#the caucasus and literally anyone ever

[ellalalala]

Russian is a beautiful and rich language but I think the best thing about it is the cussing. You can call me a bitch in English and I won't be fazed but insult me in Russian and I'll be holding back tears

[jeanjauthor]

What’s some other animals we describe eyes as? Like cat eye, and doe eye. Any others?

Good question! I can think of a few, but mostly in simile and metaphor.

Black as a crow's, eagle-eyed, the stare of a hungry wolf, the eyes of a tiger... In part, these descriptions will be based on what the author themselves has experience with, but a good author will also include what the characters have experience with. Someone who's never left their backwater village in western medieval Europe will never have seen a tiger, though it's possible that someone living on the eastern end of the Caspian Sea will have seen a Caucasus tiger, so they'd know of that much. (And it'd be a frightening experience, because, tiger vs medieval person with no hunting rifles for self-protection, yeek!)

If you also delve into the books with anthropomorphism (talking animals aka furry stories, shapeshifters, werecreatures, aliens based at least somewhat on terrestrial animals, etc), you can also find some interesting (and sometimes rather direct) descriptions.

For instance, in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling universe, the changeling race literally will have their eyes (iris, pupil, sclera) shift and take on the appearance of whatever their shapeshifting animal is, such as someone with blue eyes having their gaze go literally the golden hues of their wolf, or as black as a (presumed) mako shark. This happens when they're experiencing strong emotion...though oddly enough, their animal form never seems to take on their human eyes in appearance, which makes it an interesting worldbuilding choice in my eyes (pun intented, lol).

In my science fiction universe, I'm not sure if I ever used the phrase of "eyes bulging like a Salik's," but I have seen "eyes bulging like a toad's" in other stories. My vaguely spider-like K'Katta race have ten eyes as well as ten legs (technically they're arthropods, not arachnids!), and the felinoid Solaricans do have slit-pupils instead of round ones.

If you're writing a story in which fabled or mythological beasts, you could use "the stare of a sphinx, ancient, wise, and inscrutable" or perhaps "the glare of a cockatrice, frightening into immobility anyone who dared glance her way," aka a cockatrice's stare was reputed to turn a human to stone, much in the same way as looking at Medusa's face could zap an ancient Grecian from flesh to rock.

If you're unsure what to use, try to think of not just the physical appearance of the eyes, but also the emotional quality or personality type you're trying to convey. Then check online for various animal or mythological creature images, descriptions, attitudes/characteristics/personalities, and so forth to try to pin down the feeling you wish to evoke.

And if nothing else...ask someone! Obviously you've asked me (lol), but don't be afraid to ask a friend what they think might convey the intentions or impressions that you're trying to create!

Especially if it's someone you've already discussed this particular character with, the character's personality, habits, area of expertise, and role in the story at that moment in time, as well as their past and/or future roles. Ask yourself questions, too. Are they hiding a secret? Are they giving a warning, or a hint? Are they helping, hindering, or whatever else you need a character to do in that moment?

And are they being honest in portraying who & what they are like? Are they lying and giving a false impression? Or is the impression they're giving more of a case of what the person looking at them is thinking, rather than a truth or a lie of the person being viewed?

Once you have those questions answered (and a few others pertinent to the situation), that should help you pin down more of the qualities that can help you in turn pick out whatever animal or creature whose eye-based impressions you could legitimately use.

Hope that helps!

[mashkaromanova]

Eugene Botkin, 1916. Below is his last ever letter, written not long before he was murdered along with the Russian Imperial Family and three other servants on the 17th July 1918. Dr Botkin started this letter on 9th July 1918 but continued writing it on 17th July, when he heard the knock on his door, which was why letter ended abruptly. It was never finished or mailed. The letter was meant for his brother Alexander

“My dear, good friend Sasha, I am making the last attempt to write a real letter, - at least from here, - although this caveat is completely redundant; I do not think that it is in the cards for me to ever write from anywhere else again, - my voluntary imprisonment here is limited to my existence on this earth. In actuality, I have died – dead to my children, my friends, my work… I have died, but have not been buried yet, or rather was buried alive, - whichever you prefer: the consequences are almost identical, i.e. both one and the other have their negative and positive sides.

If I were literally dead, that is to say, anatomically dead, then according to my faith I would know what my children are doing, would be closer to them and undoubtedly more useful than now. I rest with the dead only civilly, my children may still have hope that we will see each other sometime in this life, while I, other than thinking that I can still be useful to them somehow, do not personally indulge myself with this hope, do not humour myself with illusions, but look directly into the face of unadorned reality.

Although for now, I am as healthy and fat as always, to a point where I feel disgusted every time I look in the mirror. I only console myself with the thought that if it would be easier for me to be anatomically dead, then this means that my children are better off, because when I am separated from them, it always seems to me that the worse off I am, the better off they are. And why do I feel that I would be better off dead, - I will explain this to you with small episodes, which illustrate my emotional being.

The other day, i.e. three days ago, when I was peacefully reading Saltykov-Schedrin, which I often read with pleasure, I suddenly saw the face of my son Yura in diminutive size, as if from far away, but [it was] dead, in a horizontal position, with closed eyes… The last letter from him was on 22 March o[ld] s[tyle], and since that time postal connection from the Caucasus, which even earlier faced great difficulties, probably stopped completely, as neither here nor in Tobolsk had we received anything else from Yura.

Do not think that I am hallucinating, I have had these types of visions before, but you can easily imagine, how it was for me to experience this particular thing in the current situation, which in general is quite comfortable, but to have no chance not only to go to Yura, but not even to be able to find out anything about him. Then, only yesterday, during the same reading, I suddenly heard some word, which to me sounded like ‘Papulya’, which was uttered in Tanyusha’s [his daughter Tatiana] voice, and I almost broke down in sobs.

Again, this was not a hallucination, because this word was uttered, the voice was similar, and not even for a second did I think that this was my daughter speaking, who was supposed to be in Tobolsk: her last postcard was from 23 May – 5 June, and of course these tears would have been purely egotistical, for myself, that I cannot hear and, most likely will never again hear that dear little voice and feel that affection that is so important to me, with which my little children spoiled me so. Again, the horror and sorrow which gripped me during the vision I described were purely egotistical too, since if my son had truly died, then he is happy, but if he is alive, then it is unknown what kind of trials he is going through or is fated to live through. So you see, my dear, that my spirit is cheerful, despite the torment I live through, which I bear, just described to you, and cheerful to a point where I am prepared to do this for many more years…

I am encouraged by the conviction that ‘one who bears all until the end is saved’, and the awareness that I remain loyal to the principles of the 1889 graduates. Before we graduated, while still students, but already close friends who preached and developed the same principals with which we started life, for the most part we did not view them from a religious point of view, I do not even know if too many of us were religious. But each codex of principals is a religion already, and for some it is most likely a conscious thing, while for others subconscious, - as it basically was for me, as this was the time of, not exactly uniform atheism, but of complete indifferentism, in the full sense of the word, - it came so close to Christianity that our full attitude toward it, or at least of many of us, was a completely natural transition. In general, if ‘faith is dead without work’, then ‘work’ cannot exist without faith, and if faith joins any of our work, then this is just due to special favour from God.

I turned out to be such a lucky one, through the path of heavy trials – the loss of my firstborn, the year-and-a-half-old little son Seryozha. Since that time, my codex has been widened and solidified significantly, and I took care that each task was not only about the ‘Academic’, but about the ‘Divine’. This justifies my last decision as well, when without any hesitation I left my children completely orphaned, in order to do my physician’s duty to the end, like Abraham did not hesitate to sacrifice his only son to God on His demand.

I strongly believe that the same way God saved Isaac, He will save my children too and be a father to them. But since I do not know how He will save them, and can only find out about it in the next world, my egotistic torment which I described to you, due to my human weakness, does not lose its torturous severity. But Job did bear more, and my late Misha always reminded me about him, when he was afraid that I, bereft of my dear little children, would not be able to bear it.

No, apparently I can bear it all, whatever God wills to burden me with. In your letter, for which I ardently thank you once more (the first time I tried to convey this in a few lines on a detachable coupon, hopefully you got it in time for the holiday, and also my physiognomy – for the other?), you were interested in my activities in Tobolsk, with a trust precious to me. And so? Putting hand on heart, I can confess to you that there, I tried in every way to take care of ‘the Divine, as the Lord wills’ and, consequently, ‘not to shame the graduates of year 1889′. And God blessed my efforts, and I will have until the end of my days this bright memory of my swan song.

I worked with my last strength, which suddenly grew over there thanks to the great happiness in the life [we had] together with Tanyusha and Glebushka [his son Gleb], thanks to the nice and cheerful climate and relative mildness of winter and thanks to the touching attitude towards me from the townspeople and villagers. As a matter of fact, in its center, albeit a large one, Tobolsk presents as a city that is very picturesquely located, rich with ancient churches, religious and academic institutions, [but] at the periphery it gradually and unnoticeably transitions into a real village. This circumstance, along with noble simplicity and the feeling of self-respect of Siberians, in my opinion gives the relationships among the residents and not visitors, the specific character of directness, naiveté and benevolence, which we always valued and which creates the atmosphere necessary to our souls.

In addition, various news spreads around the city very fast, the first lucky incidents for which God helped me be of use brought out such trust towards me, that the number of those wanting to get my advice grew with each day, up to my sudden and unexpected departure. Turning to me were mostly those with chronic illnesses, those who were already treated again and again, [and] sometimes, of course, those who were completely hopeless. This gave me the opportunity to make appointments for them, and my time was filled for a week or two ahead in each hour, as I was not able to visit more than six - seven, in extreme cases eight patients per day: since all these cases needed thorough review and much and much pondering.

Who was I called to besides those ill within my specialty?! To the insane, to those asking to be treated for drunkenness; [they] brought me to a prison to see a kleptomaniac, and with sincere joy I remember that the poor wretch of a lad, who was bailed out by his parents on my advice (they are peasants), behaved decently the rest of my stay… I never denied anyone, as long as the supplicants accepted that certain illnesses were completely beyond the limits of my knowledge. I only refused to go to those recently fallen ill if, of course, they needed emergency help, since, on the one hand I did not want to get in the way of regular physicians of Tobolsk, which is very lucky to have them in the capacity and most importantly, quality of relations.

They are all very knowledgeable and experienced people, excellent comrades and so responsive that the Tobolsk public is used to sending a horse or cabby to the doctor and receive him immediately. More valuable is their patience towards me, who did not have the ability to fulfill these types of requests, but on the contrary, was forced to make them wait a long time. It’s true that soon it became commonly known that I never refuse anyone and keep my word sacredly, a patient could wait for me with peace of mind.

But if their illness did not allow them to wait, then the patients went to local physicians, which always made me happy, or to Doctor Derevenko, who also possessed their vast trust, or they headed to the hospital, and this way it would happen that when I arrived at a time of prescheduled appointment, I did not find the patient there, but that was always convenient, since most of the time my schedule was so extensive that I wasn’t able to accomplish everything, at times debts formed, which I paid off when I did not find someone there.

To see [patients] at the house where I was staying was inconvenient, and anyway there was no room, nevertheless from 3 until 4 ½ - 5, I was always home for our soldiers, whom I saw in my room, the walk-through room, but since only our own [people] passed though there, it did not discomfort them. During the same hours, my town patients came to see me too, either for a refill of a prescription or to make an appointment. I was forced to make exceptions for peasants who came to see me from villages tens or even hundreds of versts away (in Siberia they don’t pay attention to distance), and who were in a hurry to get back. I had to see them in a small room before the bathroom, which was a bit out of the way, where a large chest served as an examining table.

Their trust was especially touching to me, and their confidence, which never betrayed them, that I will treat them with the same attention and affection as any other patient, not only as an equal but as a patient who has every right to my care and services, gave me joy. Those who were able to spend the night, I would visit at the inn early the next morning. They always tried to pay, but since I followed our old codex, of course I never accepted anything from them, so, while I was busy in an izba with a patient, they hurried to pay my cabby. This surprising courtesy, to which we are not used to at all in large cities, was occasionally highly pertinent, as at times I was not in a position to visit patients due to lack of funds and fast-growing cab costs.

Therefore, for our mutual benefit, I widely took advantage of another local tradition and asked those who had a horse, to send it for me. This way, the streets of Tobolsk saw me riding in wide bishop’s sleighs, as well as behind beautiful merchant trotters, but most often drowning in hay in most ordinary burlap. My friends were equally varied, which perhaps was not to everyone’s liking, but it was no concern of mine. To Tobolsk’s credit I must add that there was no direct evidence of this at all, and only one indirect, which in addition was not unquestionable.

One evening the husband of one of my female patients came to see me with a request to visit her right away, because she had strong pains (in the stomach). Luckily, I was able to fulfill his wish, albeit at a cost to another patient, for whom I did not schedule a visit, but rode with him to his house in a cab in which he came to get me. On the way he starts to grumble at the cabby, that he is not going the right way, to which the latter reasonably respon [letter ends abruptly].”

[meichenxi]

I’ve definitely heard that last claim too, but don’t know much about it. 

I think a lot of the reluctance to admit lack of knowledge also goes hand in hand with the theoretical overemphasis on the ‘universality’ of a particular feature. If the value of typology in many linguists’ eyes is only in finding absolute innate universals rather than, say, understanding the relationships between languages or the distribution of certain features (which is way more interesting!!!) then there’s kind of obviously going to be a corresponding focus on wanting to neatly categorise things and assume a level of understanding you might not actually have. Because you need to be able to rule out the possibility of a feature existing from common inheritance or as a loan in order to be able to draw your nicely geographically/phylogenetically stratified sample groups, right? 

I think this is a problem in part to do with funding as well: that language documentation is seen as valid by a lot of universities only if you can use the data as evidence for your new wild and wacky theory. It doesn’t have any intrinsic value in and of itself: the languages that are out there poorly documented or not documented at all are only interesting if they say something about Language with a capital L as a whole. Which is bollocks, and obviously leads to a vicious cycle where...yeah, we don’t know what we don’t know. But we can’t know it, because in order to know it, we need to know what is already there...which we don’t know. Apparently there’s no value, academically or financially, in saying you don’t know something. (Which of course is blatantly untrue.)

Talking again about other things we don’t know: I genuinely wish that old school generativists (and indeed many other types of linguist) could take a step back and think about the scale of the knowledge we don’t have. How many languages are there in the world at present? How many of those are documented to a sufficient standard that external researchers can utilise the data for their own projects? And what percentage of all the languages that have ever existed on this planet is that????

Also, they really need to take a look at the sample sizes. When I was doing my dissertation I was looking how suppletion works in singular-duel-plural forms, and quite by mistake - literally just by remembering a grammar on that language that I was reading a month or so before for something completely unrelated -  I found a language that disproved a supposed ‘universal’ of singular-duel-plural suppletion. My contribution to linguistics? My big moment??? Well, maybe, except that it’s not actually that exciting: when I looked it up, I found that this ‘universal’ (which to be fair was only ever labelled a statistical universal and not an absolute one, but still) was based on a sample of around 200 languages. 200. And somewhat tragically that is far more than many proposed universals. Think about that in the context of languages spoken and documented insufficiently + spoken and undocumented + languages extinct: that’s absolutely nothing!!! Minuscule!!! 

I found a counter-exception literally by mistake, because this one language happened to not be in that study. How can ANYONE think they can draw absolute conclusions from 200 languages? Statistically interesting, sure: but that’s it. 

If a theory rests on absolute universals, no offence, but it’s a shit theory. It’s just shifting the blame to a nice black box whose core functions become smaller and smaller as its definition shifts, and thus which no-one can ever disprove.  If you can’t explain why 99.9999% of languages with X also do Y but not that one in the Amazon/Caucasus/Papua New Guinea, it’s a shit theory. If you can’t explain why X causes Y in 70% of cases, but not in the other 30%, and when paired with Z decreases to only 10% - yeah. It’s a shit theory. Distribution, frequency, and common patterns of analogy all need to be accounted for - as well as contact linguistics! In a framework that lets you say ‘I don’t know’ and doesn’t assume an arbitrary distinction between what is innate and what is not, you can do fun things like actually research if the weird pronoun situation found in language X is actually just because of a cheeky contact situation and then go on to study the shock-inducing borrowing of functional categories and...yeah. It’s much more interesting!!

Finally, before there is absolute evidence for a particular language family, all proposed relations are essentially models, right? And we use different models for different tasks at different times depending on what best represents what we are trying to articulate? But not as the basis themselves of further research beyond second-tier hypotheses - they are theories, which necessarily means unproven and sometimes unprovable! The literature around these language families is built on layer after layer of suppose that.. and assuming that... - which is fine, we can’t do science without making hypotheses, but...I think when classifying language families in papers or sites or making reference to whatever *assumed* fact of distribution of whatever feature, we need to explicitly state and be constantly aware that what we are doing is hypothesising, is choosing a model and seeing what happens when we run with it. I know it’s exhausting and tedious to constantly be making reservations, but I genuinely think that many big name linguists that are as far removed from field linguistics as it’s possible to be VERY OFTEN forget that the aims of a branch like generativism are at odds with those of most typologists. We are not looking for the same things. We are looking to document, and by documenting increase our understanding. We are looking to document for the sake of future researchers, who have questions we cannot possibly anticipate right now. Please listen to us when new information appears. Please help us look for new information before it appears. Please remember how small our sample sizes necessarily are. Please don’t ignore data that doesn’t fit your theory, or play linguistic hot potato and pass it to phonetics or phonology. And most importantly, when the model ceases to be useful and we discover more pertinent information, please accept the model for what it was - a hypothesis drawn from an infinitely incomplete set of data - and discard it. Please move on. 

It’s ok not to know things. I don’t know why all linguists are so terrified of this (I mean, I know why, but: why). They should go and study Brittonic history or medieval Welsh literature or something, where estimates of composure dates for texts vary by like 500 years. Or maybe just familiarise themselves with the sample sizes they are using in order to make claims about the phylogeny of a particular group of languages. 

thanks to joseph greenberg's bullshit i always had this impression of africa as a place with relatively low linguistic diversity (everything is either niger-congo or nilo-saharan!). i mean, i always kinda knew nilo-saharan was bunk but like. just now coming to realize how bunk it is. and the fact that there's basically no solid reason to think mende is even part of niger-congo is like. this continent has a least as many language families as asia it's just that the people who decided to study them all had methodological brain worms. the "lumper" tendency is just factually wrong! it's bad epistemology! it's not like, personal preference, it's just wrong!

[karlosharrison-blog]

Where are you going traveling next? Italy? The United States? Backpacking in South-East Asia? How about a cheese and wine tour in the south of France? Bungee jumping in New Zealand? Camel trekking the Sahara? Whatever you decide to do, we bet our bottom dollars you’ve not considered some of these places as your next destination of choice.

As you know, we have been researching and exploring some of the world’s less-known countries to give you guys food for thought for your next adventure. Some you might know, others we’re pretty sure you’ve never even heard of. To be perfectly honest – neither had we! So, take a little break from whatever you’re doing to stare longingly out the window and imagine visiting one of these places most people don’t know actually exist!

Kyrgyzstan

Let’s begin with a country everyone should really know, but a remarkable amount of people don’t. “What’s that?” was the response a fellow traveler garnered when mentioning he visited here, but we assure you Kyrgyzstan isn’t a thing – it’s a place!

And what a beautiful place it is. This little-traveled central Asian country is a gorgeous smorgasbord of stunning mountains, lakes, and plains, with a fascinating history and culture to match. Stay in a yurt camp and ride horses for the real experience – but go soon – Kyrgyzstan’s secret is getting out, although you might still struggle to pronounce it.

Kyrgyzstan is a country made for hikers with plenty of stunning mountains and pristine lakes for you to explore. Photo credit: Pete of Bucketlistly.blog.

Transnistria

It’s little wonder you won’t have heard of this miniature slice of land, located in northern Moldova, on the border with Ukraine. It’s unrecognized by pretty much anyone, save those who actually live there. This is actually something of a common problem with many “countries” you never knew existed.

Stepping into Transnistria is to step back in time to Soviet Russia, but it’s no mean feat. Several visa hoops need jumping through before you can comfortably explore its time-warped sights.

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

Aggressively contested by a number of countries and perpetually in a state of not-so-cold war, is the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Geographically it’s a small area of land surrounded by Azerbaijan and home to an indigenous Armenian population.

The two countries are not friends and have been fighting over the territory since the fall of the USSR – which has a lot to answer for in this part of the world. A visit can get you in hot water depending on where you go first, and tempers here can flare at any moment. Enter at your own risk, or maybe stick with the south of France instead.

Kosovo

Alas, there seems to be an abundance of territories fighting for recognition and independence, and Kosovo is no stranger to it. Located in southern Serbia, the Serbians refuse to allow it to leave, and unless you’re flying in, you can only enter through neighboring Macedonia, Albania or Montenegro.

Be careful though – you might not be granted entry into Serbia if you have a stamp here. Pay a visit to the bizarre capital Pristina – and the even more bizarre statue of former US president Bill Clinton. They love him here.

Burkina Faso

We’re honestly not making these names up now. Burkina Faso is a small, landlocked country in northern Africa, which is (not) well known for its friendly inhabitants – they’re extremely chilled out and hospitable. Its principle language is French, and while it’s certainly not on any regular tourist trail, there’s plenty here for visitors to see and do, including colorful, traditional theater and dance. The country’s name translates as “land of honest men”.

Maybe you just have to watch out for the women.

The Principality of Sealand

You’re probably not going to believe this one, but there’s a micronation off the coast of Great Britain that has taken over an offshore platform, built as a coastal defense during WW2. With a population of around 27, they claim to be the smallest country on earth, in spite of never being recognized by anyone, ever. For a couple of hundred pounds, you can buy yourself a title here. “Lord of Sealand” does have a nice ring to it.

The Federated States of Micronesia

Consisting of 607 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, the Federated States of Micronesia are made up of four states with increasingly unusual names.  Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae are all currently under the protection of the USA – a country you might have heard of.

Each state has its own culture and heritage, with colorful indigenous peoples inhabiting a tropical paradise. It’s a scuba divers dream come true, as well as boasting incredible beaches and welcoming hospitality. You might want to practice your charades though – there are over 17 different languages in use here.  

Liberland

Once again, we enter the territory (literally) of dispute, with a visit to Liberland – a self-proclaimed micronation along the banks of the Danube, between Serbia and Croatia.

The region has long been the subject of border bust-ups between the two Balkan countries, handbags at dawn, arguing over who owns what. In protest, Liberland was proclaimed by a Czech political activist in 2015. As you might expect, it’s not recognized by anyone. The flag is pretty cool though.

South Ossetia

Returning to what seems to the region of eternal country recognition battles – anywhere in the shadow of Russia – you’ll discover South Ossetia. Only partially recognized, it’s located in northern Georgia, deep in the Caucasus mountains. Georgia is an incredibly beautiful country due to this stunning range, but gaining entry to South Ossetia is a tall order indeed, with the border permanently closed on the Georgian side. It’s only recognized by Russia and for some reason Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Nauru. Where you say? Glad you asked.

Nauru

We’ll finish on a country that is actually recognized as a country, gaining its independence in 1968. It’s a phosphorite rock island located 4,494 kilometers northeast of Australia. Its history is a sad one, as having been mined within an inch of its life and stripped of its extensive phosphorus deposits, it now serves as a sort of detention center or “processing” facility for refugees and immigrants attempting to gain access to Oz. It’s still an interesting visit though, with tropical beaches, world war relics, and delicious seafood aplenty. It is an island after all.

How’s that for a real mixed bag of little known and even less traveled regions of the world? With the actual number of countries and territories continuously in dispute, we could write several articles on these fascinating places almost every week, but right now, we’re off to form our own country in our backyard. Maybe you’d like to visit us one day?

Have you visited any of these places or other unknown corners of the planet? Tell us about your experiences!

The post Where On Earth Is That?! 10 Places You Never Knew Existed! appeared first on Etramping Travel Blog.

[tears-of-araxes-blog]

Under no condition ever is ethnic cleansing and/or murder, mass or otherwise, of innocent civilians at all excusable. Armenian army forces did indeed kill over 600 civilians at Khojaly, during the nagorno-kharabakh war in the early 1990s. Nothing I say will make the murder of civilians ok. I have read statements presenting compelling evidence that Armenian forces warned the Azeri citizens of Khojaly before they needed to go through the mostly ethnically Azeri population of the village, and I've also read equally compelling evidence that it might be possible Azeri military forces prevented the civilians of Khojaly to evacuate in time. NONE of these possible ammendments to our understanding of what happened at Khojali, however, justified the killing of over 600 civilians. It doesn't matter if you tried to warn them, you don't mass murder anyone, but especially civilians. This was not self defense, this was not so necessary a military procedure that 600 lives were worth it. And it is ESPECIALLY despicable in light of other instances of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Armenians against Azeris in places such as Yerevan and Artsakh. Ethnic cleansing is never excusable, EVER! I do have more to add though, but nothing I add will at all negate my correct assertion that ethnic cleansing and murder of civilians is ever excusable. So please keep that in mind with what I'm about to say next. During the NK war, both Armenia and Azerbaijan committed multiple acts of ethnic cleansing. As I said with Azeris in Yerevan, Artsakh, Khojaly, and others, so Azerbaijan committed acts of violent ethnic cleansing in Baku, Shusha, Nakhichevan, and other villiages or cities of even entire provinces. Armenians and Azeris didn't just suddenly get homocidal, the war was the direct result of the collapsing Soviet Union. The two Soviet satellite states of Armenia and Azerbaijan were forced into a sudden possition of "self-determination," but based on borders decided largely by Stalin only decades previously. Yerevan was cleanly in the middle of the Armenian state, and Baku the clear center of Azerbaijan. However, Armenians and Azeris in much of the eastern Caucasus have comingled in the same general area, not always peacefully (1905, 1918 both being important years of severe conflict and ethnic cleansing attempts), but they were still very much each others literal neighbors. So that there was a disable Azeri population in Yerevan, and a sizable population of Armenians in Baku, Azeris in Artsakh, and Armenians in Nakhichevan, etc. -- this being the situation before the war for much of known history, was a fact that would present a significant problem to fresh newly independent nation states of not considerable territory. Any large minority population, by ethnic nation state's nature, would threaten the self determination of the nation's... er... "intended" ethnic majority. If either Armenia or Azerbaijan wanted to hold on to their sovernity and ethnically based self determination, they would have little choice but to "eliminate" the "troublesome" minority. This did, and as it so often does in similar situations around the world, end in mutual ethnic cleansing, neither nation being excused for committing criminal attrocities. If we must justify ethnic cleansing to support the system of bourgoise ethnic nationalism, then there is a problem with bourgoise ethnic nationalism, and if that's not fucking obvious, then you are one sick bastard aren't you. --------- So with terrible crimes mostly in the past, although not a very distant one, how should the territory of Nagorno-Kharabakh/Artsakh be properly dealt with? I've already established that there is no peaceful solution under a system of ethnic nation states, so why must the solution to this conflict be confined to such horrible and irrational confines? Do we have to have little baby countries who depend on their allies (Armenia with Russia, Azerbaijan with Turkey) but still have some frankly immature hold ups on singular and exclusive ownership of swaths of land that are only artificially now "pure?" Do we have to keep this system because doing anything else would be ~~~hard? You know what's hard? Constant threat of ethnic cleansing and territory wars. Constant threats of being a larger power's proxy in a completely other war to the ones you thought you'd get away with only suffering from. So yes, I propose the abolishment of ethnic nation states first and foremost. But I know that's not the most immediate solution to people who are under threat of wiping each other off the universe on a daily basis NOW. So I'll give in and propose what I think the best temporary course of action is. Firstly, Armenia is in a uniquely vulnerable situation in the territory. They are Christian in a mostly Muslim region (with the obvious exception of Georgia). They are a nation who has been the victim of a genocide little more than 100 years ago, and the current day borders of the Armenian Republic stand smack between the country unrepentently guilty of the Armenian Genocide (Turkey), and a country which mirrors Turkey's possitions on Armenians in every way, especially with their vocal denial that any Armenian Genocide ever happened -- a crime and a cover up that has no great momentum in being recognized by anyone who could hold Turkey accountable for their Crimes, any time soon. It is especially troubling to Armenians living in the Armenian state today, that Azerbaijan has (historically relatively recently, with the NK war) become passionate genocide deniers, using the claim that Armenians are lying about being victims of genocide and pairing it with accusations that actually ARMENIA is guilty of genocide (which is where the accusations of a "Khojaly Genocide" gets much of its fire). These claims about Armenians and Armenia are propegated in order to delegitimise the "right" to an Armenian state entirely -- a wholly selfish and evil manipulation of history that is exactly in line with the Turkish justifications for eliminating Armenians from their ancient homelands, by means of genocide. The claim that Armenians are an extraordinary threat to Turkey or Azerbaijan is entirely exaggerated, and propaganda that states that Armenia fundamentally threatens the existence of Turkey or Azerbaijan is nothing less than sad and disgusting justifications for committing genocide. As I said earlier, there is NO justification for committing anything from 1 civilian murder, to one ethnic cleansing, to one genocide. So with all this in mind, I believe Armenia cannot safely concede any more territory, even though it SHOULD be perfectly normal to live among people who don't share your ethnicity. I don't support ethnic segregation, but I do think Armenia is under extraordinary threat of further ethnic cleansing or even genocide, and should, when limited to existing in a world with ethnic nationalism and its associated wars, be allowed to hold onto Artsakh, at least until Armenia can reasonably said to be no longer under threat by its genocidal neighbors. One last point though, and that is that Armenia has one advantage over Azerbaijan, by being allied with Russia. Armenians allying with Russia has long been considered a reason by Turkey and Azerbaijan to consider Armenians threats. And while, obviously, Armemia's historical friendship with Russia is NO REASON TO COMMIT GENOCIDE AGAINST THEM, I do recognize that Russia is a very significant regional and world power, and it's not entirely unreasonable to be defensive against a threat of Russian imperialism. So maybe here I should add I do not think Armenia should take any more territory from Azerbaijan (that wording implies I think it rightfully belongs to Azerbaijan only, and I don't). As it currently stands, Artsakh is mostly populated by Armenians, Nakhichevan is populated by Azeris, and repatriating to any of there areas by either ethnicity could only provoke more war, and for very little good reason. Only once ethnic nationalism is no longer the only option for small (or even large) nations to survive, it's best to avoid as much meaningless killing as possible. ----------------------------- For the two screenshots above, please note that these Azeris are using phrases coined by Armenians to recognize the Armenian Genocide, such as "remember and demand." This is typical of Azeri propaganda about Khojaly, as it attempts to paint Armenians not only as liars about being victims of genocide by Turkey during and after WWI, but also paint Armenians as the ultimate hypocrites. It's a really disgusting manipuative exploitation of a very real but widely unrecognized genocide that has never seen its perpetrators and supporters brought to justice. The Khojaly massacres were bad, even evil, but this method of bringing attention to that ethnic cleansing (I don't believe the Khojaly massacres actually fit the criteria of being a "genocide," but I could be wrong) is very very wrong.

[travelcenter-uk]

Top 12 things to do in Azerbaijan

Regardless of being in Azerbaijan for 20 seconds or 20 years, you don’t need much time to realise that the Land of fire is an idyllic rush of wonder. The country is best described as an intertwining of unforgotten tradition and cosmopolitan wonders that blend it into an extravagant oasis supported by the pillars of both the past and the present, giving you the very best of its much-appreciated nexus.

Azerbaijan has always been widely known for its famous monuments; thus, many travellers seek the generic privileges of embracing its flame towers and so on, but a flicker of surprise is mostly the only reaction you’d get from those travellers. If you really want to see more of the land of fire, shift your perspectives and get away at every opportunity, keep reading.

1) Start simple and take a walk to remember!

Sunny mornings, vibrant cobbled streets, and busy cafes, what more can you possibly want for a more authentic experience? Taking a walk is more than enough for you to witness the country in the shoes of a local. Make sure you’re doing it with your friends or family and not with a tour guide. There’s no reason you can’t but keep in mind that tours do heavily restrict you from exploring. While some may see this as a safety precaution, we suggest you don’t do it completely alone and that you stick to a crowded track in case you don’t feel too adventurous. That way nothing is going to go wrong.

2) Adore honey and wine? Then you’re in for a treat (literally)

Not sampling honey and wine in the village of Ivanovka when you have the chance is a crime you do not want to commit! Want to know why? Because it’s where you can get the best honey in the Caucasus and witness Azerbaijan’s last functioning collective farm, whose grapes are used to make the popular “Ivanovka” brand of wine. But that’s not all! You will also find timeless streets lined with izba-style houses, wine excursions and shrines.

3) Want something more exciting? How about the beaches of Absheron?

Another day, another beach, what’s so different? Well, the beaches of Baku have a culture that is more of a unique sensation. Here, you’ll get to see old soviet cars perched right up against where the ocean meets the shore, charming sunsets but most importantly, the local civilians who compete against one another by jumping off abandoned oil equipment into the sea. That’s right, and it’s not just locals, tourists do it as well. It’s definitely not on the safe side, but it is thrilling, and for those of you who may be more of a landlubber, you can spend an equally memorable time onshore as well.

4) Tired of the pace? Then discover Sheki!

The magnitude of what Sheki has to offer is beyond comparison. There’s no reason not to fall in love with Sheki, it offers so much to travellers. From vibrant palaces to decadent desserts, the landscapes of this district are what everyone who comes to Azerbaijan dream of seeing. Experience the absolute delight of wandering through its neighbourhoods, admire the artistic flair of the incredible Sheki Khans’ palace and embrace the warm hospitality of the inhabitants of the district.

5) Have an eye for history? Visit Baku’s museums

It is well known that Azerbaijan is embedded with history, while the land of fire might not be considered the best place to learn about history, its museums still have a lot of potentials and are a pivotal part of helping travellers explore the country’s fascinating past. If you are on a tour During your visit, you’ll be spending a few hours coming to grips with key events such as the oil boom, communism and the Karabakh Conflict. It is sure to be a whirlwind of past events all around.

6) A fan of time travelling? Take a day trip to Gobustan

Travel about 40 kilometres from central Baku and you’ll find yourself in the Gobustan National Park, where there are more than 6,000 UNESCO-listed rock carvings that offer an ideal insight into the prehistoric life of the Caspian-Caucasus region. Dating back to more than 15,000 years, the carvings depict scenes of hunting, dancing and animal symbolism. There are also museums that help you interpret them and give you an in-depth context as to what they mean.

7) Hike your way through the remote villages of Guba!

If you’re a fan of panoramic views, then head to the villages of Guba, where majestic mountains stand tall above the blissfully lush grasslands. Anyone who appreciates hiking is sure to love the hiking routes of Guba’s breath-taking mountains where you’ll also come across Khinalig and Griz, two mountain villages that are becoming very popular among tourists. Only a few places in Azerbaijan can rival the scenery of Gabu, so make sure you check it out! It is sure to be one of the many highlights of your trip to Azerbaijan.

8) Lake Goygol’s scenic allure awaits!

Created by an earthquake 900 years ago, Lake Goygol’s untamed natural views are sure to profoundly amaze you. The national park the lake is located in, is about an hour away from Azerbaijan’s city Ganja. Go on an exhilarating tour and get a chance to see an abundance of wildlife including wolves, bears and much more. There are also traditional teahouses and rural villages.

9) Indulge in Azerbaijan’s traditional food

The simplest and greatest way to experience Azerbaijan’s way of life is to visit its country side and some of its traditional teahouses that serve the finest blend of tea you’ll ever drink. In the rural side of the country, you’ll find tea served in small pear-shaped glasses and also get a hint of the delicious jam that comes along with it. But that’s not all! The countryside also serves pakhlava, a baked dessert that delightfully encapsulates the flavour of a variety of nuts, cardamom and saffron.

10) Embrace the slopes of Azerbaijan!

Azerbaijan currently has about two winter resorts in the Caucasus Mountains offering the best skiing experience. The season lasts from mid-December to late February so make sure you keep an eye on our flight deals to Azerbaijan. Winter in Azerbaijan may be short but its charm should never be left unappreciated, and the resorts help you behold a sight that is unjustifiably beautiful. If you want everything to be high end, then spend your holiday at Shahdag Mountain Resort, the resort covers a greater range of the slopes and offers luxury accommodation and dining. If you’re on a budget you can check out the Tufandag Mountain Resort, the resort offers relatively affordable amenities and is perfect for

11) Fire up your itinerary with Azerbaijan’s eternal flames!

One of Azerbaijan’s most prized possessions also include Yanar Dag, the burning mountain of Azerbaijan. Located on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula, Yanar Dag is eternally ablaze because of the natural gas seeping out of the earth, be sure to gaze upon its inextinguishable blades of fire and learn about the legends tied to the natural wonder on your tour.

But that’s not all! You can also visit Ategash, the fire temple of Baku. Located in Surakhani town, the state historical reserve is often praised by travellers for its rustic elegance and is open for exploration through tours. On your visit you’ll learn more about the creation of the temple and its history of how and why it was turned into a museum.

12)  Stop and stare at the Heydar Aliyev Center

Mesmerised by the flame towers? Then you’re sure to love what the Heydar Aliyev Center brings to the table. The architectural phenomenon is known for its fluid, curved style structure that makes it renowned as a distinctive attraction. Brought to life by Zaha Hadid’s architectural intellect, the center has attracted countless travellers to marvel at its atypical designs and has even been internationally recognised for its innovative and cutting-edge structure. If you want to explore the centre’s museum, be sure to book a tour prior to your arrival as it is a signature landmark that tends to create a lot of crowd.

In search of tickets to Azerbaijan? Look no further because Travel Center brings you the best of flight deals and accommodations at rates like no other! Contact our panel of expert travel consultants, who make planning your trip less frustrating and more enjoyable to Book from the extensive range of our holiday deals to the land of fire.

Read More:- https://blog.travelcenter.uk/top-12-things-to-in-azerbaijan/

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[flauntpage]

NBA Summer Vacation Watch: Signing a Contract Extension With Summer

Can you smell it? The first whiffs of leaves falling and someone spilling their PSL all over you on the train? Fall will be here before you know it and that’s why, in these trying times, we (me) here at Summer Vacation Watch practice the slightly altered tao of Too $hort, Get It In Where You Can Fit It In. Meaning, embrace the late-August bevy of vacation bounty as players gaze at their warmup gear and think, “No, not yet."

Paul George

If you cast your memory back to last summer, it was this very thorough, good times summer watchdog that first surmised the possibility that Paul George would be on the move from Indiana to literally anywhere else when we caught him fishing solo on some rando Indiana lake. It was depressing. Fast-forward to one summer later and we find Young Trece back out on the water, but this time in honor of his now annual fishing tournament at L.A.’s Castaic Lake, not alone but with many friends including The Brodie. A lot can be revealed in a seemingly simple summer vacation, and to my very discerning, just-got-new-sunglasses-cause-my-last-pair-sunk-in-a-lake-last-weekend eye, George made the right choice by extending his OKC contract.

Rating: OK, but does anyone really win the tournament if we don’t get a photo of Russell Westbrook reeling one in?

Carmelo Anthony

Melo has had a big summer. He’s already signed with two teams when most guys are content to end up at one, and now he’s on safari. In many ways, this video is a lot like Anthony’s career. Sitting atop a dusty vehicle with questionable shocks, mostly cruising in a good outfit but occasionally pointing at springboks (Kristaps Porzingis) and other creatures and contracts he’d like to investigate along the way.

Rating: An explorer’s work is never done.

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons appears to be in the Valhalla of all professional tennis players, casually considering a sunset that would make any other man weep, top off and in Gucci slides. I don’t know or care enough about tennis to tell you anything about his form, other than to say they make statues based off this sort of thing.

Rating: Advantage, heaven.

Hassan Whiteside

The Miami center was atop a sand dune outside of Dubai, gazing out past the mirages of Miami’s playoff hopes this year and instead, wisely discerning that come what may he will enjoy himself and have fun.

Rating: The rating is whatever your mirage would be—mine is dunking off a sand dune being added to the All-Star Dunk Contest.

JaVale McGee

Look, I don’t want to worry anyone but we’ve got a strong contender out to steal the SVW MVP title away from Patty Mills. JaVale McGee has, so far, been featured more and is clocking more miles and mileage out of the fleeting gift known as NBA summer vacation. This week he’s in the Bahamas, swimming with pigs and sharks and dolphins, doing selfie mode with iguanas, and continuing to be the best dad in the league. And while the summer’s not over by any means, it’s going to take some big moves by Mills or frankly anyone—LeBron singing alone in a Mexican beach bar again, maybe?—to give this guy a run.

Rating: Petition to rename August to McGeeuary.

Zaza Pachulia

Zaza, AKA the Ankle Thief, AKA Crouching Zaza Hidden Season Ending Injury was back home in Georgia, sipping some summer reds under the majestic vistas of the Caucasus Mountains. His Majesty of Tripping Your Favorite Player was looking casual in low Vans and some kind of cargo capri, his face free of all “Who me?” expressions as he truly took some time off from planning how to ruin your franchise’s postseason ambitions.

Rating: Would be interested to know if he’s sipping a Mer-how-low-can-you-go or a smooth Pi-no-you-cannot-just-sneak-up-behind-someone-like-that, Zaza, Noir.

Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray was at the Palace of Versailles, ready to blow the whistle on anyone getting too close to the topiaries.

Rating: A visit to Louis XIV’s AKA The Sun King’s home, Jamal Murray to Phoenix confirmed???

Serge Ibaka

Would it be summer vacation without Serge Ibaka dancing on a boat? He switched out Rihanna for Drake this year and might be the last person on earth doing the In My Feelings Challenge but the first person on earth to do it on the Congo River.

Rating: What Serge lacks in the regular season he makes up for during the summer, so I take back everything I said about the Raptors needing to trade him immediately and at all costs. My bad.

Dennis Schröder

Schröde the dude got engaged! In a tiny helicopter! And he’s into ska now! Congrats my man!

Rating: OKC Punk

Reggie Bullock

Reggie was on a nice looking cruiser with flat tires that’s way too small for him, havin’ a nice time and making a joke about it.

Rating: I love it when we’re cruising together.

Álex Abrines

Abrines was on a two-part honeymoon, first to some locations as seen in Lord of the Rings and later, to a beach in Fiji with nary a Witch-king in sight.

Rating: Nerds love summer, too.

Dragan Bender

Bender was in the chill waters off the Croatian coast looking bored as hell.

Rating: Big demerits for robbing us of a glimpse of some crystalline waters by using this sad ass Parisian filter, my guy!

Ty Lawson

Ty was hanging around in Honduras in what can only be described as “my dream home.”

Rating: Medium demerits for doing this in a scuba and/or mime suit.

Glen Robinson III

Glen sat on a tiny car.

Rating: Get this guy a bigger car.

Josh Hart

Hart was on location at that nest of snakes that chased that iguana during one of the most stressful sequences ever seen on BBC’s Planet Earth. Though he lamented not seeing any lizards or snakes this day, he was happy to hold a little piece of history (a rock) in his hands. He loves nature.

Rating: Lakers Planet Earth episode confirmed.

Garrett Temple

Another safari! Temple, seriously one of the kindest looking men on earth, was in South Africa checking out some lions and doing some poses.

Rating: Open car safari, Temple incredibly brave confirmed.

Jon Leuer

Unfortunately Leuer was never seen again.

Rating: S.U.P.I.P. (stand-up paddle board in peace)

NBA Summer Vacation Watch: Signing a Contract Extension With Summer published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

[flauntpage]

NBA Summer Vacation Watch: Signing a Contract Extension With Summer

Can you smell it? The first whiffs of leaves falling and someone spilling their PSL all over you on the train? Fall will be here before you know it and that’s why, in these trying times, we (me) here at Summer Vacation Watch practice the slightly altered tao of Too $hort, Get It In Where You Can Fit It In. Meaning, embrace the late-August bevy of vacation bounty as players gaze at their warmup gear and think, “No, not yet."

Paul George

If you cast your memory back to last summer, it was this very thorough, good times summer watchdog that first surmised the possibility that Paul George would be on the move from Indiana to literally anywhere else when we caught him fishing solo on some rando Indiana lake. It was depressing. Fast-forward to one summer later and we find Young Trece back out on the water, but this time in honor of his now annual fishing tournament at L.A.’s Castaic Lake, not alone but with many friends including The Brodie. A lot can be revealed in a seemingly simple summer vacation, and to my very discerning, just-got-new-sunglasses-cause-my-last-pair-sunk-in-a-lake-last-weekend eye, George made the right choice by extending his OKC contract.

Rating: OK, but does anyone really win the tournament if we don’t get a photo of Russell Westbrook reeling one in?

Carmelo Anthony

Melo has had a big summer. He’s already signed with two teams when most guys are content to end up at one, and now he’s on safari. In many ways, this video is a lot like Anthony’s career. Sitting atop a dusty vehicle with questionable shocks, mostly cruising in a good outfit but occasionally pointing at springboks (Kristaps Porzingis) and other creatures and contracts he’d like to investigate along the way.

Rating: An explorer’s work is never done.

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons appears to be in the Valhalla of all professional tennis players, casually considering a sunset that would make any other man weep, top off and in Gucci slides. I don’t know or care enough about tennis to tell you anything about his form, other than to say they make statues based off this sort of thing.

Rating: Advantage, heaven.

Hassan Whiteside

The Miami center was atop a sand dune outside of Dubai, gazing out past the mirages of Miami’s playoff hopes this year and instead, wisely discerning that come what may he will enjoy himself and have fun.

Rating: The rating is whatever your mirage would be—mine is dunking off a sand dune being added to the All-Star Dunk Contest.

JaVale McGee

Look, I don’t want to worry anyone but we’ve got a strong contender out to steal the SVW MVP title away from Patty Mills. JaVale McGee has, so far, been featured more and is clocking more miles and mileage out of the fleeting gift known as NBA summer vacation. This week he’s in the Bahamas, swimming with pigs and sharks and dolphins, doing selfie mode with iguanas, and continuing to be the best dad in the league. And while the summer’s not over by any means, it’s going to take some big moves by Mills or frankly anyone—LeBron singing alone in a Mexican beach bar again, maybe?—to give this guy a run.

Rating: Petition to rename August to McGeeuary.

Zaza Pachulia

Zaza, AKA the Ankle Thief, AKA Crouching Zaza Hidden Season Ending Injury was back home in Georgia, sipping some summer reds under the majestic vistas of the Caucasus Mountains. His Majesty of Tripping Your Favorite Player was looking casual in low Vans and some kind of cargo capri, his face free of all “Who me?” expressions as he truly took some time off from planning how to ruin your franchise’s postseason ambitions.

Rating: Would be interested to know if he’s sipping a Mer-how-low-can-you-go or a smooth Pi-no-you-cannot-just-sneak-up-behind-someone-like-that, Zaza, Noir.

Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray was at the Palace of Versailles, ready to blow the whistle on anyone getting too close to the topiaries.

Rating: A visit to Louis XIV’s AKA The Sun King’s home, Jamal Murray to Phoenix confirmed???

Serge Ibaka

Would it be summer vacation without Serge Ibaka dancing on a boat? He switched out Rihanna for Drake this year and might be the last person on earth doing the In My Feelings Challenge but the first person on earth to do it on the Congo River.

Rating: What Serge lacks in the regular season he makes up for during the summer, so I take back everything I said about the Raptors needing to trade him immediately and at all costs. My bad.

Dennis Schröder

Schröde the dude got engaged! In a tiny helicopter! And he’s into ska now! Congrats my man!

Rating: OKC Punk

Reggie Bullock

Reggie was on a nice looking cruiser with flat tires that’s way too small for him, havin’ a nice time and making a joke about it.

Rating: I love it when we’re cruising together.

Álex Abrines

Abrines was on a two-part honeymoon, first to some locations as seen in Lord of the Rings and later, to a beach in Fiji with nary a Witch-king in sight.

Rating: Nerds love summer, too.

Dragan Bender

Bender was in the chill waters off the Croatian coast looking bored as hell.

Rating: Big demerits for robbing us of a glimpse of some crystalline waters by using this sad ass Parisian filter, my guy!

Ty Lawson

Ty was hanging around in Honduras in what can only be described as “my dream home.”

Rating: Medium demerits for doing this in a scuba and/or mime suit.

Glen Robinson III

Glen sat on a tiny car.

Rating: Get this guy a bigger car.

Josh Hart

Hart was on location at that nest of snakes that chased that iguana during one of the most stressful sequences ever seen on BBC’s Planet Earth. Though he lamented not seeing any lizards or snakes this day, he was happy to hold a little piece of history (a rock) in his hands. He loves nature.

Rating: Lakers Planet Earth episode confirmed.

Garrett Temple

Another safari! Temple, seriously one of the kindest looking men on earth, was in South Africa checking out some lions and doing some poses.

Rating: Open car safari, Temple incredibly brave confirmed.

Jon Leuer

Unfortunately Leuer was never seen again.

Rating: S.U.P.I.P. (stand-up paddle board in peace)

NBA Summer Vacation Watch: Signing a Contract Extension With Summer published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

[flauntpage]

NBA Summer Vacation Watch: Signing a Contract Extension With Summer

Can you smell it? The first whiffs of leaves falling and someone spilling their PSL all over you on the train? Fall will be here before you know it and that’s why, in these trying times, we (me) here at Summer Vacation Watch practice the slightly altered tao of Too $hort, Get It In Where You Can Fit It In. Meaning, embrace the late-August bevy of vacation bounty as players gaze at their warmup gear and think, “No, not yet."

Paul George

If you cast your memory back to last summer, it was this very thorough, good times summer watchdog that first surmised the possibility that Paul George would be on the move from Indiana to literally anywhere else when we caught him fishing solo on some rando Indiana lake. It was depressing. Fast-forward to one summer later and we find Young Trece back out on the water, but this time in honor of his now annual fishing tournament at L.A.’s Castaic Lake, not alone but with many friends including The Brodie. A lot can be revealed in a seemingly simple summer vacation, and to my very discerning, just-got-new-sunglasses-cause-my-last-pair-sunk-in-a-lake-last-weekend eye, George made the right choice by extending his OKC contract.

Rating: OK, but does anyone really win the tournament if we don’t get a photo of Russell Westbrook reeling one in?

Carmelo Anthony

Melo has had a big summer. He’s already signed with two teams when most guys are content to end up at one, and now he’s on safari. In many ways, this video is a lot like Anthony’s career. Sitting atop a dusty vehicle with questionable shocks, mostly cruising in a good outfit but occasionally pointing at springboks (Kristaps Porzingis) and other creatures and contracts he’d like to investigate along the way.

Rating: An explorer’s work is never done.

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons appears to be in the Valhalla of all professional tennis players, casually considering a sunset that would make any other man weep, top off and in Gucci slides. I don’t know or care enough about tennis to tell you anything about his form, other than to say they make statues based off this sort of thing.

Rating: Advantage, heaven.

Hassan Whiteside

The Miami center was atop a sand dune outside of Dubai, gazing out past the mirages of Miami’s playoff hopes this year and instead, wisely discerning that come what may he will enjoy himself and have fun.

Rating: The rating is whatever your mirage would be—mine is dunking off a sand dune being added to the All-Star Dunk Contest.

JaVale McGee

Look, I don’t want to worry anyone but we’ve got a strong contender out to steal the SVW MVP title away from Patty Mills. JaVale McGee has, so far, been featured more and is clocking more miles and mileage out of the fleeting gift known as NBA summer vacation. This week he’s in the Bahamas, swimming with pigs and sharks and dolphins, doing selfie mode with iguanas, and continuing to be the best dad in the league. And while the summer’s not over by any means, it’s going to take some big moves by Mills or frankly anyone—LeBron singing alone in a Mexican beach bar again, maybe?—to give this guy a run.

Rating: Petition to rename August to McGeeuary.

Zaza Pachulia

Zaza, AKA the Ankle Thief, AKA Crouching Zaza Hidden Season Ending Injury was back home in Georgia, sipping some summer reds under the majestic vistas of the Caucasus Mountains. His Majesty of Tripping Your Favorite Player was looking casual in low Vans and some kind of cargo capri, his face free of all “Who me?” expressions as he truly took some time off from planning how to ruin your franchise’s postseason ambitions.

Rating: Would be interested to know if he’s sipping a Mer-how-low-can-you-go or a smooth Pi-no-you-cannot-just-sneak-up-behind-someone-like-that, Zaza, Noir.

Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray was at the Palace of Versailles, ready to blow the whistle on anyone getting too close to the topiaries.

Rating: A visit to Louis XIV’s AKA The Sun King’s home, Jamal Murray to Phoenix confirmed???

Serge Ibaka

Would it be summer vacation without Serge Ibaka dancing on a boat? He switched out Rihanna for Drake this year and might be the last person on earth doing the In My Feelings Challenge but the first person on earth to do it on the Congo River.

Rating: What Serge lacks in the regular season he makes up for during the summer, so I take back everything I said about the Raptors needing to trade him immediately and at all costs. My bad.

Dennis Schröder

Schröde the dude got engaged! In a tiny helicopter! And he’s into ska now! Congrats my man!

Rating: OKC Punk

Reggie Bullock

Reggie was on a nice looking cruiser with flat tires that’s way too small for him, havin’ a nice time and making a joke about it.

Rating: I love it when we’re cruising together.

Álex Abrines

Abrines was on a two-part honeymoon, first to some locations as seen in Lord of the Rings and later, to a beach in Fiji with nary a Witch-king in sight.

Rating: Nerds love summer, too.

Dragan Bender

Bender was in the chill waters off the Croatian coast looking bored as hell.

Rating: Big demerits for robbing us of a glimpse of some crystalline waters by using this sad ass Parisian filter, my guy!

Ty Lawson

Ty was hanging around in Honduras in what can only be described as “my dream home.”

Rating: Medium demerits for doing this in a scuba and/or mime suit.

Glen Robinson III

Glen sat on a tiny car.

Rating: Get this guy a bigger car.

Josh Hart

Hart was on location at that nest of snakes that chased that iguana during one of the most stressful sequences ever seen on BBC’s Planet Earth. Though he lamented not seeing any lizards or snakes this day, he was happy to hold a little piece of history (a rock) in his hands. He loves nature.

Rating: Lakers Planet Earth episode confirmed.

Garrett Temple

Another safari! Temple, seriously one of the kindest looking men on earth, was in South Africa checking out some lions and doing some poses.

Rating: Open car safari, Temple incredibly brave confirmed.

Jon Leuer

Unfortunately Leuer was never seen again.

Rating: S.U.P.I.P. (stand-up paddle board in peace)

NBA Summer Vacation Watch: Signing a Contract Extension With Summer published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/