#Japan National Railways

[bonguri]

20240920 Abandoned Hokuriku Main Line 2 by Bong Grit Via Flickr: 刀根地区の氣比神社。山あいの集落の神社にしては鳥居はかなり豪華。境内もきれいにされていた。 Photo taken at Yan Kehi shrine, Tsuruga city, Fukui pref.

[todayintokyo]

Happy 60th birthday to a legend! The Tōkaidō Shinkansen began service on 1 October 1964, using the 0 Series pictured above. I took the photo in the National Railway Museum in York, England. It's the only shinkansen outside Japan.

[rhk111sblog]

Three Countries (Japan, South Korea and India) will try to replace China’s funding of three Railway Projects in the Philippines worth a total of Usd 5 billion. Meanwhile, the last Project that the United States (US) and their Filipino Doggies managed to kick China out of, the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) Project, is yet to make a Groundbreaking and is already at least three Years late

[baekdaedream]

Jongdae would understand right... I’ve seen him 19 times... I need to see Yangyang at least once 😭

[spiders-rob]

Dear Jonathan

Heyyy bestie. Sorry to hear your train was late. That's so annoying. Glad you're enjoying your travels though! Travel logistics are such a headache. I'd love to hear more about what those bridges looked like!

Was the Hotel Royale nice? I hope Mina likes the paprika hendl and impletata recipes you get her! How has your German come in handy so far?

I think it's great that you're doing research about the country you're visiting! So many people miss out on that and it makes an ass out of everybody!

I'm surprised by your feeling that the trains are worse in the east than the west. I've found the opposite to be true. I've been amazed at how well-organized, efficient and reliable the trains in Japan were in my own travels. Perhaps it is more a matter of your being in such remote locations? Or merely some other quirk of the specific railway you're on? Then again, my universe is significantly further ahead in the timeline than yours is, so that could be a difference as well.

I will say that I am a bit concerned by how you talk about the locals. You don't need to be commenting on the physical attractiveness of the local women. It's weird to make those kinds of judgments about random women, especially categorically. Not good weird. Bad weird, Jonathan. I'm telling you this as your friend. Because I would be a bad friend if I didn't call you in on this shit. I don't think you're a bad guy. Just, y'know, try and check yourself a little bit with that stuff. Similarly, describing a whole nationality/class/whatever group as "not prepossessing" or "wanting in natural self-assertion" is just not something you need to be doing.

Anyway, I wish you safe and happy travels.

Your Friend,

@spiders-rob

[weirdowithaquill]

Random Trains I Found Part 2:

So, I did a Part 1, and now I'm doing a Part 2 because there are many trains, and I enjoy procrastinating on just about everything. With this in mind, here's what I have in store:

Southern Pacific MC-1:

Ok, so these things were behemoths - 2-8-8-2 American giants which were built in 1908. And while they weren't the most useful engines built on this earth, they lived surprisingly long... as rebuilt cab-forward engines. Yup, the Southern Pacific swapped them around and turned them into Cab-Forward locomotives in the 1920s, having been the basis for the MC-2 and later AC models of Cab-Forward. Not a bad legacy!

SNCB Type 36:

Big Belgians! This 1909 class of 2-10-0 was built to work heavy freight trains over hilly terrain. And if you know anything about European history, then you'll know this class got caught up in WWI - only, for some reason they ended up in Russia, Poland and Ukraine? The reason for that is that they were sold to Russia to work lines in occupied, standard gauge Austrian territory (and Ukraine?) Five of them were eventually returned by the Poles. The type also influenced the L&YR to design their own 2-10-0... that wasn't built because of the same war.

Royal Bavarian State Railways S 3/6:

I like these purely because they look fabulous - and they were the second Pacific type in Germany, after their Baden brethren. See, prior to 1920, Germany wasn't served by one single railway, but rather a number of railways built by the nations that preceded the German Empire (which was only founded in 1870). So while Prussia was busy building the P8 class, the Bavarians built this! And annoyingly, I cannot find a model of one anyone, because Marklin won't ship to where I live.

JNR 9700 Type:

These engines are where we get the nickname 'Mikado' for the 2-8-2 wheel arrangement. They weren't the first 2-8-2's built, but were instead heavily promoted by Baldwin at a time when Japan was very interesting to the Western nations - a Savoy Opera of the same name had premiered in England in 1885, and Emperor Meiji was known in the US as 'the Mikado'. As for the engines? Apart from their part in wheel arrangement history, they were the most powerful engines in Japan when they arrived... but very little is actually known about their careers, only that they were scrapped in 1922.

LNWR DX Goods class:

For a class built in the 1850's, these engines sure are modern! By which I mean, they built 943 of them, making it one of the largest locomotive classes in Britain and also one of the first examples of standardisation and mass-production. They were also 0-6-0s, had an equivalent tank engine class (the LNWR Special Tanks) and were all gone by 1930, with none surviving. However, considering the first was built in 1858, that is still a 72-year working life. They were rebuilt several times, caused an injunction by private companies when the L&YR bought 86 fresh from Crewe, and were the LNWR's go-to goods engine.

I still want these engines - and I have more I want to talk about in the future. Unfortunately, it's not easy to discover much about engines from outside the Anglosphere due to the lack of translations out there (I have resorted to Wikipedia in other languages, and then google translate). But it makes finding those oddities that much more fun!

And as usual, all images belong to their respective owners.

[zvaigzdelasas]

[RFA is US State Media]

The Philippines will no longer seek financial aid from China for a package of ambitious railway projects, the transportation secretary said, adding that officials were confident the projects could move ahead with funding from interested sources.

China had been slated to build two of the rail lines on the main Philippine island of Luzon and the third on southern Mindanao island, officials said. 

The Marcos administration announced the decision to drop the Chinese loans amid tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea and days after a pair of minor collisions in disputed waters between ships and boats from both nations. 

Philippine Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the territorial tensions were not tied to this decision.[...]

["]our government is looking for other sources of funding.”[...]

Less than a month after Duterte left office in mid-2022, Ernesto Pernia, who had served as his socioeconomic planning secretary, said the Philippines would be wise to drop the three Chinese-backed projects.

“Much better to deal with ODA with Japan, South Korea, Australia, the U.S. and the E.U.,” Pernia told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news outlet, at the time while using an acronym for official development assistance. [...]

Rates through the China-based lending agency Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), were “significantly higher” compared to funding from Japan or South Korean ODAs, Gatchalian said. [...]

Biden criticized Chinese ships for acting “dangerously and unlawfully as our Philippine friends conducted a routine resupply mission within … their own exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea,” according to a transcript from the White House. 

“I want to be very clear: The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad,” Biden said. “Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.” 

In an apparent response to Biden, the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Thursday said that the “escalation of activities has been inflated by the U.S. actions.” 

“Since the beginning of this year, the U.S. has been blatantly emboldening the Philippines’ acts of infringing upon China’s sovereignty and inciting and supporting the Philippines’ attempts to repair and reinforce its warship that was deliberately grounded on Ren’ai Jiao,” it said, using the Chinese name for the shoal. 

26 Oct 23

[papaya2000s]

The History of Korean Male Groups – From Yeonhee Professional Singers’ Quartet to BTS -> Pt. 2/? (Rewrite)

Like the experiences of the 60s-80s in Korea (I previously discussed the film Emergency Act 19 (긴급조치 19호) in another post that talks about the censorship.), the Japanese Colonial Rule era saw significant music censorship that impacted Korean culture, especially its musical landscape. Japanese authorities imposed strict measures to suppress Korean national identity and promote Japanese interests, harming both traditional and popular music.

This censorship included regulating song content and performances, banning many Korean songs with nationalistic themes or critiques of the regime, while promoting Japanese music and songs aligned with their cultural goals.

Despite these oppressive measures, some Korean musicians skilfully incorporated traditional elements into their work, preserving their cultural heritage while navigating censorship challenges.

Western Music in Japan

It might seem a bit off in the context of the history of Korean music, but just like today’s K-pop acts, earlier Korean artists drew a lot of inspiration from Western music legends like The Beatles. This influence came about when Western culture started blending into Asia, especially since many Asian countries had been pretty isolated for a long time. If you check out historical Asian dramas or anime, you’ll notice a mix of Western and Asian architectural styles. Plus, if you ever visit or live in places like China, Japan, or Korea, you’ll spot plenty of Western-style buildings that have stood the test of time.

Zhongyang Street from south, Harbin, 1920s (哈尔滨中央大街). Formerly known as Kitayskaya ("Chinese") Street, Zhongyang Street (中央大街) was and still is the busiest street in today's Daoli District. In the distance, Songhua River and the railway bridge. Photo by Moravius on flickr An example of Western architectural style in China, which is still there and looks the same today.

Yonhui College and what it looked like in 1918 which is still used today. This college, which will be discussed later, plays a significant role in the history of Korean music.

In the early 20th century, Japan experienced a notable introduction of Western melodies, particularly during the Meiji era (1868-1912), which was characterized by the country's swift modernization and embrace of Western cultural influences. This period facilitated the creation of numerous songs that incorporated Western musical elements, reflecting a significant shift in Japan's musical landscape.

Prominent Western classical composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Edvard Grieg, and Claude Debussy gained popularity in Japan during this time. Their works were disseminated through performances by Western musicians, the efforts of music educators, and the establishment of institutions dedicated to Western music education, thereby enriching Japan's musical repertoire and fostering a deeper appreciation for Western classical music.

How Korean Male Groups evolved over time.

Male groups in Korean music history have undergone significant changes and developments over the years. These groups were typically formed in two distinct ways, with one focusing on vocal harmony and the other placing a strong emphasis on performance.

Prior to the 1970s, the majority of male ensembles (a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together) prioritized harmony in their music. However, a shift occurred in the 1980s, leading to the emergence of groups that placed a greater emphasis on performance and showmanship. This shift was particularly evident in the dance music genre, and these groups can be considered as the precursors to the modern-day 'boy groups' that are prevalent in the industry today.

The evolution of male groups in Korean music history can be traced through various decades, starting from the period before liberation (1910 – 1945), through the 60s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s, and continuing into the mid-90s, 2000s, and up to the 2010s. Each era brought about its own unique changes and developments in the male group landscape, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of the audience as well as the broader cultural and societal shifts taking place in Korea. By examining the trajectory of male groups over these different time periods, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that have shaped the history of Korean male groups and their significance in the music industry.

Before Liberation - 1900s:

The historical evolution of male musical ensembles in Korea before liberation lacks a definitive "first" group, with both the Yeonhee Professional Orchestra (연희전문사중창단) and the 'Youth Member' (청년회원) frequently cited as early contributors. These ensembles share significant similarities and play crucial roles in the history of male musical groups in Korea, regardless of their status as the inaugural ensemble. The available documentation for the Yeonhee Professional Orchestra is notably more extensive than that for the 'Youth Member,' which is often referenced in academic literature.

The Yeonhee Professional Orchestra is recognized as the first male ensemble in Korea to operate under an official name, predating the 'Youth Member' group. While the 'Youth Member' is thought to have emerged around 1923, there is a lack of substantial evidence, such as photographs or audio recordings, to substantiate its official recognition. Although this group is believed to have performed the <Hakdo Song> (학도가) in 1923, the complexities of its activities during the Japanese colonial period hinder the verification of its existence and influence on the musical scene of that time.

I did a bit more research and think I may have discovered the audio for <Hakdo Song> (학도가), though I could be mistaken. When translating the title from Korean to English, it could result in two different Romanized versions: Hakdog Song (학도가) and Hakdogga (학도가), but they are written the same way in Korean.

This is the video of the supposed song below and also the link to the lyrics to the song i found in the blog - Link

In contrast, the Yeonhee Professional Orchestra boasts more thorough documentation from the 1920s and 1930s. This male ensemble primarily consisted of students from Yeonhee College, which later evolved into Yonsei University.

The formal establishment of the Yeonhee Professional Orchestra as an official entity underscores its importance and acknowledgment within the music industry, distinguishing it from the less substantiated 'Youth Member.' The detailed records associated with the Yeonhee Professional Orchestra facilitate a clearer understanding of its contributions and significance during that historical period.

*Note - Yeonhee College/ University changed names and have had different spellings: Yonhui, Yeonhui, Yonhee and Yonsei.

‘Youth Member’(청년회원)

Given the scarcity of information, I will strive to provide clarity regarding the song they reportedly performed, known as "Hakdo Song" (학도가) from 1923. It is difficult to consider the ‘Youth Member’ specified in the album as a team name. The exact names of the members still can not be confirmed. I will also include links to the sources where I discovered this information, noting that their name has appeared frequently over the years, yet details remain limited.

The initial reference to 'Youth Member' within the historical context of Korean male groups occurs prior to liberation, specifically associated with the 'Yeonhui Professional Quartet.' The connection between these two entities arises from the possibility that 'Youth Member' may represent the earliest formation of a Korean male group. However, the lack of substantial information regarding this particular group limits our understanding, as the available records primarily focus on their musical contributions.

The mention of 'Youth Member' alongside the 'Yeonhui Professional Quartet' highlights a significant yet obscure aspect of Korean musical history. While 'Youth Member' is posited as potentially the first Korean male group, the scarcity of detailed documentation about its activities and influence restricts a comprehensive analysis. Consequently, the historical narrative surrounding these groups remains largely incomplete, with much of the focus directed towards their musical output rather than their broader cultural impact.

Album Photo Parents' Grace Song / Student Song. Official Song (Kwonhakga) Album Front, Collection of Lee Kyung-ho

The phonograph record in question is a Taegeukpyo release by the Nippon Gramophone Company, dating back to approximately 1923, and features three distinct musical pieces: "Parents' Grace Song," (부모의 은덕가) "Hakdoga," (학도가), and "Kwonhakga." (권학가).

This record has sparked discussions regarding the classification of changga (love song) as a form of popular music. Notably, "Hakdoga," the first changga featured on the album, holds significant historical value as it encapsulates the evolution of popular music during the Enlightenment Period, thereby serving as a crucial artifact for understanding the cultural dynamics of that era.

The first song confirmed on a record

Despite the existence of numerous records, the earliest confirmed song on a record is <Hakdoga>, attributed to 'Youth Member,' which is believed to be the first male group in Korea. This song was released by Nippon Gramophone Co., Ltd. (日本コロムビア株式会社) around 1921, catalogued as record number 6217.

The true identity of this album remains unverified. The only known version is a reissue from approximately 1923, which is exceedingly rare, with only one or two copies in existence. The recording features a choir format, and rather than listing a specific artist, it simply credits 'Youth Member.' The initial designation as 'Christian Youth Member' suggests that the performance was by a member of the YMCA rather than a professional vocalist. The introduction of the song invites listeners to "Let's sing a student song," mirroring the format used in Edison Records in the United States.

For some reason, finding the right company proved to be difficult, but I truly hope this is the one, particularly since it was the only option available when the song was released. Information about the company that the song was released by below.

Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd., established on October 1, 1910, in Kawasaki-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture, originally operated as the Japan Gramophone Trading Company, marking the inception of Japan's first online music service. From its founding, it maintained a partnership with the American Columbia Record Company, facilitating the import and export of both music and gramophone technology. The company underwent a transformation through Ichichu Kogyo and was rebranded as Japan Columbia in 1946.

'Student' (학도가) is a Japanese version of 'Railroad Window Song' (철도창가) with only the lyrics changed

The authorship of the lyrics for ‘학도가’ remains uncertain, with some attributing it to Choi Nam-seon (최남선) and others to Kim In-sik (김인식), recognized as the first Western musician. However, these claims lack definitive evidence, and there exists a considerable amount of misinformation regarding the composer. Notably, ‘학도가’ is essentially a reworked version of the Japanese song 'Railroad Window Song' (철도창가), which was released in 1900 during the Meiji era.

The lyrics of ‘학도가’ reflect themes of enlightenment, although there are variations from the contemporary rendition. The version performed by Myeong Guk-hwan (명국환) retains the original lyrics but condenses the content from six verses to four. In contrast, Go Woon-bong's (고운봉) interpretation incorporates Juja’s exhortation to learn (勸學文), derived from ‘Gwonhakga’ (권학가), further illustrating the evolution of the song's message over time.

Kim In-sik/ Kim In Hak (김인식)

Born in Pyongyang in 1885 and passed away in 1963, he is recognized as the inaugural Western music educator in the nation. I'll go more into detail about him in a future post.

Choi Nam-seon (최남선)

Choi Nam-seon was a prominent figure in the Japanese colonial era, recognized for his roles as a writer, journalist, historian, and pro-Japanese anti-nationalist. Born in 1890 and passing away in 1957, he pursued his studies in Japan, subsequently launching magazines and fostering a new cultural movement through his literary contributions. He was instrumental in the creation of a Korean dictionary and authored the "Declaration of Independence" during the March 1st Movement. Additionally, he was involved with the Gyemyeong Club, which focused on the study of Korean culture and history, and he served on the Joseon History Compilation Committee. From 1935 onward, he became increasingly active in pro-Japanese initiatives, promoting Japanese Shinto and supporting student soldiers while advocating the notion that Korea and Japan share a common cultural heritage through his "cultural mobilization theory." I'll go more into detail about him in a future post.

A scholar with an enlightened character

Gwonhakga serves as an enlightenment song that promotes the value of education. Unlike typical phonograph records that feature a single song on each side, this particular album stands out by presenting Gwonhakga alongside Hakdoga on the same side of the record.

The song's lyrics reference Juja's work, (勸學文), emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth and the challenges of learning, with the admonition that "young people are easy to grow old, but learning is difficult, so do not treat time lightly even for a moment." (少年易老學難成一寸光陰不可輕). This serves as a cautionary message to the youth regarding the importance of their studies, and these lines were subsequently echoed in Gounbong's ‘학도가’.

This is the video of the supposed song below and also the link to the lyrics to the song i found in the blog – Link Video - https://youtu.be/RrHfwmd1qU4 The song, which has been sung since the Japanese colonial period, also has the same melody as the ‘Student Song’ below.

What the ‘Student Song’ might mean - The 'Student Song' emphasizes the importance of youth and education, urging students to recognize their role in shaping history. It highlights a young boy's proficiency in mathematics and praises the remarkable Ilchon Gwangumdo. The imagery of jade hidden in lush mountains suggests that potential must be refined to reveal its brilliance, while the fallen tree symbolizes the necessity of sacrifice for growth. The song calls upon diligent students to remember their responsibilities, as the dawn moon sets and the bright Dongcheon Joil illuminates their path. Ultimately, it reiterates the significance of youth in the ongoing narrative of history.

‘Parents' Grace Song’ praising the grace of parents

The song titled "Parents' Grace Song" (부모의 은덕가) was initially released by Nippon Gramophone Co., Ltd. in approximately 1921, catalogued as record number 6216. The original recording has not survived, but historical documentation indicates that the title was originally inscribed in Chinese characters as "父母恩德 (Parents' Grace Song)," distinct from its reprinted version labelled as record number K200.

The lyrics of this song bear resemblance to contemporary songs performed on Parents' Day, emphasizing the virtues of parental kindness and the importance of expressing gratitude. Its emotional resonance remains significant today, and the fact that modern Parents' Day songs reference "Parents' Kindness Song" (부모의 은덕가) suggests that this piece has been preserved through oral tradition for many years.

[bonguri]

20240920 Abandoned Hokuriku Main Line 5 by Bong Grit Via Flickr: しばらく移動して曽路地谷隧道。中でわずかに曲がっているので正面からでは出口が見えません。 Photo taken at Sorojidani tunnel, Tsuruga city, Fukui pref.

[storyweaverofgondor]

Stex Redesign: Brainstorming

Can't say what here will actually end up being part of any of my possible redesigns. But i had a lot of thoughts today.

Pearl the Observation Car – Train Barbie, pink, Iconic hair

Dinah the Dining Car – 1950's diner, Marylin Monroe? American Southern, Iconic Blue Gingham

Buffy the Buffet Car – light browns, soft yellows, pants?

Ashley the Smoking Car – burgundy, dark browns, Iconic hair

Carrie the Luggage Van – dark blue and browns? (Try to work in a Skimble reference)

Belle the Sleeping Car – dark red?, faded, older

CB – red, little hat, Clown Smile

Flat-top – graffiti, chains, scuffed

Dustin – padding, rounded.

Poppa/Momma – more androgynous? Gray and green

Rocky 1 - Red

Rocky 2 – Yellow

Rocky 3 – Green - Traffic Light coded Rockies

GB's Gang – like GB but toned down

Marshels – most basic, work first aid workers and safety inspectors into the show.

Nationals:

Germany – Schnellzug (German for fast train)

Russia – Turnov (translates to 'Tournament' in Czech)

United Kingdom – Derek (Short for Direct Rail Services, a United Kingdom train company)

Japan – Shinkansen (a type of highspeed train in japan)

Italy – Veloce (Italian for fast)

India – Jeetana (Hindi for win)

China – Bǐsài (Chinese for tournament)

France - Chemin de fer (french for railway)

South Korea – Gicha – (Korean for train)

Ok, so looked up the countries with the most trains (stations? tracks? I don't remember exactly) and then used google translate to come up with names that had meanings i felt fit with the characters of 'international train racing champions. I'd love to here what thoughts people have on this.

[rhk111sblog]

China’s funding of the Laguna to Bicol Railway Project is now very likely to be cancelled due probably to Tensions bought about the Issues in the South China Sea (SCS)

[merpmonde]

Japan's rail speed record holder: 300X

Sticking with the Tôkaidô Shinkansen and the SCMaglev & Railway Park, this is the (highly abridged) story of the fastest conventional train in Japan.

Following privatisation and sectorisation in the 1980s, and seeing France and Germany take the lead in the high-speed train department, the three JR companies that had Shinkansen lines set about catching up to offer 300 km/h services where they could. The aerodynamics and sheer weight of the venerable 0 Series and its derivatives weren't going to cut it, so each company designed a prototype train to test new technologies.

JR Tôkai's solution was 300X, officially Shinkansen Class 955 - numbers starting with 9 are trains not open to the public, either prototypes or work trains like Class 923 "Doctor Yellow". Launched two years after JR West's WIN350 and JR East's STAR21, it featured two radically different end cars. The more elegant one, in my opinion, is on display at JR Tôkai's museum in Nagoya, while the other is preserved at JR Group's research centre in Maibara. The intermediate cars have all been scrapped.

The three prototypes took turns to hold the national rail speed record, and, 300X being the last, it took the record last, and holds it to this day. We mentioned the fact that the Tôkaidô Shinkansen still had too many relatively tight turns, but the Maibara to Kyôto stretch is the best part, and that's where this train hit 443 km/h in 1996. This video may, or may not, be that run, but it still looks very fast - note the unusually large, "flying saucer" pantograph cowlings.

Unless JR East decide to go completely bonkers with their ALFA-X prototype, it's unlikely that the record is going to be beaten any time soon. It's not in the spirit of these trains, they are pure test beds and run quite extensively with the aim of increasing service speeds. Records also require special preparation of the tracks, which is why the French TGVs made their 1990 and 2007 record runs before the opening of a brand new line.

But JR Tôkai have gone much faster with their Maglev programme, which holds the world speed record for passenger trains outright with 603 km/h. Behind 300X at the museum is a predecessor of that record holder, MLX01, the first Maglev train to clock over 500 km/h. Again, this is not (just) showboating, the lengthy test programme's main aim is to prove that consistent service at very high speed with this technology is feasible, so that the Maglev Chûô Shinkansen can achieve this when it opens (if Yamanashi-ken can agree on a route).

[digitaldetoxworld]

Railway Result Login Key to Punctuality and Seamless Operations

 Railway results, login  also referred to as teach schedules or timetables, are crucial for the clean functioning of railway networks around the world. They provide passengers and railway operators with crucial information about teach timings, delays, seat availability, and other updates necessary for planning and managing trips. The railway machine, which serves thousands and thousands of passengers day by day and transports great portions of products, is based on those consequences to make sure efficiency, punctuality, and reliability.

Railway outcomes usually consist of train arrival and departure instances, platform information, walking reputation (whether or not the educate is on time, behind schedule, or canceled), and details concerning seat reservations. In many nations, the call for for educate tour has accelerated appreciably, making it essential to offer accurate and real-time facts to passengers. This is where railway results come into play, presenting transparency and clarity to travelers.

With improvements in technology, railway result systems have evolved significantly. In the past, passengers needed to rely upon printed timetables or inquire at price tag counters for teach schedules. Today, with the enormous use of the net and mobile devices, gaining access to railway consequences is less complicated than ever. Passengers can now test train schedules, live teach strolling status, and seat availability online or thru mobile apps, decreasing the want for bodily inquiries at railway stations.

In India, for example, the Indian Railways affords real-time railway results via its respectable website and cell applications. Passengers can test the Passenger Name Record (PNR) status to verify their seat bookings, view live train going for walks information, and even get alerts for any delays or agenda modifications. Similarly, in international locations like the UK and Japan, railway authorities have advanced advanced systems that offer updated facts on educate departures and arrivals, tune disruptions, and seat availability.

In end, railway result group d  consequences are an critical factor of current  structures, helping to decorate purchaser enjoy, streamline operations, and ensure the clean functioning of educate offerings. Real-time get admission to to train records permits passengers to devise their trips better, reducing the stress and uncertainty related to tour delays or cancellations.

[pi-cat000]

BNHA: Kakashi dimension hops crossover (8)

Summary: Kakashi gets dumbed into the My Hero Academia universe through random plot devise.

Characters:  Kakashi Hatake

Fandoms: My Hero Academia and Naruto

WARNINGS: Mentions of violence/injury

START/ PREV/

The view from the window in Wada’s office is of tall, glass covered buildings and what must be a railway looping around them. The train that zips along the tracks travels at speeds far surpassing similar technologies available in the Land of Snow. The Land of Snow’s chakra rich atmosphere allowed its trains and other technology to run on a mix of chakra and steam generated electricity. It was a combination prone to overheating and blowing up, meaning it was only really viable in cold climates. Kakashi hadn’t cared enough to follow up on the Land of Snow’s rail system after delivering the initial intel to Konoha’s intelligence division. Large scale infrastructure was only an asset in a country so isolated that there was no major risk of it getting targeted by enemy nations. The speed of the trains in Hosu have him reevaluating that assessment.

“Hatake?”

Konoha used steam to generate its own electricity as far as Kakashi was aware, the specifics of which escaped him. All he knew was that it was resource intensive, its exact location was marked ‘need to know’ and only half the village’s buildings were connected to it. The power generation system used to move Hosu’s trains at such a speed might be worth investigating. It was obviously more efficient than Konoha’s system if it powered the train and all the infrastructure around him.

“Hatake?”

Kakashi shifts his gaze back to Wada’s office and away from the city, propping up his elbow on the arm of his wheelchair so he can lean against it.

“Hatake,” Wada crosses his arms, pushing back on his chair so he rolls out from behind his desk, “Are you listening? If you’re tired, we can have this conversation tomorrow.”

He tilts his head to the slide to meet the doctor’s disapproving stare.  

“You want my personal information for a residency application. We were also about to run through my diagnosis and tests results,” Kakashi idly summarises Wada’s last few minuets of lecturing. “I would like to hear what the quirk specialist has to say about my quirk,” he adds, trying to inject a little enthusiasm into his voice so he is not immediately wheeled back to his room for another week of rest.

“Please call me Kakashi,” he throws in as an afterthought.

“Yes. Yes. Kakashi then.” Wada waves the correction away, “I’m going to need more than a name if you want further aid from the City. After your discharge you’ll be left high and dry at this rate. Don’t think I don’t see you trying to avoid the topic.”

Wada’s irritation has Kakashi nodding along for good measure, prompting the doctor to continue talking with a sigh of mild frustration, “This is all quite complicated. At the moment, you’re being treated under Tokyo’s District Collateral Damage Scheme which would usually extend to relocation, occupation support, and asset recovery. However as the investigation into the attack on your person hasn’t linked it to any credible Villain activity, you’ll need to be a resident of Japan to receive further support.”

Wada frowns at him, “That’s a problem seeing as we see can’t find any of your records.”

“Hmm,”

“You have no birth certificate, citizenship information, school records, place of residence, career history or passport,” Wada lists, “Are you absolutely sure Hatake Kakashi is the name we need to be searching under?”

There is another pause where a reply would usually go. Kakashi finally lets his full attention sit squarely on Wada, taking in his mildly irritated expression and how his eyebrows are drawn together in a slight frown. The man is leaning forward, arms crossed, irritate but keen for a response. Kakashi habitably scans for signs of deception.

“Why.” Kakashi finally asks, voice dropping flat as be briefly lets his suspicions seep into this tone.  The medical attention he could understand. Doctor Wada was being paid by the hospital to give him medical care because of its poor patient vetting. This other help wasn’t medical attention. Kakashi wasn’t Wada’s friend, ally, or family member. He doesn’t have ties to the man outside of being his patient and he knows Wada doesn’t pay this much attention to his other patients.

Wada huffs, throwing up his hands, moving from vaguely annoyed to openly exasperated. If Wada hears the underlining threat in Kakashi’s question, he wilfully ignores it.

“You walk out of hospital like this, and you’ll be jobless on the streets by sunset. Rent. Jobs. Bank accounts. They all need identification. Best we get this sorted while you still have access to the hospital’s resources.”

“And you do this for everyone?” Kakashi asks sceptically, because Wada has obviously misunderstood him.

“Humph.” Wada grunts, “Most of my patients have relatives and friends visiting every few days and aren’t missing all their personal records. Helping people isn’t just for the Heroes you know. Us regular people like to give it a go every now and then as well.”

Kakashi stares as the man gives a resolute nod like his had given a valid answer to Kakashi’s question.  What did being a Hero have to do with anything?

“I see.”  He really didn’t but maybe this was a normal doctor thing to do? This world was so strange.

“Unfortunately, I don’t remember anything else of use,” Kakashi repeats. It was probably the most truthful he has been since waking. Kakashi has no further information for Wada revenant to his lack of records.

“Yes, very unfortunate,” Wada sounds ever so slightly disappointed, “unfortunate for you. I’m not a miracle worker. You’re going to have issues with this lack of records.” He rolls back behind his desk, yanking out a stack of paper held together with thick metal clips. As he shifts objects on the desk around to clear space, Wada continues, “I might be able to get you a job interview with a friend of mine and I might be able to get you into some city subsidized housing. But that’s an iffy might…all I can promise.”

Never mind that Kakashi hasn’t asked for anything since his arrival.

Wada slaps the stack of paper down on the desk flipping it in Kakashi’s direction and sliding across towards him. “You can show your appreciation by paying attention. Your medical records are the only thing we do have at the moment.”

Kakashi examines the booklet, raising a questioning eyebrow. On top of it is one of those plastic communication rectangles. Phones. It is black with a black screen.

“This is my old phone, no sim card but you’ll be able to connect to the Hospital’s internet. I’ll see if I can get you a charger tomorrow and set you up with patient access account.”

Wada moves the phone to one side.

“This is you’re recovery plan. I took the liberty of printing it out for you. Though with your quirk it’ll probably be a waste of paper.” Wada follows the sentence up with a quick, “Once you’re cleared to use it. Which you’re currently not. Don’t even think about it.”

Kakashi raises a hand in a loose calming motion.

“…and on the topic of your quirk….” Wada fusses around, patting himself down muttering, “Where is it. I swear if I lose another pen…Ah.” He pulls out a pen, leaning forward to scribble out a line of numbers and letters.

“You’re Registry ID. Won’t be for active for another week at least. But, once it is, if anyone gives you trouble for using your quirk in public you can tell them to go look up your file. I sent all your information off to be assessed and your quirk is probably going to be registered as ‘passive biological’ which is an automatic Licence Waiver if I’m remembering my law correctly.”

“Don’t quote me on that. I’m a doctor, not a legal professional. And just because you can use it, doesn’t mean you should. High Stress quirks need to be carefully managed.”

Wada reaches over and flips the booklet open, tapping the page.

“Your quirk puts a huge strain on your brain. Specifically, it strains your memory and vision processing centres. The expert opinion is that your body’s fast regenerative factor has naturally evolved to offset this physical stress.” Wada hums, pausing in his explanation to check that Kakashi is following. “Unfortunately, even with this mutation your quirk is maladaptive at best actively destructive at worst.”

Kakashi glances at the page Wada is scribbling on. It has a diagram of a brain with serval areas now circled in blue pen ink.

“See this area here. This shows high activity. And see how it how activity increases when your quirk is active.” Wada flips the page, “And then activity in these outer sections of your brain drops to practically zero? None of this is good in the long term.”

Wada clears his throat, “A lot of your body’s resources are being devoted to vision and memory processing and it has led to enlargement and increased activity in these areas. This sort of imbalance in the brain has been connected to depression, paranoia, anxiety, chronic stress and panic disorders. Something you’ll need to keep an eye on it and I have noted on your registry file when it comes time for your annual quirk check-up. I have also taken the liberty of scheduling some initial psychologist appointments with Hosu General.”

All this sounds somewhat familiar. He thinks in he has ben given similar warnings about sharingun and dojutsu users being more prone to severe paranoia episodes by medic-nin.

Honestly, with the rate Uchiha went loopy, he is not surprised to find out that the sharigun messed with the brain in other ways. He had always just chalked it up to the unpleasantness of having to retain perfect memories of comrades dying gruesomely.

Of course, he had never hung around the hospital long enough to get a proper diagnosis and assessment of his sharingun beyond an understanding that he should keep use to a minimum. The Uchiha had had their own medical centres for sharingan related ailments which he’d been unwelcome in before they had all disappeared along with the clan. Not like knowing meant much in the long run. It wouldn’t stop him from using it. The sharingan was the most powerful weapon at his disposal. Better to overuse it and suffer hypothetical future consequences then underuse it and watch his allies die.

“…and there is no cure for this?” he asks to cover his bases because he wasn’t the only shinobi with a dojutsu that messed with brain activity and maybe this strange world had something useful to bring back.

“Unfortunately, research into ocular quirks is still in its infancy. However, these sort of maladaptive characteristics aren’t uncommon in third generation quirks. An unfortunate result of a quirk mutating quicker than the body can handle or an individual inheriting a quirk from their parents but not developing the accompanying physical mutations necessary for that quirk to function properly. For now, your memory loss has been diagnosed as an Externally Triggered Quirk Incompatibility Event resulting in detriment or damage to the quirk user. ETQI Events are quite common in individuals with high stress quirks.”

The way Wada waits again for Kakashi to respond is more evidence towards his growing suspicion that Wada was beginning to doubt that his memory loss was as extensive as he had been implying.

This time Kakashi doesn’t answer because his attention is pulled away to focus on unusual movement above the city.

A large bat-like creature flashes across the now dark sky, diving in between the buildings. Since arriving in this world Kakashi has seen serval types of loud flying vehicle hovering or passing over the city. Enough to have grown use to the sight and sound of them passing overhead. Nothing this large and organic and this creature was definitely organic.

“Kakashi? Are you…. What in the world?”

In amongst the buildings there is a breif flash of orange light, and a trail of smoke can be seen raising upward. Despite it being mostly obscured by the tall structures, Kakashi knows an explosion when he sees one.

Wada stands abruptly, “Oh my…that’s the city centre,” he pushes around his desk so he can stand next to Kakashi.

There is another flash of light and the creature shoots back into the air above the buildings. Wada startles at the sight. So large flying creatures aren’t a normal occurrence for Hosu. Good to know.

“-Announcement; all staff refer to personal devises. Event level 2.-”  can be heard through Wada’s office door, the announcement coming in from the hallway’s intercom. Wada is immediately distracted searching his pockets.  

“A Level 2? In Hosu?” Wada questions, staring at the screened devise – phone, Kakashi mentally corrects- he frees from his pocket, reading through something. Emergency orders from the hospital.

Kakashi notes the alert as he flips up the soft medical eyepatch and pulls off the bandage-tape covering his sharingun so he can better track the creature’s trajectory across the darkened skyline. The fact that Wada isn’t yelling at Kakashi about his sharingun use tells him that a Level 2 is serious business.

The creature’s flight is sporadic, like it has sustained an injury to one of its wings and trying to escape whatever caused it. The creature is also on a collision course with one of those highspeed trains Kakashi had noted earlier.

“-Announcement; all staff refer to personal devises. Event level 2.-”

Kakashi watches, his sharingun catching the moment the creature rams into a train in perfect detail even at the considerable distance. The side-carriage buckles inward and the train is flung partially off its rails, momentum abruptly slowing.

He can’t hear collision at this distance, but Kakashi thinks the hospital building tremors ever so slightly. Whether the tremor is from the train crash or another explosion closer in the city he can’t tell.

At this point Wada has stopped staring at his phone and is following Kakashi’s line of focus. The man inhales sharply in alarm, rushing forward to press against the window.

“That’s the main line!”

‘-Announcement; all staff refer to personal devises. Event level 2.-’

Cautiously, Kakashi stands from his wheelchair to follow, approaching and eyeing the train and then the city. He can pick out four smoke trails wafting up from among the buildings but nothing is close to the hospital. Yet. In a citywide attack a hospital is a logical target.

The flying creature falls away from the smashed-up side-carriage like it has been blown backward by a powerful shockwave. It flounders in the sky for a second, disoriented, raising higher then dropping into uncoordinated wonky dive. Of course, the dive puts it in line with the hospital, his eye allows him to make the calculations automatically, tracking the trajectory.

It is on a collision course with the section of building Kakashi is currently occupying. If the creature didn’t slow or turn, its impact with the building would probably take out a portion of the upper floors, including Wada’s office.

A little chakra enhancement and Kakashi kicks the glass from the window in front of him. It was best not to retreat into the hospital as he doesn’t know if the building’s structure was sound enough to withstand the collision. It was a safer bet to escape outside where he would have more room to manoeuvre.

The window shatters, glassing spraying out and falling onto the pavement that ran the perimeter of the hospital.

“Holly S…. “Wada begins to exclaim and is interrupted when Kakashi snags the doctor by the arm and throws the man over his shoulder, winding him in his haste. He then turns and in one sweeping motion swipes his recovery plan and phone off Wada’s desk, crouching fit through the window frame, and jumps, dropping straight down.

There is the loud crunch and screech of metal and glass twisting up above him as the creature rams the side of the building. Kakashi lands and darts further along the path and away to avoid falling brick and glass.

Around him the civilians, who had been distracted staring at the explosions and smoke rising from further in the city, turn at the noise created by the impact. Then there is a lot of panicked yelling as people scatter in all directions.

“Back away! Move away from the wall! Please stay back from the road!” Two uniformed policemen come jogging towards the crash site, unsuccessfully attempting to re-direct the streams of fleeing people. It’s a lot of uncoordinated chaos as people spill out onto the roads around the hospital and get in the way of oncoming vehicles which subsequently crash into one another.

It is all very chaotic up until a short grey-haired man in a yellow onesie drops to the pavement few meters from where Kakashi had initially landed, right under the flying creature. Yellow-onesie-man turns to order the policemen to keep civilians back before propelling himself up the building in long leaps worthy of any respectable shinobi, kicking out and knocking the creature off the building, manoeuvring around several uncoordinated retaliatory attacks. A ‘pro-Hero,’ Kakashi decides, tracking yellow-onesie-man’s quick decisive strikes and dodges. He had noted that Heroes tended dress bright and flashy to attach as much attention as possible.  

It obviously works as, around him, the civilians who had previously been fleeing in blind adrenalin fuelled fear seam to calm, focusing on yellow-onesie-man and his efforts to redirect the creature away from the hospital.

Kakashi watches the fight long enough to confirm that it was not headed in his direction. Relatively certain he is not about to be suddenly attacked or rammed into by the panicking crowd he loosens his grip on Wada, bending to let the man down. Kakashi slouches, attention split between his immediate surroundings and tracking the fight as it moved out onto the road.

“Offices,” Wada, who had been uncharacteristically silent, exclaims. He stumbles back and plonks down onto the pavement, landing on his ass, “Those are the third and fourth floor are offices,” The man is staring up at the damaged upper floors of the hospital. “It’s afterhours…there won’t have been anyone working…I should have been the only one in this late,” he mutters.

Kakashi habitually scans the structure. The damage isn’t bad all things considered. There is a lot of broken windows and a significant hole on the fourth floor, but it is shallow, only penetrating a few meters into the building, meaning the flying beast had attempted to pull up at the last second, lessoning the impact. Probably hadn’t managed to smash through any of the supporting walls so they wouldn’t have to worry about the building immediately collapsing. The third floor has broken windows and damage to the outer wall which wasn’t dangerous unless you were standing right next to the glass at impact.

“Hmm, probably no casualties…the rooms on the fourth floor are empty. Aside from us,” Kakashi confirms. He had stalked the doctor enough to know when there were and weren’t people in the rooms surrounding his office. The air also lacked that strong stench of blood that so often accompanied a person being crushed by rubble. Even the stink of this people-filled city wouldn’t have been able to block that out.

Wada blinks up at him. “How did you get us down here so fast?”

“I believe I jumped.”

“… how in the world does a memory quirk let you land a four-story drop on a leg that is still injured?”

Kakashi gives a bland smile, scratching his chin thoughtfully, “You know what, I don’t know. Must be an ETQI Event, you did say it affected memory.” He holds up his recovery plan for emphasis.

Wada’s response to that is silent, open-mouthed disbelief.

“I should have retired last year and followed my sons advise. I’m getting too old for this,” the doctor finally mutters, rubbing his eyes, hand shaking ever so slightly. He lets out a long breath.

“You’re not injured, are you?” Kakashi asks, reminding himself that Wada is a civilian without chakra and thus doubly susceptible to injury.

Wada makes a show of checking himself over, “No. I suppose I’m not. Aside from the heart attack.”

“Isn’t that good news.”

“Oh yes, wonderful news,” Wada huffs, “Always good news when my patient who shouldn’t be walking jumps out a window to save my life.”

Kakashi hums, watching the man struggle to stand. All shaky. Adrenaline would do that if you weren’t used to it.

He bends and grabs a hold of the doctor’s shirt to pull him to his feet, holding him still for a second until he was sure Wada could support his own weight. Aside from looking a little windswept the man is no worse for wear.

Once standing, Wada finally takes proper stock of his surroundings, “Well, isn’t this terrible.”

By now the Hero has drawn the flying creature down the road and far enough away from the building that a number of the hospital staff are rushing out to inspect the damage. Several alarms are sounding in the building at varying levels of shrillness, there is the loud crunch of metal hitting metal as the Hero’s fight knocked into hastily abandoned vehicles, and behind it all people are yelling instructions and questions at each other.

“I’m going assist with any evacuating or patient care where I can. You need to follow the directions of hospital staff and get yourself settled somewhere safe. We can discuss all this later,” the doctor orders as his shakiness dies down.

“Hmm.”

Kakashi flicks open his recovery plan, sharingan stamping the information into his brain. He would devote some time to considering it later. Now that the cat’s out of the bag he doesn’t need to worry about maintaining a façade in front of Wada.  Quickly, he flips through the booklet. The whole process takes barely a minuet.

“Thank you, but I think I’ll be off,” Kakashi says simply, handing his recovery plan back to Wada, “you were right about the waste of paper.”

Kakashi pulls the eye patch back over his eye, turning away from the hospital. “I’ll keep this though,” he holds up the phone.

As he begins to wonder away, Wada splutters, “Wait. Where are you going?”

“Mah,” he waves a hand lazily without turning, “I’m going to find my memories. I’ve lost them on the road of life and I need to retrace my steps.”

In some ways he is glad to have had this opportunity to save Wada’s life. It meant he could walk away without feeling indebted. It was also the push he needed to finally make a decision on what he wanted to do with three years of prospective down time. Explore this world a little. Gather intel without having to worry about hospital staff and other civilians getting in the way. Watch everything from afar for a while before trying to seriously integrate in with the locals. Find somewhere secure to get a proper night’s sleep and to properly start experimenting with his chakra and other potential ways home. Idly, he scans the road full of stopped cars and scattered civilians, picking a direction that would take him adjacent to the Hero’s fight. This would be a good opportunity to observe Heroes and see quirks used in proper combat.

“You’re not even dressed properly?” Wada calls after him.

“My first stop.” Of course, he would need to acquire a set of cloths that weren’t a hospital gown, pyjama pants, and flimsy slippers.

“Hold on a second,” Wada hurries around to stand in front of him, forcing him to stop. Kakashi arcs a brow at the forwardness.

“Whatever trouble you were in before now doesn’t matter. I don’t care enough about the memories you may or may not have or your quirk. I’m too old to worry about all that stuff these days. You’re young enough to deserve options. Think about it. A sensible job and a place to live. Sure, it’s not exciting, and it all gets a bit dreary every now and then but it’s a far cry better than bleeding out in an ally after being stabbed in the chest.”

Kakashi eyes the man not bothering with a smile. He lets his stare stay bland, face expressionless in that way that would have any sensible person dropping the topic of conversation.

Wada keeps talking, “I’ve seen plenty Villains find their place in society and make honest men of themselves. Not exactly easy but it is doable…with help. Help the hospital can give you.”

Ah…this man was like Naruto in a way… he’s concocted some backstory for Kakashi that likened him to this word’s version of missing-nin and is now attempting to reintegrate him whatever passed for a hidden village here. He is still parcelling out the details on how everything fit together in this world but he thinks he has this analogy somewhat correct.

“That wouldn’t quite work for me,” Kakashi loosens, slipping around Wada fast enough that the man stumbles, hopping up onto the roof of a crashed vehicle so he can jump between them and more easily cross the road.

“Bye bye.”

[falseandrealultravival]

Dialogue with Gemini （８）Can Indonesia become a developed country？

President Joko

My Question:

What is the probability that Indonesia will become a developed country?

Indonesia, which wanted to run a high-speed railway in its own country, had decided to adopt Japan's Shinkansen, but pro-China President Joko Widodo suddenly decided to adopt China's high-speed railway. Construction was extremely difficult, and the "accident-prone" high-speed railway was completed four years behind schedule. China demanded extra labor costs outside the contract. As a result, fares rose and there were few passengers. Japan was asked to cooperate with the high-speed railway extension plan, but Japan naturally declined. What is the probability that Indonesia, which has neither the desire nor the ability to build its high-speed railway, will become a developed country?

インドネシアが先進国になれる確率は何％か？

自国にも高速鉄道を走らせたいと考えたインドネシアは、日本の新幹線を採用することに決まっていたが、親中派のジョコ大統領は、一転中国の高速鉄道を採用した。工事は難航を極め、予定より４年遅れで「事故の多い」高速鉄道が完成した。中国は契約外の工賃を要求した。ために運賃が上がり、乗客は少ない。高速鉄道の延伸計画について日本に協力を打診したが、日本は当然断った。自分で高速鉄道を創設する意欲も能力もないインドネシアが、先進国になれる確率は何％か？

Gemini’s Answer:

Assigning a specific probability of Indonesia becoming a developed country is difficult. The situation is complex, with both positive and negative factors at play. Here's a breakdown:

Positive factors:

Economic growth: While recent growth projections are around 5%, some officials believe 6-8% is needed for developed status by 2045. Indonesia has achieved impressive growth in the past and continues to reduce poverty.

Human capital development: The current development plan focuses on improving education and skills. This is crucial for a strong workforce.

Global leadership: Indonesia's successful G20 presidency and ASEAN chairmanship showcase leadership potential.

Negative factors:

Infrastructure challenges: The high-speed railway example highlights potential issues with project management and efficiency.

Dependency on foreign expertise: Relying solely on foreign technology could hinder the long-term development of domestic capabilities.

Geopolitical considerations: Decisions based on political leanings rather than pure economic benefit could hinder progress.

Overall:

Indonesia has the potential to become a developed country, but it faces challenges. The high-speed railway example doesn't define its entire future.

Here are some resources for further research:

World Bank Indonesia Overview: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/indonesia

Indonesia's quest for developed country status: https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2023/11/02/indonesias-quest-for-developed-country-status-faces-economic-hurdles.html

Instead of a single probability, consider these options:

Analysts and officials might offer different forecasts based on their models and assumptions.

You could evaluate the likelihood of Indonesia overcoming specific challenges, like infrastructure efficiency.

I hope this helps provide a more nuanced perspective!

My impression:

None of the AIs seem to be able to give a clear answer to the question about the future of the nation. (Gemini, Huggingface)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.3

Holidays

Airplane Crop Duster Day

American Canoe Association Day

Arbor Day (Niger, South Africa)

Armed Forces Day (Equatorial Guinea)

Big Forehead Day

Capoeirista Day (Brazil)

Clean Your Floors Day

Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day

Columbus Set Sail Day (1492)

803 Day

El Paso Massacre Anniversary Day

Ernie Pyle Day (New Mexico)

Esther Day

Flag Day (Venezuela)

Freedom Day (Equatorial Guinea)

Golpe de La Libertad (Freedom Day; Equatorial Guinea)

Great Expectations Day

International Day of Family Planning

International Friendship Day [Original Date]

International Hangover Day

International Indigenous Rising Day

Ker Puja (Tripura, India)

Klaatu Day

Lake Victoria Discovery Day

Marshmallow Day (French Republic)

National Booba Day

National COVID Survivor Day

National Ernie Pyle Day

National Georgia Day

National Hair Gloss Day

National Heart Transplantation Day (India)

National Michael Day

National Parks Day

National Ping Pong Day (UK)

National Sales & Marketing Collaboration Day

National Senior Pet Day

National Twins Day

NBA Day

New Brunswick Day (Canada)

Panama Canal Day

Pidjiguiti Day (Guinea-Bissau)

Play Day (UK)

Prairie Dawn Day

Regatta Day (Canada)

Royal National Eisteddfod (Wales)

Sealing Wax Day

Simba Day (Tanzania)

Vicki Draves Day

Yazidi Genocide Anniversary Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cornish Pasty Day

Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Day

Food Day Canada (Canada)

Grab Some Nuts Day

Honey Day (Japan)

Maine Lobster Festival (Rockland, Maine)

National Watermelon Day

Watermelon Sugar Day

Independence & Related Days

Niger (from France, 1960)

San Salvador Day (El Salvador)

West Sprinske (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

1st Saturday in August

Campfire Day & Night [1st Saturday]

Caribana (Toronto, Canada) [Begins 1st Saturday]

Festival of Nations (Red Lodge, Montana) [1st Saturday]

Home Fermentation Day [1st Saturday]

International Alopecia Awareness Day [1st Saturday]

International Blues Music Day [1st Saturday]

International Hangover Day [1st Saturday]

International Trading Card Day

Mead Day [1st Saturday]

Mustard Day [1st Saturday]

National Clown Day [1st Saturday]

National Czech Festival (Nebraska) [Starts 1st Saturday]

National Disc Golf Day [1st Saturday]

National Jamaican Patty Day [1st Saturday]

National Mustard Day [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

National Pro-Life Generation Sidewalk Day [1st Saturday]

National Riddle Day [1st Saturday]

National Summit Day [1st Saturday]

National Sunflower Day [1st Saturday]

National VFR Day [1st Saturday]

National Virginia Diverse Business Networking First Saturday [1st Saturday]

Railway Workers’ Day (Russia) [1st Saturday]

Rush-Bearing Day (Grasmere, England) [1st Saturday]

Sandcastle Day [1st Saturday]

Satyr's Day (Silenus, Greek God of Beer Buddies and Drinking Companions) [1st Saturday of Each Month]

Taxpayer Appreciation Day [1st Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 3 (1st Week of August)

San Salvador Week (El Salvador) [thru 8.9]

Satchmo Weekend (New Orleans, Louisiana) [thru 8.4]

Festivals Beginning August 3, 2024

Akita Kanto Festival (Akita, Japan) [thru 8.6]

Andorra la Vella Festival (Andorra)

Armageddon Expo (Palmerston North, New Zealand) [thru 8.4]

Bluegrass and Beer Festival (Keystone, Colorado) [thru 8.4]

Butterfly Festival (Pennington, New Jersey)

Cheddar Cheese Festival: Say Cheese! (Adams, New York)

Cherry Festival (Jacksonport, Wisconsin)

Chokecherry Festival (Pequot Lakes, Minnesota)

Corn Roast Festival (Westminster, Maryland)

FreedomFilmFest (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia) [thru 8.15]

Glorious Garlic Festival (Geneva, New York) [thru 8.4]

Grain Harvest (Urbandale, Iowa)

HarvestFest (Elgin, Arizona)

Howard County Fair (West Friendship, Maryland) [thru 8.10]

Italian Family Festa (San Jose, California) [thru 8.4]

Joyce Daze Wild Blackberry Festival (Joyce, Washington)

Leicester Caribbean Carnival (Leicester, United Kingdom)

Livarot Cheese Fair (Livarot-Pays-d’Auge, France) [thru 8.4]

Magic Valley Beer Festival (Twin Falls, Idaho)

Montana Brewers Summer Rendezvous (Helena, Montana)

National Eisteddfod of Wales (Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, United Kingdom.) [thru 8.10]

National Mustard Day & Festival (Middleton, Wisconsin)

Peach Festival (New Hope, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.4]

Peach Festival (Wyoming, Delaware)

Route 66 Chili Cook Off and AZ State Chili Championship (Flagstaff, Arizona) [thru 8.4]

Satchmo SummerFest (New Orleans, Louisiana) [thru 8.4]

Siberian International Marathon (Omsk, Russia)

Soul Food Festival (Stockton, California)

Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival & Chili Cook-off (Saratoga, Wyoming)

Taste of the Caribbean (Hartford, Connecticut)

Truckfest (Edinburgh, Scotland) [thru 8.4]

Vino & Notes - A Wine, Food & Jazz Festival (Woodland Park, Colorado)

Whiskies of the World (Washington D.C.)

Feast Days

Aomori Nebuta (Harvest Season begins; Japan)

Chokhor Duchen (Four Noble Truths; Buddhism)

Dawg the Dog (Muppetism)

Day of the Dryads (Pagan)

Dymphna Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Fairy Washing Festival (Shamanism)

Feast of Caligo (Mother of Chaos)

The Feast of the Finding of St. Stephen (Christian)

Gamaliel (Christian; Saint)

George Freeman Bragg, W.E.B. Du Bois (Episcopal Church)

Germanus of Auxerre (Christian; Saint)

Henri Cartier-Bresson (Artology)

Kanto Matsuri begins (4-Day celebration to encourage a good harvest; Akita, Japan)

Leon Uris (Writerism)

Lydia of Thyatira (a.k.a. Lydia Purpuraria; Christian; Saint)

Marlene Dumas (Artology)

Myrrhbearers (Lutheran Church)

Nicodemus (Christian; Saint)

Olaf II of Norway (Christian; Translation of the Relic)

P.D. James (Writerism)

Postmodernism Day (Pastafarian)

Prairie Down (Muppetism)

Stephen (Discovery of his Relics)

Supplica Canum (Ancient Rome)

The Wag-Festival (Remembrance Festival of Ancestors; Ancient Egypt)

Walter Scott (Positivist; Saint)

Waltheof of Melrose (Christian; Saint)

Wilfred (Anglican Church; Yorkshire)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Premieres

The Bourne Ultimatum (Film; 2007)

Chéri, by Colette (Novel; 1920)

Christopher Robin (Film; 2018)

The Cocoanuts (Film; 1929)

Dick (Film; 1999)

Doing Their Bit (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Duck Tales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (Animated Disney Film; 1990)

Eat Drink Man Woman (Film; 1994)

Fear of Music, by Talking Heads (Album; 1979)

Grandview, U.S.A. (Film; 1984)

Gypsy Life (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1945)

Hang ‘Em High (Film; 1968)

Havana, by Camila Cabello (Song; 2017)

Hot Rod (Film; 2007)

Hysteria, by Def Leppard (Album; 1987)

Innervisions, by Stevie Wonder (Album; 1973)

The Iron Giant (Animated Film; 1999)

A Man Called Adam (Film; 1966)

The Man Called Flintstone Hanna-Barbera Animated Film; 1966)

Man on the Flying Trapeze (Film; 1935)

Metropolitan (Film; 1990)

Mine, by Taylor Swift (Song; 2010)

Northwest Hounded Police, featuring Droopy (Tex Avery MGM Cartoon; 1946)

The Ox-Bow Incident, by Walter Van Tilburg Clark (Novel; 1940)

Party Smarty (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1951)

The Philadelphia Experiment (Film; 1984)

Poor Cinderella (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1934)

The Princess Diaries (Film; 2001)

Serenade No, 9, the Posthorn Serenade, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Serenade; 1779)

The Spy Who Dumped Me (Film; 2018)

Surfer Girl, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1963)

Total Recall (Film; 2012)

Trinity, by Leon Uris (Novel; 1976)

Underdog (Film; 2007)

Unidentified Flying Oddball (Film; 1979)

William Tell, by Gioachino Rossini (Opera; 1829)

Today’s Name Days

Benno, Lydia (Austria)

Aspern, Augustin, Lidija (Croatia)

Miluše (Czech Republic)

Nikodemus (Denmark)

Kaljo, Kalju (Estonia)

Linnea, Nea, Neea, Vanamo (Finland)

Lydie (France)

August, Lydia, Nikodemus (Germany)

Olimpios, Salomi (Greece)

Hermina (Hungary)

Giovanni, Lidia (Italy)

Augusts, Rets (Latvia)

Augustė, Lengvinė, Mangirdas, Steponas (Lithuania)

Oline, Oliver, Olve (Norway)

August, Augusta, Krzywosąd, Lidia, Nikodem, Symeon, Szczepan (Poland)

Jerguš (Slovakia)

Gustavo, Lidia (Spain)

Tage (Sweden)

Lida, Liddy, Lidia, Loyal, Lydia, Lyle, Lyman (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 216 of 2024; 150 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of Week 31 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 1 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 29 (Ji-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 28 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 27 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 6 Purple; Sixday [6 of 30]

Julian: 21 July 2024

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 19 Dante (8th Month) [Walter Scott]

Runic Half Month: Thorn (Defense) [Day 11 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 45 of 94)

Week: 1st Week of August

Zodiac: Leo (Day 13 of 31)

Calendar Changes

Coll (Hazel) [Celtic Tree Calendar; Month 8 of 13]