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noumenawiki · 7 months ago

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Axiom's End Timeline

This contains spoilers for Axiom's End. The completed timeline will be posted here when it's finished. You can make a submission here

Noumena Timeline - Earth years 1045 C.E. – Ampersand’s creation 1352 C.E. – humans are brought back to the superorganism for research around the time of The Black Plague affecting Europe *date unknown* – Transients (Physterines) develop the electromagnetic pulses to incapacitate amygdalines, and begin to become aggressive against them. The Superorganism discovers the population explosion of transients, and views this as a threat. Ampersand and a few other Oligarchs petition that a stable population size is not a threat in and of itself, but the Superorganism ultimately decides to sterilize the entire planet. 1629 C.E. – Fremdan Genetic Purge occurs due to those who opposed the sterilization of the Physterines 26 February 1971 – The Fremda group seeks refuge on Earth in Inarajan, Guam, not knowing just how advanced humans have become. 6 March 2007 – An email is sent regarding language samples of Pequod Phonemic which is included in Nils Ortega’s “Fremda Memo” in the Broken Seal, published 24 August 2007 23 August 2007 – The Ampersand Event Occurs 24 August 2007 – prompted by the Ampersand Event, Nils Ortega leaks the Fremda Memo 20 September 2007 – The Obelus Event Occurs at 1:13 pm PDT, Eli Gerald publishes “Follow the Noise” on the DeceptiNation Blog, and Nils publishes an Op-Ed titled “These Disparate Lives” 21 September 2007 – Nils publishes “Obelus” in the Broken Seal – Cora’s house gets invaded during the early hours of the night by a (presumed) Ampersand – Cora rides with Bard to Santa Crus in order to avoid the CIA, hoping to join her Aunt Luciana and lie low – Douglas Siegel publishes “Expanding the scope of Ortega” in The New Yorker regarding Luciana Ortega – Ampersand follows Cora to Santa Cruz, placing an earbud into Cora’s ear while she is under a sedation of his design

22 September 2007 – The Fremda Group loses four members to elective suicide, bringing their numbers to 27 total. The four are known by the US government as AG-ETI-008 “Scivo”, AG-ETI-015 “Logi”, AG-ETI-028 “Birdo”, and AG-ETI-042 “Verda”. The Fremda group is described as locking the government out of their shelter after the Obelus Event occurred, likely in an attempt to hide from Obelus. 24 September 2007 – Ampersand tries to control Cora in order to break into the Googleplex building in Silicon Valley in order to locate the Fremda group. She is the 3rd human under his control to attempt this. She is able to escape with an incapacitated Ampersand due to an electromagnetic pulse that causes a black out. 26 September 2007 – Cora and Ampersand use Luciana’s contact with CIA Agent Sol Kaplan to help Ampersand gain access to the Fremda group. He directs them to Vandenberg AFB. – Nils publishes “Where’s the Revolution?” in The Broken Seal – Lewis Callum publishes “The Revelation of Nils Ortega” on the DeceptiNation blog – Ampersand is allowed to meet the Fremda group. – ROSA is reinstated. – The Fremda group and Cora, Luciana, and Kaplan are transported to the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex bunker in El Paso County, Colorado

27 September 2007 – Ampersand performs Cefo’s autopsy at NORAD, where Cefo and the rest of the Fremda are described as having a higher quantity of organic nervous system, body parts, and a microbiome. – The rest of the former ROSA employees arrive at NORAD 2 October 2007 – Nils publishes “What did the president Know, and When Did He Know It?” in The Broken Seal which exposes President Bush in his lie of knowing about First Contact with extraterrestrials – Luciana is arrested and held for 36 hours – Aisha Jackson publishes “Hunt for Cause of Massive Guam Power Outage Begins” in The Washington Post – Physterine sighting accounts codenamed “Sloop John B” are confirmed by Ampersand after Sol Kaplan shows him files of plausible extraterrestrial interactions – Ampersand meets with the secretary of defense, telling him that opening up communication freely between humans and amygdalines will lead to a sort of colonization event. Despite this, the secretary of defense insists Ampersand give them a means of communication. – George Walker Bush announces that he will officially resign as the 43rd president on 3 October 2007

5 October 2007 – Ampersand transports Cora out of NORAD for a moment to visit her empty home and see the stars in the desert.

6 October 2007 – Obelus breaks into NORAD using an electromagnetic pulse and Cora evacuates to Langley, the CIA headquarters. The Genome makes itself known as a small, partially natural amygdaline. Cora, the genome, Vincent, and Kaplan are given orders to leave. Their caravan of vehicles are taken out by another one of Obelus’s EM pulses. Cora, with the Genome in hand, runs from the scene to safety – Vincent Park as well as a few other unnamed CIA employees are annihilated by Obelus and his Similars. – Amygdaline Similar Brako is assumed deceased.

7 October 2007 – Luciana receives a text on her burner phone as to where Cora is located and picks her up, transporting them and the genome to one of Luciana’s contacts in Christianburg, Virginia. Luciana gives Cora coordinates to an abandoned warehouse two hours away that arrived with the text of Cora’s earlier location, suspecting that’s where Ampersand would like to meet. – Cora meets Ampersand and Obelus appears. She is held captive with other Fremdans until Ampersand can bring Obelus the genome

9 October 2007 – Nils publishes “Open Letter” on The Broken Seal calling for his family to be released from government custody. ?? October 2007 – Cora attempts to undermine Obelus by telling his similars that he is Fremdan and Ampersand’s symphyle, rousing suspicion amongst their ranks. – Ampersand ultimately doesn’t comply, detonating an EMP allowing Cora will be able to evacuate the remaining Fremdans and the genome with transport plates. – Cora attacks Obelus with a shovel while he is recovering from the EMP – Cora is mutilated by Obelus, the Genome attempts to cause a distraction which ultimately results in her death – In an attempt to get Ampersand to leave Earth, Obelus warns Cora that Ampersand was created to dominate and if he stays on Earth, any assimilation will result in his desire to take control of the Earth and that humans will hate him for it. – Obelus’s similars return and challenge him. A fight ensues and he’s incapacitated. The similars take the genome, Obelus, and themselves back to the Superorganism. – Cora is repaired by Ampersand.

~ 21 October 2007 – Cora awakens at a hospital with her mother Demi and Luciana with her who tell her that she’s been gone for two weeks. – Cora is debriefed by the CIA – On the second night of her hospital stay, Cora and Ampersand confirm that they have fusion bonded and are now symphyles.

#noumena series #Axiom's End #Timeline

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septictankie · 6 months ago

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The 1968 Prague Spring: Separating Fact from Fiction

Much of the below is translated or adapted from an article written by the Russian historian and political scientist Nikolay Platoshkin. The article can be found here. You can find an identical blog post with hyperlinks to sources here.

Victors write history, and the historical narratives concerning the events of the Cold War are no different. The “Prague Spring” of 1968 is often shrouded in myths that serve the political interests of the hegemonic capitalist countries. The prevailing narrative typically presents the events as follows: economic and political reforms in Czechoslovakia, sparked by the election of the intrepid Alexander Dubček as First Secretary of the Communist Party in January 1968, were brutally suppressed by the invasion of Warsaw Pact troops on August 20-21. Naturally, the sympathies of the “free world,” particularly the United States, are portrayed as being aligned with the brave Czechoslovak reformers. However, the reality is more complex.

Genuine political and economic reforms in Czechoslovakia began long before the “Prague Spring,” influenced by developments in the Soviet Union during the early 1960s. As the Soviet Union under Khrushchev embarked on a period of de-Stalinization, it sparked a wave of reformist thinking across its satellite states. Under the leadership of Antonín Novotný, who had been President of Czechoslovakia and General Secretary of the Communist Party since 1953, the country initiated the rehabilitation of victims arrested during the Stalinist period. (The future leader of Czechoslovakia in the 1970s and 1980s, Gustáv Husák, was one of these, arrested in 1950 and released in 1963, a committed communist throughout.) Censorship was eased significantly, and Czechoslovak cinema, particularly the “New Wave” movement, gained recognition across Europe, with directors like Miloš Forman emerging internationally, as seen with his film Black Peter. A pivotal moment in this period was the adoption of a new economic policy in 1965, directly inspired by the Soviet Union’s Kosygin reforms. This policy aimed to decentralize economic planning, granting enterprises greater autonomy within a framework of business accounting.

The Soviet Union acted as the primary catalyst for reforms in Czechoslovakia, particularly after the new Soviet leadership under Leonid Brezhnev came to power in October 1964, which further accelerated reforms in Moscow and Prague. However, by late 1967, internal conflict within the Czechoslovak Communist Party intensified. Students from the Strahov dormitories in Prague launched a sizable protest over power outages, prompting Novotný to cease reforms and ban liberal journals and films. The widespread unpopularity of these moves led members of the party’s Central Committee to oust Novotný. This coalition of strange bedfellows included noted liberal reformers like Husák, Čestmír Císař, and Jozef Lenárt joining forces with conservatives like Vasil Biľak, Drahomír Kolder, and Jiří Hendrych. When Novotný sought a lifeline from Brezhnev in December 1967, Brezhnev refused, partly because he viewed Novotný as an ally of his Soviet rival, Alexei Kosygin.

During heated debates within the Czechoslovak Communist Party’s Central Committee, which began in October 1967, Novotný suggested Alexander Dubček as a compromise candidate for First Secretary, a proposal that Brezhnev accepted. Dubček, who had lived in the USSR from 1925 to 1938 (where he was a classmate of Brezhnev) and was seen as a reliable ally, was considered a weak political figure, making him acceptable to both liberal and conservative factions within the party. He was also of Slovak descent, which would appease Slovak nationalists who opposed the unitary state. On January 5, 1968, Dubček was narrowly elected First Secretary by just one vote. Brezhnev’s unexpected visit to Prague in December 1967 was interpreted by the U.S. as a reluctant intervention in the party’s internal struggles, given the lack of a clear alternative to Novotný. Far from the enterprising reformer portrayed in Western media, Dubček was initially meant to hold the party line, something that he promised to do, part of a pattern of deception and careerism.

In February 1968, the U.S. State Department agreed with the U.S. Embassy in Prague’s recommendation to refrain from showing goodwill toward Dubček’s regime, viewing it as an unstable coalition of right and left forces. The U.S. chose not to act despite holding significant leverage at the time, stemming from the U.S. Army’s seizure of Czechoslovakia’s gold reserves during the liberation of western Czechoslovakia in 1945. The gold had been taken by the Germans after their 1939 occupation. Despite repeated requests from the Czechoslovak government, the U.S. avoided returning the gold, citing various pretexts. In 1961, the U.S. agreed to return the gold in exchange for settling claims of American citizens affected by post-1948 nationalization in Czechoslovakia. Both sides initially agreed on a sum of around $10 million, but the U.S. later quadrupled the demand due to Washington’s displeasure over Czechoslovakia’s arms supplies to Vietnam. Additionally, the U.S. delayed granting Czechoslovakia most-favored-nation trade status, linking it to the unresolved gold issue. At the onset of the “Prague Spring,” U.S. policy was frosty toward Dubček.

On March 22, 1968, Antonín Novotný resigned as President, and General Ludvík Svoboda, a former commander of Czechoslovak forces on the Soviet-German front, succeeded him. The day before, Czechoslovak Ambassador to Washington, Karel Duda, told U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Walter J. Stoessel, that the new leadership would likely seek better relations with the U.S. He dismissed the possibility of foreign interference in Czechoslovakia’s internal affairs, which the Americans interpreted as a reference to Moscow, but warned that internal conflict could escalate if it led to violence. This affirmed the view that Dubček’s regime was meant to stabilize Czechoslovakia, at least for the time being, not usher in a wave of reforms that would destabilize the country.

On February 25, Major General Jan Šejna, a Novotný supporter who led the Defense Ministry’s party organization, defected to the U.S. with his young mistress. Czechoslovakia demanded his extradition, accusing him of corruption and plotting a military coup for Novotný, but the U.S. refused. Despite being deemed a criminal by the Dubček government and once considered a hardliner, Šejna became a key CIA informant on Czechoslovakia and received political asylum. Given the choice between sheltering an individual it once considered a “Stalinist” for a military advantage or diplomatic measures meant to thaw relations with a Cold War adversary, the U.S. government eagerly pursued the former option.

The U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia, Jacob Beam, held a low opinion of the new Dubček regime, viewing any push for liberalization as secondary to ousting Novotný, after which the government would likely seek stability. Nonetheless, Beam believed that the unfolding events in Czechoslovakia aligned with U.S. interests. On April 26, he recommended to Under Secretary of State for European Affairs, Charles E. Bohlen, a more flexible stance on the issue of Czechoslovakia’s gold reserves as a diplomatic gesture toward the new Prague leadership. Beam suggested returning “Nazi gold” to Czechoslovakia in exchange for an initial payment to compensate individuals whose wealth was expropriated during communist nationalization, with additional payments to follow. He also proposed using most-favored-nation trade status as a potential incentive, which would mean low tariffs or high import quotas for Czechoslovakia. Beam believed these steps could enhance U.S. influence within the communist world. However, Beam’s modest proposal was not supported. The State Department agreed only to express approval of Czechoslovakia’s liberalization. Due to Czechoslovakia’s role as the third-largest arms supplier to North Vietnam, direct financial or economic aid from the U.S. was deemed impossible.

During this period, a significant debate unfolded in Washington between “hawks” and “doves” in the U.S. leadership. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had decided not to seek re-election in October 1968, and Secretary of State Dean Rusk prioritized détente with the USSR. They believed this thaw in relations could help end the Vietnam War with Soviet assistance. Johnson even planned a potential visit to Moscow in October 1968, becoming the first U.S. President to do so. Johnson was concerned that excessive liberalization in Czechoslovakia might jeopardize the improving U.S.-Soviet relations.

In contrast, the “hawk” faction, led by Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs Walt Rostow, saw an opportunity to weaken the USSR globally by attempting to pull Czechoslovakia out of the Warsaw Pact. Rostow believed this could distract the Soviets from Vietnam and possibly allow the U.S. to end the war on more favorable terms. Rostow is remembered as one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Vietnam War, claiming that strategic bombing of North Vietnam alone would be sufficient to win the war. This was based on Rostow’s belief that there was no genuine support for communism in South Vietnam and that ending the war was as simple as destroying North Vietnam’s infrastructure.

On May 10, 1968, Rostow sent Rusk a memorandum titled “Soviet Threats to Czechoslovakia,” interpreting Warsaw Pact maneuvers in Poland as a sign of Soviet hesitation and urging Johnson to summon the Soviet Ambassador to demand an explanation. Rostow also proposed creating a special high-level NATO group to monitor the situation in Czechoslovakia and prepare a response plan. However, both Rusk and Johnson rejected Rostow’s alarmist stance.

The U.S. Embassy in West Germany shared a cautious view for different reasons. Unlike the 1956 Hungarian crisis, the Embassy noted in a telegram on May 10 that moving American troops closer to or across the Czech border to counter a Soviet attack was conceivable due to the shared border between Czechoslovakia and West Germany. However, the West German government, including the Social Democrats, strongly opposed any U.S. military action from West German territory. The West German Deputy Foreign Minister even urged the U.S. Ambassador to moderate anti-Czechoslovak propaganda from Radio Free Europe in Munich and RIAS in West Berlin, leading the U.S. Ambassador to West Germany, George McGhee, to consider joint actions with West Germany against Czechoslovakia unrealistic.

On May 11, Secretary of State Dean Rusk initiated a continuous exchange of opinions between NATO countries concerning the situation in Czechoslovakia. However, in a telegram to the U.S. mission to NATO, he recommended holding off on actions that might be perceived as NATO showing “unusual concern” about Czechoslovakia.

Despite this, the U.S. remained unwilling to address the pressing bilateral issues with Czechoslovakia. On May 28, Jiří Hájek, the new Czechoslovak Foreign Minister and a reformer, expressed frustration to the U.S. ambassador that bilateral relations had not improved since 1962 and had even regressed in some respects. Hájek reiterated demands for the return of Czechoslovakia’s gold reserves, pointing out that the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia had occurred with the West’s, including the U.S.’s, acquiescence. Ambassador Beam was unable to provide a concrete response but reported to the State Department that Prague was likely using the gold issue to bolster its authority within the communist bloc and to curb any growing pro-American sentiments within the country.

On June 13, the CIA provided a memorandum titled “Czechoslovakia: Dubcek’s Pause” to the top U.S. leadership. The memo assessed that the crisis in Czechoslovakia, both internal and external, had lost its immediacy, leading to a “pause.” The Soviet Union had been reassured by Dubček’s firm commitment to keeping the reform process under Communist Party control. In return, the Czechs were granted some autonomy in domestic matters by the USSR. The CIA noted that the Soviets were keen to avoid military intervention in Czechoslovakia, due to concerns that the country might leave the Warsaw Pact, given that Czechoslovakia had the largest army per capita within the Pact, totaling 230,000 soldiers.

Despite Moscow’s objections to the anti-Soviet rhetoric in the Czechoslovak media, the CIA reported that this rhetoric had “reached astonishing proportions” in recent weeks. The media blamed the USSR not only for the Stalinist repression of the early 1950s but also for the current economic difficulties in Czechoslovakia. However, it was precisely cheap raw materials from the USSR that were able to provide Czechoslovakia with high rates of economic growth and an improvement in the standard of living of the population. For all its embrace of market reforms, the Czechoslovak economy did not grow out of its moribund status, as goods produced in the country simply were not competitive enough. Inflation soon followed, leading to cuts to social services, which only led to greater public dissent.

The CIA concluded that due to the compromise between Prague and Moscow, “Moscow decided not to use force, at least for the time being.” Interestingly, the CIA noted that Dubček himself might benefit from this situation, as his perceived indecisiveness in implementing reforms could be attributed to Soviet pressure. U.S. intelligence, citing Czech sources, also reported growing disagreements within the Soviet leadership over Czechoslovakia. Leonid Brezhnev, who had placed Dubček in power, was under pressure as Dubček’s policies were increasingly seen as anti-Soviet. This situation could potentially be exploited by Brezhnev’s opponents within the Soviet leadership, including Kosygin.

U.S. intelligence, correctly assessing the situation, believed that Dubček was merely stalling by agreeing to Brezhnev’s terms and promising to maintain socialism in Czechoslovakia. They anticipated that at the upcoming Communist Party congress in September 1968, reformist views would be formally adopted as the party’s official program, revealing to the Soviets that they had been misled. The CIA also assessed that Dubček lacked firm convictions of his own and was influenced by the reformers Oldřich Černík and Zdeněk Mlynář, who were expected to play a crucial role after the congress. The CIA concluded that there was a significant likelihood of renewed tension between Prague and Moscow. Although Soviet leaders, or at least most of them, preferred to avoid sharp and costly military action, they might resort to threatening Czech borders if Dubček’s control appeared to be collapsing or if Czech policies became “counterrevolutionary” from Moscow’s perspective.

By this time, the CIA was heavily influenced by its primary “expert” on Czechoslovakia, General Šejna, who was pursuing his own agenda to discredit Dubček. On July 24, the CIA reported that the crisis in Czechoslovakia had subsided, according to Šejna, who believed that the Czechoslovaks would likely capitulate to Soviet demands and reverse the reforms. Šejna also suggested that such a rollback would not provoke significant public protests, as neither workers nor Slovaks were actively engaged in the liberalization process. The CIA noted that the “Prague Spring” was largely driven by intellectuals and parts of the party apparatus without improving the material conditions of the general population. Furthermore, anti-Soviet sentiment in the Czech press did not resonate with Slovakia. The CIA’s internal notes reflected concerns that Šejna might be underestimating the national factor, noting that military and police forces, being “conservative and pro-Soviet,” could quickly suppress any potential demonstrations against the rollback of reforms.

The CIA memo highlighted that the Soviets were facing substantial pressure from conservative forces within Czechoslovakia, as well as from the leaders of Poland and East Germany, who demanded more stringent control over the situation in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. Šejna believed that while the Soviets favored using political influence, they were prepared to use military force if necessary, which would likely involve a rapid advance of Soviet troops into Czechoslovakia. The CIA accurately assessed that Moscow was becoming aware that Dubček and the “liberals” were not fulfilling their promises to keep Czechoslovakia within the Soviet sphere of influence, specifically the Warsaw Pact.

By July 1968, the State Department was already considering raising the Czechoslovak issue at the United Nations, potentially as a protest against the slow withdrawal of Soviet troops following the end of the Warsaw Pact “Šumava” maneuvers on June 30. However, the U.S. was reluctant to take direct action at the U.N., preferring instead that the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, or potentially Romania and Yugoslavia, initiate the discussion.

On July 14-15, the leaders of the Soviet Union, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Bulgaria met in Warsaw to discuss the events taking place in Czechoslovakia. On the heels of the publication of liberal manifesto “The Two Thousand Words,” the Warsaw Pact leaders feared that anti-communist forces were exploiting the liberalization to promote disorder. Although they stated their common desire not to interfere in Czechoslovak affairs, they shared anxieties that reactionary forces were preparing for counterrevolution:

The reactionary forces were given the opportunity, in public, to publish their political platform under the title “Two Thousand Words,” which contains an open call for a struggle against the communist party and against the constitutional system, as well as a call for strikes and chaos. This appeal is a serious threat to the party, the National Front, and the socialist state. It is an attempt to foment anarchy. The declaration is, in its essence, the organizational-political platform of counterrevolution.

On July 20, 1968, Rostow issued another memorandum to the Secretary of State, pressing for active measures to deter the USSR from acting against Czechoslovakia. Rostow acknowledged that Czechoslovakia was within the Soviet sphere of influence and that its departure from Moscow’s control would severely undermine Soviet positions globally, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. The memorandum proposed establishing a special NATO group to develop a unified response plan for potential crises involving the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, suggesting that this move would reinvigorate the alliance itself. Rostow, also serving as special assistant to the president, requested from the US military leadership, via the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, information on NATO forces available for a possible intervention in Czechoslovakia. On July 23, the response indicated that a potential intervention could involve one US brigade, two French divisions, and two German divisions. The Joint Chiefs of Staff limited the U.S. contribution to one brigade due to the lengthy mobilization time required for a larger force.

Thus, the US was seriously contemplating a NATO intervention in Czechoslovakia a month before the Warsaw Pact troops entered the country. On July 22, the Soviet Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Dobrynin, was summoned to the State Department, where Secretary of State Rusk lodged a de facto protest against Soviet media claims of NATO, Pentagon, and CIA subversive activities against Czechoslovakia. By July 24, President Johnson convened a meeting with the entire US political and military leadership, including the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Director of the CIA. At this meeting, Rostow revised his earlier position, expressing doubts that the Soviets would take military action against Czechoslovakia. Rusk also declared that the “Czech crisis” had passed.

From July 25 to August 1, the top leadership of the USSR and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic convened in Čierna nad Tisou in southeastern Slovakia—a historic meeting, as it marked the only occasion when the entire Soviet leadership traveled abroad simultaneously. During these discussions, a compromise appeared to be reached. Dubček, in the presence of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, agreed to halt anti-Soviet rhetoric in the Czechoslovak media, bolster the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ leadership, and remove several anti-Soviet figures from key government positions, including the head of Czechoslovak television, Jiří Pelikán. In return, Brezhnev promised to end the Soviet media’s critiques of Czechoslovak policies.

In the meantime, a group of conservative communist politicians, including Vasil Biľak and Drahomír Kolder who had supported Dubček’s rise to power, authored a “letter of invitation” to Brezhnev and the Soviet government to intervene in Czechoslovakia. They saw the writing on the wall: the Dubček government was neither trustworthy nor competent, and if the situation was allowed to continue, Czechoslovakia was likely to degenerate into chaos, with ordinary people suffering the most. The capitalist West would not help the people but only exploit the situation according to their political interests. The only viable choice was to ask the Soviet Union to restore order and remove the Dubček government. Brezhnev would later cite this letter as a major justification for the later Warsaw Pact invasion.

The US Embassy in Prague, in a dispatch dated August 4, reported that while the meeting in Čierna might have temporarily eased tensions, Dubček would likely struggle to honor his commitments without undermining his domestic support. The embassy suggested that the State Department publicly commend the Čierna meeting’s results for resolving the immediate political crisis in Czechoslovakia. However, despite the agreement, anti-Soviet articles continued to appear in Czechoslovak newspapers post-Čierna, and Dubček did not fully meet his promises. Instead of the bold reformist hero, Dubček should be seen as an opportunist who told others what they wanted to hear at the time so long as it helped him stay in power. Instead of confrontation, he nominally chose compromise at Čierna.

On August 10, during a meeting with President Johnson and Republican presidential candidate Nixon, CIA Director Helms remarked that while the immediate severity of the Czechoslovak crisis had diminished, it was not fully resolved. He noted that the Czechoslovaks were increasingly seeking to reduce their participation in the Warsaw Pact. The Soviets wanted to avoid this at all costs, but had no honest leader to deal with.

On August 13, Brezhnev had an extensive telephone conversation with Dubček, which likely prompted the decision to introduce Warsaw Pact troops into the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. During this call, Brezhnev implored Dubček to fulfill the commitments made at Čierna or at least specify when these would be met. In typical fashion, Dubček avoided providing a clear answer and revealed his intention to resign from his top party position at the upcoming Communist Party Congress in September. Moscow feared that the Czechoslovak party leadership might disintegrate imminently, prompting the decision to deploy troops to support Dubček and mitigate pressure from the liberals. Had Moscow simply wished to remove Dubček, it could have waited for the September Congress.

On August 19, Rostow conveyed to Dobrynin over dinner that the United States viewed the Soviet decisions at Čierna as “wise.” The Americans aimed to avoid exacerbating the situation in Czechoslovakia and were hopeful that the situation would stabilize following Čierna. On August 20, Dobrynin met with President Johnson. The President, in good spirits, discussed various topics, including Kosygin’s health and his own lack of a haircut, before addressing the main issue. Dobrynin informed Johnson of the Soviet leadership’s decision to deploy troops into Czechoslovakia, citing a threat to European peace and stating that the intervention was at the Czechoslovak government’s request. The message emphasized that the action was not intended to undermine American interests and assured the continuation of détente in Soviet-American relations. Johnson thanked Dobrynin and promised a response after consulting with Secretary of State Rusk. The conversation concluded amicably, with no condemnation of the Soviet action from the American side. Dobrynin was surprised by Johnson’s lack of immediate reaction, noting that the President seemed to underappreciate the gravity of the situation.

On August 20, Soviet forces were ordered to commence Operation Danube, marking the beginning of the troop deployment into Czechoslovakia. By approximately 11 p.m., Warsaw Pact troops from the USSR, Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria began crossing the Czechoslovak border. Soviet airborne units landed at Prague’s Ruzyne Airport at 2:00 a.m. on August 21. The general directive for Soviet units in the event of encountering NATO forces was to halt and refrain from engaging.

Slovaks widely welcomed Soviet troops, joyfully hoping for a return of social guarantees and urban development, saying that “the Slovaks are not with Prague.” This sentiment reflected a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the central government’s policies, which many Slovaks saw as favoring Prague and the Czechs. The arrival of Soviet forces was seen by some as a chance to regain the social stability and economic progress that had been characteristic of earlier communist rule. Many Slovaks believed that aligning with the Soviet Union could secure better living standards, greater investment in infrastructure, and a reassertion of traditional socialist values that they felt were being eroded by the reformist agenda.

On August 20, President Johnson convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) in Washington. Both Secretary of State Rusk and Defense Secretary Clark Clifford expressed significant surprise at the Soviet decision to deploy troops. CIA Director Helms correctly identified the motivation behind the Soviet actions: Dubček’s failure to meet the commitments made in Čierna. Helms noted, “They (i.e., the USSR) wanted the Czechs to quiet the press. The Czechs did not do that.” Johnson labeled the troop deployment as aggression and inquired about possible responses from the United States. Rusk suggested that the U.S. could support Czechoslovakia at the United Nations if the Czechoslovaks raised the issue of the Soviet invasion there. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Earle Wheeler, stated that the United States lacked the strength for any forceful retaliation: “We do not have the forces to do it.” Vice President Hubert Humphrey concluded the discussion by emphasizing the need for restraint, noting, “All you can do is snort and talk.”

By August 26 most high-ranking Czechoslovak officials, including Dubček, signed the “Moscow Protocols” that required they pledge themselves to Marxism-Leninism, proletarian internationalism, and renew the struggle against bourgeois ideology. Notably, the Soviets did not simply install pro-Moscow conservatives as their puppets, unlike the U.S. and CIA, who regularly overthrew governments around the world during the Cold War to install dictators loyal to Washington. Instead, the new government included reformers like Gustáv Husák and Jozef Lenárt who favored not suppression but “normalization,” the peaceful return to the pre-Dubček period. Although Czechoslovakia was not permitted to go down the road to chaos or counterrevolution, many of the same individuals who held power before the Soviet intervention remained in power afterwards, unlike in cases of U.S. military interventions.

It is also worth stressing the degree to which the Soviet leadership went to negotiate with Czechoslovak leaders, first with Brezhnev’s personal intervention in late 1967, the Čierna meetings in late July 1968, and the negotiations over the subsequent Moscow Protocols. Clearly, the Soviet Union was willing to go to great diplomatic lengths to keep the country inside the Warsaw Pact. Compare this to the 2000s, when Czech protests over U.S. missiles and radar stations due to NATO membership prompted only shrugs from Washington. Moreover, the U.S. used a large number of Czech troops to shore up its illegal war in Iraq, something the Soviet Union never did during its bloody occupation of Afghanistan.

As we have seen, the U.S. government viewed the Dubček regime with caution, not optimism, considering it a loose coalition of various political forces and a transitional phenomenon. The “Prague Spring” lacked support from both the working class and the Slovak region of Czechoslovakia. Instead of using diplomacy, the United States contemplated the possibility of military intervention in Czechoslovakia by several NATO divisions. The USSR’s approach to Czechoslovakia was deemed prudent by the United States, and the compromise reached in Čierna was regarded as a “wise decision.” The CIA (correctly) assessed the introduction of Warsaw Pact troops on August 20-21, 1968, as a response to Dubček’s failure to keep his word and implement the Čierna agreements.

#socialism #communism #marxism #politics #prague spring #czechoslovakia #czech #slovakia #slovak #Čierna #Dubček #Husák #NATO #Soviet Union #Warsaw Pact #Soviet

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gladlyrphelper · 2 years ago

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Send “♣” and I’ll write a starter based on one of the prompts below! (Pt. 2)

If you can’t see the symbol, send “Clubs”. Use random.org (1-20) to chose a prompt! Includes potential for AUs! - Part 1 found here!

Our muses are stuck together during a power outage.

Our muses are going shopping together.

Our muses started working at the same job.

Our muses switched bodies for a day.

Our muses explore an abandoned location together. (House, amusement park, etc)

Our muses got arrested and put in jail.

Your muse is sick and mine is taking care of yours.

Our muses go to the arcade together

Our muses meet again in another lifetime (as reincarnated lovers perhaps?)

Our muses partake in a tournament together.

Our muses are having an arranged marriage.

Our muses dance together.

Our muses go to an amusement park together

Our muses are lost in the woods together

Our muses going on a blind date together.

Our muses fight!

My muse is sick and yours is taking care of mine.

Our muses getting drunk together (adults muses only!)

Our muses switched laundry by accident

Our muses are on vacation together.

#meme #memes #rp memes #rp meme #inbox meme #random generator rp meme #symbol meme #symbol memes #emoji rp meme

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ghoulsister1 · 1 year ago

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🎃SpookTober 31 Days Prompts🎃:

Day 20: Candle🕯

Danny Blue x GN!Reader. Spooky moments. Things go bump in the night. Power outages. Gotta light them candles. Lots of fluff. Cuddling and snuggling. SpookTober Prompt: Candle🕯

●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●

☆●~When The Lights Go Out~●☆

You and Danny were just setting up for a good horror binge until you guys experience a power outage. Only candles for a light source, you two take turns telling stories. Things get really spooky......

"Danny! Hurry!" You Cried as you got your Netflix set up to watch a horror movie binge.

"Coming!" Cried Danny as he made his way downstairs and into the living room where you had set up some snacks and drinks, accompanied by some pillows and blankets. Danny and you were dressed in warm, comfy pjs and with a smile, Danny sits on the couch and you two snuggled up together.

"So, what movie do you wanna watch first?" You Asked, cosying up to Danny closer.

"Hmmmm........Wanna watch that new scary movie with the red door?" Suggested Danny. You giggle and you two get closer.

"Okay, let's try that one" You Agreed and you clicked on the movie. The movie was just getting started until out of no where, all the electricity from the TV to the lights and Halloween decorations suddenly went out, plunging you and Danny's home in darkness, scaring you in the process and making Danny let out a startled yelp.

"Oi!" Yelped Danny, startled. You jumped and pressed up closer to him, heart racing. The lights going out so suddenly caught you both by surprise.

"Power outage" You Remarked and both of you sigh. So much for a cosy, spooky night in.

"God damnit!" You Sighed sadly.

"Hey, don't worry about it love. Come on, we can still make this a spooky night in!" Suggested Danny and you looked up at your boyfriend, smiling.

"Let's get some candles lit up" You Suggested.

"Alright! Hand me that flashlight love" Said Danny and you handed Danny a flashlight before following him around the house, gathering up some matches and candles. Once everything was gathered up, you two returned to the living room, lit up the candles and to pass the time until the power returns, you decided to suggest some spooky stories to tell each other.

"Right, so you wanna tell each other spooky stories?" Asked Danny. You nod your head with a smile.

"See who gets scared the most!" You Added, giving Danny a cheeky wink and Danny scoffed with a smirk.

"Listen love, the whole scary stories thing? Doesn't phase me one bit" Smirked Danny. You giggled and smirked back.

"Alright. You go first Danny" You Suggested.

With a wicked smirk, Danny leaned in towards you.

"Alright love, but don't say I didn't warn ya" Warned Danny in a ominous voice, making you giggle as Danny leaned back in the couch.

"Right, so you know Alnwick Castle?" Asked Danny. You nod your head with a smile, remembering when Danny took you to see the castle.

"Yeah" You Smiled happily.

"Well, I bet you didn't know there was a vampire that lived in that castle" Remarked Danny smirking. You're eyes widened as Danny began his tale.

"Well, this is the story of the Vampire Of Alnwick Castle. Now it's a bit short but it's spooky nonetheless.

Right, so this 12th century historian William of Newburgh chronicled how a former master of Alnwick Castle would rise from his grave and prowl the streets at night, causing terror and disease you know, being a local boogeyman. So the townsfolk all panicked and some of the locals went to his burial site which was a shallow grave and dug up the body. The body was revealed to be bloated, which when pierced with a spade, disgorged fresh blood, proving to them that it was indeed a vampire. The body was then taken outside the town and burned" Explained Danny.

You shivered at that, just imagining the bloated corpse filled with fresh blood. Danny chuckled as you giggled a little.

"Okay, that was a good story Danny. It was chilling" You Praised and Danny smirked proudly.

"Told ya! Now it's your turn love. Tell me a blood chilling story" Suggested Danny smiling.

"I'll happily oblige my dear" You Replied smiling and you launched into your tale.

"Alright so this story took place in Ireland, in the late 70s. One night a strange, thick fog rolled in and wouldn't leave. That night, the police got phone calls from people claiming to see the dead walk the streets, sometimes they were relatives who passed on and others were neighbours and friends they knew. This continued until the morning, where the fog cleared up. The police decided to investigate the local graveyard to see if this was just a hoax by the people. When they arrived at the cemetery, the police were shocked and unnerved to find all the graves were empty. Only one question remained, where did the bodies go?" You Explained.

Danny felt a chill go up his spine at that story. He had to admit, you had a knack for storytelling and this one was good.

"Wow, okay that was a scary story!" Remarked Danny impressed. You smiled and blushed, glad to see he found the story scary.

"It's a mystery still to this day" You Added.

"Really? Jeez, so maybe the dead really walked that night" Remarked Danny feeling another shiver go through him at the thought of seeing an actual zombie.

"Did.....did anyone get bitten or attacked?" Asked Danny. You chuckled, shaking your head.

"No don't worry. Everyone was too afraid to go outside because of the strange fog" You Explained.

"I'd be more afraid of zombies than fog love" Remarked Danny, wrapping himself up in a blanket as you two huddled closer, the candles flickering and casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls.

Suddenly there was creaking in the hallway and you both turned your heads at the noise, both of you freezing. You looked at each other and then at the hallway, both of you shivering.

"You heard that right?" Asked Danny, a noticeable tremble in his voice as he spoke.

"Yeah....I..I....I did" You Answered, trembling.

You both kept an ear out for more sounds, nothing more was heard.

"Wanna hear another story?" Danny Suggested. You shook yourself of nerves and put on a brave face.

"Sure! Hit me with the best" You Replied smiling. Danny smirked and launched into his next tale.

"Another story about a castle but with a twist of some tragedy. In the 16th century, Heloise Pennington, daughter of Sir Ferdinand Pennington, master of Muncaster Castle, fell in love with a young carpenter right? But Heloise you see, was already betrothed to a knight and in anger at his daughter for daring to love someone deemed, you know unworthy, Sir Ferdinand had paid his jester to murder the freaking carpenter and presenting the severed head as proof of his deed! The headless body of the carpenter is said to roam the castle ever since, searching for his lost love" Explained Danny.

You felt a cold chill sweep through the room, the candles flickering and your heart ached for the poor unfortunate carpenter.

"Poor fella" You Remarked.

"Yeah, poor sod" Agreed Danny.

You were about to launch into your next story when suddenly the lights and power came back on, startling both of you once more.

"Jesus!" Yelped Danny as he jumped along with you. You both held each other for a brief moment before laughing at the same time.

"Guess we had a spooky night after all!" Remarked Danny and you both laughed in agreement.

You grabbed the remote and looked to Danny.

"Wanna finish that movie?" You Asked.

"Go on" Agreed Danny and you both smiled and snuggled up together on the couch as the movie played and the candles still flickered.

●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●☆●

#danny blue #bbc hustle #hustle #con artists #marc warren #con artist #spooktober #spooktober 31 days prompts #spooktober prompts #spooktober 31 days #october #october prompts #writing prompts #writing prompt #31 days of halloween #prompt 20 Candle

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newstfionline · 20 days ago

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

Historic Snowstorm (1440) A rare winter storm swept across the southern US Tuesday, bringing record-breaking snowfall to multiple states along the Gulf Coast and prompting first-ever blizzard warnings in areas like Lake Charles, Louisiana. As of this writing, at least 10 people have died from exposure to the cold or crashes on icy roads. The highest snowfall total recorded was 10.5 inches in Rayne, Louisiana, a modern-day record (though the area may have received 20 inches in 1895). New Orleans received its biggest snowfall based on modern records; and both Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, shattered 130-year records. The storm caused widespread travel disruptions, with airports in Houston halting operations and more than 2,200 flights canceled across the country. States of emergency have been declared in Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi as the region battles dangerous travel conditions and power outages.

C.I.A.’s Chatbot Stands In for World Leaders (NYT) Understanding leaders around the world is one of the C.I.A.’s most important jobs. Teams of analysts comb through intelligence collected by spies and publicly available information to create profiles of leaders that can predict behaviors. A chatbot powered by artificial intelligence now helps do that work. Over the last two years, the Central Intelligence Agency has developed a tool that allows analysts to talk to virtual versions of foreign presidents and prime ministers, who answer back. “It is a fantastic example of an app that we were able to rapidly deploy and get out to production in a cheaper, faster fashion,” said Nand Mulchandani, the C.I.A.’s chief technology officer. The chatbot is part of the spy agency’s drive to improve the tools available to C.I.A. analysts and its officers in the field.

To get rid of ‘drug-addicted’ rats, Houston police clean up evidence room (Washington Post) Houston police say their evidence lockers are filled to the brim. They have backpacks, ATMs, thousands of bicycles, notes from a nearly century-old homicide case and an infestation of rats that have been feasting on the copious contraband. “We got 400,000 pounds of marijuana in storage that the rats are the only ones enjoying,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire (D) said at a news conference earlier this month in which he vowed to organize—and where feasible, discard—1.2 million pieces of evidence held by the city. Allowing seized narcotics to pile up can attract pests, said Peter Stout, who leads the Houston Forensic Science Center. Stout said that the Houston police also have hired exterminators. “But this is difficult getting these rodents out of there. … They’re drug-addicted rats. They’re tough to deal with.”

Deportees (NYT) Carlos Navarro was eating takeout outside a restaurant in Virginia recently when immigration officers apprehended him and said there was an order for his removal from the country. He had never had an encounter with the law, said Mr. Navarro, 32, adding that he worked at poultry plants. “Absolutely nothing.” By last week, he was back in Guatemala for the first time in 11 years, calling his wife in the United States from a reception center for deportees in the capital, Guatemala City. Mr. Navarro’s experience may be a preview of the kind of swift deportations coming under President Trump to communities around the United States, which is home to as many as 14 million unauthorized immigrants. In his inaugural speech on Monday, Mr. Trump promised to “begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.”

Homicides have plunged in a drug trafficking hot spot (CSM) Considered the least safe city in Argentina, Rosario has struggled to address violence. That has changed in the past year. Homicides have fallen 65%, a success attributed to increased police presence, more coordination among different levels of government, and a change in local law that is allowing the prosecution of gang members operating from prison. Petty crime has increased, possibly a result of a spike in poverty attributed to President Javier Milei’s fiscal austerity. But in September, the city went a month without any homicides for the first time since 2013.

Starmer says the killings of 3 girls must bring ‘fundamental change’ in how Britain protects people (AP) Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that the killing of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class must lead to “fundamental change” in how the British state protects citizens and a reckoning with new threats from violent individuals whose mix of motivations test the traditional definition of terrorism. Starmer said the government must also answer “tough questions” about how authorities failed to stop a violence-obsessed teenager before he stabbed the girls to death in the seaside town of Southport in July. In a televised statement, the prime minister said that a public inquiry would tackle failings in the case of Axel Rudakubana, 18, who wounded a further eight children, their instructor and a passer-by. Rudakubana was referred three times to the government’s anti-extremism program, Prevent, when he was 13 and 14, and was in contact with multiple state agencies—all of whom failed to spot the danger he posed.

Turkey is determined to expand its influence in the new Syria (Economist) No country has as much to gain from a stable Syria as Turkey, and few have as much to lose if it implodes. Turkey is home to more than 3m Syrian refugees, and wants Syria to be safe enough for many to return. Nor does any other outside power have as far-reaching an agenda for Syria. Turkey wants to smother Kurdish autonomy in Syria’s north, help build a new Syrian army and regain influence in a country it once controlled for 400 years. Signs of the outsize role Turkey expects to play in the new Syria are hard to miss. Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has offered to help Syria come up with a new constitution. Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, and its top spy were the first high-level foreign dignitaries to visit Damascus after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took power. Turkish businessmen rushed after them. A day after the rebels entered Damascus, Turkey’s top construction and cement companies saw their shares surge. The country’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines, will resume flights to Syria on January 23rd. As a result of offensives Mr Erdogan launched against Kurdish insurgents in Syria’s north, Turkish troops already occupy parts of the country. Syrian rebel groups bankrolled by Mr Erdogan’s government police the enclaves. Turkey provides basic services, including education and health care.

India's scammers stealing savings (AFP) Within five hours while sitting at home in India, retired professor Kamta Prasad Singh handed over his hard-earned savings to online fraudsters impersonating police. The cybercrime known as "digital arrest"—where fraudsters pose online as law enforcement officials and order people to transfer huge amounts of money—has become so rampant that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued warnings. Singh told AFP that money was his life savings. Singh, from India's eastern state of Bihar, said the web of lies began when he received a call in December, seemingly from the telecom regulatory authority. "They said... police were on their way to arrest me," Singh said. The fraudsters told Singh that his ID was being misused for illegal payments. Terrified, Singh agreed to prove he had control of his bank account, and after spiraling threats, transferred over $16,100. India registered 17,470 cybercrimes in 2022, including 6,491 cases of online bank fraud, according to the latest government data.

Israel Embarks on an ‘Extensive’ Military Operation in the West Bank (NYT) Israeli security forces on Tuesday embarked on a military operation in Jenin, a Palestinian city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as Israel turned its focus to an area seen as a hotbed of militancy just days after a temporary cease-fire took hold in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a statement that the operation, the latest in a string of West Bank raids over the past year, was aimed at “eradicating terrorism” and would be “extensive and significant.” The Palestinian Authority’s health ministry reported that eight people had been killed and at least 35 injured during the first hours of the operation. For Mr. Netanyahu, the operation in the West Bank could serve as a distraction from Gaza, where Hamas gunmen paraded through the streets even before the cease-fire started on Sunday, a show of force signaling that it had survived the 15-month war despite Mr. Netanyahu’s vows to destroy it. Shortly before the operation, Trump rescinded sanctions on Jewish settlers, and Jewish extremists attacked Palestinian villages.

Reflections on Gaza’s ceasefire (Religion News Service) As the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza begins, it is met with cautious hope. Families who have endured unspeakable suffering are daring to dream of a reprieve, yet they remain naturally skeptical. This agreement, the very same deal proposed over a year ago, could have saved countless lives had it been accepted then. The Qatari Prime Minister recently underscored this point, stating no lives needed to have been lost if Israel had accepted the deal when it was first proposed, calling it “basically 13-months of a waste of negotiating the details that has no meaning and is not worth a single life that we lost in Gaza or a single life of the hostages lost because of the bombing.” Reports further reveal that figures within the Israeli government—such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—have been the primary blockers of this agreement, despite claims by U.S. officials like Antony Blinken that Hamas was obstructing progress. Every moment of delay was a deliberate political choice, and those choices cost lives. In Gaza, hope is not just a feeling��it is a survival mechanism. A friend there recently described the mood on the streets as one of jubilation, despite knowing full well Israel has violated ceasefires numerous times in the past and has already shown intent to return to war after phase two of this agreement. He explained that, in some ways, this premature celebration is a subconscious act of manifesting the best-case scenario. The people are choosing to hope, even when every rational instinct tells them otherwise.

M23 rebels in eastern Congo seize a town on a key supply route to the provincial capital (AP) M23 rebels seized the town of Minova in eastern Congo, a key supply route for the provincial capital Goma, authorities said Tuesday, leading to a mass exodus of people in the face of a new offensive by the rebel group, which has taken several strategic towns in recent weeks. M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a militant group composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army just over a decade ago. The group rose to prominence in 2012 when its fighters seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and eastern Congo’s largest city, on the border with Rwanda.

Fitness lessons from around the world (NYT) For many people in the United States, staying in shape means getting in your car and driving to the gym. Movement is something on a to-do list, siloed off from the rest of daily life. That mentality is quintessentially American, according to Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, a professor of history at the New School and the author of “Fit Nation.” “There’s this crazy paradox where America is, in many ways, the center of the commercial fitness industry, but it’s also a place where by pretty much every measure people are extraordinarily unfit,” she said. But there are other ways of approaching exercise. In many nations, movement is baked into everyday life. In Brazil, beaches are often filled with people playing games together, and in Japan, a three-minute exercise routine known as radio-taiso is nationally broadcast every day.

#headlines #news

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electricalcontractorsresponce · 1 month ago

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Emergency Electrical Services in Perth: Response Times & Statistics on System Failures in Commercial Buildings

In the fast-paced commercial sector, electrical failures can bring operations to a standstill, leading to significant financial losses and potential safety hazards. Emergency electrical services play a critical role in mitigating these risks by ensuring prompt responses to system failures. In Perth, the growing demand for reliable electrical contractors highlights the importance of professional intervention during emergencies.

This article delves into key statistics on emergency callouts, common system failures in commercial buildings, and average response times, emphasising why partnering with an experienced electrical contractor in Perth is essential for safeguarding business continuity.

Understanding the Scope of Emergency Electrical Services in Perth

Key Statistics on Emergency Callouts

Rising Demand: Emergency electrical callouts in Perth have increased by 12% annually in the commercial sector over the past five years, reflecting businesses’ reliance on electrical systems.

High-Risk Periods: Data shows that the majority of emergency callouts occur during peak operational hours, typically between 7 am and 11 am, when systems are under the highest load.

Response Times: On average, experienced electrical contractors in Perth respond to emergency callouts within 45 to 60 minutes, with priority given to critical sectors like healthcare and manufacturing.

Financial Impact of System Failures

Businesses in Perth report losing an average of $5,000 to $10,000 per hour due to downtime caused by electrical failures, according to a 2023 industry survey.

Extended outages can lead to secondary costs, such as loss of client trust and equipment damage.

Common System Failures in Commercial Buildings

1. Power Surges & Overloads

Power surges and circuit overloads account for approximately 35% of emergency electrical issues in commercial buildings. These often result from excessive demand on circuits, faulty equipment, or unexpected voltage spikes. Without proper surge protection, such failures can damage sensitive equipment, including servers, computers, and industrial machinery.

2. Faulty Wiring

Aging or improperly installed wiring systems are responsible for 25% of emergency callouts. Faulty wiring can lead to short circuits, tripping breakers, or even electrical fires. Regular maintenance by a qualified electrical contractor in Perth is vital to identifying and addressing these risks proactively.

3. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Tripping circuit breakers represent 20% of emergency issues and are commonly caused by overloaded circuits, malfunctioning devices, or outdated electrical panels. In Perth, commercial properties built before 2000 are especially susceptible due to older infrastructure.

4. Lighting Failures

Lighting system malfunctions, including flickering lights or complete outages, constitute 10% of emergencies. These failures often occur in high-use areas such as offices, retail spaces, and warehouses, disrupting operations and creating safety concerns.

5. Backup Generator Failures

Businesses that rely on backup generators during power outages report generator failures in 7% of emergency cases, often due to inadequate maintenance or fuel supply issues. This underscores the need for regular servicing by professionals.

Average Response Times for Emergency Electrical Services

Timely responses are critical during electrical emergencies, as delays can exacerbate risks and costs. Perth businesses benefit from a network of skilled electrical contractors offering competitive response times.

Standard Response Times: Most reputable contractors in Perth arrive on-site within 45 to 60 minutes of a callout, ensuring swift action to minimise downtime.

After-Hours Services: For emergencies occurring outside regular business hours, response times average 60 to 90 minutes, with additional resources allocated during extreme weather events or public holidays.

Critical Services Priority: Hospitals, data centres, and industrial facilities often receive faster response times, typically under 30 minutes, due to the severity of potential disruptions in these sectors.

Why Partner with a Trusted Electrical Contractor in Perth?

Engaging a professional electrical contractor in Perth ensures that your business is prepared to handle emergencies effectively. Here’s how:

Proactive Maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance by licensed contractors reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures. Early detection of worn-out components or overloaded circuits can save thousands in repair costs.

Specialised Expertise

Commercial electrical systems are complex and require specialised knowledge. Professional contractors have the tools and experience to diagnose and resolve issues quickly, minimising downtime.

Compliance with Regulations

Western Australia has strict electrical safety standards, and compliance is essential to avoid penalties or liability risks. Trusted contractors ensure that all repairs and installations meet regulatory requirements.

Emergency Preparedness

Having a dedicated contractor on call provides peace of mind during emergencies. Many contractors offer service agreements that prioritise your business during high-demand periods, ensuring swift response times when you need them most.

Conclusion

Electrical emergencies in commercial buildings are both costly and disruptive, making the availability of prompt, reliable services essential. With response times averaging 45 minutes and expertise in addressing common failures like power surges, faulty wiring, and tripping breakers, professional electrical contractors in Perth are a vital resource for businesses aiming to maintain operational stability.

By investing in proactive maintenance and building a relationship with a trusted contractor, Perth businesses can minimise risks, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with safety standards. When electrical emergencies strike, having the right partner can make all the difference.

https://primetimewa.com.au/blog/emergency-electrical-services-in-perth-response-times-statistics-on-system-failures-in-commercial-buildings/

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swldx · 4 months ago

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BBC 0417 20 Oct 2024

12095Khz 0358 20 OCT 2024 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55445. English, dead carrier s/on @0358z then ID@0359z pips, and newsroom preview. @0401z World News anchored by Chris Berrow. § Israeli strikes have killed at least 73 people, including women and children, in the city of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, the strip's Hamas-run authorities say. Dozens of others are injured and many are still trapped under the rubble after the bombing late on Saturday night, officials added. Israel said it was checking reports of casualties but said the figures published by Hamas authorities were "exaggerated" and did not match information held by its military. The latest strikes come just hours after reports of "heavy gunfire" from Israeli troops at the Indonesian Hospital in the city. § Humanitarian groups have warned that virtually no aid has entered Northern Gaza in the past few weeks. Israel's own statistics show that aid deliveries to Gaza as a whole have collapsed when compared with the same period in September. The UN's top humanitarian official, Joyce Msuya, said on Saturday that Palestinians in northern Gaza are enduring "unspeakable horrors" and called for these "atrocities" to stop. An Israeli minister, Amichai Chikli, told the BBC Israel had "blockaded" parts of northern Gaza. § Also on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an attempt had been made on his life following reports of a drone attack on his private residence. "The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake," he wrote in a post on X. Mr Netanyahu and his wife were not at home at the time, and no one was injured. § Voters will also get to cast their ballot in a referendum on whether to enshrine Moldova’s goal of EU accession in the constitution. In fact, membership talks have already begun but the country has been in a battle over its political direction for decades, ever since Moldova gained independence from Moscow as the Soviet Union fell apart. The Kremlin denies playing any role in Chisinau politics, but officials here accuse Russia of operating via proxies to disrupt and destabilise the country. § Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children and with the outgoing leader's son as his running mate. The 73-year-old former special forces commander won the Feb. 14 contest with nearly 60% of the vote and has spent the past nine months building a formidable parliamentary coalition. § Elon Musk announced he will pay up to $1 million per day to Pennsylvania voters who sign his America PAC petition leading up to Election Day. The petition asks signers to support free speech and the right to bear arms. § Hurricane Oscar is expected to bring heavy rains to eastern Cuba by Sunday, prompting its government to place some eastern provinces under a hurricane watch. Cuba has been gripped by a nationwide power crisis for weeks, which left the entire island in darkness on Friday and caused a second power outage on Saturday. § King Charles and Queen Camilla joined a church congregation in Sydney for a Sunday service on the first day of engagements during their tour of Australia. It is the King’s first visit to Australia since he became the country’s head of state in September 2022 and is the biggest trip the King has made since starting cancer treatment in February. @0406z "The Newsroom" begins. Backyard gutter antenna w/MFJ-1020C active antenna (used as a preamplifier/preselector), JRC NRD-535D, 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2258.

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weather-usa · 5 months ago

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Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida as a catastrophic Category 4 storm.

Hurricane Helene has made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a catastrophic storm, battering the area with winds exceeding 130 mph and posing a threat of a potentially "unsurvivable" 20-foot storm surge along with heavy rainfall.

Weather Forecast For 32827 - Orlando FL:

flickr

Major Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a catastrophic Category 4 cyclone, unleashing hurricane-force winds and threatening a potentially "unsurvivable" 20-foot storm surge along with heavy rainfall.

Helene struck around Taylor County, Florida, between Tallahassee and Tampa, with its effects felt hundreds of miles away. At least two fatalities were reported in Wheeler County, Georgia, where a mobile home was damaged amid numerous Tornado Warnings.

The storm surge was severe enough to prompt water rescues from the Big Bend to Southwest Florida, with reports of mobile homes floating in the coastal town of Steinhatchee.

Power outages have surged as Hurricane Helene’s winds batter Florida. Over a million residents in the Sunshine State were left without power as wind gusts approached or even surpassed hurricane-force levels. St. Petersburg recorded a gust of 82 mph, while Sarasota experienced a wind gust of 74 mph.

Climate and Average Weather Year Round in 79936 El Paso TX:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/202335507/Weather-Forecast-For-79936-El-Paso-TX

Significant outages were also reported in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

FOX Weather's Ian Oliver reported that the surge rapidly submerged streets around St. Pete Beach on Thursday evening, even with high tide still several hours away.

Further south, in a community called Sunset Beach, local fire rescue announced they could no longer respond to service calls due to the flooding.

Clearwater Beach experienced its highest surge since at least the Superstorm of 1993, reaching over 7 feet.

The storm surge continued to pose a serious threat as the system moved up the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Due to Helene's massive size, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of a significant risk of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the Big Bend region.

The highest inundation from Hurricane Helene was forecasted to reach up to 20 feet of storm surge flooding from Carrabelle to the Suwannee River in Florida. Areas such as Apalachicola and Chassahowitzka were expected to experience storm surges of 10-15 feet.

youtube

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that a "catastrophic and deadly storm surge" is likely along parts of the Florida Big Bend coast, with inundation potentially reaching 20 feet above ground level and accompanied by destructive waves. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee described the anticipated storm surge into Apalachee Bay as "catastrophic and potentially unsurvivable."

Helene's effects will extend well beyond the coastal regions of the Big Bend, with hurricane-force gusts expected across Tallahassee and into Georgia as the storm moves inland overnight into Friday morning. The storm's size and speed mean it will retain its strength further inland than most hurricanes.

Although Helene was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane within an hour of making landfall, its impacts are anticipated to persist for several days. Significant rainfall could lead to widespread and potentially catastrophic flash flooding across the Southeast.

During the hurricane, the Florida Highway Patrol reported a serious accident on Interstate 4 in Tampa that resulted in a fatality.

A video from the Florida Department of Transportation showed a highway sign dislodged and resting on a vehicle.

Troopers have not disclosed the cause of the crash but urged residents to remain at home until the worst of the weather has passed.

See more:

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-80133

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-80134

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-80135

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-80136

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-80137

#youtube #weather #forecast #architecture #weather app #english

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templardom · 6 months ago

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God’s Whistleblower

Behemoth is the first of God's conquests. Its maker approaches it with his sword. Job 40:19 (GWT)

Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them. Isaiah 1:23 (NIV)

There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. Job 34:22 (BSB)

As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 (NLT)

Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out with fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly. Jeremiah 23:19-20 (BSB)

“And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me." Malachi 2:1-2 (NIV)

Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” Psalm 10:13 (BSB)

Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. Psalm 34:21 (NLT)

#apocalypse #god #holy spirit #judgement #damnation

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dutchermart12 · 8 months ago

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Backyard Revolution Review – An Affordable DIY Solar System

Take a moment to read my comprehensive Backyard Revolution review, and you might reconsider your current power source.Renewable energy is a trending topic. More environmentally friendly alternatives are increasingly recommended, and there's a shift toward generating sustainable electricity. However, this transition is expensive, and in areas with older infrastructure, power grids are not being redesigned to accommodate renewable energy sources.

Would you take the risk if you could cut your power bill in half with a bit of ingenuity in your own backyard? What about the possibility of free electricity? The Backyard Revolution offers a homemade solar panel system that ensures you never pay more for energy than necessary.

The Backyard Revolution system generates long-lasting electricity while saving money, offering tips on conserving energy and taking a step towards a sustainable future.The high cost of electricity is a common complaint, leading millions to seek ways to save money. If you’re among them, the Backyard Revolution is worth exploring. It’s an intriguing product gaining global attention.

Backyard Revolution:Reduce your electricity bill by 40%.Buy now to get maximum discount

What is Backyard Revolution?

The Backyard Revolution solar system reduces traditional energy costs by 65 percent. Originating from a backyard discovery, this program aims to help those dependent on conventional energy sources, like windmills. It involves optimizing panels to generate substantial electricity from ordinary solar panels in a backyard setting.

The method uses a zig-zag arrangement of solar panels to maximize sunlight absorption, significantly improving efficiency and output compared to traditional flat-panel setups. This design reduces the physical space required for installation, making it suitable for homes with limited outdoor areas.

Backyard Revolution 3D Solar Panel

Instead of providing ready-made panels, Backyard Revolution offers plans and instructions for building and installing them. The DIY approach not only saves money but also empowers individuals to create their own renewable energy solutions.

Key Features

3D Design: The zig-zag arrangement enhances sunlight capture and efficiency.

Compact Size: Requires only 10 square feet of space.

Scalability: Build as many panels as needed to meet your household energy requirements.

Cost-Effective: Estimated cost to build the system is under $200, making it accessible to most budgets.

Backyard Revolution:It only takes 5% of your surface area.50% off only for today.Click here

Zack Bennett, The Backyard Revolution Creator

Zack Bennett, an engineer and carpenter, created the Backyard Revolution after a storm-induced power outage in Orlando, Florida, led him to seek more economical and accessible electricity sources. Utilizing MIT research and his carpentry skills, he designed solar panels that anyone can construct, regardless of their technical knowledge.

Background

Inspiration: A storm and subsequent power outage prompted Bennett to find a better solution.

MIT Influence: Research from MIT on solar panel efficiency and the zig-zag method formed the basis of his design.

DIY Ethos: Bennett's goal was to create a system that anyone could build and install with minimal tools and expertise.

How Does It Work?

The Backyard Revolution system can be built and set up within 4 hours following step-by-step video instructions. It features a 3D design combining towers, tubes, and mini-towers with solar cells, capable of generating renewable energy 20 times more efficiently than traditional panels.

Technical Details

Construction Time: Approximately 4 hours for a single panel.

Placement: Panels must be placed outdoors to capture direct sunlight.

Efficiency: The 3D design and zig-zag arrangement allow for higher energy output in a smaller footprint.

Materials: Commonly available materials and tools are used, keeping costs low.

Backyard Revolution:It only takes 5% of your surface area.50% off only for today.Click here

What Do You Get When You Buy The Backyard Revolution System?

Purchasing Backyard Revolution includes several resources.

Backyard Revolution eBook: A detailed 117-page guide with instructions for building a 3D mobile solar unit for under $200.

Alternative Electric Energy Sources for Your Homestead: A special report on creating an off-grid power source for emergencies.

How to Build Your Energy Stockpile: Tips on storing excess power generated by the system.

How to Protect Your Homestead in case of an EMP: Guidance on scaling your solar panel system into a complete off-grid power system during outages.

Pros and Cons of The Backyard Revolution

Pros:

Easy to Install: Any individual can install the program without professional help, making it accessible regardless of expertise.

Independent: Provides energy independence from unreliable national grids, reducing monthly electric bills.

Portable: Easily transported for use at home, on camping trips, road trips, and other outdoor activities.

Cost Savings: Potential to save 50% on utility bills, with solar panels that are cost-effective and reliable.

Space-Efficient: Requires only 10 square feet, compared to traditional systems needing much more space.

Low Maintenance: Designed for zero to minimal maintenance, ideal for long-term use.

Weather Resistant: Functions in various weather conditions, ensuring a reliable power source even during cloudy or stormy days.

Cons:

Support System: It should not be the sole power source, as relying on one system can be risky if it fails.

No Charging Options: The system does not come with built-in battery charging options.

Sunlight Requirement: Must be placed in direct sunlight for optimal performance, which can be a limitation in shaded areas.

Backyard Revolution:It only takes 5% of your surface area.50% off only for today.Click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Is The Backyard Revolution Worth It?

Ans-Yes, for those looking for a cost-effective, DIY renewable energy solution.

Q2 Is The Backyard Revolution A Scam Or Legit?

Ans- It is a legitimate system based on MIT research, designed to be easy to construct and use.

Q3 Does The Backyard Revolution Really Work?

Ans- Yes, it can significantly reduce electricity bills by up to 65% when properly installed and maintained.

Q4 How Much Does The Backyard Revolution Solar System Cost?

Ans- The estimated cost to build the system is under $200.

Q5 Is The Backyard Revolution For Real?

Ans- Yes, it is based on credible research and practical engineering principles.

Q6 How Many Watts Does A Backyard Revolution Make?

Ans- The output varies based on the number of panels built and installed, but it is designed to be highly efficient.

Final Thoughts

Green energy sources are in high demand, but the expense of installing solar panels can be a barrier. The Backyard Revolution allows people to design their own solar panel system at home without professional assistance. It's an effective way to reduce electricity costs with a minimal initial investment.

The Backyard Revolution stands out for its innovative design, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. It provides a practical solution for those seeking to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re looking for a way to harness solar energy without the high costs and complexities of traditional systems, the Backyard Revolution is a compelling option.I hope this Backyard Revolution review helps you make an informed decision about the product.

Backyard Revolution:It only takes 5% of your surface area.50% off only for today.Click here

#backyard revolution #solar power system

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damage-defense-digest-32571 · 9 months ago

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FAMU Declares State of Emergency Due to Storm Damage

Power Outages and Building Damage Disrupt Normal Operations at Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., has declared a state of emergency following severe storm damage on the Tallahassee campus. High winds and heavy rain during a severe thunderstorm caused power outages, roof damage, downed trees, and scattered debris across the university grounds. FAMU employees are working diligently to assess and repair the damage, with the hope of restoring normal operations as soon as possible.

While the storm has caused significant destruction, there have been no reports of injuries or loss of life.

As the cleanup efforts continue, FAMU has received assistance from the State Division of Emergency Management, which provided tarp sheets to secure damaged roofs until repairs can be completed. However, the university has been informed by city utility officials that power outages may persist through the weekend. In response, FAMU has deployed generators to provide backup electricity.

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Assessing the Damage: Buildings and Infrastructure Affected

At least 15 buildings on the FAMU campus have suffered roof and water damage, including notable structures such as the Grand Ballroom, the Banneker Buildings, and the old Plant Operations and Maintenance (POM) Building. The flashing on Lee Hall was also damaged during the storm. To ensure the safety of the campus community, the Tallahassee main campus will remain closed for extracurricular activities until further notice.

Faculty and non-essential staff have been instructed to work remotely until it is safe to return to the office. Other Professional Service (OPS) employees are allowed to work with the authorization of their supervisors. The university emphasizes that the campus remains unsafe for non-essential personnel, and professional cleanup crews are handling the restoration process.

Volunteers are not needed at this time.

Impact on Academic Operations: Remote Classes and Extended Add-Drop Period

The storm's aftermath has disrupted the start of the Summer A and C semesters at FAMU. In response, the university has made the decision to conduct classes remotely from May 13 to May 17. Students are advised to contact their course instructors for further details on remote learning arrangements.

Additionally, FAMU has extended the add-drop period until Monday, May 20, to accommodate any necessary adjustments to course schedules.

While the cleanup efforts are underway, the FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) administrators will announce their plans for reopening over the weekend. The Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) will remain closed for repairs on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday due to roof damage. However, the Durell Peaden Jr.

Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in Crestview will reopen as scheduled on Monday.

Housing and Support for On-Campus Students

The Office of Housing at FAMU has taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the nearly 200 students residing on campus. When it is deemed safe to do so, these students will be relocated to Phase 3 housing. In the meantime, box lunches are being provided to support their needs.

The storm damage at FAMU has prompted President Larry Robinson to declare a state of emergency, as the university community works tirelessly to assess and repair the destruction caused by the severe thunderstorm. With power outages expected to last through the weekend and significant roof and water damage to multiple buildings, FAMU has taken necessary precautions to prioritize the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. Remote classes and an extended add-drop period have been implemented to minimize disruptions to academic operations, while the Office of Housing ensures the well-being of on-campus students.

As the cleanup efforts continue, FAMU remains grateful for the support and prayers from the community and is committed to restoring normal operations as swiftly as possible.

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aqua-aid-atlas-911 · 9 months ago

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FAMU Declares State of Emergency As Storm Damage Disrupts Campus Operations

Power Outages and Building Damage Prompt Closure and Remote Learning at FAMU

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has declared a state of emergency after a severe thunderstorm caused extensive damage to the Tallahassee campus. President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., announced the emergency declaration as employees work tirelessly to assess and repair the aftermath of the storm. The university is grateful that no lives were lost or serious injuries reported, but the campus now faces significant challenges in restoring normal operations.

The storm brought high winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages, leaving the campus in disarray. Trees and utility lines were knocked down, roads were blocked, and debris was scattered across the grounds. FAMU has been informed by city utility officials that power outages may persist through the weekend, further complicating the recovery efforts.

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Extensive Building Damage and Roof Leaks

At least 15 buildings on the FAMU campus have suffered various degrees of damage, with roofs and water systems being particularly affected. The Grand Ballroom, the Banneker Buildings, and the old Plant, Operations, and Maintenance (POM) Building are among the structures that have experienced roof and water damage. The flashing on Lee Hall, a prominent building on campus, was also compromised.

To mitigate further damage and secure the affected buildings, the university has received tarp sheets from the State Division of Emergency Management. These temporary measures will provide protection until permanent repairs can be completed.

Campus Closure and Remote Work

Due to the extensive damage and ongoing cleanup efforts, FAMU's Tallahassee main campus will remain closed for extracurricular activities until further notice. Faculty and non-essential staff have been instructed to work remotely until it is safe to return to the office. Essential staff members are working diligently to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, with the assistance of backup generators to provide electricity.

While professionals handle the cleanup, the campus remains off-limits to non-essential personnel. The university emphasizes that no volunteers are needed at this time.

Impact on Academic Calendar and Student Services

The storm's aftermath has disrupted the academic calendar at FAMU. Summer A and C semesters, scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13, will now be conducted remotely from May 13 to 17. Students are advised to contact their course instructors for specific details and instructions.

Additionally, the add-drop period has been extended to Monday, May 20, to accommodate the challenges faced by students during this period.

The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences' Institute of Public Health P4 Comprehensive Exam, originally scheduled for Monday, May 13, will proceed as planned. Exam site details will be communicated directly to the test takers by the staff.

For students residing on-campus, the Office of Housing is making arrangements to move nearly 200 students to Phase 3 once it is deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, box lunches are being provided to ensure their well-being.

As FAMU declares a state of emergency and begins the arduous task of cleaning up after the storm, the university community remains resilient and focused on restoring normalcy. President Larry Robinson expresses gratitude for the prayers and support received from the community. While the road to recovery may be long, FAMU is committed to overcoming the challenges posed by the storm and ensuring the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.

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akaraboonline · 2 years ago

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Horoscope for Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Watch your possessions and money closely because anything might happen. You may either make money or lose money on a day like this. Do your best to prevent loss, theft, or damage to your possessions. You might have a brilliant idea for making money in the interim. Horoscope for Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You're restless and impetuous, which could cause you to act or speak in an unforeseen manner. You might, for instance, act irrationally or recklessly in an instant. You'll probably surprise someone. Unexpected change is undoubtedly occurring around you as well.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You're agitated today. You have the impression that the other shoe is about to drop. You may be feeling this way because something will almost certainly happen behind the scenes that will catch you off guard. As she moves, steadily.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

It's possible that a friend or group member will throw you a curveball. You might be genuinely shocked. Or maybe you'll abruptly leave a group? It's possible that someone will say something to you that prompts you to alter your long-term objectives. Various unforeseen events are possible.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You're feeling rebellious today! Like Peter Finch, you're saying, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" You want to be able to make your own decisions. You might alter your objectives or your life's course as a result. You might resign from your position or publicly defy authorities. This day is quite charged!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today's travel plans will unexpectedly change. They could be postponed, canceled, or redirected. Accidents are improbable but theoretically possible. Additionally, you can find yourself at odds with someone suddenly over a delicate subject, particularly one that is debatable. Simple is best.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Because things are uncertain right now, double verify information pertaining to banking, shared property, taxes, debt, and insurance problems. These places could be impacted by something unforeseen. Make sure you are aware of what is occurring to prevent financial loss.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You might be surprised by something that a close friend, spouse, or partner does today. Maybe they want a different arrangement? Perhaps they desire more autonomy in the relationship? They might introduce you to someone strange, who knows? Anything that occurs could take you by surprise.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Your daily job schedule will alter today. Unexpected occurrences of every kind are possible, such as equipment failure, staff shortages, delayed supplies, and power outages. Be wise and give oneself more time to handle unforeseen circumstances. Think ahead.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Because your children are more likely to have accidents now, parents should exercise extra caution. primarily today, but also this entire week. Regardless of their age, pay attention to what they're doing. In the meanwhile, social arrangements could abruptly alter. It's possible that something may be postponed or perhaps you'll get an unexpected invitation!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your daily routine at home will change due to something. It's possible for little appliances to malfunction or for a small break to happen. Someone in the family might have a surprise to share. There might be a knock on the door or a visit. Put on clothes. Fill the fridge with food so you'll always be prepared.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

For your sign, today is a day that is slightly more prone to accidents, so be careful with what you say and do. You won't get the outcome you expect. There will be detours, abrupt adjustments, unfamiliar people and surroundings, and unexpected recommendations. Don't react hastily to anything. To give everything a serious second thought, take your time and evaluate the situation.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Your birthday is the same as that of singer Billy Joel (1949). You have a strong sense of self and are steadfast in your beliefs. Trust, dedication, and loyalty are vital concepts to you. You can motivate others due to your strong convictions. The year is perfect for socializing and having fun! Relax a little and lower your guard! Read the full article

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newstfionline · 8 months ago

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Friday, June 21, 2024

Congress Debates Expanded Draft Amid Military Recruitment Challenges (NYT) The United States military has not activated a draft in more than 50 years, but Congress is weighing proposals to update mandatory conscription, including by expanding it to women for the first time and automatically registering those eligible to be called up. The proposals stand a slim chance of becoming law, and none would reinstate the draft compelling service right away. But the debate over potential changes reflects how lawmakers are rethinking the draft at a time when readiness issues have risen to the fore and as the Pentagon is facing recruitment challenges amid a raft of risks and conflicts around the world. Defense Department officials say the number of young Americans who volunteer for military service has dropped, continuing a trend of decline since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to the latest reports, less than 1 percent of adults in the United States serve in active duty combat roles, a significant drop from the last draft era in the 1960s.

2 Are Killed in ‘Devastating’ New Mexico Wildfires (NYT) Two fast-moving wildfires in Southern New Mexico that have killed two people, prompted the evacuation of thousands of people and scorched more than 23,000 acres continued to burn out of control on Wednesday, officials said, and it was unclear when firefighters might gain some control. The wildfires, named the South Fork and Salt fires, began earlier this week amid sweltering temperatures, and shifts in the weather on Wednesday may further complicate efforts to contain them. The South Fork fire, the larger of the two wildfires, has burned more than 16,000 acres and destroyed 1,400 structures. Two people have died, the New Mexico police said in a statement on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates over central Mexico after heavy rains killed 4 (AP) Tropical Storm Alberto, the season’s first named storm, weakened Thursday as it moved inland over northeast Mexico after bringing heavy rains to parts of the parched region and leaving at least four dead. By afternoon, Alberto’s remnants were scattered over central Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. But forecasters said heavy rain amounting to several inches was falling inland in Mexico’s Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Coahuila states. South Texas was forecast to see diminishing rain Thursday. The U.S. National Weather Service said the main hazard for southern coastal Texas is flooding from excess rain. Areas along the Texas coast saw some road flooding and dangerous rip currents Wednesday, and waterspouts were spotted offshore.

Gang violence in Haiti has displaced nearly 580,000 people, a new UN report says (AP) Surging violence in Haiti from clashes with armed gangs since March has displaced nearly 580,000 people, according to a new report from the U.N. migration agency, a sobering figure that underscores the magnitude of the Caribbean nation’s crisis. Haiti has long faced unrest but at the end of February, gangs unleashed coordinated attacks with gunmen taking control of police stations, opening fire on the main international airport that remained closed for nearly three months and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons. A report released on Tuesday by the International Organization for Migration said the displacement of more than half a million is mainly due to people fleeing the capital of Port-au-Prince for other provinces, which lack the resources to support them.

Power outage leaves millions of Ecuadorians in the dark after transmission line fails (AP) A failure in an energy transmission line on Wednesday produced an unexpected blackout throughout Ecuador, the government said, days after announcing that there would be power outages in the country due to production problems. In some sectors of the country the outage lasted 20 minutes, but media outlets and social media users reported that the problem continued in most cities. Since last year, Ecuador has faced an electricity generation crisis that has led to rationing throughout the country. In April, the government of President Daniel Noboa began to ration electricity in the country’s main cities as a drought linked to the El Niño weather pattern depleted reservoirs and limited output at hydroelectric plants that produce about 75% of the nation’s power.

Britain Election Winner’s First Problem: Fix a Stagnant Economy (NYT) “Our economy has truly turned a corner,” Rishi Sunak, Britain’s prime minister, said last week as he introduced his party’s election manifesto, buoyed by recent data showing that Britain’s economy had exited from a recession more strongly than expected in the beginning of the year and that inflation had slowed substantially. Many economists argue that it will take more than a few good economic indicators to change Britain’s economic path after more than a decade of slow economic growth, chronically weak productivity, high taxes and struggling public services, with a notably underfunded and overstretched National Health Service. Lawmakers in the opposition Labour Party have already warned that—should they win—they will inherit a hobbled economy with little room for bold changes.

Russia obliterates front-line Ukraine towns by retrofitting bombs and expanding its air base network (AP) The first shock wave shattered aisles stacked almost to the ceiling with home improvement products. The next Russian bomb streaked down like a comet seconds later, unleashing flames that left the megastore an ashen shell. A third bomb failed to detonate when it landed behind the Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv. Investigators hope it will help them trace the supply chain for the latest generation of retrofitted Russian “glide bombs” that are laying waste to eastern Ukraine. The Soviet-era bombs are adapted on the cheap with imported electronics that allow distant Russian warplanes to launch them at Ukraine. Other cities that have been devastated by the weapons include Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar and Vovchansk, and Russia has nearly unlimited supplies of the bombs, which are dispatched from airfields just across the border. Russia has accelerated its destruction of Ukraine’s front-line cities in 2024 to a scale previously unseen in the war using the glide bombs and an expanding network of airstrips.

India: Hot times continue (BBC) Many parts of the world are experiencing temperatures “a long way above average”, as BBC Weather’s Chris Fawkes puts it, forcing cities and healthcare systems around the globe to adopt emergency measures. In Delhi, reeling under daily temperatures crossing 40C (104F) since May, Dr Ajay Chauhan is leading a new heat stroke clinic. “In my 13 years of working here, I don’t remember signing a death certificate for heat stroke. This year, I’ve signed several,” he told Soutik Biswas. At the clinic, doctors dunk feverish patients in icy waters to cool down. Many of them work outdoors or in poor conditions.

Israel’s air defense caught off guard by Hezbollah’s low-tech drones (Washington Post) For years, the standoff on Israel’s border was between the massive rocket stockpile of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group and the vaunted Iron Dome antimissile system that ably handled most incoming. But Hezbollah is deploying a deceptively simpler weapon out of its arsenal to bypass this cornerstone of Israel’s national security strategy: high-speed, low-flying drones—many just commercial grade—to gather intelligence and drop explosives. As these unmanned aircraft hit military sites and private homes in Israel, they are also resurfacing debates around the decade-old air defense system, which many worry provides an imperfect shield against Israel’s many enemies—especially as they experiment with new weapons and new ways of using old ones. Israel received a shock Tuesday when Hezbollah released drone footage showing a critical Israeli military base at the port of Haifa, some 15 miles from the Lebanese border, showing off its drone abilities. Hezbollah said the images were captured with a drone that went undetected and returned to Lebanon. Soon after the footage was made public, the Israeli army said it had “approved operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon.”

Israel may have violated laws of war in Gaza, UN rights office says (Reuters) Israeli forces may have repeatedly violated the laws of war and failed to distinguish between civilians and fighters in the Gaza conflict, the U.N. human rights office said on Wednesday. Separately, the head of a U.N. inquiry accused the Israeli military of carrying out the “extermination” of Palestinians. In a report on six Israeli attacks that caused many casualties and destroyed civilian infrastructure, the U.N. human rights office (OHCHR) said Israeli forces “may have systematically violated the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack”. In a separate meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, the head of a U.N. Commission of Inquiry, Navi Pillay, said perpetrators of abuses in the conflict must be brought to account. She repeated findings from a report published last week that both Hamas militants and Israel have committed war crimes but said that Israel alone was responsible for the most serious abuses under international law known as “crimes against humanity”.

A US aircraft carrier and its crew have fought Houthi attacks for months. How long can it last? (AP) The combat markings emblazoned on the F/A-18 fighter jet tell the story: 15 missiles and six drones, painted in black just below the cockpit windshield. As the jet sits on the deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, its markings illuminate the enemy targets that it’s destroyed in recent months and underscore the intensity of the fight to protect commercial shipping from persistent missile and drone attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. But they also hint at the fatigue setting in, as the carrier, its strike group and about 7,000 sailors close in on their ninth month waging the most intense running sea battle since World War II. That raises difficult questions about what comes next as U.S. military and defense leaders wrangle over how they will replicate the carrier’s combat power if the ship returns home to Norfolk, Virginia. Already, the carrier’s deployment has been extended twice.

A Massacre Threatens Darfur—Again (NYT) A civil war is ripping apart Sudan, one of Africa’s largest countries. Tens of thousands have been killed, millions scattered and an enormous famine looms, setting off one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises. The city of El Fasher, home to 1.8 million people, is now at the center of global alarm. If it falls, officials warn, there may be little to stop a massacre. Fighters battling Sudan’s military for control of the country have encircled the city. Gunfights rage. Hospitals have closed. Residents are running out of food. The advancing fighters are known as the Rapid Support Forces—the successors to the notorious Janjaweed militias that slaughtered ethnic African tribes in Darfur in the 2000s. Last week, the U.N. Security Council demanded that they “halt the siege” of the city. Yet a New York Times examination of satellite imagery and video from El Fasher make one thing clear: The assault is intensifying.

Nonprofit fundraising (ProPublica) A new analysis of the tax documents of a network of nonprofits found that the practice of spending inordinate amounts of money on fundraising—money that is often directly turned back around and reinvested into fundraising—is alive and well. For instance, the National Coalition for Disabled Veterans stated that a minimum of 90 cents out of a donated dollar goes to pay for fundraising, with actual programming getting just a sliver. While the American Breast Cancer Coalition has raised $9 million from donors since 2019, less than 0.5 percent of that has been spent on voter advocacy and outreach, and millions raised in the name of these organizations are instead routed toward for-profit companies that raise that money. At least one of the groups—the National Police & Sheriffs Coalition PAC—is the target of a lawsuit seeking class-action status. Collectively, of $33 million spent by the groups, $30.1 million went to fundraising, $2.6 million to consulting and admin, and just $580,000 to media and outreach.

#headlines #news

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