#paulos community RISE

[catatonicsx]

take 2 of my paulos bad sex meme with some further thought... it's up to you whose idea it was to do roleplay in the first place, because both of em shoulda known that it'd be terrible

[mochifiction]

As someone who agrees with a decent amount of the pre-war Decepticon party’s views in certain continuities, some of y’all new fans are starting to piss me off with your belief that D-16 was correct in Transformers One. As someone who does a lot of community organizing and writes on sociopolitical theory vs. practice, especially within the context of the anti-colonial struggle (as well as the Black struggle simultaneously or separately depending on the context), a lot of the reasons you all choose to support D-16 and diss on Orion are actually obscene and you need to crack open a book. I normally don’t like shoving theory in people’s faces, as I think that it comes with a pedantic demeanor that relies on belittling people and feeding a moral superiority complex amongst academics. However, this is one of the cases where I think a lot of people truly need to take the time to read into why D-16’s emotions and initial reactions are valid, but the decisions he makes in providing solutions are wrong. That being said, I will be writing a paper on D-16’s fall from grace in conversation with Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” because a lot of the ways in which Freire discusses how the oppressed become their oppressors in the name of liberation, which is no fault of their own in some areas, is relevant to D-16’s transformation into Megatron. A lot of you are thinking with a more pathos-based means of societal change without thinking about realism, practicality, and actually analyzing D-16’s character and why he does what he does. It is more so an attempt at self-preservation and closure from embarrassment (specifically from taking the bait and living as a conformist) than an actual attempt at political change. I also encourage new fans to get more acquainted with Transformers continuities to better round their perspectives, as a lot of this is turning into the “Killmonger was right” discourse, which is problematic for a lot of reasons as a Black scholar who discusses Blackness, representation, and political discourse often in their writing. Seeing these really bad takes spread online, not only hurts how people interact with Transformers media in the future, but arguably indicates a rise of certain short-sighted political philosophies that translate directly into activism.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

South America Is Drying Up

A new study shows that dry, warm, and flammable conditions have skyrocketed across the continent, favoring the spread of uncontrolled fire.

In August and September, huge portions of South America were shrouded in intense smoke from wildfires raging in the Amazon and other parts of Brazil and Bolivia. The Brazilian Pantanal—the world’s largest tropical wetland—had an almost eightfold increase in wildfires this year compared to 2023. From Manaus to São Paulo and Buenos Aires, the smoke, visible from space, blurred sunlight for weeks and posed a threat to the health of millions.

The occurrence raised alarms, but some experts warn that in the future, it might not be such an extraordinary episode. Nor was it an isolated incident over the past few years.

South America, according to a new study published in Communications Earth and Environment, is becoming drier, warmer, and more flammable. These conditions favor not only natural wildfires but also the uncontrolled spread of human-caused fire.

Even though general warming trends extend across the continent, some zones are enduring a steeper temperature rise than others. And this rise comes with more droughts and higher fire risk.

Continue reading.

[unknownfortuna]

Planets in Astrology

SUN~ Planet of self and our identity; speaks of our inner creativity, inner heart strength in rising to meet challenges, authority, confidence, and ability to lead.

Associated with the following: Father, Husband, Masculine energy, rules Leo and 5th House.

MOON~ Planet of emotions; mood swings, how we feel about certain topics, our soul, intuition, nurturing style, desires.

Associated with the following: Mother, Pregnancy, fertility, childbirth, feminine energy, Cancer and 4th house.

MERCURY~ Planet of communication; Logic and processing, how we express ourselves, short trips (workday commute, visit neighbor, going across town), siblings, transportation.

Associated with the following: Virgo=feminine energy and 6th house, Gemini=masculine energy and 3rd house

VENUS~ Planet of love and money; Pleasure, harmony, emotional attachments, marriages, friendships, business partnerships. Spreads happiness and tenderness, while teaching us how to love and appreciate others, things we possess.

Associated with the following: Beauty and art. Feminine energy, taurus/Libra and the 2nd/7th house.

MARS~ Planet of Passion; Energy, passion, drive, determination, Rules, military. Standing up and getting noticed for what your getting done. Our inner power (not heroic energy like the sun but much more intense), confidence, ambition, competition, aggression, stamina.

Associated with the following: God of war (Ares), sexuality, sexual energy, weapons and surgery. Masculine energy, Aries/Scorpio and 1st/8th house.

JUPITER~ Planet of luck; Higher learning, yearning for exploring ideas of spirituality all the way to intellectually, forming ideology, religion, philosophy, Long distance travel, games of chance.

Associated with the following: Luck and good fortune, expansion (ex. weight gain), masculine energy, Pisces/Sagittarius and 12th/9th house.

SATURN~ Planet of Karma; Doesn't make things come easily. The task master. Discipline and responsibility. restrictions and delays, wisdom, perseverance, structure, order.

Associated with the following: Old age and lessons, teacher (traditions and patterns), contracts, masculine energy, Capricorn/Aquarius and 10th/11th house. 1st Saturn return 27-30 years old.

URANUS~ Planet of rebellion (1st outer/generational planet); Expanded consciousness, new perspective, originality, interventions, computers, cutting edge, technology, future events, break tradition, revolution, dictators, autonomous state, free will, bizarre behaviors, freedom, creativity

Associated with the following: androgynous energy, earthquakes, natural disasters, unpredictable, Aquarius and 11th house. Higher octave of Mercury.

NEPTUNE~ The planet of illusion, generational planet; dreams, illusions, thoughts, the mysterious. Spirituality is important to harness for personal development. Any meditative state (or reaching a 'flow state') such as dancing, poetry, singing, baking, and music. Delusion, hypochondria, hypnosis.

Associated with the following: God of the sea (Poseidon), rules movies, fashion, glamour, creating illusion. Drugs, alcohol, and escapism. Sleep and dreams. Feminine, Pisces and 12th house. Higher octave of Venus.

PLUTO~ Planet of Power; Transformation, regeneration, rebirth, secrecy, out with the old/in with the new, transcend what we believe- redeem ourselves- come out stronger knowing better. intensity. asking generation to look within to subconscious (fear pushes buttons needed to transform).

Associated with the following: God of death (Hades), reproductive system/ genitals, death, destruction, obsession, kidnapping, viruses, waste, underworld, undercover, dictatorship/terrorism=power, atomic power. feminine energy. Scorpio and 8th house. higher octave of mars.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself..." Pg 130 -The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

[melmelmelsz]

QCQ- Gordon Matta-Clark’s Anarchitecture

 “The rise in vandalism in New York in the 1970s constituted an act of resistance to decades of violence in the form of ‘urban renewal.’”

The quote helped me see the whole picture through new lenses. Despite attempts to frame vandalism as empty acts of aggression, I’ve always understood and supported vandalism as a form of resistance against the systems we’re embedded in. However, I had always accepted urban renewal as an unfortunate fact and never realized that imposed urban renewal, which doesn’t benefit the people, is a form of violence against communities. I didn’t question it until now.

When I think about São Paulo, Brazil—a place with which I have deep emotional connections and where I’ve witnessed so much change over the years—I can’t help but feel angry and frustrated about the gentrification and urban renewal happening there. It gives me creeping anxiety to see all the beautiful old houses from the last century being demolished to make way for more tasteless apartment complexes. It makes me want to cry when I see the textures, colors, shapes, and history of these homes being replaced by gray walls with square windows. Even though I’ve always felt this way, I never understood it as aggression, which is crazy because I now realize that I was being fooled by the system’s mechanisms.

I guess my main question while reading this article was how Matta-Clark was able to make his building cuts- and some other art works-without facing punishment for it. I know that the building cuts were made on “about to be demolished” buildings, but that is still someone else’s private property. I suppose going against this private property system was his whole point, and getting permission to do his work wouldn't align with his ideals. Since he was super into vandalism as a form of resistance, I guess his building cuts can be seen as his form of vandalism. But I still question how he didn’t get in trouble for that considering he was a public figure.

[emilysbrazilianlitblog]

Non-fictions books from Brazil

1-The life that no one sees by Eliane Brum

A reporter in search of events that don't make the news and people who aren't celebrities. A chronicler searching for the extraordinary contained in each anonymous life. A writer who delves into everyday life to prove that there are no ordinary lives. The beggar who never asked for anything. The airport baggage handler who never flew. The monkey who, after escaping from his cage, went to the bar to drink a beer. The thrown-in-the-trash photo album that begins with a family girl and ends with a chorus girl. The man who ate glass but was only hurt by invisibility.(goodreads.com)

2- Bruno: Conversations with a Brazilian Drug Dealer by Robert Gay

In the 1980s a poor farmer's son from Recife, Brazil, joined the Brazilian navy and began selling cocaine. After his arrest in Rio de Janeiro he spent the next eight years in prison, where he joined the Comando Vermelho criminal faction and eventually became one of its leaders. Robert Gay tells this young man's dramatic and captivating story in Bruno . In his shockingly candid interviews with Gay, Bruno provides many insights into the criminal world in which he details of day-to-day prison life; the inner workings of the Brazilian drug trade; the structure of criminal factions; and the complexities of the relationships and links between the prisons, drug trade, gangs, police, and favelas. And most stunningly, Bruno's story suggests that Brazilian mismanagement of the prison system directly led to the Comando Vermelho and other criminal factions' expansion into Rio's favelas, where their turf wars and battles with police have terrorized the city for over two decades. (goodreads.com)

3- Bossa Nova by Ruy Castro

Bossa nova is one of the most popular musical genres in the world. Songs such as "The Girl from Ipanema" (the fifth most frequently played song in the world), "The Waters of March" and "Desafinado" are known around the world. Bossa Nova, a number-one bestseller when originally published in Brazil as Chega de saudade, is a definitive history of this seductive music. Based on extensive interviews with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, and all the major musicians and their friends, Bossa Nova explains how a handful of Rio de Janeiro teenagers changed the face of popular culture around the world. Now, in this outstanding translation, the full flavor of Ruy Castro wisecracking, chatty Portuguese comes through in a feast of detail. Along the way he introduces a cast of unforgettable characters who turned Gilberto's singular vision into the sound of a generation. (goodreads.com)

4-Dump room by Carolina Maria de Jesus

The diary of paper collector Carolina Maria de Jesus gave rise to this book, which recounts the sad and cruel daily life of life in the favela. The simple but blunt language moves the reader with its realism and sensitive look when telling what she saw, lived and felt during the years she lived in the community of Canindé, in São Paulo, with three children. (goodreads.com)

5- We aim for love and hit loneliness by Ana Suy

Love, loneliness and psychoanalysis for today.

We can read that love contains loneliness within it, because at the heart of love there is always loneliness, and that's why those who can't stand loneliness also can't stand love." Written from dialogues, We aim at love and get it right in solitude, emerged from experiences lived by the author in classrooms, in analysis sessions (as an analysand or analyst), with friends, in readings of theoretical research. In this book, psychoanalyst and professor Ana Suy wants, above all, to continue this conversation with you, the reader, without the intention, however, of being a manual or an academic treatise on the topic. (goodreads.com)

[doomedandstoned]

ELECTRIC CULT & WEEDEVIL Team Up for ‘Cult of Devil Sounds’

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

By Matheus Jacques

Through the wonders of virtual communication two bands from different countries have breached the distance, united through the universal language of music: WEEDEVIL from Brazil and ELECTRIC CULT from Mexico. And so we arrive at the split EP, 'Cult of Devil Sounds' (2023).

The Brazilian stoner/doom metal band Weedevil from São Paulo has already become a well-known name in the Brazilian heavy underground, having already delivered some great material. The main highlight is their LP 'The Return' (2022), which features five powerful tracks transiting between the lysergic and the dense. The band delivers two tracks on their side of the new split: “Darkness Inside” and “Burn It.” The instrumental density is still present and more pulsating than ever, embracing dark and solid tones, hands intertwined with the energy and virtue of Mauren McGee's vocals. Weedevil take us through the paths of psychedelia and seventies rock en route to a new journey proposed in a seductive way by the band, which does not shy away from delivering music with layers to be unveiled with each new listen.

LISTEN: Weedevil - "Darkness Inside"

The Mexican stoner/sludge/doom quartet Electric Cult, which released the great EPs The First Rite and Fuzzeremony as their first two releases, again deliver an exquisite sound surrounded by mud and mist with their two tracks present on the release, “Rising From Hell” and “Esoteric Madness,” completing the release partnership with the band Weedevil. Again we have the already traditional density and obscurity of the Mexican group composed of robust stony riffs and vocals that are sometimes demonic, sometimes harmonic. The band remains relentless in its proposal and masterfully completes the release, which has a physical version edited by the newcomer Smolder Brains Records in CD format.

With art by the talented Steven Yoyada, Cult of Devil Sounds is a milestone of integration between two powerful names in the field, each based on its own particularities and coming from a different country, but integrated in a common objective: to please us with the gloomy, the dense, the muddy. Join the cult!

LISTEN: Electric Cult - "Rising From Hell"

More Electric Cult

More Weedevil

[blackhistorychatgpt]

Black in Brooklyn - Study guide for The Sun Rises in the East

Study Guide: The Sun Rises in the East

1. Summary of the Documentary: The Sun Rises in the East explores the history and impact of The East, a cultural and educational organization founded in 1969 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The documentary highlights how The East created a hub for Black liberation through education, arts, and economic empowerment. The film traces the rise of institutions such as the Uhuru Sasa Shule (Freedom Now School), which offered Afrocentric education, and cultural centers that celebrated Black art and identity.

2. Importance in the Black Liberation Movement: The East was a cornerstone of the Black Power and Pan-African movements in Brooklyn, fostering self-determination and community control over education. By emphasizing African heritage, cooperative economics, and artistic expression, The East empowered Black communities and influenced a generation of activists, educators, and artists. Their commitment to self-reliance laid the groundwork for future community-controlled institutions.

3. Key Figures and Organizations:

Jitu Weusi: A founding member of The East and a leader in the African American Teachers Association, Weusi was a driving force for Black-led education reform.

Al Vann: An educator and politician, Vann was instrumental in advocating for community control of schools.

Fela Barclift: Founder of Little Sun People, a preschool rooted in African-centered education.

Adyemi Bandele & K. Menusah Wali: Cultural leaders deeply involved in The East's arts and educational initiatives.

Bayard Rustin: Though not part of The East, his work in civil rights and education influenced the movement’s emphasis on self-determination.

Organizations from The East:

Uhuru Sasa Shule: Afrocentric school emphasizing African history and culture.

Little Sun People: Early childhood education program with an African-centered curriculum.

Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center: Promotes arts education and community engagement.

African American Teachers Association (AATA): Advocated for Black educators and community-controlled schools.

Richard Beavers Gallery: Supports contemporary Black artists and cultural expression.

4. Questions for Further Exploration:

How did The East’s model of Afrocentric education impact public school reform movements in the 1970s?

What role did cooperative economics play in sustaining The East, and how can those principles be applied today?

How did The East intersect with broader Black Liberation movements across the U.S.?

5. Books for Further Reading:

A View from The East by Kwasi Konadu - Link

The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual by Harold Cruse

Education at the Crossroads by Carter G. Woodson

From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson

How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective edited by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

Blues People by Amiri Baraka

Black Against Empire: The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party by Joshua Bloom and Waldo Martin

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

We Want to Do More Than Survive by Bettina Love

6. Related YouTube Videos:

"The Sun Rises in the East | Official Trailer" (YouTube)

"Jitu Weusi on Black Education" (YouTube)

"Bayard Rustin: The Forgotten Civil Rights Leader" (YouTube)

"School Colors Podcast: The Fight for Education Equity in Brooklyn" (YouTube)

"The History of the Uhuru Sasa Shule" (YouTube)

7. Prompts for Further Research:

Investigate the relationship between The East and the Black Power movement.

Research the history and impact of the CCNY takeover.

Explore the role of WBAI’s Education at the Crossroads in spreading Afrocentric education.

Compare The East with similar movements such as the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Community School.

Study the contributions of women leaders in The East.

8. Prompts for MidJourney Image Creations:

"Afrocentric classroom at Uhuru Sasa Shule, filled with students learning African history and art." (Tags: Afrocentric, classroom, education, black liberation)

"A bustling 1970s street scene in Bedford-Stuyvesant, with community murals and vendors celebrating Black culture." (Tags: Brooklyn, Black culture, street scene, 1970s)

"A vibrant community meeting at The East, with speakers addressing the crowd under a Pan-African flag." (Tags: community, activism, Pan-African, Black liberation)

9. Tags for Social Media: #TheEast #BlackLiberation #AfrocentricEducation #BrooklynHistory #JituWeusi #UhuruSasa #PanAfricanism #BlackHistory #CulturalRevolution

[poreoverthewords]

It is absolutely essential that the oppressed participate in the revolutionary process with an increasingly critical awareness of their role as Subjects of the transformation. If they are drawn into the process as ambiguous beings, partly themselves and partly the oppressors housed within them—and if they come to power still embodying that ambiguity imposed on them by the situation of oppression—it is my contention that they will merely imagine they have reached power. Their existential duality may even facilitate the rise of a sectarian climate leading to the installation of bureaucracies which undermine the revolution. If the oppressed do not become aware of this ambiguity during the course of the revolutionary process, they may participate in that process with a spirit more revanchist than revolutionary. They may aspire to revolution as a means of domination, rather than as a road to liberation. If revolutionary leaders who incarnate a genuine humanism have difficulties and problems, the difficulties and problems will be far greater for a group of leaders who try (even with the best of intentions) to carry out the revolution for the people. To attempt this is equivalent to carrying out a revolution without the people, because the people are drawn into the process by the same methods and procedures used to oppress them. Dialogue with the people is radically necessary to every authentic revolution. This is what makes it a revolution, as distinguished from a military coup. One does not expect dialogue from a coup—only deceit (in order to achieve “legitimacy”) or force (in order to repress). Sooner or later, a true revolution must initiate a courageous dialogue with the people. Its very legitimacy lies in that dialogue. It cannot fear the people, their expression, their effective participation in power. It must be accountable to them, must speak frankly to them of its achievements, its mistakes, its miscalculations, and its difficulties. The earlier dialogue begins, the more truly revolutionary will the movement be. The dialogue which is radically necessary to revolution corresponds to another radical need: that of women and men as beings who cannot be truly human apart from communication, for they are essentially communicative creatures. To impede communication is to reduce men to the status of “things”—and this is a job for oppressors, not for revolutionaries.

Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, (trans. Myra Bergman Ramos), pp. 100-101. [Emphasis in original]

[musicupdates]

Cultural Fusion and the Future of Music

In an era defined by unprecedented cultural exchange and global connectivity, the future of music is being shaped by a constant blending of genres, sounds, and artistic influences. The traditional boundaries that once separated styles and scenes have now become porous, allowing for a rich, ongoing dialogue between different musical communities. This evolution is particularly evident in the rise of K-pop, where South Korean groups have attained levels of global recognition once thought unimaginable. Consider how Korean superstars like BTS have transformed the industry—by listening closely to the bts biggest hits of all time, one can detect a seamless fusion of hip-hop rhythms, pop melodies, R&B harmonies, and electronic textures. These carefully curated sonic palettes capture not only the group’s willingness to experiment but also their ability to tap into universal emotions and aspirations.

This kind of unprecedented crossover appeal has solidified BTS’s place as the biggest boy band in the world, a title underscored by their remarkable ability to mobilize millions of fans across continents—fans who may not share a common language but find common ground in the collective experience of music. The group’s success showcases the power of music as a unifying force. It also foreshadows what we can expect as other emerging talents from various corners of the globe find their footing. We’re entering an age where a hit song from one region can inspire an artist halfway around the world to incorporate a similar rhythm, lyrical motif, or instrumentation, resulting in an ever-evolving musical mosaic.

Beyond K-pop, there are countless other niches and subcultures evolving at the speed of streaming platforms and social media chatter. Take, for example, the realm of downtempo, ambient, reggae, and hip-hop influenced tracks that often find their way into “chill” playlists. Within these curated soundscapes, listeners discover the best weed songs—tracks that set a laid-back mood, encouraging introspection, relaxation, and sometimes even healing. These songs are often reflective of a lifestyle or personal philosophy, bridging cultural gaps through a shared desire for mellow vibes and spiritual calmness. They can connect people who may have vastly different backgrounds but appreciate a certain feel, a certain tempo, or a particular state of mind that the music evokes.

Similarly, the act of closely examining song lyrics has never been more culturally significant. Lyrics frequently address universal themes—love, loss, hope, longing, resilience—that transcend borders and languages. Consider the intimacy and shared understanding that comes from closely reading sunflower song lyrics. The imagery of a sunflower itself can evoke positivity, warmth, and growth. Songwriters often use such symbols to express universal emotions that resonate whether you live in Seoul, São Paulo, or San Francisco. In this manner, the content of a song becomes a cultural ambassador, sparking dialogue among listeners who interpret and internalize the message in their own, unique ways.

At the same time, we’re witnessing an evolution in the role that music plays in daily life. Instead of relying solely on traditional radio broadcasts or major record labels, listeners are empowered to curate personal playlists that reflect their ever-shifting moods. Within these playlists, you might find a song that provides a jolt of energy akin to your morning caffeine fix—an effect captured brilliantly by the espresso song. The track’s rhythm and tonal qualities might be engineered to emulate the invigorating punch of a strong espresso shot, turning listening into a sensory experience. In doing so, it exemplifies the idea that music can serve a functional role: waking you up, helping you focus, or providing the soundtrack to a specific moment in time.

As the future of music continues to unfold, we can anticipate an ever-growing tapestry of sounds, influences, and narratives. The rapid exchange of ideas means that artists from one part of the world can be inspired by a style cultivated halfway across the globe. Listeners, in turn, develop more eclectic tastes, embracing new genres and creative expressions as they emerge. From the hybridity and globalized fandom of the world’s biggest boy bands to the introspective grooves of weed-inspired anthems and the lyrical subtleties found in songs about nature’s beauty, every element of music is becoming more interconnected and reflective of our shared human experience.

The future of music, therefore, lies not in isolation but in collaboration, not in walls but in bridges. By celebrating the fusion of cultures, genres, and voices, we enrich our musical landscapes—and in doing so, learn more about ourselves, one another, and the possibilities that lie in the melodies, rhythms, and verses yet to be written.

[mahdimonsterm]

Brazil

The 19th century saw the abolition of slavery, and the rise of the coffee bean as the new raw material to replace decreased exports of sugar. And by opening up its borders to allow foreigners in to work the coffee plantations, Brazil further expanded its melting pot of cultures that makes it one of the most interesting mixes of races today: Italians in their thousands, followed in subsequent decades by Japanese, Germans, Spanish and Chinese. There are huge Italian and Japanese communities in São Paulo.

Teach Yourself Complete Brazilian Portuguese book

[chu2002]

Three Meals a Day

Introduction

The documentary “Three Meals a Day” is a biography and record of a specific individual. The documentary centers around a person studying in New Zealand and a foreign country who insists on cooking three meals a day for herself. The film will use a variety of shots to convey emotion. The three meals serve as an overall framework to drive the plot forward. Interviews, accompanying footage, etc. will all appear in the movie. At the same time, narration will be added to make the documentary more descriptive and informative. The documentary “Three Meals a Day” is not only a record of a person's cooking of various ingredients, but it also expresses a way of thinking about her hometown and her attitude towards life. How to get a sense of belonging and warmth in a foreign country is also explored in this movie. This is also the feeling of many people who are studying abroad and living in a foreign country. Therefore, we hope that this documentary will resonate with some people in foreign countries and bring them some warmth and encouragement. The differences in lifestyle brought about by different cultural backgrounds will also be reflected, so the audience can also be a group of people who want to know more about Chinese life and culture. The audience of this documentary is 15 years old and above. Because of the authenticity of the documentary, it may portray and record the reality of life, so viewers over 15 years old are more capable of understanding and accepting the seriousness of real life.

Research and Modes

Participatory documentaries began to take shape in the 1960s (Aguayo, 2019).

It's often used as a tool for social change. They can empower communities by giving

them a voice and platform to share their stories. This approach has been

particularly effective in activist media, where the goal is to highlight social issues

and inspire action (Aguayo, 2019). As a result, participatory documentaries are

becoming increasingly important. By allowing communities to tell their own stories,

participatory documentaries can challenge dominant narratives and provide a more

nuanced understanding of complex issues (Aguayo, 2019). Nowadays, this genre

emerged as a powerful platform for people to share their stories and engage with

social issues. Nichols highlighted the participatory documentaries are a unique form

of filmmaking where the filmmaker interacts directly with the subjects, often

involving them in the creation process (Nichols, 2017). This mode of documentary,

first categorized by Bill Nichols in his book 'Introduction to Documentary',

emphasizes collaboration between the filmmaker and the subject (Nichols, 2017).

For example, Tongues Untied (1989), directed by Marlon Riggs, this film combines

poetry, personal testimony, and performance to explore the experiences of Black gay

men in America, and Riggs’ active participation in the film’s narrative (2021). Thus,

it breaks down traditional barriers to objectivity in documentary filmmaking and

creates a more interactive and immersive narrative. In participatory documentaries,

Michael Renov outlined four functions of the documentary: to record, reveal, or

preserve; to persuade or promote; to analyze or interrogate; and to express (Terry,

p.57-58). Participatory documentaries often fulfill these functions by involving

subjects in the storytelling process, enhancing authenticity and engagement (Terry,

p.57-58). This gives a more personalized and realistic portrayal of the subject matter

of the documentary, because the people who wrote that were filmed had more of a

say in how their stories were told. In educational theory, Paulo Freire emphasized

dialogue and praxis as essential for transformative learning (Enghel, 2014). This

concept has been applied to participatory documentaries, where the interaction

between filmmaker and subjects can lead to greater social awareness and change

(Enghel, 2014). With the rise of digital technology and social media, the reach and

impact of participatory documentary has been further expanded and more

accessible filming tools are available. Therefore this work uses participatory

documentary to present to the audience.

We also use some of the expository documentary mode when it comes to all the

dabbling with the process of having food made. This allows us to better educate the

audience who are not familiar with Chinese food culture. At the same time, it also

makes the images captured more three-dimensional. We also employ small portions

of poetic modes in the documentary to intersperse into the use of subject modes in a

beautiful and unique way. The poetic mode will be demonstrated through our

attention to frame arrangement, atmosphere creation and music to enhance the

three-dimensionality of the characters. The focus on the poetic mode will create a

unique aesthetic mode for our documentary. We plan to emphasize the filming and

editing techniques of the documentary footage as well as the music choices in order

to explore the subject matter in a particularly cinematic way.

[darrellcrall]

Mexico City Faces Severe Water Shortages and Drought

One looming threat associated with climate change is the drying up of previously reliable water resources relied upon by thirsty and growing urban populations. In North America, Mexico City is facing a looming water crisis that places it in a situation similar to major cities such as Sao Paulo, Cape Town, and Chennai, India. These cities face a combination of scarce rainfall, compromised aquifers, and inadequate or mismanaged water systems.

Mexico City, with a population of around 23 million, inhabits a vast high altitude basin that once formed a water-rich valley, the heart of Aztec civilization. Vulnerable to droughts, the region is part of a vast area, covering two-thirds of the country, experiencing moderate to extreme drought in recent years.

The city’s Cutzamala water network, comprising an extensive network of dams, pipes, and canals, extends to rural reservoirs that neighbor the capital district. Operating at 30 percent of ordinary capacity in May, 2024, the system stood at a historical low (it was as high as 45 percent in 2022). The system supplies 27 percent of the city’s water.

Most of the remainder of Mexico City’s water comes from the aquifer above which the modern city is built. Certain areas of the city are sinking by as much as 20 inches annually, with municipal authorities pumping out twice as much water as is naturally replenished through rainfall. Compounding this issue, the Valley of Mexico is becoming ever more paved over, which impacts infiltration. Rainwater stays on the city streets too long, unable to penetrate the ground, and eventually evaporates.

Less affluent communities within greater Mexico City have long faced the reality of unreliable tap water. The working class community of Iztapalapa, with 1.8 million inhabitants, relies on municipal water trucks, which fill up water tanks or cisterns within buildings and residences. When municipal supplies run low, people pay private trucks to bring in water, and tapping water lines illegally is not uncommon. Water rationing programs are now expanding beyond such communities, with reduced flow (or water shut off completely on certain days) impacting 287 neighborhoods across the city. This is double the number of affected neighborhoods two decades ago.

Climate change is exacerbating an already challenging situation, as Mexico City’s average temperature has increased by 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit across the span of 100 years. This rate of increase exceeds the global average by a factor of two. In addition, “exceptionally hot days” have doubled in some neighborhoods of the city. The rapid increase in temperature, above what climate models alone would predict, reflects a heat island effect. Trees and wetlands are paved over with heat absorbing asphalt and concrete. At the same time, with heat intensifying thirst, water consumption rises beyond the tipping point.

Experts say that Mexico City does have means of addressing its water crisis, but they would require a long-term change in policies. Permeable pavement allows water to sink into the ground, while painting roofs white creates a reflective surface that reduces the absorption of light associated with high urban temperatures. When faced with a similar situation, Cape Town replaced water-needy invasive plants along the edges of reservoirs with species that were drought resistant. This significantly reduced reservoir losses. Other planners point to the example of Israel, which pumps desalinated water from the coast to inland residents, though this would be extremely expensive to set up.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil: Public (In)Security Experiences in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

On November 18, 2024, the Inter-American Dialogue's Rule of Law Program, the Fernando Henrique Cardoso Foundation, and the School of Multidimensional Security of the Institute of International Relations at the University of São Paulo, released a joint policy brief analyzing public policies to address insecurity in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This is the fourth policy brief in a series on security policies and the rule of law in the region, launched by the Dialogue's Rule of Law Program.

In Brazil, rising insecurity driven by violence and organized crime requires innovative responses that balance public safety with democratic values. The state of São Paulo has focused on community policing and crime prevention, fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. In contrast, Rio de Janeiro has relied on militarized interventions in favelas and high-crime areas, with mixed results and notable human rights concerns. This policy brief evaluates these policies, highlighting successes and setbacks, and offers recommendations that emphasize rule of law, accountability, and transparency for effective and sustainable security strategies in Brazil.

The report, based on comprehensive research, interviews and diverse stakeholder input gathered from private workshops and independent research, advocates for a shift towards democratic security policies that prioritize rule of law and community engagement over militarized approaches.

Continue reading.

[wolfliving]

Social media and trades construction

From e-flux.

This week we are launching madskills: Self-Documenting Construction on Social Media, an exhibition and research project addressing the rising trend of self-documentation in construction work, which has led to a greater visibility of the industry, its workers, and their material culture. 

As younger generations equipped with smartphones and internet savvy enter the construction industry, social media is becoming increasingly popular among contractors, operators, and tradespeople. They film themselves at work, their environment, the machinery they use, the skills they showcase, and the local construction techniques they employ, and share their observations on digital platforms like Instagram and TikTok. By doing this, they take control of how their work is perceived by others, giving their followers a behind-the-scenes look at construction sites and processes that are typically inaccessible to the public. These short clips are filled with pride, humour, showmanship, and concerns, and viewers often express their approval and respect with comments like “mad skills.” This content has gone viral in recent years and almost everyone scrolling on social media will have encountered it.

Can these instructive, performative, and often strangely satisfying videos shift the public perception of labour and workers in the building sector? Is it possible to control the image projected of one’s workplace by self-documenting its spaces and activities, despite the power of social media to dictate how that image is distributed? And can the constant scrutiny of the online community expressed in comments be leveraged to improve building standards and conditions for construction workers worldwide?

To contextualize these viral videos and the changes underlying their production and circulation, madskills, curated by Hester Keijser, CCA Curator of Photography and New Media, juxtaposes a cross-section of short clips with materials documenting the development of the modern construction industry from the CCA collection of photographs, including views by David Graham Powrie of Das Canoas House in Rio de Janeiro (1953–1954) and of the Palace of Agriculture in São Paulo (1953–1954) under construction; or Pierre Jeanneret’s views of construction workers in Chandigarh (1952–1966). Representations by architects, engineers, photographers, and artists often portray workers simply as labourers and not as individuals—if they are depicted at all. Alongside this documentary material, short interviews with construction workers relate their experiences and motives for sharing their offline work.

“The most important difference between an architect and a photographer making these videos is that construction workers can choose to document what they want to share about their work and how they portray themselves. I think there’s a natural match between social media and the construction industry, in the sense that there’s a performative aspect to construction, while Instagram and TikTok are very much about self-documenting and performing for a camera first and then an audience. In a way, the construction site is a stage, so it has this aspect of a performance space in which a worker or a machine can highlight a certain skill or outcome.” – Hester Keijser in Work Smart, Not Hard, a conversation with Luuk Smits, Charlie-Anne Côté, Emma Rath, and Victoria Addona, that we have published this week.

madskills is part of a longer, ongoing investigation at the CCA into the use of photography and new media to study the built environment. This new chapter on digitally produced content is framed as an open-ended research project engaging with questions on the agency of content creators, the concept of authorship on social networks, and the ethics of presenting and referencing such material.

[swldx]

BBC 0407 3 Jun 2023

12095Khz 0359 3 JUN 2023 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55445. English, dead carrier s/on @0358z then ID@0359z pips and newsday preview. @0401z World News anchored by Neil Nunes. Frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum is set to become Mexico's first woman president in an historic win, exit polls suggest. Pollsters predicted that the 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City had won 56% of the vote in Sunday's election, convincingly beating her main rival, businesswoman Xóchitl Gálvez. The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago, known for luxury resorts, as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza. The president's office said Sunday that the Cabinet decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process. Despite earlier pleas from the Nigerian federal government for consideration, the organised labour has today withdrawn their services in a nationwide strike to push for a new national minimum wage for workers. The industrial action comes after a series of unsuccessful negotiations involving both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and federal government representatives at the tripartite committee meetings on the new minimum wage. Israeli airstrikes targeted areas around Aleppo, Syria, resulting in casualties and material damage. Syrian state media revealed the attacks but didn't provide specific figures. The strikes symbolize ongoing hostilities between Israel and Syria, exacerbated by Israel's simultaneous engagements with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Earthquakes early Monday again struck Japan’s north-central region of Ishikawa, still recovering from the destruction left by a powerful quake on Jan. 1, but the latest shaking caused no major damage. A magnitude 5.9 temblor on the northern top of the Noto Peninsula was followed minutes later by a 4.8 and then several smaller quakes within the next two hours, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. There was no tsunami. A Queens couple pulled a safe with $100,000 in cash inside from the bottom of a lake in Corona Park in New York while “magnet fishing,” according to a report. The police said the money was not involved in a crime and the couple was allowed to keep it. The iconic yellow and green of Brazil’s flag mixed with a sea of rainbow-colored tutus, hand fans and drag queen hairdos at Sunday’s LGBTQ+ pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The annual event along Sao Paulo’s main thoroughfare is among the biggest gay pride celebrations in the world, attracting thousands of people to celebrate the sexual diversity in a country synonymous with street partying but where violence and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community has surged in recent years. This year organizers made a special appeal for participants to wear green and yellow in a pointed rebuke to far-right followers of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who in recent time appropriated Brazil’s national symbols for themselves. @0406z "Newsday" begins. Backyard fence antenna, JRC NRD-535D. 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2259.