#just . the definition of science relying on observations.

[oflgtfol]

WHY ARE YOU CONSULTING A SOCIAL SCIENTIST ON WHETHER ASTROLOGY COUNTS AS A SCIENCE. WHY DOESN'T ANYONE EVER CONSULT ACTUAL ASTRONOMERS. BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE ANSWER THEY'LL GET THAT'S WHY!!!

[transmutationisms]

any thoughts on the obsession with "hyperprocessed foods"? is there even such a thing and if so how much of the stuff around it is fake?

such a flawed useless categorisation lmao; this phrase comes from the nova scale, according to which an "ultra-processed food" is identified by a lack of sufficient "intact" food and the presence of "sources of energy and nutrients not normally used in culinary preparations" and additives specifically "used to initate or enhance the sensory qualities of food or to disguise unplatable aspects of the final product" (other additives, such as preservatives, antioxidants, and stabilisers, only qualify a food as group 3, "processed"). ultra-processing is defined as "a multitude of sequences of processing [...] includ[ing] several with no domestic equivalents," and ultra-processed foods are "usually packaged attractively and marketed intensely."

......so ok, first of all, this is very obviously reliant on a lot of assumptions about what 'normal' cooking and cooking equipment means, lmao. i do all kinds of shit in the kitchen that would have been inaccessible to someone in the mid nineteenth century; has the food become 'less processed' because i can make it at home now? if i obtained the equipment to hydrogenate oils myself would they magically not be ultra-processed simply because they came from my kitchen and not from an industrial setting?

this is just quasi-scientific language to express a fundamental distrust of food produced in ways that currently can't be replicated in [researchers' definitions of] a [normal] home kitchen. it's barely more sophisticated than platitudes like michael pollan's command to "eat only foods your grandmother would recognise". using the nova classifications to make assumptions about the healthfulness or danger of a food is just silly; the presumption is that the dietary and medical effects are not due to the food itself but to how it's produced, an idea that has led researchers to conclude that "the NOVA system suffers from a lack of biological plausibility so the assertion that ultra-processed foods are intrinsically unhealthful is largely unproven."

fundamentally the only evidence that nutritional scientists have been able to produce is observational studies showing a correlation between certain ill health outcomes and consumption of 'ultra-processed food'.

But the observational studies also have limitations, said Lauren O’Connor, a nutrition scientist and epidemiologist who formerly worked at the Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health. It’s true that there is a correlation between these foods and chronic diseases, she said, but that doesn’t mean that UPFs directly cause poor health.

Dr. O’Connor questioned whether it’s helpful to group such “starkly different” foods — like Twinkies and breakfast cereals — into one category.

[...]

Clinical trials are needed to test if UPFs directly cause health problems, Dr. O’Connor said. Only one such study, which was small and had some limitations, has been done, she said.

ie, when evaluating the healthfulness of foods you have to actually look at what they are and what the human body does with them, and not just make a bunch of wild assumptions based on fears about their lack of proximity to 'naturalness' or propensity to be advertised (unlike, i guess, other more intact foods, which are not commodities. who knew!)

and there are like a million trillion other reasons why this correlation might hold: off the top of my head, for instance, people who rely more on the convenience of ready-made foods likely to be categorised as 'ultra-processed' are likely to be people who can't cook because they don't have time because they're working. so as usual nutrition and health science does a dogshit job distinguishing between the health effects of socioeconomic status and those of whatever some dickwad wants to publish a splashy study about.

there are certainly 'ultra-processed' foods that we can be extremely confident are harmful to human health---for example, trans fats. but the categorisation as a whole is so conceptually flawed as to be useless for any purpose besides as a term that 'scientises' culturally held beliefs about the wholesomeness and healthfulness of home food preparation, and the corresponding danger and artificiality of industrial production and methods.

[crevicedwelling]

I’ve had a pretty intense fear of insects my whole life, but a while back I noticed my phone has the ability to identify what kinds of animals are in a picture, including bugs, so I’ve just been taking pics of every little critter I see around the house or outside and looking up what they are. It’s actually a lot of fun and it’s definitely helped me to be way less scared of most bugs !!!

I recommend the apps iNaturalist and its offspring Seek! Seek is a app that’s more just for fun, since it won’t let you edit IDs and it gets things wrong or can’t ID to species quite often, but it collects the things you’ve seen in one location and you can get badges and stuff.

iNaturalist is much more of an serious platform for citizen science, so when you upload things other users, including professionals and experts, will see your photos & the location you saw them, and can give their ID. you can see others’ observations too. I find it a lot more satisfying than Seek since you don’t have to rely on a faulty AI to give names to things.

both are great for exactly the sort of thing you mentioned. they help you build a picture of the world around you and hopefully get you closer to it—if you’ll brave getting close to a spider to figure out who it is, you might end up appreciating them more than if you’d stay far away out of fear.

[letmeoutofthebasementt]

How religious/Christian is skz?

Chan

Chan is definitely religious. I think there’s certain aspects of his religion that he doesn’t agree with (which from what I’ve read before I believe is catholic?) and some things about the church he’s disappointed in, but he generally has a lot of faith in his religion and maybe has a specific religious leader in his life he has a lot of trust in. He’s also had a lot of prayers he’s had answered that he personally believes cannot be coincidence.

Minho

Definitely is not religious but we been knew. He doesn’t like the church, doesn’t like that it’s built off of, and doesn’t align with any of its beliefs. Probably has a lot of really bad past experiences with them he’ll never be able to get over. Like religious trauma.

Changbin

Changbin is and so are a lot of his close friends/family and past partners. He definitely thinks that a lot happens in the church that can be…Bad, but he’s seen the bad and he’s seen the good and he knows there’s a bright side to it that he loves. Though he has a very turbulent relationship with religion. Definitely thinks a lot of peoples views are too harsh though. On both sides of the fence.

Hyunjin

Yes. He’s religious and he’s open and honest about the fact that he is. It’s not something he tries to hide or keep to himself. I think he’s a practicing believer of a certain religion (Pretty sure I’ve seen he’s catholic) but also has a more…Spiritual side along with that? I don’t see him being TOO spiritual, but he’s not closed off to it. He feels free to explore whatever he wants to explore. He also likes learning about and observing religions outside of his own without judging them. He also doesn’t feel the need to push his religion onto people.

Jisung

Han is religious. He has a lot of hope, trust, and faith in his religion and he’s very inspired by it as well. He’s probably been born and raised in the same religion all his life. But through it he’s met people, broadened his horizons, and just expanded a lot in a lot of aspects.

Felix

Obviously, Mr. Bible scandal himself is religious. According to what I’ve seen and the cards themselves. However he doesn’t discredit science and logic. I think he’s been referring more back to his religious roots lately, though he’s always been practicing and religious. It also helps him explore more about himself and he likes the emphasis on love and kindness within his religion (Which, correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve read may be catholic too?)

Seungmin

He is. I think he’s not very devout or all-in practicing, but he has his beliefs and he’s stuck with them for a long time. Another who was probably raised religious, and finds happiness in the community surrounding his religion and the people he meets through it.

Jeongin

Yes, of course, Mr. Wanted to be a priest is religious. But I think there’s an imbalance between his work and his religion. (Maybe the aspect of being an “idol” kind of rubs him the wrong way. Plus the things he does for work may not align with how he is expected to act or be in his religion. And his work distracts him from actually practicing said religion.) he’s definitely memorized the Bible. He thinks of it a lot and references it in his life. He’s very disciplined in his religion and determined to follow it, though he’s used to “overly rely on it” in the past and had little faith in himself as an individual.

Would they date /marry someone who's not?

Chan: No. he wouldn’t want them affecting his own faith and beliefs.

Minho: Yes. He himself isn’t. So.

Changbin: No. He’d probably feel ashamed to bring someone who isn’t to his family and afraid of what they’d think or say. Also just differences in values and beliefs he doesn’t believe they’d get passed.

Hyunjin: No? Back to the recent breakup thing the person he was just with was probably not religious and he’s like “Well look how that turned out.” He’s probably tried it a lot and it was a disaster every time.

Jisung: no. Again, that shame is there

Felix: Yes. If he loved them he’d love them, and he’d love them unconditionally.

Seungmin: Yes. He’s confident if he truly loved them they’d be able to work through any issues that would arise because of conflicting beliefs.

Jeongin: Yes. As long as they’re happy together. Though he wouldn’t marry someone who wasn’t.

Would they want them to convert or would they convert themselves?

Chan

Honestly, probably wouldn’t get himself into this situation. But if he was, he’d try to work at it. He’d see if they like his religion if they’re interested but I don’t think he’d force or pressure them to convert. He wouldn’t convert for a partner though.

Minho

If Minho was with someone religious he’d expect them to…Stop? Being religious for him? He has this “They’d wake up and smell the roses” type of mentality. He wouldn’t join a religion for anybody though.

Changbin

He wouldn’t expect a partner to convert for him. I think…He’d probably convert for someone though. If he’s that infatuated.

Hyunjin

Hyunjin would never. EVER. Convert for someone. When I tell you I felt…Judged pulling this card. I felt judged. Like those “bitch you better be joking” vibes. Hyunjin gave a no for the if he’d ever expect his partner to convert but he gave very much “I’d never even put myself into that situation” energy.

Jisung

Han would convert for someone as long as their religion matched with his ideals. He’d also think it over. He’d also expect his partner to convert for him. Like “Oh, if they loved me enough they’d do it.” Type energy. If he was with someone not of his religion he’d have that mentality of “Well one of us has to convert.”

Felix

Felix would never expect someone to convert for him. Because he knows what it’s like to strongly believe in something and would think it’s unfair to expect someone to go against their beliefs for him. Honestly? I think he’d convert in name if quite literally forced to but still would keep his own beliefs.

Seungmin

He wouldn’t convert for someone. Even being asked this is pissing him off. Like I’m getting very pissed energy here. He’d also never expect someone to convert for him.

Jeongin

No and No. But also yes and yes. I think if asked and young, stupid, and whipped he’d just impulsively be like “Yeah sure why not” next thing he knows he’s signed on to Islam or something and he’s just kind of like “Oh. How’d we get here?” And he’d definitely subconsciously wish for his partner to one day find interest in being part of his religion. But generally he’d never consciously do either.

[thegayhimbo]

Stranger Things Flight of Icarus Review

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my other Stranger Things Reviews. Like, Reblog, and let me know what your thoughts are regarding the show or the upcoming season! :)

Stranger Things Comics/Graphic Novels:

Stranger Things Six

Stranger Things Halloween Special

Stranger Things The Other Side

Stranger Things Zombie Boys

Stranger Things The Bully

Stranger Things Winter Special

Stranger Things Tomb of Ybwen

Stranger Things Into The Fire

Stranger Things Science Camp

Stranger Things “The Game Master” and “Erica’s Quest”

Stranger Things and Dungeons and Dragons

Stranger Things Kamchatka

Stranger Things Erica The Great

Stranger Things “Creature Feature” and “Summer Special”

Stranger Things Tie-In Books:

Stranger Things Suspicious Minds

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 1 of 3)

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 2 of 3)

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 3 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 1 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 2 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 3 of 3)

Stranger Things Rebel Robin Book and Podcast (Part 1 of 2)

Stranger Things Rebel Robin Book and Podcast (Part 2 of 2)

Stranger Things Hawkins Horrors Review

Stranger Things Episode Reviews:

The Vanishing of Will Byers (Part 1 of 2)

The Vanishing of Will Byers (Part 2 of 2)

Synopsis: Hawkins, Indiana: For most, it’s simply another idyllic, manicured all-American town. But for Eddie Munson, it’s like living in a perpetual Tomb of Horrors. Luckily, he has only a few more months to survive at Hawkins High. And what is senior year, really, but killing time between Dungeons & Dragons sessions with the Hellfire Club and gigs with his band, Corroded Coffin? At the worst dive bar in town, Eddie meets Paige, someone who has pulled off a freaking miracle. She escaped Hawkins and built a wickedly cool life for herself working for a record producer in Los Angeles. Not only is she the definition of a badass—with killer taste in music—but she might also be the only person who actually appreciates Eddie as the bard he is instead of as the devil incarnate. But the best thing? She’s offering him a chance to make something of himself, and all he needs to do is get her a demo tape of Corroded Coffin’s best songs. Just one problem: Recording costs money. Money Eddie doesn’t have. But he’s willing to do whatever it takes, even if that means relying on his dad. Al Munson has just stumbled back into Eddie’s life with another dubious scheme up his sleeve, and yet Eddie knows this is his only option to make enough dough in enough time. It’s a risk, but if it pays off he will finally have a one-way ticket out of Hawkins. Eddie can feel it: 1984 is going to be his year.

Observations:

Ordinarily, when I do these reviews, I sum up the synopsis in my own words to convey my experience reading it. This time, I took the synopsis word-for-word from the book cover because I found it unintentionally hilarious and teeth-grinding that the publishers at Random House Worlds would try to bait Stranger Things fans like this. They had to have known most people who bought this book already saw the fourth season and were aware of Eddie's eventual fate. Even if they hadn't seen it, a.) It's pretty much an open spoiler at this point, and b.) You can figure out real quickly from the title (Flight of Icarus) and your basic knowledge of Greek Mythology exactly how this story is going to go. Giving both the audience and Eddie a Hope Spot in thinking things might improve for him was a cruel joke.

I know that prior to this books release, there were fans accusing Netflix of trying to milk Eddie's popularity with the audience despite his eventual fate in season 4. Having finally read the book myself.................it's a little more complicated than that.

Yes, the book does bait the audience with the idea of things getting better for Eddie when we already know that's not going to happen. At the same time though, it wasn't a book devoid of substance. There were themes and character interactions that left a lot to chew on, and might even play an upcoming role in season 5. Just like with Rebel Robin, there were aspects of the book that struck a personal nerve with me because of how they related to what's gone on in my life and what's currently going on in the world right now.

I'll discuss the book in detail here (Spoilers Ahead!) and let you decide for yourselves if this is a book you want to read.

Part 1: Eddie's relationships to other characters

The synopsis covers the majority of the plot. Eddie's in senior year, failing school, and coasting by on the Hellfire Club, his band, and his dead-end job at a bar. Unlike his friend Ronnie, he has no future prospects ahead of him until he encounters a girl from Los Angeles named Paige, who overhears Eddie playing one night and invites him (and Corroded Coffin) to record their music for a studio called WR Records. The hopes are that her boss, Davey, will be impressed enough that he'll invite Eddie and the band to later fly out to Los Angeles for an audition with the executives. Following them recording for Davey, Paige reveals to Eddie that Davey's more impressed with him than his band and only wants him to come out to LA to become a rockstar. However, Eddie still needs the money to make this dream a reality. So when his dad shows up with an illegal job that involves stealing weed from a Kingpin's truck so they can sell it for money, he reluctantly agrees despite knowing things could go wrong.

And just based on where Eddie is by the time season 4 starts, you already know how this is going to turn out.

Eddie on the show was already established as being an outcast who gets blamed for the murders committed by Vecna, but this book further explores that he was the town scapegoat way before any of this happened. Part of it has to do with his low socioeconomic status, part of it has to do with the bad reputation the Munson family has in Hawkins as crooks and lowlifes thanks to the behavior of Eddie's father (who is a loser and a sorry excuse for a dad), part of it has to do with the Hellfire Club and all the pearl-clutching parents did in the 80s about D&D being linked to Satanism (which, as Erica puts it in season 4, was bullshit), and the rest are people in Hawkins projecting their issues onto Eddie. They want to believe the worst in Eddie, and don't care about creating a self-fulfilling prophecy with they way they treat him.

Wayne Munson also gets fleshed-out more in this book, which I appreciate because he's one of the few adult characters on the show that I like. Unlike Al, who is constantly absent from Eddie's life unless he needs something from him, Wayne is a parental figure to Eddie who made sure he was being fed and taken care of when he needed it.

He's also one of the only people who treats Eddie like a person and believes in him when no one else does.

On top of that, Wayne is shrewd and able to put the pieces together just by reading a situation. He's the kind of person who can look at someone and figure out if they're being honest or not. When Al comes back into Eddie's life, he knows Al is up to no good, and he puts together pretty quickly that Eddie is going along with Al's con to get money. He allows Eddie to make his own choices, but he also warns Eddie that he's lying to himself if he thinks this is going to go well for him.

On a semi-related note, the way Wayne is depicted here gives more context behind why he was willing to let Nancy interview him when Eddie went missing after Chrissy's death: Unlike other reporters , who were either gearing up to paint Eddie as the villain before anything was confirmed, or else were trying to get their big break with this story, Wayne could tell Nancy wasn't just there to advance her career. She genuinely had an interest in what happened, and Wayne likely suspected something else (i.e. the death of Barb) was motivating Nancy to look into this case.

Another relationship that gets more context as well is the one between Jason and Eddie. There were hints in the fourth season that these two had a history with one another before Jason wrongly suspected Eddie of killing Chrissy and led the basketball team in hunting him down. This book confirms that history. I will admit I had a headcanon for a while that Jason and Eddie used to be friends before falling out (which is also something Mason Dye joked about), but this book blows that out of the water by revealing they've been enemies since they knew each other. Jason was a part of a jock group led by Tommy Hagan (Steve's former best friend) who bullied students like Gareth who were either outcasts or part of the Hellfire Club. But because Tommy and Jason were valued basketball players at the high school, they were able to get away with their behavior whereas Eddie would get punished simply for trying to help out his friends.

This puts the cafeteria scene between Eddie and Jason in a whole different light: Eddie's disdain for Jason in that moment wasn't because Jason did basketball, but because he knew Jason as a bully and had nothing but contempt for him:

Just like with Lucas on the Line, this book doesn't paint Jason in a good light. Not only is he associating with Tommy (who is just as loathsome as he was in season 1), but the book also hints at the darker, zealot side of his personality that's going to be on display in two years following the events of this book:

Chrissy also makes an appearance, and she's just as nice of a person as she was on the show. She actually intervenes (unsuccessfully) on Gareth's behalf to stop Tommy and Jason from bullying him, and we get to witness the flashback to the talent show when Eddie first encountered Chrissy and she showed him empathy and compassion in a moment when Eddie was feeling vulnerable after his dad didn't show up to watch him perform.

While I'm not an Edissy/Hellcheer shipper, I understand the appeal of that relationship, as well as why the Duffer Brothers later regretted killing off Chrissy when there was more that could have been explored with her character. I'm also deeply sorry Grace Van Dien was harassed by immature Stranger Things fans because she liked the Eddie/Chrissy ship (to the point Joseph Quinn had to speak up in her defense). No actor or actress should ever have to put up with disgusting behavior like that. I wish people in this fandom would grow the hell up already, and stop treating the actors as if they're props to project themselves onto. 😒

We also get to know more about Eddie's parents in this book. Eddie's mom is dead by this point (though her love for music is a big reason why Eddie was inspired to take up guitar) and Eddie's dad is a contender for one of the worst fathers in the series. He isn't as awful as Neil Hargrove, but he makes little to no effort to raise Eddie (to the point Eddie is often fending for himself), is constantly engaging in illegal activities and ending up in trouble with the law, only comes back for Eddie when he needs something from him (something that Eddie is painfully aware of), and straight-up abandons his son to the cops the moment his heist plan lands both of them in trouble and results in a police officer getting shot. He's a selfish man who's good at lying to everyone around him, and even to himself. The sad thing is, because Eddie is so desperate to get out of Hawkins, he willingly believes his dad's plan to get them rich so they can move to LA and fulfill his dream, which makes it more of a gut punch when everything eventually goes downhill.

Given Eddie's death in season 4, I seriously question if his dad is going to show up at all if he ever hears about what happened to his son. Somehow, I doubt it.

The final character with any real significance is Gareth. In this book, he's a freshman who's up-and-coming in the Hellfire Club, and there's a whole subplot dedicated to Eddie helping him to craft a perfect D&D character that resembles who Gareth is rather than having him borrow someone else's character. Also, as noted before, Eddie is one of the few people who defends Gareth from high school bullies, which is why Gareth has a lot of loyalty towards Eddie. I know Gareth became an Ensemble Dark Horse for many fans when Season 4 premiered, and I would be thrilled if he, along with the rest of the Hellfire Club and Corroded Coffin, got significant roles in season 5. Maybe they could team up with the Party to defeat Vecna.

The rest of the new characters are by-the-numbers. Ronnie is Eddie's lifelong friend who has a future at NYU, and they both have a falling out due to disagreements with Eddie's choices. Paige gets into a romantic relationship with Eddie for a while (which also falls apart later), but she isn't really memorable and doesn't stick out the same way that other characters from tie-in materials do (i.e. Mr Hauser from Rebel Robin, Joey Kim from Zombie Boys, etc). Mr. Higgins, the principal who has it out for Eddie, is the embodiment of Mr. Vernon from The Breakfast Club, and his interactions with Eddie are pretty similar to the ones Vernon has with Judd Nelson's character (John Benson) in the movie. Officer Moore is a stereotypical asshole cop who harasses Eddie because he sees him as a future criminal who will grow up to be just like his dad.

There are a few brief cameo's from the main characters: Hopper appears towards the end when Eddie is arrested, and is one of the few people sympathetic to Eddie's plight. Will and Jonathan also make an appearance when Eddie defends Will from jocks who make fun of Will for being "Zombie Boy," gives Will some encouragement about being who he is and embracing his love for D&D, and even offers to sell Jonathan some weed (which is cheeky foreshadowing for Jonathan's drug habit that develops in season 4).

Out of all the interactions with the main characters, the one between Will and Eddie was my favorite. Even though Will never joined Hellfire Club due to moving to Lenora, it's nice seeing these two get to interact and bond over something they love.

So that sums it up for the characters and main story. Let's talk about the main themes:

Part 2: Eddie and "Forced Conformity"

Just like with El in season 4, and even Steve, there's always been this stigma that because Eddie did badly in school, it meant he was dumb. However, unlike El, who struggles to catch up with her peers because of the way Brenner raised her (but is keenly aware of concepts even if she doesn't have the words for them at the time), or Steve who was more interested in chasing popularity at the expense of his grades (but has demonstrated his intelligence and ability to make connections that other people miss), Eddie doesn't put effort into school because he doesn't care to. School and homework doesn't interest him. D&D, Corroded Coffin, playing songs on his guitar, and even the works of J.R.R Tolkien do, which is why he invests more time into those things:

There was a GIF set last year with bits of trivia about Eddie, and something that was noted in it is that Metallica's album Master of Puppets was released on March 3, 1986. Given the night Eddie performs their song "Master of Puppets" in the Upside Down was on March 27, 1986, this means he had less than 3 weeks to learn how to master the song on his guitar. Some fans will probably dismiss this as "lazy writing" (which I notice gets thrown around a lot these days when people don't want to think critically), but I beg to differ. Eddie is invested in music. It speaks to him. That investment, combined with doing something he loves, means he's going to put time and effort into learning the song. I can buy he learned "Master of Puppets" in less than 3 weeks because he's that good of a guitarist, and he was passionate about the song in the same way he's passionate about D&D and Tolkien.

The problem though is those kind of interests aren't considered "acceptable" by the school system, which is more interested in churning out "productive members of society" and punishing those who don't get on board with the program (This is a theme that's also explored in both Rebel Robin and Lucas on the Line). It doesn't help that Hellfire Club, D&D, and the music Eddie loves to play constantly come under fire due to the Satanic Panic at the time, which only causes Eddie's resentment towards Hawkins and his school to fester.

You'd think things would have changed in the 4 decades since this series took place, but given how we're still living in an era of "concerned parents" wanting to ban specific books from being read by kids, or else enforce a conservative viewpoint in schools that prevents any kind of critical thinking, it's fair to say we haven't. In fact, there's an argument that things have gotten worse in recent years.

We can talk all day about the problems with the education system and school curriculum in the United States until the cows come home, but the point is Eddie is aware of the "forced conformity" schools impose on students, and is having none of it. As a result, he's punished for rebelling against the system.

It doesn't help that none of the teachers, nor Mr. Higgins, are remotely interested in trying to reach out to Eddie. They have decided in their minds that Eddie is a waste of space, and are either condescending or dismissive towards him. Even Robin, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will had teachers like Mr. Clarke or Mr. Hauser who were interested in bringing the best out of their students. Eddie has been written off as a lost cause, and aside from his uncle Wayne (who's limited in what he can do for Eddie), no other adults believe in him. That just makes his eventual death later on harder to stomach.

I hate teachers and school authorities like Mr. Higgins. I get they have to put up with a lot of crap, both from kids and from the stress their jobs can bring, but I have no respect for teachers who either go to the lengths of bullying their students, or come up with preconceived notions about a student and then unfairly project that onto them so they can feel justified in treating them with contempt.

I had two teachers like this when I was growing up: One of them was from fifth grade. The second was my English Teacher from my senior year of High School.

The former was a straight-up bully who had a reputation for making kids cry (I was one of them) and was a Bitch in every sense of the word. I do not have good memories of her class, and I know several students who had their lives impacted by her for the worst: One of them was someone I went to the same church with whose mom later pulled him out to be home-schooled because he was frequently targeted by that teacher. The second was a former friend who had a rough time in her class, and later forfeited going to college entirely (and now works in retail) because of the impact she left on her. I make no secret that I DON'T miss her, and I hope she's no longer teaching.

As for my English Teacher, she was a condescending twat. She presented herself as an expert in literature, but I later found out that A LOT of her so-called "discussions" and "lessons" were taken straight from SparkNotes. I remember her going out of her way to publicly humiliate me in front of the class because I did a presentation that she didn't like, and then she later got patronizing with me over a different assignment several months later, saying she could see how I was struggling and then said "Allow me to give you some advice: Try harder." This was when I was also juggling 4 other AP classes and a Spanish class, along with my extracurricular activities, so this wasn't like I was half-assing my work. Once again, I was not the only person she treated like is. Multiple students despised her, and there was even a rumor for a while that she was a misandrist, which is why she treated the girls better than the boys. I can't confirm if this was true, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was. My brother (who's one of the smartest people I know) was fully aware of her reputation prior to his senior year, and specifically took a different English class just to avoid her. I still maintain that was the best decision he ever made.

I should briefly mention that, despite the two examples I just listed, I had some wonderful teachers growing up. Ones that not only encouraged me, but made their classes engaging to the point that I took an interest in topics I hadn't before. The entire reason I later pursued a degree in History is BECAUSE of my teachers in High School.

Regardless of whether people want to admit it, teachers are some of the most important people next to parents in a kid's life. They can either be the ones to elevate a student and set them on a good path, or they can be the ones to tear them down and dismiss them as a lost cause. It's a big reason I feel strongly about who teaches in schools and how our education system is structured, and why I get angry whenever teachers or school authorities either abuse their power, are apathetic about their jobs and their students, or else project their issues onto kids. I'm not saying there aren't kids out there without major behavioral problems that need to be dealt with (I literally had one such kid yell "Fuck You" at me two weeks ago from a speeding truck for no discernible reason, so I'm not advocating that all kids are sweet angels), but it infuriates me to see characters like Mr. Higgins who are smug in their belief that they have teens like Eddie figured out, and don't want to hear anything that contradicts that. People like that shouldn't be teaching in schools, period.

Part 3: The Evils of Society

Back in 2005, there was a horror movie called Chaos that was released, which got negative reviews and a scathing response from film critic Roger Ebert, who proceeded to call the movie "ugly, nihilistic, and cruel." The film's writer and director didn't take this well, and posted a letter to the Chicago-Sun Times where he condescendingly told Ebert that the movie was supposed to be ugly, nihilistic, and cruel as a way of conveying what evil was like in the 21st century, and smugly asked Ebert if he preferred the movie was sanitized of violence. Ebert later responded in a very classy and intelligent manner, where he not only called out the director for his sanctimoniousness, but also deconstructed his whole argument of depicting evil in a movie with no meaningful point or catharsis:

"I believe evil can win in fiction, as it often does in real life. But I prefer that the artist express an attitude toward that evil. It is not enough to record it; what do you think and feel about it? Your attitude is as detached as your hero's."

"Your real purpose in making "Chaos," I suspect, was not to educate, but to create a scandal that would draw an audience. There's always money to be made by going further and being more shocking. Sometimes there is also art to be found in that direction, but not this time. That's because your film creates a closed system in which any alternative outcome is excluded; it is like a movie of a man falling to his death, which can have no developments except that he continues to fall, and no ending except that he dies. Pre-destination may be useful in theology, but as a narrative strategy, it is self-defeating."

I've seen fans who've complained about the direction season 4 took in its tone and it's depiction of bullying and the Satanic Panic, with people complaining about it being "trauma/torture porn," which............I strongly disagree with. Trauma/Torture porn is (as Ebert points out) the kind of thing that has no point beyond indulging in meaningless suffering. Season 4 was dark (probably the darkest season they've done so far), but there was a message the Duffer Brothers were making with it; Not just in depicting how and why bullying becomes a pervasive problem, or how Vecna acts as a metaphor for depression and trauma driving people into despair, but also how the current social systems and attempts to force people to be "normal" cause long-term problems.

Bullies like Angela and Jason didn't suddenly decide to become awful overnight. Their behavior was enabled, not just by their peers, but by the adults around them who did little to nothing to stop the way they acted. Look at when El gets publicly humiliated at Rink-O-Mania by Angela and her friends, and how the adults there either participated with the other bystanders in it, or did absolutely nothing to stop what was happening to El (yet were conveniently available for Angela's benefit when El smashed Angela's face in with a roller-skate). Look at how Jason was able to turn a room of adults into a lynch mob to go after kids who were a part of the Hellfire Club by appealing to their fear of the Satanic Panic, as well as their fear of all the terrible things that had been happening in Hawkins.

Adults play a major role in whether kids become spoiled, entitled brats, and that was absolutely the case with Angela. As for Jason, he was a star basketball player who made Hawkins High look good, which is why Mr. Higgins and other teachers always looked the other way at his behavior (as depicted in both this book and Lucas on the Line). It's also why both Angela and Jason felt justified in their awful behavior: Angela was able to convince herself that El had snitched when she hadn't, and therefore deserved to be punished for it. And when El finally had enough and lashed out, Angela twisted the narrative in her head to make it out like she was the innocent victim and El was the bully. Same thing with Jason in regards to how he treats Eddie: Jason sees himself as the perfect "All American Boy" and Eddie as the freak who may one day become a criminal and gives Hawkins a bad name. And while the deaths of Chrissy and Patrick (combined with witnessing how Patrick died which he chalked up to Eddie being in league with Satan) played a major role in Jason's actions, he already had preconceived notions about Eddie without truly getting to know him first. There's an argument to be had that, even without Chrissy's death, he would have looked for any reason to go after Eddie if he felt justified in doing so.

Even isolated areas like Hawkins Lab weren't exempt from this: Dr. Brenner specifically fostered a culture among the special kids where he would put them at odds with one another to fight for his approval, and allowed El to be viciously bullied by Two and the others in the hopes it would unlock her potential and get him the results he wanted. Brenner established the institution where El grew up in, and was the main person who benefited from it. Two was a vicious bully similar to Angela, but the reason he became that is because Brenner and his cronies enabled his behavior (only punishing him as a means of building up resentment among the other kids towards El and making her more of an outcast as part of his plans).

Likewise, there's an interesting parallel between Eddie and Vecna: Both are "outcasts" whom society tried to force to be "normal." However, while Eddie still maintained compassion and empathy for others, as well as making it his mission to look out for other outcasts like Mike, Dustin, and Lucas so their lives wouldn't be miserable, Vecna internalized the rage and resentment of "performing in a silly terrible play, day after day" until it consumed him and turned him into the monster everyone feared. Now he intends to destroy everything and everyone so he can create the world he wants.

It's the Harvey Dent quote from The Dark Knight:

Eddie, despite being treated badly for most of his life, died as a hero, protecting those he cared about. Vecna lived to become the villain, and has abandoned his humanity in pursuit of his goals.

Tying this all back to Roger Ebert's letter: While Season 4 may have been dark, there was meaning to be found in the darkness: The season hit on the theme that, in spite of how Hawkins looks like a perfect suburban neighborhood, there's a lot of rot underneath, and NOT just from the Upside Down. There's an inherent bigotry in the town (and others like it, such as Lenora), of institutions trying to mold students and teachers into "productive members of society" at the cost of their happiness and well being, of punishing anything that's considered abnormal or against the status quo, of how ostracizing "outcasts" can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where the person either becomes the monster (Vecna) or is scapegoated and can never escape those stigmas no matter how hard they try (Eddie).

The Duffer Brothers aren't apathetic in their attitude about how they depict characters and themes on the show. If anything, they care deeply. It's why they wrote the character of Eddie in the first place, and based him off of Damien Echols, one of the West Memphis Three who was wrongfully convicted in 1994 of the murder of three boys in Arkansas, with a lot of bias directed at them due to the three of them being "delinquents" (as well as how the police pressured them into giving false confessions), which resulted in their lives getting ruined. Likewise on the show, Eddie is accused of killing Chrissy when he didn't (simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time), and his life got destroyed because of it. Even if he was a delinquent with his own personal issues, he didn't deserve what happened to him. Neither did Damien Echols. Society failed both of them, and allowed the true killers to go unpunished.

There are a lot of problems in our society today that have carried over from the 80s: From cultures that enable bullies and punish their victims, to attempts to control what kids learn in schools and how they should act, to bigotry and biases that aren't just rooted in people but in the institutions and laws that uphold the social structure, to people like Jason who take the law into their own hands regardless of the collateral damage it will cause, to government corruption, to people dehumanizing others because it's more important for them to be right over being nice, and so on. Stranger Things may be a love letter to the 80s, but it does not shy away from deconstructing the uglier aspects of that decade, and conveying how some of those issues had carried over into today's culture.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this book is a mixed bag. It gives interesting details about Eddie and his life, and provides better context for certain scenes in season 4. Given that Caitlin Schneiderhan (the author of the book) had talks with the Duffer Brothers and other Stranger Things writers prior to penning this, it's likely this book can be considered canon. It's also a book that inspires discussion (as you can tell from what I've written), which is always a plus.

However, if you're a fan of Eddie, and you were upset over his death, this book isn't going to give you any catharsis. Unlike others, I'm not going to claim it's milking off of Eddie's popularity. At the same time though, it is hard to read when it teases that things might get better for Eddie and you already know what Eddie's fate is going to be.

In other words, you have to decide for yourself if this is a book you want to read. I hope my synopsis and this review gives some idea of what to expect.

[randoimago]

Day 6 - Fantasy AU

Fandom: Ouran Highschool Host Club

Character(s): Mori (Takashi Morinozuka)

Type of Request: 31 Days of October

Note(s): Was struggling with how to write this one for a while but then an idea came to me at like 2am (funny how that happens)

Once again, some traveling stranger came into the nearby village claiming to sell love potions. And once again, Mori is keeping an eye and ear out to make sure none of them end up in the proximity of those he cares about.

He knows how popular his friends are. Prince Tamaki, Advisor Kyoya, the court jester twins. He knows they're all sought after, and he knows what extents some people will go in hopes of being the object of their affection. It's tiring and Mori just needs a break.

And so, he decides he's had enough of chasing around and listening for news of who has the potions when he decides to go to the source instead. He knows that he probably shouldn't go alone, but he does anyway. He knows he's strong. He's confident in his abilities. But he also knows to stay vigilant and be cautious too.

Mori hears of where the stranger's little setup is at. He follows the trail, and he watches as another girl buys some type of potion. It's not the stereotypical overly pink and bubbly love potion that he recognizes, but he still has a feeling it could lead to trouble.

You're just finishing another sale of one of your "potions", when the strong and silent knight walks over. You vaguely recognize him as a bodyguard to the prince that would walk alongside whenever the prince came into the village. Seeing him here is a bit of a surprise, but you keep a smile on your face.

"Hello, sir! Can I help you with something?" You ask, being polite and friendly. Mori stays silent as he observes you, looking for any hidden aggression or making sure he's not about to be tricked.

"The love potions. They've been making a mess." He's blunt as he tells you this and it does surprise you a bit to hear it. But then you give a sigh and a sheepish smile at his words.

"Let me guess, some poor girl thought she could win the heart of one of the prince's court and tried to slip a potion in a drink?" You say and the nod Mori gives makes you shake your head. "I keep telling these people that they don't work like that." You sigh and massage your temple as you bring out one of the "love potions" in question for Mori to view.

It's the same shade that the girl from earlier had gotten. A reddish-orange coloration that's light and doesn't seem as airy as many potions he's seen before.

"How's it work?" He asks and you give him a small smile as you motion for him to take the potion. He doesn't. He just stares as if this is some kind of trick and you sigh.

"It doesn't make someone in love. Hell, it doesn't even do the deep infatuation for an hour then wears off," you explain as you open the potion and waft it a bit to smell. Mori steps a bit closer, seeming more at ease that you were the first to smell the potion as he gets close to do the same.

It's an earthy smell with hints of citrus. Definitely not the overtly sweet smell that love potions give off. Just smelling it makes Mori feel... lighter? Like he's carrying less weight.

"It's got no magic enchantments at all. Just a bunch of herbs to boost the chemicals in your brain - ah, science stuff," you explain and give him a small smile. While science exists, people still rely on magic and enchantments. So to know you brew these "potions" with science instead causes some curiosity in Mori.

"So what's it do?" He asks, once again speaking in short sentences, but his tone is softer as he looks at you and you give a small smile.

"Makes you feel happier, lighter. Kind of as if you are in love, but not quite. I mean, it's mostly used to improve your mood. I like to give small doses of it to those that are sick or feel down about themselves," you tell him and sigh. "I should've known people would spread rumors and that it'd cause trouble."

"It's fine. Thank you for explaining," Mori tells you, placing a hand on your shoulder kindly as you stopper the "potion" again.

"Of course. You can take this one if you'd like. On the house for causing a fuss." Mori gives a nod and smiles as he takes the small bottle. He pulls his hand away from you and hesitates as he feels a bit of reluctancy to do so.

You give him a smile and wave and he does the same, his smile not as bright or easily seen as yours, but it is still there. Mori begins his walk back to the castle, his mind racing as he feels the small weight of the vial in his bag and the weight on his heart.

While you told him that it's not a love potion, he might need to stop by more often just in case. He just hopes you decide to stay in town for a bit longer.

[cleapallea]

˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ HEALTHY SPIRITUAL REMINDERS : Exploration of Beliefs & Divination ˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒

Don't rely too much on Wikipedia or other sources that can be edited by some people. As stated, it can be changed and tested out, which means you need to research, observe, and make judgments through questioning the "book" itself. That's how Wikipedia and learning works.

I just found out some alchemic symbols related to satanism ideology, beliefs, and philosophy. Why it becomes Satanic? because people worship it. In a sense it has to be forged as "pagan beliefs" instead of connection with almighty God. According to early texts description Pagan means "idol worshippers", "sacrificial rites" and so many names. But, as the years passed the definition derived from different nations (diff beliefs, diff cultures and diff practices.)

In a Biblical context it is/was (what they do) wrong, As a cited this in: 𝙀𝙭𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙨 20:3-5 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙣 5:21

I want to point out that if you believe in Astro or any other Sacred science, then please believe in One True God first. (but FREE WILL APPLIES HERE)

He was the first one who created it. He created angels. Angels became “Fallen Angels" on Earth. On this surface, they became mystical and uncanny creatures.

Take note: Devil was once an angel, We cannot deny the fact that he used to be like that. He can transform, and because he is here, then it so easy for him to have access. TO TALK. TO SEE. AND ALIKE.

Like I said, in Ancient times of history many people perceived fallen angels or demons as God. One of those : Baphomet, sigil and many more because from Wiki (other source) perspectives he/she were 'just accused' as false god when in fact during old testament, it mentioned a lot in Babylon, Leviathan and so fourth. YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE ANY NAME ON IT. People have change its name but, the description of it still the same. Do not be deceive.

Hence, If you believe in any kinds of spirituality, make sure you are in a right place.

"SERVE THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATION"

!May God bless us all!

✎I do believe in high power of God, but I'm not religious person. This is because of history and personal matters. And we can't deny, there are so many of them.

Anyway, I am open for natal reading as well, but the decisions is yours to make..I am not God. You have your free will. I am just using my "gift". As for me believe that it serves as message and guide to look for change, see the light in darkness, too see the truth, to see everyone's uniqueness and talents and understand human beings. Thank you so much for reading.

[max1461]

Is linguistics a science? What do linguists do on the daily?

Oof, this is a hard one!

Linguistics is a very diverse field. What I'd say is that some parts of it are science, some parts are humanities, and some parts are somewhere in between. I would say, uh, the mean scienceness of linguistics is about the same as the mean scienceness of economics, but the variance is way higher.

If you do research in e.g. speech production or neurolinguistics, you're unambiguously doing science. You're running experiments, you probably work in a lab, you're thinking about, you know, brain regions and the anatomy of the vocal tract. It's pretty human biology flavored, from what I can tell.

If you're doing research on child language acquisition or speech perception or the like, you're still doing science, but your methodology is going to look more like e.g. psychology than neuroscience. Psychology is also a really high variance field, there's some solid research and some total bullshit. Probably the same applies for these areas of linguistics—although I do have reasons to think (hope) they are a bit better than psych over all, which I'll get to in a minute.

Then there's phonology and syntax, the "core" of linguistics. These are... weirdly difficult to classify. See, human language, at its core, is a set of interlocking formal systems. It is rules-based. And by "rules", I don't mean the "grammar rules" you were taught in school. I mean the linguistic patterns you subconsciously internalized as a baby, which let you learn to speak your native language without anyone actually teaching you. These rules govern the pronunciation of sounds in a given language (phonology) and the order of words in a given language (syntax). The fields of phonology and syntax involve studying these formal systems on a language-by-language basis, trying to understand how these formal systems are structured across languages.

The actual methodology here is something like this: imagine you were given a bunch of math symbols that you've never seen before, and a list of anywhere from fifty to several thousand equations using those symbols. And someone said "all these equations are true, but I'm not gonna tell you what the symbols mean. Just look at all the equations and put together a consistent theory for how all the symbols behave". Ok, that's syntax and phonology. In syntax, the "symbols" are words in a language and the "equations" are valid sentences. In phonology, the "symbols" are sounds and the "equations" are words. And you do an analysis, and you produce a theory of the symbols which accounts for all the equations that you see.

So, anyway, it's kind of weird. It's kind of its own thing. It's definitely empirical, like a science. And it's far too formal and math-flavored and puzzle-solving-y for me to call it a humanity. But you're not running experiments, exactly, you're not doing a lot of the typical science things. It's all done with pen and paper, like math. So it's kind of its own thing. This is one of the things I like about it, by the way. It's puzzle solving about language. It's neat.

Anyway, then there's historical linguistics, the study of how language changes over time. Historical linguistics involves the comparative method, which relies on the neogrammarian hypothesis. Basically, it involves the same kind of puzzle solving methodology as phonology and syntax, but with a lot of engagement with historical texts, evidence from archeology, and so on, at the same time. It's got a lot of the best parts of the more methodologically rigorous humanities (history), but with a much more STEMish flavor to actually do. All of linguistics has a STEMish flavor, pretty much. It's pretty cool. Historical linguistics is the subfield I'm principally interested in.

All this readily-observable formal structure in language is why I have hope for the psychology-adjacent fields of linguistics, by the way. The formalism constrains what kind of questions are meaningful, it gives us a more precise language to talk about what's going on. In essence, we know that language is the kind of thing which has formalizable patterns in it, whereas IMO we don't have strong evidence that human emotion or (non-linguistic) human social behavior have this same kind of defined symbolic structure. So it feels that people who study speech perception are maybe getting at something a little more concrete and specific than the people who put together the DSM. But, you know, that's just me—I'm not a psychologist, so I don't want to make claims about the field too confidently.

At the least sciency end, you've got things like sociolinguistics, which is methodologically similar to sociology. Difficult to place is linguistic fieldwork, which involves methodologies from all of the above, plus a healthy dose of human interpersonal skill, and involves going out into the world and documenting the way language is spoken directly. Sometimes this involves studying small or endangered languages, etc. There are a couple of people in my grad program who do fieldwork in the Amazon, and they often tell stories about encounters with terrifyingly large spiders. Surely the most adventuresome subfield. And there's formal semantics, the youngest field of linguistics, which is sort of in the syntax/phonology realm of studying language as a formal system. It basically involves trying to understand the logical structure of languages, and has significant overlaps with CS, formal logic, and (analytic) philosophy. Actually, all the fields of formal linguistics have significant CS overlap—computational linguistics is the most popular subfield right now by far.

The thing that makes linguistics hard to classify is that there really is a lot of cross-pollination and sharing of ideas between these fields, they aren't siloed off from each other. So, what do linguists do? A lot of different stuff! Is it a science? Sort of kind of. But it's pretty cool either way.

[feraliminal]

Actual episode 70 discussion before I vanish back into the aether to do coursework:

Obligatory meta bit: I’m in the process of reading Interaction Ritual Chains for a draft thesis chapter (which I need to be writing now) and just happened to be halfway through reading the section on remote/virtual rituals when the episode dropped. The book includes stuff like sports events and concerts as rituals, defined as community-building events where people share an experience and get meaningful symbols and stories out of it. But it has a whole section on why this needs to be in-person. I’ve never really done live premieres before because my fandoms tended to be old, but I’ve now got participation observation data to disprove that - it’s definitely a shared experience for the fan community, and we have plenty of stories. Fandom is folk culture!

The appearance of cam-ghosts and Plunger’s interaction with the secret agent was very cool as I love the “sufficiently advanced tech is indistinguishable from the supernatural” trope. The camghosts could have been hallucinations, but there was one peeking around a corner much earlier in the episode. I suspect that there’s some kind of remote connection/Alliance network going on (they’re able to share and broadcast footage, after all, even if they need to use tablets for long range comms), so these could be virtual encounters through the secret agent hacking or otherwise accessing Plunger’s brain - like he’s able to get into the skibidi computer to taunt the scientist. But why (other than exposition and dramatic effect)? Is he trolling because their death is part of his scheme (likely imho), or is he just an incorrigible dick who can’t say “good job” without being sinister?

Transmission error/recording error: is the secret agent signal jamming? And what was that stealth mode? Is it related to the secret agent and the camghosts? Probably.

Unless our two ex-main characters are fixed or downloaded (which I doubt but I did notice that the the tagline was “someone”, which is usually singular), ST is doing Anyone Can Die. If this was being approached as a lolrandom meme thing, that wouldn’t be surprising, and that has been the tone of much of the series so far. However, it’s ascended to the point that there’s an actual Skibidi Toilet store. The longevity of comparable meme horror/sci-fi series has seemed to rely on people getting attached to iconic characters, so I wonder if there’s a plan for avoiding Too Bleak, Stopped Caring? My guess is having the elites and titans consistent throughout the plot, but DFB may also be an incorrigible dick and kill everyone. I am a sucker for dramatic deaths though, so I can probably put up with it (just about, did that speaker squeak as they were dying? Oh no ;_;).

On the subject of trolls, one way of interpreting Titan Speaker putting out the fire before completely flattening the scientist was that they wanted to kill them themself, another interpretation was that they were fucking with the scientist by pretending they’d show mercy. Either way, A+++ revenge!

Polycephaly is also super interesting as they don’t really seem to be the TV equivalent of the others factions’ big combat units. There’s only one of them, they can fuck around with teleportation-stuff (nanites? weird science particles?) and swap out their extra bits. They might have a role that’s unique to the TV faction, I already wondered if it’s something like managing TV communications or information flows, and now I think that could include something to do with teleportation too. Maybe running the teleportation-navigation software? In the Dune series, there’s heavily mutated Guild Navigators who guide faster-than-light spaceships and to make sure no one crashes into a planet, and Warhammer 40k has a similar Navigator role to guide space traffic through the Warp using psychic beacons.

[damnesdelamer]

i read somewhere that marxism has limitations because its a science, so what are some of these limitations?

I honestly am not sure what this might mean. Certainly Marxism is known as the immortal science. I think this is nigh unilaterally held as a conceit.

Generally, the (misguided) arguments of detractors rely on the absurd notion that Marxism, communism, socialism, only function in theory, that they supposedly lack empirical precedents or pragmatic applications. This is of course false, as communism was one of the dominant political and economic systems at work throughout the Twentieth Century, when it already had antecedents in the likes of e.g. the Paris Commune, and indeed many Marxist infrastructures remain extant and prosperous today (see Cuba's recent leaps in LGBT+ legislation and China's effective covid policy). And socialism with Chinese characteristics definitely emphasises the scientific basis of Marxism far more than just the utopian, though this obviously goes all the way back to Marx & Engels themselves.

As Mao noted to the inaugural meeting of the Natural Science Research Society of the Border Region:

Natural science is one of man's weapons in his fight for freedom. For the purpose of attaining freedom in society, man must use social science to understand and change society and carry out social revolution.

This can be seen as expanding and modulating on Engels’ observation:

politics is the science of production, and foretells the complete absorption of politics by economics. [...] To make a science of Socialism, it had first to be placed upon a real basis.

And this is not even addressing e.g. chapters 7 and 16 of Capital (Vol.1), which discuss the material reality of labour and how all production is derived from natural laws.

What I'm curious about is what the alternative would be to science? What branch of theory or epistemology is unencumbered by limits? Surely not the humanities? But social sciences themselves are conventionally considered humanities anyway. Indeed, Marx was primarily an economist (along with Bukharin, Luxemburg, Harvey, etc.), and for that matter was also a noted poet (along with Mao, Neruda, Senghor, etc.), so it's not as if Marxist principles are limited to hard science. We could also consider the likes of Oscar Wilde, Bertolt Brecht, Frida Kahlo on one hand, and Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, J.D. Bernal on the other; the spectrum of Marxist visionaries unsurprisingly spans an array of disciplines.

But generally I encounter a greater, not a lesser, demand for empirical scientific basis to political principles, often disproportionately levied against the left by fash liberals and ‘centrists’ who are either ignorant or in denial about the practical reality of Marxist advances throughout modern history.

All this puts me in mind of Fred Hampton:

We’re not metaphysicians, we’re not idealists, we’re dialectical materialists. And we deal with what reality is, whether we like it or not.

And it is true that this is where Marxism shines brightest. In the face of oppressive capitalist modes of production, whether we’re talking about covid, LGBT rights, mass transport infrastructure, practical concerns of labour, mental health, or climate change, it is Marxist principles of self-determination, emancipation, and solidarity, whether utopian or scientific, which pierce the darkness of our present predicament as a beacon to guide us toward the dawn, that we might see the sun shine evermore.

[lnenvs3000w24]

Blog 01: My relationship with nature

Hi everyone, my name is Lea, and I am in my third year of Biological Science with a minor in Zoology. This first post is about my relationship with nature and how it has developed.

I have always felt I had a strong connection with nature and animals. I care deeply for the environment and the conservation of plants and wildlife. My love for nature all began at my cottage. My grandparents bought land along the water in a small town called St. Anicet, Quebec, on Lake St. Francois in their mid-30s. My grandpa had built a small cottage for our family to visit. I have lived a better half of my life at the cottage, every summer, every school break, every chance I had. At a very young age, my grandfather had taught all the kids how to fish and drive the boat and my cousins, and I were always free to go out onto the lake and discover what it had to offer. 

I have so many unforgettable memories of kayaking with my older sister and little cousins across the lake to the many islands the lake provided. We always brought butterfly nets and insect kits with tiny magnifying glasses and caught bugs and frogs all day. We would also take the little fishing boat, go to different areas of the lake, and compare the size and type of fish we had caught. One of my favourite activities was going out on the canals, just off the lake, and simply looking at the white lilies (Nymphaea odorata) floating on the water. 

The freedom to explore granted by my family helped me lean into my interest in nature. Going out and discovering different aspects of the lake on my own allowed me to observe the biodiversity and wildlife present. I grew up in Ottawa, specifically the Kanata area, a quiet suburb 20 minutes from the downtown core. Growing up in the suburbs felt significantly limiting in terms of being in touch with nature. My only relationship with nature was provided when my parents would drive outside of the suburbs to visit the different NCC parks and trails. These nature trails were not accessible to me growing up as they were too far to walk or bike, and I had to rely on my parents to drive. I believe that living in the suburbs definitely limited my connection, but having a cottage to visit was indeed an escape.

My current relationship with nature has developed over the years, from relying on my parents to take me to various nature trails to having the freedom to explore my interests on my own. As I have grown older, I have been able to do my own thing and visit new ecosystems. I enjoy going on hikes with my friends, and our favourite spot is definitely the Eagles Nest Lookout in Calabogie, just outside of Ottawa. I believe that I have given myself “a sense of place” because exploring on my own has improved my relationship with nature and allowed me to expand my interests.

Here are a few photos of me at my cottage & my favourite hiking spot :)

[honeybee-fuzz]

anyone who uses reductive science to justify their bigotry is a fool. scientists can’t even agree on the definition of a species, much less what constitutes as an “individual” organism.

the world is a whole lot grayer than you think.

you can’t use observations of homosexuality in animals to prove humans can be gay while at the same time dismissing the complex array of sexes and sex changes in organisms because you hate trans people.

you can try to categorize sex and gender and sexuality into nice, clean boxes but it won’t be right - dividing all the colors into dark and light isn’t wrong exactly, but it erases all of the hues and values and nuance by doing so.

and either way, if you rely solely on biology to prove your point while ignoring the thoughts and feelings and culture (the anthropological side) of the person/people involved in your argument, you’re not intellectually superior, you’re just an asshole

[bleuhisteria]

Deus Ex Machina|| Aizawa x Reader Chapter 9

A forbidden past rekindled by a life-saving spark, reigniting our dreams we thought we had abandoned forever.

__

I waved at Aizawa as he exited the giant gates that led to my house, Elena standing next to me, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"Have you thought of what to make, (Y/N)-sama?" Elena asked, turning to me with anticipation.

The sun began to set, casting a warm glow on my skin as I placed a hand on my chin, deep in thought. "I'm not sure yet, but I do have some ideas," I replied, turning to head back inside the house, with Elena following closely behind.

In the garage, I set up the whiteboard that my dad had provided for brainstorming ideas. The marker squeaked as I started to sketch out my thoughts, attempting to visualize the support item that could enhance Aizawa's quirk.

My own quirk, with its ability to detect subtle changes in the human body, had given me valuable insights into the neurological aspects of quirks. Through my observations over the years, I had discovered the existence of what I referred to as "quirk molecules." These molecules remained dormant until activated, using stored energy to unleash a person's quirk.

Depending on the nature of an individual's quirk, these molecules tended to concentrate in specific parts of their body. For instance, Hizashi's quirk relied on his voice, so the concentration of his quirk molecules was centered near his throat and vocal cords.

I placed a hand on my chin, marker in hand, contemplating the incomplete drawing of my draft. There was definitely potential here. Aizawa's quirk concentration mostly resided in his head. Perhaps I could create something that would cater to his thoughts when his quirk was activated. However, to achieve that, I would need to find a material that could react to active quirk molecules. Unfortunately, such technology had not yet been invented in this world.

Despite the advancements in medical technology and robotics, humanity had hit a roadblock when it came to understanding the intricacies of quirks. While there had been progress in the field of mind-affecting technology, its scope remained limited. It felt as though we were still far from unlocking the true potential of quirks, and a sense of frustration washed over me.

Yet in the depths of my thoughts, I knew there was someone who could potentially help me, someone I had conflicting feelings about. He had proven to be a valuable mentor in combat training, but when it came to inventing, our interactions often ended in frustration.

And just like a sudden thunderclap, the door to the garage swung open, revealing the very person I had been thinking about. "(N/N)!" he greeted with a cheerful tone.

"Dad," I acknowledged, keeping my eyes fixed on the whiteboard. I could hear his footsteps approaching as I slumped my shoulders, mustering the courage to ask, "Have you conducted any research on materials that react to quirks?"

I could sense the confusion on his face without needing to turn around, and he responded with a touch of awkwardness, "That depends. Altering the structural properties of materials? It's plausible. But being controlled by the power of the mind? No, not even in theory. We haven't made significant advancements in neuro and biochemistry to achieve that level of control. Why do you ask?" He stood beside me, studying the draft on the whiteboard.

Nodding in understanding, I hummed thoughtfully, "Do... do you remember when I was in middle school?" I asked, a part of me hesitant to revisit such a painful memory, but recognizing its importance in my current inquiry. "...During the science fair, I tried to test a theory, remember?" I continued.

Shadows seemed to cover his eyes as he let out a sigh, nodding solemnly. "I remember... you tried to prove the existence of quirk molecules and recreate their effects, but..."

Nodding again, the flashbacks of the past clouding my vision, I continued the sentence for him, "Everything went wrong." I recalled the disastrous outcome of my experiment, resulting in injuries to three of my classmates. My dad had to cover the medical bills, and I was forced to withdraw from school. But that wasn't the only consequence... the full weight of those memories was too heavy to bear at the moment.

Placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, my dad tried to soothe my troubled thoughts. "Hey, what's in the past is past, and we're safe now, aren't we?" he asked in a gentle voice, his words attempting to alleviate the weight of my memories. I sighed, appreciating his efforts as he continued, "You know, if you really want to learn more about this sort of thing, why don't you start stopping by my office after school again, like the good old days?" His voice carried a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the times when we first started inventing together.

Despite the warmth in his suggestion, a chill ran down my spine. I still wasn't ready to return to that place, the town where his office was located. It held too many unsettling memories, and I wasn't sure if it was truly safe for me to be there. "I-I'll think about it," I managed to say, suppressing the feeling of disgust that welled up within me.

I tried my best not to let the unsettling sensation consume me—the feeling of those eyes watching my every move, eyes that violated me and stripped me of my individuality. I still wasn't ready...

Sensing my hesitation, my dad spoke up, noticing the expression on my face. It seemed as though I had broken into a nervous sweat at his suggestion. "You don't have to go," he reassured me. "Since Higari and I rebuilt the garage, we have plenty of room to bring home the old equipment I haven't been using in the office. Give me a day or two, and I'll bring them here." He was trying to find a solution to ease the situation.

Breaking free from my anxious thoughts, my eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope as I turned to him. "Really?" I asked, attempting to conceal the excitement and anticipation in my voice, though failing.

He gave me a wide grin, confirming his intentions. "Of course! You'll have all the time in the world for your research right here!" he exclaimed, pulling me into a warm embrace.

"Oof. Thanks, Dad," I chuckled, reciprocating the hug.

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Later, as I laid in bed, I couldn't shake off the thoughts of what my next steps should be. I rose from my bed and made my way to the desk, opening my laptop to search for articles on neurotechnology. While I had a deep understanding of quirks, the challenge lay in effectively communicating that knowledge to other researchers. Demonstrating the existence and intricacies of quirk-related phenomena was a daunting task, especially when I wasn't sure where to begin.

I delved into the available information, absorbing it eagerly. I was aware that certain details were kept under wraps due to their potential to revolutionize technology and society as a whole. However, my current focus was solely on finding a way to make the support item I envisioned for Aizawa a reality.

As the night progressed, my laptop screen filled with numerous open articles on neurochemistry and biotechnology. I diligently took notes on the equipment and methodologies they employed, hoping to find a potential breakthrough for the support item I had in mind. If I could acquire similar tools and technology, it might pave the way for significant advancements.

Despite my thorough exploration of various articles and research papers authored by scientists and inventors, I couldn't find any specific information regarding quirk molecules. It seemed that, while many researchers were likely working on the topic, they had not yet published their findings. The elusive nature of quirk molecules added to the challenge of understanding and utilizing them effectively.

With the clock nearing 3AM, I realized it was time to put an end to my research for the night. Closing my laptop, I sank into the embrace of my freshly washed comforter. Exhaustion quickly washed over me, and before I knew it, sleep claimed my weary mind. 

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The next morning, I was roused from my slumber by a loud, persistent knocking on my bedroom door. Startled, I stumbled out of bed, my mind still heavy with sleep. As I opened the door, I found Elena standing there, her irritation evident in her stern expression.

"(Y/N)-sama, I've told you countless times not to stay up so late," she scolded, hands planted firmly on her hips. Her disapproval hung in the air, but I could only muster a half-hearted apology, my senses still dulled from sleep.

Elena continued, her annoyance evident in her voice, "It's rude to keep a guest waiting. Aizawa-san has been downstairs for half an hour already, and your parents have been keeping him company."

A wave of panic washed over me as the realization sank in. Aizawa was already here, and I had overslept, oblivious to the passing time. Hastily, I darted to my closet, my mind racing to find suitable training clothes. "Elena, please let Aizawa know I'll be ready in a minute!" I called out as I hurriedly changed.

With a resigned sigh, Elena nodded, her annoyance tempered by understanding. She turned and made her way downstairs to deliver my message. Meanwhile, I fumbled with my clothes, adrenaline coursing through me, urging me to prepare as quickly as possible.

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In the dining room, the tantalizing aroma of a freshly cooked breakfast filled the air as (Y/N)'s mother skillfully arranged five plates on the table. With a warm smile, she placed a plate in front of Aizawa and poured him a glass of orange juice, her curiosity evident in her voice.

"So, Aizawa-kun, how long have you known our (N/N)?" she asked cheerfully, genuinely interested in their connection. Meanwhile, Aizawa gazed at the plate before him, unsure of how to respond. Seeking support, he glanced at (Y/N)'s father, who returned his gaze with a reassuring smile, contently munching on his toast.

Aizawa stared at the plate, his mind searching for the right words to respond. "...We met at the entrance exam," he finally replied.

Shortly after, Elena descended the stairs and entered the dining room. "(Y/N)-sama will be down in a minute," she informed everyone with a respectful tone.

(Y/N)'s mother playfully scoffed, "What she really means is to give her five minutes," she remarked, taking her seat beside her husband. "Elena, come and join us," she instructed the maid, extending her hospitality.

Elena gracefully complied, bowing before taking her place at the table.

"Please, Aizawa-kun, go ahead and eat. Help yourself to seconds if you'd like," (Y/N)'s mother warmly encouraged, her gaze filled with affection as she looked at Aizawa.

"Thank you, ma'am," Aizawa responded with gratitude, picking up his fork and preparing to enjoy the meal.

Suddenly, a series of crashing noises reverberated from the direction of the stairs, accompanied by the sound of something colliding with the walls. (Y/N)'s voice called out, breathless and apologetic, "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting!" She hurriedly descended the stairs, finally arriving in the dining room.

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I rushed down the hallway, my steps hurried and frantic, bumping into walls and objects along the way as I descended the stairs as quickly as possible. My hair was disheveled, and I had no time to fix it before reaching the dining room.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting!" I apologized breathlessly as I tried to compose myself.

Taking a seat next to Aizawa, I felt a sense of awkwardness, particularly because my mom was present.

"(N/N), go ahead and eat before the food gets cold. And please," my mother scolded, her tone firm, "brush your hair, will you?"

Awkwardly scratching the back of my head, I turned to her with a sheepish smile. "Sorry," I responded before turning to Aizawa with a worried expression. "D-did you wait long?" I inquired, concern evident in my voice.

He shook his head, trying to downplay the wait, but my mom interrupted.

"Only thirty-five minutes," she stated matter-of-factly. "Besides, he was just telling us how long you've known each other," she added, her voice filled with curiosity.

"(M/N)-sama, please refrain from obsessing over timing. The day has only just begun," Elena scolded, redirecting my mom's attention.

Dad laughed and chimed in, "It's true, honey. Let the kids have their breakfast without worrying about the time." He placed a comforting hand on my mother's shoulder.

Mom cleared her throat, dismissing both of them. Now focusing on me and Aizawa, she resumed the conversation. "So, back to the topic at hand, how long have you known each other?" she inquired.

I exchanged a glance with Aizawa, and a brief silence filled the dining room, interrupted only by the sound of utensils scraping against plates and the crunch of toast. "We've only known each other for a few days. I'm trying to help Aizawa get into the hero course," I explained.

Mom raised an eyebrow, questioning my approach. "By using the fact that support department students can bring support items to the sports festival? Isn't that kind of cheating?" she inquired, her concern evident.

In that moment, the realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, shattering my hopes of ethically leveling the playing field against a hero course student. My mom was technically right.

I stared at her in disbelief. "H-how did you know that?" I stammered, astonished by her knowledge.

A mischievous smirk danced on my mom's lips as she responded, "I've seen it happen before in sports festivals at UA. I have plenty of recordings," she confessed, her tone filled with playful amusement.

Dad let out a sigh, fully aware that recording the sports festival was prohibited due to the exposure of students' weaknesses. "You know that's not exactly allowed, honey," he interjected, his tone gently reprimanding. "But besides that, I wouldn't call it cheating. It's more like... effective strategizing. They both get what they want, after all. I don't see the big deal," he chuckled, casting a proud glance in my direction, seeking validation for his defense.

I chuckled in response. "Yes, that's it. Thanks, Dad," I replied, appreciating his support.

As I glanced around the table, I noticed Aizawa's gaze fixed on me. Curiosity sparked in my eyes as I tilted my head, wondering what he had to say. But instead of addressing me, he turned his attention to my mom, seeming intrigued by her collection of recordings.

"How many recordings of the past UA sports festival do you have, missus..." Aizawa's words trailed off, realizing that I hadn't mentioned my last name to anyone. It was a precautionary measure, but it seemed I had inadvertently created a small predicament for Aizawa. Oops.

My mom noticed the slip-up and laughed it off. "Collected by my side of the family, I believe I have all of them in my office," she happily shared, not missing a beat.

Aizawa's interest was piqued. His head perked up, and he leaned forward slightly. "Do the events have a certain pattern? Can we predict the events they might use this year based on previous years?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

Resting her hand on her cheek, my mom looked at him with a playful glimmer in her eyes. "My, my~ Perhaps I already have an idea about this year's events. What would you like to know?" she teasingly inquired.

Before Aizawa could articulate his question, my mom winced in pain, causing her to break off her sentence abruptly. It was my dad who spoke up, taking her place in the conversation.

"That wouldn't be fair to the other students. I don't think you should have access to that information. Focus on your training. The sports festival is not only about showcasing your quirks but also how you utilize and react to surprising and unexpected situations," my dad interjected, casually taking a bite of his bread as if he hadn't just stepped on my mom's foot under the table.

Aizawa's expression shifted, understanding the point my dad was making. He nodded in agreement as we managed to eat breakfast in a comfortable silence...

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(Author's note): You know I'm a pretty angy boi when it comes to how the sports fest is arranged, like seriously, why is it all in one day? Like why is the first year, second year, and third year tournament going on simultaneously?

I'm fixing that cause I'm seriously pissed by it lol, and I know that they're trying to showcase the students' quirks and all but isn't that kind of dangerous? You're literally showing their abilities off to the public and potential villains, *cough* *cough* All for One *cough* *cough* so I'm changing that policy too.

Live footage can be broadcasted and archived by news channels, but cameras in general should be banned in the sports festival, if the villains want to scout heroes like this sh!t they better watch it live or record it themselves damn it. UA should take more precaution with their students' safety and should prioritize secrecy.

I stand to protest for a safe ethical UA who CARES for their students, stop doin' sh!t through trial and error and test out dangers to figure out the risks it puts on the students to make a better school damn it!!!

[dancerfelix]

Thoughts on the 'scientific theory ' things in general, as a physicist:

1. It is important to be skeptical of science as a thing to be aimed for. Science is not objective, it is generally a pretty specific set of methodologies viewed as correct within 'western' thought (not that others don't follow some objective practices of learning about the world, or even use western science, but that the canonized Science delegitimizes non western practices). Sometimes it feels like social sciences and humanities fields try to emulate science not because these methods are actually useful, but because stem is taken more seriously. I think this tends to be quite bad. It feels like an admission that actually things that cannot be directly quantified within Science are less important, which I think is pretty awful actually. Philosophy and art are still lovely and important even if they cannot be 'objective'.

2. Ignoring the flaws with science- it's really hard to fulfil the requirements for useful experimentation when it comes to people, and especially on the massive scale of Society™. We can't really run 10 Cuban revolutions with controlled variables and independent variables to figure out if we could have had the same revolution with black or indigenous or female or black+ female Castro equivalent or something. We can't know if him being a more explicit communist at the time of the revolution would have changed anything. We can't even definitely prove that the revolution wouldn't have been more successful if he had been a vocal capitalist instead. We can sometimes run trial runs of policy, ie Finland's UBI experiment. But we really cannot meaningfully test or experiment within the context of broader social theory.

3. Obviously we can make evidenced claims and extrapolations with the 'data' available to us. I'm not going to deny that, going back to Cuba, Cuba is better off than most other Caribbean nations, and we could make a solid case for communism contributing to that. But there's a lot of guessing involved in ways that are a bit incompatible with Science™. Part of why I think social sciences are softer sciences is because they do rely on a lot more personal interpretation and parsing through situations with a lot of entirely uncontrollable variables to try to eke out a coherent argument. The data is limited (can't exactly redo the cuban revolution at will to see if x changes y), the information on the data is limited (biased sources, can't repeat things to make sure x is better documented, much harder to have things translated, lost languages, different perspectives highlighted). These are actually challenges that physics gives very few solutions to, and I would go truly insane trying to learn anything about the world in those conditions. Social sciences have a lot of tools to deal with this (still bad at not projecting global northern bullshit onto global south but still), and while there are 'hard science' things I don't know (couldn't tell you what chemists are up to lol), the fundamental structures for processing and obtaining data remain pretty consistent across stem but not so in say, anthropology, or economic studies. Maybe theoretical math and theoretical physics are a little closer, they spend more time guessing, but even then, it's a lot easier for them to isolate things.

4. I do think you can do meaningful analysis of social systems and make theories from that. Materialism is useful even if it's not "science". If you are taking information about observable reality, discussing it in a grounded way, you can spit out analysis and projections that are useful. I don't think so called soft sciences / theory / whatever term you use for 'trying to understand Society™" is just wand waving magic or just people spouting bullshit (that'd be psychology). I also think a lot of so called science, especially when it comes to stuff with people, suffers the experimentation issue to some extent + medicine especially is built on shoddy foundations.

5. Some of this is just going to depend on how one defines science. I define science vaguely with the "experimentation and analysis" definition. This is why I struggle to say a field that mostly cannot experiment is probably not "science". But if we want to change how we define science, or move towards towards something that better includes 'non academic' knowledges, or even abolish the current scientific systems and replace them with something free of the historical baggage of Science™ with more broadly inclusive understandings of knowledge acquisition, that would be cool.

Political theory is actually not comparable to math or physics

It is, actually - the unscientific approach to human society and history taken by bourgeois academia is necessitated by any real extension of scientific analysis to the field of human society revealing fairly plainly the basis of bourgeois society on the exploitation of the proletariat; the further notion that human society and history are simply inexplicable by science, driven instead by great men and driving ideas, is the ideological justification within liberal enlightenment philosophy for this unscientific approach. What makes human society above the purview of science - the Soul?

[luckylittt]

The Feng Shui Views of Internet Giant Jack Ma

Jack Ma’s Belief in Feng Shui

Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and one of the wealthiest people in China, is known not just for his innovative business ideas but also for his strong belief in Feng Shui. While many modern business leaders rely on science and data, Ma combines these with his superstitious views, emphasizing the importance of Feng Shui in shaping his decisions. He famously stated, “Others talk to me about science, but I believe in Feng Shui and am superstitious about it.”

In fact, Ma admits that Feng Shui plays a vital role in the structuring of Alibaba’s operations. He has gone as far as to establish seven subsidiaries, all strategically based on Feng Shui considerations. His careful attention to detail includes examining office locations, ensuring good energy flow, and avoiding any negative influences that could hinder business growth.

When Alibaba rented an office in Hong Kong, Ma assessed the energy of the building immediately and made a striking observation: "No, this office is too high up; the Feng Shui is bad. The company in front of us will definitely close down." After investigating, Ma found that six companies before them had indeed closed their doors. His conclusion? Always check the Feng Shui meaning of a place, especially if previous businesses have faced trouble.

Feng Shui in Business: Key to Success or Superstition?

According to Ma, office location and energy are critical to business success. He claims that companies occupying the tallest building in any city are bound to encounter misfortune. One prime example he cites is the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York during the 9/11 attacks. To Ma, this is evidence that Feng Shui shouldn't be dismissed lightly.

Ma goes further to highlight that bad Feng Shui can influence a company’s fate, particularly in the early stages of business. Many companies opt for luxurious offices in premium locations to impress potential hires. However, Jack Ma believes that this could mislead employees, giving them unrealistic expectations about the company’s growth prospects. “They see the grandeur and assume the business is flourishing,” he explained, but this can create a disconnect between reality and expectations, leading to staff attrition and eventual failure.

This view may seem unconventional, but Ma’s success provides him with a unique platform to discuss the benefits of Feng Shui in business settings. From choosing the right office space to adjusting the layout for positive energy flow, Ma encourages entrepreneurs to remain mindful of their environment, not just their balance sheets.

Lakeview Garden: Jack Ma's Early Feng Shui Influence

One of the most fascinating examples of Jack Ma’s belief in Feng Shui is Lakeview Garden, the neighborhood where Alibaba’s early days unfolded. This seemingly ordinary community in Hangzhou has become a site of interest for those curious about the origins of one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies.

Lakeview Garden's Building 16, specifically Room 202, holds special significance as the place where Ma and his partners planned Alibaba's rise. This four-story white house, nestled among trees, hosted the “18 Arhats,” as Ma’s founding team was called. Even years after Ma moved out, the Feng Shui elements of the location remain unchanged, with some residents believing it is a place of strong positive energy.

Residents of Lakeview Garden, like Mr. You from Building 17, also recognize the Feng Shui benefits of the area. According to local legend, a Feng Shui master once visited and declared it a “treasure land,” predicting that prominent figures, including Jack Ma, would emerge from the community.

The Symbolism of Yun Stone and Feng Shui Influence

A famous monument in this community is the Yun Stone, engraved with one of Jack Ma’s most well-known quotes: “Today is very cruel, tomorrow is even more cruel, but the day after tomorrow will be beautiful.” This philosophy aligns closely with Feng Shui principles, where perseverance and aligning oneself with the right energies eventually lead to success.

The importance of atmosphere and environment resonates throughout Ma’s career. He frequently emphasizes the need for positivity and teamwork, both key aspects of Feng Shui. As he points out, successful CEOs surround themselves with photos of family, friends, and teams — a reflection of harmonious relationships, which is a core Feng Shui benefit. In contrast, Ma believes that companies overly focused on money, represented by a cluttered office and lack of connection, are more likely to fail.

Practical Applications of Feng Shui in Jack Ma’s Business Strategy

Ma’s practical application of Feng Shui goes beyond just office layout. He stresses the importance of adjusting the atmosphere to boost morale and productivity. For example, he requires Alibaba employees to be happy and smiling at work. This focus on creating a positive, harmonious workspace is a direct reflection of his belief that good Feng Shui not only helps businesses grow but also keeps employees motivated.

His advice for entrepreneurs? Don’t underestimate the meaning of Feng Shui. If your office design is awkward or doesn’t allow for smooth energy flow, it could be a sign that changes need to be made. Feng Shui isn’t just about superstitions; it's about creating an environment that fosters success.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of Feng Shui according to Jack Ma?

Jack Ma believes that Feng Shui is about adjusting the atmosphere of a space to encourage harmony, productivity, and success. He emphasizes the importance of energy flow in business settings.

2. How does Feng Shui benefit businesses?

According to Ma, Feng Shui benefits businesses by creating a positive atmosphere that promotes growth, reduces conflicts, and aligns the company with favorable energies. It can even influence long-term success or failure.

3. Why is Jack Ma so superstitious about Feng Shui?

Jack Ma's belief in Feng Shui stems from his personal experiences where he observed that companies with poor Feng Shui, such as bad locations or layouts, often failed. He views Feng Shui as a practical tool rather than just superstition.

4. Can Feng Shui help entrepreneurs?

Yes, Ma encourages entrepreneurs to consider Feng Shui when starting their business. He suggests that selecting the right location and designing the workspace with good energy flow can help overcome challenges and attract success.

5. What role does Feng Shui play in office layouts?

For Ma, Feng Shui dictates how an office should be organized to create a positive working environment. This includes everything from where desks are placed to the atmosphere created by employees’ attitudes.

6. Is there a connection between Feng Shui and team success?

Ma believes that when the workplace has good Feng Shui, it fosters better teamwork and communication, which is essential for long-term success. A harmonious environment is crucial for both individual and collective growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jack Ma’s views on Feng Shui offer a fascinating perspective on how traditional beliefs can blend with modern business practices. Whether you’re superstitious or not, it’s clear that creating a positive, balanced environment can contribute to both personal and professional success. Feng Shui, for Ma, is not just about mystical energy but about making thoughtful choices to support long-term growth.

[jayeshkhade10]

Choosing Between the Top CBSE Affiliated Schools in India: A Compass for Parents

Hey there, parent superstars! Are you navigating the ever-evolving world of education in India, specifically looking for the Top CBSE Schools for your child? You're not alone. With a plethora of CBSE Affiliated Schools in India, choosing the right one can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. But worry not, because this blog post is here to be your compass!

Why CBSE?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national-level board that governs school curriculums and conducts standardized exams in India. Top CBSE Schools in India are known for their rigorous academics, well-rounded curriculum, and focus on preparing students for competitive entrance exams like JEE (Main) and NEET.

So, how do you pick the perfect match from all these Top Schools in India?

Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider:

Academic Excellence: This is a no-brainer. Look for schools with a proven track record in academics, consistently producing toppers and high scorers in board exams. Don't just rely on numbers, though. Dig deeper and see if the school fosters a love for learning, not just rote memorization.

Faculty Force: Top CBSE Schools in India boast well-qualified and passionate teachers. Look for schools that invest in their faculty's professional development, ensuring they stay updated on the latest teaching methodologies. Remember, inspiring teachers can ignite a child's curiosity and make learning a joyride!

Holistic Development: It's not all about textbooks! A well-rounded education goes beyond academics. Look for schools that offer co-curricular activities like sports, debate, music, and theatre. These activities help students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills – essential for future success.

Infrastructure Matters: Top Schools in India provide a nurturing environment that fosters learning. Look for schools with well-equipped classrooms, libraries, science labs, and playgrounds. Don't forget about the intangibles – a clean, safe, and positive school environment makes a world of difference.

Location, Location, Location: This might not be the top priority, but it's definitely a factor to consider. Think about your child's age, the commute time, and your family's lifestyle. Would a bustling city school or a serene suburban campus suit them better?

Examples of Top CBSE Schools in India:

While specific rankings can be subjective, some schools consistently make it to the top lists. Here are a few examples (remember, research is key to finding the perfect fit for your child):

Delhi Public School (DPS) - Renowned for its strong academic tradition and a vast alumni network.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) - Known for its affordability and focus on holistic education for children of transferable government employees.

National Public School (NPS) - Offers a global perspective with a strong international curriculum alongside CBSE.

Beyond the Rankings

Remember, the best school isn't just about the name or the ranking. It's about finding the right fit for your child's individual needs, learning style, and personality. Here are some additional tips:

Visit the School: Don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned school visit. Talk to teachers, observe classrooms, and get a feel for the school culture.

Talk to Parents and Students: Connect with parents who have children enrolled in the school you're considering. Ask them about their experiences.

Consider Your Budget: Top CBSE Schools in India can range from government-funded schools with minimal fees to private schools with hefty price tags. Be realistic about your budget and explore options that fit your financial situation.

FAQs:

1. Are CBSE Schools better than State Board Schools?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Both CBSE and State Boards have their merits and demerits. CBSE offers a standardized curriculum across India, while State Boards might tailor their curriculum to the specific needs of the region.

2. How can I find out which CBSE Schools are near me?

You can use the School Affiliation and Monitoring System (SARAS) on the CBSE website (https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Home/Category_Wise) to search for CBSE Affiliated Schools in India based on your location.

The Final Takeaway

Choosing the right school is a crucial decision. By keeping these factors in mind and utilizing the resources available, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of Top Schools in India and find the perfect match for your child. Remember, a happy and thriving child is the ultimate goal!