#because for a country a foreigner is primarily a resource

[kamreadsandrecs]

Title: Stars of Chaos (Sha Po Lang) Vol. 5

Author: priest (trans. Lily and Louise)

Genre/s: danmei, historical, steampunk, science fiction, fantas, romance

Content/Trigger Warning/s: death, blood, war, murder, descriptions of era-appropriate medical techniques

Summary (from publisher's website): DAWN OF A NEW ERA

With the Wolf King in the north defeated, Great Liang turns its full attention to the war’s southern front, where the Westerners have occupied the fertile land of Jiangnan. Gu Yun races south to lead Great Liang’s fledgling navy, while Chang Geng is recalled to the capital to solve the pressing matter of funding the war effort.

Yet the imperial court is no less treacherous than the battlefield. As Chang Geng walks a precarious path where one misstep could brand him a traitor or worse, he begins to suspect that Gu Yun is in more danger than he lets on. Chang Geng will stop at nothing to bring an end to the war and build a nation where his beloved can lay down his armor and live, at long last, in peace.

Buy Here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/stars-of-chaos-sha-po-lang-novel-vol-5-priest/21410769

Spoiler-Free Review: Ah, this was a lovely conclusion to the series! The author said she wanted to write a “fairytale for kidults” in the Author’s Note at the end, and that was certainly accomplished with this series.

This is only the second danmei series I’ve read; the first one was Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi/MDZS) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu/MXTX, and I think I vastly prefer this one to MDZS. I say this primarily on the strength of the author’s worldbuilding: compared to the world of MDZS, the world of this series is much more detailed and thought out, and the plot certainly feels a lot more complex and expansive than the plot of MDZS.

As I’ve mentioned in reviews for the previous volumes, the way the plot interacts with the romance between Chang Geng and Gu Yun is done very well, though now at the end of the series I find that the characters are largely static in their development after events midway through the fourth volume. While there’s nothing wrong with characters not developing much past a certain point in a series, it does show that a lot of their romance is driven by things that happen to them. Fortunately this is a minor issue in the overall scheme of things, though I did finding myself raising an eyebrow at how often Chang Geng’s schemes seemed to fall perfectly into place.

Another concern that readers might miss is how the author portrays the Celestial Wolf tribes: that is to say, with very little nuance. Which, all right, makes sense when one remembers that the whenever the reader encounters a character or characters from the tribes they are often seen through the eyes of people from Great Liang, who are more likely to think of them in derogatory stereotypes because of the antagonistic relationship between the two nations. But if one considers this portrayal in light of the fact that Great Liang wants to colonize the tribes’ territories in order to gain access to its vast reserves of violet gold, that alters the character of that antagonism. From that perspective, the tribes can be viewed as indigenous peoples fighting to maintain their freedom and their rights to their lands, which are coveted by a foreign power who see those lands solely through the lens of resource extraction.

Unfortunately, this angle is not one that’s portrayed clearly in the novel, or at least, the Great Liang characters who talk about it don’t see anything wrong with their country’s colonial project. Similarly troubling is the utter silence at the end of series, implying the fate of the Celestial Wolf tribes and the fate of their lands. Readers who aren’t conscious of the nature of colonialism will likely miss this angle, but other readers - especially those who are aware of China’s aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea - will pick it up fairly easily, and will view both Great Liang and the Celestial Wolf tribes through different eyes.

The same can be said for the portrayal of the people from the Dongying islands, which is clearly a stand-in for Japan. Constantly portrayed as conniving and treacherous, the lack of nuance for their portrayal is more stark compared to how the Celestial Wolf tribes are portrayed. Considering the deep cultural enmity between China and Japan as a result of Japan’s imperialistic stance before and during World War 2, I suppose it’s not difficult to see why they would be painted as the villains in this fantasy world.

However, even with these pitfalls in mind, this volume and the series as a whole are immensely entertaining and fun to read. While a lot of that is down to the author, credit must be given to the translators as well. I’m not entirely sure if they’re amateurs or professional translators, but either way they have done an excellent job. It also makes me wonder if the larger SFF imprints will eventually pick up danmei works and translate them; it’ll be interesting to see someone like Ken Liu, for instance, who is both a genre author and a translator, work on a danmei series and see what someone with more professional translation experience can do.

Overall, this series was a great read, and definitely a step up from my previous experience reading MDZS. It’s unfortunate that this series doesn’t get the same universal love as MDZS, since its strong worldbuilding and expansive and layered plot would definitely appeal to readers of more mainstream SFF, who might consider the romance a nice bonus but not the most important thing about the story. While this series is not without its issues, thematically, it is still a thoroughly entertaining experience and worth losing a few days of one’s life in.

Rating: five train engines

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Matthew Downhour at The UnPopulist:

Both during the 2024 campaign and in the current debates regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s appointments—particularly for Tulsi Gabbard (director of national intelligence), Pete Hegseth (secretary of defense), and other national security positions—one of the common but rather puzzling insults thrown at Democrats is that they are “warmongers.” This may come as a surprise, given that Joe Biden was the president who finally ended the war in Afghanistan, while Trump famously canceled the nuclear deal with Iran and ordered the assassination of its most important military operative. The key idea behind the notion that Democrats are warmongers—and that Donald Trump, by contrast, is a dove—appears to be that Democrats are prone to starting wars because they are “globalists,” never putting America first and always getting too involved in everyone else’s business. And these Democratic “globalists,” either through idealistic do-goodery or to protect and advance cosmopolitan economic interests, actively look to draw the United States into foreign conflicts.

Certainly, the ostensible danger of overseas trade has often been used—as by Thomas Jefferson and Herbert Hoover—as a justification to limit that trade. But as a characterization of Democrats, it just isn’t accurate. In the U.S. and elsewhere, internal coalitions that denigrate foreign trade have often been the most bellicose. Their coalitions have the least to lose from war, and swearing off free trade makes seizing resources through force more attractive. This means that the incoming “America First” coalition is likely to increase, not decrease, the risk of the U.S. entering into international conflict.

Nationalist Coalitions Provoke International Hostilities

The history surrounding the First World War provides a framework for understanding our current moment. In a 2014 article in International Security, published a century after the war first began, Etel Solingen evaluates the way countries’ internal and external politics interact to create more or less bellicose states. Comparing China with Imperial Germany 100 years earlier, Solingen argues that the primary driver of foreign policy is domestic political coalitions, which tend towards being either more inward-looking or more internationalizing. Inward-looking coalitions prefer autarkic economies that in turn favor local, static elites. This is especially attractive to those who have gained their status and wealth through local dominance of internationally non-competitive economic sectors. Because a modern economy requires a variety of resources, however, this disavowal of free trade means inward-looking coalitions are perhaps misnamed, as they in fact seek opportunities to gain natural resources and control markets outside the borders of the metropole, primarily through imperialism or settler colonialism.

Internationalizing coalitions, by contrast, are made up of “internationalists,” those more dynamic economic and cultural elites for whom global interaction and free trade is an opportunity, not a threat. Internationally competitive industrialists may fall in this category, as do many academics, cultural producers, and others who benefit from free international trade. Though in the U.S., and earlier, the U.K., such figures may see the value in a strong navy to protect sea lanes, they generally are more dovish and find both the taxes needed to run a military and the disruptions caused by warfare to be contrary to their economic and ideological interests. Cosmopolitanism tends to trump nationalism in their hierarchy of values.

An inward-looking coalition dominated Germany in the run-up to 1914 in an arrangement called the “Marriage of Iron and Rye.” Starting in the 1870s, the noble, landowning Junkers demanded protectionist tariffs to guard against cheap American grain, while industrialists sought the same to keep out British manufactured goods. Solingen argues that this preponderance of inward-looking forces reduced the war aversion of the German Empire. This coalition was more prone to brinkmanship than a more internationalizing coalition would have been—the Democratic Party, by contrast, would not lead the U.S. to enter the war until several years after its outbreak. Solingen also notes the importance of Germany’s neighbors in contributing to the outbreak of the war, cataloging how Austria, Serbia, and Russia also were influenced by strong inward-looking coalitions, which also influenced their appetite for brinkmanship and willingness to enter into a war that devastated internationalist interests for decades after.

Solingen concluded that China of 2014 was still dominated by an internationalizing coalition, and that despite rising nationalism, reliance on foreign trade and direct investment meant it was likely to remain conflict-averse. The last 10 years, however, have seen Chinese interests grow increasingly inward-looking, as the country imposes controls on key material exports and seeks greater economic self-sufficiency. Other major rivals of the United States like Russia and Iran have been forced by international sanctions to also adopt an autarkic worldview, leaving primarily “inward looking” (though imperialist) coalitions in charge of those countries. The ingredients for a more dangerous world, in other words, are mixing at precisely the moment the U.S. has itself turned in a similar direction.

[...]

America First Cronyism and Bellicosity

The ideal of self-contained autarky does not mean, as one might suppose, a less interventionist view on the world. Instead, eroding the norms of free trade obligates an advanced economy to have direct access to whatever resources it might need, or else a way to ensure the countries it buys from are perpetually in friendly hands. America’s own history can be something of a guide here—the same presidents (William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft) who presided over the high tariffs of the Gilded Age also committed the United States to annexing Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, and creating a virtual empire out of most of Latin America. Coalitions that are generally inward-looking are not above having their eyes wander avariciously to foreign soil. Far from facilitating a peaceful transition to “America First” isolationism, a United States traveling this path is likely to be less averse to bellicosity and more willing to risk war, having weakened any internal commercial or civil society coalition that might push back against it. In fact, any pushback, at least from corporate America, is likely to be muted. Under an “America First” regime, firms will have strong incentive to join the inward-looking coalition if they can, much like Prussian industrialists and farmers a century ago. The major economic policy of the Trump campaign was sweeping tariffs on foreign goods. If these tariffs operate to “protect” American industries from competition, history suggests that those industries will become dependent on tariffs for their very viability, causing firms to see trade as a liability, not an opportunity. Commercial interests will be less willing to resist autocratic encroachments because their futures will be dictated largely by the whims of the Trump administration’s tariff policy—as well as any economic aid doled out to industries affected by retaliatory tariffs, as agriculture was during the last Trump administration. Solingen notes that with inward-looking coalitions, “External insecurity and competition offer rationales for extracting societal resources, collecting monopoly rents, creating cartels, rewarding protectionist constituencies, and undermining internationalizing competitors.” By 1914, very few interests remained in continental Europe that could forcefully stand against the road to war; internationalist coalitions had been politically beaten in most states.

Many of these trends are already notable today. For example, the specter of external insecurity was used by the first Trump administration to justify emergency tariffs on steel and other goods, and similarly the Biden administration argued for the strategic necessity of tariffs on electric vehicles and photovoltaic cells. The close connection between Elon Musk and the Trump transition team creates myriad new opportunities to undercut competitors and reward Musk’s own companies, including by the use of foreign policy. For example, Vice President-elect JD Vance’s threat to pull back from NATO commitments if the European Union regulates X in ways the administration disapproves of clearly shows preference for one business over similarly positioned ones, precisely because, with Musk’s promotion of accounts opposing immigration as well as aid to Ukraine, X is a key media player in the broader inward-looking coalition. Other key players may be less flamboyant than Musk but it is safe to assume that they are similarly adjusting their strategies to better survive an inward-looking coalition, and, in so doing, strengthening the coalition itself.

The fascist-elect’s economy-crushing tariffs will lead America to the road to war that no one wants.

[goblins-riddles-or-frocks]

What would he have made his priorities after being the king? I mean politically? If he had worked at all that is.

GREAT QUESTION it frankly drives me kind of insane that we never get any hint whatsoever about how he’s running the country while he does briefly take over from S&S through R&R. Like what are his POLICIES!! What is he DOING??

But also, realistically, he is not going to cancel wars with the Shadow Fold threat lol. Like that is only the beginning of a really long and drawn out foreign relations catastrophe. I talked about this a little bit in a different context awhile ago but he doesn’t strike me as a character with a firm end goal… ever. There’s always going to be more to do.

But like a civil war is going to fuck up the country no matter what. So I’d assume, regardless, there’s going to be a fair bit of immediate picking up the pieces economically. He doesn’t at all seem like he cares about public opinion, beyond being scary enough so people know not to fuck with him. So he’d probably have no qualms with making drastic and highly unpopular reforms lol.

We really don’t know enough about his stances but he seems to be primarily: a nationalist, an autocrat, prioritizing military strength, distinctly favoring Grisha interests, and also shdhfgfd against industrialization and technological advancement. He also favors the perceived good of the many over the interests and well being of any individual, and is very happy to make sacrifices of many, many lives to achieve fairly petty goals. He's a fantasy fascist basically.

The books somewhat superficially equate him with Russian revolutionary figures. But I don't think there's enough... actual ideology to back that up very much. And rapid industrialization and transitioning the Soviet Union from a primarily agrarian based economy was itself a key part of it? So... he's not much of a Stalin. If we're trying to sus out his policies I could see him being something of an anti Peter the Great, where instead of forced Westernization, you have an incredibly set in his ways immortal autocrat trying to drag everyone back to the values and traditions of his youth. (Which would also make narrative sense, considering Nikolai, as the Darkling-lite foil, seems to have def been based on some aspects of Peter the Great's youth and interest in innovation, if not his personality)

So for example, he seems like he'd favor isolationism. His idea of "peace" is "don't fuck with me or I'll make my monster filled interdimensional rift eat you." And we know Ravka is in intense debt! I could easily see him seizing the nobility's wealth and using it to pay off any debts owed to foreign countries. And then if anything's left over to stockpile resources towards making Ravka more self sufficient. Maybe even melt the gold and silver out of churches to that purpose.

(I forget which historical figure literally melted down church crosses dfghj but that was a thing! iirc incidentally he also stripped the silver from the currency, absolutely destroying its value...)

By RoW he seems to have embraced the entire like religious propaganda side of things. But in the trilogy proper he seems to hate the church. So resources going to it in any way will probs be diverted. And I could even see him gradually trying to repurpose the buildings for other things. They're on the tail end of a civil war, there's probs a lot of displaced people that could be put there for a start.

S&B meanwhile establishes that he has some pretty distinct opinions about how all the Grisha need to pretend to live like peasants so as not to forget their roots or whatever. I think he *would* enact really harsh regulations and reforms on court life just because he hates it so bad lol. Taxes on parties, insane sumptuary laws for everyone but his favored Grisha soldiers. He's had centuries and centuries to hate changing social norms. I think he'd go nuts if given the opportunity to dictate everything. Generally I think there would be a mix of skyrocketing taxes and reforms to an actual purpose (bolstering the economy and stripping material power from the nobility) but also just to be a petty, temperamental autocrat.

Def also criminalizing dissent and making examples of any opposition immediately. Can't have another revolution threatening his revolution. Again, here I'm annoyed by how little the world is fleshed out, because we get nothing about the nobility. Noble families with any sort of longstanding ties or known friendship with the Lantsovs would probs get executed day one. Stripped of titles and lands etc and then taking those and giving them to his own supporters. (Who are they? Good fucking question! He has one Ivan and then even he fucking dies. But realistically... he would have... supporters?)

He'd probs want to get a firmer grip on West Ravka stat, and maybe invest in some military expansion to control more ports. An issue I forever have with the Grishaverse worldbuilding is that it's just so small? There are only like five countries? Trade and foreign policy just aren't going to Look Like That or mimic a nineteenth/twentieth century vibe if there are only five fucking countries dfghjkl but whatever. Whatever.

I could also see him favoring exports over imports. Stopping all trade seems destabilizing af so I doubt he’d go there but seems likely he'd try to decrease any dependency Ravka has on other countries in favor of self sufficiency and isolationism. Maybe taxing imports so bad that it's just not worth it. Regulating the exact details of what can be imported, when, why, etc.

Speaking of the earlier impending foreign relations catastrophe. I think if he’s scary enough he might manage to avoid an all out war on all fronts? Might. Because there’s also a really good case to be made for attacking Ravka while its still weak and reeling from the civil war. But if he’s lucky, the surrounding countries will take a “wait and see” stance. But like there will be consequences eventually. Consider the Shadow Fold an in-universe fantasy nuke in the hands of a power hungry ruler who has zero qualms with any scale of loss of life or just murdering civilians for the lols. He’s proven himself to be unstable and unreasonable so even if there isn’t an immediate declaration of war there is going to be a response to that. No one’s going to be chill!! And like SoC and KoS context tells us that there is parem on the horizon, along with the Grisha super soldiers in Shu Han, the druskelle getting wayyyy more sophisticated and a general trajectory of rapid military industrialization and advancement through out the world. Those are playing pieces that would be on the board regardless, but it’s just going to get so much uglier under those circumstances. And especially with the knowledge and context that the Darkling is completely fucking unreasonable and ready to war crime anyone who looks at him funny.

I guess siding with Fjerda in S&S could hypothetically be advantageous to him here actually? Like we do not know the terms of that alliance at all, and I doubt it would hold for long. But it breaks up the framing of everyone vs Ravka. And opens things up for anyone else to respond by trying to get on his good side against their own enemies. And once again. There are only five countries lmao. So a tense balance of powers situation might be feasible, but I think it would hinge on him not looking like he’s completely insane. Possibly ironic, but the fact that he seems to have only war crimed his own damn country is likely also useful here. Other governments typically don’t care/won’t get involved to a degree of outright declaring war over that. And it leaves some room for arguing that he’s capable of some restraint. So how quickly things go to hell probably depends on whether he goes back on any alliances or makes good on/is cornered into making good on his Shadow Fold threat.

So I don't know, basically I think there's a ton you could extrapolate from his personality, actual world history, and like fascist takeover 101 sdfghj but it's also somewhat unsatisfying to speculate about because it's impossible not to constantly run into thin points in the worldbuilding. But basically I think he would probably rule with an eye for sweeping, harsh reforms, consolidating power, and chipping away at any opposition or potential adversary, with a general decided disinterest in the popularity or lack thereof of any of his policies. And I also think unless someone got him to take a deep breath and chill out for five minutes and relearn the value of diplomacy things would get. how you say. really fucking bad.

This was incredibly unorganized I hope it answered your question at all sdfghj

[the-pumpkween]

I was in high school in 2003, military family, hyper conservative Christian upbringing. My cousins were in that war, some of my friends. I want to add the context of propaganda here, from a personal side, beyond the people calling the shots. Because people I loved joined up drunk on this idea of American righteousness and justice: a lie that cost them their lives in some cases, their sanity in others. Some are still haunted by the things they did, that their government convinced them was in service of justice.

In the years following 9/11, everything was spun as getting "justice" for those killed in terrorist attacks. The news told us we were going into Iraq because we were following "the terrorists." The US was "rooting out evil." They were "forcing us" to hunt them down and find them, and destroy everything our path while doing it. We'd gloss over the deaths and destabilization, much like we fully left out that the Taliban in Afghanistan was set up by our own government before we went to war with them. The cleverness of a "war on terror" is terror can be anywhere. And if you keep your people terrified, they will back you up in continuing your father's oil wars in the middle east indefinitely. (You may note the similarities in how many news outlets talk about Israel's genocide in Gaza. That terrorist language justifying mass murder is the same.)

Americans are in some ways the picture of fragile masculinity. There had not been a foreign attack against the US since Pearl Harbor, and that shook people. We could not look weak. Weak is the worst thing an American can be, and what weakness means to those folks is nonviolent. They hit one of our cities? We have to destabilize a whole region. Under that was still greed, taking control of resources under the guise of justice, and white supremacy--evil in the early 2000s meant brown skin, nonwestern dress, or any knowledge whatsoever of Islam . So, while I learned many years later that many people opposed the war, I can say honestly, it never crossed my mind that going into Iraq was unreasonable. Everyone I knew--absolutely everyone, saw that action as defending our country, and getting justice for our dead. I would go so far as to say the media--and my family didn't watch fox, this was abc, nbc, all over --made it sound like our military actions were preventing WWIII.

As a progressive, primarily anarchist human being now, who's broken up with that culture and religion, I tell you all this so you can recognize that it is baffling to you because you see the facts of history, but you were not there for the spin they put on it, strong enough to convince people to die in service to greed and hate, and believe they are doing justice and mercy the whole time.

Question the stories your government tells you. Never trust messages of patriotism, even subtle, kind seeming ones. Listen to the voices of the other side, even if it makes you scared or uncomfortable. The brainwashing that fear and patriotism create is powerful, and it took me years to unlearn it.

That war seems insane, but what should tell you more than the confusion we have about it in hindsight is the ardor and love for country that so many Americans felt that fueled it.

I missed most of the Iraq war due to being a baby, but every time I read about it I start wondering why we aren’t all talking about it all of the time

[schiffsovereign]

I’m far more concerned about the deficit than World War 3 [Podcast]

I can understand why so many people are worried about World War 3 breaking out. It’s a completely rational concern. I just don’t happen to share it.

Why? Because regardless of the debate over whether the US strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities were a good idea, or a reckless risk of another expensive foreign entanglement, one thing is indisputable: America reminded the world of its immense military capabilities.

There’s not a single adversary nation that wants to risk armed conflict with the US after watching those stealth bombers obliterate their targets.

And the proof is already here: Iran’s foreign minister flew to Moscow seeking military support from Russia... and Putin offered absolutely nothing except for strong words.

This is why I’m more convinced than ever that World War 3 is NOT going to break out over this conflict: no other country wants F-35s or B-2 stealth bombers in their airspace, let alone the 75th Ranger Regiment and ‘Delta Force’ special operators.

There’s now a great deal of debate over the wisdom of the air strikes, including within the President’s own party.

I’m extremely sympathetic to the view that America cannot afford yet another foreign occupation brought on by regime change in the Middle East; it should hardly be controversial to say that a country should avoid pointless and unwinnable conflicts.

At the same time, it should also be uncontroversial to see obvious benefit in ensuring that your sworn enemy does not have nuclear bombs.

As I wrote yesterday, a fairly conservative cost estimate of the air strikes, naval deployment, and assistance to Israeli air defense is around $1 billion. That’s not nothing.

But it’s also clear that the government spends a lot more than that on completely idiotic and pointless programs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics spends more than $1 billion each year just to publish dubious economic reports that private companies (like ADP) already produce for free... and with greater accuracy. Would anyone rationally argue that the Bureau’s reports are more important than neutralizing a nuclear threat?

Unfortunately I’m not sure anyone in Washington is engaging in this kind of rational cost/benefit analysis... which is why the US has a $36 trillion national debt.

Private businesses and individuals have to make these rational decisions every day about how to allocate scarce resources— primarily time, money, and energy. The government, on the other hand, pretends that it has unlimited, infinite resources.

And this ‘unlimited resource’ mentality is FAR more concerning to me than the prospect of World War 3.

Without a change, the US could easily find itself in an existential financial crisis within the next eight years. I’m not being dramatic.

And in today’s podcast, we explain why and how that’s likely; we discuss:

CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast.

The podcast transcript is available to you here.

P.S. The clock is ticking—America likely has eight years at most before a financial crisis unleashes runaway inflation.

Foreign central banks know it. They’re dumping dollars and buying gold.

But they’re not buying small, overlooked gold companies—some producing for $1,000/oz and trading below their cash on hand.

That’s where the real opportunity lies: low downside, massive upside.

Our 4th Pillar research has already uncovered multiple winners—up 2–3x—and others could take off any day.

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[elementramarketing]

HRD Attestation: Unlocking the True Value of Your Educational Documents

Understanding the vital role of HRD attestation in authenticating academic certificates for global acceptance

In a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, education is the passport to countless opportunities abroad. Whether you’re a student aiming to pursue higher studies overseas, a professional seeking to validate your credentials for a foreign job, or simply someone planning to settle abroad, your academic documents often need to be recognized and accepted internationally. This is where HRD attestation becomes an essential step. But what exactly is HRD attestation, and why is it so important? Let’s take a closer look, weaving together the story of this crucial process in a way that feels both simple and personal.

What Is HRD Attestation and Why Does It Matter?

HRD stands for the Human Resource Development Department, a government body primarily concerned with education and skill development. HRD attestation refers to the official verification of educational documents by this department, ensuring that the certificates issued by schools, colleges, or universities are genuine and meet the required standards.

Imagine Sneha, who completed her undergraduate degree in India and has now received an admission offer from a prestigious university in Australia. Before she can start her journey, her transcripts and degree certificates must undergo HRD attestation. This attestation confirms to the Australian institution that Sneha’s academic credentials are legitimate and have been verified by the competent Indian authority. Without this stamp of authenticity, her admission process could face delays or even rejection.

This step is critical because many countries require educational documents to be attested by the HRD before further verification by other authorities like the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or foreign embassies. HRD attestation builds the foundation of trust that international institutions and employers rely on.

How Does the HRD Attestation Process Work?

The HRD attestation process typically begins once you have secured your original educational documents. The first step involves submitting these documents to the Human Resource Development Department of the state where the educational institution is located. Each state has its own HRD department, which acts as the first official verifier.

The department examines the documents carefully, cross-checking details with the issuing university or educational board. They verify the authenticity of the degree, diploma, or certificate and then place an attestation stamp or certificate on the documents. This process may take some time, depending on the state and the number of applications being processed.

After the HRD attestation, your documents are often forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for further attestation if you plan to use them abroad. The MEA attestation confirms the legitimacy of the HRD verification and prepares the documents for international acceptance.

Understanding these steps can help you better prepare your documents and timeline, making the entire attestation journey less stressful and more predictable.

Why Is HRD Attestation Crucial for Students and Professionals?

For students like Sneha, HRD attestation is not just a formality but a gateway to fulfilling their academic dreams overseas. Universities in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK require HRD attested certificates as proof that the student’s qualifications are valid and recognized in their home country. This attestation can influence the success of admission applications and the issuance of student visas.

Professionals aiming to work abroad also rely heavily on HRD attestation. Whether it’s a degree certificate, professional diploma, or vocational qualification, HRD attestation assures employers that the candidate’s educational background is authentic. This can be critical for visa approvals, licensing, or job placements in foreign countries.

Even for those pursuing higher studies within India, certain government jobs or educational programs may require HRD attested documents, further emphasizing its importance.

The Real-Life Impact of HRD Attestation: Stories from the Ground

Consider Rajesh, a software engineer who received a job offer from a multinational company in Germany. His employer insisted on HRD attested degree certificates before proceeding with his work visa. Initially unaware of the process, Rajesh faced some delays, but after understanding the importance of HRD attestation, he promptly got his documents verified. The attestation not only validated his credentials but also expedited his visa approval, allowing him to start his career in Germany without further hurdles.

Similarly, Meera, a medical student, wanted to pursue specialization in the United States. She had to submit her academic transcripts with HRD attestation as a mandatory requirement. This attestation was the first step that led to subsequent verifications by the MEA and the US embassy, ultimately allowing Meera to achieve her dream of studying abroad.

These stories highlight how HRD attestation plays a pivotal role in transforming aspirations into reality by ensuring that your academic credentials are recognized beyond borders.

Common Challenges in HRD Attestation and How to Navigate Them

While the HRD attestation process is straightforward in theory, it can sometimes present challenges. Delays due to incomplete documentation, discrepancies in the educational records, or lack of awareness about specific attestation procedures can cause frustration.

One common issue is the difference in procedures and timelines across various states. For instance, the HRD department in Maharashtra may have different verification norms compared to the HRD in Tamil Nadu. This can be confusing for applicants who move between states or whose educational institutions are located in different parts of India.

Moreover, certain documents may require additional verifications from the issuing university or educational board, which can add to the processing time.

The key to overcoming these challenges is to stay well-informed, verify your documents thoroughly before submission, and begin the attestation process well in advance of your planned travel or application deadlines.

The Growing Relevance of HRD Attestation in a Globalized World

As education and career opportunities increasingly cross international borders, the demand for HRD attestation continues to rise. Students aiming for global universities, professionals pursuing international careers, and entrepreneurs exploring overseas ventures all rely on this critical step.

In addition, with India’s growing reputation as an education hub, foreign universities are placing more emphasis on the authenticity of Indian degrees. HRD attestation not only verifies documents but also helps maintain the integrity and credibility of Indian educational qualifications on the world stage.

HRD Attestation Vs Other Attestations: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to distinguish HRD attestation from other types of document verifications like MEA attestation or embassy attestation. HRD attestation specifically concerns educational documents and is usually the first step in the attestation chain.

Following HRD attestation, the Ministry of External Affairs attests the documents to certify that the HRD attestation is genuine. Finally, depending on the destination country, embassy or consulate attestation might be required to validate the documents for that specific nation.

Knowing these distinctions helps applicants prepare their paperwork accordingly and avoid unnecessary delays.

Tips for a Smooth HRD Attestation Experience

To ensure your HRD attestation process goes smoothly, start by collecting all original educational documents and any supporting papers like mark sheets, degree certificates, or provisional certificates. Double-check that the documents are complete and free from errors.

Familiarize yourself with the specific HRD department requirements in your state. Many states now provide online portals for application submission, making the process more transparent and faster.

Allow ample time for the attestation process, as rushing can lead to mistakes or incomplete submissions. Keep copies of all documents and receipts for your records.

If you’re unsure or facing difficulties, consulting with education consultants or attestation experts can save time and effort.

The Future of HRD Attestation: Digital Transformation on the Horizon

With the government pushing for digital governance, the future of HRD attestation looks promising. Initiatives aimed at online verification, e-attestation, and faster processing times are being implemented to ease the burden on applicants.

These digital advancements will make HRD attestation more accessible, reduce paperwork, and provide real-time tracking of document status, enhancing transparency and convenience.

Conclusion: HRD Attestation as the Foundation of Your Global Journey

HRD attestation is far more than a bureaucratic requirement; it is the bedrock on which your educational credibility stands in the global arena. Whether you’re a student stepping into an international classroom, a professional building a career abroad, or a businessperson seeking global partnerships, HRD attestation ensures your academic documents are genuine, trusted, and accepted.

By understanding the process, preparing meticulously, and respecting the importance of this attestation, you set yourself up for success. Embrace HRD attestation as the vital step that opens doors to worldwide opportunities, helping you realize your dreams on an international scale.

So, when you think about your educational journey and your ambitions abroad, remember that HRD attestation is your first step towards global recognition and a brighter future.

Click Here.

[jkmhoffman]

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NUCLEAR WEAPONS 101

Types of Weapons: There are two basic types of nuclear weapons: fission and fusion. The earliest nuclear weapons were fission and made from uranium and plutonium. These were the devices used in WWII and were the type of weapons used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After WWII, fusion weapons were created to be more efficient, smaller, and lighter. These weapons are often referred to as hydrogen bombs and consist mainly of deuterium and tritium. While fusion weapons are more effective, they are more difficult to produce because some gases are hard to store safely, some are in short supply, and high temperature and pressure are required to produce a fusion reaction.

Uranium Mining, Milling, and Transport Uranium was a key element in building a nuclear weapon. Uranium ores were mainly found in mines in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona also in an area known as the Four Corners. Once the uranium was taken from the mines, it would be transported by truck or railroad to a mill where it was refined into “yellowcake”, which is another name for uranium oxide.

At the start of the Manhattan Project, most uranium was imported from other countries. In the U.S. uranium was primarily a by-product of mining for other minerals. Once the Manhattan Project was in full force, an initiative was made to extract any remaining uranium from mines in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.

Unfortunately, at the time, the health issues attributed to uranium exposure were not known and uranium workers did not take the safety precautions commonly practiced today. People were even known to have pieces of yellowcake in their homes and there were a few children’s toys sold in the 1950s that contained real uranium ore!

Refineries, Foundries, and Fabrication While scientists worked to create a weapon that had never been built, others were working simultaneously to develop processes and devices to refine and fabricate uranium and plutonium in a way to be used as fuel for the weapons. At the beginning of the Manhattan Project, the largest supply of uranium in the U.S. came from foreign sources. However, in many of the western states, uranium-rich mine tailings existed from the vanadium mines. Over 3 million tons of these tailings in Durango and Uravan, CO were shipped to Grand Junction, CO for further refining.

Uranium hexafluoride gas, UF6, is the most useable form of uranium. Several facilities provided intermediate products (feed materials) like brown oxide and green salt for use in the chain process of creating UF6. Some of these facilities included Linde Air Products (NY), Mallinckrodt Chemical Works (MO), and Ames Laboratory (IA).

Prior to 1950, the processing of uranium into uranium metal was done at over 20 small facilities spread throughout the U.S. However, starting in 1951 the processing was consolidated to the Feed Materials Production Center near Fernald, OH and the Weldon Spring Feed Materials Plant in Weldon Spring, MO. Because the majority of facilities worked in secrecy even after WWII, many employees and local residents thought the Feed Materials Production Center produced animal feed, not nuclear materials.

Uranium Isotope Enrichment The uranium isotope needed to produce a nuclear chain reaction is called U235, but this isotope occurs in less than 1% of naturally occurring uranium. Therefore, processes had to be developed to separate the U235 isotope from uranium samples. Scientist Ernest Lawrence created a device called a “Calutron”. These Calutrons were built at the Y-12 facility in Oak Ridge, TN.

A second method was developed called gaseous diffusion. This method replaced the Calutrons once the process was perfected. Three main gaseous diffusion plants were located in Oak Ridge, TN, Portsmouth, OH and Paducah, KY.

Production of Other Crucial Materials (Plutonium and Heavy Water) Plutonium was another crucial fissile isotope and superior to U235 due to its higher probability of fission. The experimental X-10 Graphite Moderated Reactor in Oak Ridge, TN was the first to produce significant amounts of plutonium, but the Hanford facility in Washington was created to produce large amounts of plutonium for the Manhattan Project. The B reactor built in 1944 was the first large-scale nuclear reactor.

“Heavy water” is used to slow down the reaction in a reactor. Heavy water contains a neutron moderator because the nucleus has a proton and one or two neutrons. The Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina was built in 1953 to operate heavy water moderated reactors that produced plutonium and tritium.

Component Fabrication and Assembly Many other sites produced components or assembled the components into the final nuclear weapon.

Rocky Flats in Colorado manufactured over 70,000 plutonium triggers in 40 years. Mound Laboratory in Ohio created neutron generators made from polonium, beryllium, deuterium, and tritium. The Pinellas Plant in Florida also made neutron generators for 10 years starting in 1957. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California developed processes and equipment for the design and testing of thermonuclear weapons. Sandia Laboratory in California and New Mexico primarily assembled warheads from 1948-1952, but then became part of the design and engineering of weapons safety and security. Iowa Army Ammunitions Plant (IAAP) in Iowa started with conventional explosives, but then produced high explosives for nuclear warhead assemblies.

Los Alamos, NM was the first nuclear weapons assembly site that resulted in the first nuclear weapon detonated at the Trinity site in 1945. Just a few weeks later these weapons were used over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan to end WWII.

The Nevada Test Site, north of Las Vegas, Nevada was the scene of more than 1,000 tests of nuclear weapons.

Finally, the Pantex Plant, which is still active today, has assembled or upgraded over 32,000 nuclear weapons and disassembled over 50,000 nuclear weapons.

Weapons Testing Testing nuclear weapons in the U.S. occurred from 1945 until 1992. Testing included above ground, underwater, underground and outer space. The first nuclear weapons test took place at the Trinity Site at the White Sands Test Range in New Mexico. Officially the U.S. has conducted over 1,054 nuclear tests with the majority taking place at the Nevada Test Site and the Pacific Proving Grounds. The Nevada Test Site alone, north of Las Vegas, Nevada was the scene of more than 1,000 tests of nuclear weapons.

Nuclear Weapons Today Even with the end of the Cold War and various nuclear treaties in effect, the money spent on nuclear weapons continues today. The Pantex Plant in Texas recently completed a major expansion to increase its ability to assemble up to 600 nuclear warheads per year. New tritium reservoirs and uranium reprocessing continue at Y-12 Plant in Tennessee. Sandia Laboratory has increased its manufacturing of neutron generators to over 1500 per year. Fourth generation designs are being developed to be processed without special nuclear materials like U235 and Plutonium.

70,000 warheads have been produced to date in the U.S. Only 6,800 are still in existence, though many are deactivated. Over 5,000 are currently active and deployable if needed to defend our country.

\from coldwar patriots

[liquid-bonhomme]

I'm a McDonald's loving American, so do you think you could clarify what makes Lily so "Ameribrained"? What kind of differences are there in American and Canadian politics that make Lily's views seem so misguided?

This post I just did on sort of comparing Lily's politics to JJ McCullough I feel gives a good idea, but to elaborate further:

Canadian politics, history, culture, and national identity is in it's own right far more complicated, confusing and resistant to simplifiable than most other countries. That already breeds a kind of strained social conscious in the population-- but it ends up exacerbated tenfold by us being the eclectic little brother of the world's most dominant superpower.

For almost our entire history, to the beginnings of our founding as a nation even, happened because something going on somewhere else was dictating the trajectory of the country and her people. The blunt way of framing it is, the most independence Canada ever truly had (for the colonials. Indigenous were doing pretty good till we showed up obviously) died when the British ceased control of New France (independent French colony that would eventually become Quebec.) To the point it almost feels like this placed a groundhog-day curse on the nation to be. Which, if the surviving Acadians could maybe consider lifting some time, that's be nice. You made your point. For the love of French Jesus. Love, your northern cousins.

Even if we aren't officially a territory of the US like we were the British-- it has long treated us like we are. Something Canada, to some extent, welcomed from both England, then the US. A sort of mild-mannered compliance since resource export has always been the foundation of our economy, and so we aren't getting constantly invaded for other people to get those resources.

In almost all the international conflicts we've participated, we're not even listed as an active player. Because, we were either there as the spare army for the British, the US, or as peace officers or relief aid trying to mediate the conflict, like during the Rwandan genocide.

I'm telling you all this to try and give you enough context to explain WHY you get Canadians like Lily who have more or less adopted a deeply ingrained Americanized identity.

When you're us, functioning economically, socially, and ideologically as the companion party members to other people's campeigns, ESPECIALLY the US, what else would you expect? In sharp contrast, the US has such a national identity, so mythologized, romanticized, sensationalized, and propagandised-- it's leaked into the entire global conscious, but especially here.

I would not say anything close to the majority of Canadians functionally act like they ARE Americans, but it's common enough everyone here has encountered these sorts. Lily's brother Cameron is even worse than her-- literally still boomering all over Facebook defending Trump-- a man who continues to actively threaten our sovereignty. Who's political influence changed one of our legacy, dominant political parties so drastically the pre-Trump and post-Trump Cons barely fucking resemble each other. Something caused, very likely, by active foreign interference.

Like, what other fucking country has a problem like that?

The frustrating thing about most Ameri-brained Canadians, they don't seem to realize how much they are acting like they're Americans. They will assume things are or aren't against the law based on American laws, they will make statements about Canada's history and/or national identity that are Americanisms they've attempted to retrofit into Canada, and in the most baffling cases, they will culturally appropriate American symbols . . . Beyond all rhyme or reason. Canada never had plantations, and therefore never had the sort of slave economy America did. Not because colonial Canada was woke before it was cool, just, our climate couldn't really permit something like that. This is the even more northern north. YOU WOULD THINK the last thing you'd see being flown in Canada is a fucking CONFEDERATE FLAG, and you would be WRONG. What does that flag supposed to mean to the braindead habs who fly them? I actually, don't even know. Here you can't even say it's supposed to symbolize states rights and heritage-- I believe it's supposed to just be unambiguous racism.

Lily only cares about progressive liberalism as far as it will serve her to begin with. But she is also uninformed and insulated enough that she's somehow failed to notice she already lives in a country that is already ideologically more generally liberal and progressive THAN SHE IS.

And it's not like Canada's a fucking socialist utopia either. We're on the right compared to a lot of countries in Europe.

That's what I mean when I say Lily is an Ameri-brained Ameriboo.

I mean, she was born in Halifax yet somehow isn't aware apparently of what islander weather is like.

I live in the fucking middle of the mainland. If I know what Scotia weather is like, Lily's got no fucking excuse.

Lily lives in a fucking bootleg Alabama pocket dimension, I swear.

[jdeim]

The Impending Destruction of the Philippine Sea

The Philippine Archipelago is surrounded by a vast body of water that is rich with various minerals, pristine coral reefs, and diverse marine animals. The position of the Philippines directed to the equator helps to produce rich and prolific oceans. Coincide with these numerous resources, the progression growth of humanity, and the increasing population. Hence, the demand for resources heightened to conquer the problems created by the people. The marine ecosystem faces a great deal of dilemmas, struggling to sustain the needs of the people living on earth.

In Atom Araullo's "Philippine Seas" documentary, he highlighted the alarming condition of the fisheries in Saranggani General Santos. He discovered the decreasing population size of Tuna fish witnessed by the Filipino fishermen who took 4-10 days and traveled 6-10 hours just to get a single tuna fish. One of the reasons behind this phenomenon is the ample number of fishermen gathered in the same area, showing the less capturing spots in the ocean. Around the year 2010 to 2017, 21,000 wildlife were confiscated, the poached fish were primarily sharks because of the immense demand of their fins in foreign countries. The Coron Palawan recorded high statistics of illegal poacher that ruins the living organisms below the sea. However, they are not the only ones who harm the environment, localities are no exception because most of them use illegal ways such as dynamite fishing, use of cyanides, etc. It contributes to the destruction of coral reefs, and polluted water, which if we look in the long run, everyone was subjected to this irreversible damage.

To sum up, uncontrolled and unlawful fishing causes a wide-range impact on marine wildlife. The expansion of the human population and their extensive needs is the root and top reason for this instance. It is essential that we acknowledge the importance of our ocean resources and their role in producing food and keeping us alive. Overusing and the irresponsible management of the ocean profusion might result in irredeemable consequences that soon knock us.

[modulottie]

I think this kind of rhetoric is born from a really simplistic and immaterial understanding of geopolitics. People like this think that a country is like a family or a household maybe. They think, "It would be really weird if I worked hard cooking dinner and someone came in uninvited who didn't live here and ate my dinner I cooked. They should stay where they came from and make their own dinner!"

The analogy is no good, of course, because countries that have resources, which attract migrants, and which like to enact these border policies, primarily acquire these resources by plundering the material wealth and labor power from other countries, frequently the countries from which the migrants are coming. These are ill-gotten-gains, and the enforcement of border policies is part of a larger effort to maintain the wealth dichotomy they created through imperialist foreign policy.

To bring it back to the dinner analogy, it's really more like a group of people went and stole all of the crops and food resources from the surrounding countryside, including by raiding other people's pantries and emptying them of everything but scraps, then held a lavish feast within their manor walls. Would it be unjust, then, for the people around, who now have nothing to eat, to come knocking and demand their share of food?

I hear "wanting a strong border doesn't make you xenophobic" but honestly it kind of does? it's about keeping foreigners out, that is kind of the definition of xenophobia; a "strong border" that checked for drugs and guns and bombs but let people through would not satisfy the demand to create a disenfranchised underclass that is denied full rights of travel and study and work.

[ankit99notes]

Why UPSC Exam is important?

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India, primarily because it serves as the gateway to the Indian Civil Services, which are critical to the functioning of the country’s government and administration. Here are some key reasons why UPSC is important:

1. Gateway to Prestigious Civil Services Careers:

The UPSC exam is the gateway to a wide range of prestigious services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and several other services that play a key role in governance and public administration. These positions provide immense prestige, power, and responsibility in serving the nation.

2. Opportunity to Contribute to National Development:

Civil servants have a significant role in shaping policy decisions, implementing government programs, and ensuring the welfare of the public. Whether it’s about creating effective policies, managing resources, or ensuring justice and security, the work of civil servants has a direct impact on national development and social progress.

UPSC officers often work at the grassroots level, leading government projects that can transform local communities, improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and contribute to poverty alleviation and economic growth.

3. Impactful and Diverse Career:

A career in the Indian Civil Services offers diverse opportunities. For example, an IAS officer may be involved in governance, law enforcement, economic management, and social welfare at the district, state, or central levels.

Similarly, an IFS officer will represent India in foreign affairs, acting as the face of the nation in diplomatic missions. Civil services offer opportunities in foreign diplomacy, law enforcement, policy-making, administration, and much more, ensuring a dynamic career.

4. Authority and Power:

Civil servants hold significant authority in government decision-making. They have the power to shape policies, implement national programs, and oversee public services. Whether it’s enforcing the law, ensuring the welfare of citizens, or maintaining national security, civil servants play a key role in governance and administration.

5. Job Security and Stability:

One of the key attractions of UPSC is the job security it offers. Government jobs, especially in the civil services, are often viewed as stable, with attractive salaries, perks, and retirement benefits.

Unlike the private sector, where job security can be uncertain, civil services jobs are known for their long-term career stability, which is a major draw for aspirants.

6. Respect and Prestige in Society:

The UPSC exam is known for its rigorous and transparent selection process. Clearing the UPSC not only requires hard work, but it also earns one the respect and admiration of society. The civil services are often seen as a noble profession due to the responsibility and service involved in working for the public good.

IAS, IPS, IFS, and other civil services positions are associated with a high level of respect within Indian society, which makes the UPSC exam highly sought after.

7. A Platform to Work Closely with Governance and Policy-making:

UPSC aspirants get the opportunity to work at the highest levels of government. For example, IAS officers are tasked with formulating and implementing policies, managing crucial government departments, and working directly with top leaders to influence national decisions. Officers are involved in both policy formulation and execution, which provides them with unparalleled access to power structures.

8. Challenging and Rewarding Experience:

The UPSC exam is known for being one of the toughest exams in India. The challenges posed by the extensive syllabus, the depth of subjects, and the complexity of the interview process require dedication, discipline, and intellectual acumen.

The experience of preparing for and clearing the UPSC exam is both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. It helps individuals develop a wide range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and a broader understanding of national and global issues.

9. Contributing to the Nation's Growth and Development:

UPSC officers play a pivotal role in executing government policies and projects that can shape the future of the country. For example, IAS officers at the district level are instrumental in implementing government welfare programs, managing the administration, and coordinating the development of local economies.

An IPS officer ensures law and order, protects citizens’ rights, and safeguards national security. In other services, such as the IFS, officers contribute to the country’s foreign relations, advocating India’s interests on the global stage.

10. Holistic Personal Development:

Preparing for the UPSC exam is not just about cracking a competitive exam. The process of preparation, with its emphasis on general knowledge, current affairs, analytical thinking, and writing skills, aids in the holistic development of an individual.

UPSC preparation encourages aspirants to engage with society, politics, and global issues, making them more aware of the challenges and opportunities faced by India and the world at large.

Conclusion:

UPSC is important because it offers a unique opportunity to serve the country at the highest level of governance. The prestige, impact, job security, and diversity of roles make it a highly coveted career. Additionally, civil services provide aspirants the chance to contribute significantly to national development and engage in policy-making that shapes India’s future. By providing a platform to work closely with governance and development, the UPSC is vital not only for the individual but also for the nation’s growth and progress. for more

[nsfwmiamiart]

Incoming Text for Salma Hayek Pinault: Subject: "The Case for My Leadership: Why I Stand as Somalia's Best Choice"

Dear Salma,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to elucidate why I believe I am uniquely positioned to lead the Somali nation, and why my approach differs significantly from the current leadership.

First and foremost, the existing Somali leaders are heavily influenced and controlled by Britain and America. This is primarily because their wealth is deposited in banks within these countries, making them vulnerable to manipulation. Their fear of these powers compromises their ability to act independently.

In contrast, my strategy is quite different. I have intentionally avoided placing my assets in American or British banks, recognizing the risk of being influenced or controlled. Instead, my resources are securely held in Hong Kong, a location where I have strong connections. This approach ensures my financial independence and, consequently, my autonomy in decision-making.

I urge you to convey this message widely: I challenge anyone to identify a leader better suited than myself to guide Somalia. The current leaders’ dependence on American and British financial systems compromises their effectiveness and integrity. They are, regrettably, beholden to these foreign powers due to their financial ties, which diminishes their capacity to govern with true independence.

I position myself as a leader with the courage and independence to resist external pressures. My strategy involves fostering alliances and building a strong resistance against foreign influence. For instance, my support for a Mexican agenda in Somalia is a deliberate effort to forge alliances with Mexican and South American militias. This coalition is intended to strengthen our military capabilities and enhance our ability to resist American and British interventions on Somali soil.

The global sentiment towards America and Britain is increasingly negative. Many nations are eager to support a coalition that will confront these powers. I have secured commitments from various countries willing to invest significantly in building a formidable Somali army. This army will be poised to repel any attempts at foreign domination and will serve as a testament to our resolve and strength.

To summarize, my leadership stands apart because I am committed to maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty without succumbing to external pressures. I am the Crown Prince, and I firmly believe that I am the only Somali leader capable of resisting foreign manipulation and guiding our nation towards true independence and prosperity. My approach is to build a robust, self-sufficient defense against foreign interference and to mobilize global support for our cause.

Thank you for understanding the gravity of this situation. I trust that you will share this perspective and help rally support for our vision of a sovereign Somalia.

Sincerely,

Angelo (Crown Prince)

P.S.:

Synopsis of the letter:

In this letter, Angelo articulates why he believes he is the best leader for the Somali nation compared to the current leadership. He asserts that Somali leaders are compromised by their financial ties to American and British banks, which makes them susceptible to manipulation and unable to govern independently. Angelo contrasts this with his own strategy of securing his assets in Hong Kong, thereby avoiding external influence and maintaining his autonomy.

Angelo challenges others to find a better leader than himself and emphasizes his unique position as someone who defies foreign pressures. He describes his efforts to build alliances with Mexican and South American militias to enhance Somalia’s defense against foreign interventions. The letter also highlights the global support for building a robust Somali army to counteract American and British influence.

In conclusion, Angelo positions himself as the only true leader capable of safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and leading the nation towards true independence and prosperity. He requests support in mobilizing global backing for his vision of a self-sufficient and sovereign Somalia.

[learnwithmearticles]

How Far Can Israel Go

At the end of 2023, Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine turned into an onslaught of assaults in reaction to an attack from Hamas in October. Because of this, global attention finally turned towards the genocide of the Palestinian people.

Most countries around the world agree that Israel should cease their assault on Palestinians, while a few of the global superpowers disagree. The government of the United States of America, primarily, continues to provide materials to Israel, and claims pro-Palestinian support to be antisemitic.

How far will this conflict spread?

Multiple countries, including South Africa, Spain, and Mexico, have taken action within the UN and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to have Israel’s actions acknowledged as genocide, and for intervention to take place.

Other countries are already involved in other ways. For example, Israeli airstrikes in April killed aid workers from Britain, Australia, and Poland. Other various humanitarian efforts from foreign nations have been interrupted or delayed due to those attacks as well as continued pressure from Israel.

The ongoing tension between Israel and Iran has worsened in this time. In April, Israel struck the Iranian embassy in Syria, killing an Iranian officer, causing the cold war to become an active one. The following exchange of attacks in April 2024 is considered “the most dangerous round of conflicts between the two countries in decades” 4. While this conflict then cooled down, it might be about to resurge.

On July 14th, 2024, Israel launched another airstrike on Damascus, Syria, the location of the Iranian embassy where an officer died in April. This attack caused the death of one Syrian soldier and injuries to three others. It was launched from an Israel-occupied region that used to be part of Syria. Due to the alliance between Syria and Iran, this furthers hostilities with both nations.

These are not the only important attacks on Syria, though. Israel has been launching strikes on them over the past decade, and they increased in frequency since October 2023.

We have seen footage again and again both in the past year and over the decades demonstrating the willingness of Israel’s government to target and kill civilians. They have chosen the desire to kill Palestinians over caution, and over peace with surrounding nations.

Israel’s violence is not limited to Palestinian people, yet it has been allowed to continue and even been supported largely because the USA also dislikes its targets. While their targets regarding Iran, Syria, and Lebanon have been military or militant areas, they cannot correctly claim the same towards Palestine.

As attacks continue and worsen in the Middle East, we can only wonder what the final straw will be that might bring the whole world into action.

Additional Resources

1. USA supporting Israel

2. Action in the ICJ

3. Humanitarian Deaths

4. April Iran Attack

5. July Attack on Damascus

[jorgesoto22]

Blog Entry #6

Bonds to invest

To invest in bonds, in my opinion, it is important to ask yourself two questions before investing in bonds. The first question is: are you a patient or impatient person? The second question is: are you risk-loving or risk-averse? In my position, I am patient, but not too much, so I would buy bonds with a maturity of no more than 5 years.. Additionally, I am risk-averse, so I would invest in bonds with not very high yields, as these bonds are safer and there is not much risk of losing money. Upon exploring a bit, I was attracted to corporate bonds, primarily from technology and aviation companies. The first bond I would invest in would be in HP Inc., as it is a technology company with a long track record. The second bond would be in American Airlines, as it is the largest airline in the USA. And finally, in Boeing Co., an aerospace company from the USA. The yields on these three bonds range between 5% - 10%, which are good and safe yields. Additionally, these are quite large and reliable companies.

Eurobonds

Eurobonds are foreign debt instruments issued by the Ministry of Finance with the objective of raising funds from international creditors. In my opinion, I would resort to Eurobonds as a last resort, when the necessary funds cannot be raised internally. Eurobonds are usually sold at higher interest rates because the bond has to be competitive for foreign creditors to be willing to buy it. This means that the government will have a more expensive external debt than the debts it can obtain within the country. However, since Costa Rica's Eurobonds are long-term, this allows the country to restructure and optimize its domestic debt and secure resources for long-term development projects. As a last aspect, obtaining these Eurobonds shows that international investors have confidence in Costa Rica. In conclusion, Eurobonds are good for the economy as a last resort, because they provide money and resources to the country to adjust the internal debt and carry out new projects. But it will be necessary to be more orderly in order to be able to pay the high debt.

[yashvitours]

Unlock Your Potential: A Guide to Securing Your Canada Student Visa with Yashvi Tours

Canada is calling because of its lively cities, astonishing sights, and education framework known worldwide. If pursuing further studies in this lively nation is what you have always dreamt of, then get the Canada Student Visa. Obtaining a visa if you are not sure of the application process can be challenging. However, it is meant for students who have applied for student visas but have been denied. Therefore, this summarized guide is designed to help educate you by providing detailed information on each step that you need to take during the application process in order for you to qualify for one with guaranteed success.

Why Study in Canada?

Canada’s educational system is acknowledged worldwide for its quality and it constantly ranks high in global reports. There are universities of renown which have offered numerous programs in different fields to make sure that you are well prepared for future success. Here are some reasons that You should think about studying in Canada.

Internationally Recognized Degrees: A degree from Canada has much global worth hence paving the way for active job chances across the globe.

Multicultural Environment: Friendly and not biased Canada has welcomed the students from other countries by accepting all differences in the society.

Work Opportunities: Student visas are courses of study that allow one to engage in jobs part-time, thus helping one gain some form of valuable know-how and perhaps managing to balance some tuition charges.

Post-Graduation Work Permit: Canada offers post-graduation work permits to international students. This will enable them to acquire Canadian work experience, a factor that might be relevant in future immigration decisions.

Unveiling the Canada Student Visa:

The Canada Student Visa or study permit allows foreign nationals to pursue full-time academic studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. DLIs are academic institutions approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

Eligibility Criteria:

Before you start applying for your visa, make sure that you meet all the criteria required of you. Here is an explained guide:

Acceptance Letter: You must have a valid acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

Financial Stability: Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support your studies and living expenses in Canada. This can be achieved through proof of funds like bank statements, scholarships, or financial support documents from sponsors.

Proof of Language Proficiency: Submit documents demonstrating your English or French language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TEF.

Meet Medical Requirements: You may require a medical exam to ensure you meet Canada’s health standards.

The Application Process:

Here’s a simplified roadmap for the application process:

Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your acceptance letter, proof of financial resources, language test results, and any additional documents specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Apply Online: The application process is primarily online through the IRCC website.

Biometrics: You may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated service center.

Medical Exam (if applicable): Complete and submit a medical exam if required.

Interview (optional): An immigration officer may request an interview to assess your application further.

Visa Issuance: Upon successful application processing, you will receive your Canada Student Visa.

Partner with Yashvi Tours for a Smooth Journey

At Yashvi Tours, we understand that navigating the Canada Student Visa process can be overwhelming. We offer a range of services to simplify your journey and increase your chances of success:

Expert Guidance: Our experienced team provides personalized guidance and support throughout the application process.

Document Assistance: We assist with gathering and organizing required documents to ensure your application is complete.

Application Review: Our team can review your application to identify potential issues and ensure accuracy.

Visa Interview Preparation: If required, we offer interview preparation to boost your confidence and ensure a smooth interview experience.

Embrace the Canadian Adventure!

Obtaining a Canada Student Visa unlocks a world of possibilities. Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant and multicultural learning environment, explore breathtaking landscapes, and embark on a journey of personal and academic growth. With the right preparation and support, securing your Canada Student Visa can be the first step to an enriching and unforgettable Canadian experience.

Contact Yashvi Tours Today! Let our dedicated team be your trusted partner on the path to Canada. We offer customized services to cater to your individual needs, ensuring a smooth and successful visa application journey. In addition to student visas, we also specialize in crafting unforgettable travel experiences in Canada and beyond. Explore our website to discover a world of travel possibilities!

[isocertificationphilippines]

How ISO Certification in Philippines is Transforming the industrial Industry

ISO Certification in Philippines,Philippines, situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, has a thriving manufacturing economy that has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The ISO certification, a powerful tool that has helped Philippine manufacturing businesses increase their competitiveness, streamline their procedures, and meet worldwide quality and safety standards, is primarily to blame for this success.

How ISO Certification is generating a change in the industrial industry in Philippines

The Pursuit of Excellence: The widely recognized ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard is a cornerstone of this transformation. Businesses all around Philippines are enthusiastically adopting ISO 9001. It encourages greatness in the following ways:

Quality Improvement: ISO 9001 encourages Philippines businesses to identify and correct process problems, resulting in fewer product flaws and recalls.

Customer Satisfaction Has Increased: Adherence to ISO 9001 standards has increased customer satisfaction nationally and globally.

ISO Certification encourages productivity and organizational efficiency in addition to quality. Producers use ISO Certification in Philippines to streamline their procedures:

ISO-certified Filipino enterprises have updated their methods to reduce waste, slash prices, and speed up production.

Global Objectives: ISO Certification Global Recognition

ISO Certification is the key to entering global markets. It is widely recognized and helps Philippines manufacturers pursue foreign opportunities:

Global Credibility: Because ISO Certification ensures product quality and dependability, Filipino producers are more reputable when entering worldwide markets.

Expanded Export Horizons: As more overseas customers require ISO Certification in Philippines, Filipino firms are broadening their reach and chasing new export markets.

ISO 14001: Sustainable Manufacturing

As environmental concerns expand worldwide, manufacturers in Philippines are ready to adopt sustainable practices. ISO 14001, the Environmental Management System standard, sets a high level:

Sustainability Commitment: ISO 14001-certified manufacturers in Philippines help to encourage environmentally sustainable production.

Resource Optimisation: Implementing ISO 14001 increases resource efficiency, cutting energy use and having a smaller environmental effect.

First and foremost, safety: ISO 45001

The ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems highlights workplace safety:

Employee Well-being: ISO 45001-certified Filipino businesses prioritize their employees' health and safety, decreasing workplace accidents and promoting morale.

ASEAN's Advantage

Because of ISO certification, Philippine enterprises get an advantage in the extremely competitive ASEAN area, increasing the country's standing as a regional manufacturing hub.

A Culture of Continuous Improvement

ISO-compliant organizations foster a culture of continual improvement. Philippines' manufacturers' embrace of innovation and process improvement helps to sustain a vibrant industrial ecosystem.

What makes Factocert the best choice for ISO Certification in Philippines?

Factocert is a well-known ISO Certification company in Philippines. Our ISO consultant provides services to Caloocan, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Antipolo, Zamboanga, Taguig, Mandaluyong, and Calabarzon in the central Philippines. 

Conclusion

ISO Certification in Philippines is more than just a mark of distinction; it is also a catalyst for change in Philippines sector. The industry is changing due to ISO certification, which can improve product quality and operational efficiency and open new markets. As enterprises continue to embrace ISO standards, Philippines is poised to become a formidable contender in the worldwide manufacturing sector. Certification in Philippines is more than just a tool for development; it is the driving force behind the country's manufacturing environment change.

For More Information Do Visit :ISO Certification in Philippines

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