#magic system memorandum

[owlsandwich]

Magic System Memorandum

20 Questions to learn about your magic system!

Fantasy writers! Do you have a magic system? Would you like to tell everyone about it?

@teacupsandstarlight and I have compiled a list of questions on magic systems! Originally this was an excuse to ramble about our respective magic systems, whilst also creating a handy compendium at the ready for future reference, but we thought why not open it up to let other people ramble about their magic systems too? :D

Below are 20 questions, designed to take a deep dive into your magic system:

20 Questions:

We’ve all heard about hard and soft magic systems, but these do not exist as a binary. On the Mohs hardness scale, from diamond to talc, how hard is your magic system?

Is the magic in your fantasy world related to the natural environment, or is it a separate entity, inert and unconnected to nature?

Has the geography of your world been affected by magic? If so, how?

Is magic limited to humans, or is it accessible to all creatures in your world?

Is the source of magic in your world internal, i.e. the magic itself comes from within your character, or is the source external and exists outside of them?

For characters who can use magic, is this a learnt skill or an ability they are born with? Is it a bit of both? Can magical ability be bestowed on a character by someone or something else?

If magic is a skill only accessible to those born with magical ability, is there a genetic link?

Does magic in your world require tools to use?

What are the costs of using magic in your magic system?

Are there any limitations to what magic can do? If so, what are they?

Do you have multiple types of magic in your system? Are any types rarer than others?

Does magic affect a user’s status in society?

Is there any inherent morality in your magic system? Is some magic considered immoral, and if so, is this purely cultural? Is there forbidden magic in your world?

How has your magic system shaped the history of your world?

How has magic affected the technologies developed in your world?

Are there any magical festivals or rites of passage?

Do workplaces require the use of magic in your universe? What kind of jobs do your magic users do?

What is the most mundane use of magic in your story?

What is the most extreme use of magic in your story?

What is your favourite application of magic in your story?

We’ve tried to make the questions follow a logical thread, but you are under no obligation to follow our order when answering, or even to answer all of them! Please do adapt these questions to your universe’s needs. Expand as much as you like! Think outside our boxes!

Feel free to use these as an ask game, or tag anyone whose magic system you would love to learn more about!

[invizigothx]

a couple paragraphs of my cheeky take on omega/alpha wizards that hypothetical leads to a smutty scenario where sirius and snape hook up in 199x but in reality just became an excuse for me to discuss european policy and wizards

By the mid-20th century, 'omega' and 'alpha' carried the same pseudo-scientific Victorian connotation as 'invert' or 'melancholia.' The general consensus in the medical community held that certain people had certain attractions and rhythms of arousal which could be construed as a sexuality secondary, a broad set of experiences additional to their same- or different- sex attraction, but these patterns were hardly sufficient to support the 'alpha' and 'omega' as diagnostic categories. Furthermore, extensive literature reviews had turned up no proof of male-bodied omegas spontaneously growing female reproductive organs, much less bearing a child; likely, this myth of omega biology had grown out of early society's need to explain transsexual or intersex conditions. And although the omega and alpha categories still held cultural sway, a 1962 amendment to the European Convention on Human Rights ensured that the terms could at least bear no legal weight.

The 1962 Amendment on the Legitimacy and Legal Rights Concerning Secondary Sexualities was notable not just because it formally denied the legitimacy of these categories while also prohibiting discrimination based on assumed omega or alpha status (protections for homosexuals, unfortunately, were still a step too far), but because it represented the first on-the-record instance of a wizarding government working alongside a non-wizarding government to draft legislation, possible the first since the Great Schism in 1510: West Germany formally submitted the '62 Amendment to the Convention, with the Wizarding Federation of East and West Germany noted as co-researchers. In fact, because the WFEWG had possession of the books magically-recovered from the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft library in 1933, wizards represented over half of the amendements working group. Ironically, 1962 was also the same year that the WFEWG Steering Committee voted for a fifth time against joining the European Convention; despite the (necessarily) increased partnership over the decades, the question of nation, land, and resources still loomed large; both sides were still hesitant to legally commit themselves to any more than a memorandum of shared understanding.

None of these developments in international affairs mattered in Wizarding England, where the hidebound caste-and-class systems still held sway and the 1489 Shrewsbury Accords on Wizarding Separation from the English Crown and Polity were alive and well-enforced. These developments especially did not matter in the mansion at 12 Grimmauld Place, home to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.

[newsbites]

News from Belize, 14 June

The High Court ruled in favor of Recological Systems Limited in their claim against the Government of Belize over the cancellation of their lease agreement to operate the Commerce Bight Port.

Recological had entered into two agreements with the previous administration: a rental agreement for the physical property and a license/lease agreement to operate the port, prior to the cancellation by the Briceño administration.

Compensation for the cancellation of the thirty year lease agreement is expected to be significant and an expert will be brought in to determine the cost in damages to Recological.

2. Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd and opposition leader, Moses (aka Shyne) Barrow, have both expressed concerns over the Memorandum of Understanding between Royal Caribbean and Portico and Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V.—a Dutch dredging and heavylift company,—which has reportedly been made pursuant to the controversial Definitive Agreement for the Port of Magical Belize development. 

Belizean opposition leader Shyne Barrow has written a letter to Royal Caribbean's CEO expressing concern about the memorandum of understanding signed by the company with Portico and Boskalis. Barrow believes Portico's deal with the former tourism minister, without Cabinet approval, was unethical and inappropriate. He also stated that there should be no negotiation between the government and Royal Caribbean.

3. A man named Karil Gentle has been granted $2,000 bail after he destroyed more than $7,000 worth of household items at his ex-girlfriend's home and allegedly assaulted her.

Gentle appeared in court and was told he cannot live in the same house as the victim, must report to the police station weekly and cannot be arrested for any bailable offence. Gentle pleaded not guilty but was advised not to explain until his trial date.

4. A road traffic incident in rural Belize has resulted in one man's death and three others being hospitalized.

The incident occurred when the driver attempted to overtake a passenger bus and collided with another pickup truck's trailer.

The deceased victim sustained severe injuries after being flung from the truck and succumbed to his injuries.

5. The Belize Judiciary received a donation of equipment valued at US $600,000 from the 'The Improved Access to Justice Project' to aid and add to the success and coherence of the justice system.

The equipment donated includes security cameras, computers, laptops, furniture, and legal materials such as law books.

The Chief Justice thanked 'The Improved Access to Justice Project' for their steadfast support.

[uesp]

Are Argonians the only sentient (black souled) beings on Nirn that aren't descendant from the Ehlnofey? Argonians have the souls of Hist trees that they get from the sap.

Not to dodge your question, but there isn't really a good answer here. Souls don't make any sense, and the rules of soul magic have never stayed the same for a single game.

For example.

Daggerfall: If an item enchanted with a bound soul breaks, the creature who you stole a soul from will return to physical form and attack you. You also don't need soul gems to enchant.

Morrowind: You can only soul trap creatures. However, since unique characters are put into this category, you can soul trap some people who really shouldn't count. So while you can't soul trap Fargoth, you can soul trap literal gods, Daedra, and people like Yagrum Bagarn.

Oblivion: Some changes make this system more logical. Now sapient creatures have their own soul category. Lesser creatures have white souls, while people have black souls. Except the strength of the strongest white souls is equal to a black soul, so why can't we hold black souls in white soul gems? What is the difference? Well I have an answer to that, and it is... ABSOLUTE MADNESS. We'll get to that shortly.

Souls are also effected by Oblivion's leveling mechanics, meaning creatures can start to have higher leveled souls as your own level raises.

Skyrim: Basically works the same, except the soul level is now based on the creature's level.

ESO: Souls used to be leveled, but that was removed. There is no division between White or Black souls... yet. BECAUSE A GUILD PROPOSAL IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF BEING ACCEPTED.

Mages Guild Memorandum: Confidential, Magisters Only

From Vanus Galerion, Archmagister Emeritus

If you pay attention to the popular fads and fashions of spellcasting in your guildhalls, you have doubtless noticed the recent surge of interest in the discipline of "soul trapping." Unlike most of the passing fancies that come and go among the magical fraternity, I consider this particular vogue alarming and dangerous.

There are reasons why soul trapping has never been part of the core curriculum of the Mages Guild, taught to only the most experienced and dependable wizards, and then only for certain specific uses. First of all, it is technically a subset of necromancy, and on that basis alone it should be abhorred. (Except, as mentioned, for certain special cases, and then only under controlled conditions.) Second, it is a magical technology that practically invites abuse, especially when employed to trap the souls of sentient mortals. It is the sort of arcane practice that the public fears most, and is likely to result in local bans on the organized teaching of magic, and if that happens all our work in establishing the Guild will have been in vain.

The fact that soul trapping is now common knowledge among Tamriel's magery, to the point where so-called "Mystics" sell soul gems of various sizes in every market and bazaar, is a problem that can be laid squarely at the feet of the iniquitous Mannimarco and his Order of the Black Worm. It is all part of his program to make necromancy seem commonplace and almost harmless. In some parts of Tamriel, notably Cyrodiil, the vile practice of necromancy has even become accepted as a valid, and legally tolerated, magical discipline. What our old mentor Iachesis would have to say about this pernicious development I hate to think.

So what are we to do about it? I have been giving the matter some hard thought, in between rooting out cells of the ever-burgeoning Worm Cult, and I think at this point the only way to gain control over soul-trapping is to co-opt the practice. Therefore I propose the Mages Guild codify and systematize the various soul-trapping magics into a common grimoire of a few reliable spells, and then teach our members that these, and only these, are the legal and authorized methods for trapping souls.

Furthermore, I propose that for the purposes of soul trapping we categorize all souls into two classes: the legal, or "White" souls, those smaller essences that are captured from beasts and animals, and illegal, or "Black" souls, which are derived from sentient mortals. And we will teach only those spells that can capture White souls, forbidding our students to use the larger soul gems on sentients.

It will take several generations, and the suppression of the Worm Cult, for this dichotomy to become the pan-Tamrielic standard for soul trapping. But if the Mages Guild can't take the long view for the good of Tamriel, who can?

So we have trouble soul trapping because we were taught deliberately bad spells while the Mages Guild successfully suppressed all knowledge of the previously superior soul trapping methods. The differences between white and black souls are arbitrary, put into place by the Mages Guild.

So to give you a very poor quality answer: I'm not even sure if there is a real difference between white and black souls, and it isn't just magic DRM put in place by our boy Vanus. It gets even more complicated with the presence of black soul gems, which have even more confusing lore. Beyond that, we lack information on many creatures and people that I would want before answering this with any degree of certainty for Argonian souls.

[nothwell]

Thanks to ... for this thoughtful review of my gay Victorian romance, Oak King Holly King!

~

Oh this was delightful. Some of the most gorgeous prose I’ve ever read and such a compelling magic system and beautifully written characters. Instantly one of my new auto-buy authors. Also the vibes of this story? Absolutely delightful I want to Live inside this book

And now for some of the passages I tabbed:

“Mr Grigsby, a bachelor of some sixty years, had an unfortunate resemblance to an egg balanced on stilts. ”

“And pray tell, how do the fates speak to you?” “Through ritual.” “What, scattering bird entrails across the cobblestones? Or do you inhale mystical vapours and babble prophecy in a stupor?” “I made a pendulum of an acorn,” said Butcher, “and ate it.” Wren stared at him. Butcher did not elaborate.”

“A good man would strive to repay Mr Grigsby for his consideration and lenience by accomplishing more in the work day. As Wren filled the margins of his memorandum book with scribblings of pine trees and satyrs, he supposed he’d never been a particularly good man.”

AND BECAUSE OH MY GOD?: “I should like to see them try to hang us.”

The DEVOTION. The LOVE. Ugh. Fantastic.

~

Oak King Holly King is a gay Victorian fae romance, available now wherever fine books are found!

Amazon • Apple Books • Barnes & Noble • Bookshop.org • Kobo • Overdrive • Smashwords

[nurulsalposts]

Day 1, 6 Jan 2020

On the first day, during the lecture has given me a clear idea and motive of this week. To kick start out several possible ideas and areas we could explore, several speakers came to speak and they shared some really insightful and interesting things that we would think about. A speaker, Alexander Ling (NUSS) and another speaker, Nadiah Quarantasei from Klima Action Malaysia.

After the talk I decided to do some reading on Quantum physics, to understand it better. There are 6 key concept to better understand Quantum physics, from an article titled, by Chad Orzel

Everything is made of waves and also, particles

Everything in the universe has particles and wave nature at the same time. “All is waves, with nothing waving, over no distance at all.” However, dscribing real objects as both particles and waves is necessarily somewhat imprecise. The objects described by quantum physics are neither particles nor waves, but a third category that shares some properties of waves (a characteristics frequency and wavelength, some spread over space) and some properties (theyre generally countable and can be localized to some degree)

This lead to a debate amount the physics community as there may be confusion among students by calling photons “particles” rather than “excitations of a quantum field” .

2. Quantum Physics is Discrete

“Quantum” - how much in latin. 

- It reflects to the fact that quantum models always involve something coming in discrete amounts

- Energy found in a quantum field comes in integer multiples of some fundamental energy. 

- Light is often associated with the frequency and wavelength of the light- high frequency, short- wavelength light has a large characteristic energy, which low frequency, long-wavelength light has a small characteristic energy.

- Ultra-precise spectroscopy is used for dark matter.

3. Quantum Physics is Probabilistic

-  it is impossible to predict the outcome of a single experiment on a quantum system. When physicist predict the outcome, it would usually be a probability for possible outcomes.

- Comparisons between theory and experiment always involve inferring probability distributions for many repeated experiments. 

- Mathematical description of quantum system typically takes the form of a “wavefunction”

4. Quantum Physics Is Non-Local

- Albert Einstein , Boris Podolsky and Nathan Rosen wrote the EPR, provided a clear mathematical statement. the idea of “entanglement”.

 - Physics allowed the existence of systems where measurements made at widely seperated locations could be correlated in ways that suggested the outcome of one was determined by the other.

- Measurement outcomes must be decided in advance, by a common factor becayse the alternative would require transmitting the results of other at speeds faster than the speed of light.

5. Quantum Physics Is (Mostly) Very Small

- quantum phenomena are confined to the scale of atoms and fundamental particles, where the masses and velocities are small enough for the wavelengths to get big enough to observe directly.

6. Quantum Physics Is Not Magic

- things it predicts are strange by the standards of everyday physics

- boundaries of the laws of thermodynamics 

KAMY Klima Action Malaysia

Environmental Conservation Organization in Kuala Lumpur

Mission: To discuss environmental issues and human rights in malaysia to gather comprehensive and detailed requests to present to the governing body.

Use a “Citizen Assembly” strategy that provides a platform for community representatives to come together to learn and debate issues to find the best solution

Formulate and document the demands and solutions of the people in an effective memorandum - presented in Parliament

Organize protests, gatherings, discussions, documentaries, exercises, workshops and more to raise public awareness, and 'capacity building' on climate change in Malaysia & lobbying for active and immediate change in policy

Collect data from the public, and disseminate accurate and reliable information - anecdotes, public surveys, document translations, infographics, short videos.

Group #1 of B4-IP06

Group mates:

Toh Min Hui, Felicia, BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Industries

Boon Hwei Qi, BA (Hons) Music

Lam Hui Cheng Gladys, BA (Hons) Design Communication

Group Discussion

The issue that the group and i decided to discuss is on Mass Production.

Mass production is the manufacture of large amount of standardised products often using assembly lines or automation of technology. It refers to the efficient production of a large number of similar products. Machines are used to produce high volume of items, detailed organization of material flow, standard of quality and a division of labor.

Mass Production has evolved in so many ways and it has definitely change consumerism. Due to mass production, a lot of things started to change when machines can literally take over anything that humans can produce. Home-made items become less popular, small farmers and small farms are out sourced by big companies could produce what they can in such a small amount of time. 

An example of that is how the number of stall owners selling items such as fishes and meat are decreasing because children of stall owners are not up to doing such heavy duty jobs. Small shops like that are closing down and supermarket like Giant and Fair Price are buying items from big farms that could sell them more meat or fishes at a lower price and in even bigger quantities. 

The problems that comes along with mass production would be the usage of materials that could contribute to global warming such as the usage of plastic. There are  a few types of plastics and which ones to avoid. When buying a product that is made using plastic such as plastic bottles, there will be a number at the bottle indicating its threat level to the earth.

Plastic #1- PET 

Made up of polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester

 Uses:

Cosmetics

Household cleaners

Water

Juice

Soft drinks

Salad dressings

Oil

Peanut butter

Plastic #2: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Made up of  polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is hard, opaque and can withstand somewhat high temperatures (no health concern)

Uses:

Laundry detergent

Milk jugs

Folding chairs & tables

Plastic #3- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 

Made up of  thermoplastic polymer. Through the use of phthalates, a plasticizer, it can be made softer and more flexible

Uses:

Shower curtains

Cling wrap

Waterbeds

Pool toys

Inflatable structures

Clothing

Vinyl IV bags used in neo-natal intensive care

Plastic #4 - Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) 

made up of hermoplastic made from petroleum. It can be found translucent or opaque. It is flexible and tough but breakable. No health hazards

Uses:

Juice and milk cartons (as the water-proof inner and outer layer)

Most plastic grocery bags

Some packaging material

Plastic #5 - Polypropylene (PP) 

Made up of  thermoplastic polymer. It is strong, tough, has a high resistance to heat and acts as a barrier to moisture.

Uses:

Yogurt & margarine tubs

Plastic cups & baby bottles

Kitchenware, microwavable plastic containers and lids

Plastic #6 - Polystyrene (PS) 

made up of petroleum-based plastic. It can either be hard or used in the form of styrofoam. long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping), hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic effects.

uses:

Disposable cutlery

CD and DVD cases

Egg cartons

Foam cups & to-go foam packaging from restaurants.

Plastic #7 stands for “Other” which may or may not contain BPA. Commonly used to label Polycarbonate (PC). The letters PC may be present with the recycling symbol, which would indicate that the product is made with polycarbonate(derived from BPA). BPA has been found to be an endocrine disruptor. Choose bottles made with the #1, #2, #4, or #5 recycling codes

Uses:

Electrical wiring

CD/DVD cases

Baby bottles

3 and 5 gallon reusable bottles

To wrap up the discussion, we decided to settle on the exploration on how mass production would be different in the future.

Bibliography

https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/staff/alexling.html

http://www.babygreenthumb.com/p-122-safe-plastic-numbers-guide.aspxhttps://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mass-production.asp

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/quantum-theory

[mischievouswritingblog]

Warcraft Lore: Portal Lore & Ideas

Have you ever wondered: “If there are portals then why are gryphon masters and ships still a thing on Azeroth?” With something so convenient and easy, why bother with any other mode of transportation? When dealing with rp, fic writing, or something along the lines of a Pathfinder Campaign this may be a question you might hit a snag with. While some writers and roleplayers personally prefer that convenience, others may want things to be less convenient. So this bit is for the latter and those who are just curious. The first thing we have to remember is that what we see in the MMO version of Warcraft is different than how it would be portrayed in something like a book or movie. Things like portals all over Stormwind and the spells the player characters use are set up for convenience and playability. In a narrative, there’s a lot more to work with than a simple tap of a button.

As players, we don’t really get to see what goes into spellcasting outside of hints in the narrative. We can’t feel the exhaustion of low mana or when the use of powerful magic can strain the body. In the case of portal magic, what is to us, a great convenience is actually a dangerous burden to the world of Azeroth.

Portals, Leylines, & The Economy Portal magic is actually quite complicated and can be risky. A lot can go wrong if the caster isn’t careful. When making portals, one is tearing holes in the fabric of reality and joins one place to another through the use of Azeroth’s leylines. These lines are basically the planets veins but instead of blood, raw, magic energies and mana course through them. Leylines are an important source of power and magic. They’ve been used to power cities, create moonwells, used to help with scrying, and are connected to nature. Without a doubt, they are an important part of Azeroth’s eco and magic systems. Unfortunately, overuse of portal magic and heavy traffic can break down the leylines. This leaves the likes of the Kirin Tor (and perhaps the Blue Dragon flight) needing to repair and perform maintenance on them. Until MoP, regents called ‘runes’ were used to perform the portal and teleport spells. This mechanic was removed for player convenience. But in lore, it might still require regents to use portal magic. Keeping up maintenance on the leylines costs time, effort, and likely a lot of money. So regents for portal magic get taxed higher to help offset the cost. This then leads to magi who are offering portal services to charge travelers for the spell’s usage (kind of like how mage players will port for tips). With the consequences of overusing portal magic and the costs it brings, it’s not ideal for general public transport. It can cause extensive damage to leylines which would damage Azeroth and can hinder a lot of magic. But what is to stop such abuse? How is such magic regulated and kept in check?

Dangers, Regulation, & Punishments One of the biggest dangers of portal magic is the sheer potential it has. Not only in the means of travel but also raw, destructive power. Queen Azshara used portals to try to bring Sargeras and his forces to Azeroth. The possessed Guardian Medivh and his Dark Portal led to the first three wars by bringing fel corrupted orcs. But the most terrifying example of portal magic’s destructive ability was by the orc shaman, Ner’zhul, in main timeline Draenor.

In ‘Beyond the Dark Portal’, Ner’zhul used the artifact ‘The Scepter of Sargeras’ to harness Daernor’s magic and open countless portals all at once. This was a huge mistake. Unstable portals opened across the planet to worlds unknown and tore Draenor to shreds. This is why Outland is basically a bunch of rocks floating space.

So take a moment to let that sink in. Too many portals can tear a location and even an entire planet apart. ( ‘Portal roulette’ is now ‘Portal-o-Death’. Tossing someone into rapidly shifting portals could be an effective (and gruesome) way to kill off a character.)

These may be extreme examples but the Kirin Tor won’t take that risk. Mages that want the ability to use portal magic have to have a license and extensive training. The classes would have to cover not only the magic behind portals but also on their many laws and regulations. Given all the potential dangers, if a mage doesn’t comply with these regulations they are executed. (Though this is obviously more lenient with the likes of Jaina, Khadgar, and other trusted Kirin Tor).

The Kirin Tor hold tightly onto the knowledge and development of portal magic. They try to keep that knowledge to who they believe are the most responsible. With this in mind, portal magic is likely not used nearly as often as we see in the game. Even the likes of portal technology that’s made by engineers are watched carefully. Such tech is close to being forbidden, save for emergencies.

How This Can Effect a Plot or Characters So when dealing with plots in fics, rps, or campaigns, you have more than enough reason to make travel a part of your story. In your version of the Warcraft universe perhaps most mages simply don’t have portal licenses or it’s restricted save for certain instances. The Kirin Tor would likely try to keep such magic out of the hands of the general public. It gives a good reason why travel by things like walking, horseback, boat, and gryphon are still relevant. You can also get creative with characters as well. It could be fun to play with the concept of a rogue mage or a hedge-mage that uses portal magic. An antagonistic mage could be a huge threat if they had portal magic in their arsenal. For example, they could drown places like Lakeshire with their own lake. Jaina, enraged with the fall of Theremore and betrayals, nearly did this to Orgrimmar herself. That’s a frightening concept and a reminder that mages are just as fallible as anyone else. Or perhaps you’d like to work with a hero or a side character that’s hit a bit of bad luck. Perhaps they’re on the run from the Kirin Tor over breaking one of the laws for portal magic. Perhaps they might be a hedge-mage that learned portal magic through something other than a Kirin Tor approved school. This could be a relative, some has-been mage, old spellbooks, there’s a lot one could get creative with.

There’s plenty you can play with, whether it be for a fic, an RP, or a D&D session. Get creative and see where you can go with it. But most importantly, have fun. That’s all from me for now, I’ll see you next time! ;D Author Notes: This has been a small project I’ve been meaning to do for quite a while. Despite the current state of WoW I love working with the lore and seeing the fic and rp community. I’ve been thinking about doing more stuff like this in the future. If you have suggestions for bits of lore you’d like me to delve into, feel free to pitch them to me. In game, there’s a couple of books in old Dalaran that pops up that lists some of the laws and regulations. I’ll leave a link to the wiki for reading: 

‘Thinking With Portals - A Memorandum’

‘Portals are NOT Garbage Bins!‘

[thereal-zakkisbatman]

Timeline (Power Rangers) pt 1

Recent History

Centuries Ago

Nighlok forces attack Japan, but are defeated by "samurai warriors", who would be later known as the ancestors of the current Samurai Rangers. Power Rangers: Samurai

Some time later, the Shiba Clan relocates to America, where they establish the Shiba House under Mentor Ji's watch in Los Angeles.

Gosei creates Robo Knight with a sole mission to protect the Earth's environment and places him in dormant sleep.

16th century

Brazil is colonized by the Portuguese. Man of Mercury

1775

The colony of Angel Grove is established. The Shooting Star Return of the Green Ranger

Some time in 18th century

Tommy Oliver's clone, created by Rita Repulsa, is sent back in time to live in the 18th century as the Green Ranger.

1865

An alien Samurai in Kyoto, Katana, travels to 2025 and encounters the SPD Rangers. Samurai

1878

Kat Manx, who would later become technical expert for the SPD Earth branch, is born.

1880

When Kimberly Hart the Pink Ranger is accidentally sent back in time from the mid 1990s to this year, during Angel Grove's Wild West period, she finds that she is not the only one from her time who has gone back. Goldar, Needlenose, and a platoon of Putties have also come back in time to destroy Angel Grove's past. Kimberly realizing that she is incapable of defeating Goldar's forces by herself travels to the Command Center and convinces Zordon of her intentions. Zordon gives her the Red, Black, Yellow, and Blue Power Coins to equip her own fighting force to stop Goldar. Kimberly gives the Blue Power Coin to William, ancestor of Billy Cranston. The Red Power Coin to Rocko, ancestor of Rocky DeSantos. The Black Power Coin to Abraham, ancestor of Adam Park. And the Yellow Power Coin to Miss Alicia, ancestor of Aisha Campbell, to transform them into Wild West Rangers. With their help and the aid of the White Stranger, ancestor of Tommy Oliver, Kimberly is able to drive Lord Zedd's forces back to the present. After Goldar and his forces leave Angel Grove's past, Kimberly returns the Power Coins to Zordon and is returned to the present shortly afterwards. After the power are safely returned to Zordon and Kimberly goes back to her time her ancestor Fushia O Hara comes to colonial Angel Grove.

1923

General David Sarnoff recognised the possibility of developing a television system as early as this year. In a historic memorandum he says, "I believe that television, which is the technical name for seeing as well as hearing by radio, will come to pass in due course." Lights, Camera, Action

1932

The 1932 World Series, which Boomhoped to intercept radio transmissions from, takes place. Messenger

1939

The television is first introduced at the World's Fair. Lights, Camera, Action

1948

Viktor Adler, who would later become the second Master Org, is born. Richard Evans is also born.

1951

Elizabeth Evans is born.

1979

Jason Lee Scott, Zack Taylor, Kimberly Ann Hart, Trini Kwan, Billy Cranston, Tommy Oliver, Rocky DeSantos, Aisha Campbell, Adam Park, Katherine Hillard, Tanya Sloan, Farkas Bulkmeier and Eugene Skullovitch were born.

Andros, and Zhane are born on KO-35.

1980

TJ Johnson, Ashley Hammond, Cassie Chan, Carlos Vallerte and Ryan Mitchell were born.

1981

Three good friends and scientists, Richard Evans, Elizabeth, and Viktor Adler, work together to prove the existence of Animaria. Viktor fell in love with Elizabeth, but was shattered when he discovered that she became engaged to Richard Evans. The three continue working together, with Viktor's hatred for Richard growing as he took the spotlight on the Animaria project.

Cole Evans is born.

1982

Richard's team journey to the Amazon in search of evidence that Animaria once existed. They find some suspicious looking seeds which are the remnants of Master Org. Viktor grabs the seeds and out of personal revenge, eats them later that night and is infused with the power of Master Org. He chases Richard and Elizabeth and kills them, but was unable to find their baby, Cole. Elizabeth had hidden him in the jungle, where he is found by a tribe. Viktor Adler eventually assumes the identity of Master Org, and continued his mission of wiping out humanity and taking over Earth by recruiting newly arisen Org spirits to battle the Rangers. (Power Rangers Wild Force")

Dana Mitchell is born.

1983

Kiya and Kanoi were students at the Wind Ninja Academy; Kiya in the Earth Ninja category and Kanoi in the Air Ninja category. Even at a young age, Kiya (aka Lothor) craved power and secretly began practicing dark ninja magic. When a woman named Miko was inducted to the Academy with a mystical samurai pendant, he attempted to steal it, but was stopped by Cam, who took the pendant back to the future. For his crimes, Kiya was banished from the Earth by his sensei and, in his rage, he forswore his family and ninja heritage and declared himself to be Lothor. In space, he continued his mad search for power. Kanoi then married. (Power Rangers Ninja Storm)

Tanya's parents go missing on Mysterio island while looking for the "Lost Tiki of Aurico after leaving Tanya in Africa.

1984

Miko dies of an illness but not before making Kanoi promise to keep Cam out of harm.

Karone is kidnapped by Darkronda and transformed into Astronema .

1985

Justin Stewart is born.

Tori Hanson is born.

Ryan Mitchell is taken by Diabolico after a car accident involving his father and sister.

1986

In the year 1986, there was a dimension filled with wonderful magic. But then darkness came into power and a great battle began. An army of the Undead lead by a powerful warrior - Morticon swarmed over the land setting their sights on the human realm and beyond. All seemed hopeless when a small legion of brave and true wizards came forth against insurmountable odds. They drove the evil back from the edge of the human world. And then the greatest wizard of them all - Leanbow cast a spell that sent the armies into the Underworld. He sealed darkness inside giant gates for eternity. The evil disappeared from the surface world. But with great victory comes great loss. The human world never knew of the great battle or the sacrifices that were made to save them from destruction. (Power Rangers Mystic Force)

Conner McKnight, Ethan James, Kira Ford and Trent Fernandez-Mercer are born.

[owlsandwich]

Magic System Memorandum

20 Questions

Answers for: The Mechanics of Magic | Part 1

Link to Full Question List

It's probably time I started to post some of my own answers to this. I'll be doing it in parts, as some answers are quite long, but for anyone who is interested, the first 3 are below!

The Mechanics of Magic is a multiple-pov fantasy novel set in an original world where magic exists openly alongside early internet-level technology. The book follows the surviving prince of a deposed magical royal family (who has been living in secret for two decades) trying to rescue his son from the government whilst uncovering the truth about his family's murder.

Project Status: Technically complete and available, though currently with an editor so that I can release a second edition (I didn't get an editor at the time I initially self-published and it's something I've been wanting to rectify for some time).

The book is still up for sale in various places, but only because I haven't got around to taking it down while I wait to release the edited version.

If you're interested, please do wait for version 2 and, if you're really interested, just drop me a message and you can have either version of the e-book for free :)

Be aware, some of my answers will contain spoilers!

Now onto the questions:

1) We’ve all heard about hard and soft magic systems, but these do not exist as a binary. On the Mohs hardness scale, from diamond to talc, how hard is your magic system?

I'd put mine somewhere between orthoclase and a solid quartz, so about 6-7. There are definitely fixed rules for how magic works, which I abide by as the writer, but the characters themselves may not know all of these rules, particularly for some of my lesser known magic, which is a bit softer.

2) Is the magic in your fantasy world related to the natural environment, or is it a separate entity, inert and unconnected to nature?

Magic in 'The Mechanics of Magic' is not nature based. On its own, magic has no effect on the environment, but the existence of magic, which flows like a lake under the country of Ardveld, has affected the Ardveldian people over generations. This latent magic source has altered those who live above it, so that they are born with magic of their own, linked to their life force. Their bodies have also changed to be able to hold this magic, granting stronger magic users greater health and longer lifespans based on how much magic they are born with.

3) Has the geography of your world been affected by magic? If so, how?

Nowadays, almost no-one is aware of the lake of magic that sits under Ardveld, but a long time ago there were people who could sense it and use it. In particular, Ardveld's royal family were able to connect with this magic and draw on it, but this ability, along with the knowledge of the magic's existence at all, has been forgotten with time. The only remaining evidence is in an ancient legend, telling that the country's mountainous border was created by a ruler who raised the earth to defend it. In this sense, yes, the geography of the world was directly affected by magic.

The royal family are actually still able to feel Ardveld's magic lake, but this is only at particular points, that I call 'wells', where the magic rises up closer to the ground. This sensation is faint, and almost unnoticed by those feeling it, much like the buzzing of a fridge that fades into the background until it is turned off.

Since Ardveld's palace sits on top of a well, the royal family are vaguely aware of this strange sensation, but they have never paid it much mind and have certainly never tried connecting with it. They are very powerful mages, with more than enough magic of their own to serve their needs.

It is only after he moves away from the palace for the first time that Prince Matthew realizes he's been feeling anything at all; as such, he attributes the sensation to the location rather than him personally, and assumes that everyone around him can sense the magic too – isn't that what they mean by missing the feeling of home?

Matthew's son, Alex, has grown up away from the palace with no knowledge of his heritage. He discovers this magic independently and refers to it simply as 'ground magic'. He can't understand why he seems to be the only one who can feel it.

@teacupsandstarlight

[qmiii]

Effectiveness of the ISM Code

The ISM (International Safety Management) Code, in itself is not a magic wand, that will bring safety or prevent pollution. It depends on the organization on how it implements the Code. Safe operation of ships and prevention of pollution should have been any organizations objective. Yet all over the world owners to save money compromise these objectives. Did not the Titanic in April 15 1912 sink, trying to create a record of crossing the Atlantic, by going North to cut distance, run into iceberg?

The sinking of the Titanic, with a loss of nearly 1500 passengers and crew was an eye opener. It led to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention. Did the negligence and continued operation of ships compromising safety stop with SOLAS? Sadly not. The investigation by Justice Sheen into the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise, on March 6, 1987 looked at why SOLAS had not helped prevent the tragedy. It brought out the necessity for a process-based management system, and the SOLAS Chapter IX was updated to authorize the ISM Code. It provides the guidelines for implementation of a system to ensure safety of vessels at sea.

The Flag State Administrations whose flag the ships sail under, legitimize the use of the code making it mandatory for internationally trading vessels. If any company is bent upon not implementing it in the spirit of it, then of course the objectives of the code as also the functional requirements will not be met. Owners and Operators of the vessels often look to short term gains wherein they compromise the standards and bypass the rules. They have to understand that behind every casualty at sea are many detentions, and behind them indicators like Major NCs (non-conformities) and near misses.

The Flag States who do not strictly inspect and audit vessels to the ISM Code and issue SMC (safety management certificates), are actually, to retain business of ship owners, jeopardizing the same ships! Even some responsible Flag States, due to shortage of manpower outsource their duties to ROs (recognized organizations), often represented by class societies. This results in diluted control, as an outsourced process needs strict monitoring of the process to ensure the performance is not affected. Not managing an outsourced process is as good as not taking responsibility. Authority can be delegated, bot the responsibility.

NCs (non-conformities) drive correction and CA (corrective action), and as such should be welcome as inputs to ensure continual improvement of the system based on the ISM Code. Yet, there are every day common examples of Masters of ships negotiating to somehow get the auditors to not give NCs. This is because the managements ashore are not mature to realize, that keeping the master’s pressurized and performance being judged by NCs reported is creating an environment of fear and hiding of NCs. A good SMS (safety management system) based on the ISM Code, if correctly implemented should welcome NCs. The DP (designated person) should know that the “only bad NC, is the one which the organization does not know about.”

For domestic vessels, and for that matter towing and small vessels, and perhaps in due course of time for domestic passenger vessels, one would think a new standard would be required? Sub Chapter M for the towing industry in USA, is nothing else but the ISM Code domesticated. The ISM Code is a useful well thought of document which provides the strong fundamentals based on hundreds of years of sea experience, loss of life, cargoes, ships and fortunes. The process based management system it propagates would systematize operations. However, for an effective management system, the implementers have to be motivated and committed. The Flag States have to be strict and vigilant in their issue of certificates. When they outsource the certification to Ros, they must not wash their hands of their responsibility. The strict monitoring of the ROs by ensuring good clear concise MOUs (memorandums of understanding) with clear provisions to audit the ROs must be put in place. The owners and operators through their organization should put in place a robust internal auditing program which gives the objective inputs on the implementation of the ISM Code.

[moodboardinthecloud]

Everything I Say Is True: Poetic Bibliography

https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/art-and-ideas/everything-i-say-is-true-poetic-bibliography/

Performance artist Kite presents her script for Everything I Say Is True, now annotated as part of the Creative AI Lab’s database.

The Oglála Lakȟóta artist, composer and scholar Suzanne Kite (aka Kite) is quick to point out that the groundwork for her contribution to Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not obviously about technology: “I can’t point to specific papers about AI that I’m building my work on top of because I’m not building it on a history of technology. I’m building it on this other history of knowledge.” Kite and others in her network of thinkers are writing a theoretical framework for AI that isn’t just a deviation from existing technological protocols, but a new one altogether, built on Oglála Lakȟóta and other indigenous knowledge systems.

Kite’s pursuit to build an indigenous AI directly confronts prevailing Western anthropocentric ideologies that position humans as dominant over the resources and systems around them and technology as a tool used to solely meet human needs. In Making Kin With the Machines, Kite and her co-authors ask how they might conceive of technologies like AI as kin, with an obligation to situate the ‘computational creations’ of AI in partnership with their wider community.

Critical theories of knowledge inform how we distribute power not only in our personal relationships but ultimately in the technological infrastructure built around us. But critique alone doesn’t leave us with an alternative. Kite works generatively, employing the principles and ethics of Lakȟóta methodology to build new frameworks and technologies.

Her commission for the Creative AI Lab, Everything I Say Is True: Poetic Bibliography takes the form of an annotated script from her 2017 performance, Everything I Say Is True, originally commissioned by the Walter Phillips Gallery in Banff. Kite borrows a four-part framework for building collective truth from her grandfather’s sweat lodge ceremonies: first, teaching, then providing evidence, followed by the display of that truth, and finally an accusation to non-believers which introduces critical reflection. Using family ephemera and historical documents she considers truth in relation to Oglála Lakȟóta knowledge systems. These systems in turn signal an ethical method for the development of new advanced technologies.

A. Teaching

When I was 12 I kept a dream journal One night I dreamt it is a sunny day[1] I am in a garden and I look down I see the green grass, the leaves and branches of the trees Below me is a picnic table with an umbrella People sit around it in a circle[2] When I was 14 I went to Ojai with my mother and my uncle to meet my grandfather[3] We sweat and it was intense, lots of lights, lots of medicine[4] I was invited to smoke the pipe but I did not[5] We sat down for lunch around a shaded picnic table but no one ate I looked up and there is a blue bird jumping from tree to tree[6]

Looking down, Trying to get a closer look at us.[7]

Every time you look away I disappear and reappear Look here, I can prove it to you There is a need for constant vigilance, they say FBI calls, they watch Don’t forget COINTELPRO No bullshit, suicide by force is real They set fire to his family’s house during the speech, they say This is a long chain of events, of evidence Manifest destiny, they say[8]

Ogle wakhan kin iyuha kic’unpi They all wore the sacred shirt, they say[9]

How can I think in Lakota if I cannot speak Lakota? How could I have thought in Lakota if I could not have spoken in Lakota?

I’ll teach you some Lakota words I have taught myself Ehánni: always Wihiyayela: time Tohanyan: how long[10] Wowicala: belief Wochekiye: prayer Wakhan: sacred Zintkatho: blue jay Woihanble: dream Wakhangli: lightning

Ay what does this have to do with me? My auntie has to pee outside a gas station They won’t let her ndn mother come inside, It is so cold

B. Evidence

Okay, so. I wanted to share the evidence. How can I be Oglala Lakota? Membership Card? Enrollment documents? What does it mean to make something that is Oglala?[11] This, right now, is a piece of art. How can I make it Oglala?[12] How am I supposed to be Lakota, here? These are Lakota art object. Lakota Flute Lakota Beads[13]

Does making something Oglala require thinking in Lakota? Require wowicala? Belief? Wowicakhe? Truth?[14] If I am Oglala because of location, where am I? Am I in Kyle? Am I in Portland? Am I at my parents’ house? What about events, experience? The Indian Child Welfare Act? The Indian Relocation Act? Counter Intelligence Program?

In Lakota, past and present are much closer together. For example: -ble means “I went/ and I go” and -mni kte- “I will go”. If I think in Lakota, is there a difference between past and present? Time encircles my body on a flat plane, intrinsically connected with space.[15] Time, while appearing to be linear, is a flat circle. If time is collapsed, what has happened is happening NOW.

Maybe the Peltier Trial is happening now.[16] Wanted poster Map of Compound Affidavit of Wilson Bullet casings FBI says COINTELPRO ended in 1971; Still NOW it continues today albeit under other code-names. Memorandum Extremist Matters Referenced Right to continue investigation Investigate all Indians Those Programs are designed to destroy individuals they find objectionable Official lying and disinformation, False charges, Manufacturing evidence, Withholding evidence, Occasional assassination.

Still NOW there is radiation in the water supply. Nitrates and Uranium[17] Resident risk Mine Reclamation Cost

If ‘destiny’ is a “natural” unfolding of events, ‘conspiracy’ is its opposite. ‘Conspiracy’ requires an enemy with a preconceived plot;[18]

But ‘destiny’ is the fulfillment of a natural order. ‘destiny’ requires a beginning point and an end point: Linear time.[19]

Einstein proposed there were two mirrors. Einstein’s two mirrors act as a clock. With a photon bouncing in the in-between. In this model of spacetime,[20] The expanding distance is relativity.[21] Our perspective is faster Light’s perspective is slower. Future is unfolding light photo by light photon Einstein’s mirror, they say.

Are you still with me?

A light cone is the path that a flash of light From a single event Traveling in all directions Takes through spacetime. On a two-dimensional plane, The light from the flash Spreads out in a circle.

These are all the points I ever reach.[22]

All points which are the speed of light away from me at birth.

Speed of light is our limit.[23]

This dark part is everything outside our speed limit Relativity says you must go faster than the speed of light to exit the light cone; To see into the dark. To experience what cannot occur in linear time.[24]

Still now I am a blue bird.[25] Still now buffalo are coming over the hills.[26]

To think in Lakota is for it to be responsibly true for time to cease to be linear[27] For the actions of our past to be unified with the present.

To be eternally responsible for the decisions we make, responsible to ourselves, to our locations, to our communities.

These are decisions.[28] My grandfather constantly tells me to stop thinking.[29] I cannot. I am too indoctrinated.

But I have done the math, and I have designed the models,[30] and I have read the texts, and I have reviewed the articles, and I have come to the most logical conclusion.

This is the shortest distance on the light cone. Most efficient place to exit is NOW.

C. Display

∞ -∞

ehánni, long ago, already

Light cone edge

Linear time

Band separating in winter

Manifest destiny

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Bull Bear to Fort William

Bureau found corrupt

Wovoka Prophecy

Aleta Jo

Indian Relocation Act

Carol Jean[31]

COINTELPRO

Wounded Knee

Fire set

Leonard Peltier in prison

Cynthia Anne

Standing Cloud hears

Suzanne Nicole

blue bird seen[32]

bison appear

Teaching Evidence Display Accusation[33]

D. Accusation

Ah! One of you does not believe!

This conspiracy is an endless one.

They cut off her hands!

You don’t believe me?

I cannot lie.

This is given to me

I am just a conduit.

There is no ending.

Tona akhigle opagipi kin he iyena wochekiya kagapi.

Each time they filled the pipe they make a prayer.

Everything I say is true.[34]

Here I am going to do a magic trick.[35]

The performance of Everything I Say Is True was originally commissioned by the Walter Phillips Gallery in Banff, Alberta March 27th, 2017

Poetic Bibliography

[1]

Hélène Wallaert, “Beads and a Vision: Waking Dreams and Induced Dreams as a Source of Knowledge for Beadwork Making. An Ethnographic Account from Sioux Country.”, Plains Anthropologist.

The calculation of all the stars Kite could have reached so far in her lifetime if she was a flash of light at the moment of birth

[healthhotspot]

India's Education Sector - Back to School

India's US$40b education market is experiencing a surge in investment. Capital, both local and international, and innovative legal structures are changing the face of this once-staid sector

The liberalization of India's industrial policy in 1991 was the catalyst for a wave of investment in IT and infrastructure projects. Rapid economic growth followed, sparking a surge in demand for skilled and educated workers. This, combined with the failure of the public system to provide high quality education and the growing willingness of the burgeoning middle class to spend money on schooling, has transformed India's education sector into an attractive and fast-emerging opportunity for foreign investment Child Education Allowance Latest order pdf.

Despite being fraught with regulatory restrictions, private investors are flocking to play a part in the "education revolution". A recent report by CLSA (Asia-Pacific Markets) estimated that the private education market is worth around US$40 billion. The K-12 segment alone, which includes students from kindergarten to the age of 17, is thought to be worth more than US$20 billion. The market for private colleges (engineering, medical, business, etc.) is valued at US$7 billion while tutoring accounts for a further US$5 billion.

Other areas such as test preparation, pre-schooling and vocational training are worth US$1-2 billion each. Textbooks and stationery, educational CD-ROMs, multimedia content, child skill enhancement, e-learning, teacher training and finishing schools for the IT and the BPO sectors are some of the other significant sectors for foreign investment in education.

Opportunity beckons

The Indian government allocated about US$8.6 billion to education for the current financial year. But considering the significant divide between the minority of students who graduate with a good education and the vast majority who struggle to receive basic elementary schooling, or are deprived of it altogether, private participation is seen as the only way of narrowing the gap. Indeed, it is estimated that the scope for private participation is almost five times the amount spent on education by the government.

CLSA estimates that the total size of India's private education market could reach US$70 billion by 2012, with an 11% increase in the volume and penetration of education and training being offered. The K-12 segment is the most attractive for private investors. Delhi Public School operates approximately 107 schools, DAV has around 667, Amity University runs several more and Educomp Solutions plans to open 150 K-12 institutions over the next four years. Coaching and tutoring K-12 students outside school is also big business with around 40% of urban children in grades 9-12 using external tuition facilities.

Opening the doors

Private initiatives in the education sector started in the mid-90s with public-private partnerships set up to provide information and communications technology (ICT) in schools. Under this scheme, various state governments outsourced the supply, installation and maintenance of IT hardware and software, as well as teacher training and IT education, in government or government-aided schools. The central government has been funding this initiative, which follows the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model, under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and ICT Schools programmes. Private companies such as Educomp Solutions, Everonn Systems, and NIIT were among the first to enter the ICT market, which is expected to be worth around US$1 billion by 2012.

Recently, the central government invited private participation in over 1,000 of its industrial training institutes and offered academic and financial autonomy to private players. Companies such as Tata, Larsen & Toubro, Educomp and Wipro have shown keen interest in participating in this initiative.

Regulatory roadblocks

Education in India is regulated at both central and state government levels. As a result, regulations often differ from state to state. K-12 education is governed by the respective State School Education Act and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Rules and Regulations concerning affiliation and/or the rules of any other affiliating body. Under current regulations, only not-for-profit trusts and societies registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860, and companies registered under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, qualify to be affiliated with the CBSE and to operate private schools.

While the K-12 segment accounts for the lion's share of India's educational market, weaving through the complex regulatory roadmap to qualify for affiliation poses serious difficulties for investors. The CBSE requires privately-funded schools to be non-proprietary entities without any vested control held by an individual or members of a family. In addition, a school seeking affiliation is expected to have a managing committee controlled by a trust, which should approve budgets, tuition fees and annual charges. Any income accrued cannot be transferred to the trust or school management committee and voluntary donations for gaining school admission are not permitted. Schools and higher education institutions set up by the trust are entitled to exemptions from income tax, subject to compliance with section 11 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. In order to qualify for tax exemptions, the trust needs to ensure that its predominant activity is to serve the charitable purpose of promoting education as opposed to the pursuit of profit.

Alternative paths

Alternative routes do exist for investors seeking to avoid the web of regulatory barriers that constrain their involvement. Sectors such as pre-schools, private coaching and tutoring, teacher training, the development and provision of multimedia content, educational software development, skill enhancement, IT training and e-learning are prime sectors in which investors can allocate their funds. These areas are attractive because while they relate closely to the profitable K-12 segment, they are largely unregulated. As such, they make attractive propositions for private investors interested in taking advantage of the burgeoning demand for quality education. Companies such as Educomp Solutions, Career Launcher, NIIT, Aptech, and Magic Software, are market leaders in these fields. Educomp recently acquired a large number of educational institutes and service providers across India. It has also formed joint ventures with leading higher education groups, including Raffles Education Singapore, for the establishment of higher education institutions and universities in India and China. Furthermore, it has entered into a multi-million dollar collaboration with Ansal Properties and Infrastructure to set up educational institutions and schools across the country and closed an US$8.5 million deal to acquire Eurokids International, a private provider of pre-school educational services in India. Gaja Capital India, an education-centric fund, has completed the funding of three education services companies in India. NIIT and Aptech, meanwhile, are engaged in the IT training business.

Core Projects and Technology is also focusing heavily on India and is likely to bid to takeover, upgrade and run public schools for specified periods on a public-private partnership basis.

Higher hurdles

While state governments are largely responsible for providing K-12 education in India, the central government is accountable for major policy decisions relating to higher education. It provides grants to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and establishes central universities in the country. The UGC coordinates, determines and maintains standards and the release of grants. Upon the UGC's recommendation, the central government declares the status of an educational institution, which once authorized, is entitled to award degrees.

State governments are responsible for the establishment of state universities and colleges and has the power to approve the establishment of private universities through State Acts. All private universities are expected to conform to the UGC guidelines to ensure that certain minimum standards are maintained.

Amity University in Uttar Pradesh is one of the private universities to open its doors. It was approved by the Uttar Pradesh state legislature on 12 January 2005 under section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission Act.

Not-for-profit and anti-commercialization concepts dominate higher education fee structures. To prevent commercialization and profit-making, institutions are prohibited from claiming returns on investments. This, however, does not pose a hurdle for universities interested in mobilizing resources to replace and upgrade their assets and services. A fixation of fees is required in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the UGC and other concerned statutory bodies. For this purpose, the UGC may request the relevant information from the private university concerned, as prescribed in the UGC (Returns of Information by Universities) Rules, 1979.

In line with the policy on Fee Fixation in Private Unaided Educational Institutions Imparting Higher and Technical Education, two types of fees are required: tuition fees and development fees. Tuition fees are intended to recover the actual cost of imparting education without becoming a source of profit for the owner of the institution. While earning returns on investment would not be permissible, development fees may provide an element of partial capital cost recovery to the management, serving as a resource for upkeep and replacement.

Legal precedents

In order to be awarded university status by the UGC, institutions must comply with the objectives set forth in the Model Constitution of the Memorandum of Association/Rules, and ensure that no portion of the income accrued is transferred as profit to previous or existing members of the institution. Payments to individuals or service providers in return for any service rendered to the institute are, however, not regulated.

In this context recent court judgments on private universities are relevant. The Supreme Court, in Unnikrishnan JP v State of Andhra Pradesh, introduced a scheme regulating the admission and levy of fees in private unaided educational institutions, particularly those offering professional education. The ruling was later notified in the fee policy.

Subsequently, in the case of Prof Yashpal and Anr v State of Chattisgarh and Ors in 2005, the Supreme Court assailed the Chattisgarh government's legislation and amendments which had been abused by many private universities. It was contended that the state government, simply by issuing notifications in the Gazette, had been establishing universities in an indiscriminate and mechanical manner without taking into account the availability of any infrastructure, teaching facilities or financial resources. Further, it was found that the legislation (Chhattisgarh Niji Kshetra Vishwavidyalaya (Sthapana Aur Viniyaman) Adhiniyam, 2002) had been enacted in a manner which had completely abolished any kind of UGC control over private universities.

[msnbrothers]

The ISM (International Safety Management) Code, in itself is not a magic wand, that will bring safety or prevent pollution. It depends on the organization on how it implements the Code. Safe operation of ships and prevention of pollution should have been any organizations objective. Yet all over the world owners to save money compromise these objectives. Did not the Titanic in April 15 1912 sink, trying to create a record of crossing the Atlantic, by going North to cut distance, run into iceberg?

 The sinking of the Titanic, with a loss of nearly 1500 passengers and crew was an eye opener. It led to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention. Did the negligence and continued operation of ships compromising safety stop with SOLAS? Sadly not. The investigation by Justice Sheen into the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise, on March 6, 1987 looked at why SOLAS had not helped prevent the tragedy. It brought out the necessity for a process-based management system, and the SOLAS Chapter IX was updated to authorize the ISM Code. It provides the guidelines for implementation of a system to ensure safety of vessels at sea.

 The Flag State Administrations whose flag the ships sail under, legitimize the use of the code making it mandatory for internationally trading vessels. If any company is bent upon not implementing it in the spirit of it, then of course the objectives of the code as also the functional requirements will not be met. Owners and Operators of the vessels often look to short term gains wherein they compromise the standards and bypass the rules. They have to understand that behind every casualty at sea are many detentions, and behind them indicators like Major NCs (non-conformities) and near misses.

 The Flag States who do not strictly inspect and audit vessels to the ISM Code and issue SMC (safety management certificates), are actually, to retain business of ship owners, jeopardizing the same ships! Even some responsible Flag States, due to shortage of manpower outsource their duties to ROs (recognized organizations), often represented by class societies. This results in diluted control, as an outsourced process needs strict monitoring of the process to ensure the performance is not affected. Not managing an outsourced process is as good as not taking responsibility. Authority can be delegated, bot the responsibility.

 NCs (non-conformities) drive correction and CA (corrective action), and as such should be welcome as inputs to ensure continual improvement of the system based on the ISM Code. Yet, there are every day common examples of Masters of ships negotiating to somehow get the auditors to not give NCs. This is because the managements ashore are not mature to realize, that keeping the master’s pressurized and performance being judged by NCs reported is creating an environment of fear and hiding of NCs. A good SMS (safety management system) based on the ISM Code, if correctly implemented should welcome NCs. The DP (designated person) should know that the “only bad NC, is the one which the organization does not know about.”

 For domestic vessels, and for that matter towing and small vessels, and perhaps in due course of time for domestic passenger vessels, one would think a new standard would be required? Sub Chapter M for the towing industry in USA, is nothing else but the ISM Code domesticated. The ISM Code is a useful well thought of document which provides the strong fundamentals based on hundreds of years of sea experience, loss of life, cargoes, ships and fortunes. The process based management system it propagates would systematize operations. However, for an effective management system, the implementers have tobe motivated and committed. The Flag States have to be strict and vigilant in their issue of certificates. When they outsource the certification to Ros, they must not wash their hands of their responsibility. The strict monitoring of the ROs by ensuring good clear concise MOUs (memorandums of understanding) with clear provisions to audit the ROs must be put in place. The owners and operators through their organization should put in place a robust internal auditing program which gives the objective inputs on the implementation of the ISM Code.

[timalexanderdollery]

Mike Pompeo’s big announcement about Israeli settlements, briefly explained

Mike Pompeo making the settlement announcement. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images

What he said and why it matters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Monday that he is reversing a longstanding State Department legal opinion labeling Israel’s settlements in the West Bank at odds with international law. This new position sharply contradicts mainstream interpretations of the law, the historic US approach to the conflict, and the broader international community’s view of the situation.

While the announcement has no immediate policy implications, it does send a pretty clear message to Israeli settlers and its government: go ahead and keep moving en masse into land that the Palestinians might want as a home for their future state. It’s part of a distinctively Trump administration approach to the conflict that I’ve termed a “blank check”: essentially letting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies on the Israeli right get away with virtually whatever they want when it comes to the Palestinians.

The decision comes at a particularly fraught time in both US and Israeli politics. The Trump administration has been fighting back against impeachment charges fueled by the testimony of State Department officials; Netanyahu’s hold on power is extremely tenuous, as he’s trying to scuttle an opposition party’s ongoing attempt to form a new government without him. It’s hardly a big leap to see this as an attempt by Pompeo to both distract from the Ukraine situation and give the administration’s buddy in Jerusalem an accomplishment he can use to shore up political support.

Whatever the reason behind the move, the result is the same: the US is providing support for the most radical factions of Israel’s right and making the already-monumental task of negotiating a peace agreement even harder.

What Pompeo actually did — and why it matters

On its face, the legal situation seems simple. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention says that “the Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.”

Israel took control of the heavily Palestinian West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War, has not formally annexed it, and yet maintains military control over the territory. If you visit the West Bank, as I did last week, you’ll see Israeli-populated settlements built after the war dotting the landscape, ranging in size from tiny outposts to reasonably sized cities.

That description sure makes it seem like Israel is transferring “parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.” In 1978, the Carter administration’s State Department issued a memo saying that the settlement enterprise is “inconsistent with international law.” The next president, Ronald Reagan, said he disagreed with that decision — called the Hansell Memorandum — but didn’t formally reverse it. So the memo has stayed on the books since then, even though public US statements would often carefully refer to the settlements as “illegitimate” rather than “illegal.”

The notion that the settlements are illegal is supported by a 2004 International Court of Justice advisory ruling and a number of UN Security Council resolutions that the US either allowed to pass or voted for. However, Israel and some of its defenders have argued that the settlements are not illegal, claiming that the West Bank is not occupied territory but rather “disputed territory” and that Israelis voluntarily moving into the West Bank is not a “population transfer” under the terms of the Geneva Convention.

On Monday afternoon, Pompeo essentially took Israel’s side, announcing a formal repudiation of the Hansell Memorandum. He billed this as both the result of a review of the law and an important step towards a peace agreement.

“Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law has not advanced the cause of peace,” he said. “The hard truth is that there will never be a judicial resolution to the conflict, and arguments about who is right and who is wrong as a matter of international law will not bring peace.”

This argument is exceedingly strange. No one seriously believes in a “judicial resolution” to the Israeli-Palestinian situation, that the simple act of declaring the settlements “illegal” would magically get rid of them and bring peace. Rather, the argument is that the settlements are major barriers to peace — a fact which every US administration has recognized at one point or another — and that the US ought to put diplomatic pressure on Israel to limit their growth.

If you spend significant time in the West Bank, it’s easy to understand the reasoning here. The security bubble Israel maintains around settlements cuts off Palestinian communities from each other and makes a meaningful, economically viable existence for some of them impossible. The very existence of settlements creates an Israeli constituency that opposes any peace deal that involves creating a viable Palestinian state, as this would require the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of settlers from their homes.

Hazem Bader/AFP/Getty Images

A Palestinian woman collecting olives near a settlement.

Pompeo’s substantive arguments are not serious. It’s better to understand this is part of a broader set of diplomatic policies, ranging from the administration’s pick of a hardline anti-Palestinian ideologue as ambassador to its decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, that seem designed to boost Netanyahu’s political fortunes and encourage the expansion of the settlement project with a wink and a nudge. It’s an approach that indulges Israel’s worst instincts, pushing it to cement the worst elements of the occupation and undermine its long-term prospects for survival.

“We are strong enough to deter and defeat enemies,” Nimrod Novik, the Israel Fellow at the pro-two state Israel Policy Forum, said in an emailed statement. “What we don’t have is [a] system to defend us from friends who threaten to end the Zionist vision.”

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Why user buy-in is the key to blockchain success — FCW

Why user buy-in is the key to blockchain success — FCW

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Why user buy-in is the key to blockchain success

By Aleks Zelenovic

Dec 05, 2018

  Blockchain use is growing across many industries, especially government. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is looking into security challenges that come with adopting the technology to prepare to take these challenges head on as more agenices put it in use. As blockchain becomes a common term across government, finance, energy and commercial industries, how can the emerging use cases within each of these industries be put into action? How can you take a use case from proof of concept to viable solution? As the need for information and the opportunity for implementation increases in government, the answer lies within the organization and its people.

Blockchain, a distributed digital ledger, should not be viewed as only an application, database, back-end solution, or background architectural piece. It is a foundational technology, meaning it’s not a “program” you install on your computer or device that, by itself, solves all organizational issues. Blockchain offers the ability to connect disparate systems within organizational IT infrastructure, using technologies like artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and machine learning to solve a concrete business problem. Blockchain not only expands the realm of solutions, but shifts the paradigm of what solutions are possible.

However, none of this can be achieved without one critical factor: internal user adoption.

An organization can’t solve any business challenge or begin to put a blockchain vision in motion unless employees understand and buy into the impact it will have on them, the entire organization and its business processes. This requires a strategy around how to create the best design centered around the users themselves so that they may adopt the system and solve a business challenge.

Working for users

Often, whether it’s in the media, at industry events or other outlets, blockchain is presented as a “magic pill.” It’s talked about like an operating system that you can install on your computer with one click of the mouse or tap on the screen. In reality, the technology and its true value is much deeper and more connected with fundamental business process engineering and/or design.

Of course, on the surface blockchain can be deceivingly simple. One could even create a blockchain in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. But creating something truly transformative to solve organizational, unique business challenges requires much more than a simple ledger.

To reach its desired potential, users must comprehend the blockchain solution that is being planned. To do that, they need to experience it as it’s being created. Based on our practical blockchain implementations, we outlined the following as a high-level guideline to collaborate with end users:

Identify a business problem. Engage with potential blockchain users to uncover their current bottlenecks or extremely manual processes, using human-centered design. Users are good at feeling their issues, but they may not have the clear solutions in their heads. Human-centered design offers insights into how the future-state solution should be designed to address pressing challenges — not to recreate the existing process, but to perform a deep business and digital transformation. To give an example, think about how Uber created a business transformation model as opposed to an auxiliary taxicab application trying to mimic an existing business process.

Begin with a simple and intuitive interface designed with ease-of-use at the forefront and the user at the center.

Utilize rapid prototyping to ensure the right design is in place to support what process or business changes blockchain can bring for users. The users don’t care what is running under the hood (e.g., Ethereum, Hyperledger, Ripple); they want to see and clearly understand new possibilities that are now open to them. This will also help accelerate adoption.

Account for culture change. Blockchain is best built using incremental development and basic agile/DevOps principles. Blockchain will enable users to adjust their business processes and provide the opportunity to shift away from those time-consuming manual tasks.

In our work with the U.S. government specific to the public procurement process (the first public or private project worldwide to operationalize blockchain for procurement), we quickly saw how users’ eyes opened when they understood and began to see the possibilities of blockchain.

For example, one of the most critical procurement documents, the pre-negotiation memo, was once a labor-intensive process that required officers to verify, cut, paste, and format content from over 10 different sources into a single location. Now, the system can automatically pull the needed content from various sources to generate the pre-negotiation memorandum without employee intervention.

Users at the center of implementation

Blockchain implementation challenges ultimately fall into three areas when it comes to users: front-end design, user buy-in, and organizational impact. From a front-end perspective, blockchain is not typically a visible technology for people. If agencies or companies do not integrate blockchain into their business processes, and if users do not understand it, the implementation may feel like rebuilding an existing system by repainting its color from red to blue.

Similarly, employees must also buy into the change as well. Change management could be a significant obstacle as roles will need to change with enhancements to prior business processes. Ultimately, blockchain’s impact across the organization, including user understanding, will determine its effectiveness as a technology that transforms the way government interacts with its citizens, companies with their customers, or organizations with other organizations and third parties.

Blockchain’s architecture inherently points to open source and can bring together many different standards, systems and users. As you begin to use it, maintain this flexibility instead of using complex or other proprietary data sets that may minimize blockchain’s user adoption, effectiveness and value from a cost perspective.

Bottom line, users cannot be with you for the landing if they were not with you during takeoff. They are an integral part of the success, and blockchain should be understood as not merely a back-end project, but rather as a tool for transformation and business process paradigm shift.

About the Author

Aleks Zelenovic is strategy and consulting practice lead at Publicis.Sapient.

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