audiobook. All of the stories were good, but these especially stood out to me: "Olivia's Table" by Alyssa Wong, about a Chinese American teenager who must cook a banquet for the hungry ghosts of an Arizona mining town; "Counting the Vermilion Beads" by Aliette de Bodard, about two sisters trying to escape a life of working as accountants to the Emperor; "The Land of the Morning Calm" by E.C. Meyers about a teen girl who's mother was obsessed with an MMORPG based on Korean myths- and who may still haunt the game after her death; and "Bullet, Butterfly" by Elsie Chapman, set in a dystopian future China, a teen boy soldier disguises himself and sneaks out of the hospital to work in the city armory. I wish that the authors of each story had read their own works in the audiobook; instead, the majority of the stories from female POVs are read by an AFAB narrator; the stories from male POVs are read by an AMAB narrator. This didn't add to my listening pleasure, but overall I still enjoyed the book.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells, read by Kevin R Free

"Murderbot" is a security android, rented by a team of scientists for an assessment mission on an unoccupied planet. The scientists are unaware that Murderbot has a damaged control module, meaning it is capable of making all its own decisions and choices. Mainly what it chooses is to pretend to be a normal sec unit and consume vast amounts of downloaded TV dramas in its downtime. But then a series of unexpected dangers and mysteries begin to crop up around the scientist team. Can Murderbot protect its humans without revealing its free will? This novella turned into just a 3 hour audiobook but it's a very satisfying installment. I'm delighted that it's the first of a series!

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells, read by Kevin R Free

Another fantastic installment of the Murderbot Diaries. Murderbot goes on an investigative mission to try and understand the traumatic mining accident in its past: the time they murdered 57 humans and then had their memory wiped. Murderbot needs to know- did it do this voluntarily, or involuntarily? Along the way it meets an over-intelligent research vessel and a small crew of humans who have need of a security expert. Murderbot takes the job, but before you know it, other humans are trying to kill it's humans. What the hell is wrong with humans?? The audiobook is voiced by a male reader. I spent some time thinking about how I might experienced this story differently if it had been read by a non-male person- or by a computer generated voice. Murderbot is asexual and has no gender; I'm trying not to let the male-sounding voice influence how I view the character too much.

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells, read by Kevin R Free

Still happily making my way through these audio books at the rate of about one per day this week. The corporate-political plot which Murderbot is trying to solve, in order to gain evidence for a legal trial involving it's favorite human, is getting more complicated and more dangerous. Murderbot once again ends up with a group of humans it chooses to protect- which is very hard, because humans are SO stupid sometimes. I enjoy it's long-suffering attempts to do the right thing.

The Art of Drag by Jake Hall, Sofia Burkin, Helen Li and Jasjyot Singh Hans

A beautifully designed, brightly colored coffee-table style book, informative and very pleasing to the eye! There's definitely a Western/American focus, but other traditions are included as well from Kabuki theater, Peking opera, the Kathakali dancers (of precolonial India), to Thailand's Miss Tiffany Universe competition and Thai Drag Race. Drag queens who have had particular culture impact, such as Divine, RuPaul and Lady Bunny, get features as does the involvement of drag queen in queer liberation movements.

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells, read by Kevin R Free

Murderbot learns that its previous mission to gather evidence of GrayCris Corporation's illegal mining operations has caused that company to lash out against the team from Preservation. Specifically they have captured Murderbot's favorite human, Dr. Mensah. Murderbot has to plan a rescue mission, which is very stressful, especially when all it really wants to do is watch entertainment media. This series stays sharp and the reluctant protagonist so, so relatable.

I'm Afraid of Men written and read by Vivek Shraya

I listened to this as an audiobook, and greatly appreciated that it was read by the author. Shraya weaves together stories of the kind of mundane, everyday violence committed by men that is so common as to be normalized. Shraya's experience of this violence is layered by being a person of color, queer, and trans. She unpacks different kinds of dangers when she was presenting as a gay man versus as a gender nonconforming woman. The text is quite short- only an hour and a half of audio- and flows like one cohesive essay, or even a long prose poem.

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Cartoonist/math teacher/father of four Gene Yang has never liked sports, but he loves stories. He's never paid much attention to the basketball teams at O'Dowd, the private Catholic high school where he teaches, but when he starts hearing people call the men's varsity teams' aim for State Championship "the story of the season" his ears prick up. Yang begins talking to the team couch, Lou Richie, who is also an O'Dowd alumni. He begins attending games and practices and interviewing the players. He starts reading about the development of basketball- a sport specifically designed to use little equipment and only a small space, not needing a grassy field for play. These factors made basketball accessible in a way baseball and American football often are not. Yet racism and exclusion have haunted basketball as well, and Yang talks about early black teams such as the Harlem Globetrotters, the prejudice against women's basketball, the racism faced by the first Chinese players to join the NBA. Despite himself, Yang is draw into the O'Dowd Dragon's 2014/2015 season as they chase a State Championship which the school has missed out on eight different times. This is an engaging and informative story which left me (another cartoonist with lukewarm feelings on sports) with a greater appreciation for the game. I read this 450 page book in under 24 hours!

A Girl in the Himalayas by David Jesus Vignolli

Not fully sure what to make of this story- I guess it didn't quite land with me, though the artwork is very nice. The story begins in when a young girl, Vijaya, is orphaned when attackers burn down her home village. She sets out into the snow alone and collapses. A mysterious figure sees her, and collects her into his arms. He speaks into the sky that he will trade his immortality for this child's life, and carries her into a hidden sanctuary in the mountains. In this valley the temperature is always warm and the forests and fields are full of elemental spirits. These spirits act as a kind of purifying force in the world, siphoning way fear and pain. Most of this bad energy is produced by humans whose hearts are clouded with illusion, causing them to become out of step with the natural world. The elementals are being overwhelmed by human pollution and greed, and come to the sanctuary to rest. Some of them think that the safety of the sanctuary is threatened by the presence of a human child. A huge amount of my ambivalence about this story was based on the author's decision to set it in a real part of the world, the Himalayas, rather than in a fantasy world. Did he do any research about this region, are the elementals based on actual myths from that area or are they completely made up...? Should my enjoyment of the story be based on the author having thoughtfully portrayed a region rather than just filling a "far away" part of the world with a fictional story? IDK, I don't really have answers, only questions.

Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate vol 5

As good as the previous books were, it now feels like we're getting to the real meat of the story. Karasuno is beginning the Inter-High Boys Volleyball Prefecture competitions and they are some familiar teams lined up against them right away. Date Tech, the team which creamed them so badly that two Karasuno players quit and had to be coaxed back, is their second match. If they survive that they will face Aoba Johsai, against whom they played a series of challenging practice matches. The jumps are high and so is the drama!

[beast-feast]

I spent all day going through bugs by country (not every one I'd be here for longer, but quite a fair bit) and I think

I'm finally done with my chaos; I realized very early on that trying to go "national insect" route wasn't working, and also that common names weren't the best (but there are a few listed here), so without further ado, here is my pog list of a metric fuckton of countries for that bug AU I was talking about

Belarus: Cantharis fusca

Ukraine: Spotted Asparagus Beetle

Russia: Menesia flavotecta

Poland: Salticus scenicus

Germany: Megalodontes cephalotes

Ame: Monarch Butterfly

Mexico: Tarantula Hawk Wasp

Canada: White Admiral Butterfly

Britain: Dasysyrphus tricinctus

Denmark: Small Tortoiseshell

Finland: Seven-spotted Ladybird

Latvia: Two-spotted Ladybird

Norway: Eurasian Bee Beetle

Scotland: Aglais io

Italy: European Dwarf Mantis

Japan: Milesia undulata

Philippines: Lyssa zampa

Brazil: Scolopendra gigantea

Argentina: Macrondyla chorista

Malaysia: Heterometrus spinifer

Singapore: Gollumiella ochreata

India: Unicorn Boxer Mantis

China: Taeinodera zebraea

Pakistan: White-spotted Red Cuckoo Bee

Zimbabwe: Tragocephala variegata

Morocco: Megachile chacilcodoma

Cuba: Urania boisduvalii

New Zealand: Deinacrida heteracantha

Australia: Atrax robustus

France: Ordalus decorus

Greece: Cicada orni

Peru: Scaralis neotropicalis

Wales: Cyanopion gyllenhalii

Ireland: Emperor Dragonfly

Sweden: Southern Hawker

Israel: Nemoptera aegyptiaca

South Korea: Naxa seriaria

North Korea: Lucanus prosopocoilus

Nepal: Crimson Marsh Glider

Bangladesh: Giant Golden Orb-weaver

Laos: Erianthus versicolor

Indonesia: Bregmatomyrma carnosa

Turkey: Nemoptera sinuata

Vietnam: Sanaa intermedia

Saudi Arabia: Blepharopsis mendica

Chad: Pseudimbrasia deyrollei

Madagascar: Elliptorhina javanica

Ethiopia: Phyllocrania paradoxa

Uganda: Sternotomis pulchra

Somalia: Prosopocera lactator

Sudan: Pterinochilus chordatus

Kenya: Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii

Comoros: Eudocima phalonia

Egypt: Sympetrum fonscolombii

Botswana: Heniocha dyops

Libya: Vanessa cardui

Nigeria: Kapala ivorensis

Caribbean: Anopheles albimanus

Chile: Ceroglossus ochsenii

Ecuador: Diactor bilineatus

Paraguay: Micrathena nigrichelis

Uruguay: Euscorpius flavicaudis

Venezuela: Cyphonia trifida

Colombia: Dynastes hercules

Puerto Rico: Micrathena militaris

Costa Rica: Taeniopoda reticulata

Nicaragua: Plecia nearctica

Panama: Baleja flavoguttata

Jamaica: Microcentrum retinerve

Guatemala: Moncheca pretiosa

Thailand: Eupatorus gracilicornis

TR: Ixodes ricinus

USSR: Lactrodectus tredecimguttatus

SR: Aedes albopictus

JE: Vespa mandarinia

FI: Euscorpius italicus

Prussia: Panorpa vulgaris

[trafalgarlawsdepression]

More POTC-AU One Piece ideas

Because of course you would find the one crossover au that I’d be all over like white on rice.

For the scene where they’re listing off all of Jack’s crimes at the end of the first movie, the five pirates for this one just kind of smile or raise their hand whenever one that they did comes up - I pick Usopp for impersonation of clergy.

If we’re following the same general plot of the movies without butterflying off of the original too much, that means we’ve got to fill the role of Barbossa + the rest of the Black Pearl crew. The first and only names that come to mind are Kidd or Law if we want to play up the semi-hostile frenemies angle Barbossa picks up with Jack in the later movies. IDK, there’s a lot of better takes available, but I can’t think of any beyond Bege, maybe.

Smoker, however, is an instant shoe-in for Commodore/Admiral Norrington based on personality, canon career, and dynamic with Luffy. Pretty much fills the same role as the original, except lacking the romantic subplot/sort-of love triangle with Robin/Elizabeth (unless we’re going full crack here, because now I’m actually considering adding Smokin/Robker to my ship armada because I’m silly like that). Chances of Smoker selling out to the East India company/whatever it’s called in this AU feel a whole lot lower though…

Jack the Monkey is now just named after Luffy. The fact that now the monkey has fundamentally the same personality and chaos making abilities of Luffy but at greatly reduced size and no ability to talk just makes it funnier. Luffy just ends up calling the monkey some nonsense like Lucy or Floofy.

Either Brook or Sabo have replaced Bootstrap Bill. Sabo works better for drama/sad purposes plus an unexpected reunion factor on the Flying Dutchman, while Brook makes sense for the cursed/skeleton aspect. Might just go for a two-fer - Sabo was deep sixed for objecting to Luffy + co’s marooning, Brook’s been marooned/hung up somewhere on the Isla de Muerta because the rest of the cursed pirates got tired of him screaming every time the moon came out. Flip a coin on if he manages to get uncursed at any point.

Brethren court could be a mash-up of Warlords and Emperors- there’s nine positions, so plenty of room to pick and choose at your pleasure - I like a line-up of Crocodile, Moriah, Jinbe, Whitebeard, Hancock, Buggy, Kaido, and Shanks, though Shanks might have given up his doohicky to Luffy as the most irresponsible passing on of a Pirate Lordship ever (though honestly, considering that somehow made the same mistake of making Jack a Pirate Lord just makes the crazy precedent and this at least gives Luffy a chance at being the Pirate King in this setting) and whoever takes Barbossa’s role gets his.

Garp either works for the East India company or takes the Romance Dawn v.2 route of being a pirate - Garp replacing Captain Teague is actively hilarious, because you have the most anti-rule Marine as a pirate enforcing the pirate rules.

That’s all I managed to come up with for now. If you post this, I might reblog later with more ideas… or actually do a thing where I try to write fic again.

[rjzimmerman]

Close-up of a wildebeest, also called gnus or wildebai, in the grasslands of the Masai Mara in Kenya, August 2018. (Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Excerpt from this article from Smithsonian:

Spring is in the air, and the animal kingdom is on the move. Vernal migrations feature everything from fish and birds to big, shaggy mammals and tiny insects. These journeys are about as diverse as the species themselves, but Andy Davis, a University of Georgia ecologist and editor of the journal Animal Migration, says the mass wildlife movements have one important thing in common.

“It’s hard; it’s a taxing, energetically expensive journey,” Davis says. “It allows them to exploit different resources that they wouldn’t have been able to find if they’d stayed put, but a lot of animals die trying to complete migrations. So every year it’s a selective episode that helps to keep the population strong.”

If you are in the right spot on the planet, you might even catch some of the natural world’s most incredible migrators on the move.

The article then goes on to tell us about these migrations:

Caribou (reindeer) in the Arctic and the northern hemisphere boreal forests

The bar-tailed godwit’s 7,000 mile migration from New Zealand to the coast of the Yellow Sea

The Monarch butterfly in its 1,900 mile migration from Mexico to the US and Canada, and the return flight by subsequent generations that same year

The elephant seal’s 12,000 migration from the coast of California and the Baja to the Gulf of Alaska, and back

The Atlantic sturgeon along the coasts of the eastern US

The 1,400 mile migration by ruby-throated hummingbirds from Central American to the US east of the Rockies, and back

The 11,000 mile journey of the globe skimmer (a dragonfly) from Africa to India and back

The Arctic tern, on its 44,000-mile route, zigzagging each spring from Antarctica to Africa, South America, and then up the North Atlantic to Greenland

The 100 mile trek, on penguin feet, by the Emperor penguins from the Antarctic coast to the interior of the continent.

The leatherback sea turtles that will migrate from the Pacific coasts of North America to Indonesia or Atlantic leatherback that will migrate from northern South America to Newfoundland

The grey whales that will migrate 10,000- to 14,000-mile round trip from Baja California, Mexico to the Arctic’s Bering and Chukchi seas, and back to calf

The 1,000 mile journey of the wildebeest in Africa in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara

Makes my 5 mile hike look puny.

[thefulldance]

Teinopalpus imperialis, or The Emperor of India, a rare, large & much-admired butterfly native to India, Nepal & Vietnam. The particular green iridescence of its wings has been the subject of much research.

[alphagenixxl-blog]

Alpha Genix XL

Alpha Genix XL Ranging from national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, hen sanctuaries and nationwide parks, India caters to the style of the Golden Triangle wildlife lovers. Periyar Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most visited destinations for wildlife tourism in this country. It has been a sizzling minute since WowWee let the Alive animals out of the zoo , however this specific White Alpha Genix XL Cub has only recently been loosed from its cage. Alpha Genix XL are believed to have advanced from a Alpha Genix XL like cat Panthera palaeosinensis whose remains have been found in China and Java. In numerous Chinese arts and martial arts, the Alpha Genix XL is depicted as an equal rival in the direction of the Chinese language dragon In Imperial China, a Alpha Genix XL usually represented the best army basic (or present day defense secretary), while the emperor and empress were represented by a dragon and phoenix , respectively. In addition, the Alpha Genix XL HAD has combat external gasoline tanks for longer mission flight occasions, an prolonged flight domain in which Spike and Hellfire anti-tank missiles will be fired, and digital communications for the modern digitised battlefield. Some folks may think that I am talking about Alpha Genix XL Woods. And at a time they when have been winning with their own "shit" tanks. In keeping with the government knowledge Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the house of forty nine species of mammals, 246 varieties of birds, 28 sorts of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 22 forms of fishes and 112 species of butterflies.

https://supplementportal.com/alpha-genix-xl/

[kamilyperuvianlitblog]

10 Interesting Peruvian Novels

"The novel opens from Camino’s perspective describing her home and the island. She and Tia help an old woman dying from cancer. Camino goes to the airport to meet her father, who is supposed to be arriving from New York. He has been gone for nine months. She is told that there was an accident."

"Anita de la Torre is a twelve-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared, Papi has been getting mysterious phone calls about butterflies and someone named Mr. Smith, and the secret police have started terrorizing her family for their suspected opposition to the country’s dictator. While Anita deals with a frightening series of events, she also struggles with her adolescence and her own personal fight to be free."

"The Night Diary is an epistolary novel which recounts the partition of India into two separate countries, India and Pakistan, through the eyes of a twelve-year-old half-Hindu and half-Muslim girl named Nisha. Nisha and her twin brother live with their Hindu father, Papa; their grandmother, Dadi; and their cook, Kazi. Their Muslim mother passed away at their birth, and Nisha writes to her mother in the diary which lends this book its title. Nisha’s first entry in her diary begins with a letter on her twelfth birthday and, as the weeks pass, her entries begin to write not only of her personal struggles with shyness but also of her deeper fears of partition in India."

"Nora, an aspiring composer in her twenties who lives in Oakland, learns that her father, Driss, has been run over by a car and killed in an apparent accident, back in Nora’s hometown in the Mojave Desert of California. Nora returns home to be with her family during the grieving process, which is complicated by the fact that Maryam, her mother, disapproves of her chosen profession, and is unafraid of voicing her opinions"

"A boy journeys to self-discovery through the power of stories and traditions. Eleven-year-old Maximiliano Córdoba is ready for an idyllic summer. He plans to work hard as a builder for his father and train for fútbol tryouts."

"Yo! is a novel told through alternating points-of-view by a cast of characters who know or are related to a central protagonist, Yo Garcia. In the first two chapters, Yo's sisters discuss their alienation from Yo after she has published a book that is a fictionalized account of their lives"

"Xochitl Gonzalez's novel Olga Dies Dreaming is written from the third person point of view and in the past tense. The novel employs an unconventional narrative structure, braiding scenes from the present with epistolary accounts from the past. The following summary adheres to a linear mode of explanation and uses the past and present tenses."

"But the Incas did not submit willingly. A young Inca emperor, the brother of Atahualpa, soon led a massive rebellion against the Spaniards, inflicting heavy casualties and nearly wiping out the conquerors. Eventually, however, Pizarro and his men forced the emperor to abandon the Andes and flee to the Amazon. There, he established a hidden capital, called Vilcabamba—only recently rediscovered by a trio of colorful American explorers. Although the Incas fought a deadly, thirty-six-year-long guerrilla war, the Spanish ultimately captured the last Inca emperor and vanquished the native resistance."