#Unity TX

[tragically-torie]

Outfit for the Emmure and Alpha Wolf show last night in the D.

[thephotopitmagazine]

ALPHA WOLF ANNOUNCE SPRING 2024 NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR

ALPHA WOLF ANNOUNCE SPRING 2024 NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR EMMURE, UNITY TX, + CHAMBER TO SERVE AS SUPPORT BRAND NEW ALBUM HALF LIVING THINGS DUE OUT APRIL 5 RECENTLY SHARED ELECTRIFYING NEW SINGLE “SUCKS 2 SUCK” (FEAT. ICE-T)  WATCH “SUCKS 2 SUCK” (FEAT ICE-T) VIDEO   Aussie metalcore behemoths Alpha Wolf have announced their upcoming North American headline tour plans. The band will hit the…

[whatareyoudoingwithamaserati]

I could fix jepexx. Someone get his cringefail ass over here right now I need to lock him in a room and make him listen to electric callboy and dangerkids and architects until he repents for his sins and starts a pair of patch pants

[butchlifeguard]

those like. 'name a woman who isnt x name a woc who isnt y name a musician of color who isnt z' posts are losing the plot. this is the isolating a select few of yr interests website.

[samuelroukin]

yeah

[diceriadelluntore]

Storia Di Musica #314 - Susan Tedeschi, Live From Austin TX, 2004

Le storie di chitarre femminili di febbraio volevano sviluppare, lo ricordo per questo ultimo appuntamento, una questione che avevo sentito per radio (ho recuperato pure i particolare): durante la trasmissione Morning Glory di Virgin Radio, condotta da Alteria, alla domanda "quale sarebbe il tuo mestiere dei sogni" una giovane ascoltatrice scrisse "diventare una famosissima chitarrista, perchè non c'è ne sono". Alteria, che è anche musicista, ha subito cercato di smentire, ricordando Sister Rosetta Tharpe, la grandissima blueswoman e cantante gospel degli anni '30-'60 del 1900. Tuttavia, e alla fine di questo percorso che è sempre anche un'occasione per imparare qualcosa di nuovo, sono arrivato alla conclusione che, dal punto di visto della fama e della riconoscibilità, aveva ragione l'ascoltatrice, non c'è mai stata per gli indicatori appena descritti una chitarrista riconoscibile come Hendrix, Blackmore o Jack White, per citare tre chitarristi di epoche differenti. Allo stesso tempo, non vuol dire che non ci siano state chitarriste tecnicamente e musicalmente eccezionali, e le scelte di Febbraio 2024 sono solo un antipasto di un viaggio che lascerà deliziati chi vorrà continuarlo. Per concludere la carrellata, oggi vi porto a Norwell, Massachusetts, dove all'interno di una famiglia di origini italiani, i Tedeschi (che sono facoltosi, proprietari di una famosa catena di supermercato in tutto lo stato) nasce nel 1970 Susan. Sin da piccola è un prodigio nelle recite e a sei anni ha una piccola parte in un Musical itinerante che una compagnia locale porta in giro nella contea. Cresce in mezzo ai dischi, e per quelle strane ascendenze del gusto, si appassiona ai ritmi e alle atmosfere del blues. Susan Tedeschi frequenta il Berklee College, come Emily Remler (la prima protagonista delle storie di Febbraio) e si specializza in canto gospel e a 20 anni si laurea. Ne ha pochi di più quando fonda la prima Susan Tedeschi Band, con Adrienne Hayes, Jim Lamond e Mike Aiello che, dopo una fondamentale gavetta nel locali di Boston e dintorni, vengono notati da un musicista e produttore, Tom Hambridge (che vincerà nella sua carriera 7 Grammy Awards), che li mette sotto contratto per la piccola etichetta Tone Cool e produce il primo disco, che per scelta sua vedrà a luce solo a nome Susan Tedeschi: Just Won't Burn del 1998 è un grandissimo debutto, con la seconda chitarra di Sean Costello (uno dei più grandi talenti chitarristici di quegli anni, stroncato a 28 anni da complicanze della sua dipendenza dalla droga) che ha due hit da classifica in Rock Me Right e It Hurt So Bad, scritte con Hambridge. Il disco venderà tantissimo per un disco blues di una piccola etichetta, 500 mila copie, e porterà Susan Tedeschi a suonare per gente come John Mellencamp, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, The Allman Brothers Band, Taj Mahal e Bob Dylan. Nel 2003 apre quasi tutti i concerti americani del Licks Tour di un certo gruppo inglese, appena arrivato ai 40 anni di attività, i Rolling Stones, acquisendo una fama crescente, anche per le sue meravigliose qualità artistiche, che penso si esprimano al meglio nel disco di oggi.

È chiamata, per la terza volta, ad esibirsi per l'Austin City Limits, uno dei programmi musicali più famosi degli Stati Uniti, che trasmette un concerto dal vivo di 60 minuti sui canali della PBS, che è la televisione pubblica negli USA. Insieme a lei, William Green all'organo Hammond, Jason Crosby alle tastiere, violino e ai cori, Ron Perry al basso e Jeff Sipe alla batteria. Live In Austin TX esce nel 2004 ed è un delizioso esempio di classe e maestria musicale: la chitarra e la voce di Susan giganteggiano, senza mai strafare, ma lasciando evidenti tocchi di bellezza (tra l'altro vi invito a fare caso alla differenza che ha la sua voce quando canta e quando, quasi timida, ringrazia con un Thank You gli applausi). E la sua chitarra è una espressione di questa dolcezza: mai ossessiva, ma affilata e precisa, con assoli eleganti e morbidi, accompagnati da inserimenti degli altri strumenti. In scaletta pezzi del suo repertorio solista (It Hurt So Bad, la sofferta I Fell In Love, Wrapped In The Arms Of Another), altri scritti per lei (The Feeling Music Brings dal futuro marito Derek Tucks) ma soprattutto una meravigliosa collezione di cover, dove viene fuori il suo canto di impostazione gospel e tutto il suo talento: You Can Make It If You Try di Sly And The Family Stone, Gonna Move di Paul Pena, Alone di Tommy Sims (che produsse Streets Of Philadelphia di Bruce Springsteen), Love's in Need Of Love Today di Stevie Wonder e un suo cavallo di battaglia, sia su disco che dal vivo, Angel From Montgomery di John Prine, che è così strettamente identificata con Bonnie Riatt, altra grandiosa cantante e chitarrista, il cui testimone è preso da Tedeschi in questo senso. C'è il soul di Voodoo Woman di Koki Taylor, uno strumentale meraviglioso come Hampmotized e c'è la cover più bella e sentita di Don't Think It Twice, It's All Right di Bob Dylan: la versione originale del grande di Duluth era basata su un folk tradizionale, Who's Gonna Buy You Ribbons When I'm Gone?, e riprendeva un verso da una rielaborazione dello stesso brano fatta da Paul Clayton, che rititolò il brano Who's Gonna Buy Your Chickens When I'm Gone. Il brano ha una leggenda in sé: si dice che fu scritto da un giovane Dylan (il brano fa parte del leggendario The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan del 1963) preoccupato e "geloso" del fatto che la vacanza della sua allora fidanzata, Suzie Rotolo (che è la ragazza che appre nella copertina dello stesso disco a braccetto con lui), in Italia si stesse allungando troppo, immaginando quindi come sarebbe stato raccontare un litigio. In realtà come scrisse Nat Hentoff nel libretto originale (Hentoff è stato critico musicale del Village Voice per 51 anni) è probabilmente il primo degli innumerevoli "discorsi con sè" di Dylan, "un'affermazione che magari puoi dire per sentirti meglio… come se stessi parlando da solo". l'arrangiamento slow blues di Tedeschi è fantastico, con il violino e l'organo Hammond, e diventerà per anni uno dei momenti più attesi dei suoi concerti.

Concerti che saranno sempre il fulcro principale della sua attività, soprattutto dopo l'incontro, prima sentimentale e poi artistico, con Derek Trucks, altro chitarrista formidabile, erede della dinastia Allman Brothers, con cui formerà dal 2010 una Tedeschi Trucks Band, vincendo nel 2012 un Grammy con il disco Revelator. Una grande artista e un'altra grande chitarra da scoprire.

[nakibistan]

🌈☪️ List of LGBTQI+ friendly Mosques and Muslim Congregations:

This is a list of mosques,muslim/islamic congregations that welcomes queer,trans,non-binary,intersex,BIPOC Muslims. The list is curated by Bangladeshi Bisexual Muslim @nakibistan. In this list some of the mosques/islamic congregations are radically “inclusive” to all folks. Please note that, some of the mosques & muslim congregations in this list only welcome to queer folks.

USA 🇺🇸

MPV-NY Unity Mosque, New York – Started by MPV-NY Chapter

MPV-LA Unity Mosque – Started by MPV-LA chapter

Unity Mosque of San Francisco – Started by MPV-SF Chapter

Atlanta Unity Mosque – Started by el-Tawhid Juma Circle & MPV

Unity Mosque, Chicago – Started by MPV Chicago

Unity Mosque, Boston – Started by MPV-Boston Chapter.

Unity Mosque, Columbus – Started by MPV-Columbus

Masjid an-Nur al-Issalah – Started by MPV-DC.

Masjid al-Rabia, South Loop downtown of Chicago – An intersectional, women-led, queer-affirming mosque.

Qalbu Maryam Mosque – A woman led, queer-friendly mosque

Masjid al-Inshirah – Started by Pioneer Valley Progressive Muslims group. The mosque also welcomes LGBTQI+ muslims

Masjed Fatimah – A shia-centric, inclusive mosque

Rainbow Crescent Mosque – A virtual queer-friendly mosque

Masjid Daar ul-Gharib – A virtual intersectional, queer-friendly mosque.

Masjid-ul-Hub – An online mosque for LGBTQI+ Muslims

Masjid al-Musawa – An online mosque for queer muslims

Haven, Philadelphia – An inclusive muslim congregation also includes LGBTQ+ muslims

Jummah 4 All collective

Mercy Community Center

Dergah al-Farah, Manhattan Downtown of NY – Radical inclusive sufi lodge of Nur Ashki Jerrahi order

The Circle of Ishq of Minneapolis – An inclusive Sufi lodge Jerrahi community

The Atlanta Circle – An inclusive sufi lodge of Nur Ashki Jerrahi

Nur Ashki Jerrahi Michigan Dervish

Nur Ashki Jerrahi Pittsburg Drevish

La Order Sufi Yerraji/Nur Ashki al-Jerrahi Sufi Order of New Mexico - Progressive, liberal Mexican sufi dervish of US

Muslim Space, TX – A texas-based BIPOC, queer-friendly, gender-inclusive community

Redwood Unity Mosque Initiative (RUMI),CA – A small congregation of progressive muslims in Redwood. It was affiliated with eTJC (don't know it's still active or not)

New England Unity Mosque (NEUM) – A Unity mosque of New England. This mosque was affiliated with el-Tawhid Juma Circle.

UK 🇬🇧

Inclusive Mosque Initiative (IMI) – An inclusive congregation that opened first LGBTQI+ friendly, women-led mosque in Britain

Nur Ashki Jerrahi Order of UK – Sufi lodge of Leeds/London

Imaan LGBTQ+ Muslim Charity

France 🇫🇷

Mosquée Inclusive de l’unicité , Goutte d'Or neighborhood of Paris – France's first unity mosque started by Imam Ludovic Ahmad Zahed

Frederico Joko Procopio's Buddhist Dojo, Paris – egalitarian congregation where french queer muslims prayed

Progressive Islamic Center, Marseille

Fatima Mosque – A progressive, women-led, mixed-gender mosque

Musulmans Inclusifs de France – A progressive muslim congregations of France

Voice of an Enlightened Islam (VOIX) – A progressive, spiritual & radically inclusive congregation for all. VOIX also runs Simorgh Mosque, which welcomes LGBTQ+ muslims

Canada 🇨🇦

Masjid el-Tawhid/Toronto Unity Mosque - It is the first unity mosque of el-Tawhid Juma Circle (eTJC) & Canada

Ottawa Valley Unity Mosque (OVUM)

Vancouver Unity Mosque, British Columbia

Halifax Unity Mosque, Nova Scotia (don't know it's still active or not. please contact eTJC for details)

Kitchener Waterloo Unity Mosque

Calgary Alberta Unity Mosque

Madison Unity Mosque

Queer Muslim Network

Germany 🇩🇪

Ibn Rushd Goethe Moschee,Berlin – A liberal, feminist mosque for sunni, shia, sufi, ahmadi, non-religious, BIPOC, queer, man & woman folks

Liberal-Islamischer Bund e.V. – A largest feminist, liberal muslim congregation of German

Australia 🇦🇺

Australia's first Unity Mosque

MPV-Australia

Norway 🇳🇴

Masjid Al-Nisa – A women-led, LGBTQ+ friendly mosque in Oslo

Italy 🇮🇹

Moschea al-Kawthar/Al-kawthar Mosque – A virtual intersectional mosque started by Sveva Basirah Balzini

Mexico 🇲🇽

Tasním Nur Ashki Al Yerrahi, Cuernavaca – Radically inclusive sufi dervish for all genders & sexualities

South Africa 🇿🇦

Masjid ul-Umam ( People's Mosque), Cape town – First egalitarian mosque of Africa

Masjid ul-Ghurbaah – An inclusive mosque for marginalised muslims, runs by al-Ghurbaah Foundation

The Open Mosque – An egalitarian, mixed gender mosque for all

Claremont Main Road Mosque, Cape town – A mixed-gender mosque in South Africa. The mosque also welcome HIV+ & LGBTQI+ folks

Pakistan 🇵🇰

Khusrain Wale Shahi Masjid/ Khusray wale masjid, Jalalpur of Punjab – Punjab's oldest mosque of transgender eunuchs (also known as Khusra/Khusray)

Shrine of Shah Hussain/Madhoo Lal Hussain – An important site for queer & trans muslims where they can explore the divinity of love & find solace

Bari Imam Shrine

Imambargah of Mirpur Khas

Dargah of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

Rehmatul Alameen Masjid,Islamabad

India 🇮🇳

Hijron Ka Khanqah, Delhi – A historical sufi khanqah with a small mosque. The mosque is only for muslim Hijras (an umbrella term for transgender,eunuch, transvestite,gender non-binary & intersex folks)

Khawaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Nizamuddin Dargah

Masjid Syed Gauhar Ali Shah Qadeem, Delhi (this mosque doesn't allow women to pray besides men)

Masjid-e-Mukhannisan/Hijron Wali Shahi Masjid, Lohamandi of Agra – A historical mosque was built by Emperor Akbar to honour his favourite Mukhannas Itibar Khan

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah, Yogyakarta – Indonesia's first Islamic centre for Warias (Indonesian local term for trans woman)

Bangladesh ��🇩

Dakshin Char Kalibari Masjid, Mymensingh – Bangladesh's first hijra mosque

Turkey 🇹🇷

Alevi Muslims are providing safe spaces for LGBTQI+ to pray

Ağalar Mosque in Topkapı Palace – A historical mosque for gender non-confirming eunuchs

[cuetzpalin1234]

Chicano report back on the Puro Pinche Palestina! Show and Night Market

It was a very cold Saturday evening January 20th, 2024. My partner and I arrived at the event about an hour or 2 after it started. We thought when we showed up it would be over. When we got closer to the location, it looked like a full house with cars lined up on both sides of the road. So, as we tried to find a space to park, we finally entered the event, and it was still very active. The 6pm show and night market was organized by Red Star and Bimbos for Liberation in coordination with Tandem, located at 310 Riverside Dr. San Anto, Tx.  The purpose of the event was to benefit San Antonio for Justice in Palestine. There was a very diverse crowd in the lot outside socializing and walking around looking at the 25+ vendors and local artists that were out there in solidarity and calling for a ceasefire.

There were several groups huddled around the different log fires they had set up for the cold winter evening. There was also food for sale by Saha, Gorda Bakes, Angel Numb, El Puño y La Mano, WRLD 8, and Slumber Party World created by Callie. You could also hear music coming from the DJ and live bands such as Vintage Pictures, Sacred Games, Optic Arrest, Bitter Critter, Powdered Wig Machine, and RoshII. We got a chance to check out the inside for some food and water. They also sell coffee, beer, and wine. It was comfortable. They had tables, chairs, and couches. They also had picnic tables outside as well. After attending the event it really motivated me to continue to organize. I promised myself I would try to be around more justice seeking people interested in making a positive impact in the world. So, this event was very uplifting because lately I had been feeling isolated. There were some myths or lies that I believe were challenged at the event: 1: No one in San Antonio cares about what is happening in Palestine. Clearly, there were many folks out there in support of the Palestinian people. 2: Chicanos and Africans have no connection to Palestinians.

Statement in solidarity with Palestine!

"So similar are the struggles of Palestinians and Chicanos that in 1980 El Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida sent a delegation to a historic meeting with Palestinian Liberation Organization founder Yasser Arafat. The meeting took place in Lebanon as it was impossible to enter Palestine at that moment. We must recall this meeting and the continued solidarity PNLRU has expressed to our sister and brothers of Palestine who despite facing the advance US funded weaponry and military might of the Zionist occupation nothing can break the iron will and national pride of the Palestinian people, and we see this in the relentless pride Palestinians express from the youngest child to the elderly they all know without a doubt that first and foremost they are Palestinian!

This is an example we cannot ignore here in Aztlan in the “Belly of the Beast” our national unity is challenged relentlessly with so many labels placed on us by this colonizer. The struggles of Palestine and Aztlan are deeply connected in fact the US imposed colonial border separating Aztlan and Mexico has Israeli contractors written all over it. Companies like Elbit, NICE, and Verint Systems have entrenched themselves within the border enforcement industry, which carries significant implications for La Raza. The introduction of drones, surveillance cameras, and sensor systems further militarizes La Frontera Falsa. PNLRU demands a thorough and critical evaluation of the involvement of Israeli security companies in US Mexico border security. This collaboration raises valid concerns about the continued militarization of our border and the potential infringement on human rights. Our stance on this issue doubles down on our support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for self-determination. Both struggles, for Chicano liberation and Palestinian liberation, deserve recognition and steadfast advocacy in the shared fight against oppression and imperialism."

“We felt we both had the same fight. They learned about our struggle that Chicanos were being thrown out of their homeland. So, they invited us on a fact finding mission so we could come back and tell the world that there are two sides to every story.” Rebecca Hill PNLRU-NM

There has been a lot of bad information being spread so it is hard to understand what is happening if you are just following the capitalist media and/or social media and relying on those sources to understand the root/s of the problem/s. Work collectively and do your research. Check out the following:

USA Foriegn Policy/Imperialism 

La Raza Unida takes these positions against the Imperialism of the United States of America. 

La Raza Unida believes in the self-determination of all people. 

La Raza Unida believes in peaceful coexistence. 

Indigenous peoples and developing nations must be self-sufficient and not exploited or manipulated. 

La Raza Unida believes in international worker solidarity, which Imperialism prevents through competition between countries. 

La Raza Unida stands for social change. Imperialism creates dictatorships that repress dissent, social change and self-determination. 

USA Occupation Forces International and Domestic (Militant/Police/ICE) 

La Raza Unida recognizes the US Military and its police forces as the armed wing of the settler colonizer. We stand in solidarity with all liberation struggles. 

The USA armed forces are designed to keep our people terrorized, exploited and controlled. 

The USA armed forces take advantage of the dire economic realities of our people with false promises. 

USA Veterans experience trauma and betrayal. La Raza Unida supports them in their healing. Their experience can be an asset to the true liberation of our people. 

Technology used abroad by the USA military today will be used against Raza tomorrow. 

La Raza Unida supports the right for our own people to develop a force to “serve, observe and protect” ourselves.

 La Frontera Falsa 

La Raza Unida does not recognize the “USA/Mexico” border as legitimate. It was imposed by military invasion and held by occupational forces. Therefore: 

No Human being is illegal. 

La Raza Unida opposes any militarization of la frontera falsa. 

USA immigration policy is designed to enrich the elite through the suffering of Raza and as a weapon against the Chicano people. 

The construction or expansion of any physical barrier at la frontera falsa must be opposed. 

We oppose the separation of families and the caging of children. 

Our Raza, whether Mexicano or CentroAmericano, must be allowed to migrate on their own continent in search of a better life for themselves and their children. 

As social workers we also have principles and values we must practice. We must value social, economic, and political justice and never compromise our principle of challenging injustice. Join an organization working for justice today!

[nearmidnightannex]

Master of the House ... or, you know, NOT

Well ... he lasted longer than Liz Truss, the head of lettuce that outlasted Truss, and a number of Italian and a couple of recent Israeli prime ministers, he sacrificed his position to get one urgent bill passed, and that's about all that can be said for him.

McCarthy lost his House speaker job. How it happened, and what’s next. (washingtonpost.com) By Amber Phillips Updated October 3, 2023 at 7:25 p.m. EDT Published October 3, 2023 at 6:35 p.m. EDT

With the government running out of money again in a little over a month, the House has instead ousted the speaker for the first time in the chamber’s history — with no one to replace him.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost his job Tuesday as House speaker, throwing a key governing body into chaos, leaving it without a clear leader to pass legislation, and leaving the country without a designated second in line to the presidency. This also has the potential to be a seminal point in the chamber’s history and raise serious questions about whether the House — and the Republican Party — are governable.

Well, the bit about the designated second in line is debatable -- there is a designated line of succession that explicitly states that after the speaker comes the president pro tempore of the Senate, so as far as that goes, we're probably good. (It is likely that the Secret Speaker from McCarthy's Secret List would not be eligible for succession. Though, to be sure, that's never been explored, as it's never happened before. But I expect we'd probably just skip him and move on to the Senate.)

And I believe that the Republican Party has answered the question of whether or not it is governable quite emphatically, thanks.

McCarthy must be so thrilled at all the history he's made this year. First speaker to have to go to 15 ballots to get the job, first speaker to be ousted, technically the first speaker to be ousted by his own party. (The previous Republican speakers before him all stepped down for various reasons.) A speakership that only lasted nine months (not the shortest --that was Pomeroy's one day back in 1875 -- but apparently the second shortest), without death, disease, resigning or declining to run again, or appointment to some other position intervening. So much history from one man!

It's going to be fascinating -- and horrifying -- to see how the Repugnicans get themselves to the next speaker. McCarthy has already said he won't run again, which apparently shocked the more moderate members of that party. (Good lord, WHY? Who can be surprised that a person doesn't want to put themselves through the past year again? Add to that the fact that Gaetz has specifically said that he would keep bringing up the motion to defenestrate until McCarthy surrendered. What motivation would he have to try again?) Both Democrats and the majority of Repugnicans are united in despising Gaetz (whose Mann Act case may have roared back to life suddenly, and who apparently plans to run for Florida governor in any event). The far-right faction of Rethugnicans who defenestrated McCarthy won't vote for anyone who actually thinks that the job of the government is to, you know, govern. That leaves ... um ... well ... nobody. I mean, literally, nobody. The right-wingers who control the party won't vote for what passes for a moderate Rethugnican. The "moderates" won't vote for the right-wingers who just destroyed McCarthy's speakership if there's any way to humanly avoid it. (More destroyed than he did himself, that is.) The Democrats are the minority party, and the House is not set up to have a minority speaker. That leaves, again, nobody.

Chip Roy (R-TX) has said that the next speaker needs to be someone who can "provide unity" for the party.

Um ... yeah. Good luck with that!

Honestly, the only reason I would want any sort of speaker from that party is that they are the majority at the moment, and it may be quite likely that the Constitution may not allow the House to conduct ANY meaningful business in the absence of one.

[squaresoneastasia]

Mormonism in Japan

By Elizabeth Mueller

I write this blog with little previous knowledge about the Church of Latter-Day Saints. In high school, I had a teacher who converted to Mormonism, a couple years ago I watched “Murder Among the Mormons” on Netflix, and I always catch a glimpse of the gated LDS temple driving to this one restaurant in San Antonio, TX. I wanted to continue my blog trend of writing about subcategories of Christian religion in East Asia, so I decided to read into Mormonism in Japan.

According to most accounts, Gordon B. Hinckley of the LDS Church is responsible for fostering the Church’s engagement in Asia in the 1960s. While this wasn’t the first time the Church had tried to work in Asia, it would be their most successful mission that still continues today. Hinckley felt a need to replace images of war that dominated Western perceptions of Asia with images of faith. He wrote about his vision for the Church in Asia in an Improvement Era article in 1964. At the time it was written, the article helped overcome prejudice and increase international unity in the Church.

You can read the full article here:

Page 192-193 of Improvement Era showing the three major missions in 1964.

As I mentioned, the story of the Church in Asia began with an initial mission established in Japan in 1901. Four missionaries led by Heber J. Grant set out to spread their gospel and baptize Japanese. On March 8, 1902, a former Shinto priest named Nakazawa Hajime became the first person baptized in Japan.

When the mission closed in 1924, the Church had only converted 166 Japanese in 23 years. Slow progress and the anticipation of international war were only a couple of the reasons for the Church’s pause on mission work in Japan. Japan was swept up in a wave of nationalism following major defeats of China and Russia at the turn of the twentieth century. Japanese expressed this nationalism through feelings in opposition to the West and a return to ancestral religions. Not aiding Japan’s view of the West, the U.S. Immigration Act of 1924 aimed at excluding Asians resulted in anti-American demonstrations in Japan. Furthermore, the actual doctrine of the Church was seen as a threat to Japanese culture and the Meiji

society’s ideals of civilization.

Missionaries constructing meetinghouses and temple steeple.

World War II reopened the door to missionaries with the help of a Christian boom ignited by Allied occupation. Missionaries returned in 1948 led by Edward L. Clissold of Honolulu who had been a naval officer during the war and knew many Japanese from extended time in Hawaii. Upon return to Japan, the Church found a small group of Japanese converts from the first mission retaining regular meetings. With renewed optimism, the Church grew quickly. By 1964, there were more than 7,000 members of the Church in Japan, which 1,500 entering in 1963 alone. Missionaries still found proselytizing difficult across cultural and political barriers, but they distinguished themselves from other foreigners by “sleeping on the floor, eating rice with chopsticks, and speaking Nihongo” (from Improvement Era).

In the 1970s, a temple was constructed in Tokyo—the first temple in Asia and the first in a non-Christian country. This is an image of Tokyo Japan Temple today.

Today, the LDS Church in Japan has over 130,000 members spread across 251 congregations. Cultural obstacles are still main barriers to entry for most Japanese. Shinto and Buddhism deeply affect the worldview of many Japanese. Confucian ethics value the group over the individual, which is in direct conflict with Mormonism’s emphasis on individual agency and a personal, individual relationship with Jesus Christ. I also found an interesting connection to our class and discussion of the Japanese salaryman stereotype in reading. As I learned in class, typical Japanese salarymen leave their home early in the morning and don’t return home until at least 10 p.m. Supposedly, the Church is so demanding, that only a handful of Japanese members can balance a job at a top corporation and be able to serve in a leadership position in the Church. Therefore, many of the Church leaders in Japan are self-employed or work in education. In the face of natural disasters, including a record 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Western Mormons have made it an integral part of their mission to provide extensive relief supplies to include industry support, education, and employment to damaged areas.

Sources:

[future-crab]

Updated List:

Reminder to click the link to see the most up-to-date information

[ID:

February 14, 2024

PHOENIX, AZ | 4PM NE Corner of 7th St & McDowell Rd

PORTLAND, OR | 4:30 PM Pioneer Courthouse Square

SANTA ROSA, CA | 7 PM Courthouse Square, Unity Statue, 4th St.,

OAKLAND, CA | 6PM. ‘The Great Room’ in La Escuelita- 1050 2nd Ave.

ONEONTA, NY | 4PM Muller Plaza

WASHINGTON, DC | 2PM Dupont Circle

February 15, 2024

AUSTIN, TX | 10AM Austin City Hall, 301 2nd St

BURLINGTON, VT | 4PM UVM Davis Center, 590 Main Street- Intersection of University Heights and Main St

RICHMOND, CA | 5:30PM ‘Climate Justice Arts Project Space’ at Bridge Art/Storage Facility- 23 Maine Ave.

PHILLY TO D.C. | Solidarity walk from Philly to D.C. check website for exact locations

WASHINGTON, D.C. | 11 a.m. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. (Lafayette Square Park/White House)

February 16, 2024

BUFFALO, NY | 3PM Lafayette Square

EAU CLAIRE, WI | 5:00PM Corner of Hwy 93 and Golf Rd (Outside Hardee’s)

FRANKFORT, KY | 3PM 700 Capital Ave.

LANSING, MI | 2 PM State Capitol Building front lawn

SAN PEDRO, CA | 5PM 13th and Gaffey St.

February 17, 2024

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL | 12:30PM 625 Lincoln HwY

INDIANAPOLIS, IN | 8:00 PM 200 E. Washington Street

OAKLAND, CA | 10AM-2PM 5543 Telegraph Ave.

SAN DIEGO, CA | 12pm. Sunset Cliffs Blvd and W Point Loma Blvd

SEATTLE, WA | 12 PM Westlake Park

SPOKANE, WA | 12pm, Corners of Wellesley and Division

STOCKTON, CA | 12PM Stockton City Hall. 425 N. El Dorado St.

WICITA, KS | 1PM 21st & Rock Rd.

VIROQUA, WI | 11 AM Corner of Main and Decker Streets

February 18, 2024

BOONE, NC | 3PM Corner of 321 and 105 (near Wells Fargo)

MILWAUKEE, WI | 2PM Location to be announced check link

MISSOULA, MT | 11 AM Missoula Co.Courthouse W. Broadway

NEW ORLEANS, LA | 11:30 AM ARMSTRONG PARK

REDONDO BEACH, CA | 11AM 1815 Hawthorne Blvd

SANTA ROSA, CA | 2PPM Courthouse Square, 3rd St., Santa Rosa

February 19, 2024

ARANSAS PASS, TX | 3PM 123 S Lamont St

CHICAGO, IL | 11AM Chicago History Museum, Children’s Fountain

February 25, 2024

SAINT PAUL, MN | 1 PM 1176 N Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN.

End ID.]

People in the US: find a protest for Rafah

I found out about my local protest too late to attend (I don't have a car and I live in an area with zero public transportation) so I thought I'd share this list of protests so that other people might be able to go to their's!

[ID:

February 12, 2024

AUSTIN, TEXAS | 5PM 1100 Congress

CHICAGO, IL | 4:30 PM Federal Plaza 230 Dearborn Ave

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON | 6 PM University of Washington Station

MANHATTAN, NY | 4 PM Union Square

SAINT LOUIS, MO | 2:30 PM @ Kirkwood Park 111 So. Geyser Rd.

February 13, 2024

SAN DIEGO, CA | 4:30 PM Federal Plaza

SAN FRANCISCO, CA | 5:30 PM Federal Building

ATLANTA, GA | 7 PM Israeli consulate

PHILADELPHIA, PA | 5:30 PM 1400 JFK Blvd

PITTSBURGH, PA | 5 PM 4100 Forbes Ave

HOUSTON, TX | 4 PM Houston City Hall

February 14, 2024

PHOENIX, AZ | 4 PM NE Corner of 7th St & McDowell Rd

WASHINGTON, DC | 2 PM Dupont Circle

February 15, 2024

AUSTIN, TX | 10 AM Austin City Hall, 301 2nd St

February 16, 2024

EAU CLAIRE, WI | 5 PM Corner of Hwy 93 and Golf Rd (Outside Hardee’s)

February 18, 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LA | 11:30 AM ARMSTRONG PARK

February 19, 2024

CHICAGO, IL | 11 AM Chicago History Museum, Children’s Fountain

February 25, 2024

SAINT PAUL, MN | 1 PM 1176 N Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN.

End ID.]

[naturecoaster]

Heroes Daring Restoration of Power to Withlacoochee Electric Cooperative Member after Hurricane Milton

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought devastating winds, torrential rain, flooding, and significant storm surges to Florida, the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) worked tirelessly to restore power to the over 170,000 of its 260,000 members that were out of power. Among the many heroes in this monumental effort were the dedicated crews from DEMCO (Dixie Electric Membership Corporation) in Louisiana, who came to assist WREC in those challenging times.  In an extraordinary demonstration of dedication, DEMCO crews were filmed working in chest-deep water and even diving underwater to locate the end of a wire—a video that garnered national attention. Their efforts were aimed at reconnecting power for just two of our members. The area, notorious for its alligators and snakes, added to the perilous conditions. The bravery and commitment of these crews were truly commendable.  Members of the community also expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the crews. "Seeing these men working tirelessly in such difficult conditions was truly inspiring. We are grateful for their efforts and support from DEMCO," said one WREC Member.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-9rrT8hXZ0 Inspiring "above and beyond" work by electric cooperative DEMCO linemen in restoring power to a Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative member after Hurricane Milton. Video courtesy of WREC This act of solidarity came just a month after WREC sent its own crews to assist DEMCO with their restoration efforts following Hurricane Francine. The mutual aid between these two cooperatives underscored the strength and resilience of the cooperative network. When one community was in need, others stepped up to provide support, demonstrating the true spirit of cooperation and unity.  Visiting Electric Cooperative Linemen and Contractors Come to the Nature Coast to Help Restore Power after Hurricane Milton The restoration efforts were a massive undertaking, with crews working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure and restore power. David Lambert, General Manager of WREC, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the nearly 1,500 linemen (co-op and contractor crews) and tree trimming crews that came to assist in the restoration efforts.   Lambert added, “This was a historic storm and an even more historic restoration effort. Thanks to all the hard work from WREC crews, our partner cooperatives, and contractors, we were able to reach the “fully restored” mark within the first 72 hours!” Look at the van behind the power pole! Image courtesy of Withlacoochee River Electric. Cooperative mutual aid crews included DEMCO (LA), SLEMCO (LA), Talquin EC (FL), Central Florida EC (FL), Washington-St. Tammy Elec. (MS), Claiborne EC (LA), Holmes-Wayne EC (OH),  Forked Deer EC (TN), Steele-Waseca Co-op (MN), Dakota Electric Assoc. (MN), Great Lakes Energy  EC (MI), Presque Isle Elec. & Gas (MI), HomeWorks Tri-County EC (MI), Wolverine Power Co-op (MI),  Michigan Electric (MI), Beauregard, and Tri-County(TX).  Contract crews included Tec, Premium, Integrity, Pike, One Source, ULCS, and Davey.  In addition to the line crews and tree trimming crews, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative office and support personnel worked 16-hour days and canceled planned time off to assist in the restoration of power to their members. For more updates on the restoration efforts and to learn more about the cooperative principles, please follow WREC on our social media platforms or visit our website at wrec.net. About Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WREC) Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 260,000 homes and businesses in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Polk, and Sumter counties since 1947. WREC is dedicated to providing reliable and affordable electric services to its members while actively contributing to the communities it serves.  Read the full article

[samuelroukin]

Get to know me tag game

Tagged by @ferindencadash thank u 🫶

Last song played: roc shit - unity tx

Favourite colour: geen and orng

Favourite dish: i know pizza is not a dish technically but i'm saying pizza 😌

Current favourite characters: same as u ethan, entire 141 my beloveds

Currently watching: critical incident, it's good! also australian accents 🤌

Last movie I watched: i think this actually still the same as the last time i did this djkfhkjgs, but it was oddity, i had low expectations since i only watched it for tadhg murphy but i liked it a lot more than i thought i would

Current obsession: i'm being v normal about cod

Last thing I googled: "simon ghost riley blood type" lmao

tagging @meyerlansky @mottles @jemaine @skulandcrossbones only if u wanna ofc <3

[theoregontrail2024]

Final roundup

Total trip miles: 3696.6

Days on the road: 9

Flat tires: 1

Number of times pulled over for speeding and let off with a warning: 1

States we went through: 10 (NC, TN, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, UT, ID, OR)

Temperature range experienced: 35F (Unity Lake overnight) to 102F (Zion mid-afternoon)

Bugs squished on windshield: innumerable (sorry everyone)

Places we would very much like to revisit in the near future: Boise, Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Main takeaways: the sheer physicality of how far Durham is from Portland, driving for long hours is stressful and tiring, there’s never enough time to see and experience everything you want to, the desert awakens a special part of the soul, and nothing beats the comforts of home.

[maximuswolf]

Louder Than Life kicks off Saturday after Fridays cancellation due to tropical storm remenants

Louder Than Life kicks off Saturday after Friday’s cancellation due to tropical storm remenants LTL made the decision around 6 pm to cancel after many fans arrived to the festival hoping for an abbreviated show. No Slayer for a lot of disappointed metal fans. Today headliner is Motley Crue with Mastodon, Dropkick Murphys. Some early looks at fans and the acts like Any Given Sin, Unity TX, Tim Montana and Lilith Czar. https://ift.tt/GIFs2Ly Submitted September 28, 2024 at 01:07PM by Fragrant-Helicopter1 https://ift.tt/IQAmDB4 via /r/Music

[noisycowboyglitter]

Exploring the LGBTQ+ Culture and Nightlife in Dallas, TX

Dallas, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural diversity and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. With a history of resilience and activism, Dallas has become a welcoming haven for gay individuals and allies. The city hosts various events throughout the year, including Dallas Pride, which celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and advocacy, attracting thousands of participants and spectators.

Buy now:19.95$

The Oak Lawn neighborhood is the heart of Dallas's gay scene, featuring numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to a diverse clientele. Venues like The Cedar Springs Strip offer a lively atmosphere for socializing and entertainment. Additionally, Dallas is home to various LGBTQ+ organizations that provide support, resources, and advocacy for the community.

Beyond nightlife, Dallas boasts a range of cultural attractions, including art galleries, theaters, and museums, making it a destination for both locals and visitors. The city's blend of Southern charm and modern urban life creates an inclusive environment where everyone can feel at home, celebrating love and diversity in all its forms.

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Pride TX is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Texas, highlighting the resilience, diversity, and unity of its members. Each year, cities across the state, including Dallas, Austin, and Houston, host events that feature parades, festivals, and educational activities. These gatherings provide a platform for advocacy, awareness, and support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Pride TX not only celebrates love and acceptance but also honors the history and struggles faced by the community. From live performances and art showcases to informational booths and workshops, the events create a sense of belonging and solidarity. This celebration fosters connections among individuals and allies, making it a powerful expression of pride and joy for all participants in Texas and beyond.

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"Proud TX Homos Queer Cowboy Love" embodies the unique intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and Texas cowboy culture. This vibrant expression celebrates love and pride within the queer community, showcasing the diversity of relationships that thrive in the Lone Star State.

In Texas, the image of the cowboy often symbolizes rugged masculinity, but this phrase redefines it, embracing authenticity and emotional connection among queer individuals. Events like rodeos and pride parades highlight this fusion, where traditional cowboy aesthetics meet colorful expressions of love and identity.

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Through art, music, and community gatherings, "Proud TX Homos Queer Cowboy Love" fosters an inclusive space, honoring both heritage and modern LGBTQ+ experiences, and proving that love knows no boundaries, whether in boots or beyond.