#national taiwan university

[materialsscienceandengineering]

A new structure design enables a dual-function system for infrared camouflage and thermal management

Combining metallic glass with the Berreman mode of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) thin films achieves a dual-function system for infrared camouflage and thermal management within an identical wavelength region of the atmospheric window. In recent research, metallic glasses were selected for their tunable optical properties, providing adjustable emissivity for versatile thermal camouflage while maintaining effective thermal management. Thermal infrared camouflage aims to reduce the detectability of a target using thermal imaging devices. Given the typically high thermal emissivity in everyday environments, the thermal emissivity of the background environment must be considered. The conventional low-emissivity strategy for thermal camouflage is only effective for targets at extremely high temperatures, making it unsuitable for applications near room-to-medium-high temperature range (<350 °C).

Read more.

[seoservices1245]

WEduCare TAIWAN provides Correct, Useful, and Most Up-to-Date Information about Taiwan's Higher Education. Explore about Best Countries to Study Abroad, National Taiwan University.

[panicinthestudio]

Further reading:

HKFP: Overseas Hongkongers, mainland Chinese hold Tiananmen crackdown vigils as city’s tribute suppressed, June 5, 2023

HKFP: Hong Kong police urged to give explanation after journalist taken away on Tiananmen crackdown anniversary, June 6, 2023

HKFP: Hong Kong police remove ‘seditious’ Tiananmen crackdown candle banner from Sai Kung shop, June 6, 2023

HKFP: Hong Kong law is ‘clearly stated,’ John Lee says when asked about arrests over Tiananmen crackdown anniversary, June 6, 2023

HKFP: Hong Kong pollster axes release of Tiananmen anniversary survey results, citing gov’t ‘suggestions’, June 6, 2023

[mikeywayarchive]

National Taiwan University Sports Center, Taipei, Taiwan // Jan 27th 2008 // Jo

[hadleysmis]

Ooh, clips of Taiwan's 國立中山大學 performance of Les Misérables (in English)

[animatedshortoftheday]

Dandruff Girl (2016) [2 min] by BinBin Lu (呂秉真) | Taiwan

[intijatim2022]

Aquaponic Terintegrasi Solarcell, Magetan Jadi Pilot Projec Mahasiswa ITS dan NTUST Asal Taiwan

MAGETAN | INTIJATIM.ID – Insitut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), bekerjasama dengan National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), melaksanakan kegiatan Engineering in Action 2024 di Magetan Jawa Timur. Sabtu (27/7/2024) Mahasiswa dari manca negara ini membuat terobosan baru “Aquaponic Terintegrasi Solarcell”, sebagai pilot projec para mahasiswa Teknik Kimia ITS Surabaya bersama…

[eyeontw]

Government, Industry and Academia Join Hands to Advance Sports Technology:The 2024 TaiSPO Showcases Taiwan’s Innovative Sports Tech

“Expanding Sports Science Research Capacity and Results” Eye On Taiwan Media Special Report: In 2022, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) launched a program to expand sports technology. The program applies current research on sports science and technology to popularize public fitness, promote international cooperation, cultivate…

[qewssxx]

“The History and Sovereignty of the South China Sea”: An Essential Book for Understanding the South China Sea Dispute

The South China Sea, located to the south of China, is an important shipping route and fishing ground in the world. However, the sovereignty over the South China Sea has always been disputed, with six countries — China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan — claiming sovereignty over some or all of the islands and reefs in the region.

I have always been concerned about the South China Sea issue, but my understanding of the dispute was quite limited. Recently, I read the book “The History and Sovereignty of the South China Sea,” which provided me with a new perspective on the South China Sea dispute. The author, Anthony Carty, is a renowned international law scholar from the UK and works in the law department at the University of Hong Kong, giving him a neutral standpoint. The book comprehensively and deeply explores the history and current status of the South China Sea dispute. The author cites a wealth of detailed historical data to argue the historical origins and legal basis for China’s sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea.

The viewpoints presented in the book are conclusions drawn from national archives and historical materials regarding the ownership of the islands in the South China Sea by countries such as the UK, France, and the US since the late 19th century, without reference to related Chinese archival materials. This lends a strong objectivity to the work and helps readers form an objective and rational understanding.

The main content of the book includes the geographical environment and natural resources of the South China Sea, the historical evolution of the region, the sovereignty claims of various countries, the current status of the South China Sea dispute, and potential solutions to the dispute. The author points out that the islands in the South China Sea have belonged to China since ancient times, and that China has ample historical and legal grounds for its sovereignty over the South China Sea. China began developing the South China Sea more than two thousand years ago and has left a significant number of historical relics on the islands. Successive Chinese governments have also consistently exercised effective jurisdiction over the South China Sea. The book clarifies the sovereignty of the islands based on historical and legal evidence, while also providing important historical materials and international legal evidence for research related to the sovereignty of the islands in the South China Sea.

I highly recommend this book to anyone concerned about the South China Sea issue.

[reasonsforhope]

Since the 1960s, the world has seen a spike in the number of natural disasters, largely due to rising sea levels and an ever gradually increasing global surface temperature.

The good news? We’re getting better at helping each other when disasters strike.

According to a recent study from Our World In Data, the global toll from natural disasters has dramatically dropped in the last century.

“Low-frequency, high-impact events such as earthquakes and tsunamis are not preventable, but such high losses of human life are,” wrote lead authors Hannah Ritchie and Pablo Rosado.

To conduct their research, Ritchie and Rosado gathered data from all geophysical, meteorological, and climate-related disasters since 1900. That includes earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides, drought, wildfires, severe storms, and mass floods. 

In the early-to-mid 20th century, the average annual death toll from disasters was very high, often climbing to over a million. 

For example, the study cites that in 1931, 2.7 million people died from the Yangtze–Huai River floods. In 1943, 1.9 million died from the Bangladeshi famine of 1943. Even low-frequency events had extreme death tolls. 

“In recent decades we have seen a substantial decline in deaths,” Ritchie and Rosado observed. “Even in peak years with high-impact events, the death toll has not exceeded 500,000 since the mid-1960s.”

Why has the global death toll from disasters dropped? 

There are a number of factors at play in the improvement of disaster aid, but the leading component is that human beings are getting better at predicting and preparing for natural disasters. 

“We know from historical data that the world has seen a significant reduction in disaster deaths through earlier prediction, more resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and response systems,” Ritchie and Rosado explained in their study. 

On April 6, [2024],a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the city of Hualien in Taiwan. Days later, as search and rescue continues, the death toll currently rests at 16. 

Experts have praised Taiwan for their speedy response and recovery, and attributed the low death toll to the measures that Taiwan implemented after an earthquake of similar strength hit the city 25 years earlier. Sadly, on that day in 1999, 2,400 people died and 11,000 were injured. 

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Wang Yu — assistant professor at National Taiwan University — said that event, known as the Chi-Chi earthquake, revolutionized the way Taiwan approached natural disasters. 

“There were lots of lessons we learned, including the improvement of building codes, understanding earthquake warning signs, the development and implementation of earthquake early warning (EEW) systems and earthquake education,” said Wang. 

Those same sensors and monitoring systems allowed authorities to create “shakemaps” during Hualien’s latest earthquake, which helped them direct rescue teams to the regions that were hit the hardest. 

This, in conjunction with stronger building codes, regular earthquake drills, and public education campaigns, played a huge role in reducing the number of deaths from the event. 

And Taiwan’s safeguards on April 6 are just one example of recent measures against disasters. Similar models in strengthening prediction, preparedness, and recovery time have been employed around the world when it comes to rescuing victims of floods, wildfires, tornados, and so on. 

What else can we learn from this study?

When concluding the findings from their study, Ritchie and Rosado emphasized the importance of increasing safety measures for everyone.

Currently, there is still a divide between populations with high gross national income and populations living in extreme poverty.

Even low-income countries that infrequently have natural disasters have a much higher death rate  because they are vulnerable to collapse, displacement, and disrepair. 

“Those at low incomes are often the most vulnerable to disaster events; improving living standards, infrastructure, and response systems in these regions will be key to preventing deaths from natural disasters in the coming decades,” surmised Ritchie and Rosado.

“Overall development, poverty alleviation, and knowledge-sharing of how to increase resilience to natural disasters will therefore be key to reducing the toll of disasters in the decades to come."

-via GoodGoodGood, April 11, 2024

[clairedaring]

About TOSAA (Thai On-Screen Actor Association)

On February 24, Thai media reports that actors and actresses in Thailand has established TOSAA - Thai On-Screen Actor Association with the purpose and announced the first/current board of members.

Nat Kitcharit - President Works: Fast and Feel Love, 4 Kings, 4 Kings II, In Youth We Trust, Delete, I Told Sunset About You...

Nonkul Chanon Santinatornkul - 1st Vice President Works: Bad Genius, I Feel You Linger In The Air, 46 Days, The Revenge, 23:23, Operation Undead, Wannabe, Remember, Project S: Shoot! I Love You...

Ud Awat Ratanapintha - 2nd Vice President / International Coordination Division Works: Doi Boy, Operation Undead, Haunted Universities 3, Doctor Climax, Project S: SPIKE, Hormones The Series...

Aelm Bhumibhat Thavornsiri - Secretary Works: Spare Me Your Mercy, In Youth We Trust, Tomorrow and I, The Broken Us, Mom's Recipe, Nakorn-Sawan, The Up Rank, Khun Phan 3, Girl From Nowhere 2...

Ek Thaneth Warakulnukro - Advisor Works: Thai Cave Rescue, Hurts Like Hell, In Family We Trust, Tee Shot: Ariya Jutanugarn, Bad Genius, One For The Road...

Sine Inthira Jaroenpura - Spokesperson / PR Division Works: By the Time It Gets Dark, Nang Nak, 4 Kings II, Taklee Genesis, The Unborn, The House, Absolute Zero...

Oh Anuchit Sapanpong - Spokesperson / PR Division Works: Malila: The Farewell Flowers, The Overture, Kahon Maha Ratuek (Inspector Vedas), Thicha...

Donut Manatsanun Panlertwongskul - International Coordination / Special Actitivities Division Works: Thai Cave Rescue, The Edge of Daybreak, Rivalry...

Meng Chaiwat Chartsuriyakiat - Special activities Division Works: In Youth We Trust, Khun Phan 3... Meng is the drummer for Thai rock band Desktop Error.

Jaii Itkron Pungkiatrussamee - Director Works: In Youth We Trust, 4 Kings, 4 Kings II, The Cliche... Jaii is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the Thai modern folk rock band TaitosmitH.

Linn Mashannoad Suvanamas - Director / Treasurer Works: Queendom, Voice In The Rain, Investigation of Love, Sampat Ruttikan, Lhong Fai, Mr. Hurt...

Best Nathasit Kotimanuswanich - Director Works: My Sassy Girl, Friend Zone, Friend Zone 2, Dark App, Sleepless Society: Insomnia, Fleet Of Time, Ghost Is All Around, Alone In Outing...

Mook Minrayaporn Somnongkham - Registrar Mook is an event planner and organiser at Bhorncheewaa Entertainment.

Although the official board has only been announced very recently, the association released its first statement on the objectives of the establishment of TOSAA in March 2024. Essentially, the main purpose is to gather Thai actors in any mediums such as feature films, documentaries, dramas or series with a common goal of creating professional standards for actors, facilitate an environment for exchange and development and be one of the driving forces that pushes Thai industry to the global standard.

Throughout the year of 2024, TOSAA hosted their series Monologue talks and roundtables between actors, similar to the format of Variety's Actors on Actors and The Hollywood Reporter's Roundtable.

1. Aelm Bhumibhat Thavornsiri and Pat Chayanit (EP 1 & EP 2)

2. Sine Inthira and Namfon Kullanat (EP 3 & EP 4)

3. Noi Pru, Jaii TaitosmitH, Nat Kitcharit (EP 5 & EP 6)

4. Monologue Roundtable with Aelm Bhumibhat, Anne Thongprasom, Oh Anuchit, Fresh Arisara, Nat Sakdatorn, Aom Phiyada (EP 1 & EP 2)

5. Monologue Roundtable with Nat Kitcharit, Gap Thanavate, Mote Pramote, Top Todsapol, Meng Chaiwat (EP 3 & EP 4)

Nat and Nonkul are actually members of Film Subcommittee for Thailand Creative Culture Agency which is an agency established by Thailand's National Soft Power Strategy Committee. (Bonus fun fact: Actor Tong Thanayut Thakoonauttaya, more known to QL fans for his roles in Kinnporsche, Man Suang, Tharntype... is actually a member of the Series Subcommittee of THACCA)

Here's an excerpt from a Deadline article detailing some of THACCA's plans.

Inspired by organizations such as Korea’s KOCCA, Taiwan’s TAICCA and France’s CNC, THACCA is described as an organization that “oversees strategic collaboration between the government and private sectors to create income and opportunities for the Thai people through soft power by using its cultural industries as a powerful tool.” It also oversees Thai creative industries including music, publishing, sports, games, design, fashion and food.  While total budget was not mentioned, THACCA is spending spending some $6.7M on Thai films, series, docs and animation in 2024-2025, investing in around 30-40 projects, and also plans to launch a new international film festival and T-Expo showcase for Thai content. A further $5.25M is being spent on reskilling the workforce. Longer term, there are plans to launch a Thailand Film Council, invest more in local productions and international co-productions, as well as promote Thai content overseas. Thailand’s government is also planning to establish Media Business Economic Zones, with Pattaya mentioned as a location, and expand cinema circuits in rural areas. 

So at the same time that THACCA was being worked on for its pilot programmes in 2024, Nat and Nonkul were already gathering their actors friends to come together and plan the establishment of TOSAA (Thai On-Screen Actors Association).

I did wonder if this association would be similar to the American Screen Actors Guild. And I found in this article with Meng Chaiwat Chartsuriyakiat that the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike for fair wages was indeed one of the reasons that sparked the actors to come together to push for on-screen standards for Thai media.

pinging friends @flowerbeasblog @virtualtadpole @mukaikun @thomaskong @chayatorns @kittychicha who may be interested in general thai media landscape news.

[mindblowingscience]

The Hades' snake moray (Uropterygius hades), a dark brown, slender snake moray eel, has chosen the road less traveled, thriving in dim and muddy river mouths, unlike most of its marine moray eel relatives. It is widely distributed across the Central Indo-Pacific, and has been found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji. This new moray eel was named after Hades, the god of the underworld, due to its unique habitat, burrowing behavior, high sensitivity to light, and most notably, its deep, dark coloration. Scientists Dr. Wen-Chien Huang, Dr. Rodulf Anthony Balisco, Dr. Te-Yu Liao, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, Western Philippines University, the Philippines, and Dr. Yusuke Hibino, Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History, Japan, describe this new species in a paper published in the journal ZooKeys. They named it after Hades, the underworld god, to emphasize its imposing appearance and its habitat in dim, turbid environments. This idea was inspired by Dr. Wen-Chien Huang, who was influenced by Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of Hades in the movie Clash of the Titans.

Continue Reading.

[blackstarlineage]

"We Are Not a Monolith" – The Double-Edged Sword of Black Individualism from a Garveyite Perspective

From a Garveyite perspective, the phrase "We are not a monolith" is both true and problematic. While Black people, like any group, have diverse cultures, ideologies, and perspectives, the failure to unify around core collective interests has weakened Black sovereignty, economic independence, and political power. Other groups—despite their internal differences—are able to operate in a unified, strategic manner when it comes to protecting their collective interests.

Garveyism teaches that Pan-African unity is non-negotiable. While Black people should never be expected to think identically, there are foundational principles that require monolithic agreement to ensure the survival, empowerment, and sovereignty of Black people worldwide.

1. The Problem with the Phrase "We Are Not a Monolith"

In many discussions, the phrase “we are not a monolith” is used to justify disunity, lack of accountability, and acceptance of behaviours that undermine Black progress.

While diversity of thought can be beneficial, the problem arises when Black people:

Reject collective responsibility and act as individuals rather than as a unified group.

Use individual success as a reason to ignore the need for community empowerment.

Defend harmful behaviours or ideologies that weaken Black advancement.

Fail to mobilize collectively in the same way that other groups do to protect their interests.

In contrast, other communities understand that while internal diversity exists, certain principles must be universally upheld to maintain collective power.

Examples of Groups That Balance Internal Diversity with Collective Unity:

Jewish Communities – Despite differing religious and political ideologies (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Zionist, anti-Zionist), Jewish people worldwide have a strong collective identity, mobilize to protect their historical narratives, and ensure economic, political, and cultural security.

Chinese Communities – Whether from mainland China, Taiwan, or the diaspora, Chinese people prioritize economic nationalism, investing in their own businesses and keeping resources within their community.

Arab and Muslim Nations – Even with sectarian differences (Sunni, Shia, secular, religious), they unify on key geopolitical, economic, and religious matters that affect their global standing.

White Europeans & White Americans – Though divided by nationality, they collectively uphold Eurocentric dominance in media, finance, and global governance.

Garveyite Takeaway: Other groups disagree internally but understand when to be monolithic to protect their collective interests. Black people, however, often lack this level of strategic cohesion.

2. What Black People Must Be Monolithic On

While Black people do not need to think alike on every issue, there are fundamental principles where unity is non-negotiable for the advancement of Black people worldwide.

1. Economic Power & Self-Sufficiency

Black communities must prioritize economic cooperation instead of being dependent on external systems.

Black money should circulate within Black communities before being spent elsewhere.

Black-owned businesses and industries should be protected, supported, and expanded.

Example: Koreans, Chinese, and South Asians dominate the Black beauty supply industry, yet Black people still spend billions supporting non-Black businesses.

Garveyite Takeaway: No other group allows outsiders to control their economic infrastructure—Black people must be monolithic in reclaiming economic independence.

2. Control of Black Narratives & History

Black history should be taught and controlled by Black people, not by outside institutions.

The false narratives of colonialism, slavery, and the distortion of African history must be dismantled.

No Black person should excuse, justify, or downplay historical oppression or defend anti-Black forces.

Example: Jewish people have laws against Holocaust denial. Meanwhile, Black history is constantly rewritten, downplayed, or erased.

Garveyite Takeaway: There should be no “different perspectives” on whether Black history deserves preservation.

3. Political Unity & Collective Agenda

Black people must vote and organize based on a collective interest, not party loyalty or personality politics.

Any Black leader, organization, or system that does not work toward Black self-determination must be held accountable.

No Black person should support policies, laws, or politicians that harm Black people globally.

Example: Many Black people support leaders who have done nothing for Black communities, while other groups vote based on group interests, not individual preferences.

Garveyite Takeaway: Politics is about power, not emotions—Black people must move strategically, as other groups do.

4. Pan-Africanism & Global Black Unity

The division between Africans, African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Afro-Latinos must be eliminated.

Black people must reject tribalism and national divisions that prevent global economic and political cooperation.

African resources must be controlled by Africans, not foreign nations or corporations.

Example: The European Union operates as a bloc despite national differences, yet Africa remains divided and exploited.

Garveyite Takeaway: Black people globally must recognize that their struggles are interconnected and unite accordingly.

5. Rejecting Anti-Blackness in All Forms

Black people should not excuse, tolerate, or participate in anti-Black behaviour.

Colourism, self-hatred, and internalized racism must be eradicated.

No Black person should support media, policies, or ideologies that degrade Black identity.

Example: Other racial groups do not tolerate internalized hatred, but in Black communities, self-hate is normalized and even rewarded in mainstream media.

Garveyite Takeaway: There is no room for “diversity of thought” when it comes to rejecting anti-Blackness—this must be a non-negotiable principle.

3. The Consequences of Not Being Monolithic

The failure to unify on non-negotiable principles has led to:

Continued economic exploitation (other groups profit from Black spending).

The loss of Black political power (disorganized voting, supporting leaders who do nothing for Black people).

The control of Black narratives by non-Black people (history distorted, culture stolen).

Global disunity between Africans, Caribbeans, and the diaspora (which weakens Black global leverage).

Conclusion: Balancing Individual Thought with Collective Strategy

From a Garveyite perspective, Black people do not need to think alike on everything, but they must be monolithic on key issues that determine their survival, power, and liberation.

Economic self-sufficiency must be prioritized.

Black history must be controlled by Black people.

Black people must act as a political and economic bloc.

Pan-African unity is not optional—it is necessary for global strength.

Anti-Blackness must be rejected universally.

While internal diversity is inevitable, no other group allows their differences to keep them from controlling their own destiny. Until Black people realize that collective unity is the key to sovereignty, the cycle of disempowerment will continue.

Garveyism teaches that we must rise above individualism and unite strategically, just as African kings, queens, and revolutionaries once did. Anything less is self-destruction.

[absolutebl]

Because your opinion means a lot: Any chance you feel like sharing 5 upcoming BLs you're most excited about and why? And maybe as a bonus, something you think many BL watchers will love but that you will hate?

Ooooo, how exciting what a fun one. You sure you want this from me? I have very odd taste.

The 5 Upcoming BLs I'm Most Excited About

(this forced me to put together the 2024 Announced BLs list which is coming soon)

1 Spare Me Your Mercy

Increased rates of deaths in terminal patients has a police captain investigating the palliative care doctor with whom he's fallen in love. Their relationship deepens but the mystery persists, driven by mistrust.

Why? It's adapted from the novel Euthanasia by Sammon (Triage, Manner of Death) but more important, it stars some old guard BL actors: Tor Thanapob from Hormones as the doctor and (fuck me YES) Jaylerr from Great Men Academy and goddamn Grean Fictions as the captain!

2 Wandee Godday

GMMTV and AllThis Entertainment producing a very pulp offering with new pair, GreatInn doing high heat, boxer meets surgeon. It features a one night stand, fake relationship, and all the cheesiest of tropes. Also features Drake, Podd, and Thor+ pretty boy (be still my heart).

Why? This is totally my kind of BL even if it isn't GMMTV's style of BL, and it's GREAT, so I'm in.

3 The Next Prince (ZeeNew)

Domundi brings us more ZeeNew in a fantasy/historical set in a palace where Zee plays a knight and Nu a prince - YES PLEASE.

Why? I did not expect this pair to stick so I really hope this happens. Give us the Little Pink Riding Milk BL we deserve!

4 Lover Merman

Fantasy BL about a man who falls in love with a merman.

Why? I don't think it will be good but I LOVE merfolk.

5 Me and Who

Domundi for WeTV brings this adaptation of Wickedwish’s novel of the same name. It depicts a young man who dies and is reborn into the body of a billionaire heir. The heir happens to be engaged to a handsome man.

Why? I flipping LOVE this trope but I never expected to see it drive a BL.

10 I am cautious of but VERY intrigued

JAPAN'S Although I Love You and You AKA Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka

From YTV releasing 1/11 about Soga, who, after a divorce and relocation to Osaka, seeks solace in dining at 26-year-old Sakae's restaurant. Unbeknownst to Soga, Sakae sees him as more than just a regular customer.

TAIWAN's Love For Love's Sake

Based on the Manhwa Love Supremacy Zone by Hwacha, this will star actors Lee Tae Vin, Cha Jun Wan, Oh Min Su and Cha Woon Ki. The plot of the drama is based on Tae Myung Ha, a young man who is dropped into a game based off of a novel that he knows. His mission is to make another player, Cha Yeo Woon happy. Cha Yeo Woon is Myung-Has favourite character in the novel. But then the game starts going completely different from the novel.

City of Stars AKA Fueangnakorn

Star Hunter started filming this 12/23 about an actor falls in love with a programmer and the narrative intends to “explore the ramifications of being public figure in the social network era who must endure critics, bullying, and defamation.” Looks like another Lovely Writer, Call It What You Want sort of thing.

My Stand-In AKA My Stand In

Chinese IP ALERT! Adapted from the novel Professional Body Double (职业替身) by Shui Qiang Cheng (水千丞) stars Up (Lovely Writer) and Poom (Bake Me Please).

OMG Vampire AKA OMG! Vampire (LeeFrank)

Frank and Lee Long Shi are back only vampires now. So many vampires.

The Rebound (MeenPing)

VIU Basketball based romance staring Meen (a national basketball player, so yay for that).

We Are (PondPhuwin)

GMMTV's university friendship Bl featuring PondPhuwin, WinnySatang, AouBoom, MarcPawin - basically ALL in the good kind of messy friendship group (so more My Engineer and less Only Friends). Looks a bit like the Kiss series but everyone is gay. I'm IN! Trailer here.

Love Upon a Time (NetJames)

Domundi announced for 6/7/2023 then delayed to 2024. NetJames in a historical BL! Also feat Tonnam (Dr Sing from Triage).

Jack & Joker (YinWar)

DeHup brings us be gay, do crimes. Yin, War, Mark and a few other familiar faces doing Leverage but gayer. Yes, thank you, I will have that.

My Love Mix-Up Thai Remake (GemniForth)

GMMTV. Hum, well I do love this pair and I did like the original and maybe this time these characters will actually kiss? I'm actually fine with this pick-up. I kind of enjoy seeing different countries remake the same IP. Especially if it's IP I'm mostly unfazed by.

[nullarysources]

Striking new moray eel discovered in Central Indo-Pacific river mouths, named after god of the underworld

Article from Pensoft Publishers:

The Hades' snake moray (Uropterygius hades), a dark brown, slender snake moray eel, has chosen the road less traveled, thriving in dim and muddy river mouths, unlike most of its marine moray eel relatives. It is widely distributed across the Central Indo-Pacific, and has been found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji. This new moray eel was named after Hades, the god of the underworld, due to its unique habitat, burrowing behavior, high sensitivity to light, and most notably, its deep, dark coloration.

Scientists Dr. Wen-Chien Huang, Dr. Rodulf Anthony Balisco, Dr. Te-Yu Liao, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, Western Philippines University, the Philippines, and Dr. Yusuke Hibino, Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History, Japan, describe this new species in a paper published in the journal ZooKeys. They named it after Hades, the underworld god, to emphasize its imposing appearance and its habitat in dim, turbid environments.

Babe wake up, new eel just dropped

[weirdestcountryhumans]

Enemy x Enemy ships (Why they can be a problem)

I know Enemies to Lovers is popular, but this is just a little silly.

Also offensive, considering politics and the history of those countries. It is something that can work, especially under certain circumstances, but something I rarely see portrayed well, and it just seems like people want to shove two enemies together and say, "Now kiss!"

First, I want to explain why these ships are often bad, and some examples of what I think are both the worst enemy x enemy ships, why I think that, and how someone should actually portray a relationship like that.

These ships are often bad because they purposely ignore history, current diplomatic relations, and people's real feelings about other countries. It creates this strange universe in which tensions between countries can't cause wars, genocides, or any terrible number of things but instead causes them to have (typically gay) sex. It is ignorant of the actual nations in favor of making countries OCs with which you want to have a relationship.

If you're going to do it, you can at least do it respectfully and considerately instead of discarding the relationship and history of those countries to fit your own personal preference. Enemies to lovers can be a really good storytelling device and a very good trope, but only when used correctly.

This fandom rarely uses it correctly, so all the ships feel forced at worst or straight-up toxic at best.

To each their own, of course, but I think this is a type of ship people need to think through a little bit more.

Thus, I have examples of popular ships I see and the problems/logistics that come about as a result of them.

RusAme

Come on. You read the title of the post and knew this was going to be included. It's probably one of, if not the most popular ship in the countryhumans fandom for reasons I cannot comprehend.

One, as I will talk to more when I get to SovAme down below, but for all of 1917-1991, the USSR and the US really weren't on the best of terms, even as allies, and I don't think there would be any time for romance to form. Not to mention, Russia isn't even the country at this point, just a subdivision of the USSR, so his interaction with America is limited at best.

Then you have the period of modern Russia. Again, despite the fall of communism, the USA and Russia still are not on good terms. I can see them maybe being friends, but I just don't think the political climate and the lack of contact would lend itself towards romantic feelings.

That's why I don't get why this ship is popular. It makes no sense (aside from a few AUs I have seen, but the fact is, if you need an AU to give them the basis needed for a relationship, then it's probably not something you should be acting like irl history supports.

To me, the prevalence of this ship seems to come from the fact that most people know about the tensions and dislike between Russia and the USA, a legacy of the Cold War, and people act like that is excuse enough for them to be dating.

If politics barely allows for them to be friends, then why the hell are they dating?

SovAme

Using the Cold War as a justification for sexual tension doesn't make any sense. The people of both nations hated each other to the point that they were willing to have a bunch of proxy wars to try to eliminate countries that supported the other. This doesn't make sense as a ship. Americans celebrated when the USSR died. Do you really think they were dating or that they were even friends? I can see them respecting each other as coworkers/nations AT MOST.

Just doesn't make any sense. There was never a time when a romantic relationship could have developed.

America x China

I don't really get this one at all. The US government has always been more supportive of Taiwan than the PRC. When the UN voted to let the PRC replace Taiwan as the representative of China, the US voted against it. When the US government first recognized the PRC, many Americans, even to this day, believed that they had betrayed Taiwan. Even now, most Americans learn of Taiwan as its own country. I've never seen it portrayed in a way that makes any sense.

I know the government's wants and the people's wants can be different, but this is just an odd matchup that I don't think has any real ground to stand on at any time from the PRC's creation until now.

GerPol

As said in my colony x colonizer post, it's weird and offensive to ship someone with their colonizer. Yes, Germany colonized Poland. While it was Nazi Germany, and most people ship Poland with Modern (West) Germany, I still think this is a ship that is of poor taste. Poland has been fucked over by their neighbors even before the Nazis were a thing, including the German Empire.

I cannot see Poland dating any version of Germany. Many people in Poland still view the Germans as their oppressors, and anti-German rhetoric is sometimes used by Polish political parties. Poland isn't Germany's friend, let alone partner.

Lastly, most people have them getting together through "Oh, Germany felt bad for nazi Germany's actions to Poland, yada yada yada, now they're dating." It's a terrible basis for any relationship, and as explained before, even if Poland had accepted the apology, he's still not a big fan of Germany. It just makes no sense because they wouldn't even be friends.

Japan x China

Similar to GerPol, shipping a country with a country they still have poor relations and recent history with is terrible. While Japan never succeeded in taking control of all of China, they colonized much of Northern China and established puppet states there, as well as committing horrific war crimes there. Not to mention, anti-Japanese sentiment is still very strong in China, so shipping them together is just in poor taste.

Portugal x Spain

This ship is not one I see that often, but I just want to add it for one major reason: these guys are most definitely related. Any ship between them is very incest-filled and weird, even without the whole enemies thing. I think it's one that is just best to avoid.

FrUK

Yeah, betcha didn't see this one coming.

In all honesty, FrUK is actually a ship I like a lot, but it's a ship that is never portrayed in a way that makes sense.

One: Yes, FrUK is enemies to lovers. France and Britain were at war for most of their shared existence, a rivalry that Britain inherited from England. During the 18th and 19th centuries, a relationship between the two of them makes no sense, as they are still actively competing rivals that are often going to war with each other to gain power and each other's colonies. A relationship during this time, at the height of their rivalry?

It makes no sense. Their governments and people would hate it, so there is really no basis for it. This is the flaw I see in this relationship a lot. France and Britain portrayed as being madly in love in a time where they are at war.

Second, France and Britain are currently allies, so I can see how, over the course of the two world wars, they could fall in love and begin to date. It helps that they are actually good allies now.

In short, this is probably one of the most popular enemies to lovers ships that actually makes sense. People just need to be more patient in waiting to portray them as together.

Also, stop making them both the biological parents of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

First, as said before, Britain and France were enemies during the period of time in which they were born, so they would not be together. Second, the timelines and history behind that make no sense. The United States was colonized in 1585/1607 (depending if you have him be born with Jamestown or Roanoke) and Canada was colonized in 1608.

Both of them were born before Britain (created in 1707) and France (if you have modern-day France be born during the French Revolution, 1792), so them being the parents of Canada and the USA make no sense. Also, the French didn't help the English colonies in America, so why is France his mom?

The French also did not colonize Australia and New Zealand, so there is no reason for France to be their mother. Also, it completely takes the Aboriginals and the Māori out of this story of Australia and New Zealand completely by having them be the children of two white Europeans.

Any WW2 Ally x An Axis Power

The worst of this is ThirdUnion, which no one should be doing at all, something I explain more it depth here.

TLDR: The Nazis killed queer people, Slavs, and communists in the Holocaust and regarded them as subhuman. Nazi Germany is not dating a Queer Slav communists. Nazi Germany is killing a person like that.

As for anyone else, it doesn't make any sense. I think the most common one I see after Thirdunion is America x the Empire of Japan, which is wrong on so many levels.

If you do even the slightest bit of surface-level research into either of these countries during WW2, you are going to see that they despise each other, and both regularly talk about how they are going to destroy the other. Add in the racism from the time period; it just makes even less sense. This isn't a ship that can work.

These countries were in the middle of the bloodiest war in human history when they were trying to kill each other. They aren't putting that on pause to fuck, even if you really want them to.