#in the light of day the concept of all the inventors of time travel getting warned not to do it seemed more comical than anything

[bookshelf-in-progress]

Warning Signs

I guess I'll count this for @inklings-challenge

A sunny day at a seaside cafe. Lyle relaxed in his seat, chatting with his friend, not a care in the world. The future looked bright.

With a flash of light, a man in a silver jumpsuit appeared next to the table. His hair was singed and his face was soot-streaked.

"One day," the man said, "you're going to invent time travel. Don't do it."

With that, the man disappeared.

Lyle looked across the table at Greg. "What was that?"

Greg sipped at his drink. It had a little paper umbrella in it. "Oh, that guy. He shows up every once in a while. Warns people against inventing time travel. Tom ran into him last week. He talked to me a month ago."

"And you're going to listen to him?"

Greg shrugged. "Seems like a win-win. Saves me a lot of work."

"If he prevents anyone from inventing time travel, how does he time travel here to warn us?"

"Maybe he wants to be the one to invent time travel."

"You think we should warn him?"

"Maybe." Greg set down his drink. "What do you know about time machines?"

[doctorbrown]

Now that I'm at a computer, it's time for me to start leaning into these thoughts about some of the connections between Doc and Nikola Tesla.

This post isn't going to have much in the way of structure, it's going to be more of a me rambling the parallels I see and reach for, so if it doesn't flow, that's why. I'm not apologising.

One of the biggest similarities / influences that I can draw between Tesla and Doc are their respective not only achievements, but views on science and positions within the scientific community.

In an interview, Tesla gives his famous quote which says:

[...] the mind is sharper and keener in seclusion and uninterrupted solitude. No big laboratory is needed in which to think. Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.

This quote alone speaks volumes to me. Seclusion, loneliness, they're all major themes in Doc's character story. He's alone, mostly by choice (but also not as even if he didn't have a hand in perpetuating most of the lasting rumours in Hill Valley, people will always shun others for being different), for a large portion of his life with only his dogs for company until Marty comes along. It is when he's alone that on 5 November 1955 that he falls off his toilet and cracks his head so hard he has a vision of the flux capacitor. It is when he's alone and reading H.G. Wells' The Time Machine that he becomes fascinated by the idea of time, of time-travel, and then it is again when he's alone and goes to see the film production of the novel that he realises that the time machine would be better if incorporated into a vehicle. Throughout almost the entire construction of this device, he's alone in his garage, working tirelessly.

Also, Doc does not have a big laboratory. He's got a converted garage.

Both Tesla and Doc were/are very secluded individuals and history has written both these men off as eccentrics, among other things. They're viewed as wild, almost crazy individuals, recluses, both with very few friends. Tesla befriends pigeons in New York and gets kicked out of a few places for both not paying rent and for bringing too many birds around with him. For a long while, Doc's only friends are the dogs he adopts.

Both men eventually fall into financial difficulties due to their pursuits. Tesla didn't inherit money and a mansion from the death of his parents as Emmett did, but their projects were extremely costly, and both men struggled.

I personally headcanon that Doc's journals are full of other ideas that had come to him in the moment, some before he'd dedicated himself almost exclusively to building his time machine and some that he'd scribbled down during its construction with plans to revisit later. Many of them never saw the light of day, but they exist somewhere in the cluttered mess of Doc's garage-turned-laboratory. Some of these ideas, like his brain-wave analyser (read: mind-reading device), border more what would be considered fringe science or science-fiction.

Tesla never kept it a secret that he saw visions of things that weren't there.

[...] suffered from a peculiar affliction due to the appearance of images, often accompanied by strong flashes of light, which marred the sight of real objects and interfered with my thought and action.

Both scientists had seen visions of things that would eventually end up leading to ideas and breakthroughs. Doc had a vision of the flux capacitor! Their imaginations are both active and strong, something that serves both men well when it comes to visualising concepts and devices well. Without both imagination and a grounding in the sciences, neither of them would have been able to accomplish and envision the things they had. This is something they both share that makes them great inventors (even if only one of Doc's personal inventions to date have worked.)

Tesla once claimed that he invented a death ray (originally called 'teleforce;' it was a particle beam which he hoped would make war obsolete and it was more so called a death ray by others/history) that could destroy several thousand airplanes at 400KM. In '51, Doc, in order to get the seclusion and peace he both desired and needed to complete his time machine, personally sends a letter to the editor of the local paper under the guise of a concerned citizen, claiming that he's a mad scientist and he's working on a death ray. Need I say more?

In 1898, Tesla unveils his teleautomatic boat at Madison Square Garden; it's a small, remote control guided boat sailing on a small pool of water. In 1985, Doc controls the DeLorean with a remote control for its first ever temporal experiment.

Both Tesla and Doc had rocky relationships with their fathers, seemingly never able to please them regardless of what they did. Erhardt never supported Emmett's scientific endeavours, maintained a cold and detached relationship with his son, and was both disappointed and disgusted by his son's interest in the sciences over law.

Personally, I'd argue that in his youth, and I do like this aspect of BTTF: The Game and incorporate it into canon, he would have shared Tesla's drive to want to patent his work and make it available to the general public in order to benefit humanity. He was younger then, naïve (one might even dare to argue), and still without the harrowing experience of the Manhattan Project and the devastating side of science that would plague him later on. It's after this, the all-encompassing guilt that surrounds him after the reports had arrived and the realisation sunk in, that Emmett changes his tune, even going so far as to ensure that the government would not seek him out to fund his time-travel experiments by sacrificing his family mansion, despite enthusiastically pitching the idea at Los Alamos.

"Thrilled with how he could use his imagination to find those principles and envision new technology, Tesla knew in his heart that he wanted to be an inventor." Hello?? Sound like Doc to anyone??

And then, to wrap this all up, let's not forget that both Doc and Tesla are practically synonymous with lightning, seeking to manipulate and harness its power for their inventions. Doc rigs up a whole elaborate setup from the Clock Tower to channel that lightning into the flux capacitor. You could even take this one step further with BTTF: The Game because Emmett says that it was when he saw Frankenstein and saw the flash of lightning bring the monster to life that he came to a scientific breakthrough for one of his inventions and if that doesn't say a lot then I don't know what will.

[froggy-frogz]

Hello, I’m new here. Can I request a weird fluff reaction, with an Arcane character? How would Caitlyn react to having an inventor GN S/O, who invented a special machine that makes giant floating bubbles for traveling. So, to test it out, they and their S/O test iron on themselves, and travel via a giant floating bubble over Piltover in the night sky, seeing the beautiful lights from above. Eventually their bubble floats down, popping softly and safely.

A/N: Welcome!!! Also, the concept of giant floating bubbles to me is always so great, reminds me of that one movie, Meet the Robinsons lol. Anyone enjoy anon!!

- - -

Caitlyn x GN!Reader

Warnings: None!

- - -

Caitlyn is around amazing inventors and scientists all day but when she sees your work, she really is amazed. It's a bit different from Hextech sure, but it's a good difference, and she's smitten with both you and your work.

You had been working on this one machine for a while now, and it was close to being done. You weren't sure what your motivation was for it, but you were sure that Cait would love it.

She would always help you out from time to time with your inventions or just to test them out when you were done. For one instance you had made this liquid that was ultra enriched to speed up plant growth, and she had helped test it out by growing a couple of different flower types with it.

When you were done with your machine though, you were really excited to try it out. You had built it around the idea that it was something for Caitlyn, so you were a bit nervous but excited if you could pull it off.

You unveiled it to her the evening that it was done, and that you could get her to your lab. She wasn't sure what it was but once you were done explaining she wanted to test it out as well.

To your own relief, it worked, both big and small bubbles were now floating around the room. You had made it so that they could, depending on size, comfortably seat two or three grown adults.

You explained to Caitlyn that you wanted to take it out "for a test run" assuring her that it would be safe as you had made sure that the only way for the bubbles to pop was if they were to touch the ground, and after a bit of time, they naturally gravitated downwards. She, of course, agreed to it.

Soon you and Cait were seated on one of the bigger bubbles and you were able to, almost magically, get it through one of the larger windows in your lab, and there you two went.

It was quite the time, both of you crossed legs and leaned into each other, quiet as you admired the view. Sure you had been in the air before, in blimps and air ballo0ns [thanks to Caitlyn] but it was never like this.

The lights of Piltover gleamed beneath you two, and you almost fell off a couple of times but thankfully Caitlyn kept a sturdy arm around you.

You two rambled to each other, pointing out places that were familiar, and the time you two spent in the air was amazing, free of hassles or worries, just each other, and the open sky.

Once the bubble had started to lower, and you knew that you had only a little bit of time left in the air, you thanked her, telling her how much it meant to you for trusting you and always being there for you. She in turn told you that she was proud of you, and the things you've done.

Both of you were a couple of shades redder at the end of the night than when the evening started.

[metalgearkong]

Mister B. Gone - Novel Review

10/11/21

Written by Clive Barker, published in 2007

Well this is new,

Never have I ever read a self-aware book before. Not since Deadpool comics have I read anything which breaks the 4th wall so intentionally. Mister B Gone is a book possessed by a demon and the only way he can be set free is if you burn it. From the onset this book, he begs you to put the book down and light a match. Over and over again, the demon switches tactics to get you to comply. Why and how is a demon stuck inside of a book is the biggest mystery and hook for this novel, and I kind of loved it. Normally the medium which you experience art tries to minimize the barrier between the audience and story as much as possible. But this one makes you and your book part of the experience. Mister B Gone is one of the most unique concepts I've ever read, and it became one of my favorite Clive Barker books so far.

The titular character Jakabok Botch (calling himself "Mr. B" in the human world), is a low level demon living in the Ninth Circle of Hell with his abusive family. One day Jakabok is unwittingly hoisted up to the human world by a magical net operated by people called "fishermen." Jakabok finds himself in the medieval era, although I don't think a date or location was ever stated. He quickly pairs up with another demon, one slightly older and more powerful, and the two spend a ton of time traveling Europe doing demonic things for fun. Some of their cruelties include nailing bishops to the ceiling of their own churches and kidnapping dozens of infants to bathe in their blood. The book would feel so much darker if the tone of the wasn't so sardonic and sarcastic much of the time. "Black humor" may be the best way to describe it.

Eventually they get tired of using humans as their playthings and find themselves in the middle of a battle between the forces of Heaven and Hell. They find the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg, and as it turns out, the supernatural forces are both fighting over who gets to control the very first printing press. The book suggests that Heaven and Hell are equally guilty of manipulating humanity for their own gain, and actually argue over it like politicians. I found it to be parallel to modern day politics where even the political party you subscribe to are often not as interested in you as they are in their own perception and agendas. One side may be clearly "good" or "bad" but it's simply you versus all of them.

As you can tell, the protagonist is not a relatable character. The book may have been better if Jakabok was redeemable, but I think that's part of the point; you follow demons around and see things from their perspective. Mister B Gone is a very unique idea and while the book does have a light hearted tone, it did manage to get under my skin a few times and make me feel the terror a good horror book can deliver. This book won't appeal to a lot of people. but I enjoyed it quite a lot. The demon begging me to burn the book as I read it and reasoning with me was a lot of fun. My defiance of continuing to read felt like I was actually disobeying an evil, yet powerless, being behind the words on the page. Fans of the author and genre should like it, although it's nothing sophisticated or complicated.

[mythgirlimagines]

Now that today is Tuesday, I’ve conjured up a fresh new talentswap! Give a warm welcome to Myth, Former Ultimate Child Caregiver!

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BACKSTORY AND TALENT

Myth’s parents work at an orphanage, and as such, she was born and raised around little kids. She may have 3 biological sisters, but emotionally, she has close to 53 siblings. Myth bonded especially with a rough-and-tough street rat the same age as her. However, when Myth started to get older, the orphanages funds began to falter. Myth’s parents had no choice but to send their strongest orphans to ”aikido training” in order to earn them money. And sadly, Wyre was amongst the strongest orphans. Myth was deeply hurt by the loss of her childhood friend, but she had to remain strong for the rest of the orphans. Many other Ultimates also visit Myth’s orphanage in order to assist her in caring for the children. She claims she can do it all by herself, but deep down, she appreciates the extra helping hands.

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RELATIONSHIPS

Wyre Anon, Former Ultimate Assassin Aikido Master

Wyre has been Myth’s friend ever since Wyre was first brought flailing and screaming into the orphanage. Myth is only one able to calm a little Wyre down from her outbursts, even to the present day. Myth is also the only one who knows of Wyre’s secret identity as “Ryuuken”, a highly dangerous and violent assassin, and regularly controls Wyre in case she can’t fight her violent nature.

Anon Scar, Ultimate Adventurer

Scar, or “The Crusader Of The Mortal Realm” as she refers to herself, is well-known for traversing across dangerous terrain and through precarious situations. Scar is also a big hit amongst the kids at Myth’s orphanage for her bombastic anecdotes regarding her travels, abliet with Myth and Fusion translating the more complex parts of her speech. Scar will never admit it, but she has a soft spot for the ”Spawn of Heart”, as she calls them.

FU5-10N (aka. Fusion Anon), Ultimate Robot

Originally built for the purpose of being a science museum’s tour guide and mascot, FU5-10N has since being upgraded to look after little kids as well. While some more skittish kids may be a bit unnerved by this 6,3 metal man, the fear quickly dissipates when said 6,3 metal man starts telling dad jokes and science trivia. Myth quickly got along with the metal man for their shared love of puns. However, FU5-10N is also the only one besides Myth who knows of Wyre‘s true talent.

Fusion Anon II, Ultimate Cosplayer

Fusion II is well-known across conventions for her impressively accurate craftsmanship regarding her costumes. Fusion II regularly acts sarcastic and ”too cool for school”, but Myth and the kids quickly busts down her snarky exterior to reveal a massive nerd deep down. Because of Fusion II’s talent, she can not only repair the orphan’s torn clothes and plushies, but she‘ll improve them and make them at least “20% cooler”. She’ll never admit it, but she lives for the orphan’s smiles and words of gratitude.

Just Anon, Ultimate Artist

A natural prodigy when it comes to all sorts of art forms, Janon very quickly establishes himself as a cynical and lazy jerk. Or at least, around adults and kids his age. When around people younger than him need his help, he’d always there for them in a pinch. Unfortunately for him, Myth regularly teases and praises Janon for his soft spot towards the orphans, claiming that he should start working here full-time. This usually earns her paint splashed in her face.

Sparkle Anon, Former Ultimate Magician

Sparkle, or “THE SPECTACULAR SPELLCASTER, SPARKLE“ as she refers to herself, might just hold the record for the most bombastic and elaborate magic tricks ever performed on stage. Myth’s relationship with Sparkle goes back more than half a decade. In fact, Sparkle got her start entertaining the kids at Myth’s orphanage. Myth regularly volunteers herself to assist Sparkle in her magic shows. Even as an adult, Sparkle still hasn’t lost her sparkling and eccentric charm. She lives for the thunderous roar of applause and the tsunami of smiles from her loving audience.

Egg Anon, Former Ultimate Supreme Leader, and Wet Sock Anon, Former Ultimate Astronaut

While Myth normally would allow anyone to help out at the orphanage, these two are the exception to this rule, and it’s not hard to see why. Egg has but one goal; to brainwash children with cursed thoughts and indoctrinate them into their cult. Their twin, Wet Sock‘s main goal is to extend the reach of their cult to outer space. Myth speaks for everyone at the orphanage when she says that Egg and Wet Sock’s cursed images and concepts  are hazardous to a child‘s mental health.

Curious Anon, Jr. Ultimate Anthropologist 

Just like with Scar, Curious’s stories of their worldly travels entice the children of Myth’s orphanage. And Curious as a person is an equally pleasant experience, for they are tranquil, mild-mannered and easy to get along with. Myth regularly tries to set up Curious with Janon, knowing that Janon has fallen hood-over-heels for them. But despite Curious’s knowledge on the foreign aspects of humanity, romantic feelings seem to be foreign even to them. 

Anon Nerd, Former Ultimate Tennis Pro

Unlike other Anons, who frequent the orphanage for the kids, Nerd is after the adorable caretaker, not that he’ll ever admit it. However, Myth knows her romance and would stop at nothing to get Nerd to admit his feelings for her. Not even getting her lip busted by a Mach 2 tennis ball or getting bashed in the head with a tennis racket would stop this girl. She can and will get this tsundere tennis champion to confess, even if she has to suffer scouter burns in the process.

Eldritch Anon, Ultimate Detective

Years of working in law enforcement has left this diminutive detective panicky, hostile and distrusting of just about anybody. Ever since Eldritch heard of an assassin hiding out in the orphanage, Eldritch will stop at nothing to find the assassin hidden among the orphans. But in the meantime, Eldritch has to shake off pesky kids who think he’s one of them. Myth has to save Wyre‘s bacon on the daily from this paranoid detective who wants her incarcerated. 

Dream Anon, Ultimate Pianist

Having been attracted to music ever since she was a baby, Dream dominates piano competitions year after year with her energetic and triumphant tunes. She regularly wheels her piano around town looking for places to perform at, which is how she happened upon Myth’s orphanage. Performing for the orphans gives Dream a rush of euphoric feelings that winning competitions could only hope and dream to achieve. And the cute detective that frequents the orphanage with her isn’t half-bad either.

Iris Anon, Jr. Ultimate Inventor

Despite her clumsy and goofy demeanour, Iris has a 7-year winning streak at her hometown’s regional science fairs. Famous for inventing and marketing a new and improved version of Moon Shoes called Astro-Uggs, Iris regularly shows off her inventions to the children of Myth’s orphanage and even donates some of her inventions to Myth in hopes of improving the living conditions of the orphanage. Iris hopes that her inventions would make the world even better and more awesome then it already is.

Purple Anon, Ultimate Maid

With a selfless attitude and an overly formal vocabulary, Purple regularly comes to the orphanage to assist Myth in caring for the children. Despite Myth claiming that she doesn’t need the extra help, Purple insists that it’s the least she can do. Purple always tries her best to help the kids, but most of the children have no idea what she is saying due to her old-fashioned and complex vocabulary, which requires Fusion to translate for her.  

This series revolves around Myth and Fusion trying to prevent the other Anons, Eldritch in particular, from finding out about Wyre‘s true talent. However, Wyre doesn‘t do a very good job at hiding her true nature and soon, everyone else but Eldritch finds out. So now, it’s Everybody Else vs. Eldritch.

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APPEARANCE

Myth wears glasses and has undyed hair in two low and long pigtails, held up by green scrunchies. She has a matching green headband with yellow stars and pink hearts and a heart shaped ahoge, designating her as the protagonist. She wears an oversized pink hoodie with yellow details and a smiley face on each pocket, over a blue shirt with multicoloured shapes on it. She also has a necklace with a green clover in the center. She wears a red belt that holds various stuffed animals and a yellow belt that holds a first aid kit. Her long and light blue skirt has various patches sewn in and on her feet, she wears red Mary Janes.

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PERSONALITY

Despite what ChildCaregiver!Myth’s fashion sense would suggest, ChildCaregiver!Myth is more serious and almost monk-like in her tranquilty. Being surrounded by children since birth has caused ChildCaregiver!Myth to grow into a caring, calm and empathetic soul. She is also known to offer sage-like advice on how to deal with loss and abandonment, having dealt with abandoned and parentless children. However, ChildCaregiver!Myth has a bad tendency to overexert herself and spread herself too thin, something also caused by being surrounded with kids. She can be a bit stubborn on insisting that she doesn’t need help and can deal with this all by herself, much to the concern of the volunteers. If I had to compare ChildCaregiver!Myth to a canon character, I’d compare her to Kirumi.

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Finally! I’ve finished ChildCaregiver!Myth! Let me know what you think of this talentswap!

-Fusion Anon

—

Well the kids I babysit sure seem to like me, so this is a good talent haha!

[time-fuckin-traveller]

The Space trip that got them all

They had finally done it. Earth Space Agency, the only and most powerful space agency on the Earth in the year 2121, had finally discovered a way to travel faster than the speed of light.

They could now travel to faraway places never known to mankind. They could explore everything. All the possibilities were open and today was the day when they were finally going to run their first faster-than-light ship. The ship in theory was perfect. Today was their first flight to test it. They had previously tested it using bots, it worked fine. But today, it was gonna be a human. Also the bots were never sent out of the solar system. But today’s destination was a planet far out in the unknown universe.

10 planets were shortlisted for the destination and this was the one selected. The name? RS-210

The information about this planet was not known much. The only thing that was known is they had received a signal from the planet and that alone was enough to select the planet.

The people to be sent were a team of 5 people. It consisted of three men and two women. Captain Mark was the commander. Joe, Philip, Laura and Sansa were the rest four.

At the launch site The four crewmembers had a talk with their families for the last time before launch. All of their families were very sad but the crewmembers assured them that they’ll surely return. They had so much faith in their ship.

One by one all the crewmembers boarded the ship. The ship’s was then locked and the launch processes were initiated. Captain Mark checked all the ship stats and assured the control centre. The control centre then checked all other things and the countdown began.

3…2…1… and boom the ship took flight and within a fraction of a second, they disappeared. The journey was about 5 minutes long. Wait, what did you expect? A view of the flight? C’mon it’s faster than the speed of light.

The whole world waited for 5 minutes staring at the counter on their screens. Each and every soul on Earth waited for 5 minutes.

3…2…1 The counter came to and end. The silence for the first two-three seconds was like never before seen. All the people looked at the screens, at each other but did not utter a sound.

“Flight control, do you copy.”

“Yes, Captain Mark congratulations.”

And suddenly the whole centre burst out in joy. They had successfully did their first faster than light flight.

“What do you see Captain?”

“I see a beautiful red planet. Looks much like Mars”

Slowly the captain moved the ship towards the planet and somewhat tried to circle the planet, observing it from all sides.

They began circling the planet but as soon as they reached the other side of the planet, the crew fell silent.

“uhhh, flight?”

“Yes captain?”

“We might have a problem here”

Saying this, the captain, relayed the visuals to the control centre and suddenly the control centre was dead silent. What the crew was seeing was a humoungous ship, nearabout 100 times the size of their own. It was all illuminated with bright lights. It was the same doughnut shaped colony concept that we had been trying to make. It was a colony. A alien colony.

There were capsules flying all over and around it. The crew was just awestruck. They couldn’t believe their eyes.

Slowly the Captain tried to move his ship around, but suddenly there were two drones coming their way. They were small drones, about the size of a bucket. They looked way more futuristic than what we had here. The crew didn’t move an inch.

The drones approached the ship. They came nearer and nearer. It turned out that they weren’t normal drones. They were able to travel through things. The drones straightaway entered the ship and flew to the crew members. One of the drones went to Mark and slowly a headset came out of the drone. The drone instructed him to wear it. Similar headsets were provided to each crew member. After that, the drones just floated in midair. They didn’t move at all. The crew members were puzzled.

Captain Mark immediately relayed the audio the the control centre so whatever the audio is gets to Earth.

Suddenly the headsets starting playing a recording.

The audio quickly reached Earth and was played at the control centre. It was instantly telecasted to all T.V. Channels too. The whole of mankind was listening to the same audio at the same time. It was a pre-recorded clip. It lasted for exactly 3 minutes and 32 seconds. Every person sat still.

The crew had a puzzled look on their face after the clip ended. The control centre guys couldn’t believe anything. The drones took back the headsets from the crewmembers heads and started going back. After a few moments, the Captain looked at all the members and simply closed his eyes for a minute.

“WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!” The captain shouted.

“I peed my pants after seeing the drones and this is what they give us, huh?”

“This is gonna get a billion views man!” the alien teenager said.

“Yes Rickrolling the inventors of rickroll,whole civilization at a time.” The other replied.

[george67611-blog]

Heroes of the Enlightenment – Time Journal

Introduction

What is stuff we value a lot about in the modern world? freedom, to enjoy ourselves, to argue and discuss, to express our view, to find things out, to read and write, and the science and technology that made these possible. I’d like to share the amazing trips I took to visit some of the heroes of the enlightenment who changed how we live life now. None of this happened by accident these freedoms were one from courage and vision, in an extraordinary period of human history. It began in 17th century Europe which was called the Age of Enlightenment. A little more than a century, religious faith yielded to reasoned argument and the power of aristocracy gave way to the power of knowledge. In this journal, we will talk about the trips I took to the 3 great enlightenment innovators. Isaac Newton, who opened up the knowledge to everybody by inventing modern science. Voltaire who had been known for his writings that completely inspired literacy and the different forms of historical writings. And Erasmus Darwin whose discoveries deep underground mantid a direct challenge to the church's claim to truth.

 Isaac Newton (December 25, 1642 – March 31, 1727)

In 1661, I visited a very good friend of mine in England, Isaac Newton. The founder of modern science which was to become the greatest challenge to the power of the church. When I met him at his Woolsthorpe Manor, he was very mad and furious. I didn’t understand why. He later told me that most of the people’s lives were based on obedience and belief. He never agreed on that, he felt that the information was procured not by daze confidence however by perception. He set down widespread principles for what we currently call science and one of those guidelines was that it was available to everyone. I was amazed to see how knowledgeable he was, I picked up a few concepts while at it. He later told me about the many theories he has including lights and color. “In the letter, it contained theories that light consists of deform rays, some of which are more than others: And Colors are affirmed to be not qualifications of light, derived from refractions of natural bodies” (A Letter of Mr. Isaac Newton, 2003). Newton’s method was to see things most people wouldn’t be able to see. One day we were sitting beneath this apple tree and a sudden thought was triggered. He watched an apple fall off the tree to the ground something he’s seen hundreds of times before, but this time was different. He questioned himself and was furious about why the apple always falls. I didn’t know how to help him since I was only majoring in cybersecurity. He was seeing things most people wouldn’t be able to see even if they tried. His brain was like no one else’s, quick at discovering things. He told me that instead of an empty space between the apple and the ground; he saw an active force pulling things towards the earth, the force of gravity. At the time, I didn’t understand any scientific thing he said, but once I left and visited my good friend Voltaire he had come up with the law of universal gravitation.

 Voltaire (November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778)

I started traveling again in the 1700s. I had visited Paris, France in 1718 to see the best-known play, the Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus. That’s where I first met Voltaire. I was amazed by his approach to tracing the movement of world human advancement by concentrating on social history and expressions of the human experience. Voltaire was a critic about the Bible and establish religions believing them to be the source of animosity between people. He had a lifetime passion for religious liberty and strongly believed that no one should be penalized by the government for their disposition. There was a multitude of economic and civic barriers against non-Catholics who also faced religious persecution and injustice. Voltaire had always come to me for advice since he hated fighting vigorously with society because they never listened to him. On a bright sunny day, we went for a walk in Toulouse. On the way we found a guy named Jean Calas getting tortured. This brought interest to Voltaire since he was all about criminal law reforms. “The panel reversed Calas’s conviction on March 9, 1765, and the government paid the family an indemnity” (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). Voltaire valued the free flow of ideas and especially the ability to dissent. His published works often put them in the crosshairs of government sensors, and he risked his life on several occasions to disseminate his controversial works. “Voltaire was a prolific writer, producing more than 20,000 letters and over 2,000 books and pamphlets. Despite strict censorship laws, he frequently risked large penalties by breaking them and questioning the establishment” (Pettinger). I decided to stay with him until a major problem came his way. He was banished to England after being associated with a fight with a French aristocrat. The man utilized his riches to have him captured, and this would make Voltaire attempt and change the judicial system.

 Erasmus Darwin (December 12, 1731 – April 18, 1802)

To finish up my trip I visited my dad’s friend, Darwin. He was one of the few people who were determined to do about anything. He was a doctor, poet, philosopher, and inventor. Darwin’s wide-raging interests would inspire him to mount the enlightenment ‘s ultimate challenge to the authority of the church. When I went over to Lichfield, England in 1778, he was trying to create a machine that can possibly copy from paper to paper. It didn’t take him long because he had other inventions in mind. I had lived with him for couple years because I was amazed to see the inventions that came to his mind! He was intrigued by enlightenment thinking and its application to reality. For Darwin, the key was to comprehend, oversee, and direct the quickly changing world. Inspired by his friends he recorded his ideas and inventions in a book called Common Place Book. A couple of ideas he drew out were new weaving machines which completely transformed the English textile industry. A new kind of toilet, one which Darwin notes won’t be annoying because it won’t smell. He was the first Briton to explicitly write about evolution. “His main prose on the topic appears in the first volume of Zoonomia in 1794” (Plant Morphology). In the book, he intended to characterize realities about creatures, to set out laws depicting natural life, and to catalog diseases with their medicines. In contrast to some contemporary doctors, Darwin supported dynamic mediation with drugs and mechanical devices. However, he later passed away due to Dysentery a serious illness. I couldn’t stand enduring all this pain, so I headed home to Gainesville, Virginia. I had an amazing trip and plan to go on another soon. Everyone should be able to learn more about these important people who has impacted our life completely.

WORK CITED

“A Letter of Mr. Isaac Newton ... Containing His New Theory about Light and Colors.” A Letter of Mr. Isaac Newton ... Containing His New Theory about Light and Colors (Diplomatic), Jan. 2003, www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/view/texts/diplomatic/NATP00006.

“Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802).” Plant Morphology, plantmorphology.org/portfolio-item/erasmus-darwin/.

Pettinger, Tejvan. “Voltaire Autobiography:  .” Biography Online, 7 Feb. 2018, www.biographyonline.net/writers/voltaire.html.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Jean Calas.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 15 Mar. 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Calas.

[michael-radi-the-glamorous-life]

The 5-Hour Rule

About two years ago, there was a pretty sizable buzz about something that the media was dubbing “The 5-Hour Rule.”

In it’s most basic form, it was being described as: “Read 5 hours per week or you’ll never amount to anything!!!” Which caused a little bit of blowback and debate…you know, so news outlets could sell more advertising and drive more traffic.

But what is the actual principle behind the rule, and how is it useful to creatives?

5-10

The actual rule can more effectively be described as:

“Spending 5-10 hours per week, or 1-2 hours per day, focused on deliberate learning. This means setting aside time to give your full attention to learning and development, without getting distracted by other work.”

Well, that doesn’t sound too difficult at all!

So then what’s the idea behind the rule? Why would this be helpful or effective?

If you were to believe “the world’s smartest and busiest people” - the categorical name bestowed upon the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey, etc. - the answer seems to boil down to this:

“Slowing down our fast-paced world while acquiring new knowledge allows the brain to absorb more information and begin making connections that allow for creativity, innovation, and progress.”

This sounds useful for most everyone, but that sounds also a lot like the type of creative problem-solving that artists engage in constantly.

[Side Note: There is also a secondary sociological benefit - the reason this was being discussed so widely two years ago - that it makes any individual citizen able to become more skilled for the future of the job market. But that is not where my focus lies with this concept for today.]

So, if 5-10 hours of learning per week is that powerful, then what constitutes “deliberate learning”?

Deliberate Learning

We learn new things all the time, essentially with every moment that we’re alive. Our brains are machines that are highly effective at knowledge intake, though the retention of that knowledge is dependent upon what the brain deems necessary to carry forward into the following moments of time.

So this constant learning and evolving that we do naturally would not be considered “deliberate learning.”

Then what is?

The experts in all those 2017 articles would tell you there is one answer: Read More Books.

And reading books is great! An oddly large number creative people scoff at the idea of learning from books, which has always baffled me. Many of the great masters in artistic fields took the time to put down their knowledge of craft and the intimate details of their experiences in books for the rest of us to learn from. It would be a waste if no one ever read them.

Creativity books are some of my favorites, personally. And when my book choices aren’t about creativity, they are often about the creativity business. For instance, I recently finished reading both The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer and Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull (President of Pixar) and learned oodles. (I highly recommend both to all!)

“But what if reading books isn’t my cup of tea?”

Fear not, dear reader! There are many ways to learn new information that have nothing to do with books, or even with reading if you so prefer:

Articles - (Okay, this one is reading) Particularly from peer-reviewed journals and non-biased news sources.

Podcasts - Listen while you travel, run, clean, or anything else! There are hundreds of podcasts about creativity and many of the specific creativity fields.

TV - There is a lot of educational programming out there, which we often forget about. Entire channels are dedicated to learning, and even streaming services like Netflix have these programs (“Explained” is one of my faves).

Documentaries - Recently there has been an explosion of documentary filmmaking that we should all be taking advantage of.

Radio - NPR anyone? There are of course others as well. And just because we all have cellphones doesn’t mean that we should discount radio programs (your phone has a radio chip built-in)!

Ted Talks - Or other similar lectures. These are available in video form, podcasts, and radio, and they tend to be both short and incredibly information/often eye-opening.

Classes - There are so many classes (in educational institutions and outside of them) for people to learn new skills. I bet there’s a list of classes available in your area that you can find with a quick Google search!

[Insert Other Ways I’m Not Thinking Of Here]

With all of these paths available to us, 5-10 hours per week seems like nothing!

Find some avenues that you particularly enjoy, and see if you can insert them into your lives and routines in ways that are convenient. For me, I like to listen to podcasts as I drive. Time that could be wasted is now time that is expanding my knowledge base, and at no extra inconvenience to my schedule!

But Why?

“Okay, but why actually do this? What does it get me?”

I mean, besides the fact that having knowledge is an awesome thing and being a nerd is totally cool again, there are a lot of other great benefits:

Your Brain Learns More Readily - It has been shown that this type of consistent learning environment allows your brain to retain more of its ability to learn new tasks, which could help you in a millions different ways, both personally and professionally.

Fight Off Dementia - Learning and Problem-Solving at high levels have been shown to be extremely effective ways to fight off the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s, even in people whose genes make them particularly susceptible.

Creativity and Innovation - Our brains work in wonderfully mysterious ways, and one of those ways is that they like to make connections subconsciously. These connections have been described throughout history as “Aha!” or “Eureka!” moments for many scientists, inventors, writers, composers, lawmakers, and entrepreneurs. The more information you feed your brain, the more unexpected connections it is likely to make.

It’s Fun! - I know that sounds lame, but it’s true. Think back to when you were a kid in school, learning anything and everything you could because you brain was hungry for more. If you practice learning, your brain will get there again and will light up with every new bit of information!

Nerds Are The Best - No further explanation required.

There are so many ways in which learning and remaining knowledgable can translate into a higher quality of life. And remember, we only get one of those!

Your Interest

So what interests you?

Is someone teaching a class on that? Is there a podcast about it? Perhaps there’s a best-selling book about it?

No one is judging what you’re interested in learning about, so what’s stopping you? With so many great possible benefits, is there any reason to not give it a try?

So, go forth and find something that captures your interest and attention. I think you’ll find more enjoyment than you expect.

Happy Learning, Everyone!

[sepublic]

Marn Caverns

A series of tunnels set in a web-shaped pattern deep below the surface, the Marn Caverns house the underground population of the Region of Earth, protected by the land of the region itself from Skull Spiders, whose bladed instruments make poor digging tools.

           Located hundreds of feet beneath the surface, miles from the Papa Nihu Reef, the main access point to the Marn Caverns is a single, heavily-fortified entry and exit, Marn’s only one, known as the Lighthouse; A massive tower of indestructible metal, with an additional circular grate on top from which defenders can fire at Skull Spiders below from, with the swarms unable to pierce the sides of the tower and thus having to rely on unconventional means of climbing. Atop the Lighthouse is its aptly-named Light, which is coded to give off different color-based signals to the Gukko Airforce, indicating various situations, including Skull Spider attacks and even a take-over (Because of this, the control panel for the light is located deep within the caverns).

           A central elevator connects to the focal point cave of the Marn Caverns, which is the last line of defense against Skull Spiders and meant to be blocked off in said emergencies. Branching off from this focal point are tunnels leading to several supersized caverns supported by massive pillars, housing the main homes of the Marn inhabitants, and lit by Lightstones, crystals that emit light when in contact with a particular metal. These neighborhood caverns hold the homes of the Marn people, most of them made from metal or other materials found in the Region of Earth.

           The caverns are linked by another ring of connecting tunnels, and from there, more caverns branch off, making a map of the Marn Caverns resemble a web- Aptly named the Spider Web by outsiders. Most of these caverns serve a specific purpose- In this case, near the fringes of the Marn tunnel network, or even near the bottom of hollowed-out pits, several mines have been established. These mines directly dig into the Region of Earth’s soil and access its treasures, from ores to other minerals, making the Marn Caverns the most reliable source for Okotans regarding such materials.

           Mines are typically built as the outer-most caverns, stabilized by support beams, and after being harvested clean of their resources are abandoned, with new caverns then built beyond the used mines to access more mineral veins. These abandoned mines are often repurposed, as ordained by Korgot, current Protector of Earth. Some mines consist not of tunnels from which materials are harvested from the walls, but occasionally pits dug right into the bedrock of Marn.

           Although most of what Marn collects (including water from aquifers, as well as oil and Lightstones) is a necessity, many Marners (a name that splices the term Miner and Marn together) collect buried gems to process and sell to the rest of Okoto, and occasionally Korgot will even give a deed to a group of Okotans to dig into a certain plot of underground land for themselves to use.

           For food and water, most Marners subsist on underground insects and earthworms, with some species seen as a delicacy. Otherwise, they thrive on fungi and underground plants that lack a need of sunlight (and are tended to by Okotan and Ussal manure), or else imports from the Gukko Airforce. Water comes from an underground river, which runs through one of the caverns. The entry and exit-points of this river are walled off by impenetrable grates, in case Skull Spiders access the river on either end to breach Marn. To keep the caverns ventilated, a complex ventilation system carries carbon-dioxide out of Marn through the Lighthouse, which also pulls in oxygen from the surface.

           The cramped space of Marn has led to a strict control of its resources by the Military-Industrial Complex headed by Korgot. This careful distribution has taught many Marners to make do with what little they have, an ingenuity and resourcefulness that, when combined with a plethora of ores to work with, has led to Marn becoming the industrial center of engineering in Okoto.

In the caverns dubbed the ‘Brains of Okoto’, many engineers, often led by Chief Engineer Nuparu, work with the materials they are given to design various, complex technologies, either for defense against Skull Spiders, or other, more mundane means. Hi-tech mining tools or complex weaponry are manufactured in Marn, and either used or shipped off by the Gukko Airforce. Designs are tested and implemented, and blueprints drawn, sometimes from schematics and analyzed technologies from the Creation Age. The power for these inventions usually comes from the dam built over the underground river, or else mined oil.

           For Marners, you are usually either a miner, or else an inventor. To the people of Marn, the virtue of stamina is valued- Endurance is needed in the tedious process of digging, the constant trial and error of inventing, and the agonizing confinement in the underground. Many Marners are taught and learn to be patient, to endure, and to make do with what they have. Patience is especially valued, as many note that the cramped caverns slowly but surely expand indefinitely, a growth none of the other Mega Villages have- In time, the waiting will pay off, and since a few generations ago it has begun to, with Marn becoming the most spacious Mega Village.

           The people of Marn are headed and controlled by a Military-Industrial Complex that operates on Martial Law and is led by Korgot. This strict complex oversees and regulates most of Marn, from the uses of its Ussal Crab labor force, to the work schedule and tasks of most Marners. Rations are carefully distributed based on need, with luxury having to be bought or earned. Due to the underground nature, many are unused to the concept of night and day, leading to a mandatory set of curfews and shifts for workers that is dictated by the number of Lightstones that are lit on the walls. Everyone usually has a designated purpose, with the exception of the incapacitated, elderly, young, etc.

           Many Okotans make their home in the cramped, but ever-growing, Marn Caverns. Among them is Dosne, Mining Captain and overseer of the primary Mining operations. While not the strongest miner, Dosne has a natural endurance and patience that has allowed him to stay awake for days on end, directing and overseeing mining efforts. Dosne likewise seems to have a natural feel for the earth, and is well-situated on the signs of materials for the miners to access and harvest. From time to time, while patrolling the mines, Dosne will even step in to personally help, usually taking the shovel or pick-axe from the most tired and/or hardest worker. Currently, Dosne is overseeing an ambitious project to connect the Mega Villages through underground tunnels, a project that could improve Okotan infrastructure and travel on a massive level.

           Aiyetoro is one of many small-name, yet appreciated miners. Calloused from years of work, he tends dutifully to his work, occasionally taking a sample home to keep or else carve into something else, with many joking that he is part-Levan because of this. His main hobby, however, is collecting fossils that are discovered by Prospectors, and he hopes to become one, even if it means using his luxury time to become one- As far as Aiyetoro is concerned, prospecting IS a luxury. He also has a minor issue of getting out of bed, which his husband has to deal with.

           Taipu is one of strongest and most reliable miners in Marn, although he makes up for these virtues in a general gullibility and naivety that has been preyed upon by his friend Onepu. Nevertheless, Taipu’s loyalty to Marn and his humble goals make him a friend to all in Marn, and his massive strength allows him to plow through rock, although he is sometimes hindered by a clumsiness. Taipu works hard day and night, usually resisting sleep, and endures, even taking jobs for others (or else convinced into doing so by Onepu), and is always the last miner to leave for the end of his shift. Sometimes, Taipu will keep mining to the point of collapsing, but once he revives, he’ll insist on heading right back to work. Taipu has a natural faith in Korgot’s leadership, making him a surprising confidant of hers.

           Mamru is the Chief Prospector, overseeing the mining and processing of more luxurious materials. Mamru has a certain intuition and occasional superstition, operating on a strange set of rules and principles for deeming certain parts of the earth as having certain materials. Oddly enough, these predictions (as well as more orthodox measurements) have been notably accurate, but nobody complains. Mamru’s skill also allows her to also spot veins of more luxurious materials, which she either has officially mined and sold by the Military-Industry to fund other projects, or else deeded off to others for their own personal benefit. Mamru has a secret hobby of trying on various jewelry made in the tunnels of Marn, but she does this only at home.

           Azibo is a local, self-owned prospector in Marn. Having earned a deed to a precious vein of quartz following a lifetime of dedicated mining, he now oversees his private mine, where quartz and other gems are harvested and later processed, either by himself or others, to then be sold on the market, either in Marn or elsewhere through Zemya. Azibo has a deep knowledge of gemology and its spiritual meanings, believing them very much to be true. Azibo’s grandchildren are envied, as they are often given the extravagant gifts of jewelry mined straight from Azibo’s deeded veins.

           Akamu is a Jewelry-Crafter and worker, often hired by Azibo to make products out of the gems he’s harvested. Otherwise, he is a blacksmith, an occupation usually left to those in Tawahi, although some engineers require immediately processed ores, thus forcing people such as himself to step in. Despite holding two jobs at once (with his smithing being mandatory), Akamu’s love of his jewelry craft has led him to hold onto it, at the expense of most of his sleep. Many across Okoto clamor for Akamu’s jewelry, and he has been invited to Levato on multiple occasions to collaborate on art, or asked by other Mega Villages to do local projects for them. Akamu’s favorite type of gem is either Nephrite or Peridotite.

           Zemya is the local trader and a suave businessman, usually buying luxury goods from Marn and selling them off for goods from elsewhere. A charismatic extrovert, Zemya knows everyone, and usually what they want, sometimes going from door-to-door selling certain items. Zemya usually trades and bargains by haggling, of which he is a talented fan of, and he is said to have once convinced someone to give him several jewels in exchange for a single fruit, or even bought several paintings and carvings for a mere few pints of oil. Despite his sleazy nature, Zemya still has a heart, and every Naming Day he thanks all the people of Marn –even if they didn’t necessarily trade with him- by acquiring individual, specific gifts for each Marner. Zemya additionally has a nose for precious materials, leading to a humbling experience that Korgot had to rescue him from.

           Luola helps overlook and tend to the underground river running through Marn. Always making sure the water is fresh and clean (and keeping an eye out for Skull Spiders), Luola helps operate the dam, and when there’s not much else to do, helps deliver water to the local fountains. As a side business, Luola runs a Mud bath spa, using water, dirt, and minerals she’s collected to prepare exfoliating baths, some free of charge for exhausted miners or Gukko Airforce members. Onepu in particular loves the Harvest package that she offers.

           The Marn Ussalry is a cavalry of Okotans that tend to and ride the Ussal Crabs, massive, docile creatures that assist in the general manual labor of life. Their work is usually raising Ussal Crabs, taming them, and overseeing their work and making sure they are taken care of. Otherwise, however, the Ussalry is also responsible for military efforts and the defense of Marn, riding on the Crabs as transport and using them to scale the rocky surface of the Region of Earth. Ussals are sometimes sold off to be the pets of others, and people will get together to race crabs or ride atop them in the Marn variant of Kolhii.

The Ussalry is led by Captain Onepu, an ambitious and vain Ussal rider who, while brave and virtuous, has a tendency to try and shirk off work, as well as boast of her accomplishments. A five-time winner of the Great Ussal Race with her favorite crab, Pewku, Onepu leads the Ussalry in training regiments, rehearsing tactics and drill, making her one of Korgot’s trusted and effective commanders. When not leading Ussalry campaigns against the Skull Spider threat, Onepu prefers to practice in Ussal Racing and Kolhii, challenging others to the sport. Otherwise, she tries out jewelry given to her by her grandfather Azibo, and other fashions. She is never seen without her signature purple cape, which she adores, only taking it off for mining.

Damek is another member of the Ussalry, frequently patrolling the top of the Lighthouse. In the event of a Skull Spider attack, Damek rushes around the perimeter of the Lighthouse, using her hi-tech laser sniper rifle to pick off targets from a distance. Damek has some pride in being a sharpshooter, and rumor has it that she sometimes sleeps with her rifle as if it’s a Teddy Bear. In her spare time, she practices her aim, usually at the arcade, and Damek has the habit of sleepwalking. She can also see surprisingly well in the dark.

Kaj is a guard and an Ussalry member. When not running drill under Onepu’s guidance, Kaj patrols around Marn to ensure that everything is okay, checking the place all-over for signs of an attempted Skull Spider breach. As a result, he is one of the last lines of defense for Marn, and he helps operate the Lighthouse, occasionally pressing the button to change its color signal. When not on patrol, Kaj is also a toymaker, using his knowledge of engineering to craft complex devices meant to entertain, which he sells either at his shop or to Zemya. He is one of the few people who can bargain with Zemya, and a frequent customer of his.

Midak is a guard on the Lighthouse and operator of its elevator. Although a member of the Ussalry, he doesn’t ride one of the crabs, usually tending to them after leaving his Lighthouse shift, and makes an extra living selling off young pet crabs to those willing to buy, always having tips on how to treat one’s Ussal. Otherwise, Midak prefers to spend his time aboveground on the surface, having an appreciation of light in general from its warmth and brightness, and willing to talk to those with his interest in it- Those people usually being nobody, save for occasionally Zemya. Midak’s appreciation of light and the way it looks has led him to collect an assortment of Lightstones of various colors, especially rare ones, which adorn his home. Midak dreams of exploring the surface and sunbathing in as many places as he can, escaping the general gloom of the Region of Earth’s surface.

Nuparu is the Chief Engineer of Marn and head of its engineering division, sometimes cited as THE Brain of Okoto, a title he doesn’t particularly care for. Eccentric and always up to his nose in projects, Nuparu will hole himself in his workplace for days on end, devising many brilliant, and occasionally insane, ideas and machinations to test out, with Nuparu believing firmly in the quality of his designs. Although some of his ideas have been questionable (such as the infamous and touchy subject of the Squid Launcher), Nuparu’s unquestionable creativity has led him to design some of the best machines and weapons in all of Okoto. Nuparu has a natural resourcefulness, working with everything and anything he has, and his crazed hair has only contributed to the image of him as a mad scientist- Not that he denies such an idea, either.

Mavrah is another member of Marn team of engineers, and frequent collaborator with Nuparu on hi-tech defenses for the Mega Villages, as well as maintenance of them. A bit of a Paleontologist, Mavrah studies animals, using the unique anatomies of some (such as the Muaka and its neck) to inspire some of his designs. Like many before him, Mavrah has proposed trying to tame the more powerful beasts of Okoto, in the hopes of using them against the Skull Spiders, as they can’t be controlled and are generally hardier than the average soldier.

However, his efforts to tame them have failed, like those before him, but Mavrah continues to see the creatures of Okoto as the key to victory against the Skull Spiders, and refuses to give up. With Nuparu, Mavrah will, on the rare time that they take a break, help design amusement rides for the people of Marn, and even ride on a few before vomiting from nausea.

Nobua is another one of the ‘Brains of Okoto’, although her true passion is entertainment. Utilizing ancient, recovered schematics from the Creation Age, as well as her own personal inspiration, she is one of many in Marn who has designed animatronics, complex rides, and various other attractions that keep the villagers entertained and delighted. As a side-job, she frequently visits the arcade, helping perform maintenance on the games and even devising a few of her own.

[taz-writes]

Introduction to Nymia/Colorverse

I mentioned making a post about that other secondary storyverse the other day, right? Well, here it is! (Fair warning, this is less of an active WIP than a concept I like to play with—I probably won’t create any finished product for this world for a WHILE. It’s more of a creative sandbox than a proper novel-in-the-making.)

TLDR; magical girls/boys in a fantastical 1800s steampunk-adjacent setting work together (with varying levels of success) to right the wrongs of the world they live in. Although they were all trained together for a few years in their early teens, it’s been a while since they’ve reunited, and they’ll have to contend with challenging geography, a generations-long war, and their own clashing ideologies before they’ll be able to start figuring out what the problem is. The whole thing’s 90% driven by my love of dramatic irony and secret identities.

Genre-wise, this is another fantasy, but it has a very different flavor from Feilan. It’s also a bit more mature in general, straddling the YA/NA line because of the ages of the protagonists. The timeline flipflops and some scenes are set during the squad’s Academy days as young teenagers, but the real plot happens when they’re in their early 20s. I wouldn’t say this is darker--Feilan gets super fucked up in places--but it’s probably going to feel a little less optimistic, and there are more shades of grey. 

The Colors

Regardless of where in Nymia one hails from, everyone knows of the colors. You may know them as gods, or archetypes, or spirits, or ancestors, but their influence is ever-present and ever-powerful regardless.

The colors are manifestations of human symbolism and belief. They began as formless congregations of a natural energy that flows throughout the planet, and as early humans developed civilization and encountered them, they began to take on the traits of certain colors in the spectrum of light. They are influenced by humanity, and influence humanity in turn—more like primal forces of nature than thinking, feeling beings. Despite this, though, they have clear wills of their own and personalities. They’re sort of... human-adjacent, but ultimately something greater. Human mages are able to draw on the powers of the colors and cast magic based on their color of choice!

The precise meanings and powers of the colors vary by the culture and social class of the believer, but they are worshipped across Nymia, and plenty of patterns pop up. Unfortunately, most of Nymia doesn’t get along—of the four realms consisting the continent, two have been at war for generations, and the remaining two are somewhat isolated from both the warring countries and each other.

Each generation, the colors choose humans to wield their powers and enact their will to encourage peace and balance throughout the realms. These humans are called the Paladins. They’re not very well-known, though, because the last few generations of paladins were not strong enough to make a significant difference or achieve much of anything. This generation, those paladins are our protagonists! Which brings me to...

The Characters

This storyverse is WAY more character-driven than my other WIP, which is why I keep dodging around it and hiding from a plot, but the characters are the best thing I’ve got going here. I won’t beat around the bush, just introduce them.

Talxin Zatruc is the Paladin of Red! He’s really short, he barely hits 5’3”, but there’s a lot of intensity packed into that petite form. Red is the color of plague, poison, decay, and death. As such, they tend to be vilified in most places, and redmages aren’t winning any popularity contests. To Talxin, though, red means something else. He was raised dirt-poor in the country by parents trapped in Elcrin’s broken legal system, and to them, red is the color of justice. All things are equal in death, after all. His red magic isn’t limited to just killing people. He’s not a very trusting person, and he tends to stammer a lot and bow out of conflict, but there’s a core of steel under his surface. He’ll cross any line if it means achieving a better world. He’s like, my way of protesting about how badass Anakin Skywalker could’ve been if the Star Wars writers gave a shit.

Syzyga Lazuli is not in fact associated with the color blue! She’s the Paladin of Orange, who represents exploration, navigation, innovation, and human ingenuity. In her native country of Kelrie, she’s in constant demand fixing trade ships and assisting mapmakers, but her true passion lies elsewhere. Syz is an avid inventor, constantly creating new ways to make the world a better and more exciting place. Remember Master Builders from the LEGO movie? That’s basically what Syz’s orange magic does, it’s pretty cool. One of her trickiest creations is the wired mechanical “exoskeleton” she wears on her arms (cooler name pending), which compensates for an extreme hypermobility disorder she’s dealt with since childhood. Her ultimate dream is to create a functional flying machine—something that many orangemages have attempted, but none have succeeded in so far. She likes pointy things, stargazing, and using said hypermobile hands to occasionally one-up Nyrene’s attempts to freak people out.

Soenya Arrenya is the Paladin of Yellow. The emoticon :} is an accurate summary of her personality. Yellow is associated with weather and natural disasters as a trickster archetype, but they are also a patron of underdogs and comedians. They’re one of those archetypes whose interpretations vary wildly by location. Soenya hails from a remote town in the northern Sapiran tundra, the kind of place where ice tornadoes are things that exist, and her notion of practicality is... we’ll just say, it’s a bit different from the city-dwellers’. She doesn’t have much concept of property damage (or property). She’s really flirtatious and will hit on just about anyone, which embarrasses her colleagues sometimes, to the point where most of the other paladins figure she’s just doing it to mess with them. She and Nyrene do NOT get along.

Darrus Colere is the Paladin of DICK MAGIC Green, and I did NOT draw him buff enough in this picture. He needs to be like twice as buff and twice as Big. He’s almost 6’4” and deserves to be built like an Olympic deadlifter. Green is associated with healing, plant life, fertility, and sexuality. They’re one of the only two colors ever given a gender, as in Sapir Green also represents masculinity. Darrus is valid to fuck. Unfortunately he’s also easily flustered and a little bit dense, he tends to get strange ideas in his head and it takes a LOT of pushing to redirect him. He’s got inertia. Darrus cares more about plants than most people, he will run after you crying if you step on “his” grass. He and Talxin shared a room at the Academy as baby 13-year-olds and they’d fight constantly because Talxin kept accidentally killing Darrus’s houseplants with poorly-controlled red magic. Also, he’s genuinely terrified of Talxin, which in terms of sheer physicality is hilarious. At his core, he’s a very caring person! He expresses affection by lecturing people on your behalf. It’s kind of sweet. He’s from Kelrie like Syz, but the other side of the country.

Anlied Atidae is the elusive Paladin of Blue. Raised in the upper echelons of Sapiran society, she’s still grappling with the extremely repressed behavior she was raised to exhibit, but even behind her veil of mystery she’s a strange and deeply thoughtful individual. Blue is the archetype of thought, philosophy, emotion, and the human mind. In Sapir, Blue represents femininity. Although private, Anlied is very sincere in her desire to help others. Her life of privilege and nobility tends to blind her to the reality she lives in, though, and even as an adult she is very naive. She’s all about the conceptual thought exercise of fixing the world but stalls short in horror when presented with an actual problem. Despite using magic that specializes in emotion and the mind, she has very little awareness and understanding of her own emotional experience. Rationality is prized above all else in Sapiran society, particularly in the noble circles Anlied grew up in, and it is considered taboo to express any kind of emotion outside of a Blue temple. As emotions are sacred to Blue, they should be shown to Blue alone. Some Sapiran royals will even veil their faces in blue fabric as the ultimate expression of non-expression. This culture.... this culture seriously messed with Anlied’s head.

Nyrene Enkeli is the Paladin of Purple and the team’s most infamous wildcard. She’s tall, skinny, pointy, and an avatar of mayhem—literally. Purple is, among other things, the archetype of chaos. They also represent cycles, wisdom, and the passage of time. Nyrene really likes knocking people off-guard, and can produce an impressive variety of disturbing noises. She also swallows swords, spits fire, and juggles like a fiend. She’s the sole representative among the paladins of Nemmonay—an elusive free state off the coast of Kelrie that shelters pirates, outlaws, and a dozen other criminal elements holding each other together in a perilous state of organized anarchy. Nyrene is the embodiment of that trope where a character has to remove all their weapons, and holds up the line for 20 minutes picking tiny knives out of their hair and bootsoles. Upon first glance, she seems like she’s totally off her rocker. She says weird stuff that doesn’t make sense, and does weird stuff for shock value alone, and generally moves like a cat that’s seen a ghost in the corner. What she really is, though, is a bona fide genius. Nyrene’s purple magic allows her to travel through time to a certain extent, and she’s often balancing two or more perfect loops at once, with some really bizarre caveats added to make sure the streams don’t cross. She has a lot of ulterior motives. She considers Syzyga her best friend, because Syzyga is the only person who hasn’t panicked at the sight of spontaneous sword-swallowing. She really doesn’t get along well with Soenya.

Pariya Spinel is the current Paladin of Pink, though she wasn’t the first in this generation. The OG pink paladin turned out to be such an unspeakably awful person that Pink themself appeared to strip her of her status. Pariya joined the group late and didn’t have much time to get to know the others, which she’s rather self-conscious about, but pretty much everyone likes her. She doesn’t have too much to worry about. Pink is a tricky archetype to pin down. They’re associated with creation, they’re the pantheon leader, and they have symbolic ties to space and the heavens. In practice, this means Pariya has the power to create things like energy constructs or even just simple objects. It’s a difficult and tiring power to use but has the potential to be super broken. Pariya isn’t very good with her magic, and she’s extremely anxious and self-conscious about it, to the point where her nerves may be preventing her from doing much of anything at all. She’ll get there, one day...

So, yeah! That’s the squad! Not pictured is Rovato, whom I’ve mentioned briefly on this blog before—he’s the main antagonist in this universe. He’s a paladin of Silver. Silver used to be part of the pantheon, once upon a time, but they’ve been forgotten over the last few generations for an assortment of reasons. Most of those reasons have to do with Rovato. As purple represents chaos, silver represents order, and the exertion of will upon the whims of the natural world. Silver once had different aspects in the same way the other colors do, and in Sapir they actually represented change and manipulation—this is the aspect Rovato exploits. He’s used some loopholes in the magic system to make himself into a near-immortal shapeshifter and he wants power and stuff. I’m still working out the plot, so this could change, but that’s what I have right now. 

The general backstory is that the Paladins were gathered together by the elusive headmaster of the Academy, a school on an unclaimed island meant specifically to train each generation’s set of paladins and prepare them to bring peace to the world. While at the Academy, they were not allowed to share their real names or anything about their origins, so that they couldn’t judge each other for their differences and stuff. The paladins are spread across the continent to represent all four realms and every end of the class spectrum and the whole point of the team is to encourage unity. Can’t have them being racist at each other! Unfortunately, the status quo of the war between Sapir and Elcrin shifted dramatically during their third year at school, and they were sent back home before being allowed to learn each other’s names and origins and all that stuff. Now, approximately five or six years after the Academy disbanded, something is happening that can only be resolved by the paladins themselves. So now they have to get the team back together, and seek each other out across national borders and geographic obstacles and LOTS of weird culture clash. I’m still working on figuring out what’s happening. Like I said, the plot’s a work in progress.

And that’s that! I don’t know how much I’ll talk about these guys here, since the colorverse story has been on my back burner for a LOOOOONG time, and I still want to get through Feilan in the next century. But I wanted to introduce them, so I could talk about them without confusing literally everyone. They’re my second-oldest set of OCs after the fairies and I care about them quite a lot. 

[tarralin]

MorningAfter

Fox Hunt, Chapter Six

Enjoy!

(Board gifted by @under-sengoku-skies)

Find my Master List, Ao3, and Ko-Fi in blog bio!

Thank you again to @tsundere-mitsuhide for all your help and beta reading.

~*~

RM planted her boot atop the shattered stone monument as she gazed up into the clouds. The Kyoto weather forecast called for clear, sunny skies and the sudden storm rolling in sent those around her scurrying for cover in nearby restaurants. She would be too on any other day… but not this day. Nope.

This day she needed those clouds.

After finally recovering from the horror of her best friend’s disappearance, RM tracked down all of Sasuke the Science Kid's research. She had been appalled at the lack of safeguards on such documents with the only means of protection being kept away in his locker in the Science labs of the university he attended. Yeah, like that would keep a trained mercenary out. No wonder someone had reported his findings... the kid practically begged for the eyes of the government!

It took a great deal of Google’s help to translate the more spacey-sciencey terms and concepts of the research but RM was at least able to pin down the basics. The algorithmic calculations were both a breeze and a blessing that allowed her to calculate the next several occurrences. As the world’s best sniper, she prided herself on being a living, breathing graphing calculator.

RM straightened her backpack straps once more at the first rumble of thunder. She could feel the flash of goosebumps ripple across neck and down her spine. She wouldn’t lie to herself. She was terrified; afraid of the effects her trip could cause, afraid of landing somewhere further out of reach from MC, afraid of being stuck when she got there. Even with all of Sasuke's research keeping her rifle company in her bag, she knew that was what she should fear most but no… Her worst fear was losing MC, part of the only family she had left.

A grateful smile crossed RM's features when the lightning struck her.

~*~

Sunlight.

Cursed sunlight.

With a moan, MC pulled the covers over her head and turned away from the windows in attempt to quell the pounding pulse behind her eyes. What I wouldn’t give for an aspirin and a Gatorade right now… At least I have today off.

It took an entire carafe of water for the headache to subside to a manageable level. Or, at the very least, one that allowed her to pretend she didn’t have a hangover from Hell. The kitchen was the first place she found herself once venturing from her room and immediately regretted her existence.

“Lass!” Masamune bellowed out as he caught sight of her. “Good morning!”

Her hand came up immediately and landed softly on his face to keep him at bay, no doubt he would try wrapping her in a suffocating hug just to annoy her. “Can you… not shout?”

Confusion flitted over his eyes. “This is how I normally speak…”

“Well, then… don’t?”

He laughed at that but continued about the kitchen with a noticeable effort on keeping silent. She fixed herself a light breakfast and headed to the one spot of the palace that she knew none would find her.

The majority of the garden received at least a cursory attempt at maintenance. The farthest corners were a different story altogether. Due to the on going war effort, the darkest parts of the garden were left to themselves and now grew feral in the absence of would be gardeners. Shameful, really. Through the moss, MC could see signs of two wisteria trees flourishing in spite of the wilderness surrounding them. Almost as if they were the last standing paladins against an army of invaders.

MC inspected the sky above and determined she still had the whole day to herself while scarfing down the last of her breakfast. If last night revealed anything, it was the fact she had let her hormones get the best of her and she had a lot of thinking to do. She always thought best while working anyway.

She allowed her thoughts to stray freely as she climbed the first tree and began plucking clumps of moss from the branches. This wasn’t her time. She was going home in eight weeks and she shouldn’t be trying to form permanent ties or giving into temptations. Tipsy or not, she had always remained in control of her hormones; anyone who landed in her bed had clearly voiced their mutual interest before and after drinks. She hated admitting to it but Mitsuhide was right. She hadn’t been thinking clearly.

And casual encounters were out of the equation entirely. Hell, is casual even a thing here?

Have you met Masamune? Have you seen Hideyoshi and Angel Boy when they’re in town? Please! They’re practically the inventors of casual! MitsuWho? Nope, sorry, don’t know him. MitSINari on the other hand... And let’s not get started on Mr. HOEbunaga before he gave up and turned into Big Bro Nobu.

MC giggled to herself as she continued to clear away moss and weeds. By noon, she was smiling with pride. She had fully demossed both trees single handedly as well as cleared their immediate vicinity of all overgrowth. Quite a feat, if I do say so myself. She also had a game plan for the next two months to avoid a certain-

“You really can't sit still, can you?”

Well, that was over before it began.

With a sigh, MC looked up from her crouch to the familiar golden eyes and quickly ran through her options. One: she could snap at him to leave but he would take too much joy in that. Two: she could leave the garden herself, effectively giving him the cold shoulder, but that felt too much like surrender.

“If you’re going to state the obvious, could you at least make yourself useful while you do?” She quickly turned back to the weeds awaiting her attention regardless of how much she really wanted to watch that smirky smirk fall right off his face. There, a third option. Although, throwing the ball into his court wasn’t a part of the initial plan of avoiding him. Too late now!

“Please, don’t stop singing on my account. You have such lovely expressions when that guard of yours comes down.” A chuckle rolled from his chest as he crossed the garden.

“I wasn’t singing.” Was I? Shit, I probably was! I don’t even know what song he heard!

“You seem to favor that particular one,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “I’ve heard it in the halls when you focus on your tasks. Though I have heard others from your voice, that one comes up the most. Don’t know the words of course, since you only sing in what I assume is your native tongue but…”

He’s whistling? It was such a care free action from his normally pensive features she could only watch. As stunned as she was, it wasn’t until he got to the tune's chorus did she recognize the song and hummed along. Ah, yes. Try by Colbie Calliat. RM always catches me with that one, too.

Mitsuhide was still whistling when he finally came to stand at her side. His shadow loomed over her a moment before something dropped to the ground in front of her face.

“You… brought me gloves?” She glanced up again to find Mitsuhide pulling on a pair of his own. MC raised a brow as she slipped the gifted gloves over her grass stained hands. “How-”

“Please don’t say sweet, I don't think my teeth would be able to handle it.” He teased with a sneer.

“Convenient. Must be some kind of hangover I have going on...” She paused, eyeing the beautiful man before her as he crouched and began yanking invading parasites from the earth. She should shut up now and continue with operations Avoidance and Cold Shoulder… but here she was, evaluating new options so soon after deciding it was best to stay away from him. But, then again, this was Mitsuhide and her usual rules of detachment seemed to fly out the window with him around. And he did always seem to find her. And it was just so tempting to see him squirm! Although, going the path less traveled meant giving up pieces to gain pieces.

But they'll be new pieces.

Okay. Fine. Decision made. I surrender to the universe!

“Must be some hangover I have going on because, normally… I’m aware of your voyeurism…”

[cosmic-elementalist]

I. The Magus

The Juggler

The Lord of Illusion

The Wisdom, the Will, the Word, the Logos by whom the worlds were created.

Being the unexpected, he unsettles any established idea.

Being creative, he has no conscience.

Archetypes:

Unconscious Will

Messenger of the Gods

Law of Necessity or Chance

Fluidic Basis of All Transmission of Activity

Continuous Creation

Action in All Forms and Phases

Interpretation is the root of misinterpretation

Fulfillment of Potential

Duality

Symbols:

Tree of Life: Mercury is the Path leading from Kether (the Crown) to Binah (Understanding), thus he is the messenger of the gods, the Word of creation whose speech is Silence.

Second emanation from the Crown; adult form of the Fool, the Unity. It is the nature of these ideas to flow one into another.

The Will: The Son, the manifestation in act of the idea of the Father

The Word: Gospel of st. John: in the beginning was the word; and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The law of reason or of necessity or chance, which is the secret meaning of the Word (the factors, seemingly out of our control - be they subconscious or external - which influence action and come before logical decision)

Medieval Deck: 'Le Bâtleur', the Bearer of the Baton (energy sent forth)

One arm points up, the other down. As above, so below.

Wand with a knob at both ends reflecting dual polarity of electricity, but also the hallowed wand of Prometheus which brings down fire from Heaven.

"With the Wand createth He.

With the Cup preserveth He.

With the Daggee destroyeth He.

With the Coin redreemeth He."

Liber Magi vv. 7-10

Duality: truth and falsehood, wisdom and folly

Hanuman: flying monkey god of Hindu mythology.

Some stories tell him as an incarnation of Shiva, others his son.

Son of the wind.

Prankster as a child

Epitome of wisdom.

Rama's messenger.

Hanuman Chalisa (translated): monkey god and devotee of Rama, grant us the power of higher life-force (prana) that elevates the mind and increases our devotion.

Tahuti or Thoth: Head of the ibis; concentration (meditative spirit, possibly reference to the secret of the Aeon of Osiris; that male intervention is necessary for having children)

Bears a phoenix wand (resurrection through the generative process; multiple incarnations) and Ankh (breath of life)

Alternatively: Style and Papyrus (transmits words of the gods and records their acts)

It was seen from very early times that the use of speech or writing meant the introduction of ambiguity at best, and falsehood at worst; Thoth was therefore followed by an Ape (Cynocephalus, a sacred Egyptian baboon with the face of a dog) whose business was to distort the Word of God; to mock, to simulate, and to decieve.

Other myths suggest that Thoth created himself through the power of language.

Shapeshifter: could turn into a babboon.

The Ogdoad were created from his song.

Thought to have invented writing, medicine, magic, and the Egyptian's civil and religious practices (shared music with Hathor)

Recorded the verdict of the dead; He Who Balances

Voice of Ra

Author of Every Work on Every Branch of Knowledge, Both Human and Divine

The One Who Made Calculations Concerning the Heavens, the Stars, and the Earth.

Linked to creation of calendar

Said to be the husband or father of Seshat, an ancient goddess of wisdom. He absorbed most of Seshat's roles, and became seen as his female aspect (not in Hermopolis)

Overcame the curse of Ra, allowing Nut to give birth to her five children (a myth regarding a change of calendar), with his skill at games.

Astrological Mercury: Planet of connections; everything that links and conveys; synchronicity; the magical crossroads at which the observer stands to see the similarity of meaning in the converging strands of various causes and effects.

Meeting place of Mind and Matter; logic, wit, and reason are brought into play.

The ancestor of every action is thought, and how we say something is often more important than why we say it.

Words trigger attitudes and set up resonances up resonances of their own, continuing to do their work even when the attention is elsewhere.

Bridge between the self and the world.

Shows how one can 'hijack' people, places, and situations to our best advantage - the way one can go about getting their way.

Hermes: Messenger for Zeus, and his son by Maia of the Pleiadies, and guide to the underworld.

Trickster Child.

God of language, writing, travellers, thieves and cunning, herdsmen, teaching, athletics, astrology and astronomy.

Carried herald's wand Greek 'kerykeion', Latin 'caduceus'

Hermes Trismegistus: composite of Thoth and Hermes.

Origin of Hermetic texts

Inventor of language, guide of the dead, son and messenger of God.

Said to have written the book of Thoth, 'Hermetic' text relating to sacred knowledge of the gods.

Caduceus: contains a complete symbol of the Gnosis.

Winged sun (phallus) = joy of life on all planes from the lowest to the highest.

Serpents = active and passive = Eagle and Lion

Unites Microcosm and Macrocosm, and the symbol of the Magical operation which accomplishes this.

Life itself, and is of universal application.

Wings added in 2nd century CE, but did not become popular until 15th century.

Not to be confused with staff of Asklepios (one snake on a wooden staff), which is a symbol of healers.

Loki: Originally a chaotic neutral symbol, was changed to an evil chaotic one by Christian invaders.

Shapeshifter. Androgyne (takes on both male and female forms/roles). Magician.

Trickster; beyond concepts of “good” and “evil”. Works his will at all costs.

Pre-viking myths point to an earlier version of Loki as a creator god. The Poetic Edda also references Odin, Lodur (associated with Loki), and Hoenir as those who gave life to the first humans, with Lodur providing them with Life Fire. 

Eleggua: (an article on misinterpretations of this diety) God of the roads and of liminal spaces.

In Santeria, is the most important of the Orisha. Without his blessing, nothing can proceed. Allows prayers to reach the Orisha. Facilitates divination.

The first to test our integrity and our word. “Because of this quality many followers of Santeria consider Elegba to be a trickster or a troublemaker. At our church we prefer to think of him as the great experimenter, always testing humanity to see what will happen next.”

In the Vision of the Universal Mercury, Hermes is seen descending upon the sea, which refers to Mary. (The path of Beth on the Tree of Life shows him descending from Kether, the Crown, upon Binah, the Great Sea)

To continue the identification, compare Christ's descent into hell with the function of Hermes as guide of the dead.

It may be noted here that Mercury and Venus are the planets between us and the Sun, as if the son and mother were mediators between the Earth and the father.

3 days for Mercury to become visible after separating from the orb of the sun, compared to Christ's resurrection after 3 days

The Lord of Illusion: Vi Veri Vniversum Vivus Vici = By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe

Universal Solvent: water & blood. sperm & amniotic fluid & menstrual blood

Alkahest: hypothetical universal solvent. Paracelcius' philosophers's Stone. Dissolve anything into it's elements.

Sal alkali: caustic potash in alcohol. Caustic lime, alcohol, and carbonate of potash.

Azoth: started as hypothetical universal solvent, later became term for element Mercury.

Symbol was caduceus

Name is medieval Latin, an alteration of Azoc, derived from Arabic al-zā'būq, "the mercury"

As the Universal Life Force, the Azoth is the animating energy of the body and the inspiration and enthusiasm that move the mind.

"light of nature", or "mind of God"

Philosopher's Stone: Ignis et Azoth fibi sufficiunt

Azoth is related to Ain Soph

“Azoth, or Universal Medicine, is, for the soul, supreme reason and absolute justice; for the mind, it is mathematical and practical truth; for the body it´s the quintessence, which is a combination of gold and light. In the spiritual world, it is the First Matter of the Great Work, the source of the enthusiasm and activity of the alchemist. In the mental world, it is intelligence and industry. In the material world, it is physical labor.

Sulfur, Murcury, and Salt, which, volatized and fixed alternatively, compose the Azoth of the sages. Sulfur corresponds to Fire, Mercury to Air and Water, Salt to Earth.” - Eliphas Levi, Transcendental Magic

Believed by Aleister Crowley to represent a unity of beginnings and endings by tying together the first and last letters of ancient alphabets (A, Aleph & Alpha) (Z, final in Latin) (O, final in Greek) (Th, final in Hebrew). Universal synthesis of opposites as a ´cancellation’ (i.e. solvent) or cohesion (i.e. medicine)

Schamayin: “(hebrew for ‘heaven’) who is Androgyne, who is Divine Fiery Water, the first outflow of the Word of God, the flaming river pouring from the presence of the eternal mind.

Universal Mercury or Azoth - the measureless spirit of life.

This original spiritual fiery water comes through Edem (”vapor” in Hebrew) and pours itself into the four main rivers of the four Elements.

In this Edem (vaporous essence or mist) is the first, or spiritual Earth, the incomprehensible and intangible dust out of which God formed Afam Kadmom, the spiritual body of man” - Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages

Divinatory Interpretations:

Skill, wisdom, adroitness, elasticity, craft, cunning, deceit, theft.

Sometimes occult wisdom or power, sometimes a quick impulse, a “brain-wave”.

It may imply messages, business transactions, the interference of learning or intelligence with the matter in hand.

[swotfis]

Yarloo

Yarloo is a new take on the lottery gambling system that is known to everyone around the world

Togel is a type of bet that combines the drawing of numbers randomly to get prizes. Some governments limit lotteries, while others support them to levels that designate them all as public or state lotteries. It's really expected to find some level of lottery rules by the government. The most notable rule is the prohibition of propositions to minors, and the sender must be approved to sell lottery tickets.

Yarloo is a new take on the lottery gambling system that is known to everyone around the world. We feel that the current state of the lottery is quite… lacking, to say the least. It's not fun, the risks are too high and your chances are dim. Very. Here's an excerpt from K5: “According to the US Lottery, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million and the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Combine the two and the odds of winning both jackpots for over a billion dollars go to 1 in 88 quadrillion. That's 88 followed by 15 zeros.

Yarloo is a global lottery ecosystem built on transparent and decentralized blockchain technology, in which the system will be distributed on a public network, making global lottery operations more efficient and transparent. By leveraging the Blockchain technology platform as well as the Binance Smart Chain Blockchain technology features, smart contracts enable various processes, such as collecting or distributing each lottery process, to be more efficient than the traditional centralized systems currently in use. Since a platform that ensures the safety of international lotteries is their top priority, their blockchain based lottery platform also offers daily lottery draws. which covers a wide geographical area and can be followed by anyone, wherever they are. The use of smart contracts, of course,

But with the current advancement of the crypto space, we at Yarloo feel that something can be done to revolutionize lottery systems around the world, and to make it more fun, give people a much higher chance of winning, create a much more flexible jackpot pool, and introduce sets. NFT card as the core function behind the ticket. Also the fun aspect of making the whole project theme revolve around pirates!

Yarloo Features Yarloo is an innovative and modern lottery platform for users all over the world. Here users can participate in solo and team lottery pools to be able to get a sizable jackpot. But it all depends on the luck of the user and Yarloo ensures that this lottery program runs fairly and honestly. But that's not all, there are several other features of Yarloo:

Wheel of Fortune:   This is the coolest feature of Yarloo where users can join lucky spinners to get rewards in the form of tokens, discounts, special cards, etc. Yarloo will give users the opportunity to be able to spin once a day for free, but for the next spin, users have to pay extra.

NFT Trading Center: A   platform that will make it easier for users to buy and sell cards with other users easily and securely.

Yarloo Wallet: A   digital wallet that makes it easy for users to store digital assets and exchange them directly from the wallet. Here users can also risk their tokens.

Arcade Games:   A series of games developed by Yarloo for users to make Yarloo even cooler.

DeFi Ecosystem:   Users can borrow tokens using collateral securely through the DeFi ecosystem provided by Yarloo.

How it works At Yarloo, you really need to check out a wide range of financially supportive activities, including, not limited to:

Single Lottery Jackpot

Team Lottery Jackpot

Fortune Spinner

NFT Trade Center

Yarloo Wallet (to check and exchange our tokens)

Game Arcade

DeFi Loan System

As can be seen, Yarloo offers various ways to handle our original lottery system, and to profit through different styles and approaches. Use our lucky spinner to check if you can collect other awesome cards that expand your possibilities. Is it correct to say that you are an inventor who has accumulated a large number of critical cards over time? The trading center is yours for the taking, and from a genuine perspective there is no risk at all as you are only selling your cards. If you are not as lucky as the cards and don't want to face high difficulty, then of course, stamping is your best method.

We are different What makes Yarloo unprecedented, however, is the means that it uses the NFT system, making it the standard engine behind entry tickets. Since you want to play, you have to go in by designing a certain game plan from the cards you have. Combining cards on a regular basis can give you unprecedented characteristics, depending on the uniqueness and type of card, and the similarity of features it has with various cards you can guarantee. Cards are your ticket to travel, and they're the only way you can go all out to win big bets.

To enter using cards, there is a partial fee that must be added to the pool to add to the great prizes, but at that point you will be allowed to deal 5 cards only from your set, following them for the best results. which will create the result you envision. If your strategy goes well, you might get a gold mine, and congratulations on everything.

RST Ecosystem The Pay Sharing Token, or RST for short, is Yarloo's reformist backbone, an important execution of its kind in what will someday look like the advancement of NFT and DeFi, RST is the means by which Yarloo can be armed as an adversary. underwrite the project, which can withstand any market valuation. How the capacity is is very basic, and can be reconfigured according to the tendencies of each association, but we will use Yarloo as a middle model of how RST will be used given that we are the main creator of this thought and its first integrator.

Card System Our card system is not too confusing. There will be 5 types of cards placed from the bottom up as follows: These 5 types of cards have very different limitations and characteristics. For example, the paltry cards only give 1 ticket for each card, given their low value, and the Bronze card gives 2 tickets for each card, besides that both have unusual characteristics and cannot be combined with other cards.

Of course, from Silver to Sapphire, cards provide more tickets and all have great characteristics. Silver cards give 5 tickets for each card, Gold gives 10, and Sapphire gives 50 speculation tickets. Card sets will always ship at Yarloo, even after delivery, as this will be a basic part of the process how it works. There will be 3 types of card sets, so that customers can understand what is in their respective stores:

Standard

Premium

eccentric

EKOSISTEM RST

Profit Sharing Token, or RST for short, is Yarloo's revolutionary backbone, the first implementation of its kind that will someday be recognized as NFT and DeFi technology, RST is how Yarloo can be armed as an anti-bear project, which can withstand any market sentiment. The way it works is pretty simple, and can be reconfigured based on individual company preferences, but we'll be using Yarloo as a core example of how RST will be used considering we were the original founders of this concept and its first integrator.

Seed Investors & IDOs:   30%

Holder:   25%

Repurchase:   20%

LP Provider:   15%

Wheel of Fortune/Rewards Pool:  10%

CARD SYSTEM

Our card system is not very complicated. There will be 5 types of cards, ranked from bottom to top as:

These 5 types of cards have very different functions and values. For example, a small card only gives 1 ticket per card, due to its low value, and a Bronze card gives 2 tickets per card, but both have no special attributes and cannot be paired with other cards.

On the other hand, from Silver to Sapphire, cards grant more tickets and all have special attributes. Silver cards give 5 tickets per card, Gold give 10, and Sapphire give 50 participation tickets.

Card sets will be released consistently at Yarloo, even after launch, as they will always be an important part of the way things work. There will be 3 types of card sets, so users can know what to expect from each:

Standard

Premium

eccentric

ROADMAP

Q3 2021:

Funding Round Conclusion

3-5 Sets of Launch Cards

Alpha Wallet

Pass Alpha

Q4 2021:

Wheel of Fortune Release

Lottery Platform Launch

Bridging $YARL to the new network

First CEX List

5-8 New Card Set

Fusion System Testing

Governance features for $YARL holders

Updated Light Paper

Q1 2022:

Wander around the Seven Oceans!

We will continue to update our roadmap depending on new introductions, games we announce, and more. For now, only information about this year's Q3 and Q4 is available.

Useful Links:

Website : https://yarloo.vercel.app/

Telegram :  https://t.me/yarloochat

Telegram Channel:   https://t.me/yarlannouncements

Twitter :  https://twitter.com/yarloo_rst

Medium :   https://medium.com/@yarloo

Reddit:  https://www.reddit.com/r/yarloo

swordfishz

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=3357715

[phantom-le6]

Episode Reviews - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 (6 of 6)

As we continue our run of episode reviews for Star Trek: The Next Generation, we now come to the last two episodes of season 5, beginning with the wide-acclaimed episode “The Inner Light.”

Episode 25: The Inner Light

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise finishes a magnetic wave survey of the Parvenium system and finds an unknown probe. The device rapidly scans the ship and directs an energy beam at Captain Picard, who collapses on the bridge and then wakes up to find himself on Kataan, a non-Federation planet. His wife, Eline, tells Picard that he is Kamin, an iron weaver recovering from a fever. Picard speaks of his life on the Enterprise but Eline and their close friend Batai try to convince Picard that his memories were only fever dreams and incorporate him into their society as Kamin. Picard begins living his life as Kamin in his village, Ressik, having children with Eline and learning to play the flute. Kamin spends much time outdoors and with his Dobsonian telescope studying nature. As years pass for him, he begins to notice that the drought is caused by increased radiation from the planet's sun. He sends reports to the planet's leaders, who seem to ignore his concerns.

 On Enterprise, the crew continues attempts to revive Picard. They try to block the influence of the probe but Picard nearly dies, so they are forced to let it continue. They trace the probe's trajectory to a system whose sun went nova 1,000 years before, rendering life extinct in the system. Years pass and Kamin outlives Eline and Batai. Kamin and his daughter Meribor continue their study of the drought. They find that it is not temporary; the extinction of life on the planet is inevitable. Kamin confronts a government official who privately admits to him that they already know this but keep it secret to avoid panic. The official gravely points out to Kamin that they have only recently launched artificial satellites using primitive rockets: their race simply does not possess the technology to evacuate people before their planet is rendered uninhabitable.

 One day, while playing with his grandson, Kamin is summoned by his adult children to watch the launch of a rocket, which everyone seems to know about except him. As he walks outside into the glaring nova light, Kamin sees Eline and Batai, as young as when he first saw them. They explain that he has already seen the rocket, just before he came there. Knowing that their planet was doomed, the planet's leaders placed memories of their society into a probe and launched it into space, in the hope that it would find someone who could tell others about their species. Picard realizes the context: "Oh, it's me, isn't it?", he says, "I'm the someone... I'm the one it finds", realizing that Kamin was the avatar they chose to represent their race.

 Picard wakes up on the bridge of the Enterprise to discover that while he perceived many decades to have transpired, only 25 minutes have passed. The probe terminates and is brought aboard the Enterprise. Inside, the crew finds a small box. A somber Riker gives the box to Picard, who opens it to find Kamin's flute. Picard, now adept at the instrument, plays a melody he learned during his life as Kamin.

Review:

Apparently, this episode was created by combining two ideas.  The first was Michael Piller wanting to do an episode where Picard lives a life he never really lived at all, and the second came from freelance writer Morgan Gendel wanting to do a story about Picard and Riker getting memories of a war beamed into their head in an anti-war story.  After multiple re-writes, the two ideas end up combined in this episode, and yet both also later appear in other episodes within Trek.  Picard ends up experiencing another life unlived in the episode ‘Tapestry’ in season 6 and within the Nexus during the film Star Trek: Generations, while the anti-war story would later be the centre of a Star Trek: Voyager episode.

 Until I saw the episode synopsis on Wikipedia, I for one thought the memory dump concept was somehow not quite realised properly; I thought it would make more sense for Kamin’s memories to be dumped verbatim into Picard and he’d just play along with them right from the start of the alternate life.  However, in actuality he’s not really getting a simple memory dump; rather, he’s living a kind of virtual reality simulation based on the collective memories of an alien world.  As such, the issue then becomes why isn’t that explained more explicitly, and how did they manage that technical feat when they were barely getting rockets up into space?  Basically, the containing premise for Piller’s idea sadly has a few technical flaws that slightly spoil the overall experience.

 That all being said, this is a great episode, especially in-so-far-as it never tries to get the audience to buy into Picard’s virtual life being any kind of substitute for reality.  There’s another TNG episode in one of the remaining seasons, and an episode of the Batman animated series from the same era that TNG was being made in, where the show seems to be trying to get us to buy into the idea that the reality of the show isn’t reality.  Frankly, I hate episodes like that; once a show establishes what its reality is, that has to remain constant or I get very angry and lose interest.  Reality is reality in all things, and while we might all perceive it differently, its most basic laws are immutable.  Our sun, for example, always exists until such time as it may burn out; the coming and going of night time or clouds cannot alter this. A kettle will always boil water after a set period of time according to its design and will only truly take longer when its components start to fail; whether it is watched or not will only make it seem like it takes longer; it will not actually take longer.

 Because the episode doesn’t ask us to buy into Picard’s alternate life ourselves, we can actually sit back and enjoy it, and it is an enjoyable episode in that Patrick Stewart delivers a great performance as Picard, and he is actually joined by his real-life son Daniel Stewart in this episode.  It’s very much a character piece, though, so don’t go expecting any kind of issue exploration.  The closest we get to that is inadvertent parallels between the on-going cover-up by the officials in Kaman’s life around the impending super-nova and how many people in real life react to the concept of climate change.  However, that matters even less when you also consider that the experience does change Picard somewhat, and it’s good to see Next Generation create something that can be called back to.  Even by the time of this episode, overarching continuity was something the show was reluctant to do, though the Deep Space Nine and Voyager spin-off shows would compensate for this.

 So overall, we have a great episode that for me almost manages to hit a top score, but falls just short through the technical flaws of the memory dump, though not by much.  My end score for this episode is 9 out of 10.

Episode 26: Time’s Arrow (Part 1)

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise is recalled to Earth on a priority mission regarding evidence of aliens on the planet 500 years before. They are shown a cavern near Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco containing 19th century relics, and the disembodied head of Data. Investigation reveals cellular fossils native to the planet of Devidia II, indicating a race of shapeshifters were visiting Earth's past. The Enterprise leaves for the planet, taking Data's second head. Upon arrival they discover a temporal disturbance on the planet. Though no life forms are visible, Deanna Troi senses the presence of suffering humans. The crew determine that the aliens are slightly out of temporal phase with them. Data notes that his android body has a phase discriminator that would allow him to see the aliens. Captain Picard reluctantly allows him to join the away team. Data establishes a means of communicating what he sees to the rest of the crew while in temporal sync with the aliens. Once in phase with the aliens, Data describes them as absorbing strands of light from a device in the centre of the cavern, appearing otherwise benign. He describes two aliens entering a time portal, that he is drawn into. Data finds himself on Earth in San Francisco on August 11, 1893.

 Data realizes he needs money to accomplish his goals. He wins a sizable amount beating card sharks at their own game in poker. Data takes up residence in a local hotel, befriending the bellhop (future author Jack London). Data claims to be a French inventor. He enlists London to acquire 19th century supplies under the pretense of building an automobile engine, when in fact Data is building a detector to find the aliens. Data sees a photo of Guinan, the bartender from the Enterprise, in a newspaper photo. He goes to a reception she will be attending, believing she also came back in time from the future. Data interrupts her speaking with Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), speaking to her as if she is from the 24th century, which spark's Clemens' curiosity. Speaking privately, it becomes clear to Data that Guinan is native to 1893 and has yet to meet the Enterprise crew. Clemens is discovered eavesdropping on this conversation, and he becomes determined to discover the truth behind Data and Guinan.

 Meanwhile in the 24th century, the Enterprise crew has determined how to build a similar phase discriminator to Data's. This will allow them to see the aliens, and go back in time to rescue Data. Guinan convinces Picard to join the pending away mission, warning that otherwise Picard and Guinan will have never met at all. The away team activates the phase discriminator and see the aliens as Data described. The strands of light are human life forces, taken at the moment of death. The away team uses the time portal to travel back to investigate further and to hopefully find and save Data as well.

Review:

There’s not much to this episode; basically, TNG was trying to make sure that they ended on a cliff-hanger in order to quash rumours generated by the start-up of the DS9 spin-off series that Picard and his crew were on the way out.  Now in some respects, there’s a lot of elements that certainly drum up interest. You’ve got the idea of Data going back in time to late 19th century Earth and potentially dying, an encounter with a past Guinan that present-day Guinan suggests is pivotal to her mysterious acquaintance with Picard, random time-travelling aliens and the curious ramifications of having Mark Twain thrown into the mix.  The problem, however, is that beyond this there’s not much really going on.  There’s not much character development and no issue exploration, creating a cliff-hanger that is more about plot than these other things.  Granted, that’s a change of pace, but it’s not the stuff of great Trek. Hopefully part 2 compensates for this. Overall, I’d give this episode 7 out of 10.

[shivanshublog]

Best inventions of all time- must read

Man is a kind of genius. Although we've been on the planet for a relatively short time (Earth is 4.5 billion years old), today's Homo sapiens has dreamed and created amazing things, sometimes far away. From the moment someone hit a boulder on the ground to make the first sharp tool, to the beginning of the wheel and the development of Mars and Internet rovers, some key advances prove to be particularly revolutionary. Here are our top tips for the greatest inventions of all time, as well as the science behind the invention and how it came about. wheel Before the invention of the wheel in 3500 BC Apparently the wheel itself wasn't the hardest part of Invention of the Wheel. When it came time to attach a stationary platform to this rolling cylinder, things got complicated, according to David Anthony, professor of anthropology at Hartwick College.

"The Big Bang was the concept of the wheel and the axle," Anthony told Live Science. "But it was also difficult." For example, the holes in the center of the wheels and at the ends of the fixed axles should be almost perfectly round and smooth, he said. The size of the shaft was a critical factor, as was its fit in the bore (not too tight, but not too loose either). The hard work has paid off. Wheel carts have made agriculture and trade easier by enabling the transport of goods to and from markets and reducing stress for people traveling long distances. Wheels are an essential part of our way of life today and can be found in all areas, from clocks and vehicles to turbines. [Learn more about the invention of the wheel] Without nails, civilization would surely collapse. This key invention dates back over 2,000 years to Roman times and only became possible after humans developed the ability to cast and shape metal. Previously, wooden structures had to be built by interlocking geometrically adjacent planks, which was a much more difficult construction process.

compass

The ancient sailors sailed through the stars, but this method did not work during the day or on cloudy nights, so it was not safe to travel far from land.

The Chinese invented the first compass between the 9th and 11th centuries; It was made of lodestone, a naturally magnetized iron ore whose attractive properties they had studied for centuries. (The photo shows a model of an ancient Chinese compass from the Han Dynasty; it is a south-facing trowel, or Sinan, made of polished ashlar.) Soon after, the technology was passed on to Europeans and Arabs through nautical contact. The compass enabled seafarers to navigate safely away from land, which increased maritime trade and contributed to the Age of Discovery. The German Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing machine around 1440. The key to its development was manual mold, a new molding technique that enabled the rapid production of large quantities of movable metals. Although others before him, including inventors in China and Korea, developed mobile metals, Gutenberg was the first to develop a mechanized process in which ink (which he made from linseed oil and soot) was mobile transferred. Paper. Among other things, the printing press allowed wider access to the Bible, which in turn led to alternative interpretations, including that of Martin Luther, of which "95 Theses", a printed document per 100,000, sparked the Protestant reform. [Find out more about Johannes Gutenberg and the printing press] The phone Although several inventors pioneered electronic voice transmission (many of whom filed intellectual property lawsuits when telephone use exploded), Alexander Graham Bell was the first to obtain a patent for the electric telephone. in 1876. His drawing patent shown above.

this is one of the best invention of all time

Although several inventors pioneered electronic voice transmission (many of whom filed intellectual property lawsuits when telephone use exploded), Alexander Graham Bell was the first to receive a patent on the electric telephone. in 1876 (his patent design is illustrated above). . . .) According to PBS, he was inspired to teach the deaf and also visit his mother who is hard of hearing. He called the first phone an "electric voice machine" according to PBS.

The invention took off quickly and revolutionized business and global communication. When Bell died on August 2, 1922, according to PBS, the US telephone service paused for a minute to pay tribute to him. Bulb When you only have natural light, productivity is limited to the hours of the day. Light bulbs have changed the world by allowing us to be active at night. According to historians, two dozen people were instrumental in the invention of incandescent lamps in the 19th century. Thomas Edison is considered the most important inventor, because in 1879 he created a fully functional lighting system with a generator and wiring, as well as a carbon bulb like the one described above. This invention not only heralded the introduction of electricity to households in the western world, but also had a rather unexpected consequence of changing people's sleeping habits. Instead of going to bed at night (doing nothing else) and sleeping in segments at night separated by waking phases, we now stay awake except for the allotted 7-8 hours of sleep. Ideally, we all sleep at the same time. [Learn more about the invention of the light bulb] penicillin It's one of the most famous stories of discovery in history. In 1928 the Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming noticed in his laboratory a Petri dish filled with bacteria, the lid of which had accidentally opened. The sample was contaminated with mold and wherever the mold was found the bacteria were dead. This antibiotic mold was found to be Penicillium. Purified by chemists over the next two decades, he developed the drug penicillin, which fights a large number of bacterial infections in humans without harming them. yourself.

Penicillin was mass-produced and advertised until 1944. This poster on a roadside mailbox advised WWII soldiers to take the drug to get rid of STDs.

About 1 in 10 people are allergic to the antibiotic. This is the result of a study published in 2003 in the journal Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology. Even so, most of these people can still tolerate the drug, the researchers said.

[architectnews]

Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus Pod, Nevada

Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus Nevada, Pod by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group + Kilo Design, US Architecture

Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus Pod in Nevada

Nov 10, 2020

Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus in Nevada, USA

Attention Passengers: Now Boarding The Future Of Transportation On Hyperloop’s Pegasus

Virgin Hyperloop Trials First Passenger Ride In Big And Kilo-designed Pegasus Pod

Images Courtesy of Virgin Hyperloop

November 10th, 2020 – Designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and Kilo Design, Virgin Hyperloop’s Pegasus pod makes history in the Nevada desert as it successfully carries its first passengers in the newest form of travel in over a century.

Virgin Hyperloop has partnered with BIG and Kilo to design Pegasus, or ‘XP-2’, a new vehicle typology for an autonomous transportation system to achieve hyperloop travel at the speed of over 1,000km/hour, the fastest form of land-based travel. After over a year of close collaboration, the first passengers trial this new form of transportation at Virgin Hyperloop’s 500m DevLoop test site in Las Vegas, where the company has previously run over 400 tests in un-occupied pods. The demonstration was overseen by the industry-recognized Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) Certifier, and its success marks a historic moment in transportation as Pegasus becomes the first manned and fully functional system for Hyperloop travel.

“When we started in a garage over 6 years ago, it felt like a distant dream to one day ride in a Hyperloop pod. Today, that dream came true – and not only for me, but for a whole generation who now has a moonshot to look towards right here on Earth. Together with BIG and Kilo, we have worked on a seamless experience that starts the moment you think about being somewhere – not going somewhere. We don’t sell cars, boats, trains, or planes. We sell time.” Josh Giegel, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Virgin Hyperloop.

With Virgin Hyperloop, we have given form to a mobility ecosystem of pods and portals, where the waiting hall has vanished along with waiting itself. BIG and Kilo’s role in Pegasus was to design for the pod’s first use case while also defining the design language and characteristics for future Virgin Hyperloop vehicles. While the production vehicle will be larger and seat up to 28 passengers, this 2-seater pod was built to demonstrate that passengers can in fact safely travel in a Hyperloop vehicle. Pegasus is conceived as a pressurized vessel designed inside and out as a new and radically different vehicle typology. The design focuses on unifying and covering both the pressure vessel and sled, creating a seamless appearance that combines both performance and human-centered characteristics.

“Virgin Hyperloop can radically transform the way we travel. The immediacy of an elevator in a modern high-rise combines with the speed and distance of air travel to create an on-demand system that transports passengers at supersonic speed. Virgin Hyperloop with our Pegasus pods changes the experience of moving across a country or even a continent into that of a subway system—one that could eventually cover the entire globe and push global travel into a more sustainable direction. With the successful test, I’m thrilled that Hyperloop travel has reached an important milestone and I look forward to continuing our collaboration and making this new way of traveling a reality for future generations.” Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.

First Passengers: Virgin Hyperloop’s Co-Founder and CTO Josh Giegel and Director of Passenger Experience Sara Luchian:

Since Hyperloop travel exists in a near airless tube, the need for aerodynamics becomes minimal, leading to a sleek design without the need for aerodynamic features. This environment makes the transportation system much more energy efficient than traditional rail transit. It’s engineered with magnetic levitation and avoids the drag of wheels, allowing for the maximum amount of speed to move the maximum number of passengers or cargo. Pegasus pods move individually as well, with a high arrival- and departure-rate allowing for on-demand travel.

“When designing the future of transportation and the slate is sort of blank, the opportunities are endless. We’ve needed to adjust our way of thinking away from the classic modes of transporting like trains, planes and metros, and towards a new vehicle typology, closest to that of a spaceship. Hyperloop allows passengers to get from A to B in a split second, and Pegasus provides the feeling of safety, convenience and a smooth journey.” Jakob Lange, Partner, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.

The front ‘scoops’ of the vessel create natural steps for comfortable entry and egress, and apertures on the sides of the fairing as well as the front door contain a forward-facing window for outward viewing down the tunnel. Altogether, these features create a link to Pegasus’ external design, where repeating soft forms and pill shape cut-outs are used to highlight depth, layers and entryways. Inside, the seating elements and extended arms serve multiple functions including as an entry and egress aid, and as storage for safety equipment, oxygen throughput and lighting. The seats can also be quickly assembled and disassembled for rear equipment access.

image by BIG Bjarke Ingels Group

Having undergone a rigorous and exhaustive safety process, Pegasus demonstrates many of the safety-critical systems that will be found on a commercial Hyperloop system and is equipped with a state-of-the-art control system that can detect off-nominal states and rapidly trigger appropriate emergency responses. The 6m2 interior is custom-built with occupant safety and comfort in mind, with the necessary safety equipment and controls built into the furniture.

This announcement follows significant momentum on the regulatory front, when last month, Virgin Hyperloop unveiled West Virginia as the location for the Hyperloop Certification Center (HCC), designed by BIG. The advancements at the HCC and the historic safety demonstration achieved with this test paves the way for the certification of Hyperloop systems around the world–the future of time and space, warped by Pegasus.

First Passengers: Virgin Hyperloop’s Josh Giegel and Sara Luchian:

Pegasus is BIG’s second project on transportation announced this year, since Toyota Woven City was first unveiled in January as an urban incubator dedicated to the advancement of all aspects of mobility.

Tour Pegasus here: https://big.dk/#projects-pegasus

Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus Pod – Design Information

VIRGIN HYPERLOOP PEGASUS POD FACTS

Name: Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus

Type: Commission

Pegasus Pod Size: 12m2

Location: Test Site in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Client: Virgin Hyperloop

Collaborators: Kilo Design (Co-Designer), Aria Group (Fabrication and Engineering Support)

BIG – BJARKE INGELS GROUP

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group is a Copenhagen, New York, London and Barcelona based group of architects, designers, urbanists, landscape professionals, interior and product designers, researchers and inventors. The office is currently involved in projects throughout Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East. BIG’s architecture emerges out of a careful analysis of how contemporary life constantly evolves and changes. By hitting the fertile overlap between pragmatic and utopia, we architects once again find the freedom to change the surface of our planet, to better fit contemporary life forms.

Partners-in-Charge: Bjarke Ingels, Jakob Lange

Project Leaders: Sören Grünert, Erik Berg Kreider

Team: BIG: Joshua Woo; Kilo: Lars Larsen, Philip Andersson, Laura Lebeau

Virgin Hyperloop Pegasus Pod, Nevada images / information received 101120 from BIG Architects

BIG Architects

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

Location: Nevada, USA

9 Nov 2020 Virgin Hyperloop pod transport tests first passenger journey/strong>

Virgin Hyperloop has trialled its first ever journey with passengers, in the desert of Nevada, USA, repots the BBC today

The futuristic transport concept involves pods inside vacuum tubes carrying passengers at high speeds.

In the trial, two passengers travelled the length of a 500m test track in 15 seconds, reaching 107mph (172km/h).

Virgin Hyperloop pod transport tests first passenger journey

Hyperloop Designs

HyperloopTT Transportation Design: MAD Architects, China image : MIR HyperloopTT Transportation

Hardt Hyperloop: Amsterdam to Frankfurt Design: UNStudio, Architects image © Plompmozes Hardt Hyperloop

Hyperloop Pods and Portals Design: BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group image from architects Hyperloop Pods and Portals in Dubai Design unveiled by BIG Architects for autonomous

Northern Arc – Hyperloop One Global Challenge Design: Ryder / Arup image courtesy of architects Hyperloop One Global Challenge

Hyperloop Suburb by Louise Braverman, Venice Hyperloop Suburb Venice

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Tresarca Residence in Las Vegas Architect: assemblageSTUDIO photographers : Bill Timmerman, Zack Hussain Tresarca Residence in Las Vegas

J2 Residence, Summerlin, western Las Vegas Architect: assemblageSTUDIO photographer : Bill Timmerman J2 Residence in Las Vegas

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