#wheres the 'our cultures and customs can still be important to us no matter what ghilan'nain and elgarnan do' option.

[thedragonagelesbian]

bioware those are all wack responses to someone's crisis of faith.

[thenightfolknetwork]

Hi. I have a bit of a problem regarding my appearance.

You see, for a long time I was a vessel for a greater deity. But, recently, that deity has left me. Usually, this isn’t supposed to happen. But, The Great One will do as She desires, so I was left behind.

The problem is, while She was inhabiting me, She made a few adjustments to my appearance. Horns, ear piercings, tattoos, etc.

When She left, the horns and scales disappeared. But the piercings and tattoos stayed. Honestly, I don’t mind them. I find them very stylish and have grown accustomed to them.

But it’s not exactly my call. You see, I am Sapio. Without The Great One using my form, I’m about the most average Sapio out there. But the markings and piercings adorning my body are symbolic of the devine-folk genetically related to The Great One. Which I am not. So, naturally, me having these markings is seen as incredibly appropriative.

So, what do I do? I can’t remove them, they’ve been divinely protected beyond belief. I can’t cover them either, they’re everywhere, and bundling up in the middle of Arizona summer isn’t exactly a wise choice for me.

So, how do I get people to realize that I’m not trying to be offensive? Or at least, how do I stop being offensive?

Unfortunately, reader, there's nothing you can do to ensure people don't misinterpret your physical appearance. It would make life a great deal easier if we could transmit our good intentions and mitigating contexts into the minds of others at a whim.

But even if we could, that's no guarantee others would take the time to actually listen before forming an opinion – or even that, after hearing our reasoned defences, that they would agree with us.

I think it's important to emphasise that you aren't actually being offensive here. Cultural appropriation is a very real issue, but you haven't appropriated anything. You were fully and sincerely part of the culture to which these adornments and markings belong.

In fact, I would strongly argue that you have every right still to identify with this culture, if you so wished. 'The most average sapio out there' has never been a vessel for a great deity. That experience doesn't stop being part of your story just because it is now in the past tense rather than the present.

However, you may still wish to avoid the stares and snap judgements your appearance might draw. In practical terms, you might consider using a glamour to subtly alter your appearance, or at least to draw attention away from your more controversial features.

Any reputable, licensed practitioner should be able to supply you with such workings, and many offer discounts if you're buying bulk. Glamours can be expensive though, so you'll likely want to reserve them for situations where they'll be most effective.

If you're just popping to the shops or taking a walk round the park, your best defence is a shift in mind-set. You don't need strangers to understand you. You know who you are, and you can share that with people who take the time to actually engage with you.

Otherwise, keep your head high, and concentrate on the opinions that matter – your own, and those of the people who love you.

Alternatively, you might consider getting some custom t-shirts made. 'I Was A Vessel To An Elder God And All I Got Were These Lousy Piercings' has a certain ring to it.

[For more creaturely advice, check out Monstrous Agonies on your podcast platform of choice, or visit monstrousproductions.org for more info]

[winstonhenderson]

𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟖.

𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓐 𝓛𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝓭 𝓐𝓷𝔂𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮

𝙎𝘼𝘾𝙍𝙄𝙁𝘼𝙈𝙀 𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎

George’s Notes

We were in India. Another place. Far from home. Enjoying meditation. Having fun. 

This was my passion! In 1966. I brought the sitar and Julia loved it! Or John. Whatever. She used it in her “Norwegian Wood”. I always liked to talk about Ravi to them whenever I got the chance and all of them knew how much I liked Indian culture. So this getaway to our “ideological savior” seemed like a great way to relax ourselves. And for me, a great way to attract the writing pair’s attention! They always put Ringo and me down, even when they don’t necessarily mean it.

But the most important thing to me is that we all cleared our heads. Ritch left first. I felt sad, he and I hang out a lot, so the fact of him leaving first hit hard. Also, I understood why he did, he had bad allergies and the food here was upsetting for him. 

The two that were left gave me a hard time, each in their own way. They talked to each other from time to time. Haven’t seen them talk normally for a while. Paul would be prissy and make stupid comments, while John was unbearlably fucking around with the idea of the religion. Paul was a bit too conservative for this so he left next. He tried out all the things this place had to offer, and I must say, maybe he explored this place the best. Linda was fine too… She is a nice gal. Like Cynthia, who I had the biggest crush on for a very long time. She fit in fine, and only seemed to care about two things; relaxing and John. John decided to stay however long I wanted to stay. Of course, we are quite similar, she was starry eyed too. Pattie and I had a lot of fun together, just hanging about and talking about the most basic stuff. It became a lot quieter since Paul left. John made some jokes but her-or his-or goddamn it, I’ve known this for six years and still can’t get it right! John’s attention was elsewhere. 

What I didn’t expect was that Cynthia and Pattie became close and started to hang out on their own leaving us two behind. This was the chance to sell to John my idea for songs. Although, John looked more spaced out than usual. Offhanded comments here and there. Something about the sun, or nature, or the feel of the wind. John got poetic fast. And now, John and I are sitting here, on the beach. “Geo, do you really believe this small guru?”, oh… This is serious. It’s not really John when it’s serious.

“Yes, why?”

“Hum.”, she took a biscuit.

“Julia, why do you say that?”

“I think he is doing some fraudulent activities. Paul found something while he was scavenging.”

“And you still trust Paul?”, oh no, she is mad. Or no… Dissapointed.

She chuckled.

“Geo, he is still my songwriting partner. And here you are.”

She handed me the paper. It had a complete description of some customers' orders and the amount they charge. There was the order and then a tipping mechanism where they took 50% from people.

“I felt like Maharishi was a good little guru. Always setting up people. Making you bite.”, what the fuck are you saying Lennon!

“Me? We all bit it!”

“You bit it first.”

“Lord, Jules… Could be fake for all I know, or could be I dunno repurposed.”

“George. I’m not exaggerating aaaaand I’m not letting you spend any more money on this SCUM.”

“I know how to handle money! Sometimes better than you! Always better than John!”

“You don’t involve John in this! This is about you!”, Julia.

“Jules, I am not that fifteen year old anymore! I’m twenty five! I can make the right decisions on my own!”

Julia was distraught. But I told her the truth!

“Look, I know you are responsible, sometimes even more responsible than I am, but you are naive! You think everything can be resolved-”

“OF COURSE IT CAN! Julia, you could’ve made it known at any moment that you are a woman and it wouldn’t matter! We are on the toppermost of the poppermost Jules! You wanted to be there, remember!”, think woman, think!

Julia got angry, but not Julia angry but John angry, which was much scarier.

“We are there because people presume we are all men! And you never know what problems would arise should I do that! What if I put myself in danger? No, you in danger! I still don’t know why we’re on top. I know people dislike some of our music and want to see us fail! Half of the time I think our music is pure shite that won’t last a fucking day after if we hadn’t had such good marketing!”

“You must really hate yourself, Julia, if this trip couldn’t get you out of your mindset.”

“Georgie. Was it ever a secret?”, Jules laughed.

That woman drives me insane. I… This whole trip, the reason John was spaced out was because Julia was monitoring what I do! Lord, John or Jules always kept tabs on me! And I wonder how sometimes I could be lucky that Brian didn’t find out something or that Paul didn’t shout at me. Julia had my back! 

“Jules! You should let me fight for myself! Goddamn it! Fuck you! I… Can’t stand you sometimes. I can’t stand that you…”

Push me and want me to write more, sing more, play more? Then as John put me down and snuff out my confidence.

“I cannot let you fuck yourself up because of some unimprotant man and his cult! I can’t let anyone scream at you because of something stupid that happened. George, I do that for Ritch also, though Ritch doesn’t get into sticky situations that much.”

“Stop helping me in the worst possible way. I have to face the consequences! I have to see it for myself.”

“But what if you never figure it out?”, Julia hugged me, “What if you continue believing in your delusion and it costs you everything?”

“JULIA, that is the thing I’M TRYING TO TELL YOU!”, I hugged her.

“What?”

“You have to stop! Paul gave up on you. He married Linda, because he couldn’t marry you! You destroy yourself with drugs. You drift away more often.”

She was speechless.

“You hurt Cynthia, Ritch and I as John because of the stress and misuse of drugs! You are not yourself anymore.”

“You can’t say that you don’t use drugs too…”

“I don’t use them as much as you do. Our mommy’s death broke us. It broke you two the most.”

“Shut up, George.”

And here is John.

“John is becoming his own thing and I don’t think you can even see when you are the one or the-”

“JOHN ISN’T A REAL PERSON!”, he covered his mouth.

“He isn’t a person, he is just a device, an idea!”, he flailed his hands around.

“I can do everything and I don’t need your stupid advice. I came here to tell you and try to get you out of this cult, not to be lectured by some pussy.”

I sighed.

“George, I am going. Enjoy the view. I cannot anymore. I don’t even see properly without me glasses, so what did I even see in this place? Don’t think I didn’t get hopeful when I got here! I did. I was hopeful I would relax. I didn’t. I was scared half of the time someone would fuck up and with any interaction with Paul and other half of the time I was questioning this place. I am restless, and suppose I will be, for the rest of my life.”

“John, I told you what I meant. I am direct. Unlike you, just like Julia. I cannot watch you suffer any longer! I can’t watch people around me suffer! Just think about it! Just think!”

“I feel. I have to feel it’s right.”, John looked at me with teary eyes. Never seen Julia cry as John.

“Alright… I didn’t want to make you cry… Now it looks weird because you are still in that John getup of yours.”

Julia laughed.

“Getup, haha! Geo, you are getting more creative by the day.”

Julia lit up.

“Okay, if you want me to relax so much, I have an idea, juuuust look away for a… Couple of minutes.”

“Oh no, I have encouraged Julia Victoria Lennon to do something.”

She smiled and I turned away. I heard the sound of clothes moving around. Then bandages being taken down. Maybe even a hair tie being let down.

“Turn around!”

Oh, now it’s just Julia.

“Ta-da! Now I can relax.”, she spread herself on the sand.

“Wait- Don’t relax too much! I want to tell you about my songs!”

“Alright, Geo, what do you have in mind?”

I told her every minute detail about the songs I wrote. She listened to me! Yay! And she even approved some! And gave me some tips and tricks to work on my songs. It was really such a nice session of writing. I missed when she would give me some song attention instead of treating me like a little kid who can barely write and play.

“That’s great, I’m so proud of you!”, Julia scratched my head, “Baby George!”

“Augh, I thought you said you’ll stop calling me that!”

“Well, John said that, I didn’t.”

“You can’t get away with this!”

She calmed down.

“But seriously, continue working on this, it will sound better and better. Maybe I could get Paul to approve it-”

“No, I’ll show it to him just like I’ve shown you! Don’t do anything Lennon, I beg of ya!”

“I won’t then.”, she wistfully smiled.

You could sense the feeling of satisfaction coming from her.

“Maybe you aren’t so fragile and small like you were Georgie. But enough about that, I’m going for a swim!”

“Not without me!”

We jumped into the ocean and played around. Julia loved to swim, she was fast on foot, and she was a fast swimmer. She swam almost half a kilometer away in just 12 minutes. How does she do that with our clunky clothes? I followed her but I didn't like the chance of getting an ache and I went back to the shore. I was happy for her. This is the first time she looked naturally relaxed during this entire trip! She swam back after 20 minutes.

“I wonder how you can swim so far and not get scared? Or any aches?”

“I got aches. I just ignore them and paddle my way back, simple as that!”

“You are so weird sometimes!”, I chuckled, “And capable!”

“Um, that’s my job as your leader, dummy!”, she knocked my head.

I laughed.

“I wish I could relax like this everyday!”

“Well, that isn’t happening. But, I have a mystery to debunk, and that is Maharishi’s history. I’ll have fun.”

“You are still on about what Paul said? How about you stop thinking about him and just think about hm…”

“No, I’m doing more as a fuck you to cultists then because of Paul. I’m angry at Paul. I’m miserable because of him.”

“Glad you understand basic human emotions.”

She giggled.

“Okay, Harrison. Tell ya if I find more evidence, but knowing these kinds of trickster buggers, you won't be waiting much!”

The sun was setting and we were gazing at the view. Until I heard some movement in the trees.

“Where did we end up? Are you sure both of them are here! Oh, look, there is George!”, Pattie! Darling!

“Come here! Missed you so much!”, I hugged her.

“Where’s John?”, Cynthia wondered. 

Oh my Lord, where is Julia?

“Um, I dunno, he was just here with me.”

I searched with my eyes and found Julia hiding behind a rock all panic ridden.

“Why are there bandages on the floor?”, Pattie asked.

Cynthia realized what had happened.

“Just some trash we encountered, how awfully dirty the tourists here must be!”

“I’ll then find a rubbish bin suitable for them.”, Cynthia, thank you for taking care of John. I’m glad Julia chose to be with you and pretend than anyone else.

Julia looked at me. Her look was basically telling me: “What do we do? Should I go out or not? No, tell them to leave! Give Cynthia a sign to make them leave. I don’t want anyone else finding out.”

I scoffed.

“Where did you scoff at.”, Pattie said, “At that rock!”

Julia came out with her hands crossed.

Cyn was shocked but relieved to see her. She was waiting for what Julia would do.

“OH, it’s John, see Cyn we found him! Though I must say you look more frail than usual.”

“What can I say? This sun eats ya!”

We chuckled.

“And I had to see what Cyn’s relief looked like. Never expected such a big reaction from ya.”

“How can I not react that way when I love you so much!”, she ran towards Julia and hugged her as hard as possible, “I was already thinking I had to call the search party to search all over!”

“Don’t worry Cyn, I can handle a little labyrinth!”

“I don’t think so!”

“Alriiight.”, Julia sighed, smiling.

“Glad we are all here then! Let’s all go back together to our houses!”, Pattie was happy.

“Nah, I’d like to stay here a bit longer with Cyn.”, Julia disappointed me yet again.

“Oh- Oh, well have fun!”, Pattie waved them goodbye and I took her hand.

I sent another look to Julia. It meant “When are you going to stop lying!”

I figured Cyn helped Julia get bandaged up, because it was going to be dinner time soon. The rest of the day went normally. And the rest of the vacation was great, though it was cut short because of John’s investigation! He found out that Maharishi is a fraud, and really a fraud! So I dug deeper, and found the same, with more evidence! We united the evidence and presented it to the man, who said we were exaggerating and not understanding what it said!

“Look, you can’t deny your eyes and there are two of us claiming this against you! You lied to me!”, I began, “You lied to me that money wasn’t that important!”

“Well, I didn’t say that it was not necessary, you got to make a living!”

“By scamming others, not such a little good guru afterall! With this kind of behavior, I would’ve thought you would also pay flying carpet lessons!”

Maharishi chuckled.

“You know, this proves you’ll be absolutely the same as before if you leave. You, Lennon, have something to hide. Always look like that. You think you are clever, but you are not. You are empty, surrounded by enlightening remarks. But what is their purpose, you don’t know. For you, George Harrison, you will still be that insecure and childish egoist I met. Direct and naive; curious too. No wonder you dragged the whole group of you to-”

John was angry.

“You are not going to talk that way about us UNLESS I say what I think about you first! You are a snide, privacy breaking, yellow bellied, ass licking, greedy son of a bitch who likes to think he is so high and mighty! So it is just right to take away people’s hard earned cash like that!”

“The Beatles are basically the same thing!”

“We make good music.”, John replied.

“And we make good points? Explain the difference, Lennon, explain it! Oh, and haven’t seen this much emotion from you during your whole stay, I’m glad-”

“Because I didn’t get mad!”

“I’ll answer instead. We follow the regulations. We are not some other outside organization. We aren’t money grubbing. Maybe our producers are. And I know we will fix that when we find some inconsistencies.”, I jumped in to help.

“Maybe we are materialistic, but we aren’t putting other people in DEBT you whore! I checked multiple times.”, John continued.

“To check isn’t in character for John Lennon.”, Maharishi chuckled.

“It is if I think so. I don’t con people.”, John answered feeling confused on why Maharishi would say that. Then the guru scammer smiled.

“I’ll figure you out, Lennon. You have something to hide.”

John chuckled, “To hide is to survive? Isn’t that the principle of not getting caught in your scam?”

Maharishi got serious.

“You are feeling guilty of your scamming and blaming others, meanwhile I don’t have anything to declare.”, John stated with confidence.

“I know a deviant when I see them.”

“Oh, and now it’s John’s fault I have turned against you, isn’t it!”, I figured it out, “Trying to blame him for my complaint!”

Maharishi looked at me with some kind of disgust.

“Of course. Of course, we are leaving now. This instant.”, I got mad.

“Don’t go mad Georgie, this mister right here can use it against ya. You have to be relaxed and fulfilled, like he said. That’s how you get happiness, right?”, John joked.

I chuckled and calmed down.

“Yer right.”

“Well, mister, we loved the island and all, but you're a fraud and we have to go!”, John waved him goodbye and I followed. Maharishi pulled me back.

“Mr. Harrison, don’t listen to him!”, he told me, “He is a deviant, a snake, presenting himself as he isn’t!”

“And why would I not? He is one the lads! And you are the snake here.”

“No, no, that’s not a “lad” as you say, not a traditional lad, that’s a hijra.”

“A what now?”

“A… neither male nor female.”

I looked at him blankly. So he figured out the twin tale?

“You cannot trust someone who doesn’t know what they are. And this person, this “John Lennon” as they call itself, is absolutely not trustworthy. Always joking around, always monitoring you, always making inappropriate and underhanded comments. You want freedom and expression right?”

Lord, this slimy motherfucker.

“John is still one of my best friends and pals. You can’t make me stay here any longer. You just made me more angry and volatile. And you accuse John of such heinous acts with no evidence to support it.”

I began walking away towards John, who was packing with Cynthia and Pattie.

“Oh, I understand now. You know of Lennon’s decadency even before I even tell you! Both of you are flawed, go then! I don’t need a place for rude and deviant people like you!”

“Oh, where’s the “we welcome everyone to our family!” or “we are happy to accept any LOST soul”.”, John argued.

Maharishi smiled and walked up to John. He said something to him that made him shiver. Still John behaved cocky and said,

“Oh, I promise I’ll do that. For the chance to piss you off, I’ll continue doing that for as long as I want to!”

We boarded the boat. I looked at John perplexed. 

“What happened for us to go earlier?”, Pattie wondered.

“John, what did you do?”, Cyn asked.

“Absolutely nothing that deserved that kind of send off! Accusing me of deviancy just because George and I handed in some damning evidence that Maharishi scams people!”

“That’s… Fun.”, Cynthia sighed, “Well, at least we’re in one piece and haven’t been held up by that con artist in any other way.”

“You are so smart, Cyn.”, John chuckled, “Yer right as ever.”

John proceeded to kiss her. Before that he gave her a small, not really noticeable sign. He always warned Cyn before kissing her. But I never really noticed Cyn tensing up before the act.

I kissed Pattie as well and whispered in her ear:

“I’m glad this hellish discussion is over and you have absolutely nothing to do with it!”

“I’m glad you’re okay, George.”

Pattie looked at Cynthia and John, “Let’s go inside, it’s getting a bit chilly in here.”

“Wait for us two inside then, I have to talk to John about this shit in private.”

The wives giggled.

“Alright then, George, we’ll be inside. If you need any advice or a shoulder to cry on, you know where to find us!”

“Pattie, sometimes you could be so funny!”, my sweet Pattie.

“And not always? The insolence of this young man! We are going inside, pronto!”, Cynthia pulled Pattie with her.

John rolled his eyes while chuckling.

“No wonder Cyn is my best female friend.”

“Well, a wife is a best friend too.”, I joked.

There was a small pause. We looked at the ocean and the waves splashing in the sun. 

“John, what did that son of a bitch tell you?”

“There is something called a hijra in Indian or Southeastern culture. It is a person in drag, a person who identifies as the opposite gender… He told me that he figured out I was in drag. He told me I can’t keep it together and remain normal if I ever was. He told me I corrupted you… He told me I will drag the entire band into ruin. And even if I told everyone the truth that I would make everything the Beatles did worthless and meaningless.”

“What a freak!”, I couldn’t believe it. Maharishi was today very awful towards us, especially towards John. Was he always a bit more awful to women? Now that I think about it, he didn’t talk that much with our wives. He focused on us four. What a scammer.

“I know that, but it does send shivers down my spine, y’know.”

“I’m just happy we had fun and we’re going home, Jules.”, ahh, fuck this man.

“Yeah, I’m happy too. Let’s go inside, Geo.”

“Yeah. Thanks for looking out for me… But please don’t do it as much anymore, Julia.”

“I’ll try not to. And… Perhaps, baby George is right about some things.”

I think some things are going to change in the Beatles and I hope for the better. The most important thing is that I have proven that I’m not a child anymore - I’m an adult who speaks his mind and deserves to be listened to. Perhaps, they will put more songs on the next album… Can’t wait to work with Ritch again…

Rest of Sacrifame

[spiders-hth-is-an-outlier]

Whenever I say that emotions are shitty liars and we should spend less time Validating them and more time exposing their calumny, people always want to make the distinction that feelings are always valid, only your reaction to the feelings can be judged. And the problem is that's true if you're arguing about "validity" as a moral category, which I am not because I don't give a shit about that.

And that's in some sense a privileged position that I have! Not in the sense of privilege as institutional power, but just like -- good fortune. I was raised in the Free To Be You and Me era, by hippies with advanced psychology degrees and Mr. Rogers. I already know that it's "valid" to experience negative emotions, in the sense of "normal and inevitable" and also in the sense of "thought crime is fake." I know some people were acculturated into an extremely different belief system that prioritized pure thoughts and a pure heart. That sucks -- people lied to you and it fucked you up a little, or maybe a lot. If that's where you're currently at, I get it, and probably what you do really still need is some version of Mr. Rogers coaching you nonjudgmentally through what to do with the mad that you feel. That's a little basic when it comes to emotional literacy, but if you never mastered the basics, you gotta start sometime!

However, I'm not talking about that because it's boring to me. What's fascinating to me is that emotions feel real even when they are "invalid" in the sense of "based on literally fuckall." Like, you know what makes me blinding angry? The self-checkout machine telling me nine times to scan an item I just scanned. I wanna put my fucking fist through the thing! I want to kill it.

Now, the reality is that there is nothing happening in those moments that truly justifies my emotional reaction. I don't react like that to actual human beings, even the ones who are trying to hurt me on purpose! Certainly a little piece of machinery making my checkout experience longer by maybe ten seconds is -- like, it's not even a thing! The proportional emotional reaction to that is basically nothing. And being angry with something that has no volition is ridiculous, but how often do most of us do it? We're angry at the traffic lights or the security questions on our bank app or the fucking weather. It's such an ordinary experience, we bond over how angry these random little inconveniences make us. And by the way, the people who value purity of heart most keenly do seem to displace extremely aggressive anger onto inconveniences at a disproportionately high rate, which is how you get high-vibes yoga moms or good church deacons screaming like a lunatic about some problem with their Instacart order.

So, like. Obviously something else is going on. I'm not angry at this machine for wasting my valuable ten seconds. Not really. I'm angry because so much of my life is spent interfacing with automated systems and I resent all the million little ways I feel unseen as a human being. I'm angry because I was raised by a culture that taught me the one and only realm of my life where I was allowed to have unquestionable authority over my own experience is when it's my turn to be The Customer, so it feels especially violating when I'm helpless within my Paying Customer Experience. And I'm angry because I usually do my grocery shopping on the way home from work, and I'm tired and hungry and my animal brain is feeling increasingly desperate about this threatening situation.

Those are emotions that are important, in the sense of needing to be validated and understood, but you can't even get to them until you you recognize that what feels enormously real right now -- that I hate this specific machine and long for the opportunity to break it -- is in fact false. The truth is, this doesn't matter, and I won't care about it five seconds after I walk out. The truth is, I wouldn't feel better if I broke the machine; it wouldn't solve any problem I have, and I'd just feel like a dumbass. The truth is, telling myself it's normal and healthy and valid to hate self-checkout machines obscures the actual powerful clarity I can achieve when I stop and think, what's the true thing that I can't focus on while I'm being angry about this fake thing? The emotion itself (I'm going to kill this fucking machine!) is a maladaptive response, even though I never actually act on it. The emotion itself is part of a set of lies I tell myself about my life and how I feel about it. It's not immoral, but it's an obstacle, the same way uncritically accepting any false thing is an obstacle to my ultimate goal, which is to live a life as unburdened by lies as possible.

[horizon-verizon]

Martell’s stans pretending that they’re representatives of Global South in ASOIAF where instead they’re a region who’s constantly in clash with their neighbours cause they can’t stop looting and raiding the Stormlands and the Reach.

*EDITED* (11/5/23)

I haven't come across a Martell stan yet, in all my 7-month life here on Tumblr. But I already wrote a post on why the Martells aren't exactly PoCs (because race, as Americans and modern peoples know the thing, doesn't exist in this fictional universe) so much as "Others" are seen as ethnically different but not enough for there to be concern over "miscegenation" or "dirtying the blood" or losing actual social privileges the Martells still had like other "white", nonDornish nobles.

Ethnicity doesn't equal race, and "people of color" denotes "non-white" people, and "white"/"PoC" are racial terms.

Nationality also does not equal race, nor does it equal ethnicity, though in some racial hierarchies it def gives whatever racial meaning of black/poc the society in question has. "Race"--as in just the practical applications of their real modern realities and economic and social structures as a result--is not accurate or a paltry thing the further you go back in time. There were definitely racializations, racial & ethnic biases, and ethnic & racial tensions/violence, but religion and/or language more often defined a person's belonging and identity within a different hegemony until maybe the late 14th to 15th centuries.

The Rhoynish would definitely be considered PoC in our modern American & British racial categorization; in the world itself, yes they were a "foreign" and literally foreign people and a different ethnicity from First Men and Andal.

However, ONE -- Dorne is not progressive in terms of class, not at all, and TWO -- these two are both Essosi in origin while several of their original cultural aspects [the Faith, the symbols, chivalry, court culture, oaths, the kin slaying taboo, the importance placed on swords, guest rights, etc.] still exist in the main events of ASoIaF right now. These didn't change or get lost upon their arrival to the Westerosi continent.

Dorne, by virtue of the fact that their succession customs are equal gender, will inevitably be Othered and thus they have that sense of "not white-ness" but this doesn't really pin them down as "PoC" bc the emphasis of why the Dornish are Othered is much more about there being less misogyny than religion, region, etc. and the Martells still independently/non-coercively share Andal cultural aspects then they do Rhoynish. Because, how can the whites (nonDornishmen) racialize a region based on skin color or principles of "purity" seen through the outside (as this has been used to create current racial categories) with people with different skin colors?

The First Men are not Andals, the Andals and FM fought several times in past history, come from different regions of Essos, have different religions and both typically have paler skin. Both have misogynist practices and are more stringent about male primogeniture and able-bodiedness mattering to leadership.

The "salty" Martells and other Dornish--even those who are "sandy" or "stony" as Daeron I categorized them--are more analogues of both Welsh vs. the Anglo-Saxons or Normans (all "racially white" ) because of their constant wars with Reach people and Stormlanders. AND Spaniards (European people, so racially white) because Spain has a history of Moor, Hebrew/Jew, and pre-Moor Spaniards having intermarriages and other types of exchange or interaction LONG before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled the Jewish and Muslim peoples. Even then, she and her King husband were not at first the rulers of all of "Spain", but of the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile freshly uniting these to develop and become what we know as "Spain". Like how England used to be Kent, East Anglia, Essex, Mercia, Northumbria, Sussex, Wessex, the Welsh peoples (a Celtic people) before the Normans arrived (Northmen/Scandinavian/Swedish/Danish/Viking originated) and conquered the English islands.

Once again, do we consider Spain a "white" country, or not?

[jaypturnerbhm]

The Hotdog: a lesson in extravagant hospitality and humility.

I got home late last night and was perusing TikTok when I came across this video. I’d just left our Small Group Ministry Taskforce meeting, and I was really struck by how applicable this short video and the lessons it contains are to our ministry. A few observations:

1. Be in the room. He was bussing a table, quietly and unobtrusively serving his customers when all of this went down. If we’re going to serve others, we have to show up and get close. It’s also important to note that he was the owner- and yet he was still in the room clearing plates.

2. Pay attention & really listen. He could’ve zoned out and just done his job. But he was actively observing his customers, looking for cues, and reallly paying attention to their needs. He was engaged and actively looking for ways to serve.

3. Keep looking for ways to exceed expectations. Presumably, these guests were being served the best of the best. But there was more! One more thing! We love those, “but wait, there’s more” moments.

4. Meet a need. At the end of the day, they knew their mission was meeting needs. The same is true of us. Don’t let anyone leave hungry.

5. Think outside the box/restaurant/church. Was it incomprehensible that the best restaurant in the world would serve a street dog? Obviously not. Sometimes, we have to consider options that are NOT on the table.

6. Know the culture/your community. He knew exactly where to get a hotdog. He knew how to order it and get it inside his own kitchen quickly. He knew the resources of the community outside his doors.

7. Be authentic. He procured an authentic New York City street hotdog. Even though they were serving someone else’s hotdog, they took it into their own kitchen, cut it up, and applied their own condiments with their own signature flair. They made it their own and stayed true to their values and culture.

8. Make it seamless. We can control for this. Do everything we do with excellence and precision. We love Ina and Martha because they make hospitality look easy.

9. Keep pursuing. The meal was over. The job had been done. And yet, they didn’t stop.

10. Keep our pride in check. No matter what we’re serving, sometimes people just want a hotdog.

11. Make the main thing the main thing: He realized he wasn’t just serving food. It wasn’t just a dining experience. It was making people feel seen, welcomed, and to give them a sense of belonging. Hospitality is the business of human connection. We take that a step further: through extravagant hospitality we offer a picture of the kingdom of God where ALL are welcome and embraced as beloved.

Each person in the pews is a consumer. What are we feeding them? Are we satisfying their hunger? Not just superficially but the deepest needs of their soul? What about those outside our doors? They are owed the same extravagant hospitality as the insiders.

[autimind]

Myths about Autism #3 - no empathy

Have you ever overheard a foreigner ordering drinks or food in a restaurant? Have you tried doing this in another language when you were abroad for business or on a holiday?

"Bring me a beer." "I want the day soup."

Restaurant staff is used to a variety of conduct from their customers but these sentences are basically orders and come accross as very curt, if not outright rude. This varies with culture and location, obviously. These examples will have to suffice.

Are these foreigners rude? Were you? Well possibly but probably not. The problem here is a lack of fluency. This is simply the best way these people can voice their requests.

Where I live, it is still common to ask for permission to pay for something in a shop. "Mag ik dit afrekenen?"/"May I pay for this?" This is idiomatic language, a diffuse and ever-shifting cultural standard that proscribes certain phrasing as not only grammatically correct but 'the right thing to say' in a plethora of circumstances. If you don't know this, you will be seen as weird at best, rude at worst.

I promise there is a point to all this. In much the same way, austistic folk are seen as having no empathy or, slightly better, low empathy. The reason is not that we are dead inside or do not care about others but that we show our emotions differently and have trouble recognising non-verbal cues. In effect, we don't speak the language very well, so to say.

For allistic people, non-verbal conduct is so important that they see it as basically equal to the inner life of others. They can and will form flash judgments about the core of your being based on what they pick up from you and how they interpret your gestures, tone of voice, the direction of your gaze and so on and so forth. After they have done so they will resist vehemently any attempt to explain them they are wrong or even someone just had a really bad day and reacted poorly. Because they are not trained to think about their own thinking, they cannot but follow their instincts. In further enoucnters, they will interpret whatever it is you say along the lines of their initial judgments.

Do you know the cliché phrase about the importance of making a good first impression? Now you know why that is true: poor insight in human cognition and a lack of goodwill or benevolence.

How are we to understand the barrage of signals, words, gestures and other social cues that is fired at us constantly and that in real time? I will tell you right here and right now that most austistics are perfectly capble of forming connections and feeling for others. All we require is some time to process.

Some percentage of autistics have low (fine) motor control, which makes it hard to consciously move facial and other muscles. A lot of us are clumsy. If someone's smile seems forced that may very well be because they are working very hard to consciously pull of something that is demanded by society and is effortless for most people.

Admittedly, some of us are low-empathy or at least identify as such. I have no special insight into whether that is true or not on the inside. However, there is a marked difference between empathy, which is shown, and compassion, which is felt. It is compassion that, hopefully, drives our actions. Empathy can be part of our actions.

Compassion heals the world one person at a time. It can be compared to the soft light of the Moon that holds no agression or compelling force but does reach everywhere. No being is beyond our compassion. I'll probably write more about compassion in later posts.

Finally, I would like to say that sometimes a low-key approach to empathy is the right thing to do. I work in a team of six to eight people - depending on various matters - and have seen my fair share of hapiness and sorrow from my colleagues. It is noticeable that when someone has a really hard time at work, they tend to ask me to talk with them for a few minutes. My calmness and inquisitive questions apparently support them in a way they like. My voice barely changes in tone in such talks and I show no or few gestures. I simply allow them to be and listen to what they need to say.

How would our culture change if this was the normal or common response to hurt? Low empathy for the win! :-)

[alexracheltravel]

Interlude: Cambodia → Thailand

Cambodia’s airport is bright, and the walls bear the Indochina style and form. Outside, the airport runway, and beyond, rows upon rows of jungle. Siem Reap is a small city. By New York standards, it is not much of a city at all. It more closely resembles the tourist-laded springs of the Caribbean, where every resident speaks multiple languages, and holds multiple currencies. In some ways, it is representative of Khmer culture, but in other ways, it is a space for Westerners (or Australians) to embrace just a touch of history that they had never seen before. While this is a space for tourists, it is far from a “trap.” We leave Cambodia feeling better than when we entered. These temples carry a significant spiritual meaning, and although we do not practice Hindu nor Buddhist rituals, we understand the models of the cleansing of the spirit, the connections between heaven and earth, mind and soul. This comes from engaging with people who are passionate about their craft, their culture, their love of the world, and Angkor Wat, the carvings pictures, and stonework, is proof that art, in all its forms, is an expression of believing in one’s purpose and significance in the world.

Cambodia began on a rather empty street in Siem Reap. We had heard that COVID decimated tourism, however, we did not realize how empty it actually was. The only signs of life came from “Pub Street,” a western-style row of bars that better resembled New Orleans than anywhere in Cambodia. Khmer food was not wholly familiar to us; we did not expect the earthier flavors in Thai forms. 

Our expectations of the temples of Angkor were high, and we were still blown away by the magnitude of the work, and the divine history involved. Angkor Wat was massive, beautiful, and awesome, in the way that it inspires awe. And that was only one temple out of the many we saw in one day. Our guide, Nak, who we will name forever and ever, was so good. It was clear that he loved his culture, and wanted to share that with us. 

Khmer food tastes like Thai, and there was an array of different restaurants—cheap and pricy—around town. One of the most expensive restaurants only cost $10 per dish. At first we were the only people in the restaurant, and the slew of wait staff huddled around us. But more customers came, and we felt less like the country depended on us, and instead, tourism was returning.

Phnom Kulen (Phnom either means mountain or forest, we can’t remember at the time of writing) had more people. It was our chance to see what nature had to do with Cambodian culture. While it was not crowded, we could tell that tourism had arrived in Siem Reap.

That night, Alex went out to a night market, where felt like he had done some "Anthony Bourdain Cosplay." He was one of the only westerners around in a fairly busy street of nightlife.

Siem Reap is a pilgrimage to locals and believers in the Hindu and Buddhist faith. It is a sacred place. In some ways, it reminded us of Jerusalem. Over these few days, we noticed how the Cambodians' struggle resonates with that of the Jews. Both cultures celebrate a long lost history, keeping the memory and tradition alive. Cambodians, too, have endured a genocide, one possibly greater than the Holocaust. Cambodia is a small country, and beneath the Khmer Rouge, lost over two million people, most were educators, thinkers, doctors, and more. But unlike the Jews, who had America and the UK to help them after the war, and to help establish Israel, the Khmer have had far less assistance from China, the UN or other major groups. Their struggle is still ongoing, and their recovery is slow. Climate change makes their country even more vulnerable. Actions can be made to help Cambodia. Money. Tourism. Eliminating racism. This is not a "your dollar matters" speech, but rather a statement on the importance of honoring a culture before it is lost forever.

In that spirit, we'll remember a lot of amazing parts on this leg of the honeymoon:

Food

Alex

1) Lok Lak - Sambo (pepper sauce is amazing!)

2) Chicken Curry - Tour Lunch Spot Day One

3) Fried crickets - Night Market

4) Beef Stir Fry with Red Ants - Changkhran Khmer

5) TIE: Rice Waffle and Khanom Bueang - Reclining Buddha Temple

Rachel

1) Chicken Curry - Tour Lunch Spot Day One

2) Khanom bueang - Reclining Buddha Temple

3) Amok - Sambo

4) Curry - Changkhran Khmer

5) Eggs, Toast, Fruit - Baby Elephant Hotel (daily passionfruit)

Sights/Experiences

Alex

1) Angkor Wat - specifically bas-reliefs

2) Bayon

3) Banteay Srei

4) Ta Prohm

5) Night Market

Rachel

1) Banteay Srei Temple

2) Angkor Wat

3) Phnom Kulen Waterfall

4) Bayon Temple

5) Hot Air Balloon over Angkor

Key Memory You Will Take With You

Alex - Traversing the grounds of Angkor Wat. It was one thing to see the temple from a distance; that’s like looking at a photograph. As we approached, and the temple became larger, it became more real, and I suddenly realized the age and scope and the existence of this temple.

Rachel - Being at the top of Angkor Wat, and looking down at the rest of the grounds. Being awestruck by its sheer magnitude, and the incredible restoration that is still being done.

Alex: I think we had a very similar key moment we would take with us. These temples are quite important, and unmatched compared to the rest of the world. How does it compare to other historical sites you’ve visited: mayan temples, Great Wall, etc.?

Rachel: I feel like the religious significance of Angkor Wat is much more dominant of a theme than most of the other ancient temples that I’ve seen. Of course, they’re all temples, but the depictions of Hindu gods and Buddhas alike I just found really impactful.

Alex: One difference that I think is part of the reason you and I find this striking is how massive the Khmer Empire was here, compared to the Mayans. Hundreds of thousands of more people lived here than in Guatemala or obviously, Belize, which we visited. Belize was just a few tiny pyramids. Even the smallest temple that we visited was the same size. And there’s like 50 of them, most bigger. I also like Hindu myths as well. I’m not super familiar but I knew some of the stories. How about you?

Rachel: I feel similarly. 

Alex: Like you knew who Ganesha was and who Buddha was?

Rachel: Yes, of course. But I think that the history about the gods and the mythology that surrounds them felt mostly new to me. I really appreciate how detailed our tour guide, Nak, was.

Alex: Yes, I did send his info over to Benny and Julia, and maybe they will get the same experience. I think Julia especially will love it! He was so thrilled at the idea of telling these stories. As a storyteller, lecturer, teacher, I really appreciated the way that education is involved in these cultural heritage sites. We’re talking a lot about the temples, because we didn’t really do much else here. This was a trip where the sites were actually the stars. Not the food, not the nature, but the history.

Rachel: But let’s not forget about that natural park. From the views to the waterfall, it really was incredibly beautiful.

Alex: I almost feel sad to leave Cambodia, but to be honest, there’s not much else for it to offer us. The culture is rich, as is every culture, but the poverty is challenging, and there’s not a lot to do without many risks.

Rachel: It’s certainly a bittersweet ending, but to be honest, I’m ready to move on to Thailand.

Alex: I suppose you’re right.

Rachel: I don’t mean to knock Cambodia, but Thailand will be more our speed. I loved the temples but it’s time to move ahead.

Alex: Long story short, everyone should visit Cambodia to see these temples. Funnel money into their economy, and help these people prosper.

Rachel: That’s very “Naga” of you, my love.

Alex: For those reading, google “Naga Hindu” and you’ll know what we mean.

[jcmarchi]

The Currency of Productivity: AI and the Human Element

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-currency-of-productivity-ai-and-the-human-element/

The Currency of Productivity: AI and the Human Element

Within the last few years, the way we work has been completely overhauled by new workplace trends and technology. AI has rapidly redefined the rules of productivity in the business world; emails, social media posts, images, presentations, and videos can all be generated within a matter of clicks, not days.

But productivity is not defined by speed alone. Just as important are quality and outcomes. Yes, we are starting to entrust AI with increasingly important tasks, from driving to forecasting and even medical diagnoses, in some cases. However, there are still many things that benefit (and will continue to benefit) from having a person at the helm.  Because the human touch has innate value. It promotes trust and connection in ways that machines are still far from replicating effectively.

What’s becoming apparent as AI adoption has accelerated is that its most obvious and easiest-to-attain value proposition is its ability to give time back to workers. It allows workers to focus on the most impactful elements of their roles, like bespoke problem-solving, acting as a partner to clients, and diving into buyers’ complex business requirements.

So in the era of generative AI, the question becomes: how can we use our innately human skills to not just drive productivity, but reshape how we think about it altogether? Below, we’ll explore the profound impact of AI on the workplace and the heightened importance of soft skills in the era of automation.

How AI has Shifted Workplace Dynamics

The workplace of today bears little resemblance to that of a decade ago, thanks to transformative shifts brought about by technology and evolving work culture. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and DALL·E are among the flashier uses of AI nowadays, but AI-powered analytics that analyze vast datasets, identify patterns, and generate insights have also brought immeasurable value to businesses.

Consider four types of AI-enabled data analytics:

Descriptive analytics look at historical data to tell us what happened. This type quantifies, measures, and monitors objectively, like sales performance, sales-by-region, and win/loss reports.

Diagnostic analytics tell us why it happened. Diagnostics use objective measures to help users better understand the subjective factors that led to the results. Diagnostic tools produce analyses for things like deal loss, sales cycle length, customer churn, and rep performance.

Predictive analytics forecast what is likely to happen in the future using both subjective and objective inputs to score leads, anticipate churn, forecast demand and sales, and model the likelihood of specific deals closing. Critically, predictive models may use external signals and data―like overall market performance―to model trends in progress.

Prescriptive analytics advise us on the next steps to take based on all of the above. Most people will be familiar with this branch of analytics from their personal lives. The same technology that drives Netflix, TikTok, and YouTube’s suggestion algorithms can weight buyer and seller actions to suggest what should come next.

Prescriptive analytics are where businesses can derive the most value and are the closest we’ve come thus far to replicating human ingenuity. These models turn insight into action and action into outcomes. These outcomes can then be codified for consistency and repeatability. However, they still require human oversight and collaboration.

As such, the integration of AI not only redefines the nature of work but will also continue to reshape the composition of the workforce. Organizations are likely to place a premium on individuals who possess a blend of technical expertise and soft skills, meaning it’s critical to not forget about the value of the human touch.

The Value of Soft Skills in an Automated World 

While AI handles the routine and analytical aspects of a task, humans contribute their creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills. Even the most advanced AI models today lack emotional intelligence, making humans integral in effective communication. Humans bring things to interactions that AI can’t; humans bring their life experience, the life experience of the person they’re listening to, and the ability to think through nuance that even AI can’t catch. And in the same way AI can train itself, humans are indispensable in coaching and mentorship to foster productivity in the workplace.

These soft skills are especially important in revenue-generating, relationship-centric activities like sales. For example, a sales manager is working with a new seller, and that seller is engaging with her direct point of contact (POC) at a prospect account. This earlier-career seller’s goal is to get the POC to introduce her to the VP of Sales because she knows the VP will ultimately be the decision-maker and needs to be involved in the evaluation process. But on a video call, the POC is reluctant to make the introduction. Perhaps the POC wants assurance that the seller won’t go “off script” and make him look foolish if he puts her in front of his VP of Sales.

Natural language processing (NLP) tools can be used to pick up on this hesitation, but interpreting the underlying reasons for it may not be within the solutions’ capabilities. That’s where the human element comes in, taking what the AI tool has provided and adding expertise and context based on experience. The manager, understanding the nuances of working with clients, can advise the new seller on how to handle the rest of the conversation to establish trust with the POC. As the conversation continues, this pivot guides the system’s follow-up materials to ensure an appropriate, tailored, and effective response.

This is just one of many examples of how humans inject value into activities that close deals and propel a business forward. In fostering interpersonal relationships, humans can also remember small details that show genuine care, find new ways to collaborate that fit employees’ specific needs or help to shape a supportive work environment. These things ultimately drive business outcomes, making them just as productive as AI’s automated task completion.

The Bottom Line

AI and advanced analytics have undeniably revolutionized the workplace, automating routine tasks and streamlining processes with unprecedented speed and efficiency. However, the essence of productivity transcends mere speed; it lies in the tangible outcomes that contribute to the success and growth of businesses. As AI handles the tedious and manual facets of tasks, humans emerge as indispensable contributors.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of work where AI and human collaboration becomes the norm, the symbiotic relationship between technology and human skills emerges as the driving force behind innovative solutions and lasting business success. In reshaping how we think about productivity, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the enduring value of the human touch, which, in its multifaceted form, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with AI in producing meaningful business outcomes.

[lemonadeindia]

Elevate Your Gifting Experience with Stylish Money Envelopes

In a world where digital transactions dominate, the charm of giving and receiving physical money envelopes remains timeless. At Lemonade India, we understand that the essence of gifting goes beyond the mere exchange of currency; it’s about the thoughtfulness and presentation that come with it. Money envelopes are not just a means of transporting money; they are an integral part of celebrations, rituals, and cherished moments in life. In this blog, we will explore the significance of money envelopes and how they can enhance your gifting experience.

The Cultural Importance of Money Envelopes

Money envelopes hold a special place in various cultures around the world. In many Asian cultures, for instance, it is customary to give money as a gift during festivals, weddings, and other significant events. The tradition of gifting money envelopes is not just about the monetary value; it symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and blessings. In India, it’s common to give money in beautifully designed envelopes during occasions such as Diwali, weddings, and birthdays.

At Lemonade India, we celebrate this cultural richness by offering a variety of money envelopes that reflect elegance and creativity. Our collection showcases unique designs, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns that make every gifting moment memorable.

Choosing the Perfect Money Envelope

When selecting a money envelope, it’s essential to consider the occasion and the recipient. A well-chosen envelope can enhance the overall experience of giving. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect money envelope:

Occasion-Specific Designs: Different occasions call for different styles. For festive occasions like Diwali, opt for envelopes adorned with traditional motifs and bright colors. For weddings, choose elegant designs that complement the couple's theme.

Personalization: Personalizing your money envelope adds a special touch. At Lemonade India, we offer options for custom designs, allowing you to add names, dates, or messages that make your gift unique.

Quality Matters: The quality of the envelope reflects the thoughtfulness behind the gift. Look for money envelopes made from high-quality materials that exude sophistication.

Size and Shape: Money envelopes come in various sizes and shapes. Consider the amount of money you plan to give and choose an envelope that fits comfortably without appearing too bulky.

Creative Ways to Use Money Envelopes

While money envelopes are often associated with gifting cash, there are numerous creative ways to utilize them that can enhance your gifting experience:

Gift Cards: Instead of cash, consider gifting a pre-loaded gift card in a stylish money envelope. This allows the recipient to choose what they want while still enjoying the thrill of receiving a physical gift.

Special Notes: Accompany your monetary gift with a heartfelt note or message inside the envelope. This personal touch can make the gift even more meaningful and memorable.

Themed Gift Sets: Combine your money envelope with other thoughtful gifts. For instance, pair it with a personalized travel mug or a unique ceramic cup from Lemonade India. This creates a cohesive theme and shows the recipient that you’ve put thought into their gift.

Creative Presentation: Go beyond the envelope by presenting it creatively. For example, you could attach it to a beautiful bouquet or place it inside a decorative box, enhancing the excitement of unwrapping.

Why Choose Lemonade India for Your Money Envelopes?

At Lemonade India, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and creativity. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us for your money envelope needs:

Diverse Selection: Our extensive range of money envelopes caters to various occasions and personal tastes. Whether you’re looking for traditional designs or modern aesthetics, we have something for everyone.

Sustainable Materials: We believe in sustainability. Our money envelopes are made from eco-friendly materials, ensuring that your gifting choices are kind to the planet.

Customizable Options: Our personalized money envelopes allow you to create something truly special. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or festival, we help you make your gift stand out.

Affordability: Quality doesn’t have to come at a high price. Our money envelopes are reasonably priced, making it easy for you to elevate your gifting experience without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Money envelopes are more than just a vehicle for cash; they are a reflection of our culture, creativity, and thoughtfulness in gifting. At Lemonade India, we celebrate the art of giving with our stylish and customizable money envelopes that elevate every occasion. By choosing the perfect money envelope, you not only enhance the gifting experience but also create lasting memories for your loved ones.

So, the next time you plan a gift, remember the importance of presentation. Explore our beautiful collection of money envelopes at Lemonade India, and make your gifting moments truly special! Whether it’s a festival, wedding, or a simple gesture of love, our money envelopes will add that extra touch of elegance to your thoughtful gifts.

[aquavida-pools]

Aquavida Pools

Staffing agencies have been around for a long time, so many Arizona businesses employ them for all of their pool restoration needs. 

Professionals seldom use the word "AQUAVIDA" when talking about recently constructed pools. Apart from building pools, AQUAVIDA does not do anything else Commercial Pool Repair Whether or not they are representing the company, they maintain their objectivity. 

Repairing and resurfacing pools for businesses has been Aquavida Pools' specialty for 30 years. Despite facing challenges, they were able to attain the highest level of their profession. If you want others to take notice of and benefit from your work, you need aim high. Every single Arizona hotel, resort, motel, and HOA has nothing but praise for our maintenance services. It is totally dependent on luck what happens to our firm. Many positive outcomes followed the completion of these programs. We were able to get a lot done because of these errands. Thanks to these tasks, we were able to make great strides. Our final destination was the picturesque mountain hamlet of Pinetop, which is not far from Phoenix, as our tour came to an end. The vast city is known by many names among Phoenix residents, but "Greater Phoenix Area" is by far the most popular. These two locations are undeniably a part of the Phoenix metro region, as appears to be universally acknowledged. 

If you own a public or semi-public pool, our services can help you stay in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. No municipal, state, or federal law applies to your pool. Rest assured, we have memorized all of your requests. Because we take every precaution, we guarantee that our pools and spas will never break any laws. Whatever importance you place on them, getting inspections and certificates before beginning for business is a must. It is imperative that we verify everyone's safety before moving forward Commercial Pool Contractor A separate county in Arizona might be in charge of this. This is where you can locate everything you need to finish the job. 

Finding a good location to stay shouldn't be that hard once you begin searching. 

We offer full-service pool repair and maintenance to Arizona hotel and motel owners. We hope that our research will help safeguard and enhance aquatic ecosystems in the long run. Our comprehensive support is aimed squarely at the hotel industry. 

In order to fulfill the needs of its customers, Aquavida offers a comprehensive selection of building services, which includes pool resurfacing and maintenance. People who can multitask well and think on their feet are highly sought after in today's fast-paced business world. There was no change to its performance or market domination. 

The warmth, variety of culture, and friendliness offered by these extraordinary locations make them cherished by people of all backgrounds. 

Aquavida is the go-to company for pool resurfacing and repairs due to their wealth of experience in the field. They should have no trouble completing the task at hand considering their experience and the resources at their disposal. Their background and expertise make them ideal candidates for managerial positions in the resort or waterpark sectors. They are an ideal fit for the role due to their outstanding performance across the board. 

Expert pool cleaners in Arizona may know about reliable vendors. Because of how expensive they are, many companies still can't afford these services. No matter how far we searched, we were unable to find another Arizona company that specializes in commercial pool restoration. Our organization has to make a strong statement now. The fact that no other company operates in this particular state just makes things worse. 

Regardless of the size of the task, Aquavida Pools is up to the challenge. We greatly value your involvement in this undertaking. In an instant, I shall disappear. At this time, it does not appear that anyone's employment is at risk. We are capable of handling any task, no matter how large or small. 

Using high-quality resources consistently is also crucial. 

Many businesses in Arizona choose us to renovate their pools because of our high standards. From the day we opened our doors, we have been devoted to this responsibility. 

Our thirty years of experience servicing hotels, resorts, and HOAs mean that you can trust us with the maintenance of your pool. We would want to invite you to a water event using the information you supplied, if that's okay with you. For three decades, we have provided pool maintenance services to business building owners and managers. If you want to win someone over, just be a good listener. Because of our extensive expertise, our coworkers hold us in high esteem and see us as pioneers in our field. 

[i-eat-nail-polish]

Hi friends. Back from my forgetfulness of this app but I have another entry since this has become a public diary.

While this upcoming election is another life or death race, in both age and policies, I want everyone to think about something, and there are a few parts to this thought exercise.

The overarching message is, no matter the outcome, I’m not moving from the US no matter how bad it gets.

1: Our world is so connected

This seems obvious but let’s break this down. Throughout the Palestinian genocide, I and many many many others have learned about Palestinian culture, history, and small things like daily life and food. Ive also learned more about other Arab nation’s customs and cultures. The one thing I hear throughout my timeline is the sentiment of “this is my home.” It goes beyond, “this building is where I live and is my address,” it’s “this is a core part of my world.” I keep this statement close to me because I feel the same way. America is not a great country with many things wrong with it, but it’s still my home with all of my friends and family. The state that I live in is a huge part of my world that I’ve grown to love. I am very thankful I’m in a state that has my basic rights at the forefront of its policies, but I understand many states don’t. I’ll get into this later. The point is, I will take the lessons I’ve learned from listening to Palestinians and apply them to my community no matter the outcome. As Mansour said in his posts “we remain steadfast.”

2: we are stronger together

In real life, I am a working drag queen. Last year, it was really scary with the drag bans trying to be passed in the many state governments. I knew entertainers that were in Tennessee and Florida (the worst affected) and almost lost their income. However, during that pride, you could feel that energy of resistance that pride was built off of. Both entertainers and audience reignited that flame of disruption and stuck it to the public that this was not a popular policy and that we love drag. This signals to me that even a year later, as every single drag bill was struck down, that we are stronger and capable of accomplishing change together. We are still fighting against the transphobic policies that did get passed in places like Ohio and florida, and while maybe our government is ignoring us, the public understands that this is not a popular policy and that is as equally important. We as queer people are a strong and resilient community. We will make it together.

So why do I say this?

I hear a sentiment floating around again of “if trump gets elected I’m leaving the country.” Let me emphasis: It is up to you to decide what you need to be safe. I don’t want to shame people for fleeing for a multitude of reasons for safety. Im saying this out of a disappointment of those saying it in a defeating, giving up tone. I’ll say it, many cis gay men say it in this tone and it makes me upset because is this not your home? Are we not your family? I can tell you now that no matter what the election is and what happens, I’m going to stay here and fight for my queer family because this is my home. I’ve lived here for 20 years and I’m just now starting to live life. I can tell you I have found my queer family FINALLY after waiting for so long and I would never give up on them. I don’t like this attitude of giving up because the odds seem stacked against us. Failure is an option and we do have to be prepared for what happens next, NOT a give up and move scenario. That leaves everyone who cannot afford to leave in the dust and every little bit matters.

Please consider this, your family, your queer family, and your home the next time you feel like this is a lost cause scenario. We are strong as a community. We’ve been through some horrible shit and we will go through more, but we will do it together and come out stronger. Don’t you ever forget that.

[aismallard]

This is not quite right. The UN Genocide Convention is well known but its definition, which primarily centers on these five items (killing, serious bodily/mental harm, destroying living conditions, preventing births, transferring children) are actually a watered down version of the original concept of genocide that Lemkin was proposing.

In his work he focuses a lot of cultural destruction and other aspects like material harm. He saw what the Nazis did to "sufficiently Aryan" Luxembourgers, Dutch, etc. as a form of genocide. After occupying an area, they would move in, and determine if the people there could be "Germanized" or not. Those who could were forced to take German names and adopt German customs, those would were not considered "pure" enough had their wealth, property, etc confiscated and redistributed to those who were "pure". At this stage there, was not yet an organized mass-killing effort, yet Lemkin still considered this to be genocide. Destruction/alteration of churches, local cultural traditions, forced name changes, and movement of wealth on a racial, ethnical, or cultural basis are all part of what he describes as genocidal acts.

Now obviously, mass killing of a group is also genocide. You are inevitably going to cause mass cultural and human destruction through that. But Lemkin did not see genocide as simply limited to this.

The reason why the UN adopted the more limited version of genocide focused on mass killing was because many countries at the time were worried about people using this new definition to prosecute them for actions they considered "internal matters". Genocide has been of course widely practiced by imperial states like the United States, France, and also by pre-nazi Germany in the Herero and Nama genocides. So the international law version of the concept is not retroactive and is much more limited in scope, and this is the conception of genocide that has caught on in the public sphere. Lemkin wanted more of his original ideas to be present in the UN definition, but eventually conceded because he felt some definition of genocide was better than none.

But I think it's important to remember the more wide-ranging and expansive definition Lemkin originally proposed. There are many cases where people try to take some grotesque situation, and try to make it technically fit one of the five bullets so they can call it genocide. Whereas, if there is a situation that is really awful and is done with intent, Lemkin's original definition would absolutely cover it without any squabbling over details required. We should use our most powerful condemnation and descriptor for the worst acts perpeted on humans by both states and non-state actors.

For those interested, BadEmpanada has a good expansive video discussing Lemkin, his original definition, and other historical context surrounding the term genocide:

Well for one thing, you (or the West for that matter) didn’t create the word genocide, it was coined by a Polish-Jewish lawyer named Raphael Lemkin. In his book, the Axis Rule in Occupied Europe he showed his research of the way the Nazi occupied Europe and narrated how he thought the crimes the Nazi committed against the Polish during their occupation came down to 5 main policies that displayed their will to completely destroy the Polish nation which included:

1) The mass killings of Poles

2) Bringing “serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group”,

3) Planned deterioration of living conditions "calculated to bring about their destruction

4) Implementation of various "measures intended to to prevent births within the group" such as promotion of abortions, burdening pregnant women, etc.

5) Forced transfer of Polish children to German families

He used these instances as proof for the Nazi plan to completely terminate the Polish identity and these markers are still used by the Genocide Convention as proof of genocidal intentions. He also used this word to describe the atrocities that Nazi committed against the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Lemkin also spent the rest of his time advocating for an international convention to stop the rise of “future Hitlers”, and on December 9, 1948 the U.N. authorized the Genocide Convention, which had many of its clauses based on Lemkin’s own research and proposals.

Also this is a very narrow idea of racism and discrimination. Anti-semitism was rampant in American and Western society years before Hitler came into power. I mean in 1942, American literally turned away a boat load of Jewish people seeking refuge. People didn’t look at Jews and think “Oh man they look just like us, so their murders must be important and we have to create a word that describes their condition and the crimes being committed against because we care sooooo much about them”. In reality, most people didn’t really given a shit about all of the Jews being murdered, only when America and the West was being directly threatened by war did they retaliate.

So no, the West didn’t coin the word Genocide to describe the atrocities that Nazi Germany inflicted because the victims looked like them or whatever, the word was created by Polish-Jewish lawyer to describe the oppression that his people were put under.

[oberons-ghost]

On Where They Rest

It is no secret that I am very old fashioned, for I often find that the pursuit of convenience robs the world of its soul. Something I care deeply for is the communal burial site, for it has been such an important symbol for humanity and technically an ecosystem in its own right. Yet I have grown up with no proper one, for many places in the western unovan states have lost their glory. Lawns of galar grass no matter the climate, hidden headstones, and dear arc the noise! So I wanted to get my feelings out, in the way my soul can only do so - through information. So here is my post on how to create and take care of these hallowed grounds:

What's in a name?

To ignore the Truth is to cage the soul, and so one must reckon with it. A burial site must describe itself plainly and obviously, so that its residents feel at home. Call it a graveyard, a cemetary, or an ash-house, not a 'funeral home'. Perhaps even build a few Tombs or Mausoleums within its boundaries.

Shh!

Keep graveyards away from busy roads whenever possible, for the constant noise stresses the pokémon and wakes the dead. One could even plant thick hedges to dull the noise if this is unavoidable, which leads into the next point:

Nature Is What Nature Does

One may plant according to human whims only up to a point: Pick local flora whenever possible, and never use galar grass if you are not in galar! For this land is sacred in more than one way, it represents the death aspect in the great cycle but is also wild space. Let whatever grows there, grow, so long as it is not noxious or invasive.

Let Them Rot

Under no circumstances are you to embalm a corpse for viewing. For humans take so much from this world, it is only fair that our flesh return to it. Make sure that a coffin is not airtight, so that all of the lesser pokémon, the unnoticed wurms and tiny crawling things, may give the corpse its dues. These, in turn, feed the larger creatures.

Cultural Sincerity

The dead have particular customs, and become unhappy and restless when these are unaligned. They like traditional symbols, the older the better. For those influenced by Europe, this means upright easily-visible headstones, crosses, ovals, obelisks, and some proximity to a church or sacred building. Even consecrating the groundskeeper's house should do, provided it looks the part. But do not go too far back, for the symbols must still be recognizable to its residents.

Indicator Species

An indicator species is a creature whose presence or absence is used as a metric of an ecosystem's health, due to their particular requirements. The drowsing of the dead attracts ghost-type forces, who are comforted by the atmosphere. They seem to feed, or are enriched in some way, by these locations, just as a human is enriched by gentle sunshine. Anywhere will have Gastly, but some particularly choosy species include Duskull, Greavard, Litwick, Marowak, or Pumpkaboo, depending on where you are. Any full-flora or -fungus grass-type such as Oddish or Morelull is a good sign that the decomposition cycle is optimal, for they thrive wherever nature's soul flows. Certain fairy- and psychic-types are also attracted by the macabre, and in areas where they are local, a good graveyard becomes a Gothorita's favorite stargazing spot.

[locustheologicus]

“Where the laws of reality apply.”

This phrase jumped out and caught my attention in the above article. Many of us Americans, who recognize the liberal ideals that is the basis for our national identity, need to remember that in a world of far-right pundits and their politics of fear, hate, and division, the Constitution and the Rule of Law still applies. There is a functioning rule of law that does not serve political opinions but the constitution itself. Yes, judges can interpret the constitution through a conservative or liberal lens but in the end it must be the Constitution that is defended and interpreted and not the self-serving vision of a few.

I wrote a post where I commented on two styles of interpretation that exists for the Constitution as it does for the Gospel. Conservatives apply what they call the originalist form of constitutional interpretation, like conservative scripture scholars it attempts to follow a narrow literal interpretation. Proof texting is often used in this literal method and I comment further on this in another post. Moderate interpretivists is what the other school of thought is sometimes called (sometimes called progressive originalism) which, according to the Congressional Research Service, "allow contemporary understandings and the framers’ general or abstract intent to enter the constitutional calculus." This type of interpretation believed that the written text is a living and dynamic document. The principles of the text are allowed to adapt to modern situations and issues that the initial founders did not consider. It also recognizes that culture evolves as well and these principles may have to be reviewed in light of our changing times. It should be noted and theologically recognized that Jesus himself rails against the conservative literalism of his day which is captured in the hypocritical way that the Pharisees interpret the law.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!" Mt. 23: 23-24

Jesus and Paul raise the importance of recognizing the spirit of law over the letter of law and we who interpret the contemporary law of the land should not loose sight of that. The Church has codified this tradition and interpretation in its own Canon Laws. Our own Canon 27 tells us, "Custom is the best interpreter of laws."

The recent settlement that Fox News had over their defamation trial and the ensuing departure of Tucker Carlson demonstrates to us that the rule of law still applies. The right seems to feel that they can redefine and attack popular movements with no repercussions. Fox news is very much focused on changing the political narrative in order to defend its' conservative agenda and delegitimize social justice movements and liberalism in general. This is what is being faced in Florida as DeSantis attempts to raise his ultra-conservative credentials.

We should not forget that both our Christian origins and our own American founding gave force to the premise that the spirit of the law is what matter and that was meant to evolve as our nation evolves. This means that we can debate the issues that surface legitimately from both perspective (as the Apostles do during the Jerusalem Council of 51AD). But we must be sure to interpret the law so that the law can serve the developing needs of America as Thomas Jefferson suggested.