#copper trend today

[sizzlingstarlightsky]

Drama Queen (Eris Week day 4) [Hounds]

Eris x Reader

Summary: You and Eris walk the hounds through the morning autumn sun

cw: nothing, except my attempt at sweet fluff and Eris being cheeky

This is the first tumblr week I've participated in. Of course it's for Daddy Vanserra, The Lord of Fire himself. Thank you @erisweekofficial ❤️‍🔥 🖤

Warm Autumn morning sunlight freckles your eyelids. Peppering solar kisses though the forest green curtains. Peeking open one eye, you're graced with the tall stoic form of your mate. Your husband, getting ready for his day. Most likey another day or long meetings, getting off on other high lords irritation, and political foreplay. Eris's bread and butter.

Lila, the hound Eris gifted you for your birthday, jumps onto the bed wagging her tail. This was the daily routine. Eris wakes up early, takes the hounds for a walk, does courtly matters, and would join you for the evening walk.

But right now, it was almost as if Helion himself was teasing your mate. Through crusted eyes, you feel nothing short of adoration as the High Lord of Day sprinkles orange rays across Eris's irridencent skin, enhancing his splattered brown flecks. The morning light engulfs him, mixing with his rich copper strands, casting him into an etherial vision of flame. The High Lord of Autumn. The High Lord of Fire. Eris Vanserra. Your mate.

Eris slides on his riding pants, squeezing his muscular legs into the tight fabric. Still shirtless, still glowing. "Come back to bed" your morning words rasping out of your mouth.

"I have to take the dogs out Princess. I'll be back before you know it." Kissing the top of your bedhead, Eris leaves. Maple burbon, nutmeg, and pumpkin linger in the distance he created between you.

You must have dozed off encased in your husbands scent. The smell of warm cinnamon and bacon taking it's place.

Rubbing your eyes, you assess the picture before you. Same orange lighting, Eris is the same riding pants and tunic... very different from his High Lord garb. Still ever as beautiful and full of detail.

"You could make a trash bag the next biggest trend."

Clutching at his chest, feigning pain, "I thought these pants made my legs look good."

Tossing a pillow towards him you laugh, "you're so dramatic"

"Say's the one who just threw a pillow at her loving, handsome, powerful, strong, big, thick-"

"Eris!" smacking his arm but careful not to spill any of the food or juice as he places the tray over your lap. "What time is it?"

Whatever he said was drowned out by the decidant hug of sugary cinnamon pancakes, covered in maple syrup, fresh fruit, and fresh whipped cream. A unabashful moan slipped past your ears, "Chef put a little extra soul into the flavors today. Remind me to thank him."

A sly grin slid onto Eris's lips, accompanied with his signature chuckle, "Chef didn't make it little fox." Sitting down on his side of the bed, he grabs a slice of bacon off the plate. "I did"

"Er!" Looking over to your handsome mate, long, layered, blazing hair cascading over his shoulders and chest like an angel. "See you can be nice" you wink as you take another bite.

Hand to his heart "You wound me my love. I've only ever been kind while I tease you daily."

"And you're usually a good boy, taking what I give you"

"I.. you got me there Princess." Kissing your cheeks, Eris gets off the bed and heads towards your closet. Pulling a pair of riding pants and a tunic he lays them on the edge of the bed. "When you're done eating you should come walk the hounds with me. Autumn is beautiful in the morning light. It would be even more beautiful with my light there beside me"

"Dont you have meetings to attend Mr High Lord?"

"Not today. I know I've been working a lot and I wanted to take time to be with my needy mate-" walking over to the full length mirror, Eris starts admiring himself, making insignificant adjustments to his hair and clothes. As if he could ever look bad. "But I can't blame you. Look at me. Even if I didn't have flames coursing through my veins I'd still be a fire hazard."

"So dramatic"

You've always loved autumn. An array of warm colors fill the trees. The scent of campfires and cinnamon. The sound of crunching leaves. If it wasn't for Eris you may have tried to wed the autumnal season itself.

Being the night owl you were, it wasn't often you got the see the court in the glory of the morning light. But dang it, Eris was right. There was just something extra magical in the way the gold and browns woke up. Almost like a glitter shaking awake all life.

Lila ran ahead to chase a couple of the puppies. You loved days like this. Picking up a good stick you throw it across the field for a few of the older hounds to run after. Dew covered leaves crinkle under their paws. A symphony of joyous barks flood the early autumn air.

"They love you, you know"

"Of course they do. I'm the one who feeds them while you ignore your children for meetings." Teasing him and you throw the stick again. This time gaining the attention of a couple of the smaller puppies.

"They're protective over you. Especially Hunt, and he tolerates me at best." On cue, and like the good hunting hound he is, Hunt srides over in long luxurious prances. Ever as dramatic as his father.

"Maybe that's because you two are too similar." You bend over to give the good boy ear rubs. Relaxing the pack leader into your touch. He licks your hands a few times, which you return with a boop to his nose. He may be a well trained hunting hound, but he will always be a puppy at heart.

"As if you're any different"

The sun in your face, sparkling across your skin, eyes twinkling... How could he not fall in love all over again.

From the moment you two met you had Eris captivated. Someone who can match his heat, spark his flame, humble him. It was you who made him a better male. Who gave him the hope needed to restore the court and be the male his father could never be. The male his father tried brutally for centries to beat out of him. You were his angel, his princess, his saving grace- and he would burn the world for you. Strutting though his inferno runway.

Walking over to where you'd found leasure under a shaded maple tree, "You're so beautiful my love"

"You're love keeps me young." With a smirk, you pull him down to the ground. Tackling him into a pile of crimson and deep yellow leaves.

"You're getting leaves in my hair!" The High Lord of Autumn complaining about his nature coating him- ironic.

"Drama Queen."

"I'm a KING!" Puffing his chest out like a child.

"How long have you been practicing that line drama KING?"

"I will not allow myself to be subjected to such ill treatment of your Lord."

"Yet if you insist on being the King of Drama, that would make me YOUR Queen, sir."

"Touche, my love. I'll give you this round."

"What's my prize for outsassing the Sass Lord?"

"You want a prize? I thought I was prize enough-" Pulling you into his chest, Eris lips find your ear. Leaving little love bites down the length  of your neck, "I can think of a few rewards."

"Mmm...I love you drama queen." Turning your head to crash your lips to his. Tasting his cinnamon breath against your tongue.

"You're a pain in my ass too little fox."

"Oh I can show you a pain in your ass...... where did I put that strap?"

[upon-a-starry-night]

Number Neighbors Pt. 10

Natasha Romanoff x Fem! Reader

Natasha Masterlist Series Masterlist

Word Count: 1.6k

Summary:  When you catch sight of the newest trend going around you know you’re all but bound to at least try it, it was harmless anyway. What could possibly stem from something so little?

---

You layed in bed as the sun shone through your curtains, it was well past the time you would usually wake up but who could blame you, weekends were your happy place. Although as of late you’d been getting your source of serotonin from somewhere else. You rolled over and picked up your phone, checking the time. Noon. nice.

You tried not to be disappointed at the lack of notifications on your screen, it’s not like you got messages from anything but take-out places and… 

You sighed, Nat hadn’t responded for an entire week now.

You knew she told you about how her job would cause her to go remote but it didn’t make it any easier, and after last weekend… god you needed to get a life. You really couldn’t let your whole life revolve around one woman you met on the internet. So what if she makes you laugh harder than you ever have in your life, and listens better than the copper statues in the park downtown? 

You wondered if she even considered you a friend in the same way you did her. 

The fact that she hadn’t blocked you yet meant she was at least entertained by your personality but did she feel the same connection you did? The same loneliness when you didn’t text her back for a while (not that it was ever that long). Did you help her unwind after a long day at work as well?

You sighed, pulling the covers over your face and groaning. Maybe you were becoming too dependent on someone who only saw you as entertainment. The one time you decide to try something new ends up with you having a quarter-life crisis, it’s just your luck.

You layed in bed staring at the ceiling until a sudden wave of irritation washed over you, you were not going to waste the rest of the day wallowing in self-pity like this. 

You threw the covers off of your body, a newborn determination in your bones.

Today you were going to try something new and it was going to be great. You’d make sure of it.

~~

Your initial intention had been to try a new activity; pottery or rug making or something hands on but when your stomach grumbled you figured a new restaurant was still as adventurous as you were looking for. 

You weren’t in a particular mood for anything so you entered “restaurants near me” into your phone and scrolled until you found a cute retro-looking diner that was only a thirty-minute walk from you.

You could use the fresh air and the exercise so you clicked on the directions and placed your headphones into your ears as you began walking down the street.

 The diner was as cute as the pictures had shown, if not cuter. The retro 70’s style of the seats and decor was always a style you’d been a fan of. It was the kind of place where a lot of influencers would probably come to take pictures. You wondered why you’d never come across this place only to spot the “Just opened!” sign on the cherry red counter. 

As soon as you sit down you’re approached by a man who seems too cute to be a server, he’s dressed in a leather jacket and jeans with a simple white T-shirt underneath. He looks like he’s straight out of Grease and it almost makes you laugh at how much he fits in.

Much to your surprise, the handsome stranger pulls a notebook and pen out of his pocket and smiles at you.

“What can I get for a pretty lady such as yourself?”

The compliment makes you blush and you quickly realize that he fit in so well because he did work here. You figured there would be some sort of uniform or apron the servers would have to wear but apparently, they were all free to come dressed like they just walked out of a teenage vampire TV series. 

He tilted his head when you didn’t respond and you watched the way a strand of his hair fell in front of his face and suddenly you felt like a teenage girl all over again.

You quickly cleared your throat and looked back down at the menu “Oh uhm- I will get…”

You looked over the menu and picked out the first thing that sounded appealing, tacking on a milkshake at the end of your order. 

Your server wrote everything down with practiced ease and flashed you a charming style before going to put your order in. 

Once your food was delivered and you were chowing down you began absentmindedly scrolling on your phone through your Instagram fyp, it was all your typical preferred content and you liked and saved a few posts before your milkshake was brought out by a woman who was dressed in various shades of red white and pink, an apron sat tied around her waist. 

So they did have a uniform? 

Or was this one of those places that only made women dress up? You smiled at the waitress as she handed you your drink and you thanked her and began scrolling through your coworker's posts.

One of the women you worked with had just gotten engaged. You clicked on her profile and scrolled through the posts of her with all her friends. The sight only reminded you of your lack thereof and your current… predicament with your only friend.

Your mood quickly turned sour once again and you found yourself sadly sipping your milkshake as you stared out of the window, watching couples pass by and squinting your eyes at them in jealousy.

You're sure you probably looked weird and you weren’t all that surprised when an older man approached your booth. You were sure you were about to get kicked out for glaring at potential customers when his lips turned down into a frown and his hands landed on his hips, he was wearing a white apron and a nametag that said “Dale”, and from the looks of it, he was some kind of cook.

“Never in my 30 years running this place have I seen someone look so sad eating my food” Before you had a chance to respond he was sliding into the seat across from you and telling you about how the restaurant came to be.

 He told you a lot of stories about his wife and all the ways he tried to win her over before she finally agreed to date him. 

You laughed more in the 30 minutes he was talking to you than you had in over a week and you smiled at the warm sensation that filled your stomach. You forgot how good it could feel to interact with other people in person. 

After you finished laughing at Dale’s most recent tale you sighed with a smile on your face and made eye contact, hoping to convey your sincerity

“I’m sorry I looked so upset earlier- I swear it wasn’t because the food was bad”

Dale just smiled knowingly and nodded his head at your phone

“Partner troubles?”

You blushed, not able to make eye contact with Dale as thoughts of you and Nat swarmed your head. Briefly, you wondered if she’d like this place, and you quickly shook the idea from your head.

“Not exactly, I’m just a little salty I guess. Everyone my age is getting married and I can’t even keep a boyfriend.” You covered your face in embarrassment, unable to face the complete stranger whom you just spilled your guts to. When you finally gained the courage to remove your hands Dale was looking at you with a mischievous smile. 

“What” You tilted your head, a confused smile overtaking your face

“Let me introduce you to my son. He’s around your age, very outgoing, very charming” He winked at you when he said the last trait and you couldn’t help the small chuckle that left you. You were always anxious when it came to new people but you promised yourself you were going to try new things today so you lightly nodded your head and Dale immediately stood up to go fetch his son.

A minute later your original server begins heading your way and you prepare to hand him your card but you’re surprised when he sits down in the spot where Dale sat. Before you can say anything Dale is back with another milkshake telling you it’s on the house and leaving with another quick wink.

It finally registers in your head a second later that the man across from you is Dale's son, hence why he probably didn’t have to wear a uniform. It was nice of him to help out his father.

You stuck your hand out across the table and felt your lips curl into a friendly smile. 

“So you’re the infamous son I’ve heard so little about?”

A smirk appeared on your table buddy's face and his warm hand reached across the surface and clasped yours in a firm grip.

“So I am”

The two of you talked for what felt like 4 hours but was only one, During that period you finished your milkshake and learned that Dale’s son’s name was Dolion after his Greek great-grandfather but that he preferred to go by “Leon”, you also learned that Leon and his father had just moved here on account of his mother passing away. 

The two of you hit it off more than you thought and you found you shared a lot of similar interests, although he was a lot more outgoing than you were.

Leon was by far one of the most charming men you’d ever met, his father was right, and when you found yourself getting up to leave he grabbed you by the arm and asked you for your number, how could you say no?

The walk home was a happy one and you found yourself stopping to sit at a park with a smile on your face as you thought about your day. 

Maybe it would be a good month after all.

Maybe this was the start of something really lovely

Pt.11

No Nat content this chapter sorry guys :( ~ Starry

----------Taglist------

@marvelwomen-simp @cd-4848 @wandanatlov3r @rebeltombraider @ctrlamira @fxckmiup @aliherreraaa @natsxwife @la-douler-ne-finite-jamais @romanoffsgal @moistblobfish @natashaswife4125 @elenimoris @how-to-disappearrr @screechcat

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 66 - evening dresses in 1924

Today is just a bunch of season 5 evening gowns that I couldn’t fit in anywhere else, five different characters and two anonymous models. Let’s go!

Starting back in with the fashion show’s Egyptomania. I hate the make-up on the model, but let’s ignore that and look at her dress. The skirt is all flowy fabric, although the structure of it makes me unsure whether there’s a layer of super long fringe over it. But the top? That’s beaded so heavily it might as well be armor. This thing is encrusted. I wouldn’t have minded a few spots of red to pop out between the gold, but I understand why they kept the palette limited. Honestly, the headdress almost comes off as… well, not unspectacular, but not as exotic and Out There as it should. It’s just, skull caps of pearls and with long dangly bits on the sides and back were well-established in the 1920s; this fits right into that trend.

And then there was this little number. Okay, I could only get a back shot of this, but it had me thinking that, if The Queen’s Gambit were playing in the 1920s, Beth Harmon would be all over this chessboard checker. And the glittering fabulousness of it.

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

Lady Anstruther is a fashion choice I don’t understand, because her character is comprehensively described with the word “horny”, but they don’t make her look very appealing. That hairdo is not flattering, the make-up gives her a vaguely threatening appearance, the dress is so dull I can barely make out the embroidery, and that chiffon jacket that she wears over it with the ruffled? fur? collar feels weirdly anachronistic. I don’t think I’ve seen another see-through piece of clothing with such a dense collar around here. Honestly, the only thing about her that doesn’t look cheap is that necklace.

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

In comes Rosamund to bring back style. She’s fallen for the same fashion dominated by black and brown velvet that’s shown up in Violet’s and Isobel’s evening dresses this season, and like the two of them, she has subtly shimmering golden embroidery on her dress. Pretty simple look otherwise, a V neckline, short sleeves, but I really like that jade jewelry set in the first shot.

So the necklace has a comeback! Not for a dramatically different dress, admittedly, but one on which it pops equally nicely. This one initially has no sleeves and the embroidery is much more modern; instead of big ornamental flowers, we have a net of clean geometrical lines webbing up to an art deco pattern. Funnily, this dress makes a comeback in season 6, and someone took the time between seasons to tack a couple cheap chiffon sleeves on it.

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

Miss Bunting, five foot of zero manners, marches up in a dress that is honestly quite nice. I can’t quite tell if it’s black or dark blue velvet, but velvet it is, and I’m slightly surprised that she, a primary school teacher, can afford it. It’s quite possibly the most expensive piece of clothing she owns. And it’s got a drop waist sash that matches her headscarf, although she doesn’t knot her scarf in the charming way Edith usually does, plus some lovely golden feather embroidery. Someone write me a decent Communist character to wear this dress to a rich people party!

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

This is a friend of Rose’s whose name I cannot remember; I only remember that Miss Bunting basically called her an idiot to her face because she said she’s no good at math. Such a beautiful dress though, intricately voided velvet in a copper-coral kind of shade, and the little diamond clasps on her shoulders make it even better. Add a bronze flower headband, puff up the curl buns, and she basically looks like Princess Leia in 1924.

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

We’ll have some Mabel Lane Fox to close out, just because I enjoy the sheer amount of bitchface she exudes around Mary. Also, she wears this gold brocade beauty to a dinner when Mary wears a quite modern but quite plain black dress that I personally find boring. So Mabel is shining by contrast. She also has the better hairdo, but I should at least try to be objective. Blue drop beads jewelry, a sparkly headband, a V neckline – the look is simple, but effective.

The moment she’s set to eat dinner on the same table as Tony Gillingham, she opts for a softer, lighter color and classy diamond-silver jewelry instead of the darker, heavier beads. She easily manages what Lady Anstruther doesn’t: Look appealing in a feminine, non-threatening way, even though that isn’t necessarily in line with her temperament. The dress design is playing at a kind of turtle shell scales look, and it’s ton of beads so she can sparkle in the lamplight. I like the ornament on her headband.

[pehlaplatform]

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**Nascence Brass**: Contains up to 37% zinc and is fairly ductile, making it easy to form into different shapes. It is commonly used in electrical connectors, musical instruments, and decorative items.

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[centfx]

Centfx

Copper price resumes the decline

    The copper price moved in a very negative direction yesterday, progressively moving closer to our anticipated target of 4.3380$. This strengthened the expectation that the bearish trend would continue. It should be noted, however, that breaking this level will finish the formation of a negative pattern, with a short-term target of 4.0000$ and 3.6600$.

The bearish wave's ability to continue depends on price stability below 4.7000$; a breach of this level will cause the price to turn around and rise to areas around 5.0000$.

Today's anticipated trading range is between $4.3000$ and $4.5500$.

[labgrown-diamond-ring]

A Modern Love Story 14k Rose Gold Lab-Grown Emerald Cut Diamond Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

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Rose gold is more than just a trend; it’s a statement of warmth, love, and uniqueness. The soft blush tone of 14k rose gold is achieved by mixing gold with copper, creating a hue that’s both luxurious and flattering on any skin tone. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants an engagement ring that stands out from the traditional yet still feels classic.

Why the Emerald Cut Diamond Stands Out

The emerald cut diamond is renowned for its understated glamour. Unlike the brilliance of round or princess cuts, the emerald cut is all about clarity and sophistication. Its elongated, rectangular shape with step-like facets creates a hall-of-mirrors effect that draws you in, reflecting light in a way that’s both subtle and stunning. This cut is perfect for the woman who appreciates elegance, vintage-inspired designs, and a bit of old Hollywood glamour.

The Hidden Halo: A Secret Sparkle

What makes this ring truly unique is the hidden halo setting. While traditional halos circle the center stone with smaller diamonds, this design takes a different approach. The hidden halo is placed beneath the center stone, adding a secret layer of sparkle that’s only visible from certain angles. It’s a design choice that speaks to the idea of love being full of beautiful, unexpected surprises.

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[dansnaturepictures]

Some thoughts and findings about my contributions to the Big Butterfly Count 2024 and photos from the three weeks

I have well documented over the years my enthusiasm for Butterfly Conservation’s vital summer survey to assess the health of butterfly and day-flying moth populations with since 2020 and working from home allowing constant access to Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh close to our house meaning I did multiple counts during the survey. Since 2022 at the end of the count just for fun I’ve put all of my results which I keep a written record of after submitting to the count on the days I do them into a spreadsheet and made a leaderboard of the species and amounts I saw overall. It always interests me to look for trends and confirm anything I might have noticed during the counts and this year I thought I’d share some findings. As ever the place I did most counts this year was Lakeside with some in Winchester on office working days too, with visits to Rutland Water for the Global Bird Fair, Durlston in Dorset and visits further afield in/to the edge of Hampshire falling inside the count dates adding a bit of variety.

Overall my top five species in rank order were Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small White, Ringlet and Marbled White and Speckled Wood tied in fifth. This is as predicted and much as I normally get, especially the top two. I do a separate leaderboard just for Lakeside counts which saw Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Six-spot Burnet and Small White make up my top five. The Lakeside leaderboard not too different to the overall one bar most of my Speckled Woods seen during the count being there and a good year for Six-spot Burnet for me.

The big theme we’ve heard so much of this year and during the count is of course the lack of butterflies and the concern this brings. I started putting my spreadsheet together yesterday morning knowing I’d likely get more counts in before the end of the survey and at that stage my data really reflected the lack of butterflies with 599 butterflies seen with an average of 16.64 per count down from 872 and 20.27 last year. However we then went to the very well managed butterfly haven Stockbridge Down yesterday afternoon and saw clouds of butterflies including my highest ever count for any species in a count of an incredible 80 Meadow Browns. Then today at Perham Down and Shipton Bellinger we saw loads of butterflies especially Meadow Browns with Common Blue and Peacock seeming to increase in numbers in recent days. This late surge pushing my figures up massively to 878 butterflies/moths in total with an average of 20.90 seen per count marginally ahead of last year! I saw 305 butterflies/moths with an average of 19.06 per count in the Lakeside counts compared to 423 and 22.26 last year.

Overall I counted less than last year of ten of the twenty species in the survey. Small White a focal point of the decreasing numbers with only 55 counted this year compared to last year’s 202; yet it only went from second to third in my overall leaderboard which says a lot I think. Red Admiral also a notable decrease but expected after the year with unprecedented numbers of them last year. I didn’t manage to see a single Small Copper in the count and other than a maybe sighting (of possibly seeing one flying very quickly I couldn’t quite tell) I’m yet to see one in Hampshire this year. One Jersey Tiger moth this year as I saw last year meant no increase or decrease for that one species and of the nine that I saw more of in the count overall this year than last most just seem down to chance. The increase in Six-spot Burnet I spotted from last year where I seemed to see more than ever is interesting, in both years particularly seeing lots at Lakeside.

As ever Marbled White and Ringlet which I did see more of than last year is interesting to look at my results for. Initially I put the increase down to the fact they seemed to first emerge in the year later than last year. I have been thinking over the last few years how this key summer pair with relatively short seasons traditionally should be at their peak in the three weeks the Big Butterfly Count is on from July into August, but as the years go by I seem to see my first in a year earlier meaning their seasons are waning with less and eventually none about into the count. Evidence of how the seasons are shifting in our changing world with the butterfly year a bit ahead of itself now. The impact of weather which has led to the troubles for insects this year possibly delaying their emergence a bit to put these two species’ season a bit more into their traditional place, Ringlet in particular I felt I was seeing at Lakeside later into the count than I’m becoming used to. However a check of my year lists this morning revealed the dates I saw my first of the year of them in June didn’t differ greatly to last year actually, in 2023 it just felt they’d been out a little while before I saw my first compared to this year when there seemed to be a lull in insects emerging in June and I first saw these species in a surge of butterfly sightings with some sunny weather. Another possible factor is that without further afield visits west to Martin Down and Durlston where the season seemed a bit behind with particularly Marbled White still out a lot during the count I may not have seen as many.

Purely for my amusement really I also compiled from my regular trip sightings lists a list of other species of butterflies and moths seen out in the day that I spotted during the days I was doing counts and I was pleased to see twenty different species to the ones in the count. Purple Hairstreak, Lulworth Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper, Large Skipper, Chalkhill Blue, Silver-studded Blue, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Heath, Wall Brown, Common Grayling, Mint moth and my first ever Magpie moths and Purple Bar among the highlights.

The photos in this set are of; Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Peacock at Stockbridge Down, Ringlet at Lakeside, Red Admiral at Egleton, Rutland Water, Brimstone and Comma at Martin Down and Large White, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue at Lakeside.

[leam1983]

Grief

Sarah and I didn't do shit today. I mostly bawled through the morning and emerged out of the bedroom in sweatpants, unshaved, to head straight down to the kitchen where I wolfed down two peanut butter toasts and - proceded to cry my eyes out for forty-five minutes longer. Sarah's face scrunched up as soon as she saw me turn red and she bawled with me off-and-on. Walt steered the ship with the sort of self-control you'd associate to Bomb Squad technicians - at least until he stepped away for coffee or his lunch break.

Then it was a long, strong and silent hug, with his own anguish making his diaphragm and belly shake. Walt's the type to cry when something positive or beautiful moves him to tears - but when pain's involved, he turns mostly silent.

Our Compliance Officer got a little nosy and Walt was forced to spill the beans, over vidcon. She shrugged.

"Well, you can always get another dog, right?"

Famous last words traditionally spoken by those who never owned a pet before. There is no getting another dog. There is no replacement to consider. You don't replace family members when they're gone. It's not a fucking catalytic filter that God steals from your metaphorical Mommy SUV for the ceramic and copper inserts.

When Romeo died, eleven years of love, patience, mild exasperation and so, so much fun got ripped out of me. Imagine realizing that these are your last instants with your parents, knowing it'll take you weeks, months or more to process their absence. Then imagine Walt's split-second expression of white-hot rage at that thoughtless suggestion.

I don't imagine you grieve sea monkeys. I also figure terrarrium owners trying to follow the trend of self-sufficient ecosystems in sealed jars also don't grieve nematodes.

Curiously enough, though, you do grieve computers you donate. You grieve shirts that no longer fit you. You grieve your first set of furniture, your first condo. Your first love.

Obviously, you grieve friends and family when they pass.

If your pets don't fit in that category, affectively speaking, I would contend that there's something deeply wrong with you. Pets are family - unequivocally.

I didn't just lose a dog, last night. I lost a friend, a little brother; the most constant companion in my life outside of my parents, Sarah or Walt.

Or if you want a more on-the-nose example, consider that the John Wick series, with its hours upon hours of stylish shoot-outs and body counts that would make actual hitmen and assassins blush, is entirely predicated upon grief.

Grief isn't to be taken lightly. Tell me my dog is replaceable and I'll tell you your significant other is just a lump of flesh on legs that wears cologne or perfume right.

[dreamanduality]

January '24 your (only) moment to ground it out.

By the end of 2024, you will find yourself wondering where the time went. As we delve deeper into the events of this year, the pace will accelerate, although we won't be at full speed just yet. We are only at the threshold.

January is the month for you to ensure that your foundations are solid. There is a common belief that a new calendar year signifies a fresh start for everyone. However, I challenge this notion. Your true new year has always been and will always be your birthday, marking the activation of a new phase in your life.

I have been contemplating how to present this information in a more easily understandable manner, as it feels like the curtains to the true presence of the great and powerful Oz have been drawn back. And in this case, Pluto...

Pluto will be moving into Aquarius again this month but in Sept will skip back into Capricorn until 2025. So January, your time to get that shit in order as we step into a year that begins the pursuit of defining an era.

Big Points:

Our Fair Merc Stations Direct Today!

Mars moves into Exaltation in Cap on the 4th

New Moon in Cap on the 11th

Both the Sun AND Pluto move into Aqua on the 20th (my friend Copper and I have been having discourse about this over on Tiktok)

Venus moves into Cap on the 23rd

Full Moon in Leo on the 25th

Uranus (FINALLY) Stations Direct & Fair Merc conjs Mars on the 27th

What is it that you have been working on? This is not the time to come up with new ideas only to have them crushed by Saturn in Pisces. By the time Saturn meets and passes Neptune, the illusions and delusions will crumble, and what remains of the last decade will be more than just a passing trend.

How can you use this information? by rising sign: at a very base level what planets are transiting where for you

if you want details let me know your rising sign in the comments!

I have limited availability for readings through this month email me for information (in comments). If you would like to look at your year ahead we can chat based on your timeline and my availability.

Next up! The new eclipse cycle...Aries, Libra, and Comets Oh My!

[mariacallous]

In a financialized world, can currencies shape geopolitics? Hardly a week passes without a pundit forecasting the future of the global order on the basis of subtle changes in the stock of currencies and gold stashed in central banks—as if a few more Chinese renminbi in South America, a little more gold in Asia, or the price of a virtual currency anticipates a world that is more democratic, autocratic, or libertarian. The same goes for broader trends, such as the growing share of Chinese renminbi and other forms of “autocratic money” in commodities trade, sovereign lending, and other global markets historically dominated by the West.

This punditry is not unwarranted. And yet punditry inevitably misses some crucial context—context that only fine-grained case studies can provide. Societies have always created currencies with a political function in mind—but the qualities of a currency, in turn, can also shape politics, both domestic and global. Ekaterina Pravilova’s The Ruble: A Political History persuasively offers Russia’s currency as a case study in the entanglement of money and power, and in so doing, encourages us to understand what catalyzes these global trends. A 200-year “biography of a currency,” the book positions the ruble as both an important part of imperial organization and an unexpected anchor of Soviet influence. The ruble also emerges, amid political and financial crisis, as a potential instrument of Russian democracy—yet its history ultimately demonstrates how a currency can become a primary tool for creating and maintaining an autocracy.

And while Russia’s singular monetary history has earned its economy a “backward” reputation, better known for profiting from geopolitical chaos than sound policy, it has also made the country a pioneer, leading it in a direction that many autocracies are headed today—namely, toward greater isolation from the West’s financial ecosystem. Whether that will also involve greater financial cooperation with other autocratic powers, including, as many anticipate, increased denomination of its trade and investment in China’s renminbi, depends on the Russian government’s conception of its own currency—and the related strength of its own autocracy.

When Russia first issued paper rubles in 1769, nobody considered these assignats to be real money. Catherine the Great implored Russians to trust the state, and so made these bills exchangeable for copper and silver coins stored in Assignat Banks. Before long, the expanding Russian empire demanded more paper, and Catherine supplied it in excess of the state’s stock of metal—that is to say, on credit. She vouched for assignats even amid inflation, and with no independent central bank to hold her accountable, their value depended on the sanctity of the sovereign’s word.

Assignats thus became Russia’s initial form of autocratic money, projecting Catherine’s absolute authority. At a time when the rest of Europe was demanding monetary accountability, Russia backed its currency’s value with its monarch’s “sublime power” rather than any material collateral. When Nicholas I reformed the system in 1839, replacing assignats with silver-based bills backed by the “entire patrimony of the state” rather than a mere personal promise, he intended to maintain this autocracy; indeed, the state’s wealth was not nearly sufficient to provide this support, given that it only had sufficient silver to back up one-sixth of the rubles in circulation. There was no way to actually redeem the entire nation’s wealth under these conditions: Unlike the gold reserves in Europe’s central banks, which were independent from their state’s treasury, Russia’s bullion reserve—representing the bulk of its tangible wealth—was the only one in Europe directly controlled by the state.

Liberal economists and intellectuals in Russia took issue with this lack of monetary independence. Inevitably, a monarch succumbs to the temptation to generate revenue by printing more money, leading to inflation. If money truly represented the nation’s wealth, as Nicholas I claimed, then the tsar should be prevented from destroying that wealth. Since the people bore the cost of the tsar’s excessive money printing, and they lacked political representation, the “people’s ruble” should be convertible—to gold, silver, or something else—and the state should not issue money beyond this wealth.

Russian nationalists countered that convertibility impeded the tsar’s ability to finance wars that would expand the empire and defend Christian Orthodoxy. Where else would Russia get money? If the tsar couldn’t print it as needed, he’d have to take it from foreigners in exchange for Russia’s sovereignty. Having observed that the French monarchy’s large borrowing required it to cede power to its creditors, Russia avoided borrowing in any significant way until its 1877 war with Turkey. To some, its fiscal prudence had been a virtue—even leading U.S. diplomat Alexander Hill Everett to imagine a world in which Europe was united under Russia’s military, the only one not funded by public debt.

But Sergei Witte, a savvy bureaucrat who defined Russia’s monetary thinking in the 1890s, and the central figure in Pravilova’s history, agreed that backing the currency with gold was a good idea—but not because a gold standard forced the state to commit to rational monetary policy and limited its demands for cash, as liberals hoped. Rather, Witte believed that adopting gold would become a source of stability for the ruble and national pride for Russia; a necessary reassurance to foreign creditors; and, finally, admission to the club of economically civilized nations. Russia’s conservative faction thus spun the liberal idea of convertibility into the rhetoric of the monarchy.

In 1897, Russia, Europe’s only gold-producing country and claiming its largest bullion reserve, became the last major economy to join the gold standard. Witte’s gold-backed paper and small silver change was immediately unpopular among peasants, urbanites, and indigenous Russians alike. Billed as a necessary step toward modernity, Witte’s reform struck many as a return to a medieval economy. Some asked why a relatively poor European country was stockpiling gold, rather than spending it on, say, public education. “All of thinking Russia was against” it, Witte admitted, to the point that journalists in France, the country whose monetary thinking so influenced his plan, called it a “monetary coup d’état.”

Though a coup captures the reform’s dubious origins—Witte’s backroom dealings, a secret decree, and few administrative controls—this isn’t totally accurate. Russia managed to avoid the political revolutions that had forced many of Europe’s other gold standards. And as unpopular as the reform was with Russian citizens, it did please one important faction. According to one source, foreigners invested more capital in Russia in the year after Witte’s reform than the prior 40 years combined.

Although Russia is perhaps better known for defaulting on its debt—most notably in 1918 and 1998—it was the state’s devotion to servicing its foreign loans, even at the expense of its domestic obligations, that would trigger the country’s most important political revolutions.

As its empire expanded, Russia became one of the most aggressive participants in capital markets, and Witte’s gold standard locked it in a vicious cycle: The bigger it became, the more money it needed to print or borrow, and the more gold it needed to hold in reserve. But the more it held in reserve, the less it had to spend, so the more it needed to print or borrow. Soon, Russia was borrowing gold abroad in order to sustain the rate at which it was printing gold-backed rubles, overlooking the fact that this cross-collateralized its bullion reserve, exposing it to both foreign and domestic creditors.

Most countries would simply suspend gold convertibility during war and issue fiat currency instead, but the size of Russia’s foreign debts prevented this. Revolutionaries, fed up with the state’s unaccountable, debt-funded budgets, called for an end to foreign borrowing at the expense of the Russian people. Hoping to expose the state’s insolvency, they circulated a manifesto, partly drafted by Leon Trotsky, that started a run on the regime. Depositors emptied their savings accounts, refusing to pay taxes or accept rubles for payment, while panicked creditors tried to offload Russian bonds.

The regime survived this financial crisis, but the revolution’s calls for political reform had some success: In 1905, Russia transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, and a year later elected its first legislature. However, the State Duma was given little power to separate the State Bank from the treasury, and the state maintained total monetary control.

Whereas, in the eyes of liberals and revolutionaries, the gold standard in other European countries signified true constitutionalism—political representation that demanded transparent financial policy—Russia’s gold policy was supposed to compensate for its lack of such assurances. But for Russians, the government’s rationale was a joke that, according to Vladimir Lenin, then an exiled Bolshevik leader, “made the entire world laugh.”

The viability of this unusual system was tested yet again during the First World War, which caused a race for gold that saw Russia pay unprecedented prices for it on foreign markets and led the state to call in all the country’s gold except the holiest Orthodox relics. “You’ve got a lot of gold trinkets,” read one official’s announcement, and “it is your patriotic duty to deliver all this useless luxury to the state.” Many of these trinkets were worth more in their original form than melted into gold bars. Some Russians, fearing seizure, melted their stashes of gold coins, the easier to carry them out of the country as newly crafted necklaces. The scheme netted only 655,000 rubles—enough for 13 days of wartime expenses.

World War I proved too much for Russia’s financial policy, and in 1914 it abandoned the gold standard. An income tax (which was transparent) and government bonds (which were voluntary) had replaced convertibility as the democratic mechanisms akin to a stake in Russia’s government, but they provided neither sufficient revenue to the state, nor adequate representation to the people.

Thus, even the Bolsheviks, so eager to eliminate money on the way to socialism, found that they still needed it, and generated revenue by printing rubles beyond anything seen by their imperial predecessors. (The Bolshevik-created bureaucracy would soon employ three times as many officials as the imperial government.) Financing the government through monetary emission was not the Bolsheviks’ original plan, but central planning required coordination, and money helped organize resources. Soon, revolutionaries were simply trying to manage the ruble’s depreciation and maintain the state’s monopoly on money-printing.

Reflecting on these mishaps, the early Soviet state consulted a group of experts in 1920 to consider whether money should, in fact, exist under socialism. One participant, Vladimir Zheleznov, argued that money was the only language expressing social needs. To be sure, it represents a “compromise between personal freedom and social organization,” but Zheleznov suggested that each person has an economic interest—even under socialism—and this interest is expressed in money.

Zheleznov’s view, which drew on the Aristotelian concept of money (nomisma) as a tool of reciprocity among citizens, informed the Soviet Union’s New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921. The NEP allowed citizens to keep money in any amount, replaced Soviet food requisitions with proper transparent taxes, and replaced the imperial ruble with a Soviet one. But just as ancient Greek currency became, over time, a tool for imperialism, the Soviet reform returned Russia to Witte’s imperial standard.

Lenin, like Witte, thought gold might attract foreign investors the way it had after 1897. And so the new treasury notes, which were backed by the state’s credit just like Nicholas I’s bills, circulated alongside bank notes ostensibly backed 25 percent by gold. But with its gold reserves impaired by the war effort (and its Gulag camps yet to properly restart gold mining in Siberia), Lenin’s forces had to raid the last stash of gold in the country, the coffers of the Orthodox church.

But even as it stockpiled gold, the state never actually sanctioned the ruble’s convertibility as promised. “If a certain Ivanov comes to [the] State Bank” demanding gold, said the people’s commissar of finance, then they would assume Ivanov is a counterrevolutionary hoping to buy “a little gold mug with the tsar’s portrait.” With so many unexchangeable rubles circulating, Russians once again saw convertibility as “a panacea for our economy,” but subsequent reforms in 1947 and 1961 did not grant monetary independence—according to Pravilova, they merely reaffirmed the political role of Soviet money as “an instrument of governance, propaganda, and Cold War diplomacy.”

Both imperial and Soviet governments meddled with the monetary system without changing the institutional and political foundations of Russia’s economy, nor fixing its fundamental problem: a lack of productivity. It is no wonder, then, that former Soviet states celebrated their independence by issuing their own national currencies.

The Central Bank of Russia finally achieved independence in the early 1990s. But the ruble, which was never fully convertible under a pseudo-gold standard, has become a favored tool of Russia’s current leadership for shifting the burden of war and sanctions to the Russian people.

Reflecting on Putin’s reign, Pravilova writes that the ruble has absorbed the cost of attacks on Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, and Ukraine. Putin’s second invasion of Ukraine in 2022 rendered the ruble mostly inconvertible to Western currencies and limited Russia’s access to global finance. Once more, the ruble became a symbol of autocracy and autarky to the West, while its exchange rate prophesied Russia’s fate in its latest war. It is why Putin rushed to stabilize the ruble after the invasion, and why the Biden administration hastened to declare its sanctions on Russia had reduced the currency to “rubble.”

Several scholars have argued that money can play a role in creating and shaping democracy, and Pravilova demonstrates that powerful rulers can use the very same instruments to control the public and consolidate their autocracy. While most of Europe was democratizing and developing the modern toolkit of central banking, Russia managed domestic crisis by changing the ruble’s form, value, or metallic backing, often in lieu of political reform. By designing a currency that maintains autocracy, true monetary accountability will remain beyond the public’s reach.

Before Russia’s gold standard was co-opted by monarchists for the sake of securing foreign credit, it was a way for liberals to demand government accountability under a regime that did not offer true political representation for its people. This concept was always undermined by a lack of monetary independence in Russia, which became liberals’ second major demand for accountability. The ruble remains one of many marginal currencies—occasionally sanctioned, constantly fluctuating, and rarely circulating outside trade alliances—issued by autocrats hoping to retain the centrality of the state over the monetary system.

From Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s historically inflationary policies to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unilateral seizure of rupees, Putin is far from the only ruler forcing the costs of his regime on citizens who lack proper representation. Some of these rulers have sought new means to defend their autocratic model and challenge the U.S. dollar network with monetary symbols of their authority.

Today, autocratic countries make more than half of the world’s gold purchases, some of which insulate their economies from Western meddling or back trade-oriented cryptocurrencies. Broader currency alliances aim to directly challenge the dollar standard, but attempts in Latin America and other emerging markets have crumbled for lack of a stable keystone currency.

China’s renminbi may be the politically aligned alternative they seek. About 2.5 percent of foreign official currency reserves are held in renminbi, with almost one-third of that amount owned by Russia alone. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s capital controls make the renminbi’s convertibility into Western currencies doubtful, limiting its utility for now. A larger alliance of smaller currencies allays some of that concern, but it also means that, as in imperial Russia, it is the autocrat’s promise that backs up the renminbi, and financial stability depends on his goodwill.

Faced with this prospect, The Ruble contributes to a recently reinvigorated debate: What is money? Is it a mechanism of exchange and credit, or a tool of governance and coercion? A check on autocratic power or a symbol of that power? The ruble’s role at the center of crisis and reform shows that it could be all these things, or none of them. After all, currency not only reflects the political order—it actively shapes it.

[dzpenumbra]

5/30/23

It's odd saying I'm starting this early at 3:45 AM, but I guess that's what happens when you start drinking coffee at 5 PM.

I, once again, didn't really do much today. And I'm not horribly bummed about it, honestly. Today, it's okay.

I'm feeling a bit aimless. And... going through that whole... "my art isn't going anywhere, I could be working on 'something better'" thing. It's obnoxious. At least I don't just blindly submit to it now, that's improvement.

The current open projects are: the skull, the wooden bead necklaces, the abstract ink drawings. And... none of them are really calling me right now. The skull, I kinda hit a mental block design-wise. The beads, I have to pick a day and go out and try out this spray acrylic sealer I've never used before, and figure out how to suspend beads to spray them, but without them touching each other, so they don't stick together. That kinda just put me off a bit, honestly. Long term, it might be a better idea to find a sealer that isn't Mod Podge, that doesn't have that tacky finish to it. I don't know. Or I should just bite the bullet and give it a go and see how it turns out. The abstract ink drawings? Well... I'm running into that age-old nasty reflex trained into me from a young age. I don't know if it's an American thing, a modern era thing, or just the upbringing I had... but the whole "how do I sell this?" reflex is like... good lord, it's so unbelievably anti-creativity.

Nothing in my life has killed more creative ideas than the thought "how do I sell this? Will this sell? Can I pay my bills with this?" It's so deeply unsettling. It's like... maybe not even at a conscious level... this social system is designed to... discourage creative thought. I mean, just look around. Which has more incentive? Making something that follows analytic trends and formulas? Or making something truly reflective of you as a creative, truly unique? Which is better rewarded?

I don't feel like soapboxing, the whole topic makes me so deeply depressed that I struggle to even put it into words. It just feels like we're in this phase of reboots and milking nostalgia dry for cash and copy-pasting memes and using AI to make illusions of creativity. It feels like... an age of imitation, where everyone is copying others, who are also faking it. And my life-goal in all of this? To just be as true to the concepts I stumble across as I can. And be as true to my experience and process as possible.

I feel like there's a difference between being creative and being industrious. And I don't know if support for creatives is very common out there anymore. But, of course, my perspective is very biased and comes from a place of isolation... so... maybe there are tons of people nurturing creativity... and I'm just craving it. I'm just disconnected from it. I don't know.

I said I'm not going to soapbox, so I'm done. Again, it just bums me out too much, and I'm sure it's not completely true... rather, more a reflection of my fears. Because if it were true? What purpose do I have? That's spooky, you know? But that's the old "you need to create value for others" crap I got drilled into my head by my mom talking.

So yeah, maybe what I need to do tomorrow is... okay, let's try prepping a few new test beads and taking them outside and spraying them. That way I don't have to worry about "ruining" the beads I have already made. I'll do a few that are just ink dyed and a few with Mod Podge on them. Then, if that process ends up going okay and the results are good, I'll be good to just go spray the whole batch. And the plan right now is to use copper wire or string to suspend them, and put cardboard underneath so I'm not spraying all over the grass or whatever. I don't know, I'll figure the rest out when I get there. The goal is to do that tomorrow, we'll see how that plays out.

I did yoga this morning and god was it a welcome return. I enjoyed it. But... I found some bugs on my jasmine plant. I honestly have no clue how they got there, I'm guessing they came with the cutting? I have no clue. I'm praying they didn't infest my tomato or my chili, I'm going to check them before bed to make sure. They were these weird things that looked like pillbugs, or roly-polys (however you spell that), I'm guessing some kind of plant lice, gross little shits. I just plucked them off and flung them out the window. So... that was a bummer... but...

The jasmine bloomed today. And the whole apartment smelled of it. They smell very strong, and... there really aren't a ton of flowers either... so... XD I may have bit off more than I could chew? I hope not. I've been a bit anxious about it, like... that's one thing I didn't really take into consideration before buying what will grow into a full fucking bush... whether I will like the aroma... It was really a leap of faith with it, and I really did just get the plant because of the novelty of it blooming at night. The scent is intense, but it's not bad, it's just going to take some getting used to. I spent a little time today looking up bonsais, and seeing whether you can make this species into a bonsai, and apparently you can. So... that could be a thing down the line.

So yeah, I played a bit of Risk of Rain earlier in the day, I took care of the plants, I took a shower, I did laundry, I cooked some food, I watched the tail-end of a stream, and I've just sorta been floating around since.

I've been trying to listen for my inspiration, but it feels distant right now. It feels... dull, like music on the other side of a thick wall. Speaking of music... I played guitar a bunch today, so that was good. The only real inspiration that called me today was... I realized a lot of my clothes don't fit me anymore. And are getting really old and beaten up. And I've always... I mean always been the kind of person that wears clothes until they are literally unwearable. To the point where I actually want to learn how to tailor, or at least patch clothing so I can extend its lifespan. But in my laundry today was that old white Parkway Drive wifebeater... and that thing is basically yellow at this point. I never really saw the color change because of how gradual it was, but years of sweat and smoke and age... yeah, I think it's time to retire it. But... my inspiration chimed in and said... "hey, you know... you could just... order some blank shirts off that place you got that fabric paint from... And get some fabric for wall hangings too, while you're at it... and get that delivered to the building. Then you can just make your own shirts. And you can make fabric art for like... display, too. Like tapestries and shit." And... it's not a half-bad idea.

But this reflex comes out and intercepts. Guess which one? The money one. Of course. In a very smart and practical tone of voice, too. And it says "hey bud, that's cool and all but... are you really going to invest more money into a project like this when you already have... how many open projects?"

And I struggle to maintain a balance there. In my experience, I make my best work when I follow whatever I'm inspired to work on. Even if that means a project lays dormant for years at a time. Even if that means some projects get started and never get finished. I feel like that's just sorta... the nature of the beast. This isn't like cooking or something, where once you start cooking something you kinda have to finish cooking it... or building a house, or something? I don't know. Like... let's take a piece I did last winter. It's a piece of cardboard, probably 5 inches by 12 inches, I painted a black border around it, a green and yellow organic pattern as a background and big all-caps lettering "BE HERE NOW" on it in gold ink. And it sat on my tables and cabinets and shit for months. And I took the opportunity, when I was sealing the yellow beads, to finally add a coat of Mod Podge to it to seal it and call it "finished". Is it actually "finished"? Fuck no! I could add edges to it to camouflage that it's made of cardboard. I could just use pushpins to mount it on the wall. I could mount it with cardstock and set it in a picture frame and hang it on my wall. There's tons of shit I could still do with it, even with the final coat on it. All work is a work in progress. Or, better put by one of my mentors, gone well before his time: "Art is never finished, only stopped."

So... maybe I should be a little gentler on myself, and give myself some leeway. I'm just... it's the money part. It's fucking money, I swear, every time. Every goddamn creative problem I have comes back to it. Ugh. Oh well. I'll think that over tomorrow. It's probably not as expensive as I think it is.

Birds are starting to chirp and... god this is so weird to say, I guess I'll get used to it in time... it smells different in here. XD I think the flowers closed up. Maybe it's in my head and I'm just used to the smell, I don't know... Either way, it's getting late, so.... tarot time!

First Position - Past - IV: The Emperor (A powerful, dominant, strategic and protective figure of great influence and reach.  Symbolically, important changes, a shift in power, new responsibilities or authority. Adjacently symbolizes stability.) Second Position - Present - Ace of Wands, inverted (Inspiration, creativity, fresh ideas.  The seed of confidence you need to embark on a new creative journey.) Third Position - Future - Ace of Cups (A new relationship and the accompanying surge of emotions.  Getting in touch with your feelings.  Matters of the heart.  A deepening bond.)

Alright... here we go. So... this thread sources from either a strong male figure, myself as a strong male figure, or the concepts that come along with that. Stability, growth, expansion, protection. I was putting this card description into my Google Doc notes because this was the first time I've drawn it and... I have a section in there for "Personal Association/Memory", to help me learn the cards at a very personal level and... I was drawing a blank. I really haven't had many... I would venture to even say any figures like that in my life. And because of that... I kinda took on that role myself. And set it as a goal for myself. To be a good role model, and... maybe someday... a good father. It was a very "goes without saying" goal of mine my entire adult life... until very recently. I guess since I crossed the 35 year mark. And I started trying to ground myself in the reality that I... may go to my grave never being a father. And that's okay, I guess. I was a father for my pets, and I was a really good dad for them, at least towards the end once I got my shit together. So... I guess... this card might be referring to... my inner Dad. The part of myself that keeps me safe, keeps me secure, keeps me protected and stable and responsible. That's my theory on this.

That Emperor symbol from the Past is connected to... an inverted Ace of Wands. Aces are the beginnings of the journey of that element, and Wands is creativity/creation. And the second I drew that card, I chuckled, because I spent pretty much this entire journal entry (and last one) talking about creative block and a lack of inspiration. Or, at least, dysfunction with my inspiration. And the inverted Ace of Wands is the embodiment of that. So... pretty straight-forward there.

What that's connected to, as an outcome in the Future... is the Ace of Cups. We got this a few days ago. The Ace of Cups is the start down the journey of emotions, perhaps social connection. It's that giant surge of emotions you get on a first date. At least, that's how I've been reading the card; as a giant outburst or influx of emotions. In that context, this narrative makes sense to me.

How I'm reading this... is that I have a protective figure inside me... maybe it's the budget guy? The "will it sell" guy? The "will you ever make enough to pay rent" guy? Who is trying to keep me safe in a very practical, fatherly way. He's looking out for me. "Don't just go buying t-shirts and cloth and stuff, you have projects to work on already, just write it down and come back to it, we're on a budget right now." That inner fatherly voice, keeping my creative self in check from impulsively ordering. But this practical Emperor... can cause disruptions with my inspiration. I mean, I was literally complaining about it this entire post! "hey bud, that's cool and all but... are you really going to invest more money into a project like this when you already have... how many open projects?" I fucking quoted it! And that's literally snuffing out an inspiration spark before it has a chance to take root, because it's not in the budget. It's not finding a way to make it work, it's not figuring out what work I can do on that project with what I have on hand... it's just diverting my attention away from my inspiration and back over to my other projects. Which obviously puts my inspiration and creative project into disarray. And the result of this? If it goes unchecked? Well... that's the part I've been trying to understand, because... I kinda got the vibe from Ace of Cups that it was a "positive" card... like a "welcome to a new relationship" kinda card... but... in this context, it really doesn't feel that way. It feels like it's a giant surge of emotion, and me submitting to that emotion, or being powerless to it. Not necessarily being out of control or in disorder from it, but being consumed by it. And that would probably be... anxiety? Depression? Frustration? I guess.

I'm a bit shaky on the last bit, because... again... if that Ace of Cups was inverted it would make perfect sense to me. But... I mean... given the context of the other cards... I just don't really see any big primal outpouring of emotions coming from an inverted Ace of Wands being... good emotions...

So... my inner Father is being a bit too tough on me and is stifling my creativity... and I need to regulate and tweak the way I do that a bit or... I could be headed to a big emotional surge that isn't necessarily a good one. That makes sense to me.

Alright, it's late. Well... early. Whatever. I'm heading to bed.

[amzproducts]

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The Visionary: Michael Thompson’s Journey from Pioneering Video Streaming to Leading a Company with a Projected Valuation of $2.9 Billion!

Courtesy of Heart & Soul

n the late 1990s, a groundbreaking achievement forever changed the course of digital media—and it wasn’t Netflix. Michael Thompson, a celebrated technologist and entrepreneur, cracked the code to stream video online through copper wires in less than 30 days, achieving what Bell Atlantic’s $80 million initiative couldn’t. His work didn’t just revolutionize video streaming—it laid the foundation for today’s online entertainment industry.

This compelling biography tells the story of Michael Thompson, a true pioneer who dared to dream big and deliver even bigger. His groundbreaking success in video streaming caught the attention of Hollywood’s most powerful studios, who eagerly lined up to strike a deal with the company that would later become Verizon. As Vice President of Verizon Video Services, Thompson had the industry poised to dominate the future of streaming. Yet, a critical misstep fumbled this golden opportunity—a moment that serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring lesson in resilience.

But Thompson’s story doesn’t end there. Today, he stands at the helm of Sikhona, a company with a projected $2.9 billion valuation that is reshaping the digital landscape with cutting-edge apps and platforms like DoYou, File Mule, Heyyo, and FastFare. This book delves into his innovative strategies, his unmatched ability to spot and capitalize on technological trends, and his unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a fast-evolving industry.

Through Thompson’s journey, readers will explore:

How he solved the seemingly impossible challenge of streaming video on copper wires.

The high-stakes world of Hollywood studio negotiations and the missed opportunities that followed.

The visionary leadership that drove him to create successful apps and platforms, positioning Sikhona as a global tech powerhouse.

The personal and professional insights that have made him a celebrated technologist and entrepreneur.

This isn’t just a story about technology; it’s a story about vision, innovation, and tenacity. It’s about how one man’s determination to solve complex problems not only changed an industry but also inspired a new generation of digital creators and entrepreneurs.

Michael Thompson’s life offers more than a history of accomplishments—it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to make their mark in technology, entrepreneurship, or innovation. His journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and it provides a unique perspective on how the digital age was shaped by bold thinkers who dared to dream.

With exclusive insights, thought-provoking anecdotes, and powerful lessons, this book is a must-read for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the story of how the internet evolved into the streaming powerhouse we know today.

[commoditypricessupates]

Gallium Prices in 2025: What You Need to Know

Gallium is one of those metals that often flies under the radar, but it's incredibly important in today’s technology-driven world. If you've ever used a smartphone, LED light, or even solar panel, you've encountered gallium in some form. In 2025, gallium prices are expected to reflect both its rising importance in cutting-edge industries and the challenges in securing reliable sources of this rare metal. So, what’s happening with gallium prices this year? Let’s break it down.

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A Glimpse into Gallium’s Growing Role

Gallium is primarily used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the heart of modern electronics. From smartphones to computers, and even electric vehicles, semiconductors are everywhere. But gallium doesn’t just stop at semiconductors. It’s a critical material in solar panels, high-speed communication devices, and LED technology. The increasing demand for these technologies is directly impacting gallium’s role in the global market.

This year, gallium’s applications are expanding even further. With the growing interest in 5G networks and renewable energy solutions, gallium is becoming more vital than ever. The push for electric vehicles, in particular, is one of the biggest drivers. As more companies invest in clean energy technologies, the need for gallium is set to rise.

The Current State of the Gallium Market

As of early 2025, the price of gallium has seen some fluctuations. Historically, gallium was relatively cheap compared to other metals. However, as demand has surged, its price has increased significantly. In 2025, you can expect to see gallium trading at much higher levels than in previous years. Prices are hovering in the range of $400 to $700 per kilogram, depending on the market conditions and purity levels. This price increase is partly due to supply constraints and increasing global demand for gallium in tech and renewable energy sectors.

One of the reasons for the price spike is that gallium is not readily found in nature. Unlike other metals, it’s typically extracted as a byproduct of aluminum and zinc mining, making its supply chain somewhat unpredictable. This limited supply is often cited as one of the main factors pushing prices up. China, which holds a significant portion of the world’s gallium supply, has the ability to influence prices, and changes in China’s domestic production or export policies can have ripple effects across the globe.

Factors Influencing Gallium Prices in 2025

There are several factors that are driving gallium prices higher. First, there’s the growing demand from the semiconductor and tech industries. As companies continue to innovate with new technologies, particularly in the areas of 5G, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles, the need for gallium will only grow. The semiconductor industry alone accounts for a substantial portion of gallium consumption, and as electronics get more advanced, the metal becomes more integral.

Another factor is the global shift towards renewable energy sources. Solar panels, which use gallium-based materials like gallium arsenide, are becoming more popular as countries push to reduce their carbon footprints. As solar energy becomes more widespread, so does the demand for gallium. Similarly, as electric vehicle production ramps up, the need for semiconductors and, by extension, gallium, will keep rising.

On the flip side, the limited supply of gallium is contributing to its high price. Unlike metals like copper or iron, gallium is not abundant in the Earth’s crust, which makes it harder to find and extract. Mining it as a byproduct of other metals, such as aluminum, can result in a supply that fluctuates based on the global production of these other metals.

Gallium Market Forecast: What to Expect

Looking ahead, the gallium market is expected to continue on an upward trend. The combination of growing demand from high-tech industries and the push for cleaner energy will likely keep prices elevated throughout 2025 and beyond. Some experts predict that prices could stabilize over the next few years, but others believe that the increasing reliance on gallium in emerging technologies could mean that prices stay high.

The semiconductor industry, in particular, is going to be a key driver for gallium’s market growth. With advancements in AI and the continued rollout of 5G infrastructure, the demand for high-performance semiconductors is unlikely to slow down. Moreover, the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles will require even more gallium to meet production needs for their advanced semiconductors and power systems.

On the supply side, if China, the dominant player in gallium production, tightens its export controls or faces production issues, it could lead to more volatility in the market. Countries and industries that rely heavily on gallium are aware of this risk and may look for alternative sources, though it remains to be seen how quickly this will happen.

What This Means for Businesses and Consumers

For businesses, particularly those in the tech, energy, and automotive sectors, the rising price of gallium is a signal to plan ahead. Manufacturers will likely have to adjust their supply chains and budgets to account for higher costs, which could trickle down to consumers in the form of higher prices for electronics or electric vehicles.

For consumers, the price increase might not be immediately noticeable, but over time, the costs of technology could rise due to higher production costs tied to materials like gallium. However, the long-term benefits of innovations like faster 5G networks, more efficient solar energy, and advanced AI could outweigh the cost increases.

Navigating the Gallium Landscape in 2025

In 2025, gallium prices are shaped by a mix of high demand, limited supply, and the increasing importance of the metal in global industries. While the price increases may seem steep, they’re a reflection of gallium’s growing role in powering the technologies of tomorrow. As industries like semiconductors, renewable energy, and electric vehicles continue to expand, gallium will remain a critical material. Whether you’re a business leader or a consumer, understanding the trends in the gallium market is key to navigating the rapidly changing landscape of 2025 and beyond. Get real time commodity price update with pricewatch.

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Scrap Yards In Sydney: Get the Best Value with Shine Motor Corporation

At Shine Motor Corporation, we make recycling scrap metal simple and rewarding. As one of the leading Scrap Yards In Sydney, we offer competitive prices for all types of metals, including copper, aluminum, steel, and brass. Whether you have old appliances, industrial scraps, or household items, we ensure you get the best value for your materials.  

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Best Aluminium and Copper Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City

Are you looking for Aluminium Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City or Copper Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you are a business dealing with bulk industrial scrap or an individual with leftover cables, selling your scrap to a reputable buyer ensures a profitable and environmentally responsible solution.

Why Choose Professional Cable Scrap Buyers?

Hitech City, known for its rapid urbanization and IT infrastructure, generates a significant amount of electrical and communication cables. Many industries and construction companies frequently upgrade their wiring systems, leading to surplus aluminium cable scrap and copper cable scrap. Instead of letting these valuable materials go to waste, selling them to professional scrap buyers offers multiple benefits:

1. Best Market Prices – Reputed buyers offer competitive rates for aluminium cable scrap and copper cable scrap based on current market trends.

2. Eco-Friendly Recycling – Recycling metal scrap reduces the demand for new raw materials, thereby conserving natural resources.

3. Hassle-Free Pickup – Many aluminium cable scrap in Hitech City and Copper Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City provide doorstep pickup services, making the process convenient for sellers.

4. Instant Payment – Reliable scrap buyers ensure immediate payments after material verification.

Aluminium vs. Copper Cable Scrap – Which is More Valuable?

Both aluminium and copper are highly sought-after metals in the scrap industry. However, copper cable scrap is generally more valuable due to its superior conductivity and widespread use in electrical applications. On the other hand, aluminium cable scrap is lighter and still holds significant value in the recycling market.

Where to Sell Aluminium and Copper Cable Scrap in Hitech City?

Finding a trustworthy scrap dealer is essential to get the best price for your materials. When searching for Aluminium Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City or Copper Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City, look for:

• Buyers with a strong reputation and positive customer reviews.

• Licensed and certified dealers who follow environmental guidelines.

• Competitive pricing with transparent weight measurements.

Conclusion

Selling your aluminium cable scrap and copper cable scrap in Hitech City is an excellent way to earn extra income while promoting sustainability. By choosing the right scrap buyer, you can ensure a smooth and profitable transaction. Contact the best Aluminium Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City or Copper Cable Scrap Buyers in Hitech City today and turn your scrap into cash!