#year of opera 2020 update

[covington-shenanigans]

so I'm on this app, Marco Polo, where you stay in touch with people by means of sending video messages. (there are probably other features, but I'm a free user, so I remain blissfully ignorant of them.) mostly I use it to annoy my sister. ("BITCH WHAT IF I GOT A PHALLOPLASTY AND HAD A BABY SHOWER FOR MY DICK. WE COULD HAVE ZUCCHINI FRITTERS. DICK-SHAPED PASTA. BANANAS FOSTER. DO U SEE MY VISION")

anyway, during the Hell Year of 2020, I saw my childhood best friend (let's call her Lee) was on this app. and like.

when I say "my childhood best friend", I mean the Weird Girl next door, who saw the Weird Girl that I was. I mean the girl I played with from age five until just shy of eleven, when my family moved away. I mean the girl I played with every day, for hours and hours, making up all kinds of elaborate scenarios involving our menagerie of stuffed animals. there were multiple overlapping, soap opera-style plotlines that lasted for years. there was drama. heartbreak. glory. she was the first friend I remember having. she was the first girl I ever loved, in my five-year-old way.

well, I hadn't seen Lee in at least 20 years and I was like, "holy shit! Lee!!!" so I sent her a "hey, nice to see you here, how you been" message.

again, this was late 2020.

now, I had been on T for a scant three months when I sent the first message, so I was a mere baby child, relative to the gruff manly man I am now. no beard, my voice had only started to wobble, still had tits... you get it. keep this in mind, it'll be important later.

I never heard back from her, but we're both Old, so I was like "eh, she probably forgot she installed the app" and forgot about it. we'd exchanged text messages at some point during the Hell Year, but like many people my age she doesn't really text, and I'm not calling anyone if I don't have to, so our communication had been sporadic, at best.

well. today I got a notification that she sent me a reply on Marco Polo.

I figured, well, she's replying to me 3.5 years late, but better late than never. I have ADHD and no friendship degradation mechanic, so I'm excited! yay! friend! :D

and then I remember. "...oh shit. she doesn't know I'm trans."

so. the thing is. I'm from Mississippi, which is. very very fucking conservative. I know Lee grew up Southern Baptist. I also know she's still living in the same town where we grew up and where she eventually graduated from high school and college. last I checked she was still attending the same Southern Baptist church where she grew up and her remaining living parent is still living in Lee's childhood home.

so this is either going to be Fine or it's going to be a disaster. lol.

in thinking it through, I figure either she's seen my updated profile pic, where I have the beard etc., or she hasn't. so either she's going to acknowledge this change or she isn't. okay. these are the possibilities. so I watch the message.

...the secret third option is... she seems to not realize when I sent the message? "sorry, I missed this when I was at work!" girl. what? I mean, you probably did miss it while you were at work... three and a half years ago. possibly she meant to reply to someone else and got me instead?

whatever. who knows. doesn't matter.

because I have the opportunity to do the funniest fucking thing in the world now

[thephoenixcave]

FF6 Art Masterpost (updated Sept 2024)

I'm Julia. I've been in the fandom a LONG time. Here's a selection of stuff I've done and made over the years, for your browsing pleasure.

Search the tag #the phoenix cave or #thephoenixcave to see art, comics, and merch all jumbled together.

Animations & Voice-over Mini Comics

Lizzo "Boys" FF6 30th Anniversary Tribute, completed (2024)

Locke asks how you spell "Fenix" (2024)

Locke is Struttin' (2024)

Lizzo "Boys" WIP 8/23/24 // 8/18/24 // 7/28/24

Sabin Loves Banana Bread (2024)

Terra the Beautiful Gorgeous Angel (2024)

Setzer doing a hip thust dance WIP 7/24/24

Animation Practice: Terra turns her head (2024)

Happy Birthday Edgar and Sabin- Aug 16 (2023)

Terra's Daily Affirmation (2024)

Setzer's Daily Affirmation (2024)

Mini Comics

Edgar x Terra Mini Comics (Edotina)

"I Don't Like that Belt" (2024)

Sketch- little kisses (2024)

Edgar Wants Attention (2024)

Edgar Steals a Book- sequel to "attention" (2024)

Blue Ribbon - NSFW (2023)

A Coin Story Part 1 (2022)

A Coin Story Part 2 (2022)

Learning to Dance Long Version (2021)

Learning to Dance Short Version (2021)

The Road to Narshe Part 1 (2021)

The Road to Narshe Part 2 (2021)

Cheer Up Kisses (2021)

Movie Night (2021)

Walking Together (2021)

Ice Cream Part 1 (2022)

Ice Cream Part 2 (20--)

Ice Cream Part 3 (20--)

Ice Cream Part 2 old version (2020)

Teamwork (Fighting the Dragon) Part 1 (2021)

Teamwork (Fighting the Dragon) Part 2 (2021)

Sleepytime in Purple (2021)

Terra Gets Drunk at Christmas (2020)

Not Edotina Mini Comics

Gerad Part 1 (2023)

Gerad Part 2 (2023)

Sabin Needs a Towel Part 1 (2023)

Sabin Needs a Towel Part 2 (2023)

Opera- Locke and Celes Swap Places Part 1 (2022)

Opera- Locke and Celes Swap Places Part 2 (2022)

Opera- Locke and Celes Swap Places Part 3 (2022)

Opera- "Oh Noo You've GOT Meee" (2022)

Relm's I'm With Stupid Shirt Part 1 (2022)

Relm's I'm With Stupid Shirt Part 2 (2022)

Character shirts - Casual Day at Kefka's Tower (2022)

Sexy Jail (2022)

Relm and Sabin Kitchen Duty (2022)

Casual Day at Kefka's Tower (2022)

Scott Pilgrim Tribute (2022)

Opera- Ultros's Note (2015?)

Opera- Celes Keeps her Boots (2015?)

Opera- Celes Joins the Battle (2018?)

Opera- Setzer Pink (2018?)

Locke Rescues Celes from South Figaro (20??)

Art (an incomplete list)

Early Morning In the Figaro Marketplace (2024)

At the End of a Rough Day (2024)

Just You, Me, and the Fireflies (2024)

The 30th Anniversary Tribute (2024)

The Swing Feat. Celes (2023)

Terra Coming Out of Her Well to Shame Humanity (2023)

Esper Terra is Deamy Soft Pastel (2023)

Animated Gifs 1

Animated $12,000 magitek cake

Animated Kefka I Could Kill Someone (2021)

Locke's Selfies

T-shirts - Terra Locke Sabin and Sleepy Edgar (2022)

T- shirts - Edgar's 6:10:50 shirt and Celes (2022)

T- Shirts - Terra's Mom Shirt (2022)

T- Shirts - Setzer's Ante Up Shirt (2022)

FF6 Band - Celes the Diva (2022)

FF6 Band - 80s Glam Rock (2022)

FF6 Band - Terra on lead vocals (2022)

Terra Baking (2019?)

It's 6:10:50 Somewhere Shirt

Edgar Has a Phone

At Home With You (Red Figaro) (2020)

Sabin at the Farmer's Market

Sprite Redraws Locke

Locke Moons Celes

Esper Terra shakes her ass on White Snake's car

Esper Terra can't stop laughing

Terra Animation Test 1

My favorite Edotina

FF6 27th Anniversary Pic

Good morning Locke (2016?)

Get the Newsletter (2021)

Edgar's brain is rebooting (2022)

Stuff you can buy

Available at www.thephoenixcave.com

Activity Sheet - Setzer's Item Hunt

Holographic Stickers

Celes Paper Stickers

Terra Paper Stickers

Resin Magicite Earrings

Terra notebook

Chocobo Enamel Pin

Linked Character Charms

All Cast Pencil Pouch

[fernmaddie]

introduction

hey folks! i wanted to give a little introduction to myself and my work, as this is my first time presenting myself publicly on tumblr. this is going to make me sound rather professional, but i promise i'm just here to do the regular ol' tumblr things: be silly, gush about things i care about, and not take myself too seriously. i hope you'll join me. :)

i'm fern maddie (she/her), a queer experimental folk artist, multi-instrumentalist, and balladeer based on abenaki land. through folk balladry and original writing, i perform songs and stories exploring themes of grief, trauma, and renewal.

***please note: my approach to folk music is adaptive, interpretive, critical, queer-feminist, and inclusive. white supremacists, "folkish" nationalists, terfs, or anyone who engages with english-language folk literature as a tool of western cultural "purity" will be blocked***

buy my music on bandcamp

listen on spotify

watch some performance on youtube

more about my work below the cut....

past projects

ghost story - my debut album, released in 2022. ghost story was named the #2 best folk album of 2022 by the guardian, and one of the top roots albums of the year from npr music. across 10 tracks, it explores the stories we inherit from the dead -- both our personal dead and cultural dead -- through a queer-feminist lens. includes a critically-acclaimed interpretation of the ballad "hares on the mountain" (roud 329), as well as the ballads "the maid on the shore" (roud 181), "northlands" (roud 21) and a queer re-framing of the scottish shepherding song "ca' the yowes."

north branch river - my debut EP, released in 2020. across 6 sparse tracks and spry banjo-playing, it explores the intimacy and pain of our tenuous relationship with the natural world. includes a re-interpretation of the ballad "the elfin knight" (roud 12), and the original song "two women," inspired by selkie folklore.

of song and bone - of song and bone is a short-lived podcast i produced a few years ago. there are only 3 episodes out, but they illustrate some of my scholarship about folk balladry and my own relationship to balladry as a literary tradition. FYI: i would probably frame a few things differently if i were re-recording the podcast today (ideas and language evolve!). perennially thinking about making more, but we'll see.

currently in development

way to live - way to live is my second studio album, currently in production. as of this writing, way to live includes 8 tracks, and similar to my previous work, combines original songs with folk ballads, though with a greater share of personal storytelling than my earlier records.

said the false nurse - this is a piece of adaptive short fiction i'm currently developing. it's a deeply sinister queer re-telling of the horror ballad long lankin (roud 6), set in the 1620s in the north of England. stay tuned for process updates!

adult children - this is a full-length original novel and associated concept album i'm developing. it's set in contemporary rural vermont, and focuses on a group of adult siblings, their dying father, their failing farm, and the new arrival who threatens their co-dependent bond. the associated rock opera will be written in a folk-rock style with digressions into folktronica and country.

[theodorically]

The Black Parade is the third studio album by American rock band My Chemical Romance. Released in Europe on October 23, 2006, and the United States on October 24, 2006,[1] through Reprise Records, it was produced by the band with Rob Cavallo, known for having produced multiple albums for the Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day. It is a rock opera and concept album centered on a dying man with cancer known as "The Patient". The album tells the story of his apparent death, experiences in the afterlife, and subsequent reflections on his life. It is the band's only studio album to feature Bob Bryar on drums before his departure in 2010.

The Black Parade received generally favorable reviews from critics, and the band achieved its first number one single in the United Kingdom with "Welcome to the Black Parade". The album debuted at number two on both the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart and is also certified as triple-platinum in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), as well as with gold certifications in both Argentina by the Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers (CAPIF) and Chile by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry Chile. The Black Parade was given the Platinum Europe Award by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry for one million sales in Europe. The limited edition boxed set also earned My Chemical Romance a nomination at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Four singles were released from the album: "Welcome to the Black Parade", "Famous Last Words", "I Don't Love You", and "Teenagers".

My Chemical Romance began The Black Parade World Tour on February 22, 2007, in the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire. The tour featured 138 performances worldwide, as well as several festival and condensed shows. The tour was the longest and most internationally comprehensive headlining tour the band played, featuring three legs in North America, two legs in Europe, and one in Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

The song "Dead!" appears in the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II, and the three songs "Teenagers," "Famous Last Words" and "This Is How I Disappear" were once available as downloadable content. The Black Parade has sold three million copies in the United States as of 2016, and four million worldwide. The record was reissued as The Black Parade/Living with Ghosts on September 23, 2016, in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the album's release. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked the album number 361 in their updated "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.[2]

Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (often shortened to Three Cheers or Revenge)[1] is the second studio album by American rock band My Chemical Romance, released on June 8, 2004 by Reprise Records.[2][3] With this album, the band produced a cleaner sound than that of their 2002 debut I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love.[4] It was the band's first release to feature rhythm guitarist Frank Iero on all tracks, as well as the final release to feature drummer Matt Pelissier, who would later be replaced by Bob Bryar.[5]

The album was a success for both the band and the label.[6] The record produced four singles—"I'm Not Okay (I Promise)", "Helena", "The Ghost of You", and in the United Kingdom, "Thank You for the Venom".[4] It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) less than a year after its release,[3] and has sold over three million copies in the United States.[6]

Musically, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge has been described as emo,[7][8] alternative rock,[8] pop punk,[9] post-hardcore,[10] punk rock,[11] and pop rock.[12] While I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love was considered "a particularly strident entry in that shifty genre of bands tortuously slamming together elements of emo, hardcore, and even metal",[13] Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge "both showcased their songwriting skills and gave them much-deserved attention".[4] Moving away from the "screamo parts"[14] and "the more complicated structures"[15] of their first record in favor of a sound that "skirts the line between pop punk and edgy, theatrical, emo"[4] while being "strongly influenced by hardcore punk",[15] Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge has been variously compared to The Misfits,[16] AFI,[13] and Thursday.[13]

Lead singer Gerard Way has referred to the first single "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" as a "self help pop song"[17] while also being called "a surging piece of emo-pop with a hook as ridiculously catchy as it was ridiculous"[18] and a "moving anthem for the young and depressed"[19] by AllMusic and Rolling Stone respectively. This single went on to be nominated for the Kerrang! award for best single[20] and reached number 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[21]

The album opener "Helena" has been referred to as an "album highlight and smash hit". Gerard has claimed that the song "shaped what the album is about" and "revealed their dark side" in comparison to the first single.[17] Its lyrics mourn the loss of Gerard and Mikey's grandmother,[17] Elena Lee Rush, and was their first entry into the top 40.[21]

[kelawar-ungu]

Bat Week 2020: A Celebration of Bats in Asia-Pacific Cultures Art by Reimena Yee.

(Bigger image from here for more readable text. The background colouring is a little too bright though)

Text on the map under the cut.

You may have heard the soft flutter of bat wings at dusk, noticed them flitting around at night, or even seen them sleeping under roof eaves, in trees and caves during the day. But apart from these brief encounters, have you ever wondered how bats may have traditionally held deeper symbolic meaning in various cultures?

This visual map guide celebrates the many positive bat symbols and folklore found across the Asia-Pacific region. Our ancestors recognised the importance and wonder of bats!

Look out for our full write-up and get updates by following rimba.ngo!

Project Pteropus, a project under RIMBA.

India

In India, Hindu devotees of the goddess Kali worship and protect flying foxes which roost in sacred groves. Bats also feature as symbols of love in Tamil Sangam poetry, dating back more than 2000 years!

China / Taiwan / Chinese culture

A tale from ancient China: The gods took pity on Zhong Kui when he committed suicide. They named him King of Ghosts and tasked him to discipline demons, with bats acting as his helpers who scout out demons for him to vanquish.

In Chinese opera, the Zhong Kui character wears a bat motif on his mask.

The Five Blessings (五福 wŭfú) in Chinese culture are health, wealth, longevity, love of virtue and peaceful death. They are represented symbolically by five bats (五蝠 wŭfú).

In traditional Chinese culture, bats are lucky symbols because the word for bat (蝠 fú) sounds like the word for blessing (福 fú).

Lucky bat motifs can be found on traditional ceramics, jewellery and textiles in Chinese, Peranakan and other Chinese-influenced communities across East and Southeast Asia.

Vietnam

Locals believe that flying foxes roosting in the Wat Mahatup temple grounds in Vietnam are calling forth blessings from Buddha when they circle the temple during their fly-out every evening.

Malaysia / Indonesia

The indigenous Mah Meri in Peninsular Malaysia perform a traditional dance called 'kuang kuwait', mimicking the graceful movements of flying foxes.

The 'siku keluang' a choreography step in the traditional Malay Zapin dance represents humility and restraint - inspired by the flying fox wrapping up its mighty wings' strength when not in flight.

The 'siku keluang', meaning flying fox elbow in the Malay language, is a zigzag, chevron or herringbone motif used in Malay and Javanese traditional textiles and pottery.

According to a traditional Iban belief from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, bats act as shamanic messengers to the upper-world during the Gawai harvest festival.

The indigenous Iban in Sarawak traditionally featured the flying fox, locally known as 'semawa', as a tattoo motif.

Papua New Guinea / Western New Guinea

In Bowi folklore of Papua New Guinea, Kinjinmbunduo was a mythical giant flying fox female spirit who left thunderstorms and strong winds in her wake, striking terror and awe but also replenishing the river basin with fruit trees by dispersing seeds during her nocturnal visits.

In New Guinea and Papua New Guinea, the indigenous Asmat and Trobriand carved out flying fox motifs on their war shields to represent triumphant head-hunters.

Samoa

Flying foxes are perceived as protectors and saviours in Samoan folklore. According to legend, Samoan Princess Leutogi befriended and warned flying foxes about the king's hunting plans. In return, the bats rescued her from being burned alive and also brought her food when she was stranded on an inhospitable island. She later bestowed the name "Tonumaipe'a" on her son, meaning "rescued by flying foxes".

For Samoan men, the pe'a—the local name for flying fox is a coming-of-age tattoo that extends From the waist to the knee, symbolising protection over a warrior.

The Samoan war god Sepo took the form of a flying fox to guide his people in battle. If they saw a flying fox ahead, it meant victory would be theirs; if it flew back towards them it was a warning to retreat.

Australia

Flying foxes were important animals to the Aboriginal people of Cape York, Australia, and a common feature in their prehistoric rock art.

Folklore of the Aboriginal Wik in Australia tells of two brothers who broke taboo by spearing and cooking flying foxes. The bats escaped and carried the boys up into the sky as punishment, leaving them there to serve as a grim reminder now immortalised in the Gemini constellation!

Link to open access article of the research:

[starlightelegy]

Introduction!

Hello people from planet Earth! This will be my new pinned post as the other one isn’t cool enough

Meet the author!

I’m Joey, an artist and writer from France. But most people call me Void! I am 24 years old and have been working on this project for over two years now (I started it in October 2020).

I am a queer, disabled and neurodivergent and am not a professional writer, I do it for the fun of it.

I struggle with some mental disorders and space, cosmology etc is what helps me, so I imagined a story that I could use as an escapism, and this is how Starlight Elegy was born.

About the story!

Summary: Some believe that the stars are the soul of the universe. That they are here to guide us and bring us where we are meant to be. And if you listen carefully, you can hear their voices. The echoes of the universe speaking through the light of the stars. Nyx is one of those who can hear them. This is how their story begins, with the voice of a star. A voice that will guide them across the galaxies and to the very end of the universe. This is the love story between a boy and the cosmos. This is what the gods called the Starlight Elegy.

A blurb I have written for a writing event: What could happen when the forces of the universe bring two people together? Starlight Elegy is the story of Nyx and Ganymede, two people with only one thing in common: their love for the cosmos. But when the fate of the stars is being threatened, this love urns out to be the key. It all began with a simple voice, an echo of the stars, then the tale became a legend.

As stated above, Starlight Elegy is a story I started writing to use as an escapism. It works great as a form of therapy for me and hope it can help others as well.

The main story will be a trilogy, and I have plans for other stories that take place in the same universe as well, an extented universe if you will, so I can write more about the lore.

Genres: Space opera/space fantasy, romance, adventure

Themes: fate, self-discovery, friends to lovers, soulmates, rebellion and war, learning that not everything is black or white.

Content warnings: anxiety, depression, descriptions of panic attacks, PTSD, violence, blood, religion (fictional), mentions of abuse/childhood abuse, derealization/depersonalization, discrimination, war

Links!

I also have a Twitter and an Instagram account specifically for Starlight Elegy but I am not very active and Tumblr is the only place I use to post updates and not just art. However you can find my Twitter here and Instagram here.

WIP Masterlist! For all the things I've written AND published so far, including one-shots, AUs etc.

Here is my Ko-fi page! As mentionned I am disabled and neurodivergent, my disabilities make me unable to work and the SSI in my country doesn't help that much, therefore I have to rely on people's kindness. So if you wish to support me financially this is where you want to go!

Beta-reader application! Doing all of this alone is hard and takes a lot of time, not to mention that I am also partially blind, making everything harder. If you want to you can apply there.

Other blogs: This is my art blog, for art not related to this story, and i also have a writeblr blog but I haven't posted anything on there yet.

[ritchiepage2001newaccount]

#CorpMedia #Idiocracy #Oligarchs #MegaBanks vs #Union #Occupy #NoDAPL #BLM #SDF #DACA #MeToo #Humanity #DemExit #FeelTheBern

Kobani liberated! Kurdish forces push ISIS out of town [UPDATES]

https://roarmag.org/essays/kobani-liberated-ypg-is/

After 134 days of resistance, the Kurdish forces of the YPG/YPJ have finally pushed IS out of Kobani. While the battle is won, the struggle continues...

RELATED UPDATE: Isis opposition 'at gates of Raqqa' as Syrian Democratic Forces reclaim villages from their control

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-opposition-at-gates-of-raqqa-as-syrian-democratic-forces-reclaim-villages-their-control-a6931651.html

RELATED UPDATE: Syrian Opposition Factions in the Syrian Civil War

https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2016/08/13/syrian-opposition-factions-in-the-syrian-civil-war/

RELATED UPDATE: Geopolitics of Syrian Kurds and military cooperation with the US

http://links.org.au/geopolitics-syrian-kurds-and-military-cooperation-us

RELATED UPDATE: Afrin Will Not Be Alone! (excerpts from the Call for Solidarity by the Democratic Administration of Rojava)

https://lefteast.org/afrin-will-not-be-alone-excerpts-from-the-call-for-solidarity-by-the-democratic-administration-of-rojava/

RELATED UPDATE: Rojava: Statement from Antifascist Forces in Afrin (AFFA)

https://itsgoingdown.org/rojava-statement-from-antifascist-forces-in-afrin/

RELATED UPDATE: “Our Destinies are Linked”: Joseph Daher on the Syrian Revolution

https://itsgoingdown.org/our-destinies-are-linked-joseph-daher-on-the-syrian-revolution/

RELATED UPDATE: Syrian Democratic Forces capture Turkish militant sleeper cells

https://sofrep.com/news/syrian-democratic-forces-capture-turkish-militant-sleeper-cells/

RELATED UPDATE: Sunday, July 21: Livestream Facebook Dialogue Between Venezuelan, Syrian and Iranian Socialists

https://newpol.org/sunday-livestream-facebook-dialogue-between-venezuelan-syrian-and-iranian-socialists/

RELATED UPDATE: The ceasefire that never was: betrayal in Rojava

https://roarmag.org/essays/rojava-turkey-invasion/

RELATED UPDATE: Hevrin Khalaf and the spirit of the democratic nation

https://roarmag.org/essays/hevrin-khalaf-interview/

RELATED UPDATE: Why the U.S. decision in Syria has left some allies anxious

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-u-s-decision-in-syria-has-left-some-of-their-allies-anxious

RELATED UPDATE: The medical volunteers on Rojava’s frontlines

https://roarmag.org/essays/the-medical-volunteers-on-rojavas-frontlines/

RELATED UPDATE: Rojava after Rojava

https://roarmag.org/essays/rojava-after-rojava-oveisy/

RELATED UPDATE: Syrian Democratic Forces Display Strength, Capabilities through Successful Operations

https://www.usarcent.army.mil/News/Article/2287757/syrian-democratic-forces-display-strength-capabilities-through-successful-opera/

RELATED UPDATE: Arabs Across Syria Join the Kurdish-Led Syrian Democratic Forces

https://merip.org/2020/07/arabs-across-syria-join-the-kurdish-led-syrian-democratic-forces/

RELATED UPDATE: One Year Since the Turkish Invasion of Rojava: An Interview with Tekoşîna Anarşîst

https://crimethinc.com/2020/10/11/one-year-since-the-turkish-invasion-of-rojava-an-interview-with-tekosina-anarsist-on-anarchist-participation-in-the-revolutionary-experiment-in-northeast-syria

RELATED UPDATE: Ten years since the great Arab revolutions

https://redflag.org.au/article/ten-years-great-arab-revolutions

RELATED UPDATE: Turkey accused of masterminding ISIS prison attack

https://ahvalnews.com/turkey-isis/turkey-accused-masterminding-isis-prison-attack

RELATED UPDATE: We must not let ISIS and the Turkish State destroy our allies in Syria

https://www.kedistan.net/2022/02/04/not-let-isis-and-turkish-state/

RELATED UPDATE: Possible Turkish operation ‘will involve all of Syria’, says Kurdish commander

https://ahvalnews.com/mazloum-abdi/possible-turkish-operation-will-involve-all-syria-says-kurdish-commander

RELATED UPDATE: Turkish shelling inside Syria kills five, destroys civilian infrastructure

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2022/08/10/turkish-shelling-inside-syria-kills-five-destroys-civilian-infrastructure/

RELATED UPDATE: Turkey continues its aggression inside Syria, kills four

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2022/08/18/turkey-continues-its-aggression-inside-syria-kills-four/

RELATED UPDATE: The Syrian Democratic Forces, Detained Foreign Fighters, and International Security Vulnerabilities

https://lieber.westpoint.edu/syrian-defense-forces-detained-foreign-fighters-international-security-vulnerabilities/

RELATED UPDATE: Turkey Is Starving the Rojava Revolution

https://jacobin.com/2022/11/rojava-turkey-attacks-water-shortage-cooperative-economy

RELATED UPDATE: Turkey launches airstrikes inside Syria and northern Iraq

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2022/11/21/turkey-launches-airstrikes-inside-syria-and-northern-iraq/

RELATED UPDATE: We're getting closer to the final whistle for Iran's regime

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23152118.getting-closer-final-whistle-irans-regime/

RELATED UPDATE: Turkey Launches Enormous Airstrike Campaign Against North and East Syria

https://www.syriandemocratictimes.com/2022/11/30/turkey-launches-enormous-airstrike-campaign-against-north-and-east-syria/

RELATED UPDATE: Syrian Democratic Forces halt joint ops with US-led coalition after Turkish fire

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2022/12/02/Syrian-Democratic-Forces-halt-joint-ops-with-US-led-coalition-after-Turkish-fire

RELATED UPDATE: Joint patrols resume in north Syria amid tension with Turkey

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-syria-turkish-islamic-state-democratic-b2238243.html

RELATED UPDATE: Why a distracted Russia points to an unstable future for Syria

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/12/04/why-distracted-russia-points-unstable-future-syria/

RELATED UPDATE: Turkish Aggression in Syria Is a Gift to ISIS

https://nationalinterest.org/feature/turkish-aggression-syria-gift-isis-206007

RELATED UPDATE: HDP on the November bombing in Istanbul and Turkey’s war on Rojava

https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/hdp-on-the-november-bombing-in-istanbul-and-turkey-s-war-on-rojava-64272

RELATED UPDATE: WATCH Workshop with representatives from Kurdistan, Colombia, Basque Country and Western Sahara

https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/workshop-with-representatives-from-kurdistan-colombia-basque-country-and-western-sahara-64274

RELATED UPDATE: U.S. resumes patrols with SDF in northern Syria - Pentagon

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-resumes-patrols-with-sdf-northern-syria-pentagon-2022-12-13/

RELATED UPDATE: WATCH Kurdish delegation continues talks in Venice

https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/kurdish-delegation-continues-talks-in-venice-64286

RELATED UPDATE: PIK sends open letter to the Prime Minister on Turkey’s bombing on Northeast Syria and Iraq

https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/pik-sends-open-letter-to-the-prime-minister-on-turkey-s-bombing-on-northeast-syria-and-iraq-64290

RELATED UPDATE: Deir Ezzor Military Council confirms its readiness to defend the region

https://sdf-press.com/en/2022/12/deir-ezzor-military-council-confirms-its-readiness-to-defend-the-region/

RELATED UPDATE: United Kurdish Women's Platform visits women’s organizations in South Kurdistan

https://anfenglishmobile.com/women/united-kurdish-women-s-platform-visits-women-s-organizations-in-south-kurdistan-64304

RELATED UPDATE: Brandenburg Gate in Berlin illuminated with 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi'

https://anfenglishmobile.com/women/brandenburg-gate-in-berlin-illuminated-with-jin-jiyan-azadi-64307

RELATED UPDATE: TikTok Becomes Citizen Journalists’ Hub in Iran

https://sofrep.com/news/tiktok-becomes-citizen-journalists-hub-in-iran/

RELATED UPDATE: The History Behind Iran’s Morality Police

https://sofrep.com/news/the-history-behind-irans-morality-police/

[cacodaemonia]

This post makes no sense.

I'm not a an expert in this area at all, but I ran the op by my partner, who's been working in IT and cybersecurity for 25 years, and he agreed. Google owns Chrome but it does not own every company that uses the chromium source code.

Chrome =/= chromium.

Directly from the Wikipedia entry on chromium:

Chromium is a free and open-source web browser project, primarily developed and maintained by Google.[8] It is a widely-used codebase, providing the vast majority of code for Google Chrome and many other browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Samsung Internet, and Opera. The code is also used by several app frameworks. ... Chromium lacks the following Chrome features:[9] - Automatic browser updates - API keys for some Google services, including browser sync[10] - The Widevine DRM module - Licensed codecs for the popular H.264 video and AAC audio formats - Tracking mechanisms for usage and crash reports

Yes, most browsers now are based on chromium, and that means that a security vulnerably in chromium can be a big problem for everyone using it. It's probably not a good thing in general that there's so little diversity in the ecosystem, so to speak.

But other browsers and apps that use the chromium source code are not part of Google. They're not sending user information to Google, or whatever odd ideas people are going to get from the original post.

To my knowledge—and I looked around because I thought maybe it was a new case—there is no antitrust lawsuit involving chromium. Because again, it's open-source. Afaik Google is not forcing anyone to use it or preventing people from using alternatives (though I wouldn't be surprised if they're doing something shady). I found a 2021 article saying that the EU was launching an antitrust probe into Google's banning of third-party cookies in Chrome (Chrome, not chromium), and a 2023 article on the US Department of Justice accusing Google of buying its way to web search dominance (which again, has nothing to do with chromium).

In addition, Mozilla (the company that owns Firefox) has a business relationship with Google, so it's not like they're squeaky clean. From this Wired article:

Mozilla and Google have a complicated relationship. While they may be competitors, they are also business partners. Each year Google pays Mozilla hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties—reports say that figure is currently in the range of $400 million per year—for its search engine to be set as the default in Firefox. In its 2020 financial results, the most recent available, Mozilla listed its total revenue as $496 million, with royalties from search deals equaling $441 million. Firefox has other default search engine partners, such as Yandex Search in Russia, and these royalties are also crucial.

So yeah, I agree that Google, just like every other big company in existence, is terrible, but sharing misinformation doesn't do anyone any good. 😑

P.S. Shockingly, the comments on this post are actually pretty useful, so I recommend skimming them. People have been pointing out bad information in the op and sharing recommendations, etc.

hello google chrome refugees

don't use any of these browsers, they're also chrome

Here are my favorite firefox plugins for security/anti-tracking/anti-ad that I recommend you get

please get off chrome google is currently being investigated for being an Illegal Monopoly so get outta there okay love you bye

[xprojectrpg]

This Day in X-Project - June 10

2015: Jubilee emails Kurt wanting to spend time together. Kitty and Cecilia meet and talk about the weirdness of a second stay at Xavier's. Roxy and Xavin hang out at school and talk about summer cheerleading camp and underground battle league. Roxy posts to the Generation X comm about battle league.

2016: Laurie reflects on soap operas. Alison speculates on an adage. Sooraya announces she's becoming an American citizen and asks Angelo and Angel to join her at her naturalization ceremony. Miles asks the Gen X-kids about the ACT and a local party.

2017: Sooraya and Jean make plans for a future research project.

2018: Darcy rewards herself with a massage for finishing her first year back at school before inviting people to watch the Tony Awards with her.

2019: Kitty finds a creepy object and offers it out as a birthday gift. Molly lets everyone know that she’s decided to dye her hair brown. Clea’s looking to attend this year’s NY Comic Con and makes a post asking if anyone wants to go with her. Fear in the Dark: Tandy provides Cul with an update about what’s happened so far.

2020:

2021: Topaz finds a disoriented Jean, following a long shift at the hospital for the latter.

2022: Terry messages Angelo and Sooraya about her trip back to Ireland. Pyotr and April do some puppy training.

2023:

[notomys-mordax-blog]

Release Anything 2025 Jam Update: Dusting Off Old Projects

Like many creative types, I have a shameful backlog of WIP projects, but one that has been an especial bugbear is a project called 51ur8-90. It's a queer space opera about a mechanic on a backwater space colony who ends up playing a pivotal role in a conflict that stretches beyond their remote home.

In 2020 I released a demo that consisted of ~10k words (there is about 60k in the finished script) ... and then ... didn't do anything with the project. It sat for years on my hard-drive for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to scope creep, 2020 being one hell of a year ... and as I failed to make the milestones I wanted to meet a deep sense of shame about failing to meet people's expectations.

I occasionally enjoyed drawing the characters from it (the fellow in my current banner is one of the love interests) -- but for the most part, it sat in my pile of WIP projects that I may or may not ever tackle.

This weekend I dusted off the script and to my surprise found that I still really liked it. I read the whole thing from start to finish, and instead of filling me with the typical sort of dread dusting off any old writing usually invokes, it instead filled me with inspiration.

While I have a set of sprites I've commissioned by a very talented artist, one of the blocks that I had with the project was that as lovely as the sprites were ... I struggled a lot to make the CGs match stylistically. I might still use the OG sprites in the final project (because again, the goal of this year is to release ... something) but I felt inspired to whip up a new full body sprite for the MC using my current art style.

The one on the left is my new WIP -- the one on the right is the character's original design sketch. It's super gratifying to see how I'm more able to actually make the characters look like I want them to look in my head. I've come a far way in terms of posing characters more naturally and dynamically.

[cssmonster]

Explore 37 JavaScript Carousels

Welcome to CSS Monster's extensive array of free vanilla JavaScript carousel code examples. Our curated collection, regularly updated with the latest trends, offers a diverse range of carousels—responsive, horizontal, and vertical. With 14 new additions in our December 2019 update, you can explore innovative and dynamic ways to enhance your website's visual appeal and functionality. In this carefully selected compilation, sourced from platforms like CodePen and other reputable resources, you'll find carousels designed to cater to various needs. Whether you're aiming for a seamless responsive design or a captivating horizontal or vertical scrolling experience, our collection provides versatile solutions. JavaScript carousels are essential components for displaying content in an interactive and engaging manner. As you navigate through our collection, you'll discover creative and user-friendly examples that cater to different design preferences and user experiences. Feel free to integrate these code snippets into your projects, and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand our collection with fresh and cutting-edge JavaScript carousel designs. Explore the possibilities and elevate your website's presentation effortlessly. Happy coding! Author @BrawadaCom December 30, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML (Haml) / CSS (Sass) / JS NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CARD Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author smpnjn December 14, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS WEBGL APPLE CARDS Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author luxonauta October 7, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML (Pug) / CSS (SCSS) / JS (Babel) SIMPLE CAROUSEL WITH JS Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Angela Galliat September 15, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS INFINITE ROTATING CAROUSEL WITH 100 LIST ITEMS Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Frederic R. September 2, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS MINIMAL CAROUSEL WITH HORIZONTAL SCROLL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Radu July 28, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS INFINITE CAROUSEL WITH PURE CSS AND JS Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Fabio Ottaviani July 23, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS (Babel) SLIDER WITH INFINITE LOOP WITH DRAG AND SCROLL - HORIZONTAL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Fabio Ottaviani July 23, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS (Babel) DRAG AND SCROLL CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Fabio Ottaviani July 22, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS (Babel) SLIDER WITH INFINITE LOOP WITH DRAG AND SCROLL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Tom Miller July 20, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS 3D CAROUSEL PANORAMA Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author alphardex August 4, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS (TypeScript) 3D CAROUSEL SWIPE Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author alphardex January 19, 2020 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS (TypeScript) PRODUCT CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Juan December 12, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS CAROUSEL WITH PROGRESS BAR Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Jake November 27, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Jonathan Ching November 20, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML (Pug) / CSS (SCSS) / JS 3D CAROUSEL/SLIDER (VANILLA JS) Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Elec October 28, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS (Babel) MOMENTUM CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Chris Rowlands September 9, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS GALLERY VIEWER CAROUSEL / TILES Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Flowrome August 29, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS PERSPECTIVE CAROUSEL VANILLA JS Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Simone P. M. August 29, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS LIKECAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Splidejs August 22, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS SPLIDE Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Max Lykov July 10, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS CARD CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Code Joey July 4, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS INFINITE CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author @keyframers June 27, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS 3D PRODUCT CAROUSEL TRANSITION Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Coding Journey May 26, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS MARQUEE-LIKE CONTENT SCROLLING Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Jesse April 12, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author victor tuesta ascoy March 11, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS CAROUSEL YOUTUBE MUSIC Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js

Author Paulina Hetman February 23, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS BLOB CAROUSEL FOR THE PLANET Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Tomislav Jezidžić January 21, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS MOUSE DRIVEN VERTICAL CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Katia January 7, 2019 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS / JS (Babel) SIMPLE SWIPING CAROUSEL Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author Sergiu Lucutar October 31, 2018 Just Get The Demo Link How To Download - Article How To Download - Video Author HTML / CSS (SCSS) / JS A DRIBBLE DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION Compatible browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Responsive: yes Dependencies: swiper.js Author James Pistell October 24, 2018 Just Get The Demo Link Read the full article

[uae-times]

Dubai News Today: Stay Updated on the Latest Happenings in the UAE

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving city of Dubai, staying informed about the latest news and developments is essential. Whether you're a resident, a businessperson, or a curious traveler, being in the know about what's happening in the UAE's most dynamic emirate is crucial. Welcome to "Dubai News Today," your go-to source for all things Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. In this blog, we will dive into the most recent and significant updates, events, and stories shaping Dubai's landscape.

1. Dubai's Thriving Economy:

Dubai's economy has always been a hot topic, and today is no exception. The city's relentless pursuit of economic diversification and innovation continues to make headlines. From the launch of Dubai's futuristic Free Zone initiatives to investments in cutting-edge technologies, Dubai remains a global business hub, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.

2. Infrastructure and Mega Projects:

Dubai is renowned for its awe-inspiring skyline and groundbreaking infrastructure projects. Keep an eye out for updates on iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, and the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower. The city's commitment to building a sustainable future also includes ambitious green initiatives like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

3. Cultural and Entertainment Scene:

Dubai's cultural and entertainment offerings are second to none. Stay informed about the latest art exhibitions, music festivals, and world-class events happening throughout the year. Whether it's exploring the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood or attending the Dubai Opera, there's always something captivating on the cultural calendar.

4. Tourism and Hospitality:

Dubai is a global tourist hotspot, and its hospitality industry is constantly evolving. Keep an eye out for news about new hotels, resorts, and attractions, as well as updates on travel regulations, events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, and the opening of Dubai Expo 2020, which promises to be a global extravaganza.

5. Innovation and Technology:

Dubai is dedicated to becoming a smart city, and its technology-driven initiatives are making waves. Stay tuned for the latest developments in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the way we live and work in the emirate.

6. Community Initiatives:

Dubai is not just about glitz and glamour; it's also a place where the community comes first. Learn about the various community projects, charity initiatives, and volunteer opportunities that help make Dubai a great place to live.

7. Real Estate Market:

Dubai's real estate market is always in the spotlight. Whether you're a potential buyer or just curious about property trends, we'll provide updates on the latest market insights, new developments, and investment opportunities.

Conclusion:

"Dubai News Today" is your one-stop destination for staying informed about the vibrant and ever-changing city of Dubai. From economic advancements to cultural treasures, Dubai offers a plethora of experiences and opportunities, and we'll be here to ensure you're in the know. Bookmark this page, subscribe to our newsletter, and join us on this exciting journey as we explore all that Dubai and the UAE have to offer. Stay tuned for daily updates and insights that will keep you connected to this remarkable city.

[cavenewstimes]

Opera News Magazine To Cease Publication As Metropolitan Opera Guild Shuts Down

FILE – The Metropolitan Opera house, background center, appears at Lincoln Center in New York on March 12, 2020. Opera News, an 87-year-old publication focused on the Metropolitan Opera and spotlighting the art form in the U.S., will print its final issue in November and be incorporated into Britain-based Opera magazine. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) By RONALD BLUM Updated [hour]:[minute]…

[thisisabernieblog]

US president Joe Biden cancelled next week’s Sydney Quad Leaders’ Summit on Wednesday.

But not to worry, as China-focused security meetings are now coming so thick and fast that the next one will be around soon enough, especially with the growing prospect of warring on the East Asian giant.

Of course, there’s a touch of lament as the leader of the AUKUS powers will no longer grace us with his presence, which would only be heightened for Anthony Albanese, who’s missed an opportunity to have his photo taken standing beside his commander-in-chief before the Sydney Opera House.

The Quad, a security dialogue between the US, Japan, India and Australia, has become of increasing importance ever since former PM Scott Morrison and his British and US counterparts announced the AUKUS pact in September 2021, which was due to “security challenges in the Indo Pacific region”.

Key to AUKUS is Australia acquiring eight nuclear-powered submarines (SSN), utilising US and UK technologies, that, in conjunction with an enhanced US military presence on local soil, will provide us the ability to attack China, as well as turn the country into a frontline base in an Indo Pacific conflict.

And in keeping with this US-led initiative established under Coalition governance, the Albanese government has been gleefully forging ahead with the project that will increasingly militarise the economy, as well as condemn the Australian public to decades of austerity.

Destabilising the Indo Pacific

“You can’t look at the Quad and AUKUS developments and take a neutral stance,” said Greens Senator David Shoebridge. “We need to see it for what it is, a concerted effort to engage in an arms race to project lethal force against China.”

“That is the strategy that informs the extraordinary almost half a trillion-dollar commitment to public expenditure for submarines for Australia,” he told Sydney Criminal Lawyers.

During the 14 March announcement of the AUKUS submarine agreement details, which did afford Albanese some great shots on a podium beside Biden and his fellow AUKUS co-deputy UK PM Rishi Sunak, it was dropped on the Australian public that the cost of the deal was going to be $368 billion.

But the Australian Greens dug a little deeper, and in consulting the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), it confirmed that the eight nuclear-powered submarines are actually going to cost local taxpayers closer to half a trillion dollars.

Shoebridge added that the aggressive approach to China is “also the underlying rationale for the Quad security architecture”.

“This isn’t just a neutral containment strategy,” he added. “It is literally designed to project that lethal force against China and that’s a dangerously destabilising element in our region.”

Welcome to the war economy

The Morrison government committed to a $270 billion military spend on equipment and expansion over a 10 year period, as part of its 2020 Defence Strategic Update. This “record” spend was focused on China, with “more potent capabilities” being acquired, including longer-range strike weapons.

While the Albanese government last month released the Defence Strategic Review 2023 and its response to it, confirming that the country will continue to expand its military capabilities and spending, which will include “much greater… longer-range strike capability”.

“Defence spending will need to grow,” said hawkish defence minister Richard Marles. “It is absolutely our expectation that defence spending over the medium term, over the decade, will grow above the existing trajectory of growth that we inherited from the former government.”

Shoebridge makes clear that what we’ve seen “with the change in government from the Coalition to Labor is that there has been zero change in the trajectory of increased defence spending and increased militarisation in Australia”.

“We have seen the Albanese government deliver the Coalition’s entire military strategy and its alliance strategy – and do it with a smile,” he added.

In terms of the cost of AUKUS, the senator explained that the extra $123 billion that the independent PBO uncovered in addition to the $368 billion AUKUS spend is due to the fact that the original amount cited covers the cost of five nuclear-powered submarines acquired by 2055.

“Under the AUKUS SSN program, Australia will have delivered three second-hand Virginia-class submarines and the first five of eight yet-to-be-designed AUKUS SSN submarines,” Shoebridge explained, “then there’s another three submarines to be delivered in the decade that follows.”

The White House AUKUS Fact Sheet outlines that by 2027 a joint US-UK nuclear-powered submarine force will be established in Australia, to cover us if the war breaks out in the meantime, which will then be followed by our nation buying three US Virginia-class submarines early next decade.

By the early 2040s, Australia will deliver its first locally-built UK-designed AUKUS SSN, and we should have produced five such subs by 2055. However, the plan involves eight, so by the mid-2060s, Adelaide’s Osborne Naval Shipyard should have produced the remaining three AUKUS subs.

“The truth is $368 billion dollars gets you the first five of eight planned AUKUS SSN subs,” Shoebridge outlined. “So, the true cost of the program, to obtain all eight of the AUKUS SSN, is much closer to that half trillion-dollar figure.”

Break out the rations

In the wake of the March AUKUS announcement, leader of the Coalition in opposition Peter Dutton was quick to do one of his Darth Vader impersonations when he suggested that his party would support Labor in cutting the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) to pay for the AUKUS subs.

While Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers maintained that whilst the AUKUS cost is big, it “will deliver big returns for our national security and national economy” and he added that the nation “can’t afford not to do this.” Although he also confirmed it can afford the stage three tax cuts.

Passed by the Morrison government in mid-2019, the stage three tax cuts benefit the highest income earners in Australia. The Australia Institute confirms that if all three stages are implemented, 62 percent of the benefits will be enjoyed by the top 20 percent of taxpayers.

“It’s remarkable seeing the Labor budget deliver Peter Dutton’s funding proposal for the nuclear submarine project,” remarked Senator Shoebridge, as he pointed out that Labor actually cut “$74 billion dollars out of the NDIS over the next decade” in last week’s Budget 2023-24.

“This almost dollar-for-dollar provides the funding envelope for the initial tranche of the AUKUS submarine project,” he added.

And the Greens senator further pointed out that this is just the beginning, as with the financial commitments both major parties have made to military expansion over the next 40-odd years, will be accompanied by growing austerity measures.

“It is an intergenerational theft from young Australians, who will be seeing their tax dollars spent on nuclear submarines, rather than on Medicare, on public education, on tackling the climate emergency and on delivering fairness for Australia,” Shoebridge warned.

“When you add to that the dogged commitment to the unfair stage three tax cuts, which the latest figures show will cost $313 billion, the overwhelming majority of which will go to the wealthiest, you see just how dangerous this budget is if you care about a fair and sustainable Australia,” he ended.

[hakesbros]

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[harry-leroy]

2020: Year of Opera

So, in order to expand my cultural horizons (and do this because I’ve been wanting to do this), I’m going to be trying to get through some operas this year! I’ll definitely be listening to these, and I’m going to try and find staged versions if I can - because opera is a form of theatre and performance is an important part of it. This list is based off of The Guardian’s List of Top 50 Operas, but if there’s one that you don’t see on here and recommend, let me know!

Crossed out titles will be the ones I’ve already listened to/watched, and ones with asterisks (*) by them will be ones that I’ve listened to parts of, but need to listen to the whole thing.

1) L’Orfeo - Claudio Monteverdi (1607)

2) Dido and Aeneas* - Henry Purcell (1689)

3) Guilio Cesare (Julius Caesar) - George Frideric Handel (1724)

4) Serse (Xerxes) - Handel (1738)

5) Orfeo ed Euridice (Orpheus and Eurydice)* - Christoph Willibald Gluck (1762)

6) Idomeneo - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1781)

7) Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) - Mozart (1786)

8) Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)* - Mozart (1791)

9) Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)* - Gioachino Rossini (1816)

10) Guillaume Tell (William Tell)* - Rossini (1829)

11) Norma - Vincenzo Bellini (1831)

12) L’Elisir d’Amore (The Exilir of Love) - Gaetano Donizetti (1832)

13) Lucia di Lammermoor - Donizetti (1835)

14) Rigoletto - Giuseppe Verdi (1851)

15) La Traviata - Verdi (1853)

16) Don Carlos/Don Carlo - Verdi (1867)

17) Falstaff* - Verdi (1893)

18) Pagliacci - Ruggero Leoncavallo (1892)

19) La Bohème - Giacomo Puccini (1896)

20) Tosca* - Puccini (1900)

21) Madama Butterfly - Puccini (1904)

22) Turandot* - Puccini (1926)

23) Fidelio - Ludwig van Beethoven (1805)

24) Der Freischütz - Carl Maria von Weber (1821)

25) Lohengrin* - Richard Wagner (1850)

26) Tristan und Isolde* - Wagner (1865)

27) Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Wagner (1868)

28) Der Ring des Nibelungen - Wagner (1876)

29) Die Lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow) - Franz Lehár (1905)

30) Salome* - Richard Strauss (1905)

31) Der Rosenkavalier* - Strauss (1911)

32) Les Troyens - Hector Berlioz (1863/1890)

33) Carmen* - Georges Bizet (1875)

34) Manon* - Jules Massenet (1884)

35) Pelléas et Mélisande - Claude Debussy (1902)

36) The Bartered Bride - Bedrich Smetana (1866)

37) Boris Godunov - Modest Mussorgsky (1874)

38) Eugene Onegin - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1879)

39) The Queen of Spades - Tchaikovsky (1890)

40) Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk - Dmitri Shostakovich (1934)

41) War and Peace - Sergei Prokofiev (1944)

42) The Rake’s Progress - Igor Stravinsky (1951)

43) Jenufa - Leoš Janáček (1904)

44) Bluebeard’s Castle - Béla Bartók (1918)

45) Wozzeck - Alban Berg (1925)

46) Porgy and Bess - George Gershwin (1935)

47) Peter Grimes - Benjamin Britten (1945)

48) The Turn of the Screw* - Britten (1954)

49) King Priam - Michael Tippett (1962)

50) Le Grand Macabre - György Ligeti (1978)

Some Additional Operas not on that list that I want to listen to/finish listening to:

51) Armide - Jean Baptiste Lully (1686)

52) Proserpine (Proserpina) - Lully (1680)

53) Phaëton - Lully (1683)

54) Roland - Lully (1685)

55) Aida* - Verdi (1871)

56) Otello* - Verdi (1887)

57) Così fan tutte - Mozart (1790)

58) Parsifal - Wagner (1878)

59) Faust - Charles Gounod (1859)  

60) Les contes d’Hoffmann* - Offenbach (1881)

61) Elektra - Strauss (1909)

62) Rusalka* - Antonin Dvorák (1901)

63) La clemenza di Tito* - Mozart (1791)

64) Lakmé* - Léo Dilibes (1883)

65) La sonnambula - Bellini (1831)

66) Die Fledermaus - Johann Strauss II (1874)

67) Roméo et Juliette* - Gounod (1867)

68) Andrea Chénier - Umberto Giodano (1896)

69) Semiramide - Rossini (1823)

70) Dialogues of the Carmelites - Francis Poulenc (1956)

71) Anna Bolena - Donizetti (1830)

72) Les Huguenots - Giacomo Meyerbeer (1836)

73) Peer Gynt* - Edvard Grieg (1876)

74) Ariadne auf Naxos - Richard Strauss (1912)

75) Billy Budd - Britten (1951)

76) HMS Pinafore - Arthur Sullivan (1878)

77) Béatrice et Bénédict* - Berlioz (1862)

78) Edgar - Puccini (1889)

79) Hippolyte et Aricie - Jean-Philippe Rameau (1733)

80) The Merry Wives of Windsor - Otto Nicolai (1849)

81) Alceste - Gluck (1767)

82) Amahl and the Night Visitors - Gian Carlo Menotti (1951)

83) King Arthur* - Purcell (1691)

84) The Nose - Shostakovich (1929)

85) Castor et Pollux - Rameau (1737)

86) The Tempest - Thomas Adès (2004)

87) Die tote Stadt - Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1920)

88) Alfonso und Estrella - Franz Schubert (1822)

89) L’étoile - Emmanuel Chabrier (1877)

90) The Fairy Queen - Purcell (1692)

91) Where the Wild Things Are - Oliver Knussen (1983)

92) The Nightingale - Igor Stravinsky (1914)

93) L’enfant et les sortilèges* - Maurice Ravel (1925)

94) Punch and Judy - Harrison Birtwistle (1968)

95) Death in Venice - Britten (1973)

96) We Come to the River - Hans Werner Henze (1984)

97) Einstein on the Beach - Philip Glass (1976)

98) Taverner - Peter Maxwell Davies (1972)

99) A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Britten (1960)

100) The Prodigal Son - Britten (1968)