#perform (oratory)

[tmarshconnors]

Power of Repetition in Public Speaking

After watching "Oscar-winning actor & writer Tom Hanks gives the Oxford Union an acting lesson" on YouTube I felt inspired to write this blog. The link below if interested.

Public speaking is an art that transcends mere words; it involves a deep understanding of human psychology, effective communication techniques, and the strategic use of rhetorical devices. Among these, repetition stands out as a powerful tool that can elevate a speech from ordinary to extraordinary. In this blog, we delve into the Repetition class in speaking, exploring how this technique can captivate audiences, enhance message retention, and leave a lasting impact.

The Basics of Repetition:

Repetition involves the intentional reuse of words, phrases, or ideas within a speech. When employed thoughtfully, it can create emphasis, reinforce key points, and establish a rhythm that resonates with the audience. There are various forms of repetition, each serving a unique purpose:

Anaphora: This involves repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech masterfully uses anaphora with the repetition of "I have a dream."

Epistrophe: In contrast to anaphora, epistrophe repeats a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Winston Churchill's famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech is a classic example of epistrophe in action.

Anadiplosis: This technique involves repeating the last word of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next. This creates a seamless connection between ideas and builds momentum. Yoda's sage advice, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering," is an example of anadiplosis.

The Impact of Repetition:

Emphasis: Repetition serves as a spotlight, directing the audience's attention to specific words or ideas. By repeating a key point, a speaker can emphasize its importance, making it more likely to be remembered.

Rhythm and Flow: A well-crafted repetition adds a musical quality to a speech, creating a rhythmic flow that engages the audience. This cadence can make the message more memorable and enjoyable.

Connection: Repetition helps to establish connections between different parts of a speech. It ties ideas together, creating a cohesive narrative that is easier for the audience to follow.

Persuasion: Through repetition, a speaker can subtly persuade the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. The consistent reinforcement of a message can influence attitudes and beliefs.

Practical Tips for Using Repetition Effectively:

Choose Key Points: Identify the core messages you want to convey, and strategically repeat key words or phrases associated with these points.

Consider Your Audience: Tailor your repetition to resonate with your audience. Understanding their preferences, values, and expectations will help you use repetition more effectively.

Vary Your Approach: While repetition is a powerful tool, overusing it can diminish its impact. Vary your repetition techniques to keep the audience engaged and interested.

Practice Pacing: The timing and pacing of repetition are crucial. Practice delivering your speech with the right rhythm to maximize its impact.

In the world of public speaking, the Repetition class is a formidable ally. When wielded with skill and precision, repetition can transform a speech into a compelling, memorable experience for both the speaker and the audience. By understanding the various forms of repetition and practising its implementation, speakers can elevate their communication skills and leave a lasting impression on those who listen.

[huwage]

On Speeches, Part II

It might be almost a year since my own wedding but that doesn’t mean I’m done with writing speeches. I write this in a state of good-natured fatigue, having spent last night carousing merrily at a friend’s wedding: much dancing, much drinking, much delight all round. I am now somewhat delicate, but when one is offered cocktails named after one’s friends’ golden retriever, one simply does not…

[mcaelius]

i gont knowwwwww

roman eloquence: rhetoric in society and literature / old boys: teacher-student bonding in roman oratory / the theatre of justice: aspects of performance in greco-roman rhetoric / masculinity, appearance and sexuality: dandies in roman antiquity / saturnalia / cicero, the megalenses, and the defence of caelius / talking gender: public images, personal journeys and political critiques / catullus, cicero, and a society of patrons

[herald-divine-hell]

It is a bit amusing that the orientalism and Islamophobic depiction of the Qun and the Qunari is only know being brought up in the context of DATV, despite the very foundations of the Qun, and many other Qunari characters in the game are bult on orientalism, Islamphobia, and oversexualization.

It should not be ignored that particularly only the Qun display an extensive totalitarian police-state, where dissension is snubbed out, and dissenters quickly "re-educated" back into what the Qun considers obligatory. This was elements introduced way before Veilguard, and spoken with little condemnation over the Qun's relationship as the historical inspiration of Islam with Europe, but, in a sense and in my own view, instead an offering for the, primarily, white Westerner, to proudly denounce the "Other" of Thedas, and display how effectively superior Thedasian culture is over the Qun.

So, yes. Does Veilguard no doubt have problems with orientalism and Islamphobia? Yes. But I'll argue the older games were far, far more worse in their depiction and utilization of racist tropes, caricatures, and historical interactions with the MENA region, the Islamic faith, its history, and the greater Asian world as a whole. Since the very beginning, the Qun was meant to be the great "Other".

Honestly, if BioWare did the most barebones reading of the Quran as they did with the Bible, it may have been better than whatever the hell the Qunari are meant to be (at the same time, the theological depicition of Andrastanism makes ill-sense to me, though I do think certain lines such as a "learned child is a blessing onto his parents and onto the Maker."). Afterall, the Quran is clear that coercion or compulsion of faith is forbidden; that the Believers [the historically accurate term to Muhammad's direct followers, the mu'minun] are forbidden from being hostile to polytheistic groups that did not attack, discriminate, or oppress them for their faith.

"There is no coercion in religion. Sound judgment has become clear from error. So whosoever disavows false deities and believes in God has grasped the most unfailing handhold, which never breaks. And God is Hearing, Knowing." [The Cow, 2:256]. "Believers, when you fight in the way of God, be discriminating. Do not say to one who greets you with “Peace!” “You are not a believer!” You aspire to the goods of this world, but with God are many riches. You were like them in the past, but God conferred his favor on you. So scrutinize carefully. God is aware of what you do. [The Pilgrimage, 22:17] He endorsed those who fought because they had been wronged, and in truth God is able to aid them—those who were expelled from their homes unjustly, solely for saying our lord is God. Had God not checked one people with another, then monasteries, churches, oratories and places of worship wherein God is much mentioned would have been razed to the ground. God aids those who aid him. God is powerful, mighty. [The Pilgrimage 22:39-40] Perhaps God will create love between you and those among whom were your enemies. God does not forbid you, with regard to those who have not fought you over religion nor expelled you from your homes, from being righteous and just toward them, for God loves those who are just. [The Woman Tested, 60:7-8] Fight in the path of God those who enter into combat against you, but do not commit aggression. God does not love aggressors. [The Cow, 2:190]

Whose discourse is more beautiful than one who summons others to God, and performs good deeds, and proclaims, “I am a monotheist”? Good and evil are not equal. Repel the latter with the highest good, and behold, your enemy will become a devoted patron. [Distinguished, 41:33-34]

The ultimate problem is as I said before--the Qun are simply meant to be the great Other, the barbarian enemy of the majority of people in Thedas, without the real ability to actively engaged with its philosophical intentions and ideas in an understanding manner. No matter what, the Qunari's viewpoint of the world is black-and-white. Sure, you can argue the Quran's own viewing of the world has a shade of that, too - typically within its soteriology, where the Quran is inclusive of monotheists, limited in doctrinal beliefs, and exclusive to polytheism - but even then, the Quran understands complexity. It ordains to its listeners that the ultimate judge is not humanity, but God. It reminds Muhammad that he is only just a messenger, that he only brings forth the message, and it is to God who will judge, not him. He cannot force anyone to believe, and he should not burden himself with that reality. (Though, even there is complexity as he had a role of political leadership as well, but on matters on belief and disbelief, the Quran reminds Muhammad constantly that such judgement is God’s alone.) The Qun is not given that complexity, does not have it within its doctrinal foundation for pluralism that is adored in the Quran as one of the signs of God. This brutal viewpoint reeks of post-Umayyad and Abbasid scholarly interpretation regarding Islam, as well as European Christian views of Islam as the oppressive faith of slavers and conquerors. This is the foundation of the Qun, established well before Veilguard or even Inquisition. Yet when this is discussed, so much of the fandom hand-waved it away, made excuses, try to say that I’m overthinking it, or worse even indulged it (the oversexualization of the Qunari by the fandom at large).

[george-the-good]

The Duke of York - Speech - Annual Dinner of the Hardwicke Society (6 November 1928)

The Hardwicke Society was a subsidiary organisation of the Inns of Court. It held regular debates devoted to the discussion of legal, political and social subjects. The 1928 dinner was held at London’s Hyde Park Hotel. The Duke of York (later George VI) was Guest of Honour.

DUKE’S SPEECH:

Not long ago I read somewhere that members of the royal family were ‘obvious’ persons. I was not quite sure what this expression meant so I thought I would look up the word ‘obvious’ in the dictionary and one of the definitions given was ‘goes without saying.’ I have attended many dinners at which I have wished to be ‘obvious’ and ‘go without saying,’ but that is not the case tonight.

It falls to my lot to hold many positions: I am president of hospitals and societies of every kind. I hold commissions in all three fighting services, I am a Maori chief, a boy scout, a draper, and last but not least a bencher of the Inner Temple. I have never been invited to become a judge so I cannot speak from personal knowledge of a legal education. Still, it seems to me to involve two main principles - the training of the mind and the training of the tongue.

There is no profession in which keenness of wit and intellect is more necessary than it is at the Bar. Accuracy and alertness of mind are essential, but are themselves of little use unless the possessor of these qualities can also express himself clearly and tersely - I do not mean with such terseness as the American gentleman who asked a lady to dance in these expressive words - ‘Say, kid, lend me your form for a twist.’ That is certainly concise, But I hardly think he can have been a member of your society.

There is nothing more delightful to hear than a reasoned, witty and well expressed speech. Is it not a fact that there is hardly any power in the world today which can wield the masses with such effect as oratory? And yet, how few really good speakers there are. Such a man can be of real service to his country, and, therefore, in giving students and young barristers opportunities for speaking and training, you are performing a work which is of great national importance. And when one reads some of the names of those who have been members of the society and what they have done, it is clear you are performing it with marked success.

---

[NOTE: This transcript is derived from newspaper accounts of the dinner - I gather this is the bulk of the speech but there may be a few bits missing.]

[parafrazerofhistory]

Brigit the Fire-Goddess

"In our own country [i.e., the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland] perpetual fires were maintained in the temple of a goddess whom the Romans identified with Minerva, but whose native Celtic name seems to have been Brigit. Like Minerva, Brigit was a goddess of poetry and wisdom, and she had two sisters also called Brigit, who presided over leechcraft and smithcraft respectively. This appears to be only another way of saying that Brigit was the patroness of bards, physicians, and smiths.

Brigit, goddess of Menez-hom, Celto-Roman art (1st century CE)

(Source: Museum of Brittany, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Now, at Kildare in Ireland the nuns of St. Brigit tended a perpetual holy fire down to the suppression of the monasteries under Henry VIII.; and we can hardly doubt that in doing so they merely kept up, under a Christian name, an ancient pagan worship of Brigit in her character of a fire-goddess or patroness of smiths. The nuns were nineteen in number. Each of them had the care of the fire for a single night in turn; and on the twentieth evening the last nun, having heaped wood on the fire, used to say, 'Brigit, take charge of your own fire; for this night belongs to you.' She then went away, and next morning they always found the fire still burning and the usual quantity of fuel consumed. Like the Vestal fire at Rome in the old days, the fire of St. Brigit burned within a circular enclosure made of stakes and brushwood, and no male might set foot inside the fence. The nuns were allowed to fan the fire or blow it up with bellows, but they might not blow on it with their breath....

Study for St. Bride (c. 1917), by John Duncan.

(Source: John Duncan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

The custom of maintaining a perpetual fire was not peculiar to Kildare, but seems to have been common in Ireland, for the native records shew that such fires were kept up in several monasteries, in each of which a small church or oratory was set apart for the purpose. This was done, for example, at the monasteries of Seirkieran, Kilmainham, and Inishmurray. We may conjecture that these holy fires were merely survivals of the perpetual fires which in pagan times had burned in honour of Brigit. The view that Brigit was a fire-goddess is confirmed by the observation that in the Christian calendar her festival falls the day before Candlemas, and the customs observed at that season by Celtic peasantry seem to prove that she was a goddess of the crops as well as of fire. If that was so, it is another reason for comparing her to Vesta, whose priestesses performed ceremonies to fertilise both the earth and the cattle. Further, there are some grounds for connecting Brigit, like Vesta, with the oak; for at Kildare her Christian namesake, St. Brigit, otherwise known as St. Bride or St. Bridget, built her church under an oak-tree, which existed till the tenth century, and gave its name to the spot, for Kildare is Cilldara, 'the church of the oak-tree.' The 'church of the oak' may well have displaced a temple or sanctuary of the oak, where in Druidical days the holy fire was fed, like the Vestal fire at Rome, with the wood of the sacred tree."

—J. G. Frazer, The Magic Art & the Evolution of Kings, part 2 (The Golden Bough, vol. II, 1911, pp. 240-242).

The Coming of Bride (1917), by John Duncan.

(Source: John Duncan (1866-1945), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

[the-whatcherof-89]

Sir CyberKnife Herald of order.

CR 22 LG Medium Humanoid (Orc, Humanoid)

XP 614,400 (if used as npc for encounter)Advanced Half orc Bard(Negotiator)12 Paladin(Scion of peace)8

Lawful Good Medium humanoid (half orc)

Init +7; Senses Perception +39

AC 36, touch 25, flat-footed 29, (+7Natural, +5Deflect, +6Armor, +5Shield, +7Dexterity, +1Intuition) Hp 225 (12d8+8D10+148)

Fort +33, Ref +33, Will +36

Speed 30 ft. Melee Diplomat3+28/23/18/13 1D6+4, Spells. Ranged Bow of Artaphernes+32/27/22/17 1D8+8, Spells.

Racial Speed 30ft, Darkvision 60ft, Human-raised, sacred tattoo, Orc blood.

Traits Noble Savage.

Class features Hard bargain, Bardic performance(Counter-argument, Fast talk, binding contract, Distraction, Fascinate, Inspire competence, Suggestion, Dirge of doom, Soothing performance), Master of rhetoric 2/day, Well-versed, Jack of all trades, Rogue talents(Finesse rogue, Charmer, Ranged disarm, Slippery mind), Scion’s faith, Egalitarian, Aura of good, Detect evil, Smite evil3/day, Bonded eagle, Lay on hands, Aura of courage, Divine health, Channel positive energy, Mercy(Deceived, Riled), Consensus.

Spellcasting CL12(Bard) Daily 8/8/7/6 CL5th(Paladin) Daily 4/4 DC22.

Known(Bard): 0-Read magic, Mage hand, Prestidigitation, Detect magic, Repair, Message. I-Charm person, Hideous laughter, Grease, Cure light wounds, Animate ropes, Alarm. II-Cure moderate wounds, Calm emotions, Mirror image, Enthrall, Hold person. III-Haste, Good hope, Dispel magic, Charm monster. IV-Hold monster, Summon monster IV-Freedom of movement, Illusory terrain.

Prepared(Paladin): I-Bless, Lesser restoration, Build trust, Detect undead. II-Resist energy, Bull’s strength, Shield other, Zone of truth.

Str 12, Dex 24, Con 24, Int 24, Wis 22, Cha 34

Base Atk +17/12/7/2; CMB +13; CMD +20

Feats Scribe scroll, Combat expertise, Precise shot, Improved disarm, Deadly aim, Adept champion, Outflank, Leadership, Point-blank shot, Spell focus(Enchantment), Greater spell focus(Enchantment).

Skills Acrobatics+30, Appraise+11, Bluff+22, Climb+9, Craft(Calligraphy)+30, Diplomacy+46, Disguise+16, Escape artist+30, Fly+11, Handle animal+16, Heal+12, Intimidate+22, Knowledge (Arcana+29, Dungeon+15, Engineering+15, Geography+15, History+15, Local+21, Nature+15, Nobility+15, The planes+15, Religion+15), Linguistics+4, Perception+29, Perform(Oratory)+35, Profession(Ambassador)+15, Ride+11, Sense motive+45, Sleight of hand+15, Spellcraft+28, Stealth+15, Survival+10, Swim+5, Use magic device+33.

Leadership score (40)Cohort lv17th Followers I-135 II-13 III-7 IV-4 V-2  VI-2 (Special modifications due to the Kingstone)

Languages Common, Orcish, Giant, Abyssal, Draconic, Ignan, Aquan, Necril, Alko, Sylvan, Tongues(via the Kingstone).

Combat gear Diplomat3(Disarming blade+Diplomat’s traveling stick+ Defending rapier+4), Bow of Artaphernes(Adaptive Cunning Allying dispelling Longbow+5), 50+3 Arrows, Clod iron longsword, Uniform of Apollonius(Heavy fortification Iadran dress uniform+3), Ring of protection+5, Ring of tactical precision(Outflank), Amulet of natural armor+5, Quick-block buckler, Staff of bolstering, Headband of mental superiority+6(Escape artist), Belt of physical might+6(Dex, Con), Cloak of Diogenes(Cloak of the diplomat+Cloak of resistance+3), Inquisitor’s monocle, Bracers of steadiness, Bag of holding(Type I), Tome of leadership and influence+3(Used), Ioun stones(Lavender and green ellipsoid, Dusty rose prism), Potions of gaseous form(4), Scrolls: Haste(1), Heroism(1), (Summon monster IV(3), Bard’s kit, 373GP, The Kingstone(Artifact).

The Kingstone(Artifact) Aura(Strong enchantment) CL18th Description: 

This artifact looks like a finely-carved marble sphere with runes of gold inscribed in various languages reciting poems of kings and rulers which changes every day. The stone can be carried by anyone but only those who are worthy can use its powers. Those deemed unworthy will have the stone turned into a cursed artifact known as a Loadstone. However, should one work to find a suitable user, the stone will guide the holder toward the “Ideal King” via prophetic dreams and other means granting the power to use Divine Favor upon itself once per day. Once the stone finds the “Ideal King” it will bestow its powers upon him which includes the following: 1)The user is constantly under the effect of of the following spells: Divine Favor, Tongues and Heroism. 2)All effect of auras, inspiration and Charisma-based skills, abilities and spells double the area which they cover normally, their other effects remain unchanged. 3)Finally, if the user manages to become a ruling figure of a kingdom or to be accepted as a king, the stone allows to the user to project an illusory image of the kingdoms and it will automatically know if there are enemies in the land(such as an invading army). This effect functions as the spell Sand Table. 4)All the authority bonuses increases by +3, furthermore, the user can summon an extra Monstrous Cohort of the appropriate level that serves him once per day for 1 hour which can be divided in 1 minute increments at his request(In this case it’s a Young Silver Dragon). If the cohort is killed, it disappears and can be summoned again after 24h. The more the user becomes famous, the more it becomes closer to turn into the “Ideal King” the ruler of all nations and kingdoms whom will unite all the world under a single banner. It is unknown if this is true or just a myth, but if the holder of the stone wishes to pass the torch of rulership it must find a replacement before giving it away. Common people will come flocking under the holder of the Kingstone seeing him as the true king (Regardless, such situation must be discussed by the DM). Destruction: To destroy the Kingstone it must be buried in the ground of the material plane in a land where no kingdom/nation has been established for at least 100 years and it must stay there for 1000 years untouched. When said time has passed, the stone turns into dust. However, the gods will not stay idle and a new Kingstone is sure to reappear somewhere, somehow to find a new candidate “Ideal King”.

Challenge rating modifiers +1 advanced template, Improved stats, PC equipment.

Background: Very little is known about the one known as Cyberknife(if that is his real name). From what  little snippets of knowledge some attained, he was born in the Nether as all Piglins(Orcs) does. However, as it happens very rarely, the pig inhabitants of the red wastes will give birth to a hybrid: a Hal-feh(half-orc). Even more rarely, these hybrids becomes just better than the more run-of-the-mill gold-obsessed creatures. Of course, the leaders of the various clans will see these as “impure” and/or a danger for their leadership and will most likely try to systematically eliminate the threat before it becomes a real one. Cyberknife was one such case, but as he was about to be sacrificed in a ritual for their god, he succeeded at escaping by causing a Hoglin stampede across the bastion and escaping from an obsidian portal. Although, he did heard that if one of their kin does escape the dimension is turned into a zombie, he knew he was born DIFFERENT. As he left, he felt something change but he was fine; He found a vibrant world completely different from the lava-scarred caves he used to live. He walked the land, and although he had a rocky start(not being accepted by the inhabitants of this land) eventually things took a turn when he was accepted in a traveling circus where he discovered his talent for the bardic arts. He then enrolled into a bardic academy where he was the only one of his kind, not a good thing but he did not care for he had bigger plans in mind: He wanted to change the view the world had on the Nether and reestablish a peaceful relationships with the two dimensions. This was not an easy task but he was DETERMINED. After more years, he left the academy to look for fortune as an adventurer; and one day after a long expedition in an ancient tomb he found that stone: the Kingstone. After that day, it took him little to enroll as an advisor in a battlefield and even less to rise in the ranks and become a commander. With the glory of victory he entered the kingdom a champion, then, with the money that he attained, he founded a political campaign to promote the betterment of the kingdom. The opposition attempted to destroy him, but he was always able to thwart their efforts and won in a landslide. Cyberknife became the ruler of a nation at the young age of 22 and had no intention of stopping. After 10 years of turmoil he succeeded to quell the conflict between 3 more kingdoms and unite them under his banner. Now, from his massive palace he plans for the future… but what future?

First image - made with Heroforge.

Second image - Art by the fantastic Goatfella: https://www.tumblr.com/goatfellaa/693602368642809856/cyberknife-design?source=share

[ingravinoveritas]

Why do I feel like this post just got personal and going in for the attack like she did for the radio one on twitter I'm not shocked or surprised by this cos the behaviour is getting more stranger and nasty and a fan on twitter shared this on her page saying we got ur bk u got a whole army behind u. I'm sorry what army and I'm sure if they spilt the fans wouldn't be behind her them they literally making it worst

What do u think ?

So, I saw/got a whole bunch of DMs over this Insta story this morning, but didn't have a chance to talk about it until now.

My first thought was that this was almost certainly in response to the negative reviews and backlash coming out for The Way in the wake of episode 3. The two biggest culprits in terms of media outlets seem to be the Daily Mail (Fail) and the Telegraph, and while I won't link to them here because I don't want to give either site any traffic, both reviews can easily be found via a Google search. Adding to those were a stream of vicious comments, both in the comments sections on the respective websites and on social media, largely from what seem to be right-wing/leaning accounts and public figures.

Knowing that, it made me think that Michael had to have been aware of what the potential reaction to the show could be. We know he was, actually, because he's talked about it in several interviews over the past few weeks, such as this one. And I think with Michael being who he is, he would be entirely amused at knowing he has pissed off exactly the right people. So while I could certainly see him in private having a reaction like the one in AL's story--more than understandably so, given how nasty some of the reviews and comments were--that doesn't necessarily mean it's a good reaction to have publicly. And I think Michael knows that, too.

What also adds to the disconnect for me is that a few hours later, an article that Michael had written as a rebuttal came out in the New Statesman:

What Michael wrote is a brilliant repudiation of remarks made by a Tory MP--a piece that is intelligent, snarky, direct yet unfailingly eloquent. It wasn't just Michael defending his show, but using it (and Nye) to make a point, to make clear what he believes in, and to stand for the truth. And in much the same way that Michael's acting and oratory skills elevate any piece of work he performs, his writing conveyed that same depth, and it came across as effortless as everything else he does.

Which again left me with that feeling of disconnect when looking at Michael's article side-by-side with Anna's Insta story. It's not even that I disagree with her in this instance, as I do think the reviews were unduly harsh and devolved entirely too quickly into personal attacks in the comments. It's that when it comes to acting/directing, criticisms are part of the job, and whether she intended it or not, an Insta story like AL's conveys a sense of unprofessionalism. And when you put it next to Michael's writing, it looks more like a teenager throwing a fit instead of an adult giving a fierce clapback, which again probably was her intention.

Also keep in mind that everything I just wrote is predicated on the idea that someone seeing this story knows what AL is talking about. But I have to wonder how readily apparent it was, because it's so vague that it would probably be difficult for most people to suss out what she is referencing. So it's confusing to me that she is seemingly charging to Michael's defense...but without actually saying his name or the name of the show. Again, it feels like there is a disconnect/sharp contrast between Anna vague-blogging and how specific and incisive Michael was in that article, and it seems like they're not even close to being on the same page.

Those are my thoughts on Anna's Insta story from this morning. It's definitely a fair bit of whiplash, especially given the drastically different tone of her last few recent posts. But I'm interested as always to hear from my followers with your take, regardless of whether you agree or disagree. Thank you for writing in! x

[divinekangaroo]

Was Tommy upset Lizzie left him? He tells Diana he is not.

Actually kind of fascinated by the thought of viewing PB believing that everything the characters say is true. They’re a bunch of situational liars as well as coming from positions of not everyone in-series having all the information.

So, Tommy telling Diana he’s not upset his wife left him. Here’s a few readings:

1) Tommy is outright lying.  As if he’d EVER tell the fascist upper class woman who cornered him into unwanted performative sex (remember immediately after he fell into a traumatic flashback?) whose partner also made him perform a Nazi salute (and please be aware that the Romani people across Europe experienced a holocaust too - this can be found easily on Wiki and various holocaust websites - this act cut him so deeply, remember the submachine gun scene following?) -- AND THEN broke up his marriage in a mirroring of the Nazi salute scene within (at most) one day after him having sex with Diana, as if he'd ever tell this woman who he KNOWS is mentally and morally and deliberately FUCKING with him: ‘yeah actually I’m super upset and sad.  Hope you won’t find a way to pour salt on that wound too.’

2) Tommy is telling a version of truth.  He’s not upset because he’s relieved that Lizzie will no longer have the burden of his death and the rest of this clusterfuck of what’s going on.  It’s over and done now, the pain’s as bad as it can get, and at least Lizzie doesn’t have to suffer the remaining painful things he’s going to have to do, like force himself to fuck Diana again, or kill himself, or be murdered, or declare himself publicly a fascist, or be publically discredited, or any one of a hundred compromising things that he believes he needs to do to stop Mosley, but that would hurt Lizzie more.

3) Tommy is telling both a truth (per the above) and a lie.  Tommy is upset Lizzie left him, notwithstanding any relief as well; Tommy never gave any indication he wanted her to leave him.  I’ve written about this before (https://www.tumblr.com/divinekangaroo/730179748259627008/tommy-says-sorry-to-lizzie-a-phenomenal-amount-of?source=share) In addition to everything at that post, the lameness of his attempt to talk to Lizzie after Diana’s dropped her bomb is telling in itself: this man had a whole crowd eating out of his hand during his speech at the start of S6.  This man speaks beautifully in parliament.  He is a master of oratory.  And yet, he can’t speak convincingly to his wife?  He couldn’t come up with some compelling position statement for her?  That’s because we see this repeated motif that he can speak when it’s not personal – it's policy, there’s distance, the Sergeant Major speaking to his men – but when it’s personal (Lizzie here, Michael in S5, Ruby’s death etc), he gets *so* upset he can’t speak, or when he does it's this faltering, broken sort of thing.

But – and I have seen this bouncing around tumblr - a reading that he wasn’t upset Lizzie left him because he thought Lizzie was a huge drag and now he could be free to fuck Diana because he enjoyed fucking Diana because it got one up over Mosley – I just.  *blinks, bewildered*

[thegunssawyerstole]

horrible crack KOTLC AU where Foxfire is an IHSA suburb speech/forensics team called Foxfire Prepatory Academy, Exillium is the school theyre always competiting with for state champion. The parents are instead the college kids brought back to coach/judge and the actual coaches are Tiergan and Pretience (who was on mental health leave for over a decade)

event list below cut if ur as far gone as i am

event list (for the parents, its just the events they coach/did in high school)

Sophie is Oratorical Declamation (basically 8 minute interpretation of a TedTalk/inspirational speech) and Poetry (self explanatory)

Fitz is Extemp (30 minutes to prepare a 7 minute speech on a topic you draw @ the tournament, political in nature) and Original Oratory (original 8 minute persuasive speech)

Keefe is Impromptu (2 minutes to prepare a 6 minute speech on a topic) Original Comedy (8 minute written funny sketch you perform on your own) and HDA with Dex

Marella is Special Occasion Speaking (OO and OCs insane baby) and tries impromptu

Biana is Prose (poetry but its a story) and dramatic interp (dec but its a dramatic monologue)

Tam is radio (45 minutes to prepare a 5 minute radio program) and DDA (8 minute dramatic play between two people) with Linh

Linh is Prose, DDA, and DEC

Stina is EXT and IMP

Dex does HI (DI but funny and nultiple characters) info (oo but informative) and HDA with Keefe

Now for the college students!!

Edaline was prose and DDA w/ Grady. She coaches the duets, DI, and book events

Grady was DDA and impromptu but switches between ext and radio depending on if Alden is available that week (he prefers radio, just gets super passionate about politics so does ok in extemp. Won state radio his junior year). Coaches limited prep and the dramatics

Alden does EXT and OO (won OO). coaches dec, oo, info, radio, imp, ext

Kesler does OC and HI, coaches the comedic events (including SOS)

[pathfinderunlocked]

Narcis Devil - CR15 Devil

You're so disgusting. You should try to be more like me. You'll fail, obviously, but still, at least put in some effort.

Artwork by D_elite on Twitter.

Narcis Devil - CR 15

Standing six and a half feet tall and wearing only a cape and jewelry is an attractive horned man with gray skin and glowing red eyes. He looks at you smugly.

XP 51,200 LE Medium outsider (devil, evil, extraplanar, lawful) Init +12 Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +23

DEFENSE

AC 28, touch 16, flat-footed 22 (+6 Dex, +12 natural) hp 199 (19d10+95) Fort +13, Ref +21, Will +17 DR 10/good Immune fire, poison Resist acid 10, cold 10 SR 26

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (perfect) Melee 2 claws +27 (2d8+7 plus 1d8 bleed plus scar (DC ) Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. Special Attacks gaze, touch of irony, waxen image, withering Spell-Like Abilities (CL 15th; concentration +26) Constant—detect scrying, seek thoughts (DC 24, thoughts concerning self only, see text), true seeing At will—charm monster (DC 25), enter image, mirage arcana (DC 26), mirror image, persistent image (DC 26), resist energy, scorching ray (3 rays, ranged touch +27), smug narcissism (DC 26) 3/day—dimensional anchor (DC 25), phantasmal killer (DC 25), scrying 1/day—dominate monster (DC 30), geas/quest, greater false vision, summon (level 5, 2 bone devils 75%) 1/month—simulacrum (self only, cannot have more than one)

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 26, Con 20, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha 32 Base Atk +19; CMB +26; CMD 44 Feats Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Deceitful, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Improved Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Weapon Focus (claw) Skills Acrobatics +21, Bluff +43, Diplomacy +43, Disguise +23, Fly +12, Intimidate +43, Knowledge (local, nobility, planes) +12, Perception +26, Perform (oratory) +15, Sense Motive +12; Racial Modifiers +8 Bluff, +8 Diplomacy, +8 Intimidate Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elven, Infernal; tongues, telepathy 100 ft.

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Gaze (Su) Creatures within 30 feet that gaze upon a narcis devil must succeed on a DC 30 Will save or be unwilling to physically harm him. Affected creatures may not willingly inflict hit point damage, physical ability score damage/drain, or diseases to the narcis devil, nor any other harmful effect that would leave a physical mark. They may inflict other harmful effects, and are not compelled to prevent others from attacking the narcis devil. This gaze is a mind-affecting charm effect. The save DC is Charisma-based. The narcis devil can enable or disable this gaze effect as a free action.

Seek Thoughts (Sp) A narcis devil is permanently affected by seek thoughts, as a constant spell-like ability, but can only use this to notice creatures thinking about the narcis devil.

Scar (Su) A creature damaged by a narcis devil's claw attacks must succeed on a DC 26 Fortitude save or be scarred, as the witch hex. The save DC is Strength-based.

These scars do not interfere with the target's senses or prevent it from using abilities, but may affect social interactions. The narcis devil can use its Waxen Image and Withering hexes on the scarred target at a range of up to 1 mile, and is considered to have a body part from the target for the purpose of scrying and similar divination spells. The scars persist through disguises and shapechanging.

The narcis devil can withdraw this hex from a target as a move action at any range. The number of supernatural scars the narcis devil can maintain at once is equal to its Intelligence bonus (typically 3); once the narcis devil reaches this limit, it must remove the scar from a current victim in order to mark another. Effects that remove curses can remove the scar.

Touch of Irony (Su) A narcis devil can make a touch attack (typically with +26 to hit) to immediately transform a living creature into a walrus for 10 minutes. A successful DC 30 Fortitude save negates the transformation. This effect otherwise functions as beast shape II. A creature who successfully saves is not subject to the same narcis devil's touch of irony for 24 hours. If the target transforms into a walrus, it must also succeed on a DC 30 Will save to retain its personality. On a failed save, the target is affected as if it failed its secondary Will save against a baleful polymorph spell. The effect can be negated by break enchantment (DC 26 — using the narcis devil's caster level), but cannot be dispelled. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Waxen Image (Su) A narcis devil can spend a full-round action to create a crude and unnerving wax duplicate of a creature it can see within 30 feet, or one affected by its Scar ability. Once the image is complete, the subject must make a Will save (DC 22). If the subject fails, the narcis devil gains a small measure of control over the creature. Whenever the narcis devil exercises this control, the creature receives a new Will save to end the effect. This effect occurs on the narcis devil's turn and does not impede the creature's actions on its own turn. The narcis devil can use the waxen image a number of times equal to its Intelligence modifier (typically 3) before it melts.

As a standard action, the narcis devil can cause the subject to do any one of the following things: move up to the creature's speed in any direction, attack itself once with any weapon in hand (this attack automatically hits), lay down on the ground, or drop anything held. Alternatively, the narcis devil can spend one of its uses to simply torture the image, causing the creature to be both sickened and staggered on its turn. As soon as the creature has succeeded on a saving throw against this effect, it is immune to it for 24 hours. This is an enchantment (compulsion) effect. The save DC is Intelligence-based.

Withering (Su) As a standard action, the narcis devil can cause a creature within 30 feet, or one affected by its Scar hex, to age rapidly, empowering itself in the process.

The target ages to the next age category (adult to middle-aged, and so on). The narcis devil gains 1d10+19 temporary hit points and a +2 enhancement bonus to either Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution for a number of hours equal to its Intelligence modifier (typically 3 hours). The aging effect lasts for 19 hours.

A creature cannot be aged past venerable age by this hex, and it can attempt a Fortitude save (DC 22) to negate the effect altogether. Once a creature has successfully saved against the withering hex, it cannot be affected by the same narcis devil's withering hex again. The save DC is Intelligence-based.

[allaboutjoseph]

Plenary Indulgence Conditions Nov 1-8

A Guide to Plenary Indulgences for the All Souls' "Octave", November 1-8 Visiting a Cemetery: An indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. The indulgence is plenary each day from November 1-8; on other days of the year it is a partial indulgence.

Visiting a Church on November 2: A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who, on All Souls' Day (or, according to the judgment of the ordinary, on the Sunday preceding or following it, or on the solemnity of All Saints), devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed.

Praying for the Faithful Departed: A partial indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who,

devoutly visit a cemetery and at least mentally pray for the dead;

devoutly recite lauds or vespers from the Office of the Dead or the prayer Eternal rest. (Manual of Indulgences, fourth edition, 1999)

Indulgence Requirements:

To gain a plenary indulgence, in addition to excluding all attachment to sin, even venial sin, it is necessary to perform the indulgent work and fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences, but Holy Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.

The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work; it is, however, fitting that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day the work is performed.

The condition of praying for the intention of the Holy Father is fully satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of the day, a partial indulgence can be acquired multiple times.

If a visit to a Church or an oratory is required to obtain an indulgence attached to a particular day, this may be accomplished from noon of the preceding day until midnight of the particular day.

Manual of Indulgences, fourth edition, 1999 (Enchridion Indulgentarium)

Solemnity of All Saints - November 01, 2023 - Liturgical Calendar | Catholic Culture

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT ANTHONY ZACCARIA The Patron Saint of Physicians and Eucharist Adoration Feast Day: July 5

"We manifest our love for God in our observance of His commandments and in our readiness to obey, even His smallest decree."

Anthony Mary Zaccaria, the promoter of the devotion to the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist and the renewal of the religious life among the laity, the founder of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (aka the Barnabites) and an early leader of the Counter Reformation, was born Antonio Maria Zaccaria, in Cremona, Duchy of Milan (present-day Italy) in 1502. After the early death of his father Lazzaro, his mother, Antonia Pescaroli Zaccaria, made him her almoner, took care of his spiritual growth, cultivating compassion and mercy for the poor.

After attending the Episcopal School annexed to the cathedral, he studied philosophy at the University of Pavia, he studied medicine at the University of Padua, and at the age of 22, he returned home to practice.

But he soon realized that his vocation was to heal souls rather than bodies. Accordingly, he began to study theology and teach catechism to the youth. He started studying for the priesthood in 1527, and ordained a priest two years later in 1529.

Having explored his calling for two years, mainly by working in hospitals and institutions for the poor, he became spiritual advisor to Countess Ludovica Torelli of Guastalla (then the tiny County of Guastalla) in 1530, and followed her to Milan. There, he became a member of the Oratory of Eternal Wisdom.

Anthony moved to Milan, where he helped in the foundation of a female congregation dedicated to the rescue of girls - the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul. Two years later, together with two fellow priests, he founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, also known as the Barnabites, with the purpose of renewing the Church by frequent preaching and the worthy administration of the sacraments.

Since their headquarters were in the Church of St. Barnabas, they became popularly known as Barnabites. They preached in churches as well as in the marketplaces, and also worked for the poor and the sick. He's left only a few writings: twelve letters, six sermons, and the constitution of the Barnabites.

While on mission to Guastalla in 1539, he caught a fever. Combined with the strict penances he performed, his health worsened and he died on July 5, 1539, at the age of 36. Luca di Seriate, the suffragan bishop, who had ordained him a priest, presided over his funeral.

In attendance were the aristocrats and people of Cremona and the surrounding towns. Anthony was buried in the San Paolo Convent of the Angelics of Saint Paul, the female branch of the Barnabites, in Milan.

27 years later after his death, his body was found incorrupt, and his mortal remains are now enshrined at the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan, Italy. On May 27, 1897, Pope Leo XIII canonized him a saint.

[rad-hound]

A hobby that seems so typical of Monsoon

I could name a few, actually, that I feel would best suit his... stature, as well as his personality, or... the fragment of it which is present within Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, of which is already quite transparent. But, for the sake of sustainability, and because I may end up creating a masterpost soon enough, here are a select few that come to mind when I see him.

"Rain-bathing," or willingly soaking himself during a torrential rain / flood:

Given Monsoon's moniker / namesake, as well as his somewhat naturalistic views upon life in its entirety—the ideology that nature will simply run its course, and the strong will prosper off of the weak's own negligence—I find it's only fitting that he finds himself otherwise taken, perhaps 'seduced,' by rainfall. As evident by his words, "Come to me, rain, wash it all away..." Perhaps viewing it—rain, and by default, nature in its entirety—as one of the only things in existence that could be above him, above his coworkers / consorts, upon such a... naturalistic 'food chain,' as it were. To Monsoon, such is simply his natural environment; he simply will not thrive if he presently isn't being waterboarded by a flood, and I feel he likely would actively seek excuses to stow away from any sort of venue, particularly if it takes place indoors. I believe a similar sentiment is shared in regards to the Japanese garden that is present within World Marshal; if not unfettered, unfiltered nature by itself, then a mere reflection of it shall suffice, no matter how tacky it may be.

Sparring, both enemy & consort:

I find that, outside of his almost eloquent manner of speaking, and his androgynous appearance which may suggest otherwise—when he's in the mood for it—he is a very rough-and-tumble type of man, of which was very apparent during his fight with Raiden / Jack the Ripper. Having appeared almost too eager to... 'sink his teeth in,' in a way, also evident by how fervent he was to taunt Raiden during their initial battle. Even within the contents of the base game's Jetstream DLC—while Monsoon appeared to exercise restraint around Sam, likely knowing that his boss would want to deal with him later on—even verbally, he garners this kind of teasing demeanor about him that is rather difficult to miss. As though he were itching, perhaps aching, to find a reason to fight Sam, but knew better than to 'jump the gun' at that very moment. Likely viewing Sam as an asset, rather than a piece of meat. Though, after that entire debacle—given, if the Winds of Destruction don't simply interact with each other as a means of performance, and rather, interact with one another out of genuine interest than hidden contempt—I do believe in the likelihood that Monsoon sparred with several of his consorts, probably more frequently, over no particular period of time, as they gradually became more accustomed to one another's presence. Likely viewing battle as one of his only means of expressing his emotions—contempt, anger, interest, so on and so forth—given how such a means of violence was simply something he'd grown up with; forcibly removed from any sort of prior security he once knew, only to find comfort within such violence. Or, rather, the illusion of it. However, with those he may view as an enemy, he may believe that no restraint is needed, and that it's free game. Not that Monsoon seems like the type to, again, 'jump the gun,' were one of his own allies to inadvertently displease or disgruntle him, given how casually he and Armstrong appear to converse with each other within the Japanese garden. Even feeling so bold as to openly disagree with him, perhaps feeling more comfortable with the established security that he was on the Senator's 'good side.' One core testament as to how his humanity is portrayed within the game.

Writing / performing oratory speeches, conversing:

As evident by his encounter with Raiden, joined by the very brief phone call he has with Sam in the base game's Jetstream DLC, it feels almost ignorant to believe that Monsoon would be anything but an oratory and literary genius, of sorts. Even with the very distinct flaws within his own ideology, Monsoon's confidence within his own belief appears to be unwavering, intact, even when faced with certain death; towards which he may interact with utter terror, entirely dependent upon how Raiden goes about fighting him. We've all heard it, and we all know one thing for certain; Monsoon's 'meme' speech is a cultural landmark, and its relevancy—alongside that of Armstrong's own speech—remains unwavering, and will likely retain its relevancy until time itself collapses. Even outside of its core and subliminal messages, how Monsoon himself likely intended for Raiden to have taken it, it's rather obvious that the man has a talent for speech, or, at the very least, stringing words together on paper. To the extent where I truthfully would not be shocked if Monsoon wrote his own speeches, or, rather, wrote speeches for others to perform on their own behalf. And, given Armstrong's admission of, "[not] writing [his] own speeches" during his battle with Raiden near the climax of the game, I wouldn't be surprised if Monsoon had even a tinge of involvement in crafting it. If not him, then likely some poor bastard in the PR department. (Given, if Monsoon himself isn't already part of that department, anyways.) Even outside the realm of professionalism for a moment, I simply find that Monsoon—with all of his quirks and his flaws—can't resist the temptation to simply speak, and let his mind be known. Even if those around him may not necessarily know what to say in response to his words, perhaps the reassurance that some people—some against their own will—are actually hearing him out, after what may have been decades of Monsoon feeling... 'trapped in his own head,' so to speak, bestows upon him a twisted feeling of reassurance he likely hasn't known for a very long time. Not to say that Monsoon was never outspoken about his own beliefs. That, and I believe that he might just enjoy talking down upon others, as evident with the in-game implication that he and Sam 'shit-talked' about Raiden prior to his arrival in Denver. Haters gotta hate, I suppose.

This is—for the most part—the gist of it, since the rest of my presumptions / assumptions of what I would believe to be Monsoon's hobbies may begin dipping into headcanon territory. But these are the primary few which I believe best align with the image of Monsoon we're given within the game, or the image of him we're meant to perceive, from the very little screentime he is bestowed.

But worry not! Eventually I'll make a masterpost, as mentioned above, so hopefully there will be more Monsoon to come in the near future. ^_^ So thank you, again, to @miz-orque for this ask, I'm having quite a blast answering these.

[rabbitcruiser]

The United States Virgin Islands celebrates Emancipation Day as an official holiday on July 3. It commemorates the abolition of slavery by Danish Governor Peter von Scholten on July 3, 1848.  

V.I. Emancipation Day

People in the United States Virgin Islands celebrate the V.I. Emancipation Day every year on July 3. It is considered a significant day because it commemorates the release of enslaved people from Danish rule in the West Indies. It celebrates the official abolition of slavery in the West Indies islands and is a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than 9,000 enslaved black people revolted against the Danish colonizers on July 3, 1848. As per the orders of the then Governor-General of the Danish West Indies, Peter von Scholten, all the enslaved people were set free. The revolt was spearheaded by Moses Gottlieb.

HISTORY OF V.I. EMANCIPATION DAY

The day the slaves in the Caribbean nations were freed from slavery by the colonizers is observed as a state holiday in these islands. The British Empire officially abolished slavery on August 1, 1834.

Since the mid-eighth century, the Virgin Islands, which consist of the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, were under Danish rule. The islands were ideal for sugar plantations, a highly labor-intensive crop. All of this manual labor was provided by the enslaved black people brought in ships from Africa and other areas, and were called ‘slaves.’ They exceeded the Danish settlers by a large number. One of the earliest slave uprisings occurred on St. John Island in 1733 when slaves seized control of the island for six months. However, the uprising was eventually managed and cooled down with the assistance of the French powers.

In the year 1834, Britain officially abolished slavery. The French followed suit in 1848. The slave emancipation movement in France influenced the Virgin Islands as well, thereby triggering a non-violent slave uprising on St. Croix. Despite the assurance given by the Danish Crown to liberate all the slaves permanently by 1859, the slaves were freed before time by the then Danish Governor-General.

The United States Virgin Islands has declared the anniversary of this incident a public holiday, and it is also followed by America’s Independence Day on July 4. The biggest celebration in St. Croix takes place in Frederiksted, also called the ‘Freedom City,’ where the slave insurrection of 1948 took place. The day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and the festivities include children’s games, cultural entertainment, oratory, musical shows, dance performances, food, drinks, and crafts.

V.I. EMANCIPATION DAY TIMELINE

1672

Danish West India Company

The Danish West India Company brings the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present-day U.S. Virgin Islands.

1828

Scholten Becomes The Governor-General

Scholten becomes the Governor-General of the Danish West Indies islands and works toward alleviating the burden of the enslaved people.

1848

Slavery Abolished

After being affected by the freedom movement carried on by some 9,000 slaves working in plantations, Governor Scholten orders their permanent liberation.

1878

Fire Burn Riot

Three women named, Mary, Agnes, and Matilda, stand against the oppression, colonial powers, and slavery and go on to become the face of the slave liberation movement.

V.I. EMANCIPATION DAY FAQS

When did slavery end in the Virgin Islands?

The day of the liberation of slaves traded by colonial forces is observed as a public holiday across the Caribbean. Many islands observe the day of August 1 as the day of slavery abolition as the British abolished slavery on this day in 1834.

When did the Virgin Islands get citizenship?

A 1927 act and another one in 1932, awarded most Virgin Islanders with U.S. citizenship.

What is the official language of the West Indies Caribbean islands today?

Dutch is the official language of these Caribbean islands that were under Danish rule.

HOW TO OBSERVE V.I. EMANCIPATION DAY

Participate in the celebrations: Participating in the celebrations is a great idea. Make sure you don't miss out on any Emancipation festivals in your area!

Read about the land: To learn more about the culture and traditions of the Virgin Islands, read history, explore cultural publications, and watch related videos on the internet. You can also visit the islands.

Spread the news: Use social media to spread awareness regarding the day’s importance. You can also launch a social media campaign using the hashtag, #V.I.Emancipation.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SLAVERY

Slavery continues in the 21st century: Slavery is not over yet; sadly, around 40 million individuals were enslaved in 2019, with a quarter of them being children.

Slavery in the modern era: Child labor, forced marriages, human trafficking, and sexual slavery are some of the prevalent and modified forms of enslavement common even today.

Forced labor: According to the reports, forced labor generates an annual profit of more than $150 billion in the U.S. alone.

Children are the worst hit: As per the U.N.I.C.E.F., more than 160 million children work as laborers in the U.S.

Most child laborers: Reports indicate that Sub-Saharan Africa employs the most child laborers i.e. around 26 % of the country’s children work as laborers.

WHY V.I. EMANCIPATION DAY IS IMPORTANT

Learn the history: Reading and exploring the history of these islands is important. Knowing more about the freedom movements helps us to understand the malpractice of slavery.

It marks the end of enslavement: For almost two centuries, the Danish rulers were engaged in the slave trade. The V.I. Emancipation Day commemorates the struggle involved in the abolition of this degrading practice.

It salutes equality and liberty: Irrespective of color and creed, everyone is equal and holds the freedom to live as per his/her own terms. This day reminds us that a balanced and good society has no place for slavery. This is a day to salute the virtues of equality and liberty, that are essential to life.

Source

[that-one-i-think]

I am bored and playing starbound so time to write some novakid lore! Lore dump under the read more!

- Novakids do actually have faces, it us just under their brands.

- Their brands act as a sort of temperature stabilizer, as novakids are a species made of hard light and energy, they can get HOT! Think of getting angry but the angrier you get the more of the floor you are standing on melts.

- Novakids can actually age out of needing a brand, as once they are past the teenager stage they normally have a better control of their emotions. A lot of Novakids still wear them because they look neat, cultural significance, makes them identifiable, and the majority of novakids who interact with other races wear them as a precaution. Don't want to get into a tussle and suddenly you are setting a floran ablaze.

- Novakid faces are normally rather human in look, but depending on the species they are raised around, it can take on similar features. Some novakids raised around hylotls will in incredibly rare cases be seen with a third eye or false gills. Some novakid even have stubble or "hot spots" that look like human facial hair.

- Novakids forms are also a bit loose and gender doesn't necessarily mean anything to them. They can technically change their gender at will, but most of the time no one really cares as it is a process that requires a lot of focus. Novakids take a person's identity seriously though

- Procreation in Novakids is actually very similar to any mammalian species. One side impregnated the other with the only difference being the fact that either side can technically do either job. Novakid pregnancies also last a year or a full star cycle and a stabilizer cannot be worn at this time. It is why Novakids are very protective of parents and kids as they are very vulnerable at this time.

- Novakids are made of solid energy and are kind of similar to a lava lamp. Having a touchable layer. Think of the glass frogs. Novakids while being able to get wet since it won't actually put them out, just don't like to because as a glowing thing in water, they attract predators.

- Novakids, being made of pure energy, will sometimes sacrifice a limb in dire situations to release a mass output of energy. Whether it be to supercharge a ship or as a last ditch effort to kill an enemy. Like lizards who amputate their tails. Some novakids will fully blow themselves up to take down entire ships. Though, the older they are the less the energy and natural novakid death is them fading into lights like brightly colored fireflies.

- They scar white and blue, and their blood is naturally a bright blue. Think of the blue flame of torches, it is can actually be hot as well but not burning. It has a similar taste to cinnamon whiskey and floran use it to get drunk. Some novakids will purposely carry a vial of their blood for this purpose. SHOTS

- Florans and Novakids are actually rather close species, as Novakids will allow florans to photosynthesise with their light. Novakids like florans because they don't beat around the bush, no pun intended.

-Despite popular belief, Novakids do have a rich history, it is just entirely oratory. Novakids never had a writing system but had a vast music system. If you meet a Novakid that can't sing or play an instrument, then you met an imposter. (Also, a lot of Novakids just can't read.)

-Hylotl scholars have been working with novakids to write down all of their stories and songs. Very mutually beneficial because Novakids like performing and the Hylotl like the arts.

- Novakids can get along with most other races but are not particularly fond of the Apex. They are too rigid and militaristic for their liking.

- Novakids have no real origin story though, they are dated to have appeared around the time the cultivator and the ruin fought but nothing other than that. Novakids have no origin story as they just all say they kind of appeared. Pisses historians OFF

- Novakid society is very justice orientated, with their biggest job export other than bard being bounty hunters. If you harm a child or kill someone in cold blood, then you might just have a novakid on your tail. Not uncommon for some novakids to take up revenge jobs for free if the persons cause was meaningful enough.

- Novakids are incredibly protective of children as well. Children are incredibly unstable, and before the use of brands, they had high mortality rates, so harming a child can be worse than killing a man in their society. A lot of mixed planets tell their children to find a Novakid if they are ever lost or in danger. (They also make incredible babysitters. Not the safest babysitter but definitely fun ones. The kid is gonna learn how to use a gun)

- Novakids have a deadly fear or a general unnerving feeling around any form of tentacles. Weird evolutionary thing that no one can really place.

- Despite not having a written language Novakids can read writing in ANCIENT temples dating to the cultivator Era. Why a lot of Hylotl hire them to explore dungeons.

- Last but not least: Novakids sound southern because the translator is based on human approximation, and Novakids leaned into it for aesthetic purposes.