#should the board have been at 50 degrees?

[little-alien-duck]

the worst part of being a coach is that when I fuck up and injure myself I KNOW exactly what I would've said to warn myself against making that mistake if I were one of my athletes

[mrowsters]

I wanted to discuss some things about tfone and get some thoughts out into the void. Beware it's very long. Also, SPOILERS for TRANSFORMERS ONE.

Ya know I was thinking about TF One today and i realized they are all literally babies. Babies that have never transformed. Who don't know how to use their T-Cog much less take care of said T-Cog.

Babies who were probably never given integral lessons like, say, how to take care of their armor, cause they were miners. And they didn't even have armor (not any armor that was valued in any way because of their societal status as laborers) Besides, they (were) cog-less so why teach them how to care for themselves in any way that matters because they're just gonna get banged up again in the mines anyway. Sure, they're all shiny now (because they have brand-new armor) but they have so much to learn about caring for themselves and their health and what they should and shouldn't do because they're BABIES. LITERAL CHILDREN. AN ENTIRE GENERATION OF BOTS THAT DON'T KNOW INTEGRAL PARTS OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CYBERTRONIAN.

DEAR GOD WHAT KIND OF HEALTH ISSUES ARE THE BABIES GONNA HAVE BECAUSE THEY WORKED IN THE MINES FOR THEIR INFANT-HOOD.

Ratchet and all the medics are gonna have some real work cut out for them. Orion, D-16, B-127, and Elita-One transforming was chaotic, imagine how the thousands of new-builds trying to figure it out together with only the advice from the three miners left that HAVE transformed.

Oh yeah and that racing board, assuming that every bot created became a miner after Sentinel's deal with the Quintessons (big assumption but there's no evidence to disprove it at this point....unless i missed it), Chromia, Cliffjumper, Mirage, Swerve, and everyone on that board is older than the miners. I just find it insane just how many bots are Older the Optimus Prime because he is a Baby. They are all Babies. They know a lot but they don't know so much too and dear God they're all babies. Just kids. Man Sentinel really fucked an entire generation of bots. Imagine all the extra shit they're gonna have to learn. WHAT OPTIMUS PRIME HAS TO LEARN.

Maybe I'm exaggerating, but it really feels like I'm not. Especially considering how the miners were treated by all of cybertronian society. (Ex: Bee getting stuck on sub-level 50 for being himself, the "Tier System," the constant reminders of their inferior status because of their lost cogs, the way regular bots ignore and don't acknowledge their presence (see the small scene of D-16 and Orion walking to the stadium, or the chase scene at the beginning of the movie), how excited the miners were to see Orion and D in the race [because that means if O+D can do it so can they and that means they are more than what others say they are],etc).

I really think it's gonna be an uphill battle for Optimus to truly bring their people together in the future movies. While showing Sentinel as a traitor of the highest regard and using the Matrix to get energon flowing again on Cybertron is a Fantastic start, I just feel like the Society Sentinel built to Separate the uppers and lowers of society can't be overturned in one day. They spent 50 cycles being split apart by what Sentinel deemed appropriate (something very scary to think about because he decided to take away newborns T-Cogs, what else has he decided on?) I honestly don't think that mindset that was instilled in the people, because let's face it, if your Prime, a damn near god-like authority, says its okay to dunk on the miners you're gonna do it to at least some degree because the Prime, and ultimately the Society he built, deems it acceptable behavior (it isn't acceptable behavior and im sure there's nuance because all bots have their own opinions and yada yada but we haven't SEEN these opinions except for maybe Darkwing's and the Prime Guard but they've been exiled so I'm not sure they count?) ((we can maybe count Chromia in this but all we saw her do was run over Orion and D-16 in the race so... Ultimately I would need more evidence to be sure)). And learning you were wrong AND to change your behavior AND the trust issues that are gonna come from this thanks to Sentinel's betrayal is not something that's gonna take everyone a day to achieve.

In the end the babies are gonna get stupid injuries. Ratchet and his team aren't getting ANY SLEEP. And I don't think things are gonna be okay in Iacon for a while, aside from Megatron and the Quints, that is. I'm interested to see where it's taken.

But also remember they are Babies. I also want to see them doing stupid shit because they don't know any better.

Small side note, the baby chevrons of Prowl and Bluestreak were adorable. I think I might've seen Smokescreen but I'm gonna have to watch it again to be sure. Just... Lil baby cheverons. Lil pointy. So cute. I hope they're gigantic now that they have T-Cogs. :3

[mythosaursarecool]

Well I reached my 50 followers milestone so time to deliver on some lore drop stuff for my Mythosaur

So let’s get this ball rolling!

The plan here is three additional posts (maybe more we’ll see) going into more detail on the species this is going to more of an overview. This for now is just some random facts and lore I’ve put together.

Additional Content coming soon:

[Anatomy] [Force Use] [Battle Bonds]

-Written by a lover of world building and theoretical biology

My design came into play because boy oh boy do hate the canon mythosaur design. Like come oooon look at this guy! That’s not the stuff of legend that a weirdo that can stay down at the bottom of his living waters pond

So with the power invested in me by myself and no one else I said "I can do better" and spent the next year and a half designing , scrapping that, Pinterest boarding, then designing again another two times before before I settled on what has become my Mythosaur

Now some lore and random facts~ enjoy my word vomit! More to come with the other posts!

The story of Mandalorian riding mythosaurs as big as cities comes from the fact their bones fossilize into bescar and the great mines span for miles, but there’s not been any confirmation of living mythosaurs that big in any recoded history.

Mythosaurs are highly intelligent beasts, they form what is called a Battle Bond with the Mandalorian they carry into battle. Wile all mythosaurs can form these bonds the ones that do tend to be far and few between as there is a criteria that must be met for this, but more on that in the Battle Bonds post.

It should be noted that wile highly intelligent mythosaurs are also considered highly aggressive too. One can neither run nor hide from them once a Mythos has decided your life is forfeit. They do not take slights easily to themselves or their Mandalorians.

A mythosaurs name has power to it. To know their name does not give you power over them but it does give one the ability to truly know them. They do not give out their names to just anyone.

Mythosaurs are gifted in a few verities of force sensitivities. They can’t interact and move things around like a Jetti can but they can access the Livning and Physical force with practice. Most are skilled in the mind arts to some degree.

There were no known Mythosaur and Mandalorian Battle Bonded pares when the Empire glassed Mandalor. In fact there hadn’t been any known paring since before the Mandalorian civil war

Mythosaurs can resinate with bescar, it’s commonly called making bescar "sing"

Bescar has some interesting amplifying properties for Mythosaurs in the force. They can tether their force signature to teal they are familiar with and track it over large distances wile also being able to sense what’s around the anchor point to some degree.

I have like waaaaayyyy more I can go into here but I want to break things up and go more in-depth on things in separate topic designated posts so enjoy these tidbits! I do this for fun and entirely self indulgent so cheers y’all!

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

After three decades of increasingly steep losses in rural America, Democrats are finally beginning to grapple with an inconvenient truth: An enduring Democratic majority requires winning back some portion of persuadable rural working-class voters.

Both Republicans’ and Democrats’ neoliberal economic policies have been harmful—in some instances ruinous—to rural communities. The GOP, on the whole, has caused more economic pain—but it has also been the party that has acknowledged rural struggles and put the people who’ve been harmed at the center of their rhetoric. None more so than Donald Trump, who said, in 2016, “Every time you see a closed factory or a wiped out community in Ohio, it was essentially caused by the Clintons.”

Too many Democrats, meanwhile, have sounded either dismissive of or exasperated by rural people. In 2016, Chuck Schumer’s catastrophically cavalier strategy willfully sacrificed blue-collar rural voters in exchange (or so he’d hoped) for high-income suburbanites. As far as the Democratic establishment was concerned, non-college-educated rural voters should quit complaining and simply get a degree—ideally in coding—and join the knowledge economy. Such contempt for a large swath of America has resulted in the ongoing erosion of Democratic support among working-class white and non-white voters.

Joe Biden, more than any president in decades, has prioritized rural people with a remarkable set of pro-worker policies and major investments in rural economies and infrastructure. We believe that this record offers a foundation for Democrats at all levels to begin to win back working-class rural voters—while holding on to the party’s multiracial urban and suburban base.

In 2022, the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative (which we cofounded) interviewed 50 Democratic candidates, from 25 states, who ran in rural districts between 2016 and 2020. Though they didn’t all win office, they all significantly overperformed the partisan lean of their district or state.

Our questions to them boiled down to, “What was your secret sauce?” From their answers, we identified several key ingredients: First and foremost, successful candidates were highly attuned to the concerns of their would-be constituents. Instead of running on a cookie-cutter national Democratic platform, they focused on the things voters in their district cared about most—kitchen-table matters like jobs and the economy, alongside ultra-local problems such as lousy roads, underfunded hospitals, and spotty Internet access.

Overperforming candidates also eschewed Beltway political consultants in favor of campaign staffers rooted in the community. This made for authentic campaigns with local flavor. Former Maine state senator Chloe Maxmin, for example, deployed homemade yard signs that were a folksy departure from the typically soulless campaign placards that litter the landscape.

Rural overperformers did something else that’s unpopular within the progressive left but widely appreciated by rural swing voters: They didn’t demonize Trump, no matter how richly he deserved it. And they didn’t try to scare or pressure persuadable voters into seeing the GOP or MAGA as an existential threat to democracy. Such rhetoric is music to the base’s ears but falls flat with key constituencies, most worryingly youth and Latinos.

Guillermo Lopez, a board member of the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, had this to say about Democrats’ hyping the MAGA threat to democracy: “I actually think that harms the vote.… [The average person who] just puts their nose to the grindstone and goes to work, I don’t think that motivates them. I think it scares them and freezes them.”

We’re with Lopez. Time spent enumerating and labeling Trump’s voluminous misconduct is time that could have been spent connecting with voters on what they care about most. We reserve judgment as to whether sounding the alarm about MAGA fascism appeals to disaffected or undecided urban and suburban voters, but we’re reasonably confident that this message does little to help rural candidates.

The superiority of depolarizing rhetoric is corroborated by a wide body of academic and poll-tested research documented in our full report. At the end of the day, the rural Democrats able to chip away at Republican strongholds were the ones who knew how to meet voters where they already were—not where they wished they were at. This sounds like Politics 101, but it’s a principle all too often cast aside by candidates and campaign consultants who spend too much time tuned in to MSNBC pundits and not enough listening to their own voters.

Democrats running in this cycle should study the 2022 campaigns of Representatives Mary Peltola, who won in solidly red Alaska, and Marie Glusenkamp Perez, who won Washington State’s Third Congressional District, which had been in Republican hands for six terms. Peltola ran on “Fish, Family, Freedom” and in her current reelection campaign calls on Alaskans to say “to hell with politics” and “work together to protect our Alaska way of life.”

Glusenkamp Perez won her 2022 race in large part because of her credibility as co-owner of an auto repair shop and her laser-sharp focus on issues her constituents prioritized, like the “right to repair” farming and other equipment. While some on the left are angry that she doesn’t toe the Democratic party line on every issue, her record shows her to be the kind of left-leaning populist who can win in rural districts. The Democratic Party would be wise to embrace socially moderate, economically and stylistically populist candidates like Glusenkamp Perez and Peltola as part of its coalition.

In the spirit of cross-racial populist solidarity, top-performing rural candidates put work and workers at the center of their policy and rhetoric, proposing a “hand up” rather than a “handout.” For the great majority of rural people, self-reliance—the wherewithal to solve our own problems and meet our own needs—is central to our identity. We don’t know a single farmer, conservative or liberal, who doesn’t feel this way. As Colby College rural political scholars Nick Jacobs and Dan Shea put it, “What rural residents want to hear is this: ‘Make it possible for us to improve our communities ourselves.’”

Rural residents might be disproportionately dependent on some form of government transfer payment, but they don’t like it. Farah Stockman, author of American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears, wrote, “Too often, those who champion the working class speak only of social safety nets, not the jobs that anchor a working person’s identity.” The key is in the delivery, ensuring that local communities can adapt and drive these investments rather than trying to implement ill-suited, top-down mandates.

The Biden administration’s aggressive anti-trust actions combined with rule changes favoring workers and organized labor are critical steps in giving non-college-educated working people agency. Its investments in rural infrastructure and manufacturing are essential as well.

Likewise, the Biden campaign’s decision to hire a rural coordinator bodes well. But that coordinator’s efficacy will be orders of magnitude greater if they hire a small army of locally rooted staff who know how to make a national campaign relevant and resonant for rural voters.

While Democrats will not “win” rural America in 2024, they can and must run up the margins with rural voters—a third of whom are considered persuadable—if they are to keep the presidency and control Congress and statehouses. Because it turns out the secret sauce isn’t that complicated: Find out what’s most important to persuadable rural people, and focus on that. That’s the only recipe worth cooking.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Markos Moulitsas (kos) at Daily Kos:

Remember the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth group that besmirched Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry’s military record during the 2004 election? The architect of that discredited group was Chris LaCivita, who is now one of Donald Trump’s two campaign managers. It’s no accident that Republicans now are using many of that group’s same tactics to tarnish Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s excellent military service.  Walz is among the highest-ranking retired enlisted service members to have ever run on a major presidential ticket. Only three vice presidents have ever had military service in the enlisted ranks, and only one president has.

Let me explain what all that means.  There are two kinds of leaders in the military: the officer track (lieutenants, majors, colonels, generals), and the enlisted track. Leaders in the enlisted ranks are called noncommissioned officers (NCO), which are the sergeants of various stripes (literally). Officers set the strategy and tactics, and sergeants execute those orders. They are two different tracks. To become an officer, it requires a college degree, whereas that’s not the case with the enlisted. I was enlisted, working up from private when I was in basic training, to specialist when I finished my service. The next rank up would’ve been sergeant. My son is a specialist today, and he will no doubt become an NCO before he finishes his service. 

Walz, who reached the rank of command sergeant major before he retired, is being accused of retiring when his unit was called up, instead of deploying. This accusation can be traced to this paid letter to the editor published in 2018 by two retired (and clearly conservative) high-ranking Minnesota National Guard members. The letter coincided with Walz’s first run for governor of the state. “When the nation called, he quit,” the two men wrote. To be very clear, when you see conservatives like Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance claim “stolen valor,” that is just false. Heck, even the notoriously conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board said the claim is bogus. Walz never pretended to have served in war; he never made up accolades. The original accusation is simply that when Walz’s unit deployed to Iraq, he quit.

So what exactly happened? 

Walz joined the National Guard at 17, serving first in Nebraska and later in Minnesota. The National Guard is a reserve component of the U.S. Army, with dual state and federal duties. So under state command, they’ll do things like riot duty, state disaster support, counter-narcotics efforts, patrol the southern border if they have Republican governors looking to score political points, etc. They can also be federalized. That happened with my son’s California unit, where he spent the past year in the Middle East. There are National Guard units in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Walz rose up the ranks over 24 years of service until he reached the highest rank possible at the state level, command sergeant major. It’s a big, big deal to reach this level. 

[...] Walz didn’t quit his service to his nation. Far from it. He served 24 years in uniform, and he’s continued serving his state and his nation ever since—in Congress, in Minnesota as governor, and, next year, in Washington as the vice president of the United States.  Republicans pretend to honor military service, but it’s all an act. I would never deign to insult Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s military service. It is an honor to serve, and those who do it should be treated with the proper respect. Anyone who mocks someone who has honorably served is mocking all my brothers and sisters in arms, including my son.  Even worse, Republicans are currently rallying around a presidential candidate who famously used a claim of bone spurs and four education deferments to avoid being drafted for the Vietnam War. Donald Trump didn’t avoid service because of his conscience, which would in itself be honorable. He did so because he was too hoity-toity to serve.

Dear right-wingers who are trying to swiftboat Tim Walz: His military record is of sterling reputation.

See Also:

MMFA: These major news outlets-- especially The New York Times-- amplified JD Vance’s lie about Tim Walz’s military service without rebuttal

[queenoffishingandcookies]

This has spoilers for umineko, careful if you chose to read.

Sometimes I remember that Eva’s birthday is on October 21st.

I’m not sure how old she actually is since the year the adults were born was never released (to my knowledge), but in my headcanons she’s somewhere around 50 - 52 at the time of the Rokkenjima Incident.

Eva would have ‘celebrated’ her 50-something birthday, knowing that all of her family - with exception to Ange, who hadn’t been on the island - was dead.

Her son, her husband, her two other nieces and just-returned nephew - her younger siblings, her in-laws, her elder brother.

She would have gotten one year older, and known that it was - in part - her fault that none of the children would get any older. Not her precious George, not Jessica or Battler, not even little Maria.

Whether she intended to or not, Eva shot the first bullet. Eva committed the first murder that night, involuntary manslaughter or murder to some degree - and everything spiraled from there.

The witch had set up the board (not a game, not to her, because she’d been serious-) ready for murder and, when found out, had given them a second chance at living their lives - lives that otherwise would have been lost, for good.

(The message bottles that washed up later told only too seriously of how that girl - the witch - really had intended to murder them all of the epitaph remained unsolved. Though, in the end, her mercy hadn’t mattered because Eva -)

At the end, in the dying hours of October 4th and the birth of the 5th, that chance was thrown away like a rose ripped from its roots.

A mistake that birthed a massacre, the truth of which would be forever sealed away within her diary - obscured by a witch’s shadow and an island destroyed by explosion, trapped forever inside a little catbox sealed by a key now only Eva could unlock, swept away by the ocean waves.

(The debris field must have been massive, and someone must have heard the explosion go off, even if the cause was unknown).

It left her entirely alone, on a day where she would have once been surrounded by her loved ones.

October 21st, 1986 - Eva faces the prospect of outliving those she never should have outlived.

She goes to her grave knowing she wasn't the true culprit, and still - at the same time - it was in part her fault.

[aprofessionalwithoutstandards]

So I'm aro and kinda ambivalent/slightly pos on sex stuff. So like from an aspec perspective on all your posts is very interesting to watch. Idk. I feel like people only use my identity to mask they still have growing to do and that sex isn't... Like, scary I guess? Its just a thing people do, Yk? Also that lots of different people have sex, conventionally unattractive people have sex, you don't need to "beautify" them. Adults have sex. These characters are all adults, by the end of the comics Scout is in his late 20s, like. I'm fairly certain these characters have had sex, and infantilizing characters like Scout, sometimes Engineer, or especially Pyro, whether they realize it or not, reflects on them and their feelings on how people "should act" and mental disorders. They can have sex! The sex can be weird! They are weird people! Like... They're adult men. They range from mid 20's to possibly their 50s-60's. Who are messed up a bit. I don't think they're timid little virgin babys who have never seen a genital or came in their life, like, be serious. I think it CAN be interesting to explore how someone in the 60's-70's would navigate asexuality in this scenario. Like, that can be an interesting take IF you put the actual thought, understanding, and nuances of being aspec. But like, it's always just like, filler sexuality here to be there cuz I don't have a strong grasp on the character. A pretty flag for the sake of having another flag. And because of that lack of character and world understanding they lean on stereotypes under the guise of progressive ideas.

Sorry about the all over the place rant, just been thinking about this kinda stuff every time I see ur posts.

Nooo don'tworry this is rlly nice to hear n a perspective I can't rlly give! Obviously I'm not aspec myself AHGKLAGA but I definitely don't like stuff like "well of COURSE Pyro is aroace bc they're baby uwu" it just doesn't sit right with me LMAO. None of this is to say that I think it's "wrong" to have ace Pyro or ace Sniper or ace whoever headcanons, of course I don't think that. I especially think it's really nice when someone sees themself in a videogame man, regardless of what their identity is. I just think yknow, stuff like "this guy has Brain Problems (Sniper has social problems, Pyro has delusions, Scout has a disorder I'm calling 'being in his 20s') and therefore does not have sex" or in Pyro's case especially "cannot even UNDERSTAND sex" is kinda just harmful and offensive across the board, to mentally ill people and aspec people alike. I'm always reminded of that ask I got like "if autistic people can't handle bright lights how are they supposed to handle sex" bc like 1) plenty of autistic people are perfectly Fucking capable of understanding, having, and enjoying sex and 2) ace people aren't ace bc they "can't handle" or "don't understand" sex LMAO. Sex is a thing some people have, and a thing some people don't, and like either of those things are good and okay and fine. Idk there's just a veeeery wide societal problem of really infantilizing both asexual people and disabled people that I think extends far beyond "fandom" or whatever, it's rlly deeply ingrained so a lot of people aren't aware of how they perpetrate it. Basically I just don't think an ace or aro headcanon should surround "X character is just completely incapable of understanding and/or consenting to sex or romance" ESPECIALLY if that character is disabled (like Pyro tf2, or even to a smaller degree like Sniper tf2 if the person doing it hcs him as autistic or whatever). If u want someone to be ace they can just be ace! It doesn't need like a "shy baby uwu" reasoning behind it

[rianafying]

hello diary i’m back idk what is happening or why i ever feel what i feel, but here goes nothing

i’ve been feeling very creative today, had a terrible morning woke up insanely dehydrated, could barely move, my arthritis and psoriasis had flared up as well, i had to cancel my gig but they’re fine, they had other people on board. i don’t really feel like i missed out because i literally couldn’t have gone and needed to stay home and rehydrate, plus it’s like 37 degrees outside, i’ll stay home thanks. anyway, so i got some much needed rest and i ate and drank loads of water and i feel replenished now and i feel hopeful and creative and i wish i could’ve just started something, a project or whatever. but i have no many chores standing firmly between me and what i actually want to do. will is a terribly difficult thing to conjure. i had a telehealth appointment to get diagnosed w adhd in melbourne so i can access the necessary treatment, but they’re telling me it’ll be at least $800 and at least 4 sessions to just get diagnosed. and that to me is a huge undertaking. i told them ill think about it but what is there to think of, i know fully well i cant afford it. i wish i had an ipad to draw on. ive been wanting to draw something for ages and i could draw on my physical sketch book but i just haven’t? i just cant? its the guilt from all the chores i haven’t done. there’s a proper inspection due in 4 days and i just know it’s going to cripple me with anxiety as the date comes closer. there’s so much stuff that i want to do. and yet i do nothing. i’m not doing even 1% of everything i want to do, because im stuck doing 100% of the things i hate but have to do. when im older, i hope i get permanent residency in australia or any other first world country, i wish i have a safe and permanent place to live, regardless of size or quality. i wish i have someone who can help me with the tasks i struggle with and i can help them with tasks they struggle with and if we both struggle at the same things, we’ll understand each other, we can struggle and learn together. hopefully this will not be a romantic partner because i don’t think my brain is hardwired to deal with matters of the heart in a stable way. i hope that by the time i feel safe, the children of gaza feel safe too. i hope we win. i thought of them when i got dehydrated and worried that ill get a uti, i thought about how much worse they have it. i think of them all the time but especially when im suffering and im reminded that they have it many folds worse. i try to derive hope, strength, and gratitude from that instead of helplessness, and powerlessness.

i haven’t been able to take out the trash and get rid of my dead plants and they’re starting to attract bugs and i really need to do that today, i’ve been saying that everyday, it’ll just take seconds. i also am very close to having $0 in my account because i had to buy some meds and i found some vitamins for half price and decided to buy a whole buttload of them #forhealthiguess also its SO HOT. and im trying to avoid turning on my air conditioner because my electricity bill last month was $140??? like why? it’s a crazy world out here. crazy expensive. for the millionth time, i really should get a real job soon. or try to. i doubt i’ll ever have enough to be independent. i fear i’ll always be at the mercy of my parents. i fear i’ll heal too slow to keep up with the damage.

all day i did nothing. that’s not true, i went grocery shopping and i made meatballs, and spaghetti and it turned out great. the one thing i always cook successfully is any kind of pasta, never fails. i feel 50% guilty for not doing anything important today. such as taking out the trash, cleaning my room, etc. it’s the one thing i hate doing: house chores. makes me wanna scream, cry and throw up. i made a mistake, last night i accidentally left my earphones on the couch at reception downstairs and hadn’t even realised until earlier today when i was leaving the building and saw it on the couch. i feel so relieved that i live in a place where nobody stole it all day. part of me feels like i don’t deserve to live so well. because for nearly a year, i have been living wonderfully, everything’s going so well, and all my demons are inside of my own head. this is new for me. there’s no actual threat, i think. still feels like there is. i’m less overwhelmed than usual, but still pretty overwhelmed. there’s always too many ideas and not enough ability to implement them. how do i feel chaos and clarity simultaneously. i just need a break from this mental torment. i think getting my apartment clean will definitely help with that. but it’s such a big task, even thinking about it makes me fall to my bed and start to rot. suddenly i find that my body won’t move. adhd sounds like it’s so quirky and funny until you’re surrounded with piles of garbage and flying insects and there is a mysterious sticky brown patch underneath the fridge that just will not move. until there’s no space to walk from one end of the room to the other without stepping on and crushing things underneath my feet. it feels as if my brain has acquired an endless supply of shame and guilt. i will probably not feel focused until my room is actually clean. clean enough to be inspected. clean enough to maybe even have visitors. i get anxious just thinking about the prospect.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: John McWhorter

Published: Mar 8, 2023

I have argued recently that a useful and inspiring history of modern Black America need not be dominated by discussions of white racism. And having done so, it seems reasonable for me to explain, to at least a limited degree, what I would envision as a potentially better approach.

Specifically, I wrote about a draft curriculum of the College Board’s Advanced Placement course in African American studies. So what other topics might it have included, to counterbalance topics — clearly worthy, yet incomplete — such as reparations, Amiri Baraka and the Black Lives Matter movement?

Let’s try, for one, the notion of Black power. The good word would seem to be that we never really have any. But that isn’t true, and any valid chronicle of the history of what’s been happening to Black Americans since the 1960s must not pretend otherwise.

We have now had a two-term Black president, two Black secretaries of state, one Black (and South Asian) vice president and a Black secretary of defense. These were all borderline unimaginable goals a generation ago.

Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, D.C., was elevated in 2020 to become the Catholic Church’s first Black cardinal. He was the first Black president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as far back as the early 2000s — a time at which Dennis Archer was also the first Black president of the American Bar Association.

Lowe’s and Walgreens, two of the nation’s largest retailers, are run by Black chief executives. The reason you probably didn’t know that is because there are now enough Black chief executives to bypass the notion of firsts. This contrasts with 2000, when there were only two prominent Black chief executives of Fortune 500 companies — Franklin Raines at Fannie Mae and Lloyd Ward at Maytag — although that, too, was awesome progress over what had come before.

Successes of this kind should be held up front and center, not dismissed as footnotes or all but buried in equal coverage of remaining disparities — although those should of course be covered elsewhere in a curriculum. The question is how people like this achieved as much as they did despite the obstacles, largely but not exclusively racial, they all faced. We might ask why there isn’t more focus on that question.

I often sense that we are supposed to think of people like this with a certain formulaic admiration. They are what are sometimes called “Blacks in wax” (after, presumably, the museum in Baltimore): nice to know about but ultimately fluky superstars irrelevant to what some might say Blackness is really about. Is the idea that, because they have not usually dedicated themselves to political protest in deed or gesture, it somehow makes them less impressive or less important? That itself would be a radical proposition.

Something else: A modern history of Black America should include how Black English has become, to a considerable extent, a youth lingua franca since at least the 1990s. It is absolutely a fact that attitudes toward Black English can be influenced by racism. However, this is neither the most important nor even the most interesting thing about the dialect. Beyond its awesome grammatical structures, it is fascinating that such a dialect primarily confined to Black usage just 50 years ago now decorates the speech of countless Americans who are not Black at all. And that is because how Black people talk has become an integral part of how America talks.

In Black English, “I’m going to” can be rendered as the marvelously terse “Ima,” as in, “Ima go downstairs.” Thirty years ago, I overheard a white undergraduate woman use this phrase with Black male friends. Then, white people using it were generally ones especially identified with and situated within Black culture — i.e., with a substantially Black friend group. Today I hear white and Asian young people use “Ima” all the time; it is no longer interesting. A student of South Asian heritage wrote a paper for me recently chronicling how his texting with friends, most of whom are not Black, was couched considerably in Black English, as a default medium with no performance or ridicule entailed.

And dismissing this as cultural appropriation won’t do. It’d be like Jewish people complaining that non-Jewish people say “klutz,” “schmooze” and “shtick.” Black English’s transformation of mainstream English has likewise been inevitable, harmless and cool. It’s something great that has happened since the 1960s.

A true and healthy history of Black America should also cover, with the same ardor that it does the L.A. riots of 1992, the efflorescence of Black film starting in the 1980s and continuing into the 2000s. After the Blaxploitation film flame burned out rather quickly in the 1970s, Black movies came out here and there. But starting with the electrically odd, goofy, plangent and true “She’s Gotta Have It” by Spike Lee in 1986, and Lee’s titanic oeuvre of films in its wake, it started to get hard to see every Black film that was released. (I had to give up around 1999.)

The comedies were often of a kind that both taught and amused (“Barbershop”); the romances gave Black women especially equivalents to movies like “When Harry Met Sally” (“Love Jones”); the dramas gave us our forms of movies like “Terms of Endearment” (“Soul Food”); and the gangster pictures finally gave us our James Cagneys and Lee Marvins (“New Jack City”).

A line one often used to hear in response to the idea of progress in Black film was that there existed no Black producer who could greenlight a movie alone. But that’s no longer true, now that Tyler Perry rules his own filmic empire. Some think Perry does not really count because most of his films appeal more to the gut than to the intellect. But then the vast majority of films always have, and I for one have never seen a film of Perry’s without at least one immortal performance of some kind, including, frequently, his own. And they are indeed often damnably funny.

That Black movies are now ordinary is something our historiography should chart and celebrate, much as it should a two-term Black president. The prospect of a film like “Black Panther” even getting made on such a lavish budget, much less being an international sensation, would have sounded like science fiction as recently as the 1990s. The prospect of a high-budget sequel with a mostly Black cast being made even after the star of the original had died? It beggars imagination.

One last example: From the Florida A.P. draft, one might suppose that the thing most interesting about hip-hop is its usage as protest music, given that in the draft music is so dominatingly associated with social and political purposes, advocacy and empowerment. Certainly, protest is part of what the music is; its confrontational cadence is fundamental to the genre. But as to the idea of a hip-hop revolution whereby the music was always supposedly about to unite Black America into some kind of radical political consciousness: How has that panned out?

Hip-hop has been a glorious revolution, indeed — in music, period. Be it party music, protest music, political music, obscene music or Dr. Octagon, a genre that started as street fun in the Bronx has transformed the musical fabric and sensibility of America — as well as that of the whole world. (I once watched a teen rap in Indonesian in New Guinea.) No one denies this, of course. But it is this basic triumph that should center its coverage in a course and be offered as a topic of engagement to curious young people.

I suspect that the idea that a Black historiography would not just wave at but stare at positive developments will rub some the wrong way. But the idea that our history must elevate protest as the most interesting thing about us is peculiar.

It’s worth noting that not that very long ago, Black American movers and shakers were of a similar mind in celebrating the victories more than the — very real — obstacles. In 1901, an issue of the Black newspaper The Indianapolis Recorder listed all of the city’s businesses owned by Black people and crowed, “If after reading the facts and figures as succinctly presented an inspiration comes to any who may be considering embarking in some business enterprise or renews hope in those who are now struggling to attain success we shall feel gratified.”

If a Black man could write that in the era of Plessy v. Ferguson, surely today our curriculums on Black history can recognize more clearly what Black people have accomplished, continue to accomplish and accomplish more with each passing decade. Just because time moves more slowly than we wish it did doesn’t mean we should not recognize its motion. Relaxing the impulse to hold the spotlight on what white people are doing — or not doing, or should have done — can be, among other things, a way to recognize what Black people have accomplished in a nation that brought them across an ocean as slaves.

The protest-focused perspective is rooted, it seems to me, in a take on being Black that was memorably articulated by the writer Ellis Cose in the 1990s in “The Rage of a Privileged Class,” his widely discussed book about middle-class Black people’s sense of alienation: “Hurtful and seemingly trivial encounters of daily existence are in the end what most of life is,” Cose attested, in what he described as the story of what it’s like to be Black in modern America.

Cose’s Weltanschauung is one especially prevalent among academics, artists and journalists. But most people — and most Black people — are none of those three things. I have lost count of how many Black people told me back in the day that they did not share Cose’s take on what we now call “microaggressions” as the very fabric of our existence. Many do share it, to be sure, but their positions share space with those of the other millions of Black Americans who feel closer to the way I do.

The story of Black people in America is much more than the story of what’s wrong with white people. To pretend that this isn’t true, to downplay or ignore decades of progress and accomplishment and to portray political activism — however important and necessary, and it is both — as Black Americans’ main form of accomplishment, is to suggest that white people have already won.

==

Reminder: Critical Race Theorists believe that progress hasn't been made, that nothing has gotten better, and even that it's only gotten worse. How do they justify such a remarkable claim? Through the religious apologetic of "interest convergence," which they believe operates as a form of plausible deniability.

At bottom, it functions akin to "the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." You can know the racism is even worse, because now you can't see it. "But the US has had a black president, black Supreme Court justices, black military commanders, a long list of black cultural heroes - entertainers, artists, athletes..." See? That's how deeply ingrained it is, that's how concealed, pervasive and permanent it is.

[Critical] movements initially advocated for a type of liberal humanism (individualism, freedom, and peace) but quickly turned to a rejection of liberal humanism. The ideal of individual autonomy that underlies liberal humanism (the idea that people are free to make independent rational decisions that determine their own fate) was viewed as a mechanism for keeping the marginalized in their place by obscuring larger structural systems of inequality. In other words, it fooled people into believing that they had more freedom and choice than societal structures actually allow.

-- Ozlem Sensoy and Robin DiAngelo, "Is Everyone Really Equal?"

Instead of the endless nihilism of inevitable black hopelessness and inescapable white guilt, why not positivity around progress, success and how people feel about life?

[ Source: Gallup ]

The answers aren't that complicated.

Firstly, a key pillar of Critical Race Theory is a "Critique of Liberalism." That the entire liberal order - and particularly the color-blind, "content of their character" approach espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - has failed. To admit to progress, and especially to admit that black Americans are a world away from where things were 100, or even 50 years ago, undermines the proposition that the liberal order needs to be torn down.

And secondly, wokeness is not capable of creating nor solving problems. Its only function is to deconstruct: to pick, pick, pick, to scrutinize power dynamics, root out hidden oppressions and expose them. The only thing it produces is activism, programs to create more activists (DEI, schools), demands to forcibly redistribute resources (equity), and division through greater paranoia and fixation on differences. Like how those who study "Gender Studies" are unqualified for any vocation other than teaching "Gender Studies." It's not possible to create a society based on wokeness, not only because it has no coherent vision, but also because it will always eat whoever is claimed to be at the top with the most power, through competitive resentment. You therefore can't make progress with it. But you're not supposed to notice or talk about that.

[sticksstonesbonespoems]

The Tower of London

The Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, French, Germans and all the “nationalities” that make up the people soup of London have been joined by the civilizations that soup colonized. It is a wondrous, multi-cultural city. Smack dab in the middle is a fortress that started as a medieval palace and became infamous for executions. The central building was erected by William the Conqueror who is responsible for making the English at least partly French even if they will not admit it as England and France became the Cain and Abel of Western Europe for centuries.

Power, monarchy and human weakness fed war and cruelty. Edward the first taxed the Jewish population higher than anyone else to pay for the construction of towers. Then he kicked them all out of England. The one room dedicated to devices of torture has boards glibly stating that there was not nearly as much torture as you would think. Oh no. There were only 81 cases of state-sanctioned torture. Mmmm hmmm. Who are you trying to kid? That statement should not be allowed to assuage any guilt felt by the largest purveyor of medieval hijinks and abject colonization. There is a quaint little pub across the street from the Tower called the Hung, Drawn. And Quartered. Own it England.

There are some things that have not evolved well. In the 50 or so years since my last visit, the ravens of the tower are now kept locked up. When I was a child, they free-roamed the grounds when tourists were there. Men just cannot be trusted.

Also, not one of us avoids death. Life is for living.

Haman

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.”

Esther 7:10

“The loveliest lynchee was our Lord.”

Gwendolyn Brooks

Haman, good provider, brought his own rope.

Arranged with care his own unique reward.

He was risen higher in public death

Than he dared hope to rise in public life,

High as the best carpenters of the realm

Could build, high as the best gallows makers

He could afford to hire could lofty reach.

He twists slowly, slowly, at his rope’s end,

Turning slowly, his gaze could see for miles

Around now if still his eyes could see,

Turning slowly, could scan the capital,

The ways and and avenues that lead to power,

Turning slowly, South, East, North, West, search for

The junction where it all went somehow wrong.

Always and only he had expected

Simple justice: just what he had coming,

Had served his king, had shirked no drudging task,

Kept his desk clean, filed reports on time,

Learned decorum proper to high command—

Whose wife to flirt with and whom to avoid,

How to carve the roast, when to chill the wine,

How to serve up what the king wants to hear

At conference, and serve it up sincere.

Order, protocol, rank, degree, respect—

He knew his place and merely asked that those

Below know theirs; he wasn’t asking much:

The easy bow, the bending of the knee

To rank, acknowledging the earned degree.

His wife at first had thought his ravings odd,

A petty agnostic fret; his friends

Had humored him and failed to understand

His point that so much more than wounded pride

Was on the line, that the whole nation reeled

When one small wretched Jew refused to kneel.

If order, rank, and rule were not for all,

None would have them—the gutted state would fall.

The king, poor blind mindless amorous fool,

Must be saved from himself like it or not,

The state pushed back from the brink of chaos:

Blot out a people to save a nation,

Encourage a race for civilization.

The sentimental sops might call it cruel,

But realists would cautiously applaud:

And see him clear: a man doing the job

That years of public life had trained him for.

He liked to think that the years had prepared

Him precisely to meet this Jewish threat:

A moment to shine high in the klieg lights

Of all the focusing historians.

The man who knew his job and got it done.

Let the klieg lights of time affix him now

Twisting, slowly, slowly, at his rope’s end.

See him now in the bright harsh light of time

As man the butt of all ironic jokes,

Prickled on his own barbed wire, blown to hell

By his own bombs, gassed in the seclusion

Of his own chambers, and asking always

Only for what he has coming to him

And always, always, always getting it.

Man twists, slowly, slowly, at his rope’s end.

Turning slowly, scanning North, East, South, West:

History’s avenues all lead to death.

The light winks, the bands play, the boots march on.

Man dances absurd at the end of his rope.

For life is gala lynching party

Where every swinger brings his own rope:

It’s bring your own rope and reap your reward.

Except once: that grim party crashed by Him,

Intruding, who brought no rope of His own,

But borrowing man’s He stole the scene

And died, took what wasn’t coming to Him.

Look on Him, scene stealer, on His hilltop,

Changing the rules, muddling simple justice

With mercy, redemption, something called grace,

And cheating man of his hard earned reward:

Man’s antic rope’s end dance eclipsed at last

By the still shadow high on Golgotha.

E.W. Oldenburg 1936 - 1974

[burning-basilisk]

So I went to my first ever BDSM/kink play party recently.

My relationship with my own sexuality has always been weird... but this year in particular, I've been exploring it a lot.

I have multiple close friends who are active in the kink community, and one of them invited me to a "beginner-friendly" play party.

Let's call this friend Joe. And I'll call his girlfriend Sue.

As we checked in, we were given an option for wristbands. Green for "open play", yellow for "negotiable", and red for "no open play, don't ask". I chose yellow.

The venue was a small warehouse with a very haphazard interior, with differently themes areas, like a classroom or and office, as well as large metal rigs that some people played on. A lot of the place was cluttered, but the areas where people were sitting, playing, or hanging from, were all immaculately clean.

I didn't have any explicitly sexual contact with anyone throughout the night. It was an "open play" party, so sex was within the rules, but only one couple actually fucked.

Most of the 30-50 people present were just hanging out. It had the air of a rather large board game party, where around 85+% of the guests at any given moment were either gathered to watch some group play, or just casually mingling amongst each other between play sessions.

And I want to really emphasize the word "play" here, because that is the most concise and complete way to describe the atmosphere I felt, there.

Playful... in a truly childish sense, but with the acceptance of the sexual side of everyone there, however weird it may be.

Joe and Sue were there to showcase and teach a particularly exotic form of play: fire play.

Sue stripped mostly naked and bent over a curiously designed piece of leather furniture. Joe took a pair of very small torches with very soft wicks and soaked them in some generic rubbing alcohol.

He lit one of them, and trailed the other along the skin of Sue's back, pressing some of the fuel onto her skin, before tapping the lit torch to her skin, igniting the trail briefly, before his free bare hand quickly swept the flames away a split second later.

He played with the amount of fuel, the length of the trail, and the duration of the flame.

I should add, here, that the three of us are all fire dancers, and have lots of experience being burned in varying degrees, with very few scars. We have a good idea of what a "real" burn feels like on our skin, versus a harmless flash of heat.

But the others at this party? Not so much. Only the most adventurous among them even bothered to approach Joe afterwards and ask him about it.

Then, Sue asked me if I wanted it done to me, and I accepted.

It was an exhilarating experience. I took off my shirt and bent over the leather thing that I now wish I had a name for, and saw a flare of light as she lit the torch.

The sensations themselves were... hot on multiple levels, sure. I felt the cold fuel trail over my skin, then light up in a flash of heat, up and down my back, over my shoulders and arms. When the lit torch went out, I started to get up, but then felt her hand on my back. She asked me if I wanted some more. I caught a glimpse of a moderate crowd gathered behind me, and noticed my heart racing. I said yes.

Afterwards, a rather cute girl approached me and said that she really liked watching me, but she had to leave, so we quickly exchanged instagram handles.

I then hung around some more, chatting with other guests, most of whom seemed very new to this world as well. Everyone was very nice, and extremely forgiving of any lapse in social niceties. It was not only okay to be awkward around here, it felt almost encouraged. Being around very nice people who are deliberately acting beyond their usual bounds of respectability or shame... it really made me wonder what other parts of me I might be stifling in favor of conformity.

I talked to Joe and Sue about it on the drive back, and Sue said something about how I have a nice back, and that my muscles show when I twitch and squirm, and Joe echoed her sentiments.

I've been thinking about it every day since. The idea that I could be sexually alluring to anyone, at all, feels foreign... but also, really good. Not just as a cognitively defined value, but as a somatic and emotional experience.

I feel so estranged from the person I was a year ago.

And I love it.

[louff4tw]

For each person applying there should be a board who goes over their case. Make sure the person had/has all options available.

See. I’m 50/50 on this. Cause everything you said was correct. It is eugenics especially to actually push it on Mentally Ill people. And to cull the disabled. I think a case it would be acceptable is for those already dying. My Grandad was wheelchair bound from MS. And then he developed 2 types of cancer. This would have allowed him to go out still him. Instead he died a shell of who he was. Not knowing who or where he was. He didn’t know my name. He called me by my sisters cause he was so out of it. He was in so much pain and agony. No dignity or pride left in a men who was full of both. His wife had to change him.

This is the only acceptable reason. Cause either way. If I get near a situation like that. I’m offing myself. Assisted would be preferred. I have 2 grandparents with lung cancer. (One with pancreas and ms as well). Been around smokers since I was born. I’m allergic to the sun and have had 2 severe 3rd degree burns all over my back. It’s almost a  guarantee I’ll get sun cancer. Both parents with diabetes and a brother. Nm health issues and such.

I refuse to die like he did. Where my families remaining memories are of incoherent mutterings from me frail in bed. No longer ME. I’m gonna die me. But I would rather do it myself then a system take advantage of people like this

I need you guys to listen so bad, but I’m at least glad people on Twitter are starting to talk about this. The government of Canada is expanding Medically Assisted Death to cull the poor and disabled, and now suicidal and mentally ill (these are usually interchangeable of course here). It is EUGENICS and every single disabled rights organization is against it.

Disability payments are $1,200 a month. The average one bedroom apartment rent in the Greater Toronto Area (greatest pop. area by far here) is $2,000 a month. People with mental illnesses are on months long waitlists to get even a single publicly funded session. Weeks to get privately funded care which costs at least $200 a session. There is no housing here for disabled people. We are in one of the worst housing crises in the world right now.

Doctors are now offering MAiD unprompted to young suicidal people. This woman is 21, a health practitioner literally suggested she kill herself.

This is one of the worst Disability Rights Violations we’ve ever seen in Canada. The government is killing us because it is cheaper than funding healthcare, cheaper than giving people housing and food and basic human rights.

[bestcollegeinranchiumu]

Discover High-Paying Jobs You Can Land After a BCA Course

Introduction:

Are you eager to build your career in the IT sector as a software engineer or IT expert? If so, then you have come to the right website and have picked up the appropriate article that will help you know everything about the BCA Course. The BCA course is a three-year undergraduate bachelor degree that has been designed for those students who want to make their professional careers in the information technology sector or computer science. In this guide, we will explore the overview of a BCA course, its eligibility criteria, duration, career opportunities, skills required for this course, and why you should choose Usha Martin University for a BCA course in 2024. So, let’s start the BCA journey with a positive and growth-oriented mindset.

An Overview of the BCA Course:

The BCA Course is a three-year undergraduate bachelor degree that has been built for those students who want to become software engineers or IT experts professionally. This course provides a wide range of career opportunities in different sectors. In this course, diverse topics are taught to students, such as C++, Java, and Python programming languages; database management; data structures; computer networks; web development; software engineering; and operating systems.

Duration of the BCA Course:

The duration of the BCA program or computer application is three years, broken up into six semesters, and the exam is held semester-wise at Usha Martin University annually.

Eligibility Criteria for the BCA Course:

To be admitted to the computer application course, you need to meet a few basic eligibility parameters, which are extremely crucial for BCA admission at Usha Martin University. They are as follows:

Applicants must have completed their 10+2 grade from an accredited board.

They must have at least 50% marks.

All stream students are allowed to take admission to the BCA course at Usha Martin University.

These are the fundamental educational requirements for computer application admission.

Skills Needed for the Bachelor of Computer Application Program:

There are some significant skills that are the stepping stones to success in the computer application course. Students need analytical, technical, and soft skills. These proficiencies are the backbone for students to make the desired career in various fields after completion of the course. They are below-mentioned:

Technical Skills:

Programming Languages: Applicants must have a strong proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, and Java Script.

Database Management: Students should have knowledge of SQL and database management systems like MYSQL, Oracle, and MongoDB.

Web Development: Candidates should have an understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue.Js.

Software Development: They should have knowledge of approaches such as Agile and Scrum, as well as the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Analytical Skills:

Strong aptitude for problem-solving, including critical analysis, effective solution-generation, and critical thinking.

The ability to approach problems in an organized and methodical manner is known as logical thinking.

Mathematical aptitude is the ability to understand mathematical ideas well, particularly discrete mathematics and statistics, which are crucial to computer science.

Soft Skills:

Communication skills are the capacity to interact with coworkers, teachers, and others in a professional setting in an effective manner.

Teamwork: the capacity to cooperate with others in a group environment.

Time management is managing your time well to balance assignments, projects, and independent study.

Adaptability is the capacity to pick up new skills and adjust to the quickly evolving tech scene.

Precision in coding, troubleshooting, and project management to prevent mistakes and guarantee quality is known as attention to detail.

These are some extremely remarkable skills that are needed for the BCA programs.

Top 10 Career Opportunities After the BCA Course in 2024:

There are the top 10 great, well-paid, remarkable, and highly demanded career opportunities awaiting you after your BCA degree. These are the best job profiles that you can get easily if you have the right skills, and that’s a BCA degree. They are as follows:

Software Developer

Software developers are responsible for the development and upkeep of software applications for businesses. There is a great need for qualified software developers in all industries due to the growing digitization. To satisfy client needs, they are responsible for writing, testing, and refining software codes. Pay range from INR 7 to 15 LPA, based on experience and skill.

Website Developer

Web developers concentrate on creating responsive, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing websites. Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they guarantee the smooth operation of web pages. As e-commerce and online services have grown, there is a significant increase in demand for web developers. Pay Range: INR 5–10 LPA

Database Administrator

Database administrators are in charge of maintaining, backing up, and managing the data of an organization. They guarantee the performance and integrity of databases, which are essential for corporate operations. Particularly in industries like IT services, healthcare, and finance, DBAs are highly sought after. Pay Range: INR 6–12 LPA

System Analyst

System analysts assess the IT systems of a company and make recommendations for enhancements to maximize efficiency. By evaluating requirements and suggesting appropriate technological solutions, they close the gap between business objectives and technology. In today’s technologically advanced world, system analysts are essential to the transformation of businesses. Range of Pay: INR 6–12 LPA

Network Administrator

: Network administrators oversee and maintain an organization’s internal network systems, guaranteeing uninterrupted data flow and connectivity. They monitor network security, troubleshoot problems, and install and configure network hardware and software. Strong networks are essential to businesses, so there is an increasing need for qualified network administrators. Pay Range: INR 5 to 9 LPA

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts defend an organization’s data and networks against online attacks. They keep an eye out for weaknesses, put security measures in place, and guarantee that private information is handled securely. Professionals in cybersecurity are in high demand in the IT industry due to the increase in cyberattacks. Range of Salary: INR 7-16 LPA

Mobile Application Developer

The creation of apps for iOS and Android mobile devices is the area of expertise for mobile app developers. They ensure user engagement and performance through the design, development, and maintenance of apps. The demand for mobile app developers is constantly rising due to the rapid expansion of smartphones and other mobile technologies. Range of Pay: INR 6–14 LPA

Cloud Solutions Architect

Cloud solutions architects create cloud infrastructure solutions for businesses. Ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency, they assist businesses in migrating to and operating in cloud environments (like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud). There is a great need for this position due to the growing shift towards cloud computing. Pay Range: INR 10–25 LPA

IT consultant

 IT consultants collaborate closely with companies to comprehend their technology requirements and provide knowledgeable guidance on IT tactics. In order to optimize business processes, they might suggest security protocols, network enhancements, or hardware or software solutions. In order to take advantage of new technologies and achieve better outcomes, businesses usually employ consultants. Range of Pay: INR 8–18 LPA

Data Scientist

To gain insights that support organizations in making data-driven decisions, data scientists examine sizable datasets. To address challenging business issues, they employ machine learning, statistical methods, and data visualization strategies. Data scientists are in great demand in sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, and finance as the significance of big data continues to grow. Range of Pay: INR 10–25 LPA

These salary ranges can vary based on location, industry, and the individual’s experience and qualifications.

Why Choose UMU for the BCA Program in 2024?

You might be wondering why you should choose Usha Martin University for your BCA degree. So, let me clarify your doubts and give you a logical answer. Usha Martin University is the top private university in Jharkhand for BCA courses. This is well-known for its academic excellence and quality education. It offers UG, PG, Diploma, and Ph.D. . programs in various domains. Some of the relevant and logical factors are below-described.

Comprehensive Course: Usha Martin University’s BCA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the newest technological advancements and market trends. Skilled Instructors:

Gain knowledge from highly skilled and knowledgeable instructors who infuse the classroom with their real-world industry experience.

Contemporary Infrastructure: To improve the quality of education, the university offers state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and educational materials.

Industry Cooperation: Strong connections with business executives guarantee that students are exposed to practical applications and have access to internship and placement opportunities.

Tailored Education: To support students in achieving their academic and career goals, place an emphasis on small class sizes and individualized attention.

Placement Assistance: Students can receive career counseling, training, and help finding jobs through a specialized placement cell.

Prospects for Research: It provides support and encouragement for students to work on innovative research projects.

Wholesome Growth: emphasis on developing soft skills, enhancing overall personality, and engaging in extracurricular activities.

Reasonably Priced Education: Affordable tuition and the availability of scholarships enable access to high-quality education.

Robust Alumni Connection: Mentorship, networking opportunities, and career guidance are offered by vibrant alumni networks.

These are the top 10 factors that make Usha Martin University the top BCA college in Jharkhand. These components indicate that UMU is the best option for a BCA course in Jharkhand.

Conclusion:

To sum up, in the quickly developing field of information technology, a BCA degree opens up many career options. Students who enroll in the BCA program at a reputable university like Usha Martin University stand to gain from a strong education, real-world experience, and strong career support—all of which lay the groundwork for a prosperous career in the tech sector. So, what are you waiting for? Make the right choice to shape your professional career by taking admission to the BCA course at the top private university in Jharkhand, which is UMU. BCA course admission is open at the top college in Jharkhand. Don’t let this golden chance slip from your hand. Apply Now!

[icebreaker01]

You had ONE job!

(Author stands in front the group tasked with killing Nima. Behind the author is a white board on which is a picture of a short stick figure with glasses, a messy drawing of hair on top and could be a body double for a platypus and no one would know the difference.) (Author snaps a pointer on the picture.) "You SEE this?! You see what it looks like!?" (Snaps the pointer over to a second stick figure on the white board which is much taller, has a neat head of hair and could double as a telephone pole.) "And you see THIS!?" (Pauses) "Can ANYONE P.L.E.A.S.E. explain to me how you can possibly MISTAKE the two?" (Group member 1) "It was dark?" "This whole show has looked like it was filmed in a mile deep bunker where they forgot to pay the electric bill. Try again." (Group member 2) "He had his back to us?" (Author angerly taps the two pictures again.) "Height alone should have been a tip off!" (Group member 3) "He was leaned over!" "Even at waist high he was still taller than that little weasel!" "Just a minute! Why are you so upset? You didn't like the character anyway. Why are you so upset about what happened to him?" "Because his 'sacrifice' made no sense whatsoever. Now get out there and try again!" (Author stands at the door and hands out 5X7 glossy's as they leave.)

And yes, folks, I am more than a little peeved at how they wrote Bennett Knox's character out of the show. The scene was poorly thought out by the writers and once again, I wish they would get off the crack. Now, having read ahead in this show, I have a bit of insight into things that are going to happen. And each character demise thus far has left me sitting in front of my TV thinking "Whattttttt?" I was fine with Zarah being written off. She was a self-serving little so-and-so from the start. Good riddance. But lets take a look at their latest 'It's the last season, lets see what we can do for shock value' action. 1. Did the trains need to be separated RIGHT THEN! No. This was a poorly contrived plot point. 2. What? Big Alice doesn't have ONE, single survival suit? You couldn't take five seconds of film time to slip his skinny little butt into it? And it isn't like he doesn't know about them! He's spent 50% of the series in one. I swear, I think the character sleeps in one he loves them so much. 3. The most important people on the trains are the engineers. Yet THESE are the characters you choose to write off the show? What? Did Bennett 'MacGyver' Knox run out of ideas suddenly. You're asking me to believe that a man who could come up with all the fun little tricks he has thus far in the show, could think of NOTHING better than to walk out into freezing cold weather to uncouple a train car? Sirs, you both insult and tax my level of disbelief. 4. Poor Melanie now has no one to talk science to except the smarmy little weasel. And talking to Nima is like talking to a Schizophrenic who has been off his meds for a month. And believe me folks, in my line of work, I know a thing or two about what this looks like. (Holds up a picture of Nima.) 5. Standing at the door, after the cars were uncoupled, Bennett was still alive. What? Did 99% of his brain freeze first and he didn't think, 'Hey, I can turn around and run back into the train!'. Instead he just STOOD there and froze? (See end of item 3 comment.) 6. In the 'The writers have no idea what their doing' column, I would like to point out that if you know anything about living up north, it is not for a fashionable look that people wear scarfs wrapped around their noses outside in 12 degree weather. If you don't, your lungs freeze LONG before the rest of you does. Why? Because of the moisture in them. Executing people on the train by strapping a mask on them with a tube leading to the outside took what?.....30 seconds? Yet Bennett had time to run down a corridor with no more protection than a winter coat and gloves, uncouple a train car, then stand back up and admire the view. Why did he not turn his skinny little butt around instead and run back up said corridor and into the train? This whole scene just made no sense.

Here's what I think happened: (The following is the author's interpretation of what happened at the end of S4E5.) (In the writers trailer, they are staring at names pinned to the wall, deciding who they can legitimately write off the show before the end and still have enough characters left to have an end.) (Iddo Goldberg walks into the trailer.) "Hi, guys. Look, I have a slight problem." "What is it? We're busy." "Well, I have another opportunity with this new show that's starting filming in a few weeks, and I....sort of need off the train." "Done! Have a nice life." "Thanks, guys. You're the best." (Goldberg leaves and the writers quickly smile at each other.) "Gone by the halfway point?" "No problem."

And I understand this was suppose to be a 7 seasons show, and the writers are annoyed because they had this great storyboard already planned out and now they have to cram everything into ten episodes. It bites. But could you at least leave a few main characters alive? And I would do a revised 'Who makes it and who doesn't' list. But due to my getting out my trusty shovel and digging into sites where people post who have seen the entire season already, I can't do this anymore. But in regards to the original list I made and how wrong it is.......I'm amazed.

One last word of warning, folks. Be sure in the next 1-2 episodes to have a thick layer of towels set under your TV screen. Because when Melanie finds out what happened to Bennett......well, we all know how that goes. And it will surely be...messy.

[blogmetaeducationindia-blog]

MBBS Admission in India: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Doctors

Pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in India is a dream for many students who aspire to become doctors. Known for its rigorous training, experienced faculty, and diverse clinical exposure, an MBBS degree from India holds significant value. However, the journey to securing a seat in a reputed medical college is competitive and requires a clear understanding of the admission process. This article provides a comprehensive guide on MBBS admission in India, covering eligibility criteria, entrance exams, top colleges, and the application process.

1. Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in India

Before applying for MBBS in India, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements:

Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. English is also a mandatory subject.

Minimum Marks: General category students need a minimum of 50% marks in 10+2, while reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC) must have at least 40% marks.

Age Limit: The minimum age for MBBS admission is 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year. The upper age limit is 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved category candidates.

2. Entrance Exams for MBBS in India

The primary gateway to MBBS admission in India is through entrance exams. The most prominent one is:

NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate): Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET UG is a national-level entrance exam mandatory for all students seeking MBBS admission in India. The exam tests candidates' knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with additional questions on general aptitude and ethics.

Other Notable Entrance Exams:

AIIMS MBBS: Earlier, AIIMS had its entrance exam, but now admissions are based on NEET UG scores.

JIPMER MBBS: Like AIIMS, JIPMER’s separate entrance exam has been replaced by NEET UG for admissions.

3. Top MBBS Colleges in India

India boasts some of the world’s most prestigious medical institutions. Here are a few of the top colleges offering MBBS programs:

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi: Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities, AIIMS Delhi is the top choice for medical aspirants in India.

Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore: Renowned for its clinical expertise and high standards of medical education, CMC Vellore is a leading institution.

Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi: MAMC is highly regarded for its academic excellence and extensive clinical training.

Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune: AFMC is a premier medical institution that offers education and training in the field of medicine under the Ministry of Defence.

Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry: JIPMER is known for its quality education and healthcare services.

King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow: KGMU is one of the oldest and most reputed medical universities in India.

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal: KMC Manipal is a leading private medical college known for its world-class infrastructure and faculty.

4. Application Process for MBBS in India

The application process for MBBS admission in India typically involves several steps:

NEET UG Registration: Candidates must register for NEET UG on the official NTA website. The process includes filling out personal details, uploading required documents, and paying the exam fee.

NEET UG Examination: After registration, candidates appear for the NEET UG exam, which is held once a year. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Result and Rank Declaration: The NTA declares the NEET UG results, including candidates’ scores and All India Rank (AIR).

Counseling Process: Based on their NEET UG ranks, candidates participate in the counseling process conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and by respective state authorities for State Quota seats. During counseling, candidates can choose their preferred colleges.

Document Verification: After seat allotment, candidates must submit their documents for verification, including 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets, NEET UG scorecard, identity proof, and category certificates (if applicable).

Admission Confirmation: Candidates must report to the allotted college, complete the admission formalities, and pay the required fees to secure their seat.

5. Fee Structure for MBBS in India

The fee structure for MBBS courses in India varies significantly depending on the type of institution:

Government Medical Colleges: Fees are relatively low, ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000 per year.

Private Medical Colleges: Fees are higher, typically ranging from INR 10,00,000 to INR 25,00,000 per year.

Deemed Universities: These institutions have higher fee structures, ranging from INR 15,00,000 to INR 40,00,000 per year.

6. Conclusion

Securing an MBBS seat in India is a highly competitive process, but with thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the admission requirements, it is achievable. The journey involves meeting the eligibility criteria, performing well in the NEET UG exam, and carefully navigating the counseling process. India’s medical education system offers robust training, diverse clinical exposure, and a strong foundation for a successful medical career.

By following this guide and staying informed about the latest updates in the MBBS admission process, aspiring doctors can take the first step towards achieving their dreams of studying MBBS in India and making a significant impact in the healthcare sector.

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

Depends on whether it's indoors or outdoors, and what exact humidity level you consider "humid" or "dry" for your area.

Hear me out

Outdoors dry heat will let you cool off by sweating, obvious logic, always.

But indoors you can have devices. Indoors you can use dehumidifiers and evaporative coolers. Indoors the end result you get will depend on what humidity level you start with so I can see people having a different preference if they spend most of their time indoors.

Dry heat all the time indoors might let you sweat and cool off that way better, and might let you use evaporative cooling, but if it is always dry heat, it means your living space is super dry year round, because it being cold also makes the air dry. It also means there's no cooler to go by taking humidity out of the air. Like yes, that's largely because you've reached a point where dehumidifying literally can't help anything anyway, but it is slightly infuriating to have a dry bleeding nose in the dead of summer, knowing it will only get dryer in the winter. That and there's an ideal equation of sweating at a rate that you can keep up with by drinking water, and when it's really dehydratingly dry, it can make it hard to drink enough water and not deplete your electrolytes by accident. Constant attention to micromanaging everything you put into your body at all times is not what I would consider comfortable. In my apartment, for example, I have a couple baby cacti I have to water DAILY because it's so dry in here. I grew them from seed, I know for a fact by now that this isn't excessive for them and when I water them less they shrivel. Last summer it was 50 degrees indoors and while that meant sweat dried, it also meant no amount of running a dehumidifier could make it any cooler. There's a limit to how much sweating can cool you off, and when your water loss exceeds that limit, it's just annoyingly dry and it's in your house where you can't escape it. There's a limit to running a humidifier too, not that I have one currently.

So of course you still probably want dry heat so that sweating can actually cool you in all cases, and because using a humidifier with cold water, or a swamp cooler, can cool the air if it's starting off that dry, without making it so humid that you can't sweat effectively, BUT having it be obscenely dry and that hot at the same time can start getting super dehydrating, and I don't like having eyes so dry my vision is blurry for half the year, in summer.

I am willing to bet there is an ideal humidity range that lets you sweat effectively but isn't so dry it dehydrates you, that most people prefer actually, but will refer to as "humid" or "dry" depending on whether that relative humidity is high or low for where they live.

If forced to chose between too dry and too humid I am still picking too dry and then just trying to evaporative cooling my way out of that mess, but I think above all it's time that Canada recognizes that air conditioning is as necessary for survival as heating is, and should make it mandated by law in homes and rentals the way heating is. I shouldn't be forced to try to survive 50 degrees without air conditioning while having POTS and other heart issues just because I am poor and my landlord didn't see fit to have more than one singular sliver of a window that I can't even fit an air conditioner into if I could afford one.

I would have been swearing dry heat up and down the board with no caveat or exception but my apartment is so dry it makes me think the landlords stuffed the drop ceiling with freshly roasted silica beads before I moved in... And I am going to say that also has its downsides.

summer is coming up lads..