#friends of israel scouts

[biblicalhorror]

The most frustrating part of engaging in any of this discourse with pro-Israel people is that they claim there's just something ineffable about "seeing and understanding" how supporting Palestinian liberation is directly calling for the eradication of Jewish people (as if that type of rhetoric isn't exactly how actual antisemitism often manifests in online spaces but that's a topic for another day)

They get through people debunking the "the land belongs to the people of Israel anyway" argument and the "LGBTQ Palestinians are safe in Israel" argument and the "Genocide isn't what's happening here so you should educate yourself" argument and when all of those points are meticulously disproven over and over they still stand with "Well, myself and your Jewish friends see the hate you have in your heart for us" and it truly doesn't matter what you say at that point because even if you yourself are Jewish they will claim that refusing to support the state, government and military of Israel is inherently hateful and bigoted, as if a religious ethnostate is some inherent human right that is being taken away from them. I know many of them are blinded by the relentless propaganda that's been around their whole lives and how hard it is to break free from a belief system that is so tied to your core identity as a human being but it is so frustrating watching people being led straight to the point over and over again and just turning around and refusing to see it.

It's also so frustrating to see people using the momentum of this movement to casually tack on actual antisemitism to these discussions, as if having Jewish people in positions of power is why the US bends over backwards to excuse the actions of Israel and not, yknow, the fact that our government directly benefits from having a military stronghold in the middle east. I've talked to some well-meaning pro-Palestine friends irl who casually use antisemetic talking points because they've ALSO bought into the narrative that Israeli = Jewish and so they blame the actions of Israel and the IDF on Jewish people's "religious values" and ignore the fact that this conflict really has almost nothing to do with religion itself and everything to do with capitalism, imperialism and maintaining the US's status as a so-called "global power".

[heritageposts]

Harris has been a staunch supporter of Israel for years. In 2017 she addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) annual conference and reminded attendees that the first resolution she co-sponsored as a senator was aimed at combating “anti-Israel bias” at the United Nations. “Let me be clear about what I believe. I stand with Israel because of our shared values, which are so fundamental to the founding of both our nations,” she told the crowd. In 2018 she gave an off-the-record speech to the organization, but eventually released her comments. In that speech she claimed that she raised money for the Jewish National Fund as a Girl Scout. “Having grown up in the Bay area, I fondly remember those Jewish National Fund boxes that we would use to collect donations to plant trees for Israel,” she told the audience. “Years later, when I visited Israel for the first time, I saw the fruits of that effort and the Israeli ingenuity that has truly made a desert bloom.”

For those unfamiliar with the Jewish National Fund (JNF), they're a Zionist organization that has been instrumental in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

See Stop the JNF for more information on their history, the way they operate, and their decades-long campaign of greenwashing (i.e. destroying native plants, crops, and agriculture under the banner of 'making the desert bloom').

Continuing, the Mondoweiss article goes:

“The vast majority of people understand the importance of the State of Israel,” she added later. “Both in terms of its history and its present in terms of being a source of inspiration on so many issues, which I hope we will talk about, and also what it means in terms of the values of the United States and those values that are shared values with Israel, and the importance of fighting to make sure that we protect and respect a friend, one of the best friends we could possibly have.” While running for President in 2019, Harris was praised by the lobbying group Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) for running to the right of Obama on the Iran deal. On the campaign trail Harris told Kat Wellman, a voter affiliated with DMFI, that she would reenter the agreement but “strengthen it” by “extending the sunset provisions, including ballistic missile testing, and also increasing oversight.” “I was very impressed with her. I thought she gave an excellent speech, she gave a very detailed, responsive answer to my question,” Wellman told a local paper after the exchange. “I’m pro-Israel, so I was I was very concerned and all about making sure we limit nuclear missiles in any country that could possibly destroy us all. I thought her answer was very good.” Harris has condemned the BDS movement and claimed that is “based on the mistaken assumption that Israel is solely to blame for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” However, she voted against an anti-BDS bill in 2019 citing First Amendment concerns.

For the full article, which includes Kamala's response to Israel post Al-Aqsa Flood, see Mondoweiss (July 22, 2024)

[plounce]

researching stuff for a post about misinformation regarding girl scout cookies and man this article (10/28/23) about this palestinian-american girl scout nearly made me burst into tears

In her short 17 years on earth, Amira Ismail had never been called a baby killer.

That’s what happened one Friday this month, Amira said, on New York City’s Q58 bus, which runs through central Queens.

“This lady looked at me, and she was like: ‘You’re disgusting. You’re a baby killer. You’re an antisemite,’” Amira told me. When she talked about this incident, her signature spunk faded. “I just kept saying, ‘That’s not true,’” she said. “I was just on my way to school. I was just wearing my hijab.”

Amira was born in Queens in the years after the Sept. 11 attacks. She remembers participating as a child in demonstrations at City Hall as part of a successful movement to make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha school holidays in New York City.

But since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, in which an estimated 1,400 Israelis were killed and some 200 others were kidnapped, Amira, who is Palestinian American, said she has experienced for the first time the full fury of Islamophobia and racism that her older relatives and friends have told stories about all her life. Throughout the city, in fact, there has been an increase in both anti-Muslim and antisemitic attacks.

In heavily Muslim parts of Queens, she said, police officers are suddenly everywhere, asking for identification and stopping and frisking Muslim men. (New York City has stepped up its police presence around both Muslim and Jewish neighborhoods and sites within the five boroughs.) Most painful though, she said, is the sense that she and her peers are getting that Palestinian lives do not matter, as they watch the United States staunchly back Israel as it heads into war.

“It can’t go unrecognized, the thousands of Palestinians that have been murdered in the past two weeks and even more the past 75 years,” Amira said. “There’s no way you can erase that.” That does not mean she is antisemitic, she said. “How can I denounce one system of oppression without denouncing another?” she asked me. The pain in her usually buoyant voice cut through me. I had no answer for her.

Many New York City kids have a worldliness about them, a certain telltale moxie. Amira, a joyful, sneaker-wearing, self-described “Queens kid,” can seem unstoppable.

When she was just 15, Amira helped topple a major mayoral campaign in America’s largest city, writing a letter accusing the ultraprogressive candidate Dianne Morales of having violated child labor laws while purporting to champion the working class in New York.

“My life and my extremely bright future as a 15-year-old activist will not be defined by the failures and harm enabled by Dianne Morales,” Amira wrote in the 2021 letter, which went viral and helped end Ms. Morales’s campaign. “I wrote my college essay about that,” Amira told me with a slightly mischievous smile.

In the past two years, Amira has become a veteran organizer. Last weekend, she joined an antiwar protest. First, though, she’ll have to work on earning her latest Girl Scout badge, this one for photography. That will mean satisfying her mother, Abier Rayan, who happens to be Troop 4179’s leader. “She’s tough,” Amira assured me.

At a meeting of the Muslim Girl Scouts of Astoria last week, a young woman bounded into the room, asking whether her fellow scouts had secured tickets to an Olivia Rodrigo concert. “She’s the Taylor Swift of our generation,” the scout turned to me to explain.

A group of younger girls recited the Girl Scout Law:

“I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”

Amira’s mother carefully inspected the work of some of the younger scouts; she wore a blue Girl Scouts U.S.A. vest, filled with colorful badges, and a hot-pink hijab. “It’s no conflict at all,” Ms. Rayan told me of Islam and the Girl Scouts. “You want a strong Muslim American girl.”

At the Girl Scouts meeting, Amira and her friends discussed their plans to protest the war in Gaza. “Protests are where you let go of your anger,” Amira told me.

Amira’s mother was born in Egypt. In 1948, Ms. Rayan told me, her grandfather lost his home and land in Jaffa to the state of Israel. At the Girl Scout meeting, Ms. Rayan was still waiting for word that relatives in Gaza were safe.

“There’s been no communication,” she said. When I asked about Amira, Ms. Rayan’s eyes brightened. “I’m really proud of her,” she said. “You have to be strong. You don’t know where you’re going to be tomorrow.”

By Monday, word had reached Ms. Rayan that her relatives had been killed as Israel bombed Gaza City. When I asked whom she had lost, Ms. Rayan replied: “All of them. There’s no one left.” Thousands of Palestinians are estimated to have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in recent weeks. ... Ms. Rayan said those killed in her family included six cousins and their children, who were as young as 2. Other relatives living abroad told her the cousins died beneath the rubble of their home.

As Ms. Rayan spoke, I saw Amira’s young face. I wondered how long this bright, spirited Queens kid could keep her fire for what I believe John Lewis would have called “good trouble” in a world that seems hellbent on snuffing it out. I worried about how she would finish her college applications.

“I have a lot of angry emotions at the ones in charge,” Amira told me days ago, speaking for so many human beings around the world in this dark time.

I thought about what I had seen over that weekend in Brooklyn, where thousands gathered in the Bay Ridge neighborhood, the home of many Arab Americans, to protest the war. In this part of the city, people of many backgrounds carried Palestinian flags through the street. Large groups of police officers gathered on every corner, watching them go by.

The crowd was large but quiet when Amira waded in, picked up her megaphone and called for Palestinian liberation. In an instant, thousands of New Yorkers repeated after her, filling the Brooklyn street with their voices. My prayer is that Amira’s generation of leaders will leave a better world than the one it has been given.

i believe she recently got her gold award (which, if youve never been in girl scouts, is really difficult - way more difficult than eagle scout awards), or is almost done with it. i hope she's doing okay.

this article (no paywall) about muslim and palestinian girl scout troops in socal also almost made me cry (it's like 2am). i really really hope all these kids are doing alright. god. they and their families all deserve so much better

[girlactionfigure]

The Arab Who Taught Us Zionism

Amos Yarkoni is one of Israel's most celebrated national heroes and the country’s most decorated tracker. He’s a fascinating man with a fascinating life, so let’s explore it.

Amos Yarkoni was born in 1921 as Abd el-Majid Hidr of House Mazrib, a powerful Bedouin tribe that has dispatched many war bands against the Jews and the English in the 30s. In 1936, he joined a raid on the Trans-Arabian Pipeline, but got into a fight with his cousins over their vicious plans for the workers and fled to a Jewish town. There he befriended the future legendary Israeli general Moshe Dayan. 

He would later remark to his friend, "If you can be a lieutenant general without an eye, I can be a lieutenant colonel without a hand." But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

In 1947, Abd el-Majid was working in a refinery in Haifa when it was attacked by a Muslim lynch mob. Rather than joining the attack, Abd el-Majid helped some Jewish workers hide from the Muslim killers. Soon after, he joined the newly formed IDF and changed his name to Amos Yarkoni, a fine name for a ranger because it means "green." 

During his service, he'd astounded his fellow soldiers with his tracking and scouting skills. For example, he shocked his CO, by observing that the enemy knew they were being followed by pointing out that the pattern of the tracks showed the enemy stopped from time to time to look around. His tracking skill became so legendary that the Arabs still tell stories about him. The Bedouin say that if you spit on a rock in the desert, Abd el-Majid would sense it after a hundred years, track you down and say, "O villain, why have you spat in my desert?"

Despite suffering many injuries and even losing a hand, Yarkoni was re-appointed as the commander of the Shaked Battalion in 1961. In 1964, he suffered a crippling foot injury. After a short stint as the military governor of Sinai, he left military service a celebrated hero.

He died in 1991. His coffin was carried by six generals and the funeral was attended by the president as well as Israel's most right wing politician at the time, Rehavam Ze'evi. 

Colonel Judah Melamed eulogized, "we came to the unit a bunch of young cocks who were sure they invented the love of the land. However, you, an Arab, had taught us what it means to love and protect the country."

And here’s a street named after him, right next to his lifelong friend Moshe Dayan.

URI KURLIANCHIK

DEC 26

[hacksawboy]

💉 MAX

💉 ANY NEOPRONOUNS / HIM

💉 18, MAY 5 2006

💉 MY FRIENDGROUP'S TUMBLR ASK PROVIDER! (SERIOUSLY, YOU'RE PROBABLY HERE FROM EMILY'S BLOG. YOU CAN ADMIT IT, IT'S FINE)

I TYPICALLY POST OR RB:

🫀 TF2

🫀 HTF

🫀 TERRARIA

🫀 FRIENDS' POSTS

🫀 MY OWN DUMB THOUGHTS

🫀 MY ARTWORK

🫁 BYI

im 18 years old. im fine with minors interacting, but unless were friends or mutuals already i dont wanna be mutuals with anyone under 16. im black, gay, trans, and autistic, so i tend to say the n word, f slur, t slur, and r slur sometimes. if you dont think any of these should or can be reclaimed, just block me and move on, i am completely uninterested in engaging in internet arguements with strangers. some stuff i repost may contain gore, all of it is fake and fictional, i will never repost real gore ever (if i do take me out back). i don't tag anything i post or put trigger warnings on anything as i don't expect them to leave my bubble.

🫁 DNI

MOST MY IRL FRIENDS. if youre already following me, im already following you, or i gave you my tumblr, ur totally in the clear. but please dont follow me from my strawpage.

zionists

those who believe jewish = zionist / pro israel

school shooter fandom

dream / wilbur soot / gnf fan

if you actively post abt mediscout, any other medic or scout ship is okay (except spyscout, spyscout fans fuck off), this one just makes me very uncomfortable . its fine if you ship it i just really dont wanna see it

while this one isnt nearly as strict as the others, id prefer if enstars fans didnt interact with me unless were already friends or mutuals. i dont have anything against the game or fandom, a lot of you are actually quite sweet, but i do have a lot of memories attatched to it that i wouldn't like to remember.

🫁 MISC STUFF

PLEASE BE MY MOOT IF YOU LIKE TF2 !

FOLLOW SPOOKYMOB, ELECTRONIX-ARTS, AND WINGS0FRUIN, THEY ARE WAY COOLER THAN ME

STRAWPAGE

18+ BLOG FOR SUGGESTIVE ARTWORK: @hacksawman

[bloodiedpng]

★★PINNED POST★★

-------------------Ghost/Vesp-------------------

Hello!!! I'm Ghost/Vesper/Guest, I also go by Pest, Calamity, Gavin, Bill and Connor.

I'm 17(sept 10 07), Hispanic, and use he/it/hymn/they

I have AuDHD, PCOS, OSDD, and some other things

I'm happily taken!

Flags in order are intersex, pan, arospec, polyamorous, trans, and acespec

We're also a robotkin and objectum, and again, HAPPILY TAKEN BY OUR PARTNERS WHO I LOVE!!!!

Our art tag is gh0sts art

Click more for for our interest and dni

Divider credits at end!!!

★★★INTEREST★★★

Currently I'm super the roblox in general

Regretevator, pressure, phighting, doors, grace, kaleidoscope, blocktales, roblox myths, respawn corp., ext.

However here's some other interest!

Object shows

°BFDI, HFJOne, Love Of The S*n, SearchforSMOS, ext

Danny Gonzalez, AVG, Kubz Scouts, Alan Becker animations

Marble Hornets(not in the creepypastaverse, canon marble Hornets)

The Stanley parable, portal, I have mouth and I must scream, electric dreams, Studioinvestigrave games(dead plate, elevator hitch, ext) , gravity falls, DBH

Tallyhall, lemon demon, will wood, Alex g, tv girl, Chonny jash

This is probably not all!

We also participate in the creation of Night Of Your Life with our friend! As well as making a spinoff part of the world that has some classic roblox aspects called Somnus County. Will occasionally post some things about it using the tags night of your life and noyl oc

Divider credits at end!!!

★★★★★DNI★★★★★

Basic dni

Proshippers

TCC fans

Anti otherkin and objectum people.

Anti xeno/zeos

People who are HEAVILY against

jashshipper, or mirror shipping I'm general

Anyone who supports what Israel is doing to Palestine

Ill possibly add to this

DIVIDER CREDIT!!!!

[racmune]

heyyyy im racmune, i use he/him pronouns. i draw a lot and write fic sometimes! im a weird n i post whatevers :P

my inbox is always open n im pretty friendly, if you wanna send in an ask u dont gotta be shy!

art commissions: CLOSED (subject to change)

dni, excluding what should be obvious: support israel, te(rf), swerf, truscum, exclusionist, etc

i also block very liberally, if you dont fit this criteria n ive blocked you it aint personal

more about me

current hyperfixations: scoutpauling, tf2 :3333

likes include but not limited to: music, anime, fanfiction, video games, chattin w/ buds, sleeping, computers n web design, ftm history, early 2000s aes, n gothic romance

dislikes include but not limited to: rude people, intense unfamiliar tastes n textures ..... uhhhhhhhhhhhhh idk what else tbh

sideblog

@item-query - 90s-00s internet/computers (etc) aes

@silence-and-unmarked-snow - desolation aes?? idk

tag list :P

blacklistable tags (send an ask if you need me to tag a trigger)

#blood

#gore

#unsanitary

#body horror

#flashing lights

#eyestrain

#loud

#unreality

#liminal spaces

#spiders

#tw emetophobia

#fnaf movie - for spoilers

#spto - scott pilgrim anime spoilers

#deadlock - deadlock leaks

personal tags i guess?

#queue - my queue tag, mehh ill make it a pun at some point

#fave - fave posts tag

#favefavefave - super/ult fave posts tag

#andy rambles - my text post tag

#ask - ask tag

#anon - anon tag (non-anons are tagged by username but tooo many to list here)

#tagged/sent - posts sent to me via dm or that ive been tagged in :3

#racmune art - my art tag

#racmune fics - my fic tag

#commissions - art commissions ive done and posts relating to my commissions

#clips - tag for game clips

#scoutposting - my scout tag :3c

#mongusposting - mongus tag

#friend art - art made by friendsss

#trans scout - tag for scout being trans (i dont use this tag as much anymore)

#ftm stuff - tag for ftm related stuff :P history, art, etc

#rule 63 - genderbend tag

#art inspo - tag 4 my art inspiration

#later - tag 4 posts i want to come back to

#gif - gif tag

#gifset - tag 4 posts with more than one gif... this is not what a gifset is but its what ive been using this tag for oops

#stim - stim tag

#mecore - stuff that is genderful.... "MEEEEE"

#important - important posts (i dont use this as much anymore either)

#bangers - posts w over 100 notes :p

#1k - posts w over 1k notes

#2k - posts w over 2k notes

old dtiys

#racdtiys15

#racdtiys16

fandoms/stuff im into

#the scratched universe

#nope 2022

#scream

#rope 1948

#emesis blue

#lil pootis

#uramichi oniisan

#danshi koukousei no nichijou

#cool doji danshi

#math

#poetry

#webweave

#john k samson

#mf doom

#king missile

#re - resident evil

#aphmau

#mlb - miraculous ladybug

#tadc - the amazing digital circus

#paradigm game

#fnaf

#beetlejuice

#brokeback mountain

#i love you phillip morris

#dog day afternoon

#romeos 2011

#wild zero

#portal

#half life

#deus ex

#spiderverse

#the boondocks

#enstars

#hi-fi rush

#legend of zelda

#disco elysium

#scott pilgrim

#brba - breaking bad

#death note

#delta state

#hbomberguy

#jerma

#rtvs - radio tv solutions

#eftf2 - escape from tf2

#bully game

#dungeon meshi

#sally face

#creepypasta

#emh - everymanhybrid

#thief and the cobbler

#ultrakill

#csm - chainsaw man

#gay shame

#deadlock

ship tags

#scoutpauling - scout x miss pauling

#heavymedic - heavy x medic

#freedom fries - soldier x spy

#boots n bombs - soldier x demoman

#scoutcest - scout x scout

#flash fire - scout x pyro

#hop scotch - scout x demoman

#heavyscout - heavy x scout

#pyrosoldier - pyro x soldier

#soldierheavy - soldier x heavy

#helmet party - soldier x engineer

#fruit scones - soldier x medic

#american aviators - soldier x sniper

#soldierpauling - soldier x miss pauling

#demopyro - demoman x pyro

#texas toast - engineer x pyro

#pyropauling - pyro x miss pauling

#burn ward - pyro x medic

#bushfire - sniper x pyro

#pyrospy - pyro x spy

#demoheavy - demoman x heavy

#demoengie - demoman x engineer

#jagerbombs - medic x demoman

#sword van - demoman x sniper

#bomb voyage - demoman x spy

#engieheavy - engineer x heavy

#spoovy - spy x heavy

#science party - medic x engineer

#sniperpauling - sniper x miss pauling

#trucks n vans - engineer x sniper

#bushmed - sniper x medic

#napoleon complex - engineer x spy

#medispy - medic x spy

#adminhale - administrator x saxton hale

#zhannascout - zhanna x scout

#soldierzhanna - soldier x zhanna

#scoutmaspy - scouts ma x spy

#zhannapauling - zhanna x miss pauling

#adminsniper - administrator x sniper

#zhannascoutpauling - zhanna x scout x miss pauling

#tf2 deep fried desire - scout x fried chicken lady

#tf2 lady and the tramp - miss pauling x fried chicken lady

#swing and a missfire - scout x miss pauling x pyro

#engiedemoheavy - engineer x demoman x heavy

#soldierdemozhanna - soldier x demoman x zhanna

#masked mechanic - fixer x jumpsuit (the scratched universe)

#fruit punch - foster x p.rick (the scratched universe)

#purplephone - purple guy x phone guy (fnaf)

#scollace - scott x wallace (scott pilgrim)

#toddallace - todd x wallace (scott pilgrim)

#kowalkins - pete kowalski x jimmy hopkins (bully / canis canem edit)

#gabv1el - gabriel x v1 (ultrakill)

#skylersaul - skyler white x saul goodman (breaking bad)

^other tags 2 be added but tumblr doesnt let me add any more hyperlinks so sorry abt that o_0

[soupedepates]

Riot grrrl playlistttt✨️✨️ Because it's riot grrrl cw rape, domestic abuse, sexism, discrimination, sex, sexual violence, etc. I also didn't do a background check on all the artists nor on the lyrics, so beware of transphobia and terf discourse. Kick fascists, be aggressive, care for your pack and those who need it. From the river to the sea Palestine will be free.

✨️✨️✨️

I wish I was a Riot Grrrl - Destructo Disk (it introduced me to the genre so I HAD to put it here) I hate my mom - GRLWOOD Take off your clothes - GRLWOOD Eat Shit - Doll Skin On the Floor - WHOREMONES Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill Deceptacon - Le Tigre Pandemic - The Royal They Phanta - Le Tigre Cool Schmool - Bratmobile Terrorist - Heavens to Betsy Cowards in the castle - The Anti-queens Nice nice - Dazey and the scouts Oh Bondage! Up Yours! - XRay Spex What's Up Girl - Catisfaction Candy - Bikini Kill

✨️✨️✨️

More than 1% of the Gaza population has been killed by Israel. It's about 25 700 people. Mostly women and children. The historical patrimony is being destroyed. Gaza's culture, identity and people are being methodically eradicated. Say it. It's a genocide. Genocide.

Israel is genociding Palestinians.

It's a genocide.

Support Palestinians. If you can donate, then donate. I can't. But what I can do is sending this link:

One click a day. Nothing more. It helps raising money for the people.

Make noise. We have a mouth and we shall scream.

Follow her:

Bisan Owda is living the genocide and fighting every day for information. Never. Stop. Making noises.

Be the punk, the riot grrrrl, that kills the mood.

[zooterchet]

The MIT Hack Incident (The Boston Marathon Bombing)

In 2003, an intrepid MIT physical plant employee, came up with spying on that crazy Jets fan in the family, who thinks he's a quarterback; but he quit soccer, to be a spy.

With his friends, from India and Arabia and China, the MIT engineering draft team for large projects for cities, paying thousands per day, only requiring them to be kind as their cultures taught (to criminals, the rejects, those thugs and ruffians offering free food and poor priced tips to their servants), he ventured onto his step-nephew's computer.

Horrified, he found data actually applicable to life, and a CIA sign-on sheet, to take mushrooms, adderral, percossets, and marijuana; but only if he obeyed the direct type of print, on being a slave of Wikipedia, Eros, and Friends Stand United, a man who used the internet for scandalous pornography of small breasted women of a mature age (a CIA agent, no less, but the past generation).

Enraged, at the nephew having imbibed, instead of following the standard guidelines found for medicine, at the campus hospital (Beth-Israel Deaconess, halfway across the state, in Boston), he investigated these files further.

It was the "hack of the century", he declared, giving thousands of overseas Emirs direct access to UMass-Amherst files, on the ROTC, Naval Recon, and Carlos the Jackal. Even the MUSH fell under assault, when "real live ladies" were discovered, police in Italy enraged that gay sex was not being practiced by the Archdiocese of Boston, and Bernard Law's lesson was not followed as instructed by the Italian-Jews of the Boston Globe; those empowered to hold instruction and wrath over family men of Boston, through high bosoms when disturbed at a question of family.

Once they were done, three scouts, Scottish bankers from Dundee, were sent at once (B-Rock, Null, Ivo), to assist the beleagured CIA agent, and his new career, in MI-6; to legalize all the pot in the country, as revenge on those that thought that information access, was free.

After the Boston Marathon Bombing, they retreated to their attics and shutters, to plan for the next strike; those looney Jets had appeared on television again and this time, Elton John was long since dead.

But had they hacked Harvard University, they would've discovered the conspiracy, of the giant talking head.

Barack Obama, had a smaller head than George W. Bush, and war numbers weren't going well; versus Donald J. Trump, who came out of nowhere, due to Steven Charlebois's frustration at his contracting business not being paid for all his hard work over four decades, having failed to use a bank for his workers, his friends from Alcoholics Anonymous.

Little did anyone suspect, Steven Charlebois's computer was stolen, and he was informed by local news items, when he approached his nephew and godson, David, about the Russian Separatist Conflict in the Ukraine.

But Steve didn't believe Dave's advice, when instructing the Ukrainian Catholics. Not one bit.

[misterkevinbriansatterwhite]

Biography of Kevin Brian Satterwhite, Children's Book Author

I was born and raised in Durham, NC.  I am disabled and was diagnosed with schizophrenia back in 2015.  I am a recovering drug addict and have been clean and sober since 2019, after nearly twenty years of drug abuse and addiction.  I learned how to write cursive and count to one hundred before I entered first grade.  I spent most of my youth in boy scouts, karate, gymnastics, team sports, and performing arts - and I continue to be well known throughout my community.  I have been a creative writer for many years and consider myself a professional story developer.  I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2012 and have only completely read one novel in my entire life which is Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry.  Some of my most memorable books as a child are - Goose Goofs-off by Jacquelyn Reinach, Surprise Party by Sharon Gordon, The Berenstain Bears books by Jan and Stan Berenstain, Where’s Waldo by Martin Handford, The Value of Believing in Yourself: The Story of Louis Pasteur by Spencer Johnson M.D., and a book about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by an author I don’t recall.

I am a first time author and have recently completed sixteen children's books.  I kept thirteen books for myself and ghost wrote three for my longtime friend.  One of my books is currently being published by Archway Publishing from Simon and Schuster.  As a youth and now as an adult, I have always been surrounded by people of many different colors, cultures, and ethnicities which is reflected in my work.  My picture books include subjects about - cross-gender friendships, gender identity, block parties, race/color, immigration, and growing up in the inner city.  I have also written a children’s novel by virtue of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, in hopes to have a positive impact within Jewish and Arab communities around the world.  As someone with a formal education, I believe it is my responsibility to help children develop as avid readers and writers - at an early age.  By virtue of my love for writing and years of experience - I believe several of the books that I’ve written - have the potential to be developed - for broadway, television, and film.

I was raised in a culture of book fairs, book clubs, and educational programs - which included the likes of Scholastics and Pizza Hut.  As a youth I participated in a jump rope jamboree with Durham’s Bouncing Bulldogs.  I visited educational camps at Duke University.  I also volunteered at the Museum of Life and Science.  I attended preschool and kindergarten at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church - where I was a student of Jane Hurlburt’s Montessori Family School in Durham, NC.  As a child I attended KinderCare and YMCA.  For elementary school - I went to Pearsontown and Southwest.  After having attentive and behavioral issues - I went to Camelot Academy - which is a small K-12 private school founded by Thelma DeCarlo-Glynn - which is also in Durham.  My grades improved and I returned to public school for seventh and eighth grade.  At Sherwood Githens Middle School I was a member of the - Esquires and the Sophisticated Gents - program that taught me - respect, responsibility, and self-worth.  I eventually became a member of the - Mentors - learning more from my younger peers - than I ever could have taught them.  

Growing up - I was a member of St. Joseph AME Church where I attended church and Sunday school.  When visiting my grandparents in Clinton, NC - I went to Vacation Bible School and still remember singing, Lift Every Voice and Sing - before going outside for recess.  I broke every drum set, guitar, and saxophone my parents bought for me - as a gift during my childhood.  Somehow I managed not to break my violin and have been playing since the age of five.  As a youth, I performed in violin competitions at Meredith College which was always a truly wondrous experience - although I wasn’t very good at the violin.  I’ve performed in local malls and shopping centers - including Brightleaf Square - during the holiday season with a children’s orchestra led by my childhood violin teacher - Hjourdis Tourian.  I began piano lessons in 1994.  After not being allowed to play drums in my middle school band because of my late reentry into public schools - I continued violin and piano lessons outside of school.  I’ve had three different piano teachers however, I spent most of my time learning from Barbara Leder in Chapel Hill, NC.  I participated in annual recitals and while I had difficulty practicing at home - I really loved playing the piano.  After graduating middle school - I stopped taking music lessons when I was accepted via lottery into Durham Magnet Center - now Durham School of the Arts.  Instead of my parents having to drive around town for my lessons - I simply took classes in - electric piano and orchestra - which allowed me to practice more frequently.  DSA opened in 1995 for students in grades 6-8.  Each year a grade was added.  Their first high school class graduated in 2000.  I attended Durham School of the Arts from 1996-1997 as a freshman and a sophomore.  It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

As a teenager, I performed in an orchestra at Durham Bulls athletic park during a holiday event - led by my orchestra teacher Mr. Boyd Gibson.  I competed on an undefeated track team at Durham School of the Arts, although we had high school freshmen on our team and we competed against middle schools.  I got a job at a movie theater as soon as I could work.  My sophomore year at DSA I was selected by Kathleen Graves to be a student in a class of only twenty-five performers - known as the DMC Players (before the school's official name change to Durham School of the Arts).  It was truly challenging.  I’m thankful that my environment was comforting rather than competitive.  I was more moved by observing than I was performing.  The students in that class were phenomenal.  That same school year I auditioned for a play about civil rights.  It was a series of multiple one-act plays and thankfully I landed a small, but powerful part.  Unfortunately, I don’t recall the name of the play.  However, I do remember singing, We Shall Overcome - as each show began.  I was proud to be a member of that ensemble.  We were originally only supposed to have three performances - and the show had such an impact on the community that - there were nine performances in all.  Civil rights leader C. T. Vivian attended the final show to a packed house.  I was too humble to help myself to a conversation, but grew as a person and a performer because of the experience.  Near the end of the school year, I performed in a comedic show of one-act plays.  The crowd was so amused that after the show - I was approached by the schools technical director, Mr. Deter - and told that I had the audience in the palms of my hands.  The vice-principle must have overheard the sentiment and repeated the conversation during a seminar full of students, without naming the subjects.  I was too young to realize the positive impact it would have on my life - and simply remained quiet and respectful - amongst my peers.  

My junior and senior year I attended C. E. Jordan High School to be closer to my sister and perform in theater on a higher level with upperclassmen.  My theater arts teacher was Hope Hynes Love who now works in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System.  While anxious about singing and dancing - I was casted for a small part in Grease after declining an opportunity to audition for a lead role.  The following school year, I auditioned for the part of Theseus and was eventually casted as Philostrate in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Under Hope’s continuously nurturing supervision - I performed a monologue from James Baldwins’ Amen Corner - in a performing arts competition at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.  While I didn’t receive recognition for my soliloquy - I was pleased with my performance.  My interest in the arts evolved when I realized I needed to focus more on employment than performing.  I knew that moving to Los Angeles one day would take money - and if I couldn’t save any - then I could at least have the skills and experience to survive - when I arrived in such a big city.  In addition to a movie theater - some of my earliest places of employment included - a local pizza restaurant and a drug store.

My senior year of high school my father, Otis Satterwhite introduced me to a performing arts instructor Jospeh Henderson, whom he met while working in the Durham Public Schools system.  I eventually met Joseph’s wife at the time, now Cynthia Penn-Halal - who is a visiting professor at UNCSA.  Joseph and Cynthia were very diligent - and dedicated to the arts.  They embraced me with guidance and grace.  Upon meeting them - I performed with two other high schoolers and a multitude of sixth grade students - in a play written and directed by Joseph Henderson and choreographed by Cynthia Penn-Halal.  The beautiful story titled, In Our Time - took the audience on an emotional journey through American history.  It was performed at The Carolina Theatre in Durham in front of a packed house of - sixth grade students, parents, and teachers.  I appeared in the local newspaper and was even congratulated by one of my high school teachers.  Before going to college I worked for Jospeh and Cynthia at Walltown Children’s Theater as a camp counselor.  Joseph suggested I go to UNCSA.  He had a plan for me to get a good paying job, go to UNCSA, and hopefully audition someday for Law & Order.  Mr. Henderson got me an interview at Nana’s - which is an upscale restaurant in Durham, NC.  I got hired the day of my interview and never went back.  I eventually decided to attend Barry University, which is a small private Catholic university in Miami Shores, FL.  Barry University is one of the most diverse schools in the southeast.  It was a great opportunity to develop long lasting relationships with people all over the world.  

Being raised in Durham - I had the honor of growing up in the company of outstanding and wonderful youth.  To name a few - acclaimed architect - Frederick A. Davis II, accomplished scholar and educator - Pierce Freelon, cultural organizer and artist - Dasan Ahanu, community builder and rap artist - Joshua Gunn, and world-renowned poet and rap artist - George Yamazawa.  I don’t speak with everyone from my past on a regular basis, but I remain in contact with most of them through social media.  While at Barry I majored in broadcast communication and minored in theater arts.  In a competition between broadcast communication students from Barry University, FIU, and the University of Miami - I received an award from Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization, now Transportation Planning Organization for a PSA that I wrote, produced, and directed.  Upon winning the award, one of my broadcast communication professors, Dr. Hoffman suggested that I seek an internship at a top marketing firm, whose name I don’t recall.  He encouraged me academically and advised me that my confidence needed improvement.  At Barry I performed in plays and musicals such as - Hello, Dolly!, Pippin, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, You Can’t Take It with You, and One Flew Over Cuckoo’s Nest.  My most notable portrayals are Lewis in Pippin and Mr. Turkle in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, for which I received an award for - Most Comedic Performance - after being instructed by my professor, the late Susan Dempsey to write additional lines for the character.  When I was home from college during the summers - I performed at the Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC in a prose poetry multimedia play written and directed by Herman LeVern Jones, who once worked as an actor on Guiding Light.  During the summer months back home - I’ve also delivered newspapers, I helped people register to vote, I worked for Exxon at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and even performed as an extra on Dawson’s Creek.

My first internship prior to graduation was at a public relations firm in Brickell just south of Downtown Miami.  I worked on a campaign for GOL TV, which is an American sports channel dedicated to soccer.  I enjoyed my time at the PR firm and it was truly a great experience.  Although there was somewhat of a language barrier, it didn’t prevent me from asking two of the firm's executives to come into class for an interview - along with my sociology professor - about race in corporate America.  I’m still incredibly thankful for their graciousness and willingness to share their experiences.  Before graduating my professor and former WPLG Local 10 reporter, Connie Hicks got me an internship at WPLG.  I learned from a variety of professionals about videotape operating, editing, and producing.  I had the opportunity to work alongside - Laurie Jennings, Neki Mohan, and Kristi Krueger - who were some of the most prominent journalists in South Florida.  From there I landed a job at WSVN Channel 7 as a videotape operator.  It was the highest rated local news station in Miami - during the time that I was there.  I was incredibly proud of myself for finding a career right after college.  I was devoted to my job in the news and once drove to work during a hurricane.  I also recall working every single day - in the tape center - for an entire month - during the holidays.  Instead of complaining about my low paying stressful job - I simply gave it my all and focused on the future.  I took the writing test twice before I was hired as a writer for the morning news - and was shortly promoted to the evening broadcasts.  I trained aspiring journalists, some of which became executive producers and at least one was a reporter.  I wrote news stories and packages for on air talent.  I once wrote an entertainment news package about the film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.  I originally wrote it for the evening news.  The package eventually aired on South Florida’s top entertainment show Deco Drive.  WSVN was a great environment.  During my time there - the entire staff was very helpful and hopeful.  I am fortunate to forever be a member of a community of such outstanding broadcast journalism professionals.  At WSVN I learned from and worked under some of the best and brightest in the business.  Some of my coworkers from WSVN included - WSVN News Anchor Belkys Nerey, WSVN News Anchor Craig Stevens, ABC13 Meteorologist Elita Loresca, CNN Correspondent Carlos Suarez, and KTLA 5 News Executive Producer Marcus Smith.  I also met Joel Brown at WSVN.  He is now an anchor at WTVD in Durham, NC.  I eventually decided to quit my low paying job as a writer for the news - so that I could save money and pursue the arts.  Before leaving WSVN I was training to become an associate producer.  However, my mind was made up and while I thoroughly enjoyed working for the news - the prospect wasn’t enough to keep me in the industry.  After quitting my job as a writer - I worked as a mortgage banker prior to the real estate industry collapse.  I decided real estate was not a good fit for me and moved to NC for two years.  In 2010 I finally made my way out to Los Angeles to pursue acting and music.  My drug addiction got the best of me and after four really difficult years - I returned to Durham to live with my mother. 

Some of my other work history also includes - waiting tables at two high-end sushi restaurants, sales associate at Adidas Originals, production assistant at the American Black Film Festival, event staff at The Party Staff, and technical assistant at Barry University.  My friend, the late Isaac Mallory from Barry University referred me to now closed Shoji Sushi in South Beach.  I was hired as an expeditor and initially failed my employment test after being confused between nigiri and sashimi.  The manager allowed me to take the test again - after I informed him that I would make no excuses for my mistakes.  I explained the reason behind my errors and promised to improve.  I passed the test and shortly after - I was promoted to a serving position.  At one point - I was the only “black” server on staff.  I eventually started doing deliveries on my days off - and even catered a gathering in a high-rise luxury condominium building.  The former owner of Shoji Sushi, Myles Chefetz is owner of world famous Prime One Twelve.  One of my greatest memories in the restaurant business was being selected to serve a Cb5 executive when working at now closed TATU Asian Bar & Grill, when she was visiting the establishment.  My additional lifetime accomplishments include - performing in spoken word poetry competitions, becoming a musician, and developing a story for my screenplay - with a storyline comparable to Star Wars.  One of my favorite babysitters as a child was my television set.  My creativity was shaped by - Steven Spielberg, Carol Burnett, and Michael Jackson before I knew the importance of expression and imagination.  

In my short life I have lost countless family members, close friends, acquaintances, and an abstruse number of college buddies.  By virtue of such an experience - I cherish my life and see the immense value of the lives of others.  My family believes strongly in education.  My father is a disabled veteran.  He was an accomplished insurance salesman and also worked as a substitute teacher for Durham Public Schools.  He attended North Carolina Central University and received his bachelor’s degree in business.  My mother attended the University of North Carolina and was a nurse at Duke Hospital for many years.  My younger sister studied sociology at Columbia University and has an MBA from UNC.  She has worked as a marketing manager at Belk, Amazon, and Facebook.  My older sister resides in Charlotte, NC and is the mother of two amazing children.  Some of my extended family and lifelong friends are doctors, lawyers, artists, computer engineers, and medical sales professionals.  

Growing up in Durham, NC - I was surrounded by the glory of college basketball.  It was truly amazing watching collegiate athletes blossom into professional basketball players.  I have a great deal of gratitude for the culture because I believe it provided me with the experience to know how to conduct myself in the company of public figures.  By the time I was thirty years old - I had lived in Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, NC, and Washington, D.C.  Over the years I brushed shoulders with a variety of famous actors and musicians.  Meeting prominent male and female figures in person - gave me the opportunity to see what I could achieve through work ethic and dedication.  By virtue of my life experience and the wisdom I have gained over the years I continue to grow as an individual each and everyday.  While I have overcome many obstacles - I remain focused on five pillars of production that make me proud of the path that I have ultimately chosen.  Those pillars are - love, faith, hope, healing, and freedom.  As an author with a marketable personality - I believe that I can reach young readers, parents, and educators - from a variety of demographics - throughout the world.

[izdatazn]

S.U.I.T.S: Outbreak

XEANIDES 3 - TAVERN

Asuka walked through the hallways accompanied by three other people. There were two other females and another male.

"Would you look at that," teased another member, "Your boy toy is not here, so you're finally hanging out with us after two years, right Yoon Bora?"

"Shut up, Takahashi Amane," blushed Asuka. "I'll have fun with my boy toy as much as I want."

"She neglected us and has been having wild rides with that boy toy of hers," persisted Bora. "I'm surprised you aren't pregnant yet."

"Why am I the only male in this group gossiping about Asuka's boyfriend?" he shrugged his body. "I feel disgusted."

"Oh, shut your mouth, Hien Ngo," retorted Asuka. "You're just jealous that he isn't your boy toy. And no, I'm not giving him to you."

He's always interested in gossip.” Amane teased Bora, and Asuka agreed with her as they observed Hien's confident and sassy walk in the hallway.

Asuka first encountered Takahashi Amane during her time in middle school when they were assigned to evaluate a damage report in Hokkaido. Since then, they have formed a strong bond, despite the significant age difference of sixty years between Amane and Asuka.

As for Yoon Bora, Asuka became acquainted with her through Lee Miyoung while on a scouting mission in the outskirts of Busan in their first year of high school. Amane was with Asuka when they met Bora. Following that encounter, Bora decided to join Asuka's crew. Interestingly, Bora is around the same age as Lee Miyoung.

Regarding Hien, Asuka and her team were investigating an anomaly on Jeju Island. By chance, Hien was also visiting Jeju Island for vacation and they coincidentally met in a cafe. The crew and Hien quickly became close friends, officially forming a squadron. Hien is slightly older than Asuka by ten years.

Asuka's squad entered the living room, where an eerie silence enveloped the space. Eight individuals stood together in the center of the room. Taking the lead, Asuka stepped forward, positioning herself in front of the group. With her teammates standing faithfully behind her, she meticulously examined each person's name tag displayed on their chest.

"Who do we have here?" Asuka inquired.

"My name is Ioana Adept from Romania. I am 24 years old and the leader of the Firebolt squad, specializing in assault," Ioana answered.

"I am Carla Muller from Germany. I am 20 years old and trained in heavy weaponry," Carla answered.

"I am Jean Monet from France. I am 19 years old and the second squad leader, specializing in support," Jean answered.

"Antonio Romano is my name from Italy. I am 21 years old and trained as a sniper," Antonio answered.

Asuka seemed impressed by their confident voices and inquired about the other four individuals standing behind the younger ones.

"I am Talia Cohen from Israel. I served in Israel's Sayeret Matkal for 15 years. I am 36 years old and I am the leader of the Cyclone Team," Talia informed.

"I am Chloe Pernet from France. I served in GIGN, the Gendarmerie Intervention Group, for 10 years. I am 32 years old," Chloe mentioned.

"I am Deepak Chopra from India. I served in India's MARCOS, the Marine Commandos, for 16 years. I am 39 years old," Deepak answered.

"I am Ricardo Vicinelli from Italy. I served in the Italian GIS, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale, for 5 years. I am 29 years old," Ricardo said.

Asuka applauded and praised, saying, "Your voices were excellent, everyone." She was the only one clapping among the group gathered in the living room. "However, this alone won't take us far, especially when considering the younger ones." Asuka continued, looking at each person in the room, "I share the same opinion as Kobayashi and Kumiko. I disagree with Daisuke and Zion about humans not being involved in the mission due to their lack of abilities that we SUITS agents possess. Even with the technology provided to you, it will not be enough to tackle the problem ahead." Asuka paused for a few seconds and then continued, "Look out for each other. Take care of each other's well-being because I am not hopeful that I can bring all eight of you back in one piece, including the 250,000 humans on this fleet.”

“With that out of the way, Admiral Hannibal, are you there?” Asuka asked.

"Hello, Team 2. Admiral Hannibal of the Magpie fleet here, speaking to you from The Horus, The Magpie’s Capital Flagship,” greeted Hannibal as his massive holographic figure materialized in the living room. "Today is January 20th, 2082, in the Earth Time Zone, five days since our departure." 

Hannibal, renowned as Rome's fiercest adversary and leader of the Carthaginian forces during the Second Punic War, was eventually defeated by Scipio. However, he was revived by SUITS, had his memory erased, and put into a dormant state until recently awakened. As the second of the seven Admirals of The Establishment's defense fleet, Hannibal was selected for the mission on Asuka’s mission.

“What is the estimated arrival, Admiral?” Asuka asked.

"Admiral Hannibal replied, 'We still have a full Earth day left to reach our destination. However, we have plenty of time to explore Xeanides, an impressive hub located in the Milky Way Galaxy. Xeanides is an ecumenopolis, which means it is a city that spans across the entire planet, leaving little to no available land for exploitation. Xeanides heavily relies on imported food and raw materials from other planets. It is considered a neutral planet, inhabited by trillions of residents from diverse backgrounds, all making a living on the planet's surface and underground. The underground area extends to as much as fifty levels deep, while the surface continues to be expand upwards. On this planet, both our allies and enemies coexist, as it is greatly influenced by both sides. Being the hub of the Milky Way Galaxy, Senators and Delegates from active planets gather at the Chamber Rotunda," Hannibal continued. "The Magpie fleet will keep a safe distance to avoid drawing attention from the local residents of Xeanides. Asuka and her teams will fly in with their stealth ship, as it is more preferable than triggering an alarm for Xeanides's Defense Fleet.”

"Our Forward Operating Base is actually a tavern owned by Rax's brother, Xas. It's situated atop the urban sprawl, which is fortunate for all of us. At least for now, we don't need to delve into the depths of the underground," Asuka explained. "By the way, Nehir, when was the last time you visited Xeanides?"

"In the year 1460 of Earth's calendar," Nehir replied, recalling her past experiences working in SUITS. "I was just beginning my journey when I was assigned, along with a few thousand others, to intercept General Viphon's attacking fleet in the Majoris Galaxy. However, for some unknown reason, a few of us were redirected to Xeanides." Nehir continued, "Fortunately, Xas's small tavern provided us with a sense of familiarity, as if we were back on Earth. I am genuinely looking forward to meeting the asshole.” Nehir chuckled.

The Magpie Fleet emerged from lightspeed at a safe distance from Xeanides territory. Asuka and her companions boarded their Sparrow class stealth starfighter. The pilot detached the starfighter from the Horus's hangar bay and descended into space. Asuka stood on the bridge, observing The Sparrow as it approached the bustling hub of the Milky Way Galaxy. It was Asuka's and a few others' first time witnessing the grandeur of a city planet where the space around Xeanides was heavily congested with various starships and space cargo coming and going.

“This is the The Sparrow’s pilot, Vu1tur3, to Xeanides Space Traffic Control Line Director requesting to dock.” The pilot spoke.

“Request granted. I will send the coordinates to you.” The Line Director answered. “Welcome to Xeanides.”

The Sparrow gracefully swooped past the busy traffic in the controlled areas of space as it made its descent towards the city planet. Asuka and her companions were filled with awe as they reached the atmospheric levels and witnessed the stunning beauty of the surface. Towering skyscrapers and unique landmarks were scattered all around, creating a breathtaking sight.

Guided by Xeanides’s Air Traffic Control, they were directed towards a particular busy skylane. The pilot followed the crowd. It was during this journey that Asuka caught sight of a pyramid-like structure followed by a peculiar pantheon-shaped building. However, that was not the only thing that captured her attention. As the Sparrow flew past, she noticed a majestic temple strategically positioned, impossible to miss.

Curiosity got the better of her and Asuka couldn't help but ask Nehir, "Is that what I think it is?"

Nehir responded, "Certainly, what you have just witnessed were the Egyptian Pyramid and the Greek Pantheon. On your right side, you can see the Angkor Wat temple from the Khmer Empire and the Sigiriya rock fortress from Sri Lanka. What you learned in school only provides a basic understanding. The Khmer Empire, Egyptian Empire, Greek Civilization, Mesopotamia, and even Atlantis were highly advanced societies that existed much earlier than originally believed, all thanks to SUITS. Mesopotamia and Atlantis served as the epicenters of technological advancements. Each of these civilizations played a crucial role in successfully thwarting the initial invasion of the Sol System by General Viphons and Zolxi. Our advanced prehistoric civilization, with its futuristic technology, deemed their menace highly perilous. As a result, the decision was made to wipe the memories of the population, turning them back into hunter-gatherers, and embark on a journey through the cosmos to continue the fight against our adversaries.”

"And where are they now?" inquired Asuka.

"Who knows, they're probably extinct," answered Nehir. "Whenever I am assigned to a location, I typically discover our ancestors' structures on various planets."

"What about that temple?" asked Asuka. "It seems to be much larger, taller, and wider than the Pyramids, Pantheon and Angkor Wat combined."

"That specific temple is owned by the Father and his cult, which they are named as The Keepers of the Ancient One," Nehir responded. "The Father holds significant importance as one of our main targets, referred to as The King of Spades."

"Then that implies..." Asuka whispered.

"Yes, The Father is already aware that we will be arriving on Xeanides, thanks to his personal connections," Nehir cautioned. "We must stay away from that territory and any of the smaller temples he possesses."

"Understood," Asuka replied.

The Sparrow smoothly maneuvered out of the crowded skylane and gracefully entered a less congested one, making its way towards the intended destination. After a few minutes, it started descending, enfolded by medium-sized skyscrapers. The Sparrow touched down on an unoccupied landing port, guided by the port instructor. Despite the scarcity of other star or cargo ships docked in the port, the ground level appeared bustling when Asuka observed through the transparent window of the bridge.

Asuka joined the other teams as they prepared themselves in The Sparrow's hangar bay. The smaller hovercrafts positioned themselves in the hangar of the bigger hovercraft carriers. She gathered around Miyagawa Akane, Imani Zammit, and Nehir Dogan.

"Do you think it's too flamboyant to have four massive vehicles rolling out of the port?" Asuka asked, worried.

Nehir laughed. "Do you really think our vehicles are drawing attention, when the city-planet has more interesting things to look at than four random vehicles? We're just another group of species from a random planet, participating in a little vacation. We’ll be fine.”

"If you insist," Asuka said, breaking away from the group and stepping onto the bridge of her hovercraft. "This is the Lady Himiko, a Super Heavy Hovercraft Carrier, reporting for duty."

"The Ryujin, a Heavy Hovercraft Carrier, is online," Akane declared.

"The Ifrit, another Super Heavy Hovercraft Carrier, is stationary and prepared," Imani announced.

"The Tengri, a Super Heavy Hovercraft Carrier, is activated," Nehir added.

Asuka's Lady Himiko, followed by Akane, Imani, and Nehir, launched out of The Sparrow's hangar. They followed the designated signs that led them out of the port and onto the empty highways. As they looked at their map, they realized that the tavern was their intended destination. However, Asuka could already see the massive tavern in the distance through her window.

"You didn't tell me the tavern was this big, Nehir," Asuka remarked.

"It's been a while since I last saw it," Nehir replied. "It used to be a small, crappy hut instead of this massive infrastructure. Did the tavern become popular after I left?" he wondered aloud.

"Scout the perimeter, which is five clicks away from the tavern, and once you are finished, return to our designated destination," Asuka instructed. The three vehicles veered off in separate directions. Diwata and Anita Patel launched their own hovercraft from the Ryujin's hanger bay and also veered away. Li Fen remained behind while Asuka's vehicle continued until she reached the tavern.

She parked Lady Himiko in an empty space next to the tavern and proceeded to gather her team - Firebolt Unit, Cyclone Team, and Li Fen's team. Suiting up, they all stepped out of the vehicle and made their way towards the entrance. Firebolt and Cyclone closely followed behind. Despite the chaos that engulfed them, the front area of the tavern strangely remained calm, which struck Asuka as peculiar given the typically disorderly atmosphere of her surroundings. Li Fen's team carried out patrols in the nearby areas and then signaled to Asuka that it was safe to proceed, while her team stood guard around the perimeter.

Out of nowhere, a quartet of inebriated beings stumbled out from the tavern, engaged in their own unintelligible conversation. These creatures possessed elongated faces, slender figures, and were decked out in armors and harnesses. As they spotted Asuka and her team, they mumbled incomprehensible words towards them. Completely baffled, Asuka's helmet's user interface swiftly detected and translated their language in real time.

"Look, water sacks!" one of them laughed. "It's been a while since we've seen one!" The first creature continued to laugh.

The second creature chimed in, "You know, human meat has a high price these days! And there are four of them!" The second creature laughed. "Seems like we're going to get rich tonight!”

"Whenever you are ready, Asuka," Li Fen spoke. "I am in position." Asuka observed Hien's slight movement and promptly halted him, discreetly instructing him not to initiate the attack. She subtly directed the other teams to refrain from aiming at the adversary in front of them. The team held their ground while the four creatures brandished their weapons at them.

“I wonder if their meat is tasty like the previous one from long ago.” The second creature growled. 

They were suddenly drenched with disgusting water from inside the tavern, leaving them soaked. After a few seconds, they felt intense pain from the liquid that had been thrown at them and quickly moved away. Another creature, covered in scales and with four mechanical legs and three tails, emerged from the tavern, holding an empty bucket.

"Don't you dare start a fight outside my tavern!" the creature growled. "I don't need any trouble from the local security!"

The creature then noticed Asuka and her teams, who were standing there. "It's been a while since I've seen water bags like you walking around," the creature grunted, as it turned around and walked sacks into the tavern.

Asuka and the others followed the creature inside the tavern, which appeared empty despite its large size. "Are you Xas?" she inquired.

“Who is asking?” The creature snarled.

“I am.” Asuka began.

The creature interrupted, saying, "I come from the backwaters system of a backwater planet known as Terra." It tossed the bucket aside and continued, "I am aware of your origins, and inform your companions to enter. They are wasting their time as my home is well-protected." The creature proceeded to climb over the bar, adding, "Furthermore, you can remove your helmet now. The air inside the tavern is safe to breathe unlike the outside." Asuka complied and removed her helmet as she stepped into the tavern. The two teams discreetly spread out to confirm that the interior was clear. As she approached the creature at the bar, Xas inquired, "How is my detestable brother, Rax, spending his time on that backwater planet?" Her team joined the creature at the bar, where it reached for some bottles, and stated, "And yes, I am Xas, the proprietor of this tavern."

"So you know our mission?" Asuka asked.

"I received the message from Zion 400 days ago," Xas answered, mixing the liquid with another one. "While I was waiting for your arrival, I cleaned up the place."

"It doesn't look clean to me," Hien answered, looking around.

"Well, you see, things can get quite chaotic when you have a tavern that attracts people from all corners of the globe and even the underground," Xas chuckled heartily. He effortlessly slid a drink down the bar to Amane, all the while preparing the next one. Xas continued, "By disguising it as a tavern, my place can serve as your headquarters. Your living quarters are located one level below. It's wise to remain hidden from the inhabitants of this planet, as they perceive you as insignificant, much like the ones who came before." Xas laughed again.

"That's good to know," Hien said, questioning as he removed his helmet and reached for the drink, while Xas slid the next one across the bar.

A device attached to Asuka's right temple quickly pinged, alerting her. "The third floor is clear," Ioana spoke.

"The second floor is also clear," Talia informed.

Asuka stole a glance at Xas, who was already on his fourth drink. He spoke, chuckling, "See? What did I tell you? It's completely safe." Asuka remained silent as Xas continued to explain, "Just because you're hiding the Hub attached to your temple doesn't mean I don't know what's going on. It doesn't require a genius." He persisted, "Take it off and show me."

Asuka smoothly detached the magnetized device from her temple and presented it to Xas on her open palm. The device, referred to as the Hub, was a compact secular gadget that served as a neural inference tool. It was connected to SUITS' central network, offering a vast array of applications such as 3D visual holographic communication for both nearby and distant interactions, 3D navigational maps, information gathering, health diagnostics, visual playback, and numerous others. Asuka then returned the Hub to her temple. 

"Compared to its predecessor during my time in SUITS, this model is more advanced," Xas grumbled, improving the grammar. "Make yourself at home. If you have any questions, I will entertain the guest upstairs," Xas slammed the last drink on the bar and walked away.

"How does it taste, Hien, Amane?" Asuka asked.

"Surprisingly, I haven't died from this disgusting drink," Hien answered. "It's actually not bad."

"At least it's undrinkable," Amane answered, pushing the drink away. "But I can't promise anything if something happens to you the next day."

"What's the situation in the outer perimeter?" Asuka asked.

"It's secured," they answered one at a time.

"Do you still feel suspicious?" Amane asked.

"Did Xas purchase any of the land around his tavern?" Asuka wondered.

They left the bar and proceeded towards the stairs that descended to the lower level of the tavern. The area below felt snug and offered enough room to accommodate a large number of people in the expansive main room. In the middle of the room, a round table stood out as the central focal point. Another stair lead to another level. However, that wasn't the sole distraction; Asuka spotted ancient hieroglyphics and symbols inscribed on the walls as she crossed the room.

"Initiate scan, Lady Himiko" Asuka commanded, turning around to face forward. The Hub, attached to her temple, emitted a ping and began scanning the room.

Lady Himiko responded, "Unknown language."

"But these are Egyptian hieroglyphics, Chinese writing, Sumerian cuneiform, and Scandinavian runes," Bora argued, touching the wall. "These are not unknown languages."

Asuka explained, "These writings existed before the discovery of ancient civilizations. They are a combination of written languages used by our Ancestors who existed before the ancient civilization." Asuka turned around and directed her attention towards the wall, becoming suddenly aware of the small slits that ran across it. "Certain writings and drawings in this collection show variations from the writing we don’t see in present-day ancient civilizations." She carefully observed the slits, taking a few steps back as her Hub highlighted them, causing them to grow larger and connect with a few other slits. Eventually, they formed a triangle shape that extended to every edge.

“Lady Himiko, what lies beyond that wall?" Asuka inquired.

"It is unknown," Lady Himiko eplied. "The entrance door is enchanted with a spell that cannot be forcefully opened."

"What about these three holes located on the edges of each triangle?" Asuka asked.

"They are ancient artifacts used to unlock the tomb," Lady Himiko answered.

"Artifacts can encompass various items," Amane added. "Such as a talisman, amulet, or totem."

"What secrets are they concealing?" Asuka approached the inscribed wall and touched it. "What is hiding behind here?”

[brookston]

Holidays 2.4

Holidays

Across the Universe Day

Box Tree Day (French Republic)

Carl Rogers Day

Colour Supplement Day (UK)

Create-A-Vacuum Day

Day for Change (UN)

Day of the Armed Struggle (Angola)

Facebook Friends Day

Farmer’s Day (Taiwan)

First Sitting of the People’s Majils (Maldives)

Friends Day

General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Day (Poland)

International Day of Human Fraternity (UN)

International Unicorn Day

King Frost Day (London, before WWI)

Kosciusko Day (Poland)

Liberace Day

Lifeguard Day (Argentina)

Montgomery Convention Day

National Day of Courage

National Hemp Day

National Israel Day

National Quacker Day

National Wicker Day

Obscurity Day

Philippine-AmericanWar Memorial Day (Philippines)

Port Arthur Day

Rissun (Japan)

Rosa Parks Day (California, Missouri) [also 12.1]

Semen Den (Seeds Day; Bulgaria)

Special Working Day (China)

Spoiled Cats’ Day

Thank A Mailperson Day

Torture Abolition Day

Transit Equity Day

USO Day

Willie Mays Day

World Cancer Day

Zombie Pride Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Homemade Soup Day

Medjool Date Day

National Stuffed Mushroom Day

Pork Rind Appreciation Day

1st Sunday in February

Areté Day (Southwestern Cross-Quarter; Aretéanism) [1st Sunday]

British Yorkshire Pudding Day [1st Sunday]

Dump Your Significant Jerk Day [1st Sunday]

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week begins [1st Sunday]

Homstrom (Burning of the Straw Man; Switzerland) [1st Sunday]

India MS Day (India) [1st Sunday]

National Day of Prayer for the African American & African Family [1st Sunday]

National Girls and Women in Sports Day [1st Sunday]

New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Orthodox Church (Sunday nearest 2.7]

Scout Sunday [or Sunday before 2.8]

St. Ives’ Feast (Cornwall, UK) [Sunday nearest February 3]

World Cepelinai Day [1st Sunday]

Independence & Related Days

Celebration of the Beginning of the Struggle for Liberation (Angola)

Liberation Day (Angola)

Sri Lanka (from UK, 1948)

Festivals Beginning February 4, 2024

Grammy Awards (Los Angeles, California)

Lowcountry Oyster Festival (Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina)

The New York Best Wings Festival (Smithtown, New York)

Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo, Japan) [thru 2.11]

Wine Classic (Los Angeles, California)

Feast Days

Aeschylus (Positivist; Saint)

Amaterasu’s Day (Pagan)

Andrew Corsini (Christian; Saint)

Annoy the Neighbors Day (Pastafarian)

Beith Day (a..k.a. Birch Day; Celtic Book of Days)

Biezputras Diena (Porridge Day; Ancient Latvia) [or Sun before Feb 23]

Cornelius the Centurion (Anglican Church; Saint)

Day of the Fart of Abu Hassan (Church of the SubGenius) 

Emperor Norton (Humanism)

Fernand Léger (Artology)

Gilbert of Sempringham (Christian; Saint)

Isidore of Pelusium (Christian; Saint)

Jane (or Joan, Queen of France; Christian; Saint)

John de Britto (Christian; Saint)

Joseph of Leonissa (Christian; Saint)

Gilbert (Christian; Saint)

Goldrofe of Arganil (Christian; Saint)

Gumby (Animism; Saint)

Home Cleansing Ritual Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Louis Eilshemius (Artology)

Medan (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Studites (Christian; Saint)

Phileas and Philoromus (Christian; Martyrs)

Rabanus Maurus (Christian; Saint)

Rembertof Torhout (Christian; Saint)

Rimbert (Archbishop of Bremen;  Christian; Saint)

Robert Coover (Writerism)

The State of Indiana (Muppetism)

Theophilus the Penitent (Christian; Saint)

Veronica (Christian; Saint)

Zeus Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint) 

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 3 of 24)

Egyptian Day (Dies Mala Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [3 of 24]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [4 of 24]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [8 of 71]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Film; 1994)

Across the Universe, recorded by The Beatles (Song; 1968)

The Atrocity Exhibition, by J.G. Ballard (Novel; 1970)

Bennie and the Jets, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

Candle in the Wind, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

The Cloverfield Paradox (Film; 2018)

The Devil’s Tower (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #21; 1965)

Dick Tracy (Radio Series; 1934)

Dizzy Dishes (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1955)

End of the Century, by The Ramones (Album; 1980)

Facebook (Social Media App; 2004)

Fresh Off the Boat (TV Series; 2015)

Hen Fruit (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1929)

Hep Cat Symphony (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1949)

His Day Off (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

The Human Comedy, buy William Saroyan (Novel; 1943)

Justice League: War (WB Animated Film; 2014)

The Last Juror, by John Grisham (Novel; 2004)

The Last of the Mohicans (Novel; 1826)

Magic Strength (Phantasies Cartoon; 1944)

Moonfall (Film; 2022)

Naked (Film; 1994)

19th Nervous Breakdown, by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1966)

One Step Ahead of My Shadow (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

On the Avenue (Film; 1937)

Our Town, by Thornton Wilder (Play; 1938)

Patton (Film; 1970)

Piano Concerto in E Major, by Reynaldo Hahn (Piano Concerto; 1931)

Reacher (TV Series; 2022)

Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac (Album; 1977)

Señor Saint, by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories 1958) [Saint #34]

A Study in Brown, by Glen Gray and His Casa Loma Orchestra (Song; 1937)

Two Days to Doom or The Last Weekend (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 253; 1964)

Two Moose is Loose or Which One Has the Phoney? (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 254; 1964)

The Ugly Dachshund (Film; 1966)

Videodrome (Film; 1983)

The Wedding Date (Film; 2005)

White Christmas, recorded by The Drifters (Song; 1954)

Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (Disney Cartoon; 1966)

Zeno's Conscience, by Italo Svevo (Novel; 1923)

Today’s Name Days

Andreas, Rabanus, Veronika (Austria)

Andrija, Ivan, Izidor, Veronika (Croatia)

Jarmila (Czech Republic)

Veronica (Denmark)

Arma, Armi, Armiida, Meida, Miida (Estonia)

Armi, Ronja (Finland)

Véronique (France)

Andreas, Jenny, Veronika (Germany)

Asimakis, Asimina, Malamati, Simeon, Stamatia, Stamatis (Greece)

Csenge, Ráhel (Hungary)

Biago, Gilberto (Italy)

Daila, Veronika (Latvia)

Andrius, Arvilė, Gustas, Joana, Vydmantas (Lithuania)

Vera, Veronika (Norway)

Andrzej, Gilbert, Jan, Joanna, Józef, Mariusz, Weronika, Witosława (Poland)

Isidor (Romania)

Anastasia (Russia)

Veronika (Slovakia)

Gilberto, Juan, Juana (Spain)

Anselm, Ansgar (Sweden)

Byron, Gilbert, Gilberta, Gilberto, Gilmer (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 35 of 2024; 331 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 5 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 15 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Yi-Chou), Day 25 (Wu-Xu)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 25 Shevat 5784

Islamic: 24 Rajab 1445

J Cal: 5 Grey; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 22 January 2024

Moon: 33%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 7 Homer (2nd Month) [Aeschylus)

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 11 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 46 of 89)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 14 of 28)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 2.4

Holidays

Across the Universe Day

Box Tree Day (French Republic)

Carl Rogers Day

Colour Supplement Day (UK)

Create-A-Vacuum Day

Day for Change (UN)

Day of the Armed Struggle (Angola)

Facebook Friends Day

Farmer’s Day (Taiwan)

First Sitting of the People’s Majils (Maldives)

Friends Day

General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Day (Poland)

International Day of Human Fraternity (UN)

International Unicorn Day

King Frost Day (London, before WWI)

Kosciusko Day (Poland)

Liberace Day

Lifeguard Day (Argentina)

Montgomery Convention Day

National Day of Courage

National Hemp Day

National Israel Day

National Quacker Day

National Wicker Day

Obscurity Day

Philippine-AmericanWar Memorial Day (Philippines)

Port Arthur Day

Rissun (Japan)

Rosa Parks Day (California, Missouri) [also 12.1]

Semen Den (Seeds Day; Bulgaria)

Special Working Day (China)

Spoiled Cats’ Day

Thank A Mailperson Day

Torture Abolition Day

Transit Equity Day

USO Day

Willie Mays Day

World Cancer Day

Zombie Pride Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Homemade Soup Day

Medjool Date Day

National Stuffed Mushroom Day

Pork Rind Appreciation Day

1st Sunday in February

Areté Day (Southwestern Cross-Quarter; Aretéanism) [1st Sunday]

British Yorkshire Pudding Day [1st Sunday]

Dump Your Significant Jerk Day [1st Sunday]

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week begins [1st Sunday]

Homstrom (Burning of the Straw Man; Switzerland) [1st Sunday]

India MS Day (India) [1st Sunday]

National Day of Prayer for the African American & African Family [1st Sunday]

National Girls and Women in Sports Day [1st Sunday]

New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Orthodox Church (Sunday nearest 2.7]

Scout Sunday [or Sunday before 2.8]

St. Ives’ Feast (Cornwall, UK) [Sunday nearest February 3]

World Cepelinai Day [1st Sunday]

Independence & Related Days

Celebration of the Beginning of the Struggle for Liberation (Angola)

Liberation Day (Angola)

Sri Lanka (from UK, 1948)

Festivals Beginning February 4, 2024

Grammy Awards (Los Angeles, California)

Lowcountry Oyster Festival (Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina)

The New York Best Wings Festival (Smithtown, New York)

Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo, Japan) [thru 2.11]

Wine Classic (Los Angeles, California)

Feast Days

Aeschylus (Positivist; Saint)

Amaterasu’s Day (Pagan)

Andrew Corsini (Christian; Saint)

Annoy the Neighbors Day (Pastafarian)

Beith Day (a..k.a. Birch Day; Celtic Book of Days)

Biezputras Diena (Porridge Day; Ancient Latvia) [or Sun before Feb 23]

Cornelius the Centurion (Anglican Church; Saint)

Day of the Fart of Abu Hassan (Church of the SubGenius) 

Emperor Norton (Humanism)

Fernand Léger (Artology)

Gilbert of Sempringham (Christian; Saint)

Isidore of Pelusium (Christian; Saint)

Jane (or Joan, Queen of France; Christian; Saint)

John de Britto (Christian; Saint)

Joseph of Leonissa (Christian; Saint)

Gilbert (Christian; Saint)

Goldrofe of Arganil (Christian; Saint)

Gumby (Animism; Saint)

Home Cleansing Ritual Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Louis Eilshemius (Artology)

Medan (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Studites (Christian; Saint)

Phileas and Philoromus (Christian; Martyrs)

Rabanus Maurus (Christian; Saint)

Rembertof Torhout (Christian; Saint)

Rimbert (Archbishop of Bremen;  Christian; Saint)

Robert Coover (Writerism)

The State of Indiana (Muppetism)

Theophilus the Penitent (Christian; Saint)

Veronica (Christian; Saint)

Zeus Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint) 

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 3 of 24)

Egyptian Day (Dies Mala Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [3 of 24]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [4 of 24]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [8 of 71]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Film; 1994)

Across the Universe, recorded by The Beatles (Song; 1968)

The Atrocity Exhibition, by J.G. Ballard (Novel; 1970)

Bennie and the Jets, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

Candle in the Wind, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

The Cloverfield Paradox (Film; 2018)

The Devil’s Tower (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #21; 1965)

Dick Tracy (Radio Series; 1934)

Dizzy Dishes (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1955)

End of the Century, by The Ramones (Album; 1980)

Facebook (Social Media App; 2004)

Fresh Off the Boat (TV Series; 2015)

Hen Fruit (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1929)

Hep Cat Symphony (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1949)

His Day Off (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

The Human Comedy, buy William Saroyan (Novel; 1943)

Justice League: War (WB Animated Film; 2014)

The Last Juror, by John Grisham (Novel; 2004)

The Last of the Mohicans (Novel; 1826)

Magic Strength (Phantasies Cartoon; 1944)

Moonfall (Film; 2022)

Naked (Film; 1994)

19th Nervous Breakdown, by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1966)

One Step Ahead of My Shadow (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

On the Avenue (Film; 1937)

Our Town, by Thornton Wilder (Play; 1938)

Patton (Film; 1970)

Piano Concerto in E Major, by Reynaldo Hahn (Piano Concerto; 1931)

Reacher (TV Series; 2022)

Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac (Album; 1977)

Señor Saint, by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories 1958) [Saint #34]

A Study in Brown, by Glen Gray and His Casa Loma Orchestra (Song; 1937)

Two Days to Doom or The Last Weekend (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 253; 1964)

Two Moose is Loose or Which One Has the Phoney? (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 254; 1964)

The Ugly Dachshund (Film; 1966)

Videodrome (Film; 1983)

The Wedding Date (Film; 2005)

White Christmas, recorded by The Drifters (Song; 1954)

Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (Disney Cartoon; 1966)

Zeno's Conscience, by Italo Svevo (Novel; 1923)

Today’s Name Days

Andreas, Rabanus, Veronika (Austria)

Andrija, Ivan, Izidor, Veronika (Croatia)

Jarmila (Czech Republic)

Veronica (Denmark)

Arma, Armi, Armiida, Meida, Miida (Estonia)

Armi, Ronja (Finland)

Véronique (France)

Andreas, Jenny, Veronika (Germany)

Asimakis, Asimina, Malamati, Simeon, Stamatia, Stamatis (Greece)

Csenge, Ráhel (Hungary)

Biago, Gilberto (Italy)

Daila, Veronika (Latvia)

Andrius, Arvilė, Gustas, Joana, Vydmantas (Lithuania)

Vera, Veronika (Norway)

Andrzej, Gilbert, Jan, Joanna, Józef, Mariusz, Weronika, Witosława (Poland)

Isidor (Romania)

Anastasia (Russia)

Veronika (Slovakia)

Gilberto, Juan, Juana (Spain)

Anselm, Ansgar (Sweden)

Byron, Gilbert, Gilberta, Gilberto, Gilmer (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 35 of 2024; 331 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 5 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 15 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Yi-Chou), Day 25 (Wu-Xu)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 25 Shevat 5784

Islamic: 24 Rajab 1445

J Cal: 5 Grey; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 22 January 2024

Moon: 33%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 7 Homer (2nd Month) [Aeschylus)

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 11 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 46 of 89)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 14 of 28)

[yhwhrulz]

Today's Daily Encounter Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Who Do You Believe?

"… We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country – a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there!… We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!"1

"They (Nun and Caleb) said to all the people of Israel, 'The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don't be afraid of them!'"2

If there is something we know well about the people of Israel, it's that they had many ups and downs in their relationship with the Lord (like many of us!). One day they were celebrating all that God had done for them, and the next they were complaining and doubting God's goodness and faithfulness in their lives. God had said he was going to give the Israelites the Promised Land, but by instructing Moses to send the twelve spies to scout the land, He also wanted to see their obedience and complete trust in Him.

The spies saw that the land was good in many ways, but ten of them chose to focus on the negative part… there were giants, the people there were powerful, their towns were large and fortified. They couldn't possibly go against them! Their trust in God immediately dwindled based on what they saw. However, two of the spies chose to focus on what God had said… He would give them this land, therefore there was no doubt in their minds that God's protection and the victory was on their side.

Have you ever found yourself doubting God's promises when you see the giants in your path? Like the Israelites, our faith is easily swayed despite the countless times God has come through for us and shown us His power and faithfulness. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to, "Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding." When challenges come, we should always remember all that God has already done for us! We can't always see how He will work things out, but that should not cause us to doubt the fact that He will do it. Are you going to choose to believe what you see? Or will you believe what God has said?

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the many times you have shown me your mercy and faithfulness. When challenges arise in life, I pray that you help me remember and believe your promises, instead of believing only what I can see. You are far greater and stronger than anything that comes my way. Thank you for always being with me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Numbers 13:27-28, 31.

Numbers 14:7-9.

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by ACTS International, a non-profit organization, and made possible through the donations of interested friends. Donations can be sent at: http://www.actscom.com

ACTS International P.O. Box 73545 San Clemente, California 92673-0119 U.S.A.

Phone: 949-940-9050 http://www.actsweb.org

Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2005-2023 ACTS International

[johnhardinsawyer]

Can these bones live. . . right now?

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

3 / 26 / 23 – Fifth Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 37:1-14

John 11:1-45

“Can these bones live. . . right now?”

(Lord, You Know)

Even though he was not very tall, Zeke Palnick was a giant of a man when it came to his wisdom, intellect, example, experience, and love.  Born in Montreal, trained as a Rabbi, he moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1963, in the wake of the Little Rock Nine’s integration of the city schools and just in time for some of the most turbulent years of the civil rights movement.  As a leader in the community, Zeke helped integrate the city’s social clubs and welcomed black people into the Jewish synagogue.[1]  Zeke attended Ku Klux Klan rallies to write down the license plate numbers of attendees and he blasted white parents who sought to establish “Segregation Academies” – private schools where the student body would stay “lily-white.”  Zeke was always speaking up for the oppressed and the outsiders.  And the members of Zeke’s congregation understood that all of his actions in the community were based on the example of the biblical prophets.[2]  I guess it helped that Zeke’s full name was Elijah Ezekiel Palnick.

When I first met Zeke, in the summer of 2000, I just knew him as my neighbor.  We lived in a duplex, side by side, in northern New Mexico.  I was a green seminary intern Protestant Chaplain and he was a skilled veteran Jewish Chaplain with years of ministry experience under his belt.  In the evenings, we would sit on the front porch together – Zeke, his wife Irene, and I.  Zeke would pack his pipe full of tobacco and tell stories from the past – stories of standing up for what was right when it mattered.  We would laugh a lot, too, and talk about our work that summer, ministering to all of the participants at Philmont Scout Ranch, no matter what their religious affiliation was.  

I remember when Zeke and Irene celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary and I asked them what it was like to be married for forty-five years.  “Well,” Zeke said, with a loving glance over at Irene, “it just keeps getting better and better.”  And I remember the time that Zeke talked about today’s first reading from the Book of Ezekiel.  For the record, if your name is Ezekiel and you’re a Rabbi, then you might just know a few things about the Book of Ezekiel.  Anyway, I can remember Zeke looking out at a patch of dried-up prairie grass after a long and hot day, and saying something like, “Hmmmm. . . ‘Dry Bones’. . . That story will preach.”  

Both of today’s stories “will preach,” if we pay attention to them.  In today’s first story, the Prophet Ezekiel describes a particularly difficult time in the life of the people of Israel.  The city of Jerusalem has fallen to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, and Ezekiel has been taken into captivity, along with some of the people of Judah.  Ezekiel and all of the surviving people of Judah have been brought low – experiencing great sadness, deprivation, and oppression.   As today’s first reading describes them, God’s chosen people – the whole house of Israel –  is no more than bones. . . dried bones lying in a valley.  “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely,” (Ezekiel 37:11) the people are saying.  God asks Ezekiel, “Mortal, can these bones live?”  And Ezekiel responds, “O Lord God, [only] you know.” (37:3)

In today’s second reading, a Rabbi named Jesus has a very similar interaction with a woman named Martha.  Martha – along with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus – are beloved friends of Jesus.  And when word comes to Jesus that Lazarus is sick, Jesus heads over to the town of Bethany (near Jerusalem) for a visit.  But, as the story goes, Jesus comes too late.  Lazarus has already died – laid “in the tomb [for] four days” (John 11:17) by the time Jesus arrives.  All of the friends and neighbors have gathered together to sit shiva with Mary and Martha – the traditional time of mourning in Jewish households.  But when Martha hears that Jesus is near, she gets up and goes out to meet him.    

I absolutely love the way Martha greets Jesus – not with a “Hello” or “So glad you could make it,” but with an almost accusatory, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  (11:21)  This line perfectly encapsulates complete faith in Jesus and complete frustration with him.  “Jesus, I love you and believe you can do anything, but you really should have been here when we needed you!”  There are times in our own pilgrimage of faith when we might feel the same way about God – wishing, hoping, and praying that God would act in the particular way that we need God to act – but God doesn’t always work in this way.  This past week, I heard an old interview with Jimmy Carter, who said,

I think God always answers our prayers.  Quite often, God’s answer is “No.”  We don’t get what we ask for.  And then the obligation, if we have faith, is to find out – within ourselves – why.  Are we asking for selfish things or things that are unjustified?  Are our prayers in accordance with God’s will?[3]

In today’s story, Martha is trying to figure all of this stuff out – just like we will often do.  “Lord, if you had only been here. . .  Could these bones have lived – even just a little longer?  Can these bones ever live again?  O Lord, only you know.”  

One of the parts of today’s story that will often get quoted is when Jesus says, “Your brother will rise again.”  And then Martha says, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”  And then Jesus says the famous line:  “I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”  (11:24-26)

It is important to note, here, that when Jesus tells Martha that her brother, Lazarus, will rise again, she takes that to mean that someday – at the end of time as we know it – Lazarus will be resurrected.  The concept of bodily resurrection and/or life after death does not come up a lot in the Hebrew scriptures of the Old Testament.  But several hundred years before the time of Jesus – after the Babylonian exile (and the time of Ezekiel) – this begins to shift, and many – if not most – Jews (like Martha, and Mary, and Lazarus) came to believed in some kind of resurrection that would take place when God comes in glory.[4]  

In today’s text, though, instead of pointing to some day in the future, we find Jesus gently and lovingly correcting Martha, placing the resurrection, not in the future tense, but in the present.  “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Right now.  New Testament scholar, Karoline Lewis, writes:  

To anticipate and locate the promises of the resurrection only in a future life with God is counterintuitive to the Fourth Gospel [The Gospel of John]. . . This Gospel wants us to know that another way to imagine the resurrection is to make it synonymous with life here and now.  Jesus’ revelation that he is the resurrection and the life upends any and all expectations of our future lives as heaven or hell, some sort of get-out-of-jail-free card, or postponed grace.  Rather, the consequences of this final sign for the Fourth Gospel are that resurrection lay claim on our lives today. . . there is a palpable restlessness in the Fourth Gospel when it comes to making sure that abundant life with God is experienced now.[5]

In other words, when Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection,” he is telling her that she doesn’t have to wait to experience God’s abundant life.  Of course, in today’s story, Martha doesn’t have to wait.  Jesus goes to the tomb, calls for Lazarus, and Lazarus comes out – alive. . . resurrected – an early sign of the resurrection that will take place with Jesus in just a short time on the first Easter.  But what the author of the Gospel of John is trying to get across to Martha and to us, is that there will be the literal bodily resurrection, someday, but there is also the new life – the resurrection life – that Jesus offers right now. . . not just to Lazarus. . . but to Martha, and to you and me.  

“Can these bones live?” God asks Ezekiel in today’s first reading.  Remember, God is asking Ezekiel about people who are very much alive.  Oh, the people might feel like they are dead.  You might remember that they feel like their bones are all dried up, and their hope is lost, and they feel that they have been cut off completely from God. . . not unlike Martha, and her sister Mary, and the people of the Village of Bethany who are all grieving the death of Lazarus.  Can these bones live – the bones of those who are all dried up with grief and a sense of great loss?  Feelings like this are not unlike feelings that you and I, and all people, share.  Can these bones live – the bones of those who are dried up with anxiety and depression, dried up with worry over an aging parent or a sick child?  Can these bones live – the bones of those who have lost hope in the face of a radically changing climate, or in the face of never-ending war, or in the face of injustice, or in the face of things never seeming to get better, or in the face of losing trust in the things that used to work but don’t anymore?  Can these bones live – the bones of those who feel cut off from God because they wonder and worry about their own worthiness, or they carry too much guilt, or are afraid of the doubts that keep them awake at night.  

Can these bones live?  Jesus is not just the resurrection and the life for Lazarus and all the saints who have died and have been laid in their graves.  But he is the resurrection and the life, right now, for Martha, and Mary, and the grieving people of Bethany, and the victims of violence in Ukraine, and those with terminal illnesses – all who are struggling, all who are having a hard time right now, even you. . . and me.  

You might be wondering what the resurrection and the life might look like right now.  Well, let us look back to Ezekiel in today’s first reading.  It is very interesting to me how God asks Ezekiel to prophesy – to say to the bones [say to my dried up people who have lost hope and feel cut off from me], “I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.  I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you. . . and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”  (Ezekiel 37:4-6)

Hmmmm. . . Dry Bones. . . that’ll preach.  The resurrection and the life comes to the people in the form of hope, and encouragement, and the promise of new life, and the gift of faith.  The gift of the resurrection comes through the breath of the Holy Spirit – it is a divine thing, a holy thing – but Ezekiel (a mere human being) – is the one who speaks when all seems lost and God causes the bones to live.  

Yes. . . Dry Bones. . . That’ll preach. . . if you and I preach.  How will God give the gift of resurrection and life through you?  How will you speak – how will you prophesy to those whose hope has dried up?  How will you preach – perhaps not even using words – to offer the gift of encouragement?  How will you seek out ways to offer some other gift of grace, gift of life, gift of God’s presence with and for another person?  You might offer a word.  You might just offer a smile.  You might offer your tears – sitting with someone else and weeping, just as Jesus does – sharing God’s empathetic love.

Yes, we believe in a God who weeps with us – and with all who suffer – just as we believe that this same God, revealed in Jesus Christ, dies for us, rises again for us, and never stops offering resurrection and life in the present moment through the Holy Spirit who is always breathing new life, causing even our dried-up bones to live again, and again.  The life and love of God keeps getting better and better.

Can these bones live?  Yes. . . Dry Bones. . . Resurrection and Life. . .  That’ll preach.  May the good news our own resurrection and life – the resurrection and life that our ours, right now, through the gift of Jesus Christ – preach.  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  

-------

[1] https://www.lensingfuneral.com/obituaries/Rabbi-Elijah-Ezekiel-Zeke-Palnick?obId=43379.

[2] Mark Bauman and Berkley Kalin, ed., The Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis and Black Civil Rights, 1880’s to 1990’s (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2007). 95 ff.

[3] https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2023/03/07/1161622001/fresh-air-for-march-7-2023-jimmy-carter?showDate=2023-03-07. Scroll to 28 minutes and listen from there to find this quote.  

[4] Richard N. Longenecker, ed. Life in the Face of Death: The Resurrection Message of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998) 94.  “Life, Death, and the Afterlife in Second Temple Judaism,” Richard Bauckham.  

[5] Karoline M. Lewis, Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries: John (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014) 152.

[e-devotion]

observation from Asbury

In ministry you meet a lot of cool people.  And since I have been in this work for more than three decades I have met many.  Some have been awesome preachers from across the world.  I have met Christian musicians that have so much talents.  I have also met some writers and other speakers.  So many of them have left an impression on me.

One of those that I met about 17 years ago was a writer named Margaret Feinberg and her husband Leif.  We first met when my family was visiting Washington DC.  It was during the time right before The Community Fellowship was started.  We were in DC to visit National Community Church and wanted to hear their pastor, Mark Batterson, speak and experience their worship service.  He wrote the book In a Pit With A Lion on A Snowy Day.

We had no idea that Batterson was not in town or speaking that weekend.  But Margaret Feinberg was speaking.  Since then we have connected a few times, and she has always been a great encouragement to me.  She also spoke at our church many years ago.  You ought to go find one of her books, and you see for yourself… books like Scouting the Divine or Hungry for God or Taste and See or several others.

I say all that to share with you today what Margaret experienced in Wilmore, Kentucky at Asbury University.  My prayer for our church, for me and family, and for you is revival.  May we experience a move of God that changes us and others.  Here is what Margaret Feinberg shared:

I didn't write you last week, because I felt compelled to go to Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. If you haven't heard, on February 8, students remained after a chapel service for more worship and prayer. This sparked a round the clock worship and prayer with people soon coming in from around the United States and world.

After two days of delayed flights and a battle with sudden sickness, I arrived on Friday morning to thousands standing outside Asbury's Hughes Auditorium waiting to get in. What I saw inside the auditorium was spectacularly unremarkable. ...keep reading :)

One of the biggest markers of this outpouring is what's not there. It lacks so many markers of the Americana church--celebrity, trendy songs that leverage emotion for a response, flawless production--even words on the screen.

Instead, it's a stripped down gathering with five main components. Students leading worship from every genre, many 20+ year old worship songs and hymns. Students reading Scripture. (Followed by more worship). Students telling what Jesus is doing in their lives. (Followed by more worship). Prayer and confession for our broken lives and world. (Followed by more worship). An invitation to follow Jesus.

Then the pattern of worship, Scripture reading, testimony, prayer + confession, and invitation begins again.

What God has been doing at Asbury is already spreading to other campuses including Cedarville University, Lee University, and Samford University.

The first morning I sat in overflow for an hour before the chapel began. Those in the room were so spiritually hungry, and yet gratitude hung in the air like 10,000 delicate bubbles.

Strangers stood up and read Scripture. A song started from a lone voice. Soon everyone joined in. A person shared a piece of wisdom. Then another Scripture. Nothing was scripted, it just flowed as natural as a spring breeze.

For me, the Scripture that swirled in my mind was 1 Kings 19:18, that describes the "7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal.”

Sometimes, friends, it can feel like you're the only one. That the world has gone sideways and the Americana version of church has lost its mind.

But God has 7000 others (a number symbolizing completion, wholeness), faithful believers who are famished for God--hungry for His kingdom, His righteousness, His Spirit, His holiness.

You are not alone.

I caught a glimpse of them this week.

May the call to worship, scripture, prayer and repentance, stories of Jesus working in our lives, and the invitation to follow Jesus spread across our nation and world in such a way that all we can say is, "Only God!”

I love you, and I pray for the Holy Spirit's outpouring on you today, right where you are.

In humble prayer,

Margaret

You can learn more about Margaret on her website at https://margaretfeinberg.com/