#da hike 2023

[mrindpolitics]

DA Hike latest Update: DA/DR जबरदस्त उछाल के साथ, महंगाई भत्ता AICPIN 12 महीने के टॉप पर

Please read our new post.

दोस्तों आप सभी का स्वागत है हमारे वेबसाइट Mr. Indian Politics पर। आपको जानकर खुशी होगी कि AICPIN पिछले 12 महीने का रिकॉर्ड तोड़ते हुए जबरदस्त उछाल पर है जिसके चलते महंगाई भत्ते में जबरदस्त उछाल देखने को मिलने वाला है। जैसा कि आप सभी जानते हो जुलाई, 2023 से मिलने वाला महंगाई भत्ता 46% बन चुका है, मात्र घोषणा होनी बाकी है और जनवरी 2024 के लिए पहले ही महीने का जो अखिल भारतीय उपभोक्ता मुद्रा सूचकांक…

[malavoie1]

CFO 09008

During a visit to Larose Forest last Fall, I stumbled upon a fascinating subject for my macro lens – a metal tag embedded in the bark of a tree. The tag, marked "CFO 09008," tells a story of its own, a silent testament to the forest's history and the ongoing efforts to study and preserve this natural treasure.

The weather was overcast, with the temperature just below freezing. The cloudy conditions created an even, diffused lighting. This soft light helped me capture the intricate details of the tree bark and the metal tag without harsh shadows, enhancing the textures and creating a moody, contemplative image.

As I framed the shot, I was struck by how the tree had grown around the tag, almost engulfing it, yet leaving it legible. This moment was a poignant reminder of nature's resilience and the passage of time.

In post-processing, I converted the image to black and white to emphasize the textures and the interplay of light and shadow. I treated the black and white conversion on the bark separately from that of the tag. Some additional dodging and burning brought out the lettering on the tag and shape of the bark surrounding it. This choice also helped to highlight the tag.

Larose Forest, situated in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, Ontario, stands as the second-largest man-made forest in Southern Ontario. Spanning 10,944.7 hectares (27,045 acres), this forest is a remarkable example of environmental restoration and sustainability.

In the late 1800s, the area suffered severe deforestation due to intensive logging and agricultural practices, resulting in significant soil erosion and ecological disruption. To combat this, Ferdinand Larose initiated a reforestation project in the late 1920s, transforming the barren landscape into a thriving forest. Over the decades, millions of trees, including red pine, white pine, and white spruce, were planted, rejuvenating the land.

Today, Larose Forest is a multi-use public space managed by South Nation Conservation, offering recreational activities like hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. It also supports small-scale logging and is a haven for wildlife, featuring diverse ecosystems ranging from softwood plantings to wetlands. Recognized for its environmental stewardship, Larose Forest continues to be a symbol of nature's resilience and human dedication to conservation.

Processed with Affinity Photo v2.

Camera: Pentax K-3

Lens: smc Pentax DA FA 1:2.8 100mm Macro

100mm / ƒ/5.6 / 1/250s / ISO 400 Taken: Nov. 11, 2023

[techniktagebuch]

September 2022 bis August 2023

I Walk the Line (mit Google Street View)

Am 19. September 2022 komme ich auf einem Spaziergang in der Gegend von Perth an mehreren auffälligen Warnschildern vorbei.

Offenbar kreuzt eine Ölpipeline hier den Weg und man darf auf keinen Fall Löcher graben, ohne vorher um Erlaubnis zu fragen.

Ein paar Meter weiter stehen noch mehr Warnschilder. Ich finde das interessant, weil ich mir vorstelle, dass der Bauer hier versehentlich ein Loch in die Pipeline gemacht hat und daraufhin die vielen Schilder aufgestellt wurden. In Wirklichkeit queren an dieser Stelle einfach zwei ganz normal markierte Pipelines die Straße. Das finde ich aber erst später heraus.

Was tut eine Pipeline überhaupt an diesem absurden Ort, oben auf einem Berg? In den nächsten Tagen fallen mir an mehreren Orten in Fife solche und andere Marker auf. In Aleks' schottischem Haus kommt das Gas aus einem Rohr, aber ich habe nie darüber nachgedacht, womit dieses Rohr eigentlich verbunden ist.

Ich recherchiere ein bisschen und finde heraus: Das Rohr in Aleks' Haus ist mit dem Forties Oil Field in der Nordsee verbunden. Zwischen diesem Ölfeld und meiner warmen Dusche ist das Forties pipeline system verlegt. Einen Teil davon habe ich zufällig gefunden. Aber wo ist der Rest? Ich sehe bei Openstreetmap nach, ob diese Pipelines dort verzeichnet sind und finde: fast nichts. Bei Wikipedia: nichts. Bei den verschiedenen Unternehmen, die Pipelines in Schottland betreiben: nichts, beziehungsweise nur äußerst vages Kartenmaterial.

Aber bei Google Street View sieht man natürlich diese Marker. Die dürfen nicht unsichtbar sein, sonst würden sicher ständig bei Bauarbeiten Löcher in Pipelines gemacht. In den nächsten Tagen fahre ich sehr viel mit Google Street View durch Fife und finde Pipelinemarker. Obsessionen beginnen so harmlos, ein Moment der Unaufmerksamkeit, ein Tag mit zu viel Freizeit genügt, und schlupp hat einen das Rabbithole eingesaugt.

Am 26. September, genau eine Woche, nachdem ich mein schönes neues Hobby entdeckt habe, werden zwei große Gaspipelines bei einem Anschlag zerstört. Ich recherchiere nur noch ganz vorsichtig mit anderen Suchbegriffen um die Ecke, um mich nicht verdächtig zu machen. Aber von außen, denke ich, kann ja niemand erkennen, wozu ich nachts, wenn ich nicht schlafen kann, stundenlang mit Google Streetview über einsame schottische Landstraßen und Feldwege fahre.

Einige Wochen später weiß ich, wo Pipelines gern wohnen und wo nicht so. Es macht mir Freude, das Satellitenbild zu betrachten, "bestimmt bist du da" zu denken, und dann mit Streetview auf die Stelle zu klicken und genau beim Pipelinemarker rauszukommen. Mainlining the secret truth of the universe!

Leider kann ich nicht sofort alles bei Openstreetmap eintragen, denn dafür darf man nicht einfach die Street-View-Daten verwenden, außerdem sollte man selbst vor Ort gewesen sein. (Zur Klarstellung: Ich halte diese Regeln für sinnvoll und richtig.) Mein Versuch, Aleks für mein Projekt "Walk the Line – Hiking the FM13 Pipeline" zu interessieren, bleibt erfolglos, obwohl das bestimmt eine schöne Strecke ist.

Ich denke oft darüber nach, ob Pipelines jetzt in Karten eingetragen sein sollten oder besser nicht. In Großbritannien scheint man eindeutig dem Prinzip "besser nicht" anzuhängen. Karten sind schwer zu finden und, wenn man sie findet, so schematisch wie U-Bahn-Pläne. Aber so richtig verboten scheint es auch nicht zu sein. Für Europa gibt es ganz offizielle, wenn auch nicht immer vollständige Karten. Auch bei Openinframap sieht man einiges (auf der Basis von Openstreetmap-Daten). Damit es nicht so aussieht, als wolle ich nur die schottischen Pipelines ausspionieren, kartiere ich auch ein paar in Hessen, Bayern und Baden-Württemberg, an denen ich vorbeikomme.

Bis August 2022 bin ich eine vierstellige Kilometeranzahl mit Street View durch Schottland gefahren und habe eine recht präzise Vorstellung von den vier bis sechs großen Pipelines an der Ostküste und der dazugehörigen Infrastruktur. In die Openstreetmap-Karte konnte ich fast nichts davon eintragen, weil ich noch nicht vor Ort war. Ich erwähne mein Pipelinefindehobby H. gegenüber. Er findet es überhaupt nicht so faszinierend wie ich und sagt, dass ich die Finger davon lassen soll. Die Welt sei nicht mehr so wie früher. Er erwähnt die Bahn-Sabotage aus dem Oktober 2022, die ich komplett verpasst oder vergessen habe. "Aber die Russen können doch selber bei Street View nachsehen", wende ich ein. "Ja, aber du musst ihnen nicht auch noch die Arbeit erleichtern", sagt H.

Das alles habe ich mir auch schon selbst gedacht, aber das schöne Hobby war stärker und ich habe immer Begründungen dafür gefunden, warum es doch okay ist, Pipelines in Karten einzutragen. Zum Beispiel, weil es ja auch für an der Strecke wohnende Menschen von Interesse ist. Oder weil man auch in einer weiter entfernten Zukunft, in dem die geheimhaltenden Unternehmen vielleicht gar nicht mehr existieren, wissen möchte, wo eigentlich Leitungen im Boden liegen. (Das ist kein ganz hypothetisches Problem, Berlin hatte es nach dem Krieg und der Teilung.) Außerdem bin ich wahrscheinlich bis heute geprägt davon, dass ich mit 15 "Der Schockwellenreiter" gelesen habe, einen Science-Fiction-Roman, dessen hoffnungsvolles Ende darin besteht, dass alle geheimen Daten öffentlich werden. Aber ich habe so oft an das Falsche geglaubt im Leben, und zwar insbesondere dann, wenn ich "was soll schon sein" gedacht habe, dass ich weiß, dass H. wahrscheinlich recht hat.

Ich verabschiede mich am selben Tag von meinem Pipelinehobby und behalte nur das Wissen zurück, dass man, wenn man bei GeoGuessr (beziehungsweise Geotastic) in Schottland Pipelinemarker sieht, wahrscheinlich an der Ostküste des Landes ist.

(Kathrin Passig)

[wilsweb-asientour]

Tag 26. 29.07.2023

Land der aufgehenden Sonne. Wir stiegen nach 3h Halbschlaf um 01:00 Uhr auf, zogen uns kurz um und montierten unsere Kopflampen. Pünktlich 01:30 Uhr wanderten wir im Stockdunklen los, um den renommierten Fuji-Sonnenaufgang ganz oben mitzuerleben. Die ersten Höhenmeter der verbleibenden 426 Meter zum Gipfel (3.776 Meter) liefen reibungslos, zwar wars ca. 5^C kalt und das Geröll nahm kein Ende, jedoch schafften wir ordentlich Höhenmeter.

Gegen 02:00 Uhr fing dann der Bergsteiger-Stau an. Man lief so nah am Vordermann, dass man dessen Namensschild samt Adresse, Telefonnummer und Emailadresse nach nur wenigen Minuten auswendig konnte. Je näher wir an den Gipfel kamen desto mehr Wanderer kamen von benachbarten Pfaden dazu. Bei ca. 3.600 Metern gabs sogar Angestellte des Nationalparks, die als Staukoordinatoren taugten. Krass. Der ganze Stau stammte von der aufgebauten Fuji-Nachfrage der Pandemie, wo das Besteigen des Vulkans ohne funktionstüchtigen Berghütten für die Masse unmöglich war. Unsere Kommilitonen waren hauptsächlich Japaner, hinzu kamen auffällig viele Franzosen und Kanadier sowie Holländer und Briten.

Gegen 03:30 Uhr erreichten wir nach stockendem Verkehr schließlich den Gipfel. Webster holte sich einen Kaffee und Wilson eine heiße Schokolade und wir setzten uns auf einen Hügel, um auf den Sonnenaufgang zu warten. Wir hatten jeweils vier Kleidungsschichten an, zitterten jedoch beide ein wenig. Der tatsächliche Sonnenaufgang war absolut bombastisch, ein einzigartiges Erlebnis, die erklärt weshalb die japanische Flagge eine rote Sonne porträtiert. Die Sonne ging regelrecht über den Wolken auf und betonte kontinuierlich auf dem Horizont neue Hügel, die rundherum ihre Wolkendecken beschützten. Wir waren äußerst beeindruckt und machten entsprechend dutzende Fotoaufnahmen.

Schließlich entschieden wir uns dem Abstieg zu widmen und marschierten gegen 05:15 Uhr los Richtung Talstation. Über den Wolken zu wandern war traumhaft, v.a. gefiel uns auf 3.200M die weiße Wolkendecke beim zweiten Frühstück (Reis mit Makrele und Tamago-Ei von der Hütte) zu genießen. Beim Abstieg wendeten wir stets die sogenannte „Zickzack“ Methodik an, die Webster damals in Alaska kennenlernte. Egal ob bergauf oder bergab, bei steilen Bergstücken läuft man im 45 Grad Winkel, um mehr Körpergewicht auf die Hüften und Oberschenkel zu verlagern und dadurch die Waden zu schonen. Die Methodik funktionierte super, sodass wir 08:00 Uhr, nach bloß 3h, am Parkplatz ankamen.

Die Fahrt zurück war kurz, wir schliefen nämlich beide. In Gotemba buchten wir Platzreservierungen für unseren Nachmittagszug nach Kyoto, aßen was in der Bäckerei und machten uns im Badezimmer der Hotellobby frisch. Die Shinkansen-Zugfahrt (Bullet Train) nach Kyoto lief einbahnfrei, genauso wie die Busfahrt ins Hotel. Zwar hatten wir 38^C und schwitzten, jedoch freuten wir uns enorm auf die Dusche. Zum Abendessen gabs Ramen, danach waren wir kurz im Supermarkt und jetzt schauen wir die Wallabies gegen die All Blacks - gerade ist Halbzeit. Ronald viel Spaß in den USA! Gute Nacht!

Day 26. July 29, 2023

Land of the rising sun. After 3 hours of half-sleep, we got up at 1:00 am, quickly changed, and put on our headlamps. At exactly 1:30 am, we started our hike in pitch darkness to experience the renowned Fuji sunrise from the top. The initial ascent of the remaining 426 meters to the summit (3,776 meters) went smoothly. It was about 5^C cold, and the scree seemed endless, but we managed to gain altitude steadily.

Around 2:00 am, the mountaineer's traffic jam began. We were walking so close to the person in front that we could memorize their name tag, address, phone number, and email within minutes. As we approached the summit, more hikers joined from neighboring paths. At around 3,600 meters, there were even National Park employees serving as traffic coordinators. It was incredible. The whole congestion was a result of the increased demand to climb Mount Fuji during the pandemic, when the mountain huts weren't functional for the masses. Our fellow climbers were mainly Japanese, along with quite a few French, Canadians, Dutch, and Brits.

By 3:30 am, we finally reached the summit amidst the slow-moving crowd. Webster got a coffee, Wilson opted for hot chocolate, and we sat on a hill to wait for the sunrise. Though we wore four layers of clothing, we still shivered a bit. The actual sunrise was absolutely spectacular, a unique experience that explains why the Japanese flag portrays a red sun. The sun rose above the clouds and continually highlighted new hills on the horizon, which were sheltered by their cloud cover. We were extremely impressed and took dozens of photos accordingly.

Eventually, we decided to begin the descent and started walking towards the base station at around 5:15 am. Hiking above the clouds was fantastic, and we especially enjoyed the white sea of clouds at 3,200 meters while having our second breakfast of rice with mackerel and Tamago egg from the hut. During the descent, we followed the so-called "Zigzag" technique that Webster learned in Alaska. Whether uphill or downhill, on steep slopes, we walked at a 45-degree angle to shift more body weight onto the hips and thighs, thus easing the strain on the calves. The technique worked great, and we arrived at the parking lot by 8:00 am, just 3 hours after starting the descent.

The ride back was short, as we both slept. In Gotemba, we booked seat reservations for our afternoon train to Kyoto, grabbed something to eat at the bakery, and freshened up in the hotel lobby's bathroom. The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride to Kyoto went smoothly, as did the bus ride to the hotel. Despite the 38^C heat making us sweat, we were excited about taking a shower. For dinner, we had ramen, and later, we briefly visited the supermarket. Now, we are watching the Wallabies against the All Blacks - it's halftime. Ronald, have fun in the US! Good night!

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Petrobras fuel prices increase moves inflation further from target

Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petrobras announced yesterday an increase in fuel prices. As of today, the price of gasoline and diesel at refineries has risen by 16.27 percent (BRL 0.41 per liter) and 25.82 percent (BRL 0.78 per liter), respectively. Market analysts believe that this price hike will have a significant impact on the 2023 inflation target and are already revising their projections.

This was the first price increase announced by the company since the implementation of its new pricing policy. Previously, Petrobras had linked its fuel prices to fluctuations in the international market.

This increase had been expected by the market, as the company’s current prices remain disconnected from international market rates. In addition, under the leadership of CEO Jean Paul Prates, appointed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the company announced a reduction in dividends to investors.

Analysts say these measures signal the company’s intention to prioritize investments and mitigate excessive fuel price volatility. As a result, the government wants the impact of gasoline and diesel prices on inflation to be less pronounced.

Continue reading.

[cross-border-communications]

Glacier Caravan 2023 - Legambiente's journey through the Alps during the phases of the climate crisis.

The 2023 Glacier Caravan campaign through the Alps, organized by Legambiente, has officially begun.

Embark on a meaningful adventure with Legambiente Alpi with the Carovana dei Ghiacciai 2023. This journey will take you through the breathtaking Alps to observe and learn about the impact of the climate crisis stages on our planet.

Legambiente Onlus is launching the Glacier Caravan from August 20th to September 10th, 2023! They will cross the Alps with CIPRA and its Italian representative living in the Alps - CIPRA rappresentanza italiana - vivere nelle Alpi - along with the Italian Glaciological Committee - Comitato Glaciologico Italiano  - to document the dramatic retreat of glaciers caused by global warming.

This tour includes six stops between Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. It involves monitoring, hiking, art, and music to raise awareness about protecting our glaciers.

From 1997 to 2022, glaciers in Europe lost approximately 880 cubic kilometers of ice. The hardest-hit region is the Alps, where the average glacier ice thickness has reduced by 34 meters.

So let's join Legambiente Onlus on their Glacier Caravan journey through the Alps to document the devastating effects of global warming on glaciers. This tour includes monitoring, hiking, art, and music to raise awareness about protecting our glaciers. Let's take action to preserve our planet earth!

So, in the end, from the 20th of August to the 10th of September, a journey in 6 stages crosses national borders for the first time. The journey begins in Valle d'Aosta with the Rutor glacier, continues to Piedmont with the Belvedere glacier, then to Lombardy with the Dosdè glaciers, and further to Trentino-Alto Adige with the Lares and Mandrone glaciers. Eventually, the journey reaches Austria with the Ochsental Glacier and Switzerland with the Morteratsch Glacier.

And most of all, recognizing that the climate crisis is accelerating, causing devastating effects such as fires, droughts, heat waves, and record temperatures worldwide, is crucial. The Alpine glaciers are not immune to the impact of climate change and global warming. They are becoming more fragile, vulnerable, and unstable, posing an increased threat to their existence.

📍📍📍 So, do you really care about the environment? Please read on:

This was initially published by Domenico Letizia in: Caravana Ghiacciai 2023

We appreciate your kind presence and attention to today's story. Thank you for joining us today.

⏩ The Board Behind

[photosiablog]

Baum - Landschaft - Wandern - Himmel - Sonne - 🗯️ Auch wenn das Leben manchmal traurig ist, bin ich froh, dabei zu sein. - 🗯️ Even if life is sometimes sad, I'm glad to be part of it. - - - #colorphoto #colorphotgraphy #dof_of_our_world #wald #forest #sky #amazingplaces #photojunkie #tv_flowers #photosia_de #rox_captures #2023 #colore_de_saison #hiking #wandern #thüringen #petal_perfection #transfer_visions #germany #clouds #angelsandflowers_ #dof_explore #wp_flower #mf_landscape #sky #hot #softones_perfection #dark_macro_art #flora_addict #tv_monotones (hier: Thüringen, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpTepONosy1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[caminheirogastronomico]

Em 31/12/2023 Rio Lima - Barragem do Lindoso - Ponte da Barca #riolima #barragemdolindoso #pontedabarca #portugal #geres #pnpg #geresnationalpark #parquenacionalpenedageres #nature #natureza #naturelovers #naturephotography #portugal_lovers #portugaldenorteasul #super_portugal #sharing_portugal #igersportugal #landscape #trekking #hiking #montanhismo #caminhar #caminharemportugal #montanha #mountains #adventure #beautiful #shooters_pt #visitportugal #caminheirogastronomico @caminheirogastronomico (em Rio Lima) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnFGMuoKJWN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[science-criticaltheory]

Now What? - Ed Walker

Detail of The Last Judgment by Giovanni da Modena, a fresco at the Cathedral of Bologna, Italy. Photo by Artemisia.

I’ve had lots of feelings about that miserable election: anger, hostility, fear, worry, and more. But life goes on. Now what?

Self-Care

I practiced bankruptcy law for 25 years, mostly representing middle-class people who got hammered by one of the four most common causes of financial distress — divorce, illness/injury, job loss, and financial crashes. Almost all of my clients were shocked and horrified that things had come to the place where they needed to consult a lawyer. I had one piece of advice: take care of yourself. You can’t help anyone else if you’re totally stressed out.

It’s good advice. I took it myself, in fact, I’m still taking it. I did a media cleanse: no billionaire media, quit reading newsletters and Substacks, got off Xitter, and limited my screen time. I watched movies, read novels, talked to my friends over dinner and drinks. I cleaned out closets and drawers, took a close look at expenditures, and talked to my stock broker.

I’ve read this site, and the comments. I moved to Bluesky (@edwalker.bsky.social) and used the starter packs to replace my curated list of follows on Xitter. I’m exercising and eating mindfully. It’s helping.

The Blame Game

I’ve been thinking about why the election turned out so badly. Of course there are many reasons for a huge loss, but these seem make me angriest.

1. Voters. Democracy only works if voters can discriminate among candidates. Donald Trump is a law-breaker, a sexually abusive creep, and a business and governmental failure. People who think this repulsive demented jerk is a plausible candidate and voted for him and people who refused to vote failed the basic test of democracy. There is no excuse for this. With the exception of Muslims who refused to support genocide, discussed below, those people failed as citizens.

2. Billionaire media. The billionaire-owned and controlled media (the “BM”) rehabilitated and enabled Trump. When Trump was impeached for inciting a riot to hold on to power after getting whipped n the 2020 election, the BM announced that the impeachment was futile. Then when the coward Mitch McConnell protected him the BM patted itself on the back and announced that Trump was the leading candidate for 2024. Then he was discovered to have stolen critical national security documents from the government and refused to return them. The BM treated this as spectacle, thrilled by his contempt of law, and continued to treat Trump as the leading Repub candidate.

Meanwhile, the BM’s political reporters decided that inflation was Biden’s fault because of all the government spending on COVID relief, infrastructure and bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US. This was a lie. The primary cause of inflation was supply chain blockages brought on by corporate just-in-time practices. Prices rose as supply dropped, just as predicted by Econ 101 textbooks.

But when supply chain problems eased, prices didn’t come down as predicted by those textbooks. The largest US corporations have oligopolistic market power, and were able to keep prices rising. This was a replay of the mid-1970s when right-wing economists pretended inflation was caused by Keynesian spending instead of the ripple effects of OPEC price hikes. Sadly, BM political reporters lack the capacity to learn from the experience of being bamboozled.

By mid-2023 it was obvious that Biden’s policies were bringing our economy to a soft landing, and many economists (not the right-wing toads) began calling for the Fed to reduce interest rates. The Fed, led by a Republican, refused. That helped keep inflation from falling. BM political reporters blamed Biden for all it.

It doesn’t matter why. They failed. They are to blame.

3. The Democratic Party. Famous Will Rogers quote: “I don’t belong to an organized political party. I’m a Democrat.”

The election was a massive failure of Democratic “leadership,” the timid politicians, the know-it-all rich donors with their hands out, and the incompetent consultants. They all failed. They all should head to a monastery or convent and spend the rest of their days in shame and prayers for forgiveness on account al the people Trump will hurt physically and psychologically.

There is no Democratic Party. There are a bunch of politicians who claim the label, and their supporters and apparatchiks. They won’t help a single person now. For years lefties have begged them to do things that will help people directly — things like raising the minimum wage, protecting voting rights, strengthening labor laws, and reducing student debt, legislating abortion rights, and much more. Zippo.

We begged them to attack the policies and the politicians of the stupid party. We begged them to defend against the Ratfuckers’ ugly attacks on teachers, librarians, liberal clerics, college students, intellectuals, scientists, not-White people, asylum-seekers, LGBTQ+ people, and anyone with a brain capable of telling right from wrong. We begged them to communicate forcefully their successes. We begged them to use the power we gave them to help all of us flourish. They refused. They took our money and our time and then punched the dirty fucking hippies for funsies.

Time to clean House and Senate.

All right, big mouth, now whatcha gonna do?

1. There are a couple of things I can do locally, and I’m going to try to do them, hopefully in the company of people better equipped than I to accomplish them.

2. I’m going to continue with my current project of examining what it means to be an individual in current US society. But instead of treating it as a personal project, I’m going to try to make it more useful. More on that later.

3. I think the Democratic Party as currently constituted is purely transactional. It has no center, no reason for existing. There is nothing to bind us to the party. Instead, we are expected to support people who have claimed the label, regardless of whether or not they are furthering our goals.

As an example, Muslims who voted for Biden were asked to vote for the party’s chosen successor, Kamala Harris, despite her apparent support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza, its attacks on Lebanon and Hezbollah, its evident attempts to stir up war with Iran, and the close connection between the Israel’s odious warmonger Netanyahu and Trump.

Compare this to the 2012 election. We were asked to support Obama and his team despite their flat refusal to hold Wall Street accountable for causing the Great Crash. We were asked to support Obama’s choice to “foam the runway”, to allow the perps keep all the money they stole and use it to buy up all the houses that went into foreclosure. We were told to ignore the fate of millions of our fellow citizens who suffered loss of homes and savings. I didn’t vote for him. I couldn’t. How could I demand that Muslims support Harris in the face of genocide? How could anyone? Maybe other people felt similarly about other failures to deliver on promises.

The Democratic Party is not our friend, and it’s not going to help. We all have to figure out how to fix the mess that crowd of failures created. The shell of the party remains. I might be able to help with one obvious problem the lack of a governing theory.

4. I’m going to continue to attack the MAGAts on SCOTUS. I know how to read their bullshit opinions, and I know what plausible jurisprudence is, and I can and will show my contempt.

5, I think another serious problem is that we have no way to communicate with a large audience. By we, I mean thoughtful left-leaning writers and thinkers. We have no mass media presence, and we aren’t likely to develop one under a Trump administration.

At the Democratic Convention the Harris team centered a group of what it called “content creators,” people with podcasts. TikTok followers, Instagram accounts, and other ways of communicating. Those reach some of our target audience and could reach more.

Maybe that’s a way forward? Some kind of grouping of these content creators? Some sensible organization that stretches across all these forums? A coherence based on common goals and maybe even a theory? Maybe some way to make a little money?

Conclusion

We’re all going to have to find a way forward. Any thoughts?

“A Farce, or a Tragedy, or Perhaps Both.”

WaPo Enthusiastically Joins Trump’s Attack on Rule of Law

[starseedfxofficial]

The Secret Sauce of the Euro and Swiss Franc: Quarterly Trading Insights Ever feel like Forex trading is a bit like dating? One moment everything is peachy—candles glowing green and your equity rising—and the next, your profits are ghosting you harder than a bad Tinder date. Don't worry, you're not alone. Navigating the tricky waters of the Euro-Swiss Franc pair can feel a lot like a soap opera, but with fewer love triangles and more volatile economic data. So grab a cup of coffee, or better yet, a hearty glass of red, because it's time for some unconventional, insider-level strategies to crack the Euro-Swiss Franc code—quarterly style. Why Most Traders Get It Wrong with EUR/CHF (And How You Can Avoid It) First, let’s talk about a common mistake: trading EUR/CHF without understanding its quarterly rhythm is like buying a flashy convertible without considering the weather. Sure, it's great on a sunny day, but take it out in the middle of a Swiss snowstorm, and you’ll quickly realize your mistake. The Euro-Swiss Franc pair, while not as flashy as others, has a seasonal heartbeat—and it's all about the quarterly cycles. Most traders try to analyze EUR/CHF through a daily or weekly lens, completely ignoring the underlying macroeconomic shifts that often occur on a quarterly basis. It’s like focusing on the minute hand of a clock when the hour hand is what sets the pace. One key factor? The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has this knack for stepping in every quarter, moving the Franc faster than my caffeine-induced heartbeat during NFP Fridays. The Hidden Formula Only Experts Use: Here's the hidden gem—pay attention to quarterly monetary policy reviews and central bank interventions. Traders who track this are often the ones who jump on early trends before the big moves happen. It’s like being the first person at a sample sale—you get the best deals while everyone else is still finding parking. The Hidden Patterns that Drive EUR/CHF Every Quarter Think about EUR/CHF as that well-dressed, mysterious guy at a party—he’s not flashy, but he’s got depth. Traders often overlook the pair because it’s less volatile than others, but the true magic happens quarterly, and not always for the reasons you might think. Here’s Where the Real Magic Happens: Every quarter, the Eurozone releases important economic indicators that tell us how the big guns (Germany, France, etc.) are faring. Combine that with Switzerland's ability to make neutrality and banking secrecy look cool, and you've got a unique relationship. The Swiss Franc tends to behave like an overprotective sibling—whenever the Euro faces trouble, the Franc steps in to stabilize. By understanding how Eurozone growth rates and SNB policies interact, you can almost predict the oscillations—think of it as your quarterly cheat sheet. For instance, during the third quarter of 2023, when the ECB decided to pause rate hikes while the SNB continued a subtle tightening, traders who anticipated a strengthening of the Franc against a weakened Euro made quite a pretty penny. Keeping an eye on contrarian monetary policies each quarter can give you a significant edge—kind of like being the only person who knows when a flash sale is happening in advance. How to Predict EUR/CHF Market Moves with Precision Do you know that feeling when you hit the wrong button in a trade and feel like the whole world is ending? Yep, I’ve been there—more times than I'd care to admit. The good news is, EUR/CHF is far less likely to nosedive like that, given its tendency to move predictably within certain bounds. Yet, therein lies its allure. Predictability doesn’t mean lack of opportunity; it means there’s a hidden quarterly rhythm that savvy traders can exploit. Quarterly Opportunities You Might Be Missing: There is a pattern most traders overlook: the Euro-Swiss Franc carry trade opportunity. While the Swiss Franc usually benefits from a safe-haven status, every now and then, the Euro makes a strong recovery driven by growth data and ECB rhetoric. This is when carrying the Euro long, particularly during the start of a quarter, tends to make a lot of sense. The trick here? Watch for divergences in PMI data between the Eurozone and Switzerland—this acts as a prelude to quarterly trend shifts. Imagine if, in the first quarter, the Eurozone PMI numbers show an unexpected uptick while Switzerland’s GDP stagnates. Boom—you've got your entry point. Enter long on EUR/CHF, hold on as sentiment shifts, and cash out before the ECB rains on the parade with more cautionary tones. Patience pays, and you can finally avoid that dreaded feeling of hitting the wrong button. The Forgotten Strategy That Outsmarted the Pros You know that euphoric feeling of scoring an extra side of guac without the surcharge? That’s what catching a major trend in EUR/CHF feels like when you’re armed with the right information. One highly underrated strategy is focusing on capital inflows during the start of each quarter. Institutional investors, driven by macro themes, tend to adjust their Swiss bond holdings quarterly, especially when yield expectations shift. Tracking these capital flows is easier than you think. Follow reports from institutions like the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). According to a 2023 BIS report, there was a notable increase in capital flowing into Swiss assets during the first quarter—a major clue that EUR/CHF would trend lower. Capital outflow from Swiss bonds? That’s your go signal to look for Euro buying opportunities. If you’re quick enough to catch these quarterly capital movements, you'll be ahead of the pack. The One Simple Trick to Change Your EUR/CHF Trading Mindset Picture this: you’re staring at your charts, and suddenly you feel like a deer caught in headlights because nothing makes sense. The Euro is rallying, the Swiss Franc is following, and you’re wondering which way to go. The solution? Switch your mindset to think like a Swiss banker. No, not the type who hides millions for dubious millionaires—think like the one managing Switzerland’s intricate balance of international exposure. Why It Works: The secret is that the Swiss National Bank actively manages the currency to avoid a too-strong Franc. They don’t want to make exporting chocolate and watches more expensive, after all. If the Euro looks strong at the start of a quarter, there’s a solid chance that the SNB will be watching closely, and if necessary, intervening subtly in the Forex market. Trading in line with the SNB allows you to follow the path of least resistance—a classic strategy where the invisible hand of the central bank becomes your greatest ally. The Contrarian Perspective: The Q4 Fake Out Most traders believe that Q4 is just about seasonal trends and portfolio balancing. But the Euro-Swiss Franc pair often defies this convention. Q4 tends to present a "fake out" for unsuspecting traders—like buying a pair of fancy loafers for a job interview only to realize it’s a virtual one. In Q4, there's usually an initial false rally in the Euro, driven by an uptick in holiday retail expectations. The real key here is not to be faked out. Look for confirmation in Swiss industrial production data, which tends to be released around early November. If it signals weakness, there's a high likelihood that the SNB might intervene to cap Franc appreciation. Be patient here; wait for the Euro's false start to fade, and then short EUR/CHF to capitalize on end-of-year tightening. It’s like letting everyone else grab the marked-up Black Friday deal while you wait for the real clearance. The Swiss Franc’s Quarterly Curveball: Understanding the SNB's Moves You can’t talk about the Swiss Franc without acknowledging that it behaves like a well-behaved student—always cautious, often steady. But once a quarter, the Swiss National Bank likes to throw a curveball. Traders who overlook this are often the ones who wake up to a margin call surprise. The quarterly SNB monetary policy meetings are not just regular updates—they're filled with nuances that can give your trades a major edge. According to Thomas Jordan, the SNB Chairman, during a 2023 Q2 review, the bank would remain “cautiously accommodative.” Translation? They want the Franc to weaken without explicitly saying it. If you pick up on these hints, you can position yourself to profit from the quarterly ups and downs. Always think of the SNB as that watchful parent subtly nudging the economy without raising alarms. How Our Services Can Give You the Edge If navigating the intricate relationship between the Euro and Swiss Franc sounds like decoding ancient hieroglyphs, you’re not alone. It takes insider knowledge, advanced techniques, and perhaps a dash of humor to make sense of these quarterly trends. - Stay informed with the latest market updates, quarterly analysis, and exclusive reports at StarseedFX Forex News Today. - Join our community for daily insights, expert analysis, and those subtle SNB nudges that only the experts recognize at StarseedFX Community. - Plan ahead with a free trading plan to manage quarterly risks and discover rare strategic advantages at Free Trading Plan. The Euro-Swiss Franc relationship can be your secret weapon—armed with these quarterly ninja tactics, you’ll be light years ahead of those still treating this pair like it's just another ticker on the screen. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] GG News Bureau Dehradun, 29th Oct. The government of Uttarakhand has announced a hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for its state employees, raising it from 50 percent to 53 percent monthly. The revised DA will benefit all regular and full-time employees and officials associated with the University Grants Commission (UGC), with retrospective effect from July 1, 2024, as per an official statement. The arrears for the revised DA from July 1 to September 30, 2024, will be paid in cash, while the updated allowance will be added to monthly salaries starting October 1, 2024. However, this adjustment will not automatically apply to high court judges, the chairman and members of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, and certain other categories. Separate directives for these officials will be issued later, the statement clarified. Ad-Hoc Bonus for Non-Gazetted Employees The state also approved a 30-day ad-hoc bonus for 2023-24 to non-gazetted staff in government-aided educational institutions, local bodies, district panchayats, and daily wage workers. According to the Central Government’s guidelines, the bonus is capped at ₹7,000 and will be available to employees who were in service on March 31, 2024, with a minimum of six months of continuous employment. Those who served between six months and a year will receive a prorated bonus. For daily wage and casual employees, the bonus amount is set at ₹1,184, provided they have completed at least 240 working days per year in the last three years. However, employees facing departmental or criminal proceedings are ineligible, though reinstated employees after suspension will qualify. The decision is expected to provide financial relief to state employees amid inflationary pressures, reflecting the government’s ongoing support for its workforce. The post Uttarakhand Hikes DA, Announces Bonus for State Employees appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] GG News Bureau Dehradun, 29th Oct. The government of Uttarakhand has announced a hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for its state employees, raising it from 50 percent to 53 percent monthly. The revised DA will benefit all regular and full-time employees and officials associated with the University Grants Commission (UGC), with retrospective effect from July 1, 2024, as per an official statement. The arrears for the revised DA from July 1 to September 30, 2024, will be paid in cash, while the updated allowance will be added to monthly salaries starting October 1, 2024. However, this adjustment will not automatically apply to high court judges, the chairman and members of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, and certain other categories. Separate directives for these officials will be issued later, the statement clarified. Ad-Hoc Bonus for Non-Gazetted Employees The state also approved a 30-day ad-hoc bonus for 2023-24 to non-gazetted staff in government-aided educational institutions, local bodies, district panchayats, and daily wage workers. According to the Central Government’s guidelines, the bonus is capped at ₹7,000 and will be available to employees who were in service on March 31, 2024, with a minimum of six months of continuous employment. Those who served between six months and a year will receive a prorated bonus. For daily wage and casual employees, the bonus amount is set at ₹1,184, provided they have completed at least 240 working days per year in the last three years. However, employees facing departmental or criminal proceedings are ineligible, though reinstated employees after suspension will qualify. The decision is expected to provide financial relief to state employees amid inflationary pressures, reflecting the government’s ongoing support for its workforce. The post Uttarakhand Hikes DA, Announces Bonus for State Employees appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[sarkariexamhelp]

Exciting News for Central Government Employees: 5% DA Hike Announced for 2024! 🎉

This Diwali brings fantastic news for central government employees and pensioners! The government has announced a 5% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), providing much-needed relief to millions of employees and pensioners across the country. 🌟

What Does This DA Hike Mean for You?

With this 5% hike, you can expect a significant increase in your salary. Want to know exactly how much your salary will go up and what other benefits you'll get? Find out all the details here: 👉 Exciting News for Central Government Employees: 5% DA Hike for 2024!

What About Arrears? The government has also announced arrears starting from July 2023, so you'll be receiving three months' worth of arrears along with your updated salary. 💸

How Will This Affect Your Salary? As inflation rises, this DA hike helps employees maintain their purchasing power, providing much-needed financial stability.

Make This Diwali Even More Special! 🎊 Celebrate the festival of lights with an increased salary, and click here for more information! 👇 Exciting News for Central Government Employees: 5% DA Hike for 2024!

[mariequien]

❣️ CELEBRATION 17Feb42

"Dear friends and family. I am pleased to invite you to a special winter treat. The 42 is close - and with it all the answers to the "ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything".

It is my great pleasure to celebrate life and love with you this year - not a skydive in South Africa (2022), a surfing adventure on the Canary Islands (2023), or a mountain hike in Mexico (2019) - but a wonderful summer festival in the heart of Berlin.

Feel invited to put on your most colourful clothes - that's not negotiable, it's my expressed birthday wish.

Bring your beautiful, glittery insides and outsides - get your kimonos, summer hats, flower crowns and flamingo shorts, and let's celebrate and feel good together.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 17th, ’24, 7 pm - 2 am, live concert 8:30 - 10:00 pm WHERE: Al Hamra, Berlin Prenzlauer Berg AGENDA: Hug. Exchange. Laugh. Dance. Be Happy. REPEAT. "

Mein neues Kapitel hat bereits begonnen, an einem herrlich stürmischen Tag am Meer mit abenteuerlichem Farb- und Lichtspiel am Himmel, mit erfrischender Kälte im Außen und viel Herzenswärme im Inneren, mit liebevollen Begegnungen, berührenden Wünschen und leckeren Genüssen.

Die ultimative Antwort auf alle Fragen des Lebens und Universums scheint trotz der 42 noch nicht allgegenwärtig, wofür ich sehr dankbar bin - habe ich doch so viel Freude am Erforschen und Entdecken. Dafür hat mir ein nettes Künstliche-Intelligenz-Orakel die Vision für das kommende Jahr ausgemalt. Viel Vergnügen euch mit den geteilten Einblicken.

//Winter'24, Berlin, Schwerin and Baltic Sea

[wilsweb-asientour]

Tag 36. 08.08.2023

Miyajima. Unseren letzten Tag in Japan verbrachten wir auf der Miyajima Insel, südwestlich von Hiroshima. Wir schliefen aus und aßen im Hotelzimmer Frühstück, wie inzwischen gewohnt. Wilson war gut gelaunt, weil er gestern einen Mietvertrag in Stockholm für sein Auslandssemester unterschrieben hatte. Seine Wohnung in Stockholm liegt zentral und hat einen Balkon - er freut sich enorm. Im Regen fuhren wir mit einer altmodischen Straßenbahn (Hiroshima Street Car) zum Hauptbahnhof und stiegen in einen Regiozug ein. Von Miyajimaguchi ging’s dann mit der Fähre vom Festland auf die Miyajima Insel. Von dort sahen wir das berühmte rote Tori-Tor, welches Besucher im Fjord begrüßt.

Wir liefen zuerst ins Itsukushima Jinja Schrein, wo wir zusahen wie die Nachmittags-Ebbe langsam verschwand und die gestressten Krabben ein neues Versteck suchten. Daraufhin gingen wir ins Treasure Hall Museum, wo wir Artefakte der Insel beäugten und über verschiedene Samurai-Zeitalter lernten. Der Omoto Park war als Nächstes dran, wo wir dutzenden zähmen Rehen begegneten.

Danach fuhren wir mit der Gondel hoch zum Mount Misen (2.000 Yen für die Rundfahrt). Ursprünglich war eine Wanderung nach oben geplant, Webster hat allerdings seit 3 Tagen Problemen mit seinem linken Kreuzband, also wählten wir die Faultier Variante. Oben mussten wir weitere 30 Minuten wandern, um den Ausblick vom Mount Misen zu genießen. Von oben sah man die Fjorde, die Auster-Farms, Hiroshima, Kure und die Miyajima Strände. Traumhaft. Leider hatten wir oben begrenzt Zeit, die letzte Gondel fuhr nämlich schon 16:30 Uhr.

Nach einem kurzen Halt im 7-11, um billig Kalorien aufzutanken, fuhren wir zurück nach Hiroshima. Am Bahnhof reservierten wir Sitzplätze für den morgigen Zug zum Flughafen Fukuokas woraufhin wir ein letztes Mal Förderbandsushi zu uns nahmen. Die Sushis waren grandios genauso wie unser Lieblingsbier hier „Suntory“. Das japanische Essen werden wir auf jeden Fall vermissen! Wir kauften dann im Supermarkt Frühstück und Proviant für den Flug ein und liefen ins Hotel zurück. Webster bereitete sich für di me Abreise vor während Wilson das letzte Mal Wäsche wusch. Wir freuen uns auf Korea, bis morgen ihr Lieben!

Day 36. August 8, 2023

Miyajima. Our final day in Japan was spent on Miyajima Island, southwest of Hiroshima. We slept in and had breakfast in the hotel room, as has become our routine. Wilson was in high spirits because he signed a rental contract for his semester abroad in Stockholm yesterday. His apartment in Stockholm is centrally located and has a balcony - he's really excited about it. In the rain, we took an old-fashioned streetcar (Hiroshima Street Car) to the main train station and boarded a regional train. From Miyajimaguchi, we took the ferry from the mainland to Miyajima Island. From there, we saw the famous red Torii gate welcoming visitors in the fjord.

First, we walked to Itsukushima Shrine, where we watched as the afternoon low tide slowly receded and the stressed crabs searched for new hiding spots. Then, we went to the Treasure Hall Museum, where we examined artifacts from the island and learned about different samurai eras. Next was Omoto Park, where we encountered dozens of tame deer.

After that, we took the cable car up to Mount Misen (2,000 yen for the round trip). Originally, we had planned to hike up, but Webster has been having problems with his left hamstring for the past 3 days, so we chose the lazy option. At the top, we had to hike for another 30 minutes to enjoy the view from Mount Misen. From the top, we could see the fjords, the oyster farms, Hiroshima, Kure, and the Miyajima beaches. Absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, we had limited time at the top because the last cable car was already departing at 4:30 pm.

After a quick stop at 7-11 to refuel with cheap food, we headed back to Hiroshima. At the train station, we reserved seats for tomorrow's train to Fukuoka Airport, and then we had conveyor belt sushi for the last time. The sushi was amazing, just like our favourite beer here, "Suntory." We'll definitely miss Japanese food! We then bought breakfast and snacks for the flight at the supermarket and returned to the hotel. Webster got ready for our departure while Wilson did the laundry one last time. We're looking forward to Korea. See you tomorrow!

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazilian central bank keeps Selic rate at 13,75%; anticipates hawkish approach to combat future inflation

The Brazilian central bank maintained the benchmark Selic at 13.75% for a third consecutive meeting this week, as expected by all analysts. It was the last rate meeting before Lula da Silva assumes the country’s presidency on January first.

 In a statement accompanying the decision, COPOM board members reiterated they will hold rates steady for “a sufficiently long period” and will not hesitate to resume hikes if inflation doesn’t slow as planned.

“The current scenario, particularly uncertain on the fiscal side, requires serenity when evaluating risks,” they wrote. “The Committee will closely monitor future developments in fiscal policy and, in particular, its effects on asset prices and inflation expectations, with potential impacts on the dynamics of future inflation.”

Board members led by Roberto Campos Neto are considering, on one hand, the delayed economic impact of past rate hikes, and growing investor anxiety about Brazil’s weakening spending outlook on the other. Such concerns are leading economists to revise up inflation estimates for 2023 and traders to price in new rate hikes starting in February.

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