#Hiroshima tech

[thisischeri]

3k followers special, what I run on

pictured:

Apple USB-C to USB-C cable

Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter

Apple USB-C to lightening cable and Power Adapter

Apple USB to Apple Watch magnetic charging cable

Soy matcha latte

instagram: cheri.png

[apricitystudies]

what i read in aug. 2023:

(previous editions) bold = favourite

race, gender, sexuality

the blind side was always trash

he’s the trans son of an anti-trans influencer. it's his turn to speak

'the eurocentric fallacy': the myths that underpin european identity

is there a sinister side to the rise of female robots?

i call myself a spinster, but that doesn’t mean l’ll be single forever

politics & current affairs

the land beyond the drug war (usa)

how torture, deception and inaction underpin the uae’s thriving sex trafficking industry

wa mp james hayward found guilty of child sex abuse, disqualified from parliament (australia)

a north korean defector captivated us media. some question her story (usa)

history, culture, & personal essays

loneliness: coping with the gap where friends used to be

inside barbados' historic push for slavery reparations

ahead of time: on poetry and mourning

dreaming of water with tiger salamanders

i stole my neighbour's tragedy to write a short story

nuclear tech: war, power, & oppenheimer

the cautionary tale of j. robert oppenheimer

315 nuclear bombs and ongoing suffering: the shameful history of nuclear testing in australia and the pacific

revisiting hiroshima in iran (journal of international security, open access)

japan releases treated wastewater from fukushima nuclear plant into pacific ocean

spectre of maralinga hangs over aukus nuclear waste for indigenous communities (aus/us)

the dark history oppenheimer didn't show

don't let the victors define morality – hiroshima was always indefensible

if you're interested in more peer-reviewed resources on the american bombings of hiroshima/nagasaki please let me know!

[flagellant]

Some of the asks you're receiving are giving me worrying flashbacks to being the only kid in my class arguing that dropping the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was wrong. I hope someone has studied the 'the more unconscionable an empire's actions the harder its people are taught to defend them' effect because it is a doozy. I am also concerned with how many people are not thinking twice before sending messages saying, essentially, 'You're exaggerating the cruelty of the US's occupation of another sovereign nation!' to....a member of an occupied sovereign Indigenous nation. I hope they're not weighing on you too much or dampening your enthusiasm for this project. I am really enjoying your research sauga, thank you for sharing it with us!

Thank you for this ask. I can't honestly pretend that all of this very much has been weighing on me. It's frustrating on a lot of levels but more than that it just kinda sucks and hurts. Especially as someone who is literally Indigenous and doesn't have dark skin? It's a constant battle of trying to not need to prove I'm Native enough versus having to fight for the recognition that I am my culture and I'm not just fucking racefaking, versus the fear that trying to be more visibly Native would just make me look like a racist caricature even though the whole reason I feel that impulse is because to non-Indigenous people, they see Native Americans as a single monolithic caricature and culture. I can't be native because I don't look like the noble savage in their heads. Don't pay attention to history, there clearly has never been a situation where perhaps Natives on the whole got more and more lighter skinned as generations went on. And there's definitely never been any reason for the American government to have extreme incentive in making sure Natives got bred out of the gene pool.

And none of this is actually directly relevant to the pressure, but it's informing how I'm approaching the research, as someone who can empathize with cultural erasure at the hands of fucking taibo, and I think that no matter what, conspiracy or not, cover-up or not, I think that it is incredibly important that more people in the world are aware that leading into the Cold War, Japan was forcibly coerced into giving total power over a significant cultural touchstone/ingredient/way of life to a single foreigner who had a complete lack of respect for what shoyu is, even going so far as to say "I want to change Japan's taste preferences". I cannot imagine a more direct and blunt parallel to settler-colonialism mindset. I truly cannot.

So to be consistently challenged--despite having either corrected or adapted mistakes/misinformation, or on some occasions actually proving that what I am claiming is not a mistake and it was like this--is kind of pinging a bunch of radars. Even beyond the pressure to perform for the sheer volume of interest--I'm used to that, I've not been exactly an unknown figure on this hellsite--there's a pressure to be perfect. To be immediate. I need to give the people the true answers and the end of the story three days ago; I need to give updates; I need to consider whether or not I want to be interviewed by Tech Crunch; I need to do everything except be allowed to let the natural timeline of research actually be its natural timeline.

I can't continue a large portion of research without having received responses back from government bureaus, from research archives, from college professors, from genetic biologisists, from horticulturists, from historians, from translators I'm paying with the money being sent about this project, from the genealogists and archivists and librarians who are also part of it...the list goes on. I can't make official entities of bureaucracy answer me quicker. It just doesn't work like that in real life--but for some unfathomable reason, Tumblr isn't treating what I'm doing like real life. They're treating it like an ARG.

So I suppose all this is to say I'm seriously having to consider going mostly offline for this holiday season. And I'm almost definitely going to try and avoid this project as much as I can during winter break; it's not like I'll be making quick progress anyway, since half of the academic sources I've contacted are already out for winter.

I hope that all of you understand that, for the most part, it's not you all as a group which is so upsetting and frustrating and draining and worrisome. For the most part it is individual responses from individual people, with a background radiation of eyes and pressure and selfishness on top of it, the natural state of existence for being in the spotlight at any given time. And I hope at the same time all of you understand how incredibly grateful, and touched, and honored, and excited I am that so many others are ALSO excited about this project. That all of you are just as eager to get to the bottom of whatever this ends up being as I am. The fact that people are willing to pay attention, even if only for a little while, to someone whose country is being occupied by foreign invaders investigating and finding the truth about what was happening during a different occupation with the same invaders. I think what is being done here is important work. And I'm glad that all of you do as well.

Without your generosity I would not have been able to even remotely gather the strength to push this for the long haul. And I do mean that literally. I started this project with less than $50USD in my bank account and today this is the first time I've ever had more than about $750 to my name. It's not much in the long run but I'm just so used to having nothing to spare that having any feels like the height of luxury. I bought myself a chai frappe today because I was waiting for a meeting to start. And I didn't hardly feel guilty. I can't tell all of you how emotional that made me, but if you've ever had rough times, I'm sure I don't need to.

Thank you all. I'm really excited to see where we go from here.

[redpenship]

i had to write a 6k word research paper last semester in which i had to do hypothesis testing relating to any subject about WMDs. my idea was to test why states step away from the brink of developing nuclear weapons or get rid of them, with a focus on two explanations: domestic normative changes (so, attitudes regarding nuclear weapons) and security-based explanations (do nuclear weapons provide meaningful defence to the state in question?). this was done in tandem with my plotting for buzzsaw 2, which made me curious about the strategic utility of projecting "safety" or "neutrality" to potential aggressors. the core dilemma in the story is about whether or not aliens can be trusted, or more specifically if kindness is present throughout the universe. it's really all about perception--so, how an individual perceives aliens. to link this with my paper topic, i was specifically seeking to prove that perceptions of nuclear weapons had a greater influence on the lack of horizontal proliferation than security issues. my findings were kind of interesting.

basically, i was proven incorrect. i used congruence analysis (comparing various states and why they did or did not acquire nuclear weapons) to do my hypothesis testing. i feel like rambling a little bit, so here are some of my favourite cases:

Canada (Nuclear weapons capacity: HIGH -- large domestic sources of uranium, multiple research reactors that could be converted to uranium-enrichment facilities for weapons production, encouragement from US to create arsenal, and sufficient high-tech weaponry knowledge to develop an arsenal). Normative explanation: Canadians on average do not perceive military strength as being a source of national pride. It isn't very important in the national consciousness. Security Explanations: Proximity to US means that any nuclear strikes on Canadian territory will provoke US retaliation against the aggressor. Moreover, Canada's nuclear weapons policy at the time emphasized the avoidance of negative security externalities--leaders believed that acquiring nuclear weapons would provoke enemy states into doing the same, and so chose not to obtain them.

Sweden (Nuclear weapons capacity: MEDIUM -- domestic plutonium sources, advanced weapons systems) Normative Explanations: Public support for acquiring a nuclear arsenal reached a high of 57% in 1959. A successful anti-nuclear weapons campaign by the Social Democrat Party sought to make Swedish identity and the possession of nuclear weapons "incompatible" lowered public support to 31% by 1967. The nuclear weapons program lost public support entirely within a decade. Security Explanations: Sweden was most concerned about a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. Despite being a neutral state, their leaders came to the conclusion that the United States would defend any western European state from Soviet expansion to prevent its sphere of influence from growing further. As well, Sweden was worried about provoking the USSR and chose not to develop an arsenal for this reason as well.

Brazil (Nuclear weapons capacity: MEDIUM -- similar reasons to Sweden) Normative Explanations: Brazil's nuclear weapons program occurred under its military dictatorship. After its collapse, the civilian government ended all plans to develop an arsenal. I'm not taking into consideration how Brazilians felt about it because it was a secret program. Security Explanations: The military regime was primarily concerned by Argentina's head-start on enrichment methods and ballistic missile technology. President Geisel established a military nuclear energy research program that ran parallel to the civilian nuclear energy body, CNEN. By 1990, they were believed to be around two years away from testing a Hiroshima-type bomb (admittedly, a piece of shit by 90s standards). The program was terminated in 1990 by civilian President Mollo. Notably, Argentina had transitioned to democracy a few years prior, which contributed greatly to the end of its paranoia towards its neighbour. (Military regimes are prone to mirror paradoxes, in which they assume their rivals are as equally unstable and militaristic. This was definitely true of Argentina's military dictatorship in general though).

My primary case study was South Africa, whose apartheid government built six nuclear bombs beginning in the 1970s until the late 1980s. I chose it because it's the only state to have ever built and then dismantled its nuclear arsenal. At the time, the government was very concerned about the survival of its white state, since the rest of Africa was decolonizing and they were becoming a pariah on the global scene for their apartheid policies. Also, Soviet and Cuban troops were running around getting into conflicts in the continent and they were worried about getting invaded for being anti-communist and super racist. This made them desperate enough to build nuclear weapons.

They actually tried really, really hard to get security assurances from the United States, which led to them going as far as to sanction Rhodesia for being white supremacist (a hypocrisy equivalent only to Norway convincing itself that it meets climate targets). They failed to convince the US to help them (because South Africa was strategically worthless, so it was totally within the United States' comfort zone to ignore them and later condemn them) and were pretty much only friends with Israel, who helped them quite a bit with the nuclear weapons program. In one of the texts I read for the paper (page 287 of Will South Africa Survive? by R.W. Johnson), there's a translation of a section of South African Prime Minister Vorster's interview with Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv in 1976 in which he states that Israel and apartheid South Africa kind of have the same thing going on, with specific reference to their policies of occupation and racial/economic exclusion. So, if you ever need some additional evidence that Israel is an apartheid state for whatever reason, feel free to cite a literal leader of apartheid South Africa admitting that Israel does the same thing.

ANYWAYS, apartheid South Africa got rid of its nuclear weapons during two events/processes: the end of apartheid, and the fall of the Soviet Union. The cause of their disarmament doesn't require much thought since PM de Klerk admitted to parliament that they got rid of their nuclear weapons because their primary security threat (the USSR) no longer existed. Their weapons weren't even very good (could only be delivered by bombers) and their entire strategy for them was to just imply to the US that they possessed them, which would force the US to step up and protect them so South Africa wouldn't reveal they had them to the world and potentially trigger proliferation across Africa.

What I got out of all of this isn't that normative/perceptive explanations for disarmament are worthless, but rather that security concerns must be dealt with as a prerequisite to disarmament. Sweden and Canada fell under US extended deterrence and felt no need to develop weapons, while Brazil and South Africa's regional security concerns collapsed and they no longer had a reason to have nuclear weapons. Countries who are not threatened by nuclear powers or are protected by nuclear powers do not need nuclear weapons to guarantee their survival.

Taking into this account, I've altered the story of buzzsaw 2 to reflect my findings somewhat. A lot of it is the same, I've just put a bit more attention into addressing the security dilemma faced by Earth lol. More specifically, how a planet can minimize security externalities to avoid provoking aliens and how the necessity of doing so can challenge the status of imperial powers on said planet...

[moonogre]

Snippet 3

Business | Technology 

KaibaCorp Dreams of Another World

May 28 

“It’s not a question of what’s next. It’s what’s happening right now. Right in front of you.”

These are the words from the seventeen-year old visionary Seto Kaiba, known worldwide as the reigning Duel Monsters champion and CEO of KaibaCorp (TSE:KBA). His advice seems perfect for this moment: he is standing right in front of a gigantic dragon. It is screaming and ready to attack and he is fearless. 

The creature in question is one of three in the world that belong to the young CEO: Blue Eyes White Dragon, a rare Duel Monsters card and the star of KaibaCorp’s impromptu demonstration of its latest project: Scheherazade.

Named after the fabled storyteller of “One Thousand and One Nights,” Scheherazade is as much a technological marvel as it is a philosophical leap forward. The platform creates immersive worlds drawn from both written stories and players’ own memories, merging fiction and reality into a seamless experience. A combination of machine learning, memory recall, and advanced simulation technology allows the system to respond and adapt for real-time, constant immersion. While virtual reality has been evolving steadily over the past decade, Scheherazade’s memory integration takes it to another level, with unprecedented possibilities for storytelling, education, and, of course, gaming. 

Its most immediate application will be for duelists, offering fully interactive Duel Monsters matches in an arena where the creatures seem to step out of the cards and into life. Industry insiders speculate that this move could put KaibaCorp at the forefront of both gaming and virtual reality, potentially outpacing rivals like Industrial Illusions (NYSE:ILL) and Meta (NASDAQ: META).

This is the latest in the bold new direction forged under young Kaiba’s leadership, which transformed KaibaCorp from an arms contractor to a tech powerhouse, pioneering innovations at the intersection of telecommunications, augmented reality and entertainment. KaibaCorp’s origins date back to the post-World War II era when it rose to prominence as a leading arms manufacturer, standing just behind global defence giants like Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE: NOC). The company’s previous success in the defence sector is often credited to the founding family’s deeply personal experience with war: Ryu Kaiba, KaibaCorp’s founder, served in Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour. The war also impacted his son, the late Gozaburo Kaiba, who was one of the 650,000 survivors of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. 

The latter half of the twentieth-century saw KaibaCorp as a bastion of military technology, supplying weapons to governments around the world. Yet the company was perpetually mired in controversy, and a frequent target of political outcry for its contributions to war and conflict. Protests frequently accompanied its business dealings, which placed it at the centre of public debate about the ethics of arms dealership. It is speculated that mounting pressure and dwindling public support factored into the shocking suicide of Gozaburo Kaiba, who jumped to his death from the KaibaCorp headquarters during a meeting with the company’s board of directors. 

This tragedy would make it the third time Seto Kaiba had lost a parent. Gozaburo Kaiba adopted both the current KaibaCorp CEO and his younger brother, KaibaCorp’s Senior Manager of Technology Operations, Mokuba Kaiba, following the deaths of their parents. Their mother died of eclampsia while giving birth to Mokuba, and their father was killed in a car accident in the infamous Izumo Earthquake Disaster.

Seto Kaiba succeeded Gozaburo as CEO of KaibaCorp at fifteen, making him the youngest person to ever lead a billion-dollar company. His youth left him no shortage of ideas, and he set the company on course for a seismic shift in focus. He went on a buying spree, absorbing a staggering number of promising computer technology companies in his first quarter as CEO. He also terminated operations at KaibaCorp’s global weapons testing centres and completely divested the company from projects supporting armed conflict. These actions led KaibaCorp to several high-profile lawsuits for defaulting on its contracts and sales agreements. These disputes were settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.     

Between the payouts, acquisitions and lack of customers, KaibaCorp was teetering on financial ruin. The company was saved with Kaiba’s most notable innovation: SolidVision, the holographic projection technology that brought Duel Monsters to life. This was followed by the Duel Disk, a revolutionary p2p interface that allowed duelists to compete in real-time holographic battles, becoming a staple for competitive players across the world. These commercial successes catapulted KaibaCorp into global fame and made Duel Monsters a cultural phenomenon, while signalling KaibaCorp’s new mission: to create, not destroy.

This pursuit has now brought KaibaCorp to the verge of another groundbreaking moment. Scheherazade, set to roll out this summer, will first be available at stadiums and theme parks before making its way into homes through a specialised hardware release. Duelists and VR enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the chance to immerse themselves in the fully realised worlds this technology promises to deliver.

In many ways, KaibaCorp’s evolution is as poetic as it is fascinating. What was once a company defined by its contribution to destruction is now positioned to offer the world a new way of seeing itself, through stories, memories, and duels. 

“This is just the beginning. Scheherazade isn’t just a virtual space—it’s a new frontier for human imagination. It’s the bridge between what we can dream and what we can live.”

And in that, perhaps, lies Kaiba’s greatest victory: transforming a company of war into one that makes dreams reality.

______

The article featured two captioned pictures. Duel Monster Blue Eyes White Dragon, rendered in Scheherazade: a still of him pulled from the testing zone broadcast, looking up at Blue Eyes White Dragon. He was surprised at the lack of fear on his face– the light from the White Lightning Attack had washed every emotion into brightness. He was just vacant, ready, waiting.  He was more expressive in the second photograph: Father and son. One of the last before Gozaburo’s death. The man had a hand on his shoulder and was sneering down at him. Kaiba, fifteen, slanted his face to return his contempt, the corner of his mouth barely lifted in a matching, cruel smirk.

[companionjones]

BOOM.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Fandoms: Marvel, MCU

Summary: Because of your powers, you keep to yourself around the team. Can one of the Avengers get you to open up?

Warnings: None that come to mind

*******

    You had started on the Avengers team a few months back. You had never thought your powers could have been used for good, yet there you were, proving yourself wrong.

    You kept to yourself on missions. Even more so when you weren’t in the field. Most of your fieldwork was solo, anyway. Get in, do your job, get out.

    You didn’t talk to others. Most of them understood why. One wouldn’t have it.

    Bucky had had his eyes on you since the day you decided to become part of the team. You were the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. The things you had him wanting to do hadn’t happened since the 40′s for Bucky.

    So, he played the long game.

    It started off with soft smiles while he passed you in the halls. Nothing any of the other Avengers wouldn’t do for you. Except Bucky would jog down a corridor to open a door for you, even if your hands were empty and Steve was standing right there to do the same.

    That earned Bucky a small, amused smile from you. That smile lit up Bucky’s whole week.

    From there, Bucky started to get you coffee every morning. It didn’t matter that Sam threw a fit almost daily about how Bucky was only nice enough to get coffee for just one other person, all that mattered to Bucky was the sweet “Thank you” he got to hear from your lips every day.

    After that, things escalated. Bucky wasn’t complaining at all. On the nights that he couldn’t sleep, he sometimes found you in the kitchen. The two of you would talk about trivial things until the sun came up. The conversations left Bucky ever happier.

    The nighttime conversations eventually stretched into the day as well. The other team members were surprised and impressed that Bucky was able to get you to open up to him. Steve was proud to see his best friend come such a long way from essentially having your same habits to where he was then.

    Bucky didn’t really care what everyone else had to say.  All that mattered to him was you.

    “And how are we feeling this morning?” Bucky flashed one of his award-winning smiles as he handed you your morning coffee.

    You pushed down a giggle and softly stated, “Alright.”

    “Yeah, and I’m doing alright too!” Sam called from across the room, no doubt pissed that Bucky had refrained to get him a coffee...again.

    Bucky was in the middle of fully ignoring Sam, but he quickly threw a protective arm around you when it seemed a bomb went off just outside the nearby windows.

    Sam had already suited up with Tony’s nano-tech when Bucky turned to you. “Are you okay?” he yelled over the ringing in both your ears.

    You were able to force your head to nod.

    Bucky breathed. “Okay. Get somewhere safe. We’ll call you if we need you.”

    Again, all you seemed able to do was nod.

    Bucky ran to help the team, and you crawled under a nearby desk. You curled yourself into a ball, and tired to keep your breathing under control.

    That didn’t last long because what was thrown from the cloud of chaos and into your line of sight? Bucky’s metal arm.

    That was what it took to make your vision go red.

    There was a reason you didn’t go to fight with the team. Your powers...they were used as a last resort.

    You heard Tony and Nat and maybe a few others yell at the rest of the team to take cover once they saw you step onto the battlefield.

    After that...

    You had heard stories of what you looked like when you went off. Most said it was an overwhelming yellow light. Quill once said in one of his less sensitive moments that “You looked like Hiroshima.”

    None of that mattered in the moment because once you came down, the damage was done. You were standing in the middle of a crater, and Bucky had climbed down into it to talk to you.

    “...gonna be okay. It’s over now. You did your job perfectly. We can calm down now, right?”

    You tried to nod your head again, but you couldn’t think of anything except your breathing being so loud.

    “No, no. No need to do it again. You did everything you needed to today. You got me?”

    Finally, you nodded.

    He smiled. “Good.”

    “Wha--” you swallowed, “What’re you gonna say now? The sun’s getting real low?”

*******

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading! Fill up that heart and reblog if you liked it. I would also really appreciate a comment, if you have the time. If you would like to read more, check out my masterlist. Have a nice day, night, or whatever time it is for you! <3 <3 <3

[ddlcaskblog]

*cracks knuckles*

All right, Monika. I didn't want to have to do this, but you've given me no choice. Since you're so eager to know what our reality is like, it's time to show you...THE TRUTH.

*shows her footage and reports of the Hindenburg*

*shows her footage and reports of Pearl Harbor*

*shows her footage and reports of D-Day*

*shows her footage and reports of FDR's death*

*shows her footage and reports of V-E Day*

*shows her footage and reports of Hiroshima*

*shows her footage and reports of the end of WWII*

*shows her footage and reports of Harry Truman's upset 1948 presidential win*

*shows her footage and reports of Douglas MacArthur's firing*

*shows her footage and reports of Sputnik's launch*

*shows her footage and reports of John Glenn's orbit of Earth*

*shows her footage and reports of Marilyn Monroe's death*

*shows her footage and reports of the Cuban Missile Crisis*

*shows her footage and reports of JFK's assassination*

*shows her footage and reports of Lee Harvey Oswald's assassination*

*shows her footage and reports of Lyndon Johnson dropping out of the 1968 presidential race*

*shows her footage and reports of MLK's assassination*

*shows her footage and reports of RFK's assassination*

*shows her footage and reports of the Apollo 11 moon landing*

*shows her footage and reports of the Apollo 13 crisis*

*shows her footage and reports of the Kent State Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of the Munich Olympics crisis*

*shows her footage and reports of Richard Nixon's resignation*

*shows her footage and reports of the fall of Saigon*

*shows her footage and reports of Elvis Presley's death*

*shows her footage and reports of the Iran Hostage crisis*

*shows her footage and reports of John Lennon's assassination*

*shows her footage and reports of Ronald Reagan being shot*

*shows her footage and reports of the Challenger explosion*

*shows her footage and reports of the fall of the Berlin Wall*

*shows her footage and reports of the beginning of the First Gulf War*

*shows her footage and reports of the Rodney King Riots*

*shows her footage and reports of the Waco standoff*

*shows her footage and reports of the O.J. Simpson saga*

*shows her footage and reports of the Oklahoma City bombing*

*shows her footage and reports of the Flight 800 explosion*

*shows her footage and reports of the Atlanta Olympics bombing*

*shows her footage and reports of Princess Diana's death*

*shows her footage and reports of Bill Clinton's impeachment*

*shows her footage and reports of the Columbine Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of JFK Jr's death*

*shows her footage and reports of the 2000 presidential election controversy*

*shows her footage and reports of 9/11*

*shows her footage and reports of the beginning of the Iraq War*

*shows her footage and reports of Hurricane Katrina*

*shows her footage and reports of the Virginia Tech Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of the 2008 Great Recession crash*

*shows her footage and reports of Barack Obama's 2008 election*

*shows her footage and reports of Michael Jackson's death*

*shows her footage and reports of Osama Bin Laden's killing*

*shows her footage and reports of the Sandy Hook Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of the Boston Marathon bombing*

*shows her footage and reports of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of Donald Trump's upset 2016 presidential win*

*shows her footage and reports of the Vegas Country Festival Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of the Parkland Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of Donald Trump's first impeachment*

*shows her footage and reports of Kobe Bryant's death*

*shows her footage and reports of the COVID Pandemic*

*shows her footage and reports of George Floyd's killing*

*shows her footage and reports of Jan. 6th*

*shows her footage and reports of Donald Trump's second impeachment*

*shows her footage and reports of the fall of Kabul*

*shows her footage and reports of the Uvalde Massacre*

*shows her footage and reports of the Maui wildfires*

.

.

.

Keep in mind, Monika, that this is a VERY small sample size of what our world--indeed, my native nation in the United States--has had to deal with over time. This is just some of the stuff we humans in this universe have been able to capture on live film or tape, and we've been around for MILLIONS of years.

If you STILL feel brave enough to want to traverse this world, well...there's not much I or anyone else could probably do to stop you. But you deserve to know the truth--what it was you were ACTUALLY driven to kill the other club members for.

If you need some time alone to reflect and gather yourself, I understand. If you need someone to talk to, I get that too, and I'm here if you need me.

Take care and be good to yourself--and the other club members. <3

M: "..."

M: "Just...Don't show the girls."

[superfuji]

Così, trovandomi in viaggio in Giappone, non ho potuto fare a meno di recarmi al Memoriale della Pace di Hiroshima. E’ un parco pubblico, molto essenziale nell’architettura, come a voler dare il senso dello spazio che si apre, a superare e trascendere quel trauma. Ma al contempo, in modalità perfettamente giapponese, dà estrema cura ai particolari, dalle aiuole ai simboli di pace, agli origami delle gru per Sadoku, piccole teche trasparenti dove si possono lasciare origami, ma anche messaggi. Io uno l’ho scritto e l’ho lasciato lì: MAI PIU’ BOMBE NUCLEARI, DISARMO E PACE, in italiano e in sardo. Forse un piccolo atto dal sapore rituale, ma sentivo di farlo. Sadoku è la bambina simbolo di Hiroshima che per salvarsi aveva giurato di fare gli origami di mille gru, per la pace nel mondo. Morì prima di completare la sua opera, ma tutte le persone possono ancora, stringendosi accanto al monumento per i bambini, esprimere un pensiero, o solo meditare in silenzio. Visitando il Museo del Memoriale della Pace di Hiroshima, si torna indietro nel tempo e ci si ritrova immersi in quell’immane tragedia. L’esplosione dell’atomica trasformò in pochi istanti la città in un vero e proprio inferno. Un inferno descritto dalle poche fotografie esistenti, dai disegni e dai dipinti dei testimoni oculari, dai racconti dei sopravvissuti. La temperatura al suolo divenne così alta da incendiare non solo gli alberi, le case e le strutture in legno e in cemento, ma da staccare la pelle delle persone, scioglier loro gli occhi, squagliare gli organi interni. I cavalli, che guidavano le carrozze nei viali, impazzirono e si tuffarono nei fiumi, per annegar lì. Anche molte persone si gettavano nel fiume, per spegnere le fiamme che le avevano avvolte, o cercare di trovare ristoro all’enorme calore. Chi non era morto sul colpo si trascinava ferito ed ustionato, con la pelle a brandelli, con le carni che bruciavano dentro, alla ricerca d’acqua per spegnere quel fuoco. Quell’acqua stessa, che ne avrebbe solo accelerato la morte. Così come la pioggia che cadde nei giorni successivi, descritta dai testimoni come “la pioggia nera”, altamente radioattiva. 

Ricordare Hiroshima per prevenire la catastrofe

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (1-7 Oct 2023)

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

🙂 Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer's Guide to the Universe (Phil Plait, author & narrator) - The Bad Astronomer paints pictures of what the sky would look like standing on the surface of other planets, asteroids, etc.

😊 Initiation (Sex Wizards #1) (Alethea Faust) - erotic BDSM fantasy - actually a bit more plot & worldbuilding than I was expecting tbh, entertaining

😞 Miss Aldridge Regrets (Canary Club Mystery #1) (Louise Hare, author; Georgina Campbell, narrator) - This isn't a mystery the MC investigates, it's a mystery that happens TO her. She was tediously passive, seeming really rather naïve & foolish (esp given her age and life experience) and entirely in denial about pretty much everything that happens to her (since she's being actively framed for murder). However, the very short interval chapters from the killer's perspective did hook my interest and left me genuinely curious about the mystery. At about 44% I jumped to the end to see how the mystery resolved. I'm counting it as read since I did read over 50% of it.

😍 A Most Agreeable Murder (Julia Seales, author; Fiona Hampton, narrator) - comical pastiche/parody mashup of: Jane Austen (specifically), regency-set/gothic novels (in general) & Agatha Christie/country house mysteries - funny & entertaining, deftly done. Very Nightmare Abbey vibes in the absolute best way. I enjoyed all the caricature characters but 'overlooked tedious (but secretly a [redacted]) sister' Mary was my fave, absolute gothic queen

💖💖 +94K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

I'm dating the least inquisitive man in Ottawa (GlitterCity) - Rachel Reid's Game Changers: Troy Barrett/Harris Drover (but really mostly gen), 4K - cute, really nailed the character voices

Tinder Is the Night (rohkeutta) - MCU: stucky, 6K - hilarious, forever fave [reread]

Stay (fandomfluffandfuck) - MCU: stucky, 31K - silver fox/old guard Dom Steve subbing for newbie Dom Bucky - great character voices, hot af sex!

bitten hand guides best (frankoceansmoonriver) - The Witcher: Geraskier, 33K - lovely little fic with werewolf!Jaskier & witcher Geralt

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

Make Some Noise - s2, e1

Dirty Laundry - s3, e2

Only Murders In The Building - s3, e10

Deadloch - s1, e1-8

Our Flag Means Death - s2, e1-3

D20: Burrow's End - "The Red Warren" (s20, e1)

D20: Adventuring Party - "Stoatal Recall" (s15, e1)

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

Re: Dracula - October 1: Not My Own Master In The Matter

Welcome to Night Vale #235 - Book Club

What Next: TBD - Inside Crypto's House of Cards

Re: Dracula - October 2: Play for the Stake of Human Souls

⭐ The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Searching for Squids with Dr. Sarah McAnulty

Ed Zitron's 15 Minutes In Hell - Episode 9 - David Roth

Re: Dracula - October 3: The Holiest Love

Into It - Tech Bros Laid the Foundation, but Women Built Social Media

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Enchanted Woods

Switched on Pop - In Defense of Crunk

Re: Dracula - October 4: It Is Like Death

Vibe Check - Freedom, Cut Me Loose!

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Baobab Fare

⭐ Shedunnit - Agatha and Plum

Twenty Thousand Hertz+ - Wilhelm Scream Remix

⭐ Song Exploder - Alvvays "Archie, Marry Me"

Re: Dracula - October 5: Baptism of Blood

Today, Explained - Caste away

Re: Dracula - October 6: My Affairs of Earth

Dear Prudence - My Girlfriend Is Always Late! Help!

Endless Thread - Find A Grave: Social Media Icon

Into It - Are Bed Bugs and Katy Perry Out for Blood?

Today, Explained - Who shot ya, Tupac?

Switched on Pop - Metro Boomin Wants Some More

ICYMI - Stop Snitching on Main

⭐ One Year - 1955: The Hiroshima Maidens

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Troubadours From the Tribe

Alternative Radio • 2000s

Foundations of Metal

Rob Zombie Radio • 2000s • Familiar

Metal Radio • 1980s

Manowar Radio

"Give It Away" [RHCP] Radio • Familiar

Stand And Deliver: The Very Best of Adam & The Ants {1999}

[destinygoldenstar]

Miki Peridot ; The Ultimate Scientist (Danganronpa The Privileged Traitor)

Takeo Midorigawa (Tah-Kay-oh Me-door-ee-gah-wa) ; 21 Years Old ; From Hiroshima, Japan ; The Ultimate Scientist

*Fanganronpa Antagonist* Miki Peridot is a student of Hopes Peak College Class B-3 in Danganronpa The Privileged Traitor. I labeled her as ‘the antagonist’ but keep in mind that in this fangan, the protagonist is the traitor and the support is the mastermind, knowledge the audience has right away. So keep in mind there’s a difference between ‘antagonist’ and ‘villain’ in definition.

Takeo Midorigawa is her birth name, but she made a name change as the Mad Scientist and rogue inventor, Miki Peridot. Famous for her reckless inventions to be displayed throughout the country of Japan, and her mechanical arm, which she claims to the public is her personal sidekick, and she became an amputee when she fought a shark mutated into a T-Rex hybrid. The creature lost.

This story is a lie. In actuality, she was born in critical condition.

She was miraculously rescued, but without an arm and metal devices all over her chest that couldn’t be removed. She had to get a prosthetic arm, and keep this metal all over her torso. As such, she’s flat chested, and infertile. She would be like this the rest of her life.

Despite her condition, she was quickly adopted by a loving family that were both inventors. They taught her everything about tech and science of all sorts. Miki quickly proved herself as a prodigy who grasped rocket science at age five. And soon she started making experiments of her own and publishing these experiments to the world. She found the cure for cancer when she was twelve.

The only problem with her fame was that it went to her head. If there’s one seven deadly sun that describes Miki, it’s pride.

She wears her image like a trophy, is extremely confident, and is prone to bragging rights and putting herself on a pedestal that deserves respect. She knows she’s modern science’s best b*tch.

Though it’s because of this ego that she has a hard time connecting with other people. Though the reasoning is different in Sara’s case, this is something the two have in common.

Because of accusations of her inventions being dangerous, Miki was described as a mad scientist supervillain using her inventions to take over Japan.

Her rival who would play cat and mouse with her was Japan’s vigilante of the night, The Black Dragon (Riyuko Kurai).

It’s a classic superhero supervillain dynamic, but with a twist.

Because Miki defeated her opponent. But not in the sense of ‘she killed her’ or ‘she locked her up’. No, instead she persuaded her that her inventions were actually beneficial, and the two became friends who perused the same goal.

Now Mikis inventions are being sold to people for protection and innovation, and she’s known as the supervillain who won.

Riyuko is Miki’s only friend, and the only person she chooses to interact with. Everyone else is someone who needs to be protected or marketed to, and therefore inferior.

And then both of them go to Hopes Peak, only to realize it’s a killing game. People will die.

Miki tasks herself to use her tech to protect the other students with tech and using her brain to solve the school mystery. But no one wants her help because of how she approaches the goal of protecting them. She’s arrogant about it, and cold towards others who try to help besides Riyuko, and has a temper when it comes to people touching her stuff. DONT TOUCH HER STUFF.

She sees the other students as lesser intelligent and strength who need protection and a savior, and not as people who can survive on their own. Riyuko is the only exception as a vigilante who already proved to Miki she was capable of such.

If she wants to save the others and solve the mystery on who the bad guys are, she may have to learn humility.

Victim? Killer? Survivor?

Again, I labeled her as ‘the antagonist’. But look up the definition. Then look up the definition of a villain. There’s a difference between the two words. Especially if you know who the protagonist (Sara Fumihito) and support (Senri Endo) are supposed to be.

Miki is also the only character in this cast who is an amputee, with no killing game causing it. That metal arm is not armor or anything, that’s her actual arm.

Riyuko Kurai, The Black Dragon, The Ultimate Vigilante, is also a student and a character.

See my other profiles; The Protagonist ; The Mastermind; The Ultimate Musical Sensation ; The Ultimate Good Cop ; The Ultimate Bad Cop ; The Ultimate Archer ; The Ultimate Environmentalist ; The Ultimate Arsonist ; The Ultimate Vigilante ; The Ultimate Violinist ; The Ultimate Renaissance Student ; The Ultimate Dance Streamer ; The Ultimate Video Game Modifier ; The Ultimate Poetry Writer

[japan-tourist-places-in-tokyo]

Best Places You Must Visit in Tokyo

Introduction:

Explore japan tourist places in Tokyo, which is a very interesting combination of tradition and also modernity. Admire the famous Tokyo Tower, take a walk through the historical Asakusa district, visit the lively Shibuya Crossing, taste the delicious sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market, and relax in the peaceful Meiji Shrine. Diverse wonders for every traveler await in Tokyo.

Tokyo's Towering Beauty: The symbol of the city, the Tokyo Tower is a very tall standing building with its orange and white exterior. Climb to get the panoramic views of the city’s sprawling skyline where modernity sits with tradition and a visual feast of lights and landmarks for the eyes.

Historical Charm of Kyoto: The city of Kyoto, also a capsule of Japan’s past, has many ancient temples such as Kinkaku-ji and peaceful tea houses in areas such as Gion. Walk along the streets of history where the traditional wooden machiya houses take you back to the nostalgia of the old times.

Natural Serenity in Hakone: Hakone, a serene haven, beckons you to unwind in its revitalizing hot springs, under the watchful eye of Mount Fuji. The untouched nature, including dense forests, and quiet lakes, only adds to the tranquil ambiance, making it a very perfect getaway.

Osaka's Culinary Delights: Osaka, a foodie’s dream, comes with an exciting street food culture. From savory takoyaki to the crispy okonomiyaki, savor the local treats. Discover the famous markets such as Kuromon Ichiba, where the smell of different tastes permeates the air, a culinary tour for every tongue.

Hiroshima's Peaceful Memorial: There is a memorial park in Hiroshima, a place of remembrance that honors the past. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a symbol of the city’s history. As you walk through the park and its peaceful environment, meditate on the messages of peace and resilience to encourage reflection and comprehension.

Snowy Adventure in Sapporo: Sapporo turns into a winter fairytale, mesmerizing tourists with its famous snow festivals and ski slopes. Enjoy the wonders of the snow sculptures, sample the local food at the Sapporo Snow Festival, and ski or snowboard in the beautiful Hokkaido scenery.

Nagasaki's Rich Maritime History: Dejima Island, a former trading outpost, showcases the maritime legacy of Nagasaki. Visit the old Dutch trading post that has been preserved and learn about Nagasaki in its maritime history. The Peace Memorial deepens the meaning, considering Nagasaki’s strength and dedication to peace after the atomic bombing.

Majestic Landscapes of Nikko: Nikko promises a grandiose landscape, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Toshogu Shrine. Admire the beautiful structures and peaceful scenery. Discover Nikko’s natural landscape, including the majestic waterfalls, where the spiritual and natural elements combine to form a mystical environment in this timeless and idyllic locale.

Conclusion:

Japan presents a collage of experiences, ranging from the high-tech marvels of Akihabara to the tranquillity of the Nikko. Indeed, as the Diper Tour brings the Filipinos closer to these wonders, Japan’s charm becomes more obtainable. Celebrate the cultural convergence in the Japan tourists spots from Philippines, which serves as a great bridge between nations that share similar wonders and also memories.

[neodracunyan]

Danganronpa: The Ultimate Student - Prologue

Location: Y/n's House - Uptown Creation City

Date: July 14, 2022

Time: 9:30 PM

Y/n's POV

Hello there. My name is Y/n L/n and I live in Uptown Creation City, living by myself, far away from my awful parents and I...am a diehard fan of Danganronpa.

Yes, I am talking about the adventure, visual novel, detective and dating simulation type of game known as Danganronpa. I have every video game, manga books, figurines and every single piece of Danganronpa merchandise known to man and it was all worth the trouble of collecting everything that is based on my favorite anime.

My most favorite character in the series was the cute, but very dangerous and cunning black and white bi-sided bear known as Monokuma as he takes the role as the Hope's Peak Academy's own principal and used many tactics to manipulate the Ultimate Students in killing each other through murder, despite most of the students refusing to murder each other in order to escape the school turned prison through graduation.

All of that was caused by the students that have fallen into despair...

The point of the game is when a dead body student is found around school grounds, the other students have to figure out who is the 'blackened' and if they find the culprit correct, the murderer will receive the death penalty of Monokuma's brand of executions, but if they get the wrong culprit, all of the students except for the real culprit will all be punished, leaving the murderer to get away with murder and graduate.

I played all of the Danganronpa games 27 times and I know all the characters that killed the other students in each game.

The only thing I hate about the series was Junko Hiroshima, not because that she a dranged lunatic like she always does with a passion for murder, mayhem and despair, its just that she uses Monokuma for her own entertainment and used the whole scenario of seeing the students murder each other for a TV Show, which explains about all the cameras all around the school that is recording everything that has happened during the events of the game.

I always thought of Monokuma as a sentient being like a Very Powerful AI controlling the bear and I never saw him as either a puppet or a high-tech build-a-bear reject.

If I was in that game, I would prove to Monokuma that I would be his most favorite student and beat Junko at her own game.

If I had an Ultimate Talent, I would be known as the Ultimate Student. It doesn't matter what kind of special talent that I have that makes me an Ultimate Student, I have any Ultimate Talent that will get me into Hope's Peak Academy.

However, that will never happen because all of that stuff from the series is all made believe and not real. It's all part of reality and you just have to deal with it and move on.

I understand that none of the events of the game ever actually happened in real life, but I would love to see myself in that universe and meet the entire cast of the Danganronpa franchise as well as Monokuma himself.

But then again, that's part of reality and you can't make it happen like you're some sort of God or have the ability to travel through different dimensions.

We can't always get what we want in our lives. It's all part of our lives...

But that's ok, I can always just imagine myself being inside all of those games I played, the manga I read or even replay with the figurines and plush dolls I have of the characters.

I even wrote my own Danganronpa AU fanfiction and I would post it online, but I didn't want anyone thinking that I'm super obsessed with Danganronpa and might end up like Junko herself.

So, anyways you all wondered what's going to happen next in this story. Well, as I was getting ready for bed because I have work tomorrow morning and I gotta get some sleep to get to work on time.

The very moment that I got in the covers of my Monokuma bed sheets, I turned off the lights and went to sleep before I said something to myself before I went out like a candle.

Y/n: I wish I was a part of the Danganronpa universe as the Ultimate Student at Hope's Peak Academy...zzzzzzzz

Those words that came out of my month sent a message to the cosmic being of the multiverse that heard my cries for help as the God's Creation got the message and decided to grant my wish that will change my life forever.

Creation: I can fully understand your desires to be the Ultimate Student in the world of Danganronpa and I shall grant your wish. The moment you wake up from your slumber, you will find yourself in a dorm room at Hope's Peak Academy, but you will not remember everything from your past life once you arrive at the Academy as your new life. However, your vast knowledge of this series will be your greatest weapon in surviving through the world filled with nothing but Hope and Despair as you will be known as Y/n L/n aka The Ultimate Student.

With the cosmic power of the Multiverse, he transported me to the Danganronpa Universe as my life as the Ultimate Student at Hope's Peak Academy is finally coming true as I was blessed by the creative power of the God's Creation.

As I was being sent to the Danganronpa universe, Creation was about to head back to his realm, only to stop for a moment to say a few words before leaving back to his lair.

Creation: Oh, I also added a special surprise once you meet this "Monokuma" that I heard so much about. A very interesting creature to be a highly advanced AI in a high tech build-a-bear reject that is the balance between Hope and Despair. He's gonna be so surprised to see an uninvited guest inside the school and once meets the Ultimate Student for the first time, his reaction is absolutely "Unbearable". (Chuckles) I crack myself up. (Looks around in my room to see my entire Danganronpa collection) Nice collection by the way, Y/n. I better get all of your Danganronpa merchandise to a safe place in my dimension, where no one will ever try to steal them.

He then used his powers to put my entire Danganronpa collection in a safe place where no one will ever find it and he soon went back to his own dimension while I'm being sent to the world of Danganronpa to start my life as The Ultimate Student.

This was going to be the adventure of my entire life, but I must be on high alert as I'm about to enter Monokuma territory and things will soon fall into despair once the games of murder and trail begin at Hope's Peak Academy.

Meanwhile in an Alternate Universe...

No POV

Inside the principal's office at Hope's Peak Academy, a familiar looking bi-sided black and white bear was sitting at his desk, relaxing and drinking a glass of wine when he suddenly heard something from a few dimensions away that insulted him when Creation made a joke about him that his reaction about a new student arriving here at the academy uninvited would be "un-bear-able" to him and he did not like that at all.

Monokuma: (Growls) Why do I suddenly hear someone make fun of me with bear puns and I don't remember having an extra student coming to this school, uninvited. Eh, no matter. More students, means more fun ways to bring despair and murder to amuse me. Yet, I'm still deeply offended by whoever made fun of me and it wasn't bear-y nice at all.

END OF PROLOGUE

TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE 01

[leogichidaa]

I always felt there were certain things that muggles and wizards are permanently intertwined with. Like the supply of food. Are we really supposed to think wizards conjure food out of thin air? That’s got to defy the rules of magic in universe right? So during the pre-industrial revolution era, I always saw wizards as being isolated unless a famine hit. They’re directly affected like muggles are. Or severe plague. Perhaps the bubonic plague came out as a nasty flu that was curable, but the economic disruption on the muggle side proved to be a challenge, but something to manage.

Post Industrial Revolution it got harder. Maybe the smokestacks made apparition in cities a hazard. As haute couture developed, wizards may have taken an interest in the beauty standards.

Modern day may have made it even harder. Yes, magic disrupts electricity, but what about machines and cogs? What about say…bombs, and chemical weapons like agent orange? Perhaps wizards had a safeguard, but they couldn’t be careless (in WWI). Who would be quicker, a muggle yanking out a gun or a wizard casting a spell? And I’m talking about all guns, even the ones with the snaplock mechanisms in the 19th century, as well as the revolver.

One could make an argument that anti muggle sentiment may have really started to rise when muggles started to develop technology that surpasses spells in some shape or form (like a skilled person yanking out a semi automatic? I suspect they’d be the quicker one).

And tbh, the Malfoys are a good example of muggle influence. According to Rowling’s bio of them, their ancestor came to England as an advisor to William the Conqueror. Then a Malfoy tried to court Elizabeth II. 😂 And they initially resisted the statue because it meant no more fancy muggle paintings and other artwork, no more muggle statues and sculptures. But they caved in the end.

As far as the Cold War and the Soviet bloc, I can see the status of the economy directly affecting wizards - particularly those in the Soviet Bloc. 🤔 I still have to think of general society, and tech, and the constant conflicts of rebellion from muggles.

Indeed, you cannot provide food out of thin air:

“Your mother can’t produce food out of thin air,” said Hermione. “No one can. Food is the first of the five Principal Exceptions to Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfigur—”

You can apparently multiply food though, if you already have some, like Jesus. Personally, I feel like if you have, say, a slice of bread and you multiply it to five slices of bread, it should retain the nutritional value of one slice of bread spread across five pieces and just provide the illusion of eating five slices of bread. That's not canon, though, that's just my opinion.

So yes, I think famine would impact the wizarding world, at least to some extent. And things like plague and war that wouldn't devastate the wizarding world to the same degree would probably impact them in meaningful ways.

In Fantastic Beasts, Grindelwald capitalizes on wizarding Europe's fear of the muggle's advancing technology and global warfare by showing them visions of the future nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He uses this to rationalize anti-muggle sentiments and advocate for the destruction of the Statute so that wizard-kind can step in and control the muggles to stop them from exploding the whole planet. So there's definitely anxiety there.

The Malfoys just want to be influencers. Iconic 😂

[doctorcurdlejr]

that kurt vonnegut presentation you did once, can we see 👀👀👀

sure! it's just an incredibly brief intro to the ethical conversation around cybernetics in player piano (slides and notes under the read more), but I'm not really an expert it was just a cursory look. if the topic is interesting I would also suggest The Tyranny of Cybernetics in Kurt Vonnegut’s Player Piano.

I will be discussing the novel Player Piano in context of our discussion on Cybernetics and Computer Ethics.

Kurt Vonnegut was born in 1922 to a German family in Indiana, who were strong pacifists and atheists. Despite reservations due to personal anti-war values and his German ancestry, Vonnegut eventually enlisted in the US military in 1943 – an experience that influenced a great deal of his works, most notably slaughterhouse five. After the war, Vonnegut bounced around between college and odd jobs, eventually landing a PR position at General Electric. Vonnegut’s three years with the company gave him an insight into the scientific world that inspired his first novel, Player Piano which was published in 1952. Player Piano presented a dystopian American society where nearly everything has been mechanized, developing an upper class of managers and engineers, and a lower class that has lost their sense of purpose. The novel is a heavy critique of technological advancement pushed forward by a capitalist need to optimize, regardless of the happiness of the average citizen.

Playboy interview: https://web.archive.org/web/20090210155908/http://www.playboy.com/magazine/interview_archive/kurt-vonnegut/kurt-vonnegut-3.html

Vonnegut is no stranger to the scientific world. In college he originally majored in bio-chemistry, and when he enlisted, he was initially put in Carnegie Tech to learn mechanical engineering. Additionally, Vonnegut’s older brother was Bernard Vonnegut, an atmospheric scientist who is credited with discovering that silver iodide could be used in cloud seeding to produce snow and rain. But Player Piano’s ethical discussion around technological advancement is largely based on the things he saw and conversations he had with scientists during his time at General Electric. He felt that many of the people working in the research laboratory were interested in discoveries and truth but had little regard for what would be done after their technology had been developed.

During Vonnegut’s time at GE, the Atlantic would publish Norbert Wiener’s letter A Scientist Rebels. In the letter Wiener presents ethical objections to the use of research to aid in development of war technology, citing the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as examples of what happens when the consequences are not considered. Vonnegut was aware of the letter, and it would present inspiration for his first short story, Report on the Barnhouse Effect – a story about the US military taking advantage of a professor’s sudden development of psychokinetic abilities, written in the style of a report.

Vonnegut quote: https://web.archive.org/web/20090210155908/http://www.playboy.com/magazine/interview_archive/kurt-vonnegut/kurt-vonnegut-3.html

A scientist rebels: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1947/01/a-scientist-rebels/656040/

In 1948, Wiener would publish his book on Cybernetics, which would prove to be incredibly influential on Player Piano – so much so that the novel’s main character, Paul, directly cites Wiener. Player Piano, though, takes a critical stance on cybernetics. In Player Piano, the self-regulating machines presented by cybernetics do reduce mental work for the average person – but to the disadvantage of all of society. People begin to feel useless and restless as technology takes over nearly everything.

Part of the reason people become so unsatisfied with their perpetual irrelevance under an entirely systemized society is that the constant mechanization isn’t done for their benefit – it’s done to further push capitalist aims. The machines that operate society mold citizens into perfect consumers, pushing industry forever forward with total disregard for the consequences on people at large. While generally more of an optimist towards the uses of cybernetics, Wiener held similar reservations about its misuses. The second edition of Cybernetics released in 1961 included a new introduction from Wiener, who admitted that he didn’t know if cybernetics would be a benefit to humanity – but that its potential could not be truly reached or understood when all concern for its uses revolved around improving capital rather than improving the general quality of life for humanity.

Wiener’s solution to these concerns was largely brought forth in his book The Human Use of Human Beings, which outlined the ethical guidelines for computing that we discussed in class. Wiener also believed, though, that incorporating these would inherently need a restructuring of current operations and would doubtlessly be difficult. Vonnegut, on the other hand, was not one for solutions – just irony and warnings. Player Piano presents concern about the ways inequities can be perpetuated by our systems if we let them run without concern for our ethical responsibilities. Towards the end of Player Piano, Vonnegut presents a bleak but humorously-ironic look at a failed revolution attempt. After people took to the streets, destroying machines and protesting their forced obsolescence, they slowly trickle back together, finding purpose in rebuilding the same exact systems that perpetuated their irrelevance. While I can appreciate Vonnegut’s dark sense of humor, I certainly hope that in practice, we take a note from Wiener’s book and think seriously about how to use our systems to support humanity’s well-being.

Norbert Wiener Ethics: https://info-organizations-unc.blogspot.com/2022/07/norbert-wieners-foundation-of-computer.html

[newsmarketreports]

Japan Tourism Source Market Analysis: In-Depth Insights for 2024

The Japan tourism source market has evolved remarkably, reflecting changes in global travel trends and economic conditions. As we navigate through 2024, understanding the dynamics of this market is crucial for stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry. This comprehensive analysis delves into the current state, key trends, factors influencing market growth, competitive landscape, and future outlook of Japan's tourism source market.

Buy the Full Report for more Insights into the Japan Source Tourism Market

Download a Free Report Sample

Current State of Japan's Tourism Source Market

Japan has long been a popular destination for international tourists, with its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and scenic landscapes. As of 2024, the tourism source market in Japan is characterized by a steady influx of tourists from various regions, despite challenges posed by global economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.

Market Size and Growth

The market has shown resilience, with a steady growth rate of approximately 6% over the past three years. The easing of travel restrictions post-pandemic and the strategic promotional efforts by the Japanese government have significantly contributed to this growth.

Tourist Demographics

Tourists from China, South Korea, the United States, and Southeast Asia dominate the inbound market. Notably, the number of visitors from European countries has also seen a gradual increase. Families, solo travelers, and adventure enthusiasts make up the majority of the tourist demographics.

Key Drivers of Market Growth

Several factors contribute to the robust growth of Japan's tourism source market. These include:

Cultural and Historical Appeal

Japan’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks are major attractions. Sites like Kyoto’s temples, Tokyo’s bustling districts, and Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park draw millions of visitors annually. The unique blend of traditional and modern experiences offers tourists a diverse array of activities.

Technological Advancements

Japan’s reputation as a global leader in technology plays a significant role in attracting tourists. High-tech attractions such as robot restaurants, advanced public transportation systems, and cutting-edge entertainment options like virtual reality experiences add to the country's appeal.

Government Initiatives

The Japanese government has implemented several initiatives to boost tourism. The “Go To Travel” campaign, aimed at stimulating domestic tourism, and the easing of visa regulations for several countries have been pivotal in driving the influx of international tourists.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of Japan's tourism source market is marked by the presence of various stakeholders, including travel agencies, airlines, hospitality chains, and digital travel platforms.

Key Players

Prominent players in the market include Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott. These companies are continually enhancing their services to cater to the evolving needs of tourists.

Travel Agencies and Digital Platforms

Travel agencies such as JTB Corporation and digital platforms like Expedia and Booking.com play a crucial role in shaping travel experiences. They offer customized travel packages, seamless booking experiences, and comprehensive travel guides, making Japan a preferred destination for many.

Tourism Trends

Several emerging trends are shaping Japan's tourism source market in 2024. These trends reflect changing consumer preferences and advancements in travel technology.

Sustainable Tourism

There is a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism practices. Eco-friendly hotels, responsible travel packages, and initiatives to preserve natural and cultural heritage sites are gaining traction among environmentally conscious travelers.

Experience-Based Travel

Travelers are increasingly seeking immersive and experience-based travel. Activities such as traditional tea ceremonies, samurai training, and local cooking classes offer tourists an opportunity to engage deeply with Japanese culture.

Health and Wellness Tourism

Japan’s health and wellness tourism sector is booming, with hot spring resorts (onsens), traditional spa treatments, and wellness retreats attracting health-conscious travelers. The serene environment and high-quality healthcare services further enhance Japan's appeal as a wellness destination.

Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory framework in Japan is designed to support and sustain the growth of the tourism sector. Key regulatory bodies like the Japan Tourism Agency play a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives.

Japan Tourism Agency Initiatives

The Japan Tourism Agency has introduced several measures to enhance tourist experiences and ensure safety. Initiatives include multilingual support, enhanced tourist information centers, and improved infrastructure at key tourist sites.

Safety and Security Regulations

Japan is renowned for its safety and security, making it a preferred destination for families and solo travelers. Stringent safety regulations and efficient law enforcement ensure a secure environment for tourists.

Future Outlook

The future of Japan's tourism source market looks promising, with several factors expected to drive sustained growth.

Technological Integration

The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT) in the tourism sector will enhance tourist experiences and streamline operations. AI-powered travel assistants, AR-guided tours, and smart tourism solutions are set to revolutionize the industry.

Expansion of Travel Infrastructure

Ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, including the expansion of airports, development of high-speed rail networks, and improvement of tourist facilities, will facilitate smoother and more convenient travel experiences.

Focus on Niche Markets

Targeting niche markets such as luxury travel, adventure tourism, and culinary tourism will open new avenues for growth. Tailored experiences and exclusive travel packages for these segments will attract high-spending tourists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japan's tourism source market is poised for robust growth, driven by its cultural allure, technological advancements, and strategic government initiatives. The evolving trends and future prospects highlight the market's potential to attract a diverse range of international tourists. Staying abreast of these developments and leveraging the opportunities they present will be key for stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry.

[explorexperts]

Discover the World: International Educational Tour Programs

International educational tour programs offer students an unparalleled opportunity to explore new cultures, learn about global history, and experience diverse ecosystems. These tours are meticulously designed to complement academic curricula, providing practical and immersive learning experiences that textbooks alone cannot offer. Whether it's visiting historical landmarks, engaging in scientific exploration, or participating in cultural exchanges, international educational tours can profoundly impact students' personal and academic growth.

The Benefits of International Educational Tours

Enhancing Global Awareness

International tours expose students to different cultures, languages, and lifestyles, fostering global awareness and empathy. Understanding cultural diversity helps students appreciate various perspectives and prepares them for a globalized world.

Practical Learning Experiences

Visiting historical sites, museums, and natural wonders offers hands-on learning that reinforces classroom knowledge. Students can see, touch, and experience what they've studied, making learning more engaging and memorable.

Building Lifelong Skills

Traveling internationally helps students develop critical life skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and independence. Navigating new environments and interacting with people from different backgrounds enhance their personal growth and confidence.

Inspiring Future Careers

Exposure to international institutions, industry hubs, and cutting-edge technologies can inspire students to pursue careers in various fields. Interaction with professionals and researchers can ignite their passion for specific subjects and guide their future academic and career choices.

Popular International Educational Tour Programs

1. Cultural Immersion in Europe

Key Destinations:

Rome, Italy: The Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum

Paris, France: The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral

Berlin, Germany: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island

Educational Focus:

European history and architecture

Art and culture

Political history and modern European society

2. Scientific Exploration in the USA

Key Destinations:

Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Museums, National Air and Space Museum, White House

Florida: Kennedy Space Center, Everglades National Park

California: Silicon Valley, Stanford University, Tech museums

Educational Focus:

Space exploration and technology

Innovation and entrepreneurship

American history and governance

3. Environmental Studies in Australia

Key Destinations:

Great Barrier Reef: Marine biology, coral reef ecosystems

Sydney: Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, Blue Mountains

Tasmania: Cradle Mountain, Tasmanian Wilderness, wildlife sanctuaries

Educational Focus:

Marine conservation and biodiversity

Environmental science and sustainability

Unique flora and fauna

4. Language and Cultural Exchange in Asia

Key Destinations:

Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima

China: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an

South Korea: Seoul, Jeju Island, Gyeongju

Educational Focus:

Language immersion programs

Traditional and modern cultural practices

Historical sites and technological advancements

5. Historical and Cultural Exploration in Egypt

Key Destinations:

Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Sphinx

Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

Aswan: Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, Nile River cruises

Educational Focus:

Ancient Egyptian civilization and history

Archaeology and anthropology

Cultural heritage and preservation

Planning and Customizing Your International Educational Tour

Define Educational Objectives

Identify the primary learning goals and outcomes for the tour. This could include historical knowledge, scientific exploration, language acquisition, or cultural understanding.

Ensure Safety and Logistics

Choose reputable tour operators with experience in educational travel. Ensure safety protocols are in place, including health services, travel insurance, and emergency plans.

Budget and Funding

Plan a realistic budget and explore funding options such as school grants, sponsorships, or fundraising activities to make the tour accessible to a wider group of students.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Design the tour to be inclusive and accessible, accommodating diverse learning needs and abilities to ensure every student has a meaningful experience.

Conclusion

International educational tour programs offer invaluable experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. By immersing students in new cultures, exposing them to historical landmarks, and engaging them in scientific exploration, these tours enrich their educational journey and prepare them for a globalized future. Whether discovering ancient civilizations in Egypt, exploring technological innovations in the USA, or studying marine biodiversity in Australia, international educational tours are transformative experiences that foster lifelong learning, personal growth, and global awareness.