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justinspoliticalcorner · 2 months ago

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Dean Obeidallah at The Dean's Report:

“The one big thing nobody is talking about: Did Elon want to shut the government down because of his business deals with China?” That was the first line of Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass) multi-part statement Saturday posted on Elon Musk’s platform, X--ironically enough. A similar point was also made Friday by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)—the ranking minority member of the House Appropriations Committee-in a detailed letter to leaders of the House and the Senate. What was the issue the two were flagging? As Rep. McGovern wrote: “The original funding bill (that he [Musk] killed) included what’s called an “outbound investment” provision—which would limit & screen U.S. money flowing to China. That would have made it easier to keep cutting-edge AI and quantum computing tech—as well as jobs—in America. But Elon had a problem.” DeLauro gave even more context to this provision vetting investments in China: “This outbound investment provision was agreed to after months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and years of advocacy from Members of Congress. It would have kept innovation and manufacturing in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies in the United States and prevented wealthy investors from continuing to offshore production and U.S. intellectual property into China – benefiting only their bottom lines and the Chinese Communist Party.” But Musk—per these two members of Congress—led the charge to block this proposed legislation because as McGovern accurately noted, Musk’s “second-largest market is China. He’s building huge factories there. His bottom line depends on staying in China’s good graces.” The result was that when the new budget deal was agreed upon Friday, guess what was missing? Yep, the provision that would’ve been bad for Musk’s business deals with the Chinese Communist Party—which is in essence Musk’s business partner as the NY Times detailed earlier this year in an article titled, “How Elon Musk Became ‘Kind of Pro-China.’” (Musk’s exact words.)

Rep. DeLauro explained in more detail the financial incentive behind Musk’s action to block this provision: “Musk’s car company, Tesla has poured billions of dollars into investments in China, particularly its “gigafactory” in Shanghai. The Shanghai plant is Tesla’s largest car manufacturing facility – the Chinese gigafactory produced about 50 percent of Tesla’s global automobile output over the last year.” DeLauro continued, “And in May of this year, Tesla broke ground on a new $200 million factory to manufacture large batteries critical to its electric vehicle supply chain…Notably, proponents of regulating U.S. investment in China have advocated for the inclusion of large battery manufacturing in the list of technologies subject to outbound investment screening.” Yep, these new law could’ve impacted Musk’s new business venture per DeLauro.

Rep. McGovern also raised concerns about Musk’s future business plans involving China, explaining Musk “wants to build an AI data center there too—which could endanger U.S. security.” Importantly, DeLauro detailed for all to see Musk’s documented personal relations with the Chinese Communist Party, noting, “Musk has ingratiated himself with Chinese Communist Party leadership.” For example, she cited Musk’s close ties with “Chinese premier Li Qiang, who helped rush the construction of Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory.” DeLauro concluded her letter by writing, “It is extremely alarming that House Republican leadership, at the urging of an unelected billionaire, scrapped…this critical provision to protect American jobs and critical capabilities.” Adding, “This is particularly concerning given Elon Musk’s extensive investments in China in key sectors and his personal ties with Chinese Communist Party leadership, and calls into question the real reason for Musk’s opposition to the original funding deal.”

[...] In fact, even a well-known Republican raised alarm bells about Musk’s loyalty to Beijing. Vivek Ramaswamy--who Trump tapped with Musk to co-head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency--was publicly warning in 2023 that Musk was a puppet for the Chinese Communist Party. As CNN recently reported, Ramaswamy was concerned that “Tesla is increasingly beholden to China,” adding damningly, “I have no reason to think Elon won’t jump like a circus monkey when [China’s leader] Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need.” The GOP silence on Musk’s extensive ties to the Chinese Communist Party is beyond hypocritical given that for years Republicans have slammed China as a threat. For example, in January 2023, the House GOP created “The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party” designed to address the “threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values.” Earlier this year, the House GOP led the charge to ban Tik Tok from having access to the United States--which was signed into law and goes into effect Jan. 19, 2025 unless the Chinese company that owns the social media platform sells it to a non-Chinese company. But when it comes to Musk, the GOP doesn’t care that he has documented ties to top Chinese Communist Party officials.

CCP puppet and de facto “President” Elon Musk helped block the original CR to protect his business deals with the Chinese government, because it had an “outbound investment” provision that would screen any US money sent to China.

#Elon Musk #China #Vivek Ramaswamy #GOP Hypocrisy #Tesla #President Musk #Rosa DeLauro #Jim McGovern #CCP #US/China Relations #TikTok Ban #TikTok #DOGE #Department of Government Efficiency

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justtrash202 · 1 month ago

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Hey there!

I know this is a bit late, but here’s a little introduction about me and my blog. I’m JustTrash (or Operationfusionblog), but you can call me Shads, Asp, or feel free to come up with your own nickname! Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I ramble about my favorite fandoms—especially Codename: Kids Next Door (KND), one of my all-time favorite shows.

A little about me, I grew up during the golden era of Cartoon Network, so my childhood was packed with classics like KND, Dexter’s Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, Ed, Edd, and Eddy, and so many others. These shows had the perfect mix of action, humor, and heart that kept me hooked—and still do to this day. I also write fanfiction (mostly about Wally x Kuki and Hoagie x Abby), but I also love exploring Sector V as a whole in my stories. If you like headcanons, character development, and ships, that’s basically my jam!

Now, I have a lot of favorite fandoms, and this blog doesn’t accept everything, but my Operation Fusion blog is specifically for KND content, so if that’s your thing, feel free to check it out!

I’m a proud multi-shipper, and I have a lot of favorites, but here are my top five:, 3x4 (Wally x Kuki), 2x5 (Hoagie x Abby), Nigel x Rachel, Nigel x Lizzie,Rachel x Franny 2x4 (Hoagie x Wally). Honestly, I ship way too many pairs, but these are the ones I keep coming back to! If you have recommendations or just want to geek out about your favorite ships, I’m all ears.

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you ever want to chat or geek out over KND (or anything else), feel free to DM me—I promise I don’t bite! Let’s celebrate the awesomeness of Kids Next Door together!

#codename kids next door #knd #intro post #blog into #meet the creator #cartoon network #fanfiction writer

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is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not · 1 month ago

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The Talon Roost

Nestled along the rugged shoreline of Puget Sound, just outside the bustling heart of Unity City, Terra, Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner’s home exudes a warmth and intimacy that starkly contrasts with their imposing public personas. Known as “The Talon Roost,” this sprawling lodge combines the rustic charm of traditional log cabin architecture with the subtle integration of cutting-edge technology from Terra’s civilian sector.

The Talon Roost sits perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the Sound, its timbered exterior blending with the surrounding forest. Massive, hand-hewn logs form the structure’s frame, their natural grain and texture preserved to honor the timeless beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The lodge’s roof is made up of a mix of eco-friendly solar tiles and living greenery. Wide wraparound decks extend from the main structure, offering panoramic views of the water and mountains beyond. A series of cascading stairs, lined with ambient lighting, leads down to a private dock where a sleek, automated watercraft rests, flanked by kayaks and a small security boat. At night, the lodge glows warmly, its large windows offering glimpses of life inside—a sharp yet inviting contrast to the quiet wilderness outside.

Entering the Talon Roost feels like stepping into a sanctuary. High vaulted ceilings, supported by massive wooden beams, create a sense of openness, while large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light during the day. The interior décor balances modern minimalist design with the cozy aesthetics of a mountain lodge. Neutral tones dominate, accented by vibrant greens and golds—an homage to Melissa’s Jade Falcon heritage. The heart of the lodge, the living room, is anchored by a double-sided fireplace made of locally quarried stone. The hearth radiates warmth, surrounded by plush sofas and armchairs adorned with patterned blankets and throw pillows. Above the fireplace, a holographic display can project serene landscapes or serve as an entertainment hub, though it’s often turned off, leaving the room in serene simplicity. The kitchen combines the rustic appeal of handcrafted cabinetry with state-of-the-art appliances. A long central island, topped with polished stone, doubles as a communal dining space. The open floor plan flows into the dining area, where a custom-built table—crafted from salvaged driftwood—sits beneath an impressive chandelier of crystal and wrought iron. A cozy library, lined with shelves of books and historical texts, offers a quiet retreat for both Melissa and Theodora. A vintage mahogany desk sits at the far end, equipped with a concealed holo-terminal for secure communication and work. Nearby, a comfortable reading nook overlooks the Sound, with a soft chair and a small table perpetually holding a steaming pot of tea. The large, lavish, and highly advanced home theater was Theodora's pet project - it is outfitted with the absolute latest in cutting-edge holographic, trideo, and flat screen projection technology as well as a sound system that cost nearly as much as a light BattleMech.

While The Talon Roost appears traditional, its technology is anything but. Discrete panels throughout the home provide instant access to climate control, security systems, and personal AI assistants. The lodge’s power is supplied by a combination of renewable sources, ensuring self-sufficiency even during extended outages. A secure Star League-era communication hub is integrated into the study, allowing Melissa and Theodora to stay connected with SLDF operations. Beneath the lodge, hidden from view, lies a private hangar with bays large enough for both Melissa’s Highlander and Theodora’s Atlas, as well as the company of security 'Mechs on-site. Advanced automated repair systems and diagnostic tools ensure the 'Mechs are always ready for action. Also included is a multi-functional room utilizing advanced Holotank technology capable of projecting tactical simulations, training environments, or serene natural landscapes for relaxation.

The grounds around the lodge are meticulously curated. A path winds through a grove of ancient cedar trees to a private firepit surrounded by log benches. Nearby, a greenhouse houses a mix of local flora and medicinal plants, along with herbs for Theodora’s favorite recipes. A falconry mew, discreetly tucked into the edge of the property, is home to a small cast of Jade Falcons whom Melissa tends to personally—a connection to her heritage and a calming pastime away from the demands of leadership. The Talon Roost’s atmosphere is one of quiet strength and serenity. For two figures as legendary as Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner, the lodge represents a refuge from the chaos of the Inner Sphere—a place to reconnect with nature, their shared history, and each other. The cozy interiors, paired with the breathtaking natural surroundings, create a space where visitors are immediately put at ease, despite the immense power and influence of its owners. This dichotomy—between public and private life, between war and peace—is what makes The Talon Roost not just a home, but a reflection of the lives Melissa and Theodora have built together.

While The Talon Roost exudes an aura of peace and natural harmony, its security infrastructure rivals that of any high-level military installation. As the personal residence of two high-ranking SLDF officers, it incorporates layers of cutting-edge technology, physical deterrents, and personnel to ensure the safety of its occupants and maintain its strategic utility. The property is surrounded by an invisible perimeter system that utilizes advanced motion detection, thermal imaging, and seismic sensors. Any unauthorized entry triggers both silent and audible alarms, alerting the SLDF garrison stationed nearby. Discrete but highly effective automated turrets, hidden in the rocky outcroppings and among the trees, are equipped with non-lethal crowd control measures and high-powered laser weaponry for more extreme threats. Signature reduction technology derived from Null Signature System technology shields The Talon Roost from all but visual aerial and orbital scans, while a squadron of SLDF-designed surveillance drones patrols the airspace and property boundary. These drones are equipped with stealth tech, high-resolution cameras, and lethal weaponry. Meanwhile, the picturesque firepit near the cedar grove doubles as an emergency bunker entrance, reinforced to withstand even orbital bombardment. Decorative stone statues around the property conceal sensors and emitters capable of deploying small scale energy weapons in emergencies.

The Talon Roost is protected by a small, elite detachment of SLDF Royal Black Watch troops. While their presence is unobtrusive, they are always ready to respond to any threat. The guard detachment includes three Stars of MechWarriors, with their BattleMechs stationed in the Roost's subterranean hangar. A company of infantry, drawn from the Royal Black Watch's commando-trained operatives, patrols the property and acts as a rapid reaction force. All on-site security personnel reside in a concealed bunker built into the cliffside upon which the Roost perches. Security details rotate regularly to maintain optimal readiness and avoid becoming predictable. A concealed, automated command center under the lodge handles all security and monitoring tasks. Operatives stationed here can communicate directly with SLDF High Command and deploy additional resources as needed.

Beneath The Talon Roost lies a complex network of subterranean tunnels, elevators, and passageways that connect the property to critical SLDF and Star League installations in the region. This link allows both Melissa and Theodora to access secure meeting rooms or emergency operations centers without requiring surface travel. A direct maglev transit tunnel leads to both the nearby Tacoma Castle Brian, as well as the SLDF's Citadel inside Unity City itself - rebuilt by the SLDF to once again serve as their High Command complex. The headquarters of the Royal Black Watch, Fort Cameron, is linked to the lodge by another high-speed maglev route. The connection allows Theodora to oversee her regiment's activities or deploy her Atlas in minutes. The lodge is also connected via the maglev-tunnel system directly to the Court of the Star League.

In the event of an overwhelming threat, the lodge’s subterranean systems include a concealed evacuation pod capable of transporting occupants to either the Citadel or Fort Cameron in under five minutes. The lodge also features a last-resort self-destruct mechanism. Activated only by voice authorization from Melissa or Theodora, this system ensures no critical technology or data can fall into enemy hands. In case of a siege, the lodge can deploy automated counter-battery defenses, jamming fields, and active missile interceptors hidden within the terrain.

While The Talon Roost offers warmth, serenity, and a welcoming atmosphere, its hidden security and strategic capabilities reflect the immense responsibilities carried by its owners. This stark juxtaposition mirrors the lives of Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner, who must balance their personal sanctuary with their duties as protectors of humanity’s future. It is a place of respite, but one always ready for the call to action.

#battletech #mechwarrior #operation touchdown #oc lore

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chicanoartmovement · 9 months ago

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CHICANO ART MOVEMENT visits: “Rasquachismo” 2024

On Saturday 05/11/24, we visited Huntington Beach Art Center to view “Rasquachismo” in the city of Huntington Beach, California.

(“Beyond Timeless” by Justin Favela, 2022)

We learned from the mission statement that: “‘Rasquachismo,’ [is] a multi-media exhibition celebrating the aesthetics and transformative power of Lowriders. Featuring work by William Camargo with Alkaid Ramirez, Justin Favela, Stephanie Mercado, Arturo Meza Il, Aaron Moctezuma, Jose Manuel Flores Nava, Alicia Villegas-Rolon, and Cora J. Quiroz.”

(“Anaheim in Flux” by William Camargo with Alkaid Ramirez, 2024)

“Emerging from the barrios of Southern California, lowriding brought forth a long resistance against the American Dream and dominant idealist norms that attempted to anglicize the young Chicanx individual. Forces of the Anglo-American culture did all it could to disrupt and omit the lowrider. From individual traffic stops to passing county-wide laws, all were attempts to take the lowrider off the streets. Low and slow, their metallic bodies transfigured in response. Now, unapologetically visible, lowriders glisten in candy-colored paint and dance with the aid of hydraulics. The power of lowriding extends beyond the car's aesthetics, however. It has become a rasquachismo expression of Mexican-American, and, eventually, Chicanx identity.”

(“Highland Park” by Stephanie Mercado, 2023)

A favorite of Robert’s at the “Rasquachismo” exhibit was Stephanie Mercado’s “Highland Park.” Through a little research, we learned that “‘Highland Park’ honors the cultural richness of the area including its history, diversity, and its valuable contributions to the broader arts and culture sector of Los Angeles. Utilizing imagery and icons sourced from the neighborhood, this piece celebrates the enduring local landmarks and showcases the architectural diversity that defines the area. Simultaneously, it pays homage to the artists and art spaces that have played a vital role in making Highland Park a vibrant and lively neighborhood for generations.”

(Detailed view of “We Can Dream” by Cora J. Quiroz, 2022)

From the museum ephemera, we learned that this painting entitled “We Can Dream” by Cora J. Quiroz is part of a series called “Not Your Typical Rosie.”

The artist states: “I paint women in a way that removes them from being acquiescent muses in typical artworks. From action, body language, and clothing, to expression, I ensure the women I paint have active roles of inspiration, movement, and storytelling. Raised by my mother, I learned about my family’s history through oral tradition. Rather than beng inspred by male-dominated stories in media, I became inspired by the Indigenous and Mexican women of my family, taking spaces where they were not expected.

The simplest acts typical for a man to perform, can often be taboo for women, such as working in the car industry. Despite this, for many years there have been women who have gone against the grain to become whoever they pleased to be, going beyond the WWII icon associated with strong women. These are the stories that inspire my work.”

(“El Cuento de los Panes: A Community Installation Inspired by Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto” organized by the Exhibition Design students at Laguna College of Art and Design, 2024)

The exhibition statement shares that the term rasquachismo was “coined by Chicano scholar and art critic Tomás Ybarra-Frausto to describe ‘an underdog perspective, a view from los de abajo’ (from below) in working class Chicanx communities which uses elements of ‘hybridization, juxtaposition, and integration’ as a means of empowerment and resistance.”

The Huntington Beach Art Center presents “Rasquachismo” curated by Laura Black until June 1st, 2024 with their last programming event of an artist discussion is set for Saturday May 25th, 2024 from 1pm to 2:30pm.

#rasquachismo #huntington beach #chicano art #contemporary art #chicana art #photography #oil paintings #orange county #hb #car culture #california art #mixed media art #art history #chicanx

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mariacallous · 4 months ago

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Both parties have spoken about the need to focus on children and families during this year’s election cycle. In fact, it has been a talking point for decades in both Democratic and Republican party platforms. Support for children and families is key to the future health of a nation.

Despite this professed commitment, however, approximately 23.6 million young children (0-5 years) in America are at risk of not meeting their developmental potential, draining the country of much-needed human capital. Analyses of the U.S. federal budget indicate very limited investment in children. Overall, data from 2018 to 2024 shows that the share of federal spending on children ranged from 9.71% in fiscal year (FY) 2018 to 12.16% in 2024, with a dip to 7.48% in 2020. Focusing on children under age three, however, indicates a 1.52% federal budget spending in FY 2024. This represented a sliver of the total budget and a decline from an allotment of 1.66% in FY 2023. While the increase in overall spending on children in fiscal year 2024 is welcome news, it falls woefully short of meeting the needs of America’s children and families and is concerning when compared with funding in peer nations around the world.

The result of this checkered pattern of investment is that America ranks last among OECD countries in providing family care and leave, has one of the lowest pre-K enrollment rates with no current universal system in place, last in family-friendly policies, and ranks near the bottom of 41 advanced countries on a series of child wellness markers.

To be fair, the U.S. has taken small steps forward for young children through the Child Tax Credit (CTC), a minor increase in access to licensed childcare centers, an increase in some states for pre-K and family leave. However, these policies offer a piecemeal approach to supporting young children from birth to five years and families and do not offer countrywide, comprehensive coverage. Implementation of many of these initiatives is left to states with uneven consequences. The ultimate result? Child poverty in the U.S. is among the worst in the industrialized nations, and many children in families with fewer resources—who are disproportionately Black and Brown —trail behind their peers from more affluent environments in mental and physical health, education outcomes, and more.

Our wavering commitment to children and families in terms of actionable, comprehensive policies that support children from birth to five years and their families leaves some wondering whether America really cares about its children despite the rhetoric.

This policy brief points to six key areas of investment in which bipartisan action can bring America in line with other nations and make a marked difference in the lives of millions of young children 0-5 years and their families.

We propose bipartisan investment to 1) increase high quality childcare options; 2) increase the availability of quality pre-K; 3) increase programs to mitigate poverty; 4) establish a federal paid family leave policy; 5) increase support for infant and child mental health; and 6) establish a permanent national level body to coordinate multi-sectoral supports for children.

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hjohn3 · 6 days ago

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Why a Wealth Tax is Essential if Labour are to Deliver

‘Only the little people pay taxes’ - Leona Helmsley

Source: Bright Graeme Murray website

By Honest John

LABOUR ARE in a pickle. A pickle of their own making of course, but a pickle nonetheless . The huge majority that the party won last July, and now apparently under threat from a surging Reform U.K., was predicated on two explicit promises: to restore public services to at least functionality after 14 years of Tory assault, and to improve working class and lower middle class living standards after well over a decade of stagnation at best and retreat at worst. Much is made of Labour’s low share of the vote at the General Election to de-legitimise its actions, but the truth is, in our newish multi-party democracy, whether the public voted Labour, Liberal Democrat, Nationalist or Reform, they were united in a desire to get rid of the Conservatives, and they knew that the Tories would be replaced by Labour: getting on for 80% of those who voted therefore have a stake in a non-Tory future for the country, and that future is defined above all else by a restored public realm.

I believe Keir Starmer’s Labour is schizophrenic at heart, which explains much of its catastrophic messaging since it was elected and some of its more bizarre decisions, seemingly calculated to annoy as many voters as possible. The King’s Speech of July 2024, which receives far too little attention from political commentators and receives very little promotion by the government itself, reveals a social democratic impulse at heart of the Labour administration - whether it is a better funded elective NHS, improved workers’ and renters’ rights, a publicly owned railway and green energy provider, higher pay for public sector workers or a commitment to devolve political and fiscal power from Westminster to a local government defined by Mayoralties, the democratic socialist direction of travel is clear. Yet within the soul of Starmer himself, and a number of his ministers, most clearly represented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, there is a neoliberal instinct. It is as though the new government can’t quite bring itself to believe that the old orthodoxy is dead, and that its job is to dust off Wilsonian and Keynesian social democracy and to upgrade it for the 2020s. It is this instinct that is behind the witless and repetitive messaging about the “£22bn black hole” in the public finances which Reeves claimed to have “discovered”; the politically suicidal retention of the cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance on the grounds of “affordability” and the head-scratching decision to support a third runway at Heathrow which, outside the Airport itself, no one seems to want. It also explains the constant parroting of the need for “growth”, like Liz Truss on steroids, without ever explaining how this growth will be generated, or even what it is for.

Crucially however, it is the neoliberal instinct of Starmer and Reeves that explains the allegedly “ironclad” fiscal rules the government has saddled itself with and the extraordinary commitments to raise neither income tax, National Insurance, VAT or even Corporation Tax in the run up to an election defined by the public’s wish to see more government spending on public services. Hence the pickle. I argued after October’s Budget that Reeves had produced an artful financial statement that maintains those fiscal promises, but still raised over £60bn through increased taxes on businesses and increased borrowing in an effort to meet those manifesto promises already legislated for. But how much easier would it have been if Reeves had not made commitments more suited to the austerity governments of David Cameron and Theresa May, than one whose stated purpose was to repair the damage inflicted on the country by the Tories and to “restore” Britain? In fact Reeves compounded her dilemma in the autumn by promptly taking to the airwaves to apologise for her Budget and promising never to do it again, which must be a first for a Chancellor and probably one of the most politically stupid promises to make when there were over four years of this Parliament to run.

The Budget, and for that matter, Labour’s legislative programme, only scratches the surface of the rebuilding of society required after probably the worst period of governance this country has seen since before the Second World War. Social care, criminal justice, the corporate con that is the British water industry, the green agenda, and now, of course, defence, are just some of the underfunded, neglected and yet crucial areas of public policy barely touched by the Budget. Therefore, of course a Labour Chancellor (probably not Reeves) will have to find a way to raise more revenue in order to deliver the change the public voted for. If reneging on the income tax, NI and VAT promises is out of the question, at least for now, then where does the government go? The answer, advocated for many years by left wing economists and, more recently by some not necessarily on the left, is for the U.K. to introduce a wealth tax.

The American businesswoman Leona Roberts Helmsley notoriously remarked, when being prosecuted by the US federal government for tax avoidance in 1989: “We don’t pay taxes; only the little people pay taxes,” and so summed up an entire social creed on the part of the wealthy. The long-deceased Helmsley was in fact ahead of her time: over the last 20 years, the net financial worth of the hyper wealthy either resident, or domiciled in, the U.K. has rocketed, particularly since the 2008 crash and the period of Tory rule since 2010. Aided by the side effects of the quantitative easing introduced by the Bank of England during the 2010s to keep inflation low, the rich shifted their wealth primarily from taxable cash, cash-realisable possessions, stock investments and shares dividends into assets - land, property and digital assets held in offshore accounts, most safely beyond the half-hearted reach of HMRC. Whereas tax on work (income tax) increased by nearly 3.5% between 2019 and 2024, the tax on business transactions, assets, land ownership and capital transfers remained static or, in the case of Corporation Tax, was actually reduced until May 2024 when Rishi Sunak belatedly increased the CT rate to 25% from its historically low rate of 19% which pertained for most of the Tory years. This flight of the hyper rich from income earned through salaries or dividends and into speculative assets has turbo charged wealth inequality in the U.K. in an almost unprecedented way: the wealthiest citizens are no longer millionaires but billionaires. According to the Equality Trust, the richest top fifth of the citizens and domiciles of the U.K. own 63% of the country’s wealth compared to 0.8% owned by the bottom fifth. The United Kingdom is believed to to be the most unequal country in Europe in terms of wealth distribution.

Social justice is an extremely good argument for the introduction of a wealth tax, but the urgent need for the taxation of wealth and assets is derives from the requirements for the government to increase its revenues in order to re-fund public services to the level it promised and to stimulate real growth and inward investment to improve the prospects of higher paid employment and improved living standards. Growth at the scale needed to refloat a British economy and its degraded public infrastructure outside the frictionless open markets of the EU, requires far more assertive and interventionist fiscal policy than anything thus far proposed by Reeves, with her increasingly desperate chatter about her growth mission which, it is now abundantly clear, is underwritten by precisely nothing.

The options for wealth taxes were set out most persuasively by the LSE report A Wealth Tax For The U.K. published in 2022. Put simply, the main different models of wealth tax which could be introduced in the U.K. according to the report’s authors include:-

a recurrent tax on personal wealth per individual;

a recurrent tax on assets (e.g. property, land, shareholding);

a one-off tax on the basis of wealth and asset value at a point in time (this would be to obviate tax avoidance behaviours).

The LSE report recommended a one-off tax on the grounds of acceptability to the public and because to the precedent of windfall taxes on the utilities which had attracted general public support. The authors estimate at a taxable rate of 1% on cash holdings and open market value of other assets, commencing at a wealth total of £500,000 per individual, up to £240bn could be raised as exchequer revenue. This figure would dwarf the sums raised by the Chancellor so far and provide major flexibility for the government to invest productively and end the tediously repeated assertion by commentators that “there is no money”. Personally, I would favour raising the wealth tax threshold to £2m worth of cash or assets, but levy the tax at 1% of calculated wealth over two years, raising close to £150bn each of the years concerned, which would affect less than 4m citizens out of a total U.K. population of 66m people. £300bn over two years would give the government a huge contribution to restoring in year budgets (including the notorious “black hole”). It could also provide the necessary stimulus to capital projects, businesses, the Green Prosperity Plan and inward investment that would boost the growth the country needs to make good the vandalism of the the Tory years.

Naturally there would be scepticism on the part of the public as to whether this additional government revenue would be spent wisely and on the priorities that the voters want. To mitigate this distrust I would hypothecate the wealth tax to be spent on social care, criminal justice, improving water industry standards leading to progressive nationalisation, and defence. The expenditure of the revenue raised through the wealth tax could be made publicly available to any citizen on request and would be subject to annual audits to ensure value for money. In time I would make a wealth tax on cash and assets over £2m an annual tax, but at a rate of 0.5% - reducing revenue to £75bn a year, but making the funds available to recurrent public sector budgets to help rebuild austerity-ravaged public services across the board.

The rich would find this mild intrusion on their fortunes intolerable and there would be ferocious attacks on the policy from the Right, claiming that a wealth tax would force “wealth creators” out of the country, destroy jobs and kill aspiration. All self-serving nonsense of course because the one thing the hyper wealthy are very good at is gaslighting their fellow-citizens as to their essential worth and value to the economy, when in fact private sector investment in the U.K. is the lowest in the G7 and has been for years. A Labour government who last summer proudly proclaimed that those with the widest shoulders should bear the greatest burden should have nothing to do with such “arguments” and dispense with the verities of neoliberalism once and for all.

In reality, Labour have little choice. Discernible improvement to living standards, pay and public services are essential if the government is to be re-elected four years’ time. I accept that significant increases to income tax are not politically possible; increases to NI contributions and VAT are also insufficiently progressive to be a long term solution. But, in conjunction with other recurrent revenue-raising measures such as increasing Corporation Tax to the same level as much of the EU and revaluation of Council Tax (which currently disproportionately favours the better off and has not been revalued since 1991), a one-off wealth tax over two years, followed by its annual continuance at a reduced rate could provide the billions needed to deliver the government’s King’s Speech and the raft of other measures needed to make the U.K. , once again, a more prosperous, fair and contented country with a public realm to be proud of.

A wealth tax could enable the real social transformation Labour says it wants and be emblematic of the end of a worldview, in the U.K. at least, so arrogantly articulated by Leona Helmsley all those years ago.

11th February 2025

Source: The LSE report A Wealth Tax For The U.K. by Arun Advani, Emma Chamberlain and Andy Summers.

#british politics #keir starmer #rachelreeves #labour government #wealth tax #lse #wealthtaxnow!#A Wealth Tax For The U.K.

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sienaunfilteredtarot · 6 months ago

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Which style do you like better ( comment 1 or 2 with Next in Career reading)

Next in Career (how would you like to receive this message: bullet points or paragraph form?)

ONE:

Pile One: Page of Cups + 9 Pentacles + 7 Wands + Lovers (1976)

Page of Cups (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Naturally creative

New to the field, may have transitioned from a different skillset

Going in a little naive due to being new to the field or lack of experience

Innocence carries a cup-half-full attitude

Naturally optimistic about your prospects (Elle Woods in law school)

Work brings love and friendship

Represents creative industries, spiritual sector, or working with children in some capacity

9 of Pentacles

There is a potential for you to attain high earnings within this career field

Having a lot of experience with a particular skillset

Turning a situation around, showing growth and maturity

Inherently valuable; you are willing to adapt, and your thorough and organized nature makes you an asset to any company

Worked hard to get to where you are

Likelihood to be an overnight success

7 of Wands: Mars in Leo

With the 9 of Pentacles, getting PTO or using it, parental leave, leave of absence, and sabbatical.

Confident teacher

Excellent public speaker; can hold and maintain engagement within a room well.

Taking action that benefits you, even if it means rejecting a project—set boundaries.

Getting another degree

Masters/PhD (graduate studies), undergrad, associates, certification, GED

The Pair or The Lovers

It can be a powerful team—meeting colleagues or having coworkers you vibe well with

Being able to have trust with someone at work

Working in pairs/having a partner at work

Strong relationship with a mentor or advisor

Lovers is representative of Virgo, and therefore Mercury vibes

Information exchange (meeting to discuss a potential raise or time off)

Interviewing for a new position

In need of work that is naturally mentally stimulating

Advertising/Marketing

Administrative, personal, and/or virtual assistant

Project management

Requires you to multi-task; work with a lot of moving pieces

Working with animals

Educating others about something

Sales or publishing

Facilitating communication btw parties or clients (divorce attorney)

It also reinforces the element of choice in the matter; your experiences bring a fresh pov

TWO: The Page of Cups denotes Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces energies. Some of you are naturally creative and have careers in the arts (writing, illustrating, photography, design). Some of you may be in the wellness or spiritual sector, and some work alongside children in some capacity. Others are entirely new to the field or may have transitioned from a different skill set. You might be going into this situation a little naively due to being new to the field or lack of experience. Be careful with whom you trust and guard against those who seek to take advantage! This innocence carries a cup-half-full attitude; it inspires an Elle Woods type of optimism. This card also invites new relationships, including friendships or a romantic partner, to develop at work.

The 9 of pentacles card conveys the potential to attain a high salary and excellent benefits within your career, as there is much room for professional growth. This card might suggest that you have a lot of experience in a particular skill set (for example, being a pastry chef or photographer). With the Page of Cups, you might be transitioning to a different career field (for example, teacher -> dean) in which you'll apply skills you possess while simultaneously learning to cultivate new skills. Additionally, this card can talk about having the means to turn a situation around, echoing the optimism within the Page of Cups. You are inherently valuable, as you can adapt. Your thorough and organized nature makes you an asset to any company (including your own if you're self-employed). You have worked to get where you are; some may even get a lucky break, quickly finding success in your arena.

The 7 of Wands, which represents Mars in Leo, suggests taking action that benefits you, even if it means rejecting a project and setting boundaries. This card indicates confidence and the ability to stand your ground. It may represent a rest period when paired with the 9 of Pentacles. As this is a general reading, it could include several things, including PTO, maternity leave, a leave of absence, or a sabbatical. It could also convey pursuing further education, such as an undergraduate or graduate degree, associate’s, certification, or GED. It also indicates being a confident teacher with a powerful talent for public speaking, as you can maintain engagement within a room nicely. Creative movements may pique your interest, such as learning to be a Zumba, Pilates, pole, or dancing instructor or a personal trainer.

The Lovers card suggests that what's next in pile one's career may be the beginning stages of a strong partnership, a fruitful collaboration, or you may be connecting with colleagues or coworkers that you can genuinely be yourself around, fostering trust and teamwork. Some of you may be required to work alongside a partner or within a small group of individuals with a similar skill set. Others may be under the guidance of a mentor who will provide helpful insights and support in your professional journey. Regardless, these relationships will be crucial.

Fields that might intrigue Pile One include career paths related to communication, such as advertising, project management, or being a personal and/or virtual assistant, often necessitating a strong ability to multitask. These roles not only offer professional growth but also provide opportunities for personal development. Furthermore, the lovers card is emblematic of mentally stimulating work, as its ruler, Mercury, governs information exchange. This can include careers in education, sales, or publishing. The Lovers card highlights the agency you have in making choices that leverage your unique perspective.

#channeled message #tarot reading #career reading #tarot #career #career tarot #empath #career change #pick a card reading #pick a card tarot

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rjzimmerman · 3 months ago

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Excerpt from this story from Grist:

When Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in January 2023, he inherited environmental protection agencies in shambles and deforestation at a 15-year high. His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, had dismantled regulations and gutted institutions tasked with enforcing environmental laws. Lula set out to reverse these policies and to put Brazil on a path to end deforestation by 2030.

Environmental protection agencies have been allowed to resume their work. Between January and November of 2023, the government issued 40 percent more infractions against illegal deforestation in the Amazon when compared to the same period in 2022, when Bolsonaro was still in office. Lula’s government has confiscated and destroyed heavy equipment used by illegal loggers and miners, and placed embargoes on production on illegally cleared land. Lula also reestablished the Amazon Fund, an international pool of money used to support conservation efforts in the rainforest. Just this week, at the G20 Summit, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden pledged $50 million to the fund.

Indeed, almost two years into Lula’s administration, the upward trend in deforestation has been reversed. In 2023, deforestation rates fell by 62 percent in the Amazon and 12 percent in Brazil overall (though deforestation in the Cerrado, Brazil’s tropical savannahs, increased). So far in 2024, deforestation in the Amazon has fallen by another 32 percent.

Throughout this year, Brazilians also bore witness to the effects of climate change in a new way. In May, unprecedented floods in the south of the country impacted over 2 million people, displacing hundreds of thousands and leaving at least 183 dead. Other regions are now into their second year of extreme drought, which led to yet another intense wildfire season. In September, São Paulo and Brasília were shrouded in smoke coming from fires in the Amazon and the Cerrado.

And yet, despite the government’s actions, environmental protections and Indigenous rights are still under threat. Lula is governing alongside the most pro-agribusiness congress in Brazilian history, which renders his ability to protect Brazil’s forests and Indigenous peoples in the long-term severely constrained.

“I do believe that the Lula administration really cares about climate change,” said Belen Fernandez Milmanda, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Studies at Trinity College and author of Agrarian Elites and Democracy in Latin America. “But on the other side, part of their governing coalition is also the agribusiness, and so far I feel like the agribusiness is winning.”

Agribusiness has long been one of the most powerful interest groups in Brazilian politics, but its influence has grown steadily over the past decade as the electorate shifted to the right and the sector developed more sophisticated strategies to affect politics. In Congress, agribusiness is represented by the bancada ruralista, or agrarian caucus, a well-organized, multi-party coalition of landowning and agribusiness-linked legislators that controls a majority in both houses of congress. Of the 513 representatives in the Chamber of Deputies, 290 are members of the agrarian caucus. In the senate, they make up 50 of 81 legislators.

#Brazil #Amazon River basin

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usafphantom2 · 11 months ago

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Israelis reach the top as the most operational F-35 pilots in the world

During the ongoing war, the Adir F-35 pilots emerged as the most operational at the global level, with one of them making history by intercepting a Yemeni cruise missile pointed at Eilat; 'I was thrilled', the pilot reflected on the historical defense with the advanced aircraft.

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/18/2024 - 00:34in Aeronautical, Military Accidents

The pilots of the F-35 Adir fighters have been responsible for part of the attacks in Lebanon since the beginning of the war, taking advantage of the advanced stealth capabilities of the F-35 jets. About 700 kilometers to the south, between Eilat and the Red Sea, these aircraft serve as the last and constant line of defense against the threat of Yemen's Houthi cruise missiles, an action that has been recorded in the world history of stealth aircraft.

The 140º Squadron of the formidable F-35 targeted hundreds of objectives, including Hamas tunnels and hiding places in the Gaza Strip during the war. Two of the unit's latest fighter planes were also among the first to reach the Gaza border in response to the murderous incursion into the Western Negev on October 7.

Three weeks ago, the pilots of the Adir fighters were the first to attack the most distant target openly attacked by Israel's Defense Forces in Lebanon since the beginning of the war: Hezbollah's weapons depots near Baalbek, northeast of Beirut and about 100 kilometers from the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Last week, pilots of Israeli stealth jets completed their fourth attack in the same area as the Shiite terrorist army: two Hezbollah command centers next to weapons depots. Although the most advanced combat aircraft of the Israeli Air Force are usually reserved for strategic missions in the northern or eastern arenas, the military constantly employs them in the Gaza Strip, along with a permanent presence of combat aircraft in the skies of the region for immediate availability. to support the forces operating on the ground - in addition to the planned air attacks.

Adir's response capabilities for control, command and network allow pilots to accurately distinguish between different types of ammunition in the aircraft or other aircraft in the air, according to the type of "emerging" target at that time.

"Target planning for an attack can be performed from the ground, from the air, in a few minutes in an escape event, and this happens almost every day," explains a senior squad pilot. "The aircraft's special sensors create a comprehensive combat image, even for additional structures, even when we deal with a dense and less threatening combat sector for us as aircraft, such as the Gaza Strip. On the cabin screen, we see which bomb was selected - and launched. That's how we, with the Adirs, among other things, destroyed a multi-storey building in Gaza, which controlled the area and threatened our forces."

Adir aircraft also integrate rescue operations for victims in additional aerial dimensions to the fight against helicopters, to isolate the area with "flash" bombs. Thus, combat helicopters and even helicopters such as Black Hawk or Yas'ur (Sikorsky CH-53) can safely descend to a height of 30 feet for evacuation of victims, while air security against anti-aircraft missiles and armed terrorists is provided by the Adir aircraft at a height of 30,000 feet.

During the ground offensive in Gaza, the Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel M., entered the Gaza Strip on foot to have a view at eye level of the attacks for which he and his commanders are responsible, far from the coast of the Strip, and also to speak to his comrades of brigades and battalions, whose pilots provide constant assistance.

In one of the scenes, Lieutenant colonel M. saw how the Israeli Air Force bombs fell only about 150 meters from the ground forces, as part of the close coordination between the forces.

However, the most significant strategic operation since the beginning of the war was carried out by the Adir pilots in the Red Sea area, facing the threat of the Houthis in Yemen. At any time, Adir aircraft ensure the southern entry of Israel - from the Gulf of Eilat and towards the south. A combined average of Houthi attacks may include the launch of about 20 missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range ballistic missiles, each coming at different speeds, altitudes and directions against Israel.

This divides the defense mission between the pilots and the air defense batteries, according to different layers: larger ground-to-ground missiles already launched from Yemen to Israel are shot down into the atmosphere by Arrow missiles, while others more difficult to detect and slower targets, such as drones, are controlled by the aircraft. A drone flies at a speed of 500 km/h, considered slower than missiles.

The F-35 can carry more payload compared to the F-16, and the military material is managed at the Nevatim Air Base. Sergeant Major Michael says: "From the beginning, we have a team of 40 people who always run to eight planes taking off and landing, immediately taking care to arm them with bombs, missiles and fuel."

The U.S.-led international coalition in the Red Sea provides detection and often interception of the main components of the attacks. What remains, usually a small number of air threats, is intercepted by Adir aircraft or air defense systems in the last segment before entering the Eilat area.

Adir aircraft operate in this area as a kind of air control unit - due to the more advanced capabilities of the F-35, they can detect even low-altitude and slow-flying targets that are considered difficult to detect.

At the beginning of the war, Israeli Air Force pilots intercepted a cruise missile, marking the first time in the history of F-35 poachers around the world. The operation was carried out entirely in Hebrew, although it involved U.S. Army forces. "I saw the cruise missile in broad daylight through the Adir camera, at a relatively low altitude," said Major R., pilot of the 140º Squadron, who made history as the first to intercept a cruise missile with an F-35 aircraft.

? A cruise missile launched from the southeast toward Israeli airspace was successfully intercepted by F-35i fighter jets.

"My partner in the cabin was the one who saw the target. I executed the airstrike with a missile that I launched against him. I was thrilled in the cabin after the success of the attack,” added Major R.

He also said: "We are evolving during combat. We have already updated our operational techniques and combat rotations, even against the possibility of cruise missile launches like these or simultaneous ballistic missile attacks. The cruise missile could easily have exploded in the Yoseftal Medical Center or a hotel where refugees from the South were housed. In these missions, I could find myself flying directly from the Eilat area to attack Gaza, then to the regions of Lebanon and Syria and, if necessary, to other areas within that long flight that lasted six and a half hours in Adir."

Source: Ynet News

Tags: Military AviationF-35I 'Adir'IAF - Israeli Air Force/Israel Air ForceWar Zones - Middle East

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Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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legiomiam · 2 years ago

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Author and WIP Introduction

My Name is J. Lynnell I am a nonbinary author of color. I mainly write Science Fiction/Fantasy stories with the general rating being 18+. I have been writing for almost 2 decades now, and I also have poems published in The Midnight Collection Vol. 2 Dark Harvest. Which you can read CHRYSANTHEMUM: a hanahaki inspired poem of the acceptance and death of unrequited love {CW: Contemplation of suicide, Death}, UNTITLED IN DEATH: a poem dedicated to the beauty of nature and in death we return to the earth {CW: Death}, and the third poem COMPROMISE: a poem on the inevitable end that awaits us all {CW: Death}.

My About Me can be found HERE

I can also be found of Twitter and Instagram

I am also available for commissions if someone wants and I've started an ART TAG that I will update with my artwork.

(I'll have an updated list of tags here at a later date)

On to my projects:

Dark Fantsy + Romance: Adult A story set against the backdrop of a centuries old conflict between those without magic, Vampyres, and those with magic, Fae. This Dark And Divine Place is the first book in it's series that introduces us to Rashka, sister to Empress Ivette Ananulli and her husband Emperor Seung Ananulli, of the last Great Vampyre Empire that is not fully under the Consul's control. When an entire clan is murdered in the dead of night the Counsul is called to convene. Along the way Rashka is mistaken for her sister and taken, with little hope of her survival none of the Counsul members wish to waste time nor their resources to find her. Except for the Fae representatives, who offer up one of their own to search for her.

Note: This story is an enemies to lovers slow burn with explicit sexual content. It's also not a "will they?" story but a "how did they?" one. This series was started well after I had started trying to draft the Cursed Children and I decided I should tell the parents story before the children's.

{Full WIP Intro} {Series Intro} {WIP Page} {Characters}

*MILD SPOILERS FOR TDADP*

Dark (Urban) Fantasy: Adult The passing of several years find Rashka and Bahram with a growing family, and the knowledge that they each made a bargain— a selfish bargain. Ones that they decided to keep from their children including their eldest. Reign, who's life is not only coveted by darker forces that linger behind false companionship, but also set with a bounty for being the outcome of her parents' forbidden union. Unknown to her, as Reign finds herself having to reap the retribution of her parents actions, her own siblings are forced to take their own punishments in their search to free her from her own prison.

Note: This is the sequel series to TDADP, it takes place several years after the first series and spans a good length of time into a "modern" age. It's told from a multi pov of each of the children, with the main story following Reign and the other siblings each getting a story f their own that ties in. The stories of the children in of themselves are much darker than TDADP .

{Full WIP Intro} {Series Intro} {WIP Page} {Characters}

Dystopian/Cyberpunk: Adult She has to remember who she is. Not what the night terrors trick her into believing. Her name is Alexia Volkova, she fluctuates between the high rise of city life among the neon lights and towers made of reflective glass, and the slums of a worn down remodeled complex paid for in cash with no name on the lease. That's how it's always been, the terrors signaling the oncoming lapse in her suppressants. The need for more comes with the involvement in a mass murder in more than one location across the sectors of New Haven and a run in with the lead investigator.

Note: This idea is as old as TDADP and one that reddit had called a "Resident-Evil-knock-off" {derogatory} so I named the main love interest Leon because I could. A story told by very unreliable narrators and very morally grey characters.

{Full WIP Intro} {Series Intro} {WIP Page} {Characters}

Urban Fantasy: Adult Their bloodlines came with rules, a set of laws they must abide by set by their founders— first of their name— written into their very bones. To be honored and upheld. Savina Starling had obeyed those laws until now, when the greatest law to her was broken. Songbirds shall not murder other Songbirds. With the sacrifice of her family she not only returned to claim a throne that was not hers by law, but to take vengeance with the help of the devil by her side.

Note: This was born from an idea where a cult misinterprets a blood sacrifice and that the person who's blood is spilled on a summoning sigil is the one bound to the demon it summons, and if the idea had a baby with my disappointment at the staleness of some of my once upon a time favorite monster/demon/human stories.

{Full WIP Intro} {Series Intro} {WIP Page} {Characters}

Paranormal Mystery + Romance: Adult Hector Del Bosque an up and coming opera lead ready to star in his first headlining show after the success of his first role becomes a suspect for the murder of his on (and off) stage lover and costar. With the show put to a halt as the understudies are all scared off from taking the leading role. Enter one peculiar lead, Evelynn Delacroix Desbois, her too wide eyes seems to stare through Hector— through most things even as she takes the stage to practice, haunting is what comes to mind. Different than the dutiful servant and almost bodyguard, Reyes, that hovers around her when not talking to staff. Haunting and stubborn against the onslaught of threats.

Note: This honestly was supposed to be POTO inspired and sorta is but not really. It also has a poly relationship as the main romance. Though not the only work I have listed that has a poly romance as the main one.

{Full WIP Intro} {WIP Page} {Characters}

Fantasy: Adult There was power to be had in a name and that is why Brooke Vale chose his carefully, that was the deal after all. His uncle let him flee with his life his own if he never uttered his given name to anyone. Years have passed and the sprawling forest surrounding the once thriving kingdom has taken over as a deadly setting to a cruel tyranny. When old faces come to beg for Brooke to challenge his cousin for the throne he not-so-politely declines. The kingdom of Treyalla had done without him for twelve years what is another sixty more? His only answer is to find the rightful prince, the heir to the king his own very own parents usurped the throne from. Their only lead? Is within that very forest where the old gods slumber and their guide is a girl all too willing to keep their secrets.

Note: This story has been a long one in the making and while nothing it down solid it is a series that is either going to be a trilogy with each book following a different set of characters all woven together or just like Godly Ruins.

{Full WIP Intro} {Series Intro} {WIP Page} {Characters}

The following are WIPs that are not at the forefront of my current projects but still there (any that are tba/coming soon are ones that I just don't have a coherent plot to go with):

Our Multiple Lives Told Through A Single Set Of Eyes: When a woman takes a job as a companion to an elderly man his interests are stories and although skeptical of the new hire he asks her for a story unlike any other. And what better story can she tell of a young woman and the devil she married, sold her soul to, and escaped. A devil that is still hunting down his missing bride.

What Awaits Us In The Dark Of The Sea: The daughter of a merchant upon the news of her betrothal to a man she never met, a betrothal that had been set in stone after tragedy struck her family, decides that the very waters that had claimed not only her father's vast fortune just weeks earlier but her mother and oldest sister's lives when she was a child could have her too. Only she awakens soaked on the beach with a circle of small rings branded on her thigh. A claiming of the creatures that drown men and women. But it vanishes as if it was nothing more than her imagination the very day her intended knocks on the doors to have her hand.

Untitled haunted painting: a couple move into a house in a small town, beautiful even the portrait of the original owners remains on the mantle in the grand room. Even as eyes follow the couple as they go about their lives.

Untitled possible thief story: (more to come)

Fall With Me/Rise For You (duology): When the fiancée of the village's local priest finds a wounded angel in the rafters she keeps it her own secret and what starts as an uneasy friendship turns into an affair

Untitled Circus novel: (coming soon)

Untitled mafia novel: An "FBI" agent that is bought by the mafia covers up a witnesses murder as the local serial killer's work and the killer isn't happy. So unhappy that the agent's new wife becomes a target.

Untitled shadow monster novel: (TBA it's my I support women's wrongs novel)

#author introduction #wip introduction #writeblr introduction #writing community

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southeastasianists · 10 months ago

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“I am ready for my next assignment,” a beaming Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had declared at a People’s Action Party (PAP) convention last November.

“I am all in, heart and soul,” he said, adding that he has been working hard to get ready for what would be the “biggest responsibility” of his career – to take over the baton from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as Singapore’s next leader.

Now, the assignment has come as Mr Lee announced his retirement on Monday (Apr 15).

Mr Wong will officially take over the leadership reins on May 15, when he becomes Singapore's fourth Prime Minister.

RISE THROUGH THE RANKS

The 51-year-old entered politics in 2011 after being elected as a Member of Parliament in West Coast GRC. He was given his first political office two weeks after the election – as Minister of State for education and defence.

In the 2015 General Election, Mr Wong moved to contest in the new Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, where he has been anchor minister ever since.

By then, he had risen steadily through the ranks with positions in various ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth where he was appointed acting minister in 2012 and made full minister two years later.

After the elections in 2015, he moved to head the Ministry of National Development where he stayed on until July 2020.

In 2020, Mr Wong was tasked to co-chair Singapore’s multi-ministry COVID-19 task force with then-Health Minister Gan Kim Yong. Together with Mr Gan, and later, new Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, he helmed the country’s pandemic response and fronted key announcements at frequently held press conferences.

Political observers later said that it was Mr Wong’s steady leadership style during COVID-19, clear explanation of policies and grasp of details that put him in pole position to take over as the country’s next leader when Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat took himself out of the running for the top job in April 2021.

Mr Heng, then 60, had cited his age as the reason and that he would have “too short a runway” should he become Prime Minister after the pandemic.

Mr Wong, who was then Education Minister, took over the Finance Ministry from Mr Heng in the ensuing Cabinet reshuffle, providing the first hint of his frontrunner position given how the high-profile finance portfolio has traditionally been helmed by PAP heavyweights.

Questions about political succession were finally laid to rest in April 2022 when Mr Wong was named as the leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation, or 4G, team. Two months later, he was promoted to Deputy Prime Minister in another Cabinet reshuffle, while holding on to his finance portfolio.

Since cementing his standing as Singapore’s next Prime Minister, Mr Wong has fronted major speeches, such as delivering the keynote speech at the May Day Rally last year in place of Mr Lee.

He has also launched the Forward Singapore exercise, which provided a glimpse of how he and the 4G team intends to take the country forward.

A CIVIL SERVANT AND GUITAR LOVER

Prior to entering politics, Mr Wong was a civil servant for 14 years.

He began his career at the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1997 before moving on to other roles in the finance and health ministries.

Mr Wong became principal private secretary to the Prime Minister in 2005.

In 2008, he joined the Energy Market Authority as deputy chief executive and was promoted to chief executive in 2009.

Two years later, he stepped down from the post to enter politics as the youngest of five candidates tipped to form the core of the PAP’s 4G leadership.

The Straits Times reported previously that Mr Wong had resigned from the public sector to enter politics, a year short before reaching 15 years of service. Administrative Service officers were eligible for pension after 15 years of service.

“It was a loss, but it was not something that factored into my consideration at the time,” he had said.

On the personal front, Mr Wong grew up in what he described as an “ordinary family” in the Marine Parade HDB estate.

His late father was born in China’s Hainan Island, went to Malaysia as a young boy before moving to Singapore to work in a sales job.

His mother was a teacher. Describing her as a disciplinarian both in school and at home, Mr Wong has spoken highly of his mother in several interviews and public speeches for managing to teach while caring for him and his brother.

Mr Wong is an alumnus of Haig Boys’ Primary where his mother taught. In his teens, he attended Tanjong Katong Secondary School, which he chose because it was near his home, and later on, Victoria Junior College.

He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. He also holds a master’s in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Outside of work, Mr Wong, who is married to Ms Loo Tze Lui, is known to be an avid music lover and skilled guitar player.

His love for the guitar goes back to when his father gave him his first guitar at the age of eight. He spent his weekends borrowing guitar books from the old Marine Parade library and when he got a government scholarship to study in the United States, he made sure to bring his guitar along.

Mr Wong has said that playing the guitar helps him to destress and unwind.

The incoming Prime Minister has posted several videos of him strumming his six string, including an acoustic rendition of American pop star Taylor Swift’s hit song Love Story as a tribute to educators on Teachers’ Day last year.

#Southeast Asia #Singapore #Lawrence Wong #Politics

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gasdetectormy · 4 months ago

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Ensuring Safety: The Importance of Gas Detectors in Malaysia's Industrial Sector

As Malaysia continues its rapid industrialization, workplace safety has become an increasingly important priority for industries and regulatory authorities alike. Among the most critical tools in ensuring workplace safety are gas detectors—devices that monitor and alert workers to the presence of hazardous gases. These detectors are indispensable in industries where toxic or flammable gases are produced or used, including oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, mining, and construction.

Malaysia's industrial sector has witnessed significant growth, making it crucial to address occupational safety issues more robustly. Gas detectors can save lives, protect infrastructure, and prevent environmental damage. This article explores the importance of gas detectors in Malaysia's industrial sector, emphasizing their role in enhancing safety, complying with regulations, and protecting workers.

Understanding the Risks in Malaysia's Industrial Sector

Industries across Malaysia operate in environments where hazardous gases are common. Whether it's the risk of explosions in refineries or toxic gas leaks in manufacturing plants, these gases pose serious risks to workers, machinery, and the surrounding environment. In many cases, hazardous gases like carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are colourless, odourless, and difficult to detect without the aid of specialized equipment.

For example, hydrogen sulphide, commonly found in the oil and gas industry, can be lethal in small concentrations. Prolonged exposure to low levels can cause eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory issues, while high-level exposure can result in unconsciousness or even death. Similarly, methane, often encountered in mining and waste management, is highly flammable and can cause catastrophic explosions if not detected in time.

In response to these dangers, gas detectors are essential for early warning systems in industries where gas leaks or accumulation pose a threat. Through authorities like the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia's regulations mandate the use of gas detection systems in certain industries, underscoring their importance in workplace safety.

The Role of Gas Detectors in Ensuring Workplace Safety

Gas detectors play a crucial role in safeguarding industrial operations. Their primary function is to detect the presence of dangerous gases in the air and alert workers before the gas reaches a hazardous concentration. These devices are designed to ensure that workplaces remain safe environments, with early detection often meaning the difference between a manageable situation and a disaster.

There are various gas detectors, each tailored to specific industrial needs. Some of the most common types include:

Portable Gas Detectors: Portable gas detectors are handheld devices that workers carry on-site, especially in confined spaces or areas where gas leaks are suspected. They provide real-time monitoring and immediate alarms, allowing workers to evacuate or take appropriate action when dangerous gas levels are detected. In industries such as oil and gas, portable detectors are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers conducting routine maintenance or inspections.

Fixed Gas Detection Systems are installed in high-risk areas and continuously monitor the air for hazardous gases. They are often placed in refineries, manufacturing plants, or chemical storage facilities, where they offer continuous protection. If dangerous gas levels are detected, these systems can trigger alarms, shut down equipment, or activate ventilation systems to prevent accidents.

Multi-Gas Detectors: These devices can detect multiple gases simultaneously, making them ideal for industrial environments where several gases may be present. They provide comprehensive coverage, reducing the need for multiple devices and increasing efficiency in gas monitoring.

Hydrogen (H2) Selective Gas Detectors: These specialized detectors are important for industries dealing with hydrogen or other flammable gases. Hydrogen is commonly used in Malaysia's chemical and refining industries, and its detection is critical due to its highly flammable nature. Hydrogen-specific detectors help reduce false alarms caused by other gases, ensuring accurate detection and preventing unnecessary disruptions.

Regulatory Compliance and Gas Detection in Malaysia

In Malaysia, workplace safety is governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994, which emphasizes employers' responsibility to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of workers. The act mandates that employers provide safe working environments, implement safety measures, and use appropriate safety equipment, including gas detectors, to protect employees from hazardous conditions.

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) further enforces these regulations by setting standards for gas detection systems, particularly in industries with high risks of gas leaks or exposure to toxic substances. These regulations ensure that industries comply with safety requirements and mitigate risks associated with hazardous gases.

Gas detectors help companies adhere to these regulations by providing continuous monitoring and immediate alerts, allowing industries to take corrective actions before accidents occur. Failure to comply with OSHA and DOSH regulations can lead to significant fines, legal penalties, and even the shutdown of operations. Moreover, companies that fail to protect their employees from gas hazards may face reputational damage, making compliance with safety regulations critical for business success.

The Financial Benefits of Gas Detectors

While gas detectors are primarily installed to protect workers and prevent accidents, they also offer substantial financial benefits. These devices help avoid costly damage to equipment, facilities, and products by preventing gas leaks and explosions. In high-stakes industries such as oil and gas, a single undetected gas leak can lead to millions of dollars in losses due to equipment damage, production delays, and fines.

Furthermore, gas detectors contribute to reducing insurance costs. Insurance companies recognize the importance of workplace safety measures, and companies that implement effective gas detection systems often qualify for lower premiums. This reduction in insurance costs can offset the initial investment in gas detection technology, making it a cost-effective solution in the long term.

Beyond insurance savings, gas detectors also minimize the financial impact of downtime. When hazardous gases are detected early, industries can take swift action to mitigate the issue, preventing long-term shutdowns. In industries like petrochemicals or mining, where production is continuous and downtime is expensive, the ability to detect gas leaks early can prevent costly interruptions.

Preventing Environmental Damage

In addition to safeguarding human lives and assets, gas detectors play a significant role in preventing environmental damage. Gas leaks, if undetected, can have severe consequences for the surrounding environment. For example, methane leaks contribute to global warming due to methane's high potency as a greenhouse gas. Leaks of toxic gases can contaminate water sources and harm local ecosystems, leading to long-term environmental degradation.

By installing gas detectors, companies can monitor and mitigate gas leaks before they cause irreversible environmental harm. In Malaysia, where environmental regulations are becoming stricter, adopting advanced gas detection technology aligns with national goals for sustainable development. Companies that invest in gas detectors comply with regulations and demonstrate corporate responsibility in protecting the environment.

Enhancing Worker Confidence and Morale

When workers feel safe, they are more productive and engaged. Gas detectors provide physical safety and foster a culture of safety within an organization. Knowing that the company has invested in high-quality gas detection equipment reassures workers that their well-being is a top priority. This confidence in workplace safety leads to higher job satisfaction and employee morale.

Moreover, proper training on using gas detectors and responding to alarms enhances workers' sense of control over their safety. Employees well-versed in safety protocols are better equipped to handle emergencies calmly and effectively. This combination of technology and training creates a safer, more efficient working environment.

The Future of Gas Detection in Malaysia

The evolution of gas detection technology continues to play a pivotal role in improving industrial safety. With advancements in sensor technology, gas detectors are becoming more accurate, reliable, and easier to use. In Malaysia, industries are increasingly adopting wireless gas detectors, which allow real-time data transmission to control rooms, enabling remote monitoring of gas levels.

Integrating gas detectors with Internet of Things (IoT) platforms is also gaining traction. IoT-enabled gas detectors can provide predictive maintenance insights, alerting companies when sensors need calibration or replacement. This proactive approach reduces downtime and ensures that gas detectors function optimally.

As Malaysia's industrial sector grows, the demand for cutting-edge gas detection solutions will continue to rise. Companies that embrace these technological advancements will comply with safety regulations and stay ahead regarding operational efficiency and worker protection.

Conclusion

In Malaysia's industrial sector, the importance of gas detectors cannot be overstated. Gas detectors are a critical component of modern industrial safety protocols, from protecting workers and preventing accidents to ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing environmental impact. As technology evolves, gas detectors will become even more effective and essential in safeguarding Malaysia's industrial future. By investing in gas detection systems, companies demonstrate their commitment to safety, sustainability, and success.

#gas detector

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monsterkong · 5 months ago

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youtube

52 Mondays, 52 Wins: The Roadmap to Real Estate Excellence 🛤️🏡

Hello there! 🎉 I’m Paul Epstein, former NFL and NBA executive turned speaker and two-time best-selling author. Today, I want to share with you one of my core philosophies—winning Monday. Why? Because in both sports and real estate, success is all about momentum. And that momentum starts with how you approach the first day of the week.

Real Estate and the Pro Sports Mindset 🏈🏢

In my previous life in pro sports, I was surrounded by the highest achievers. People who would stop at nothing to succeed. That same drive exists in the real estate world. Whether you’re closing a multi-million dollar commercial deal or helping a family find their dream home, the stakes are always high. But here’s the kicker—both industries rely heavily on one thing: trust.

Trust is the foundation of your business. It’s what fuels long-term client relationships, and it’s what ensures success in every deal you make. When I speak at real estate events, I don’t just offer generic advice. I custom tailor every session to address the unique challenges you face—whether that’s in mortgage, residential, or commercial sectors.

Custom Solutions for Real Estate Challenges 🧩

Every talk I give is completely customized. Before I ever step on stage, I take the time to understand your goals, your obstacles, and how you measure success. We don’t shy away from the tough stuff either—macro challenges, micro hurdles, you name it. My job is to help you create a game plan that you can take action on immediately.

But here’s the thing: it all starts with Monday. Winning Monday gives you the momentum to dominate the entire week. Do this every week for 52 weeks, and you’ll look back on the most successful year of your career. 💪

Win Monday, Win the Year 🏆

Think about it: when you win Monday, you set the tone for the entire week. And when you win week after week, the momentum builds. Winning Monday is like the secret sauce that can transform your business from good to great. So, are you ready to take the first step? Let’s win Monday together and make this year your most successful yet. 🏡🎉

#Real Estate #Real Estate Investing #Investing #Success #Personal Development #Youtube

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surfboardfinance1 · 5 months ago

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Introducing Surfboard Finance: Revolutionizing Blockchain Asset Management

Surfboard Finance: Revolutionizing the Future of Blockchain Asset Management

In the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology, managing digital assets across multiple networks can be a complex and fragmented experience. Surfboard Finance has emerged as a game-changer, offering users a seamless and comprehensive platform to manage a diverse portfolio, from cryptocurrencies to NFTs, all within a unified interface.

Bridging the Gap in Blockchain Asset Management Blockchain enthusiasts and investors often face a significant hurdle: managing their assets spread across various networks. Each blockchain ecosystem, whether it’s Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, or others, operates independently with its own protocols and systems. This decentralization, while innovative, creates silos that complicate asset management. Users are left juggling multiple platforms, wallets, and interfaces to track and analyze their assets, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.

Surfboard Finance addresses these challenges head-on by aggregating data from various blockchains into one user-friendly platform. Its unique ability to provide a holistic view of assets in real-time empowers users to make well-informed decisions quickly. No more switching between wallets or interfaces – with Surfboard Finance, everything you need is at your fingertips.

The Power of AI in Blockchain

One of the standout features of Surfboard Finance is its use of AI-powered insights. In the volatile world of blockchain, timing and data-driven decisions are crucial. Surfboard's AI analyzes user portfolios and market trends, offering predictive analytics that help investors strategize effectively. This feature enhances user experience by delivering actionable insights, recommending when to buy, sell, or hold assets.

As blockchain ecosystems grow more complex, AI integration will be key in managing risk, identifying opportunities, and optimizing asset allocation. Surfboard Finance’s forward-thinking approach in this area solidifies its position as a leader in the blockchain space.

Empowering Users Through Decentralization

The ethos of decentralization remains a core principle for Surfboard Finance. Through its DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) governance model, users have a direct say in the platform’s evolution. From proposing new features to voting on key decisions, Surfboard's community-driven approach empowers users to shape the future of the platform. This level of transparency and involvement fosters trust and enhances user engagement, setting Surfboard Finance apart from other platforms in the market.

Surfboard Finance’s Vision for the Future

Surfboard Finance’s roadmap is packed with exciting developments. As part of its vision for the future, the platform aims to introduce advanced analytics for deeper market insights, enhanced AI capabilities, and a mobile app for on-the-go portfolio management. Furthermore, multi-language support will expand its global reach, making blockchain asset management more accessible to users worldwide.

Strategic partnerships with key players in the blockchain and financial sectors are also on the horizon. These collaborations will enhance the platform’s capabilities and open up new opportunities for investors.

Conclusion

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, Surfboard Finance is leading the charge in simplifying and transforming asset management. By providing a unified platform with AI-driven insights, decentralized governance, and a clear vision for the future, Surfboard Finance is poised to revolutionize how users manage their digital assets.

Whether you're a seasoned blockchain investor or new to the space, Surfboard Finance offers a comprehensive solution for efficient and informed asset management.

Call to Action: Ready to take control of your blockchain assets with Surfboard Finance? Visit our website to learn more, stay updated on new features, and be part of the community shaping the future of blockchain asset management.

Website: www.surfboard.finance Twitter: @SurfboardFinance Telegram: Surfboard Finance Group

#crypto #blockchain #SurfboardFinance #SufboardDefi #token #defi #trade

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