#average day in mongolia

[parageist]

I LOVE MONGOLIA🇲🇳

[xhxhxhx]

I'm trying to write these earlier in the day.

I used to put off writing until I finished the smaller, more tractable tasks I set for myself. But by the time I finished the little things, I had no energy for writing.

Now, though, I find I don't have the energy for the little things if I start writing too late in the day. If I start writing late enough, I don't have the energy to exercise.

It's 10:15 a.m. Let's see if I can't finish this with energy to spare.

I.

I write to you from San Francisco, a small town on the Pacific Coast of California, servicing a patchwork of commuter suburbs around what we call the "San Francisco Bay Area."

Back in the 1950s, they called the City "Baghdad by the Bay," after its profound ethnic and religious divides, low-intensity urban warfare, and decrepit public infrastructure.

It's awful. Even here in the Green Zone.

II.

Americans like to say that San Francisco has a "Mediterranean" climate. And it's true that it has a Köppen climate classification of Csb, which we call a "warm-summer Mediterranean climate."

Köppen is a three-tier classification scheme. It designates climates by three-letter labels, with each letter dividing the world into finer and finer categories.

The first Köppen letter divides the world into five parts, each designated by the first five letters of the alphabet: tropical A; arid B; temperate C; cold D; and polar E.

Four of the five letters separate the world into mutually-exclusive categories by mean temperatures in the hottest and coldest months, making for a neat algorithm.

If it's above 10ºC in the coldest month, it's tropical A, else:

If it's above 0ºC in the coldest month, it's temperate C, else:

If it's above 10ºC in the hottest month, it's cold D, else:

If it's below 10ºC in the hottest month, it's polar E.

Arid B is an irregularity. It's based on a precipitation threshold, not mean monthly temperatures. It's also hard to characterize in a single phrase, since it varies with the seasonality of the precipitation. It's higher if the precipitation comes in warm months.

But never mind that. It's not arid in San Francisco. That's part of the problem.

In San Francisco's Csb, C stands for temperate, s for dry summer, and b for warm summer.

Temperate means it averages above 10ºC in the hottest month and between 0ºC and 18ºC in its coldest; dry summer means it gets less than 40 mm of precipitation in its driest month; and warm summer means it averages below 22ºC in the hottest month, but above 10ºC for more than four months each year.

Now, is that Mediterranean? It's not obvious to me that it is. Let's go to the map.

III.

Here's beautiful California, in all its climatic variation, courtesy of our friends at the Köppen-Geiger Explorer:

Let's start in the Los Angeles basin, along the borderlands between the yellow and sienna towards the bottom of the map.

Los Angeles divides into three primary climate regions, which provide a useful key to the California experience.

The coast of western Los Angeles, from Santa Monica down to Palos Verdes, and continuing along the coast of Orange County to the south, is a cold, semi-arid steppe, or Bsk.

It's a climate it shares with Colorado Springs, the Texas panhandle, and a swathe of the Eurasian steppe lands, from Crimea to Volgograd to Inner Mongolia.

South and central Los Angeles, south of the 10, but extending northeast to a frontier in Culver City, Mid-Wilshire, and Koreatown, and south through Anaheim and Garden Grove to Irvine, is a hot, semi-arid steppe, or Bsh.

It's a climate it shares with Gaza, the West Bank of the Jordan, Mosul, the Zagros foothills of Khuzestan, Amritsar, and the northern, or Turkish, part of Cyprus.

North of that, extending from downtown across the mountains into the San Fernando Valley, and east across the river to El Monte, Pomona, and Rancho Cucamonga, is the last part of Los Angeles, the hot-summer Mediterranean, or Csa.

This climate, the climate of Glendale and Pasadena, of Burbank and Sherman Oaks, of Van Nuys, Encino, and Calabasas, is what I think of as the actual Mediterranean climate.

Because it's the climate of the actual Mediterranean.

It's a climate it shares with Athens and Rome, Syracuse and Tunis, Jerusalem and Jaffa, Florence and Naples, but not, significantly, a climate it shares with San Francisco.

Because it's too warm for the city by the Bay.

IV.

Now let's look north, to the Golden Gate.

Here you can see that the Bay Area is, as you might have guessed, a homogeneous and indistinct stain on the map of California.

Does it have semiarid steppe lands? No. Does it have hot summers? No. From the South Bay to the Valley, from the West Side to the East Side, everyone has the same climate, and nobody's very happy.

San Francisco shares a climate with Oakland which shares a climate with Mountain View which shares a climate with Sausalito which shares a climate with San Jose which shares a climate with Berkeley and Richmond. It's a climate that stretches, like an open sore, down to Santa Cruz and Monterey.

It's all the same fucking climate.

It's called, as you may recall, the warm-summer Mediterranean climate, or Csb. Not hot summer. Not the summer of Glendale or Pasadena. No. A warm summer.

How warm is a warm summer? Is that a Mediterranean kind of summer? Is that the kind of summer you get in the south of France or the Greek islands? Well, no.

You know who else has a warm summer?

Fucking Galicia, that's who. The Parnassus Mountains. Mount fucking Lebanon.

You know who else has this fucking climate?

The Pacific fucking Northwest. Because it's cold and wet there. Just like San Francisco.

VI.

San Francisco: It's cold and damp!

I fucking hate it.

[tavina-writes]

I've watched Word of Honor, Who Rules The World, and Mysterious Lotus Casebook(I'm also not sure if the Untamed is wuxia or xianxia or something inbetween?) I don't think I mind longer shows but over...60 episodes is probably a harder sell. I like recognizing actors from project to project but I also don't know all that many so I'm happy to see fresh faces. I haven't seen any older cdramas so I can't say for sure, though I watch us shows from the 90s sometimes? I've paid for iQiyi in the past though I've let my subscription lapse. Does that help?

HELLOOOO sorry I got so busy and couldn't answer earlier Nonny!

I think based off of this, I would suggest you watch Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017) first. (It has Meng Ziyi in it!) This one can be found on iQIYI with good subtitles -- you'll need an account though sadly :( -- it's 52 episodes long (so on the longer side for a contemporary cdrama but pretty average sized for cdramas overall). And it was made for introducing a new generation to LOCH so it doesn't go at as fast a clip as LOCH 2024 (came out this year, beautifully done, goes really fast and does assume you know the general storyline even if you haven't seen it since you were 8). I do think 2017 assumes you know some genre trends also so having seen other wuxias is a good thing!

@autumnslantern also wrote a great writeup of our journey through the various LOCHes here.

Below find some general thoughts on all of the LOCHes I've seen, copy pasted from a discord ask I got a few days before your ask!

my childhood favorite LOCH is the 1983 TVB Jade version, which is very noncanonical to the book but So Much Fun <-- may not be your cup of tea if you don't enjoy that special 1980s charm :dogkek: It has, however, my absolute hands down favorite version of the Huangs (this IS the writer room where the Huangs were their special little meow meows and Kenneth Tsang personally created at least two generations of Huang Yaoshi apologists so) but yeah I love this version for how well it understands the characters, not how much it follows the plot.

I was not as fond of LOCH 1995 TVB reboot version (there were some interesting plot issues, but imo the biggest problem is that KangCi is played by 30 year olds and JingRong by 20 somethings, increasing the dynamics that in this universe KangCi are twice divorced 30 somethings trying to make this work again for the 3rd time as though they're stuck in a timeloop, the actors gave it their all and it was very good! just! perchance, suspension of disbelief interesting.) I would rate this one as a pretty solid adaptation overall though, my minor quibbles aside, just not my personal fave

I enjoyed LOCH 03, I think it has the best Mongolia 1 and 2 that I have ever seen adapted to screen, and really does a good job on this front. The Temujin Corruption Arc here has me by the THROAT. and this also has the best ever Tuolei. (Fun Fact! all the Mongolian Characters in this adaptation are played by Mongolian Actors, and it did pretty well on Mongolian traditional clothing also!) Unfortunately, it was also made for the whole 5 LOCH Mongolia Arch enjoyers in the world so the ratings are terrible. this one has interesting CGI choices, some pacing issues towards the end, and tbf in my personal opinion Li Yapeng did a better Linghu Chong than Guo Jing, but the Guo Jing characterization choices felt purposeful? JingRong is delightful together but Li Yapeng Guo Jing is a bit flat when he's by himself. Zhou Xun was Jin Yong's favorite Huang Rong, overall I enjoyed 03 but I can see why almost no one else did

LOCH 08: my personal nemesis, I would delete my memory of LOCH 08 if I could but then I might watch it and reintroduce myself

LOCH 2017: for a LOCH made with couch cushion money this is really a smashing adaptation. Minor quibbles on them making Huang Rong less problematic, kind of character assassinating Huazheng, giving Temujin the world's best skincare products known to man, and somehow taking a blowdryer to Huang Yaoshi for the sake of coolness, but I forgive them. There's lovely fight scenes in this version, and Chen Xingxu acted his socks off as Yang Kang

LOCH 2024: You can tell this one was made by people who idolized LOCH growing up. I love love love the production and color palette of this one, it reminds me of an updated late 90s early 00s Wuxia vibe with all the new tech that makes wuxia so cool in this decade. Hands down, Ci Sha quickly became my favorite Guo Jing of all time, and I think they really get what makes JingRong click. Some very interesting backstory connotations, I really hope they air the prequels so I can see this in the order they wanted it to be shown in. This loch also suffers from pacing issues, and will assume you already know the story esp bc at 30 episodes for the main story, it's the shortest of all the LOCH tv adaptations and that trims a lot of the extra side quests that make LOCH LOCH.

[libraryofmoths]

Moth of the Week

Fall Webworm

Hyphantria cunea

The fall webworm is in the family Erebidae. Described by Dru Dury in 1773, this moth is known for creating webbed nests as caterpillars and living in them until the pupa stage. They are considered pests in some areas due to their tendency to defoliate trees while feeding as larva and are known as an invasive species in East Asia.

Description Adult moths are mostly white in color with white legs that are black/brown and white in color. The top two legs are orange on the segment closest to the body. Under the eyes are patches of the same orange color and on occasion there are orange spots on the abdomen. In the north, the wings are completely white while in the south, the wings are speckled with brown or black spots.

Average wingspan: 38.5 mm (≈1.5 in)

Diet and Habitat The fall webworm feeds on just about any type of deciduous tree and can defoliate entire beaches or trees. In the eastern U.S., these moths prefer pecan trees, black walnut, American elm, hickory, fruit trees, persimmon, and sweetgum. In the west, alder, willow, cottonwood and fruit trees are commonly eaten. Adult moths do not feed.

This species is native to North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico, was introduced into other continents in the 1940s, and has since then spread. First recorded in 1949, this moth was introduced to the former nation of Yugoslavia and spread from France to the Caspian Sea and further into central Asia: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and southeastern Kazakhstan. When introduced to Japan in 1945, it spread to generations per year since its arrival.[5] It spread into China, southern Mongolia, Korea and southern Primorsky Krai of Russia. Now it is considered holarctic, meaning found in almost all regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Mating The mating season starts in late June and lasts until early July. In the northern part of North America, this species has one generation per year. The larvae hatch and live in late summer through early fall. In the south, which is cons to be under an approximate latitude of 40°N, there are two or more generations annually and nests appear progressively earlier the further south you go. Male fall webworms are typically only available for mating for about 30–60 minutes per day. This moth even shows a form of fall parental behavior. The female will try to protect the eggs after oviposition by covering her newly laid eggs with her abdomen hairs. Females lay the eggs on the underside of the host plants’ leaves in groups of about 100.

Predators The fall webworm has many predators such as Monomorium minimum, Vespula spp., Coleomegilla maculata, and Rogas hyphantriae.This species is parasitized by around 50 species, such as the flies Musca domestica and Muscina stabulans, and parasitic wasps such as Chouioia cunea and Therion morio. There are also several species of microsporida (unicellular spore parasites) such as Nosema necatrix Kramer, Weiser, and Nosema bombycis that are harmful. This species is also harmed by several viruses such as granulovirus and nucleopolyhedrosis virus. The caterpillars protect and defend themselves by shaking and jerking together, giving off a repellant scent, and irritants on their hairs or spines.

Fun Fact The fall webworm is a social insect as groups of caterpillars live in spun nests made from webs. These webs have many benefits like finding of mates, temperature regulation, increased growth rate, and protection from predators. However they also result in higher rates of infections and predation.

(Source: Wikipedia, USDA Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation)

@turkeygamemaster

[gkathleenk]

MONGOLIA

DAY ONE

To get to Mongolia from the US, you have to have a layover. The layovers are usually in Seoul, Beijing, Moscow, or Istanbul. Many people land in one of those 4 cities and then take the train to Mongolia. You do not need a visa if you are visiting for less than 90 days, but you must have a valid passport. When packing for Mongolia, make sure to bring breathable and clothes for the warm weather. The climate in Mongolia is high, cold, and dry, with the average summer temperature being 50° to 80 °F, and the winter being 32 °F.

The place I decided to stay in Mongolia was a Ger in Ulaanbaatar. This place is a collection of gers, each acting as a different room in a house. You share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom with your host, Oyuntsetseg. It costs $68 USD a night, but since Mongolia uses the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT ₮), it cost 231,018.54 ₮ a night. I spent 2 nights, so it ended up being 461,956.05 ₮. Oyuntsetseg accompanies her guests to the markets and into town, and she even makes you food. People said that Oyuntsetseg was very nice, but it was difficult to talk to her because she mainly spoke Khalkha Mongolian (main language of Mongolia), and not a lot of English.

After settling into my ger, Oyuntsetseg said she had to make me food, so she made me the cuisine that Mongolia is known for. Buuz. Buuz is a Tibetan-style dumpling. Inside the dumpling is either minced lamb, mutton, or beef, and it is flavored with onion or garlic. Some people make it with sprouted fennel seeds as well. Oyuntsetseg made my buuz with mutton inside, since that is her specialty. The buuz was served with rice and cabbage. For dessert, Oyuntsetseg makes her guests Boortsog which is a fried dough pastry, and it is the most common cookie in Mongolia.

Since I was in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, I could do a lot of things. Ulaanbaatar has a population of 1.5 million, which is about half of Mongolia's population of 3.3 million. My ger was only an hour train ride away from the main city of Ulaanbaatar.

The first thing I did in Mongolia was visit The Fine Arts Zanabazar Musuem. Admissions for the museum is 15,000 ₮ ($4.43). Their upcoming exhibition is “Airag Feast” which is named after a painting made in 1995, originally painted by B. Sharav and about the resolutions of the Mongolian government. The exhibition features the actual painting, along with photographs, 2D animation, and other paintings are influenced by the original piece of art.

After visiting the museum, I went to Genghis Statue & Gorkhi-Terelj National Park with Oyuntsetseg. The reasoning behind the statue of Genghis Khan is because Mongolians recognize him as their founding father, and without him, Mongolia would not exist. His statue is 130 feet tall and made of stainless steel. The statue points east towards his birthplace. You can go inside the horse that Genghis Khan is riding in the statue. Nearby the statue is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The highest point in the park is Avkhan Mountain which is 2664 meters tall.

DAY TWO

In Mongolia, Buddhism is the majority religion, with 51.7% of their population practicing. Their second-biggest group is nonreligious people, that percentage being 40.6%. And finally, their third biggest is Islam, with a percentage of 3.2%. Buddhism first arrived in Mongolia in the 2nd century BC, but it became widespread in the 16th century.

I decided to look at Buddhist temples in Ulaanbaatar today. I stopped at Gandantegchinlen Monastery. The temple was founded in 1809, and between 1944 and 1989, it was the only active monastery in Mongolia. Today it is the center of Buddhism in Mongolia, there are more than 100 resident monks. In the temple, there is an 85-foot statue of Avalokiteśvara (who is a tenth-level bodhisattva) made of gilded bronze. The name Gandantegchinlen is a Tibetan word for “complete rejoicing.”

After the temple, I went to Lake Khövsgöl, which is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia based on volume. Second-largest by ares after Uvs Lake. I had to fly in from Ulaanbaartar to Mörön to get to the lake. The lake is named Huvsgul in English texts, and Далай ээж in Mongolian text, which means 'Ocean Mother.' The lake is 5,397 feet above sea leave, 85 miles long, and 860 feet deep. Lake Khövsgöl holds 70% of the freshwater of Mongolia, and 0.4% of the freshwater in the world. I don't know if that is a large amount or not. You can get a tour of the lake, but only if you were staying at one of the cabins or gers located along the water. The water is very calm, so many people like to go sailing or kayaking. There is a good deal of wildlife around Lake Khövsgöl, including, ibex, argali, elk, wolf, wolverine, musk deer, brown bear, Siberian moose, and sable.

DAY THREE

I am leaving Mongolia today. I enjoyed my time here. Mongolia is full of culture and beautiful scenery. I also loved Oyuntsetseg and I will forever miss her. I am glad that Mongolia isn't like a super touristy place, so I didn't have to go to all these little stupid shops with expensive stuff. The climate here was amazing, it was like Minnesota but better. Let's see if the Philippines competes with this amazing experience.

[fxirysforesight]

Moonbyul's Future Spouse

Personality: Moonbyul's Future Spouse could be very closed off and mysterious. They aren't very upfront with their emotions due to fear of ridicule and judgment. This person is like an emotional sponge, what they don't say, you will see on their face. They absorb their environment and could possibly take on the feelings and emotions of others without meaning to. This person is likely an empath. They could have an inclination for music or have an interest in the arts. On a negative note, sometimes these people could resort to manipulation or gas-lighting. Usually they don’t mean to, but other times they use this tactic as a way to survive.

This person is in their head a lot, constantly thinking. They may be a worrier or a "what if" kind of person. They come off as anxious or on edge a lot, and it may cause Moonbyul to feel anxious in their presence. Because of this, they may prefer to be alone a little more than the average person.

This person may feel or seem "incomplete" as a person. This incompletion could be something that is unseen. Like for example, when you know something is off about someone but you just can't figure out what it is. OR this completion could be something like lack of a common personality trait, like they're unkind or they're dishonest. Things like that. Things that make them seem "incomplete" or "off" They may seek validity from others, or do things to make people like them. Like over-giving. This person may spend a lot of time reflecting or spend a lot of time in solitude because when they are asked to do something for someone even if it's something they don't want to do, they will do it. They may have a habit of giving themselves to others too often.

Career: This person could do long distance or remote working. Their job may include foreign communications or foreign travel. They may work in a group with others. Jobs that require meticulous attention to detail are perfect for this person. They could work for a foreign affairs agency, or are just in a career that requires them to travel constantly. They could also be part of an investigative agency. Whatever their career is, it is likely very fast paced and stressful.

Where: Afghanistan, India, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Sicily, Ecuador, Zanzibar, Bhutan, Bolivia, Central African Republic Chad, The Ivory Coast, Gabon, Indonesia, North Korea, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Mongolia, Seychelles, Singapore, Ukraine, and Madagascar.

When: 9 Days, Weeks, Months, or Years from now.

[tilbageidanmark]

998 Movies in 2023...

In 2021 I saw 885 movies...

In 2022 I saw 954 movies...

And in 2023 I saw 998 movies.

Yes, I've seen nearly 3 movies every single day for the last three years. Yes, I have no life, Etc. But I like it, and it works for me. So if anybody have an issue with that, they are cordially invited to fuck off. This solitary habit had evolved into an ongoing writing project, where I jog down every night a paragraph or two about each movie, and that fills me up with a sense of a minor achievement, sufficient enough to keep me going.

Most of the movies (like everything else in life) were mediocre, but about 150 were stand-outs, so on average, every two days I experienced some sort of an emotional release, a catharsis, if you will, which had made the whole project worthwhile for me.

Here are some stats, and a few random discoveries that I really enjoyed.

First of all, I made it a point to see more movies directed by women – 156 in total. I'm going to concentrate even more on female movie-making.

I also continued to explore the vast and interesting world of “foreign” cinema, (i.e. “Not from the USA”): 520 films in 2023 [52% of the total]. I plan on increasing this percentage much more next year.

The countries from which I saw the largest number were France (100), UK (70), Denmark (30), Italy and Japan (24 each), Germany and Spain (19 each), Iceland (14), Canada and Finland (13), Sweden (12), Ireland, Poland and Scotland (11). The other films were from Chile, Argentina, China, India, Mexico, Australia, Norway, Belgium, Iran, Korea, Hungary, Portugal, Brazil, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Greece, The Netherlands, Armenia, Austria, Bolivia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Iraq, Israel, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mauritania, Mongolia, New Zealand, Palestine, Polynesia, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Uruguay, Yugoslavia. There was even one movie in ancient Babylonian!

I don't keep track of the genres, and I sample nearly everything. I love to cry 'and laugh and cry all again', so I mostly seek stories with “real” personal emotions. Obviously, many are dramas, art-house fair. I still have never seen any superheroes movie in my life. And I usually refuse to watch any horror, space operas, franchise, most blockbusters, supernatural, sci-fi, fantasy, and not too much 'action’.

Recently, I started picking up movies from this Wikipedia List of films with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as lists of winners and contenders from various European film festivals.

Of the 998 movies, 103 were documentaries, 119 were films I've seen before, 150 were shorts, (and 26 were so bad I couldn't finish them).

For their age, I only saw 35 silent movies, but a whopping 111 movies from 2023. The rest are spread in between.

I did discover many new directors I fell in love with with, too many to list here. If anybody is interested in reading my personal opinions, they can re-visit the tag 'Movies' here. I post about 20 reviews every Monday.

So here are just a few of my off-beat favorite 2023 discoveries:

'The Mill and the cross' (2011) by Polish poet Lech Majewski: A literal recreation of Bruegel’s 1564 painting ‘The Procession to Calvary’, done in Newport Beach’s ‘Pageant of the Masters’ style. With a minimal narrative and nearly no dialog, it transports a masterpiece from one medium into another.

'The organizer' (1963) by Mario Monicelli, with Marcello Mastroianni. A unionist trying to organize workers laboring in inhuman conditions at a late 19th Century textile factory in Turin. A Neo-realistic and unsentimental look at the eternal struggle for control of the means of production.

'Close' (2022), innocent lost, by Belgian Lukas Dhont. Movingly and tenderly it details an intimate friendship - love, rather - between two 13-year-old boys.

The documentary 'Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb' (2022), about the relationship between two remarkable men: The LBJ biographer and his lifelong editor.

'The Maid' by Chilean director Sebastián Silva, a perfectly simple drama about the life of a live-in housekeeper. It was one of a dozen movies I saw about 'Domestics', an emerging sub-genre, mostly from South America and South-east Asia.

'Timbuktu' from Mauritania (2014), by Malian film director Abderrahmane Sissako. A heart-breaking tragedy about terror in the barren Sahara desert. Senseless religious laws imposed by a patriarchal and fanatic group on simple villagers.

'Spring Blossom' (2020), a gentle drama of a shy 16 year old girl who falls in love with a 35 man she sees outside a local theater. [Like Quinn Shephard’s ‘Blame’], it’s twice as impressive, because it was written by the talented Suzanne Lindon when she was only 15, and she directed it and starred in it before she was 20.

The earlier films of Irish director John Michael McDonagh, 'The Guard' and 'Calvary', both with Brendan Gleeson. (But not 'War on everyone' which was awful).

All of Lynne Ramsay's Glasgow-based dramas, especially 'Gasman', her first short, and 'Ratcatcher', her debut feature. Heartbreaking, transformative masterpieces. The same goes for Ken Loach's 1969 'Kes' and 'I, Daniel Blake' from 2016.

Re-watch: Nils Malmros's 1981 'The tree of knowledge'. It has always been my favorite Danish movie, and also one of my general All-time Top-Five favorites - Ever. Together with Truffault’s ‘Small Change’, it’s also the best movie about children, the pains of puberty and the joys of adolescence.

'The Ballad of the Weeping Spring' is a “different” (and hard-to find!) Israeli cult film from 2012. An homage to Kurosawa’s Samurai films, and to Sergio Leone’s Westerns, it’s a mystical pilgrimage into the origins of “Oriental / Mediterranean Music”. After inadvertently killing his two friends and living off the grid for 20 years, the mythical band leader of the defunct “Turkish Ensemble” is recruited to “put the band together”, and is looking for 9 other musicians to play for his dying ex-partner.

Jody Foster's documentary 'Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché' (2018). Alice Guy-Blaché was the first ever female filmmaker, and history’s first director of narrative cinema. An enormously important figure, who was erased and forgotten until her recent resurgence. Like ‘The Méliès Mystery’ documentary, these two biographies are a must-see for any film lover.

'The house is black' (1963), by another female pioneer, Iranian avant-garde poet Forugh Farrokhzad. A harrowing documentary about a real leper colony.

Werner Herzog, Radical dreamer, a 2022 German documentary about the greatest living filmmaker, one of the greatest of all time.

And not to be accused for being an elitist, I've re-watched (some as many as FOUR times this year!) many of my all time 'guilty pleasures': 'In the loop', 'Long Shot' with Charlize Theron, The Icelandic 'Echo', 'Office Space', 'After the wedding', 'Hot Fuzz', 'A simple favor', 'Cold war', 'Margin call', 'Belle de Jour', 'Chinatown', 'The conversation', 'Game night', 'To kill a mockingbird', 'world of tomorrow', 'Midnight run', 'Burn after reading', Etc., etc.

[Photo Above: I didn't realize, and didn't find it mentioned anywhere, but Buñuel gave himself a little cameo in 'Belle De Jour'!]

So what does it all mean? Nothing, really. Except of food, air, and some minimal travel, I don't consume much of anything any more. I don't have a TV, cars, streaming services, any belongings, or attachments. But I recognize that this obsessive viewing is also some form of unhealthy consumption. Anyway, for the time being, I'll just keep doing it.

[And to answer a question that may come up, I view 100% of these movies on “free” streamers. I'm not ashamed of it, on the contrary!]

So far, in 2024 I only saw 2 movies, both of which I've seen before: René Laloux's 'Fantastic Planet', and one of my most precious films from last year, Celine Song's 'Past Lives'. 10/10 for both - will watch again!

Adios, mothers'.

[This is copy from my r/truefilm post]

[eruverse]

My headcanon of Mongolia was that he was a very tall man as Mongol Empire reflecting its massive land gains, but has shrunk these days into an average-ish height of a Mongolian man (around 173-175 cm) reflecting the subsequent loss of his lands into hordes and further of Inner Mongolia and Buryatia. People shrunk in height in their old age, so it’s also a jab to that. He’s not that old by typical country standards but he ages faster than most which makes him feel quite conscious. His physical health is good though due to frequent exercise and good ancestral diet.

[palmoilnews]

🇮🇷 A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran crashed in a remote part of the country yesterday, according to state media. The helicopter — which was also carrying the foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian — has not yet been found. 🇮🇷 Iran’s law stipulates that if the president dies, power is transferred to the first vice president and that an election must be called within six months. The first vice president is Mohammad Mokhber, a conservative politician. 🇷🇺🇨🇳 Russia could deliver oil as well as gas to China along a planned route via Mongolia, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. 🇨🇳🇷🇺 Xi Jinping warmly welcomed President Vladimir Putin of Russia to Beijing, a show of solidarity in defiance of the West. 🇷🇺🇺🇦 Russian forces have moved closer to the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which could soon be within artillery range, potentially allowing Moscow to strike residential neighborhoods and target power stations there. 🇺🇸 The Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 40,000 mark for the first time on Friday, with other major indexes also scoring weekly gains, as data supported expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year. * Dow 40,003 (+134/+0.34%) * S&P 5,303 (+6/+0.12%) * Nasdaq 16,685 (-12/-0.07%) 🇬🇺 European markets slipped again on Friday after snapping a nine-day winning streak in the previous session, as earnings weighed on positive sentiment. ⛽ Oil prices settled about 1% higher on Friday, with global benchmark Brent crude recording its first weekly gain in three weeks, after economic indicators from the world's top two oil consumers - China and the U.S. - bolstered hopes for higher demand. * Crude oil $80.06 (¥83/+1.1%) * Brent crude $83.98 (+71/+0.9%) 👑 Gold prices, aided by China’s stimulus measures, looked poised to clock their second consecutive weekly gain on Friday on renewed hopes for U.S. interest rate cuts, with silver breaking the $30 barrier to hit an 11-year high. U.S. gold futures rose 1.2% to $2,412.10. 🌴 FCPO Aug (RM3,890, +86) closed higher and recorded a weekly gain on Friday, tracking the strength in rival oils at the Dalian and Chicago markets. Dalian's most-active soyoil contract DBYcv1 rose 2.08%, while its palm oil contract DCPcv1 gained 1.76%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade BOcv1 were up 0.47%. Soybean harvesting in flood-hit Rio Grande do Sul state reached 85% of the area planted with the oilseed, up from 78% last week, according to crop agency Emater on Thursday.

[bethanyhamiltonsstuff]

Dwarf Hamster & 4 Things You Should Know!

 Dwarf hamsters are cute little creatures that make excellent pets. They are smaller than regular hamsters and have distinguishing characteristics. We'll go over everything you need to know about dwarf hamsters in this article, including their physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, lifespan, breeding, and reproduction.

We will also go over how to properly care for them, common health issues they may face, and some interesting fun facts about these tiny companions.

Introduce yourself to the Dwarf Hamster.

What exactly is a Dwarf Hamster?

Dwarf hamsters are small rodents native to Asia that belong to the Phodopus genus and are native to Siberia, Mongolia, and China. Because of their small size and adorable appearance, they are popular pets.

Dwarf hamsters are classified into several species, including the Campbell's dwarf hamster, Winter white dwarf hamster, Roborovski dwarf hamster, and Chinese dwarf hamster.

Characteristics Physical

Dwarf hamsters are typically 2 to 4 inches long and weigh 0.5 to 1.5 ounces, depending on the species. They have a round body, short legs, and a short tail. Dwarf hamsters are distinguished by their prominent cheek pouches, which they use to store food.

Natural Environment and Habitat

Dwarf hamsters live in burrows in grasslands and semi-desert areas in the wild. These burrows protect them from predators and provide shelter from harsh weather conditions. Dwarf hamsters are skilled diggers who build intricate tunnel networks within their burrows.

Characteristics Behavioral

Dwarf hamsters are typically nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They have excellent hearing and smell, allowing them to effectively navigate their surroundings. These small rodents are known for their agility and ability to move quickly, making them fascinating to watch.

Dwarf Hamster Size

As previously stated, dwarf hamsters vary in size depending on the species. Roborovski dwarf hamsters are the smallest, measuring only about 2 inches in length. Campbell's dwarf hamsters and Winter white dwarf hamsters are slightly larger.

Lifespan of a Dwarf Hamster

Dwarf hamsters live for 1.5 to 3 years on average. Some people have been known to live up to four years with proper care and a healthy diet. Their lifespan can vary depending on genetics, environment, and overall health.

Breeding and Reproduction of Dwarf Hamsters

Dwarf hamsters reach sexual maturity between the ages of 5 and 7 weeks. To avoid unwanted litters, males and females should be separated once they reach sexual maturity.

Dwarf hamsters have a gestation period of about 18 to 21 days, after which the female gives birth to a litter of adorable baby hamsters. These tiny babies are born hairless and blind, but they grow quickly after a few weeks.

Dwarf Hamster Maintenance

Common Health Problems

While dwarf hamsters are generally tough animals, they can suffer from health problems. Respiratory infections, wet tail (a bacterial infection), dental problems, and obesity are all common health issues. It is critical to keep a close eye on your hamster's health and seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of illness.

Choosing the Correct Cage and Bedding

When choosing a cage for your dwarf hamster, make sure it has enough space for them to explore and play. To prevent escapes, wire cages with narrow bar spacing are recommended. Avoid using cages with plastic components because hamsters may chew on them and possibly ingest plastic, causing health problems.

To create a comfortable and hygienic environment, choose a safe and absorbent material such as aspen shavings or paper-based bedding.

Appropriate Diet and Feeding Program

A well-balanced diet is essential for your dwarf hamster's overall health. Their diet should primarily consist of high-quality hamster pellets or lab blocks, with occasional treats of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Feeding them sugary or fatty foods can lead to obesity and other health problems. A sipper bottle attached to the cage should always have fresh water available.

Regular Physical Activity and Playtime

Dwarf hamsters are naturally active animals that require exercise and mental stimulation. Allow them to burn off excess energy by providing an exercise wheel or hamster ball.

You can also allow your hamster to explore a safe, enclosed space outside of their cage while closely monitoring them. Remove any potential hazards and make sure the area is escape-proof.

Common Health Problems

Symptoms of Illness

It is critical to be aware of any symptoms that may indicate that your dwarf hamster is ill. Changes in appetite, weight loss, lethargy, hunched posture, abnormal discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea, excessive itching or scratching, and difficulty breathing are some of the symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek veterinary care right away.

Preventative Actions

There are several preventative measures you can take to keep your dwarf hamster healthy. To reduce the risk of bacterial infections, keep their cage clean and free of waste. To help their immune system, feed them a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Avoid abrupt temperature changes and maintain a comfortable temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) in their environment. Handle and interact with your hamster on a regular basis to monitor their behavior and detect any abnormalities early on.

Treatment Alternatives

If your dwarf hamster develops a health problem, it is critical that you consult a veterinarian who specializes in small animal care. They will be able to diagnose the issue and make appropriate treatment recommendations. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and supportive care may be prescribed depending on the condition.

Interesting Dwarf Hamster Facts

Characteristics that are unique

Dwarf hamsters are fascinating pets due to their unique characteristics. One intriguing feature is their ability to store food in their cheek pouches, allowing them to efficiently gather and transport food. These pouches can nearly double the size of their heads!

Observable Behaviors

Dwarf hamsters exhibit a variety of fascinating behaviors. They are well-known for their burrowing abilities, and will spend hours digging tunnels and constructing intricate underground systems. They also enjoy climbing, running on exercise wheels, and interactive play with toys.

Strange Habits

Dwarf hamsters have the unusual habit of hoarding food. Excess food will be collected and stored in various areas of their enclosure, mimicking their natural behavior in the wild. This behavior ensures that they have a food supply during times of scarcity.

How Many Dwarf Hamster Varieties Exist?

Dwarf hamsters are classified into several species, each with its own set of characteristics. One of the most common is the Campbell's dwarf hamster, also known as the Russian dwarf hamster, which comes in a variety of coat colors such as gray, brown, and white.

Winter white dwarf hamsters, also known as Djungarian hamsters, can have their fur color change seasonally, turning white in the winter. Roborovski dwarf hamsters are the smallest and fastest dwarf hamster species, distinguished by their quick movements and sandy fur. In comparison to other dwarf hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters have a slender body shape and a longer tail.

Pet Dwarf Hamsters

Dwarf hamsters make great pets for both kids and adults. They are low-maintenance and easy to handle once they become accustomed to human interaction. It is important to note, however, that they are small and delicate creatures that require gentle handling and supervision, especially when children are present.

Interactions with Other Animals and People

While dwarf hamsters enjoy human company, they are primarily solitary animals and should be housed separately to avoid conflicts or injuries.

If you have other pets, such as cats or dogs, make sure they can't get into the hamster's enclosure because they might see it as prey. Always keep an eye on interactions between your hamster and other pets to ensure everyone's safety.

Dwarf Hamster Training and Handling Methods

Positive reinforcement techniques can be used to train dwarf hamsters to some extent. Simple tricks such as coming to your hand for treats or responding to a specific command can be taught to them. However, because each hamster has its own personality and learning pace, patience and consistency are essential.

Gender Differences in Dwarf Hamsters

Male and female dwarf hamsters have distinct physical characteristics that make gender identification simple. Males have a more prominent and rounded back end, whereas females are smaller and more tapered. Males also have scent glands on their flanks that they use to mark their territory.

Dwarf Hamsters Come in a Variety of Colors and Varieties

Dwarf hamsters are available in a variety of colors and coat patterns, which adds to their appeal as pets. Dwarf hamster coats can range from solid colors like black, white, or gray to patterns like spots, stripes, and even banded fur, depending on the species and individual genetics.

Dwarf Hamster vs. Other Hamster Breeds Comparison

While dwarf hamsters have some similarities with other hamster breeds, such as their fondness for burrowing and nocturnal nature, they also have significant differences.

Dwarf hamsters are typically smaller in size than Syrian hamsters, the largest hamster breed. They also have different care needs and behaviors, making them one-of-a-kind.

Conclusion

Dwarf hamsters are enthralling pets that bring their owners joy and entertainment. You can ensure a happy and healthy life for your dwarf hamster by understanding its characteristics, providing proper care, and being aware of potential health issues. Remember to give them a suitable environment, a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary attention if necessary.

Dwarf hamsters have distinct habits and behaviors that make them fascinating to watch. They exhibit interesting behaviors that showcase their natural instincts, such as cheek pouches and burrowing instincts, as well as food hoarding tendencies. You can form a strong bond with your dwarf hamster with proper handling and training.

It's important to remember that each dwarf hamster species has unique needs and characteristics, so it's critical to research and understand the needs of the specific species you choose as a pet. Whether you choose a Campbell's dwarf hamster, a Winter white dwarf hamster, a Roborovski dwarf hamster, or a Chinese dwarf hamster, a loving and nurturing environment is essential for their health.

Finally, dwarf hamsters are adorable pets that bring joy and companionship to many households. You can create a fulfilling and enriching experience for both you and your tiny furry friend by understanding their characteristics, providing proper care, and appreciating their unique habits.

[thuzycheebum]

Dwarf Hamster & 4 Things You Should Know!

 Dwarf hamsters are cute little animals that are great to have as pets. They are smaller than regular hamsters and have special features that make them stand out. This article will tell you everything you need to know about dwarf hamsters, including how they look, where they live, how they act, how long they live, how they breed, and how they have babies.

We will also talk about how to take good care of them, common health problems they might have, and some fun facts about these small pets.

Tell about the Dwarf Hamster.

What's a Dwarf Hamster?

Dwarf hamsters are small rodents that live in Asia. They are from the genus Phodopus and come from places like Siberia, Mongolia, and China. They are popular as pets because they are small and look cute.

The Campbell's dwarf hamster, the Winter white dwarf hamster, the Roborovski dwarf hamster, and the Chinese dwarf hamster are all types of dwarf hamsters.

Things about the body

Depending on the species, dwarf hamsters are usually between 2 and 4 inches long and weigh between 0.5 and 1.5 ounces. Their bodies are round, and their legs and tails are short. Dwarf hamsters have large cheek pouches that they use to store food. This is one thing that makes them stand out.

Home and natural surroundings

Dwarf hamsters live in burrows in grasslands and semi-desert areas when they are in the wild. These burrows keep them safe from predators and give them a place to stay when the weather is bad. Dwarf hamsters are good at digging, and inside their burrows, they make complex networks of tunnels.

Characteristics of behavior

Most of the time, dwarf hamsters are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They have great hearing and a good sense of smell, which helps them find their way around. These small rodents are known for how agile they are and how fast they can move, which makes them fun to watch.

How Big Is a Dwarf Hamster?

As was already said, the size of a dwarf hamster depends on the species. Campbell's dwarf hamsters and Winter white dwarf hamsters are a little bit bigger than Roborovski dwarf hamsters, which are about 2 inches long.

Lifespan of a dwarf hamster

Dwarf hamsters live between 1.5 and 3 years on average. But some people have been known to live up to 4 years with good care and a healthy diet. Their lifespan may depend on their genes, their environment, and how healthy they are overall.

How to breed and have babies with dwarf hamsters

Dwarf hamsters can have babies when they are 5 to 7 weeks old. When males and females reach sexual maturity, it's important to keep them apart so they don't have babies they don't want.

Dwarf hamsters are pregnant for about 18 to 21 days, after which the female gives birth to a cute litter of baby hamsters. These tiny babies are born with no hair and can't see, but they grow quickly in the first few weeks.

Look after the dwarf hamster.

Most Common Health Problems

Even though dwarf hamsters are usually healthy animals, they can still get sick. Some common health problems are respiratory infections, wet tail (a bacterial infection), dental problems, and being overweight. It is very important to keep a close eye on your hamster's health and take it to the vet if you see any signs of illness.

Choosing the Right Size Cage and Bedding

When choosing a cage for your dwarf hamster, make sure it gives them enough room to move around and play. To keep animals from getting out, it's best to use wire cages with close-set bars. Don't use cages with plastic parts because hamsters might chew on them and then eat the plastic, which could be bad for their health.

For bedding, choose something safe and absorbent, like aspen shavings or paper-based bedding, to make a clean and comfortable space.

Diet and feeding schedule that are right

A well-balanced diet is important for your dwarf hamster's health as a whole. Their main food should be high-quality hamster pellets or lab blocks. They should also get fresh fruits, vegetables, and treats from time to time.

Don't give them foods that are high in sugar or fat, because they can make them fat and cause other health problems. A sipper bottle filled with fresh water should always be attached to the cage.

Playing and working out regularly

Dwarf hamsters are naturally active animals that need to run around and think about things. Give them a hamster ball or an exercise wheel so they can use up their extra energy.

You can also let your hamster explore a safe, enclosed area outside of its cage while you keep a close eye on it. Remember to get rid of any possible dangers and make sure there is no way out.

Most Common Health Problems

Signs of being sick

It is important to know the signs that your dwarf hamster might be sick. Changes in appetite, weight loss, tiredness, slouching, unusual discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea, excessive itching or scratching, and trouble breathing are some of these signs. If you see any of these signs, you need to get your pet to a vet right away.

Preventive Actions

There are several preventive steps you can take to keep your dwarf hamster healthy. Make sure their cage is clean and free of waste to keep bacteria from getting in. Give them a healthy, well-balanced diet to help their immune system.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature and keep their environment between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24°C) for comfort. Handle and talk to your hamster often to keep an eye on their behavior and catch any changes early.

Choices for treatments

If your dwarf hamster gets sick, you need to see a veterinarian who knows how to take care of small animals. They will be able to figure out what's wrong and suggest the best way to treat it. Depending on the condition, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and care to help the person feel better may be prescribed.

Dwarf Hamster: Interesting Facts

Things that are different

Dwarf hamsters are interesting pets because they have some unique traits. One interesting thing about them is that they can store food in pouches in their cheeks. This lets them gather and move food quickly. These pouches can get almost as big as their heads when they grow.

Interesting Things People Do

There are many interesting things that dwarf hamsters do. They like to dig holes, and they will spend hours digging tunnels and making complex underground systems. They also like to climb, run on exercise wheels, and play with toys in a way that involves both of them.

Strange Habits

Dwarf hamsters tend to save food, which is an odd thing for them to do. They will pick up any extra food and put it in different parts of their enclosure, just like they would do in the wild. This is how they make sure they have food when there isn't much around.

What kinds of dwarf hamsters are there?

There are many different kinds of dwarf hamsters, and each has its own unique traits. Campbell's dwarf hamster, which is also called the Russian dwarf hamster, is one of the most common. Its coat can be gray, brown, or white, among other colors.

Winter white dwarf hamsters, which are also called Djungarian hamsters, can change the color of their fur depending on the season. In the winter, their fur turns white. Roborovski dwarf hamsters are the smallest and fastest of the dwarf hamster species. They are known for moving quickly and having fur that looks like sand. Compared to other dwarf hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters have a slimmer body and a longer tail.

Pet Dwarf Hamsters

Both kids and adults love having dwarf hamsters as pets. They don't need much care and are easy to handle once they're used to being around people. But it's important to remember that they are small and fragile creatures that need to be handled with care and watched over, especially when children are around.

How They Get Along with Other Pets and People

Dwarf hamsters like to be with people, but they are mostly solitary animals and should be kept by themselves to avoid fights or injuries.

If you have other pets like cats or dogs, make sure they can't get into the hamster's cage because they might see it as food. Always watch how your hamster interacts with other pets to make sure everyone stays safe.

How to train and take care of a dwarf hamster

Positive reinforcement can be used to train dwarf hamsters to some extent. You can teach them easy tricks like coming to you when you hold out treats or doing what you say. But you have to be patient and consistent because each hamster is different and learns at its own pace.

Differences in the sexes of dwarf hamsters

Male and female dwarf hamsters look different, which makes it easy to tell which is which. Males' rear ends are usually bigger and rounder, while females' rear ends are smaller and more pointed. Also, males have scent glands on their flanks that they use to mark their territory.

Dwarf hamsters come in different types and colors.

There are many different colors and patterns of fur on dwarf hamsters, which adds to their appeal as pets. Dwarf hamsters' coats can be solid colors like black, white, or gray, or they can have patterns like spots, stripes, or even banded fur. This depends on the species and the individual's genes.

How the Dwarf Hamster is Different from Other Hamster Breeds

Even though dwarf hamsters and other types of hamsters have some things in common, like liking to burrow and being active at night, they are also very different.

Dwarf hamsters tend to be smaller than Syrian hamsters, which are the largest breed of hamster. They also need different kinds of care and act in different ways, which makes them each unique.

Conclusion

Dwarf hamsters are interesting pets that bring their owners a lot of joy and fun. You can make sure your dwarf hamster has a happy and healthy life by knowing what makes them unique, giving them the right care, and being aware of any possible health problems. Don't forget to give them a good place to live, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental challenges. Check on their health and take them to the vet when they need it.

Dwarf hamsters do and act in interesting ways that make them fun to watch. From the pouches in their cheeks to their tendency to burrow and save food, they do interesting things that show off their natural instincts. With the right care and training, you and your dwarf hamster can become very close.

It's important to remember that each species of dwarf hamster has its own needs and traits, so it's important to do research on the species you want to keep as a pet and learn what it needs. No matter if you choose a Campbell's dwarf hamster, a Winter white dwarf hamster, a Roborovski dwarf hamster, or a Chinese dwarf hamster, it's important to give them a loving and caring home.

In conclusion, dwarf hamsters make great pets that bring happiness and company to many homes. By knowing what makes them unique, giving them the care they need, and appreciating their habits, you can create a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your small furry friend.

[evikdpriagung]

20230421 #1 00.48 WIB

111/365 Days 12,056

Rewatching Miss World 2017. Sanya, China was the host country that year. Manushi Chillar of India 🇮🇳 took the title that year. Her runners up are Mexico 🇲🇽 (She become Miss Universe 2021) and England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. The top 5 are France 🇫🇷 and Kenya 🇰🇪. The top 10 are indonesia 🇮🇩, Jamaica 🇯🇲, South Korea 🇰🇷, Russia 🇷🇺 and South Africa 🇿🇦. The top 15 are El Salvador 🇸🇻, Japan 🇯🇵, Macau 🇲🇴, Mongolia 🇲🇳, Nigeria 🇳🇬. The top 40 are Argentina 🇦🇷, Bangladesh 🇧🇩, Botswana 🇧🇼, Brazil 🇧🇷, China 🇨🇳, Colombia 🇨🇴, Croatia 🇭🇷, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, Guatemala 🇬🇹, Italy 🇮🇹, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿, Lebanon 🇱🇧, Liberia 🇱🇷, Malta 🇲🇹, Moldova 🇲🇩, Nepal 🇳🇵, New Zealand 🇳🇿, Peru 🇵🇪, Philippines 🇵🇭, Poland 🇵🇱, Sweden 🇸🇪, Ukraine 🇺🇦, USA 🇺🇸, Venezuela 🇻🇪 and Vietnam 🇻🇳. Once again,from top 40 to top 25 and so on is not clear enough for me. I think like Russia and Indonesia can go further. I love Korea as well. Here is my score

Finalist: 9

Semifinalist: 9

Stage: 8.5

Music: 8

Quarantine Activity: 8.5

MC: 9

Entertainment: 7.5

Flow of Programme: 8

AVERAGE: 8.44/10

Source Picture: Google

#Review #Opinion #Beauty #Pageant #Pageantry #GrandSlam #MissWorld #MissWorld2017 #ManushiChhillar #India #Youtube #Friday #April #21st #2023 #TowerKemuning #KalibataCity #Jakarta #Indonesia

[gkathleenk]

PHILIPPINES

DAY ONE

When traveling to the Philippines, you do not need to have a visa, unless you are staying for longer than 3 months. The most popular months that tourist visit is April, because May-October is the peak travelling season for Europe. There are 7,641 Islands comprising the Philippines, and stretches 300,000 square kilometers. The Philippines has a very tropical and maritime climate. The average temperature during the summer is 82 °F, and the average temperature in the winter is 71 °F. People recommend packing sunscreen, water, lightweight clothing, and Pepto-Bismol. People also recommend bringing a translation book because the official language is Filipino.

The place I chose to stay at in the Philippines is The Anahaw Cabin, located in Tanauan, an hour drive away from the capital of Manilla. The cabin costs $106 per night, but Philippines use the Philippines peso, making it ₱ 6121.71. I was only staying one night because I missed my home in America, so my total was ₱ 6121.71 before taxes.

The first thing I decided to do in the Philippines is visit Fort Santiago. Built by Spaniards in 1571, Fort Santiago has a perimeter of 2,030 feet and is located along the Pasig River in Manilla. The entrance fee is ₱ 75 ($1.30). Spain ruled over the Philippines from 1565 to 1821. Spain brought over their laws, literature, and religion into the Philippines, but Filipino people have been able to build up their own culture since Spain left. 79.5% of people in the Philippines are Roman Catholic, and another 9% belong to other branches of Christianity. This is one thing that had stayed from Spain's control.

After visiting Fort Santiago, I went to Manila Ocean Park. Admissions into the park are ₱ 680 ($11.77) and that gives you access to the entire place. Manila Ocean Park has many special events you can watch, they have an all star bird show, a sea lion show, and a penguin feeding. All of their events are at the same time, so you have to pick just one you would like to go to. I chose to do the penguin feeding because it seems the most fun.

After ocean park, I decided to get something to eat. I got the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, adobo. Adobo is marinated meat, garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and bay leaves on top of rice. People usually use chicken or pork for their adobo, but you can also get squid, fish, or vegetables. Adobo is a dish that comes from Portugal and Spain. I wanted to try the national drink of the Philippines to wash down my meal, but their national drink is San Miguel Beer, meaning I could not drink it. The legal drinking age in the Philippines is 18, but I am only 17. After my meal, I wanted to get dessert. The unofficial national dessert of the Philippines is halo-halo. Halo-halo is layers of shaved ice and condensed milk. It is like ice cream, meaning you can get it in many flavors. Halo-halo translates to “mix-mix” in Tagalog, a variety of Filipino dialect.

DAY TWO

Today I was leaving the Philippines after my very short visit. Even though I only stayed one day here, I feel as if I learned a ton about the history of the Philippines and what to expect when I travel here again in the future. I did enjoy the activities I went on, and the food was amazing. I liked the food more than the food in Mongolia.

[toughgirlchallenges]

Allie Bailey - Ultra runner, Running 1,000+ miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in 35-days

Allie spent a lot of her life seeking approval from people she thought were cool, believing that in order to be successful, you had to act a certain way. For her, success is seeing someone who doesn't believe they can do something transform into someone who does.

After working for major record labels for 12 years, Allie realised that music, which she had once loved, was slowly killing her. Her dream career had turned her into a nightmare, and she was completely lost. Allie has struggled to find her place and suffers from depressive demons, anxiety, and existential misery.

After taking part in the inaugural Rat Race Test Pilot trip to Mongolia in 2018, she realised it was the first time she had truly had time to stop, think, and be completely at peace. Fast forward, after three and a half years, numerous journeys, a pandemic, some questionable decisions, and a lot of planning and running, Allie is now coaching other people to do amazing things.

Allie holds several world firsts to her name, including running across Mongolia's Lake Khovsgol and crossing the Namib Desert twice. Allie is the first woman to run the entire length of the Panama Canal. She has also run the length of the Outer Hebrides, crossed Scotland on packraft and foot several times, and completed over 100 marathons and 60-70 ultramarathons, including nine 100-mile plus races.

Allie started running 10 years ago and have only being doing the ultra thing for 6 years, but she absolutely love it. It's a game changer. Allie believes that it is something that anyone of any age and from any background can participate in.

Allie has been extremely lucky to have discovered something she truly enjoys doing, and her favorite thing in the entire world is seeing people achieve things they never thought were possible

"There's nobody funner than an Ultrarunner" - Allie Bailey

  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out. 

The Tough Girl Podcast is being sponsored throughout March by Inov-8. www.inov-8.com

Get involved with the #MarchDailyMile Challenge. Run 1 mile everyday in March. 

* We have previously spoken with Allie on 18th Dec 2018 - Listen here 

  FYI marked as *Explicit - as there are a few little swear words!

  Show Notes

Who is Allie Bailey

Meeting her dogs!

Why ultra running and why she loves it 

Writing her book 

How running helps with her mental health 

Being able to process her thoughts 

Going more into adventure running

Her favourite distance to run…

Liking 100 mile races

LEJOG - Lands End to John O’Groats

The ultimate dream 

Working with Rat Race 

Starting on the 1st June 2022

Running on average 35 miles a day

The hardest part of the LEJOG challenge

The mental side of the challenge

The challenges of being away from home

What a typical day looked like 

Starting with the South West Coast Path

Running 44 miles into Bristol over 12 hrs

Chocolate milk

Being in bed asleep by 8pm

Snacking all day

Having a rest day once a week 

Staying injury free throughout the journey 

Wanting to finish the run

Voltarol gel to help with the pain

Using bonjela to numb blisters 

Wearing Inov-8 Parkclaw G280 - for 750 miles (then wearing a second pair for the final 250 miles) - “the greatest shoe of all time”

The ultra playlist on Spotify - The Bailey Ultra Sound System 

Getting to Scotland and the final few days 

Spending time by herself towards the end 

Getting to John O’Groats and doing the final mile 

Feeling underwhelmed with what she had achieved 

What she would have done differently 

Wishing she had done more strength training before she left

Costs of taking on a challenge like this 

RAT RACE: RUN BRITANNIA

Dragons Back Race, Wales 

Getting timed out on day 2 

Why it was the most intense thing she’s ever done

Feeling like a fraud 

Taking herself out of the situation

The lessons learned from the experience

Wanting to go back in 2024 and try again

Blog Post - FAILING WHILE DARING GREATLY - THE REAL REASONS THAT DRAGONS BACK RACE IS THE TOUGHEST MOUNTAIN RACE IN THE WORLD. 

Not being kind to herself

Being able to reframe the situation 

Time off in 2023…..

Planning to do her first 200 miler and wanting to run all the Wainwrights in a year

Taking 10 days off running!!!

How you can connect with Allie

Final words of wisdom and advice for women who want to get into running and take it to the next level

Finding your people, find your tribe, find your people 

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[eruverse]

(Nsfw) dicc size ranking

Sorry this dumb post has to be put out there someday, that day is today, I’ve been ranking my OCs plus non OCs and all that jazz

Not indicative of race whatsoever this is individualized and for fun

Big dick company: Turkey > Kazakhstan > Ivan, Gokturk (?)

Turkey is ass destroyer whose equipment is worth all those cheesy equivalents in smut fics. With that I mean pls get the hell out of his vicinity because he’s a literal murderer with it. Literally should be banned. And he’s Very Obnoxious about it never change Turkey.

Kazakhstan is huge but still quite humane. Sometimes this makes him obnoxious but he’s conservative and a prude so it’s cute most of the time. Would be lying if it doesn’t increase his self esteem to 180% tho.

Ivan is big but he’s proportional (unlike Turkey and Kaz) because he’s alrd big everywhere else. Anw he doesn’t care about how big he is he barely cares about sex for sex’s sake in general.

Gokturk is like an ancient god let his dicc be a mystery.

Slightly above average to average: Chagatai > Golden Horde = Timurid > Blue Horde = Yuan > Mongolia (thicc and short) > Ilkhanate

Average to small: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Anyway large dicc size isn’t synonymous with good fuck, most of the absolute gentleman are in the slightly above average to average and average to small groups. And Turkey should be banned.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

A Friend: The Pallus Cat

The pallus cat (Felis manul), originally known as the manul in Mongolia, is a species of small wild cat endemic to Central Asia. Their range is restricted to by their primary prey, pika (Ochotona sp.). These rodents only live in grasslands or rocky steppes, and so while the pallus cat may occasionally indulge in other rodents or small birds if they can catch them, they rely on the pika and thus almost exclusively live in rocky steppes or lowland areas up to an altitude of 4,800m. As predators themselves, F. manul face few natural threats, though large eagles and red foxes occasionally prey on kittens.

The body of the manul is round, exaggerated by its long, dense fur. In fact, F. manul has the longest, densest fur of any cat: hair on their back can grow to be 7cm in length, and some parts of the body have up to 9,000 hairs/cm2. All this serves to keep this species warm in central Asia’s frigid winters. Their fur is usually gray, with darker gray or light gold accents. Another exageratting feature of the pallas cat is its tail; the pallas cat’s total length is about 90cm, but their tail accounts for about a third of that length. Generally they don’t weigh much more than a house cat, at 2-5kg, despite their rotund appearance. However, one way to distinguish the pallas cat from house cats (and most other feline species) is that the pallas cat’s pupils contract in small circles, rather than slits.

Little is known about F. manul’s behavior, as they are both incredibly rare and extremely solitary. They are active mainly at night, and likely spend most of their time hunting. During the day, individuals seek shelter in caves and rocky crevices, or the abandoned dens of other animals if no other suitable shelter is available. Individuals maintain large territories, ranging from 20.9 to 207.0 km2. Usually one male’s territory will overlap or encompass that of several females, though they don’t interact outside mating.

Breeding only occurs once a year, and in a very short window as females are only reproductively receptive for about 3 days. Males become aggressive and territorial at the start of the breeding season, towards the end of winter, and mark areas with their scent to attract females. After mating, males and females go their separate ways. Pregnancies last 66-75 days, and mothers give birth to a litter of 3-6 kittens sometime between April and May. These kittens are initially blind and deaf, though they gain full senses and motor control after about a month. F. manul young start hunting when they’re only 5 months old, and become fully independent and sexually mature by the time they’re a year. The average lifespan is about 11-12 years.

Conservation status: Because they are hard to study in the wild, it’s difficult to make estimates about their population size. The IUCN ranks the pallas cat as Near Threatened, due to past hunting practices that targeted F. manul for its fur. Though hunting has been outlawed in Mongolia and China, the decline of pika due to rodent control measures is a serious threat to the pallas cat’s food source.

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Photos

Steven Ross

Shanyuan Li (this photo actually won Wildlife Photographer of the year in 2020)

Karin Sturzenegger