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mychlapci · 8 months ago

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seekers are really communal frame types. it's actually part of the reason why they trine together; they're like rats or pigeons. a single seeker left alone to their own devices will often slip into depression without companionship. it's actually a big idea i have for my fan continuity.

i've seen people saying that vosians are prideful assholes and while i think that's true to some extent, i also think that they're just generally very focused on their communities. within my fan continuity, certain areas of cybertron lended themselves better to certain frame types. the areas that eventually became the region of vos were pitted by steep mountains and deep canyons so only those who could fly were able to properly settle there.

due to this, vos is a very flight oriented region. most cities there are built high into the atmosphere and rarely accommodate other frame types which has led to the stereotype that all vosians are vain and only care about themselves which is very much not true!

vos, in my fan continuity, isn't a single city. it's a name given to describe a specific region of cybertron that has similar topography, and language families (similar to how we call the middle east, the middle east even though there's a ton of different countries and cultures there)

vosians are generally some of the most outwardly friendly cybertronians due to the wingspeak that the region developed as their main form of communication. this language is allows for far more nuance but it's not something taught across cybertron so when vosian's speak common, their tones often come across as intensely snooty because they tend to be very blunt with their words.

seekers in particular are distinguished from other flight frames by their specific wing forms and general likeness to each other in terms of kibble placement and other such looks, are very community based, often forming massive neighborhoods and colonies of up to 120 seekers.

these colonies function just by the sheer feeling of community that shows up between those who are part of it. members often share, sleeping, cooking, bathing, and living spaces and it's not uncommon for multiple different trines to form massive poly relationships with each other just because of close proximity

this is also my explanation behind why the only air force we see in the decepticons are seekers. because they're so communal, it only made sense for them all to join the cons. not doing so would mean that one left behind might become extremely isolated and depressed from lack of contact.

seeker colonies are highly complex and often feature a single trine as the main leaders (in this case it would be the elite trine) but it can often vary from colony to colony. smaller ones might only have one trine in charge, but the bigger ones might have up to five which create a council of sorts to make decisions regarding the community

going back to the city structures of vos. it varies highly on the area but generally cities that are built high in the mountains tend to build outward around the mountain and then upward. so you'd see a lot of scaffolding around the lowest layers, just general structural support dug directly into the rock, while the upper most layers are connected by a series of bridges and pathways.

cities that built into the canyons of the region tend to be a lot more spread out, with chunkier buildings that better accommodate cybertronians of other frames. however it is consistent that vosian cities are built at high altitudes, feature heavy use of spiraling skyscrapers, and generally focused on flight frames and their specific needs. so lots of perches to land on, runways to take off from, and open aired buildings to allow for better weather predictions since some cities might be so high up that the upper layers stretch above the cloudline.

i have thoughts about the winglord thing in fandom. i think it's really interesting but i don't think it's a seeker specific thing.

so in terms of the winglord for this version of cybertron, i think it's a ceremonial term used to describe the winner of a ritual that determines who will lead the vosian region for the coming millennium regarding religious leadership. it's kinda like if the pope position got chosen by a fistfight. so like the winglord doesn't have any actual political power, but they do have a lot of religious influence

starscream in my continuity never actually becomes the winglord because of that reason. he's not particularly religious and because he specifically wants to join politics to get vos more focused on unifying with other cybertronian regions, he never participates in the winglord fights. however, sunstorm does

skywarp is a cartographer and his teleporting abilities allow him to get into unmapped spaces without too much trouble. which is very useful since vos' topography does not lend itself well to scanning devices because of the unpredictability of the weather. the area is prone to sudden and very random tornadoes because of it's mountainous landscape and it's actually part of the reason why vosian cities are designed the way they are. they're built most commonly in the areas that avoid the paths of the tornadoes

once again this ask is getting out of hand so i'm going to cap it off on that

aaaaaa i can't believe it took me so long to get to this ask, this is literally the coolest thing ever. Though i might be biased because I have... well, not exactly a continuity, more like... it's flashes and, uh, images, in my head, barely headcanons, and they're not always nearly as pregnancy-based as i led everyone to believe. And in these barely-headcanons, i am a sucker for, first of all, the cybertronian "cities" being more akin to areas or states with more cities within, and second of all your idea of seeker communal society kind of reminds me of the way that the roman kingdom operated, and i looove to get inspired by rome for my cybertronian worldbuilding. mostly because rome was very fucked up and cybertron needs to be as well.

and yeah, the winglord thing, i do feel like it's possible that every city/state on cybertron would have a high ranking official that is technically "in charge" and vosnians simply call it a winglord, but it's not exclusive to them. sorry just the political arrangement of cybertron is so interesting to me, no.1 favourite thing to think about. it probably depends on the "area" but the official can be only religious in nature or fully tyrannical or anywhere in between. again, sorry, i have to stop thinking about this.

in love with your mind, i love communal fliers. i know people can get weird about seekers and trines but i love it when it's simply a cultural difference.

#tf hc's #texty

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monstersdownthepath · 1 year ago

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Demigod Dossier: Oni Daimyo, part 1

(Pictured: Inma, Empress of the World, the greatest of the Daimyo)

Lawful, Neutral, and Chaotic Evil Incarnations of Debauchery and Depravity The Complete Book of the Damned, pg. 126~127

The Oni are an interesting bunch, to me. Each Oni begins its existence as a Kami, a spirit of the land directly created by the gods to preserve the world, as well as the relationship between nature and those with the power to change it (i.e. mankind). Any kami that fails to uphold the Laws of Golden Perfection, an esoteric series of laws no mortal being could hope to understand, becomes an outcast and is relieved of their duties once their replacement is crafted. Many kami simply fade into nonexistence, while some devolve into mindless nature spirits... but the majority of these disgraced stewards instead evolve into Oni, malicious spirit creatures that can form a physical body once they enter an area of mass death and tragedy.

Upon incarnating, all oni get to experience sensations for the first time. According to oni, their pathetic kami forms don’t feel, see, smell, or taste like their new flesh body does; everything is so much brighter, louder, tastier, more impactful once they have a physical form. So, naturally, oni completely devolve into pleasure-seeking hedonists hellbent on maximizing their exposure to every form of sensation they can get ahold of with the power they possess. Like the Rakshasa that some of them share an alignment with, the oni are intentionally a ‘less severe’ class of fiend a DM can sprinkle into their sessions with lower stakes; oni aren’t conquering worlds or destroying countries. Each one seeks their own satisfaction above anything else, so their villainous actions can be... varied. One may kidnap musicians because they wish to hear a song they wrote played by a professional, one may steal maidens of a specific holy order because their blood tastes the best, and one may level a city block because the buildings were blocking the sunlight shining through their favorite stained glass window. Destructive and scary, but not world-shaking.

The Oni Daimyo we’ll be looking at today are the end result of a very specific process that oni can go through: Oni view mortals as taking the wonders of the world for granted and enjoy punishing those who don’t go out of their way to enjoy what they can have and destroy what they cannot (i.e. anyone who isn’t an evil hedonist). They believe that the greatest pleasures only become so when they’re taken from another... and thus a Daimyo emerges from the horde when it realizes that “another” includes other oni. Browbeating their lesser kin into obedience, all Oni Daimyo acquire the power of a demigod by brute force, tyrannizing lesser oni into providing the ascending fiend with excess and experience until it ignites a divine spark within them. The three we’ll be looking at today are the ones that caught my eye among their small number...

Oni Daimyo work freely and happily with mortals, seeing them as toys, tools, or perhaps even partners and consorts. Whatever role they serve in a Daimyo’s court, those who devote themselves fully to the Daimyo’s ideals can access a cache of divine magic they can exploit. Worshipers receive Boons that are are relatively simple: a trio of spell-like abilities, each of which may be used 2/day. Boons are normally gained slowly, at levels 12, 16, and 20, however entering the Evangelist, Exalted, or Sentinel Prestige Classes can see the Boons gained as early as levels 10, 13, and 16.

Oni Daimyo come across the entire spectrum of Evil alignments, but they’re not demons, devils, or daemons, and thus the Demoniac, Diabolist, and Souldrinker classes are barred to them without DM fiat.

Inma, the Empress of the World Lawful Evil Daimyo of Lavish Wealth, Origami, and Servitude Domains: Community, Evil, Law, Nobility Subdomains: Family, Home, Leadership, Tyranny

Obedience: Craft delicate origami representing those you seek to rule over. Benefit: Gain a +4 profane bonus on saving throws against mind-affecting effects.

Aw, how nice :) Inma is the most powerful of the Daimyo, so it’s ironic to me that she has one of the most peaceful Obedience rituals. Quite a few of the Daimyo, in fact, have rituals that can easily be hidden or passed off as a form of meditation, making it easy to hide your faith in the hedonistic fiends even under close observation. Who in their right mind is going to wonder if you’re evil for folding paper? I do appreciate that Inma doesn’t make you dramatically crush or burn or otherwise dispose of the folded figures, because it means you can unfold the origami and re-use the same sheets for your next Obedience. It’s a small thing, but I like when recycling your ritual materials is an option.

Unlike many Obedience rituals that can be quashed by being robbed or imprisoned, you can perform origami with just about any flat, flexible material of the appropriate size. In a pinch, you can tear cloth into strips and fold them as well. Again, it’s small, but I appreciate the flexibility and ritual resilience.

And the benefit? Incredible. Blanket +4 to saves against the biggest class of Save-or-Suck spells and effects in existence, making you that much harder to charm, Dominate, mislead, distress, and emotionally manipulate. A +4 to saves against ALL mind-affecting effects rather than a subset like compulsions is incredibly rare and should be appreciated for how many times it’ll probably save your life (and your party’s life) over the course of your adventuring career!

Boon 1: Create Treasure Map Boon 2: Charm Monster Boon 3: Extended Dominate Person

Create Treasure Map is a somewhat niche spell, but one I’m happy to have as a spell-like (especially since it ignores the 100gp component cost) rather than needing to use a precious spell slot or waste spells known to have available. It’s a little gruesome, requiring a portion of a slain creature to use--typically a stretch of skin or piece of its hide--but it creates a map between where you’re standing and up to 3 (+1 per 3 levels) caches of whatever that creature considers valuable, along with whatever features and dangers the creature remembers being on the way there. Don’t bother using this on animals and unintelligent beasts as all you’ll get is food stores or perhaps its nest (which, hey, if that’s your objective...), but on various bandits and baddies, you’ll be pointed right to their treasure caches (alongside whatever else they saw as worth remembering). The map even works on any scale, so whether the target’s treasure is 30 feet or 300 miles away, you’ll get your quest objective... just know that the wider a net you cast, the less reliable the map becomes. It notes hazards the creature remembers, but some may be too small to actually show up if the map covers enough territory.

The next two can be lumped together fairly easily, as both are excellent tools at 1/day, let alone the 2/day that your Daimyo grants! Charm Monster is an off-switch for a potentially painful encounter, making a temporary friend out of any monster you may meet on your journeys, which has as many applications as you can possibly imagine. With a duration of a day per level, you can more or less keep a creature (or even several creatures) permanently on your side, perhaps even long enough to convert them into a friend WITHOUT magic, as morally questionable as such a thing may be (but you are Evil, so...). Dominate Person isn’t as flexible when handling encounters as Charm Monster, as it only works on Humanoids and Monstrous Humanoids, but there’s a lot of Humanoids in the world, and two free castings of “gain an ally that will fight for you” that lasts for weeks on end and have no components so even people carefully watching you won’t know you’ve just turned their guards against them. Having the spell be Extended feels like overkill considering it also lasts for a day per level, but if you need to send your new thrall on an extended errand, it can be useful to have them in your pocket for four weeks instead of two. Between these two spells, castable twice each, you can amass an entourage in a shockingly short time... in fact, to preserve the DMs sanity, you may want to limit the Domination to just two creatures at a time!

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Gyuku, the Sea Devil Chaotic Evil Daimyo of Piracy, Tea, and Tsunamis Domains: Chaos, Evil, Strength, Water Subdomains: Entropy, Fear, Ferocity, Oceans

Obedience: Perform a tea ceremony on the shore of an ocean or while blindfolded. Benefit: Gain a +4 profane bonus on saving throws against water-based effects.

Another cute one! Despite Gyuku being one of the most violent of the Daimyo, her daily ritual is a meditation and centering ritual. There’s something ironic about a Chaotic Evil hedonist demanding her followers calmly make tea every day, but I suppose when you’re an Oni, you get really serious about how your food is prepared. I appreciate that in contrast to other oceanic demigods, she DOESN’T lock you to the shorelines like the others do, allowing you to practice your tea ceremony blindfolded if you can’t, for whatever reason, access the sea. Regardless of the alignment of your allies, few will see anything off about you performing such a small ritual every day, allowing you to masquerade as Good, or at least hide your faith from investigators and guards...

It’s an Obedience with no listed cost, but you’re still not likely to perform it if your belongings get pilfered, but you don’t even need a particularly expensive set. Even just a cup of hot water and a single bag of tea will allow you to do something to please your Daimyo enough to get your power for the day... especially if granting you your power would let you wreak havoc on the people who stole from you in the first place.

The benefit is, in stark contrast to the first of the Daimyo, underwhelming. Water-based attacks and spells are few and far between, and most of them are more of an than an inconvenience than something you really need to worry about. In many cases, this just reads “+4 to saves versus being knocked prone,” but there’s nevertheless a decent few Adventure Paths (yes, Reign of Winter; many Cold spells also have the Water descriptor!) where this ability would come in handy... outside of those, though, this benefit is sub-par.

Boon 1: Slipstream Boon 2: Control Water Boon 3: Heroes’ Feast

Alright, cute. Slipstream isn’t an especially useful spell, sitting in the pile of “spells I would never prepare but find inoffensive to have for niche scenarios.” It lasts well over an hour when you first get it and goes up by 10 minutes/level from there, but all it functionally does is add +10ft to the target’s walking speed. Nothing special, but I’m sure the Heavy Armor Enjoyers in the party will appreciate being able to walk at normal human speed for a few hours a day, with the amusing option of getting an extra +10 on top of that if they so happen to be traveling downhill. The real usefulness of the spell is the +20ft to the target’s swim speed, letting them travel with decent swiftness underwater; if they don’t already have a swim speed, they gain one! Unfortunately they don’t get any ability to breathe underwater, but since even weedy little nerd Wizards can hold their breath for over a minute at a time (provided they didn’t dump Con (don’t do this)), it’s not much of an impediment if you just need to dive down and then back up. Think of it like a ‘swim underwater’ spell that has an added bonus once you’re no longer IN the water! That at least makes it less disappointing.

Unlike the next spell, which has a myriad uses. Control Water allows you to create whirlpools, stop floods, create floods, shape water pillars, and generally screw with the depth and shape of enormous patches of water for hours at a time, making you the bane of ships, which is perfect for a follower of a goddess of piracy! Whether it’s trapping victims to make them easy pickings, raising pillars behind you to block off enemies, flooding dockside towns, or slamming Water Elementals and the like with a nigh-permanent Slow, your crew will no doubt appreciate your control over water (though everyone else will likely be a little unenthused), In other scenarios I’m afraid it’s not as useful, but I’m sure there’s plenty of moments when draining enormous amounts of water from a room or causing even more water to flood out of a specific receptacle would solve a puzzle that’s otherwise halting your party. I do appreciate that Control Water also specifies it can be used “on similar liquid,” though what is similar to water and thus what can be affected by the spell is left up to the DM to decide.

Control Water offers utility to a scurvy dog and the mangy crew, but Heroes’ Feast offers to cure that scurvy and provide the most important resource a captain must be aware of: Morale and loyalty. There’s little that can keep a pirate crew happy like being allowed to eat a Heroes’ Feast every single day, once at breakfast and once again at dinner, and you’re able to whip up a meal for up to 16 people per casting when you first get this ability, which covers yourself, the ships’ officers, and some extra crewmates you’ve grown to like or who you believe deserve the honor. As one of my favorite spells I’ll sing the praises of the Feast every chance I get, and while it may be underwhelming in terms of spells that make you a better pirate, having it available twice a day will, if nothing else, assure sickness, poison, and starvation are no longer a concern on the seas, AND make you beloved by everyone who regularly partakes... and should they get too used to your food, to the point of relying on its availability and not stocking up on their own rations... well, it’d be awful unfortunate if your ‘allies’ didn’t pay for the privilege to continue feasting.

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Nataka, the Red King Neutral Evil Daimyo of Drought, Perfume, and Forest Fires Domains: Destruction, Evil, Fire, Weather Subdomains: Arson, Catastrophe, Seasons, Smoke

Obedience: Meditate within a ring of fire while periodically casting incense into the flames. Benefit: Gain a +4 profane bonus on saves against fire effects.

All three of the Daimyo that caught my attention have a similar theme to their Obedience ritual: It’s simple, easily disguised as a Neutral or Good act, and has no listed cost requirements. Even in this case, the ritual is easily waved off as a ritual to Sarenrae or any other number of benevolent sun gods. After all, like with Inma’s peaceful origami and Gyuku’s lovely tea party, who’s going to suspect you’re serving an evil spirit just because you want to smell nice? The only real problems I can envision are if you’re in an environment where creating a ring of fire is dangerous to the surrounds (in a dry, flammable area) or for you (such as in an enclosed space), though if you’re recklessly Evil you may not care about the former.

There’s not much more to say about it except that you’ll need to stock up with a lot of incense each time you’re in civilization (or learn to craft it yourself!), because you’ll quickly burn (badum-tiss) through your supply even if you’re being conservative with it. The +4 to saves versus fire effects is a very common benefit for Obedience rituals, but it’s always welcome because fire effects themselves are common at every level. From dodging Fireball to ducking beneath a dragon’s breath weapon, it’s boring but it’s likely to be useful for your entire adventuring career.

Boon 1: Flame Blade Boon 2: Extended Cup of Dust Boon 3: Maximized Fireball

Flame Blade isn’t a spell we’ve seen as a Boon before, so here’s the rundown: For 1 min/level, you conjure a scimitar of fire that you can attack with like a normal weapon. It deals 1d8 Fire damage, +1 per 2 HD you have (max +10). Importantly, it resolves as a melee touch attack and, since the Sentinel is an option to gaining the Boons early, it’s your absolute best bet for following Nataka for two reasons: 1) maximum BAB, allowing for iterative attacks with your flaming weapon, and 2) Scimitars are your Daimyo’s sacred weapon, allowing the Sentinel’s Symbolic Weapon ability (+1 to attack and damage rolls per 3 Sentinel levels) to work with the spell! Even if you don’t go into Sentinel, it also benefits from the Warpriest’s Sacred Weapon ability... though it won’t surpass the spell’s base damage until level 10, so that’s more of a later-game thing. Though the list of creatures with Fire Resistance or immunity is long, the creatures without either is just as lengthy, as is the list of creatures who take extra damage or debuffs from Fire. The duration of 1 min/level means it may even last multiple combats, giving you 2 or 3 (or more!) fights where you’re hitting a target’s touch AC, though be warned that the blade is made of pure fire and its damage is thus unaffected by your ability score modifiers. It’s a small but important tradeoff if you rely on high modifiers for their base damage.

Compared to Flame Blade, Extended Cup of Dust feels a little silly. The spell already lasts an eternity, so doubling its duration feels unneeded, as does being able to use it twice a day. If you want someone dead, just hit them four times a round with your sword. This is for making someone suffer, and suffer for a long time. I can see casting it on a fleeing adversary to make their life in the coming days as miserable as possible, but otherwise its only real use is tormenting NPCs or extorting creatures with low saves. Using it on a creature whose power is fueled by their ability to drink something is especially hysterical, but such opportunities will be few and far between.

Which brings us to... Maximized Fireball. There’s not much to say here that hasn’t already been said about the spell that’s a permanent part of the spell list of every Sorcerer and Wizard from level 5 onward. All Maximized does is assure you’re always getting 60 Fire damage in a 20ft radius explosion. 60 flat damage (30 if the enemy succeeds their save). twice a day. There’s better Boons out there, but against anything not immune to Fire, especially clusters of enemies, you’ll be hard pressed to find them.

#Demigod Dossier #Spiritual Spotlight #Sinister Spotlight #Pathfinder

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tanadrin · 1 year ago

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The total land area of all US states is around 9.14 million square km; the US has 3134 counties or county-equivalents, and in most of the country these are a pretty consistent size. there are a few weird states: Alaska has very big boroughs because of its low population, and much of the state is not organized into any borough. Virginia has a lot of independent cities (38 out of 41 in the entire country; most other states just consolidate city and county governments if a city gets very big).

Among all states east of the Mississippi, excluding Virginia, counties are about 1,423 km square (1369 if you include Virginia and count its independent cities as counties). If you include the states just across the Mississippi River, which mostly have counties about the same size as the states just to their east (here I am including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, the Dakotas, etc.; but nothing further west than the Texas/North Dakota axis), average county size rises only to 1,762 km square. Just within those states of the "nearer west," county size is about 2,220 km square, which is bigger, but not crazy bigger.

Further west, especially in states like Nevada, Utah, and California, counties get very big. Among all states west of the Texas/North Dakota line, counties average around 10,300 square km. But among all states, average county or county-equivalent size is 2,921 km square.

"County" as administrative division descends of course from English counties, which were originally feudal divisions. So how big are U.S. counties compared to their European predecessors? About the same size! England has a land area of ~130,000 km square and 48 ceremonial/historical counties (it has many more local government areas in the modern era). English counties are 2,700 km square on average, about the size of U.S. counties--in fact, maybe a little bigger than most U.S. counties. Ireland has an area of 84,421 km square (not sure what percentage of this is land) and 32 counties, for an average county size of 2,638 km square.

The U.S. state with the fewest counties is Delaware, which has just 3 (1,682 km sq each). The U.S. state with the most is Texas, with 254 counties (2664 km sq each--just a little bit bigger than Ireland!). The state with the biggest counties (again, excluding Alaska, because the unorganized borough messes things up) is Arizona, whose counties are on average 19,614 km square--just seven Arizona-sized counties would cover all of England. The state with the smallest counties is Rhode Island, whose counties average 536 km sq--at 3,144 km square in total, Rhode Island itself is smaller than the average county in fourteen states.

In terms of population, of course, the size of US counties probably varies even more wildly than their land area, but on average they compare reasonably to the local administrative divisions of other countries (some of which are third-level and some of which are second-level, depending on their size). U.S. counties have a population of about 108,000 on average. In the Republic of Ireland (so, not including the six counties of the North), counties have an average population of about 192,000. In Germany, local government areas (Kreise) have an average population of about 207,000 (though the three city-states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen complicate this picture somewhat). The actual on-the-ground local government scheme in England is complex, and it is not clear to me what the modern U.S. county or German Kreise equivalent would be.

#i was going to compare france and spain also #but metropolitain france has only 94 departments #which are large in terms of population #(almost 700000 people each)#and the next functional level of government #seems to be the *much* smaller commune #of which there are tens of thousands #spain also seems to have a pretty complex diversity of local government arrangements #depending on the status of individual regions

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afvenvs3000f24 · 4 months ago

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Unit 3 Blog Post: Privilege and its Role Within Nature Interpretation

Privilege, in terms of my working definition of it, is an advantage or immunity that can be exclusive to groups or individuals depending on the degree of it. Sometimes, privilege isn't simply assigned to individuals or groups due to physicality; it can also pertain to the state of mind and even decisions (regardless of whether made before or after your birth). Privilege can be pictured as an umbrella given to everyone at birth, but the type of umbrella and its quality depends on physical and mental factors such as your race, health/body functions and mental health. Additionally, the condition of everyone's umbrella depends on your parents and the decisions they made until you were born. Eventually, it will also depend on your own choices in life. An umbrella works well for this hypothetical example because, like privilege, an umbrella is a tool in life that can help and protect you. In this case, it can protect people from getting wet and possibly sick or even help avoid skin damage from the sun on warmer days. Another great use of one's umbrella is to share it and help those who unfortunately were not handed the same cards in life.

Focusing more on nature interpretation, before beginning this course, if you had asked me if I thought privilege played a role in nature interpretation, I wouldn't have given it too much thought and said no. But after reading the blogs and textbook chapters from the past weeks, as well as the unit lessons we've done so far, I've had a more open mind in seeing all the different perspectives of nature interpretation and how each person experiences it. After analyzing my past experiences with nature, recalling my visits to other countries and cities, plus thinking about my education and the extensive knowledge I've gained, all confirmed for me that privilege does play a great role in nature interpretation. As I was reflecting on many blogs from the first unit, many people (including me) mentioned that their families or parents were the ones who offered them a sense of place within nature. Having a close, healthy relationship with those they love and being able to take time off of work and afford to go on many nature trips to share their love for nature through knowledge and guidance is a privilege.

An image I took while on my vacation in Panama, on our way to a boat tour.

Additionally, while I was in Panama this summer visiting family, one of the first things I noticed while travelling around in different neighbourhoods with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, was the difference between available, well-kept green areas. In Costa Del Este (a neighbourhood in Panama City) where my uncle and cousins live, there are large green areas, each having a different specific use for soccer, football, track, biking, hiking, and large parks with beautiful fountains; most of it felt familiar and reminded me of home and the trails I had been on before to some extent. However, this was not the case when we drove by poorer neighbourhoods; many more small houses were occupying the area, and I saw little to no green areas or parks. Even when visiting the local markets in these neighbourhoods, I noticed a lot of litter and thrown garbage down the road in the trees and flowing down rivers; my dad had even spotted a floating fridge getting carried away by the current. This particular visit stuck with me and made me question the injustice of it all leading me to do some research on Panama's state of poverty and education in which I found out that its education is ranked 83 of 144 of the world's worst (Reilly, 2017). Even though there isn't a specific correct way to interpret nature, I strongly believe that it is a privilege in our society to receive enough education and guidance (regardless of whether from an institution or a reputable person) to be able to interpret nature from an outlook of respect and admiration; rather than not thinking twice about how one's trash affects the world.

Once arriving back in Canada, I really took in how privileged I am to live in an area and country with so much greenery and public spaces to be with nature. It also made me realize what a luxury it is to have free time to spend in nature and learn from it rather than having to use that time to work to provide for your family and yourself.

Source:

Reilly, J. (2020, July 17). Rich country, poor people: Life on the rural Panamanian coast - ICWA. Institute of Current World Affairs. https://www.icwa.org/rich-country-poor-people-panama/

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margadarsi · 3 months ago

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How to Create a Bulletproof 5-Year Investment Plan

Creating a secure, high-yield investment plan can seem daunting. However, with a structured approach, your goals can be achieved within five years. Here’s how to build a bulletproof 5-year investment strategy.

Define Your Financial Goals

Clearly defining financial goals is the first step. Think about what you wish to achieve. Do you want to fund a business, secure a down payment for a house, or save for your child’s education? Your objectives should be specific, realistic, and time-bound.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Understanding your risk tolerance is essential. Are you comfortable with high-risk options like stocks or crypto, or do you prefer stable returns from bonds or fixed deposits? Consider your age, income, and financial responsibilities. A diversified portfolio helps balance risk and returns, ensuring a smoother investment journey.

Calculate Your Investment Amount

Once your goals and risk tolerance are defined, calculate how much you need to invest regularly to reach your objectives. Use financial calculators or consult experts if needed. This calculation provides a roadmap and shows if adjustments are necessary.

Choose the Right Investment Options

Choosing suitable investment options is crucial. Here are some potential choices:

1. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds offer a mix of stocks and bonds, perfect for moderate to high-risk takers. They provide diversified exposure and can yield solid returns, especially if invested in equity-oriented funds over a long period.

2. Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Fixed Deposits are reliable and offer guaranteed returns. Ideal for low-risk investors, they also serve as a safeguard in a diversified portfolio. Interest rates vary, so shop around for the best options.

3. Stock Market

Stocks carry higher risk but can bring substantial returns if chosen wisely. For those with a higher risk tolerance, investing in growth stocks can accelerate portfolio growth over five years.

4. Real Estate

Real estate can be a profitable long-term investment if you’re ready for higher initial costs. Properties in growing areas can appreciate, providing an asset that grows along with the market.

5. Chit Funds

Chit funds are traditional saving schemes in some countries. If managed well, they can provide decent returns with manageable risk, though due diligence is essential.

Set Up an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is a must for any financial plan. Setting aside three to six months of expenses in a liquid, low-risk instrument protects you from unexpected expenses. This fund keeps your investment goals on track, even in emergencies.

Monitor and Adjust Regularly

Investment plans aren’t “set and forget.” Periodically reviewing and adjusting your investments can make a substantial difference. Financial markets fluctuate, and personal circumstances change; updating your strategy accordingly can enhance returns.

Stay Disciplined

Discipline is key in investing. Stick to your plan, avoid impulsive decisions, and remember the power of compounding over time. Staying focused keeps you on track even when the market seems turbulent.

Consider Professional Advice

If managing your investments feels overwhelming, consider consulting a financial advisor. They offer insights tailored to your financial goals and risk appetite, ensuring you maximize returns while minimizing risk.

Final Thoughts: Building Wealth in Five Years

A well-structured five-year investment plan is achievable with commitment, knowledge, and periodic adjustments. By assessing goals, choosing investments wisely, and maintaining discipline, you can build a financial foundation that meets your objectives.

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davieeyecarecommunity · 3 months ago

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Navigating Davie's Real Estate Market: What New Residents Need to Know

Davie, Florida, with its unique blend of suburban comfort and rural charm, has become an increasingly popular destination for homebuyers. If you're considering making this vibrant town your new home, here's what you need to know about Davie's real estate market.

Current Market Trends

Davie's real estate market has been steadily growing, with property values appreciating over the past few years. The town offers a diverse range of housing options, from single-family homes and townhouses to apartments and even properties with acreage for those seeking a more country lifestyle.

As of 2024, the median home price in Davie hovers around $450,000, though this can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type. The market tends to be competitive, with homes often selling within weeks of listing.

Popular Neighborhoods

Shenandoah: Known for its larger lots and equestrian-friendly properties, Shenandoah is perfect for those seeking space and privacy.

Ivanhoe: This family-friendly neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes and townhouses, with easy access to local schools and parks.

Davie Road: For those preferring a more urban feel, the area around Davie Road offers a variety of housing options close to shopping and dining.

Pine Island Ridge: This gated community features beautiful homes, many with lake views, and is known for its excellent amenities.

Western Davie: If you're looking for newer construction or planned communities, the western part of Davie has several options to explore.

Tips for Newcomers

Work with a local realtor: A realtor familiar with Davie can provide invaluable insights into different neighborhoods and help you find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Consider your commute: While Davie offers a more relaxed pace of life, many residents commute to nearby cities like Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Factor in your daily travel when choosing a location.

Flood zones: As with much of Florida, some areas of Davie are in flood zones. Be sure to understand the flood risk and insurance requirements for any property you're considering.

HOA vs. non-HOA: Many neighborhoods in Davie have Homeowners Associations. Decide whether you prefer the amenities and regulations of an HOA community or the freedom of a non-HOA property.

Future development: Davie is growing, so research any planned developments in areas you're interested in. This could affect your property value and quality of life in the future.

Home inspection is crucial: Florida's climate can be tough on houses. Always get a thorough home inspection, paying special attention to the roof, foundation, and HVAC system.

Speaking of HVAC systems, one often overlooked aspect of moving to a new home in Davie is ensuring your air conditioning system is up to par. Florida's hot and humid climate means your AC will be working overtime for much of the year.

This is where Instant HVAC Inc comes in. As a local AC installation and repair company located right here in Davie at 5600 W Waterford Dr, we understand the unique cooling needs of homes in our area. Whether you're moving into a new construction that needs a state-of-the-art HVAC system installed, or you're purchasing an older home that might require AC upgrades or repairs, our team of experts can help ensure your new Davie home stays cool and comfortable year-round.

Remember, a well-functioning AC system not only keeps you comfortable but can also help prevent issues like mold growth, which is particularly important in Florida's humid climate. So as you navigate Davie's real estate market and settle into your new home, don't forget to give your HVAC system the attention it deserves. Welcome to Davie – we're glad to have you as part of our community!

Highlighted Members:

Business Name: Instant HVAC Inc - AC Installation & Repair

Address: 5600W Waterford Dr, Davie, FL 33331, United States

Phone Number : (954) 858 5555

Website : https://instanthvacinc.com/

#ac repair #acrepairdaviefl

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themomsandthecity · 4 months ago

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How Much Does Daycare Cost in 2024? The Stats Are Sobering

Going back to work after having a baby is not a cheap thing to do. The average cost of daycare in 2024 is higher than it's ever been, marking an expensive new chapter in the decades-long childcare crisis in the United States. "Parents are paying exorbitant fees," says Cathy Creighton, who studies childcare costs as the director of Cornell University's ILR Buffalo Co-Lab. For many families, daycare prices are higher than in-state tuition at a public four-year college. If you're getting ready to send your little one to daycare when parental leave is over, buckle up - here's an idea of the costs you might be looking at. --- Experts Featured in This Article Cathy Creighton is the director of the Cornell University ILR Buffalo Co-Lab. Sean Lacey is a digital strategist and the general manager of childcare at Care.com. --- The Average Cost of Daycare in 2024 According to a January 2024 report from childcare platform Care.com, which draws from the tuition info of daycares listed on the site, the average cost to have an infant in a licensed center-based daycare is $16,692 a year, or $321 a week. Home-based daycare for an infant costs, on average, $11,960, or $230 a week. For a toddler, the average center-based daycare is $15,236 a year ($293 a week), and a home-based daycare averages $11,388 ($219 a week). For parents of school-age kids, meanwhile, Care.com found the average cost to get an afternoon sitter for 15 hours a week is $15,184 per year, or $292 a week. Of course, costs can vary widely depending on where you live. For instance, the average infant daycare cost in Washington DC is $21,788, while in Arkansas, it's $6,708. Even within a state, there can be a huge difference between the fees in a major city and a rural or lower-income area. Why Daycare Costs Are Rising These numbers are all higher than they were last year, varying between .4 to 13 percent more. And Sean Lacey, general manager of childcare at Care.com, says that fees are only projected to grow further this year. That's partially due to inflation, but mostly because of what's been termed "the childcare cliff": the end of the $24 billion in pandemic-era federal funding that supported 220,000 childcare providers. The aid expired in September 2023, so we're only starting to see the effects, according to Creighton. "You know, there's a cut, and it'll take a little while for the body to bleed out," she says. "It's going to be quite grim." Without those government funds, daycare centers - which operate on very slim margins - have to either pass that cost along to parents or shut down. Progressive think tank The Century Foundation projects that 70,000 childcare centers will close, leaving more than three million children across the country without care. Meanwhile, many of the daycare centers that continue to remain open are having trouble staying fully staffed, per an analysis from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment. Classrooms are empty, and waiting lists are growing. "There's just more demand than there is supply," Lacey says. The Effects of High Daycare Costs For all but the very wealthy and parents who qualify for a childcare subsidy, daycare is a major financial burden. The US Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare to be "affordable" when it costs no more than seven percent of a family's income. Yet according to Care.com's findings, parents are spending an average of 24 percent of their household income on childcare, and 23 percent of respondents anticipate spending more than $36,000 on it this year. And it's not just their salaries they're using to pay for tuition. More than a third of parents surveyed by Care.com reported dipping into their savings to cover the cost of childcare - and a staggering 68 percent of those families said they only have six months or less until their savings are depleted. At a certain point, parents are forced to take more drastic measures. Cornell's… https://www.popsugar.com/family/daycare-cost-49345724?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

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buzzwaytaxi · 5 months ago

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Buzzway Taxi Service in Dombivli: Trustworthy Source for Cab Rental Services

Buzzway is evidently one of the best Taxi services providers of convenient and reliable transportation in Dombivli. Whether you are looking for a city taxi or an outstation cab service for a comfortable ride to a particular destination in, we offer you our taxi service in Dombivli which will provide an adequate and efficient transportation medium.

Why Buzzway is the Best Service Provider for Your Taxi Requirements?

Buzzway provides efficient cab hire in Dombivli; it meets the needs of the customers varying. We have a number of serviceable vehicles available, therefore in whichever destination that you are planning to visit whether near or far, rest assured that you will be able to travel comfortably. Realizing that every trip matters to people, we guarantee a comfortable trip at affordable taxi rates in Dombivli.

"Travel isn't just about the destination, it's about the journey and the ease with which you can make it." They can be availed from just within the country or locally as many people perceive. We also have taxi service for outstation from Dombivli, so that you do not have to worry about getting out of the city because we guarantee you a comfortable ride as well. Be it a weekend trip or a business outstation meeting that you have to attend, get ready to leave your car worries behind and reach the destination on time. Taxi Service in Dombivli: Your Time-Tested Cab Rental Service In as much as people are in need of easy and reliable means of transport particularly taxi services in Dombivli, Buzzway has been proved to be among the best. If you require a taxi only for visiting different places in Dombivli or you have planned for outstation travel our taxi hire Dombivli will never disappoint you. Why Take a Taxi Service from Buzzway?

Therefore, at Buzzway, our clients get a perfect cab Hire Service to match their needs in Dombivli. Our vehicles are some of the best and most well maintained and can be ideal for use whether you are travelling to a nearby place or even to a distant place. Being aware of each travel’s significance, we strive to offer excellent transport services to Dombivli coupled with affordable taxi prices.

Affordable, Whether Intermittent or Regular Shopping Taxi Service

Hence, Buzzway is known to be one of the most reliable and flexible taxi service providers in Dombivli. Our services range from hourly to daily; to suit your requirements and we also hold flexibility in our prices. Taxi hire in Dombivli is apt to those people who are daily commuters, the frequent and occasional business travelers as well as tourists who are on a move within the city. To this end, we appreciate the fact that no two trips are the same hence the availability of different types of cars. We offer cars for every class ranging from the economic class to luxury cars whereby any passenger is able to pick his/her desired car. Calling upon Buzzway is an assurance of getting a taxi service in Dombivli that respects your comfort, your safety and your satisfaction. We are not only confined to local area cab hire in Dombivli but also specialize on taxi service for outstation from Dombivli. It is very easy to get your taxi booked online and that too in Dombivli; you will get highly competitive taxi rates in Dombivli and believe it buzz way is here to protect you like your Guardian Angel. To know more details or to book your taxi service in Dombivli, please visit www.goomo.com or directly call us on our contact number. We at Buzzway would like to ensure that each trip is as enjoyable as possible.

Visit Our Website: https://www.buzzway.in/

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oidheadh-con-culainn · 1 year ago

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#i feel like city english and country side english is really different #like i grew up seeing morris dances and going to local faires #the village stopped doing a its own fair in like the 80s though and only recently restarted and they stopped doing like the faire queen #stuff #although there is a picture of my grandma as it in like the 1940s #but there is still alot of folk stuff happening outside of cities is all im saying (@aphhera)

this is very true and i think probably overlaps with my half-formed musings about class and how that ties into it (in another recent post). even within cities it varies too. north london has folk (both english and irish e.g. camden has both efdss and the london irish centre), but some other parts of london have very little, for example. cambridge has folk, but oddly the majority of it in the city seems to be scottish, despite the strong english folk traditions in cambridgeshire (i am aware of the fenland morris traditions like gog magog molly etc) -- this may be a bias of the folk communities i've been part of, but i'm part of those because they were what was available/accessible to join, so... i believe newcastle has a fairly strong folk tradition, but i'm not sure on the balance of english vs other traditions (i know there's quite a big irish population there). but i think in all of these urban environments it's something that's available if you want it, but not like, universal -- it's not so much in schools, it's not a central pillar of the community, it's a tradition you have to choose to participate in and thus becomes niche

for me the only recollection i have of seeing morris dancers growing up (in suburban london) was when i played fiddle (and i think whistle?) for a children's choir at a summer festival and the act after us was a youth morris group (the Morris Minors, a joke i am just about old enough to get but probably nobody younger than me would lmao). and at the time the reaction from adults around me was very much "wow morris dancers still exist?? how weird, i thought they were long gone"

and we did country dancing at brownies, once, which others were unenthused about (little nerd me was excited about it) but never at school -- i'm always so surprised and a little jealous when people tell me they got to do it in PE. i went to one barn dance when somebody from my parents' church was celebrating a 60th birthday or something and held one in the church hall, but otherwise barn dances, ceilidhs, and equivalents did not feature. and a lot of that is being in the urban environment, and a solid chunk of it is also probably class

but of course when we're thinking about general populations, urban areas do represent a huge swathe of the population and for a tradition to be absent in those communities means it has been pushed to the margins and become a minority tradition

also the english are weird about folk culture. we are. we've relegated our folk dances and music to the zone of esoteric nerd shit that only weirdos do, and then we go looking for esoterica in the non-english parts of our heritage because we don't think we've got any of it of our own

#english folk traditions #all of my experiences are heavily biased by growing up in a very specific flavour of suburban london #with absolutely fuck all going on #if we'd been just a bit posher there would've been blackheath and the folk stuff there #but our corner? nahh

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koiqiss · 9 months ago

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Good Number Of Reviews Before Using Gartenpflege Wien

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argentinehunting · 10 months ago

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Call of the Wild: Exploring Africa Hunting Safari Packages

The vast savannas and grasslands of Africa have beckoned adventurers and hunters for centuries. This wild, untamed landscape is home to some of the world's most iconic wildlife from the "Big Five" (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalo) to unique species like the long-spurred francolin and bongo. Africa hunting safari packages gives you a chance to encounter these animals up-close in their natural habitats. And for hunters, it offers the ultimate hunting experience pursuing dangerous game amid breathtaking scenery.

But planning an African hunting safari can be daunting for first-timers. From choosing the country and reserve to deciding on the type of hunt and securing permits, there are many factors to weigh. That's where experienced safari outfitters come in. They handle all logistics so you can focus on the thrill of the hunt. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about booking a hunting safari in Africa. Read on to learn about popular hunting destinations, types of hunts, planning tips, top outfitters, and costs.

Types of Safari Hunting Packages

Outfitters offer several types of hunting safari Africa package. These cater to all budgets and interests from thrifty plains game hunts to "once in a lifetime" pursuits of iconic trophies.

Here are the main types of safari hunting packages:

Plains Game Hunts - Plains game refers to smaller African antelope species that inhabit savannas and grasslands. Common targets include kudu, impala, blesbok, springbok, wildebeest, zebra and many others. Plains game hunts offer great variety at a relatively affordable price point for first-timers.

Big Game Hunts - These safaris target Africa's iconic "Big Five" trophy species - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo. Hunting these dangerous game animals provides the ultimate thrill and hunting challenge. But big game hunt costs are also much higher, especially for elephants and lions.

Bow Hunting Safaris - All types of hunting safaris are also possible with bows for those interested in a greater challenge. Bow hunting is legal for plains game and big game (except elephants). It allows hunters to get even closer to their prey before taking a shot.

Most first-time African hunters start with an affordable 7-10 day plains game safari. But for seasoned hunters after dangerous big game trophies, 10-14+ day trips are best. You can also extend or combine Africa hunting safari packages as per your budget and needs.

Plan your best African safari hunts

An African hunting safari involves considerable pre-trip planning:

Pick Country & Reserve - Select your preferred hunting destination in Africa and reserve/concession area within it. Consider species sought, budget, travel time and political stability.

Choose Outfitter - Pick an experienced safari outfitter licensed in your selected country. Check credentials, reviews, services offered and costs. Ensure they have excellent professional hunters and trackers.

Trip Duration - Plan trip duration as per species you want to hunt and your budget. Plains game hunts can be as short as 7 days. But big game and unique trophies require longer 14+ day safaris.

Permits & Licenses - Acquire all necessary hunting permits, licenses and export paperwork with the help of your outfitter. Rules vary across African countries.

Immunizations - Visit your doctor and take recommended vaccinations for Africa like hepatitis, tetanus, yellow fever etc. Entry rules may require proof of certain shots.

Insurance - Get travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage etc. Evacuation coverage is essential for remote hunting areas.

Gear List - Prepare a complete hunting gear and equipment list including weapons, ammo, optics, clothing, boots, travel documents and more. Your outfitter can provide a checklist.

Physical Fitness - Follow a fitness regimen before your trip. Hunting dangerous game can be physically demanding even with vehicle support.

With the logistics handled by your outfitter, you can look forward to the adventure ahead. Just focus on marksmanship practice and gear preparation.

How to Choose an Outfitter for Your Hunt

Choosing the right safari outfitter is crucial for a successful hunt. Here are tips for picking an ethical, professional hunting outfitter in Africa:

Check accreditation by hunting associations to ensure they follow fair chase policies and safety protocols.

Inquire about specific hunting areas they have concessions/leases for. The best territories harbor good populations of target species.

Ask about number of years in business, professional hunter experience, trackers employed etc. Look for expertise specific to your hunt.

Review past client testimonials and photo galleries to gauge delivery quality. Personal references from prior clients are best.

Compare services offered in packaged rates like field prep of trophies, taxidermy, dip & ship, daily laundry, liquor costs and more.

Ensure they have necessary permits and licenses to hunt species you seek. Also check on their protocol for trophy export and shipping.

Evaluate total costs across services. Look for transparency - some lower base rates may hide extra charges.

Assess level of personal service and communication responsiveness. This gives a feel for their professionalism.

It's advisable to contact 3-4 outfitters for quotes and details before you book a hunt.

Ready For Adventure?

Few adventures can get your heart racing like finding yourself face-to-face with Africa's wild icons like lions, elephants and Cape buffalo! Planning an African hunting safari is the first step towards making this dream a reality. Follow our tips to identify top destinations and outfitters for an epic trip pursuing your dream trophies. Just be sure to prepare thoroughly before embarking on a safari.

So when are you going on safari? Most outfitters book hunts 6-12 months in advance, so start planning today!

#africa hunting safari packages #hunting safari africa package #best african safari hunts

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gfablogs · 10 months ago

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What Is the 10/40 Window, and How Does GFA World Work There?

If you have spent some time in Christian circles, especially those with a focus on mission work, you have likely heard the phrase “10/40 window” mentioned more than once, but what is the 10/40 window? The term was coined a few decades ago by missiologist Luis Bush to direct attention to a specific area of the world where there is a great need for the Gospel.[1] Put simply, it is a rectangular stretch located between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude and encompassing North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. The window is also called “The Resistant Belt” since it contains most of the people who practice traditional Asia religions.[2] For many of those people, their religion is intrinsically tied to their culture and national identity, which makes sharing the Gospel very difficult within the window.

There are approximately 70 countries in the 10/40 window, and they vary greatly in economics, politics, religion, ancestral heritage, population size and climate. They all have in common their geographical location and a significant percentage of people who have not heard the Gospel. There has been some major progress in sharing the Good News in the window. For instance, in 1989, only four known Christians were living in Mongolia, and now the country has an estimated 10,000 native believers.[3] However, there is still a long way to go.

There is so much for believers to do in the 10/40 window; statistics serve to highlight this.

Two-thirds of the world’s total population—about 4 billion people—live in the window.

An alarming 95 percent of those 4 billion are considered unevangelized, and it is estimated that 1.6 billion of them have never heard about Jesus even once.

Also, 87 percent of the window’s residents are considered the poorest of the poor in the world, living on an average of $250 per family annually.

Even with this desperate spiritual and physical need, only $0.05 out of every $100 spent on missions globally is directed toward the 10/40 area.[4]

Click here, to read more about this article.

Click here, to read more blogs in Gospel for Asia.Com

#Local Missionaries #Missionaries to the Poor #National Missionaries #Revolution in World Missions #Poverty Alleviation #Poverty Alleviation Program #Bridge of Hope #Gospel for Asia #KP Yohannan

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sunaleisocial · 10 months ago

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Cutting carbon emissions on the US power grid

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/cutting-carbon-emissions-on-the-us-power-grid/

Cutting carbon emissions on the US power grid

To help curb climate change, the United States is working to reduce carbon emissions from all sectors of the energy economy. Much of the current effort involves electrification — switching to electric cars for transportation, electric heat pumps for home heating, and so on. But in the United States, the electric power sector already generates about a quarter of all carbon emissions. “Unless we decarbonize our electric power grids, we’ll just be shifting carbon emissions from one source to another,” says Amanda Farnsworth, a PhD candidate in chemical engineering and research assistant at the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI).

But decarbonizing the nation’s electric power grids will be challenging. The availability of renewable energy resources such as solar and wind varies in different regions of the country. Likewise, patterns of energy demand differ from region to region. As a result, the least-cost pathway to a decarbonized grid will differ from one region to another.

Over the past two years, Farnsworth and Emre Gençer, a principal research scientist at MITEI, developed a power system model that would allow them to investigate the importance of regional differences — and would enable experts and laypeople alike to explore their own regions and make informed decisions about the best way to decarbonize. “With this modeling capability you can really understand regional resources and patterns of demand, and use them to do a ‘bespoke’ analysis of the least-cost approach to decarbonizing the grid in your particular region,” says Gençer.

To demonstrate the model’s capabilities, Gençer and Farnsworth performed a series of case studies. Their analyses confirmed that strategies must be designed for specific regions and that all the costs and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and installing solar and wind generators must be included for accurate accounting. But the analyses also yielded some unexpected insights, including a correlation between a region’s wind energy and the ease of decarbonizing, and the important role of nuclear power in decarbonizing the California grid.

A novel model

For many decades, researchers have been developing “capacity expansion models” to help electric utility planners tackle the problem of designing power grids that are efficient, reliable, and low-cost. More recently, many of those models also factor in the goal of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions. While those models can provide interesting insights relating to decarbonization, Gençer and Farnsworth believe they leave some gaps that need to be addressed.

For example, most focus on conditions and needs in a single U.S. region without highlighting the unique peculiarities of their chosen area of focus. Hardly any consider the carbon emitted in fabricating and installing such “zero-carbon” technologies as wind turbines and solar panels. And finally, most of the models are challenging to use. Even experts in the field must search out and assemble various complex datasets in order to perform a study of interest.

Gençer and Farnsworth’s capacity expansion model — called Ideal Grid, or IG — addresses those and other shortcomings. IG is built within the framework of MITEI’s Sustainable Energy System Analysis Modeling Environment (SESAME), an energy system modeling platform that Gençer and his colleagues at MITEI have been developing since 2017. SESAME models the levels of greenhouse gas emissions from multiple, interacting energy sectors in future scenarios.

Importantly, SESAME includes both techno-economic analyses and life-cycle assessments of various electricity generation and storage technologies. It thus considers costs and emissions incurred at each stage of the life cycle (manufacture, installation, operation, and retirement) for all generators. Most capacity expansion models only account for emissions from operation of fossil fuel-powered generators. As Farnsworth notes, “While this is a good approximation for our current grid, emissions from the full life cycle of all generating technologies become non-negligible as we transition to a highly renewable grid.”

Through its connection with SESAME, the IG model has access to data on costs and emissions associated with many technologies critical to power grid operation. To explore regional differences in the cost-optimized decarbonization strategies, the IG model also includes conditions within each region, notably details on demand profiles and resource availability.

In one recent study, Gençer and Farnsworth selected nine of the standard North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regions. For each region, they incorporated hourly electricity demand into the IG model. Farnsworth also gathered meteorological data for the nine U.S. regions for seven years — 2007 to 2013 — and calculated hourly power output profiles for the renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, taking into account the geography-limited maximum capacity of each technology.

The availability of wind and solar resources differs widely from region to region. To permit a quick comparison, the researchers use a measure called “annual capacity factor,” which is the ratio between the electricity produced by a generating unit in a year and the electricity that could have been produced if that unit operated continuously at full power for that year. Values for the capacity factors in the nine U.S. regions vary between 20 percent and 30 percent for solar power and for between 25 percent and 45 percent for wind.

Calculating optimized grids for different regions

For their first case study, Gençer and Farnsworth used the IG model to calculate cost-optimized regional grids to meet defined caps on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The analyses were based on cost and emissions data for 10 technologies: nuclear, wind, solar, three types of natural gas, three types of coal, and energy storage using lithium-ion batteries. Hydroelectric was not considered in this study because there was no comprehensive study outlining potential expansion sites with their respective costs and expected power output levels.

To make region-to-region comparisons easy, the researchers used several simplifying assumptions. Their focus was on electricity generation, so the model calculations assume the same transmission and distribution costs and efficiencies for all regions. Also, the calculations did not consider the generator fleet currently in place. The goal was to investigate what happens if each region were to start from scratch and generate an “ideal” grid.

To begin, Gençer and Farnsworth calculated the most economic combination of technologies for each region if it limits its total carbon emissions to 100, 50, and 25 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated. For context, the current U.S. average emissions intensity is 386 grams of CO2 emissions per kWh.

Given the wide variation in regional demand, the researchers needed to use a new metric to normalize their results and permit a one-to-one comparison between regions. Accordingly, the model calculates the required generating capacity divided by the average demand for each region. The required capacity accounts for both the variation in demand and the inability of generating systems — particularly solar and wind — to operate at full capacity all of the time.

The analysis was based on regional demand data for 2021 — the most recent data available. And for each region, the model calculated the cost-optimized power grid seven times, using weather data from seven years. This discussion focuses on mean values for cost and total capacity installed and also total values for coal and for natural gas, although the analysis considered three separate technologies for each fuel.

The results of the analyses confirm that there’s a wide variation in the cost-optimized system from one region to another. Most notable is that some regions require a lot of energy storage while others don’t require any at all. The availability of wind resources turns out to play an important role, while the use of nuclear is limited: the carbon intensity of nuclear (including uranium mining and transportation) is lower than that of either solar or wind, but nuclear is the most expensive technology option, so it’s added only when necessary. Finally, the change in the CO2 emissions cap brings some interesting responses.

Under the most lenient limit on emissions — 100 grams of CO2 per kWh — there’s no coal in the mix anywhere. It’s the first to go, in general being replaced by the lower-carbon-emitting natural gas. Texas, Central, and North Central — the regions with the most wind — don’t need energy storage, while the other six regions do. The regions with the least wind — California and the Southwest — have the highest energy storage requirements. Unlike the other regions modeled, California begins installing nuclear, even at the most lenient limit.

As the model plays out, under the moderate cap — 50 grams of CO2 per kWh — most regions bring in nuclear power. California and the Southeast — regions with low wind capacity factors — rely on nuclear the most. In contrast, wind-rich Texas, Central, and North Central don’t incorporate nuclear yet but instead add energy storage — a less-expensive option — to their mix. There’s still a bit of natural gas everywhere, in spite of its CO2 emissions.

Under the most restrictive cap — 25 grams of CO2 per kWh — nuclear is in the mix everywhere. The highest use of nuclear is again correlated with low wind capacity factor. Central and North Central depend on nuclear the least. All regions continue to rely on a little natural gas to keep prices from skyrocketing due to the necessary but costly nuclear component. With nuclear in the mix, the need for storage declines in most regions.

Results of the cost analysis are also interesting. Texas, Central, and North Central all have abundant wind resources, and they can delay incorporating the costly nuclear option, so the cost of their optimized system tends to be lower than costs for the other regions. In addition, their total capacity deployment — including all sources — tends to be lower than for the other regions. California and the Southwest both rely heavily on solar, and in both regions, costs and total deployment are relatively high.

Lessons learned

One unexpected result is the benefit of combining solar and wind resources. The problem with relying on solar alone is obvious: “Solar energy is available only five or six hours a day, so you need to build a lot of other generating sources and abundant storage capacity,” says Gençer. But an analysis of unit-by-unit operations at an hourly resolution yielded a less-intuitive trend: While solar installations only produce power in the midday hours, wind turbines generate the most power in the nighttime hours. As a result, solar and wind power are complementary. Having both resources available is far more valuable than having either one or the other. And having both impacts the need for storage, says Gençer: “Storage really plays a role either when you’re targeting a very low carbon intensity or where your resources are mostly solar and they’re not complemented by wind.”

Gençer notes that the target for the U.S. electricity grid is to reach net zero by 2035. But the analysis showed that reaching just 100 grams of CO2 per kWh would require at least 50 percent of system capacity to be wind and solar. “And we’re nowhere near that yet,” he says.

Indeed, Gençer and Farnsworth’s analysis doesn’t even include a zero emissions case. Why not? As Gençer says, “We cannot reach zero.” Wind and solar are usually considered to be net zero, but that’s not true. Wind, solar, and even storage have embedded carbon emissions due to materials, manufacturing, and so on. “To go to true net zero, you’d need negative emission technologies,” explains Gençer, referring to techniques that remove carbon from the air or ocean. That observation confirms the importance of performing life-cycle assessments.

Farnsworth voices another concern: Coal quickly disappears in all regions because natural gas is an easy substitute for coal and has lower carbon emissions. “People say they’ve decreased their carbon emissions by a lot, but most have done it by transitioning from coal to natural gas power plants,” says Farnsworth. “But with that pathway for decarbonization, you hit a wall. Once you’ve transitioned from coal to natural gas, you’ve got to do something else. You need a new strategy — a new trajectory to actually reach your decarbonization target, which most likely will involve replacing the newly installed natural gas plants.”

Gençer makes one final point: The availability of cheap nuclear — whether fission or fusion — would completely change the picture. When the tighter caps require the use of nuclear, the cost of electricity goes up. “The impact is quite significant,” says Gençer. “When we go from 100 grams down to 25 grams of CO2 per kWh, we see a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in the cost of electricity.” If it were available, a less-expensive nuclear option would likely be included in the technology mix under more lenient caps, significantly reducing the cost of decarbonizing power grids in all regions.

The special case of California

In another analysis, Gençer and Farnsworth took a closer look at California. In California, about 10 percent of total demand is now met with nuclear power. Yet current power plants are scheduled for retirement very soon, and a 1976 law forbids the construction of new nuclear plants. (The state recently extended the lifetime of one nuclear plant to prevent the grid from becoming unstable.) “California is very motivated to decarbonize their grid,” says Farnsworth. “So how difficult will that be without nuclear power?”

To find out, the researchers performed a series of analyses to investigate the challenge of decarbonizing in California with nuclear power versus without it. At 200 grams of CO2 per kWh — about a 50 percent reduction — the optimized mix and cost look the same with and without nuclear. Nuclear doesn’t appear due to its high cost. At 100 grams of CO2 per kWh — about a 75 percent reduction — nuclear does appear in the cost-optimized system, reducing the total system capacity while having little impact on the cost.

But at 50 grams of CO2 per kWh, the ban on nuclear makes a significant difference. “Without nuclear, there’s about a 45 percent increase in total system size, which is really quite substantial,” says Farnsworth. “It’s a vastly different system, and it’s more expensive.” Indeed, the cost of electricity would increase by 7 percent.

Going one step further, the researchers performed an analysis to determine the most decarbonized system possible in California. Without nuclear, the state could reach 40 grams of CO2 per kWh. “But when you allow for nuclear, you can get all the way down to 16 grams of CO2 per kWh,” says Farnsworth. “We found that California needs nuclear more than any other region due to its poor wind resources.”

Impacts of a carbon tax

One more case study examined a policy approach to incentivizing decarbonization. Instead of imposing a ceiling on carbon emissions, this strategy would tax every ton of carbon that’s emitted. Proposed taxes range from zero to $100 per ton.

To investigate the effectiveness of different levels of carbon tax, Farnsworth and Gençer used the IG model to calculate the minimum-cost system for each region, assuming a certain cost for emitting each ton of carbon. The analyses show that a low carbon tax — just $10 per ton — significantly reduces emissions in all regions by phasing out all coal generation. In the Northwest region, for example, a carbon tax of $10 per ton decreases system emissions by 65 percent while increasing system cost by just 2.8 percent (relative to an untaxed system).

After coal has been phased out of all regions, every increase in the carbon tax brings a slow but steady linear decrease in emissions and a linear increase in cost. But the rates of those changes vary from region to region. For example, the rate of decrease in emissions for each added tax dollar is far lower in the Central region than in the Northwest, largely due to the Central region’s already low emissions intensity without a carbon tax. Indeed, the Central region without a carbon tax has a lower emissions intensity than the Northwest region with a tax of $100 per ton.

As Farnsworth summarizes, “A low carbon tax — just $10 per ton — is very effective in quickly incentivizing the replacement of coal with natural gas. After that, it really just incentivizes the replacement of natural gas technologies with more renewables and more energy storage.” She concludes, “If you’re looking to get rid of coal, I would recommend a carbon tax.”

Future extensions of IG

The researchers have already added hydroelectric to the generating options in the IG model, and they are now planning further extensions. For example, they will include additional regions for analysis, add other long-term energy storage options, and make changes that allow analyses to take into account the generating infrastructure that already exists. Also, they will use the model to examine the cost and value of interregional transmission to take advantage of the diversity of available renewable resources.

Farnsworth emphasizes that the analyses reported here are just samples of what’s possible using the IG model. The model is a web-based tool that includes embedded data covering the whole United States, and the output from an analysis includes an easy-to-understand display of the required installations, hourly operation, and overall techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment results. “The user is able to go in and explore a vast number of scenarios with no data collection or pre-processing,” she says. “There’s no barrier to begin using the tool. You can just hop on and start exploring your options so you can make an informed decision about the best path forward.”

This work was supported by the International Energy Agency Gas and Oil Technology Collaboration Program and the MIT Energy Initiative Low-Carbon Energy Centers.

This article appears in the Winter 2024 issue of Energy Futures, the magazine of the MIT Energy Initiative.

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beyonceisstraight · 1 year ago

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If you have a 40k usd salary you can live like a king in my home country because $40000 usd is $8367628 gyd. the minimum wage in guyana is $60,147.00 gyd = $288.07 usd. I had lived and worked minimum wage in guyana but I can tell you that a lot of people work and get paid even less than that because labor laws are often ignored. Now this is all gross. Net amounts subtract around 4% ~ for NIS. You need to be paid above certain figures for PAYE taxes etc so let's stick to the 4% figure.

You have a net GYD wage of $57,741.12 = $276.55 USD.

Travel can come out to $200 GYD a day for really short distances by bus to and from work. Just a few miles away from home. Let's work with that minimum, but keep in mind some people can be paying up to $600 GYD a day.

Travel for a month of 5 day work weeks, 4 weeks a month = $4000 GYD.

Let's say we want to cook spaghetti. Simple, usually considered cost effective.

These are the prices from a supermarket in Guyana. This is the upper end of the cost.

Thats one pot of food at 7k GYD. [This is Massy in guyana. Its not where a poor person would shop. Massy in barbados where the dollar exchange is 2 BDS for 1 USD, you could shop there. I did when I lived in Barbados. Massy is generally regarded as more expensive but in the current economy that gap between Massy and cheaper stores is closing because prices in barbados keep rising. I put this here because its an online verfiable source of grocery costs. Costs will vary from country to country esp with different exchange rates. ]

I hope this puts things more in context for what OP is talking about. Because if you buy this spaghetti meal set up where I took the cheaper options, you're left with less than $50 k to get you through the month. Let's remember the 57k was = less than $300 usd.

There are ways of living within these means but its a very frugal way of living. I've done it myself so I'll tell you that I often shopped in the market place, where things are bought from farmers and a lot of stuff? don't include the tax bc these folks often aren't paying taxes. The government doesn't come down on this bc they know some of those folks can't read and write well enough to figure out how to add VAT to their stalls. I often bought what was in season, plantain, spinach, bora, eggplant. I just didn't eat meat at that time because that's what I felt like but meat is often an extra cost.

This is what a market place looks like.

My aunt who has been a high school teacher for decades gets paid just over 100k GYD a year. That's $4789 gross per year. She gets some bonus at the end of the year but this is what she earns presently, it used to be less than this when she first started teaching and her 3 children were young.

The poorest families in my grandparents village do not send their children to school. No one reports them because, what will they do? they don't have money. The churches in the area help however much they can. But these folks squat on land that floods, because that's the land that no one else is living on. Or they simply send some children to school and not others. Or they marry off their oldest teenage daughters at ages as young as 14 sometimes. I've known people this has happened to, who are my age. It wasn't until I was a teenager that the sand and mud road became a proper road and even then it had been partly started by people who lived in the area pooling funds. There's so much more I could say about this but the imperial umbrella that shelters americans covers even the poorest of them despite those people sometimes living in very much the same squalor bc if you take them too poorer nations with the same amount of money, (usd) their living situation would improve.

usamericans really need to understand that if you have ever received a paycheck in USD and then used it to purchase items priced in USD then you have benefitted from the privilege of living in the imperial core, no matter what sort of brutal poverty and oppression you are otherwise facing

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