#new sanctuary coalition

[noaasanctuaries]

BREAKING NEWS

NOAA considers sanctuary in waters around Pacific Remote Islands

Today, NOAA announced it is starting the process to potentially designate a new national marine sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Islands area under the Biden-Harris Administration. The proposed area in the central Pacific Ocean includes marine areas within the existing Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, as well as currently unprotected submerged lands and waters, an area totaling about 770,000 square miles. 

A sanctuary designation would help conserve the atolls, shoals, seamounts, banks and reefs surrounding the Pacific Remote Islands. This area is home to some of the most diverse and remarkable tropical marine ecosystems on the planet, and provides a haven for a host of wildlife, including corals, sharks, fish, marine mammals, seabirds and invertebrates.

NOAA invites the public to comment on the proposed sanctuary designation through June 2, 2023.

[gryficowa]

Boycott!

Now that I have your attention:

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Erin Reed at Erin In The Morning:

According to a Fox News poll released Wednesday, Kamala Harris holds a 2-point lead over Donald Trump. However, the most intriguing takeaway isn't the topline result, but rather the details on a growing Republican line of attack in 2024: transgender issues. When asked who voters trust most to handle a variety of topics, Harris leads on most, such as abortion, health care, and election integrity. However, her lead is among the strongest on one particular issue: transgender rights.

When voters were asked whom they trust to handle transgender issues, Harris leads Trump by 16 points. This margin mirrors her lead on abortion and is just slightly behind her advantage on climate change, where she performs best. Harris’s lead on transgender issues suggests that highlighting this topic in the election may backfire for Trump, potentially weakening his chances the more Republicans push the issue to the forefront. The situation for Trump does not improve when examining the crosstabs. Harris holds a commanding lead over Trump on transgender issues across several demographic groups, including some that might come as a surprise. For example, she is ahead by 10 points among men. Her advantage widens further among likely voters, where she leads by 17 points. Among voters aged 65 and older, her lead extends to 21 points. Even among Independents and swing state voters, Harris is ahead by 19 points and 10 points, respectively.

This focus on swing state voters is particularly significant, given the heightened attention on transgender issues in this election cycle. On September 1st, the prominent conservative super PAC, Senate Leadership Fund, launched the first wave of an $80 million ad buy targeting swing-state senators up for re-election in Ohio and Pennsylvania. A substantial portion of these ads center around anti-trans rhetoric, accusing Democratic Senate candidates of supporting policies that would “allow puberty blockers and sex change surgeries for minor children” and “permit transgender biological men to compete in women’s sports.” Trump himself has repeatedly featured anti-trans attacks against Harris during this election cycle. On multiple occasions, he has made the baseless claim that teachers are performing sex change surgeries on children, sending them home as “another gender.” He has also targeted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for policies that establish Minnesota as a sanctuary state for transgender individuals fleeing anti-trans legislation in other states. Trump has promised to enact sweeping anti-trans measures on day one if elected, including a total ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the establishment of national bathroom bans for trans students, and the elimination of federal funding for all transgender care. Such policies could have devastating consequences, particularly for transgender adults who rely on health insurance marketplace subsidies to afford their care.

The latest Fox News Poll, in conjunction with Democratic-affiliated Beacon Research and Republican-affiliated Shaw and Company Research conducted between September 13th and 16th, revealed that Kamala Harris (D) is leading 50%-48% over Donald Trump (R)

The real eye-popper is that Harris leads Trump by 16% [56% KH-40% DT] on the transgender issues question, despite Republican attempts to use trans issues as a wedge to cleave off small parts of the Democratic coalition based on flimsy “protect women’s rights”/”protect the children” arguments.

[wachinyeya]

https://ictnews.org/news/biden-designates-avi-kwa-ame-a-national-monument

Joe Biden designates Avi Kwa Ame a national monument

President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument in Nevada, following up on a promise he made in late 2022.

Biden also declared a national monument in Texas and the creation of a marine sanctuary in U.S. waters near the Pacific Remote Islands southwest of Hawai'i.

Biden spoke at the White House Conservation in Action Summit at the Interior Department with Fort Mojave Indian Tribal Chairman Timothy Williams commending him during his introduction.

“Under his leadership we have a seat at the table and we are seeing an unprecedented era and opportunity for our tribal communities,” Williams said. “And we are all grateful to the president for taking historic action to combat the climate crisis and conserve and restore our nation’s land and waters.”

Williams was among the proponents to make Avi Kwa Ame, also known as Spirit Mountain, a national monument. It’s considered sacred to the Mojave people and for the nine other Yuman-speaking tribes along the Colorado River, as well as the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute tribes, Williams said.

The site in southern Nevada spans more than 500,000 acres near the Arizona and California state lines. It’s home to bighorn sheep, desert tortoises and a large concentration of Joshua trees, some of which are more than 900 years old. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It took more than three months for Biden to make the announcement.

“It’s a place of reverence, it’s a place of spirituality, it’s a place of healing and now it will be recognized for its significance it holds and be preserved forever,” Biden said. “I look forward to visiting it myself.”

He thanked Williams and the legislative leaders who advocated for Avi Kwa Ame including Nevada Rep. Dina Titus, Democrat, who sponsored a bill to protect the rugged region near the Mojave National Preserve from development, including solar farms and a proposed wind farm.

“To the native people who point to Avi Kwa Ame as their spiritual birthplace, and every Nevadan who knows the value of our cherished public lands: Today is for you,″ Titus tweeted.

The Honor Avi Kwa Ame coalition, which includes tribes, local residents, state lawmakers and conservation groups, said its members were "overjoyed" to learn the site will be a new national monument.

"Together, we will honor Avi Kwa Ame today — from its rich Indigenous history, to its vast and diverse plant and wildlife, to the outdoor recreation opportunities created for local cities and towns in southern Nevada by a new gorgeous monument right in their backyard," the group said.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland released a press release praising the announcement.

“I am grateful to President Biden for taking this important step in recognition of the decades of advocacy from tribes and the scientific community, who are eager to protect the objects within its boundaries,” Haaland stated.“Together with tribal leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, local elected officials, and other stakeholders, we will manage this new monument for the benefit of current and future generations.”

In Texas, Biden plans to create the Castner Range National Monument in El Paso. It’s the ancestral homeland of the Comanche and Apache people, and its cultural ecology is considered sacred to several Indigenous communities.

The designation will protect the cultural, scientific and historic objects found within the monument's boundaries, honor U.S. veterans, service members and tribal nations, and expand access to outdoor recreation on public lands, the White House said.

Located on Fort Bliss, Castner Range served as a training and testing site for the U.S. Army during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Army ceased training at the site and closed Castner Range in 1966.

The Castner Range monument "will preserve fragile lands already surrounded on three sides by development,'' help ensure access to clean water and protect rare and endangered species, said Rep. Veronica Escobar, Democrat-Texas.

“The people of El Paso have fought to protect this for 50 years. Their work has finally paid off,” Biden said.

Biden designated his first national monument, in Colorado, last year. In 2021, he restored the boundaries for Bears Ears National Monument in Utah after they were significantly narrowed by President Donald Trump, a Republican.

In the Pacific, Biden will direct the Commerce Department to consider initiating a new national marine sanctuary designation within 30 days to protect all U.S. waters around the Pacific Remote Islands. If completed, the 777,000 square miles, southwest of Hawaii, will help ensure the U.S. reaches Biden's goal to conserve at least 30 percent of ocean waters under U.S. jurisdiction by 2030, the White House said.

Among Hawaiian state leaders, Biden thanked Native Hawaiian leaders who “worked tirelessly to protect our oceans. I want to thank you. I genuinely mean it, it wouldn't have happened without you.”

Biden also announced a series of steps to conserve, restore and expand access to public lands and waters across the country, the White House said.

The proposals seek to modernize management of America's public lands, harness the power of the ocean to help fight climate change, and better conserve wildlife corridors. Biden also will announce new spending to improve access to outdoor recreation, promote tribal conservation and reduce wildfire risk.

Bidden added he’s committed to working with tribal leaders and legislative leaders on bringing “healthy and abundant” salmon run back to the Colorado River system.

“There’s nothing beyond our capacity if we work together,” Biden said.

[dzthenerd490]

File: Gantz

SCP#: AHY

Code Name: The Alien Game Show

Object Class: Neutralized/Masvae

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-AHY was destroyed and all SCP-AHY-Toy instances were taken by the Global Occult Coalition. As such no containment procedures will be made. 

Description: SCP-AHY was a strange spherical device that for whatever reason contained the still living body of an old man. His consciousness seemed to be used as a processor for the supercomputer within. SCP-AHY was located in Osaka, Japan and for some reason targets people who have died within a certain period of time, normally during its activation. Once this happens SCP-AHY destroys their body and remakes them now alive again but within a room where SCP-AHY is located. Why any of this is designed this way is unknown but what is known is the victims are now to be known as SCP-AHY-Contestants.

SCP-AHY-Contestants are people who have been resurrected to be assigned to missions given by SCP-AHY. SCP-AHY will be able to open up and give weapons to SCP-AHY-Contestants which are to be known as SCP-AHY-Toy instances. SCP-AHY-Toy instances are weapons and bio suits that mix earth technology and alien technology from various aliens that visit earth regularly. Who created these weapons and by extension SCP-AHY is unknown. After the contestants are armed, they are transported to a random part of Japan and given a mission to kill an alien. These aliens are either residents that have been approved for sanctuary on earth or are illegal earth residents that are already on the Global Occult Coalitions. 

Once the game starts neither the aliens or the SCP-AHY-Contestants will be detected by any living beings on earth. The contestants must kill the alien and earn points to win the game, otherwise the alien will kill them, often in a brutal way. The contestants must never stray too far from where they were teleported or else their brains will shut down. Only after the game is over will SCP-AHY bring the contestants back to the room and allow them to go free until the next game. If an SCP-AHY-Contestant is killed in the game, they will not be brought back after it is over. If they contestants fail to kill the alien within the time range given, they will be brought back to SCP-AHY consequence free. However once back SCP-AHY will anonymously provide information about the SCP-AHY-Contestants to the aliens. This allows them to hunt them down the contestants when they are no longer armed with SCP-AHY-Toy instances. 

It is possible for contestants to bring SCP-AHY-Toy’s with them when the game is over but if they use them too many times their brains will shut down as a penalty. No matter where they are, when a new game begins, they will be teleported back to SCP-AHY to start up a new game. The only way to leave SCP-AHY completely is to earn 100 points. Points are granted to every SCP-AHY-Contestant at the end of the game, the one who kills the targeted aliens is granted the most points. The SCP-AHY-Contestants are allowed to use Points to request more powerful and exclusive SCP-AHY-Toy instances but more often than not those who survive request to be released. Only those who find enjoyment and survive often request more advanced SCP-AHY-Toy instances. 

SCP-AHY was discovered in 2000 when a Global Occult Coalition agent was killed in Japan but got resurrected by SCP-AHY. After barely surviving a game, she reported the incident to the Japanese Division of the GOC. A report was made and passed to have SCP-AHY terminated immediately. Shockingly the old man within the sphere of SCP-AHY woke up upon the GOC entering the room and used the SCP-AHY-Toy instances to defend himself. He even killed the GOC agent and several other SCP-AHY-Contestants to get the GOC to stand down. They refused and killed him allowing them to finally dismantle SCP-AHY. The O5 Council like to use the incident as a reminder of how incompetent the Global Occult Coalition is but most Foundation staff agree they did the right thing. Still, it was the O5 Councils devision to have SCP-AHY given the rare dual object classification of Neutralized and Masvae

Though the GOC allowed the Foundation to view their research regarding SCP-AHY they kept complete custody of the technology within SCP-AHY as well as the SCP-AHY-Toy instances. Though to this day neither the Foundation or the GOC knows why SCP-AHY was created and by who. Though due to the massive death and destruction of both human and alien ally life it was agreed that if another SCP-AHY is to be created it must be destroyed immediately.

.

SCP: Horror Movie Files Hub

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

Every year, in the waters off the California coast, hundreds of tankers, car carriers and container vessels from dozens of shipping companies take part in an unusual race.

To win, ships have to go slow.

Awards are given to companies whose fleets voluntarily reduce speeds in marine areas where endangered whales migrate through and feed in. The prize, known as Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies, comes with a sculptural whale-tail trophy and bragging rights.

“It’s good for the environment, and we make sure the public knows about it,” said Sean Hastings, a resource protection coordinator at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a founder of the award program, which was created by a coalition of national marine sanctuaries, air quality districts and other nonprofit groups. “That’s the motivation right there.”

The real winner may be ocean life.

Program administrators say that the 2023 season, had the most participants ever — 33 companies. Eighty one percent of the total distance their ships traveled through the reduction zones was at the recommended speed of 10 knots or less, and that reduced the risk of fatal ship strikes to whales during the year by 58 percent. Slower ships also generate less ocean noise and fewer greenhouse gases and other air pollution.

About 90 percent of all consumer goods are shipped by sea, and the volume of maritime cargo has exploded in recent years, causing vessels to increase in size and numbers. The resulting traffic, pollution and underwater din have proven disastrous for marine life. Along the West Coast, an estimated 80 endangered blue, fin and humpback whales are killed by ship strikes annually, as warming waters caused by climate change shift their food sources closer to shore, where they can collide with ships.

As part of an effort to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, there are speed limits along the East Coast, and in recent years NOAA has hit violators with stiff fines. But reducing ship speeds off the California coast remains voluntary, partly because its endangered whale populations number in the thousands, whereas researchers estimate that there are fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales left.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies started as a trial in 2014 to encourage shipping companies using the Santa Barbara Channel to slow down. Seven shipping companies signed on, slowing their vessels from between 14 knots and 18 knots to 12 knots, or roughly 14 miles an hour. The companies were offered $2,500 for each slowed trip.

[rivensdefenseattorney]

(WIP)

Zenith

Capital: Titania

Government of Zenith: Techno-Meritocratic

Demographics and Population

Population Size: Small

Population Distribution by Race:

Elves: (10-15%)

Dwarfs: (15-20%)

Fairies: (10-15%)

Beastkin: (20-25%)

Giants: (5-10%)

Humans: (25-30%)

History and Origins

Zenith emerged as a haven amidst turmoil, initially established as a refuge for war-torn populations seeking sanctuary from conflict across dimensional realms. Founded by a coalition of visionary leaders and influential figures, the realm began as a humble colony on a planet once deemed uninhabitable due to its harsh climate and conditions.

This haven swiftly evolved into a thriving society, nurturing a diverse populace of war refugees, each bringing their unique cultures, skills, and experiences. The early years were marked by resilience, unity, and a collective drive to build a harmonious society from the remnants of conflict.

Over time, the resilient inhabitants of Zenith utilized a blend of innovative technological advancements and the harmonious integration of magic to transform their realm. They harnessed the planet's abundant resources and diverse landscapes, cultivating a sustainable and advanced society.

Zenith's progress was not without challenges. Ideological differences among factions emerged, rooted in divergent approaches to innovation, tradition, and logic. These differing ideologies shaped political dynamics, occasionally causing friction but ultimately contributing to the realm's dynamic evolution.

Today, Zenith stands as a testament to resilience and progress, a technologically advanced and magically infused society that cherishes its diverse heritage while embracing the limitless possibilities of innovation. Guided by visionary leaders, the realm continues its journey toward a future where magic and technology converge harmoniously for the betterment of all inhabitants."

Geography and Landscapes

The landscape of Zenith stretches far and wide, draped in the serene yet unforgiving embrace of perpetual frost. Vast stretches of Arctic-like terrain dominate the planet, with glaciers, towering snow-capped peaks, and expansive icy plateaus shimmering under the pale light of distant stars.

Uninhabited for ages, Zenith retains a pristine, untouched quality in many regions. It's a land rich in energy, concealing valuable mineral deposits and pockets of magical reserves that dot the landscape. Their presence often indicated by luminous shimmering energies dancing across the horizon. These nodes and ley lines, left undisturbed for millennia, now serve as vital sources of power for the thriving civilization, providing energy for their techno-magic advancements

The inhabited regions are fortified and enchanted, shimmering with intricate protective barriers that shield against the harsh climate. Resilient domes and barriers weave a web of protection, creating habitable zones where life thrives amidst the biting cold.

Economy and Resources

Economy

Techno-Magic Industry: This sector involves the development, manufacturing, and maintenance of advanced technological devices powered by magic. It includes the production of golems, enchanted machinery, and intricate magical artifacts.

Resource Harvesting and Refinement: Despite the harsh climate, resource gathering is vital. Involves mining operations for rare magical ores, collecting enchanted crystals, and harnessing magical energies from the environment.

Trade and Commerce: Zenith actively engages in trade, exchanging their advanced techno-magic creations, enchanted resources, and unique magical artifacts with other realms in exchange for necessities not readily available in their environment, like food or specific raw materials.

Research and Innovation: A significant portion of the economy is dedicated to research and development. Scientists, engineers, and magical researchers continuously strive to push the boundaries of techno-magic, seeking new ways to improve life in their challenging environment.

Health and Medical Research Sector: With a significant population having originated as refugees, cybernetic enhancements have emerged as a necessity for rehabilitation and recovery. Over time, these enhancements might have evolved into sophisticated practices, offering not just remedial solutions but also voluntary augmentations for various purposes.

Resources

Magical Ores, Crystals, Metals, and Alloys: Used in the creation of advanced machinery and techno-magical artifacts. They are often mined from deep within the planet, harvested from specific magical deposits scattered across the landscape, and imported from various realms.

Advanced Machinery and Technology: Golems and Techno-Magical Vehicles and Infrastructure serve various functions within society, from labor to defense and infrastructure maintenance.

Magical Energy Sources: Harnessing magical energies from the environment powers much of Zenith's technology. This includes energy nodes and ley lines.

Culture and Society

At its core, Zenith celebrates the seamless integration of technology and magic, manifesting in every facet of life. Its society reveres education, fostering brilliance in techno-magical disciplines from a young age. Education serves as a beacon, nurturing inventive minds that push the boundaries of possibility.

Citizens often engage in a variety of activities that blend entertainment, innovation, and creativity:

Techno-Magic Exhibitions: Attendees immerse themselves in interactive exhibitions showcasing the latest technological and magical innovations. These events feature live demonstrations, interactive installations, and hands-on experiences.

Techno-Art Galleries: Art enthusiasts visit galleries showcasing technologically infused artworks or magical installations, where paintings come to life or sculptures interact with viewers.

Holo-Theater Performances: Theatrical performances, movies, and shows are presented in holographic formats, merging technology and magic to create breathtaking visual spectacles.

E-Sports Tournaments: Zenith hosts competitive e-sports tournaments where players compete in technologically advanced games, incorporating elements of magic, strategy, and high-tech gameplay.

Interactive Gaming Arenas: Cutting-edge gaming arenas equipped with holographic displays and sensory feedback technology provide an immersive experience for both players and spectators.

[survivorsfm]

good  day,  my  most  beloveds !   since  SURVIVORSFM  turned  three  months  since  its  opening  a  few  days  ago  ( on  the  15th,  actually) ,  i  thought  dropping  our  lore  further  info  was  the  right  way  to  celebrate !   so  here  it  is,  and  it  contains  information  both  about  the  virus  and  life  outside  the  sanctuary,  how things worked in the beginning, how they evolved, and where the world stands now, after more than a decade ( although not in chronological order ) ,   luckily  it’ll  clarify  a  few  things  for  you.   as  usual,  if  you  have  any  questions  or  anything  in  this  arises  other / different  doubts,  feel  free  to  drop  them  whether  through  ask / ims  or  discord  ( lore - ridge  or  questions  channels  would  work  perfectly ) .   hope  you  enjoy  it,  and  happy  three  months  of  survivors,  babes !

( ! )   the  following  information  contains  possibly  triggering  topics  such  as  common  pandemic  lore  ,  military  violence  ,  infection  ,  body  fluids  ,  vaccines  ,  loss  ,  riots  ,  death  ,  and  mentions  of  sexual  encounters  ,  blood  ,  and  wounds.   readers  discretion  is  highly  advised.

⸺    ABOUT  THE  VIRUS.

in  the  beginning,  the  virus  was  also  spread  by  particles  of  body  fluids  in  the  air  ( sneezes,  saliva,  and  so  on ) ,   therefore  the  amount  of  infected  increased  quickly  and  dangerously.   47%  of  the  population  was  dead  by  the  end  of  the  first  year,  and  21%  of  the  living  one  was  already  infected.

scientists  all  over  the  world  worked  relentlessly  looking  for  a  cure,  or  at  least  something  that  could  help  to  improve  things  in  any  way,  and  those  at  the  uc,  armed  with  everything  they  needed  due  to  the  stock  in  the  science  building,  after  months  of  research,  trials,  and  errors,  managed  to  develop  a  vaccine  that  prevented  transmission  via  regular  fluids  from  happening.   every  inhabitant  of  the  sanctuary   — except  those  who  volunteered  as  test  subjects —   got  a  mandatory  shot,  as  well  as  any  newcomer  must  get  one.

three  years  ago,  the  same  group  of  scientists  started  trying  for  a  gas  that  would,  hopefully,  force  the  infected  to  dispel.   to  clean  the  sanctuary’s  surroundings  was  the  main  goal  behind  this  trial.  

poorly  tested  before  the  infiltration  of  the  coalition,  they  discovered  the  gas  had  horrid  effects  on  humans  too,  and  despite  this  being  the  reason  the  antagonistic  group  couldn’t  do  any  more  damage  to  their  home,  the  experts  have  been  dealing  with  the  consequences  until  today.   read  more  about  it  here.

engineers  and  medical  teams  also  developed  a  device  to  identify  infected  using  saliva.   every  new  member  was  tested  at  the  gates  before  being  sent  to  the  quarantine  shack,  and  scavengers  and  scouts  get  tested  every  time  they’re  back  from  their  expeditions  too.

as  often  happens  with  common  rabies,  some  people  get  the  virus  but  don’t  develop  clinical  symptoms.   they  can  live  mostly  a  normal  life,  but  since  they’re  carriers  of  the  lyssa,  they  can  infect  others  via  unprotected  sexual  encounters,  blood,  and  direct  contact  between  open  wounds  and  soft  tissue.   if  you  want  your  muse  to  be  part  of  the  immune  carriers,  please  hit  us  up !

⸺    ABOUT  LIFE  OUTSIDE  THE  SANCTUARY.

as  soon  as  the  virus  struck  and  countries  realized  they  were  facing  a  pandemic,  governments  worldwide  gave  their  military  forces  leave  to  control  the  crisis  and  keep  order,  allowing  them  to  do  it  under  any  means  necessary.

specific,  thoughtfully  chosen  cities  ( those  not  too  big  to  be  hard  to  handle,  but  either  too  small  to  be  considered  towns )  in  every  country  turned  into  safe  zones,  areas  under  governmental  aid  that  stayed  safe  and  stocked  when  everything  around  them  fell  into  demise.   the  military  took  control  to  keep  order  and  safety  in  these  particular  locations.

this,  along  with  the  government  permissions,  later  became  a  problem,  since  the  inflexibility  of  the  forces  and  the  abuse  of  their  authority  caused  animosity  among  the  people.   deaths  of  innocents  excused  under  flimsy  justifications  unleashed  the  inhabitants'  wrath,  igniting  riots  that  eventually  led  to  the  downfall  of  several  safe  zones.   only  seven  remain  in  the  nation  today.

governments  in  most  countries  still  exist,  as  well  as  military  forces.   however,  in  the  states  and  other  big  countries  in  each  continent,  governments  have  added  high - ranked  soldiers  to  their  administration,  a  decision   — a  deal —   that  caused  the  numbers  in  the  military  ranks  to  diminish  rather  drastically  in  the  last  five  years.  only  the  most  brutal,  desensitized  of  them  remain,  which  makes  things  very  hard  for  the  safe  zones  still  standing.

numerous  sanctuaries  have  been  raised  not  only  in  the  states,  but  in  other  parts  of  the  world  too.  most  of  them  keep  communication  with  each  other,  but  the  uc  had  refused  to  engage   —   the  amount  of  kids  within  the  sanctuary  stands  as  the  main  reason  for  this  choice.

the  closest  sanctuary  from  the  uc  is  located  in  colorado  springs,  where  after  a  riot  against  the  military  and  several  losses,  the  safe  zone’s  remaining  group  of  survivors  secured  a  part  of  the  city  where  a  mall  was  placed  and  tried  to  prevail  there.   much  like  the  uc’s  people,  they  started  to  thrive  with  time  and  hard  work.  

after  the  infiltration,  the  uc  council  has  considered  the  idea  of  making  contact  with  them,  to  become  each  other’s  support  and  aid  system,  but  the  fear  of  being  intercepted  by  the  coalition  has  kept  them  away  from  it.

[theqhreator42]

Decline and fall of the Commonwealth Provisional Government, 2281

[tw: mass murder, Fallout 4]

The Commonwealth as we see it in 2287 is so chaotic and backward because it recently underwent a second apocalypse.

The Commonwealth Provisional Government emerged shortly after the bombs fell, as a decentralized confederation of rural villagers, and even began to industrialize before the NCR did — by 2161, with the help of the Institute, it had formed a thriving socialized economy that provided food, shelter, and electricity to its inhabitants, and reached a population of 100,000. The CPG’s crowning achievements were the erection of the Diamond City fortress, the integration of Vault 81, and the partial renovation of Vault 111.

However, as its economy began to stagnate in the 2260s, some of the CPG’s scientists defected to the Institute in search of superior pay and better job opportunities, while the Institute began to expand onto the surface in defiance of the CPG. The Institute’s rising demand for manual labor led them to enter the slave trade, initially buying slaves from local slavers, then forming links with territories as far as the Capital Wasteland and Caesar’s Legion, then cloning slaves into synths. This rapid degeneration in relations led the CPG to consider war against the Institute.

In 2281, the CPG passed a resolution launching an embargo against the Institute and severing all ties. In response, the Institute entered a secret alliance with three states bordering the CPG, New Haven, the Springfield Collective, and the White Mountain Khanate, to dissolve the CPG and partition its territories among them. On 28 June 2281, the coalition invaded the Commonwealth, and by 2 August they had destroyed the CPG’s Minutemen. The coalition then besieged the CPG’s capital at Quincy for six weeks. On 18 September, Quincy surrendered unconditionally; the coalition forces entered unopposed and murdered 95% of the city’s inhabitants (about 8000 people, nearly ten percent of the entire Commonwealth’s surviving population), handing over the last 300 survivors — all civilians, half of them children — to the Institute for experimentation. Only 150 people escaped the massacre, including a lieutenant named Preston Garvey, who led a small group of them into Sanctuary Hills.

During the siege, the inhabitants of Quincy had resorted to eating wild seafood from the polluted waters surrounding the city. As Quincy fell, some of the refugees brought a mysterious waterborne disease with them that wiped out all of the adjacent villages, leaving the landscape as devoid of human geography as though no one had settled it since the Great War.

Six years after the war, the coalition forces, now calling themselves “Gunners,” remain totally derelict in their stated goals as peacekeepers, and instead indulge in petty raiding and mass murder. The three states and the Institute use the Commonwealth as a source of agricultural taxes and slave raiding, although they have been reluctant to settle the country themselves; for the most part, the only foreigners are young men and women who come to the Commonwealth to raid, build up a store of personal wealth, and return home. Most local people now live by subsistence agriculture or prospecting, and the extreme tributes imposed by the Gunners and other raiders leave them constantly on the brink of famine.

[mariacallous]

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York’s Reform Central Synagogue also urged solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of protesters in Israel who have taken to the streets in opposition to their government’s judicial reform plans:

If you care about democratic rights — help preserve the only functional democracy in the Middle East. If you care about the vulnerable — safeguard the sole sanctuary for Jewish refugees in need. If you value Jewish Peoplehood, hear the cries of the other half of our Jewish family and remember: the destiny of Am Yisrael is bound, one to the other. 

This young, messy, miraculous Jewish state is the most important, sovereign democratic project of the Jewish people of the last 2000 years.

We cannot walk away. While the task can feel at times, overwhelming, exhausting, Pirke Avot teaches:Iit is not our duty to complete it, only not to abandon it. 

In his Rosh Hashanah morning sermon, Rabbi Joshua Davidson of New York’s Reform Congregation Emanu-El reported on his visit to Israel with a group of local rabbis and their conversation with politician Simcha Rothman:

When my turn came to speak, I asked him how he intended to protect the rights of those who don’t align with his politics, Israelis who are not haredi or from the Religious Zionist camp.  He responded dismissively: “If you Reformim want to secure your rights, more of you should move to Israel.” Stunningly unaware he was addressing a delegation of Conservative and Orthodox rabbis, too, this chair of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee made painfully clear that his view of law and justice was purely majoritarian. Minority rights be damned.

It was a shattering encounter. One that revealed this coalition cares nothing for me, my Judaism, or my Jewish community. Don’t they know my congregation’s tireless efforts to strengthen American Jewry’s commitment to Israel? Don’t they know we lovingly display Israel’s flag on our bimah? And here my colleagues and I had travelled across an ocean only to get stiff-armed! Oy. Even in Israel, shver tsu zayn a Yid, sometimes it’s hard to be a Jew!

Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe of the Reform Temple Rodeph Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia, addressed congregants who may be reluctant to criticize Israel despite disagreeing with its government’s plans to weaken the power of the country’s judiciary. He took a lesson from the Book of Jonah, read on Yom Kippur:

God teaches us the most important lesson of the Book of Jonah: that criticism must be given as a blessing and not a curse. Especially when a harsh word of warning is needed to bring one back from the edge, it must be offered as a lifeline and not a threat. …. This text challenges us both to recognize when this is needed, and to remember that the commandment in Leviticus to rebuke your neighbor comes just one verse before, paired inextricably, with the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Criticism and disagreement must be conducted with love. By fostering and deepening our relationship with Israel, we take a place in the conversation that comes from caring. By acknowledging all sides and their humanity, we model the sensitivity that is needed to raise the level of the discussion. By being part of one of the countless efforts and organizations to help Palestinians, help Jews, build something, and be part of a positive vision, we earn the credibility to say our piece. 

[niuttuc]

Tell me more about your ocs dealing with the Phyrexia invasion!

Dancing-Hands was on Amonkhet with his partners' family during the invasion, and unfortunately his particular skills were pretty well countered by the Phyrexians' nature. His telekinesis for the most part couldn't touch them as they were alive, and even enchanted, his paper constructs had a hard time cutting metal. He made himself useful in different ways, using his origami to lure enemies or carry messages, but he mostly stayed hidden in the back protecting Epnu and Tasaba's children while they worked at sapping and attacking the enemy more directly.

Arega used the invasion to their own end, taking advantage of the turmoil and fights to pull off a dangerous stunt to extract both their original and default body from the Simic facility where they were alternatively "secured". Their current whereabouts and status is unknown, and it's another thing the Combine is worried about now. Since Arega's whole thing was a secret, they're trying to figure out what they can do to contain the issue without revealing them.

Madaya was in Strixhaven during the invasion, after Iren pointed her in that direction, and she mostly tried to keep herself and some students alive, though to do that she had to resort to using spells on top of her usual tricks. Though her being as crafty as she is was more useful against professors who were well-versed in whatever spells their students knew, at some point she had to combine them with magical illusions to improve their effects. She might well come out of this disaster with having partly changed her mind about spellcasting.

Odomi definitely got more stories to tell during this. He was flitting about in between many different places in the Wilds, from the Alernis' castle to Nyrhen's sanctuary and more, bringing the story along with him, or maybe being brought alongside it. He didn't appear to actually do much himself but appearances can be deceiving.

Vaalin was a key asset of some New Coalition operations by providing invaluable logistic support and intel, all the while pursuing a research theory he had on a hypothetical way to apply his magic to potentially cripple the invasion. Unfortunately, that research eventually proved the opposite of what he wanted. So goes science sometimes.

Anedia tried her best to get the latest information on the situation as it developed without getting her eyes gouged out.

[possibly-in-wonderland]

and now: various twd oc's ive created throughout the years (will add on as time goes by)

raised by stray dogs, adopted by humans (loved i love lucy), volunteered at animal shelter. apocalypse started, released the shelter animals, started a new pack, reverted to her old ways but this time with human aspects. her pack contains dogs and random children she has found. is introduced just before the war with the saviors after getting caught in a bear trap (carl aids her, she gives him something to "summon" her should he need help, this object is passed on to Judith). she gets close to Lydia and even takes up for her multiple times. very philosophical. (my personal favorite, will talk more about her)

(au where someone gets sucked into twd universe but as a cat, unable to talk). lorenzo "enzo" (actually started writing this fanfic, never finished it). very protective, sticks close to the kids. tactical cat. maine coon. no one seems to notice that he hasn't really aged since being introduced in the second episode despite the many many years passing. almost gets eaten (both by walkers and humans).

9-year-old raised on a healthy dose of tank girl, swears enough to make a sailor blush, has kicked negan in the balls a couple of times. has a yellow-naped parrot she found screaming "DON'T FUCKING SHOOT!" in someones house. idolizes princess. very much dresses like tank girl, even attempts to cut/shave her head like her. introduced in second episode, capable with weapons of mass destruction (or less)

CRM-Made robot that i cant remember the name of because i never wrote it down. they no longer work for the CRM, and they hide what they really are by using heavy clothing. (might change them up)

Human pretending to be a robot (lol)

speaking of tank girl, what if the rippers were in twd (lmao, i joke...maybe)

WTS-Patient #9 (an ozzy osbourne reference right there) aka Mister Badger. kinda dead, kind of alive. was a test subject for a wildfire virus cure, his DNA was one of a few that was unique. something happened, his fellow ts (test subjects) went into hiding before dispersing. He looks like a walker, but is very much capable of cognitive thought. trans (ftm), was able to get both top and bottom surgery. his real name is Bernard. spy for the coalition to get info on the whisperers, got caught up in the hoard and only made it back after beta was killed. mysteriously disappeared after the commonwealth caught everyone. wore/wears a badger mask to hide his decaying facial features. all things said, his blood could not be used as a cure.

What happens if gen z was part of twd and vine/TikTok happened earlier in time? You get Z, a chaotic gen z who roller skates around sanctuary and sings easy street while doing a handstand. Could also recite the llama llama duck song or Wendy's cussing song if asked. Her "boyfriend" is a walker she dresses up and keeps on a chain (kinky lol)

[utterrandomnesswithlulu]

Midnight Binge: The Nevers (Mid-Season Final)

Beautifully crafted, witty, magical, and filled with secrets, The Nevers, an HBO show created by Joss Whedon (who stepped down as director/executive producer in November 2020), is an epic tale that follows a growing group of Victorian women and minorities (as well as those living on the fringes of London society) who find themselves in the possession of special powers. On today’s midnight binge, we’re taking a look at the world, people, politics, and the production of The Nevers.

Obviously, spoilers!

THE TOUCHED

After an unprecedented event in London gives women and minorities remarkable abilities, the Touched, as they are called, or at other times, the afflicted. They resort to living at an orphanage because of their turns (or powers) called St. Romaulda’s Orphanage, which becomes a home and sanctuary for the Touched. This sanctuary is sponsored by Lavinia Bidlow, the wealthy benefactor who has ulterior motives behind keeping a close eye on the touched. The sanctuary is run by Amalia True, who not only can see the future but tries to keep her charges safe while harboring her own secrets that she keeps very tight to her chest.

The Touched are typically women, or individuals, who live on the fringes of society. Their turns differ from one person to another. There is healing, premonition, molecular alterations and manipulation, and the ability to see and manipulate electricity. There is uncertainty surrounding how a turn is chosen for a person, i.e. why does one person see electricity over causing something to explode? Is it similar to the way Inhumans from the Marvel Universe (shows like S.H.E.I.L.D and Inhumans), in which the power is created because the world needs it, as in fixing a lack of balance? Or is it genetics or even personality-based? Or somehow wholly random? Because we sort of know-how, the turns were giving out and even a bit of why.

The manifestation of the Touched flips the hierarchy or more specifically the patriarchy, on its head, and unfortunately because of the kinds of people that ended up getting turns, women, immigrants, and other types of people who live at the fringes of society basically those who are seen as less than or inconsequential in society. This splits people into factions and even radicals, including Lavinia, and the ins and outs of London politics, which is being spearheaded by an ex-military and high government official, Lord Gilbert Massen.

THE GALANTHI

The Galanthi are an alien race who flew over London causing the Touched. Their mission was to give humans the means to save a ravaged Earth. Like how London is split into fractions, so were the military organizations that were against or for the Galanthi doing what they were doing, the Planetary Defense Coalition (PDC) who were for, and FreeLife Army who were against. The FreeLife Army attacked the Galanthi and killed 19 after bombing their project stations. The last station was run by a woman named Zephyr who committed suicide which allowed her soul to be placed on the last ship. Amalia, then Mary, was Touched just as she committed suicide which allowed Zephyr to enter her body and they changed their name to Amalia True.

PRODUCTION

HBO’s The Nevers was announced for a series in July 2018. Whedon became the creator, director, executive producer, and showrunner of the series. A bidding war started between a number of stations, including Netflix, before being picked up by HBO. Executive producers and writers included Bernie Caulfield, Jane Espenson, and Doug Petrie and later Laurie Penny, Melissa Iqbal, Madhuri Shekar, Kevin Lau, Daniel S. Kaminsky, and Hennah Sekandary. In November, Whedon stepped down as showrunner, director, and executive director, stating “unprecedented challenges” and exhaustion as his reason for stepping back. However, he was “deeply proud of the work” on The Nevers. Whedon was replaced by Philippa Goslett as the new series showrunner. Gemma Jackson would serve as a production designer and Christine Blundell as a make-up designer.

CAST

Laura Donnelly (Claudia Black), Ann Skelly, Olivia Williams, James Norton, Tom Riley, Pip Torrens, Denis O’Hare, Amy Manson, Rochelle Neil, Zackary Momoh, Eleanor Tomlinson, Nick Frost, Elizabeth Berrington, Viola Prettejohn, Anna Devlin, Kiran Sonia Sawar, Ben Chaplin, Ella Smith, and Vinnie Heaven were billed as the main cast as The Nevers.

FILMING

Filming, production, and principal photography started in 2019. Locations varied in London, such as Trinity Church Square, Southwark Borough, New Wimbledon Theatre, Charterhouse Square, The Mall, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Historic Dockyard Chatham, and more. In January 2020, filming took place at the Joyce Grove country house estate; January also saw production and filming temporarily cease because of COVID-19. Scenes had to be reworked to accommodate new rules and regulations because of COVID restrictions, such as the Maladies execution scene, which utilized CGI effects and green screen methods to make it seem like more people within the given space. It also saw the set be rebuilt entirely on a soundstage because they couldn’t film on location. Production and filming were picked up again around September and wrapped up for its mid-season final.

Originally, season one was meant to have ten episodes. However, that was scarped for a two-part season, allowing for a mid-season final at episode six. As of June 11, 2021, The Nevers has not been picked up for a second season, nor has it been canceled.

CONCLUSIONS

I’ve enjoyed The Nevers so far and it was just getting good with its mid-season final. However, the first few episodes were a bit bumpy, and the foundation is built, but it’s taking some time to stitch everything together cohesively. I have hopes for the later episodes and do wish for a second season. I rate the show thus far a 3.9/5, I always give a bit of leniency when it comes to the first season of any show because nothing is really fleshed out. There are very few first seasons of the series I thoroughly enjoyed with little complaint, but I have high ambitions for this show and desire to see it do better.

What are your thoughts on The Nevers? Do you like it, or do you have some issues with the show?

UPDATE

As of December 16th, 2022, The Nevers has been canceled and subsequently pulled from its streaming platform (HBO Max).

[msclaritea]

"More than 130 people, including Gloria Steinem, and organizations in the field of women’s rights advocacy and domestic violence and sexual assault awareness have signed an open letter to support Amber Heard, who lost a defamation suit this year brought by her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, for an op-ed in which she said she was a “public figure representing domestic abuse.”

The letter, which was exclusively shared with NBC News ahead of its public release Wednesday, was signed by groups like the National Organization for Women, the National Women’s Law Center, Equality Now and the Women’s March Foundation. It was written by a group of people who identify as domestic violence survivors and supporters of Heard."

ORGANIZATIONS

Aidileys • Associazione Iroko Onlus • Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE)  •  CCChat Magazine  • Custody Peace • Cyber Civil Rights Initiative • Center for Safety and Change  • Clearinghouse on Women's Issues  Crumiller  • The Feminist Litigation Firm •  Democratic Activists for Women Now •  Engendered Collective •  EnoughIsEnough Voter Project • Equal Rights Advocates • Equality Now • Esperanza United (formerly Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network) •  Every Voice Coalition • Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. • Female Filmaker Fuse • Feminist Majority Foundation • Futures Without Violence • C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, Victims' Rights Law Firm • Hope's Door •  Know Your IX • LIFT: Living in Freedom Together, Worcester • Ms. Magazine •The National Organization for Women • The National Organization for Women: Virginia Chapter • National Women’s Law Center • Refuge: for Women & Children. Against Domestic Violence. •  Réseau International des Mères en Lutte • Sakhi for South Asian Women • Sanctuary for Families  • Sexual Violence Prevention Association • The Asian Feminist • The Mary Sue • The Safe Center LI • UltraViolet • Victim Focus • Violence Free Minnesota •  WeSpoke • Women's March Action • Women's March Foundation • Women’s Equal Justice Project •

INDIVIDUALS

Renée B. Adams, 

Professor, University of Oxford

Dr. Esohe Aghatise, 

Executive Director, Associazione Iroko Onlus

Cheryl A. Alexander, 

L.I.C.S.W., RMT

Aisha Ali-Khan, 

British Women’s Rights Campaigner, Women United Organisation 

Sara Ahmed, 

Independent Scholar, Author, “Complaint!”

Kate Amber, 

PgCert, Founder, End Coercive Control USA

Dr. Adrienne Barnett, 

Reader in Law, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London

Dr. Nicole Bedera, 

Sociologist

Nicole Bell, 

Founder and CEO, LIFT Living in Freedom Together

Panayiota Bertzikis,

CEO/Founder Military Rape Crisis Center

Amy Betts,

Founder of Aidileys - Rights, Family Court Information Services   

Antoinette Bonsignore, J.D., 

Legal and Prosecutorial Analyst, Case Systems Training Review Program, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

Anna Boucher, 

Associate Professor in Public Policy and Political Science (LSE) and admitted Solicitor, Supreme Court NSW, Australia

Lindsey Boylan, 

Women’s Rights Activist

Dr. Stephanie Ann Brandt MD, 

Faculty and Chairman, Ethics Committee, New York Psychoanalytic Institute New York, NY, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, Experienced Forensic Evaluation and Testimony in Family, Supreme and Federal ( EDNY + SDNY ) Child focused Litigation

Susan J. Brison, 

Eunice and Julian Cohen Professor for the Study of Ethics and Human Values, Dartmouth College

Professor Ann Bartow, 

University of New Hampshire School of Law. 

Laura S Brown, Ph.D. 

ABPP, psychologist in private practice, past President, APA Division of Trauma Psychology and Society for The Psychology of Women

Dr. Kari Brozowski 

Associate Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University 

Twiss Butler, 

Feminist

Rachel Camp, 

Professor from Practice and Co-Director, Georgetown University Domestic Violence Clinic (title for identification purposes only)

Nancy Chi Cantalupo, 

Associate Professor of Law, Wayne State University Law School (title and institution provided for identification purposes only)

Kali Casab, 

The Voices and Faces Project

Lauren B. Cattaneo, 

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, George Mason University

Gillian Chadwick, 

Professor of Law, Washburn University School of Law

Debra Chopp, 

Clinical Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School

Seo-Young Chu 

Associate Professor Queens College, CUNY

Andrew Thomas Cicchetti, 

Ph.D. LCSW-R

Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, 

DSW, LCSW Coercive Control Advocate, Educator, Researcher & Survivor

J.V. Connors 

Ph.D. New Mexico licensed psychologist 

Dr. Elizabeth Dalgarno, 

SHERA Research Group

Michele Landis Dauber, 

Frederick I. Richman Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (title and institution for identification purposes only)

Ella Dawson, 

Author

Drew Dixon, 

Producer, Activist

Margaret B. Drew, 

Associate Professor of Law, UMass Law School

Prof. Dr. Jennifer Drobac

Danielle Pelfrey Duryea

Boston University School of Law (institution for identification purposes only)

Erin Dwyer-Frazier, 

Attorney and Domestic Violence Advocate

Heidi Eilers, Ph.D.,

BCBA-D, CCTP, Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Aliaa Magda Elmahdy,

Egyptian internet activist and women's rights advocate  

Deborah Epstein, 

Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor of Gender, Violence, and Law, Georgetown Law University Center

Ray Epstein, 

President/Founder of Student Activists Against Sexual Assault at Temple University

Heidi Li Feldman, 

Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center

Bill Flack, 

Professor of Psychology, Bucknell University

Professor Michael Flood

Queensland University of Technology

Terry Forliti, 

Communication Coordinator for Upside Sex Trafficking Initiative, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jaclyn Friedman, 

editor of “Yes Means Yes” and “Believe Me”

Professor Aisha K. Gill, Ph.D. 

CBE | Professor of Criminology

Professor Leigh Gilmore, 

Ohio State University, Author, “The #MeToo Effect: What Happens When We Believe Women”

Lisa Goodman, 

Ph.D., Professor, Boston College

Leigh Goodmark, 

Marjorie Cook Professor of Law and Co-Director, Clinical Law Program

Cynthia A. Graham, 

PhD, C. Psychol, Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health  

Gretchen Grappone,

LICSW PTSD Clinician & Trainer  

Julie Green, 

Research Assistant, Violence Against Women and Children team, Department of Social Work, The University of Melbourne

Min Grob, 

Founder CCChat Magazine 

Kit Gruelle, 

Advocate, Survivor, Film Subject for HBO Documentary Private Violence

Emiliana Guereca, 

Founder and Executive Director Women's March Action and Women's March Foundation

Kayla Harder 

Founder, Survivors Righting Wrongs 

Yasmeen Hassan, 

Global Executive Director, Equality Now

Tirion Havard, 

Associate Professor, England UK

Judith L. Herman, M.D., 

Professor of Psychiatry (Part Time), Harvard Medical School

CarlLa Horton, M.P.A., 

Executive Director, Hope’s Door

Emily Mia Hughes-Smith,

MBACP. BSc(hons) dip. Sup

Doreen Hunter, 

Co-Founder, Americas Conference to End Coercive Control (ACECC)

Holly Jacobs, PhD 

Founder, Board Member, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative

Hans Johnson, 

President, East Area Progressive Democrats

Sheherezade Kara

International Human Rights Jurist and Consultant, human-writes.org 

Dr. Emma Katz, Ph.D., 

Senior Lecturer, Liverpool Hope University, UK

Mara Keire 

Senior Research Fellow, Rothermere American Institute, University of Oxford, UK

Dr. Margaret Kertesz, 

Senior Research Fellow, University of Melbourne

Farrah Khan, 

CEO Possibility Seeds 

Amanda Kippert, 

Editor-in-Chief, DomesticShelters.org, Co-Host, Toxic the Podcast

Judge Judy Harris Kluger, 

Executive Director, Sanctuary for Families

Dean Laurie Kohn, 

George Washington Law School 

Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, 

Executive Director, Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc.

Dr. Ingeborg Kraus, 

Clinical Psychologist, Psychotraumatologist

Lauren Krouse, 

Writer & Survivor-Victim Advocate  

Afsana Lachaux, 

Activist & British Women’s Rights Campaigner.

Dr Rhiannon Lane, 

Research Fellow in Sociology, Cardiff University

Julianna Lee, 

Clinical Assistant Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School

Geraldine Lee-Treweek ,

Professor of Social Justice at Birmingham City University, UK, specialist in Abuse Studies and Psychotherapist. 

Dorchen A. Leidholdt, Esq., 

Director, Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services at Sanctuary for Families

Edward Lloyd, 

Evan M. Frankel Clinical Professor Emeritus in Environmental Law, Columbia University School of Law

Dr. Laura E. Ludtke, 

Independent Scholar

Linda MacDonald, 

Persons Against Non-State Torture, co-author "Women Unsilenced Our Refusal To Let Torturer-Traffickers Win"

Catharine A. MacKinnon, 

Elizabeth A. Long Professor of Law at Michigan Law, and the long-term James Barr Ames Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School (all titles for identification purposes only)

David Mandel, 

Executive Director, Safe and Together Institute

Jane Manning, 

Director, Women’s Equal Justice Project

Omny Miranda Martone, 

Founder & CEO of Sexual Violence Provention Association 

Joan Meier, 

National Family Violence Law Center, Professor of Clinical Law, George Washington University Law School

Carolyn Modeen, 

Sun Cities West Valley NOW

Amy Myers, 

Acting Director, Gender Justice Clinic, Washington College of Law (for identification purposes only)

Natalie Nanasi, 

Associate Professor, SMU Dedman School of Law, Director, Judge Elmo B. Hunter Legal Center for Victims of Crimes Against Women

Laura Beth Nielsen, JD, Ph.D., 

Professor & Chair, Department of Sociology, Northwestern University, Research Professor, American Bar Foundation, President, Law and Society Association, Author, “License to Harass: Law, Hierarchy, and Offensive Public Speech” (titles for identification purposes only)

Emer O'Toole, Ph.D., 

Professor, Concordia University

Natalie Page, 

#TheCourtSaid Founder, Survivor Family Network Director

David Palumbo-Liu, 

Louise Hewlett Nixon Professor, Stanford University

Reena Parikh, 

Director of Civil Rights Clinic, Boston College Law School (title for identification purposes only)

Moira Penza,

Attorney, Former federal prosecutor, Eastern District of New York; led NXIVM investigation and trial  

Jaime Cabeza Pereiro, 

Professor of Labor and Social Security Law, University of Vigo

Mary Peterson, 

PhD candidate & Activist Specialising in Fighting Sexual Harassment in Academia 

Alison Phipps, 

Professor of Sociology, Newcastle University

Christie Pitts

Alexa Polar,

Writer, Producer, Director & Founder of Female Filmakers Fuse 

Nicole Prause, Ph.D., 

Senior Statistician, University of California, Los Angeles (title for identification purposes only)

Dr. Charlotte Proudman, 

Barrister and Academic

Dr Shivaun Quinlivan

Associate Professor, University of Galway

Professor Tracey Raney, 

Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada

Anne K. Ream, 

Activist and Founder of The Voices and Faces Project

Laura Richards 

BSc, MSc, MBPsS, Criminal Behavioural Analyst 

Jennifer Robinson, 

Australian human rights lawyer and barrister at Doughty St Chambers, U.K. counsel to Amber Heard, author of How Many More Women? 

Diane Rosenfeld, 

Lecturer on Law, Director, Gender Violence Program, Harvard Law School

Lily Kay Ross, MDiv, Ph.D. 

Feminism and Ethics Research Fellow, Psymposia

David A. Santacroce, 

Clinical Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School

Jeanne Sarson, 

co-author, “Women Unsilenced Our Refusal To Let Torturer-Traffickers Win,” Co-Founder Persons Against Non-State Torture.

Purna Sen, 

Ph.D. Visiting Professor, Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit, LMU Special Advisor to the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court

Dr. John Simister, 

Ph.D., Domestic Violence and Economics Researcher, Senior Lecturer, Business School Manchester Metropolitan University

Ann Simonton, 

Founder Director of Media Watch: For Improving image of Women in Media

Rita Smith, 

National Expert on Violence Against Women, Former Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

Rachel Louise Snyder, 

Professor, American University, Author, “No Visible Bruises”

Evan Stark, Ph.D., MSW, 

Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University

Gloria Steinem, 

Writer, Activist

Leslie Morgan Steiner, 

Advocate, Author, “Crazy Love”

Ruth Silver Taube, 

Adjunct Professor of Law, Santa Clara University, Legal Services Co-Chair, South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, Delegate, Santa Clara County’s Human Trafficking Commission (all titles for identification purposes only)

Dr. Jessica Taylor, 

Chartered Psychologist, CEO of Victim Focus

Alison Turkos, 

Survivor + Advocate

Vanessa Tyson, 

Associate Professor of Politics, Scripps College

Robin West, J.D., 

Professor of Law, Georgetown Law School

Merle Weiner, Philip H. Knight Professor of Law,  University of Oregon (title for identification purposes only)

Constance Wu,

Actor and author

Sophia Yen, M.D., 

Adolescent Medicine Specialist, CEO/Founder of Pandia Health

Amy Ziering, 

Filmmaker

SO MANY ORGANIZATIONS ARE MERELY FRONTS FOR VARIOUS AGENDAS OR TAX SCAMS. AT LEAST NOW I KNOW WHY WRITERS FROM THE MARY SUE HAVE JOINED IN HARASSING BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH. AMBER HEARD IS A TRAINED PROSTITUTE/KOMPROMAT COLLECTOR.

[catonablog-blog-blog]

Local V. Eminent Domain: Townspeople Outraged at Mayor's Attempt to Seize Public Park Greetings fellow citizens of Greenfield! Rufus T Flywheel here, your ever-vigilant defender of the little guy, the voice of reason in a world gone mad! Today, I bring you a tale of injustice, a story of greed and power-hungry politicians attempting to trample on the rights of the people. Yes, my dear readers, the time has come for us to rise up and fight against the tyranny of our own Mayor! It all started innocently enough. A rumor began to circulate around town that our beloved Mayor was planning to seize the public park located in the heart of Greenfield for a so-called development project. At first, we dismissed it as mere gossip, but as more and more details began to emerge, it became clear that this was no idle threat. The Mayor was indeed eyeing our park for some nefarious scheme, and the townspeople were having none of it! Now, let me make one thing clear. This park is not just a piece of land with some trees and benches. No, it is much more than that. It is a sanctuary for our community, a place where families gather for picnics, children play, and neighbors come together to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is a symbol of our town's heritage and a testament to the values we hold dear. And the Mayor wants to take it away from us? Naturally, the news of the Mayor's plan spread like wildfire, and soon, the townspeople were up in arms. Meetings were held, petitions were signed, and protests were organized. The citizens of Greenfield were united in their resolve to fight against the Mayor's attempt to seize the park. And who was leading this resistance, you ask? Why, none other than yours truly, Rufus T Flywheel! I took it upon myself to be the voice of the people, to stand up against the corruption and injustice that was threatening our town. I rallied my fellow citizens, armed with nothing but our passion for justice and our determination to protect what is rightfully ours. Together, we formed a coalition of concerned residents, ready to take on the powers that be and defend our park at all costs. The battle lines were drawn, and the tension in Greenfield was palpable. On one side stood the Mayor, with his cronies and supporters, touting the supposed benefits of the development project and painting those who dared to oppose it as obstructionists and troublemakers. On the other side were the townspeople, ordinary men and women who only wanted to preserve their park and safeguard the essence of their community. As the days went by, the situation grew more intense. The Mayor refused to back down, insisting that the park was essential for his grand vision of progress and prosperity for the town. He claimed that the development project would bring jobs, revenue, and growth to Greenfield, painting a rosy picture of a bright future that awaited us if only we would give up our beloved park. But we saw through his lies and empty promises. We knew that once the park was taken from us, it would be lost forever. We understood that no amount of economic gain could compensate for the loss of a place that held so much meaning and importance for our community. And so, we stood firm in our resolve to resist the Mayor's attempts to seize our park. The battle reached its climax when the Mayor announced his intention to use eminent domain to acquire the park. Eminent domain, a legal principle that allows the government to take private property for public use, was being wielded as a weapon against the very people it was meant to protect. The townspeople were outraged at this blatant abuse of power and vowed to fight back with all their might. And fight back we did. The Mayor's office was inundated with angry calls and messages, the town hall meetings were overflowing with protesters, and the local media was buzzing with reports of the growing unrest in Greenfield. We made our voices heard loud and clear, declaring that we would not stand idly by while our rights were trampled upon. In the end, our collective efforts paid off. The Mayor was forced to reconsider his plans in the face of overwhelming opposition from the townspeople. He backed down from his attempt to seize the park and instead pledged to work with the community to find a compromise that would benefit everyone. It was a hard-fought victory, but a victory nonetheless for the people of Greenfield. This experience has taught us a valuable lesson. It has shown us the power of unity, the strength of community, and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. It has reminded us that no matter how powerful or influential those in authority may be, they are ultimately accountable to the people they serve. And it has renewed our faith in the inherent goodness and resilience of our fellow citizens. So, let this be a message to all those who seek to trample on the rights of the people: we will not be silenced, we will not be bullied, and we will not back down in the face of injustice. The citizens of Greenfield have spoken, and our voices will continue to ring loud and clear, echoing through the halls of power and reminding those in authority that we are watching, we are vigilant, and we will not be swayed. With that, I leave you, my dear readers, with a call to action. Stand up for what you believe in, speak out against oppression and injustice, and never forget the power that lies in the hands of the people. Let us continue to fight for our rights, our freedoms, and our community, united in our quest for a better, fairer, and more just society. Until next time, stay strong, stay vigilant, and stay true to the principles that make us who we are. Together, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting it may seem. Remember, the power of the people is greater than the people in power. Let us never forget that truth. Yours in solidarity and determination, Rufus T Flywheel

[casuallyodd]

I know it's easy to doomscroll and we are drawn to negative stories, but it feels like there is no good news right now.

This story starts out with how this affects lefty Americans, but it does move on to actually discuss the situation without that framing.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/02/new-zealand-america-moving-trump/

New Zealand, once a utopia for Trump-weary exiles, turns to the right

Rachel Pannett

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — After the debate between President Biden and Donald Trump turned disastrous for the incumbent Thursday, comedian Jon Stewart quipped on “The Daily Show” that he needed to “call a real estate agent in New Zealand.”

Stewart was riffing on some American liberals’ fantasy when Trump was last in power. Many talked of moving to New Zealand, a faraway place they viewed as utopian, with a progressive leader in Jacinda Ardern and natural beauty that was second to none. A significant number actually did: Data from the 2018 Census shows a jump in American-born residents in New Zealand of nearly 30 percent, or more than 6,000 people, compared with five years earlier.

Americans, like Stewart, looking for an escape hatch will find New Zealand a very different place this time around. Ardern is gone, and so too are her policies. This country is now led by a coalition of center-right, libertarian and populist lawmakers who have formed its most conservative government in decades.

“This is the sharpest political swing in a generation, the coalition is the most conservative I have seen in 30-odd years,” said Janet Wilson, a political commentator who previously worked for the mainstream conservative National Party, which leads the coalition government, and is now sharply critical of it.

The sudden shift has caught out some American expats. Jamie Pomeroy and her husband, both in their mid-30s, moved to Queenstown from Boulder, Colo., in September, the month before the election.

They were motivated in part by Ardern’s move to ban semiautomatic weapons following the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre. A 2021 shooting at a Boulder supermarket with a similar weapon left 10 people dead.

“New Zealand actually did something about it,” Pomeroy said.

The country appeared to be “trending the right way” on the things they cared about, she said, including the environment and gun laws.

Less than a year later, they’re returning to North America — maybe to Canada this time. “Since the election, it seems like all the values we admired New Zealand for are going the other way,” Pomeroy said. “It doesn’t feel like the forever home we hoped it would be.”

The Ardern era is well and truly over. The National-led coalition that took office in November has set about undoing many of her government’s initiatives. It is following a playbook not unlike “Project 25,” the second-term “battle plan” promoted by pro-Trump think tanks designed to concentrate power in the executive branch and unravel efforts to slow global warming.

It is reversing a ban on oil and gas drilling, and is proposing a “fast-track” for big projects, including mines, that bypasses environmental checks. It has cut climate programs and jobs, scrapped electric vehicle subsidies, abandoned plans for one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries and set aside a world-leading cow “burp” tax as it questions the science on methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

For years, mainstream politicians on both sides of the aisle have attempted to preserve New Zealand’s unusual fauna. The marine sanctuary was a vision of a former conservative government, which also funded climate studies and vowed to eradicate nonnative pests by 2050.

When she was prime minister, Ardern argued that her policies would help New Zealand preserve its green image globally. The new resources minister dismisses that as “green unicorn thinking.”

New Zealand’s pivot to the right was driven by the political fallout from the Ardern government’s coronavirus pandemic response. Although hailed internationally for saving lives, the lockdowns and vaccine mandates led to protests about freedoms being trampled.

The leaders of the two junior partners in the coalition government capitalized on that sentiment. They are David Seymour, the 41-year-old leader of the libertarian ACT party, and Winston Peters, who has been in Parliament since before Seymour was born and leads the populist New Zealand First party.

The two of them are pressuring Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his National Party to veer sharp right, Wilson said, pushing through changes that were never part of National’s campaign plan, like reversing a world-leading plan to ban smoking for future generations.

“Luxon hasn’t put his imprimatur on the coalition, so you’ve got three leaders of a country trying to battle it out to see who really is the alpha dog,” she said.

ACT has boasted that it “punches above its weight” in the coalition, saying that even though it has only 11 lawmakers in the 123-seat Parliament, it is responsible for half of the government’s actions. But Seymour wants more. Asked if ACT has an outsize influence over the government, he said: “We have some but not as many as I would like of our policies being advanced.”

During coalition talks, Seymour won concessions for American-style charter schools; a “three strikes” law extending prison terms for repeat offenders; and a deal to rewrite the country’s Arms Act, revisiting a ban on military-style rifles after a 2019 mass shooting. He is pushing for a referendum on New Zealand’s founding document with Indigenous Maori that opponents warn will be divisive.

Some researchers also attribute Seymour’s rise and the recent political shift to aggressive campaigning by right-leaning interest groups with ties to the United States, where think tanks backed by conservative donors have been a brain trust for GOP administrations since the Reagan era.

They point to one neoliberal nonprofit in particular: the Atlas Network.

The Atlas Network has nearly 600 global partners — including the Heritage Foundation, which leads Project 25, and climate deniers. Its stated goal is helping “freedom-oriented idea entrepreneurs” lobby for lower taxes, smaller government and less regulation. Behind the scenes, neoliberalism scholars say Atlas Network alumni campaign against climate policies around the globe from Argentina to Australia.

“It’s like a permanent soft coup. They’re ready to go at any moment in any country as soon as the opportunity arises,” said Jeremy Walker, a political historian at the University of Technology in Sydney who studied the links between neoliberal lobbyists and fossil fuel companies in Australia. Others have charted the activities of Atlas Network partners in South America and Europe.

Atlas Network’s chairperson, Debbi Gibbs, is a New Zealander whose wealthy businessman father helped found ACT. Her mother is one of ACT’s biggest donors. Gibbs says Atlas Network is nonpolitical, and “the idea that there could be a centrally-controlled cabal” overseeing hundreds of groups in 120 countries “is just mind-blowing.”

The most prominent Atlas affiliate in New Zealand is Seymour, who will become deputy prime minister next year.

His relationship with Atlas dates back nearly two decades. He was awarded a two-week “Atlas MBA” in 2008. At the time, he worked for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, an Atlas Network partner in Canada that has disparaged climate science.

Upon his return to New Zealand, he went into politics, entering Parliament in 2014 as ACT’s sole representative. But it wasn’t until 2020 that he gained prominence, successfully campaigning for assisted dying laws. Gibbs, who has been on the Atlas Network board for a decade, got to know Seymour during this end of life campaign. She said she wasn’t officially involved, but shared research and ideas from her American advocacy with Seymour.

Then when New Zealanders bristled at pandemic-era restrictions, Seymour seized upon the mood and accused Ardern of using the coronavirus to “justify more state control.”

In a speech in February 2021, Seymour cited an Atlas survey to bolster his claim that “our commitment to freedom is being lost.”

Asked about his links with Atlas, Seymour dismissed as “conspiracy” the idea that “somehow the world is organized by the Atlas Network,” saying he has been subject to a lot of theories about secretive influence efforts.

But even commentators on the right are alarmed. “Now he’s got power. We are absolutely seeing the whites of his eyes,” Wilson said. “We’re now seeing the radicalism of some of his policies.”