#keeper of the lost citations

[kimyoonmiauthor]

Found a connection from Percy Lubbock to Lester Ward, one of the two progenitors of Conflict Theory

Because people keep harping on the idea that conflict always was in stories, but I also needed to find out where Percy Lubbock got his idea that Conflict should be at the center of stories. Here:

Lester F. Ward is one of the two main progenitors of conflict theory in sociology. My question was how did Percy Lubbock find it, and is Conflict theory as Lester Ward defines it the same as it is today. So, we can find from this page in The making of sociology : a study of sociological theory by Fletcher, Ronald (1971) that Lester Ward was criticizing the work of Sir John Lubbock. Sir John Lubbock is this one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lubbock,_1st_Baron_Avebury

He was interested, as Percy Lubbock's grandfather in archaeology and theory.

screen shot from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Lubbock It is not outlandish for someone to say, Hey this guy is talking about your grandfather in his new books, or Percy Lubbock himself to be interested in the books. This also gives a throughline to Death of the Author and making Barthes out as being a plagiarist. Because in Death of the Author, Barthes goes on about "primitive man" which Lubbock didn't do, but that Ward does do.

Barthes, in turn, could read and understand English. So the missing reference, because Ward wrote in English and did talk about material accumulation like Barthes referenced, is Ward. I score. Inductive reasoning, probably. But highly plausible it was backtracked like so, most likely. So theoretically, Barthes was a HUGE fan of Virginia Woolf, he traces back, finds Lubbock in Woolf's writings (public interviews), reads Lubbock's work, backtracks this conflict theory, ends up with Ward, thus makes the side reference to Ward's ideas about civilization, which, BTW, by the time he wrote was kinda out of date. I'm going to see if I can find the whole Indians thing Barthes wrote about in Ward's work, if so, it's a slam dunk. I can then prove that Barthes most likely did read Lubbock's work, and he didn't come up with "Death of the Author" independently. I've been questioning all this time where it came from, and apparently it's this third figure everyone triangulated on. Geeze, I don't understand why people didn't do this earlier though. Worshiping people who don't do citations doesn't do anyone good. BTW, this does not mean Barthes didn't add to Lubbock's thesis one bit, but I do dislike people refusing to do citations and taking credit for other people's work in doing so. Mild CW on Lester F. Ward: There is some maybe unintentional racism? Ethnocentricism wasn't coined until 1906 and both of Ward's books mentioned here were written before that date. And his last book written was 1908.

BTW, Lester F. Ward, I think he was trying to be a decent human being and transform his trauma into doing better for the world around him. But it is a chore to read his books on sociology since there is a lot that is wrong, strangely right, deadass wrong because there were no studies, and urrk when it came to civilization (such as his ideas about evolution of societies.) So, while he uses words that are yeeted from sociology today, like primitive and savage, at the same time, he didn't have the breath of physical anthropology at his disposal, and didn't know about homo sapiens in particular being a same species from what I can gather. 1900's was rough that way. So not a fan of the work, but I kinda like his social work. As, always, humans are complicated, and we cannot always say that a human should be polarized as all good or bad.

[electricalcheese]

why do people use "#keeper of the lost cites fanart" instead of "#keeper of the lost cities fanart" who made this typo everyone is using it now why is there a keeper of citations

[bookwyrminspiration]

Hey Quil! I was wondering if you were updating the Wings AU today? /gen /nm Sorry if there was a post I missed, or if you're just posting at a later time, (or even if you're too busy!) I wanted to ask just in case.

Hey Nonsie!! You didn't miss anything, I'm still going to post the newest chapter today. But yes it'll be at a later time that usual because I was wrapping up that essay. The bibliography seriously kicked my ass because of technical things, but I've now finished and turned it in!

I didn't post anything about it because I didn't know anyone was paying that close attention (not that it's a bad thing! I'm very flattered <33), so here is the announcement!! Wings au chapter is still coming today, just later than usual. Thanks for asking so I could clarify!

I hope you enjoy the chapter once I do post it, and because this is very sweet and also as an apology for not being clear about it, here's a quote/excerpt thing:

“You don’t have to be anything more than you,” Tam told her, voice not gentle, but not unkind. “Anyone who doesn’t accept you as you are isn’t worth your time or your thoughts.” “I know,” Marella breathed, quiet, like she was trying to remind herself of the fact. “I don’t care what Fintan thinks of me. I don’t,” she emphasized, reasserting herself as she shook her head.

[z3phyrcvpidl0ver]

"La vie est une successions de choix difficiles"

[bananadictionary]

Jesus and john wayne the arenos

What do you think? Please leave a comment at the bottom. Get a Kindle copy of Jesus and John Wayne for $14.99 Can. Jesus and John Wayne is not a flawless book but it is worth the read over your Christmas holidays. He grew his churches to over 15,000 with young men through preaching about wives serving their husbands sexually. Mark Driscoll is the former pastor of Mars Hill Church, and leader of the Acts29 network of churches. Most damning is story after story of downplayed instances of clergy sexual abuse and the subjugation of wives. She goes on to observe, “This evangelical consumer culture not only shapes evangelical beliefs and values, but it also fosters a sense of communal identity across regional, denominational, and socioeconomic differences.” In an interview Du Mez asks, “Did you grow up listening to Focus on the Family in your home each and every day? Did you shop at Christian bookstores? Did you listen to Christian music or Christian talk radio?” Yes, yes, yes and yes. For those of us who have struggled to make sense of our evangelical culture, we don’t need citations to tell us what we already know.”ĭu Mez clearly shows that the books, book tours, Bible studies, music, Christian bookstores, and publishing industry within evangelicalism played a crucial role in maintaining and distributing evangelical norms and values. “We’ve seen many of these issues with our own eyes: the dismissive responses, the sexist comments, the failure to act on the part of victims, the exaggerated responses to perceived cultural threats. Jamie Carlson, though critical of Du Mez’s arguments, says her work brings order to what others have struggled to express. “This is the way apostle Paul describes marriage in Ephesians chapter 5: A husband is like a savior to his wife, the burden really lies with men, to see themselves as those who rescue women from loneliness, to rescue women from being in a unfulfilled life, being in a place where they are not provided for, where they are not protected, not cared for, not loved, not given opportunity to have children.” Norms And Values He is one of the many leaders that Du Mez points to as an illustration of an unhealthy, patriarchal church culture. John MacArthur is the lead pastor of Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California, the Chancellor of Master’s University & Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. And what of his vulgarity?… Even sexual assault? Well, boys will be boys…If you wanted a tamer man, castrate him.” She offers a biting version of Evangelical Christianity “What makes for a strong leader? A virile (white) man. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is a New York Times bestseller. She holds a PhD from the University of Notre Dame and her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. Boys Will Be Boysĭu Mez is a Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. Jesus and John Wayne share a lot in common in evangelical thinking. John Wayne is the icon of a lost time when men were men, political correctness was for sissies, the good guys were unafraid to tell it like it is and did what needed to be done. Her research shows evangelical males replacing the Jesus of the Gospels with what one chaplain calls “a spiritual badass.” Du Mez exposes the darkest underbelly of Evangelicalism. She doesn’t make accusations or applications. Billy Graham, James Dobson, Tim LaHaye, Ed Cole, Bill McCartney, and organizations like Promise Keepers, and the Christian Men’s Network. One after another, legendary influencers of my formative pastoral years were paraded out. I plowed through all 386 pages in three nights of reading. She crafts a compelling narrative revealing Trump in fact represented the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule, aggressive foreign policy, fear of Islam, ambivalence toward #MeToo, and opposition to Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ community. Jesus, I know and John Wayne, I know, but who is Kristen Kobes Du Mez? White Evangelicalsĭu Mez is the author who set evangelical Christians’ hair on fire writing about John Wayne, Jesus, white evangelicals and, of course, Donald Trump.

[nitewrighter]

Why are people trying to crash AO3? Please dont, it keeps me sane.

Eh probably another, “You’re hosting incest/rape/pedophilia fics!” performative outrage panic. Like... yeah, there are people posting gross stuff on that platform, but I think the more effective method is confronting and deplatforming the people who post the nasty stuff, not attacking the platform.

 Like... look, I work in a library, and most of my job is grabbing holds. Every so often, ‘Mein Kampf’ is on the holds list. Does it make me intensely uncomfortable to pull it off the shelf for whatever patron is requesting it? Yeah. Am I going, “Please be for a research project, please be for a research project” when I grab it? Yeah. But do I think it would be right for us to just axe it out of the collection altogether? Or for me to just go ‘Whoooops! I lost it! I guess you can’t have this book I disagree with!’

No... I can’t say that I think it would be right.

See, at the end of the day, Archive of Our Own is an archive, and as an archive, its function is to be a repository for fan and original fiction: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is not AO3′s responsibility to be the arbiter of what is “good” and “evil” fiction. It is not AO3′s job to protect you from its own content or to steer you towards what content is good and whole while shunning the evil fic you don’t like. I think, those of us that have positive associations with libraries assume that libraries must cultivate culture and wisdom in the populaces they serve, because they did that for me, so surely that is their job! But... no. A library/archive’s job is to just preserve and catalogue shit so people can access it because they need to know shit. We preserve and catalogue as much as we can for cultural and historical context. Like, yeah an information science professional can help you become more info-literate, help you learn about like, proper sourcing and citations and what outlines a proper study/evaluation of a subject and stuff, but just because archivists are in charge of maintaining these vast troves of knowledge... that doesn’t make it their job to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong. They might be able to tell you what’s patently bullshit if you bring it up to them, but archival work isn’t about ‘preserving the good and eschewing the evil’--it’s just about preservation, period. 

And this also ties into the info science concept of intellectual freedom: You, as a user of libraries and archives, have an inherent right to access the content that an archive hosts, whether it be good or fucking terrible. The keepers of the archive are not your conscience--you have access to this content, so it is up to your judgment to determine its worth. And if it’s nasty shit? Well then, block the fic and call out the writer for being fucking gross. You think seeing ships that gross you out is bad? Sometimes I get requests for Dinesh-fucking-D’souza books! It ain’t my business to ask what the patron is checking them out for! It’s just my job to make sure they can access that part of the collection! This is how archives work, people!!! Unfortunately, terrible people are writing terrible things every day! It’s all we can do to just hope that the people reading the terrible shit can display some degree of critical thinking!! And y’all should do some critical thinking before you go around fucking kneecapping the most expansive, respected, and protected archives of fanworks when we have gone through decades of Anne Rice and Disney Lawyers fucking obliterating our hard work!

[lookthroughyourlashes]

DO THE READING #3

FEATURED TEXTS: “The Far North Experience” by Rebecca Solnit, “On Reckoning with a Mother’s Relentless Need to Save Everything” by Donna Masini, and “A Burning is Not A Letting Go” by Suzanne Levine and Kristin Prevallet

There is a direct link between excessive accumulation and the human desire to identify with those closest to them. each article named above clearly outlines specific emotional impulses: the desire to accumulate possessions, the desire to dispose of/alter accumulated possessions, and the drive to empathetically connect with absent loved ones.

until the 20th century, most humans were plagued by scarcity. Everything from food to clothing to household goods were difficult to create, and relatively expensive to obtain. But the industrial revolution dramatically increased the average americans’ access to (and appetite for) cheap goods, crowding homes and creating a problem that would have been foreign to our ancestors: hoarding. Donna masini’s article paints a vivid picture of collection of outdated clothing, unused office supplies, and endless household gadgets that confronted her and her father after her mother’s death. Charged with the daunting task of de-cluttering her parents home, she was forced to grapple with her own emotional attachments to the objects that her mother had saved. Masini found that she was reluctant to dispose of things because they seemed to be the safeguards of her memories (she relates them to Tupperware), capable of holding onto the happy moments and keeping them safe. But as she sifted through her parents’ home, she came to the realization that no stockpile of keepsakes had the power to preserve memories. The past, she explains, only exists within her for as long as she is alive to remember it. The objects made her feel as though her loved ones were with her, but her memories were not tethered to them. Without which, they became “just junk (masini, 8).”

She closes the article with the realization that everything that she was holding onto could outlive her only if she wrote it down. Writing allowed donna masini to free herself from the anxiety of impending loss while curating and organizing the past. artist Suzanne Levine found that her own written records, meticulously preserved and archived, were the source of her “dread”. Like masini, Levine explains that memories “are not contained in anything (Levine, 2)”, rather they survive as fragments in the mind, occasionally re-connected by some external inspiration. the urge to hold onto keepsakes is driven by people who mistake documents and artifacts from the past for the past itself. Unlike more tangible aritfacts, levine’s decades-worth of diaries were different, because their words were capable of reviving memories that were better forgotten. The power that donna masini found so invigorating sparked anxiety for Levine. she was torn between a desire to preserve the diaries for posterity, and the conflicting notion that nobody else would care about the trials of her teenage years, and that they were not worth preserving.

Levine chose to confront the opposing urges by taking a radical artistic action. she chose to burn the diaries, taking photographs of the paper as it curls in and eventually fades into ash. the words that survived the flames became erasure poems, fragmented and fragile just like her memories of the years that they chronicled. The transformation freed her from the painful years of her childhood, allowing her to become the sole keeper of her memories.

Both of the above essays speak to the ways that we grapple with the objects that remain from our pasts, and the memories that are associated with them. rebecca solnit’s eloquent definition of empathy speaks to both artists’ need to dispose of the physical remnants. She relates the pursuit of empathetic interaction as navigating a labyrinth in the dark. lacking the ability to see, one must proceed into the unknown darkness with their hands outstretched, using their sense of touch to search for the way forward. This mindset is ripe for creativity because it forces one to act without planning ahead or fully comprehending their actions. Here, ideas can emerge unencumbered by the harshness or rationality. This “slow journey into the unknown and the unknowable (solnit, 4)” forces to embrace an all-encompassing state of confusion. This allows the wanderer to truly hear what surrounds them, to immerse themselves in it. This is the approach neccessary to learn empathy, because to empathize is to identify with a person by imagining their reality as if it were one’s own, by immersing oneself in it.

simply immersing, and hearing is insufficient. “To hear,” solnit explains “is to let the sound wander all the way through the labyrinth go your ear; to listen is to travel the other way to meet it (solnit, 5).” One must actively. engage with the information, reaching out for it, translating it into one’s own inner language so as to truly understand the others the way they understand themselves: through their senses. if we accept solnit’s definition of empathy, this active emotional connection and curiosity, then I wonder how it would feel to search through that metaphorical labyrinth only to find oneself alone. When we personify our heirlooms and keepsakes, we are acting out of desperation to achieve a sense of empathetic intimacy with an absent person. by picking up the things that they interacted with everyday, one can envelop themselves in the ruins left by their absent loved-one. they can smell the soap as they wash the kitchen sink, can wrap themselves in their coats, and go for walks on the same sidewalks. after all of that is gone, they are left to scour the snapshots and the outdated documents for any traces of that unknowable life.

EMPATHY CAN STILL BE FOUND FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABSENT IF ONE DIRECTS THOSE SAME EFFORTS TOWARDS ARTWORKS, LITERATURE, AND FILM. ALL SPEAK TO THE MINUTIAE OF DAILY LIFE, TO THOSE ASPECTS OF INDIVIDUAL EXISTENCE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE LOST.

CITATION:

Solnit, Rebecca. “The Far North Experience: In Praise of Darkness (and Light).” Guernica Magazine, June 17, 2013. https://www.guernicamag.com/rebecca-solnit-the-far-north-of-experience.

Masini, Donna. “On Reckoning with a Mother's Relentless Need to Save Everything.” Literary Hub, September 4, 2019. https://lithub.com/on-reckoning-with-a-mothers-relentless-need-to-save-everything/.

Levine, Suzanne, and Kristin Prevallet. “A Burning Is Not Letting Go.” Guernica Magazine, May 9, 2017. https://www.guernicamag.com/kristin-prevallet-a-burning-is-not-a-letting-go/.

MANY THANKS to Literary Hub and Guernica Magazine, for not hiding your deep wells of collective artistic effort behind paywalls.

FEATURED RESOURCE: SPOTIFY

NO REALLY, THIS IS AN ART RESOURCE:

As a painter, my hands and my eyes are constantly occupied while in my studio. This means that I have less time to catch up on media that I would normally read. In the studio, I use Spotify not just to listen to music, but to stay up to date on the news, to learn about intriguing makers and thinkers in the art world, and to become a a more culturally literate human being. I cite this as an art resource specifically because it features a number of really stellar art podcasts that not only inspire me in the studio, but that introduce important ideas that can advance one’s work in significant ways: many introduce listeners to up an coming artists that they might not otherwise have heard of, others give established artists air time to share useful technical knowledge, still more keep listeners up to date on the complex machinations of the art world, allowing listeners to maintain their awareness of our shared professional community.

DON’T BELIEVE ME?

Bad at Sports: Presents more than 700 interviews with the most influential artists, art historians, curators, critics, and teachers. The episodes are often more than an hour long, and are full of smart ideas that can come in handy when writing an artist statement or advancing a studio practice. They are based in Chicago, which means that they spend a lot of time on local happenings.

Check out episode 360 (where the crew interviews the radiant Lucy Lippard).

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood: Host Antrese Wood interviews expert painters about every facet of their studio practices. Episodes are released every other Thursday, and explore a range of subjects such as trends in art sales, the future of painting in the digital age, and parenting as an artist. Other artists focus more on the evolving content of their work, or the technical advances in their studios. In addition, listeners can suggest artists, attend workshops, and learn more about painters who rarely catch the attention of larger publications.

My favorite episode: The love of literature & telling stories through art with Susan Lichtman

The Lonely Palette: Tamar Avishai spends each episode with a specific influential artwork. She starts by interviewing museum-visitors as they stand in front of the piece, exposing listeners to fresh ways of understanding their old favorites. Often, she speaks to people with no artistic background. Then, dives into the more academic portion of the show, breaking down the historical, social, and conceptual contexts that make each piece important. This podcast is useful for those artists who wish they had more time to settle down with a thick book, and want to keep their art history muscles flexed.

Start with episode 0: Art! What is it good for?

SOME OTHER ART PODCASTS WORTH EXPLORING:

I Like Your Work

Eyesore

Art Movements (by Hyperallergic)

Deep Color

WORKS IN PROGRESS:

[gay-otlc]

Citation: Keeper of the Lost Cities, books 1-9

Tiergan is homosexual [citation needed]

[arianaaponte21]

GAC Process Blog

Research

What is Poaching - Poaching is the illegal taking of wildlife, in violation of local, state, federal, or international law. - Poaching, in law, the illegal shooting, trapping, or taking of game, fish, or plants from private property or from a place where such practices are specially reserved or forbidden. - Wildlife crime is a big business. Run by dangerous international networks, wildlife and animal parts are trafficked much like illegal drugs and arms. - Activities that are considered poaching include killing an animal out of season, without a license, with a prohibited weapon, or in a prohibited manner such as jacklighting. Killing a protected species, exceeding one's bag limit, or killing an animal while trespassing is also considered poaching. - Experts at TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, estimate that it runs into billions of dollars. - Some examples of illegal wildlife trade are well known, such as poaching of elephants for ivory and tigers for their skins and bones. - However, countless other species are similarly overexploited, from marine turtles to timber trees. - Plants are also susceptible to poaching. For example, even when forests are not completely cleared, particularly valuable trees such as rosewood or mahogany may be illegally logged from an area, eliminating both the tree species and all the animals that depend on it.

Causes - Rhino horn, elephant ivory and tiger products continue to command high prices among consumers, especially in Asia - Slaughtered animals, on the other hand, have commercial value as food, jewelry, decor, or traditional medicine. The ivory tusks of African elephants, for example, are carved into trinkets or display pieces. The scales of pangolins, small animals that eat ants, are ground into powder and consumed for their purported healing powers. The meat of apes, snakes, and other bush animals is considered a delicacy in parts of Africa. - In Vietnam, the recent myth that rhino horn can cure cancer has led to massive poaching in South Africa and pushed the price of rhino horn to rival gold - Corruption, toothless laws, weak judicial systems and light sentences allow criminal networks to keep plundering wildlife with little regard to consequences

Impacts of Poaching - In Africa, nearly 600 rangers charged with protecting wildlife were gunned down by poachers between 2009 and 2016 while in the line of duty. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, one of the continent’s most dangerous, at least 170 rangers have been killed during the past two decades. - Healthy ecosystems maintain balanced food chains. Humans are part of this food chain and our species depends upon the health of the natural world for our survival. Every species of the delicate web of life is critical to its proper function and maintenance. Extraction of one species is damaging to this system. According to The Center for Health and Global Environment, a recent study showed that we are on track to lose 30 to 50 percent of all species by mid-century. While this is the result of multiple factors, poaching is one of the primary drivers.

- Poaching for the exotic pet trade affects an animal’s welfare in addition to its numbers in the wild. Most wild animals eat specialized diets found in nature, and they need space to fly, roam, and swing from branches. Captured animals are stuffed into boxes, suitcases, or sacks, and even if they survive transport, they often suffer in their new, unnatural situations. - Wildlife trade escalates into a crisis when an increasing proportion is illegal and unsustainable—directly threatening the survival of many species in the wild. - Local wildlife is considered an important resource by many communities, often the poorest, in the developing world. Some rural households depend on wild animals for protein, trees for fuel, and both wild animals and plants for natural cures. - The very existence of illegal trade undermines efforts made by countries to protect their natural resources - Overexploitation of species affects the living planet in wider ways. Just as overfishing causes imbalances in the whole marine system, our complex web of life on earth depends on careful and thoughtful use of wildlife species and their habitats - Like marine species killed through bycatch, incidental killing of animals also happens on land. For example, crude traps set for musk deer or duikers cause damage and death to a variety of animals besides those intended - When a certain animal, such as the African elephant, is targeted by poachers, it can take decades for the animal's population to recover. This, in turn, affects the ecosystem to which the animal belongs. A reduction in predators like tigers, for example, may cause prey populations to grow out of hand, while a reduction in fruit-eating mammals may affect seed dispersal, altering the fauna of an ecosystem.

Supporting Facts - Currently, an elephant is killed every 15 minutes for their ivory and every 8 hours a rhino gunned down for their horns. - Although the number of poached rhinos is going down each year, it is partly because there are fewer and fewer rhinos left to poach - Most illegal activity occurs in Kruger National Park, a 19,485 km2 of protected habitat on South Africa’s north-eastern border with Mozambique. - 100 elephants are killed every day - The illegal trade of ivory and rhino horn on the black market has become a multi-billion dollar industry, funding terrorist organizations and criminal networks. It is estimated that up to 40% of their funding comes from wildlife trafficking. - African elephants, more than 100,000 of which were killed between 2014 and 2017 for ivory. - Black Rhino: Population down 97.6% since 1960 - Mountain Gorilla: Approximately 1,000 remain - African Elephant: As many as 35,000 are killed each year - Lion: 43% population lost in 21 years - Grevy’s Zebra: About 2,000 adults remain - At current rates of poaching, elephants, rhinos, and other iconic African wildlife may be gone within our lifetime. - One kilo of ivory is worth about 1000 US$, but how much does the life of an elephant cost?

What is being done - One of the most powerful tools for addressing illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is persuading consumers to make informed choices. This includes the people buying the end product as well as shop-keepers, suppliers and manufacturers.

- TIGHTENING AND ENFORCING LEGISLATION: It’s one thing to ban or limit trade in a particular species, but another to effectively enforce this—especially in developing countries where training and funds for enforcement are often lacking.

Ways to Help - Push governments to protect threatened animal populations by increasing law enforcement, imposing strict deterrents, reducing demand for endangered species products and honoring international commitments made under CITES. - Speak up on behalf of those on the frontlines being threatened by armed poachers so they are properly equipped, trained and compensated. - Reduce demand for illegal wildlife parts and products by encouraging others to ask questions and get the facts before buying any wildlife or plant product.

Citations

“Africa's Poaching Crisis.” AWF, campaign.awf.org/poaching-infographic/.

Hall, Jani. “Poaching Animals, Facts and Information.” Animals, National Geographic, 10 Feb. 2021, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/poaching-animals.

Lin, Doris. “Poaching and Its Effects on Wildlife.” Treehugger, www.treehugger.com/overview-of-poaching-127892.

“Poaching and the Problem with Conservation in Africa (Commentary).” Mongabay Environmental News, 3 Mar. 2020, news.mongabay.com/2020/03/poaching-and-the-problem-with-conservation-in-africa-commentary/.

“Poaching Numbers: Conservation: Save the Rhino International.” Save The Rhino, www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/poaching-stats/.

“Poaching.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/poaching-law.

“Saving & Protecting Wildlife on the Frontline.” VETPAW, 4 May 2020, vetpaw.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1PSDBhDbARIsAPeTqrdQ8jwauew618cjdNOeYbIiKGYYjBd3uGy7J5 0JUw27sM3P-B-dbI4aAgtgEALw_wcB.

“What Is Poaching? The Illegal Wildlife Trade Explained.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/threats/illegal-wildlife-trade.

“WHY IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST POACHING NOW.” OIPA, www.oipa.org/international/why-is-important-to-take-action-against-poaching-now/.

“Why We Care.” Sea Save, 29 Nov. 2020, seasave.org/poaching/.

Proposal

The topic I chose for my project is to advocate against poaching. Poaching is the illegal taking of wildlife, in violation of local, state, federal, or international law. In law, poaching the illegal shooting, trapping, or taking of game, fish, or plants from private property or from a place where such practices are specially reserved or forbidden. Wildlife crime is a big business run by dangerous international networks. Wildlife and animal parts are trafficked a lot like illegal drugs and arms. There are many reasons why poaching is an important topic to discuss. In Africa, nearly 600 rangers charged with protecting wildlife were gunned down by poachers between 2009 and 2016 while in the line of duty. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, one of the continent’s most dangerous, at least 170 rangers have been killed during the past two decades. People are being murdered to get a paycheck. Another reason is that healthy ecosystems maintain balanced food chains. Humans are part of this food chain and our species depends upon the health of the natural world for our survival. 

I plan on discussing what poaching is, the impacts it has, what is currently being done, and what viewers can do to help fight against poaching. I am going to display this information in my brochure as bullets under said categories. I might also display it on my poster. In my brochure I am dedicating two pages for the audience to get involved. On the third page on the inside, it is going to be the “Ways for YOU to Help” page with a list of different ways to get involved. The back page is going to have different websites for readers to go to to help. The takeaway I want readers/viewers to have is how devastating and negatively impacting it is for animals, the environment and humankind. In order to grab viewers' attention, I will be using bright and bold colors such as yellow, orange, and red. I would also like to make the inner three pages cohesive as one graphic with a landscape of Africa and a sunset with all the information listed in the sky. I would also like to add some statistics in the inner flap along with animal graphics of the animals that each stat is about. I will be using three stats which include, (1) African elephants, more than 100,000 of which were killed between 2014 and 2017 for ivory (2) Black Rhino: Population down 97.6% since 1960 and (3) Mountain Gorilla: Approximately 1,000 remain. I will have websites listed for donations as well as social media handles to stay connected to the cause. This information will be displayed on the back page. 

My style includes many silhouettes as well as animal designs with some line work. I will also be using gradients to add a sunset effect. I plan on making all my projects look cohesive or on brand by using the same color scheme as well as integrating my logo in each product. 

[patewabrain]

Oath Keeper’s Chilling Exchange About Nancy Pelosi Keeps Him Behind Bars in Capitol Siege Case

Oath Keepers approach the U.S. Capitol in “stack” formation, prosecutors say in this indictment of nine members. The arrow points to Florida chapter leader Kelly Meggs. An Oath Keepers leader’s chilling correspondence with another person who allegedly fantasized about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “head rolling down the front steps” persuaded a federal judge on Friday that he should be kept behind bars pending trial. Chafing at his incarceration, the militia group’s Florida leader Kelly Meggs urged a federal judge to reverse a previous decision denying his pre-trial release . In a dense, 3-page order, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta  offered many reasons why his prior ruling should not be disturbed. But the most eye-opening rationale appeared on the third page. “During the detention hearing of co-defendant Kenneth Harrelson , the government produced evidence that, once inside the Capitol building, defendant and others walked to the north side of the Capitol toward the Senate chamber, only to be turned away by police officers. […] Defendant and others then walked to the south side of the Capitol toward the House chamber. […] He apparently was searching for at least one member of Congress in particular—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.” (citations omitted) According to the ruling, an unidentified third party sent a message that he “[w]as hoping to see Nancy’s head rolling down the front steps” to Meggs, who was quoted replying: “We looked forward her.” The judge noted: “The word ‘forward’ is almost certainly a typo, and what defendant meant to convey is that he and others ‘looked for’ Speaker Pelosi. This new evidence only confirms the court’s original assessment of defendant’s dangerousness, and that his release would endanger the community.” Prosecutors also alleged that the Oath Keeper leader and his wife Connie Meggs joked about destroying evidence in an exchange in which she cracked about the clothing and gear that he wore to the Capitol: “should have had your gear on hero LOL.” Her husband jocularly responded:“I lost it all in a boating accident.” Kelly Meggs produced the gear to the government in arguing that his detention order was based on a misunderstanding. But Judge Mehta found that implausible, finding it more likely that Meggs hid the evidence and produced it when he though it could benefit him. Defendant’s production of the clothing and gear he wore on January 6 does not alter the court’s conclusion that no combination of conditions would ensure the safety of the community. For one, although defendant suggests that the FBI was negligent in failing to locate the evidence during the search, and that it was “at the residence” all along, […] defendant does not represent where within his residence the clothing and gear were located. The court shares the government’s skepticism that law enforcement just overlooked this key evidence. As the government details, there were 19 law enforcement officers present, and they “were specifically looking for the clothing and items that Kelly and Connie Meggs were wearing on January 6.” […] The officers searched 22 rooms, “a garage, a shed, a travel trailer, and three additional vehicles.” […] It is unlikely that they just missed the Oath Keeper clothing and tactical gear they were actively seeking. The more probable scenario is that the evidence was initially hidden and then produced only when doing so was deemed beneficial to defendant. The court’s concern about defendant’s potential secreting of evidence therefore has not abated. (Citations omitted) Mehta also cited Meggs’s use of encrypted communications in noted that it would be difficult for the government to detect him, if he were released. (Screenshot from Oath Keepers indictment) The post Oath Keeper’s Chilling Exchange About Nancy Pelosi Keeps Him Behind Bars in Capitol Siege Case first appeared on Law & Crime . Oath Keeper’s Chilling Exchange About Nancy Pelosi Keeps Him Behind Bars in Capitol Siege Case published first on http://realempcol.tumblr.com/rss

[ciceroprofacto]

Baron von Steuben Timeline

(Prussian military service)

From “The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army” ~ by Paul Lockhart

Born September 17, 1730 to a typical Prussian military family of the Junker class. His grandfather was a reformed preacher and grandmother a countess. Not a wealthy family despite noble claim.

1731, before Steuben 1-yr old, the King sent his father to Russia with a small group of officers to help tsarina Anna rebuild her army. The family accompanied the Russian army on a campaign against the Turks- his father earned a citation for bravery in the War of the Polish Succession 1733-1738

During time in Russia, Steuben lost both grandparents, moved from Cronstadt to St Petersburg to the Livonian port of Riga, lived in harsh climates, and lost five siblings.

1739 Father recalled to Prussia, a year later, Frederick the Great succeeded to the throne after his father’s death.

1740-1742, the First Silesian War opened the war of Austrian Succession (1740-48). Steuben’s father was awarded the Pour le merite or “Blue Max” for his role in the Siege of Neisse in 1741 and promoted to the rank of major at age 43- pretty young

Steuben studied with Jesuit priests during this time- very little schooling in the basics.

1744 Frederick the Great renewed the struggle with Maria Theresa and barged through Saxony into Habsburg Bohemia- starting the Second Silesian War.

Steuben came with his father to shadow his military career- watched him work as an engineer. But, such a thing required high education and could only allow someone to rise so far in a ‘technical’ field such as engineering and artillery- the real glory was in the infantry.

1746 Steuben 16 yrs old when he joins the Infantry Regiment von Lestwitz Regiment 31, in the Breslau garrison. He had to serve in the ranks before he could earn a commission- serve as an officer cadet. Eventually gained commission as an ensign.

Steuben sees Fredrick the Great leading a daily drill, wearing his plain black hat and unadorned regimental coat. Officers could not shirk the duty of training soldiers under their command. High-ranking officers would conduct drills themselves, even at the battalion level. The Prussian army came the closest to teaching officers leadership of any army of the era.

Steuben spends his free time as a junior teaching himself French and arithmetic, the language of the Prussian king and his court. Though his own french always remained workmanlike and inelegant. He spends his time reading and going to plays rather than joining in comical misadventures with prostitutes and tavern keepers. His favorite book was Don Quixote.

1754 Steuben’s company was detailed to dig trenches through an actively used cemetary outside the city walls of Breslau- oppressive heat and disease.

The Seven Years’ War (1756-63) Maria Theresa of Austria, fearful that Frederick the Great had become a loose cannon whose existence threatened the delicate balance of power in Europe, aimed at defeat, humiliation, and dismemberment of Prussia.

Frederick hoped to knock Austria out of the war before France and Russia could come to its aide, pushed more than a hundred thousand troops from Saxony into Austrian-held Bohemia. Austria fell back on Prague where Steuben was part of the initial assault on the Austrian center- the same fields where he’d coincidentally seen his father at work nearly thirteen years before. The prussians lost more than 20 percent of their troop strength. Steuben’s company lost 50 percent. Steuben was injured.

1757, at the battle of Leuthen (Steuben wasn’t there), the King’s army of thirty-five thousand men outmaneuvered, outflanked, and crushed a well-fortified Austrian army three times its size.

After Prague, Steuben volunteered to command a Free Battalion (Freibataillone) which was a light infantry unit used for scouting, reconnaissance, and raiding, notorious for riotous behavior and difficulty to command.

November 5, 1757, Steuben and his Freibataillone marched with Frederick almost two-hundred miles in less than two weeks to confront an allied force of French troops and Imperial levies (Reichsarmee), with a numerical advantage two to one. They met at Rossbach, and Frederick conducted a quick line of battle and caught the allied force in a crossfire which Frederick’s rear guard- including Steuben’s battalion mopped up. The Prussians suffered fewer than five-hundred casualties altogether while the Franco-Imperial army lost five-thousand killed or wounded- and nearly as many taken prisoner.

1759, General J.D. von Hülsen selected lieutenant Steuben to serve on his staff as a Brigade-Offizier in the army of Frederick’s brother, Prince Henry, a sign Steuben had attracted the attention of Senior commanders.

July 23, 1759 Battle of Kay, and August 12, 1759 Battle of Kunersdorf, Prussians severely weakened from heavy losses of fighting three major armies and three years of constant campaigning, Austro-Russian armies mauled them. Kunersdorf nearly resulted in the destruction of the main Prussian army and the capture of King Frederick, and the loss of Berlin. Steuben and Frederick were both wounded.

November 1759, Steuben promoted to first lieutenant

Two more battles with von Hülsen, Liegnitz, on August 15, 1760, and Torgau on November 3, 1760

May 1761, Steuben’s been noticed by Frederick’s brother, Prince Henry who was “always on the lookout for new talent- especially, it was rumored, if that talent came in the form of a handsome young officer”. Steuben transferred off the Lestwitz regiment to the “Royal Suite”, the king’s personal headquarters, and given temporary duty as Quartiermeister-Lieutenant where he would assist King Frederick and his staff with intelligence and strategic planning.

Summer of 1761, losses in the rank and file could be made from intensive recruiting but Frederick needed officers to make up for losses over the last three years. Steuben quickly reassigned to the staff of General J. von Platen, commanding the Prussian forces fighting against the Russians in the northeastern theater where Platen’s army surrendered to superior Russian forces at Treptow in October 1761.

Winter 1761, as a Prisoner of War, Steuben befriends Karl Peter Ulrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, heir to the throne of Russia. Not a likable man, but with an affinity for all things Prussian

January 1762, when the duke’s aunt, Tsarina Elisabeth died without an heir, Steuben wrote to Frederick’s foreign minister that Ulrich, now Tsar Peter III was eager to discuss peace terms with his personal idol, the Prussian king.

May 1762, Frederick had signed a peace treaty with Russia, and Peter pulled his troops out of Prussia, so Frederick’s most dangerous enemy was out of the war for good, and Austria and France could not keep up their war without Russia for much longer. Prussia was saved.

With peace made, King Frederick needed to make up for the loss of so many talented generals, and created a rudimentary staff school the “Special Class on the Art of War” (Spezialklasse der Kreigskunst)- an intensive course in generalship for thirteen students that he would teach himself. At thirty-one, Steuben had recently been promoted to Captain, and was the youngest of the students.

Sometime in 1762, Steuben ran afoul of a classmate and earned the rancor of an implacable enemy- likely General Wilhelmi von Anhalt, a jealous, brutal, and vindictive misanthrope who stood high in the king’s favor. He had earned a reputation for wrecking careers of officers he disliked, and Steuben’s fall from grace was immediate.

By February 1763, Steuben had finished the staff school and was immediately demote to a company command in the Infantry Regiment von Salmuth No. 48, stationed at Wesel, on the far western edge of the kingdom, a humble post at a mediocre regiment.

A couple months later he was dismissed from service entirely, resided for awhile in Berlin then left Prussia sometime before the end of 1763.

Autumn of 1764, he took the post of court chamberlain to the sovereign prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen

[kyprelaw]

Quantum Computing: A New Arms Race

By Brett Goble, Centre College Class of 2022

May 27, 2020

In 1997, chess grandmaster and reigning world chess champion Garry Kasparov faced off against IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue in New York City and lost. This was the first time that a chess grandmaster was beaten by a computer, but more broadly, this defeat symbolized a reconceptualization of the power of computers and what they could achieve.Losing a chess match is not as existentially troubling as robots taking over the world militarily, but it is a humbling example of how the ‘mental’ power of computers have surpassed that of humans to a level that is already hard for humans to understand.

Enter Quantum Computers (QC). A combination of cutting-edge technology, quantum physics, and a Shangri-La of exponential computing that can be, without exaggeration, potentially one of the most important technological developments of the 21 st century and makes Deep Blue’s immense power almost pale in comparison. To very briefly explain from where QC reap such awesome power, imagine a maze that you would see in a children's sketch book. Classical computers would have to metaphorically run through the maze until it hits a dead end and then will start over. Using what it learned from the past attempts to eventually clear the maze. QC, on the other hand, would be able to run through every possible pathway in the maze all at once, finding the right pathway almost instantly (1).

Sparing anymore elaboration on QC and its components in relation to quantum physics, which is beyond the scope of this article, but I will link to some very helpful sources in the citations. The point to take from this brief discussion of QC is that they are not just a faster version of classical computers. They are a wholly different type of computer and come with much more power than any computers that have come before them.

Even though experts have testified before congress on the importance of investing in QC, and that China has stated that it is investing billions into quantum technology, has the US made moves to prepare itself legally speaking for the rise of QC and the threats it poses?

Many would argue that not enough is being done on behalf of the government to address the sea-change that QC pose to US national and its’ citizens personal security. In 2018, President Trump signed HB 6227 called National Quantum Initiative Act that authorized $1.2 billion to be spent investigating and research quantum technology over the next five years (2). Though as China’s spending on QC research has increased in the past years and continues to climb, the US government’s spending on QC may be too little too late to compete with China in the realm of QC (3). Moreover, some of the largest problems that QC generate are problems of encryption and data security. To very briefly illustrate this point think of the maze example from earlier in this article, but imagine a maze with thousands of millions of pathways if not more. In order to break our current encryption, a computer would have to ‘brute force’ its way through the maze to get access to your account.

Yet, this often takes thousands if not millions of years because our current computers must check every possible password to an account (or maze pathway in our earlier analogy) to gain access. Qubits on the other hand could check thousands or more pathways at once, meaning passwords that would have once taken classical computers millions of years may take QC only a few minutes.For instance, Google’s quantum computer like processor codenamed ‘Sycamore’ performed a calculation in

200 seconds that would have taken a classical computer 10,000 years (4). It is difficult to state the threat QC poses to cybersecurity on a national and personal level. A true QC could be a master key for whomever wields it to unlock any ‘door,’ bank statements, or encryption to national security that they choose. As Scientific American put it, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that the ability of free nations to defend their economic and national security interests will be seriously threatened in the event they fall behind in quantum computing (5).”This jump in computer ability also highlights the overall lack of privacy regulations for US citizens.

Though there are some laws in place to try and protect the rights of children online, very few laws exist in the same capacity for adults (6). As US law stands now, Americans do not have an explicit right to have their data protected. As QC technology progresses, the ease of which QC could access your encrypted data is scary to say the least and world altering at worst. Yet, the US isn’t completely in the dark with quantum technology. Private companies like Google and Microsoft are investing billions into QC, and their research may be key to help the US government and other private companies ensure that the data of citizens and the state remains protected from QC via quantum encryption (7). However, the ethics of whether private companies should be the gate keepers to QC and thus the safety of private and national security data, is beyond the scope of this article.

Quantum computing represents an exponential leap in human technological ability that is in many ways incalculable with our current understanding of classical computers. Everyone who uses the internet depends on its’ levels status of encryption will eventually be impacted by QC.

________________________________________________________________

1. Scoles, Sarah. “Inside the Government's;Quantum Computing Summer School.” Vice, Vice News, 25 July 2019, www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3nnkm/inside-the-governments-quantum-computing-summer-school. 2. Strategy, Moor Insights and. “Quantum USA Vs. Quantum China: The World's Most Important Technology Race.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 11 Oct. 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2019/10/10/quantum-usa-vs-quantum-china-the-worlds-most-important-technology-race/. 3. Ibid. 4. Porter, Jon. “Google Confirms;Quantum Supremacy; Breakthrough.” The Verge, The Verge, 23Oct. 2019, www.theverge.com/2019/10/23/20928294/google-quantum-supremacy-sycamore- computer-qubit-milestone. 5. Grobman, Steve. “Quantum Computing Must Be a National Security Priority.” Scientific American Blog Network, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2018, blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/quantum-computing-must-be-a-national-security-priority/. 6. Denniston, Lyle. “Argument Preview: Police and Cellphone Privacy.” SCOTUSblog, 8 Sept. 2014, www.scotusblog.com/2014/04/argument-preview-police-and-cellphone-privacy/. 7. PBS Spacetime. “Why Quantum Computers Require Quantum Cryptography.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi7YwxxZQ5A Photo Credit: IBM Zurich Lab

[sidneythelibrarian]

Image

Blackall, S. (2018). Hello lighthouse. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Lighthouse-Sophie-Blackall-ebook/dp/B074M5PC63

Evaluation

1: Repetition - The repetition of “Hello… hello… hello…” emphasizes the repetitiveness of the keeper’s days in the lighthouse. Various objects, people, and natural forces pass him by, never stopping for too long. The slight variations in the word “hello” do help indicate the various passers-by.

2: Shape - One particular page stands out artistically. When it is revealed that the keeper’s wife is pregnant, and her belly grows rounder, the art on the page becomes round as well. The art also emphasizes the round shape of the lighthouse. The round elements serve as a unifying point for the entire story.

3: Texture -  Different textures of sea are used in the illustrations to convey the movement of the water. A lens shape is used to illustrate calm water with small waves. Alternatively, thick curved lines are used in events like storms to depict the motion of the waves.

Response

Although the keeper enjoys his post, he eventually grows lonely. I agree with this premise of the book, that humans need love and companionship in their lives. Once he is joined by his wife, the reader is able to discern that the keeper is much happier. The keeper remains happy, despite the repetition in his day. Because of this, I learned that there is some value in repetition, as you can see the beauty in each and every day. In the end of the story, the keeper must let go of the lighthouse even though he had become attached to it. Every person, myself included, must deal with letting something beloved go. This is a lesson I personally learned as I recently lost a family pet. Like the keeper continues to remember the lighthouse, I will continue to remember my pet. 

Conclusion

The repetition in words and plot of the days of the lighthouse keeper remind readers that although days may be similar, there is beauty in each. The various shapes and textures in the story add depth to the action of the plot. The story itself teaches lessons about needing kinship and letting go of parts of your life. Beautifully illustrated and melodically written, this book is a must-read for all!

Citation

Blackall, S. (2018). Hello lighthouse. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

[heartslogos]

send the morning [39]

“I am not leaving until you let me in there and see her,” Maxwell says, pounding on the heavy Chantry door. This is probably at least ten sorts of sacrilege but Maxwell figures that he’s already damned thirty different ways just for continuing to breathe as a living insult to the Trevelyan family so he might as well keep going. “Seeker Penteghast? I demand to see Evelyn!”

The templar guards on either side of the door try to pull him away but while Maxwell did fail at all the mental mind sets that make a templar he did not fail in combat. He holds his ground.

“I am going to stay here until I am allowed to see that Evelyn is being kept well,” Maxwell yells at the door, “I am Maxwell Trevelyan and as incredibly out of favor I am there will be repercussions for your actions if you evict me from Haven. The Trevelyans may regret my existence but they still like Evelyn. Let me see her.”

The door swings open and Rutherford gives him an exasperated look, gesturing for the templars to let him go.

“Ser Trevelyan,” Ambassador Montilyet says coming into view behind Rutherford, “It is dangerous to see her, and we are not entirely sure of her innocence.”

“We’re certain of her guilt.” Pentaghast’s voice comes from deeper within the room. Maxwell pushes forward but Rutherford stops him with a hand to the chest, shaking his head. Maxwell glares at him. “What more evidence do you need? She was the only survivor of the explosion, in fact she was in the very center of it. And that mark on her hand. Reports say that she was an exemplary scholar and experimenter.”

“Evelyn never worked on anything that could do this,” Maxwell cranes his neck to look around the Ambassador and Commander. Pentaghast’s sharp eyes meet his. “She wrote to me about her research. Do you want me to send for her letters? I can tell you exactly what she was studying these past decades down to the volume. I can give you a list of damn citations if that’s what you need. Evelyn is innocent.”

“Trevelyan,” Cullen says, “I know that you two are close. But it’s been years. You don’t know what was true and false in those letters.”

“Evelyn wouldn’t lie to me,” Maxwell spits, “You don’t know her. Just talk to her - you’d know instantly she’s innocent.”

“We cannot talk to her,” Pentaghast snaps, coming to the door and gently moving Josephine aside. “Because she is unconscious and has not woken since we found her coming out of the Fade.”

“So you condemn her without even speaking to her?” Maxwell scoffs, “Let me vouch for her. I will speak for her since she cannot. Maker knows I have the mouth for five people. Might as well put it to use. I will stand here until you let me see her.”

Pentaghast scowls at him, stepping closer like she’s about to punch him out and Maxwell glares back. He’d rather be punched in the face than ignored. At least that means they’re starting to listen.

“Cassandra,” Rutherford’s voice softly cuts in, “She’s unconscious and being watched at all hours. I can go with him if you’re worried about security.”

“He’s not wrong about the Trevelyan’s opinion of Evelyn,” The Ambassador adds on, “And there really is no reason to keep them apart.”

Pentaghast’s jaw clenches, “Very well. But he goes in unarmed. Cullen, you go with him. Josephine send for those notes. How quickly can we get Ostwick’s reply?”

“Within a fortnight at least,” Montilyet replies, Maxwell steps aside for her as she leaves the room, “I’ll have Leliana send her fastest birds.”

“Thank you,” Maxwell says, “And you’re welcome.”

“For what?”

“For stopping you from making a terrible decision about an innocent life,” Maxwell replies, “Commander Rutherford, lead the way.”

-

Ellana returns under the cover of darkness, without warning or signal, with everything different.

Evelyn startles awake when she feels a hand on her cheek, the faintest touch of magic that she doesn’t recognize - but one that she feels that she’s touched before.

“Evelyn,” Her eyes meet Ellana’s - lit by a small, soft and muted mage light.

“Ellana?” Evelyn sits up, wrist flicking a flame and reaching for the candles on her bedside table.  “Maker’s breath.”

Ellana sits in full Dalish armor, a staff hanging over her back. Evelyn has never seen Ellana looks like this. Like -

Evelyn doens’t know the word she’s looking for.

“Does Mahanon know?”

Ellana tilts her head towards the staircase and Evelyn turns, seeing Mahanon’s wide and confused, hurt eyes.

“I need you to be witness,” Ellana says, standing and holding her hand out. Evelyn takes it.

“What happened?” Evelyn whispers. Somehow it feels like any loud noise can break the fragile and glass-like texture of this moment of not-time.

“Clan Lavellan’s numbers are reduced to two,” Ellana says by way of answers, holding Evelyn’s hand in hers as Evelyn pulls a blanket off of the bed to wrap around her shoulders. Mahanon quietly pads across the room towards them and opens the balcony door. The moonlight blanches his skin and gleams off of his pale hair. “Years ago I was once the First of Clan Lavellan, but I was demoted to Third after I began to learn the arts of transformation. One who cannot reliably be certain and true to their own selves, one who is easily lost and confused, cannot be trusted to lead others.”

Evelyn stares at Ellana’s face. It’s like she’s awake; well and truly awake and aware. Ellana has always been aware, awake, yes, but - this is different. There is a sharper focus and intensity to it.

This, Evelyn realizes, turning to catch the way Mahanon stares at his sister, is the Ellana Mahanon had lost. This is the Ellana the both of them have been trying to hang onto.

“I was allowed this weakness because there were others to support me, to guide me, to do what I could not,” Ellana leads them out into the moonlight. “But those people are gone, and it is selfish of me to continue to rely on others to make up for my inadequacies.”

“You aren’t - “ Mahanon begins.

Ellana raises her hand, eyes focusing on him, “There are parts of you that hate me, that wish I were gone. There are parts of you, brother of my heart, that wish I had never come into this world; and that if I did I would have been anything different. There are parts of you that wish I had died rather than become bear. There are parts of you that, sometimes, wish could remove me forever. This is fact.”

Mahanon flinches, eyes closing in shame.

“He loves you,” Evelyn says, stepping closer to Mahanon. Ellana’s hand squeezes hers.

“I know,” Ellana says, voice and eyes softening like cold mist, “And because I also love him, I too wish those things. I, too, hate myself for the suffering I have caused him. I, too, wish that I had never been born, that we had never met, that I was better or stronger or all around different from what I have become. There are parts of me that, at times, blame him for not killing me when he had the chance. There are parts of me that hate him for staying. I love him. This does not change the fact that I have caused him to suffer.”

Ellana releases Evelyn’s hand and moves closer to her brother, reaching and taking his hand in one of hers and then coaxing his face to meet hers with the other.

“Evelyn, I need you to stand as witness. You are the Inquisitor of Thedas and our dear friend. Your word above anyone else’s will hold.”

“Witness for what?”

Ellana strokes Mahanon’s cheek with her thumb.

“I am Keeper of Clan Lavellan,” She says, softly, “I bear the Keeper’s staff, I have the ring of the First. Do you accept this, Mahanon of Lavellan?”

“Yes,” Mahanon whispers.

“Then as Keeper of Clan Lavellan,” Ellana says, “I dissolve the bond between us. Brother and sister we are once more. You are no longer bound to me as husband, nor I to you as wife. With the Inquisitor of Thedas as witness, I cut that tie. Be free.”

Evelyn gapes, and Mahanon’s eyes grow wide. Ellana’s eyes smile, though her mouth does not.

“I am weak and fragile of mind,” Ellana says, releasing Mahanon’s hand and face. “I am selfish and flawed. I am sorry I have been a burden to you for so many years. I am sorry to say that as hard as I am trying, I do not know if I will ever be the person we both want me to be again.”

Mahanon’s eyes close, “I know.”

“That doesn’t mean we don’t love who you are now,” Evelyn puts a hand on their shoulders, “And you are trying. You haven’t given up. Nor have we given up on you.”

Ellana smiles, “I do not know how long I will be this way. Even now I feel my mind start to fray and pull in every direction I know I have been. I wish I could help you more, I wish I could stay this way for all of you. All the time. Evelyn, thank you for what you’ve done for us. Clan Lavellan, as small as we are now, stands with you, lethallin.”

[millennium-hearts]

Joyride of Your Life

Marik felt his heavy heart flinch as he heard his bedroom door be slammed but continued his confident, angry strides out his apartment door. Had he been looking for a spat between himself and Bakura? Not in particular. But he was looking for a fight and he knew it.

After sulking through the dark corridors, he arrived at an abandoned warehouse- the one next door to the one he used to forcing Bandit Keith to duel Yugi. There was still scorch marks on the outer walls of the building, but years had passed since that fated duel happened. A duel which gave Bakura his opportunity to take his next step towards revenge.

Marik shook his head, he wasn’t in the mood for romantic thoughts. He just wanted the biting cold air whipping his skin as he speed through the winding trails outside of Domino on his bike. He looked up at the lonely shack of a building, broken windows from punk kids throwing rocks at it lining the second story. The same old tags were marked by gangs outran by his rare hunters, or converted depending on if “Steve” was written on their birth certificate.

Marik reached underneath one of the window sills, pulling out two long pieces of metal that was hidden inside the cracks between mortar and glass. It was rusted and dirty from being weathered all this time, but at this moment Marik couldn’t care less. The tomb keeper made tracks around the building to a metal door, dipped down, and began to pick at the lock with his makeshift tools.

With a loud, hair-tingling screech, the warehouse door opened. It smelled moldy, drafty, and like diesel in the building. Looted crates spilled over each other. In the corner was a table with old documents for name changes dissolved by rain, flipped over and left to rot. Marik purposefully strode to another door and grabbed onto a thick, meaty chain. Pulling the chain, with a rapid, droning roar, he opened the shuttered door, revealing a new room. 

Marik’s heart began to quicken, thunder beginning to boom in his chest like seeing his first love. Which was exactly what was happening. Locking the chain in place, Marik almost jogged to the room, gliding around crates, tool boxes, and eventually to a mound covered up by a tarp. It was dusty in here, but spared from the cruelties of the weather. Lifting the tarp, the sheen of chrome and leather were slowly revealed.

His beautiful cruiser- the same he had rode into Domino for the first time. Marik smiled softly, rubbing his hand down its body. “Hello, baby. Did you miss me? It’s been a little while... Have the Steves been treating you well?” His heart swelled with pride and joy as he fully removed the protective covering. He sighed, gripping the handle bars, closing his eyes, biting his lip. He saddled it, reacquainting himself to the smooth curve of the seat, the power of the handle bars stretched out from him. He felt like a kid again. Marik dug out the key in his pocket and placed it in the ignition. With the press of the switch, his childhood dream growled to life. 

Marik began giggling to himself, jumping on the seat slightly. This was EXACTLY what he needed. Letting it warm up, he briefly searched for his helmet and readied himself for the ride.

The roar of the engine bounced off the cliff rocks as Marik sped down the highway, the power of the rocket under his butt making his feel alive- dignified. The Pharaoh, the socks, the fight, work, whatever it was is dissolved as he pushed his anger into the throttle. The fresh mist of the sea and cold air stung on his face and he was loving it. Marik began to laugh, feeling the power coarse through him again.

Twisting through the turns, Marik thought nothing of it until-

“WHOOP WHOOP.” In his side mirrors and by the gleam of the chrome, red and blue lights flashed in his eyes. 

“Frig! GREAT- this is just... perfect.....” Marik rolled his eyes, finding the shoulder and actually pulling over. “Friggin perfect- all I needed in this Gods-damned shitty day,” he mumbled to himself, adding more curses as he heard the crunch of an officer’s boots draw nearer to him.

“License and registrations,” a familiar, nasally, slow drawn out voice said near his ear. Marik spat another obscenity and looked up, displeased and riled up. “Oh, well if it wasn’t Marik Ishtar. Ha! You might have got off lucky last time with your butt-buddies but you won’t get off so easy now!”

“Well, if it wasn’t the fan fic police,” Marik began mockingly. 

“I see you weren’t dumb enough to forget. What happened, lost your ears?”

“We told you once and I’m not going to say it again- THAT was for CHARITY.”

“Uh-huh. License and registration.” Marik rolled his eyes and leaned over to retrieve what he needed in the side compartment of his bike. “You understand why I pulled you over, right? You were clocked doing eighty-five in a fifty mile per hour zone. Plus that helmet looks ridiculous on you. I’m going to have to write a citation for that.”

“Bull CRAP!” Marik yelled, hand still in the saddle. “This was the only helmet the animator’s let me have- and it was to show my beautiful face!”

“Everyone knows that excuse is dead, Ishtar. It’s as dead as your parents and your career as a villain.”

“EXCUSE ME!?” Marik roared. “I’LL have YOU know that-”

“-Save it, everyone knew it was over when you submitted to the duel with the Pharaoh. You pulling over for me only beats at the dead horse.” Marik clenched his teeth and seethed in rage, still in the midst of his search.

“Now be a good water-downed ex-villain and- What is THAT?” Gold glowed from Marik’s hand as he found, not his papers, his Millennium Rod.

“You want to run that by me again? Because I think I want another rundown. That’s what you do in law enforcement, yes? You put people on trial?”

“Well, actually that’s the ju-”

“SHUT UP-” Marik growled. He chuckled sinisterly, smirking at the officer as his eyes burned daggers into him. “In Ancient Egypt, those who died had to be judged, and it’s NOT pretty,” Marik said, his voice becoming overly polite. “If your heart weighs more than the feather of Ma’at, you’d be devoured.”

“Guess who’s about to figure out what that’s like? Believe me- it can only be one of us, and your bets aren’t looking good.” His grin widened. “And the animators don’t allow guns in this world- not unless you pay some GOOD money. Money a policeman’s salary can’t afford.” Marik’s rod was revealed, radiating like golden fire.

“Oh my God- you can’t-!!”

“Of course I can. ESPECIALLY if it’s off-screen,” he grinned.

“NOOOOO-!!!!” With the cut of black and the sonic roar of magic being cast, the scream was cut off.

“Well. That happened,” Marik said, staring at the body. He tucked the rod back into his pants loop. “Note to self- first attempt at Firaga Burst was successful.” Marik breathed out, feeling successful again as a villain. Pharaoh who? Marik began to laugh, staring at the charged swirls of smoke coming from the ex-bully from Season zero and Season one. “Woooooh! What a night,” he said, taking off the helmet, fixing his hair. 

“Whoop Whoop!” Marik froze, hearing the sound of another police siren. Backup!? Marik looked back, seeing the police car park behind the second motorcycle. “Shit!” Marik started his ignition as he heard the police man get out and discover the body laying in a husk on the ground.

“Hey- wait!” he called out to Marik. But Marik was already clutching at his throttle, tearing into the shoulder and burning rubber. “Officer down! I need back up on the east coast highway outside Domino City!”

Marik’s bike roared. He threw his head back laughing gleefully. “You won’t catch ME, coppers!” He felt adrenaline pumping through his body like the nitrous. Rushing past the ocean, it didn’t take long before there was a car chase following behind him. “Okay- if THAT’S how you want to play!”

The sirens screamed, echoing off the cliff side as Marik cranked it into high gear. Should this be his bike in Cairo, there was no way they’d catch him. Unfortunately, the cruiser was not his sport’s bike. Marik frowned, heart thundering in his ears as they caught up with him. Blocked from the sides and the back, it didn’t take too long before he saw the blockade ahead of him.

“Oh Ra- Oh Ra- Oh Ra- Oh Ra-!!!” he began to panic. He was going too fast to slam on breaks and there was no where else to turn-! “What do I do-!?” Marik screamed. But the rod glowed. “Alright- alright, if that’s the case, let’s do this!”

Marik took the rod from his pants and stretched it before him. He had one shot. Feeling the darkness swimming within him, he opened the portal to the dark corridor, right in from of the blockade. “Here goes-!” Marik held his breath and punched the throttle, shooting forward. The black mist raced towards him, and with a scream Marik tore into the dark corridor, the roar of sirens and engines behind him suddenly cutting off as he ripped into the other dimension.

The patterns of the Nobody’s sigil swirling around him were like white blurbs as he screamed through the corridor. His bike bounced, the paint and chrome corrupting from the exposure to the darkness. His breathe being hitched in his throat, Marik skidded his way through and out of the dark corridor. 

A bright light enveloped him and as he braked, tearing into the Grey Area of the Organization. The window of the lounge rushed to him as he braked hard, ripping up the floor. 

Marik panted, the bike having stopped barely a foot away from the window, stopped by the claymore of a certain pissed off Organization member. Marik was on the floor, looking up at the golden, furious eyes, and was suddenly in the air. Being shook by the collar of his cloak, the x-shaped scar almost burning in Saix’s forehead, Marik felt like he had whiplash. 

“HOW. DARE. YOU. CAUSE. A. DISTURBANCE. ISHTAR!!!!” the man yelled, throwing Marik across the room and onto a white couch, flipping it over in the jarring crash. “HAAAAAA-!!!” The Luna Diviner screamed, charging at Marik, claymore raised. Marik’s head spun- rod on the other side of the room, defenseless-.

CHING!

“Whoa whoa whoa, there, buddy. We don’t attack friends like that, do we?” a calming, yet sarcastic voice said. A voice with a surfer’s laid back personality. Standing above him was the old croon, Xigbar, his sniper crossbows halting Saix’s claymore directly. “So how about we all calm down and- HUUUGH-” Xigbar was sent flying as Saix punched him in the jaw. The claymore swung again, up in the air.

Marik, still stunned, began seeing his life play before his eyes. Shit, and he never made up to Bakura.

“AAAAUGGGGGHHHH-!!!”

“Stop.”

The air felt the same as if Hell froze over. In the room stepped The Superior- Number One- Xemnas. Saix didn’t move, his weapon overhead still, ready to crash onto Marik.

“At ease, Saix.” With the command, Number VII did as he was told. Marik groaned, rolling his head back on to the white tile. Xemnas took in the damage of the sight around him, curiously noting the bike sprawled at the edge of the room. He shook his head. “Will this chaos not rest?” he muttered to himself, sighing. He placed a hand on Saix’s shoulder and stepped in front of him, looking at Xigbar and Marik.

“Will SOMEONE please assist us,” he sighed, as if his expectations were already lowered. In the blink of an eye, higher classed Nobody appeared and began lifting the unconscious Xigbar up and out of the room, disappearing into the swirling black corridors. A few came to Marik, too, who also felt like blacking out after being hurled into furniture. Unlike the Shadow Game, Melvin wasn’t here to help him out of this.

“Xemnas, I can explain-” Saix began just to be cut off with the raise of a finger. 

“Everyone here will be suspended until a council decides otherwise.”

“But I-” Xemnas cut a glance to Saix which shut him up instantly. He pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“Someone take Ishtar to the infirmary. And block off the Grey Area.” Xemnas glared at the wrecked room. “If I could feel, I would be furious at this,” he mumbled to himself.

Marik moaned, being picked up and hauled off, following behind Xigbar. Before he knew it, he was laying in a white bed in the same looking white room as any other place in this castle had. He rubbed his eyes, sitting up, wondering how the heck he got to this point.

“Oh geez,” he muttered. “He’s going to have a fit about this.... Uugh,” he said, flopping back over and closing his eyes. At least he could use the time to rest up, though.

And of course, reflect upon his victory of icing off the fan fiction police.

But was it worth it? He’d figure it out later.

[tmrnovelblog-blog]

Blog Post 3

Novel Blog 3

Citation: Dashner, James. The maze runner. Chicken House, 2015. (pgs 136-219)

Summary: Thomas and Minho come out of the maze unscathed. They save Alby and walk through the Glade like ghosts. Everyone is completely dumbfounded at their survival. A gathering is called the next day to discuss Thomas. At the gathering, Gally and Winston think Thomas should be punished for breaking the number one rule “Never go out at night”. The rest of the Keepers think otherwise. It is ultimately decided that he will be put in the Slammer for one day, and then he will train to become a Runner. Minho takes him to a shed to give him all the necessary supplies he will need, and then he shows Thomas the Map Room. After explaining the structure of the maze, they head out. That night, after returning and eating dinner, Thomas is disturbed by a voice he hears in his head that says “Tom, I just triggered the ending”.

Characters

Thomas

Thomas is a very curious individual.  He is obviously terrified when he emerges from the elevator, however,  continues to ask questions about where he is and his memory loss. He is  described as average height, brown hair, and about sixteen years old.

Chuck

Chuck is a talkative and helpful  person. He quickly becomes Thomas’ friend. He explains to Thomas how things  work in the Glade, and answers what questions he can. He is described as a  pudgy kid of about twelve or thirteen with brown hair and blue eyes.

Newt

Newt is second in command in the  Glade. He is kind to Thomas and Thomas immediately feels as if he can trust  him. He is described as tall, with blonde hair, muscular, and spoke with a  British accent.

Alby

Alby is the leader of the group.  Thomas doesn’t seem to like Alby’s forwardness and his unwillingness to  answer his questions. He is described as dark skinned, clean shaven,  short-cropped hair, has a permanent scowl, and is about seventeen years old.

Gally

Gally is essentially a bully. He  believes he is the real leader, and Thomas instantly loathes him. He is  described as tall and skinny with black hair, with a nose the size of a small  fist that resembled a potato, and who was about fifteen.

Theresa

She is described as having silky black  hair, burning blue eyes, and pale skin.

Ben

Ben is a builder that had been stung  and bed-ridden since Thomas arrived. He attacks Thomas while he is going  through The Changing, and becomes a complete lunatic.  

Minho

Minho is the Keeper of the Runners. He  is arrogant and enjoys messing around with Thomas.

Zart

Zart is the Keeper of the Gardens, and  is described as tall, black-haired, and smelled like sour milk. He is an  approachable person, and Thomas asks him questions about the maze.

Winston

Winston is the Keeper of the Slicers,  and is described as an acne-covered kid, short but muscular, and seemed to  enjoy his job (a butcher) way too much.

 The Author’s Webpage: http://www.jamesdashner.com/

James Dashner’s website gives information on himself, his books, and the movie adaptations of one of his series The Maze Trials. There is information to contact him on social media, and links to purchase his books.

 Author’s Influence:

James Dashner was born in 1972 and is influenced by several modern books, movies, and television shows. He is inspired by the hedge maze in Stephen King’s The Shining, as well as Lord of the Flies, and Lost.

 Blogger Citation:

Megan Loyd, The Maze Runner, November 21, 2017.