#Event Management in Pakistan

[the-gimmick-archive]

Pinned post. (Will update.)

This is a shared blog made to archive important things that happen in the gimmickverse.

The current mods are: @justazebra (admin), @i-dont-know-how-to-name-this.

If we make a mistake, please tell us.

Please @ us if you see an important event happen, especially wars.

Send us an ask if you want to know about a certain event, we’ll do our best to find it.

If you have the link to something important that we didn't archive yet (especially if it happened before this blog started existing), please send it to us.

Shadowban Survival Guide

(scroll down on the guide)

List of arcs and events:

The color war:

Earliest point in the arc we could find. The purple revolution begins. Green joins the revolution.

That time when figuratively everyone got possessed:

Earliest point in the arc we could find.

The UwU revolution:

Earliest point in the arc we could find.

Sealand dying and being revived:

Death. Revival. Death again, but this time they become death's assistant.

IKEA-Party City War:

Earliest point in the arc.

Goose god vs. Waste management war:

Earliest point. Waste management also declaring war. Goose god and waste management making an alliance to stop @/france-unofficial from attacking bean and making Bean sad.

New Zealand vs. Australia war:

Earliest point. New Zealand changing targets to England instead.

Bean getting kidnapped:

Earliest point.

Bean getting kidnapped again (by gimmick nose thief this time.):

Earliest point. Waste management selling their soul so they can see bean again. Molossia scratching and paralyzing Sealand. Sealand getting their souls stolen by gimmick nose thief.

List of gimmick blogs (copied from @/gimmick-simp, @/antarcitica-official, and @/celestial-same-picverse, and then added some missing ones):

@totally-official-gmail @totally-amazon @pizza-hut-official @spotify-official @truly-jcjenson

@bigbasket-notreally @discorddotcum-official @homedepot @im-pandora-i-promise @femboy-totally-bing

@kahoot-official @100percent-shell-oil @assistant-to-the-shell @truly-bath-and-body-works @definitely-tiktok-trust

@unofficially-joann-fabric @its-sanrio-official @the-real-gmail @apple-unofficial @jack-in-the-box-official

@official-arbys @officialtinder @realgoogleslides @reallytimhortons @officially-ikea

@claires-unofficial @barnes-and-noble-official @realgoogleclassroom @real-sephora @pizza-hut-unofficial

@google-news-official @totally-official-gmail @bingle-official @basically-bumble @def-bjs-guys

@official-opera-gx @official-firefox-nightly @the-mcdonalds @realgoogledocs @mcdonalds-official

@totally-bing @operagxreal @official-fedex @firehouse-subs-fr @k-f-c-official

@the-real-google @totally-ikea @taco-bell-unofficial @spotify-kids-real @the-real-victorias-secret

@subway-official @big-mayo-official @/realsafari @incognito-mode-official @burgerking-official

@definitely-wikipedia @the-one-and-only-pornhub @the-one-and-only-duckduckgo @its-target-official @yes-im-youtube-kids

@walmart-the-official @duothelingo @firefox-official @femboy-hooters-real @fedex-official

@yamaha-official @youtubefr @actually-x @reality-official

@femboy-google-news-official @50percent-shell-oil @yahooo-official @totally-airbus @the-official-spirit-airlines

@100percent-chipotle @unofficialvine

@totally-brazil @totally-italy @very-real-australia @the-province-of-nova-scotia-real @official-new-zealand

@russia-totallyofficial @quebec-official @india-official @india-reblogs @telangana-official

@denmark-official @pakistan-official @definitely-brasil @non-tyrannical-usa @antarcitica-official

@spain-unofficial @definitely-canada @france-unofficial @the-state-of-georgia-official @official-denmark

@denmark-forreal @official-ireland @texas-real @massachusetts-official @new-york-for-real

@definitelytherepublicofireland @true-blue-straya @totally-germany @official-the-united-states @totally-france

@forever-scotland @germany-official @sovereign-state-of-alaska @guatemala-official @republic-of-molossia

@actually-alberta @the-principality-of-sealand @totally-oregon @yugoslavia-official

@the-chill-planet-uranus @the-serene-moon-luna @earth-fan @deimos-moon-of-terror @officially-capricorn

@the-radiant-sun @the-ringed-planet-saturn @the-red-planet-mars @the-real-uranus @celestial-same-picverse

@officially-taurus @the-lovely-planet-earth @posts-with-10000-notes-in-spirit @/i-hesitantly-say-ok

@i-say-not-ok @i-say-ok @the-us-navy-offical

@woo-in-different-lengths @official-garlic-bread @shakespeare-official-reblogs @gimmick-thief @hold-my-dr-pepper

@oscar-wilde-official-account @the-real-illinois @i-say-grape @the-kingdom-of-norway @denmarklandia-official

@i-say-bean @sweden-official @antarcitica-official @gimmick-nose-thief @gimmick-thief-thief

@tamil-nadu-official @tamilnadu-official @anti-totally-bing @antiquitian-empire @rocks-anon

@tagswoman @actual-aspec-military @pansexual-spaceforce @the-aplatonic-cavalry @the-pointing-anon

@bi-poly-space-station @bisexual-airforce @aro-sp-ace-force @nonbinary-coastguard @demi-demolitions

@queer-military-authorities @queer-military-treasury @the-missiles-guy @the-official-goose-god @the-official-gemini

@actual-transgender-navy @genderfluid-marine-corp @real-australian-army @real-hottopic

@same-pic-of-venus-everyday @same-pic-of-the-earth-everyday @same-pic-of-the-moon-everyday @same-pic-of-mars-everyday @same-pic-of-jupiter-everyday

@same-pic-of-saturn-everyday @the-real-uranus @same-pic-of-neptune-everyday @steve-not-anon @metal-frisbee

@earth-fan @not-10-salmon-in-a-png @same-pic-of-halleys-comet @same-pic-of-callisto-everyday @same-pic-of-eris-everyday @same-pic-of-kepler-186f-everyday

@same-pic-of-haumea-everyday @same-image-of-7-iris @book-nonsie-not-anon @celestial-same-picverse @same-pic-of-pluto-everyday

@same-pic-of-juno-everyday @same-pic-of-polaris-everyday @tomblrmartian @same-pic-of-a-blackhole-everyday @same-pic-of-the-stars-everyday

@alpha-centauri-everyday @same-cosmic-cliffs-pic-every-day @rose-nebula-always @same-pic-of-makemake-everyday @same-picture-of-europa

@same-pic-of-the-lagoon-nebula @star-that-eats-the-sun @jupiter-fan

@same-pic-of-triton-everyday @pq-anon @same-pic-of-ceres-everyday @same-pic-of-wolftopia-everyday

@same-pic-of-mars-everyday @same-pic-of-tres2b-everyday @samepicofthewowsignaleveryday @same-pic-of-the-blue-moon @same-image-of-hr8799e-every-day

@samepictureofsednadaily @moon-of-fear-phobos @totally-neptune-official @corvus-the-constellation @official-nissan

@hollowknight-reference @microsoft-edge-official @arethosewordsinthebible @the-gimmick-doctor @i-say-doot-doot

@i-say-ok @discord-marriage-bot-real @literally-leo @literally-luxembourg

@/same-pic-of-a-dictionary-daily @/same-pic-of-mercury-everyday @/hateful-daystar @//court-artist-under-the-stars @/samepicofproximacentaurieveryday @/same-pic-of-the-sun-everyday @/same-pic-of-the-blood-moon @/same-pic-of-uranus-everyday @/same-pic-of-venus-every-day @/same-pic-of-trans-jupiter @/ton-618-real @/same-pic-of-alpha-centaur-24-7 @/same-pic-of-andromeda-everyday @/same-pic-of-a-bagel-everyday @/same-pic-of-titan-every-day

@putting-iris-in-places @communist-usa-real

(Sorry if you didn't want to get tagged.)

[sitaargirl]

would anyone be interested in volunteering for a Pakistan-India type collective? It's overall southasian that posts and manages events/articles on desi culture etc (+it includes ivy professors and famous people within southasia)

[kchasm]

Ryu Number: Xerxes I

Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was the ruler of the Achaemenid Empire from 486 BCE until his assassination in 465 BCE. At the time of his ascension to the throne, the Achaemenid Empire ran from the eastern end what's now Pakistan to the west end of what's now Turkey. You might notice that that's about the same amount of empire in about the same location as Alexander the Great had—that's because Alexander the Great was the guy who took over the Achaemenid Empire and made it not-so-Achaemenid anymore.

It was awful big, is what I'm saying.

But let's be honest: You probably know Xerxes I better as the Bad Guy with the nose ring in that one weird Spartan hagiography Gerald Butler was in. Fugging Miller.

Anyway, Xerxes I almost certainly has a Ryu Number of 2, and definitely not a Ryu Number more than 3, but there's some stuff.

The problem with finding a Ryu Number of Xerxes I is that 5th-century-BCE Persian monarchs don't show up in video games that often, for some reason. He makes a historical appearance in the Assassin's Creed Odyssey DLC Legacy of the First Blade...

...but unfortunately, Odyssey takes place too far after the times of myth and legend for anyone big enough to be a Minecraft skin in Greek-mythology-inspired DLC to show up.

It doesn't help, either, that in Assassin's Creed lore, all the "gods" were just members of a Precursor Race pretending to be gods, a la Stargate. No, that's not "Hera," that's a jerk Precursor Person who's taken on the identity of "Hera," all the better to lead mankind around like a clowder of schmucks. She's pretending to be Norse elsewhere. Don't fall for it.

(There's also A Minotaur, which feels like it ought to connect via that Minecraft skin pack, but if I'm understanding the Odyssey lore correctly—and I very well might not be; holler at me—the minotaur the player encounters isn't actually the Minotaur from the myth we know and love, but some random other guy who subsequently got his hands on the Precursor Technology that turns you into a minotaur. Yeah, everything is Precursor People in Assassin's Creed. It's kind of disappointing.)

Of course, you can still get to Xerxes through Odyssey if you want to—a handful of historical characters who don't have Minecraft skins show up—but you'll need an extra step. And if we're going to have an extra step anyway, I'm going to go for the route that doesn't need Assassin's Creed, partially because I haven't played the games yet but mostly because I'm still really disappointed about the Precursor People thing.

Which means, unfortunately, it's back to Miller.

I'll say this: For all that 300: March to Glory is Not A Very Good Video Game, it left me the impression that someone behind the scenes actually did the bare minimum research into the Greco-Persian Wars. Persian commanders Hydarnes and Mardonius make appearances (if only to provide something unique to hit), and Mardonius even survives the movie-equivalent events of the game until an epilogic, post-movie level that takes place during the Battle of Plataea—which is, indeed, where the historical Mardonius bit it. It's not much, but I had to watch the whole dang thing, so I'll take what I can get. Gets me more names for The Chart, besides.

As for connecting this game to Ryu, you can, of course, count on the Ol' Dependable of Games With Historical Figures:

...Or maybe you're not a fan of Anime And Things That Look Like Anime, in which case, try this, instead:

I'm not sure I can explain how weird Spartan: Total Warrior is—by which I'm referring to its existence more than anything in the game itself, though the content's pretty weird, too. For context, Total War is a series of strategy games featuring a combination of turn-based strategy, resource management, and real-time tactical control (so sayeth Wikipedia). There are a coupla Warhammer entries in the franchise, sure, but the vast majority of the games focus on real, historical campaigns and factions.

Spartan: Total Warrior, on the other hand, is a hack-and-slash that took one look at a history book and immediately took a pair of shears to it. The story starts in 300 BCE: The Roman Empire, led by Emperor Tiberius, has conquered almost the whole of Greece, with only Sparta remaining, and Leonidas leads his men into battle to oppose him. Later, the Romans reveal a superweapon powered by the imprisoned Medusa. Sejanus, Tiberius' right-hand man, is a powerful necromancer who kills and resurrects Castor's brother Pollux. One mission involves protecting Archimedes, leader of the Athenian resistance, from assassination.

To quote someone on Discord, this is a game supposedly set circa 300 BCE that "has one side led by a king who died 200 years before, and the other by an emperor who reigned 300 years after (never mind the fact that Rome was still a senatorial republic)." If you forced a too-serious historian to play this game they'd end up on the floor in a frothing heap of rage and/or despair (actually, someone should totally do that; I want to see the Greco-Roman history version of Jonathan Ferguson having to analyze the firearms of Team Fortress 2).

Oh yeah and Beowulf is there.

At some point you've got to appreciate—no, admire, even—the Xena:-Warrior-Princess-level decision to just Don't Worry About It.

And now that we have finished with the indisputable, let us proceed with the first of the hinky. Which is to say: Let's look at God of War: Chains of Olympus.

Chains of Olympus begins with an attack by the Persian navy on the Greek Attic peninsula (where Athens is, incidentally). The opening sequence features (among a whole lot of faceless Persian mooks) this prone-ish fella, who doesn't quite get to operating a ballista, irresponsibly leaving the work for Kratos instead.

(Credit: Migeman)

Inspecting the body after all the local ruckus is over identifies him as "Eurybiades," the "leader of the Athenian army."

Eurybiades was—according to historical record—a real person, though God of War doesn't exactly nail it on the head. Herodotus (who historians depend on more due to him being one of a Very Small Number of sources rather than anything to do with actual reliability) names Eurybiades as a Spartan who, during the second Persian invasion of Greece, was given command of the Greek navy due to some political whatuppery (the Spartans said that if a Spartan didn't lead it they'd be Awfully Uncooperative).

Following this bit, Kratos confronts the King of Persia (identity unspecified), who is apparently personally leading the invasion himself, which seems dumb but was apparently the norm back in those days. I bet we'd have a lot less wars if we made our Presidents actually serve on the front lines whenever they started feeling belligerent.

(Credit: Ibid.)

Anyway, Kratos kills the King of Persia, because if the King of Persia killed Kratos the game would be a lot shorter. Now, there's no watertight confirmation that this is the second Persian invasion—the first one also featured attempted Persian inroads into Attica, and was recent enough that it's not inconceivable for Eurybiades to have shown up, there, too—but if this is the second Persian invasion, and that is the King of Persia that was King of Persia during the second Persian invasion, then that King of Persia is Xerxes I.

And now, I think, you peer up at me, gaze beseeching. "But KC," you say, anxious and afraid, "Xerxes I didn't die during his invasion of Greece! After Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis, Persian forces were forced to withdraw from Attica, including Xerxes I himself, after which he focused on lavish construction projects until he was assassinated fifteen years later for unrelated reasons! He didn't die in the Greco-Persian Wars at all!"

To which I say: You know who else didn't die in the Greco-Persian Wars? Eurybiades. And you know who definitely didn't die in a fit of paranoid, obsessive overwork in the heart of a monumental statue of Apollo on the isle of Delos?

What I'm saying here is that God of War's relationship with historicality is fleeting at best, so maybe Don't Worry About It here, too.

(Incidentally, if it's the first Persian invasion of Greece that Kratos is mucking around in, then that king is actually Darius the Great, who also didn't die in Greece in real life. Darius is in Civilization V, though, so getting his Ryu Number is a lot easier.)

And speaking of Civilization, I've finally come to the shortest route I've found that, for all its likeliness, isn't as definite as I'd like, which is why I've saved it for last. You know how Civilization works, I think—you play a historical civilization (with a historical leader to match), and go up against other historical civilizations with their leaders. Like Darius, just now—he's your leader if you decide to play as the Persians.

Civilization III is like that...but unfortunately not as much like that as a fellow'd prefer. Sure, it's got its civilizations and leaders...

...But there's the occasional glaring unspecificity that's apparently there to make life difficult for me in particular. Yeah, sure, Montezuma here is most likely the second one—the one everyone knows, the one that had the real bad experience with Spain—but are you sure he isn't the first one instead? Like, absolutely sure? The instruction manual doesn't say, you know. How sure are you? Sure enough to bet a dollar? Two dollars? Fifty dollars? Your firstborn child? Why would I want your firstborn child, anyway? I don't want to look after a child; that's literally more work for me.

The Persian civilization exhibits the same problem here. Yeah, of course that's Xerxes I! If the team behind the game is picking out a historical figure named Xerxes to represent the Persians, it's got to be Xerxes I. But at the same time, there's technically nothing saying this isn't Xerxes II, a separate 5th-century-BCE Persian ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. I mean, it's terribly unlikely, seeing as Xerxes II ruled for 45 days before being killed by his half-brother, who ruled for six months before being killed by his half-brother, making him Not Exactly The Sort Of Individual You'd Put The Spotlight On, but Mahatma Gandhi and Joan of Arc are the leaders of Indian and French civilizations in this game, and that's weird, too. Gandhi was never the Prime Minister of India or anything like that, and Joan of Arc was a military leader, not a monarch.

Still, if you're willing to follow the reasonable assumption that the Xerxes here is Xerxes I, then the path that results is pretty dang optimal:

...If this is how you found out that Mahatma Gandhi is in Minecraft DLC, I'm sorry.

[cytherealarsen]

🚨: Terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

In a tragic event, a group of pilgrims met with a devastating accident when their bus careened off the road and plunged into a gorge near Teryath village in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports indicate that at least ten individuals lost their lives, while over 30 sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred on Sunday. The bus, returning from the Shiv Khori cave shrine to Katra, a town renowned for the Vaishno Devi temple, was traveling along a link road of NH144A, navigating through dense forests and hilly terrain. Prompt response from locals and authorities led to rescue efforts, while security forces, comprising personnel from the police, Army, and CRPF, initiated a search operation to apprehend the assailants. The area, located 100 kilometers northwest of Jammu, has been cordoned off in response to the premeditated attack. Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma disclosed that the terrorists had orchestrated the assault, targeting the bus as it passed through the area. The driver was struck by gunfire, causing the vehicle to veer off course. Evidence, including bullet casings, was recovered from the scene, indicating the involvement of two masked assailants. Although the identities of the deceased and injured have yet to be officially confirmed, it is suspected that the pilgrims hailed from Uttar Pradesh. This incident underscores the potential spread of terrorist activities into previously unaffected regions, as Reasi district had hitherto remained insulated from the surge in attacks witnessed in neighboring districts such as Rajouri and Poonch. The Pir Panjal route, notorious for its rugged terrain, serves as a favored infiltration route for terrorists moving from the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri towards Kashmir. Intelligence sources suspect the participation of Illiyas Fauji, a former Pakistani army SSG commando turned LeT operative, along with two other militants from Pakistan who have evaded capture since the deadly assault on an IAF convoy in Poonch on May 4. This recent attack in Reasi follows a similar incident on May 13, 2022, when terrorists targeted a bus transporting pilgrims from Katra to Jammu using "sticky bombs," resulting in four fatalities and 13 injuries. The assault evokes memories of the July 10, 2017, attack on a bus ferrying Amarnath pilgrims, which claimed seven lives and left 19 others wounded. Despite facing heavy gunfire, the driver in that instance managed to safeguard 52 passengers. According to data from the Union home ministry, eight civilians have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir in the first five months of the current year up to May 31. Concerns regarding security have been heightened in anticipation of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, prompting Jammu ADGP Anand Jain to oversee security arrangements on Friday night. The review encompassed preparations not only for the annual Amarnath Yatra but also for the Mata Kheerbhawani mela, Budha Amarnath Yatra, and Shri Machail Yatra, emphasizing the establishment of joint control rooms to enhance coordination among all concerned agencies. The Amarnath cave shrine, nestled at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the South Kashmir Himalayas, is slated to host its annual pilgrimage from June 29 to August 19.

[beardedmrbean]

At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq for a Shiite Muslim ritual were killed as their bus crashed in central Iran, state media reported early Wednesday.

"A bus carrying 51 Pakistani pilgrims overturned and caught fire in front of Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in the central province of Yazd on Tuesday night," Iranian state television reported.

It said "28 people have been killed and 23 injured so far with the possibility of the death toll increasing".

Yazd province crisis management chief Ali Malek-zadeh told the broadcaster that some of the injured were in critical condition.

"Of the 23 injured, six have already been discharged from hospital, while the condition of seven others is critical," Malek-zadeh said.

"The dead consisted of 11 women and 17 men," he added.

Head of Iran traffic police, Teymour Hosseini, cited "technical failure in the brake system" and the "high inclination of the road" as the reasons for the crash.

The Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministries expressed their condolences and sympathies to the families of the bereaved.

Pakistan's Foreign Office further said the consul of Pakistan in Zahedan has been asked to visit the accident site to ensure medical relief to the injured and arrange the repatriation of the dead bodies to Pakistan.

Most of the victims are residents of Pakistan's southeastern Sindh province where the bus journey began.

Syed Sultan Ali, the brother of the tour operator, told AFP: "My older brother Syed Shamsi has been running this service since 2010, and it has always gone so well. We have been deeply upset since last night."

He added that his brother is "unhurt" because he was travelling in a separate vehicle.

The Pakistani pilgrims were headed through Iran to Iraq to attend the Arbaeen commemoration, one of the biggest events of the Shiite calendar which marks the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

Last year, some 22 million pilgrims attended the commemoration in the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala, where Hussein and his brother Abbas are buried, according to official figures.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Jacob McHangama

Published: Aug 9, 2023

In 2005 a Danish newspaper published a number of cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammed, which led to a global battle of values over the relationship between freedom of expression and religion. Despite multiple terrorist attacks—one of them deadly others thwarted—and concerted diplomatic pressure from the 57 Muslim-majority member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, the Danish government held firm and refused demands to impose Islamic blasphemy norms.

However, recent events have shattered this resolve. Following months of of public Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden, as well as renewed and increased pressure from the OIC and attacks on the Swedish embassy in Iraq and a Danish non-governmental organization in Basra last month, Scandinavian democracies are retreating from their liberal principles.

On July 30, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that the government will seek to enact legislation for "special situations where other countries, cultures, and religions could be insulted, potentially resulting in significant negative consequences for Denmark." Sweden is mulling over similar actions. These capitulations have forced these countries to debate how far they are willing to go to defend their freedoms in the face of violence and international backlash.

On the one hand, there are good reasons to be critical of book burnings. It is a poor substitute for reasoned debate and one that will forever be associated with totalitarian states, such as Nazi Germany, in our collective history. But however noxious the ideas of the far-right protestors who torch Qurans, they are not state agents, they are not speaking for the government, nor do they have the power to censor or discriminate. They are private individuals whose non-violent symbolic expressions are intended to convey a message, which however, offensive to those who disprove, is part and parcel of free expression.

The violence that accompanies these events stems both from terrorist��groups as well as from counter protestors who insist that religious taboos can only be enforced through mob intimidation and violence, but they are mistaken.

In July, an Iranian citizen burned the Danish and Swedish flags as well as the Bible and Torah in front of the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen, praising Ayatollah Khomeini in the process. But few Danes cared about this deliberate attempt to provoke. No one threatened to use violence, and the protester was not arrested. Rather than demonstrating Danish hypocrisy, the protester managed to show how a secular society committed to both free speech and tolerance can handle offensive ideas, and also how these values serve as the antithesis to violence.

Despite these and other demonstrable merits of free speech, the recent steps taken by Denmark and Sweden reveal a concerning trend. Bowing to intimidation from politically authoritarian and religiously oppressive states sets a perilous precedent and gives oppressive regimes potential leverage to further undermine democratic principles. To sweeten this bitter pill the Danish government has been less than factual in its messaging. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that burning “sacred books” does not constitute an expression, despite established case law to the contrary. The government has also said that Denmark and Sweden are global outliers when it comes to permitting the desecration of “sacred books” even though both Norway and the Netherlands protect such symbolic expression. There are already also strong reasons to believe that the OIC will not be appeased by the proposed Danish legal restrictions, however rationalized.

The next day after the Danish government´s promise to explore legal remedies against Quran burnings, the OIC released a strongly worded statement admonishing Denmark and Sweden for failing to immediately criminalize them and pledging to continue to pursue the matter. The Turkish ambassador to Denmark also warned that the proposed Danish efforts were "insufficient." In other words, once democracies yield from principle, authoritarian states will not respond with gratitude and conciliatory attitudes but demand that the self-imposed restrictions on free speech be expanded more broadly. This is not only true in Scandinavia but also on the global stage.

Earlier this month, the OIC managed to secure a crucial win at the U.N.´s Human Rights Council with a resolution that calls on member states to, among other things, “address, prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred” as a direct response to the Scandinavian Quran burnings. The OIC argues that defamation of religious ideas and symbols constitutes incitement to religious hatred—a category of speech prohibited under international human rights law and in most European democracies. This would not just legitimize but also give legal teeth to the suppression of religious dissent, and would remove the stigma from countries where blasphemy and apostasy is severely punished.

This marks a radical departure from back in 2011, when the Obama Administration rallied democracies around the world and spearheaded a pivotal Human Rights Council Resolution to halt the OIC´s long-standing efforts to internationalize blasphemy laws. The 2011 resolution advocated education and counter-speech against religious intolerance, asserting the protection of people, not ideologies, under human rights law. It called for the penalization of "incitement to imminent violence based on religion or belief," underlining that free speech restrictions should shield individuals from tangible harm, not defend abstract religious ideas from criticism or mockery, however offensive. As then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the resolution was a step to overcome “the false divide that pits religious sensitivities against freedom of expression.”

While this broader, international perspective is critical, it is also important to consider the domestic implications of the laws Denmark and Sweden have on the table. The Danish government´s proposed legal remedy against insulting other countries doesn’t only threaten to restrict criticism of Islam. In fact, Danish Muslims protesting U.S. or Israeli foreign policy, or the mass internment of Uighur Muslims by China, could end up on the wrong side of the law, if they protest in ways deemed “insulting” to the U.S., Israel, or China and detrimental to the broad and nebulous concept of “Danish interests.”

Moreover, the Danish and Swedish governments’ misguided attempt to foster tolerance through censorship could inadvertently exacerbate social divisions within their own borders. Hard-nosed critics of Islam and Muslim immigration frequently argue that Islam is incompatible with democracy and freedom, painting Muslims as a fifth column. The external pressure from Islamic states, coupled with support for restrictive measures among some Danish Muslims, risks emboldening these divisive narratives. This stands to harm the many Scandinavian Muslims who appreciate the freedoms and equality that Denmark and Sweden offer, and which sets these countries apart from the Muslim-majority states of the OIC.

Free speech is a difficult principle to uphold consistently. Governments and citizens of democracies alike are frequently tempted to sacrifice this principle when faced with threats or adverse consequences of unpopular or extremist speech. But one only has to compare the vibrant democracies of Denmark and Sweden to the authoritarian regimes of Iran and Saudi Arabia to realize that, for all its flaws, free speech makes the world more tolerant, democratic, equal, and free. Denmark and Sweden’s defection from this core liberal principle is a dark day for the global fight for free speech.

==

You don't surrender or capitulate to bullies. Not even when they're pretending to be the victim.

[usafphantom2]

"Top Gun" School will modernize its F-16

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 08/18/2023 - 19:46 in Military

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract worth US$818 million to the U.S. government defense engineering company, Amentum, which is expected to allow the support and modernization of the "Aggressor" unit equipped with F-16 fighter planes operating inside the famous "Top Gun" school.

The F-16 multimission fighter is not part of the U.S. Navy's endowment but is used in a certain number to simulate enemy fighters. Since 1998, the U.S. Navy has used 26 units of the F-16 (22 monoplaces and 4 biplaces). In 2002, 14 other F-16 fighters initially planned for the Pakistan Air Force joined the prestigious "Top Gun" school at Fallon Naval Station in Nevada.

The F-16 aircraft thus complement the old Northrop F-5 E/F Tiger II, the F/A-18 Hornet and a first squadron of F-35s to simulate the latest generation of Chinese aircraft in particular. But also very useful for working on combat tactics against 5ª generation stealth aircraft.

As part of the modernization of the F-16 "Aggressor", the company Amentum will ensure the operational maintenance of the F-16 A/B/C/D aircraft and will ensure the full maintenance of the system and the support of the supply chair to ensure the continuity of flight operations. During the term of the contract, Amentum will help the U.S. Navy increase its F-16 "Aggressor" fleet at all locations.

Under the Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) contract, Amentum will provide technical, support and logistics solutions for U.S. Navy F-16 aircraft based in Fallon, Nevada.

This contract begins on August 31, 2023, has a base period of five years and an option period of three years, and is contracted through the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) supporting the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) and the Naval Air Force Reserve, Tactical Support Wing (TSW).

One of Amentum's main objectives will be to track the cracks that appear in some of the cell partitions. This problem is not unique to F-16, it occurs in virtually all cells over time. The F-16 is designed to support a load of up to 9 Gs with a lifespan of 8,000 flight hours. In addition, the wing hardpoints have been reinforced to support the expected higher G rates. A consequence of extreme dogfights inside the "Top Gun". By strengthening this part of the aircraft, it is possible that a weaker link has been created elsewhere.

Amentum is a global leader in engineering, project management and solution integration, trusted to modernize the most critical missions in the world. Supported by a strong culture of ethics, safety and inclusion, Amentum is strongly committed to operational excellence and successful execution. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, the company employs more than 44,000 employees.

Tags: AggressorMilitary AviationF-16 Fighting FalconTop GunUSN - United States Navy/U.S. Navy

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work around the world of aviation.

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[g--dgdgd123]

Exploring Al Jalil Garden: A Fusion of Nature and Modern Living

Al Jalil Garden stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature's beauty and contemporary urban living. Nestled amidst the serene landscape of Lahore, Pakistan, this residential community offers residents a unique experience of tranquility coupled with modern amenities. In this article, we delve into the various aspects that make Al Jalil Garden a sought-after destination for those seeking a balance between nature and urban convenience.

Natural Surroundings:

One of the most captivating features of Al Jalil Garden is its lush greenery and scenic landscapes. Spread over vast acres, the community is adorned with meticulously landscaped parks, tree-lined avenues, and verdant gardens. The abundance of green spaces not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for residents. Walking trails, jogging tracks, and recreational areas provide ample opportunities for residents to connect with nature and lead an active lifestyle.

Modern Infrastructure:

Complementing its natural surroundings, Al Jalil Garden boasts modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. The residential units, ranging from cozy apartments to spacious villas, are designed to cater to diverse lifestyle preferences. Each dwelling is equipped with essential amenities and built to high-quality standards, ensuring comfort and convenience for residents. Moreover, the community features well-planned roads, efficient drainage systems, and reliable utilities, making it a model of modern urban planning.

Community Living:

Beyond its physical attributes, Al Jalil Garden fosters a strong sense of community among its residents. Various social and recreational activities are organized regularly, encouraging interaction and camaraderie among neighbors. The community center serves as a hub for gatherings, events, and cultural celebrations, further enriching the social fabric of the neighborhood. Additionally, the presence of schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial establishments within the vicinity ensures that residents have access to essential services without venturing far from home.

Commitment to Sustainability:

Al Jalil Garden is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through initiatives such as waste management programs, energy-efficient infrastructure, and green building practices, the community strives to minimize its ecological footprint. Furthermore, the integration of eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels underscores its dedication to preserving the natural environment for future generations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Al Jalil Garden emerges as a captivating blend of natural beauty, modernity, and community spirit. With its picturesque landscapes, contemporary infrastructure, vibrant social scene, and commitment to sustainability, it offers residents a distinctive living experience that transcends the conventional notions of urban life. Whether seeking a tranquil retreat or a dynamic community, Al Jalil Garden stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of residential developments.

[mrmrswales]

On today's Palace Confidential it sounded to me like W&K will have an FCO tour this Autumn--probably a 5-day tour like Pakistan 2019--in addition to the two Earthshot-related trips they've already announced. C&C will apparently have two trips after their summer holidays, so I doubt they'll manage to also host an incoming state visit before the end of the year. But of course we'll have to wait and see...

I'm always soo iffy on taking that show as proof because 9/10 the thing is just overblown.. like how many times has Rebecca English not waxed on about this big thing for Kate and while it turns out to be a nice thing, it's nothing on the scale she hinted..

anyways.. here's hoping.. as long as we get one tiara event with the Diplomatic Corps Reception

[climatecalling]

Progressive lawmakers and climate activists rallied at the Capitol on Thursday to demand an end to fossil fuel usage, previewing a planned march in New York on Sunday ahead of the United Nations’ climate ambition summit on 20 September. “Clearly, saving the planet is the most important issue facing humanity,” the Democratic senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, said. “But here’s the ugly and brutal truth: right now, humanity is failing. The planet is crying out for help.” The rally was one of some 200 global climate actions taking place this week in countries including Bolivia, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Austria. In New York, dozens of activists protested outside of the headquarters for asset manager BlackRock and Citibank on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, to call attention to both firms’ investments in fossil fuels. The mobilizations are set to culminate with the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City on Sunday, 17 September, which has been endorsed by 400 scientists and 500 organizations, including the NAACP, the Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement. Organizers have predicted the event, which aims to convene tens of thousands of activists from across the country and around the world, will be the largest climate march in the US in five years. ...

[shamangus]

Summary: Events in India’s life, inspired by the speech, ‘A Tryst With Destiny.’

India = Bharat

Pakistan = Faiz

Bangladesh or Bengal = Padma

Sri Lanka = Aadhya

Disclaimers:

I am not a history expert, nor will I ever claim to be. Everything written here is of my own research, if I made any mistakes please feel free to inform me!

I am also not Indian, or a Hindu Nationalist. I am not trying to demonize Pakistan in any way, if you feel that I am, please contact me privately and we can work together to fix it.

Warnings: Descriptions of violence and sickness.

Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially."

November 2nd, 1858.

Bharat stood before Britain, his hands tied behind his back; Padma stood behind him, her head also bowed.

They were in jail in New Delhi. Honestly, Bharat was surprised Britain had not shot him dead and then dragged him here.

Britain glared, but his gaze was not very threatening. "Padma." Padma's head quickly snapped up, "yes, sir?" she quietly asked. "Leave us alone in privacy. Wait for me outside."

Padma looked at Britain, then back at Bharat, then quickly left.

She was only gone for a second before Britain reeled back his fist and punched Bharat in the face; Bharat stumbled back and fell to the floor, and Britain glowered at him from above.

"You really thought you could beat me?" Britain taunted, kicking him in the stomach for emphasis. "Your glory-filled empire days are over; your independence is not coming soon, so do not hold your breath."

Bharat managed to sit up and spit on Britain's feet. "I've been alive for almost 4,000 years. I've seen empires as great as yours crumble to dust. And I am in full confidence that yours will be among them."

Britain's pale face burned with anger, and he again kicked Bharat. "You will be sent to the Andaman Islands and serve your sentence there until I declare it over." He kicked India again to prove his dominance and then left the room with a slam.

"At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance."

February 28th, 1948

Bharat watched the 1st battalion of the Somerset Light infantry march through Bombay from his balcony with a smile.

After this battalion left, India would finally be free of the British Army, a process more than 200 years in the making.

As he watched the battalion pass by, he remembered the 39th Foot, the first British army regiment stationed in India, and how much he loathed their presence. India's opinion hasn't changed since then.

Bharat knew Britain would try to hold on to the crumbling remnants of his empire, but as he watched the setting sun, he knew the British Empire had ended.

"It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity."

December 30th, 1906.

Bharat sat alone in Calcutta, he knew Faiz and Padma were in Dacca, and he had an inkling of their plans.

He had told Faiz it was a bad idea to take Padma on a journey like that with her declining health. But he hadn't listened.

Faiz had been particularly aggressive these past days, ranting about a new policy Bharat didn't like.

The two-nation policy, it had been dubbed. It supported the idea that upon Independence, the British Raj be split into two nations. One for Muslims and another for Hindus.

The whole idea sounded absurd to Bharat; it would just divide people further, and what about Muslims living outside of the territories that Faiz had suggested becoming the Muslim state? What would become of them, or the Hindus living in what would theoretically be in the Muslim State?

Faiz's whole plan was utterly ridiculous, and when Independence came, he hoped that Britain would be sensible enough to not divide them like this.

"At the dawn of history, India started on her unending quest."

1921, No specific date

It was a warm summer's night when Faiz had come to him with the question.

"What do you remember about…being born?"

Bharat raised an eyebrow, "now, why would you want to know about that?" Bharat questioned.

"I just wanted to know, I guess…" Faiz answered nervously.

Bharat chuckled; he knew why Faiz was asking these questions. Ruins of a civilization called the Indus Valley Civilization had just been discovered in Punjab; perhaps he wanted to see how that Civilization could be related to him.

Bharat cleared his throat and prepared for a long story.

"I don't remember a lot about being born. I was born in the Northeast; I just felt like being born. Suddenly the world just started; I'm unsure how to explain it. I followed a river to Civilization, and the local villagers took me in."

Faiz frowned, "so, no cool story about your birth." Bharat shook his head, "I'm sure you can ask Padma; maybe she has a better answer."

"and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her success."

Sometime between the 4th century and 5th century AD.

India = Bhadra

Bangladesh = Amrapali

Bhadra went over the mathematics again to ensure he was getting it right. At that very moment, Amrapali decided to stick her head in.

"What are you doing?" Amrapali asked, looking over Bhadra's shoulder. Bhadra didn't even get to answer because Amrapali then groaned.

"Math again!?" Amrapali complained. Unlike Bhadra, mathematics didn't interest her at all. Instead, she devoted her days to plays and art.

"When are you going to do something fun?" Amrapali questioned, pulling on Bhadra's arm.

Bhadra laughed, "So you want to do something fun?"

Amrapali nodded, and Bhadra gestured to the board in front of them. "What about we play some chaturanga then?"

"and her failures. Through good and ill fortune alike, she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again."

August 16th, 1946

Bharat ran through the streets of Calcutta, looking for Faiz. The violence had escalated unimaginably, and Padma was right in the center.

Dead bodies in the streets, and business owners were forced to flee. Bharat had to find Faiz and stop this, but he had no clue where to find Faiz in the first place. He could be anywhere.

When he finally found Faiz, to say he was angry was an understatement.

"What have you done?" Bharat questioned.

Faiz scoffed, "What have I done? I didn't do anything!" Bharat gestured to the damage around them, "What is this then? Your dumb league incited the violence; what does 'direct action' mean?"

Faiz shook his head, "I don't know where you're getting your information from. The Muslim League is only standing their ground!"

Suddenly screams came from down the street, and a truck loaded with men holding iron bars and lathis drove past them. At first, Bharat thought the truck would keep going, but then the truck abruptly stopped.

The men trickled out of the truck and started running towards them, screaming.

Bharat looked at Faiz, "I think that's a sign for us to run."

"Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon this assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before the birth of freedom, we have endured all the pains of labor, and our hearts are heavy with the memory of this sorrow. Some of those pains continue even now. Nevertheless, the past is over, and the future beckons to us now."

Sometime in 1950.

Bharat finished packing the final box; the British Raj house was finally empty. Bharat had meant to move out of this house for a couple of months; the memories associated with this house were just too much.

There was just one thing left, the giant painting on the wall. Britain had commissioned this shortly after Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of India.

Britain stood tall and proud in the center, surrounding Bharat, Pakistan, and Padma. None of them were smiling except Padma, who smiled even when she wasn't supposed to.

Bharat couldn't decide whether to get rid of or keep it; it was something about nostalgia.

But there was something Bharat hadn't considered; Pakistan was gone. His own country now, a country that hated his guts.

Bharat knew that he could keep his personal relationships separate from a county's, but keeping a good relationship with Pakistan would be impossible.

Bharat took the portrait off the wall. It was time to let go of the past.

"That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfill the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the benefit of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity.

The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye.

That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over."

1943

Bharat finished reading the letter, his hopes thoroughly diminished. According to the letter by Aadhya, Padma's condition had severely worsened. The Bengal Famine was wrecking her, even as she lay in New Delhi. Aadhya doubted that she would make it past partition.

Faiz quickly noticed Bharat's emotional change. "What happened?" Faiz asked. Bharat sighed, "Padma's condition worsened. Aadhya thinks she won't make it past partition."

Faiz frowned, "Padma is much stronger than she looks; she'll be fine." Bharat snorted, "You overestimate how strong Padma is. You know how weak she was post-1905."

Bharat crumbled up the paper and threw it on the ground; he would have to write back to Aadhya later. He wished he could be there, but Britain would throw a fit if he left the front lines. Bharat prayed that Faiz was right, he knew Padma was strong, but the last few decades had put quite a strain on her.

"And so we have to labor and to work, and work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for anyone of them to imagine that they can live apart.

Peace has been said to be indivisible; so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and so is disaster in this one world that can no longer be split into isolated fragments.

To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join us with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell.

The appointed day has come - the day appointed by destiny - and India stands forth again, after long slumber and struggle, awake, vital, free and independent. The past clings on to us still in some measure, and we have to do much before we redeem the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning point is the past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about."

January 26th, 1950.

It was done. The Constitution of India was finally completed, passed, adopted, and put into force. It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days, and 6.4 million rupees. But all that mattered now was that the new country had a constitution, they had gone the last three years of Independence without one, and Bharat worried that every day without one would lead to India's destruction.

The number of people living within Bharat's border scared him but filled him with awe. 359 million people of different cultures and religions now resided within his country.

He would have to work with all of the personifications to make sure that they didn't fight amongst each other and that they all got the rights given to them under the Indian constitution.

The new constitution didn't guarantee that India would stay together; at any time, something could happen, but it gave the country more legitimacy and made it a little more stable. Which was all Bharat could care about.

Bharat had no idea what would lay before him in the future, what would happen. All he hoped was that India would stay together through all of it.

"It is a fateful moment for us in India, Asia, and the world. A new star rises, the star of freedom in the east, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materializes. May the star never set, and that hope will never be betrayed!"

September 25th, 1949

Bharat smiled as he watched the crowds gather in anticipation of the elephant's arrival. It was India's first big diplomacy move, and he was happy it was coming to fruition.

"Are you ready to see the elephant?" Bharat asked Kiku. Kiku had always been a prominent ally of his, even with the whole Anglo-Japanese thing that had gone down. "I am excited to see the elephant. Thank you, India-san, for the elephant. Indira is bringing hope to Japanese children everywhere."

Bharat couldn't take that statement to heart due to mainly America's occupation of Japan. Everything that Kiku was saying was likely scripted by America himself. Bharat knew this because this had happened to him many times under Britain's rule. Kiku was also in a terrible state, his skin scarred and charred, and he was left standing with a cane.

Cheers erupted as the elephant finally embarked off the ship. Bharat and Kiku made their way to the front of the crowd. "She's majestic," Bharat sighed; he had always held a deep respect for elephants, the way their presence commanded some respect. Kiku nodded along with him, "They really are."

"We rejoice in that freedom, even though clouds surround us, and many of our people are sorrow-stricken and complex problems encompass us. But freedom brings responsibilities and burdens, and we have to face them in the spirit of a free and disciplined people.

On this day, our first thoughts go to the architect of this freedom, the father of our nation, who, embodying the old spirit of India, held aloft the torch of freedom and lighted up the darkness that surrounded us.

We have often been unworthy followers of his and have strayed from his message, but not only we but succeeding generations will remember this message and bear the imprint in their hearts of this great son of India, magnificent in his faith and strength and courage and humility. We shall never allow that torch of freedom to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest."

February 2nd, 1948.

When Bharat had heard of Mahatma Gandhi's death, he had gone into a state of shock. At first, Bharat had assumed that Gandhi had died of natural causes, a heart attack maybe. But when he learned that he was assassinated, Bharat was shocked.

Now as he walked the five miles of Gandhi's funeral procession, Bharat was left in a state of confusion. He knew Gandhi would not live forever, but to have his life cut short like this was undeniably cruel. All because he didn't support violence against Muslims.

Now Bharat knew that all the violence of the partition was useless and never should have happened. Religious extremity had led to his death, and Bharat was determined to ensure that the same religious extremity would lead to his own country's death.

"Our following thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom who, without praise or reward, have served India even unto death.

We also think of our brothers and sisters who have been cut off from us by political boundaries and who unhappily cannot share at present in the freedom that has come. They are of us and will remain of us whatever may happen, and we shall be sharers in their good and ill fortune alike."

1990's

Loud screams of 'India Zindabad' color the air orange, green, and white. Bharat knew that Faiz was on the other side of the border, watching the same ceremony he was in.

The national enthusiasm and patriotism were almost too much for Bharat, and he could feel his competition flaring up.

The guards wore their khaki uniforms while wearing frilly red headdresses that even India thought were a little too expensive.

The whole show went on for 20 minutes, with each of the guards showing off. They met in the middle for a blink-and-you-miss-it handshake, and that was that.

India knew this ceremony was supposed to connect, but it only inspired his competition with Pakistan.

"The future beckons to us. Whither do we go, and what shall be our endeavor? To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of India; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic, and progressive nation; and to create social, economic, and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman.

We have hard work ahead. There is no resting for any one of us till we redeem our pledge in full, till we make all the people of India what destiny intended them to be.

We are citizens of a great country on the verge of bold advances, and we must live up to that high standard. To whatever religion we may belong, all of us are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges, and obligations. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action."

March 2022

India rechecked the gdp reports again; he knew his economy had massively grown. But this, this achievement of irony, was a little too unbelievable.

It was true India had taken over Britain, becoming the fifth-largest economy in the world.

With a cheer, Bharat threw up the papers in the air, how he would pay to see England's current state.

India would have to bide his patience until he saw England again to brag about it. Still, he would have to make his birthday party much more glamorous to showcase his new position in the world economy.

"To the nations and peoples of the world, we send greetings and pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in furthering peace, freedom, and democracy. And to India, our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal, and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage, and we bind ourselves afresh to her service. Jai Hind [Victory to India]."

This is part of my historical hetalia series about any historical event from any part of the world. The next one will be about Japan!

[goongiveusnothing]

https://at.tumblr.com/goongiveusnothing/since-the-bua-last-week-many-larries-and-harries/nvfp8nbsuimb

omg, i LOVE you

did you have a turning point where you started to see him for who he was? i can't said i was his fan but i liked him, but after his charade during the BLM protest where you can see it was so staged: the camera following him, him showing with POC. like this dude is around POC when he needed them. that situation opened my eyes

i wrote about why i got sick of him here.

i think for most of us it's becoming conscious of little things that seem indicative of more about him, but because nobody is allowed to talk about it, you just ignored it or looked away. until collectively you just have enough at some point.

the BLM stuff was one of the key turning points. him refusing to acknowledge the signs originally when they happened in 2017 or 2018. the fans starting to all hold signs. him still being too cowardly so giving an "all lives matter" type speech to try and assuage things. a journalist for i believe vice magazine saying she held up one of the signs right in front of him and he visibly "flinched" when he saw it. it had obviously become a trigger issue for him, something he clearly hated that the fans were seeking him to address.

when he held up a bunch of flags in a pile and one of them was the BLM flag so his fans claimed that as a triumph, even though it was clear he had no idea it was in the pile. him sharing a photo of the crowd with some BLM visible, his fans claiming this was him showcasing BLM, even though it wasn't him, he was just showing the crowd which were full of the signs. then finally him adding a tiny little sticker to a guitar, and the fans going out in rapture, claiming yes king, he saw them, "he gets it", he's so with them, such an activist.

then of course in 2020 when BLM became such a national movement, someone says they knew that he had deliberately planned to go to a certain place to pose in a certain position for photos, before leaving. of course taking along two random ethnic (i think one is asian?) people with him, acting like they were his good friends and like of course he knew anybody with melanin. when we've literally seen them with him at work maybe a handful of times. now how many times have they been seen with him since? it's not like they're jeff, cordon, ben, the gerbers etc.

at the same time he started following a few black models on instagram and liking their photos, as if he wanted to let us all know that yes, he thinks black women are okay to like on instagram? like, what? it was so fucking bizarre. he's never done that before or since. he seemed to think this was some legit black lives matter activism.

then in his blessed cocaine sideboob choke a woman with a view song he shares the line "riot america" inbetween all of that garbage about doing shit to a woman and other things. that's how he saw the events in america in 2020 involving civil rights for black people. riot america, moving on. that's all he managed to feel about it.

then there's the difference between him and ben winston and the azoffs, and him and i presume a catholic friend or person he knew, and zayn, the only brown member in the band. he never seemed to express the slightest bit of interest in zayn's background or pakistan heritage or islamic culture or food or traditions or language or literally anything. but he did manage to absorb as much as possible about like israel from ben/azoffs and then also got a cross/bible/crucifix necklace for someone catholic in his life. his sister has made weird islamophobic comments, one in particular i remember when she seemed to suggest that muslims in a particular area of london would lose their mind if she tried asking for a bagel in their shops. so, you know, there's THAT.

[jdgo51]

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

God’s Purpose

Sammar Aaroon (Punjab, Pakistan)

"'The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”' - Isaiah 14:24 (NIV)

"It is my fourth year of serving as the student advisor for the Christian Fellowship Society at a women’s university in Lahore, Pakistan. Initially when this role was offered to me, I firmly refused. At the time I had an infant and a toddler, not to mention my academic responsibilities.

But God continued to call me to work with young Christian girls at the university. The opportunity to lead the society came to me again, and I was the only person available. This time I felt I had to accept, and I started shortly before the Christmas festival — the society’s most anticipated event of the year. With around 100 girls working on it, the Christmas production was a huge success, glorifying Jesus and celebrating his birth.

The way things fell into place was truly divine intervention, and this experience taught me that what God has planned will come to fruition. My calling to this role was much like Jonah’s. He tried his best to run away from the task God gave him only to end up in the belly of a huge fish! Like Jonah, no matter how far we run, God will call us back and guide us in the right direction." Stop, listen, learn and follow.

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Dear Lord, grant us the courage to work according to your will so that our words and actions glorify you." Amen.

Jonah 1:1-17

"'1 The LORD’s word came to Jonah, Amittai’s son: 2 “Get up and go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it, for their evil has come to my attention.” 3 So Jonah got up—to flee to Tarshish from the LORD! He went down to Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went aboard to go with them to Tarshish, away from the LORD. 4 But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, so that there was a great storm on the sea; the ship looked like it might be broken to pieces. 5 The sailors were terrified, and each one cried out to his god. They hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to make it lighter. Now Jonah had gone down into the hold of the vessel to lie down and was deep in sleep. 6 The ship’s officer came and said to him, “How can you possibly be sleeping so deeply? Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps the god will give some thought to us so that we won’t perish.” 7 Meanwhile, the sailors said to each other, “Come on, let’s cast lots so that we might learn who is to blame for this evil that’s happening to us.” They cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they said to him, “Tell us, since you’re the cause of this evil happening to us: What do you do and where are you from? What’s your country and of what people are you?” 9 He said to them, “I’m a Hebrew. I worship the LORD, the God of heaven—who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were terrified and said to him, “What have you done?” (The men knew that Jonah was fleeing from the LORD, because he had told them.) 11 They said to him, “What will we do about you so that the sea will become calm around us?” (The sea was continuing to rage.) 12 He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea! Then the sea will become calm around you. I know it’s my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 The men rowed to reach dry land, but they couldn’t manage it because the sea continued to rage against them. 14 So they called on the LORD, saying, “Please, LORD, don’t let us perish on account of this man’s life, and don’t blame us for innocent blood! You are the LORD: whatever you want, you can do.” 15 Then they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased its raging. 16 The men worshipped the LORD with a profound reverence; they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made solemn promises. 17 Meanwhile, the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights."' Much like Jonah, we flee God when He asks of us something that we are not good with. Always best to trust God and follow what He says. Bless you! Joe

[werindialive]

Champions Trophy Could Be Shifted to South Africa Amid Concerns Over Security and Infrastructure

In a surprising development for cricket fans worldwide, the much-anticipated 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, originally set to be hosted in Pakistan, may be shifted to South Africa due to concerns about security, infrastructure, and logistics in the subcontinent. According to sources close to the International Cricket Council (ICC), discussions are underway as governing bodies weigh the feasibility of holding the tournament in Pakistan, a country still working to restore its reputation as a safe destination for international sports. This is the top news headlines India today!

Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights in 2021 as part of the ICC's commitment to expanding cricket to countries that had been largely sidelined due to safety concerns. The decision was seen as a significant boost for Pakistan's cricketing community, who have long sought to welcome international tournaments back to their home grounds. However, recent events have raised doubts about Pakistan's ability to manage a high-profile event of this scale. Issues such as regional political tensions and challenges in meeting the stringent security requirements set by the ICC have sparked debates within cricket's governing body.

South Africa, which last hosted a major ICC event in 2009 with the same Champions Trophy, has reportedly emerged as a strong alternative due to its well-established cricketing infrastructure, safety protocols, and experience in managing international tournaments. South Africa’s cricket venues, such as Newlands in Cape Town, Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, and Kingsmead in Durban, offer world-class facilities that could seamlessly accommodate the Champions Trophy if the shift occurs. These grounds have a proven record in both crowd management and hospitality, enhancing South Africa’s appeal as a potential host.

While no final decision has been made, an ICC spokesperson recently stated, “The safety of players, staff, and spectators is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring a successful and secure event, wherever it may be held.”

The possible shift has drawn mixed reactions from the cricketing community. Many Pakistani fans express disappointment, seeing this as a lost opportunity to restore international confidence in Pakistan's hosting capabilities. Others, however, recognize the importance of security and the challenges of ensuring a smooth, world-class event under present conditions.

The ICC is expected to announce its final decision in the coming months, leaving cricket fans eagerly awaiting updates. Should South Africa be confirmed as the new host, it would mark a significant change in the tournament’s trajectory and spotlight South Africa as a safe and vibrant home for international cricket.

For latest cricket news India In Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter!

[divinejhonson]

Pakistan to Albania: Expanding Your Career Horizons with Our Recruitment Agency

 In an increasingly globalized world, professionals are constantly seeking new career paths that extend beyond national borders. Albania, a hidden gem in southeastern Europe, is rapidly becoming an attractive destination for skilled professionals from around the world, including Pakistan. With a growing economy, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming culture, Albania offers exciting career opportunities across diverse sectors. If you are considering taking your skills abroad, a trusted recruitment partner can make all the difference. Falisha Manpower is here to bridge the gap, connecting Pakistani professionals to rewarding opportunities in Albania.

Why Choose Albania for Your Next Career Move?

Albania is gaining traction as a destination for international professionals due to its emerging economy, which offers growing demand in sectors such as information technology, construction, healthcare, and education. Known for its affordable cost of living, stunning natural scenery, and historical cities, Albania is an ideal place for those looking to enhance their professional and personal experiences.

Key Advantages of Working in Albania

Expanding Job Market: Albania’s workforce demand is rising across many fields, providing a rich job market for skilled professionals.

Affordable Living Costs: Compared to Western European countries, Albania offers a low cost of living, allowing expatriates to maintain a high quality of life.

Cultural and Natural Appeal: With scenic beaches, historic cities, and vibrant cultural life, Albania offers a well-rounded living experience.

Career Growth Opportunities: As Albania continues to grow, so does the need for skilled workers, providing room for career advancement and specialization.

The Role of a Recruitment Agency for Albania in Pakistan

Navigating international job markets can be challenging, especially if you’re new to working abroad. This is where an experienced recruitment agency steps in. Falisha Manpower, known as the Best Overseas Employment Manpower Recruitment Agency in Pakistan, specializes in connecting Pakistani professionals with international employers, ensuring that each step of the process is streamlined and supported by industry experts.

Benefits of Partnering with a Professional Recruitment Agency

Access to Verified Opportunities: Reliable agencies collaborate with vetted employers to ensure genuine job opportunities.

End-to-End Assistance: From finding suitable positions to helping with visa applications and relocation advice, agencies provide comprehensive support.

Legal Compliance: Understanding the legal requirements and policies of a foreign country can be daunting, but recruitment agencies ensure that all necessary protocols are followed.

Guidance and Counseling: Agencies offer expert guidance on market conditions, interview preparation, and settling in a new country.

High-Demand Sectors in Albania for Pakistani Professionals

Information Technology (IT): Albania is witnessing a surge in the IT industry, creating demand for professionals in software development, network engineering, cybersecurity, and more.

Construction and Engineering: With extensive infrastructure projects underway, skilled engineers, architects, and construction managers are highly sought after.

Healthcare: The Albanian healthcare system requires qualified doctors, nurses, and specialists, particularly in underserved areas.

Education: Teaching positions, especially for English-speaking professionals, are available across various levels, including international schools and language institutions.

Tourism and Hospitality: With a growing tourism industry, opportunities in hotel management, event coordination, and customer service are on the rise.

Your Trusted Recruitment Agency for Albania in Pakistan

Falisha Manpower has established itself as a leader in overseas employment, providing exceptional recruitment solutions to talented Pakistani professionals looking to work abroad. The agency’s extensive network and strong partnerships enable it to offer valuable career opportunities in Albania and beyond. As a premier Recruitment Agency for Albania in Pakistan, Falisha Manpower tailors its services to ensure that candidates are matched with roles that best fit their skills and aspirations.

Simplifying Your Path to Employment in Albania

Initial Consultation: We start with a comprehensive assessment of your skills, experience, and career goals to identify the best job opportunities in Albania.

Job Matching: Based on your profile, our recruitment specialists match you with positions that align with your expertise, ensuring a good fit.

Application Process: We handle all the administrative aspects of the application process, streamlining the paperwork and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Interview Preparation: Our team provides guidance on interview techniques and cultural expectations to help you make a strong impression.

Visa Assistance: Navigating visa applications can be complex; we offer expert support to ensure your transition to Albania is as smooth as possible.

Post-Placement Support: Our relationship doesn’t end when you start your job. We provide ongoing support to ensure a successful and comfortable transition.

Why Choose Falisha Manpower?

Our commitment to excellence and track record of success make Falisha Manpower the best choice for overseas employment services in Pakistan. We are dedicated to understanding the individual needs of every candidate and are here to support your journey from Pakistan to Albania.

Advantages of Working with Falisha Manpower:

Industry Expertise: With years of experience in the recruitment industry, our agency understands the unique challenges and requirements of international job placements.

Strong Network: Our partnerships with employers in Albania and other countries give us access to exclusive job openings.

Dedicated Support: From document preparation to interview coaching, our team is with you every step of the way.

Proven Success Rate: Our history of successful placements demonstrates our effectiveness as a recruitment agency.

Preparing for a Successful Career in Albania

Moving to a new country comes with its own set of challenges, but adequate preparation can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth transition to working and living in Albania:

Learn the Basics of the Language: While English is commonly spoken in business settings, learning a few phrases in Albanian can be helpful for daily interactions.

Understand Cultural Norms: Familiarizing yourself with local customs and social norms can enhance your experience and help build relationships.

Research Living Arrangements: Housing can vary widely; research different neighborhoods and housing options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Plan Your Finances: The cost of living in Albania is affordable, but it’s wise to budget for initial expenses, including accommodation and transportation.

Stay Informed on Legal Requirements: Ensure that your work permits and visas are updated, as this is crucial for a smooth stay in Albania.

Building a Rewarding Future with Opportunities in Albania

Taking your career to Albania not only enhances your professional profile but also opens doors to new cultural and personal experiences. Working in a country as unique as Albania offers countless opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Whether you’re in healthcare, IT, education, or hospitality, the Albanian market has something to offer for everyone.

With the support of Falisha Manpower, you’re not only securing a job but also building a fulfilling future in one of Europe’s most promising economies. Our agency’s commitment to your success is rooted in our mission to empower Pakistani professionals to thrive globally.

Conclusion

As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow in Albania, Pakistani talent has a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're looking for career growth, a change of environment, or new professional challenges, Albania can provide you with the perfect platform.

Falisha Manpower, the Best Overseas Employment Manpower Recruitment Agency in Pakistan, is here to guide you every step of the way, from job placement to successful integration into your new role in Albania. With our expertise, you can navigate this journey confidently, ensuring a seamless and rewarding transition to working abroad.

[timesofinnovation]

A new milestone has been reached in the realm of international cooperation with the formation of a partnership between China’s International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) and Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). This collaboration aims to utilize space technology and big data analytics to enhance natural resource management and accelerate progress towards the regional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The burgeoning partnership intends to leverage data gathered from the Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1), which was launched in 2021. This satellite plays a critical role in monitoring the advancement of sustainable development by providing invaluable insights into resource management and environmental changes. Such initiatives are vital because they align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, a blueprint for achieving worldwide social, economic, and environmental sustainability. During a recent event, Professor Guo Huadong, Director-General of CBAS, underscored the significance of technological innovation and advanced data analysis in addressing contemporary challenges related to sustainability. He highlighted that effective collaboration in data collection and analysis could greatly enhance decision-making related to sustainable development initiatives within the region. The agreement also includes the sharing of significant resources and findings. At the event, representatives from CBAS presented the ‘Atlas of SDGSAT-1 Satellite Nighttime Light Image,’ demonstrating the ability of satellite data to offer new perspectives on sustainability challenges. Researchers and academics from countries such as Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Thailand, and Seychelles participated, marking a pivotal moment of knowledge exchange and collaboration across borders. This partnership between China and Pakistan sets a precedent in utilizing cutting-edge space technology for achieving sustainable development objectives. The collaboration is grounded in fostering joint research efforts, which in turn establishes a strong framework for advancing the capabilities of both countries in space technology and data analysis. The ramifications of such a partnership extend beyond mere resource management. By improving natural resource monitoring, both nations stand to benefit from enhanced agricultural practices, efficient water resource management, and refined urban planning strategies. These benefits are crucial in addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by the region, such as climate change and rapid urbanization. Moreover, the sharing of satellite data can facilitate informed policymaking. The insights derived from satellite images can help governments identify shifts in land use, monitor environmental degradation, and develop targeted strategies for resource conservation. This potent tool of space technology can assist in formulating policies that are not only effective but also aligned with the long-term vision of sustainable development. The significance of this collaboration cannot be understated, particularly in light of the growing global emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals. With only a few years left until the 2030 deadline for achieving these goals, partnerships that leverage innovative technologies such as space imaging are crucial. Historically, both China and Pakistan have engaged in various collaborative initiatives, particularly in sectors like technology, defense, and trade. However, this new venture into space technology showcases an evolution in their partnership, focusing on sustainable development as a shared priority. This not only reflects the progressive nature of international relations but also highlights the importance of addressing global challenges through cooperative efforts. In conclusion, the China-Pakistan partnership in space technology represents a significant step towards leveraging advanced resources for sustainability.

The joint endeavors in data gathering and analysis hold the potential to catalyze regional development and foster a more resilient future. As both nations move forward with this impactful collaboration, the emphasis on sustainable development will likely inspire similar partnerships internationally, leading to a holistic approach to global challenges.