#draw in most of the country's tourism is

[andromedasummer]

think i should get time machine so i can kill. peter jackson

[clinicse]

DCİDENTALCLİNİC - DEVASA+ (2)

When it comes to achieving a radiant smile, dental crowns in Turkey are becoming an increasingly popular choice for patients seeking exceptional dental care at competitive prices. With advanced techniques and skilled professionals, Turkey has emerged as a hub for dental tourism, drawing individuals from around the globe. This blog post will explore the diverse options available for dental crowns, alongside essential treatments like endodontics in Antalya and other parts of Turkey. 

Dental crowns turkey

When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, dental crowns Turkey have become increasingly popular among both locals and tourists. These crowns not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also provide essential support to weakened teeth. By choosing Turkey for your dental needs, you may find high-quality treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.

One of the primary reasons many opt for dental crowns in Turkey is the availability of advanced technology and experienced dentists. Many clinics in popular cities like Istanbul and Antalya use the latest techniques and materials to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. This combination of affordability and quality has positioned Turkey as a leading destination for dental tourism.

Moreover, the dental crown procedures typically involve a seamless experience: from initial consultations to the final placements. Most clinics offer tailored packages that include not just the crowns but also accommodation and transportation, making the entire process convenient for overseas patients. This makes Turkey an attractive choice for those seeking effective dental solutions.

Endodontics antalya

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of dental pulp and the surrounding tissues. In Antalya, numerous dental clinics offer advanced endodontic procedures to address various dental issues, ensuring that patients achieve optimal oral health.

Choosing an endodontist  Antalya provides you with access to innovative techniques and technologies. These professionals are well-trained in procedures such as root canal therapy, which can help save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Patients can expect a comfortable experience with modern anesthesia methods and post-treatment care.

Many dental practices in Antalya also emphasize the importance of preventative care in endodontics. Regular check-ups and timely interventions can prevent more serious issues down the line, promoting long-lasting dental health. Whether you require a routine examination or a complex procedure, Antalya offers a wealth of options to meet your endodontic needs.

Endodontics turkey

Endodontics Turkey is a rapidly growing field, where advanced techniques and technologies are used to treat dental conditions affecting the tooth pulp. Patients seeking quality care often turn to Turkey because of its affordable prices and high standards of dental services.

In Turkey, endodontic treatments are performed by skilled professionals who utilize state-of-the-art equipment. This includes digital imaging and modern sterilization techniques, ensuring safety and efficacy during procedures such as root canals.

Choosing endodontics in Turkey not only provides access to expert dental care but also offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful country while getting treatment. Many dental clinics in Turkey cater to international patients, providing personalized treatment pl

Teeth whitining antalya

When it comes to achieving a radiant smile, teeth whitening Antalya has become increasingly popular. Many people seek this cosmetic treatment to enhance their overall appearance and boost their confidence. The beautiful resort city of Antalya offers a variety of dental clinics that specialize in effective teeth whitening procedures.

Apart from the professional services available, patients can expect to find a blend of modern techniques and advanced technology devoted to teeth whitening. Options include in-office treatments that provide quick results and at-home kits that allow for gradual whitening. Both methods can be customized to fit individual needs and preferences.

In addition to aesthetic benefits, teeth whitening can also contribute to better oral hygiene. A brighter smile often encourages patients to maintain their dental care routine, as they become more conscious of their overall appearance. With the picturesque backdrop of Antalya, many find this dental journey to be a rewarding experience.

[cheddar-baby]

ok i've gotten two asks now to elaborate on my beef with street photography so.

Street photography as a genre gets so easily caught up in bad ethics. Its something you run into a lot with them where they'll know the laws of pubic photography like the back of their hand. But never even considered if its ethically alright to document strangers in public then sell the images without that persons consent. Its a genre of photography that pulls in a lot of people doing poverty tourism, a lot of the most famous street photographers have a huge portfolio of homeless people, drug addicts, or people living in poverty in third world countries. Which comes with them patting themselves on the back for "drawing attention" to those issues but in reality they are making their living directly off the backs of those people's misery. Those people don't see a penny of it and they don't get the rights to their own image. Imagine you are having the worst day of your life. A person walks up to you, takes a photograph then you see your face on a banner marketing a show at the guggenheim. Its ghoulish.

Even outside of that your public image completely lays in the hands of those photographers. They get to permanently paint how a huge selection of the world percieves you. If you happen to get documented by someone like Martin Parr who intentionally photographs people looking their worst that is now your public image. Its an inherently invasive medium that can very easily be used to profit off other peoples misfortune. This isnt to say that its just entirely evil though you can definitely do it in a way that the people involved aren't taken advantage of. Theres street photographers i enjoy who took beautiful images that are deeply pivotal to the history of photography. However, their work is forever tied to the fact that it is taking advantage of strangers for personal gain.

[writingwithcolor]

Two Stories: European Translating a Fictional Japanese Novel

yoakesan asked:

Hi!

The protagonist of my novel is Sicilian university student who's working on a translation of an imaginary Japanese novel, which I would like to present as a sub-plot (the main plot features the Sicilian guy attending a local festival near his hometown).

The Japanese novel is about a young woman who has strong feelings of nostalgia towards summer, partly because of a short-lived love story she had with another girl. She spends so much time longing for summer that she can't be happy in the present.

Now, in order to underline this concept, I was thinking that the Japanese novel could end with the protagonist dying before the arrival of summer, but I'm afraid that, since the main plot features a happy ending for the Sicilian protagonist, that might be unnecessarily tragic.

Also, do you have any tips on certain aspects of Japanese culture that I should avoid underlining? The Sicilian guy loves Japanese literature, both classic and contemporary, and likes listening to contemporary Japanese electronic music. I was thinking of mentioning some similarities between the two cultures (islands - sea - volcanoes - cherry blossoms/a typical festival that is celebrated in the protagonist's hometown in the occasion of the blossoming of another tree), but the point of the novel is not to draw a consistent parallel.

Finally, said festival features people from many different countries dancing and playing instruments in traditional clothes. How can I be careful about exoticization when describing that part of the story?

More info needed

I like this concept and have read Japanese novels utilizing similar plot devices. An outsider’s perspective would be interesting. This idea also reminds me a little of The Hours (1998) by Michael Cunningham which won the Pulitzer in 1999. However, I wish you had said something more about this festival in this town so we might look into similar parallels in a Japanese context. Similarly crucial would be information about your own familiarity with Japanese literature and which authors/ novels you intended to draw on for your own inspiration for this unnamed novel. After all, the unnamed novel being translated is key. Its themes, time period, place in the Japanese literary canon etc. would all influence your protagonist and his state of mind, wouldn't it? Having done my share of translation, I have more than once grappled with the struggle of not knowing which word to pick because I don't even know what meaning the original author is trying to convey. 

I think this is an interesting question, and I like the concept of cultures shaped by similar forces and motifs being exchanged through the act of translating a novel. Speaking as a person who lives in another part of the world with unpredictable weather, earthquakes, the sea, etc., I like rediscovering aspects of my current home that also evoke Japan and vice-versa. so I invite you to re-submit with greater detail via DM so that we may provide you with a more definitive answer. 

The other question you sent on whether domestic tourism for hanami in Japan is common and which sites are favored is easy to answer through research using most search engines, so we will not be answering it.

- Marika.

[beardedmrbean]

A group of tourists wheel their bulky luggage and wind their way through the crowds in search of the perfect shot.

They huddle on a pavement opposite a convenience store - but this is no ordinary store. Rising behind it is Japan's highest summit, the majestic Mount Fuji.

The snowy 3,776m-peak forms a stunning backdrop for those in search of their next favourite selfie or instagrammable moment. The visitors got what they wanted – and just in time.

Fast forward a few weeks, to this morning, and that view is gone. The once-busy vantage point – the pavement – is now behind a black mesh screen, about the same length as a cricket pitch.

The barrier is the result of a chorus of complaints from locals, who say their lives have been disrupted by jaywalking and littering tourists.

The picturesque town of Fuji Kawaguchiko has been feeling the impact of a surge in tourism - arrivals to Japan crossed a record three million in March and April, driven up by a weak yen and a post-pandemic travel boom.

The screen is a desperate move and a sign of Japan’s struggle to accommodate this many visitors while protecting its streets, its famous spots and its particular way of living.

It has been an eventful Tuesday in Fuji Kawaguchiko.

Japanese officials had announced in late April that they would be putting up a screen - but the hour of installation brought more attention to this rural corner of central Japan. As workers fixed poles and hung up wires to hold the screen, they were surrounded by a scrum of cameras. Tourists gathered as well, curious to capture the hubbub.

If the screen is meant to keep them away, it isn’t doing that - yet.

Around us, visitors wonder how effective it will be: “It may work for a few days. But I’m sure someone will make a hole [in it] and take a picture at some point,” says Kazakh tourist Yuri Vavilin.

He is disappointed he missed the crucial shot but he says he shall return tomorrow and try from either end of the screen.

This dedication is surprising to 65-year-old Kazuhiko Iwama who has lived his entire life in Fuji Kawaguchiko. His house sits opposite the ubiquitous convenience store, with its florescent lights and famous blue sign that says Lawson.

“I see it every day from my window, so I really don’t have much to say about it,” he says, looking at the volcano that draws tourists from around the world. “I guess I take it for granted.”

It’s what many have dubbed a “very Japanese” scene - the banal Lawson shouldering such a spectacular view. It is even known online as “Mount Fuji Lawson”.

Mr Iwama isn’t convinced the screen would deter the most determined of tourists. With the pavement gone, he fears more of them will step on to the street to take pictures.

He says this is precisely the problem - he wouldn’t mind tourists, if they followed the rules.

“They cross the street and they don’t seem to care about the cars at all, it is dangerous. And they leave trash and cigarette butts everywhere."

This is seen as especially rude and careless in a country with few bins on the street - you are expected to carry your trash home and dispose of it there.

The screen was a last resort for local officials. One of them had said earlier in May, “It's regrettable we have to do this because of some tourists who can't respect rules."

They did try less drastic measures. They put up big road signs in multiple languages, telling people not to run onto the road. But, they say, these have largely been ignored.

When we visited weeks before, the road had local security to prevent accidents. We saw one man blowing his whistle furiously and yelling at jaywalkers to stop. When we tried to approach him, he stopped us: “I need to concentrate please.”

On the road, a driver aggressively honked at a camera-wielding pedestrian - a rare sound in Japan - who had parked themselves in front of the Lawson, obstructing traffic.

“I think one person posted a cool picture of themselves in front of this Lawson and it went viral and everybody decided ‘I want to go there. I want that picture on my Instagram,’” says Maddison Verb who had travelled here from the United States.

She and her two friends had been taking turns posing for the picture.

Unlike their serene, filtered photos that would soon be shared on Instagram or TikTok, the scene around them was crowded and tense.

“There's a guy working here just to prevent people from crossing the road. It is insane,” said Coralie Nieke, who had been visiting from Germany.

“If I didn't have social media, I wouldn't have come here. I wouldn't even have known that this place existed.”

She described how overwhelmed she felt by the sheer number of people jostling for that one snap. But, to her relief, she managed to get the “Lawson photo”.

Kikue Katsumata, a 73-year-old local who regularly walks her dog in the area, sympathised with both sides: “I feel sad for those tourists who come all the way to see the view and take pictures, but traffic here is quite heavy, and we are all very concerned about accidents.”

But now, with the screen up, tourists are still not convinced it will do the job.

“I think they’ll stand on the road to get the shot,” says Australian Maddie Godwin, echoing Mr Iwama’s concern.

Other visitors don’t see what the fuss is all about: Wandy Chow, a visitor from Toronto, says, “There are other places you can take beautiful pictures of Mt Fuji.”

Her son, Zachary, says he has found another shop with a good view of Mount Fuji.

But he won't say where. "I don’t want people to go there,” he says, smiling, thinking of his next shareable moment.

[jmoonjones]

OK, so this story really ballooned in my mind and it started to become clear that drawing it all out would be a pretty big undertaking, especially since much of it is exposition.

I made the pivot to writing most of it out because as a dyslexic person, it does me good to practice writing (I tried for the style of a history book? Maybe?). Prior warning on any typos, just roll with it. 

In post-war Illyria, the land finds itself ensnared in a web of adversity. A dwindling population hampers agricultural endeavors, while power struggles over vacant leadership positions sow discontent among the people. Whispers circulate, advocating for Illyria's right to select its own leader from someone who lives within their own borders. 

This chosen person would safeguard the interests of Illyria and its inhabitants from being used as a military power but ignored in times of peace. Progression is overdue, trade is being stunted, and the now-largely female population (due to the losses during the war) is eager for equality. 

And thus enters Emerie, a Carynthian and a Valkyrie, as well as a small-business proprietor. Practical and resolute, Emerie begins to garner support from the predominantly female populace, with her Carynthian status creating male allies as well. She envisions a future of thriving trade, using her own experience running her shop, and dreams of Illyria never being lacking in spices and salt. 

She envisions cultivating an economy based on tourism, enticing other courts to partake in Illyria's small shops and enterprises, and this will help build new businesses like hotels and guided tours.

As the movement gains traction, the final piece of the puzzle falls into place: Devlon. Possessing the wisdom of age and name recognition she lacks, Devlon bridges the divide between the disparate camp factions and gives her 'legitimacy' to the wary males by standing as Emerie's second-in-command. 

Devlon wants independence for Illyria and is smart enough to see that getting on board with Emerie and her group would give the movement more traction and more likelihood of success. 

(It helps that Nesta, ever vigilant, casts an ominous witchy glance at Devlon whenever he looks to be up to no good. He will eventually establish himself as a trusted confidant to Emerie and her government. )

In a collaborative effort with their loyal companions, Emerie and Devlon meticulously pen a declaration of independence so thorough and thoughtful that even Rhys, the High Lord of the Night Court, accedes to its terms. Acknowledging that the most advantageous course of action for Illyria is to empower it, Rhys pledges financial aid as seed capital while the newly independent nation gets on its feet. A special bond endures between Illyria and the Night Court, now operating as sovereign entities with far less strain than before.

Emerie becomes the Prime, with Devlon as her Second-in-Command. There's an initial forum with citizens to share their worries, followed by a celebratory party DJ-ed by Nesta's ipod-egg and featuring singing by Gwyn. 

Rhysand employs this secession as a catalyst to deepen his involvement in the Hewn City, but this time with benevolent intentions. Bereft of the Illyrian army, he endeavors to gain control over the Darkbringers and seeks to enhance the quality of life therein, offering the possibility of migration to Velaris for those who desire it.

With Nesta and Cassian at the helm of two formidable armies—the Valkyries and the Illyrians, respectively—Illyria solidifies its status as a force to be reckoned with in Prythian. This commands immediate respect from the other courts, who are intrigued at this new country for them to trade and visit (but not dare to take on in battle). 

Oh, and did I mention that our trailblazer Emerie secures a seat at the High Lord table being the first female and elected leader to sit there? Because she does. 

Gwyn, bravely venturing forth from the confines of the library, champions the cause of non-High Fae rights. As a part-nymph, she has personally encountered bigotry, which resonates with the plight of other marginalized fae and Illyrians. (Remember all that 'lesser fae' bs from ACOTAR?)

Gwyn assumes the mantle of their advocate, bolstered by Nesta, who desires a future where her part-Illyrian child will never experience such animosity. Several priestesses get involved and their 'safe haven library' mission expands to other courts (becoming a quasi-embassy) run by a priestess-ambassador. Helion and Meallan are invaluable as transportation while they get set up. 

In this shared mission, Nesta stands as Gwyn's steadfast second, while Gwyn reciprocates as Nesta's second within the Valkyrie army. Together, they dedicate their efforts to train any woman who aspires to be empowered and thrive.

Emerie bestows a position of authority upon one of her close friends in Windhaven; a fellow small-business owner, who becomes the Chief of Trade. She begins by establishing a robust import framework, laying the groundwork for future exports and imports. Initially targeting the Night Court as a trade partner, their aspirations eventually extend to encompass all of Prythian.

Azriel becomes both emissary for the Night Court and shared spymaster. This mutually beneficial alliance allows Illyria and the Night Court to share confidential intelligence. By being more involved in Illyria, Azriel begins to reconcile his own long-held prejudices to his people and heritage. He splits his time evenly between the two courts (when he's not spying). 

Nesta and Cassian live in Illyria full-time, training their armies and raising their family. Nesta also dedicates time to creating a night life by helping establish several clubs/bars with dancing and music for all to enjoy. Eventually talented Illyrians will form schools dedicated to the arts. Speaking of school...

Devlon's cause is education. Too proud to ever admit he's wrong, he realizes he needs to be right more often than not to make that work. He sets up schools in each camp, many of which also serve as boarding schools for the orphans. He claims it because it's because he doesn't want to deal with wild children running about, but he becomes very invested in education and it gets really dusty in here whenever a child hugs his leg. 

This emancipation advances Illyria and the relationship with the Night Court is forever made more solid now that there's mutual respect and admiration between the two. 

Are you still reading? Oh my goodness, thank you. As you can see, this idea would have been tricky to draw out since most of it is exposition. 

[welcometohighwater]

reminder that many areas of western north carolina have been cleared for travel, and, if you can, PLEASE VISIT this fall. tourism is pretty much the biggest thing bringing money into most of the region, with fall and the turning leaves being the biggest draw, so if you live within driving distance, treat yourself to a beautiful trip and help get some money into the region to aid in recovery. not all areas are safe and open at this point, but some of the most beautiful areas of the high country are (boone, blowing rock), areas of the foothills including polk and henderson, and even many areas of the smokies, including the cherokee nation! the visit north carolina website supplies daily updates on travel advisories, with links to county and tourism pages for all of the regions affected with more detailed information about road and business openings

[justforbooks]

Peter Eötvös

Hungarian conductor of modernist music who went on to compose operas with texts ranging from Three Sisters to Angels in America

The Hungarian composer and conductor Peter Eötvös, who has died aged 80, is now best known for the 12 operas that he wrote during the last 25 years of his life. Before that, he played a leading role as a conductor specialising in the promotion of European musical modernism.

Premiered in Lyon in 1998, the work that launched Eötvös’s career as a successful opera composer was Three Sisters. The libretto, written with Claus H Henneberg, reworks Anton Chekhov’s play into a series of three “sequences”, each offering a version of events from the point of view of a single character; no fewer than four roles are taken by countertenors.

From then onwards, he frequently added new stage works to an already growing number of concert works in an extensive output notable for its radiant lyricism and brilliant orchestration. By extending the modernist origins of an approach rooted in the music and ideas of Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen with the aid of deeply considered investigations of other music of cultures beyond Europe, Eötvös gradually found his own voice.

Stockhausen had already drawn on Japanese musical and theatrical traditions, and Eötvös’s earliest opera, Harakiri – based on the ritual suicide of Yukio Mishima – was composed as far back as 1973, while both composers were working together in Osaka. Subsequently, however, Eötvös’s style – variously influenced by Chinese as well as Japanese traditions, by Indian, African and Basque musics, by jazz and, not least, by Béla Bartók and the folk repertoires of his native Transylvania – developed much of its individuality from interrogations of those cultures that went far beyond any mere cultural tourism.

His instrumental compositions, as well as his operas, often spring from such sources: the large-scale orchestral work Atlantis (1995), for example, draws on Transylvanian dances that act as a symbol of a lost culture associated, for the composer, with renewed hope. In later years he received many commissions from the world’s leading orchestras: in 2016, for instance, for Oratorium Balbulum, to a text by Péter Esterházy, for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, premiered at the Salzburg festival. Ruminating on a variety of topical political issues, from the 9/11 terrorist attacks to relationships between countries, this work is typical of Eötvös’s social and political concerns.

But his operas already seem likely to represent the most enduring and surprisingly varied dimension of his output. Adapting novels and plays by writers both classic and modern – including Jon Fosse, Jean Genet, Tony Kushner and Gabriel García Márquez – these works demonstrate both Eötvös’s wide literary ambitions and his willingness to explore a variety of different dramatic approaches, comic as well as tragic. He was assisted in devising some of these opera libretti by Maria Eötvösne Mezei, his third wife.

Le Balcon – its libretto, by Françoise Morvan, André Markovitz and the composer, derived from Genet’s now classic tale of power struggles within a revolutionary setting – was first seen at Aix-en-Provence in 2002. Mezei’s libretto for Angels in America (2004) boils down to less than three hours the original seven hours of Kushner’s play about HIV/Aids.

Several of his operas have been seen in the UK. When his Márquez-based Love and Other Demons was produced at Glyndebourne in 2008, Eötvös became the first non-British composer to have a stage work premiered there. Described by the composer as “a bel canto opera”, it explored illicit love, superstition, race and demonic power, with a libretto by Kornél Hamvai. The music underpins the drama with an innate understanding of how orchestral forces can enhance the overall effect; though indulging in some gorgeous sounds, the composer displays the rare knack of knowing when less can sometimes be more powerful than more.

Eötvös’s final opera, Valuska – also his first with a libretto in Hungarian, by Mezei and Kinga Keszthelyi – was drawn from the novel The Melancholy of Resistance, by László Krasznahorkai: a tragi-comic, surreal story centring on a newspaper delivery man and the arrival in his small town of a circus with, as its star attraction, the world’s largest taxidermied whale. Valuska was premiered in Budapest last December.

Eötvös was, like his older compatriots György Ligeti and György Kurtág, a native of multi-ethnic Transylvania – then in Hungary but subsequently transferred to Romania; his birthplace was Székelyudvarhely. The turbulent final months of the second world war caused his family, including his mother, Ilona Szucs, to flee westwards. She was a pianist, and his father, Laszlo Eötvös, was a lawyer. Peter’s early childhood was spent in Miskolc, a northern Hungarian town where he first met Ligeti. The latter was already becoming established as a composer and teacher by the late 1940s, and the two remained in contact.

Eötvös studied piano and composition at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest from 1958 onwards; after advice from Zoltán Kodály, János Viski became his composition teacher. He soon gaining a reputation for improvising to accompany silent films and composing scores for both cinema and theatre.

In 1966, at the age of 22, he moved to Cologne on a scholarship to work with Stockhausen. He also studied composition with Bernd Alois Zimmermann and began to conduct. When I first went to the Darmstadt Summer School, in 1974, I recall Eötvös not only as one of Stockhausen’s closest acolytes but also as a member of a recently formed group of young Cologne-based musicians calling themselves the Oeldorf Group and specialising in live performance involving electronics.

From 1978, after Boulez asked him to conduct the opening concert of IRCAM, his Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique, in Paris, Eötvös found fame as a conductor specialising in all the latest compositional trends that helped to drive the global modernist agenda of the time. He quickly assumed the position of musical director of Ensemble Intercontemporain, IRCAM’s flagship chamber orchestra.

He conducted the world premieres of Stockhausen’s operas Donnerstag aus Licht (1981) and Montag aus Licht (1988). In the UK, he conducted the Covent Garden performances of Donnerstag in 1985 and was principal guest conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from that year until 1988. He worked with the London Sinfonietta and also conducted Leos Janáček’s The Makropulos Case at Glyndebourne in 2001.

It was only after relinquishing his duties with the Ensemble Intercontemporain, in 1991, that Eötvös really came to the fore as a composer. With his new status on the European scene, and the political events of 1989 onwards, came new responsibilities.

He taught conducting and contemporary chamber music in both Karlsruhe and Cologne in Germany. Having already founded the International Eötvös Institute for young conductors and composers in Budapest in 1991, he went on to establish the Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation in 2004. It was at this moment, when Hungary joined the European Union, that Eötvös and his wife Maria – who had both previously lived in Cologne, Paris and then Hilversum in the Netherlands – finally moved back to Budapest.

A son from Eötvös’s first marriage, to the actor Piroska Molnár in 1968, predeceased him. In 1976 he married the Taiwanese-German pianist Pi-hsien Chen, with whom he had a daughter, Ann-yi. They divorced and he subsequently married Maria Mezei in 1995. He is survived by her, Ann-yi and by two stepsons from that marriage, Peter and Daniel.

🔔 Peter Eötvös, composer and conductor, born 2 January 1944; died 24 March 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[21iskindafunny]

Can we know about your version of yugotalia? :D like personalities and stuff

OMG… a yugotalia ask… I’m flattered… here are the basic characteristics of my versions of the ExYUs

IDEMOOOO!!!!!!

(I’m sorry if any of the personalities don’t seem fleshed out enough, being honest I’m working on a lot of different stuff at once and haven’t ever properly characterised them LOL. To summarise they’re a mix of the canon crumbs of Hetadesigns that Hidekaz once gave, Tixs Ideas and [mostly] how I’ve seen each country/their citizens act.)

Serbia / RS

Obv an Asshole. He has the heart of a fighter(seen on his eye-scar which he gained from Ottoman-times), and takes loss of his precious land horribly (very greedy in that sense!). He’s hated by a lot of countries, but his main enemies in the current days are Croatia and Albania. He can be caring if he gets something worthy in return; nowadays he tries to be a little more western to get closer to that sweet sweet EU money. Huge Ego, and I mean HUGE. Shares the biggest Ego with his Enemies LOL

Croatia / HR

A more westernised asshole. He cares about how he looks, now that he’s in the EU and getting lots of tourism. He can be very charming if needed, but once he’s drunk (or high on coke) he releases his more.. careless side. Of course, he can also be ruthless on purpose, seen when interacting with Countries like Serbia and Bosnia. The "whore"-ist out of the cast.

Bosnia / BiH (I haven’t thought about making Herze honestly… this might change in the future)

Bosnia is quite the paranoid man, having arguably the most annoying neighbours in Europe. He faces a lot of struggles in life (you can guess why), which he often either drinks/smokes away. If he doesn’t turn to alcohol/cigarettes, he likes to draw triangles frantically. Of course, he’s also an asshole, but I think that’s a given for the ExYUs. He can be quite unstable at times.

Montenegro / MNE

Very lazy and tired most of the time. His sleep schedule is questionable, ranging from multiple hours to multiple weeks. When he’s not asleep, he does work on himself! He doesn’t have the success with Tourists like Croatia, which is why he doesn’t work as hard, but manages to do alright for the short hours he’s awake for.

Slovenia / SI

A greedy, but shy guy. He still holds a lot of the influence that Austria had over him long ago, wishful to be as amazing as any Central European country is in his eyes. A bit of a pushover, having been under the reign of others for long, though he is slowly working to get stronger in that sense. He’s the most western out of the ExYUs.

(North) Macedonia / MK

A happy girl, who loves nothing but dancing and drinking. Though when the illusion of optimism is broken, she can be just as much of an asshole as any other ExYU. Similarly to Bosnia, she has a ton of annoying neighbours who (when extremely drunk) claim to rule over her, which causes her to lash out. Despite all of that, she tries her best to once be in the EU (obv for monetary reasons!)

BONUS…… BECAUSE I FELT LIKE IT LOLOLOL

Albania / AL

Cheerful but also a fighter! Serbias Number One Enemy right now. He can be kind, but isn’t afraid to judge anyone who gets in his way. He takes pride in what he has.

Kosova / KS

In a Rough Situation, being annoyed at the constant discourse of whom he belongs to. He’s a free spirit with a huge love for anything US-related.

Vojvodina / VD (i know she isn’t a country LOL)

A lazy princess with a slow way of taking things in life. She lives in Serbias house, with the thought of leaving it roaming her mind, yet never becoming true. She was once a good fighter.

[mariacallous]

The parliamentary group of the Greek leftist SYRIZA party has filed proposals in parliament condemning the decision of the centre-right New Democracy ND government to institute a six-day or 48-hour working week in some industries.

“Within five years of ND government, labour in Greece has been degraded, the standard of living of workers has deteriorated, controls on health and safety conditions at work have weakened, while most of the rights that protected the world of work have been abolished,” SYRIZA said.

From July 1, a six-day or 48-hour week has been put into effect in certain private businesses that are in continuous operation or already operate on a 24-hour basis, with a five or six-day week and a system of alternating shifts.

The extra day has a limit of eight hours, overtime is prohibited, and those doing the extra shift can expect 40 per cent more money. If it falls on a Sunday, they can expect an increase of up to 115 per cent.

The government claims the change will redress the issue of employees not being paid for overtime while also tackling the problem of undeclared work.

“The regulation solves the problem of the fourth shift in businesses, as employers and employees were 99 per cent of the time in the illegal zone, with undeclared work,” the General Secretary of Labour Relations, Anna Stratinaki, told the private radio station Real FM.

According to the EU statistics body Eurostat, in 2023, 7.1 per cent of employed people in the EU worked 49 hours or more per week and across EU countries, Greece had the highest share of workers working long hours (11.6 per cent).

Greece was followed by Cyprus (10.4 per cent) and France (10.1 per cent). The lowest rates were recorded in Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Besides this change, from July 1, thousands of retail and industrial companies must start using digital labour cards for their employees.

Until now, the measure has been implemented at banks and supermarkets with more than 250 employees, in insurance and private security companies, and in some public utility companies. By the end of 2024, tourism and catering businesses will also join.

Stratinaki said the use of the digital labour card will also address the problem of illegal overwork. “These phenomena are serious, as they do not only concern the pocket of the employee but also healthy competition and the insurance contributions collected by EFKA [the Social Security Fund],” she said.

Workers’ unions on July 3 and 4 plan protests in Athens and Thessaloniki against the government’s new measures, stating that their sole purpose is to increase the profits of business groups.

The Federation of Workers in Milk – Food – Beverages called for public mobilization at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, demanding withdrawal of the law, and “not to implement six-day and seven-day work in the Food and Beverage Industry. We call on all workers and unions to a labour uprising, so that this new disgrace remains on paper.”

[jacenbren]

2 tag memes

Got tagged in these by @dragonofeternal and I’m more than happy to play along!!

Current things tag meme

3 ships: Inumaki Toge/Okkotsu Yuuta; Legato Bluesummers/Millions Knives; Kai Smith/Zane Julien

Last song: Your Best American Girl by Mitski

Currently reading: the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. against my own better judgement.

Currently watching: working my way through rewatching Supernatural and Death Note. the former is a lot lamer than I remember and the latter is a lot goofier than I remember.

Last movie: Annihilation!! I love that movie and rewatch it from time to time, however I made the mistake of watching it while on a redeye to San Franciso and dozed off halfway through. had a nightmare of That Goddamn Bear chasing me. bad plan.

Currently consuming: fuck I forgot to eat breakfast today. I will make up for it by eating an entire box of cherry tomatoes.

Currently craving: I would kill for some donuts right about now lol

15 people 15 questions tag me

Are you named after anyone? Yes actually! My legal name is based on the name of a band my dad likes, and I stole my chosen name off of a character from the Star Wars EU.

When was the last time you cried? While I was traveling a week ago; I got really overstimulated and exhausted while off my ass on Nyquil and had a meltdown :(

Do you have kids? Nope I am nineteen and not at all mentally healthy enough to be emotionally there for a child. am currently hoping to remove the baby making bits asap.

What sports do you play/have you played? I ran cross-country for about seven years (all the way through both middle school and high school) and got my varsity letter my senior year! I also did track & field for a few years (my events were long jump and 100-meters) and to this day I still go on jogs during the summer.

Do you use sarcasm? I am very autistic so my ability to discern tone is. not great. apparently I use sarcasm a lot without meaning to lmao

What’s the first thing you notice about people? Probably their voice tbh

What’s your eye color? Blue. like apparently scarily blue. fucking satoru gojo dayglow freaky ass cerulean orbs.

Scary movies or happy endings? It wildly depends on the genre and my attachment to the characters. I'm much more of a psychological horror guy rather than an enjoyer of slasher films, so I definitely tend to prefer horror literature than movies. as for happy endings?? I definitely enjoy them when I'm looking for escapism, but unhappy/bittersweet endings definitely still have special a place in my heart.

Any talents? I'm really good at driving and I have perfect pitch!

Where were you born? Anchorage Alaska, born and raised :)

What are your hobbies? I'm a big writer, and I occasionally dabble in drawing. I'm really into Stardew Valley at the moment and I've racked up over 200 hours at this point in just one save file. I am falling hopelessly for Sebastian but I feel too guilty to divorce my current husband Elliot. help.

Do you have any pets? Yep, a cat named Ekko and a dog named George. No the dog isn't named after GeorgeNotFound. My dad named him after George Costanza from Seinfeld.

How tall are you? 5'6"

Favorite subject in school? I was always really into history and would meticulously take notes to the point where I could've probably taught the class myself. however autistic gifted kid burnout hit halfway through high school and I barely graduated after sleeping through most of my classes lmao.

Dream job? Any job where I can put some music on and just Do Tasks all day. I worked tourism over the summer (hated that job and I never want to go back) and spent half of it hiding in the back room putting stickers on merchandise. I Love Boring Menial Tasks.

anyway tagging @mellointheory @hecksee @apollos-boyfriend @setsuntamew @acewendino @wigglesforsquiggles @siryyeet @routeriver @versaphile @avitus-ostrander !! feel free to join in if you like; no pressure :D

[nv-members]

Nevada's Transformative Shift: Changing the Way We Do Business

In recent years, Nevada has been making waves in the business world with a series of transformative changes that are reshaping the way business is conducted within the state. From technological advancements to regulatory shifts, Nevada is fostering an environment that's conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. Here's a glimpse into how Nevada is changing the way it does business:

Embracing Technology: Nevada is positioning itself as a technology hub, particularly in the Las Vegas and Reno areas. The state has made significant investments in technology infrastructure, including 5G networks, data centers, and smart city initiatives. This tech-savvy environment is attracting startups and tech giants alike, fueling economic growth and diversification.

Renewable Energy Focus: Nevada is committed to clean energy and sustainability. The state boasts some of the largest solar installations in the country and has set ambitious renewable energy goals. Businesses are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, and incentives are provided for renewable energy projects, reducing the environmental footprint of local industries.

Regulatory Reforms: Nevada has been proactive in streamlining business regulations to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. Initiatives to cut red tape and simplify permitting processes have been implemented, creating a more business-friendly climate.

Tax Advantages: Nevada's tax structure is among the most advantageous in the nation. There is no state income tax, and the state offers various tax incentives, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to optimize their bottom line.

Diverse Industry Clusters: Nevada has diversified its economy beyond the gaming and tourism industries. Sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics have seen significant growth. This diversity insulates the state's economy from external shocks and provides a stable environment for businesses to thrive.

Education and Workforce Development: Nevada is investing in education and workforce development programs to ensure a skilled and adaptable workforce. Collaboration between educational institutions and businesses helps tailor education and training to meet industry demands, ensuring a steady supply of qualified talent.

Promoting Entrepreneurship: The state supports entrepreneurship through various programs, grants, and resources. Incubators and accelerators provide startups with the support and mentorship they need to succeed, fostering a culture of innovation.

Infrastructure Investments: Significant infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of airports and improvements in transportation networks, are making it easier for businesses to connect with national and international markets. This infrastructure investment enhances Nevada's strategic location for logistics and distribution.

Tourism and Conventions: Nevada continues to invest in its tourism and convention industry, drawing visitors from around the world. This not only boosts the state's economy directly but also creates opportunities for local businesses in the hospitality, entertainment, and service sectors.

In conclusion, Nevada is on a journey to change the way it does business. The state's commitment to technology, sustainability, regulatory reform, and economic diversification is creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive. With a forward-looking approach and a focus on innovation, Nevada is positioning itself as a dynamic and attractive destination for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. As these changes continue to take shape, Nevada's business landscape is sure to remain exciting and full of opportunities for years to come.

[overfedvenison]

Back in school, we were taught that when the colonists first reached Newfoundland, they found a region where the fish were so thick in the water that it halted the ship, and would jump up on to the beaches to be taken. That nature was so lush and full that it is unimaginable to a modern person The implication that this was a virgin nature, growing freely... But that's not true at all. Humans lived here, and did for thousands of years. It is more widely known now just how developed the civilizations of the new world actually were - there were cities, and communities, and habitation very much comparable to most other places in the world. Obviously, not every area was so lush, and not every community in this region should be painted with the same brush - but the simultaneous existence of that level of verdant nature on an area inhabited by humanity means that It is possible, thus, to build a civilization that actively enhances nature, rather than merely draw from it for continued expansion. For equality's sake, we can also look at Europe, and the curious case of the Royal Forests. See, the monarchy was intended to support natural spaces as well, creating a nature preserve known as a Royal Forest. The Serfs of the land were allowed to enter and gather wood, essential for their survival, and the King organized societal functions and diplomacy such as hunts. Indeed, a number of traditional, expensive meals - such as boar - come from this. And as much as fox hunts are maligned in the modern day, it very much served as an important political and diplomatic pastime in it's day on this land. Europe, too, thus benefitted from the investment into natural spaces. It is also well known from the Guardian Forests of Japan that these sections of nature also enhanced nearby farms by creating a haven for pollinators. And, in a modern example, the national parks of Kenya are a large factor in their economy from safari tourism and hunting, and have saved many animals lives as a result. These are all different aspects of the investment into nature by a nation, and the benefits they bring. I think, if you support the land, properly, you can get far more out of it than you will need. It is possible to invest into nature and get more natural resources and more life, and for the civilizations upon it to benefit in those riches. We now have more technology than ever before. And though much of that old knowledge on how to tend to the land is lost, and often deliberately so, we can absolutely build up the land itself as a goal, and perhaps we can do it rather fast. It seems very possible, in my mind, to build up nature in this country to that pre-contact state again. To restore nature to a state of lushness. It will take work, but if you think to those stories which pop up sometimes about a single couple who restores a forest? It takes a lot of dedication, but perhaps, will not take as much manpower and money as it seems. We have a nation. I think, if we focus on nature as a goal to build up, surely, we can do that on a mass scale. And, we have technology. More advanced technology than we have ever had before. It's not like what was around at contact is necessarily an apex - it may very well be able to make a natural space more lush and more full of life than it has ever been before. But it will take... A lot. And, I think, if we learn to build up nature... Well, that will also be very important as we are now taking our first steps into long-term space habitation, as well.

[maddyontv]

"K-Pop has grown so popular so quickly it has become a massive source of economic growth for the country in recent years."

Say "Hello" to 'Hallyu': Korean media continues to entice American audiences with every new release.

In recent years Korean media ranging from music, movies, TV, and food have made large strides across soil. So much so, in fact, it has even been given its own name. ‘Hallyu’ is actually a Chinese term that when translated means ‘korean wave’. The Korean wave began back in the 1990’s sweeping through other Asian countries like Japan and China. The term Hallyu came about specifically with the airing of the K-Drama ‘What Is Love’ in 1997 with its ratings skyrocketing the show to second place in China’s imported content at the time. The Korean wave then swept across Japan in early 2003 with the airing of another K-Drama ‘Winter Sonata’ which brought about a massive tourism boom to Nami Island in Chuncheon. This was only the beginning as the wave made its way across foreign countries like Latin America further East before finally crashing onto America's shores in the early 2010’s. 

One of Korea’s most notable cultural impacts has been that of K-Pop. Despite its name K-Pop covers more than the pop genre and has become its own entity in the country with a myriad of agencies looking for the next big thing. With hundreds of young men and women across the globe dreaming of debuting in the next idol group, American and foreign fans alike have no shortage of bands and solo artists to choose from. Although most Americans may have been exposed to the K-Pop phenomenon first by the release of Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ in 2012 many stuck around to become longtime fans of some of the most notable groups around in present day including BTS, Blackpink, Twice, NCT and older generation groups like BigBang, Shinee, and Girls Generation. 

K-Pop has grown so popular so quickly it has become a massive source of economic growth for the country in recent years. In 2019 the Korean music industry drew in a US export value of over USD 756 million. With BTS drawing in USD 4.9 billion to date over their 9-year career as a group and drawing in USD 1.43 billion alone with their hit song ‘Dynamite’ that comes at no surprise.

Although K-Pop might be one of South Korea's most notable industries, in recent years both their film and television industries have begun to make waves as well with movies like ‘Parasite’ and series like ‘Squid Game’. In 2019 after the release of his hit film ‘Parasite’, director Bong Joon-ho became the only Korean director to win the Palme d’Or award at the Cannes FIlm Festival and he did so with a unanimous vote. The film went on to take the most awards at the 2020 Oscars after winning four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Writing, International Feature Film, and Directing. 

Following the success of ‘Parasite’ was the country's Netflix Original Series ‘Squid Game’. Released in 2021 and written by Hwang Dong-hyuk ‘Squid Game’ is the streaming giant's biggest ever original series launch to date. The launch was so big that SK Broadband, an internet service provider in the country, sued Netflix for the massive increase in traffic from viewers after the show's release caused usage to shoot from 50 Gigabits per second to 1,200. The series went on to be the first non-english television series to be nominated and win awards at the Primetime Emmys. The series received 14 nominations of which they won six including Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Directing. 

University of Central Oklahoma student and member of the university's Korean Student Association Han Ji-woo shares the sentiment that her country's media is shockingly large in America. “It’s started to boom, K-Pop and other K-things… if they don’t know BTS they definitely know Squid Game or Parasite.” Han expressed her surprise at Oklahoma and the Edmond areas authentic Korean restaurants from drinks like boba tea to traditional Korean barbecue restaurants with grills embedded into each individual table for the patrons to cook their own meat. “I used to have to go to Dallas to get some of these things, but it’s clearly growing and that’s exciting.”

[dcviated]

@starryskied sent: His chest tightens inexplicably. A deepening sense of nostalgia engulfing Lumen's heart. Each downtrodden stride across the city's asphalt streets takes him further and further away from Iberia, and into a country unknown. The sea is but a mere memory now, a rocky coastline replaced by countless edifices and shadowy faces. But the Aegir isn't here for the tourism. He's on the look out for a certain individual. The reports on them were vague, at most. Be out the look. For who? Could it possibly that individual, the one who sticks out like a sore thumb? Such fancy attire. It looked rather refined compared to his. Well, who is Lumen to speculate? He also looks out of place himself, but he has a job to do. "... Should you really be drawing that much attention to yourself?" (@Hong Lu )

For one so alien to the world at large and all the numerous wonders it contains, you'd expect a modicum of hesitance. Caution. Fear. Some semblance of restraint lest they get themselves into more trouble than they may be able to handle. And yet, here, this Lung is anything but.

An image is struck against the sparse crowds of the run down streets. And not just because of the teal tipped horns or glimmering tail that casually flits behind them. Curious regality and ephemeral grace amidst the clatter of normality and rugged gazes. Contrasting that gloom is a sparkle in their eyes that was equally unfitting for his current predicament.

Two large Feline bruisers have offense rather than sparkles in their countenance. Foreheads pop with veins and frustration as their teeth continue to grit. The Lung, however, is just as pleased to see Lumen!

"Oh, and good evening to you as well~" The Aegir is observed, ascertained, and then with a gasp of realization and clap of the hands. Identified. "Wah~ might you be another of these 'Operators' with Rhodes Island? I see your badge there. Mm. I was just making some friends, they were telling me they wished to relieve me of my belongings. Is that something that is normally done these days? How curious~"

[europeposts]

Villa Cassel

Visitor centre

Address: Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch, Villa Cassel, 3987 Riederalp, Switzerland

Phone: +41 27 928 62 20

Villa Cassel is a big mansion, previously owned by Sir Ernest Cassel, which once was a hotel and today serves as conservation center for the Aletsch Forest, located in southern Switzerland.

Located near the district of Raron in the canton of Valais, this Swiss villa is one really impressive architectural masterpiece, which can be accessed safely by mule. There has been a plan for a road to be constructed to the Villa Cassel from the nearby town, however, the British merchant banker said that “If you do, I am not coming here anymore”.

It served as a summer residence for him, out of reach from any other human being, but with his death in September 1921, his granddaughter Edwina Mountbatton, who had looked after him, was the principal heiress.

But she had to decide what to do with the Villa Cassel at Riederfurka and all the other country estates in England, France and Switzerland. After all, she and her husband were keen to venture into the big wide world and that meant India rather than the Swiss mountains.

The Villa was sold to the Cathrein family of hoteliers in 1924 and had guests until 1969. There were 25 rooms, and many famous people have stayed in, for instance Winston Churchill, in his young years. After being too expensive to serve as a hotel, it merely escaped demolition, and successfully Villa Cassel was bought by then known as Schweizer Bund für Naturschutz. It reopened as the Conservation Center for the Aletsch Forest in July 1976.

Pro Natura, today’s owner of the villa, has put a lot of effort and means in the reconstruction, which made it not only as a museum in memory of the early days of tourism, but also in anticipation of its new function as a nature conservation center.

The basement now houses the large kitchen, the dining rooms and the sanitary facilities. The first floor with its drawing room and former dining room is now the home of a natural history exhibition. The library on the second floor holds numerous works about the Aletsch area, but also some books which are dating from Sir Ernest Cassel’s time.

On the third floor, where the former servants’ quarters were, and also in the Cassel cabin, there are now 65 beds for resort guests and also the working and living rooms of the nature conservation center’s employees. One of the most beautiful buildings ever built in Switzerland, is not that famous, but it certainly deserves to be on the cover of many well known magazines.

Villa Cassel – Wikipedia

Switzerland