#GATE 2025 Preparation

[dhiraj-choudhary-09]

How to Solve GATE Aptitude Questions in 30 Sec - Scoring Topic

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Jay Kuo for Think Big Picture:

We’re all still grieving the electoral loss and feeling queasy about the prospect of Trump returning to the White House in January. But in response to the giddy pronouncements from the GOP and the Trump campaign, some have already begun to think about an effective political resistance to Trump and Trumpism. 

Democrats need to make these plans knowing full well that Trump will be backed by a sycophantic GOP Congress and blank check-writing SCOTUS. And this time around, there won’t be any adults in the room, including White House counsel who during his first term would quietly shelve Trump’s most outrageous requests, or chiefs of staff like John Kelly who would struggle to moderate, educate and soften his most extreme positions. No, this time around Trump will be surrounded by people even further to the right of him. They will seek to implement the most dangerous and destructive of policies, many drawn from the Project 2025 blueprint. And they will encourage Trump to issue Executive Orders that could reshape American democracy, insert our armed forces deeply into civil affairs, hurtle our economy into an abyss, and upend the lives of millions of minorities.

This is a thought piece, an early stab (and work in progress) about how Democrats (and the lawyers who are aligned with them) can ready themselves to resist Trump. We’re in very new territory here, but the ideas are based on what we’ve learned about Trump from both his first term and the four years he’s been more or less idle when he wasn’t sitting in courtrooms or stumping on the campaign trail. They play into both his ego and the worst aspects of his character and leadership style. I hope you find this early exploration a good starting point for how the next four years could go if Democrats play their cards smartly, even if the strategy seems highly unorthodox. Note that I won’t be discussing what average citizens might consider doing. This, for now, is the beginning of a political and legal strategy. Others involved in grassroots organizing may have ideas for direct resistance by citizens, but that is for another discussion.

[...]

Hit ‘em with lawfare

One of the most effective weapons against Trump’s policies during his first term was the slew of lawsuits that his executive orders met when they were first announced. Remember the Muslim ban? That bounced up and down the courts for years before it could finally go into effect in a watered-down form. 

Lawyers from every non-profit walk of life should be readying civil complaints today, just as people like Russ Vought are already preparing horrific executive orders for Trump to sign. The minute Trump announces his Day One policy to deport millions of undocumented migrants, for example, lawyers everywhere should file suit. It shouldn’t just be one suit; it should be several. Tie up the White House lawyers and the Trump Justice Department with as many cognizable claims as they can think of. More than the sheer number, they should file these cases before judges in jurisdictions where the appellate courts will be more friendly, such as in the Ninth Circuit. This is the inverse of what MAGA and Christian Nationalist legal counsel have been doing now for years by picking a single court near Amarillo, Texas to ensure their cases are heard before radical judge Matthew Kacsmaryk.

Once those cases are filed, judges (and their clerks) should slow-walk them. Act like the nun in The Sound Of Music, opening the gate as slowly as she can so the Nazis are delayed. Then, after issuing temporary restraining orders, set the hearings out as far as possible. Have the lawyers demand extensions. File motions that could receive interlocutory appeals, to further gum things up. In short, drag things out as long as possible to prevent his policies from going into effect. Governors in blue border states could also get involved. California and Arizona both have Democratic governors, after all. And they also have Democratic state attorneys general. These states could move to intervene in suits or file them on their own, just as the red states have done to block Biden’s policies like student debt relief. Sure, this will eventually get up to the Supreme Court and get overturned, but the point is delay. Run out the clock, run out the clock, run out the clock. Trump only gets four years, two before the midterms. [...]

These are but a few broad-stroke ideas, but it’s time everyone who will be part of the resistance start thinking about how they can play a vital part in pushing back. Some of these tactics are admittedly unorthodox, others quite petty. Still others are variations on what has worked well before. Together, they could bog down or distract Trump and the White House just long enough for the midterms to give Democrats a chance to regain control of one or both chambers and really turn up the heat.

It may make many quite uncomfortable to consider deploying these kinds of strategies. They make Democrats into obstructionists, even political saboteurs, much as the GOP has been for the few cycles when Democrats have been in charge.  But here there is a difference, though it’s one MAGA Republicans will never acknowledge: When actual fascists have taken control of the government and are trying to destroy democracy, patriotic opponents must use every peaceful means at their disposal to prevent them. Indeed, it is a moral imperative, because millions of lives are on the line. We cannot act as if the world has not changed, and Democrats must grow far more accustomed to acting outside the box and getting creative in their approaches.

It’s time for Democrats to play rough by delaying and gumming up Donald Trump’s tyrannical proposals to run the clock down.

[open-hearth-rpg]

Open Hearth Video Roundup - January 6, 2025

Welcome to the monthly Open Hearth Gaming video roundup!

These recorded sessions represent only a portion of the games we play every month, and anyone is welcome to join the fun! If you'd like to play in games like these, join our Playabl community and click on the "Calendar" tab to sign up for upcoming games. To browse our entire library of session videos, please visit our YouTube Playlists page. To hear our recorded sessions in audio-only form, please check out our Playing at the Hearth podcast.

Open Hearth Gaming Calendar

Kingdom 2e: Fall of the Overlord (Session 1 of 2) Lowell Francis runs for Dom, Donogh, and Michele The first of a two-part series of Kingdom 2e by Ben Robbins. In this session we split between set up and playing out our first Crossroad. Our characters explore the fate of a fantasy city, newly liberated from a force of evil by heroic factions. But now comes the hard part of rebuilding, reconciling, and finding hope.

Kingdom 2e: Fall of the Overlord (Session 2 of 2) Lowell Francis runs for Dom, Donogh, and Michele The second of a two-part series of Kingdom 2e by Ben Robbins. In this session we play out a second Crossroad. Our characters explore the fate of a fantasy city, newly liberated from a force of evil by heroic factions. But now comes the hard part of rebuilding, reconciling, and finding hope.

Hearts of Yokai: The Deepening Gulf (Session 7) Lowell Francis runs for Ethan Harvey, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack After a couple week break, we return. While some of the group dea with preparations for the party, others discover or deal with strangeness. But then the time of the party finally arrives, putting everyone in difficult positions and forcing choices.

Hearts of Yokai: The Deepening Gulf (Session 8) Lowell Francis runs for Ethan Harvey, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack The group reluctantly agrees to investigate the murder of the Goblin boss who was set to half a duel with one of their associates. This leads them to the Goblin Market, and some lessons about the structure of the Goblin families. They investigate the murder scene, get shot by a dream bullet, and discover connections to the missing cadre they've been hunting for...

The Cluster (Session 1) Alun R. runs for Joe F, Kae, and Sabine V. A Routine Cargo Run - We meet Gallant, a Deacon of Galiel's Aid & Order, an authoritarian government to whom he betrayed his parents. He is accompanied by Nestor Green, bought out of 'The Creche' of the barely survivable world of Snagg by a mercenary company, before going AWOL, and Jax Merrin, former dodgy investigator among the asteroids of Iron Wreath, who made a choice that led to his partner being pushed out of an airlock... A routine cargo run to the Galiel colony of 'Budding Two' turns complicated when there are missiles, a hot reception, and a a misunderstanding calmed down. Then, disturbing clues of criminal involvement, smuggling and heresy...

The Cluster (Session 2) Alun R. runs for Joe F, Sabine V., and Will H A Budding Mystery - When Deacon Gallant goes missing there's a difficult meeting with an unconcerned Dean for which Dr Marion Rillisk comes down from orbit to join Jax & Nestor. Dissatisfied with the Dean's response the team split up to look for Gallant. There's a cigarette break that turns into a knife fight (or maybe just practice); an attack (that might have been an assassination attempt); and an explosion that threatens potential evidence. Then, a suspect presents herself but the involvement of a potent Faction causes everyone to take a deep breath before the team gets back together...and gets a potentially very valuable job!

The Cluster (Session 3) Alun R. runs for Kae, Sabine V., and Will H A Whisper in the Void - Though Jax stays off-screen the reunited crew depart on a potentially lucrative job through the Ring Gate to the Void system. There's the cramped quarters and discomfort of travel between Gates and some shore leave before there's a Whisper to follow. Then, a distress call, PDCs at short range, and a high G pursuit that turns into a missile duel...

The Cluster (Session 4) Alun R. runs for Joe F, Kae, Sabine V., and Will H The Forsaken - The Crew land among the high peaks that keep the Forsaken 'safe' above the dense jungles, fungal infections and spore storms that leave the rest of the planet largely uninhabitable. Deacon Gallant is surprised by missionaries and Nestor isn't sure why they'd want to hunt down a stranger, while Jax and Rillisk con Captain Golvan into giving them access to the Whisper's logs. There's spare parts collected and a short interdiction by the Ring Gate Authority, while Gallant's a crisis of faith is painfully resolved (or is it) and a salvage op turns into the rescue...that may provide the segue-way to Season 2...

Wickedness (Session 1 of 3) Donogh runs for Matthew Doughty and Sabine V. Using the Urban Fantasy playset, discover the Sanctuary, City and the Underworld our coven of witches find themselves in. Meet Pepper the Pure Heart, Ivy the Wild Spirit and Motley the Old Soul, their friends and neighbours and their truths.

Wickedness (Session 2 of 3) Donogh runs for Matthew Doughty and Sabine V. The Coven's trouble begin when Ivy is captured by a Greedy Devil and placed in a gilded bird cage for purposes unknown. How will the others rescue their friend?

Community Radio: WAYS "You'll Find Yours, Just Wait" Lowell Francis runs for Cale P, Casey T, David S., and Rae Nedjadi We play a one-shot of Quinn Murphy's Community Radio. Your town has deep secrets, terrifying monsters, unspeakable evils, a clandestine city council making strange decrees...and a public radio station! In Community Radio, a group of 3 - 10 people gather to improvise scenes that show what life is like in this town, with accompanying public radio broadcasts. It's a game of dark humor and fast thinking that can entertain for 1-2 hours. If you like Welcome to Nightvale, this is the game for you!

Kingdom 2e: Far Station Eschaton (Session 1 of 2) Lowell Francis runs for Dominik M., Eliot, and Marc The first of a two-part series of Kingdom 2e by Ben Robbins, with a frame influenced by Deep Space Nine and Babylon Five. In this session we split between set up and playing out our first Crossroad. Far Station Eschaton has experienced a boom with the opening of a new wormhole leading to a sector of space shrouded in legend. But this has created new pressures from population, a nearby civil war, and the influence of a Confederation that is a shadow of its former self.

Kingdom 2e: Far Station Eschaton (Session 2 of 2) Lowell Francis runs for Dominik M., Eliot, and Marc The second of a two-part series of Kingdom 2e by Ben Robbins, with a frame influenced by Deep Space Nine and Babylon Five. In this session we split deal with the fallout from the first Crossroad and explore a second one. New forces threaten Far Station Eschaton when a new alien people emerge from the wormhole and offer an alliance. Will the station take up this opportunity? What costs must be paid?

Heart: The City Beneath (Session 2 of 4) Marc Majcher runs for Eliot, Gwendolyn Marshall, Nic Bennett, and Sabine V. Wherein our delvers get involved with the brutal Redcap Druids and their inter-city drug trade, and embroiled in a scheme to extract intel from and dispose of an "undercover" Aelfir cop.

Heart: The City Beneath (Session 3 of 4) Marc Majcher runs for Brandon Brylawski, Eliot, Nic Bennett, and Sabine V. This week's session of Heart features a dirty Aelfir cop* that won't die, rock-boring maggots, a religious vivisection, and everyone rushing to touch the Thing That Should Not Be Touched. Good times down there! *all cops are dirty

Heart: The City Beneath (Session 4 of 4) Marc Majcher runs for Eliot, Gwendolyn Marshall, and Nic Bennett Our final session of our Heart four-shot! Everything is super gross and things end... badly? for almost everyone. No, everyone.

Solstice Donogh runs for Blake Ryan, David S., and Tad Malcolm, the prodigal student returns home in time for the solstice, but his presence ruffles a few feathers, especially with Cameron and Faith; while those two’s complicated history brings Helen’s relationship with both of them into stark relief...

Fiasco: Poppleton Mall Donogh runs for Casey T, Madelancholy, and Mark Pop down to Poppleton Mall for the complete entertainment experience this festive season! The Holiday Spirit is offering a discount on Christmas Elves to adorn your garden, the Smoothie Store is nearly out of its pine-scented berry specials, and the Cult of Drath are looking to warn the unwary about the dangers of this extravaganza of consumerism!

Star Wars Saturday

Swoop Gangs: Niamos (Session 8 of 10) Rich Rogers runs for Anders, Cody Eastlick, Marc Majcher, and Steven Watkins A decent roll at the start of the game leads to one big fight scene at the Knights of the Old Republic Dinner and Tournament.

Swoop Gangs: Niamos (Session 9 of 10) Rich Rogers runs for Anders, Greg, Marc Majcher, and Steven Watkins The Gundarks spring someone from a chain gang and the new pres secures some hold.

Swoop Gangs (Session 10 of 10) Rich Rogers runs for Anders, Cody Eastlick, Greg, Marc Majcher, and Steven Watkins Niamos||The grand finale!

Off-Calendar Highlights

Hearts of Wulin: Numberless Secrets: Gaze into Silken Night, Season Two (Episode 7 of 7) Madelancholy runs for Agatha, Michael D., Rod Santos, and Thomas Manuel Season finale! Revelation reviewed, and everyone converges on the true villain...butterflies and battle, endings and epilogues. These characters will return for Season Three...

[tenaciouschronicler]

Februrary 9 2025 2010

LORE DROP! LORE DROP! LORE DROP!

But first lets finish with Slick because huh??

Using the power of sprite flipping, Slick is able to manifest his barcode once again. Such a silly little argument actually becomes poignant who knew? Also not sure how I missed it but the references to SBAHJ were actually links to previous comics. Still doesnt explain their connection but it does make them more than just throwaways.

After scanning the barcode, the doors open revealing something very curious.

Oh yeah buddy, that is definitely a spirograph and this is definitely a bunker.

This guy again?

Been a long time.

A bunker Slick is very familiar with. We dont get much more about this mysterious new figure besides that they are:

grey with orange horns

they have cruxite and captchalouge cards so have to be connected with SBURB

his window matches the panes of Slicks console

theres a sickle on the ground

his shirt has the zodiac symbol for Cancer

and what may be a crab-like Sprite is floating in their room

This guy is obviously a player but they are not from earth so not likely in the same session as John and co. The only references weve had to other worldly beings were from the trolls so could it be this is one of them? And that begs the question of how did they infiltrate the kids session?

The intermission ends with another poorly drawn MSPA panel of this final shot in his room before the curtains close and we start act 4.

FLIGHT OF THE PARADOX CLONES

An interesting title of this act and reminded me of the orchestral piece 'Flight of the Bumblebee' by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Looking more into it, the song was originally an interlude piece for one of his operas and "intended to musically evoke the seemingly chaotic and rapidly changing flying pattern of a bumblebee (Wikipedia)." Ive got a feeling things are gonna get crazy this act, more so than weve seen so far especially with whatever paradox clones are.

Act 4 starts us where we left off with John as he passes through the gate to the planet below: The Land of Wind and Shade.

Like we did way back when, this flash is interactive allowing us to explore a part of the planet. On top of that Nanna is still back at the house, unable to join John on his quest, and after interacting with certain parts adds a little more (if cryptic) context.

Lets start with a few visual basics.

(gonna be just as much of a doozy as that house update was so be prepared)

LOWAS (because I am not writing that whole thing out every time) is a very beautiful planet, and not just cause I am biased towards blue. Glowing trees and mushrooms grow everywhere with pipes and Parcel Pyxis scattered around. The previously thought dark rivers are actually full of oil, much like the imps John has been fighting. On LOWAS we find different imps with cat and tentacle features as well as princess costumes; a product of Roses entering the medium. Hanging fairly low are clouds full of 'stars' that are actually Fireflies, trapped by a spell from The Slumbering One. The yellow salamanders that we interact with are the Consorts of this land, self-depreciating little creatures John will have to protect.

Starting with the Parcel Pyxis, these cylindrical objects operate like mailboxes ‘connected to [the] network of pipes’. Pyxis is a small constellation though there doesn’t seem to be a connection beyond a space theme. These operate using Minitablets which look similar to the Captchalouge cards weve seen. These are carved and deposited into the Pyxis for someone else, unknown to the requester, to find and then deposit said item. If you find something in one of these you are ‘obliged to keep it’ as its thought to be ‘a gift from the Breeze’. Looking around at each Pyxis we do find various items as well as more of the oil spewing from one. Of note, one of the Pyxis contains amber much like the one Serenity was in and found by WV. Nanna, after the explanation of the Pyxis, states ‘The true Heir must learn [their] ways … to progress through the Gates.’ So we now have confirmation that John is the Heir of Breath which makes sense with all the talk of wind and Breezes but more on that later.

A group of salamanders can be found who explain more about what happened to this planet. Fireflies as we learned are important and The Slumbering One cast a spell before falling asleep to trap them. At the same time, ‘some really terrible guys’ asked him to create a whole bunch of Underlings which most likely means the imps. Then he clogged the land and pipes with oil sludge so ‘[the planet] can barely breath’. This may be a metaphor for choking out the planet but it could also imply that the planet is alive in someway. Those ‘terrible guys’ turn out to be the Agents, likely guys like Jack, who only became more active ‘when the Heir showed up’. For the Consorts this was only very recently which falls in line with Johns arrival to the Medium and LOWAS. The spell can only be broken when ‘...The Slumbering One is awoken and slain. Then the Breeze will again flow through the pipes…’ freeing the fireflies. So now we have an objective for John to work towards.

Lastly, before we get to the big point, Nanna says ‘Amphibious and reptilian life forms play a special roll in you quest’. This comes after John speaks to a Consort about a broken Cherished Idol which is a statue of a frog. In one of the Pyxis you can actually find a frog labeled ILLEGAL CONTRABAND so the frogs weve seen on Jades island are probably more than just a weird choice. Theres something bigger going on besides ‘really hat[ing] frogs’.

Now the big point. One of the Consorts says ‘Often, wind skims the voids of the Pipes, as if grazing the hollow of a cut reed, or say, a plundered Parcel Pyxis.’ Where have we heard that before? ‘Wind skims the voids keeping neighbors apart, as if grazing the hollow of a cut reed, or say, a plundered mailbox.’ (page 82) There is a Very deep connection here that only gets more interesting. The Consort says ‘It is a lovely sound and brings back fond memories of my childhood.’ while on page 82 it follows with ‘A familiar note is produced. It's the one Desolation plays to keep its instrument in tune.’ Im unclear the exact nature of the connection but just speculating I no longer think that the Wind is Desolation. Instead, keeping in mind desolation is “a state of complete emptiness or destruction”, the note played by the wind used by Desolation is nostalgia. While those memories can be looked at fondly, there is sometimes a sense of loss associated with those memories for simpler times. Desolation is not what we should focus on, though we cant forget it completely, rather we should approach this with focus on the Wind and Breeze and how it will affect and change John especially as the Heir. On another note, the imagery conveyed by talking of Pipes and Breezes reminds me a lot of a pipe organ. Pipe organs work by “driving pressurized air (called wind (!!!)) through the organ pipes” (Wikipedia). Is this Desolations Instrument? And what will this mean for John?

As a final note, there is a spot where you can use the telescope to view Johns home from the planet. This confuses John because isnt he meant to climb the gates? Nanna says ‘to ascend, each time you must first descend’. And something clicked. Each kid at some point descends. John and Rose from their rooms to the ground floor. Dave after hes pushed down the stairs. Jade to the island proper. And each time after they ascend again. John to each platform and eventually the gate. Dave back to the roof to strife with Bro. Rose to the rooftop to enter the Medium. Jade to the entrance of the frog statue.

To Ascend, each time you Must First Descend.

[gard3nias]

23| Caramel macchiato

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wc: 4.23k

date: 10/01/2025

mdi // masterlist // playlist

—Now playing: Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran ✫

Most passengers had the same destination—the school district—so the bus was packed until it parked at the terminal in front of the schools. The vehicle became empty as quickly as a burst balloon of water did.

Neither Adrielle nor Jimin looked for Daphne; even if they had, they wouldn’t have found her, needing Taehyung’s skills and dedication to do that.

Daphne and Cleo lingered in a corner of the bus stop, waiting for their friends. Once they hugged, they proceeded to school, joining the crowd of students walking up the hill.

Taehyung was by the gates with his friends, so when Daphne and her friends walked by, he waved at her again.

It almost went unnoticed because Nick, James, Asher and Cleo were greeting the others, but Avyanna and Jimin’s eyes were investigating. They watched as Daphne paused, waiting for her friends to finish shaking hands with each other. She stood there alone, and, not so casually, her attention landed on Taehyung.

Having no distractions, the two kept looking at each other and smiling, replicating the same scene from the bus.

It wasn’t awkward for either of them. He kept both his hands in the pockets of his trousers while she kept hers in the pockets of her jacket.

Once Jungkook was done greeting his plethora of friends, they finally separated. “See you,” she mouthed in his direction, and he waved at her once more.

With a smile, she rushed up to her friends while Taehyung turned around to meet his friends. The grin on his face disappeared when he saw smirks across Jimin and Avyanna’s faces.

“So, are you ready to spill the tea?” Avyanna spoke first, rushing to hook arms with Taehyung. Jimin mirrored her from the other side.

“No, caged between the two of you? I'm passing on that.” Taehyung dragged his arms, back and when Avyanna wanted to reach over to grab him again, he began running.

“Hey, get over here, lover boy!” Taehyung removed his hands from his pockets and slithered through the crowd to get to class. Amongst the students was Daphne, who he noticed but just ran past.

“Taehyung!” Jimin screamed from behind her, and, before she could see where he shouted from, he ran past her, Avyanna tailing behind him.

Her friends were laughing about it, but before joining them, Daphne looked forward to Taehyung speeding through the hallways with the blonde-haired boy right behind him.

On the other end, seeing the boys too distracted, Cleo hooked arms with Daphne and dragged her closer. “I saw y’all back there—”

“Cleo! Stop!” A rush of blood overwhelmed Daphne’s face and, wishing to bury herself, she snuggled deeper in her scarf.

“Y’all are so adorable!” Cleo shrieked, ignoring how Daphne’s face was becoming one with the red scarf.

“Let’s just get to class, yeah?” Daphne’s muffled voice resounded through the scarf, and Cleo chuckled.

—Now playing: Tongue Tied by GROUPLOVE ✫

What a horrible day so far, Daphne thought to herself.

She’d woken up later than usual and as tired as someone who had run a marathon. As the cherry on top, she felt like she was developing a mild sore throat. Amidst the rush, she didn’t find any time to have breakfast—she couldn’t even snatch her cookie.

Thankfully, she made it to class in time to prepare for the following two hours, which were entirely spent writing an essay. By the end of it, she was hungry, more tired, and frustrated. She spent those hours writing away, making her hands sore and drinking loads of water, hoping her stomach would stop singing opera in the silence.

The bell rang, signalling break time, spurring her to write faster, wrap everything up, and rush to get food.

Her friends were still busy, probably sweating in anxiety. Her classmates gradually left the classroom as soon as they were done, and she would look at them like they were a timer alerting her of how much time she had left. As they opened the door, the noise from outside would slip in for a split second before they shut it.

The last full stop was engraved so deeply in the paper it almost left a hole, and Daphne exhaled. She packed the papers, put them in order, and submitted them before excusing herself—phone in hand and wallet in the back pocket of her pants.

The hallways were still packed, catching her by surprise, so she checked the time only for the bell to ring right when she turned the screen on.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she rasped to herself, halting her movements.

She had two options: go back to class or say ‘fuck it!’ and head downstairs. The first option was simple to do, but the consequences were terrible—her stomach would eventually touch her back before the second break time would roll around. The second option was risky, but, looking at the consequences, it was worth it.

“Fuck it!” She ran down the hallway and the stairs, rushing to get to the bar on time.

Looking at the students, she felt like she was swimming against the flow of a river. All the students she met on her way were heading in the opposite direction.

She sighed and pushed ahead, turning around the corner once on the ground floor. It wasn’t crowded and she wanted to exhale in relief if only her eyes didn’t land on the huge line at the bar.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she repeated, wanting to freeze on the spot and scream.

With that many people in front of her, she would never be able to make it to class in time despite the ongoing essay—the bell had already rung so the teacher was surely already snatching the papers off the students’ hands.

“What a great fucking day,” she spoke to herself, turning on her heels but before she could take a step forward, a voice called her from behind. With curious eyes, she turned around and found Taehyung waving at her to come to him. Instinctively, she quickly yet subtly adjusted her attire and hair as she approached him.

—Now playing: All I Want by Kodaline ✫

He was forward in the line, very close to the bar, and called for her to join him.

“Isn’t someone going to complain?” she softly replied, standing beside him.

He shrugged. “You’re with me so you don’t have to bother.”

Oh, if only Daphne could put into words what she felt when he uttered those words.

As she had suspected, his grey All-Stars matched with the hoodie he wore. As for bottoms, he went for a pair of slightly oversized dark grey jeans, and she couldn’t tell if she’d seen him wear them once or not because of how similar all his pants were.

Unaware of the battle within her and her observant eyes, he started the conversation, firstly asking about her well-being.

Daphne sighed, “I woke up with a dry throat, drank some water, and it didn’t go away.” Those simple words explained everything, and he hissed.

“Ooh, looks like someone’s getting a sore throat.”

“I hate it. I prefer catching a cold rather than having a sore throat,” she complained before clearing her throat and fighting every cell in her body so she wouldn’t throw a tantrum. It was frustrating. Sore throats are the worst.

“I believe you caught a cold, and it simply chose to manifest in the form of a sore throat.” He shrugged again and stepped forward closer to the bar. Daphne rolled her eyes because he was correct.

“And it makes absolutely no sense because I always have a scarf on—”

He laughed. “Oh, yeah, you do. Well, I don’t and I’m fine.” Her eyes almost bulged out of their sockets.

“Oh. Oh! Good for you, Taehyung! I’m very happy for you. Congratulations, really.”

He couldn’t help but laugh harder at the tone and body language.

“I’ll be suffering and you're laughing,” she whined, mouth slightly ajar in bewilderment.

Shaking his head, he replied, “Nothing. I would never laugh about a topic as sensitive as this.” She narrowed her eyes at him, and he laughed even more.

“Anyway,” he came down from his laughter, “sorry for not replying to your messages. I have the answers written out and I’ll show you later today, but I was busy.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I wanted to send you the messages as soon as I woke up but it was too early and I couldn’t,” she replied, and they took another step closer to the bar.

“You sent me the messages around eight in the morning on Saturday. How much earlier can it get?” He was in his signature posture: hands in the pocket of his pants, and every step he took, his keys would shake.

“I got up around four or five that morning because I wasn’t feeling sleepy.” Daphne held back from laughing in his face when his jaw dropped.

“What did you say?”

“Around four—”

He interrupted her and got closer, leaning in with his ear. “What did you—”

“I said—”

“You’re the crazy one!” he said, shaking his head with a smile as Daphne burst into laughter.

“I wasn’t feeling sleepy anymore.” She tried to excuse herself as they proceeded further inside. Only a couple of students were in front of them now.

“Who cares? You linger. Stay in bed regardless. Relax your bones, your joints—”

“If I stay too long in bed, I wake up feeling like jelly.” Her statement made him mouth various exclamations, and she laughed even more.

“And then you have a problem with me drinking mugs of coffee–”

“Okay, Taehyung. That’s outright crazy and you know it—”

His phone interrupted her as it started ringing.

He excused himself and answered the call while Daphne grabbed the moment to look at her surroundings—his presence had distracted her so much that she almost forgot where she was.

Two workers were behind the counter. A glass wall covered the display of food they sold—sandwiches of all types, pizza slices and croissants of every flavour possible. Behind the workers were more shelves, a short fridge, a small oven filled with the students’ orders, and a few decorations hung on the wall. Finally, music was played through a speaker.

It was the first time she had this much time to look around when she was at the bar. Usually, she came with her friends, and it was impossible to stay focused around them.

She felt movement beside her, and Taehyung shuffled his phone back into one pocket while rustling to get something from the other.

“It was Adrielle. I got to go else my teacher is going to burn my ass off,” he quickly explained, hands still deep in his pockets.

His words hit Daphne as she had forgotten to check the time herself—five good minutes had already gone by since the bell rang. The teacher was surely done collecting the essays, and the next one must have already gotten to class.

She checked her phone to see if any of her friends had texted her, but luckily there was nothing. However, she didn’t know whether it really calmed her nerves.

“Please, could you get me a pizza slice?” Taehyung’s voice reached her ears and she moved her gaze from her phone to his face finding pleading eyes and a hand reaching over to her with money.

“Which one?”

“Wurstel and french fries, please. Oh, and please make it warm.” He flashed her a smile.

“At your service, sir,” she chuckled, and he ran out of there screaming “thank you” on his way. She giggled and waved at him right before he turned around the corner.

“Well, wow. Okay,” she then spoke to herself, turning around. Just one person left, and it was her turn. She thought that Taehyung’s teacher was surely hell in human form if they had gotten angry at him for getting a minute later to class—a few more seconds, and it would’ve been his turn.

He gave her his money, and no, she would never spend it wrongly or keep it for herself, but she still thought that it probably meant something.

Did he trust her enough to give her his money? She slapped herself to reality. It wasn’t like she could do otherwise: he knew her classroom, her home, her name, and maybe even more, so even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t be able to do much, but she still considered it a little piece of victory.

As far as she was concerned, she wouldn’t give her money to any acquaintance, not out of hate but simply because they’re not close enough to be doing each other favours.

Regardless, she focused on reality and realised it was her turn. “Good morning. What would you like?”

“Oh, erm. A sandwich with ham and cheese and a slice of pizza with wurstel and french fries. Thank you. Warm them up, please. Thank you.”

—Now playing: Picture You by Chappell Roan ✫

Who knew that three minutes could be this long? It took the bartender exactly one hundred and eighty seconds to complete her order, and now she was noisily returning to class.

The packets of food were dangling in her grip. Her wallet was replaced into the back pocket of her jeans. Taehyung’s change was kept separately in the front pocket while her right hand struggled to open her phone and read Cleo’s text.

Cleo: don’t worry, the teacher is absent today

Cleo: there’s a substitute

Daphne exhaled as if she hadn’t been breathing the whole time and looked away from her phone to walk up the stairs. That was when a notification popped up: a message from Taehyung.

Taehyung: you still at the bar?

Her pace slowed, and hugging the packets, she grabbed her phone and typed in her reply.

Daphne: no

Taehyung: I’m in the hallway

She furrowed her brows in confusion. Hallway? Turning the device off and grabbing the food, she rushed up the stairs, ignoring how much noise she produced in the silence.

When she turned the corner to head to class, her eyes met Taehyung’s. He was indeed in the hallway, but Daphne couldn’t tell why.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have class?” she almost whispered, approaching him.

He didn’t seem bothered, not even in the slightest, and just flashed her a broad smile. “I have to collect the food somehow, don’t I?”

Daphne couldn’t help but smile back as she reached into her pocket to give him his change. “Here’s your food and the change. Enjoy.” He nodded and collected them from her hands.

“Did you tell the teacher you are coming to collect food?” He shook his head. After slipping the money into his pocket, he returned his eyes to Daphne, a grin still spread on his face.

“Asked him to go to the bathroom, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do so I find a way to hide this.” Daphne cackled, looking at him in disbelief.

“You won’t be able to hide it. How? Stuff it in your pants? You walk into class with a bigger butt? How?” Taehyung snorted and laughed while Daphne simply smiled. When he calmed down and stopped to think, she started nodding her head, seeing that he had no ideas.

Obviously, he had none because he came to the hallway, not for the food. He just needed an excuse to see her.

“Exactly. You could’ve told me to keep it for you. I have a substitute in class because the teacher’s absent and Cleo has told them that I was at the bar so I have no problem walking in with the food,” she explained, slipping her phone into the other back pocket so she could gesture for him to give her the food.

“I’ll keep it for you and we can, I don’t know, eat together during the second break.” Her words seemed to have brightened Taehyung’s already radiant face. She didn’t immediately notice what they implied, and when she did, she pretended not to—everything to avoid turning into a tomato.

“You’ll keep it for me?” he asked, and she nodded, keeping eye contact to convince him—and hoping he’d get convinced quickly enough before she’d get too shy and wish to look away.

Taehyung finally shrugged and gave her the food back. “Neither Nick nor James are my desk mates, so yeah, your food is in safe hands.” As she spoke, they walked together to class. Hers was before his.

“They are surely not as bad as Jungkook. He would eat and digest it with a simple look.” Daphne laughed recalling a similar event at Asher’s home after Jungkook’s party. She really loved the pasta they made, but they annihilated everything in the blink of an eye.

“Okay, okay. You keep it and we eat together later. Sounds good to me,” he repeated her words. She wanted to jump out the window on her right while her insides wanted to scream and perform acrobatics.

“Yeah,” she shyly concluded while he slipped his hands back into his pockets.

“Then I’ll see you later.” His soft voice calmed the wild environment inside her—no more screams and no more acrobatics. Just peace and warmth—the same that was in his voice.

She flashed him a shy, tight-lipped smile, subtly shaking her head so her bangs would come to rescue while also mentally cussing herself out for keeping her hair into braids that exact day.

For a more confident exit from the stage, she replied, “You were going to see anyway later today. This is just a bonus.”

He was a few steps past her classroom door, so no one saw him as she went inside. No one saw his expressions, how his movements stopped all of a sudden, how visible it was that her words struck his favourite chord. She didn’t know, but those words were compromising his proper functioning.

He tried hard to maintain his composure until she’d closed the door and was completely out of view. Then, he finally removed his hands from his pocket to rob his face as if he was daydreaming and what he’d heard wasn’t real—especially the tone of her voice.

Biting his lip to suppress the smile, he softly laughed to himself, unsure if she was feeling him the same way he was feeling her or if he was simply overthinking everything.

He made it to the door of his classroom, but her words wouldn’t leave his mind. The feeling wouldn’t subdue, and the excitement knew only growth. So he decided to actually go to the bathroom and probably slap himself with some ice-cold water.

It was useless. When he got to the bathroom, the total absence of other students gave him the space and silence to fully realise what had happened—or just get deeper into his head.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror, and unknowingly, a smile crept up his face, and he had to slap it away.

As he returned to class, he walked past her classroom and the little effect the cold water had on his system washed away with the heat rising within him at the simple memory.

His mind wouldn’t let go. Even Adrielle could see that something was slightly off with him—off but positively.

Daphne displayed the same expression as she walked into class.

Since it wasn’t a serious lesson, her classmates were all minding their business—some studied, others did some homework while others, like her friends, were gathered in a corner playing video games.

Asher was deep in the book he was reading and only Cleo noticed Daphne’s entrance—and the teacher—but she could only spare her a quick glance before returning to the video game. This gave Daphne the opportunity to slip the packets of food into her bag without arousing anyone’s curiosity.

The sole reason she returned to class this late was because she was starving and needed to get something under her teeth. But after meeting Taehyung, meeting him again excited her more than finally eating and quenching the hunger.

“Oh, my God. Y’all are always playing,” she said, grabbing a chair to join them.

“Obviously. I don’t want to get depressed.” James didn’t even look at her as he answered; he only did so when he saw her join them.

“Hold on, you play this game?” he gasped, looking at a smiling Daphne launching the game on her phone.

“Since when?” Nick asked, checking her screen to see whether he was hallucinating or not.

Daphne couldn’t tell them the exact details. How would she?

“Oh, so I went to the library the other day with Taehyung because we met the previous day, and he offered to be my physics tutor.

On the way back from the library, he advised me to play this game to get my mind off school for some time, and, while giving me the tutorial, he got so close to my face I almost became one with the seat, melting into it for how hot I became.

Speaking about the devil, I met him at the bar, bought his food for him because he asked me to, and then we met in the hallway where I basically asked him out but for a little while during the second recess and… and I think he got it. I think he understood what my words implied. I wasn’t thinking, but it’s not like I regret it. He just makes me so shy because… his eyes.

Have you see his eyes? Those chocolate-brown orbs that always seek contact with other orbs? Yes, those. They’re always on me, and I don’t know how to act. They be making me feel on a stage under a bright spotlight. I like it, but I wish it didn’t get me feeling all shy and shit because I really like it. He’s always looking at me.

PS I think I like him. In fact, I know I like him. What do I do?”

Yeah, no. She would never say that. Not to Dayanne, not to Cleo, not to Asher and definitely not to Nick and James.

While she hid that turmoil underneath a smile, a couple of doors down, Taehyung was settled on his seat next to Adrielle and couldn’t concentrate.

Adrielle noticed the look on his face and she was curious as to what could’ve transpired outside that got her friend looking the way he did—playing with the pen in his hand, resting his head in his palm, and doodling in the corner of his notebook from time to time.

She didn’t question him, though, and eventually realised she never had to because, by the end of the two hours before recess, Taehyung rushed out of the classroom almost before the bell, ignoring his friends and making a beeline for the classroom two doors before his.

She was stunned. Jungkook mentally smirked, although unaware of what his friend was about to do, while Avyanna and Jimin were too distracted to notice—thankfully, else they would’ve spent the whole break-time stalking their friend and giggling in a corner as they watched him interact with his crush.

The door was already open as some of Daphne’s classmates were as excited to exit, but he didn’t share the same time of excitement with them. They were going out to talk with friends, relax their joints, stretch, or get some food.

He was trying not to lose his wits as he watched Daphne sitting at her desk and reaching into her backpack to collect their food. When she finally got up, their eyes met, and she gave him a smile he couldn’t put into words. Whoever wanted to know how pretty it was had to experience the same feelings he felt.

“Hey.” Her soft voice reached him. Before he could reply, she extended her hand and gave him his food.

“Thanks,” he replied and without speaking, they walked together along the hallway, stopping by the stairs.

This position allowed them not to be seen by their friends, so they would have to face tons of questions once back to class. Only Adrielle saw them, but she wouldn’t question it.

“I surprised Nick and James when I pulled out my phone and played with them.” She began the conversation with a smile across her face while her hands opened the packet.

She didn’t wait for a reply and continued speaking. He didn’t complain, taking the time to admire her face like he always did, to let the sound of her voice sink into his brain, and the glimmer in her eyes replace every memory stored in his head.

She couldn’t see it—no one could—but he had lost his mind. His insides were screaming “Mayday! Mayday!” as his brain lost control of his body, melting in the warmth of her presence.

On the other side, Daphne took notice of the lack of remarks from him and mentally slapped herself for being so talkative. She remained silent waiting for any sort of reply, but all she met was silence and glitters in his eyes as he watched her.

She could swear she saw constellations in them, but Taehyung would object, claiming that they were just a reflection of what he saw. Nothing less, but surely something more.

⤎ previous page | ❃ | next page ⤏

[dirgaanggrek415]

Happy birthday, Honda!

And also, I am happily announce my own personal project, PROJECT ASIA 2025! This will encompass all eleven Hetalia Asia characters (not counting Turkey and Russia) with "cultural city" splash art on their birthday.

I choose Kyoto since the city is the former Japanese capital for over 1.000 years and known for their sophisticated traditions. The buildings in the background clockwise are Kinkaku-ji, To-ji, and Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha

Next one will be Hong Kong in June 1st, so there are still many days to prepare the artworks (especially August with FIVE BIRTHDAYS and two of them are in the same day)

[sinnerssquarehq]

Ladies and gentlemen, lovers and dreamers, the moment has arrived! Once again, the season of love is upon us, and this year, you are invited to an evening like no other; a night overflowing with romance, excitement, and pure joy for all! The gates to the 2025 Cupid Carnival are about to swing open, welcoming you into a world of twinkling lights, dreamy pastel hues, and heart-racing thrills. Whether you're here with a lover, a friend, or simply embracing the magic on your own, prepare for an unforgettable journey through love, laughter, and wonder.

ooc:

Welcome to our fifth event: Cupid Carnival! This will be a dash event running from 7th Feb until 16th Feb.

IC the event will take place on the 15th.

Please post any muses outfits with the hashtag #sinnersevent

In the spirit of giving back everybody attending will be expected to work a short shift at one of the booths or attractions during the night. Below are a list of pairings for the event that we would like for you to write at least one thread with. These pairings will be working at the booth listed during shift patterns throughout the night, giving them plenty of time to still explore and have fun with loved ones.

Balloon Darts

Shift 1: Liam and Gavin

Shift 2: Nero and Iris

Shift 3: Dylan and Kerem

Cotton Candy

Shift 1: Hero and Jackson

Shift 2: Hayes and Lorenzo

Shift 3: Daniela and Bianca

Cupid’s Archery Challenge

Shift 1: Jason and Henry

Shift 2: Adam and Rowan

Shift 3: Lu and Bianca

Face Painting

Shift 1: Dante and Derin

Shift 2: Silver and Nasrin

Shift 3: Kaia and Abby

Hidden Messages

Shift 1: Brooklyn and JB

Shift 2: Kenzo and Sofia

Shift 3: Denali and Dilan

Fortune Teller

Shift 1: Billie and Zed

Shift 2: Nat and Harley

Shift 3: Eloise and Zak

Heart Break Smash

Shift 1: Rafe and Stella

Shift 2: Camilio and Elena

Shift 3: Griffin and Oxana

Heart Toss

Shift 1: Lily and Kinny

Shift 2: Evie and Harper

Shift 3: Freddie and Breslin

Kissing Booth

Shift 1: Alara and Asher

Shift 2: Levent and Miray

Shift 3: Nico and Aspen

Lovers Snack Bar

Shift 1: Reyan and Angelina

Shift 2: Wolfie and Elias

Shift 3: Sebastian and Amara

Photo Booth

Shift 1: Charlie and Isabel

Shift 2: Adeline and Violet

Shift 3: Victoria and Fatih

Spin the Wheel of Love

Shift 1: Rosa and Theo

Shift 2: Giada and Avery

Shift 3: Marianna and Blake

[r3alisrare]

Protesters walk out of Michael D Higgins’s speech at Holocaust Memorial Day event – The Irish Times

Speech at National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration Speech at National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration.

"A cháirde,

Today is a significant National Holocaust Memorial Day, taking place, as it does, on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of what were a network of Nazi concentration camps. May I thank Professor Thomas O’Dowd, Chairperson of Holocaust Education Ireland, for the invitation to be part of this ceremony with you.

May I say what an honour it is once more on this Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 to have Holocaust survivors Suzi Diamond and Tomi Reichental with us.

“To remember, in the moral sense required here, we need some informed awareness of the range of horror in number and kind of victims, as detailed in the many excellent histories; but we perhaps need even more to share the sense of intense suffering conveyed by the witness of the victims and the survivors”.

That was how Professor Enda McDonagh put it at one of the earliest papers he gave on human rights. He saw in the public reaction to the opening of the gates at Auschwitz-Birkenau a huge influence on the development and possibilities of human rights.

In communal memory there are foundational spaces. The Holocaust is such a space, important for all of humanity, of special significance to the relatives and those of a shared faith, of those it sought to genocidally eliminate.

What people could see at the opening of the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau was not only the dead, the emaciated. They were confronted with the consequences of something that had a complex design and history, a cruelty aimed at the extermination of the Jewish population of Europe and the objects of life that were their intimacies, that they had brought with them, and with them were included other categories – the disabled, Romani, those of same-sexual orientation – all defined as an ‘Other’ to be eliminated.

It is important that each generation allows itself to be moved by the range of intimacies that are revealed in the details of the objects that have been preserved at former concentration camps which I saw myself at Auschwitz-Birkenau when I visited in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation with fellow Heads of State.

It is important that all in each generation and political leaders are made acutely aware of not just the consequences of an attempted genocide, but of the complicit actions of silence, of the averted gaze, of those who, by their culpable indifference, allowed the Holocaust to be planned, prepared and to occur, and of course there were those who refused to respond to the desperate pleas of those who were seeking refuge from it.

So may I suggest that the role of education in ethical remembrance of the Holocaust is of immense importance. It is education in all its diverse and emancipatory forms that can play a critical role in ensuring not only that an atrocity like the Holocaust never happens again, but that a basis for building a peaceful future can be made possible.

That is why the work of Holocaust Education Ireland is so important, playing, as it does, a crucial role in ensuring that Ireland abides by its commitments under the 2000 Stockholm Declaration to counter antisemitism, Holocaust denial, distortion of the Holocaust facts, and xenophobia and racism in its many insidious guises through the provision of accurate, comprehensive information about prejudice, discrimination, hate speech and misinformation.

Such important work as HEI does ensures that factual and historical accuracy, inclusivity and respect for all people, human dignity and human rights are values that we must strive to uphold and promote in our contemporary conditions.

We must ensure that every generation understands how the horrors of the Holocaust came to be, and we must draw from what that teaches us, 80 years on. Described by so many writers as the nadir of basic human thought and action to which humanity can sink, it must be addressed how such dehumanisation came to be so effective, institutionally facilitated, and with such little resistance. There are those who, at its emergence, even went so far as to welcome its authoritarian assumptions offered behind a mask of ensuring order, be they politicians or newspapers editors across Europe.

One of the earliest lectures I attended on the origins of the human-rights movement was that of the late Enda McDonagh to whom I have already referred. He took the Holocaust as a departure point for what he hoped would be a catalyst for human rights and a shared purpose for their vindication. He would later write about the amorality of indifference or silence in relation to human-rights breaches.

Those who attend Holocaust Memorial Day each year understand and appreciate the significance of the bravery and courage of those who, having suffered a great loss, are carrying a deep wound and yet are seeking to reach beyond this pain, encouraging us all to strive for a definition of the ‘Other’ that respects our essential humanity, has respect for a diversity of experiences, ethnicity or the differing foundations in aspects of collective memory which have to be taken into account.

If we are to achieve an enduring peace and a life together that would reward such efforts, it will require us to meet the human-rights requirements of which Professor McDonagh spoke – the right to security but also the vindication of redress and participation rights in society, in their fullest sense.

Regrettably, this important and challenging task of confronting those historical and contextual circumstances that permitted the Holocaust is again needed. We live in times when it seems acceptable by some to employ hatred of the ‘Other’ as a rhetorical tool, to use hate speech openly, be it in public or online, thus fanning the flames of intolerance and bigotry, promoting difference as a source of fear.

We live in a world that is enduring a period of rising political authoritarianism, polarisation, and violence. Such an atmosphere threatens democracy, promotes racism, division and exclusion. For far too many, the averting of one’s gaze is now seen as an acceptable indifference. It is as if the best of aspirations for a cohesive world in conditions of change are being perceived as a lost cause, even an obstacle.

We now live once again in a period in which war is hegemonic in the discourse, suggestive as this is of the impotence of an informed diplomacy or meaningful negotiations that would seek to understand the history and the assumptions of an adversary.

Rather than a concerted effort to build a mind of war, what humanity needs now is the building of a mind of peace. It will be difficult work, but we must co-operate to envisage and deliver peace.

We are given examples in such a task by those such as Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon and Palestinian peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah who, while each carrying a near-unbearable grief of loss, are asking us to listen to each other, to reconcile our divided narratives, and through such a mutual recognition as can deliver a shared, peaceful future.

As Maoz Inon puts it:

“We must forgive for the past. We must forgive for the present. But we must not and should not forgive for the future”.

Or in the words of Aziz Abu Sarah:

“We must not let anger drown us in hate and vengeance��.

Holocaust Memorial Day presents an important opportunity to ensure that the message which the Holocaust teaches us must never be lost with the passage of time, as Primo Levi feared, that neither must we be dilatory in promoting and vindicating those human-rights commitments, frail as they may be, that have been globally agreed since the Holocaust and which must apply without qualification as to boundaries, or cultural or national systems.

It is a day for all to recall and respond to the reality of a shared but diverse humanity, one that was rejected and defiled by an attempted genocide, a day to remember all those millions of people murdered, the 6 million Jewish people and millions more who were murdered for their religion, ethnicity, political beliefs, disability or sexual orientation, in their simply carrying the name of being ‘different’, because of some characteristic intrinsic to their being, something that was an essential part of their identity.

Ethical remembrance is an important resource, but ethical remembrance must actively take the responsibility of addressing the sources that are seeking to stoke old divisions and bitterness. As Professor McDonagh stressed, remembrance must never circumvent the responsibilities of the present dealing with the very real problems of living in peace with our neighbours.

Across the different religious systems there is, I believe, a common stress that revenge is a lessening of the human spirit rather than its fullest expression, that a seeking of justice, while more difficult, demands something much more and yet is of the essence of humanity.

It is to be hoped that those in Israel who mourn their loved ones, those who have been waiting for the release of hostages, or the thousands searching for relatives in the rubble in Gaza will welcome the long-overdue ceasefire for which there has been such a heavy price paid.

The grief inflicted on families by the horrific acts of October 7th, and the response to it, is unimaginable – the loss of civilian life, the majority women and children, their displacement, loss of homes, the necessary institutions for life itself. How can the world continue to look at the empty bowls of the starving?

The current agreement must end the killing, but, as a matter of urgency, deliver the massive scale-up in humanitarian aid which is urgently needed to save more lives. It is important that all remaining hostages are released and that all phases of the agreement are fully implemented.

It is to be hoped that the agreement will not only bring an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place, but that it will also mark the beginning of meaningful discussions, and that the sustained diplomatic initiative which has been missing from the international community, with tragic consequences, will commence, may bring a meaningful peace and security to Israel, Palestine and the greater region, a peace that will address the root causes of the conflict as well as its aftermath, and be premised on the upholding of human rights.

When wars and conflicts become accepted or presented as seemingly unending, humanity is the loser. War is not the natural condition of humanity, cooperation is. We must recover and assert this principle at every level – nationally, regionally and internationally.

We must never lack the courage to challenge hatred and persecution in whatever forms they are sought to be manifested by promoting a world that is free from persecutions based on difference, such as faith or ethnicity, by embracing diversity, by working for equality, peace and justice, thus making possible a world that is free, too, from so many of the sources of war and conflict based on a distorted reflection of the ‘Other’.

Theologian and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin saw such a peaceful state as being achievable through a species evolution in human consciousness, believing that humankind is not only capable of living in peace but by its very structure cannot fail eventually to achieve peace.

He suggested that the concord that must ultimately prevail on Earth will materialise as,

“a […] cohesion pervaded and inspired with the same energies […] which were previously wasted in bloodshed: unanimity in search and conquest, sustained among us by the universal resolve to raise ourselves upwards, all straining shoulder to shoulder, towards even greater heights of consciousness and freedom”.

National Holocaust Memorial Day assists in such a task as Chardin envisaged of achieving lasting concord by bringing, as it does, people together from different backgrounds, for an occasion that promotes the essential empathy that is sourced and drawn from our shared humanity, stressing the importance of learning from the past, and the taking of the necessary actions for a more peaceful future.

As the poisons of antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, homophobia and intolerance are once again on the rise in many parts of the world, I repeat those words as they are the words as I described them over the years, we must ensure that the lessons that foundational event, the Holocaust, offers to the world, with such extraordinary but planned cruelty and hatred, based on the regarding of others as lesser, inferior in rights or participation, are heard and understood.

The Holocaust was enabled by a regime of systematic murder that began by the manipulation of language and the spreading of fear. We, in our times, must be alert to the identification and confrontation of hate speech in any of its many guises.

We must work together in our time to ensure that hatred and anti-migrant sentiment, for example, are not permitted to deepen their shadow across Europe and the world.

Hope is an action, not just an aspiration. May we all continue to plant the alternative seeds of hope and peace, seeds that may yield a more harmonious co-existence on this shared, vulnerable planet, enabling us, when we are put to the test, again and again, however unjustly, to choose reconciliation.

May we achieve such an empowering, inclusive, ethical and solemn remembrance as not only reminds us of the depths to which the Holocaust went in building on preceding hatreds, but also make us alert to the rise of xenophobia and the rhetoric of hatred, and encourage us to renew our commitment and our shared responses to human vulnerabilities and possibilities, and may it help in the evolution of our collective consciousness towards one that will share together the joy and fulfilment of peace.

Guidhim siochán dúinn uilig d’on todchaí. Beir beannacht."

Uachtarán na hÉireann

President of Ireland

Áras an Uachtaráin

© 2025 President of Ireland

[mairablue]

SCM - Department Of Punishment

Scorpio ♏️- Sweet Memories

A/N: This is a continuation of the stories Home Where The Heart Belongs and Dance With Me, Tonight. Also my first fluffbruary story of this year. Hopefully this turned out alright. 🙂

For fluffbruary event ( @fluffbruary )

Prompts: anticipation | nonsense | mail

5th February, 2025

~~~

It has been a month since he had boarded that train and left. I tried not to think too much about the whole situation. I tried to focus on my work; trying to immerse myself in the mundane routine of my life.

Things were changing, i had heard. Some said the situation will be better and soon the war will come to an end.

I looked out the window onto the school campus. Thick drops of rain were falling from the sky, making the atmosphere gloomy.

The class room was devoid of the sound of laughter and usual merriness. Handful of students who could still attend school were present.

"Madam?"

I turned to look at her; waiting for her to continue.

"Should we submit the assignments?" She asked placing a notebook on the table. "You said to complete it by Friday", she looked back at her friends, "We have already completed it."

"Today is Tuesday, it's it?" I said.

"No madam, today is Wednesday, the 5th", she said softly.

"Yes, if you are done working on it, you can submit your assignments", i said addressing the whole class.

The rest of the day was uneventful. By the time i was prepared to leave, the rainfall had turned into a drizzle. There were very few people outside and even fewer cars.

I walked slowly, pondering about the fact that i had forgotten the correct date, which meant that the letter must have arrived this morning.

Most shops were closed except a few selling essential items. On the opposite side of the street, stood a little confectionary shop. The delicious aroma of freshly made sweets wafted from the little door onto the street.

The sweet smell brought back a sweet memory.

-

The doorbell rang; i rushed to open the door. Scorpio stood with his mother and grandmother. He smiled; his sweet boyish smile lighting up his eyes.

That was the day he met my parents and i met his mother and grandmother. My parents, his mother and grandmother continued their conversation while we went upto my room.

"You have to try these, at least once (Name)", he said holding up one of the sweets in front of me.

I shook my head and smiled, "I don't like those, very much".

He insisted i will like them. That i should give them another chance. At last i agreed.

A smile of satisfaction came upon his face as i took the first bite. He was right, the sweet was warm; soft like a feather, as it melted in my mouth.

"Is it good?" He almost had a teasing tone in his voice. I wanted to refuse; say no. But how could i? He was so delighted, so happy, so close. I could softly brush my fingers against his cheek, feel the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers. Look into his eyes, listen to the warm, deep tones of his voice as he chuckled.

Before i knew it, i had been standing there on the street, smiling like a fool as few drops of tears, escaped the corners of my eyes.

For some reason i turned to look at the other side of the street at the confectionary shop. The shopkeeper, lady was in her 70s. Noticing me, she smiled. Her eyes were filled with warmth, even with everything surrounding us. I felt, perhaps i have known her for many years.

-

I pushed open the front gate and walked in. The letter had arrived. I picked it out from the mailbox.

Walking home i kept the bags on the table and quickly changed into something comfortable, before reading the letter.

My fingers shook slightly as i opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. Anticipating something horrible was still a habit that i possessed.

"I hope you are well. I am well". Reading those sentences i took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It was a relief to read those two sentences every time i opened one of his letters.

He described the situation that he had witnessed there as much as he could without getting into the more upsetting details.

'Yesterday, i saw the crescent moon. The river water held an ethereal reflection of it. I met another journalist, Mr. Roy few days ago. He had managed to acquire some (sweet's name) from a shop nearby, which we ate with tea sitting on the river bank.

I wished i could have shared them with you. The sweets were almost as good as the ones we have back home. This might seem a bit stupid to write, but i hope to eat those with you the next time i come home. And it is even more nonsensical to bring that thought in mind, given our current circumstances. Is it not, my dear? But i do believe, i have the liberty to dream, no matter what circumstances i might be in.

But i truly hope and pray to see the delightful expression on your face when we eat those again. At least one more time.

It is getting late, and my pen is almost out of ink. I will write to you soon. Take care of yourself. Do not worry. Whatever happens, must happen. Keep moving forward. I love you, forever and always. Good night, my dear.'

-

He had signed his name and had even drawn a little smile.

I folded the letter and kept in inside the envelope before putting it with the other letters.

Opening the packet, the warm, delicious aroma greeted me again. I could picture him sitting on the unfamiliar river bank, of the distant land, smiling to himself as he wrote the letter. I chewed softly, relishing the (sweet's name) as my lips curled up in a smile.

[darkmaga-returns]

We go to the legal guys for their views.

As soon as the first EOs began to drop, law prof Jonathan Turley was perhaps the first out of the gate to point out that the EOs were well thought out. What he meant—and made clear that he meant—was that the EOs went beyond coherently addressing their subject matter and showed clear evidence that they had been framed with an understanding of the likely legal challenges they might face. Turley professed himself to be quite impressed.

For my own part, I’ve been at pains to point to the person who is almost certainly the architect behind all this, who came up with the detailed plan for bringing the building down and understood how to structure the teams that would be needed to both accomplish the task and defend it in court. That person is almost certainly Russ Vought, Director of OMB both then (Trump 1.0) and now. Vought discussed all this at length with Tucker Carlson before his (Vought’s) confirmation, but it was all in place long before the inauguration. After all, Vought was also a key person behind Project 2025.

Shipwreckedcrew, another legal guy I’ve been referring to frequently for the ongoing lawfare assault on Trump 2.0, has weighed anchor and written a substack on the EOs. He begins on the same note as Turley—Trump 2.0, unlike the first time around, appears to be fully prepared for the battles ahead:

Sometimes The Battle Is Well Worth The Fight -- The Upside To The TRO's Coming With The Imperial Judiciary Who was Humphrey and why is his Estate such a big deal for the Trump Administration?

... There has always been a plan this time around. The Executive Orders (EOs) that are the source of the lawfare now being waged by the Democrats’ Marxist/Progressive allies were carefully written — unlike in 2017 when the new Trump Administration was largely unprepared for the surprising upset of Hillary Clinton. ... In 2025, the Trump Transition Team had a plan. Dozens of EOs were carefully drafted with a coherent theme — directly attacking the Administrative bureaucracy — the “Resistance” — that strangled his first term in its cradle. There was never any question that the Democrats and the Administrative bureaucracy would rerun the same playbook — charge into federal courts where they knew they would find politically sympathetic judges (GOP did the same to Biden in Texas in 2021) and seek TROs and Injunctions to grind all the new reform efforts to a halt. But I don’t think the Democrats/Progressives anticipated Elon Musk and his engineer boy-geniuses, nor did they expect that the first target that would take multiple incoming torpedos from DOGE would be the federal programs that have funneled huge sums of money to the left-wing NGOs through a variety of slush funds.

[mariacallous]

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Georgia’s Russian-backed separatist region of Abkhazia on Friday as lawmakers prepared to consider a draft investment agreement with Moscow. After refusing to disperse when the day’s legislative session was cancelled, the demonstrators broke through the gates and ultimately entered the parliament building, where they reportedly demanded the resignation of the republic’s president. Shortly after, Russian state media reported that the document to ratify the investment deal had been withdrawn. Here’s what we know.

Major clashes broke out on Friday in Sukhumi, the capital of the Russian-backed Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia, as law enforcement tried to disperse a protest against an economic agreement with Russia, according to local Telegram channel Respublika and the outlet Ekho Kavkaza.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament building early in the day, as deputies were scheduled to review a draft investment agreement between Sukhumi and Moscow. The demonstrators, who have argued the deal would benefit “oligarchs,” carried both Abkhazian and Russian flags in an effort to dispel the notion that they’re “anti-Russian.”

According to opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba, a group of parliamentarians urged the speaker to remove the ratification of the agreement from the agenda. Ardzinba also called on the authorities to “postpone all contentious issues that divide the people” until the upcoming presidential elections in 2025. “If the authorities don’t agree to this, all responsibility for any potential consequences in the coming days will fall squarely on the president of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, and his inner circle,” Ardzinba said.

Friday’s parliamentary session was ultimately cancelled, and the agenda including the agreement was not approved. The protesters, however, demanded that the deputies go further by holding a session and voting against the draft agreement. Tensions escalated between the protesters and police, with protesters throwing eggs at security forces, breaking the fence around the parliament building, and entering the building’s grounds.

In response to the escalation, law enforcement officials released tear gas and, according to Telegram reports, launched smoke grenades into the crowd. Gunshots were also reportedly heard near the parliament, though no injuries from guns were reported.

According to Respublika, the head of the president’s personal security team approached the protesters and promised to pass along their demands. Dmitry Kuchuberiya, the head of the republic’s security service, and Robert Kiut, the “internal affairs minister,” also attempted to negotiate with the demonstrators. After these attempts, the protesters surrounded the complex of government buildings, including the presidential administration building.

At around 4:00 p.m. local time, Respublika reported that protesters had broken into the parliament building itself and were calling for Aslan Bzhania’s resignation. Minutes later, Russian state media reported that the authorities in Abkhazia were withdrawing the document on the investment deal’s ratification, citing Bzhania’s press service.

In October, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and Abkhazia’s Deputy Prime Minister Kristina Ozgan signed an agreement allowing Russian companies to implement investment projects in the republic. Abkhazian authorities argue that the agreement will benefit the local economy, while the opposition views it as a “direct surrender of the republic’s interests.”

On November 11, the Abkhazian parliament adopted a law regulating the status of mixed-use developments in the republic, which included references to the Russian investment agreement. On the same day, the republic’s State Security Service arrested activists opposing the agreement’s ratification. Authorities claimed the detentions followed a scuffle in the parliament courtyard.

After the arrests, protests broke out in Sukhumi, with demonstrators blocking traffic across three bridges leading into the city. Traffic was restored once the activists were released.

[ao3feed-xzero]

Dawn- The First Peek

by HollySpaceOctopus Prompts for the year of the OTP 2025 event, January. Vile: First Kiss Set in an AU where Sigma was never infected with the Maverick Virus, newly-appointed B-rank Hunter, X, is stuck nursing a drink when he’s left alone at an event he normally wouldn’t be allowed into if not for Sigma in the first place. Well, alone isn’t quite the right word; but given that it’s Vile who’s sitting right next to him, surely it would be better if he pretended he was alone? Zero: ‘May I have this dance?’ Set in an AU where X never comes out of retirement in X7, things between him and Zero have reached a boiled point. While stuck preparing for an upcoming meeting with the government, Zero finally pays a visit to X… what will come out of this long awaited, tense confrontation? Gate: Sharing Clothes Set in an AU where X continued to be a research assistant instead of a Hunter, and Gate was recruited to eventually take over Dr. Cain’s role before he could become an outcast, an accident at the Maverick HQ eventually results in X realizing that clothing matters even to reploids… but maybe not for the reason he could have ever seen coming. Words: 17702, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 1 of Year of the OTP 2025 Fandoms: Rockman X | Mega Man X Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: X (Rockman Classic Universe), VAVA | Vile, Zero (Rockman Classic Universe), Gate (Rockman X) Relationships: X/Zero (Rockman Classic Universe), VAVA | Vile/X, Gate/X (Rockman Classic Universe) Additional Tags: First Kiss, Rough Kissing, References to Alcohol, Some Swearing, Relationship Issues, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Ballroom Dancing, Arguing, Making Up, workplace bullying, Sharing Clothes via https://ift.tt/aFNorZY

[shikshababa]

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2025

Candidate who appearing for GATE 2025 in Civil Engineering must have the knowledge of GATE 2025 Civil Engineering Syllabus and the pattern. For proper guidence of the syllabus is a necessary condition to succeed in preparation for the examination. GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2025 was published by IIT Roorkee uttrakhand. Syllabus provides a direct awareness of what and to what extent that information is included.

[ao3feed-destiel-02]

The Scientist

The Scientist https://ift.tt/QL7knHb by Ripley_LV426 After spending some time researching and preparing, Dean gate crashes The Empty and rescues Castiel! Everything is cool and awesome just like it should have been in the first place - sex ensues. Words: 4354, Chapters: 1/2, Language: English Fandoms: Supernatural (TV 2005) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: M/M Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel (Supernatural) Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester Additional Tags: Fix-It, Post-Finale, Dean Winchester Saves Castiel from the Empty, Sam is dating The Queen of Hell, Fluff and Smut, there's not much of a plot here, First Time, Top Castiel/Bottom Dean Winchester, Anal Sex, Wing Kink, Castiel's Angelic Grace (Supernatural), Wing Oil as Lube (Supernatural), Inspired by Coldplay, There's No Angst in Ripleyville via AO3 works tagged 'Castiel/Dean Winchester' https://ift.tt/CJBUvgG January 23, 2025 at 11:20AM

[andaniellight]

Nine books that I— have been putting on hold since forever— want to read/finish in 2025

in no particular order:

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi (1)

The Radiant Emperor Duology (2)

Cinder (1)

The Sword of Kaigen (1)

Babel (1)

The Biology of Human Survival: Life and Death in Extreme Environments (1)

A Reaper At The Gates (1)

Gideon The Ninth (1)

More about the books below because, mainly, the summaries are spot on (and kind of represent my taste / why I'm terribly intrigued to read them):

✨️🧋🥡📖✨️

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty

Amina Al-Sirafi is a middle-aged single mother with bad knees who lives in a modest country house and minds her own business. She was also one of the most fearsome pirates who ever sailed the Indian Ocean, at least until strange magic claimed a beloved crewmember and drove her to retire on dry land.

2023 historical fantasy.

—

The Radiant Emperor Duology by Shelley Parker-Chan

She Who Became The Sun

Set in an alternate China, She Who Became the Sun is a fascinating genderqueer retelling of the founding of the Ming dynasty, follows Zhu Chongba who had to become a monk even though she's only a little girl for her survival, from childhood to early adulthood, using her dead brother's identity, fighting to claim his destiny as her own.

2021 historical fantasy.

&

The sequel: He Who Drowned The World

Got the hardcopy as a birthday present for me because I couldn't stop yapping about it to my friend 🥹🥹🥹

—

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder is a cyborg mechanic living in New Beijing who, along with her best friend (a robot named Iko) and sister (a fully human gal named Pearl), fall in love with Prince Kai. But, life isn't all cleaning and singing, there's a ravaging plague and crippling poverty. The plague can strike anyone at any time.

2012. Part of The Lunar Chronicles.

—

The Sword of Kaigen: A Theonite War Story by M. L. Wang

Better to die sharp in war than rust through a time of peace. A mother struggling to repress her violent past;

A son struggling to grasp his violent future;

A father blind to the danger that threatens them all.

When the winds of war reach their peninsula, will the Matsuda family have the strength to defend their empire? Or will they tear each other apart before the true enemies even reach their shores? High on a mountainside at the edge of the Kaigenese Empire live the most powerful warriors in the world, superhumans capable of raising the sea and wielding blades of ice. For hundreds of years, the fighters of the Kusanagi Peninsula have held the Empire's enemies at bay, earning their frozen spit of land the name 'The Sword of Kaigen.'

Set on the planet Duna, on Mount Takayubi in the Kaigenese Empire, the story revolves around the populace of a remote, highly patriarchal village that, for generations, has raised and trained swordsmen with magical, almost supernatural abilities to fight enemies that invade the realm.

—

Babel by R. F. Kuang

Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he'll enroll in Oxford University's prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel.

Babel take place in an alternative-reality in which Britain's global economic and colonial supremacy are fueled by the use of magical silver bars.

—

The Biology of Human Survival: Life and Death in Extreme Environments

Solely for writing reference since I am a deprived and amateur writer first, human second, after all.

—

A Reaper at The Gates by Sabaa Tahir

3rd book of Ember Quartet. To understand this, you must read its 1st book: An Ember in The Ashes (inspired by Ancient Rome, the story follows a girl named Laia spying for rebels against the reigning empire in exchange for their help in rescuing her captive brother; and a boy named Elias struggling to free himself from being an enforcer of a tyrannical regime.)

—

Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

1st book of The Locked Tomb Series. Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. 

That would be all! Thank you so much for tagging me, @kanronotatsu ! ! ! 📚🔍

Fingers crosed I get to at least finish one or two, this year. Now, I shall tag my friends @ikjun @dykealloy @reineyday @radiashen @lunaticus @beguilewritesstuff and YOU, whoever is reading this, are also welcome to share it with us ! ! ! :D

[whiteoakford]

2025 Ford Expedition Review

The 2025 Ford Expedition combines rugged capability with luxurious comfort, featuring first-class seating across three rows and flexible interior space. Key innovations include the Ford Split Gate with Cargo Tailgate Manager, 360-degree Zone Lighting, and PowerFold third-row seating, perfect for adventures, tailgating, and family road trips. Let's explore the 2025 Ford Expedition soon to be at Whiteoak Ford.

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The 2025 Ford Expedition offers an impressive blend of functionality and comfort, with design features that make it an inviting space for any adventure. One standout feature is the all-new Ford Split Gate, paired with the available Cargo Tailgate Manager. This innovative addition triples as a tailgate backrest, a handy shelf, or a sturdy table with a 35-lb capacity, perfect for hosting family and friends, camping, or tailgating. The available 360-degree Zone Lighting enhances versatility, providing illumination from the headlamps, grille, roof rails, interior liftgate, and spoiler on select models, ensuring you're prepared for activities before sunrise or after dark. Inside, the Expedition offers first-class seating across all three rows, complemented by a thoughtful design that maximizes interior space. A wide center aisle and the available 40/20/40 PowerFold third-row seating allow for convenient storage of longer items, such as skis and fishing poles, making every trip seamless.

2025 Ford Expedition TREMOR

The 2025 Ford Expedition TREMOR model features an Intelligent 4WD with a Terrain Management System and offers a unique Rock Crawl mode, ensuring you're ready for rugged terrain. You can confidently tackle any challenge with 33-inch all-terrain tires and an elevated 10.6 inches of ground clearance. Stay updated to learn more about the 2025 Ford Expedition TREMOR, soon to be at Whiteoak Ford.

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The 2025 Ford Expedition introduces advanced features designed to enhance connectivity and convenience for families. With the Ford Connectivity Package, passengers can stay connected on the go, thanks to a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that supports Google Maps for navigation and access to podcasts and video streaming for entertainment. The vehicle's Ford Digital Experience seamlessly integrates Google services, allowing easy access to apps and customization options tailored to your preferences. Additionally, the Expedition offers Ford BlueCruise, a cutting-edge hands-free driving system that covers 97% of controlled-access highways across the U.S. and Canada, providing a genuinely effortless driving experience.

Contact Us

Are you interested in learning more about the 2025 Ford Expedition? At Whiteoak Ford, we're here to help! Whether you're looking for a detailed 2025 Ford Expedition review, pricing information, or exploring Ford Expedition models for sale, our team is ready to assist. Call us or visit our dealership to learn more about the 2025 Ford Expedition price and updates today.