#<- should be all the flags in approximate order

[preservationofnormalcy]

Ok, so I’m writing a novel involving paranormal investigation (no relation to you, takes place in a fictional town) and I’m on my third draft when the main character shows up behind me, grabs and turns me around to tell me of the “inaccuracies to his case”. Now I wrote them down and how I should change them. And when I looked up from my notepad, he was gone.

I want to continue, and most of these I feel like I can implement within the story, but what exactly happened? And if this becomes a series, will he continue to pop up, or was it one of those “one in a blue moon scenarios”?

And what do I do if it isn’t?

Hey Norm...

Hmm? Didn't you do a PSA about this exact subject in the nineties?

Oh, uh, sure. When I first started. Around '99. It's waaay outdated, now, you know, with the internet and everything, it's better to not even look it up. I don't think it was even digitized, really. I have no idea what happened to it.

Oh, Norm, don't worry! If there's one person who knows your filing system better than you, it's me! Let's see...H for Holmes, S for Sherlock...cross reference to P for Parafictional, 90s...HERE WE GO! "Dear Watson: That's Not Holmes, That's A Lure!"

Oh good, they put it on a disc so that a tech savvy person could find it, uh, twenty five years later. I wouldn't play it, I can't guarantee--

<An old, color degraded video begins playing. It's clearly shot on VHS, with a minimal budget, and had degraded somewhat before being transferred to digital. A man stands in a small, cinderblock room in front of a backdrop depicting a victorian study. He is wearing a tweed jacket with leather patches on the elbows and a pair of smart slacks. A deerstalker hat sits conspicuously on a stack of actual books, Sherlock Holmes novels. The man himself looks sort of like what you'd get if you focus-group-tested the only type of man Don Bluth knew how to draw, and has curtain bangs with frosted tips. The whole ensemble has the energy of a store-brand Milo Thatch. As he speaks, his eyes don't leave a fixed point behind the camera.>

So. You have encountered an entity from a fictional property. You're excited - maybe you wanted to talk to your favorite book character. Or. Maybe you are a writer and you are excited to talk to your protagonist. But...is that entity real?

<There's an extremely awkward camera change, and the man looks to it, his eyes following a point again.>

....or a lure?

<He leans back and there is a too-long pause before he continues.>

When encountering a parafictional manifestation, remember the three S's.

<The visuals change to a grainy blue background, white text appearing as the man's voiceover continues.>

Solidity: are you are this entity is physical and not all in your head?

Subjective: if it's real, are other people seeing the same thing?

Sentience: is this entity sentient, or merely approximating sentience? Is it answering questions like a sentient entity, or like how it would be expected to answer?

<It cuts back to the man, standing behind the chair with his hands on the back. There is a too-long pause again.>

If...uh.

If this entity doesn't pass any of these easy-to-remember checks, that's a red flag. Any number of malicious extranormal entities can exploit the human capacity for creativity in order to feed on our psychic energy, creating a non-sentient construct we call a "Chinese Room" in order to keep YOU from asking questions.

Remember next time you see Darth Vader, Spider-man, or Tarzan - are you so incredibly lucky to experience such a rare phenomena as true parafictional manifestation?

<He awkwardly puts a pipe in his mouth and blows a few bubbles.>

Or are you being lured?

<The video ends.>

....god, my hair.

[rabbitcruiser]

The Battle of Arras began with Canadian Corps executing a massive assault on Vimy Ridge on April, 9, 1917.

Vimy Ridge Day

Since 2003, Vimy Ridge Day has been observed on April 9 in Canada to honor and commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place during the First World War at Vimy Ridge, France, in 1917. The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower in Ottawa is required to be lowered to half-mast by law. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, and other locations around the country.

History of Vimy Ridge Day

The Victory of Vimy Ridge Battle was considered a historic moment in the country’s history. The victory was not easy to attain, as years of failed attempts, strategic planning, and preparation to regain Vimy Ridge were endured. The Ridge was under Germany’s control since 1914. Since then, around 150,000 British and French soldiers were sacrificed in the attempt to retake the ridge. The Germans secured their position with machine gun fires, barbed wires, and deep bunkers, making it difficult for any country to take over. Because of their remarkable achievements, Canadian troops gained a reputation as formidable and effective troops. However, the victory came at a horrific price, with over 10,000 people either murdered or wounded.

In April 1917, the Canadian Corps was given the order to seize Vimy Ridge. The heavily constructed seven-kilometer ridge in northern France provided a superb view of the Allied lines. Because earlier French attacks had failed with over 100,000 dead, the Canadians would be attacking over an open graveyard. Canadian and British artillery blasted German positions on the ridge before a week to the battle, killing and torturing defenders. With almost 1,000 artillery pieces putting down withering, supporting fire, the Canadian soldiers would be strongly backed when they went into the fight.

The four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought bravely together for the first time during the Vimy Ridge Battle. Around 15,000 soldiers initiated the battle at 5:30 a.m. on April 9, 1917, marching under a slow-moving bombardment of almost 1000 heavy guns. Most objectives were met on time, and by afternoon, most of the ridge had been taken, except for ‘The Pimple’, a high position on the ridge’s north end, where defenders held out until April 12. By the 12th of April, the Canadians had captured all of their objectives as well as 4,000 prisoners. Vimy Ridge was captured by the Canadians. During the four-day combat, 3,598 Canadians died and 7,000 were injured, making this victory a costly one.

Vimy Ridge Day timeline

1914 German Capture

The Germans gain control of Vimy Ridge at the beginning of World War I.

1917 The First Attack

The Battle of Vimy Ridge begins in the early morning at 5:30 a.m on April 9.

1917 The End of the Battle

The Battle of Vimy Ridge comes to an end on April 12 with a victory for the Canadian Corps.

1918 Canada’s Last Battle in World War I

The Canadian Corps defeats the last German defensive lines with the Vimy tactics on November 1.

Vimy Ridge Day FAQs

What did the Battle of Vimy Ridge reveal?

The triumph of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge revealed that no position was unconquerable to a well-planned and executed attack. This victory had a significant impact on allied planning.

How many lives were lost at Vimy Ridge?

The enormous victory came at a high cost of 3,598 Canadian lives and approximately 7,000 wounded Canadian soldiers.

Does Canada own Vimy Ridge?

Even though the ridge is located in France, it has belonged to Canada as a Canadian National historic site since 1997.

How to Observe Vimy Ridge Day

Wear a Vimy pin

Share your story

Lay wreaths

Canadian people commemorate this day by wearing Vimy pins. The Vimy pin should be worn on the left-hand side of the lapel buttonhole position.

On this commemoration day, we could share our knowledge and stories we heard about the battle and stories with others. Take this opportunity and spread your knowledge about the battle!

The Late Soldiers can be honored by wreath-laying ceremonies. Community members, Veterans, and the public lay wreaths at the National War Memorial to pay their respects.

5 Amazing Facts About The Battle Of Vimy Ridge

Land for memorial

Dream memorial

The great endeavor

A historic site

Standing tall on the hill

The French government awarded the people of Canada perpetual use of the land for the battlefield park that houses the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in 1922.

Walter Seymour Allward, a Canadian artist and architect, constructed the Vimy memorial — he once told a group of friends that the design's form came to him in a dream.

On July 26, 1936, it was dedicated by King Edward VIII, in the presence of President Albert Lebrun of France and 50,000 or more Canadian and French soldiers and their families, after an eleven-year construction period costing $1.5 million.

Sheila Copps, then Minister of Canadian Heritage, recognized the Canadian National Vimy Memorial as a Canadian National Historic Site on April 10, 1997.

The National Vimy Memorial overlooks the 1917 battlefield in Canada and is located on Hill 145.

Why Vimy Ridge Day is Important

It honors bravery

The winning tactics

It celebrates unity

Although many lives were lost in the battle, it still stands as an important historic moment in the history of Canadian Bravery. It is celebrated as a remembrance of the bravery of the soldiers.

The Canadian Corps went through a lot of training before the battle. The tactics framed by the corps were so clever that they helped win other battles also.

All four Canadian corps fought together in this battle as an alias of the British to regain Vimy Ridge. This celebrates unity!

Source

[xweetok-starmap]

My brain’s been bothering me about “I need to do turnips so that I can replenish my Bells stores” for almost half a week, so . . . I did some AM/PM time traveling forward on my launch date island to see if I could find a good turnip price spike.

Found a price of ~357 or so within half a week, so . . . changed my new island to Sunday morning so I could buy turnips (and get the First Purchase flag out of the way, I suppose) and travel back and forth between my islands for a while. For a moment I considered if I should Sunday time travel on my spouse’s island, so that I didn’t cause any unwanted island progress expedition, but . . . going between 3 different open islands to buy -> return -> sell -> return -> buy -> return -> sell -> return -> repeat just seemed like . . . way too much effort. Also I couldn’t find my spouse’s switch. The buying price on my new island was actually pretty terrible — 106, which is only 4 less than the absolute maximum price for turnips — but when the only time that you ever buy Turnips is if you have an island actively open with a Large Spike price, it . . . doesn’t really matter that much. Got myself set up with 15 million Bells . . . that should last a while!

I definitely now see the appeal of getting “infinite Bells” from Treasure Islands, like . . . I was making approximately 1 million Bells (net) per trip. And after every trip I had to track down Daisy Mae and figure out where she’d wandered to on my island, which sometimes was instant and sometimes took what felt like FOREVER. So in the end, slowly over the course of 3 hours I made 5 million Bells per hour — and it’s not like my focus was 120% lasered onto this that entire time — but a Treasure Island, right? say you go in with empty pockets and 40 inventory slots, that’s 3.9m Bells (net) in a single trip. Which is . . . a lot more efficient, time and labor wise.

Well, ah well. Generally I think the way I want to treat Turnips is: if I wake up on Sunday and feel like making a few Bells to [upkeep | top off] my Bells, I can just time travel around on my launch date island until I find a High Spike price with it. Just do a few trips. That way it’s just like . . . a regular normal thing, not . . . time to make this my entire evening.

I’m not SUPER thrilled about the fact that time traveling 2 days forward, to get to Sunday, made my new island progress expedited a little bit? Since the Resident Services building upgrade wasn’t supposed to be done until tomorrow. But I was already tempted to move forward 1 day when I learned that “oh once the Resident Services building is finished I can get my last inventory expansion” so I guess it’s whatever. I took care of some things, like . . . — put in my house exterior customization order, since the default house was really bothering me and I had no form of identity with it and I’ve been waiting ALL WEEK to be able to do that — (didn’t do anything else with Tom Nook’s stuff, since I want to leave that until the building would have been done) — fixed the town tune so that it’s all silent notes, because I instantly recoiled at “what is this note nonsense that is happening when I talk to my villagers????” and realized it was the town tune being a thing now . . . town tune has been a feature since the first game of the franchise and I’ve never really liked it tbh. — made myself a temporary town flag, by pallet swapping the Flower Shirt default pattern to one with a yellow background and purple/pink/blue flowers, and then lightly tweaked the colours around until they were more to my liking (and adding some star decals)! The biggest flower ended up being purple after the pallet swap, which made me really happy since the background was yellow after the pallet swap, so it was like a game-given intersex nod /soft giggles/ — I was ALWAYS planning on having a nod to that in my town flag but here it happened totally unintentionally! I imagine I’ll actually have this flag for a while, but I do want to eventually make my own completely from scratch. — (didn’t do anything else with Isabelle’s stuff, since I want to leave that until the building would have been done. though I think I remember all of Isabelle’s story dialogue happening, because of talking to Tom Nook?? not sure.) — bought the Inventory upgrade, the Pattern Design upgrade, and the Camera upgrade at the Nook Miles Ticket exchange . . . . — (left exploring the rest of the expanded Nook Miles Ticket exchange catalogue for tomorrow)

Tom Nook also teleported me to the airport in order to tell me “hey you know how you’ve been really into island development this whole time, because that’s how the game characterizes the villager? yeah I thought it sounded like you really wanted a job so! I got you a job offer!” — so I guess the Vacation Home DLC unlocks with the Residential Services building upgrade, too! — but I also left that for some other time. Now I have — TWO blue text “new!!” things at the Airport that I haven’t done yet haha. (I haven’t gone to any Nook Miles Ticket islands yet).

I wonder when the game is going to start asking me about building the Campsite? Probably after I talk to Isabelle about town rating the first time and Nook talks about his dream of seeing KK and everything . . . not sure if the Campsite takes a few days to trigger after that event though, or if it’s right away.

When it asks me to put down new plots — ugh it still makes my head swim a bit at the idea of having MORE VILLAGERS, I have not yet gotten used to the idea that I have a whole FIVE villagers now, and yet the Tutorial of the game doesn’t end until I have EIGHT villagers . . . /confused shudders/ (since it’s not possible to get 3 stars without having eight villagers, and I’m SURE there are a lot of game features that open up after 3 stars that aren’t just terraforming, like . . I think Harvey’s Island being a co-op is post 3-stars . . . ?) —oh oops I segwayed when it asks me to put down new plots, I’m not sure exactly how I’ll do it . . . I kind of want to just use amiibo cards, to bring in villagers I’ve never had before but I like and have wanted to experiment with having for a while . . . but I could ALSO potentially use Nook Mile Tickets for it ?? Well, maybe . . . I’d have to basically pick one or the other ahead of time. Since amiibo cards take 3 different days of DIY building, but Nook Mile islands require me to have an open plot and having an open plot with my style of play is REALLY just asking to get villagers from my launch date island’s void. So I’d basically have to do prep-work of “okay I can invite this campsite amiibo villager on the drop of a hat . . . so now I’m going to go to islands and see if I find anyone I want even more, and if I don’t find someone I’ll invite my amiibo so that I can travel back and forth between my two islands again . . .” but that seems ?? silly? like I would be very unlikely to find a random villager I actually want more than whatever amiibo I decided to set up to invite.

/soft shrugs/

I don’t imagine I’ll actually get that much time to play tomorrow, since my best friend is supposed to be leaving town for over a month really soon here, and I want to spend time with him before he goes . . . but yeah lots of stuff for the Animal Crossing future thoughts!

[thatstormygeek]

First, and perhaps most fundamental to understanding the limits of Wednesday’s order, Trump got his way for now — despite the headlines. The payments — required under a February 13 temporary restraining order and explicitly ordered under a February 25 order — have still not been made.

It’s March 5.

...

Second, this limited vote upholding our three-branch system of divided governing was a mere 5-4 vote, with Justice Sam Alito proclaiming that he was “stunned” by the majority’s decision. Alito, raising his flag of opposition, was joined in dissent on Wednesday by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh. Alito’s dissent, as is becoming the expectation, was the unhinged rant of an increasingly unserious man. To give just one key example, Alito — a former federal prosecutor and appeals court judge who has spent nearly 20 years on the Supreme Court — wrote the following sentence: "After issuing the TRO, the District Judge grew frustrated with the pace at which funds were being disbursed, and on February 25, he issued a second order requiring the Government to pay out approximately $2 billion." This is false — and materially so. It was not the second order. It was, in fact, the fourth order. It was the third order by Ali reiterating — against repeated Justice Department, State Department, and USAID efforts to push back — that what he ordered on February 13 was what he meant. It was only after continued nonpayment in the wake of the first three orders that Ali, in response to a motion from the plaintiffs in the case, issued the fourth order with a payment deadline. On that, it is important not to ignore — in addition to his misrepresentation of the facts — that Alito impugned the actions of a federal judge, pretending that we are where we’re at not because of the federal government’s nonpayment and the plaintiffs’ request that the court issue an order enforcing their rights, but instead because Ali “grew frustrated with the pace” of payment disbursal. (In addition, while “nonpayment” is, technically, a “pace,” this is yet another misleading framing from Alito.) That’s just one sentence of Alito’s eight-page dissent, but the most alarming portion of it is that he wasn’t writing just for himself or even himself and Thomas. No, this was a four-justice dissent.

Which brings us to the third warning. Halfway into his dissent, Alito wrote, “Even if the majority is unwilling to vacate the District Court’s order, it should at least stay the District Court’s enforcement order until the Government is able to petition for a writ of certiorari.” This is important because four justices signed on to a statement all but stating that they believed this issue is cert-worthy — the court’s formal way of taking up review of a case on the merits. Here’s the thing, it only takes four justices to grant cert in a case, while it would have taken a majority to vacate Ali’s order. In other words, while the headlines were about Trump being “rejected” on Wednesday, four justices posted a bright, blaring sign that they would almost certainly force this into more extensive litigation — merits briefing and arguments that can take months or a year — if the Justice Department just brings them the right filing.

[kingdompressnews]

Tragedy Strikes: Convicted DAVID ALLEN EMMANUEL Who Targeted Black Men in Rosewood Massacre Site Receives Shockingly Lenient Prison Sentence

In a shocking turn of events, the 62-year-old white man responsible for attempting to run down six Black men at the site of the historic Rosewood massacre has been sentenced to just one year in prison. David Allen Emanuel appeared solemn as the sentence was delivered by federal Judge Allen Winsor on six counts of hate crimes. The incident occurred as Historian Marvin Dunn and his son, along with four other Black men, were surveying Dunn’s Rosewood property to build a memorial for the horrific massacre.

The judge’s decision called for 12 months plus one day in federal prison for each of the six charges, with the sentences running concurrently. This light sentencing stunned many, as the Justice Department had sought a much harsher punishment of five to six years behind bars.

Emanuel, a retired clam farmer from north-central Florida, has been ordered to report to prison by noon on January 2nd. Additionally, he will face two years of supervised release after serving his term.

Rosewood, once a thriving Black town in Levy County, Florida, was tragically destroyed in 1923. The recent attack by Emanuel has resurfaced painful memories of the past.

Court records indicate that prior to the assault in September 2022, Emanuel hurled racial slurs at the group of men from his white Ford F-250 truck, demanding that they leave the area. Even after being informed that they were on public land, Emanuel abruptly left, only to return moments later, charging his truck towards the group. Thanks to the quick reactions of Dunn’s son, Frederick Douglas Dunn, who managed to evade the vehicle by mere inches, no lives were lost. However, Emanuel was swiftly brought to justice through a summer conviction by a jury.

Dunn expressed relief that this ordeal has come to an end and expressed his belief that the sentence is fair. Present in the courtroom were Emanuel’s family and supporters, whose muffled sobs could be heard as the judge read the verdict.

During the proceedings, Judge Winsor acknowledged the value Emanuel has contributed to his community but emphasized the need for general deterrence given the racial motivations behind the attack. In response, Dunn, 83, and his son maintained a somber presence on the other side of the courtroom, flanked by a handful of others. Despite the traumatic experience they endured, they drove from Miami with a message of forgiveness.

Dunn submitted a heartfelt letter last week, speaking on behalf of all the victims, requesting mercy for Emanuel. The letter called for the removal of racial obstacles in the path towards healing and emphasized the importance of taking the first step toward peace. While the judge considered the letter carefully, he ultimately concluded that probation would not serve as sufficient punishment or deterrence for potential future offenders.

Support for Emanuel came in the form of over 30 additional letters from friends and family, as well as four advocates who addressed the court before the sentencing. Surprisingly, Cedar Key Police Chief Edward Jenkins, who is Black, attested to never having any negative encounters with Emanuel throughout their numerous interactions.

Defense attorney Darren James Johnson argued that Emanuel’s health issues should be taken into consideration and proposed some form of racial sensitivity training instead of prison time. Johnson also claimed that race played a minimal role in the incident, asserting that the attack was an isolated event. However, Judge Winsor firmly stated that the evidence clearly established race as the motive for the assault.

Following the hearing, Emanuel and approximately two dozen supporters gathered around his white Ford F-250 truck adorned with a Confederate flag, reflecting the divisive symbolism tied to the unfortunate events that transpired.

In our community, hatred and racism should have no place. If you come across any form of hatred or racism that could pose a significant threat to society, make sure to voice your concerns or inform The Kingdom Press News. We will faithfully carry out our duty to report accurate information.

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Blog - Tragedy Strikes: Convicted DAVID ALLEN EMMANUEL Who Targeted Black Men in Rosewood Massacre Site Receives Shockingly Lenient Prison Sentence

[chandrakanthblog]

Easy Steps to Choose the Right Realestate Developer in South Bangalore

South Bangalore has been a hot spot for real estate growth. According to recent statistics, property prices in South Bangalore have soared by over 25% in the last five years. With this boom, many potential buyers face a significant challenge: how to pick the right Affordable real estate developers in South Bangalore. The wrong choices can lead to financial loss and stress. This guide will help you navigate the selection process.

Understanding Your Needs and Budget

Defining Your Ideal Property

Before you start looking, identify what you want:

Location Preferences: Consider neighborhoods close to work, schools, or parks.

Property Type: Do you want a villa, apartment, or plot of land?

Budget Constraints: Set a clear price range for yourself.

Desired Amenities: Think about features like swimming pools, gyms, or gardens.

Setting Realistic Expectations

In South Bangalore, it’s crucial to align your aspirations with market realities. As of now, the average price per square foot is approximately Understand that while you may desire luxury, the budget must support those choices.

Financial Planning

Know your financial options:

Mortgage Options: Get pre-approved to understand your borrowing limits.

Down Payment Requirements: Most developers need 10-20% of the property price upfront.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs: Factor in monthly fees for upkeep and services.

Researching and Shortlisting Developers

Reputation Check

Investigate:

Online Reviews: Look at ratings on sites like Google, Zillow, or local real estate forums.

Industry Awards: Recognition from associations can signal reliability.

Better Business Bureau Ratings: Check for any complaints or unresolved disputes.

Project History

Look at their portfolio:

Timeliness: Assess if past projects were completed on schedule.

Quality: Review past developments for construction standards.

Customer Satisfaction: Seek feedback from former buyers.

Examples of reputed developers in South Bangalore include Brigade Group, Sobha Limited, and Prestige Group, known for their quality.

Legal and Financial Due Diligence

Ensure everything is in order:

Registration Documents: Verify that the developer is registered with the RERA.

Financial Stability: Check their financial health through reports.

Legal Compliance: Confirm all legal paperwork is in place.

Evaluating Developer Credibility

Transparency and Communication

Assess how easily they communicate. Are they responsive and clear about project details? Lack of transparency can be a red flag.

Team Expertise

Investigate the credentials of the project team:

Architectural Team: Are their designs user-friendly and innovative?

Engineering Team: Do they have the necessary qualifications?

Management Team: Check the experience level of project managers.

A real estate expert states, "A strong team is crucial for successful project delivery."

Commitment to Sustainability

Look into the developer’s practices:

Eco-Friendly Materials: Do they use sustainable materials in construction?

Building Practices: Are they following green building standards?

Analyzing Project Details

Site Location and Infrastructure

Examine:

Essential Amenities: Grocery stores, schools, hospitals, and parks should be nearby.

Transportation: Ensure good access to public transport.

Future Development Plans: Investigate upcoming projects in the area.

According to local government reports, South Bangalore is set for significant infrastructure improvements in the next few years.

Project Design and Amenities

Evaluate closely:

Construction Quality: Analyze if the materials used are durable.

Design Aesthetics: Consider if the designs appeal to you.

Promised Amenities: Verify what amenities are included in the price.

Legal Documentation and Approvals

Scrutinize:

Building Permits: Ensure they have all necessary approvals to construct.

Environmental Clearances: Confirm compliance with environmental laws.

Making an Informed Decision

Comparing Developers

Create a comparison chart summarizing your findings on different developers. This will help you visualize options clearly.

Negotiating the Deal

When it’s time to finalize:

Discuss Payment Schedules: Understand the payment plan offered.

Potential Risks: Talk about any risks involved in the project.

Contract Terms: Carefully review the contract before signing.

Seeking Professional Advice

Consider hiring professionals:

Real Estate Lawyer: They can help you navigate legal complexities.

Financial Advisor: Get insights on managing your budget effectively.

Conclusion

Choosing the right real estate developer in South Bangalore demands careful research and diligence. Key takeaways include defining your needs, checking developers' credibility, and analyzing project details thoroughly. In a market that's ever-changing, being well-informed is your best tool for making an excellent investment. Take your time, do the groundwork, and confidently make choices that align with your dream property.

Please Visit Website : 

[rise-tv]

200-Year-Old Mummified Monk is “NOT DEAD” | Self-mummified monk

Let's take a look at the self-mummified monk's well-preserved body, which was found in a cross-legged lotus position, draped in cowhide.

Sokushinbutsu – The Origin of the Buddhist Mummy:-

Sokushinbutsu, a fascinating phenomenon, involves Buddhist monks in Japan who take asceticism to the extreme, even to the point of death. These dedicated individuals undergo mummification while still alive. While self mummified monk can be found in various Buddhist countries, it is only in Japan where they are believed to have intentionally caused their own demise through starvation.

Interestingly, there is a theory that the founder of the Shingon school, Kukai, brought this practice from Tang China as part of his secret tantric teachings. However, Japanese scholars in the 20th century discovered limited evidence of self-starvation among sokushinbutsu practitioners. Instead, they concluded that mummification occurred after the monk’s natural passing, similar to the practices observed in South Asian countries.

In previous we discussed “the old world order false flags“.

200-year-old mummified monk:-

Mongolia: On January 27th, an approximately 200-year-old Mongolian Buddhist monk was discovered in Songino Khairkhan province. He is said to be in ‘deep concentration’ and ‘not dead’. As reported by The Siberian Times, the monk was clothed in cattle skin and discovered in a cross-legged lotus stance. Not only was he still sitting, but his open palms appeared to be put on over one another in the ‘dhyaan mudra’.

Dr Barry Kerzin, a well-known Buddhist monk and Dalai Lama’s medic, believes that the monk is in Tukdam, one of the deepest phases of meditation. I had the honor of caring for some meditation practitioners in a Tukdam state. If the person can stay in this position for more than three weeks, which is rare, his body eventually shrinks until all that remains are his nails, hair, & clothes. Typically, people who live near the monk see an array of rainbows that light up the sky for a few days. This means he discovered a ‘rainbow body’. This is the state that is most close to the state of Buddha, says Dr Kerzin.

A Reference to The Edge of Wonder TV:-

Join Edge of Wonder TV for a detailed video on the mummified monk found in Mongolia that has been baffling and astounding to those who uncovered him. Monks say he is “not dead” but instead is in a deep meditative trance. Find out the weirdest news in history, hidden facts and mysteries, and much more only on the Rise TV Show.

Worship for immortality:-

The monk’s name is unknown, however, there is suspicion that he is the instructor of Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov, who had been discovered mummified. Itigilov, who was from neighboring Buryatia in the then-Soviet Union, allegedly warned his students in 1927 that he was about to pass away and that they should remove his remains after 30 years.

The Lama sat in a lotus position, started to meditate, and died. According to mythology, his corpse was still intact when he was discovered. Fearing Soviet intervention, his followers reburied him, and he remained there until 2002, when he was dug up again with considerable fanfare and discovered to be in excellent condition.

Lama is not dead:-

Ganhugiyn Purevbata, the founder and teacher of the Mongolian Institute of Buddhist Art at Ulaanbaatar Buddhist University, stated that “Lama is sitting in the lotus position vajra, the left arm is opened, and the right hand symbolizes the preaching sutra.”

“This is evidence that the Lama is not dead, but is in deep meditation, according to the centuries-old custom of Buddhist lamas.” On January 27, mummified corpses wrapped in cattle hide were discovered in Mongolia’s Songinokhairkhan province.

Yet there may be more to the story, as authorities have learned that the monk was taken from another region of the nation and was due to be auctioned. According to an anonymous official, a man took it from a cave in the Kobdsk region and concealed it in his home in Ulaanbaatar. He then planned to sell it on the illegal market for a ‘very high price’, with the local press reporting that he intended to cross the Mongolian border with it. Police discovered the conspiracy and promptly apprehended a 45-year-old man known as Enhtor.

Final Thoughts:-

The text discusses Sokushinbutsu, a unique practice in Japan where Buddhist monks intentionally mummify themselves through extreme asceticism, including self-imposed starvation.

The discovery of a 200-year-old Mongolian Buddhist monk in deep concentration, not dead, in a lotus stance with his palms in the ‘dhyaan mudra’ is a fascinating and mysterious find that raises questions about meditation and the human body’s capabilities.

The corpse of the individual in question was found to be well-preserved when unearthed in 2002 after being reburied due to fears of Soviet intervention.

[tarzantips]

How Many Hairs Fall Out Each Day?

Hair loss is a normal and natural phenomenon that many people go through every day. In order to clarify common fears and misconceptions, it is necessary that one understands the normal cycle of hair growth and shedding.

Let’s explore the question, how many hairs fall out each day? And shed light on the factors that influence this natural process.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Three main phases make up the human hair growth cycle, the anagen (growth phase), the catagen (transitional phase), and the telogen (resting phase).

The active stage of hair growth, known as the anagen phase, can extend for several years.

During the short-lived catagen phase, follicle shrinkage and a slowdown in hair growth occur.

Ultimately, the telogen phase is a resting phase that allows for the growth of new hair by causing the hair to fall out.

Daily Hair Shedding Facts

It is quite normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day on average. This might seem like a lot, but it is actually a tiny portion of the total hair follicle count on the human scalp, which are approximately 100,000.

The rate of hair loss can be influenced by a number of factors, including age, genetics, and health. People may experience slower hair growth as they age, and thinner hair strands may be produced by hair follicles, giving the appearance of increased shedding.

Read: How to Make Vitamin E Oil for Hair Growth?

Seasonal Variations and Hormonal Influences

It is interesting to note that hair shedding can change at different times of the year. Autumnal shedding, also known as seasonal hair loss, is a common occurrence for many people.

Although the precise causes of this phenomenon are unknown, some scientists think variations in temperature and daylight may be involved. Hormonal changes can also affect the hair growth cycle and cause brief increases in hair shedding.

Examples of these changes include those that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Recognizing Abnormal Hair Loss

Even though daily shedding is common, you need to recognize the difference between normal hair loss and excessive shedding, which could be a sign of a more serious problem.

It is best to speak with someone in the medical field if you observe a sharp increase in hair loss, noticeable clumps of hair falling out, or thinning patches on the scalp.

Alopecia, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies are some of the conditions that can cause abnormal hair loss and may need to be treated by a medical professional.

What does 100 hairs look like?

It may seem difficult to learn what 100 hairs look like, but when spread out; it is actually quite a small number. These individual hair strands are not likely to be noticeable when you shed 50 to 100 hairs on an average day.

When gathered, though, they might disperse throughout your living areas or create a loose cluster. 100 hairs may seem like a small amount, but continue to keep in the fact that the average human scalp contains approximately 100,000 hair follicles.

Thus, the even though the amount may seem high, it only covers a very small portion of your head's total hair. It is fundamental to understand that daily hair loss is a normal, cyclical process, and that spotting a few fallen hairs here and there should not cause any red flags.

When i pull my hair, it falls out easily

Concerns about daily hair loss can be reduced by having a basic knowledge of the natural process of shedding and its variations. Recall that it is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day, and that aging, heredity, and health can all affect this process.

It is relevant to consult with your physician if you observe any noticeable changes in your hair shedding patterns in order to rule out any underlying problems. You can encourage general hair well-being and accept the cycle of hair growth and shedding by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking quick care of any issues.

continue >>>

[rabbitcruiser]

The Battle of Arras began with Canadian Corps executing a massive assault on Vimy Ridge on April, 9, 1917.

Vimy Ridge Day

Since 2003, Vimy Ridge Day has been observed on April 9 in Canada to honor and commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place during the First World War at Vimy Ridge, France, in 1917. The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower in Ottawa is required to be lowered to half-mast by law. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, and other locations around the country.

History of Vimy Ridge Day

The Victory of Vimy Ridge Battle was considered a historic moment in the country’s history. The victory was not easy to attain, as years of failed attempts, strategic planning, and preparation to regain Vimy Ridge were endured. The Ridge was under Germany’s control since 1914. Since then, around 150,000 British and French soldiers were sacrificed in the attempt to retake the ridge. The Germans secured their position with machine gun fires, barbed wires, and deep bunkers, making it difficult for any country to take over. Because of their remarkable achievements, Canadian troops gained a reputation as formidable and effective troops. However, the victory came at a horrific price, with over 10,000 people either murdered or wounded.

In April 1917, the Canadian Corps was given the order to seize Vimy Ridge. The heavily constructed seven-kilometer ridge in northern France provided a superb view of the Allied lines. Because earlier French attacks had failed with over 100,000 dead, the Canadians would be attacking over an open graveyard. Canadian and British artillery blasted German positions on the ridge before a week to the battle, killing and torturing defenders. With almost 1,000 artillery pieces putting down withering, supporting fire, the Canadian soldiers would be strongly backed when they went into the fight.

The four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought bravely together for the first time during the Vimy Ridge Battle. Around 15,000 soldiers initiated the battle at 5:30 a.m. on April 9, 1917, marching under a slow-moving bombardment of almost 1000 heavy guns. Most objectives were met on time, and by afternoon, most of the ridge had been taken, except for ‘The Pimple’, a high position on the ridge’s north end, where defenders held out until April 12. By the 12th of April, the Canadians had captured all of their objectives as well as 4,000 prisoners. Vimy Ridge was captured by the Canadians. During the four-day combat, 3,598 Canadians died and 7,000 were injured, making this victory a costly one.

Vimy Ridge Day timeline

1914 German Capture

The Germans gain control of Vimy Ridge at the beginning of World War I.

1917 The First Attack

The Battle of Vimy Ridge begins in the early morning at 5:30 a.m on April 9.

1917 The End of the Battle

The Battle of Vimy Ridge comes to an end on April 12 with a victory for the Canadian Corps.

1918 Canada’s Last Battle in World War I

The Canadian Corps defeats the last German defensive lines with the Vimy tactics on November 1.

Vimy Ridge Day FAQs

What did the Battle of Vimy Ridge reveal?

The triumph of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge revealed that no position was unconquerable to a well-planned and executed attack. This victory had a significant impact on allied planning.

How many lives were lost at Vimy Ridge?

The enormous victory came at a high cost of 3,598 Canadian lives and approximately 7,000 wounded Canadian soldiers.

Does Canada own Vimy Ridge?

Even though the ridge is located in France, it has belonged to Canada as a Canadian National historic site since 1997.

How to Observe Vimy Ridge Day

Wear a Vimy pin

Share your story

Lay wreaths

Canadian people commemorate this day by wearing Vimy pins. The Vimy pin should be worn on the left-hand side of the lapel buttonhole position.

On this commemoration day, we could share our knowledge and stories we heard about the battle and stories with others. Take this opportunity and spread your knowledge about the battle!

The Late Soldiers can be honored by wreath-laying ceremonies. Community members, Veterans, and the public lay wreaths at the National War Memorial to pay their respects.

5 Amazing Facts About The Battle Of Vimy Ridge

Land for memorial

Dream memorial

The great endeavor

A historic site

Standing tall on the hill

The French government awarded the people of Canada perpetual use of the land for the battlefield park that houses the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in 1922.

Walter Seymour Allward, a Canadian artist and architect, constructed the Vimy memorial — he once told a group of friends that the design's form came to him in a dream.

On July 26, 1936, it was dedicated by King Edward VIII, in the presence of President Albert Lebrun of France and 50,000 or more Canadian and French soldiers and their families, after an eleven-year construction period costing $1.5 million.

Sheila Copps, then Minister of Canadian Heritage, recognized the Canadian National Vimy Memorial as a Canadian National Historic Site on April 10, 1997.

The National Vimy Memorial overlooks the 1917 battlefield in Canada and is located on Hill 145.

Why Vimy Ridge Day is Important

It honors bravery

The winning tactics

It celebrates unity

Although many lives were lost in the battle, it still stands as an important historic moment in the history of Canadian Bravery. It is celebrated as a remembrance of the bravery of the soldiers.

The Canadian Corps went through a lot of training before the battle. The tactics framed by the corps were so clever that they helped win other battles also.

All four Canadian corps fought together in this battle as an alias of the British to regain Vimy Ridge. This celebrates unity!

Source

[bryandeam-blog]

Flag on the play!

I wish, just like there is a yellow flag thrown in football, for unnecessary roughness, you could throw one for unnecessary 'jerkness.'

I had a very unpleasant phone call earlier with an editor from a newspaper i was hoping to get permission from for work. That being said, i was angry with myself for not snapping back at her, and inquiring as to why it took her so long to just tell me 'no.'

But in the end, i feel much better, and am somewhat thankful, because she actually proved to be inspiring. And i didn't return her negative favor by stooping to her level.

Often, when we feel slighted or mistreated by a business, a letter of complaint is in order. As i started to draft one, purely for my own ventilation and not for actual sending, i quickly realized i was being too kind and professional in something that would never be seen by the paper. So i went back with my red pen, made some edits, and ended up with this:

Dear ***** ****** ******, I write this letter out of concern for the safety of you and your editorial staff. I have reason to believe that an evil Gremlin, possibly from an underground cavern that recently opened due to a flux in seismic activity, has infiltrated your pressroom. Over a month ago I submitted a request for reprint permission, to which I received no voluntary response. After a series of follow up’s, including several timely calls and 2 emails outlining the request, I actually made contact with what appears to be said Gremlin. You may wonder what reason I have to believe that I was speaking with an evil Gremlin, and not a human member of your staff, but I can assure you I have ample evidence. The first piece of which, is the sheer fact I find it hard to believe you would staff your organization with such a rude, and negative individual who lacks so much professionalism. I was also ignored for over 4 weeks (the approximate gestation period for several Gremlin species above ground, with the exception of the Maguai, which can transform into a Gremlin in less than 12 hours after eating past midnight). The Gremlin also denied me permission for reprinting the article I had requested, based on the fact it would be “commercial use.” The fact that such a vague reason for denial was used in conversation, but specified nowhere on your website, made me suspicious. It then made me question whether the individual using it, had proper knowledge of it’s definition. (Poor vocabulary and grammar are two tell-tale characteristics of Gremlins... Since there aren’t many dictionaries underground, and there’s almost no light to actually read them) My inquisition led to this definition from Merriam Webster: Commercial: a (1) : occupied with or engaged in commerce or work intended for commerce <a commercial artist> (2) : of or relating to commerce  <commercial regulations> (3)   : characteristic of commerce  <commercial weights> (4): suitable, adequate, or prepared for commerce <found oil in commercial quantities>  b (1): being of an average or inferior quality <commercial oxalic acid> <show-quality versus commercial cattle> (2) : producing artistic work of low standards for quick market success 2a: viewed with regard to profit <a commercial success>  b: designed for a large market (3): emphasizing skills and subjects useful in (4): supported by advertisers <commercial TV> The reprint was not going to be used in an advertisement (so 4’s out) and it wasn’t going to be sold (which almost knocks out all of the other uses of the word) and then it hit me: Isn’t every business, including your own, technically commercial? I mean, what business or operation isn’t? They all make money some how. That’s the point! By now, I KNEW you had a serious problem on your hands. Gremlins can be tricky creatures, but there are a few ways you can rid yourself of this nuisance, before it does too much damage to your paper, and/or your image. First, you should find where ******** ******* sits, (as this is who I was trying to make contact with when I encountered the Gremlin) and torch her entire cube. Douse it in gasoline, and just let that mother burn. It’s the only way to ensure any Gremlin eggs it may have stored in the drawers and file folders will be destroyed and keep from hatching. (Chances are she won’t be in it, since Gremlins have an insatiable thirst for Birch beer, and she will need to go guzzle some in the bathroom every 8 minutes or so). Then, ‘fire her.’ Gremlins HATE fire. They hate the actual flames and heat of a real fire, and they even hate the word. In the event that you are scared that my conclusions are far fetched, or possibly incorrect, fear not, for I look at this as a win win either way: If ******** WAS replaced by an evil Gremlin, then you are nipping this problem in the bud now, and can live hakuna matata throughout the rest of your business. If she WASN’T replaced by a Gremlin, then she should be fired anyways, cause she’s a short, patience-lacking BIATCH with no rapport for customer service, and a serious lack of professionalism you shouldn't want to be associated with anyways. Please find this letter as a useful tip, in either outcome. Thanks, and good luck with that Gremlin. -Anonymous

[ghosted-jazz]

Dream SMP doodles to close off pride month 2021

[ouroborosmoons]

Update on Grayzone’s Jeremy Loffredo

And testimony from journalist Audrey X:

I was illegally detained by the Israeli Army with four other journalists. Here's what happened:

On October 8th 2024, at approximately 01:00 PM, a car with five journalists (an American journalist, a Palestinian journalist, a Russian-Israeli journalist, a Canadian-Israeli videographer, and an Israeli photographer) was stopped at a checkpoint in the northern West Bank. The checkpoint separates Areas C and B, all the journalists are allowed to be on both sides by Israeli occupation law. They were held for an hour and a half in their car, while the IOF collected their documents. The IOF searched the car, going through personal items. The photographer later discovered that her underwear was removed from her bag, placed on top of their belongings.

The soldiers then illegally requested that the journalists hand in their phones, and when they refused, the soldiers pointed a gun at one of the journalists, hit him with their hands and the barrel of a gun, then dragged him out of the car and slammed him onto the concrete. When lying on the ground, they pointed 2 guns at his head. The rest of the journalists exited the car and the military raided it, confiscating phones, cameras, and personal items.

The journalists were told to sit in the sun, in 35°C heat on the side of the road. After an hour, the Palestinian journalist began to feel faint and requested an ambulance be ordered. The soldiers refused and didn’t let anyone move to the shade, shouting insults and Israeli nationalist slogans. After two hours, the soldiers handcuffed and blindfolded the journalists. The Israeli photographer had a panic attack and started throwing up, and after stating she was Israeli, was allowed to remain without a blindfold. The Palestinian journalist was left in the sun for two more hours, then he was released. In the meantime, the other four journalists were stacked on top of each other into a military jeep, and taken to a military base. There they were held blindfolded and handcuffed on the floor for two hours, while being insulted and interrogated by the soldiers. The soldiers told the female Israeli photographer that she should have been raped by Hamas.

At approximately 04.00 PM the IOF passed the illegally detained journalists to the police, who took them to the police station. The two male journalists remained blindfolded until arriving at the Maale Adumim Shai Police Station in an illegal Israeli settlement 1 hour later. At the station, the journalists were forced to be photographed in front of an Israeli flag with a nationalist slogan on it, while the officers were insulting them. A journalist was threatened with physical violence for smiling.

The journalists were interrogated in regards to their political affiliation and work, refused the right to see a lawyer, denied food and water until many repeated requests (the two male journalists were denied food completely). The two female journalists were released without charges at 11:00 PM. The Russian-Israeli journalist was released at midnight. The American journalist was held for three days and was released Friday, October 11th. The army confiscated two phones and one camera that they have yet to return.

This marks a precedent for IOF treatment of Israelis and internationals, but this is the standard procedure for kidnapping Palestinians across the West Bank.

The Grayzone's Jeremy Loffredo visits highly sensitive Israeli military and intelligence sites hit by Iranian missiles, from the Nevatim Airbase in the Negev to the Mossad HQ in Tel Aviv, and documents the state's attempts to cover up the damage it suffered. Loffredo also encounters non-Jewish citizens of Israel denied bomb shelter access, and clear evidence that Israel's own citizens have been transformed into human shields.

Israeli occupation forces have kidnapped journalist Jeremy Loffredo right after he put out this report on Iranian missiles on israel. Watch it and share.

Jeremy Loffredo is still unlawfully held by the occupation at the time of posting.

[charlataninred]

Forgetmenauts Intro Post

Heya y’all! Since there have been a few posts/asks about the Forgetmenauts, I figured I’d make a introductory masterpost! If you think anything should be added, just lmk (ask, dm, in the replies, whatever ur comfortable with). All helpful links are attached to the end of the post <3

Created: 12/1/22

Last Edited: 1/2/2025

FAQ

Is there a right way to start listening? Nope! You can jump in anywhere and anyway you want. If you really want advice on where to start, the general consensus seems to be a) listen to Gay Werewolf Murder Ballad or The Marriage of Bigfoot and Mothman first to get the vibes, then listen to the songs in album order, or b) go straight to listening to the songs in order. The main reason this is recommended is because some songs are explicitly connected to each other, so listening to them out of order first may be a bit confusing. Still, if that isn’t your speed, let me reiterate that there is no wrong way to listen.

Why are we called the Coven? Back in September 2022, the fmns found our little fandom here on Tumblr. In the notes of this post, mountaingnomes (one of the fmns) called us a “tiny coven” and the name stuck! I’ll link some other posts from that very eventful day bc it was quite a fun time.

Miscellaneous Info

They have a YouTube channel (linked below)! There are a LOT of gems there, including live recordings of songs, some recorded shows (Musical D&D is a fun one), and two music videos: one for Dancing Plague, one for Summer King. Highly recommend checking it out.

Also on YouTube but on a different channel is a radio show done on KXSF! This is where the songs Cottonwood and Rusulka & the Shepherd Girl where first introduced (to the Coven, at least). There's also a lil Coven shoutout there :3

They have a segment in volume 3 of the queer horror zine The Quiet Ones. It starts on page 47, but I highly recommend reading the short stories and poems before and after! There’s also a mini interview with each member that includes their pronouns <3

The fmns have an insta where they post announcements/updates. If you have insta, go follow and support them!

Helpful Links

FMNs Youtube

KXSF Show (Cottonwood at 0:00, Rusalka at 27:00, our shoutout at 37:50)

FMNs Insta

FMNs BandCamp

FMNs Genius Page

The Quiet Ones [Vol 3]

Approximate Coven/FMNs Timeline (done by the lovely Rio)

Fan creations!

I’m not above plugging my mutuals’ or my own work, so here’s some fanworks for your enjoyment

Atlas’ skull embroidery

Casper’s Rusalka facts

Kitt’s short story

Mina’s fabulous Fox fanart

Mina’s Guide to Listening

Marlene’s Rusalka embroidery

Marlene’s skull embroidery

Orangezinnia's Cottonwood Cover

Rua’s choreography

Rio’s audio crimes (34 seconds of the word “run”)

Rio’s audio crimes (the entire fmns discography in 2 minutes)

Rio’s (confirmed!) Hawker theory

Rio’s vampire quiz (audio on!)

Aegis’ color picked pride flags

Aegis’ trans interpretation of CiR

Aegis’ skull embroidery

The Coven Compels You (to listen to the fmns)

The Day the FMNs Found us

Breaking News

Coven origins

[queersilcozine]

LINK DIRECTLY TO THE APPLICATION FORM

LINK TO OUR LINK-TREE

[Image ID: a set of 2 images, all with a black background and golden art deco graphics in the four corners. The first one features an altered screenshot from Arcane - Silco sitting in his office with his profile to the camera. Behind him is the large circular window. An inclusive LGBTQ flag is superimposed behind the window and colourful rays of the rainbow spread over the image in low opacity. Golden text in an art deco font reads: APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN. The rest of the images feature white art deco font text that read the rules of the Zine. The full text can be found below. The last image features the SILCO QUEER ZINE logo in gold and rainbow colours and art deco font on the bottom centre. /end if ID]

FULL TEXT:

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

The moderators of the QUEER SILCO ZINE invite you to participate!

Today, our online application forms are officially open. If you'd like to partake in this project, please follow one of the links in the description below. If you need any form of assistance or additional information, DM us on Twitter, Tumblr, Discord, or Instagram.

In the description of this post are attached two links (on Instagram, the links are in the account's profile). One leads you directly to the online application form, the other to a collection of compiled information - Zine's rules and conditions (which you will need to review before joining) and their PDF version, links to our social media, and the link to the aforementioned online form. You must read and agree to the rules and fill out the application form in order to partake in the Zine.

Applications will be open from the 6th of June till the 6th of July. The creation process will span from mid-July to October, and the finished zine will be released digitally for free.

For further questions, contact us on any of our social media.

NOTES:

The form site is, unfortunately, in French. you have to click on the dark blue button with the > arrow at the bottom ("Page suivante >") to get to the next page (there are three to fill), then the purple one ("Soumettre") at the end to submit.

The form will ask you to submit an example of your work. This example doesn't have to be current, Arcane or Silco related, but it should represent you and ideally should contain some for of queer themes. This example is NOT a quality check, it only serves to help the mods get better idea of who you are and what you make.

The form will ask you to tell us what will you be creating. This doesn't have to be a full, coherent summary or a pitch, we would only like to know the approximate extend of your contribution. Your idea can change later as well, it isn't the final draft.

The Zine's Mod team will provide you with a list of voluntary Prompts and inspiration. These can be used but aren't mandatory and serve only to help you get inspired.

[fantem1903]

All good fuckin points.

But, I will say, I have personal beef with THIS SCP IN PARTICULAR.

I said it on Twitter, and I'll say it here too: this SCP is like if AB took all of their red flags, knitted them together into a quilt, and then used that quilt to project his fetishes onto everyone else.

Before I go any further, imma warn y'all that I'll be talkin about some fucked things with this article below the cut. If the stuff above wasn't a clear enough indicator, that is.

I'll be talking about the concept, the worst part, a few gripes, and then how I'll probably go about doing a rewrite.

----

Ok so, first off:

A program that generates porn of whatever you want.

It was made (and is apparently still distributed by) the Factory for unknown reasons.

People who use this program tend to get more depraved with each usage. To quote the article:

Watching videos on SCP-1004 has a cumulative effect. The more pornography a user views, the more disturbing their sexual desires become, and the harder sexual gratification becomes. After approximately 100 straight hours of viewing pornography on SCP-1004, even the most 'normal' of viewers will display an interest in scatology play, the torture and murder of living beings, bestiality, pedophilia, and combinations of the previous. The deadening of reactivity to sexual gratification will encourage them to either seek out such things with other people, or to mutilate themselves and their genitalia. It should be noted that SCP-1004 displays no compulsive properties. Users are free at any time to stop using the program. The majority of users continue to use SCP-1004 because it is the easiest way to find the desired pornography.

The implications of this are horrific, but not in the way AB wants it to be.

While not explicitly stated, "no compulsive properties" implies SCP-1004 only has one anomalous property: to generate porn from nowhere. The gradual depravity is implied to be something innate in all people as a result of being saturated with whatever porn you want.

I could agree that a chunk of people could use this and become more adventurous as a result, maybe they discover new fetishes that they didn't know they had or something. But this isn't that.

This article takes a stance, and says that everyone is/will be innately into four things (scat, violence, bestiality, and pedophilia), and they just need to be exposed to more porn in order to do so.

At """"best"""", it's saying that porn is a corruptor. That too much will make you a shit-eating, murderous, dog fucking pedo.

At worst, it claims that everyone, deep down, already has these traits. Everyone is already a shit-eating, murderous, dog fucking pedo. I'm Inclined to believe this was the intended takeaway because AB was openly promiscuous, and borderline proud of their porn consumption, and that'd be a fuckin weird thing to comp to if you advocate for the former.

(Also, quick note: openly being a freak isn't a bad thing. It's the pedophilia and their projectionism)

Regardless, given what we know about the author today, I think it's pretty clear both interpretations act as a somewhat tacit admission that AB is like this.

AB experiences this, so obviously everyone else does too.

It's a projectionist cope.

And it's a shame too, because this concept... actually could be used to talk about something. But before I do, I am left with several other questions. Is it limited to porn? When using the program itself, it doesn't actually SAY anything about porn. It's called "thefactory.exe" and the prompt is "what would you like to see?" The only hint that this is for porn is the fact someone drew "Factory Porn" on the disk.

Does this have limits? If I type in "a 2 hour Highlander sequel that's faithful to the source material and is actually good", would it deliver? Would it have to arbitrarily include a sex scene somewhere to count? Why would it have that specific limit?

Also, why can you not download the videos? AB talks about it like this:

The thought has been posited that such videos could be used for the blackmailing of politicians who are antithetical to the Foundation cause. Unfortunately, at this time, all attempts to make recordings of SCP-1004 have resulted in only taped static. 

Which... I'll let that speak for itself, but it's weird thing to include. This came from an era where SCPs were largely thought of as potential springboards for other, bigger stories. Why would you include a limiter like that?

It doesn't come up again, and it serves nothing. I recall AB saying something a decade ago about "how SCPs shouldn't be too useful," and... I guess? The Foundation should not be above the conflict, but this's a really arbitrary approach since this situation was brought up solely for the purpose of shooting it down. No one would be thinking of this, if AB didn't bring it up.

Speaking of, why did the Factory release this? If you make an easily sharable, perfect infinite porn generator, then you risk shutting down the whole porn industry. The Factory is a company, right? Where's the money in this? The Factory doesn't care about its consumers, but it has to care about its profits, yeah?

It doesn't feel like intrigue, or mystery. Hell, the one thing that could have led to something that could be considered intrigue, AB decided to explicitly bar people from. It feels like a plot hole.

All of this to say: what would I do to this SCP?

First, I'd remove the whole... "becoming more demented with every use" thing. It's not how porn addiction works, and I don't want AB's projectionist shit anywhere near me.

I think there's something to be said about taking this SCP, and using it to explore porn and/or media addiction, and how constant media consumption can lead to a lack of enjoyment of those things. I think there's another angle here too, in that just mindlessly having a program generate a whole movie might be novel at first, but it's a fast way to make a stale ass movie, since there was no actual creative decision-making going into it.

I also think there could be something to explore in regards to how the Factory used this program. It'd make more sense for the Factory to use this to generate content, rather than to release the program itself. Maybe they discover that this is only good for porn, because it sucks at making anything with an actual plot.

Nothing is concrete yet, but there's my thoughts.

Thinking about rewriting Factory Porn. Wonder if I can convince staff to give me Bright’s original slot.

[mariacallous]

In the first months of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, TikTok was flooded with hashtags such as #RussiaForward or all sorts of letter Z combinations. Young bloggers praised Vladimir Putin's wisdom, expressed their admiration for Kadyrov and tried to convince their subscribers that the sanctions were ineffective. The Insider suspected that much of this content was being distributed for money and ran “background checks” on TikTokers who seemed particularly patriotic. It turned out that a video on a particular topic cost approximately 100 euros. The TikTokers themselves had little understanding of what it was they were being hired for, and for the specified price they were prepared to promote any agenda, even the most absurd one, for which The Insider promised to pay, posing as a customer on behalf of the Kremlin.

From the very beginning, Pro-Kremlin content on TikTok stood out not only because of its volume, but also because it sharply contrasted with the usual content for a generally apolitical social network - not to mention the fact that TikTok is the “youngest” social network (76 percent of the audience is under 25), and there are few sincere supporters of the authorities in this demographic. According to the NewsGuard agency, the algorithms showed fakes about Ukraine even to users who had just registered or had never been interested in the military conflict before. The service's statistics shows that in the first few months, TikToks with the hashtags #zanashih (for ours) and #mnestydno (I’m ashamed) have garnered more than 2 billion views. TikToks promoting the Wagner PMC collected another billion views.

The videos posted by blogger Yulia Pyatnikovskaya about how well Russia is doing without European food and resorts have been garnering millions of views. It is difficult to judge how many of the viewers are real people, but most of the commentators have the Russian flag on their avatars.

The blogger agreed to post a “patriotic” video for 7,000 rubles. According to Yulia, that's how much her other works with similar content cost. The only condition was that “the video should not be very harsh”.

As practice has shown, Yulia does not care what exactly she has to convey to her audience and whether there is any internal logic to it. A correspondent of The Insider suggested that Yulia post a video saying it was not the generals but pro-state bloggers like Anton Krasovsky who were to blame for the retreat of the Russian troops (the “test purchase operation” was conducted shortly after the event). The girl admitted that she didn’t really follow the events and asked for an explanation “from our government's point of view” of what exactly was happening at the front. And then she took initiative and read the articles “in one of the news feeds, which is now recognized as extremist,” and realized that the news about the withdrawal of troops “pointed people in the wrong direction.” Yulia tried to write a script but could not figure out how to blame bloggers for the army's retreat. Then she proposed a video in which she said that the Russian troops withdrew from Kyiv not because they surrendered, but to organize a humanitarian corridor.

Yulia refused to accept the full payment for the order until the restrictions on uploading content to TikTok were lifted, so the video was never published on her feed. In April, she stopped posting videos to the social network altogether.

Not everyone is willing to make politicized content. “We've already been asked. Our bloggers don't want to film such content, they are afraid of being blocked,” Yegor Charushin, producer of one of the TikTok groups, refused to post a patriotic video.

There were also those who asked for a fee several times higher than usual. For example, the manager of a blogger with one and a half million subscribers, Danil Zhandarmov, asked 40,000 rubles instead of the usual 5,000 for a politically innocuous video about the Ukrainian army being weaker than the Russian one. He blamed the content of the video for the difference in prices.

Yura Khomich, the 19-year-old owner of a small TikTok agency, turned out to be more cooperative. He was given the task of responding to a publication about Putin bathing in reindeer blood by explaining that it was normal and that other Soviet leaders had done so too. The main argument is the phrase “it is common knowledge that Stalin and Lenin bathed in blood”. The bloggers were not confused, and they agreed to put up the video for the price of several thousand rubles. Only one TtikToker refused, explaining that he “didn’t know how to present” the topic.

A few weeks later the bloggers removed the videos we had ordered from their accounts, as well as other content in support of the Russian authorities.

The Insider also experimented with even more ridiculous technical tasks. One of them was to post a video with the “sensational” idea that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “is actually Jewish” and that his real last name is Bayraktar. Several TikTokers agreed to produce such a video, such as Maryna Bespalova, who had published videos about Zelensky before. She questioned the content of the video only after completing the task.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, TikTok limited the app’s functionality for Russian users. Bloggers from Russia were banned from posting videos and live broadcasting. The Chinese company explained this by the existence of the law on fakes. Because of the bans, TikTok’s customary user feed changed. While previously the algorithms offered users videos based on their known interests (with new users being offered videos based on common interests such as kittens, makeovers and epic fails), now military and patriotic propaganda filled the screens. This was confirmed by social media researchers: if before the ban, there was approximately equal number of pro-war and antiwar videos, after the ban 93.5% of war-related content turned into propaganda. This is still the case: most Russian users' feeds are based on old videos, and they are shown content uploaded back in February or March or even earlier.

To get around the TikTok ban, bloggers started using VPNs. They used it to change the visible location by rerouting traffic through a server in another country. However, because of the social network's algorithms, these new videos could only be seen by users who were also using a VPN. “There is indeed a way to upload new videos to bypass restrictions, but it's worth remembering that you do it under a VPN, which means your videos are only seen by those users who also have it enabled,” explained Semyon Yefimov, the author of the Russian Marketing Telegram channel. Such new videos and content from other countries can sometimes be seen by users from Russia: Tracking Exposed researchers believe that the platform’s “shadow promotion” is responsible, because the social network has not officially changed its stance. According to the analysts, in order to see political content from other countries, a user usually only needs to subscribe to the relevant account. According to The Insider, TikTok algorithms rely on thematic and political trends and select relevant content even from old videos. For example, when bloggers Yulik and Dasha Kaplan, who had been popular on TikTok, announced their divorce in the summer of 2022, old videos of them were added to the feed, even though no new videos about the divorce itself could be found in the feed.

Not all bloggers have adapted to the new realities - there are 8 times fewer new videos. According to Brand Analytics, the number of authors increased in March, but then started falling rapidly down to 45,000 in September – that number had been 300,000 at the beginning of the year. However, since TikTok users mostly watch videos picked up by algorithms, the social network's audience has not declined. According to the Mediascope research, every day about a quarter of Russians over 12 spend time on TikTok. Only Facebook and Instagram, both declared extremist in Russia back in March, saw a dramatic decrease in their audience, as Russians apparently switched to Telegram and VKontakte. Some influencers from TikTok also moved to those social networks.

This is not the first time that TikTok has been flooded with political content. During the protests in Myanmar in early 2021, people in military and police uniforms posted videos that threatened protesters with death. Content from anti-vaxxers was also a problem for TikTok. Back then, the company banned the use of certain words in posts. For example, users were blocked for mentioning blood. Russian feminists talking about menstruation had to contrive new ways to spell the word, such as “krov”. TikTok had already been banning individual accounts for violating the restrictions. However, a complete ban on posting videos for all users in a certain territory was applied for the first time.