#plural pride day 2024

[frameacloud]

Therianthropy Day is Friday, November 15, 2024

Therianthropy Day is held every year on the first full moon of November. This year, in 2024, that falls on Friday the 15th. According to NASA, this also happens to be a supermoon, which means it’s slightly brighter than usual.

Why that date, and what is the history of that holiday? 

Therianthropy Day commemorates the first Howl, which was held 30 years ago in November 1994. A Howl is when therians meet up together in person. That was a year after the first therians started to meet up together online in November 1993. Therians first proposed commemorating it as a holiday on that date in 1996, in a conversation thread you can still see here. Based on that history, in 2016, Muninn the Raven proposed observing it as Therianthropy Day, though the first posts and community poll about it attracted little attention. I think the holiday finally really caught on in 2021, when I first saw many therians posting on social media about fun things they were doing for it.

What are therians, anyway?

If therianthropy is a new idea to you, or you want to explain it to others who are unfamiliar with it, this essay is a quick and easy to understand introduction to it. It’s available in several languages already, and more translations would be great.

Learn more about the history of the therian community by reading the Timeline of the Therian Community written by @liongoatsnake

What can we do for Therianthropy Day?

I’ve seen therians celebrate it by wearing gear (for example, a necklace with the therian symbol, or clothes with pictures of their species), meeting up with their therian friends, and howling at the moon.

Enjoy some indie games and zines about therianthropy from this hand-curated itch.io collection. Some therian highlights from that: SlumberDragon’s zine of self-care tips for animal folk, @who-is-page’s therianthropy-inspired solo journaling game Wolf In Man’s Clothing, puppygirlbelly’s interactive story I Am Dog(s), and Digital Freegans’s zines THERIANARCHY and BEAST PUNKS.

Are there days for other sorts of alterhumans too?

There are. Alterhuman Day commemorates when Lio of the Crossroads System coined that word on September 26, 2014. Otherkin Day is on July 9, commemorating when the word was coined in 1990, though Arethinn has found that the word’s origin is a little more complicated than that. Plural Events says that Plural Pride Day is the third Saturday of July, and Plural Acceptance Week is that week.

[endlesstwanted]

I Have a Heartache that Won’t Go Away

Fic created for @augustwritingchallenge, day 1 | Canon Divergence

Fandom: Chicago Fire

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Pairing: Sylvie Brett/Joe Cruz/Brian "Otis" Zvonecek

Tags: Canon Divergence season 8, Best Friends, Idiots in Love, Polyamory

Summary: With Sylvie in Fowlerton, Brian doesn’t know how to move forward with an empty room in their home. He talks to Joe about it, and they figure out their next move.

Wordcount: 1k

Also created for: @eclipsingbingo | Roommates / @fandombingo, Martian edition | They’re gone. + The Little Prince | “I was too young to know how to love her.” + Wonderland | “Tell me the truth.” / @fandom-free-bingo, Pride edition | Best Friends Getting Married + Plural edition | Mourning a Lover / @multifandom-flash, April events: National Ex-Spouse Day | Forever Fling + March events: Compliment | Outhumbling Each Other / @julybreakbingo, July Break 2024 | Having feelings for their best friend but being happy that they’ve started dating someone else

Excerpt:

“Capp’s not going to be our roommate,” Brian shook his head before Joe could finish the sentence. He grabbed his walker and started his way back to the living room, hoping Joe would follow him and the conversation.

“Then we have to keep looking for someone.” Joe arrived first and accommodated a few cushions on the couch for Brian to sit down.

He’d been off of work since the fire in the mattress warehouse and started physical therapy only six months before, so while he learned to walk again after the fall he had in that basement, he had a lot of time to think. “Or …”

“Or what?” Joe raised one eyebrow, and moved to put Brian’s walker beside the couch.

“You saw Sylvie on the phone the other day. She seemed … off, don’t you think?”

Continue reading on Ao3 here!

[disturbnot]

EDIT NOTICE 06/07/2024 - some info may be out of date or no longer apply. i will either update this or make a new common knowledge post another time, but for now, this post will still cover general gists.

COMMON KNOWLEDGE - pretty much anyone who knows of ash likely knows at least one of the following:

currently thirty-seven years old. he was born on the 22nd of May 1986.

is on and off world champion for one of the few global leagues.

is half kantonian, half anahuan. he has dual citizenship for both the kanto and kalia regions.

long thought himself bisexual, but later came out again as gay at the age of 35 (celadon pride was jumping that year i tell you hwat).

has had many ace pokémon in his time - including charizard, sceptile, infernape, krookodile, etc. - but is hardly ever seen without raichu, his one true right-paw man.

has saved the world several times (although the deep extent of which is not broadly known - some events have been covered up entirely).

is also reasonably well-known for often being tangled up in scraps with team rocket, incidents both frivolous and deeply grave.

was alola's first champion back in the day.

"holy shit it's the omnicorp life insurance guy".

is aura sensitive - this one is slightly lesser known, but the basic fact isn't really kept secret. the true extent of his aura-based gifts, however ... that's when people get tight-lipped.

is broadly considered to be a pokémon master, but ash himself doesn't claim this, has often stated his journey will never be over.

despite this, and all of these towering feats, in recent times he has bizarrely chosen to take up a regular job at pallet house, under his mother delia. he hasn't been particularly chatty to any reporters about why this is.

ash is related to the anahua region's equivalent of a champion, zaniyah. she is his paternal grandmother.

has a crappy twitch stream from time to time that betrays how utterly awful he is at most video games.

he didn't cope well with fame / the overwhelming burden of responsibility in his 20s. tabloid readers probably remember this fondly. ash does not.

probably has a lot of old flings from this aforementioned period of personal upheaval.

ash can communicate with pokémon pretty well. he claims this isn't by strictly translating or reading a pokémon's mind, but that he is somehow able to intuit meaning and feelings all the same. raichu goes 'chu chu chu' and in his head, ash hears everything his buddy is trying to say.

"of course i'm a functioning alcoholic, it came free with me being born a millennial".

tiktoks either unhinged or adorable shots of his pokémon.

DUBIOUS KNOWLEDGE / "CONSPIRACY THEORIES" - somewhat recognised knowledge, but may be misunderstood, covered up, or relegated to the realm of a conspiracy theory/parody:

ash is immortal / ash has super powers / ash has crazy aura powers / i heard that ash ketchum has an 8 pack that ash ketchum was shredded / chuck norris jokes just got a whole lot more annoying / etc.

he worked with professor larch of the sabiri region; a scientist broadly considered to be criminally insane after a lab accident decades ago that caused plural deaths. the man refuses to talk about it.

there is a theory that ash caused the 'kholoss disaster' - this was a 2014 calamity (in-universe time runs parallel to us, everything is kind of in real time) during which a supposed megaseismo/volcanic event occurred on mount kholoss, in the sabiri region. this event caused a domino effect of disasters around the world, many of which some regions are still recovering from.

ash's dad is missing, and i don't think he's ever used the word 'dead' to describe him. i don't think ash wants to believe it. even after all this time. presently, ash's dad is known in some circles as one of many infamous unsolved and unexplained disappearances.

ash can summon lugia by whistling for it. his mileage varies in landlocked areas.

ash has often claimed not to believe in any one divine pokémon, but his attitude about arceus in particular seems bristled. in truth, this is because he once sought out the "original one" on his path to rediscover his purpose. ash sensed confusion in it, fear, even anger. for reasons ash couldn't understand then, arceus began behaving destructively towards him and the general environment, and although it was eventually calmed, ash has held no particular reverence for the thing since. (in more metaphorical terms, arceus sensed a great 'glitch' within ash and attempted to give the universe a hard reset).

professor larch is an old colleague of professor oak's. back in the 80s, they worked as a duo to work on the first properly computerised pokédex.

HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE - only ash himself knows these things, or those incredibly close to him might know these things:

ash has made one (1) attempt on his own life before. told no one. pretends it never happened. everyone has their moments of madness, even shiny immortal golden boys.

ash has only ever had Feelings(tm) for well-known scientist gary oak. although his fandom may well have picked up on this. rpf is a pox on every universe.

ash was literally dead when pikachu evolved into raichu. desperate times, desperate measures.

in a well covered up altercation with some rockets, ash may or may not be guilty of murder.

actually, there are probably a good few cover-ups for various things that have happened to ash as well. i imagine his interpol file is something unwieldy, the sight of it brings their admin staff despair.

has both encountered missingno and visited glitch city. has not only somehow made it through each incident alive, but has survived unharmed.

META KNOWLEDGE - things about ash's world he doesn't know (yet), but i do:

ash was 'chosen' by enevaxis during his first death. being turned to stone by mew and mewtwo sent him hurtling into the same void that enevollath had condemned enevaxis to, eons and eons ago. upon ash's resurrection, by the power of aura in the tears of pokémon, he came back irreparably altered by the encounter. not only that, he came back with a simple favour to fulfil. he would remember none of it though, no thanks to mewtwo. this was his nexus point. the origin of all that ails him. just wait until he finds out that all of his nightmarish life has been because he wanted to stop two stupid cats from fighting.

ash's dad, tonalli/'tony', is certainly dead. and his disappearance was no accident. rockets: a thorn in the ketchum family's side for three generations and counting!

ash's maternal grandfather is bruno. delia never knew her father, and according to her mother, he was a great trainer who had descended from the mountain one day to recharge and refuel at pallet house, and sweep the old landlady off her feet for the night before retreating to the mountains again. unfortunately, knowledge of who delia's father is died with her mother in delia's teens. and with it, any chance of ash knowing his ties with the legendary fighting master.

grandma zaniyah is probably a straight up fucking serial killer. i'm sorry ash.

literally all ash needs to do to end this absurd chosen one struggle is climb up a super freaky mountain and let enevaxis out of its cage. that's it. he'll have to get past zaniyah when he realises this, though, that's the kicker.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 7.20

Holidays

Air Force Day (Romania)

Asarnha Bucha Day (Thailand)

The Binding of the Wreaths (Lithuania)

Cleat Dancing Day

Common Mullein Day (French Republic)

Deepfake Awareness Day

Dia del Amigo (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay)

Engineer’s Day (Costa Rica)

Falun Gong Persecution Anniversary Day (China)

Frantz Fanon Day

Friend's Day (a.k.a. Dia del Amigo; Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay)

International Ambigram Day

International Chess Day

International Ride MTB Day

July Plot Anniversary Day

Lao Women Union’s Day (Laos)

Liam Payne Appreciation Day

Lempira Day (Honduras)

Mammal Day

Man on the Moon Day (a.k.a. Moon Day)

Nap Day

National Biplane Day

National Dental BIller’s Day

National Guard Day (Kyrgyzstan)

National Heroes Day

National Megan Day

National Moon Day

National Natalie Day

National Pennsylvania Day

National POW-MIA Recognition Day

National Secretary Day (Mexico)

National Tell A Girl She's Beautiful Day

Peace and Freedom Day (North Cyprus)

Space Exploration Day

Special Olympics Day

Sumarauki (Iceland)

Sun’s Rest Festival (Elder Scrolls)

Tree Planting Day (Central African Republic)

Ugly Truck Day

Vigil for Peace, Justice and Respect for Human Rights (Colombia)

Women’s Union Day (Laos)

World Jump Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Fortune Cookie Day

International Cake Day

National Ice Cream Soda Day

National Lasagne Day

National Lollipop Day

National Milkshake Day (Australia)

National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

National Wine & Cheese Day (France)

Independence & Related Days

British Columbia Province Day (Canada; 1871)

Colombia (from Spain, 1810)

Libernesia (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Republic of Plymouth (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Samana Cay (Declared; 2008) [unrecognized]

3rd Saturday in July

Alberton Railroad Day (Montana) [3rd Saturday]

Celebration of the Horse Day (Texas) [3rd Saturday]

Festa del Redentore begins (Venice, Italy) [3rd Saturday; thru Sunday]

National Bridal Sale Day [3rd Saturday]

National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day [3rd Saturday]

PADI Women’s Dive Day [3rd Saturday]

Parks Day (Canada) [3rd Saturday]

Plural Pride Day [3rd Saturday]

Railroad Day [3rd Saturday]

Toss Away the "Could Haves" and "Should Haves" Day [3rd Saturday]

Woman’s Dive Day [3rd Saturday]

Woodie Wagon Day [3rd Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 20 (3rd Week of July)

National Moth Week (thru 7.28) [Last Full Week]

National Scrabble Week (thru 7.24)

RAGBRAI (thru 7.27)

Festivals Beginning July 20, 2024

Art Walk & Wine Gala (Prosser, Washington)

Beachside Wine Festival (Santa Barbara, California)

The Big BBQ & Jerk Festival (West Friendship, Maryland)

Blueberry Festival (Middlefield, Connecticut)

Burger Bash (Eagle River, Wisconsin)

Camp Verde CornFest (Camp Verde, Arizona)

Celebration of Light (Vancouver, Canada) [thru 7.27]

Food Truck Frenzy (Lenexa, Kansas)

Hamburg's Annual Burgerfest (Hamburg, New York)

Interceltic Festival of Avilés (Avilés, Spain) [thru 7.28]

Key West Festival (Purcellville, Virginia)

Manchester Chicken Broil (Manchester, Michigan)

Michigan Honey Festival (Corunna, Michigan) [thru 7.21]

Ozark Berry Festival (Springfield, Missouri)

Selinsgrove Brewfest Hops, Vines & Wines (Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania)

Strawberry Festival (Leonard, Michigan)

Summer Reggae Wine & Music Festival (Mt. Airy, Maryland) [thru 7.21]

Sunrise Side Wine & Food Festival (Harrisville, Michigan)

Teton County Fair (Jackson, Wyoming) [thru 7.28]

Valparaiso Wine Festival (Valparaiso, Indiana)

Watermelon Day (Stanhope, Iowa)

Westport Wine Festival (Westport, Washington)

Yellowstone Beer Festival (Cody, Wyoming)

Zucchini Races (Cole Camp, Missouri)

Feast Days

Alistair MacLeod (Writerism)

Ansegisus (Christian; Saint)

Apollinaris of Ravenna (Christian; Saint)

Aurelius, Bishop of Carthage (Christian; Saint)

Barsabas (Christian; Saint)

Binding of the Wreaths (Lithuanian Lover’s Festival; Everyday Wicca)

Ceslas (Christian; Saint)

Cormac McCarthy (Writerism)

Diktynna, Lady of the Nets (Minoan; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Ealhswith (a.k.a. Elswith; Christian; Saint)

Editha (Christian; Saint)

Elias (Christian; Prophet)

Elijah (Christian; Saint)

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Ross Tubman (Episcopal Church (USA))

Erik Axel Karlfeldt (Writerism)

Feralia: Day of Purification (Pagan)

Flavian and Elias (Christian; Saints)

Giorgio Morandi (Artology)

Greater Bajram (Feast of Sacrifice; Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Interstellar Lasagne Day Day (Pastafarian)

Jerome Emiliani (Christian; Saint)

John Baptist Yi (Christian; One of The Korean Martyrs)

Joseph Barsabas (Christian; Saint)

Judy Chicago (Artology)

Justa and Rufina (Christian; Martyrs)

La Fontain (Positivist; Saint)

Larry the Fish (Muppetism)

László Moholy-Nagy (Artology)

Margaret the Virgin (a.k.a. Margaret of Antioch; Christian; Saint)

Max Liebermann (Artology)

Nam June Paik (Artology)

Perun’s Day (Asatru/Slavic Pagan God of Thunder)

Pope John XII Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Synoika (Ancient Greece)

Thgir-yaw-Dnuor Day (Shamanism)

Thorlac (Christian; Relic Translation)

Turkish Invasion Day (Cyprus)

Uncumber (Christian; Saint)

Ulmer (a.k.a. Wulmar; Christian; Saint)

Wilgefortis (cult suppressed)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Arthur Murray Party (TV Variety Series; 1950)

Batman: Hush (WB Animated Film; 2019)

The Bookworm Turns (MGM Cartoon; 1940)

Breaking Away (Film; 1979)

The Bridge of San Luis Rey, by Thornton Wilder (Novel; 1927)

Buddy Steps Out (WB LT Cartoon; 1935)

Christmas in Connecticut (Film; 1945)

The Dark Knight Rises (Film; 2012)

Dicky Moe (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1962)

Do You Believe in Magic?, by The Lovin’ Spoonful (Song; 1965)

Ghost World (Film; 2001)

Hairspray (Film; 2007)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Film; 2001)

Like a Rolling Stone, by Bob Dylan (Song; 1965)

Lucky Number (Disney Cartoon; 1951)

Mama Mia!: Here We Go Again (Film; 2018)

Mighty Mouse and the Wolf (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1945)

The NeverEnding Story (Film; 1984)

Pop. 1280, by Jim Thompson (Novel; 1964)

Revenge of the Nerds (Film; 1984)

Serenade, Op. 24, by Arnold Schoenberg (Serenade in 7 Movements; 1924)

Sid and Nancy (Film; 1986)

Spirited Away (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 2001)

Stop the World — I Want To Get Off (Musical Play; 1961)

Tabasco Road (WB LT Cartoon; 1957)

Train to Busan (Film; 2016)

The Wind Rises (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 2013)

Wrestling Wrecks (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1953)

Today’s Name Days

Apollinaris, Bernhard, Margareta (Austria)

Ilina, Iliya, Iliyana, Ilko (Bulgaria)

Apolinar, Bernard, Ilija, Margareta, Marina (Croatia)

Ilja (Czech Republic)

Elias (Denmark)

Elias, Erland, Liias (Estonia)

Maaret, Maarit, Margareeta, Marketta, Reeta, Reetta (Finland)

Élie, Marina (France)

Elias, Greta, Margarete (Germany)

Elias, Ilias (Greece)

Illés (Hungary)

Elia, Simmaco (Italy)

Namejs, Ramona, Ritma (Latvia)

Alvydas, Česlovas, Jeronimas, Vismantė (Lithuania)

Margareta, Margit, Marit (Norway)

Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Eliasz, Heliasz, Hieronim, Leon, Małgorzata, Paweł, Sewera (Poland)

Ilie (Romania)

Eliáš, Iľja (Slovakia)

Apolinar, Aurelio, Elías (Spain)

Greta, Margareta (Sweden)

Elio, Eliot, Eliott, Elliot, Elliott, Marine (Universal)

Edna, Edwin, Edwina, Elias, Elijah, Ellice, Elliot, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Neal, Neala, Neil, Neila, Nelson, Niall, Nigel, Niles (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 202 of 2024; 164 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of Week 29 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 14 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 15 (Yi-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 14 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 13 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 22 Red; Oneday [22 of 30]

Julian: 7 July 2024

Moon: 99%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 5 Dante (8th Month) [La Fontain]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 1 of 94)

Week: 4th Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 30 of 31)

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4709465-liberals-have-lost-their-patriotism/

Liberals have lost their patriotism  

By: David Bernstein

Published: Jun 9, 2024

I came of age in the 1980s and 1990s in a Democratic Party and a social milieu that was unabashedly patriotic. To be sure, political liberals back then could be critical of America’s past and present, but most saw our country as an imperfect nation aspiring toward but often falling short in living up to its own high ideals. The dominant zeitgeist of the political right was dangerously nativist and insufficiently self-reflective.  

President Bill Clinton, on whose campaign I worked in 1992, famously pronounced at his first inaugural speech, “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” Young liberals in those days were animated by a form of American exceptionalism that elevated the idea of pluralism. In my twenties I wore a T-shirt broadcasting the American motto e pluribus unum—”out of many, one.” This was liberal patriotism. 

Yet this center-left, glass-half-full narrative of our national experiment has increasingly yielded to a withering appraisal of American life, one that is rapidly becoming a self-fulling prophecy.

Today’s liberals rarely express patriotic sentiment in public, abandoning their civic voice to a far left that holds America in contempt, which in turn generates a politics that is both defeatist in tone and alienating to ordinary Americans. A nation that thinks less of itself will become less of itself. Mainstream liberals badly need to rediscover their patriotic spirit.  

When beloved actress Betty White died at the age of 99, my wife began rewatching old episodes of The Golden Girls, a mid-1980s sitcom about four aging women who lived together and experienced the highs and lows of their golden years. In one episode, the strong-willed Dorothy lectured her Italian-born mother, Sophia, on the meaning of America. 

“When I was a little girl,” Dorothy stated, “you told me how much it meant to you when you came here to America for the first time. Do you remember what you thought of when you first saw the Statue of Liberty holding up her torch of freedom? … Ma, you taught me to love this country. … You were the first one who put an American flag in my hand.” 

I was instantly struck at how quaint this monologue was in today’s cultural context, especially coming from a show that was on the vanguard of such social issues as gay rights and sexual harassment. Sadly, this kind of flagrant patriotic sentiment would be considered cringe in today’s liberal circles. 

A 2023 Gallup poll found that national pride on the left has precipitously declined in the past two decades. In 2003, 65 percent of Americans identifying as Democrats felt “extreme pride” in their country; by 2023 it was 29 percent. Only 18 percent of those aged 18 to 34 indicated that they were “extremely” patriotic, a steep decline from 85 percent in 2013. “Party identification remains the greatest demographic differentiator in expressions of national pride,” stated Gallup, “and Republicans have been consistently more likely than Democrats and independents to express pride in being American.” 

On a recent drive in West Virginia, I noticed American flags outside many homes — even on those in economically depressed coal-mining towns, where people could be forgiven for feeling their country had abandoned them. When we returned to our neighborhood in North Potomac, Md., an economically thriving, politically blue area, I counted one American flag in four blocks, unsurprisingly mounted on the doorway of an Eastern European refugee who fled a repressive Soviet republic.  

So inured had I become to the lack of patriotic sentiment in my neck of the woods that I found it positively inspiring in May of this year when fraternity brothers at UNC Chapel Hill rehoisted the American flag on the campus quad after radical activists had replaced Old Glory with a Palestinian flag. The young men locked arms and refused to budge as protestors reportedly hurled bottles, rocks and insults. 

Why have liberals become less patriotic?  

Some blame an American public that elected Donald Trump and social factors such as persistent economic inequality. Others cite social media echo chambers that extol, for example, a letter from Osama Bin Laden justifying terrorism against the U.S. Others point to the rise of an oppressed-oppressor ideology that sees America as pervasively racist. Indeed, when universities adopt policies that deem such comments as “America is the land of opportunity” and “Everyone can succeed in this society” as “microaggressions,” it should surprise no one that many students adopt negative attitudes toward their own country. 

A few Democrats understand that a politics of self-loathing will never win the day. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, both Democrats elected in 2022, successfully ran on liberal policy agendas that emphasized freedom and American exceptionalism. President Biden himself may still represent the old flag-waving sensibility, but the larger progressive political class that accompanied him to power exudes little passion and, judging by the president’s recent demoralizing speech at Morehouse College, has brought the president down with them. 

Come November, we shouldn’t be surprised if many ordinary citizens opt for churlish nativism over a politics devoid of love of country. Liberals desperately need to get it back. 

David Bernstein is the founder of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values and author of “Woke Antisemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews.” 

==

It's become fashionable to pretend to hate your own safe, free, liberal country. Among such people, it's also common to find strident opposition to any measures to limit or control immigration. "My country is evil and racist, but you're not allowed to stop people arriving here."

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * *

Alito confirms what we all suspected

June 11, 2024

ROBERT B. HUBBELL

President Biden is actively engaged in global foreign policy at the highest level. He just returned from D-Day ceremonies in Europe where he sought to rebuild US relations with NATO allies. Later this week, he will be heading back to Europe to attend the G-7 summit, where he will urge European nations to provide a $50 billion loan to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets. And on Monday, the UN Security Council endorsed a US-backed hostages-for-ceasefire deal in Gaza. That is the power of the American presidency exercised in the service of global peace and security—a power that President Biden has exercised with a steady hand.

Meanwhile,

Convicted Felon Trump descended into a bizarre rant about choosing between death by electrocution from a sinking electric boat or a hungry shark,

Forty-six House Republicans voted to withdraw from NATO, and

Justice Samuel Alito said the quiet part out loud—i.e., that the reactionary majority on the Supreme Court is engaged in a religious battle “to return the country to a place of godliness.”

Among those important stories, the admission by Justice Alito is the most disturbing—because it confirms the worst fears and suspicions of millions of Americans that the Supreme Court has become a partisan advocate for Christian nationalism.  

We are in for a rough week as far as the Supreme Court is concerned. The Court usually releases opinions on Thursdays. It has added a second day for opinions to be released this week—suggesting that several of the blockbuster cases the Court still has on its docket will be released this week, possibly including opinions regarding presidential immunity or availability of mifepristone. Either way, the Court could drop two extraordinarily controversial decisions at a moment when its legitimacy is in tatters. It will be all the worse if Alito is a deciding vote.

So, what happened? A documentary filmmaker, Lauren Windsor, attended a Supreme Court Historical Society meeting and secretly recorded conversations with Justice Alito and his wife. During those conversations, Alito agreed, in effect, that the Court is presiding over an irreconcilable conflict between “the Left” and religious fundamentalist forces. Alito says that those groups have “differences on fundamental things that really can’t be compromised” and agreed that we needed to “to return our country to a place of godliness.” See New York Times, In Secret Recordings, Alito Endorses Nation of ‘Godliness.’ Roberts Talks of Pluralism.

In those brief comments, Alito eviscerated the disingenuous reasoning of Dobbs and made clear that the reactionary majority was exercising brute force in imposing their religious views on all Americans--i.e., “returning our country to a place of (their view) of godliness.”  The opinion in Dobbs was a sham.

Equally disturbing were comments by Martha Alito, who railed against the fact that she was forced to look at Gay Pride flags from her beach house. She suggested that she could not wait until Justice Alito retired, at which point she would hoist a flag with yellow flames bearing the Italian word for “shame”—presumably referring to her belief that gay Americans would be subjected to the flames of hell and should be ashamed of their lifestyle.

For a detailed explication of Alito’s comments, see Lucian K. Truscott IV, The private Alito is even worse than we thought.

The revelations about Alito’s apocalyptic religious views of America are a scandal standing alone. By the end of this week, we may receive another opinion in which Alito uses his extremist religious views to deny women access to a safe and effective drug approved by the FDA.

We must communicate the urgency of reforming the Court to all Americans—but especially to couples planning families, women seeking full personhood under the Constitution, LGBTQ people fighting to preserve their dignity and rights, Black Americans seeking an equal voice in our democracy, and young Americans hoping for a future free of mass gun violence and destructive climate change.

Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian diaspora in Nigeria on Sunday upon his arrival on the first leg of his three-nation visit. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his welcome and said it was “heartwarming.” “It’s Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!” he said. Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome! pic.twitter.com/QYfAUOpqRO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024 PM Modi also highlighted that the Marathi community in Nigeria expressed joy at Marathi’s conferral of the status of a classical language during his interaction with the Indian diaspora. In Nigeria, the Marathi community expressed joy at Marathi being conferred the status of a Classical Language. It is truly commendable how they remain connected to their culture and roots. pic.twitter.com/hVDVykAGi2 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024 PM Modi signed and hailed a painting of him made by a member, Ritu Agrawal, “The PM said that my drawing was very good, and he took the pen from me and signed the drawing. He was very happy.” The Indian diaspora was excited to interact with PM Modi upon his arrival. Dhirendra Singh Chouhan, another member of the Indian diaspora, reflected the same excitement. “We have been waiting for this day for a long time. We gave PM the message of how much pride we are feeling because of his visit. We hope that by his visit, India-Nigeria ties will improve further,” Dhirendra Singh Chouhan, another member of the Indian diaspora, said. People from distant parts of Nigeria travelled to take a glimpse of PM Modi. Jitendra Pandey is one of those members of the Indian diaspora who travelled from Laos to Abuja. “I came from Lagos to meet PM Modi. We felt very happy after meeting him. There is also a lot of excitement among Nigerians because of PM Modi’s arrival,” he said. MEA also shared pictures of the welcome extended by Nigeria and the Indian diaspora to PM Modi. Upon his arrival in Abuja, the capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister for Federal Capital Territory. Minister Wike presented PM Modi with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja. The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on the PM by the people of Nigeria. The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions in Nigeria to strengthen the ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 17 to November 21. Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations. @officialABAT https://t.co/hlRiwj1XnV pic.twitter.com/iVW1Pr60Zi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024 PM Modi issued a statement indicating his first stop in Nigeria, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation, aimed at strengthening strategic ties between both countries. “At the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi,” the statement said. PM Modi will be heading to Brazil for the 19th G20 Summit, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 19. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian diaspora in Nigeria on Sunday upon his arrival on the first leg of his three-nation visit. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his welcome and said it was “heartwarming.” “It’s Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!” he said. Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome! pic.twitter.com/QYfAUOpqRO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024 PM Modi also highlighted that the Marathi community in Nigeria expressed joy at Marathi’s conferral of the status of a classical language during his interaction with the Indian diaspora. In Nigeria, the Marathi community expressed joy at Marathi being conferred the status of a Classical Language. It is truly commendable how they remain connected to their culture and roots. pic.twitter.com/hVDVykAGi2 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024 PM Modi signed and hailed a painting of him made by a member, Ritu Agrawal, “The PM said that my drawing was very good, and he took the pen from me and signed the drawing. He was very happy.” The Indian diaspora was excited to interact with PM Modi upon his arrival. Dhirendra Singh Chouhan, another member of the Indian diaspora, reflected the same excitement. “We have been waiting for this day for a long time. We gave PM the message of how much pride we are feeling because of his visit. We hope that by his visit, India-Nigeria ties will improve further,” Dhirendra Singh Chouhan, another member of the Indian diaspora, said. People from distant parts of Nigeria travelled to take a glimpse of PM Modi. Jitendra Pandey is one of those members of the Indian diaspora who travelled from Laos to Abuja. “I came from Lagos to meet PM Modi. We felt very happy after meeting him. There is also a lot of excitement among Nigerians because of PM Modi’s arrival,” he said. MEA also shared pictures of the welcome extended by Nigeria and the Indian diaspora to PM Modi. Upon his arrival in Abuja, the capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister for Federal Capital Territory. Minister Wike presented PM Modi with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja. The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on the PM by the people of Nigeria. The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions in Nigeria to strengthen the ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 17 to November 21. Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations. @officialABAT https://t.co/hlRiwj1XnV pic.twitter.com/iVW1Pr60Zi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024 PM Modi issued a statement indicating his first stop in Nigeria, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation, aimed at strengthening strategic ties between both countries. “At the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi,” the statement said. PM Modi will be heading to Brazil for the 19th G20 Summit, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 19. [ad_2] Source link

[brookston]

Holidays 7.20

Holidays

Air Force Day (Romania)

Asarnha Bucha Day (Thailand)

The Binding of the Wreaths (Lithuania)

Cleat Dancing Day

Common Mullein Day (French Republic)

Deepfake Awareness Day

Dia del Amigo (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay)

Engineer’s Day (Costa Rica)

Falun Gong Persecution Anniversary Day (China)

Frantz Fanon Day

Friend's Day (a.k.a. Dia del Amigo; Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay)

International Ambigram Day

International Chess Day

International Ride MTB Day

July Plot Anniversary Day

Lao Women Union’s Day (Laos)

Liam Payne Appreciation Day

Lempira Day (Honduras)

Mammal Day

Man on the Moon Day (a.k.a. Moon Day)

Nap Day

National Biplane Day

National Dental BIller’s Day

National Guard Day (Kyrgyzstan)

National Heroes Day

National Megan Day

National Moon Day

National Natalie Day

National Pennsylvania Day

National POW-MIA Recognition Day

National Secretary Day (Mexico)

National Tell A Girl She's Beautiful Day

Peace and Freedom Day (North Cyprus)

Space Exploration Day

Special Olympics Day

Sumarauki (Iceland)

Sun’s Rest Festival (Elder Scrolls)

Tree Planting Day (Central African Republic)

Ugly Truck Day

Vigil for Peace, Justice and Respect for Human Rights (Colombia)

Women’s Union Day (Laos)

World Jump Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Fortune Cookie Day

International Cake Day

National Ice Cream Soda Day

National Lasagne Day

National Lollipop Day

National Milkshake Day (Australia)

National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

National Wine & Cheese Day (France)

Independence & Related Days

British Columbia Province Day (Canada; 1871)

Colombia (from Spain, 1810)

Libernesia (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Republic of Plymouth (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Samana Cay (Declared; 2008) [unrecognized]

3rd Saturday in July

Alberton Railroad Day (Montana) [3rd Saturday]

Celebration of the Horse Day (Texas) [3rd Saturday]

Festa del Redentore begins (Venice, Italy) [3rd Saturday; thru Sunday]

National Bridal Sale Day [3rd Saturday]

National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day [3rd Saturday]

PADI Women’s Dive Day [3rd Saturday]

Parks Day (Canada) [3rd Saturday]

Plural Pride Day [3rd Saturday]

Railroad Day [3rd Saturday]

Toss Away the "Could Haves" and "Should Haves" Day [3rd Saturday]

Woman’s Dive Day [3rd Saturday]

Woodie Wagon Day [3rd Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 20 (3rd Week of July)

National Moth Week (thru 7.28) [Last Full Week]

National Scrabble Week (thru 7.24)

RAGBRAI (thru 7.27)

Festivals Beginning July 20, 2024

Art Walk & Wine Gala (Prosser, Washington)

Beachside Wine Festival (Santa Barbara, California)

The Big BBQ & Jerk Festival (West Friendship, Maryland)

Blueberry Festival (Middlefield, Connecticut)

Burger Bash (Eagle River, Wisconsin)

Camp Verde CornFest (Camp Verde, Arizona)

Celebration of Light (Vancouver, Canada) [thru 7.27]

Food Truck Frenzy (Lenexa, Kansas)

Hamburg's Annual Burgerfest (Hamburg, New York)

Interceltic Festival of Avilés (Avilés, Spain) [thru 7.28]

Key West Festival (Purcellville, Virginia)

Manchester Chicken Broil (Manchester, Michigan)

Michigan Honey Festival (Corunna, Michigan) [thru 7.21]

Ozark Berry Festival (Springfield, Missouri)

Selinsgrove Brewfest Hops, Vines & Wines (Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania)

Strawberry Festival (Leonard, Michigan)

Summer Reggae Wine & Music Festival (Mt. Airy, Maryland) [thru 7.21]

Sunrise Side Wine & Food Festival (Harrisville, Michigan)

Teton County Fair (Jackson, Wyoming) [thru 7.28]

Valparaiso Wine Festival (Valparaiso, Indiana)

Watermelon Day (Stanhope, Iowa)

Westport Wine Festival (Westport, Washington)

Yellowstone Beer Festival (Cody, Wyoming)

Zucchini Races (Cole Camp, Missouri)

Feast Days

Alistair MacLeod (Writerism)

Ansegisus (Christian; Saint)

Apollinaris of Ravenna (Christian; Saint)

Aurelius, Bishop of Carthage (Christian; Saint)

Barsabas (Christian; Saint)

Binding of the Wreaths (Lithuanian Lover’s Festival; Everyday Wicca)

Ceslas (Christian; Saint)

Cormac McCarthy (Writerism)

Diktynna, Lady of the Nets (Minoan; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Ealhswith (a.k.a. Elswith; Christian; Saint)

Editha (Christian; Saint)

Elias (Christian; Prophet)

Elijah (Christian; Saint)

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Ross Tubman (Episcopal Church (USA))

Erik Axel Karlfeldt (Writerism)

Feralia: Day of Purification (Pagan)

Flavian and Elias (Christian; Saints)

Giorgio Morandi (Artology)

Greater Bajram (Feast of Sacrifice; Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Interstellar Lasagne Day Day (Pastafarian)

Jerome Emiliani (Christian; Saint)

John Baptist Yi (Christian; One of The Korean Martyrs)

Joseph Barsabas (Christian; Saint)

Judy Chicago (Artology)

Justa and Rufina (Christian; Martyrs)

La Fontain (Positivist; Saint)

Larry the Fish (Muppetism)

László Moholy-Nagy (Artology)

Margaret the Virgin (a.k.a. Margaret of Antioch; Christian; Saint)

Max Liebermann (Artology)

Nam June Paik (Artology)

Perun’s Day (Asatru/Slavic Pagan God of Thunder)

Pope John XII Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Synoika (Ancient Greece)

Thgir-yaw-Dnuor Day (Shamanism)

Thorlac (Christian; Relic Translation)

Turkish Invasion Day (Cyprus)

Uncumber (Christian; Saint)

Ulmer (a.k.a. Wulmar; Christian; Saint)

Wilgefortis (cult suppressed)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Arthur Murray Party (TV Variety Series; 1950)

Batman: Hush (WB Animated Film; 2019)

The Bookworm Turns (MGM Cartoon; 1940)

Breaking Away (Film; 1979)

The Bridge of San Luis Rey, by Thornton Wilder (Novel; 1927)

Buddy Steps Out (WB LT Cartoon; 1935)

Christmas in Connecticut (Film; 1945)

The Dark Knight Rises (Film; 2012)

Dicky Moe (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1962)

Do You Believe in Magic?, by The Lovin’ Spoonful (Song; 1965)

Ghost World (Film; 2001)

Hairspray (Film; 2007)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Film; 2001)

Like a Rolling Stone, by Bob Dylan (Song; 1965)

Lucky Number (Disney Cartoon; 1951)

Mama Mia!: Here We Go Again (Film; 2018)

Mighty Mouse and the Wolf (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1945)

The NeverEnding Story (Film; 1984)

Pop. 1280, by Jim Thompson (Novel; 1964)

Revenge of the Nerds (Film; 1984)

Serenade, Op. 24, by Arnold Schoenberg (Serenade in 7 Movements; 1924)

Sid and Nancy (Film; 1986)

Spirited Away (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 2001)

Stop the World — I Want To Get Off (Musical Play; 1961)

Tabasco Road (WB LT Cartoon; 1957)

Train to Busan (Film; 2016)

The Wind Rises (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 2013)

Wrestling Wrecks (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1953)

Today’s Name Days

Apollinaris, Bernhard, Margareta (Austria)

Ilina, Iliya, Iliyana, Ilko (Bulgaria)

Apolinar, Bernard, Ilija, Margareta, Marina (Croatia)

Ilja (Czech Republic)

Elias (Denmark)

Elias, Erland, Liias (Estonia)

Maaret, Maarit, Margareeta, Marketta, Reeta, Reetta (Finland)

Élie, Marina (France)

Elias, Greta, Margarete (Germany)

Elias, Ilias (Greece)

Illés (Hungary)

Elia, Simmaco (Italy)

Namejs, Ramona, Ritma (Latvia)

Alvydas, Česlovas, Jeronimas, Vismantė (Lithuania)

Margareta, Margit, Marit (Norway)

Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Eliasz, Heliasz, Hieronim, Leon, Małgorzata, Paweł, Sewera (Poland)

Ilie (Romania)

Eliáš, Iľja (Slovakia)

Apolinar, Aurelio, Elías (Spain)

Greta, Margareta (Sweden)

Elio, Eliot, Eliott, Elliot, Elliott, Marine (Universal)

Edna, Edwin, Edwina, Elias, Elijah, Ellice, Elliot, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Neal, Neala, Neil, Neila, Nelson, Niall, Nigel, Niles (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 202 of 2024; 164 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of Week 29 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 14 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 15 (Yi-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 14 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 13 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 22 Red; Oneday [22 of 30]

Julian: 7 July 2024

Moon: 99%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 5 Dante (8th Month) [La Fontain]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 1 of 94)

Week: 4th Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 30 of 31)

[luxurypropertiesworld]

Republic Day 2024: History, Significance And All You Need To Know

Republic Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of democracy, freedom, and the rich cultural tapestry of India. As we approach Republic Day 2024, let's delve into the history, significance, and all the essential details you need to know about this momentous occasion.

I. Introduction

Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th every year, holds a special place in the hearts of every Indian. It marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935). This transition from a constitutional monarchy to a democratic republic is a milestone worth celebrating, as it reflects the triumph of the people's will.

  II. Historical Background

The roots of Republic Day can be traced back to the struggle for independence. The demand for a sovereign nation with its own constitution gained momentum during the freedom movement. The Constituent Assembly, under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, toiled to draft the Constitution, culminating in its adoption on January 26, 1950.

  III. Significance of Republic Day

Republic Day is more than just a day off from work or a grand parade. It is a tribute to the values enshrined in the Constitution, emphasizing the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The day encourages citizens to reflect on their roles in upholding democratic ideals and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the nation.

  IV. Republic Day Celebrations

One cannot mention Republic Day without picturing the grandeur of the parade at Rajpath in New Delhi. The event showcases India's military might, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. Citizens from all walks of life gather to witness the spectacle, and the celebrations extend to schools, colleges, and communities across the country.

  V. Patriotic Symbols and Traditions

The tricolour flag, with its saffron, white, and green hues, holds profound symbolism. Citizens take pride in hoisting the national flag, and traditional practices like singing the national anthem evoke a sense of unity and patriotism.

  VI. Republic Day Across India

While the main celebrations are held in the capital, each state adds its unique flavour to the festivities. From vibrant processions to cultural programs, Republic Day is an opportunity for every Indian to express their love for the nation.

  VII. Republic Day 2024 Highlights

This year's celebrations promise to be exceptional, with special events and the participation of distinguished guests. The theme chosen for Republic Day 2024 reflects contemporary issues and the nation's collective aspirations.

VIII. Educational Significance

Republic Day is not just a public holiday; it plays a crucial role in shaping young minds. Educational institutions often organize events to instil a sense of civic duty and appreciation for the democratic principles upheld by the Constitution.

  IX. Reflection on Achievements

As we celebrate Republic Day, it is essential to reflect on the progress made since the last celebration. Acknowledging achievements and recognizing challenges helps in charting a course for the nation's future.

  X. Unity in Diversity

India's strength lies in its diversity, and Republic Day exemplifies this unity. Celebrations bring together people from different linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, fostering a sense of brotherhood.

  XI. Global Perspective

Republic Day is not confined to Indian borders. It is recognized globally, with Indians abroad participating in events that showcase India's culture and values. The day serves as a reminder of India's commitment to democracy and pluralism.

  XII. Social Media Impact

In the age of social media, Republic Day trends on various platforms. Hashtags related to the day create a virtual sense of community, allowing people to share their celebrations and thoughts on the significance of the occasion.

  XIII. Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Republic Day celebrations are expected to evolve with changing times. Technological advancements may play a more prominent role in the festivities, ensuring wider participation and engagement.

  XIV. Inspirational Stories

Republic Day is a time to celebrate individuals who embody the spirit of the nation. Stories of ordinary citizens making extraordinary contributions inspire others to contribute to the nation's progress.

 XV. Conclusion

In conclusion, Republic Day is not just a date marked on the calendar; it is a celebration of India's journey towards becoming a sovereign, democratic republic. As we revel in the festivities and reflect on our achievements, let's pledge to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution and contribute to the nation's growth.

[zeroviraluniverse-blog]

Vladimir Putin: Russia's Post-Soviet Tsar

Visit Now - http://zeroviral.com/vladimir-putin-russias-post-soviet-tsar/

Vladimir Putin: Russia's Post-Soviet Tsar

Moscow:  Vladimir Putin, who is set to extend his long rule to 2024 in Russia’s presidential election on Sunday, has stamped his total authority in Russia, silencing opposition and reasserting Moscow’s lost might abroad.

The 65-year-old former KGB officer has reimposed the Kremlin’s grip over society since taking power 18 years ago after a lawless but relatively free decade following the demise of the USSR.

On the international stage, he has outlasted three US presidents to become one of the globe’s undisputed strongmen, thrusting Moscow into a new rivalry with the West by snatching Crimea from Ukraine and launching a pivotal intervention in Syria.

Named the world’s most powerful person by Forbes for the past four years running, the judo black belt has built a macho man image helped by publicity stunts that included riding topless on horseback through the Siberian wilderness and darting an endangered tiger.

Bolstered by a slavish state media, he is projected to take around 70 percent of the vote by official pollsters, despite producing no programme and refusing to take part in televised debates.

Supporters laud him as a saviour who restored pride and traditional values to a humiliated nation.

To foes, however, Putin has dragged his homeland further from democracy, has presided over a seizure of the state by a new elite of former secret police cronies and has stoked nationalism in a bid to restore Moscow’s lost empire.

Hit First

Putin was born into a working-class family in Leningrad now Saint Petersburg on October 7, 1952 and cut his teeth in the city’s rough-and-tumble neighbourhoods.

“The Leningrad streets taught me one thing: if a fight is unavoidable, you have to hit first,” Putin said in 2015.

He fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the KGB intelligence service, getting posted in 1985-1990 to Dresden in what was then East Germany when Soviet power was crumbling.

His political rise began after he returned to work at Saint Petersburg city hall under his mentor, liberal mayor Anatoly Sobchak.

Two decades later, Sobchak’s daughter Ksenia is challenging Putin in the election a move that has divided Russia’s already deeply-split liberal opposition.

By 1996, he was called to Moscow to work in the Kremlin under Russia’s first democratically-elected president Boris Yeltsin, who in 1998 made little-known Putin head of the KGB’s successor, the FSB.  

Vladimir Putin is lauded as a saviour who restored pride and traditional values to a humiliated nation.

Battling health and drinking problems, frail Yeltsin in August 1999 named Putin prime minister and his popularity shot up as he oversaw the launch of a second war to crush rebels in the Chechnya region.

When Yeltsin sensationally resigned on New Year’s Eve 1999, Putin suddenly took over as president of the biggest country on earth.

A Tsar Is Born

Buoyed by an influx of petrodollars that saw living standards soar, the Kremlin under Putin forged its own “sovereign democracy” in which the trappings of pluralism such as political opposition and civil society were subverted.

He has guarded his private life jealously and once famously told journalists to keep their “snotty noses” out of his business.

After three decades of marriage, he divorced his wife Lyudmila in 2013 but rumours of new romance including with a former Olympic gymnast have not been confirmed.

In line with the constitution, when Putin ended his second term in 2008, he handed power to protege Dmitry Medvedev and moved to become prime minister but few doubted who was really in charge.

In 2012, he returned as president in the face of huge street protests.

While the demonstrations petered out after a police crackdown, the spectre of unrest spurred tough new measures to eradicate dissent.

Crimea, Ukraine, Syria

Putin, who once decried the collapse of the USSR as the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century, has ferociously defended Moscow’s sphere of influence and also challenged perceived US hegemony.

When crowds in Ukraine ousted Russian-backed leader Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014, the Kremlin faced losing its dominance over a key neighbour.

Within days, Putin ordered special forces to seize the strategic Crimea peninsula and after a hasty referendum rejected internationally in March 2014 signed off on the region’s annexation.

The redrawing of Russia’s border sparked the worst standoff with the West since the Cold War and unleashed a wave of nationalism at home that saw Putin’s popularity soar.

Soon the Kremlin was accused of masterminding a rebellion in east Ukraine that turned into a festering conflict that has cost more than 10,000 lives.

Despite sanctions pushing his economy into recession, Putin also launched a bombing campaign in Syria to support leader Bashar al-Assad in 2015. It is widely seen as the key factor that tipped the war in Assad’s favour.

Putin was then accused of spreading his tentacles much further and Moscow’s old foe the United States found itself in the crosshairs.

After Donald Trump’s shock election win, US intelligence accused Putin of ordering a hacking and influence campaign to get Trump to the White House.

“Those that lose always look to blame someone else,” Putin retorted.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)