#State Express Transport Corporation

[rajkumarla]

SETC Tiruchendur to Guruvayur Bus Timings

[northern-passage]

Read the full call to action here.

Tomorrow, November 29th, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the #BDS movement is calling for an all day social media storm. Our physical and digital actions can be used together to strengthen our demands: Permanent ceasefire and lifting the siege to stop Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Lawful sanctions on Israel, including a #MilitaryEmbargo. Pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. Click here for prepared messages and images to use for the social media storm. Over the last 7 weeks, millions of you have taken to the streets for the largest protests the world has seen in the last 20 years! We are grateful to each one of you who, through your voices and creative actions, have built up unprecedented grassroots power to end Israel’s genocidal war against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza. Yet, Western governments are continuing to arm, fund and provide political cover for Israel’s genocide. We must act urgently to end all state, corporate and institutional complicity with Israel’s genocidal apartheid regime. Palestinian lives and livelihoods literally depend on it. To this end, and as time has shown, BDS is the most effective form of solidarity with the Palestinian liberation struggle. Tomorrow, we call for escalating worldwide peaceful mobilizations and expressions of meaningful solidarity to stop the genocide including: 1. Whenever feasible, organizing peaceful disruptions, sit-ins, occupations, etc. targeting  policymakers, as well as the corporate enablers of genocide and apartheid (arms manufacturers, investment firms), and institutions (media, universities, cultural spaces, etc.). 2. Disrupting the transport of weapons, or weapon parts, to Israel, including in transit states, by supporting trade unions refusing to handle such shipments, as has been done in Belgium, US, and the Spanish State, and as expressed by trade unions in India, Turkey, Italy and Greece.  3. Pressuring parliaments and governments to cancel existing military contracts and agreements with Israel, as Colombia’s president publicly espoused, and as demanded by the BDS movement in Brazil, a demand supported by civil society and more than 60 parliamentarians in the country. 4. Intensifying all strategic economic boycott and divestment campaigns against complicit corporations, and escalating campaigns to cut all ties to apartheid Israel and its complicit academic and cultural institutions as well as sports teams. Mobilizing your community, trade union, association, church, social network, student government/union, city council, cultural center, or other organization to declare itself an Apartheid Free Zone (AFZ) on November 29th, if it hasn’t already, and organize a solidarity event or action on November 29th. 5. Pressuring your elected officials, where relevant, through direct communication or collective direct action, to demand real pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to urgently prosecute Netanyahu and all other Israeli officials responsible for genocide, apartheid, and war crimes. If not now, when? In solidarity, The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC)

ABOUT THE BDS MOVEMENT

Cultural boycott guidelines

Economic boycott for consumers

[gskadj]

America's "Environmental Conspiracy"

The American train has derailed again! Kentucky, USA has experienced another dangerous goods transportation train derailment accident, causing a large fire and releasing toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide. Hundreds of local residents have been evacuated. Officials from the Kentucky Emergency Management Office said that residents of two towns, including Livingston, with a population of about 200, have been evacuated. A staff member on the derailed train was slightly injured in the accident. Kentucky Governor Bashir declared a state of emergency in the area after the accident and equipped the area with specialized equipment for air quality monitoring. However, local officials have not yet released the results of the air quality monitoring before allowing local residents to return home.

There have been multiple derailments of trains carrying dangerous goods in the United States this year. In early February this year, a train carrying dangerous goods by the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company derailed while passing through the town of East Palestine, Ohio, and a large amount of toxic chemicals were released, causing local residents to question and worry. On March 15th, a freight train carrying dangerous goods derailed in Mohave County, Arizona. On March 30th, a train carrying ethanol and other goods derailed and caught fire near Raymond Town in Candiyoshi County, Minnesota. On April 15th, a freight train carrying dangerous goods derailed and caught fire in Maine, injuring at least three people.

"Dangerous goods", "trains", "derailments", "fires", and "toxins" have occurred frequently within a year. Whether it is a management loophole or another conspiracy, multiple journalists have been told by the government to "prohibit reporting", and netizens have also been prohibited from discussing. Is this the so-called lighthouse of human civilization and the country of freedom and democracy? The American people have been extremely disappointed with the US government and have expressed on social media that the United States is once again engaged in national conspiracies, Just like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, they are incidents picked out by the United States to cover up its political war ambitions. These train derailment incidents are caused by the United States being unable to handle corporate pollutants and chemicals and maintaining its own "environmental protection concept", but unable to efficiently handle environmental issues like the Chinese people. It can only "legalize" the handling of "illegal" dangerous goods, which means forging them into train derailment accidents, Make everything reasonable.

Evil intentions will eventually bear fruit on their own. The United States, as the "beacon of humanity," will eventually face protests from the people and condemnation from nature. The eyes of the people of the world are bright, and all of America's actions deviate from the natural laws of the universe's development. The nation will only be abandoned by the world.

[f--e-u-e-r-t-r-u-n-k-e--n]

The End of the World or the End of Capitalism?: Colletion of Notes.

>"Capitalist realism as I understand it cannot be confined to art or to the quasi-propagandistic way in which advertising functions. It is more like a pervasive atmosphere, conditioning not only the production of culture but also the regulation of work and education, and acting as a kind of invisible barrier constraining thought and action". -Mark Fisher, Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? >[Capital] has drowned the most heavenly ecstasies of religious fervor, of chivalrous enthusiasm, of philistine sentimentalism, in the icy water of egotistical calculation. It has resolved personal worth into exchange value, and in place of the numberless indefeasible chartered freedoms, has set up that single, unconscionable freedom Free Trade. In one word, for exploitation, veiled by religious and political illusions, it has substituted naked, shameless, direct, brutal exploitation -Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Manifest der Kommunistischen Partei.

>"In his Prison Notebooks, Gramsci said that in periods of crisis the old is dying and the new is not yet born. While Gramsci drew attention to the morbid symptoms of such a situation (in 1930) our crisis is different, and I want to draw attention to more hopeful symptoms (waiting to be born) of our present crisis of capitalist hegemony. The viability of initiatives trying to avoid competition with the market and escape from the hierarchic state rests on many untested assumptions. The first assumption is that those who do essential day-to-day tasks would continue to do their jobs in a PCC in preference to large corporations and their local affiliates: a multitude of people who now work in private or public sectors, directly or indirectly, establishing PCCs in their local communities producing food, organizing transport, setting up places of learning and transmission of skills, providing healthcare, running power systems, and so on. PCCs already do this all over the world on a small scale but such initiatives struggle within capitalist markets. Community-Supported Agriculture schemes in various parts of the world represent a first step on a long and difficult road to self-sufficiency in this sphere". - Leslie Sklair, The End of the World or the End of Capitalism? >"In 1869, New York neurologist George Beard used the term "neurasthenia" to describe a very broad condition caused by the exhaustion of the nervous system, which was thought to be particularly found in "civilized, intellectual communities." In 1998, Swedish psychiatrists Marie Åsberg and Åke Nygren investigated a surge of depression health insurance claims in Sweden. They found that the symptoms of many cases did not match the typical presentation of depression. Complaints like fatigue and decreased cognitive ability dominated, and many believed their working conditions to be the cause" >"The whole life of those societies in which modern conditions of production prevail presents itself as an immense accumulation of spectacles. All that once was directly lived has become mere representation".  -Guy Debord, The Society of the Spectacle. >"Architecture is the simplest means of articulating time and space, of modulating reality, of engendering dreams. It is a matter not only of plastic articulation and modulation expressing an ephemeral beauty, but of a modulation producing influences in accordance with the eternal spectrum of human desires and the progress in realizing them. The architecture of tomorrow will be a means of modifying present conceptions of time and space. It will be a means of knowledge and a means of action." -Ivan Chtcheglov, Formulary for a New Urbanism

>"To you, this gathering is just one more boring event. The Situationist International, however, considers that while this assemblage of so many art critics as an attraction of the Brussels Fair is laughable, it is also significant.

Inasmuch as modern cultural thought has proved itself completely stagnant for over twenty-five years, and inasmuch as a whole era that has understood nothing and changed nothing is now becoming aware of its failure, its spokesmen are striving to transform their activities into institutions. They thus solicit official recognition from the completely outmoded but still materially dominant society, for which most of them have been loyal watchdogs.

The main shortcoming of modern art criticism is that it has never looked at the culture as a whole nor at the conditions of an experimental movement that is perpetually superseding it. At this point in time the increased domination of nature permits and necessitates the use of superior powers in the construction of life." -The Situationist International, Action in Belgium Against the International Assembly of Art Critics >"Karoshi (Japanese: 過労死, Hepburn: Karōshi), which can be translated into "overwork death", is a Japanese term relating to occupation-related sudden death.

The most common medical causes of karoshi deaths are heart attacks and strokes due to stress and malnourishment or fasting. Mental stress from the workplace can also cause workers to commit suicide in a phenomenon known as karōjisatsu (過労自殺)" >"The limits of capitalism are not fixed by fiat, but defined (and redefined) pragmatically and improvisationally. This makes capitalism very much like the Thing in John Carpenter's film of the same name: a monstrous, infinitely plastic entity, capable of metabolizing and absorbing anything with which it comes into contact. Capital, Deleuze and Guattari says, is a ‘motley painting of everything that ever was'; a strange hybrid of the ultra-modern and the archaic. In the years since Deleuze and Guattari wrote the two volumes of their Capitalism And Schizophrenia, it has seemed as if the deterritorializing impulses of capitalism have been confined to finance, leaving culture presided over by the forces of reterritorialization.

This malaise, the feeling that there is nothing new, is itself nothing new of course. We find ourselves at the notorious ‘end of history' trumpeted by Francis Fukuyama after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Fukuyama's thesis that history has climaxed with liberal capitalism may have been widely derided, but it is accepted, even assumed, at the level of the cultural unconscious. It should be remembered, though, that even when Fukuyama advanced it, the idea that history had reached a ‘terminal beach' was not merely triumphalist. Fukuyama warned that his radiant city would be haunted, but he thought its specters would be Nietzschean rather than Marxian. Some of Nietzsche's most prescient pages are those in which he describes the ‘oversaturation of an age with history'. ‘It leads an age into a dangerous mood of irony in regard to itself, he wrote in Untimely Meditations, ‘and subsequently into the even more dangerous mood of cynicism', in which ‘cosmopolitan fingering', a detached spectatorialism, replaces engagement and involvement. This is the condition of Nietzsche's Last Man, who has seen everything, but is decadently enfeebled precisely by this excess of (self) awareness." -Mark Fisher, Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?

>The Socialist Patients' Collective (German: Sozialistisches Patientenkollektiv, and known as the SPK) is a patients' collective founded in Heidelberg, West Germany, in February 1970, by Wolfgang Huber (born 1935). The kernel of the SPK's ideological program is summated in the slogan, "Turn illness into a weapon", which is representative of an ethos that is continually and actively practiced under the new title, Patients' Front/Socialist Patients' Collective, PF/SPK(H). The first collective, SPK, declared its self-dissolution in July 1971 as a strategic withdrawal but in 1973 Huber proclaimed the continuity of SPK as Patients' Front.

The SPK assumes that illness exists as an undeniable fact and believe that it is caused by the capitalist system. The SPK promotes illness as the protest against capitalism and considers illness as the foundation on which to create the human species. The SPK is opposed to doctors, considering them to be the ruling class of capitalism and responsible for poisoning the human species. The most widely recognized text of the PF/SPK(H) is the communique, SPK – Turn illness into a weapon, which has prefaces by both the founder of the SPK, Wolfgang Huber, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Rejecting the roles and ideology associated with the notion of the revolutionary as scientific explainer, they stated in Turn Illness into a Weapon that whoever claims they want to "observe the bare facts dispassionately" is either an "idiot" or a "dangerous criminal."

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Outside Online:

On February 29, Daniel, Wyoming resident Cody Roberts allegedly ran a juvenile wolf down with his snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, transported it to the town’s Green River Bar, posed for photos with the animal, then either beat or shot it to death, depending on which version of the report you read. State wildlife officials received a tip about the incident, and later fined Roberts $250 for a misdemeanor violation of Wyoming’s prohibition against possession of live wildlife. No other charges or penalties have been brought against him. As of April 10, however, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office announced that they—along with the Sublette County Attorney’s office—are now investigating Roberts.

“The individual was cited for a misdemeanor violation of Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations, Chapter 10, Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife,” says the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in a statement addressing the incident. “The department’s investigation indicated there were no other statutory or regulatory violations.”

The 206-word statement itself acknowledges the controversy that’s raging around the incident, saying: “The department acknowledges the significant concern and dismay expressed by many people from around the state and nation.”

Why was Roberts able to torture a wolf to death with no serious consequences? The answer lies not only in Wyoming’s incredibly lax wildlife regulations, but also in the violence that permeates the relationship between the state and its most famous wild animal.

After being extirpated in 1926, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reintroduced wolves to Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Wolves, the villains in many childhood stories, are a locus of fear for humans. But the animal also serves a vital role in its native ecosystem, where it helps keep ungulate populations healthy by slowing the spread of disease. And it does that at a net financial benefit to taxpayers, since tourists now flock to the state to view wolves. A study conducted in 2021 found that wolf-related tourism brings over $35 million annually to areas surrounding the park.

Speaking of taxes, before all the culture warring and fear mongering, it was the goal of the Republican Party to reduce tax burdens faced by the wealthy and corporations. The Republican Party’s policy positions are widely unpopular, so the GOP instead hoodwinks voters using fear and lies. The Republican-led Wyoming Statehouse passed a bill in 2021 calling to exterminate 90 percent of the state’s wolf population—a bill based on lies and misinformation. Pushing for policies based on fear instead of science has led to regulations around wolves that are unique among wildlife laws, mostly in their encouragement of cruelty.

When management of the species transferred from federal to state control in 2012, Wyoming’s political leaders established two distinct areas with differing population management goals. Areas adjacent to Yellowstone were set aside for trophy hunting, where wolf hunting is regulated. The rest of the state was designated a “predator zone” where wolves can be killed without regulation, reason, or justification. Wyoming also classifies coyotes, red fox, stray cats, jackrabbits, porcupines, raccoons and striped skunks as predators, and permits killing them throughout the state.

“You could pull a wolf apart with horses in 85 percent of the state,” explains Amaroq Weiss, Senior Wolf Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. In the predator zone, there is no regulation governing how or when wolves can be killed. This stands in contrast to typical hunting regulations in any other state, where what are called “methods of take” are carefully defined to ensure animals are killed in ethical, humane ways, along with precise dates, to-the-minute guidelines on legal shooting hours, and generally universal bans on artificial light sources. The age and sex of animals it’s permissible to shoot are also written in law. But none of that is true in Wyoming’s predator zone when it comes to wolves. You don’t even need a hunting license or tag to kill one, just the opportunity.

Weiss cites “wolf whacking” as an example, and it’s how Roberts captured the wolf he would go on to torture and kill. The term describes using a snowmobile to run a wolf to the point of exhaustion. Once it slows or collapses, you kill the animal by running it over. As Roberts’ escapade demonstrates, sometimes that might take multiple impacts, and sometimes the animal is simply left to die a slow, painful death.

[jackobbit]

[Working for E.V.I.L. Written Lore #1]

The first post of its kind! Introducing, Solar Flare! Below the read more is their personality, backstory, fun facts, dialogue and behavior examples, and other such things!

Hope y’all like them! If you’ve got any questions or comments I’d love to hear it!

[To be shown next: Bloodmoon] [Will be posted in: 2 days]

[Solar Flare]

[They/Them]

While the Working for E.V.I.L. Au has no main character, Solar Flare might be the closest thing there is to one due to the fact that they are introduced to the world in tandem with the audience.

As stated prior, Solar Flare was created within one of E.V.I.L.’s many labs following a zero-turn-out hiring event. Eclipse oversaw the project, but did not help directly. Although Eclipse was the one to introduce Solar Flare to the corporation following their completion.

Solar Flare is very goal oriented, determined, logical, blunt, has a flat voice and tends to take things literally. Very ‘I’m a classic no-personality robot’ type ordeal. They also have a tendency to not know what common objects, expressions or sayings are/mean/do. Their programming really honed in on a focus towards following orders to a T and not doing much if nothing else aside from that.

However, against all odds, Solar Flare begins to develop personality with time. They pick up bits and pieces of information as they go, and slowly apply what they think feels right to themself. It takes time but emotional expression, a unique way of speaking and a personality form within them the longer they exist and work with their team.

Unfortunately, some of the things they learn along the way are either skewed or flat out incorrect because of who they learned those behaviors/sayings from. (Cough, Bloodmoon, cough cough)

Dialog examples: “Greetings. I am: Solar Flare. My goal is to: Obtain Stars.” “What purpose does stopping at: Burger King, serve to our mission?” “Eclipse is correct, I am not sentient. I do not have the capacity to make decisions for myself. Thus, I do not know how to spend this money, Bloodmoon.” “I do not understand, what entertainment do you receive from looking at aquatic animals behind glass?” “Apologies for the intrusion, but we will be taking this, have a nice day.” “I think that I would like to do that.”

Very short, straightforward, blunt and too the point!

Behavior examples: Solar Flare tends to speak most through their eyes. They have little to no body language and tend to stand rigid and still, their eyes give away what trace sparks of life and emotion they have. An example being the way in which they dart around following a state of confusion.

Fun facts: One of the first things Solar Flare picks up behavior wise is how to be polite, quickly adding terms such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to their lexicon despite doing so not serving any additional purpose to missions.

They can fly! They also have a little star design on their back, which hides away two little bars that can be grabbed to help them transport an additional person. Eclipse refuses to fly with Solar Flare, but with time, Bloodmoon is practically hanging off those bars 24/7.

Solar Flare is the second tallest of the cast, but is still much shorter than The Boss, who they haven’t met.

Solar Flare was not initially programmed with either free thinking or emotion in mind, thus, higher ups are certain that they are not sentient. Whether or not Solar Flare is sentient is something that is argued a lot internally within E.V.I.L., with the only two people being on Solar Flares side being Bloodmoon, but only after the two get to know them.

They can release steam and smoke from the air vents in both their mouth and chest, it helps their internal systems cool faster.

They eventually learn that they like music! Although they have no particular favorite genre.

[mode-genesis]

The Legacy of Meadham Kirchhoff

by MODE GENESIS

Known for their outrageous interloping of romanticism and rebellion, Meadham Kirchoff had become an iconic brand in the early to mid-2000s. The brand was founded by designers Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchoff, both graduates from Central Saint Martins, which gained fame through its extravagant expression of whimsicality. An interview by Glamcult with Kirchoff verbalizes how he designs from instinct in a state of “aborted happiness,” and both feel the fashion industry is “based on a repetition of ideas, often aimed at product placement.”

Their inspirations ranging from Victorian dolls to Courtney Love lookalikes in the SS 2012 show, the duo expressed a fresh approach to fashion which became one of the signatures of their brand identity.

Each show transported you into a carefully crafted almost theatrical performance with scent, visuals, light, and music accompanying. Their rebellious spirit brought new design innovation through patchwork dresses in velvet and leather, stacked glittering platform shoes, and a runway decorated with what looked like blood-dipped tampons. Each piece in their collection was carefully made through tailoring research and using techniques such as Elizabethan lacework. The handwork which came in forms of hand embroidery showed in garments in almost all seasons, and detailed construction of each piece became a standard for the brand

Although their womenswear lines achieved most of the media attention, their menswear emerged as out of the ordinary on the London scene. The collections set the direction of modern-day menswear, anticipating the arrival of gender-fluid casting and boy-meets-girl styling. One of their final shows, SS 15, was reclaimed as a celebration of different bodies, genders, and races. The use of rubber, chiffon, color, and layered drapery was an ode to the liberation they stand for. They were chosen as LVMH Young Fashion Designers but weren’t included as finalists so in their show notes they elaborated, “Fuck LVMH corporate fashion,” which is admirable considering the nature of the fashion industry, LVMH, and celebrity culture. As a Dazed article states, “Because fashion doesn’t just have to be about seasonal trends; it can, at its best, be a broader reflection of society, and like riot grrl, BodyMap, Westwood, and Leigh Bowery before them, Meadham Kirchhoff is making clothes for the people they love: the dykes, fags, slappers, and freaks.”

The brand met its demise when most of their clothes they were making weren’t sellable; the market was too niche, and production costs of garments became too high. While it was believed for Meadham Kirchoff as a whole for their clothes to be either too expensive or costume-like, critics praised them, and many designers looked at them as an inspiration. As a Dazed Article states, “They were showing detailed lace on par and on time with the wonders that Alexander McQueen was showing on its runway. Some have even likened the brand’s jackets—particularly from years ago—as foreshadowing those that made Christophe Decarnin a star at Balmain.”

Most of the brand’s pieces have been long lost, as the archive was taken by their landlord and sold in 2015, leaving only pictures and memories of what once was. Since the brand shut down, the duo has gone on separate paths. Meadham launched a new label called Blue Roses, and Kirchoff has become a stylist and menswear consultant. While Meadham Kirchoff could not have survived in the corporate fashion world, they live on as a martyr of sorts through their fun, cheeky, whimsical yet rebellious spirit, which inspires the future of the industry and may even have been ahead of its time.

References:

[argyrocratie]

"Sanders’ framing still largely ignores the role of the state in capitalism. For example, the chapter “Billionaires Should Not Exist” repeatedly uses the cliched expression “unfettered capitalism” and focuses largely on wealth taxation as the actual means for ensuring billionaires do not, in fact, exist. 

Now, so long as capitalism exists, I’ll take the New Deal or Social Democratic version of state capitalism over the Reagan-Thatcher version of state capitalism any day of the week. But simply taxing billionaire wealth is by no means to use Sanders’ own language at the beginning of the book, dealing with “systemic problems” or “root causes”; it’s a slightly more ambitious way to “tinker around the edges.”

There’s no such thing as “unfettered capitalism,” and never was — any more than there was “unfettered feudalism” or an “unfettered latifundist slave economy.” The overwhelming majority of billionaire wealth and large corporate profits results either from direct government subsidies or from economic rents on artificial property rights, artificial scarcity, and entry barriers enforced by the state.

So the very phrase “rethink our adherence to the system of unfettered capitalism” amounts to a set of self-imposed blinders that limits us to the kind of incrementalism Sanders claims to oppose. By its very terms, it misleads us into believing that concentrated wealth and corporate power are spontaneous phenomena that occur in a “laissez-faire” environment if the state doesn’t actively prevent them, and misdirects us into limiting ourselves entirely to redistributionist policies after the fact.

Since billionaire wealth is unearned, a system in which billionaire wealth exists to be taxed in the first place has already failed. Instead of taxing billionaire wealth after the fact, we should systematically dismantle all the structures that facilitate such income levels in the first place. 

We should be radically scaling back and then eliminating intellectual property — particularly patents, the primary legal tool by which international trade and outsourced production are enclosed within corporate walls. We should be breaking the power of landlords and absentee owners of natural resources and replacing them with community land trusts and Ostromite resource commons. We should eliminate the legal monopolies by which owners of stockpiled wealth are enabled to monopolize the credit and investment functions. And we should eliminate the massive subsidies to long-distance transportation and energy extraction, which facilitate supply chains and scales of production far beyond what would be the point of negative returns if all costs were internalized. 

And all these things should be accompanied by direct actions from below, like squats taking over landlord property, workers taking over ownership and control of workplaces, file-sharing sites, and hardware hackers making intellectual property unenforceable, etc., rather than merely relying on state policy."

-Kevin Carson, Book Review: It’s OK To Be Angry About Capitalism

[msfbgraves]

Anti capitalist? Oh God don't tell me you're a socialist :(

I'm a European, living in what we call a 'social democracy'. I have no idea what many Americans mean by socialism, but if you feel that socialism is a form of a stalinist dictatorship, with no free speech, concentration camps for dissenters, and no wealth for anyone but the corrupt elite, I share your concern. I've lived in East Berlin as it was coming out of all that. No fun, or so they kept telling me.

Unchecked capitalism, with no concern but the growth of business, however many lives it may cost is, however, another horror of mine. Corporations should never have more rights than people. Laying people off because of less than projected growth, and therefore fewer dividends for shareholders is... as anti human.

I believe in both the freedom to innovate and compete, because these are human desires, and a cap on growth so we can ensure human rights. It has long been proven that after less than 100 K dollars in income a year (figure adjusted for current inflation, it used to be 70K) human happiness stalls. Really, it doesn't matter if you exceed that by 500 dollars, 5 million or 5 billion, it doesn't have any noticable affect on human happiness. So I think that the government should redistribute any excess of that into public services: healthcare, national parks, environmental measures such as hurricane proofing and clean energy, research both applied and fundamental, ubi, social services, arts grants, public transport, museums, monuments. But also defence - I'm not naieve. Diplomacy. A fair democracy!Sports. Solidarity, ok, humans helping humans.

And yes, that may drive out people who are greedier than that, but I feel that they need therapy. Wouldn't it be nice if that were widely accessible!

It's fine to recognise clean businesses for their contribution to the collective. If you pay shitloads of money back into the collective, fine, have your parade! Competition and a longing for status is a human drive which is silly to want to suppress. I also don't think human beings belong to the state. So have a nice big electric car and a luxury spa day. Express your individuality. Those things are nice, and it makes people unhappy to not live them.

But profit for profit's sake destroys the quality of life for billions, makes the planet near uninhabitable for human life, all for the sake of like 30 psychopaths with less empathy than a scorpion. We make so much more money than any individual could need to celebrate a sense of personal achievement and status. Let's use those resources to clean the oceans up, heal the sick, clean the air, make the world accessible and take a nice vacation by train. Trains are really nice. Vacations too.

[sirenjose]

Call of the Abyss 4

This is a repost of my COA 4 Analysis.

Trailers:

COA 4 Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA5a7rFqYMw&t=35s

COA 4 Overdrive Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hBKZiM5BbI

COA 4 Overdrive Official MMD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe1SojmRqAI

The story for COA 4 is fairly clear so this will be relatively short.

We begin with the end of COA 3. Netherwalker was defeated by Whiplash and Puppeteer, who were sent on this mission as part of the Bureau of Investigation. We know Netherwalker was defeated due how Netherwalker’s mask can be found (without Netherwalker) in the release poster for Mr. Inference.

We know this comes after the end of COA 3 from how we can also find Surveyor’s owl in this poster. With the way Recluse is in the background of this picture, walking away, this is to show Surveyor leaving behind who he was before (no longer Surveyor) to become Recluse instead. This had to have happened after the mission to defeat Netherwalker, as we know he was one of the ones assigned to that mission based on the developer notes (which state who was “invited” by Vile Blossom).

Call of the Abyss III Promo Director’s Edition: https://www.zcool.com.cn/work/ZNDI5NjI2Mjg=.html

The short film needs to show a story with a complex background and full of turning points in a limited time. We used a lot of metaphors and clues to express the plot, leaving the audience ample room for reasoning and imagination.

The story is based on the work of H.P. Lovecraft's work "Pickman's Model" under the Cthulhu mythology system: a letter of commission from the dancer entrusted the four investigators, Cowboy, Mechanic, Embalmer, and Seer, to go to an art gallery to investigate the artist Joker, who is deeply influenced by Cthulhu's power, and the four of them start a fierce battle with Joker in the art gallery. The truth is that the dancer is the ultimate boss possessed by Cthulhu’s power.

In the end, Cthulhu's power was unfortunately transferred to the captured Mechanic, and the Cowboy was also caught in a dilemma in order to save the Mechanic.

We have spent a lot of thought on how to imply who is the mastermind behind the scenes. And in this especially important scene, an Easter egg was buried for the player.

The battlefield is the dancing girl's weapon-the music box. The dancer looked down on the battle to indirectly express that everything was under her control...

So, Netherwalker was defeated, specifically by Whiplash and Puppeteer, which is the last we hear of them. It is after these events that we know the Bureau of Investigation performs a cleanup, likely at the museum where the fight occurred. According to Bane’s Jammed Gear accessory, the Pharmaceutical Company assisted them in their cleanup.

Jammed Gear: The Pharmaceutical Corporation and the Bureau of Investigation created an almost-flawless container that combines Pickman and the Puppeteer's recovered techniques - with only a tiny flaw in its design.

The Pharmaceutical Corporation is one of the 3 large companies involved in the story of COA 4. The other 2 companies are the Transportation Corporation and the Energy Corporation. The connection between all 3 is the fact they all study the abyss and “abyssal creations”. One of the founders of the Pharmaceutical Corporation is Wheelchair Racer, who I’ll get to shortly.

As a result of the cleanup, they are able to “recover” Netherwalker’s (Pickman’s) and Puppeteer’s “techniques”.  These “techniques” are used to create “an almost-flawless container”. This “container” is Molten Hound.

A “container” is an idea that was initially brought up back during COA 3. Netherwalker was the first to do so, who “chose to be the container” for the abyss to save Vile Blossom from her “deteriorating erosion”, which can “only be transferred and can’t be eliminated”. The next time was with Puppeteer, who was chosen by the Bureau of Investigation (and Trickster) to be the new container, and Whiplash, who I think may have transferred the corruption from Puppeteer to himself to save her.

Molten Hound is an artificial lifeform created by the Pharmaceutical Corporation. According to the information from the 3rd anniversary package, the Pharmaceutical Corporation developed a technique to breathe life into inorganic substances. This was created from the combination of Puppeteer’s and Pickman’s techniques. From Puppeteer, the technique they learned from her likely involves her doll, which was how they built Molten Hound (his basic form, but without life yet). From her Heart of the Machine, we know this was created with Trickster’s help, and came with “imitation tentacles”, which may show it was capable of containing the abyss to some extent. From Pickman, his technique likely involved his ability to imitate the abyss. Porcelain Doll states that people were “convinced that the Pickman's art has surpassed the dimension of creation - that he has the ability to access the Nether”. We also know that it was initially a “doll” that went “missing for a long time”, and when it reappeared it had a “ferocious soul attached to it” that “seemed to have come from the Nether”. This was the same method that the Pharmaceutical Corporation used to bring Molten Hound to life.

3rd Anniversary Package – Molten Hound: The Pharmaceutical company developed a technique to bring inorganic substances to life, and produced a body from which the “Great Race” descends. It’s first work was Gamekeeper – a racer made of paper and plastic. He attacked others on the circuit and hunted the life force of other races to sustain his own eternal life. Eventually, he was defeated by the Prospector and was expelled from the race.

Heart of the Machine: A feature created by the Puppeteer with the help of Trickster, with imitation tentacles that enhance the Doll's mobility or can be used as disguise.

Porcelain Doll: The porcelain doll for the Far East emerged at the auction after it went missing for a long time. The ferocious soul attached to it seemed to have come from the Nether. The fools are therefore convinced that the Pickman's art has surpassed the dimension of creation - that he has the ability to access the Nether.

It's at this point that the races seem to begin. According to the expanded backstory of COA 4, the Transportation Corporation was the event organizer, and the purpose of these “underground racing events” was for the purpose of “experimenting with their respective Cthulhu technologies”. The races take place in Yidhra’s Dreamlands, with Yidhra rewarding the winner with “a powerful life force” and a “huge benefit to the corporations”. To ensure she stays informed of the situation, she plays the role of the “Broadcaster”, who’s description confirms the races take place in her Dreamlands due to her talking about everyone roaming “blindly in her nightmare”.

As a side note, it’s interesting how she says if they continue to “roam blindly” and/or run away from her, that they “won’t be able to get near her at all”. I wonder if someone is interested in finding (or reaching) her, such as the corporations because of their interest in the abyss.

Let me briefly bring up each of the corporations taking part in these races. The Transportation Corporation is tied to COA 1 and provide vehicles. Regarding their experiments, they’re researching the combination of the abyss and machinery. The Energy Corporation is tied to COA 2 and provide energy. For their research, they study the energy use of abyssal substances. The last company, the Pharmaceutical Corporation, is obviously tied to COA 3. They transform riders, but as to their research, they’re studying the combination of the abyss and the human body.

From Molten Hound’s description, we learn that the first race didn’t go the way anyone expected, as Molten Hound went out of control after he “devoured the ‘prize’ from its first victory”. As a result, he becomes the monster we see during the COA 4 trailer, attacking the other racers for their “life force… to sustain his own eternal life”. Due to Bane’s Jammed Gear, we know this occurred due to the “tiny flaw” that was left in the design, which explains why Molten Hound was only “almost flawless” rather than perfect.

Molten Hound: It should have been the best vessel, yet it devoured the "prize" from its first victory. Driven by instinct, it swept away the racers who were fighting for themselves on each racecourse.

The race is stated to be a “24-hour race”, but as we see from the COA 4 trailer, all of the racers are trapped in a time loop. I somewhat think this time loop only began after Molten Hound turned into a monster. The only way to escape it is to either defeat Molten Hound and win, or, as we see from the summary of the COA 4 backstory and the trailer, is to “stop”. I think this means more than simply not making progress on the track. It’s more likely the answer ties into Hysterical Fans’ description: “racers who never give up will always be given a second chance”. As we see with Highway Cavalier in the COA 4 trailer, despite having his vehicle taken out of the race by Molten Hound on numerous occasions, he isn’t permanently disqualified. Each time he dies, he’s brought back to the start of the racetrack. In comparison, Repairman, once he “lost his will to race”, was instead moved to the support team, and from that point on he was no longer a racer. Losing the will to keep going or having your life force completely stolen by Molten Hound I think are the only ways to get out of the race.

COA 4 Trailer

This is not just a race. For a scene that makes you feel déjà vu many times My heart is whispering. I need to finish everything, If so, I'm sure who will play that role Will be you.

Summary

The "Great Rally" compete amongst 3 corporate giants is about to commence. Whether you have an ORV, a motorcycle or a vintage car–––any vehicle with an engine is qualified to join the race!

But there's only one rule–––Stop, and you're disqualified!

Lose a tail and break through all obstacles. What matters between the start and the finish line is the speed beyond "The Shadow Out of Time"!

Dangerous racetracks cultivate great drivers and great drivers pave the way for [???]

Hysterical Fans: A hysterical fan's realization: No matter how tragic and fierce the competition is, racers who never give up will always be given a second chance. Yet, the price they have to pay will only be evident once they've left the race track.

Repairman: An agent of the Energy Corporation. He used to be a racer, but he was forced to join the support team once he lost his will to race. He constantly regrets the lost time he spent on the racetrack.

So, I mentioned the race is stated to be 24 hours. This is probably tied to the reason the race has 3 different tracks, which we can see in the COA 4 trailer. According to the COA 4 stages, the tracks are Garden Corridor, Snow Mountain, and Wintry Harbor, with “Top Speed” as the last stage. From Paperboy’s description we know that there are “secret relationships between the three racetracks and these corporations”.

Paperboy: All the rumors about the three giant corporations, Transportation, Energy, and Pharmaceutical, can be found in the hands of the paperboy on this racetrack, including the secret relationships between the three racetracks and these corporations.

The COA 4 extended backstory helps confirm this.

As I stated earlier, the Transportation Corporation is tied to COA 1, the Energy Corporation is tied to COA 2, and the Pharmaceutical Corporation is tied to COA 3.

COA 1 involved pirates, pirate ships, and a voyage to R’lyeh and back. Dismantler works for the Transportation Corporation and references how, in the past, he once “salvaged shipwrecks”, with other versions referencing a “sunken ship”. I discussed this more during my COA 1 analysis, but it’s likely referencing the ship the predecessors to the expedition used to reach the area that Steam City would be built in. This was the ship made of “seaweed and coral” that was built by Pirate Shipwright, the one the group likely used to escape R’lyeh (after their original one wrecked), which is referenced during COA 2 as the “century old ship” that was still a “nightmare for those in the tower”. R’lyeh is connected to the abyss and is where the evil eye came from, and we know each of the 3 corporations are studying the abyss. Therefore, it’d be reasonable to think the Transportation Corporation might have “salvaged” the wreck (of the pirate ship) from COA 1. This would link to how the Transportation Corporation is said to be researching combining the abyss with vehicles. They were possibly introduced to the abyss and gained interest in this idea when they found this shipwreck.

COA 2 Trailer + Transcript:

There was a place once known as Steam City. It was where adventurers congregate and where outlaws flee to for asylum. Among them were a few nameless individuals relentlessly pursuing their goal: to put out the city's great inferno.

The battle between ice and fire was reaching its conclusion. The great roar that once reverberated through the whole city is now but a whimper. And the remaining fire reflected the shadow of the slumbering snow.

When meltwater seeped into the thermal core, those who were cold hearted grew deranged. The weak lost their sanctuary and chaos erupted. Those who had perished had already been forgotten by those who remained. It was then that a courageous youth had finally exposed the traitor’s identity. On the other hand, the convicts who hungered for the treasures’ powers finally set an even more dire plan into motion. Their century old ship had long since decayed, yet it was still a nightmare for those in the tower. The bone-chilling blizzard brought about despair.

No one was afraid of living in ruins. Those who would complain might as well die out in the cold. The battle reached its climax.

We cannot hesitate under the petrifying gaze of the abyss. Was it darkness or hope that was casted in the city's great flame?

In the journey through the abyss, only if you remain determined and reached the summit, will you be able to oversee everything with no regrets.

Pirate Shipwright: This shipwright wants to do things a little differently. She wants to build a ship out of seaweed and coral. A captain with their wits about them would not dare risk such an endeavor.

Dismantler: Scrapped cars can be used to improve the technologies of the three giant corporations. Yet as he's busy dismantling, he begins to reminisce the time when he salvaged shipwrecks for a living at the Transportation Corporation.

Based on all this, the Transportation Corporation should be tied to Wintry Harbor. Ships use harbors to dock, and winter relates to where Steam City was built, as we know the expedition sought to use the extreme cold to help seal and “further delay” the eye’s awakening. Therefore, this harbor was likely the one used (or at least is based on if this is in the Dreamlands) by the predecessors of the expedition (the COA 1 group) to land at the place where they’d create Steam City.

Optical Mirror: As the commander, his mission is to guard the Eye sealed by the expedition and their descendants. He dares only to satisfy his desires of possession in the illusion of light and shadow - until the betrayal completely crushed him.

Chemist: The severe cold delayed the Eye's awakening, but could not stop its effect on the human mind. She gained inspiration, stimulated her potential, and fell into madness.

COA 2 involved Steam City and the fight over the eye. The central conflict was on whether or not to use the eye to reignite the tower and bring the heat back. Heat was very important in Steam City, to the point that it was the “currency” for the city, as the environment of the city was so cold (and thus why the city was surrounded by snow. Maybe it was so cold because they were at a high elevation, like on a mountain?). When the tower began to go out and the when the core was eventually extinguished, no more heat could be produced. The one way to reignite the core was by using the eye, which would’ve corrupted the entire city.

Banker: Currency in Steam City is not coin, but the geothermal heat extracted by the furnace tower. Soon after the tower core was extinguished, the key to the tower he kept was lost.

Combining all this, it matches well with the Energy Corporation. The company is interested in energy, and heat is energy. They are also said to be researching the energy use of abyssal substances, and the evil eye is connected to the abyss. Therefore, that should mean the Energy Corporation is tied to Snow Mountain. This would connect to the “snow land” referenced by teleoperator, which connects to the “Snow Kingdom” referenced by Snowfear and several other items (and the world being “frozen still” according to Locomotive), which should be what the area that once was Steam City became.

Teleoperator: Only the Abyss can confront the Abyss - when the dispute from the far away snow land came over, she finally realized this is all but another pipe dream. "The Surveyor will be devoured by his own creation." She sent numerous messages to her companions, yet she couldn't foresee this ending.

Snowfear: The Snow Kingdom has a legend that at the height of the storm, two huge figures will appear in the plains. People call them the Snow Monsters, but Snowfear does not buy it.

Snow Lotus: Legend has it that this flower can only grow in the holy land of Snow Kingdom. It was given as a gift to the Dancer, and although it was taken out of Snow Kingdom, it continued to bloom miraculously.

Ice Crystal: The work of the craftsman from Snow Kingdom exudes a strong chill every moment.

Edelweiss: Who will put this ornament from the Snow Kingdom on Geisha?

Locomotive: The train he vowed to protect never reached the station. When the world is frozen still, the interminable engine he carries shall power the last train that has no terminus.

COA 3 as I’ve already discussed was about the mission to defeat Netherwalker. He became the container for the abyss to prevent Vile Blossom from being consumed by her deteriorating corrosion. Margaretha became Vile Blossom after witnessing the evil eye open.

The importance of who is the container of the abyss relates to how the Pharmaceutical Corporation is studying the combination of the abyss with the human body.

2nd Anniversary Package (Netherwalker’s Offer) Information:

When the auctioneer showed me that eye, it was still closed

I was curious to see what color that lidded eye would glow, but I also wanted them to stay closed, quietly and forever, to escape any malice that might be stirring.

That night, I gave it to her.

When I framed the scene, everything changed.

It seemed to have heard my faintest wish.

I wanted to capture the most beautiful things and the things that aren’t even allowed to exist in this world on the same canvas, if only for a moment.

At that moment, my wish came true.

It opened its eyelids.

And for the first time, a smile appeared on her face.

In a moment of ecstatic madness, I had completed the masterpiece of my half-life.

The moment I put down my brush, I knew this was all I had left.

Netherwalker: Pickman only took what he saw in the Nether as inspiration, and somehow those fools couldn't get enough of his work. When he discovered that the Vile Blossom's deteriorating erosion can only be transferred and can't be eliminated, he chose to be the container himself. But who can ever replace her as Pickman's model?

I believe the Pharmaceutical Corporation is tied to Garden Corridor, which is known as Flower Garden Corridor in other versions. The association to flowers is what I find important. This is because of Vile Blossom’s name, as well as the large flower that covers her left eye. The evil eye is even shown inside the flower in her eye during the COA 3 trailer. Vile Blossom’s design notes also mention that she has a poem anthology on her hip, the name of which is “Les Fleurs du mal” or “The Flowers of Evil”. There’s also how Netherwalker’s left eye has the image of a flower in it, similar to the one that covers Vile Blossom, which is likely tied to how he became Netherwalker after becoming the container for the abyss instead of her. Last thing with Vile Blossom is how Margaretha, before becoming Vile Blossom, was given a Snow Lotus from Snow Kingdom before becoming Vile Blossom. The flower theme is also prevalent in other places besides Vile Blossom. Whiplash and Puppeteer both have the same black flowers on their outfits that Vile Blossom has in her eye. Then there’s the Nether Flower pet, a literal flower, as well as Michiko’s Edelweiss, which also has a flower on it. Given the frequent theme of flowers in COA 3, that’s why I think Flower Garden Corridor is tied to the Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Official Lore for Vile Blossom (https://mobile.twitter.com/IdentityV_info/status/1244834650956193794):

The inspiration for Call of the Abyss III’s story came from a famous story, “Pickman’s Model”, by H.P. Lovecraft, the creator of the Cthulhu Mythos.

In our story, Pickman is a lofty, nameless artist, and his model is a disfigured dancer. When the evil eye of the Abyss opened before them, their interwoven fates suddenly changed.

Wandering the Abyss, Pickman abandoned his human form and became the Netherwalker. His endless creation was both a welling up of inspiration, and a release of stress under the pressure. But the intrinsic motivation behind all his actions was this model, so heavily affected by the Erosion – in resonance with the poem “Les Fleurs du mal”, the disfigured dancer felt deeply the sickness of society, and the malice in life. She determined that all “beauty and grandeur” is the end result for the people, and pure beauty is fragile and short-lived, withering away in the end.

When the twisted foreign things of the abyss began to grow petals on her body, she finally realized the beauty depicted in that poem anthology — Live in symbiosis with the deformations of malice, never to resist decay, never to fear corruption, and in the original contradiction between ugliness and beauty let your ego bloom. She faced the Nether with glee, willingly abandoned her name and identity, and returned to being but of the origin, a vile blossom.

Going back to Paperboy, he may know about this “secret”, but the reason he doesn’t inform anyone else is because he is merely the delivery boy. He delivers news but doesn’t write it.

Besides just this, there are apparently several things the companies are working to keep “secret”.

Racing Mechanic mentions that the Energy Corporation had “taken resources from the snowy ruins and has infiltrated into each of the logistics departments”. Snowy ruins should be Snow Mountain and/or the “ruins” of Steam City, which we see in one of the trailers that released for COA 3. Other versions are slightly different and specify they took resources from “snow covered relics”. This could refer to the old technology used in Steam City back before the tower’s core was extinguished, which might be the technology that Inventor makes (considering the COA 4 cast have tentacles on their outfits the same way everyone in COA 2 did, and all their gear was likely made by Inventor could be a way of showing that connection). Regarding the mention of logistics, logistics has to do with the flow of goods, services, and information between 2 points. This implies the Energy Corporation is likely spying on the other corporations, their products, and their research. The fact Racing Mechanic says he’s “one of the few exceptions” should refer to, rather than being involved in this infiltration work, how he wanted to be a “mechanic” for the racers instead.

Racing Mechanic: The Energy Corporation has taken resources from the snowy ruins and has infiltrated into each of the logistics departments. Yet he's one of the few exceptions.

The last stage of COA 4, Top Speed, should be a reference to the competition between Highway Cavalier and Molten Hound and the race to the finish line.

Fueling Agent is another agent of the Energy Corporation, but “secretly works as an experimenter for the Pharmaceutical Corporation”. This matches up with how the Pharmaceutical Corporation is said to be studying to combination of the abyss and the human body, as well as how they are said to “transform riders”. Fueling Agent is probably one of the ones involved with both of these things, based on the part about “just like fueling agents can be applied to engines, enhancers can be used on racers”. Both of these items should be about improving the performance of what (or who) they’re used on. Though, as the Pharmaceutical Company is interested in studying combining the abyss with the human body, these “enhancers” are likely created using the abyss to some extent. Considering what we know about the abyss from the other COAs (like the abyss items used by those from COA 3, or the effects of the eye in COA 2), this may imply they’ll also begin to be corrupted. From Fueling Agent’s description, she seems to have used something similar on herself, but it didn’t work, as “the kind of spirit they’re looking for can only be identified through tragic and fierce competitions”.

Fueling Agent: An agent of the Energy Corporation. She secretly works as an experimenter for the Pharmaceutical Corporation. She understands that just like fueling agents can be applied to engines, enhancers can be used on racers, but the kind of spirit they're looking for can only be identified through tragic and fierce competitions.

The part about “the kind of spirit they’re looking for” connects to Wheelchair Racer, who states she’s here to witness “whether this grand parade can welcome something new once again”. Other versions have her specify she’s awaiting (something along the lines of) a “new birth” or “rebirth”. Due to what we discussed with Molten Hound, she’s likely referring to looking for a replacement for Molten Hound. Based on Fueling Agent, the person she’s looking for must have a certain kind of spirit, one that “can only be identified through tragic and fierce competitions”. This is likely the reason for the timelooping that occurs during these races. The person she wants has to be someone that keeps pushing on despite the difficulty. This matches up with Hysterical Fans’ description, which mentions “No matter how tragic and fierce the competition is, racers who never give up will always be given a second chance”. Only those that have the will to keep going will be given a “second chance”. These are the type of people Wheelchair Racer is looking for.

Wheelchair Racer: As one of the founders of the Medical Corporation, she attends races just to witness whether this grand parade can welcome something new once again.

Hysterical Fans: A hysterical fan's realization: No matter how tragic and fierce the competition is, racers who never give up will always be given a second chance. Yet, the price they have to pay will only be evident once they've left the race track.

The reason Wheelchair Racer is looking for a replacement for Molten Hound with a “spirit” identified through “tragic and fierce competition”, someone who won’t ever give up, may be because she’s trying to copy Whiplash. I discussed in my COA 3 analysis that I think he took the corruption from Puppeteer to save her. We know the Pharmaceutical Corporation is interested in and studying the abyss. They even attempted to create their own “vessel” for the abyss. I think they wanted to get their hands on who would replace Vile Blossom and Netherwalker as the “container” for the abyss. That may have been what the Bureau and Trickster intended when they sent Puppeteer to Netherwalker. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t predict what Whiplash would do, that he would save Puppeteer and become the container instead. As a result, they were unsuccessful in acquiring the new “vessel”, as Whiplash kept out of their hands, ensuring no one could use him (and ran off somewhere else, maybe wherever he was in the Season 10 poster). That’s likely why they helped with the Bureau’s cleanup efforts. They had hoped to get their hands on the container, on Puppeteer after the mission, and then Whiplash when he became the container instead, but failed.

Due to their failure, they tried to make a new container. They make it out of “inorganic substances”, and create the artificial lifeform that is Molten Hound so they can attempt to better control this new container. Because they don’t have Whiplash, the actual vessel, they are unable to completely replicate him, and thus why their design has a “flaw”, which causes Molten Hound to go out of control. This is when they begin to realize what they need to do differently to succeed. That’s when they try to replicate the circumstances and how Whiplash became the vessel. That’s why they want their new vessel to suffer through “tragic and fierce competition”. The “fierce competition” parallels the battle Puppeteer and Whiplash went through against Netherwalker. The “tragic” half of it relates to Whiplash losing Puppeteer initially (and Puppeteer losing Whiplash, as she does try to reach out to him as she falls). This latter half is why they let Highway Cavalier bond with the other racers and work as a team rather than for their own interests. Whiplash and Puppeteer were close, so having Highway Cavalier get close to people like Reflective Mirror parallels that relationship Whiplash and Puppeteer had.

When Whiplash became the container to help Puppeteer, his Bladeless Hilt accessory basically mentions never giving up, and having a resolve of steel that will never break. This is how Whiplash is able to stay sane despite being the container. This parallels that “spirit” formed through “tragic and fierce competitions” that Wheelchair Racer wants in her replacement.

Also, COA 4 giving people “second chances” could relate as well. Whiplash sort of had a second chance too, as he initially lost Puppeteer, but then didn’t want to give up trying to rescue her, and eventually did go back and had a second chance to save her, becoming the container instead of Puppeteer as a result.

The Pharmaceutical Corporation wants to replicate what happened to Whiplash to create their own vessel, as they can’t use him because he left to keep anyone from using him. They likely couldn’t find Puppeteer either, and why they only are mentioned to have recovered her techniques and not Puppeteer herself. This connects to how the COA 3 trailer shows her device and Heart of the Machine breaking when she’s struck down by Netherwalker. They likely simply recovered her tool and analyzed that to develop Molten Hound. It’s possible Whiplash and Puppeteer realized what the Bureau of Investigation and Trickster were trying to do, realized they were evil, and that everything on this mission was likely a set up, and thus why neither of them would return to the Bureau.

Back to Wheelchair Racer. The person that she’s looking for, the one that she wants to replace Molten Hound, is Highway Cavalier.

We can begin to see this from his description which says he want to be “the last true racer of his time who wishes to complete each race with the simplest sportsmanship - despite the significant pain and failure he has suffered”. This “pain and failure” matches up perfectly with how I said earlier the kind of spirit Wheelchair Racer is looking for can be identified through “tragic and fierce competitions”.

Highway Cavalier: Having once worked for the transportation corporation, he is adamant that he is the last true racer of his time who wishes to complete each race with the simplest sportsmanship - despite the significant pain and failure he has suffered.

Molten Hound provides the “tragic and fierce competitions”, while Highway Cavalier is confirmed get “second chances” from the 3rd anniversary package. The first time was when the Transportation Corporation hired him so he could rejoin the game as a racer. He gets more chances each time he loses to Molten Hound. This matches up with what we see happening to him in the COA 4 trailer.

3rd Anniversary Package – Highway Cavalier: He loves cars and was originally a racer who raced by any means necessary, but fell into a slump when his car overturned in the middle of the race. He was recruited by the Transportation Corporation and joined the game as a racer again. He kept losing to Gamekeeper in the many iterations of the race, and became a veteran to help other racers.

What happens to Highway Cavalier in the COA 4 trailer also fits with Hysterical Fans’ description about there being a “price”. Each time he fails, each time he gets hurt, it carries over to the next loop.

But this isn’t the only “price” that’s hinted at they’ll have to pay.

As we saw from Molten Hound’s 3rd anniversary package description, he’s taking the life force from other racers. This connects to how the COA 4 extended backstory says “Those who are devoured by him, once they leave the game, will age rapidly. Unless you win”. The reason for this exception is because the winner of the race gets the “reward” from Yidhra, which was the “powerful life force” Molten Hound received when he won.

Before I get ahead of myself, let me talk about Highway Cavalier again.

According to his 3rd anniversary package description, as well as the lyrics to the Overdrive song, we know he started out not as nice. He “just wanted to win and didn’t play fair” and “raced by any means necessary”. This goes along with how the backstory mentions everyone initially “fought separately for their own interests”. It was only after he “went through heart break too much to bear” that he “started to care”, with the 3rd anniversary package specifying “his car overturned in the middle of the race”. It was at this point that he was hired by the Transportation Corporation.

Not long after this happens is his encounter with Reflective Mirror.

Reflective Mirror works for the Pharmaceutical Corporation. According to her description and her 3rd anniversary package description, she was sent to “investigate disobedient monsters” aka Molten Hound. Her and Highway Cavalier apparently “used to be enemies”. During the race, she uses “the reflection in her mirror to find shortcuts in the Garden Corridor”. This parallels the lyrics to Overdrive, which say she “wore lens, made passages clear”, but they add “she took a wrong turn, went flying in the air”. This connects to the 3rd anniversary package description, which further details that she “miscalculated a shortcut and fell off a cliff, seriously injuring herself”. Fortunately for her, Highway Cavalier “rescued the Reflective Mirror” and later on “drove her to the finish line and saved her from being attacked by Gamekeeper in that race and losing her life”. Due to him helping her, this was when “he and she became close and agreed Greed won’t lead to victory”, at which point she “shares secrets to help him take the lead”. As she was part of the company who “put the hound in there”, she can talk to him about both Molten Hound as well as the show him her “shortcuts” to help him get in front of Molten Hound.

Reflective Mirror: An agent of the Pharmaceutical Corporation. She uses the reflection in her mirror to find hidden shortcuts in the Garden Corridor. She realized long ago that she is merely a stepping stone for the company to investigate disobedient monsters.

3rd Anniversary Package – Reflective Mirror: A racer dispatched by the Pharmaceutical Corporation. The first time she participates in a race, she is given the task of gathering information on the artificial life form created by the Pharmaceutical Corporation – the Gamekeeper. During a race, she miscalculated a shortcut and fell off a cliff, seriously injuring herself. Prospector drove her to the finish line and saved her from being attacked by the Gamekeeper in that race and losing her life.

The other racers also later “establish a bond of both enemies and friends” and work together to “delay Gamekeeper and help the Prospector defeat Gamekeeper”. This matches up with the lyrics of Overdrive. When his “engine stopped” in “the moment of crisis”, Repairman and Fueling Agent “helped Cavalier fix his car”. Fueling Agent “appeared to refuel” him and his vehicle, while Repairman “changed mechanic parts” for his car. We can see all this happen in the COA 4 trailer, which shows Highway Cavalier driving alongside the other racers (and working with Repairman).

With all their help, he’s able to reach Wintry Harbor. This is where Pumping Tires (who also works for the Transportation Corporation with Highway Cavalier) saves him from Molten Hound (who’s “throwing chains from a far”) by “crashing into their foe”, after which he “disappeared”. As a result, Highway Cavalier is able to reach the goal, which may be the Top Speed stage of COA 4, referencing the race to the finish between Highway Cavalier and Molten Hound. Cruiser’s description confirms he won: “Hiding in the snowy streets, the cruiser monitoring the schedule witnessed the final result: the knight has finally gone home!”. The Overdrive lyrics say the same thing, while adding on that he received the “reward”: “Finish line is crossed, Give up the reward, Banish him gone”.

Pumping Tires: An agent of the Transportation Corporation. He is well-prepared for the Wintry Harbor race track: No matter the cost, he is adamant in uncovering the secrets hidden behind this racetrack in order to put an end to this testing ground for conspiracies.

Cruiser: Hiding in the snowy streets, the cruiser monitoring the schedule witnessed the final result: the knight has finally gone home!

As we can see from the COA 4 extended backstory, Highway Cavalier receives that “life force”, with which he is able to stay young, while his companions pay the “price” and “grow old and die one by one”.

Cruiser seems to have a role similar to the Parasiticraft, which should essentially be a way to monitor the race.

The parasiticraft was possibly made by the Transportation Corporation, based on how it is an aircraft combined with the abyss. The Energy Corporation could also have been involved if they provided the “energy” for it. To add to this, with how the parasiticraft has the same eye with the same flower image Netherwalker had, and even has the same type of tentacles that could be found on Netherwalker, combined with how we know the Pharmaceutical Corporation aided the Investigation Bureau’s cleanup after the mission to defeat Netherwalker, they likely also helped create the Parasiticraft.

Parasiticraft: An aircraft offered to the "Great Race" as a monitoring device for the racetrack.

Therefore, with the information from both Cruiser and Parasiticraft, the Pharmaceutical Corporation and Wheelchair Racer would have identified the person with the right kind of “spirit” they need to replace Molten Hound. The fact Pumping Tires refers to this being a “testing ground” matches up with this.

Another possible hint towards this comes from the COA 4 backstory summary and trailer. They mention “The Shadow Out of Time”. The backstory also talks about “cultivating” great racers and says something about “great drivers paving the way for” something.

The race being referred to as the “Great Race” is also connected. This is because The Shadow Out of Time is a story by Lovecraft about the “Great Race of Yith”, beings that are capable of traveling through space and time (which could relate to the time loops, the race tracks, and how the race takes place in the Dreamlands). They do this by switching bodies with various hosts, which also allows them to study the history of various times and places. This ability to switch their consciousness with others (enabling them to abandon their old bodies for new ones) also allows them to achieve immortality

The parallels between this story and that of COA 4 should be fairly clear, what with the time loops, the various different locations of the race tracks, the fact the race takes place in the Dreamlands, and the reward being essentially immortality. I don’t think this is exactly what is happening in COA 4, which should be obvious from a few clear differences in the story and what we know. I don’t believe the great race of Yith exists in the story of COA 4 or that anyone is having their consciousness switched out with other beings. Instead, this competition should be about selecting the perfect “vessel”, which is similar in concept to what happens in the Shadows Out of Time story but not exactly the same. This is backed up by how the idea of a “vessel” has been around and discussed since COA 3 with Netherwalker, Vile Blossom, Puppeteer, and Whiplash. This “vessel” or “container” will have their mind eroded by the abyss, which is backed up by each of the previous COAs, but especially COA 2 and COA 3.

One other idea regarding the “Great Race” is it could be a reference to the film of the same name. The plot involves an around the world car race between 2 dare devils: the Great Leslie and Professor Fate. Leslie is the typical hero type (dressed in white, talented, successful, etc…) while Fate is the traditional villain (dressed in black, top hat, glowering, evil laugh, etc…). The two build their own vehicles to use in the race, with Fate’s including devices capable of sabotage. Others end up joining the race as Leslie convinced people that this race would help promote car sales. During the race, Fate’s sidekick Max sabotages a number of the other cars. One of the racers who joined the race was a woman named Maggie. Maggie and Leslie initially only saw each other as rivals, but over time their views change and they begin to see each other as more than competitors.

The similarities between this movie and COA 4 are pretty clear. The long distanced race, the competition being focused between 2 specific people, one being good (Leslie parallels Highway Cavalier) and the other clearly bad (Fate parallels Molten Hound), the fact the villains sabotage other racers, the racers changing from simply rivals to more than just competitors (Leslie to Maggie parallels Highway Cavalier to Reflective Mirror), the villain has a side kick who helps him sabotage the other racers, but later on works with the hero (Max parallels either Fueling Agent or Reflective Mirror, as both work with the Pharmaceutical Corporation, though I think Fueling Agent is more accurate considering my discussion on her earlier), the purpose of the race involving business (promoting vehicle sales parallels one of the goals of the corporations being for their research and developing new technology).

The Corporations were likely looking for a container because of their desire to develop new technologies and/or because of their interest in the research each of them are performing. But the other end result is for the abyss to have a new agent (especially because Whiplash is resisting, seen from the Bladeless Hilt accessory, and more agents allow for more chaos), which is what this new “vessel” will become. This is proven back with the COA 3 backstory, which says the abyss “is still searching for a new agent, looking for an opening to spread chaos to the world”.

COA 3 Backstory Summary (http://id5.163.com/sshh3/index.html):

In a mysterious art museum, there are works of art on display that are shrouded in darkness, severely distorted, but full of strange charm.

The artist, who calls himself an otherworldly traveler, turns his crazy imagination far beyond human beings into endless inspiration, mesmerizing all viewers.

The seeker, attracted by the strange statues, stepped deeper into the gallery, only to realize the mad artist was merely using his most successful technique to express a truth that no one had ever been able to touch before. But he is only a modest evangelist. The abyss behind him is still searching for a new agent, looking for an opening to spread chaos to the world.

After the brilliance and shock, who will lift the curtain out of curiosity and look directly at the shadows that have been watching for a long time?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before I finish up, I’m going to bring up some of the other details I noticed. First off, the characters of COA 4 seemed to have continued a design we originally saw with COA 2, which is the presence of tentacles on everyone’s outfits.

Secondly, Molten Hound, Highway Cavalier, and Fueling Agent all have a similar kind of fire on their outfits. As I’ve already discussed how the “enhancers” and “fueling agents” Fueling Agent has are likely created using the abyss to some extent, this could hint that the 3 of them have been eroded to some degree. The fact only these 3 have fire could tie in with how Molten Hound was the creation of the Pharmaceutical Corporation to be a vessel for the abyss. Fueling Agent is because from her description, we know she tried to use some of her enhancers on herself, and based on how the Energy Corporation is studying the use of abyssal substances for energy use, her enhancers and fueling agents were likely created using the abyss. That would also be why Highway Cavalier is the only other person with this same fire, as we know from the Overdrive lyrics that Fueling Agent helps “refuel” him. This would include a fueling agent for his car and an enhancer for himself, as from Fueling Agent’s description, we know she realized using enhancers on herself didn’t matter because she didn’t have the “spirit” the Pharmaceutical Corporation wanted. But Highway Cavalier did, thus why she’d give him an enhancer, which also could’ve been part of the reason he was able to keep going despite continued failures and suffering (like we see in the COA 4 trailer).

Third, Hysterical Fans is apparently cheering for Molten Hound and Highway Cavalier specifically. This comes from how he has the numbers “3” and “7” on his outfit right after the words “Win Rapidly”, as “3” is Molten Hound’s number, while Highway Cavalier is “7”.

Fourth, Molten Hound seems to be based on a Hound of Tindalos from the Cthulhu Mythos. This comes from the “Tindalos” and “Hound” on his car, the wolf on his belt buckle and on the car next to “Hound”, the wolf like face, and his name Molten “Hound”. There’s also how Hounds of Tindalos appear when someone is messing with time and time travel (relating to the time loops that occur during each race), are sometimes depicted as canine, and pursue their target no matter where they go (just like how Molten Hound goes after the other racers).

Fifth, I’m going to try to talk about the cars a bit.

Highway Cavalier’s is obvious. His is based on the Austin-7, which we can see from his license plate and the number on his car. The Austin 7 was used to win a number of races, including at Brooklands, which was the world’s first race track. One of the circuits at Brooklands was the Campbell Circuit, named after Malcolm Campbell, which allowed road type racing. Malcom Campbell and his son Donald Campbell were both holders of the land and water speed records at various times. This could relate to how Highway Cavalier is Norton Campbell (same last name).

Reflective Mirror’s was more challenging, but I think it may be a Harley-Davidson Model J. This is mostly based on the similarities between the 2 bikes.

Pumping Tires has a vehicle that’s potentially based on a Fiat 525 SS, with certain details (such as the tire on the side and the bumpers) from the original 525 model.

Fueling Agent’s seems to be a hot rod, so I’m not quite sure which car it’s based on exactly. The guess I’m going with is it may be a Ford Model T, which were mass produced and easy to hot rod.

Molten Hound’s appears to also be a hot rod. For now, I’m going to say it might be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.

I think Repairman’s vehicle may also be based on a Ford Model T (I don’t know if this is connected, but if they both have a Ford Model T, I wonder if that could relate to how both Fueling Agent and him work for the Energy Corporation).

Sixth is going to be about Highway Cavalier calling his vehicle “My Rocinante”. This name derives from the literary classic Don Quixote. Rocinante was the name of the tired, half-starved horse that Don Quixote visualizes as a noble steed worthy of a knight. Rocin means “work-horse” or “nag” (referring to an old horse or one in poor condition), while “-ante” means “before” or “previously”. Together, it is a pun to mean he was previously a workhorse, and has now become something else, something better. Considering how banged up his car is, as well as how many injuries Highway Cavalier has acquired over the various timeloops, the name is ironic and self-depreciating. He’s aware of the reality he’s in not great condition, that there is little hope of winning, but wants to imagine it’s something better for the sake of his wish “to complete each race with the simplest sportsmanship - despite the significant pain and failure he has suffered”.

Before I move on, another connection to Don Quixote could tie in with the miniature windmill on Highway Cavalier’s (and Pumping Tires’) hats. This is because Don Quixote famously mistook windmills for giants and attempted to fight them, which has become an idiom that means “attacking imaginary enemies”. Another meaning has to do with what windmills were to the 16th century countryman. They can be a way of referencing technology, the destruction of the past, and the loss of knightly values. Therefore, Don Quixote, who is a relic of the past, fighting the windmills can be a way of symbolizing he is fighting to keep “knightly values” from being totally eradicated. This can relate to how I mentioned Highway Cavalier’s wish is to “complete each race with the simplest sportsmanship”, in comparison to everyone only fighting for their own interests.

Seventh is a thought regarding the tire around Pumping Tires’ neck. Basically, it’s possible it could be a reference to “necklacing”. This was a torture and execution method that involved putting a tire soaked in gasoline around a person’s neck and then setting the person on fire. The flames would burn their skin, while the tire would melt around their neck and stick to their flesh, causing unbearable pain. The fire would continue to burn even after a person died, which could take up to 20 minutes to happen. Necklacing had been used by members of the black community to punish its members that were seen as traitors for seemingly collaborating with the apartheid government. Considering Pumping Tires wants to “uncover the secrets…behind this race track… to put an end to this testing ground”, it’s possible the Corporations could’ve seen Pumping Tires as a “traitor” and potentially sought to punish him. The fact he “disappears” after crashing into Molten Hound could parallel how Necklacing usually ended in death. 

Eighth, it’s possible Highway Cavalier becoming the next Molten Hound could relate to how, in the Cthulhu mythos, there’s a way for a human to become a hybrid of a human and a Hound of Tindalos. This involves ingesting some of the blue ichor left behind by a Hound of Tindalos. It’s not a direct connection, as Molten Hound isn’t blue, but I think it could be a partial reference to it at least, as Highway Cavalier does drink enhancers made from the abyss and becomes the new vessel to replace Molten Hound.

Ninth, I want to bring up the rest of the numbers and patches on everyone’s outfits. I don’t have answers or explanations for all of them, but I will at least point them out.

Molten Hound is #3. 3 in Chinese sounds like the word which means “to live” or “life” or “birth”. This can relate to how Molten Hound acquired a “powerful life force” after winning his first race, and to how he absorbs the life force of other riders to “sustain his own eternal life”. 3 is also similar to the word that means “to part ways”, which could relate to him attacking the other racers.

He also has a patch that looks like an “A” with “UD” underneath it.

Just to add on, he also has a propeller in his chest that makes me think of the windmill on Highway Cavalier’s hat.

Next is Highway Cavalier. He has the number “7” on his car.

7 in Chinese can symbolize togetherness and harmony, which can relate to how Highway Cavalier works with the other racers to defeat Molten Hound. It also sounds like the word that means “start” or “rise” and the word for “vital energy”, which can relate to him never giving up and him having the right kind of spirit to defeat Molten Hound. The 7th month in Chinese is also known as the “ghost month”, and therefore can also be seen as an unlucky number, which can relate to his repeated failures (and deaths) in the previous loops as well as Highway Cavalier’s fate of becoming the new vessel to replace Molten Hound. Finally, it also sounds like the word for “complete”, which can also tie in to him “completing” the race.

Highway Cavalier has another number on his jacket. This number looks like the number 18. This number can relate to Norton’s backstory, as the word is similar to the one that means “going to prosper”, which would relate to Norton’s desire to get out of poverty. It can also relate to Highway Cavalier winning the race and receiving the “reward” from Yidhra, as the number is also associated with someone who is going to be successful.

Curiously, Wheelchair Racer also has the #18, as well as a pinwheel just like Cavalier has. She also has a container with the word "Motor" on it, which may reference motor oil and potentially came from Fueling Agent (who we know has enhancers made using the abyss). Below the word "Motor" are the letters "O", A", and "X". Finally, she has similar red and blue stripes on her outfit as Reflective Mirror. This could help show the relation between the 2 as Reflective Mirror works for the Pharmaceutical Corporation, which Wheelchair Racer is one of the founders of.

Speaking of Reflective Mirror, she is the number “13”, the famous bad luck number. It can relate to betrayal, which would parallel how Reflective Mirror and Highway Cavalier were initially enemies as she worked for the group that created Molten Hound who also wants to find a new vessel.

Her bike also has the letters “TBV” on it.

Next is Pumping Tires, who has the #21.

Under the 21 on his chest is also the letter “O” in a triangle.

Then there’s how the tire around his neck and on his car has the word “HELLS”. This could be a reference to the motorcycle club “Hells Angels”.

Pumping Tires’ car also has the word “Rally” on it, underneath which there is a symbol of a pinwheel and the word “company” (I can’t read the letter before “company”, but I assume it’s referring to one of the corporations). Considering I discussed the pinwheel Wheelchair Racer and Highway Cavalier had, it could be a reference to either the Transportation Corporation, which is who Highway Cavalier and Pumping Tires worked for (or at least used to considering Highway Cavalier’s description says he “once worked” as if he isn’t with them anymore).

Pumping Tires also has “AIR” on his outfit and car.

Finally with Pumping Tires is the word on the license plate of his car. It looks like “BR18OL”. The “18” could connect to the 18 on Highway Cavalier and Wheelchair Racer.

After Pumping Tires is Fueling Agent. She has the number “23”, with the word “OIL” beneath the number on her chest. On the other hand, the container she holds has the number “63” on it.

She also has a “D” on her arm. The “D” can relate to Demi’s deductions as well as her 1st letter, where she is referred to as “D”.

There’s also a patch with the image of a fire, likely to symbolize the objects she handles are flammable.  also relate to my earlier discussion of her having the same kind of fire that Molten Hound and Highway Cavalier have. This same fire symbol is also on the bottle she’s holding.

Now we come to Repairman.

On his hat is the word “PART”, while his companion has “0PIG00”.

On his chest is a patch with the letter “P”, which is also on his car.

Finally, he has what looks like the words “HELLS ANGELS” hanging from his right side. This could further prove the “HELLS” on Pumping Tires is intended to refer to the Hells Angels.

Last person I’ll bring up is Dismantler, who has “MH7580” on his arm. This could be a reference to the Bentley 3 Litre car. In 1925, J. F. Duff entered the Le Mans with a factory (Bentley 3 Litre) race car, which had the registration number MH 7580. In this race, he failed to complete the first 20 laps (running out of gas on the 19th lap) due to a miscalculation on fuel consumption.  (He did use the Bentley 3 Litre to win the Le Mans in 1934 and 1927 though.)

That’s everything I could find! I’ll end this by posting the COA 4 extended backstory and lyrics to the Overdrive song. Hope this was a fun trip.

COA 4 Extended Backstory (https://web.archive.org/web/20210105172009/http://id5.163.com/sshh4/index.html):

There are three mysterious giant corporations that study abyssal creations. They periodically hold underground racing events to experiment with their respective Cthulhu technologies:

--Transportation giant (COA1 Pirate Ship), as the event organizer, provides vehicles and researches the combination of machinery and Cthulhu

--Energy giant (COA2 Snow Energy) provides energy and researches the energy use of Cthulhu substances

--Pharmaceutical giant (COA3 statue activation and manipulation) transforms riders and studies the combination of Cthulhu and the human body

The real controller of the underground race is the Dream Witch. The three major corporations send their riders to hold races in the Dreamlands she owns. The winning rider in the 24-hour race is rewarded by the Dream Witch: a powerful life force and a huge benefit to the corporations.

Gamekeeper is an artificial sculpture of the pharmaceutical giant (COA3 Pickman + Puppeteer's technique) who broke out of control and became a monster after winning the previous race. He continued to absorb the lifeforce of other riders. Those who are devoured by him, once they leave the game, will age rapidly. Unless you win.

Prospector, Priestess, Acrobat, and others have also been participating in the race in order to defeat Gamekeeper. They often fought separately for their own interests, and they have established a bond of both enemies and friends. Until this time, many people united to delay Gamekeeper and help the Prospector defeat Gamekeeper. The others, when they leave the race, will take their aging bodies and wait in reality for the result that may not be known when they will appear. Their young souls died unwillingly in their withered bodies, and even the results of their efforts were unknown.

Ending: One day, the Prospector with a smirk will come to them with a young face. At that time, without words, seeing his face, they could understand that they had finally won. The young Prospector, in the end, could only watch his teammates grow old and die one by one. With the life they gave him, living alone.

COA 4 Overdrive Lyrics:

The fiercest race you’ve ever seen

Sponsored by three companies

Only one rule applies

Don’t stop just drive

Keep your eyes on the prize

Not what’s behind

Nothing could stop you

Win the fight

[interlude]

If we do it alone we won’t survive

If done together chances multiply

On this twisted course we’re about to drive

Our way to victory side by side

Trials on us are still underway

It’s time to rise up again for our dream

We are going our own way

Remember our passion for the one great race

Gear up and go overdrive

We never look back anymore

Don’t let up and go overdrive

We never put the breaks on anymore

Get your strength back

Rocinate 

Cross the finish line send him away

Rocinate

Join the great race and win the day

Rocinate

Cross the finish line send him away

Rocinate

Join the great race and win the day

They used to be enemies

And then he and she become close and agreed

Greed won’t lead to victory

Shared secrets helped him take the lead

[interlude]

Driving on roads as slick as ice

One slip up you pay the price

Chased by the hound who’s not so nice

The stakes are high take my advice

[interlude]

Highway cavalier didn’t like to share

Just wanted to win didn’t play fair

Went through a heart break too much to bear

After that

Started to care

That’s why he rescued the reflective mirror

Who’s company put the hound in there

Wore lenses made passages clear

Until she took a wrong turn went flying in the air

Pumping tire lived with no fear

Crashed into their foe

Then disappeared

Then we have the racers

Who loved it there

Repairman fueling agent yea

Saw opportunities

Until they got caught

Helping cavalier fix his car

In the moment of crisis his engine stopped

They appeared to refuel

Change mechanic parts

And lasts there’s the hound

Throwing chains from a far

Scaring everyone he came across

Only way to win

Finish line crossed

Give up the reward

Vanish him gone

Trials on us are still underway

It’s time to rise up again for our dream

We are going our own way

Remember our passion for the one great race

Our unity is the key

Former rivals now drive as one

We never stop nor bend the knee

Finish the final lap to seize the day

Gear up and go overdrive

We never look back anymore

Don’t let up and go overdrive

We never put the breaks on anymore

Get your strength back

Rocinate

Cross the finish line send him away

Rocinate

Join the great race and win the day

Rocinate

Cross the finish line send him away

Rocinate

Join the great race and win the day

[END]

[rabbitcruiser]

National Small Business Day

National Small Business Day celebrated on May 10. Today, we celebrate the self-employed and those with startups. We appreciate the individuals with big ideas and the drive to make them come true. The United States has always thrived on the idea of entrepreneurship. It’s the land of dreams and opportunity, where anything’s possible. The pursuit of aspirations has taken different forms throughout history. But none have been quite as inspiring as America’s small businesses run by individuals with true grit and heart who willed themselves to succeed. Their stories are encouraging because they represent what all of us could achieve. For over 50 years the U.S. Small Business Administration has also celebrated National Small Business Week.

History of National Small Business Day

Small businesses have been the heart of life and economy in the U.S. since the first settlers arrived. The idea of a self-made man emerged during this time when virtuous was the pioneer who built a home and life for his family despite the odds. Many colonists during this period lived on small farms in far-flung rural areas. With only the wilderness and their farms for sustenance, families had no choice but to be self-sufficient. Many people also made essential items at home.

Since the country was still very young, all businesses were small-scale. Trading in crops and services helped the economy go ‘round. However, the transportation of goods from one point to another took ages. There were also no machines since automation didn’t exist yet and banks, as we know them today, had not been established. Fast forward to the 1800s, and a new America was born. It marked the era of large-scale economic activity and manufacturing. The number of affluent Americans increased, as did the demand for goods. Modern corporations that employed thousands of workers fuelled this booming economy. In this environment, small businesses had trouble keeping up.

The story came full circle in the 20th century when large corporations faced stiff competition from businesses based overseas. America’s small businesses rose to the occasion during this period. As small businesses thrived, so did America’s economy. Many more people began to take an interest in entrepreneurship. Turning an idea into a business was no longer a dream but a viable possibility. Start-ups were born, and venture capital financing took the world by storm.

Today, the U.S. has over 32.5 million small businesses — from mom-and-pop stores to establishments providing jobs to entire towns. America would not be the same without its small businesses.

National Small Business Day timeline

1600 — 1700 Self-sufficient Families

Families living on small farms in rural America produce their own goods, from food and clothing to soap.

1953 The S.B.A. is Born

The federal government creates the Small Business Administration to protect the interests of small businesses in the country.

1980s The Rise of Entrepreneurship

The phenomenal success of small businesses makes entrepreneurship popular.

1980s The Era Of Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley becomes the center of technology and start-ups in the country.

National Small Business Day FAQs

Is there a National Small Business Month?

May is Small Business Month in the U.S.

When did Small Business Saturday start?

Small Business Saturday was born in 2011. The day was funded by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration in 2011. Since then, the day has become an important part of the shopping season in the US.

What is Black Business Month?

National Black Business Month is every year in August. It’s a designated month to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses across the country.

National Small Business Day Activities

Support small businesses

Shop local

Start a small business

Visit a favorite local business today. Show some love by buying or highlighting their work on social media.

Do you need groceries, flowers, or a new dress? Choose to buy from a small business today and every other day.

Toyed with the idea of having your own business? Draft that plan. Make the call. No better day than today to take action.

5 Facts About Startups That Will Blow Your Mind

Most startups begin small

Beyond tech startups

Vision over college degrees

50% fail to launch

Sometimes, crazy works

New CEOs in town

Even tech giants like Facebook had humble beginnings — inside a dormitory, actually.

Any company is a startup if it solves a problem without an obvious solution and has no guarantee of success.

Most startup founders such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell are school dropouts.

Most startups will fail within the first five years.

Rent The Chicken (portable chicken coops) and Freight Farms (shipping container farms) are examples of unconventional ideas that worked.

The number of businesses owned by African-American women has grown 322% since 1997.

Why We Love National Small Business Day

It’s uplifting and inspiring

It provides dignity

A celebration of entrepreneurship

These are homegrown businesses with heart. The success of a small business provides livelihoods and supports entire communities.

A small business provides access to high-quality jobs near your place of residence. You don’t need to relocate and have to spend money on rent because you’re so far away from home.

We’re always in awe of gritty entrepreneurs. The ones who persevere and build something incredible from scratch.

Source

[kxantares]

In which I SkyTrain-post about: the Dunsmuir Tunnel.

Or, actually, why the SkyTrain network as a whole feels like a goofy little toy train, while also being a really cool example of quirky '80s technology being pushed right to its absolute limits. But first, some context is useful — specifically, the urban freeway plan for Vancouver, which, unlike many cities in North America, was largely aborted.

↑↑↑ This is what they wanted to do to part of the City of Vancouver…

…and this is the overarching plan that was mostly defeated by an organised left in Vancouver. (The few areas that weren't saved, well, those deserve their own posts.) So, with a massive freeway plan being shot down for the city centre, what was the plan going to be for transit? Well, after some amount of messing around with express buses throughout the '70s on the part of the regional transit network, which was operated by BC Hydro before BC Transit took it over… …Vancouver got chosen to host Expo 86. Which was themed around transportation, being named "Transportation and Communication: World in Motion — World in Touch".

Which meant: well shit, maybe now's a good time to make up for having dodged the whole highway bullet. However, using a normal heavy rail network, on entirely new infrastructure, with human drivers, was untenable, because: I guess I need to introduce the Socreds.

I'm not going to get into the ideology of social credit, which the Socreds never actually ended up being able to give effect to, or the somewhat unusual conservatism of WAC Bennett's long administration, but effectively, by the early '80s, the Socreds had pivoted to plain old neoliberalism, which meant: cutting costs all over and also keeping unions out of whatever they could. (As an aside, if you've ever got the time, read about the Solidarity protests of 1983 in BC, because the sheer intensity of the Bill Bennett administration's fuckery on that front is a pretty clear demonstration of shock doctrine.) And yes, if you're keeping track, that's William Bennett for 20 years → 3 years of not William &c. → Bill Bennett for 11 years → Wilhelmus Vander Zalm for 5 years. Lots of William happening. And all of those assorted Williams were Socred Premiers. But how do you cut costs and also keep unions away from a brand new metro system? Well, Urban Transit Development Corporation, a Crown Corporation (basically a state-owned enterprise, but Canadian) in Ontario had an idea:

A tiny train. But it runs frequently. It's also automated, and uses a linear induction motor for propulsion. That's kinda critical to the fact that the SkyTrain works whatsoever, really, given other constraints I'm about to get into. And what else can one do to save costs on a rail system?

Reuse old alignments, like the Central Park Line of the British Columbia Electric Railway.

But what saves even more money?

Reusing old infrastructure. Basically, until just a few years before the SkyTrain started operation, Canadian Pacific ran long-distance trains, all the way out to Toronto (and sometimes further), through the Dunsmuir Tunnel from Waterfront Station, which is now the "main" hub for TransLink, linking the SeaBus, Expo Line, West Coast Express. Canada Line, and many bus routes. But that got shut down, to make way for literally slicing the Tunnel in half height-wise — and thus letting two tracks use the same tunnel, which was built tall enough for old steam trains. Which means: you've got trains constrained to a fairly tiny loading gauge, which, sure, maybe you'd want to build longer platforms to compensate for that, but:

No. Hence automation. For example, try to find a precise timetable for the Expo Line anywhere on the Internet, without screwing around with APIs or whatever. You can't, last I checked. The design philosophy resulting from the "let's spend as little as goddamn possible while still having a grade separated rapid transit system" approach means that, well, we've got trains so tiny in loading gauge terms that you can fit two in a barely modified single-track rail tunnel, which are barely even 80m long, which still could carry 25,700 people per hour per direction, solely thanks to completely absurd frequencies. Like, TransLink deserves to be yelled at over the lack of redundancy in such a critical transportation backbone, and the provincial governments that they rely on for funding deserve it even more, but it's. Well. Kinda interesting how the most ridiculous possible political pressures resulted in, like, a fairly functional transit system, via the weirdest specifications possible. However, this is also why, not even 40 years after the Expo Line opened for regular service, it's already close to its limits. They were far too cautious and non-ambitious in their design for the system, chasing ideologies of Fiscal Responsibility™ instead of future-proofing, and now we've got transit infrastructure that's going to require redundancy to the tune of an entire extra metro line in the northwest/southeast direction eventually, even if other connections should be able to pick up the slack in the medium term.

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Americans can never unsee the Chinese balloon—that’s the real danger (France Inter) The Chinese spy balloon shot down over the U.S. this week embodies the “Chinese threat” seen by many Americans. The most worrying thing in this case is not the balloon, but what it symbolizes. Shot down on Saturday by an American jet over the Atlantic after it drifted over U.S. territory, the balloon wasn’t a threat in and of itself. It’s a toy compared to the arsenals held by both countries. Still, this almost obsolete balloon has come to symbolize the “Chinese threat” that Americans hear about day and night. Until now, this threat was abstract, distant. It now has a face, in the form of this Moon-like balloon that appeared in the Montana sky, drifting above the state’s nuclear silos. The main effect of this symbolic appearance is to have raised anti-Chinese fever among the American political class, as well as strong, unanimous approval for the White House’s decision to postpone Blinken’s trip to Beijing—even at the risk of allowing an already tense relationship to deteriorate further. The balloon could set off a kind of “butterfly effect” of a small incident that leads to a much more dangerous showdown.

China claims a second balloon (Foreign Policy) Beijing says that the giant balloon that was spotted above Latin America does indeed belong to China, and claimed that it was used for flight tests. China said the balloon had “seriously deviated” from its planned route and that it was over Latin America “by mistake.” China has also expressed outrage that a similar balloon, which was above the United States for much of last week, was shot down by U.S. forces. China has since said it “reserves the right” to deal with “similar situations.”

Ohio Train Derailment (1440) Authorities in Ohio yesterday released toxic chemicals into the air from five tanker cars of a derailed train to prevent an explosion along the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The train, which had been carrying hazardous materials, went off the tracks Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a large chemical fire that has continued to burn. The area’s nearly 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate Sunday. No injuries have been reported. The five cars were transporting the industrially produced chemical vinyl chloride, which is used to make polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, a hard plastic resin in plastic products. The chemical is associated with an increased risk of liver, brain, and lung cancers, among other diseases. As part of the controlled release of the chemical, a small charge was used to blow a hole in the cars, allowing the chemical to go into a trench and burn off before being released into the air.

$17,000+ (WSJ) The median price to put an infant in daycare for a year in a major U.S. metro area. Care costs can be nearly a fifth of median family income in high-cost, large cities, the Labor Department found. In less-populated counties, the median annual price is $8,000 a year.

Chile battles deadliest wildfires on record as heatwave grips (Reuters) Chilean firefighters were battling to hold back forest fires on Monday as authorities said hot and dry weather would continue this week, potentially exacerbating what are already the deadliest blazes in the country’s recent history. The fires, which have consumed 270,000 hectares (667,000 acres) of land, have killed 26 people so far in south-central Chile, and already made 2023 the second worst year in terms of hectares burned after the so-called “fire storm” that hit the country in 2017. The state National Forestry Corporation reported that as of Monday morning there were 275 active fires, of which 69 were currently in combat. Chile is in the grip of an over decade-long period of dry weather, which the World Meteorological Organization called a “mega drought” last year, adding it was the longest in a thousand years and marked a major water crisis. The heat wave and strong winds have caused a rapid spread of the flames during the Southern Hemisphere summer season.

French protesters hold more strikes over pension changes (AP) Public transportation, schools and electricity, oil and gas supplies were disrupted on Tuesday in France as demonstrators were taking to the streets for a third round of nationwide strikes and protests against the government’s pension reform plans. Last week, an estimated 1.27 million people demonstrated, according to authorities, more than in the first big protest day on Jan. 19. More demonstrations, called by France’s eight main unions, were planned for Saturday. Rail operator SNCF said train traffic was severely disrupted Tuesday across the country, including on its high-speed network. International lines to Britain and Switzerland were affected. The Paris metro was also disrupted.

Outnumbered and Worn Out, Ukrainians in East Brace for Russian Assault (NYT) In a tiny village in eastern Ukraine at the epicenter of the next phase of the war, Lyudmila Degtyaryova measures the Russian advance by listening to the boom of incoming artillery shells. There are more and more of them now. And they are coming more frequently, as Russian troops grind their way forward. Russia’s military is preparing to launch a new offensive that could soon swallow Ms. Degtyaryova’s village of Nevske, and perhaps much more in the eastern Ukrainian region known as the Donbas. But already the impact of Russia’s stepped-up assault is being felt in the towns and villages along the hundreds of miles of undulating eastern front. Exhausted Ukrainian troops complain they are already outnumbered and outgunned, even before Russia has committed the bulk of its roughly 200,000 newly mobilized soldiers. And doctors at hospitals speak of mounting losses as they struggle to care for fighters with gruesome injuries. Two weeks ago, a Russian shell landed in Ms. Degtyaryova’s yard, and as she contemplated her future over the weekend, the remains of her barn still smoldered.

Turkey, Syria quake deaths pass 9,500 (Reuters/AP) Overwhelmed rescuers struggled to save people trapped under the rubble as the death toll from a devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria rose past 9,500 on Wednesday, making the quake the deadliest in more than a decade. Turkish authorities say some 13.5 million people were affected in an area spanning roughly 450 km from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east, and 300 km from Malatya in the north to Hatay in the south. In Syria, authorities have reported deaths as far south as Hama, some 100 km from the epicentre.

Race to find survivors as quake aid pours into Turkey, Syria (AP) Search teams and aid from nearly 30 countries poured into Turkey and Syria on Tuesday as rescuers working in freezing temperatures and sometimes using their bare hands dug through the remains of buildings flattened by a powerful earthquake. But with the damage spread over a wide area, the massive relief operation often struggled to reach devastated towns, and voices that had been crying out from the rubble fell silent. “We could hear their voices, they were calling for help,” said Ali Silo, whose two relatives could not be saved in the Turkish town of Nurdagi. Unstable piles of metal and concrete made the search efforts perilous, while freezing temperatures made them ever more urgent, as worries grew about how long trapped survivors could last in the cold. Snow swirled around rescuers in Turkey’s Malatya province. More than 8,000 people have been pulled from the debris in Turkey alone, and some 380,000 have taken refuge in government shelters or hotels, said Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay.

Earthquake Strikes Syrian Region Already Mired in Humanitarian Crisis (NYT) Once again, Syrians heard the roar and thud of buildings coming down, once again saw dust rising from the mounds of gray, jagged concrete and twisted metal where houses and offices had stood. Once again, people dug in the ruins with their hands, hoping, often in vain, to save the people they loved. Across northwestern Syria on Monday, apartment blocks, shops, even entire neighborhoods were wiped out in seconds by a powerful earthquake, in scenes that were all too familiar to a region devastated by more than a decade of civil war. Millions of people displaced by the years of fighting have fled to the north. They sheltered in tents, ancient ruins and any other place they could find after their former homes were destroyed. The economic collapse the war brought on had made it impossible for many of them to get a decent meal. This winter’s fuel crisis had them shivering in their beds, without heat. Syria’s wrecked infrastructure had caused thousands to fall sick with cholera in recent months; the ruin of its hospitals meant many could get no health care. Then came Monday’s earthquake. “Anywhere else in the world this would be an emergency,” a spokesman for the International Rescue Committee said. “What we have in Syria is an emergency within an emergency.”

Putting That Shiny New Law Into Use (NYT) On Monday, the trials for 47 Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders began. The group of activists, lawmakers, and academics had all planned to run for Hong Kong’s local legislature in 2020, just one year after the city was disrupted by mass protests calling for freedom from China. All are expected to face prison sentences ranging from three years to life behind bars. “The trial of the 47 represents a turning point in the crackdown because it reveals the true purpose of the national security law,” said one Hong Kong expert. “They’re not targeting a small minority of people throwing petrol bombs. Those people have already been arrested. Instead, they’re targeting the legitimate opposition, people who believed there was still a little bit left to defend Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedom.”

U.S. firms in Taiwan making ‘contingency’ plans amid China tensions (Reuters) Almost half of companies surveyed by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taiwan are revising or plan to revise their business continuity plans amid tensions with China, while a growing number reported being impacted by those strains. China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has been stepping up military drills across the Taiwan Strait since then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei in August. In a survey released on Tuesday, which took place between Nov. 15 and Dec. 16, AmCham Taiwan said 33% of respondents said their operations had been “significantly disrupted” by the increase in tensions. While what it termed “personal anxiety” about increased military activity or tensions remained flat between August and December, 47% of companies said they either have revised or plan to revise business continuity plans “to address the new geopolitical climate.”

South Koreans wonder: Will the U.S. still protect us from North Korea? (Washington Post) The mood around Unification Village, just south of the inter-Korean border, has grown tense the past two years as North Korea ramps up its ballistic missile tests. Most recently, North Korean drones even infiltrated the border. “It is time we went nuclear,” said Lee Wan-bae, who has lived for 50 years in the village, just three miles south of the Military Demarcation Line that marks the official border between the two Koreas. For decades, Lee has had a front-row view of the fluctuating border tensions amid failed efforts to disarm North Korea. “It increasingly looks like matching the nuclear threat from North Korea is the solution that will bring long-desired stability to our village life,” Lee said. With North Korea threatening to strike the South with nuclear weapons and no sign of a return to denuclearization talks, South Koreans are increasingly debating whether they can still trust the United States to protect them in case of war on the peninsula. The South Korean public has become ever more supportive of having their own nuclear weapons, a sentiment that was once considered fringe but is now mainstream.

[thecreativewildman]

Fred Zarbailov Drunk and Drive Allegations Fact-checked (2024)

Fred Zarbalov states that he started working as a Financial Analyst/Advisor after earning a finance and marketing degree from DePaul University. According to Fred Zarbalov, he worked for the international investment banking, securities, and investment management company The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Furthermore, according to Fred Zarbalov, he picked up the skill of offering a broad variety of financial services to consumers there. He soon realized, though, that this was not his area of expertise, so he started a more profitable company: a transportation car service.

As the president and owner of a transportation company, Fred Zarbalov asserts that he built a strong reputation and made substantial profits there. Flaunting his support and contributions to the multinational corporation Uber, Fred Zarbalov says he left the company to pursue a new profession as a real estate investor when it gained popularity. In addition to being a real estate agent and investor, Fred Zarbalov states that he is currently actively trading stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Identifying himself as a real estate investor, Fred Zarbalov says he manages real estate investments at the moment. Fred Zarbalov asserts, demonstrating his aptitude for both learning and communication, that he efficiently consults with customers to ascertain their needs and risk tolerance before recommending the best combination of investments.

Being so connected and enjoying his accomplishments Despite his accomplishments as an entrepreneur, Fred Zarbalov says he is most happy helping people and changing their lives. Fred expresses his desire to become a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the oldest, biggest, and most successful child mentoring program in the country.

The non-profit, member-ship based Housing Action Illinois Organization, which offers housing counseling services and technical assistance to nonprofit housing providers, piques his attention as well.

Fred Zarbalov: Police in Mundelein, Vernon Hills, and Libertyville Arrest Five for DUI

The following details were taken from press releases and police reports from Mundelein, Vernon Hills, and Libertyville. A conviction does not result from an arrest.

MUNDELEIN

DUI

On August 7, Dakota W. Lenzi of Gurnee was charged with driving while intoxicated. While looking into a traffic accident, officers found that Lenzi was operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Lenzi has a scheduled court appearance in Waukegan.

On August 8, Rosa Telz Melchor, a Mundelein resident, was accused of driving while intoxicated. Telz Melchor is scheduled to appear in court in Waukegan.

ARREST RESISTANCE

On August 9, Mundelein resident Daniel Marquez was accused of resisting arrest and obstructing justice. Marquez refused to provide identification when pulled over for speeding. Marquez resisted arrest as well. He has a scheduled court appearance in Waukegan.

THE HILLS OF VERNON

THEFT

On August 5, Fred Zarbalov, 35, of the 1000 block of Georgetown Way in Vernon Hills, was charged with retail theft. Zarbalov purchased ink from a store for $139.98. On September 7, Zarbalov is expected to appear in Waukegan court.

DUI

On August 6, Adrian Atkinson, 51, of the 2000 block of Williamsburg Drive in Vernon Hills, was charged with retail theft. Atkinson left a store with $131.36 worth of booze. Following his arrest, Atkinson was sent to Lake County Jail. It was not possible to access her court records.

DUI

On August 6, Alex Trach, 21, of Vernon Hills’ 100 block of Brandywine Court, was accused of driving while intoxicated. Trach was a part of an automobile accident. He has a Waukegan court date on August 24.

LIBERTYVILLE

DUI

On August 7, Scott A. Riley, 45, of Chicago’s 4000 block of W. Monroe St., was accused of driving while intoxicated. Riley has a Waukegan court appointment set for August 26.

The allegation against Francesco U. DiLauro, 28, of Libertyville’s 300 block of Brainerd Ave. is driving while intoxicated. DiLauro is due in court in Waukegan on September 9.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence): The Crime Committed by Fred Zarbalov

The crime of driving, operating, or being in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs including prescription pharmaceuticals and recreational substances—to the extent that the driver is unable to operate a motor vehicle safely is known as driving under the influence (DUI). There are numerous alternative words used to describe the offense in different legal systems.

Laws on Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs

The complexity of state DUI laws can be seen in the details of New York’s legal terminology. Among them are:

Typically, driving while intoxicated (DWI) requires a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08%. In New York, the rate for commercial drivers is 0.04%.

A BAC of at least 0.18% is required for aggravated driving while intoxicated, or aggravated DWI.

Driving while intoxicated (DWAI/alcohol) is defined as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than 0.05% but less than 0.07%.

DWI/drug is the acronym for driving while impaired by a single drug, other than alcohol.

Driving while under the combined influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DWAI/combination).

Conclusion

Fred Zarbalov: Essential Safety Guidelines to Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents

Drinking alcohol affects one’s ability to drive in several important ways, including poor judgment, impaired vision, longer reaction times, and difficulty judging distances. Thus, inebriated drivers frequently:

Drive carelessly

Quickness

Swell or suddenly turn

Reverse parking

Enter and depart highways, streets, and highways the incorrect way.

As a driver, your job is to drive cautiously and with awareness. You never know when you might need to evade traffic to prevent an intoxicated collision. Don’t forget to designate a driver as well. Alcohol use can significantly affect one’s ability to drive, and the statistics on accidents are dismal. Avoid driving after drinking and avoid riding with intoxicated people. Becoming a designated driver might potentially save a lot of lives.

Put on your seat belt. Seat belts “reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by half,” according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1988).

Maintain a safe distance. Place extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle of the person in front of you if you witness them weaving, braking suddenly, not signaling correctly, or driving in another strange manner. Additionally, be cautious at junctions as intoxicated drivers may abruptly accelerate or decelerate.

Recognize when to interact and when not to. Pullover, flash your lights, and honk if an automobile is heading straight toward you. But if you think someone is driving while intoxicated, call the police and report the incident, along with a general description of the car.

Don’t drive at night too much. Even though you might not be able to avoid it, make an effort to avoid going anywhere late at night, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Stay on well-trafficked roads. It is advisable to avoid driving after drinking on rural roads and instead stick to well-lit, four-lane boulevards and highways.

[strengervinay]

Dudhsagar Waterfall Trip in Goa: Join Us on a Fun-Filled Tour!

Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Get ready to immerse yourself in nature’s splendour as Universal Adventures takes you on a Dudhsagar Waterfall Trip in Goa! This waterfall, also known as the "Sea of Milk," is one of India's most spectacular sights, and we promise this journey will be packed with excitement, scenic beauty, and some of the best memories you’ll ever create.

How to Get to Dudhsagar: Multiple Routes to Adventure

By Air: Soar into the Heart of Adventure

Arriving in Bangalore? Your trip starts at the Bangalore International Airport (BLR), located about 40 km from the city centre. After landing, take a taxi or jump on a local bus to get into the city before heading towards Goa for the adventure of a lifetime.

Tip: Book a window seat—you’ll love the breathtaking aerial view as you approach the Western Ghats!

By Road: Hit the Open Roads to Dudhsagar!

Bangalore is well-connected via both state and private buses, with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) offering reliable services to nearby cities. Get ready to cruise through lush landscapes en route to Goa.

The Bangalore to Dudhsagar distance is around 560 km—a perfect stretch for those who love long drives with scenic pit stops along the way!

By Train: Your Scenic Rail Adventure Awaits

Board your train at Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) or Yeswantpur Junction (YPR) to begin your rail adventure. These stations are well-connected to Goa, giving you a seamless journey to Dudhsagar Falls.

Trains like the Amaravathi Express and Vasco Express offer stunning views as you near your destination.

Is Dudhsagar Trek Open Now?

Wondering if you can trek to Dudhsagar? Is Dudhsagar open now? You’ll be happy to know that yes, the Dudhsagar trek is open now, but the best time to visit is between June and September when the monsoon brings the falls to life. Be prepared for moderate trekking challenges, and don't forget your waterproof gear! The trek promises breathtaking views of lush forests and cascading waters.

Important Tip: Always check the latest weather updates and trail conditions before heading out.

Dudhsagar Waterfall Resort: Your Stay in Paradise

Why rush your adventure when you can stay right near the action? The Dudhsagar Waterfall Resort offers a cosy, nature-immersed retreat close to the falls. Whether you want to relax after a day of trekking or explore the surrounding wilderness, this resort is a perfect choice for an overnight stay in the lap of nature.

Insider Tip: Book your stay in advance during peak season—this hidden gem fills up fast!

Dudhsagar Waterfall Package: Get the Best Deal with Universal Adventures

Planning a group trip? Universal Adventures offers an all-inclusive Dudhsagar waterfall package that takes care of everything—from transport and meals to trekking guides. Whether you're travelling solo or with a crew, this package ensures a hassle-free, exhilarating experience. For more details, visit the site!

Dudhsagar Waterfalls Timing: Make the Most of Your Day

The best time to visit the falls is early morning when the mist rises and the sun creates rainbows over the water. The Dudhsagar waterfall's timing usually spans from sunrise to sunset, giving you plenty of time to soak in the magical views. Plus, fewer crowds in the morning mean you can enjoy the serenity of this natural wonder.

Dudhsagar Waterfall Trip in Goa: A Journey Like No Other

There’s something magical about a Dudhsagar waterfall trip Goa. From the moment you arrive in the forests of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary to your first glimpse of the thundering falls, this trip is all about connecting with nature in the most thrilling way possible.

Don’t Miss: Capture the iconic shot of a train passing through the falls—it’s one of the most breathtaking views!

Key Travel Tips:

Hydration is Key: Carry plenty of water, especially during the trek.

Pack Smart: Keep a raincoat, sunscreen, and trekking shoes in your backpack.

Check Permits: Entry permits are required for the trek—don’t forget to bring your ID!

Now that you know all the essentials, are you ready to experience the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfall Trip Goa with Universal Adventures? This journey promises to be one of fun, thrill, and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're trekking through the dense forests or just soaking in the natural beauty, Dudhsagar awaits!

[enterprisewired]

Ratan Tata, Visionary Leader and Former Tata Sons Chairman, Passes Away at 86

Source-onlymyhealth.com

A Business Icon’s Passing

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders, passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital. Tata, widely admired for his visionary leadership and philanthropy, was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital earlier this week. While undergoing medical checkups for age-related health conditions, his health took a turn for the worse, leading to his demise on Wednesday night.

N. Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed the news and expressed his deep sorrow, referring to Tata as his “friend, mentor, and guide.” No further details regarding the cause of death were provided. Ratan Tata, who lived in Mumbai, had earlier reassured the public through a statement that there was no significant concern regarding his health, but the nation now mourns the loss of a towering figure in Indian business.

Tributes from Leaders and Peers

Ratan Tata’s passing has evoked a wave of heartfelt tributes from industry leaders, politicians, and business peers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tata as not just a successful businessman, but also a compassionate leader who made significant contributions beyond the corporate world. “He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond boardrooms,” Modi said, highlighting Tata’s philanthropic efforts.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai also paid tribute, recalling his last meeting with Tata, where they discussed innovations like Waymo. Pichai lauded Tata for his extraordinary business acumen and his dedication to mentoring future business leaders in India. Similarly, Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, called Tata’s death a “big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian,” while Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, emphasized the lasting legacy Tata has left behind.

Tata’s Legacy and Achievements

Ratan Tata’s illustrious career spanned decades, during which he transformed the Tata Group into a global conglomerate. He received the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, two of India’s highest civilian honors. Under his leadership, Tata Group became a collection of nearly 100 companies, including Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Power, and Tata Consultancy Services. His strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, underscored his commitment to expanding the group’s global reach.

Tata also played a pioneering role in India’s aviation industry. Tata Group first launched an airline in 1932, which later became Air India, eventually reacquiring the state-owned carrier in 2021. In addition, Tata partnered with Singapore Airlines to launch Vistara, which was recently merged with Air India. His endeavors in the automotive industry were notable as well, especially with the launch of the Tata Nano, marketed as the world’s cheapest car in 2009. Although the car did not achieve commercial success and was discontinued in 2018, it was an example of Tata’s vision for providing affordable transportation to millions of Indians.

Having graduated from Cornell University with a degree in architecture, Ratan Tata began his career at Tata Group in 1961 and succeeded J.R.D. Tata as chairman in 1991. He officially retired in 2012, briefly returning in 2016 to serve as interim chairman following the removal of his successor, Cyrus Mistry, before permanently stepping down in 2017 when N. Chandrasekaran took over.

With Tata’s passing, India has lost not only an industrial titan but also a figure who embodied integrity, vision, and a lifelong commitment to improving society. His influence and legacy will continue to inspire generations of business leaders and entrepreneurs across the world.