#Globalism vs Localism

[tmarshconnors]

Romanian Presidential Election So Predictable

The headlines are ablaze: "Far-Right Candidate Takes Shock Lead in Romania's Presidential Election!" Pundits gasp, commentators wring their hands, and politicians scramble to understand how this "could have happened." Yet, for those of us paying attention, this isn't shocking at all. This is what happens when the political elite force so-called "progressive" policies onto populations without ever asking if the people actually want them. 

The Romanian Context 

Romania, like many nations in Central and Eastern Europe, has been at odds with the relentless push from the EU and global institutions to adopt social policies that often feel disconnected from the cultural and historical fabric of these nations. This includes everything from controversial stances on gender ideology to immigration policies that many Romanians perceive as threats to their national identity. 

It’s not that Romania—or any other nation—wants to exist in a bubble of isolation. It's that they want change to reflect their values, not to be dictated from outside or imposed top-down by self-appointed technocrats. 

The Rise of the Far-Right: A Reaction, Not an Anomaly 

When people feel ignored, they react. The far-right’s surge isn’t a cause; it’s a symptom. Across Europe, we see this pattern over and over again. Hungary, Poland, and Italy have all experienced pushes towards nationalism and conservatism in response to heavy-handed progressive policies. Romania’s current "shock" should have been anticipated.

For years, the mainstream political establishment has ignored concerns about national sovereignty, family values, and traditional culture in favor of advancing their vision of what Romania should be, rather than listening to what Romanians want it to be. Whether it’s the EU’s rigid stance on “wokeness” or an elite class dismissing legitimate concerns as “backwards,” the end result is the same: voters turning to the only candidates who promise to defend their way of life.

The Lesson for Western Elites 

The Romanian election is a cautionary tale for Western elites who stubbornly refuse to heed the warning signs. This is what happens when globalism is forced on proud, independent nations. It’s not the people who are being unreasonable; it’s the political class that fails to understand that identity, culture, and tradition matter. 

What’s ironic is the disdain these leaders show when faced with such electoral results. Instead of asking why people vote for these candidates, they double down, demonizing anyone who resists their agenda as uneducated or intolerant. This strategy is not only ineffective—it’s dangerous. 

The Path Forward: Respect vs. Imposition 

The rise of far-right candidates like this one in Romania will not be a one-off event. It’s part of a broader wave of resistance sweeping across nations that feel patronized and disregarded. If the EU and other global institutions truly want to foster unity, they need to adopt a policy of respect rather than imposition. Sovereignty should not be treated as a dirty word, and values deeply held by millions should not be dismissed as relics of the past.

In the end, the people have the final say. Romania’s election is a wake-up call. Let’s hope the political elites start listening before they lose the trust of even more of their citizens.

[lipstickontheglass1985]

might get eaten for this but honestly i find it kind of suprising how similar in general british vs american english actually are to each other? like yeah sure the accents can be very distinct depending on the specific region and there are some words which differ completely depending on the variant (like i dunno lift vs elevator pavement vs sidewalk etc) and a bunch of slang terms which only occure in one of the variants (though, again, seems like they are more region dependent rather than american vs british english thing) but as a whole its like. if you are, say, a child who has been taught english by a bunch of purists who are insistent on only teaching the british variant as correct, and then once you grow up enough for unrestricted internet access go online onto english speaking spaces which are predominately american, you won't really struggle with understanding them if your "british" english was alright in the first place. like there is a difference but its far from enough to cause any sort of gap in comprehension. and i find this personally fascinating cause supposedly those two variants have been developing an ocean apart from each other for like three centuries

[reversedout-blog]

Why Do Consumers Prefer Local Businesses Over Large Retailers?

The global pandemic has had a significant impact on the retail industry in a number of ways. In 2020, the retail industry has undergone significant transformations due to supply chain challenges, accelerated digital and omnichannel activities, and significant transformations in consumer buying behavior.

Many small companies were obliged to come up with imaginative strategies and local marketing tips to keep their doors open due to the pandemic’s financial and other restrictions. Because of our recession-resistant business model, our retail franchises have been able to prosper despite the market’s shifts. Many consumers were cautious to buy in 2020 because they had to reevaluate how they live and what they value. Despite the fact that consumers’ focus has switched to health and well-being, they have stayed loyal to the brands they know and appreciate, which for many means shopping at their neighborhood stores.

In terms of the local economy, local firms have a greater impact.

Compared to chain retailers, locally owned firms are more likely to reinvest their profits back into the community. Local company owners are more likely to buy from local firms, according to research. As a result, there is a sense of friendship and mutual trust between local company owners.

Local businesses tend to be smaller, and their proprietors are more accessible. The owners and/or staff of many small local businesses form an integral aspect of the company’s identity. As the company and its brand become less abstract, it becomes easier to form a personal connection with them. Because these firms are tangible and share a common understanding, the camaraderie and trust amongst local company owners grow.

There is more to the local economy than just the reinvestment of money back into the community. As local businesses expand, they create additional local jobs. As a result, money is constantly moving between local companies and residents. In some industries, local enterprises may even pay and benefit their employees more generously than their larger counterparts.

Local Businesses Can Fortify a Community

As a result of forming an economic and social web, locally owned businesses help to strengthen local economies and revitalize downtown areas. Buying from a local business supports the local economy and allows for more personal connections.

Local businesses may not have as many customers as larger corporations, but this gives them the opportunity to cultivate stronger bonds with their clients. There is a lack of reciprocity in dealings with larger corporations because of this. The relationship between a customer and a brand is one-on-one, but the same cannot be said for the other way around. Yes, there is a relationship between a brand and its customers, but it’s not a one-on-one exchange. Instead of treating Jim as a nameless consumer, local businesses have the option to identify and create a relationship with Jim.

A customer’s emotional attachment to a local business can be bolstered when the business takes advantage of the community’s closeness and local SEO services. A sense of belonging to a small group might result from the specialist nature of local enterprises. Customers may want to tell their friends and relatives about their “little secret” because word-of-mouth is usually the best form of advertisement for small businesses. In this way, a local firm can foster a sense of belonging among its customers and employees. A local business can eventually become a tourist attraction in its own right.

Local Businesses Breed Competition & Innovation

The more established a company is, the less likely it is to do new things. Many times, they must cater to the bulk of their customers because of the size of their market. Because of this, the company may not want to move too far from its core values if things are going well.

Local businesses frequently cater to a certain market and a local market at that. It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between one-of-a-kind firms in an increasingly homogenized society. Local businesses, in contrast to larger corporations, are freer to offer what they want and to customize their products and services to meet the specific needs of their customers. Local companies are owned and operated by the people who live and work in the community they serve. Customers will have more options for goods and services as more local businesses come up.

Local businesses compete with one other, rather than larger firms, on a regular basis, defining the importance of local marketing. As a result of the vast number of local enterprises, competition amongst them might spur long-term innovation. If small businesses don’t keep up with the times by introducing new products and services, it might be difficult for them to remain relevant.

Conclusion

It is essential for a community and its economy to have small enterprises. They deserve our business all year round, not just during the holiday season. Their efforts are numerous and they are well-deserving. If you’re in the market for something new, consider visiting a small shop in your neighborhood rather than going to the mall or large retailers. Local businesses have the advantage of being more accessible to their clients and utilize local marketing and other local businesses because they are located in the heart of the town.

Contact Us

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Content source: https://reversedout.com/local-businesses-benefits/

[transcriptioncity]

Translation Services vs. Localization Services

Translation Services vs. Localization Services What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Effective communication across languages is essential. Translation and localization services have become crucial for businesses, governments, and individuals. Although often used interchangeably, these services have distinct purposes and applications. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right…

[translationwala]

Localization and globalization are two essential business principles. Localization refers to the process of tailoring a product or service to a specific location or culture, whereas globalization refers to the process of making a product or service available to a worldwide audience.

[gallusrostromegalus]

If you please; what is your Tolberone theory of knowledge?

My theory, which I thought up a few weeks ago while sick with covid, is that all knowledge is a form of art, and that there are very broadly three basic types of knowledge arts: physical arts, philosophical arts, and scientific arts, and that pretty much all academic, artistic and practical disciplines exist somewhere in that triangle spectrum.

Physical arts are knowledges of how to actually, physically do things. The purest front of physical arts are things like dance and navigation.

Scientific arts are knowledges of things that can be tested and proven. Computer programming and Quilting are both scientific arts: they work, or they don't.

Philosophical Arts are knowledges of things which while not objectively provable, are still very real. History and Being A Good Listener are philosophical arts.

Nearly every discipline of knowledge is some combination of all three. Cooking is largely applied chemistry, a scientific art, but it's also a philosophical art because flavor is extremely cultural and contextual, and a physical art because you have to know how to hold the damn knife and heat when it's done.

The first part of toblerone theory is that, like how each piece has three sides, any given project needs at least one person who has a good grasp of each of the underlying arts involved or it's going to go sideways at best. For example:

Physical and Scientific arts, no philosophy: Jurassic Park. They need someone to point out that, while very possible, it's not necessarily a good idea.

Philosophy and Science, no physical: that dril tweet about the forum debate locked by a mod after 12,000 pages of heated debate. They need someone to drag them away from the keyboard and actually do something.

Philosophy and Physical, no science: that cult in midsommar that put a guy in a bearsuit. Without the ability to engage measurably with the world, they give into fear and behave like reactive animals. Also the "rare chicken steak" phenomenon.

You can have differing ratios of each type- Jurassic Park really only needed two philosophers: one animal behaviorist and an OSHA inspector, and 98% of the issues would have been avoided- but you do need at least ONE of each underlying art to check each other's work.

The second part of toblerone theory is that, like how the toblerone is made of many triangle pieces, there are poles to the triangle spectrum. Practical vs Esoteric arts. Short term and long term arts. High stakes vs for funsies arts.

While you have have different ratios and levels of expertise in each of the arts, you do all need them to be on the same piece of the bar, or they won't take each other seriously. A UN Diplomat and a climate scientist aren't going to take the advice of physical artist my uncle Bobby the plumber re: global warming, but they will take the advice of physical artist my Aunt Cheryl the civil engineer, a world expert in getting shit done.

The same applies for the other end of the spectrum. Aunt Cheryl the civil engineer isn't going to get much milage with the local high school student council and principal Waley when the problem at hand is "what are we going to do for this year's prom theme?"

I gotta go to therapy now, pictures later.

[willowalmondstar]

buying from the global store feels like buying from amazon vs supporting local jorvik business

[solacescastleglow]

Cultural Capital #1: Intro + The Basics

One of the biggest privileges I had growing up was access to cultural capital. My parents were expat teachers, which meant that we had access to a lifestyle well above what we would've had if we had stayed in Australia. I got to travel, meet people from various cultures, go to private school, and I subconsciously absorbed that lifestyle as an expectation. This has given me a huge advantage, and since I don't believe in gatekeeping, here's how you can gain some of that knowledge.

0. A note

Some of these are things I strongly disagree with, but this is the way it is. One shouldn't have to change oneself to get ahead, but we often do. This is just a list of western upper-middle class cultural signifiers, and my listing them out doesn't diminish your own culture if it is different from this. Your own cultural capital is just as valuable as what I'm going to share. But we do live in a world where you can get benefits from knowing the dominant culture's valued information, so this is a guide to hacking that system.

1. What is cultural capital?

When people move to a certain place, be it a neighbourhood or a workplace, they need to understand the language, references, and customs of the people around them, otherwise they might be treated negatively. This is cultural capital. Your ability to fit in with the dominant class and culture can benefit you in work and social situations. Your education, who you know, how you speak and dress, which cultural references you make and understand, etc. are all class signifiers, and contribute to cultural capital.

2. Free ways to gain cultural capital

Confidence and vibe. I'm not the best at this, and there are plenty of resources out there for learning it that would probably be better than me. What I will say is that people can tell when you're used to settling for less, and that lowers your cultural capital in these spaces.

Go to a library or Google for research. Topics to research include: major religious stories and Greco-Roman myths, art and music history - especially from the 16th-19th centuries, different cultures and global geography, common idioms and expressions in French/Latin, jargon for your field as well as those of art/dance/music/business, fancy brand names (Quick, is a Ferragamo a shoe or a car?)

Read literary fiction and non fiction. Making references to classic novels shows rich people that you're well read, which in their minds translates to education and therefore intelligence (which isn't true but you know). It's also a shared experience, which gives you something to talk about. Use Libby for free audiobooks, and your local library for print books.

Expanding your vocabulary and speaking with care. The more you can articulate yourself, the more likely people will be to listen to you.

Going to public museums or galleries (if they have them where you live). They're almost always free, and are a great way to spend a weekend.

Watching videos, reading scripts, or listening to recordings of theatrical performances. These can be pretty easily found on the internet and give you material to reference when talking someone up.

Study philosophy. If you want something accessible and fun, watch The Good Place. Philosophy Tube makes excellent, thought provoking videos for free, and I'm sure there's more out there. Expanding your thought process and recognising the literature out there about 'deep' topics can help you not only seem smarter, but actually be smarter.

Learning to eat politely in multiple cultures. What do you eat with your hands vs a fork vs chopsticks? For western cuisine, you should know which fork to use, how to pour wine, what you do with your napkin, etc.

General etiquette. Handshakes, when and how to hold a door, you get the gist.

3. Ways that cost money

Cook something from a different culture every [week/month]. Expanding your palate and becoming familiar with things outside of your immediate circle will make you more 'cultured' in the eyes of people who care about that.

Special exhibitions and paid museums and galleries. Sometimes, a museum will cost money, and if it's interesting and within your budget, it's well worth it. Museums are an engaging way to learn more about history and culture, which will give you knowledge you could benefit from having.

Going to the theatre. Seeing a play, musical, opera, or ballet, especially if it references mythology or is iconic in its own right, can expand your views on universal themes like love, life, death, and revenge. It's also just really fun. You don't have to spend a huge amount either; see what's available in your area.

Dressing professionally. This means having a baseline knowledge on clothing terms and what fits you well, buying well made clothes that will outlast trends, and keeping them well maintained. Tailoring should be considered if it's in your budget; nobody likes an ill fitting suit. Some tips: second hand shops are a good place to start, avoid fast fashion, and remember that a 20 year old Chanel piece has more cultural capital than a brand new H&M piece.

Grooming. Smelling good, looking put together, and having good hygiene will help you immensely. A perfume that suits you is well worth the money, but don't be afraid of dupes if it's not in your budget.

Travelling. This is by far the most expensive thing on this list, but having those new experiences will completely change your viewpoint in a way that other people can recognise.

4. Signifiers that take a long time/effort

Accents. This matters more in some places than in others, but being able to fake a 'posher' accent gets you privilege in certain contexts. My school taught us only in RP English, but the social circles were run by the US military families, so I have a more neutral accent by default. I can also switch between the two, which gives me an advantage here in Australia, where proximity to an RP accent signifies wealth.

Learning a language. Knowing English automatically gives you a ton of cultural capital, since that's the lingua franca for most fields nowadays. But if English is your first language, knowing more than one means education. The unfortunate double standard is that if English is your second language, you need a third to be considered educated, usually a European language.

Straight teeth. This one is up to luck for some people, but having straight teeth usually means you have the money to straighten them. It also takes years and hurts. In my opinion, it's only worth it if your teeth are causing medical problems in your life, in which case you might as well straighten them while you're at it.

Getting a specialised degree in something. Don't worry about seeming silly (arts, humanities) or cold (business, sciences) when choosing a degree. Someone will be weird about it no matter what you pick, so pick one you like.

---

Remember, this is specifically for fitting in with the culture I grew up in and around (rich people). There is nothing wrong with the way you are now. This is just for people who are considering adapting to an environment where behaving like this allows for social mobility.

[etherealsworldvision]

Who is Your Next Friend & A Step to Connect.

Before I begin the reading I’d like to take a moment to talk about: GLAAD. They’re a non-profit organization advancing LGBTQ acceptance through fair, accurate, and inclusive representation through global, national, and local programs. If you’re interested do check them out and if you’d like to further support them click donate.

Divider Credits: @plutism & @kgymz

1. 2. 3.

🚨 P.S.A 🚨 : I do not give personal readings! Disclaimer: this is for entertainment only!

Added Description: all my readings are timeless and meant to reach those who resonate to the messages.

[ General Message: “In the clurb we all fam” - Broad City; 888; August; July; 55; royalty (aesthetic); Renaissance (fair); Windsor; Money; Materialism; Balance; Soon or Quick results; Receive Good News; Creative idea gaining recognition; Planting seeds with creativity; Understanding yourself; Acceptance of yourself; I Saw The TV Glow ]

Pile 1

[ Confirmation Messages: It takes time (to heal); Vulnerabilities; Speak; Soft-Spoken; Wanting to Hide Away; Taper - Maria BC; Strong-will; Loneliness; “Obscure”(?); Not wanting to be found; Running away as a coping mechanism; Sweet songs; Singing; Distance; Solitude; Spending time with animals; Lucky Star; Lucky Duck from Sixteen Wishes]

Cards: Justice; 10 of Swords; 10 of Cups ®; Strength; Star ®; 4 of Swords; 6 of Swords; 7 of wands ®; Queen of Swords

Your next friend

So this energy is kind of hard to pin down. Maybe this is yours or your next friend’s energy. They may be a past friend that drifted off? Either way this person is currently withdrawn and may want to be invisible. They may feel tired mentally and emotionally. This person might’ve lost some ambition or faith in what they’re working on? This grievance especially applies to their dreams towards a financial/material circumstance. They may have worked very hard on their goals only to find it “didn’t” pay off like they thought it would. Despite their situation they’re strong willed — they’ll find a way to get the ball rolling in their court. Yes they may have been hopeless but they still always find a way to balance it out. This may not be for everyone but they could be a coworker. They’re also very fair and balanced when it comes to their energy. They may also like the finer things in life but right now they may feel lost. This person may speak a lot. They may have a Gemini mercury/Jupiter-Mercury.

A step to connect

I get the feeling that constant and clear communication is a huge aspect in this friendship. When a problem arises it’s not you vs your friend but you and your friend vs the problem. Perhaps you two may have experienced the scarier side of confrontation/anger. I’m also getting the sense that you or this person dealt with some sort of resentment that shook your/this person's world. Overall you two may feel like things cannot be left unsaid and misunderstood. By having this clear communication everything balances and you two can get through stormy waters together. I’m also getting – even if there is a heated argument you two will feel safe because of communication and understanding both of your needs.

Friendship dynamic

Funny enough I thought of your dynamic as two captains on a pirate ship. You two work very well together, especially when it comes to goals and projects. I’m getting that one is especially good with strategy and the other executing the plans. You two may be opposites but for good reason — where one lacks the other can fill. It’s like guiding one another. Yes you two may be each other’s anchor when times get tough, but one of you can be the chain to pull them out of treacherous waters. It’s a very balanced dynamic.

Pile 2

[ Confirmation message: Pens; Specific/Particular; Stubborn; Wellness; Sun decor; “worry-wart”; Overachiever; Moon-Sun dynamic; Dark Colors; Moody; Brazil; Tropical weather; Roadtrip; Dirt road with colorful wooden signs; LGBT community; Summer Camp; Decoy-Paramore ]

Cards: 10 of Swords; Queen of Wands; 5 of Pentacles; Knight of Cups ® ; High Priestess ®; Queen of Swords; Ace of Wands; Ace of Cups; 3 of Cups; 6 of Pentacles

Your next friend

You may be meeting your next friend when they’re coming out of their shell. They might’ve hidden who they were or limited their self-expression in order to conform to their surroundings. However they somehow had a breakthrough? Or maybe they got tired of restrictions. Either way they’re embracing who they are and going on a self discovery moment. This is for a few of you, you may know this person already and noticed a difference which intrigued you. Overall I feel like this person left their true self behind only to reunite and make that bond with themselves even more stronger and brighter. Also they may be the life of the party even if they’re on the quieter side.

A step to connect

The very first thing I’m getting is: “let them come to you”. For some reason it just feels more “magical”? Besides that you may meet them through an online or in real life community. I also feel like this is a place where a lot of interactions take place. You may even be the one hosting the event and they take interest. Either way they will like the way you think and speak, how you conduct yourself when you communicate. There’s also this spark — like you just get along and your conversations bounce back to one another. This may sound a little annoying but this friend is gonna come “unannounced” like you won’t expect it cause you’re so busy with other things; hence they’ll be the one coming to you.

Friendship dynamic

Omg pile 2 this is so cute! Your friendship will be emotionally fulfilling and very balanced. Theirs an equal give and take. This also gives off a found family vibe. Like I get the feeling that (mainly) you or (maybe) this person will introduce each other to more people. There’s this feeling of expanding the friendship. This also feels like a summer (the season) dynamic. Like this friendship is so warming, eventful, fun and just overall wholesome.

Pile 3

[ Confirmation message: Cars; Wrist watch; Flaunt; High-strung; Crowd; Music Festival; Desert; Coachella; Disco; 24; Conversations about Reaching; Sleeve Tattoos; “Turnt”; 7 lives of Lea; Drinking; Party Invites; Secluded parties; Band; Secrets; Desires ]

Cards: 2 of wands ®, The Emperor ®, Strength, Page of Swords, Ace of Sword ®, King of Swords; Ace of Cups; 8 of Pentacles; Hierophant

Your next friend

Your next friend has dreams that they want to pursue but have trouble taking initiative or they aren’t in a place to take them. They give off Ismael from The Seven Lives of Lea vibe. They’re restricted by the outside world and they yearn so deeply to achieve their dreams as well as the love they deserve. This friend is very passionate and very “family/friend” oriented. They are someone who puts their all into their connection and dreams. And when they dream they include their friends as well. They give off the; if I eat we ALL eat vibe — this person has a generous heart but is not naive.

A step to connect

You may have connections or some knowledge connected to their goals. I get the feeling that you two have a bit of a different approach when it comes to goals but it’ll also help yours and their growth. You two may feed each other ideas as well as encourage them. These things may come in as a shock; let’s say you’re talking about coffee then the idea hits the two of you. It’s like an aha! Moment. Besides that you two kind of become a mentor to each other. Helping each other attain your goals by discussion. Think of things one of you didn’t ever think about and think outside of the box.

Friendship dynamic

Your friendship dynamic is very disciplined and encouraging. You both encourage each other to keep on going, to keep attaining that goal even if it’s for just a second. This dynamic is very inspiring and because you two are motivating each other it opens up an emotional bond that’s kind of new to you. It’s almost like you never experienced this type of platonic love. It’s like through being each other's motivators you became best friends? It’s like watching a sports movie and seeing the mc and coach hugging each other when they win.

[miralyk]

2024 interest check results for both assassin's creed and tron merch...!

WOW, thank you for the unexpectedly huge turnout for charms in both franchises! the interest check's now finished and these are the resulting characters i'm working on based on the requests.

due to the huge list of characters, a total of 34 new designs, being way more than anticipated (especially for assassin's creed) along with the conflict of ac fans wanting 2 weeks vs tron fans wanting 4 weeks for a pre-order period, i'll take an extra week (thus making the pre-order period an "inbetween" of 3 weeks) to finish all the tron shaker charm designs and making better refined preview sketches for the ac charms!

for comparison, the "refined sketch preview" i can finish for 22 fullbody charms will look like the left but colored, you can easily picture how it'll look like when complete in the right 🫡 again, thank you so much for your overwhelming support, and i appreciate the patience and kindness to work things out with the huge output!

answers for questions i got in the interest checks below:

international shipping will be possible for the charms and assassin's creed stickers!! if you're only purchasing stickers though, a flat rate letter will be untracked due to how forever global stamps work, so please keep in touch to inform me of updates if you're not purchasing any charms that'll give you a tracked postage label.

i'll purchase extra stock more than the pre-ordered amounts in anticipation of B-grade manufacturing, selling charms for local marketplace if i choose to table one day, giveaways, etc, but only a modestly small quantity!!

i'll consider doing custom oc charm commissions for fullbody chibis and/or shakeable tamagotchi charms! it depends on if there's enough interest to fulfill vograce fees though, due to how expensive shipping can be across the globe from china (where vograce operates) to america (where i live).

you can purchase multiple charms at once!

due to the VERY large amount of characters for two huge franchises i'm ordering, i'll see if i can split the ac chibi charms and tron shakeable + candy bag charms to be their own separate orders. in the past though, with orders of huge quantities, production can take many weeks and then more weeks through overseas shipping; i'll be sure to regularly post updates on tumblr then to be transparent about the production process!

[machine-saint]

6/10 confidence on this one

the thing to me about posts like "it's okay to want to shave your leg hair" is that you usually see people saying "wow thank you it's not like All Of Society is telling us this, you're so brave!!!"

but, like, if you're a leftist and exist in leftist spaces you're also going to believe "societal messages about beauty standards are bad, i should listen to my leftist friends who have better takes", and your leftist friends are going to be sharing things along the lines of "not shaving your leg hair is good and feminist" or whatever. local vs. global imbalance. same sort of problem i have with the "smith college problems" post. ultimately the worldview here is that all complaints are perceived as addressed at the entire world unless explicitly stated otherwise and that's... not really how many people use social media

[leveluponabuck]

Leveling up during Chaos.

To some leveling up may be a conversation that feels a bit vapid and unnecessary given the events happening globally especially in the US. I would disagree because leveling up will be necessary to survive the upcoming economic climate. Here's some tips I believe everyone should be implementing in order to survive and also thrive.

Save money - I know that all the finance bros constantly downplay savings and mostly focus on investing, but savings is STILL RELEVANT! Having savins can prevent you having to take payday loans, replace a car vs a car part, and help you feel more at ease during emergency. Whether you are saving $25, $50, or more every paycheck, please, set some money aside

Build your network - LinkedIn is great! Meeting people in person is BETTER. It's time to join groups, go to local meetups for people in your current or desired field because this is going to be how people get job opportunities. Also focus on sustaining those relationships, so NOT just a LinkedIn hit it and quit it, but instead please focus on building long term mutually beneficial relationships with people that you like and who know more than you!

education, Education, EDUCATION! - If you are afraid that your job could be at risk, you want to explore a new career, or feel like you need more education, DO IT! But when you do it please be smart. Focus on grants, scholarships, transferring credit from lower cost institutions, interships, bootcamps. Do your research! Check websites like will a robot take my job, career trajectory, and need for that particular job/career in your area. Be smart while getting smart. Do NOT believe these people online telling you that degrees don't matter! In these next 4 years they will not only matter, they will be the reason many people get left out of the new economy.

B-U-D-G-E-T - I know this is hard to do in this economy for some right now, but now more than ever you need to know where your money is going. If you're in debt and want to get out first assess that you are able to meet your basic needs (housing, food, etc.) then work out a sustainable debt pay back plan. If you can help don't allow things to go into default, but if the do, or have, focus on paying the most important bills first, save, and then of course focus on debt.

Do NOT DOOMSPEND - I know it may seem tempting to spend like there's no tomorrow and that everyday the news and government can make it easier to become more and more nihilistic, but maxing out affirm, Klarna and Afterpay will NOT help. Set a little cash aside for guiltless, mindless "joy spending" and then STOP. Think about creating community instead of spending all the time. Set up a home paint and sip, go the local coffee shop and read a good book, check out some new pieces at the Museum. Research low-cost hobbies and lean on those when you're anxious instead of spending.

Have your own $$$ - Yes even if your partner has money, set some aside that you don't touch of your own. You never know when you, or both you and your partner might need it.

I hope this helps!

[bonewaryreblogs]

The Justice Society of America vs. the Justice League

This is the first half of the massive post I've been working on, which I've decided to cut in half; part two will be more focused on what the Justice League looks like when the story actually starts in 2004, like membership and different teams within the Justice League, like the Justice Foundation and Justice League Dark.

But for now, enjoy the backstory!

During World War II, Adolf Hitler was interested in supernatural artifacts, ultimately finding the Spear of Destiny around 1940. President Roosevelt called on several superheroes to help defend the USA, as most local superheroes of the time tried to stay out of international conflicts to focus on their own territories. After this initial mission is complete, the group of heroes decide to remain as a team, funded and directed by the United States government, called the Justice Society of America. Founding members were Flash (Jay Garrick), Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson), Atom (Al Pratt), Hawkman (Carter Hall), Hourman (Rex Tyler), and Spectre (Jim Corrigan). Several heroes joined shortly after, including Hawkman’s girlfriend/wife Hawkgirl/Hawkwoman (Shiera Sanders/Shiera Hall), Johnny Thunderbolt (John Thunder) with Yz the Thunderbolt, Doctor Mid-Nite (Charles McNider), Starman (Ted Knight), among others. I’m also adding several “older” versions of heroes who might not have originally been associated with the JSA but have more “modern” variants that will be part of the eventual Justice League.

People with superhuman abilities have always existed, one of the earliest being Vandal Savage, but they mostly did one of three things; 1] they swore fealty to a local ruler and worked within an existing system (Alucard, though against his will); 2] they became a local ruler and created their own system (King Arthur); or 3] they worked outside existing systems as a vigilante, usually guided by their own internal moral compass (Robin Hood). These super powered individuals would often be drawn to each other, as allies or enemies, but most would remain local to a specific territory; or if they didn’t have a particular area, they would travel and help whoever happened to be around them at a given time. During the Renaissance, power and authority was more centralized, formalized, and structured, forcing super powered individuals to either fall in line with these systems or sink further into the shadows, becoming “mystery men” as a way to protect themselves and their loved ones. These mystery men were often vilified for not bowing to the government’s will, which led to more secrecy, which led to mistrust from the public, which led to more secrecy, in an ever darkening spiral.

The Justice Society of America is significant because it marked a change in the perception the general public had for these “superheroes” as the JSA preferred to call them. They were no longer mysterious boogey-men to scare kids straight; they were just people, who lived and loved and bought groceries just like anyone else, and who wanted to help others in any way they could. As the globalization of human culture increased through the rest of the 1900s, so too did the influence of superheroes; some thrived on the attention and political power their celebrity status granted them, while others shied away from the spotlight they’d been thrust into, not prepared for the nightmare that is Public Relations.

Over the next few decades, as the idea of superheroes became more mainstream, more local heroes began popping up, as well as some established local heroes releasing their stranglehold on some of their secrets; not all, but enough to humanize themselves to the general public. The idea of public adoration appealed to many, like moths to a flame, which unfortunately tended to draw the wrong crowd for the wrong reasons, saturating the “superhero market” with selfish so-called heroes who only cared about themselves rather than helping people if no one was around to praise them for it. Thankfully, these heroes didn’t last long and folded when faced with an actual threat, which often ended in public humiliation; people were finally starting to catch on to this trend by the 1970s, leading to newer heroes thinking twice before donning a cape and mask.

Three tiers of membership developed within the JSA; full members, part-time members or associates, and non-members that have been endorsed by the JSA who might become members in the future. Of course a more nuanced hierarchy developed over time, as is common among groups of humans, which was loosely based around these tiers but there were always outliers who had more or less respect than their membership status would otherwise grant them. While some were drawn to the JSA for the fame, just an endorsement could make or break a local hero; legitimizing their status as a hero in the publics’ eyes, access to better equipment and training, and, most importantly, access to medical treatment that the government would pay for and an implicit understanding about secret identities from all hospital staff. There were pros and cons for each tier; higher membership meant more responsibility but also more compensation, while lower membership offered more freedom but less access to resources. For example, members were paid based on their time, effort, and how much danger they were put in, but they had no choice but to answer the call to action. Those with just an endorsement weren’t paid at all and had limited access to other resources, but they were allowed to keep their identities a secret from the JSA, which even part-time members had to reveal, though not to the public if they didn’t want to.

Superman was inducted into the JSA fairly quickly after his debut, joining in 1978. The JSA had been around for almost 4 decades by then and its flaws and shortcomings were becoming more and more apparent; while most up-and-coming heroes had grown up with the idea of superheroes being necessary for public safety, the JSA had become increasingly political, rife with in-fighting, and interconnected with the US military. They’d become the USA’s attack dogs internationally and tended to attract those who craved the spotlight via membership more than those who actually wanted to help people, who often stayed at endorsement level. They were getting desperate for new members that could revitalize their image, which inevitably either corrupted the young heroes or disgusted them into leaving.

Trained as a reporter for his day job, Superman quickly uncovered the truth but recognized that the JSA had good bones and structure, despite its corruption. He initially tried to change things from within but realized the corruption and codependence ran too deep. Instead, he began studying the structure of the JSA, figuring out what it did well and how to avoid what it did wrong, all while making plans for his own superhero team, independent of government meddling, and international in scope; if nothing else, it could help superhero teams coordinate with each other as a neutral third party mediator.

Superman wasn’t quiet about the JSA’s shortcomings, but kept his plans for the Justice League mostly to himself; he didn’t want to be kicked out for potentially poaching talent as a competitor, not while he still needed the JSA’s resources to help people. In 1986, Superman approached newly minted CEO Bruce Wayne with his idea; he knew Batman had been approached to join the JSA but had declined and hoped that, despite their rough introduction a few years prior, Wayne Enterprise would agree to be the Justice League’s financial backer, affording them greater independence from any government interference. Bruce had a lot going on at the time and said he’d think about it.

Somewhere around 1990, Wonder Woman debuted and hesitantly joined the JSA, recognizing the corruption (not to mention misogyny) but also its usefulness to her, and was quickly approached by Superman with his new team idea. She was much more comfortable with his plan and eagerly jumped on board, agreeing to be its main leader, but until they could make it happen, she worked on establishing herself as someone the public could trust.

By 1993, Dick Greyson had graduated from sidekick Robin to independent hero Nightwing, Barbra Gordan had well established herself as Batgirl, and Jason Todd was doing well as the second Robin. Feeling more stable, Bruce asked if Clark was still serious about his idea, which he’d now had 7 more years to refine and recruit for. The Justice League finally debuted the next year, lead mostly by Wonder Woman and backed by Superman and Batman as joint seconds-in-command; they purposely never established which of the two had a higher rank and delegated the responsibilities evenly between them based on their strengths. Superman took more of front-facing role with Wonder Woman, as both were generally good with Public Relations, while Batman took on more of a supporting role, doing a lot of the background planning and coordinating to maximize efficiency. Some would compare them to the three arms of the US government, with Wonder Woman as the executive, Superman as the judicial, and Batman as the legislative. While not intentional, it helped people understand their roles and division of power so they didn’t do anything to confirm or deny the parallels.

Their initial lineup consisted of Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman, along with Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Aquaman (Orin/Arthur Curry), and Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz). After the League proved to be stable and not likely to disband, like most independent superhero teams did, they quickly gained members, especially younger heroes that wanted to change the world without being shackled to a specific government and hamstrung by their politics. Many members also joined as a representative of local superhero teams/government agencies around the world.

[transgenderer]

related to the local vs global agriculture debate: transport is a very small part of the carbon footprint of food! (except for cane sugar and bananas). oh and here's an interactive one, the results are basically the same if you consider calories or grams protein instead, except tomatoes are super high in those (i guess cuz theyre mostly water and not calorie or protein dense). also, sustainable meat is still more carbon intensive than plant protein

[liesmyth]

Asking because I don’t know how to tag properly/don’t have enough tlt brainrot followers on my own blog: I had this revelation that New Rho Could be short for “New Rhodesia” which would say a LOT about the original colonists of the planet (the trillionaires(?))

ooh this is juicy! For context: "Rhodesia" was the name given to Zimbabwe and Zambia by the British, after Cecil Rhodes (you may know him from the Rhodes scholarship. also the imperialism)

I started replying to this and it went horribly long so I'm gonna put it under a cut. My tldr is that I don't think it's a direct reference, both because of naming patterns in TLT and because I don't think the trillionaires who escaped earth would be referencing Cecil Rhodes on purpose, but I also don't think it's a wild leap to make.

I'm throwing this in the tags and I'm 👀 to know what people think.

On the name

I always assumed that New Rho was a reference to the greek word / letter Rho (ρ). This would fit both the naming patterns of the Houses (which are partly inspired by classical mythology) AND what little we see of the naming patterns of BoE, who apparently like to name places after ancient or mythological locations on Earth — see also: Lemuria, Ctesiphon wing, Troia cell.

Note that we actually don't know for sure whether "New Rho" is the name given to the planet by the locals or by the Houses — the only person who actually uses that name is Ianthe during her speech, so it may very well be the case that the Empire renamed New Rho unilaterally, and the name doesn't reflect what its actual inhabitants call it. I don't believe that's the case (because, again, it fits with other naming patterns BoE seem to have + to a lesser extent, I think there would have been hints in the text if that had been the case, extra jeerings from the crowd or whatever if they felt strongly that their planet had another name) I'm just bringing this up here for completion's sake.

About the trillionaires:

I've given a lot of thought to the demographic of the TLT fleet. Although IDK how widespread of an opinion this is in the fandom but, personally, I feel pretty strongly that the bunch of ultra-rich people who would have fleed Earth leaving everyone to die would NOT have been the kind of demographic keen to reference British colonialism.

Like, I think it's important to note that the "first wave" of ships that launched from Earth didn't seem to include ANY major politician from a Western country that we know of — they managed until the last moment to keep up the pretence that it was "just" the first of many trips, and to me the lack of panic points to the fact that many public figures weren't on board. The world leader John puppeteers is heavily implied to be the US president, and even he wouldn't have been on board. John's flashback arc pits him very strongly against the global north, but more than that — imo, it's telling that the only sympathetic governments he could get to listen to him were the NZ government and parts of Oceania. It wasn't just John vs. the West, or John vs. OECD countries. It was John vs. the uber-wealthy, and those exist all over the world.

What I'm getting at is: that the trillionaires weren't overwhelmingly white. Many of them would have been USamerican or British or European, but so many people on board those ships would have been Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Russian, Thai etc. I'm thinking about 2024 data on List of countries by share of income of the richest one percent and List of cities by # of billionaires (keeping in mind also that in the NtN flashback arc, the stock market has crashed and the economy is in shambles. I would also assume that many Silicon Valley / tech fortunes have dramatically shrunk, and most "trillionaires" would be people who materially control access to resources.)

Basically what I'm getting at is that, TO ME, the TFL fleet was an escape pod put together by a group of people who had the means to decide they should save themselves and fuck everyone else, rather than a colonising project, and that most of them wouldn't be in a rush to identify themselves with the British empire. Many of them, maybe even a majority, wouldn't be white. They're the scifi equivalent of French noblemen fleeing the revolution. Uber-privileged people who became refugees.

Anyway. This is a book.

Everything I've written above explains why, TO ME, whoever on those ships made it out alive + successfully colonised a plane wouldn't be thinking about the British Empire in an especially positive light. However! TLT as a story doesn't exist in a vacuum, and Taz Muir (who exists in the world, and lives in Oxford) would 100% know who Cecil Rhodes is. I can absolutely believe that she settled on a Greek-mythology-inspired naming pattern and then, out of all the available options, decided to reference the colonialist whose statue got removed while she was writing the book.