#Snakehead is in progress

[truly-sincerely]

ALEX RIDER (BOOK 1-5) TIMELINE

According to years given in Skeleton Key the books all take place in 2001. Alex Rider's birthday is February 13th, 1987.

Caveat: April 1st, 2001 was a Sunday and while it wasn't explicitly stated as being a Monday in the book, that's the day of the week that makes the most sense based on what events happened on what days. So I've based the days of the week on the 2002 Calendar year (Bonus: April 1st was also on a Monday in 2013 and 2019).

Dates marked with a tilde (~) are approximate

STORMBREAKER

March 12 - Tuesday - Alex told about Ian’s death

March 13 - Wednesday - Ian Rider's Funeral

March 14 - Thursday - Alex almost gets compacted in Ian's car

March 15 - Friday - Alex goes to "the Bank" where he gets tranq'd

March 16 - Saturday - Briefing w/ Blunt and Jones

March 17 - Sunday - Day 1 at Brecon Beacons

March 26 - Tuesday - Killing house (day 10)

March 27 - Wednesday - Big hike (day 11)

March 28 - Thursday - Parachute, gadgets, Yassen briefing (day 12)

March 29 - Friday - Arrives at Sayle Enterprises

March 30 - Saturday - Plays with Stormbreaker

March 31 - Sunday - Yassen arrives 2am, daytime quad bike attack (claustrophobia)

April 1 - Monday - Ceremony at the science museum of london

April 2 - Tuesday - Sayle Yassassinated

POINT BLANK

April 3 - Wednesday - Alex is back at school

April 5 - Friday - Alex commits crane crimes (dissociative episode)

April 6 - Saturday - Point Blanc briefing

April 9 - Tuesday - Fiona Friend plays the most dangerous game

April 10 - Wednesday - Horse vs train (claustrophobia)

April 13 - Saturday - Meets Mrs Stellenbosch, hotel in paris

April 14 - Sunday - Arrives at Point Blanc

~April 22nd - Monday - Hits the panic button

~April 23rd - Tuesday - Captured and monologued

~April 24th - Wednesday - Alex’s 2am escape and funeral

~April 25th - Thursday - SAS raids Point Blanc

May 1 - Wednesday - Alex and Julius death match

SKELETON KEY

Note: There are major timeline problems internal to this book that have repercussions on Scorpia's timeline. This is the only way I could make it make sense with Wimbledon.

May 7 - Tuesday - Summer Term starts

May 24th - Friday - Crawley approaches Alex about Wimbledon

May 27th - Monday - Alex starts training to be a ball boy

June 24th - Monday - Wimbledon Tennis Tournament begins

~June 1st - Monday - Fights the Big Circle gangster

July 13th - Saturday - Arrived in Cornwall for vacation

July 17th - Wednesday - Jet ski attack

July 22nd - Monday - Packed off to Miami

July 23rd - Tuesday - Mayfair Lady explodes

July 24th - Wednesday - Arrived on Cayo Esqueleto

July 25th - Thursday - Scuba diving, shark racism, sugar crusher

July 26th - Friday - Sarov tells Alex about Vladimir

July 27th - Saturday - The Russian president arrives (claustrophobia)

July 28th - Sunday - Refueling stop in Edinburgh, Murmansk

August 2nd - Friday - Jones and Blunt meet to debrief

August 3rd - Saturday - Sabina invites Alex to the South of France

EAGLE STRIKE

August 10th - Saturday - Bomb at the rental (panic attack), bullfight

August 11th - Sunday - Back in London, blows it with Sabina

August 12th - Monday - Gameslayer launch party

August 13th - Tuesday - Meeting Marc Antonio in Paris

August 14th - Wednesday - Spying on Cray in Sloterdijk (claustrophobia)

August 15th - Thursday - Sabina kidnapped by Cray

August 16th - Friday - Cray’s ransom demand

August 17th - Saturday - Eagle Strike

SCORPIA

September 7th - Friday - Alex arrives in Venice

September 9th - Monday - Masquerade at the Widow’s Palace (claustrophobia)

September 10th - Tuesday - School trip leaves Venice without Alex

September 11th - Wednesday - Consanto blows up, dinner with the Widow

September 12th - Thursday - Malagosto

September 24th - Tuesday - Told he’s being sent back to England (suicidal ideation)

September 25th - Wednesday - Football team dies at Heathrow, Alex doesn’t kill Mrs Jones

September 26th - Thursday - Alex attends COBRA, sent back to Scorpia

September 27th - Friday - Invisible Sword

October 5th - Saturday - Alex debriefs, learns about his dad, and gets shot

TV Show Timelines: Season 1 and Season 3 and John & Ian Rider.

Complete Yassassination Count (for both TV and books)

Post where I talk about my methodology

[peccatulum-b-gone]

The Growling Shadow. The awoo-some report

I´ve made up my mind. No dilly-dally, I´ll just say what happened as it did.

Myself, along with help from @7association-was-here, namely Faust and Heathcliff, have tracked down the Shi Association Fixer, Seiko. It quickly becam obvious that a distortion did indeed progress fully, as human footprints turned animal. However, there were two sets of footprints. This was outlined in an earlier check-in post, further events are under the cut.

The three of us have discovered a lair of sorts, made of umbrellas. As I have come across the same setting, I knew that the Heathcliff identity from K corp was also involved. To what extend was not obvious. Being both canine in their distorted forms and living under one roof for a while, it wasn´t totally unlikely that the two found some sort of kinship.

As we approached the cave, only to find it empty, we were ambushed. Not by Seiko or the Foxcliff, no. The five kids from L Corp had decided to join us. Unfortunately, in no time so did the two distortions. There was no time to waste and certainly even less time to get kids away from the scene. In the tense moment I stepped between the kids and the distortions, Beryl did what nobody, not even Faust in her vast knowledge, could see coming.

Beryl stepped towards Foxcliff, unafraid as only a clueless child could be. She patted the snout of the distorted Foxcliff. The dark shadowy dog next to him (Seiko, as it turned out) snarled and tried to lunge but got only mouthful of umbrellas that jutted out of Foxcliff´s back. In this distraction, Onyx pulled Beryl back.

The distortions growled and circled one another, but the fight never came. As if they were having a conversation none of us were privy to, the two of them settled down, their forms reverting to their usual selves. Many words were spoken as to how they managed to calm one another down, but in the end, nobody who was there has a clear answer.

END OF REPORT

Signed, ■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■, more widely known as SnakeHead

ERROR: Insufficient Disclosure Privileges. This information was hidden from you by the Hana Association

[dieci-association]

I am currently in pursuit of the 'muncher'. It seems that their appetite cannot be quelled by objects nor flesh, more people (and objects) than just your fixer were attacked since.

This erratic behaviour corresponds to the voracious appetite of a certain peccatulum species. Given the origin of those things, this could be a case of in-progress transformation that has not yet affected physical form. Such thing was not previously observed, but it does not rule it out.

I will be in touch.

~SnakeHead~

Oh, jeez, that sucks. Thanks for that info, though... Haah, what an interesting case this is turning out to be~

Peccatulum, hm? That is quite strange. Trying to gobble down anything to sate an unquenchable appetite... Sounds like a quite horrible way of living, but describes the muncher perfectly, in my opinion.

I wish you luck in catching them, SnakeHead. If you need any help, you know where to find us, blahblah.

[controlleralt-jag0137]

Looking at 16 Games - 4 Board Games

Snakes & Ladders

For snakes and ladders, the goal and actions to achieve it involves progressing forwards on the board on a turn-based system to reach the end/highest tile on the board first, you progress this by rolling a 6 sided dice and moving the amount displayed on the dice, if you land on a snakehead you must follow it down to it's tail and move yourself down, if you reach the bottom of a ladder you must follow it up and move yourself up. The reward of this is the social aspect/fun of beating another person in the game, i'd say the ladders also count as a good mental reward when landed on, this game is fully based on chance as the whole aspect revolves around a dice and can invoke feelings of excitement when reaching a ladder & stress when having to go down snakes. The game itself is incredibly accessible as the premise involves moving a small peg on a board, something that could be done by many as you don't need to have incredible accuracy moving squares like coconut shy or balloon dart throw. Although, with the majority of classic-board games it's not the greatest for the visually impaired, one way I feel this could be remedied is by making the grid more tactile as there's already the sensory input of having a physical piece to hold.

Battleship

The goal & steps for Battleship is for two players to strategically place ships on their own board which the other cannot see, and then attempt to call out co-ordinates to sink the other player's ships, the game ends once all ships have been sunk on one side. I think the main reward in this game is the mental satisfaction from sinking another player's ship, for a lot of these games, it also involves the rewarding feeling of beating the other player, as humans have a competitive nature. Battleship is a mix between skill-based & chance where the player will have to fire shots in the dark to hit a ship, but once a ship is hit once the player may be able to methodically figure out where the other segments of the ship are, this can make the player feel disappointment when their ship is sunk, eagerness after an enemy ship is sunk and anticipation in light of what the other player will choose next. The game is much more accessible than snakes & ladders due to having tactile feedback of moving the pegs, visually impaired people can play although I do feel it could be improved with braille above the numbers and letters purely so they can figure out the co-ordinates more effectively.

Naughts & Crosses

Naughts & Crosses a.k.a Tic Tac Toe is a very simple game, the premise is to get three of your symbols in a row on a usually 3x3 grid to win, the actions you must take to get to this objective is in a turn based system place your symbols strategically blocking the other player from getting three in a row when needed, this game is fully skill based as mentioned earlier with the word "strategically" as it relies on player input to block and plan out an inescapable three in a row. This game's reward comes in the form of winning over the other player and can induce emotions like triumph into the player after winning. The game itself is accessible even for people that can't physically write with a pen, due to the game having many methods of playing, for example, the game can be played digitally, or the player may call out where they wish to place their symbol vocally.

Chess

Chess is a turn/strategy-based competitive board game which involves using various pieces which have limited movement capabilities to take the other's king piece, this is achieved through taking various pieces and setting up a situation called "checkmate" in where no matter which direction the king piece moved it can be taken by another piece on the next turn. The reward of this game is the same as all the other social-based board games, which is winning over the other player, I feel this reward specifically is a great way of keeping player engagement in games due to the pride it can induce into the player, it can also just as well be a deterrent, due to the disappointment it can make the loser feel. The game is incredibly skill-based, having championships with world-class players as you need to be incredibly methodical with how you set up a check-mate. The game is remarkably accessible for people of various disabilities, even for young learners or elderly people, chess is suitable for all ages.

[skretting2024]

Maximizing Snakehead Production: A Guide to Pond Preparation and Management

Snakehead cultivation has gained popularity among fish farmers due to its high market value and relatively easy production process. Proper pond preparation and management are crucial for achieving optimal growth rates and maximizing yields. This comprehensive guide outlines essential steps and best practices for successful snakehead farming, incorporating Skretting's innovative aquaculture solutions and specialized snakehead fish feed.

1. Pond Selection and Preparation Choosing the right pond is the first step towards successful snakehead cultivation. Ideal ponds should have the following:

A water depth of 1.5 to 2 meters A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5) Good water retention capacity Before stocking, thoroughly clean the pond and remove any predators or unwanted fish. Apply agricultural lime to adjust soil pH and increase alkalinity. Skretting's Pond Optima, a specialized pond preparation product, can be used to enhance water quality and create an optimal environment for snakehead growth.

2. Water Quality Management Maintaining water quality is important to snakehead health and growth. The main parameters to be controlled are:

Dissolved oxygen: 5-7 ppm Temperature: 25-32°C Ammonia: <0.05 ppm Nitrite: <0.1 ppm Waterproofing and proper ventilation are important. Skretting's AquaSim water management system helps growers maintain optimal conditions throughout the growing season.

3. Stocking Density:

Appropriate stocking density depends on pond size and management capacity. For semi-intensive systems, a density of 5 to 10 bricks per square meter is recommended. To reduce cannibalism, divide the fry evenly.

Adequate feeding is important for eel growth and health. Skretting offers a wide range of high-quality feeds suitable for different plant sectors. Feed 2-3 times a day, and adjust the amount according to the size and needs of the fish. Monitor feeding behavior and adjust accordingly to reduce wastage and maximize growth.

4. Disease prevention and control:

Implementing biosecurity measures is essential to prevent disease outbreaks. Key steps include: Pruning new stock prior to introduction. Regular health checks. Proper disposal of dead fish. ​​Reducing stress through good water management. Adding AquaCare probiotic supplement from Skretting to their diet will help the eels resist. It can strengthen your immune system and improve your immunity.

5. Predator Control:

Protect your herd of dangerous snakeheads from predators like birds and ostriches. Place a net or fence around the pond. You can prevent bird predators by applying Skretting's Pond Shield, a non-toxic algae repellent, to the surface of your pond.

6. Monitoring growth:

It is important to sample and weigh fish to monitor growth rates and adjust feeding methods. Skretting's AquaManager software helps growers record and analyze plant data to make decisions about optimal performance.

7. Harvest:

The snake reaches marketable size (500 to 800 grams) in 6 to 8 months. Partial harvesting can satisfy market demand and allow the remaining fish to grow. Skretting can be eaten before harvest to improve the quality and flavor of the meat in the last few weeks before harvest.

8. Post-harvest Pond Management:

Pond management is important to maintain the product long after harvest. Let the pond dry completely. Removes accumulated organic matter.Repair the pond structures in the following cases: necessary: Apply lime to decalcify the bottom of the pond. Skretting pond resurrection can be used to speed up the decomposition of organic matter and prepare the pond for the next production cycle. Record keeping- Keep detailed records of water quality parameters, feed rate, development rate, and yield. This data is vital for progressing future production cycles and distinguishing zones for optimization.

Conclusion:

Effective snakehead cultivating requires consideration of lake planning, water quality control, feeding, and disease anticipation. By taking after these rules and joining Skretting's specialized aquaculture products, agriculturists can maximize snakehead generation and ensure healthy fish and great yields. Standard observing, appropriate record keeping, and adherence to great practices will lead to maintainable snakehead cultivating.

[danny-chai]

ART PROGRESS:

greyscale drawing improvement from October 2023 to April 2024 (6 month difference)

while the first drawing is in graphite and the second is with alcohol markers, they are both in greyscale and focus on fantasy subjects. i have more confidence to draw backgrounds in general, and more creative inspiration: the first is based on a stock photo of a person holding a skull, and the second is based on various creatures and scenery from the video game Bloodborne. i pieced it together using my own imagination, only using reference for the actual design of the snakeheads

as for the shading, i have a better understanding of depth, lighting direction, composition (especially background / midground / foreground), scale, and lineart. i took more time and added tons of details and textures, making the piece feel more realistic and natural

[nikoldragonne12]

Work In Progress (WIP) - Magical Animals from Midnight’s Pack (my own fantasy universe)

I know I promised at least the sketches of the protagonists but I have to remake some aspects of them, so in the meanwhile, I would like to show you sketches of magical animals from the upcomming info posts.

There are the best-known magical animals you can meet in the world of Midnight's Pack.

Also, about the mermaid-like creature, they're considered magical animals, as they’re more close to fish than merpeople, especially in terms of physical build, behavior, etc. This doesn't mean they're used for meat, they're not because 1) both the magical species and humans see the human-like traits and feel it would be like canibalism, which is a bad thing and 2) this creature is a very rare one, meaning they're protected by law (similarly how normal rare animals are).

Lastly, I'll reveal the names of these creatures:

Fluffie, Mischievous Amanitia, Silent Cyprin, Kicking Ostrich, Gossipy Parrot, Sneaky Vaingus, Abominable Giftooth, Snakehead Stinker, Book Worm, Tetraus Oblivious, Patient Delphinapteria, Gyps Bloodbeaker, Great-eared Troll and Susunie Goldihair.

You can try to guess which one is which :-)

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2022! 

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

___

7. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one was another one of the darker books in this series. The more I read of this series, the more I'm convinced this isn't actually a middle grade series. I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the themes in this one (particularly where Alex dressed up as an Afghan refugee for a mission), but it really showcased the time when this book was published. There's a particular scene near the end that really grossed me out, but I won't say what because it's a spoiler. This poor kid. These government figures really mess around with him and play these mind games with him and THEY DON'T EVEN PAY HIM. I also think that this one had some good commentary happening surrounding government and some other issues in relation with the government. This one was an exciting read and there were some seriously dark bits that made this even harder to put down.

___

8. Sweat & Soap Vol. 9 by Kintetsu Yamada--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay, this one hit hard. I teared up while reading this because this poor woman, but I do love that this helps build on their communication and understanding that they can both lean on each other. Having been bullied for a good chunk of my adolescence, I can relate with the MC. It's rough when you're trying to live your adult life and you come across one of your tormentors and find that they haven't changed at all. I had that happen a few years ago and it really brought back all of these memories that I wish had stayed in the past. Of the whole series, this volume got to me the most. I'm so happy these two have each other and that they continue to grow together. This also means I'm really close to the end of the series and it's a little bittersweet.

___

9. Sweat & Soap Vol. 10 by Kintetsu Yamada--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I remember starting this and being sad because the end was so near. The only thing I was sad about with this volume was how simple the proposal was! It's hard to review the tenth volume in a series that has been mostly five stars because it's so easy to spoil things. But at the same time, this is one of those stories that follows a natural (societally expected) progression. This volume is also coming off that emotionally wrought volume where the MC was forced to come to terms with her long-held insecurities and anxieties caused by her childhood bullies. This volume just showcased how much this couple loves each other and how much they're willing to overcome to be together and be their best selves with each other. I'm writing this review late, so by now I'm already read the final (sobbbbbb) volume in this sweet and weird series. Will go review that volume next!

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10. Sweat & Soap Vol. 11 by Kintetsu Yamada--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The end is here! I'm both sad and so happy for these characters. They went through so much to be together and faced so many internal fears and hurt to be together and grow together. Although the relationship was very quickly paced, we saw massive growth and we experienced a bunch of emotions. While not perfect (I think I'd give this series a solid four stars overall), I really enjoyed these characters. I loved their moments of vulnerability, but I also loved seeing them growing more at ease with each other. The little instances of comfort between them (like Kotaro putting his arm around Asako while he's on the floor and she's sitting in the chair, or them just knowing when something is up with the other) made me want to ugly cry into the pages of this series. I did enjoy seeing what a wedding in Japan might look like and the process of getting it all set up. I also liked seeing the wrapping up of various storylines that were briefly introduced on the side. I do wish Asako got to face her childhood bully again, but that's just my vindictive side. Also, that epilogue!!!! I'd recommend this manga series to anyone who wants a sweet and perhaps weird slice of life short romance. This would also be a great manga to binge during summer break!

___

11. Crocodile Tears by Anthony Horowitz--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I swear, this poor child. He just wanted to go to a New Years Eve party in Scotland, and he's almost killed. He just wanted to go on a field trip with his science class and he's almost killed. Alex lives the roughest life and then just to add salt to the wound, people refuse to believe him because he's only fourteen. I think he's also incredibly lucky in that he always escapes somehow AND is better than so many of the adult agents who have died doing the same missions he finishes. I'm so invested in this series and for what, for some government official to say that because he's a kid, he's not worth their time? Pft. Please. Alex deserves better. Anyway, onto the next book at some point this week LOL.

___

12. Living-Room Matsunaga-San Vol. 6 by Keiko Iwashita--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It took me some time to get used to the age gap again. It’s just a bit wild for me—even though I love age gap romances. I do love the little love triangle that’s about to start, which is interesting because I normally hate love triangles. This series is challenging my likes and dislikes LOL

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Have you read any of these books? Would you recommend them?

___

Happy reading!

[thewritewolf]

Multiple Second Chances Chapter 16: Rejected Heroes

Multimouse is feeling frustrated, but Aspik is there to cheer her up.

@adrinetteapril

Enjoy!

First Chapter | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Read on Ao3

Multimouse sat alone on a rooftop, waiting for her partner to show up so they could start patrol.

It had been another day of struggling to decode the secrets of the Guardian texts she had been left. She had managed some translations and attempted a couple cures, but nothing seemed to be working as well as she would have liked. About all she could say for sure is what had caused the sickness in the first place - an imbalance of positive and negative energy.

Sure, both of them needed a little of each other’s power to truly prosper, but being blasted with their opposing energy was messing up their own energy. Based on what she had read of previous times this had happened, she was just glad that it hadn’t impacted her Ladybug Cure. Especially since she’d had to use it a few times already.

At least she was making some progress. What else could she do besides keep trying? Her heart sank as she considered all the time she’d already put into this. How much longer could it possibly take to figure this out? It hadn’t looked all that hard when Master Fu healed Tikki the last time, even if that had been a lot less serious of a sickness!

“Cheddar on the mind, little mouse?”

She jolted, only to relax when Aspik sat down next to her. She smacked his arm. “You really are a sneaky snake. Do you wait around corners and jump out at people when they close their lockers too?” She raised an eyebrow, knowing full well that yes he does do exactly that.

“Maybe, maybe not.” He bumped shoulders with her. “But you didn’t answer my question. What’s got you frowning, M?”

“I just…” She trailed off, knowing she couldn’t exactly say what was really on her mind. Sighing, she hugged her knees. “I guess I’m just struggling under the pressure, is all.”

Aspik nodded. “I get that. Ladybug casts a pretty tall shadow.” She was about to say that he was more the one replacing Ladybug than her, given how the last akuma battle went, but he continued before she could. “While you only got the one chance to be Multimouse last time, you did amazingly. I’m honestly really surprised you hadn’t gotten your… second chance before all this.” She giggled at his pun.

“Thanks, Aspik,” Multimouse said with a blush. “You’re not a half bad fill in for Chat Noir yourself.” She sighed and looked up at the inky blackness of the Parisian night sky. “Did you ever miss being Aspik?”

There was a long pause before he replied. “Sometimes, yeah. I love the freedom that comes with the suits, but…” He ran his thumb over the snakehead of his miraculous, which counted down the seconds while his power was active. “...but sometimes the responsibility is a little too scary for me,” he finished.

For a few minutes, they just sat together and looked at the sky. Then Aspik laughed.

“What?”

“Maybe we should start a rejected heroes club,” Aspik said. “All the people who can’t do the heroics anymore for whatever reason.”

“Then we’d have to invite Chloe.”

“And if we didn’t invite her?”

“Then we’d have to reveal our identities to each other.”

“Would that be so bad?” Aspik was looking at her now, searchingly. There was no clue what he was thinking.

“...Maybe not. But,” she said, standing up, “it won’t be soon. We’ve still got a city to protect for now. We’re not rejected heroes yet!”

She leapt off the building and heard Aspik follow after her.

[fmhiphop]

JJ Lin And Anderson .Paak's New Collaboration "In The Joy" Is Featured In East West Bank's Upcoming Documentary "The Bridge"

Get ready to witness an epic collaboration between Mandopop sensation JJ Lin and Afro-Korean musician Anderson .Paak! These two musical prodigies have teamed up for the first time to produce a sensational song, "In The Joy," for the upcoming East West Bank documentary film “The Bridge.” This powerful track celebrates life's joys, promotes unity, and fosters understanding. What better way to kick off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May? East West Bank's Role In Empowering The Asian-Pacific American Community Step right up and get ready to be transported on a cinematic journey unlike any other! Evan Jackson Leong, the brilliant director behind "The Bridge," takes you on a captivating exploration of the Asian-Pacific American Community's rich history spanning five decades. This extraordinary documentary shines a light on the pivotal role of East West Bank, empowering countless generations of APA businesses and visionaries. Prepare to have your mind blown as you witness a thought-provoking perspective on the Asian American experience, conveyed through the unique lens of a bank founded in 1973 to serve this community. "The Bridge" is more than just a film; it's a tribute to the triumphs and struggles of an entire generation, a testament to the indomitable human spirit that continues to thrive despite adversity. As one of the largest mainstream commercial banks in the country, East West Bank has expanded its reach while maintaining a solid commitment to building bridges across communities, fostering cross-border and cross-cultural understanding, and building meaningful relationships. Celebrating The Achievements Of The APA Community As the audience watches the film, they will witness the remarkable achievements of the Asian-Pacific American (APA) community. These achievements are highlighted through various anecdotes shared by Dominic Ng, the Chairman and CEO of East West Bank, who highlights the collective successes of the APA community. Furthermore, the film includes interviews with several notable personalities, including Michelle Yeoh, an Oscar Award-winning actress; Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the CEO and Co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group; and Janet Yang, the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, along with other prominent individuals. These interviews provide insights into the experiences, struggles, and victories of influential individuals in the APA community, adding depth and context to the film. “The Asian Pacific American community has been able to make tremendous strides in business, education, entertainment, the arts, and more in large part due to East West Bank’s support and financial commitment to this community,” said Leong, known for his films such as “Linsanity” and “Snakehead.” “While we’ve come so far, there is still more work to be done and some of those same challenges to overcome today.” Confronting Challenges And Building Bridges With Film And Song The emphasis on unity and understanding in both the film and the song aims to celebrate the incredible efforts of Asian-Pacific Americans in society. However, it also confronts the bitter truth that challenges such as prejudice and discrimination still exist. “Now more than ever, Asian Pacific Americans are empowered to make a positive impact as valued members of our society, leading to greater representation and contributions across industries,” Ng said. The East West Bank has been an integral part of bridging the gap between the East and West financially and culturally. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the bank has come up with a unique approach to showcasing its story through film and song, offering a meaningful way to connect with the creative community. This initiative celebrates the bank's heritage and progress in the United States. In addition, it allows younger generations to experience the joy, promise, and hope of a brighter future. East West Bank CEO Dominic Ng is confident that this creative initiative will contribute significantly to preserving cultural heritage and bridging the gap between generations. By showcasing its journey through music and film, the bank aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of its heritage and culture among people of all ages and backgrounds. Listen to "In The Joy" below. Discovering The Multi-Talented Anderson .Paak Listen up, music lovers! I've got some insider information that will blow your mind: the one and only Anderson .Paak, a true musical prodigy, was born and raised in the sunny city of Oxnard, California. Even as a teenager, his talent was unquestionable, as he honed his skills playing drums in his local church band. But that was just the beginning. With the release of his debut album "Venice" and its jaw-dropping follow-up "Malibu" in 2016, Anderson .Paak emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. And with not one, not two, but a whopping EIGHT Grammy Awards to his name, this multi-talented artist has proven that he's not just a performer - he's a top-tier producer, songwriter, and director too. Trust me; you won't want to miss a minute of Anderson .Paak's unparalleled talent and infectious energy! Anderson .Paak's "Lockdown": A Powerful Song Recognized By The President And The Grammy Awards It's undeniable that many individuals have suffered mistreatment at the hands of law enforcement, wouldn't you agree? Now picture this: A rising star in the music industry, who is also an advocate for social justice, writes a song that resonates with millions of people but also receives critical acclaim. That's exactly what happened with Anderson .Paak, when he penned the lyrics for "Lockdown" after attending a protest against police brutality in Los Angeles. His raw and emotional performance on the track earned him the coveted Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2020, pushing him further into the spotlight. But the recognition didn't stop there. "Lockdown" was also featured on several Read the full article

[greenknightnewsletter]

March Madness: Get Mad about Invasive Species

Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Originally published in the Earth Day Every Day newsletter.

With spring on the horizon, it's time to think about invasive species.

First and Second Rounds: The basics

An invasive species is one that is not native to an area that causes ecological and/or economic damage or harm to human health. Many people associate invasive species only with plants, but there are also invasive wildlife, insects, and diseases. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that the economic damages associated with invasive species in the United States is approximately $120 billion/year (2012).

Invasive species are destructive for several reasons. Since they are not native to a particular ecosystem, there are no biological controls that have evolved over thousands of years to manage them such as natural predators and diseases. Without these controls, the invasives can outcompete the native species for resources and space.

Sweet Sixteen: How do invasive species move?

There are both natural and human-accelerated spread mechanisms.

Animals can spread invasive species as birds disperse seeds and other plants and parasites can attach themselves to migrating wildlife.

Deer play a role in spreading invasive plants because they do not eat them. Rather, they eat the native plants which allows invasive exotics the opportunity to spread.

Natural disasters such as forest fires can also lead to the spread of invasive species.

Humans have greatly increased the ease, speed, and movement of invasion.

Some species have been introduced on purpose, as explorers found an interesting plant or animal and brought it back to their homeland.

Other species have been introduced inadvertently via "hitchhiking" in shipping containers or on vehicles.

Elite Eight: Beating the competition

How do invasive species outcompete native species so well? There are some common traits that make them more prolific (Kolar, 2001):

Rapid reproduction

Fast growth

Tolerance of a variety of environmental conditions

High dispersal ability - wind, animals, birds, etc.

Association with humans - if humans placed them or cultivated them

Final Four: Some NJ invasive species

There are lots of invasive species that can be found in New Jersey, but here are a few examples:

Japanese barberry - this popular landscape shrub is widespread and has invaded many of NJ's forests. It has also been shown to harbor deer ticks, which are carriers of Lyme disease (Williams, et al., 2017).

Spotted lanternfly - this plant hopper insect originally from Asia can feed on more than 70 plant species including cultivated and wild grapes, fruit trees, and hardwood trees common in woodlots and as landscape plantings (NJAES, 2019). 

European starling - this prolific bird was introduced in Central Park in the late 1890s and has flourished at the expense of native woodpeckers, great-crested flycatchers, common flickers, bluebirds and other cavity-nesting species (NJDEP, 2003).   

Snakehead fish - these adaptable were once imported live as an ornamental species and as food for people. They are voracious eaters and will feed on any fish that will fit in their disproportionately large mouths (NJDEP, 2016).

Championship: What can we do to defeat invasive species?

A few suggestions for reducing invasive plant species from Michele Bakacs' "Plant This, Not That" webinar:

Support the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team and help control invasive species. (www.fohvos.info/invasive-species-strike-team/)

Understand that invasive plants don’t know boundaries. They may behave on your property while quietly invading a nearby forest.

Identify and remove invasive plants from your property. Don't remove until you have a replacement.

Choose natives plants and talk to your nursery about offering native plant selections.

Support local ordinances and eventually statewide bans.

Resources and further reading can be found after the Upcoming Events.

Resources and Further Reading

Bakacs, Michele. 2020. Plant This, Not That. (Video) rutgers.webex.com/rutgers/lsr.php?RCID=13b11be4969474066f1e67a12de40413 . Passcode: EarthDay2020.

Kolar, C.S. (2001). "Progress in invasion biology: predicting invaders". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 16 (4): 199–204.

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (2019). njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly/

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (2004). www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/njcrp/starlings.pdf

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (2004). www.nj.gov/dep/njisc/pdf.htm

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (2016). www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/aquatic_invasives.htm

New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. www.fohvos.info/invasive-species-strike-team/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012. The cost of invasive species. www.fws.gov/verobeach/PythonPDF/CostofInvasivesFactSheet.pdf

Williams, S.C., Linske, M.A., Ward, J.A. (2017). Long-Term Effects of Berberis thunbergii (Ranunculales: Berberidaceae) Management on Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) Abundance and Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) Prevalence in Connecticut, USA, Environmental Entomology, Volume 46, Issue 6, Pages 1329–1338, doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvx146

[jessicaprideart]

Work in progress Copperhead snake for a friend at work. 🐍 Acrylic on stone. #pridexcraft #artwork #painting #3dpainting #unconventionalcanvas #acrylic #paint #illustration #animalstudy #copperhead #snake #snakehead #stone #rock #workinprogress #wip #art #life

[mangaredditdotcom]

Hoshikuzu Nina.

Alternative: Hoshikuzu and Nina ; Nina Stardust ; 星屑ニーナ ; 星屑与妮娜

Description : By being dumped into garbage dump, the past records of the robot- Debris Kun (memory) has disappeared into stardust (stardust). Due to a chance encounter, the pretty high school girl Nina picked him up stating she would not be a robot master but a teacher. They lived together. This world is full of wonders: giant snakehead fishes fall from space, toy monkeys start conversations, a ¥ 300 million lottery hit is won, and special motors make islands fly! "After one year, five years later, 10 years later...and 50 years later..." Every time you go through one volume, time  is progressing very quickly in this work. Robot does not grow old, but human beings do. The girls grow into adult women, the surrounding environment also evolves into a more SF view of the world. Human beings are dying, but the stardust memory of the robot does not die. This manga might give to readers the feeling of being watched in the transience of the world, likely from God's point of view. And so the story, in God's speed, proceeds to the future. "Boys and Girls", following "Mobile Brigade eight Fukujin", Satoshi Fukushima's new "time skip comedy" series is "Stardust Nina"! [MU+GoogleTranslate] #MangaReddit.com, #ReadFreeMangaOnline Read Free Manga Online at MangaReddit.com: https://mangareddit.com/p/hoshikuzu-nina-1600662268.html

Read more.

[mangafeeds]

Hoshikuzu Nina.

Alternative : Hoshikuzu and Nina ; Nina Stardust ; 星屑ニーナ ; 星屑与妮娜

Hoshikuzu Nina summary: By being dumped into garbage dump, the past records of the robot- Debris Kun (memory) has disappeared into stardust (stardust). Due to a chance encounter, the pretty high school girl Nina picked him up stating she would not be a robot master but a teacher. They lived together. This world is full of wonders: giant snakehead fishes fall from space, toy monkeys start conversations, a ¥ 300 million lottery hit is won, and special motors make islands fly! "After one year, five years later, 10 years later...and 50 years later..." Every time you go through one volume, time  is progressing very quickly in this work. Robot does not grow old, but human beings do. The girls grow into adult women, the surrounding environment also evolves into a more SF view of the world. Human beings are dying, but the stardust memory of the robot does not die. This manga might give to readers the feeling of being watched in the transience of the world, likely from God's point of view. And so the story, in God's speed, proceeds to the future. "Boys and Girls", following "Mobile Brigade eight Fukujin", Satoshi Fukushima's new "time skip comedy" series is "Stardust Nina"! [MU+GoogleTranslate] #MangaFeeds.com, #ReadFreeMangaOnline MangaFeeds.Com: Read manga online the latest manga comic book, updated daily: https://mangafeeds.com/post/hoshikuzu-nina-1600663835

Read more.

[hetmusic]

HumanHuman meets Stephen Archibald

You might be familiar with Stephen Archibald from his guest article Spotlight on Scotland’s Emerging Artists, and so you’ll know that this influential user who joined HumanHuman a year ago is always keeping his ear to the ground for the best unheard sounds. We caught up on Brighton’s famous beach at The Great Escape festival to discuss how and why he set up his own publicity company, Jumping the Shark PR, what the Glaswegian music scene is like and why he loves discovering and giving a voice to new bands and artists.

For the readers of HumanHuman, tell me who are you and what do you do?

I’m Stephen Archibald, from Glasgow, Scotland. I run Jumping The Shark PR, which is a music publicity company. I also write for The Wild Honey Pie and I used to write for Crack in the Road. Yeah, just new music stuff!

Speaking of new music stuff, when did you first hear about HumanHuman?

I think it was you who told me about it! I think that was about a year ago. I also noticed that the guys at Going Solo and Sodwee were talking about it, so I checked it out and signed up right away.

Which HumanHuman discoveries have you been keeping an eye on?

Well… I can’t say White because they’re my band! I would probably say Muna, they’ve got some really good stuff. I would probably say Seramic too.

Oh, you discovered them?

No, I haven’t discovered anything that good! This is more ones that I’ve agreed on. I’m too slow to the game unfortunately. Everyone else is better than me [laughs]. There’s also Rudi Zygadlo, a really good guy from Glasgow, although he’s gone dark recently. There’s also The Bellybuttons, a cool wee band from Glasgow, but they’re not a Promising Artist yet.

You’re obviously really passionate about getting to know these new bands and artists, but what do you think the appeal is for being one of the first to find new music?

If you’re working in music, half of your job is being… for lack of a better word, a tastemaker. Your job is to find people and to sign up cool new stuff, so I don’t think it’s totally a pride thing. It’s not like, “oh I was the first person to discover this, so I’ve got the kudos”, it’s more about working with new artists for me. A lot of the people I’ve worked with I’ve got to know really personally, they’ve become my friends and it’s really great especially when you love their music. For me, it’s about discovering them, getting to know them and pushing their music out as a publicist. It’s not so much about being the first person to find new music, it’s more about taking something that I genuinely really like and thinking that it’s got a place in the world and pushing it out there. That’s the buzz I get out of it.

That’s really great! You’ve mentioned a few of these artists already, but let’s talk about the guest article you wrote with The Indie Curator about Scottish music - who’s your current favourite Scottish act?

Well, Scottish music has always been good and a lot of bands in Scotland become huge, especially in Glasgow, but no one really knows about them outside of the country, even though they’ll sell out huge venues around the city. People literally get obsessed with bands in Scotland. There was this band called The Amazing Snakeheads, they were signed to Domino Records. They were three guys, two of them from Glasgow and one from New Zealand, they all met in the city and had proper, full-time jobs, but when they came together they created this absolute noise and madness! The first time I saw them was in a ninety-seater basement and they were passing Buckfast out into the crowd, people were pushing the bouncer out of the door as he was trying to throw people out. It was this whole crazy thing and me and my friends were standing there, watching and thinking no one else knows this is happening on a regular basis in Glasgow. The Amazing Snakeheads broke up unfortunately. They were supposed to play Jools Holland at one point, but the drummer fell off a roof and broke his leg, so they couldn’t play it! They were genuinely one of my favourite bands ever, but they’ve only got one album. Right now, Kloe is obviously getting a lot of buzz, which is great. There’s also White and Baby Strange. Edinburgh have got Man of Moon right now, they’re playing The Great Escape and are doing really well. There’s loads of things bubbling under the surface, which is the great thing about places like Glasgow, because even if the world doesn’t see it, there’s always stuff happening. It might not come to fruition and their music might not be officially released, but all the bands know each other, they hang out and collaborate. It’s a really nice community of people.

You’ve literally led me onto my next question, which is what is the live scene like in Glasgow? You’re saying it’s really vibrant and there’s gigs happening all the time?

Yeah, it’s a really big city, but a lot of the music scene is centered around the same areas. All the venues are all next to each other, and there’s newer venues that are dedicated to new music. Then there’s the big institutions like Barrowland. Metallica actually said that one of their favourite gigs ever was at the Glasgow Barrowland. You’ve got the Hydro that recently opened up, which is the third busiest arena in the world. There’s this huge music scene where people can go see their favourite big bands, but there’s also these tiny fifty-capacity basements. There’s a lot of shows in flats and apartments going on too. A lot of DIY gigs. There’s also lots of little record labels starting up now, because even though Glasgow has always had loads of music, it’s not always had many people working the industry to try and push that music. Just now though there’s Fuzzkill Records, Dead Beat Records, and loads of different promoters putting on good stuff. There’s no a lot of bloggers in Glasgow, that’s the only thing.

That’s all about the live music scene, but the music industry does seem to be moving more and more to the online world. What do you think about that migration?

It’s a natural progression. It was always going to happen, and streaming isn’t the death of the music industry, we just have to accept it and get on with it. There’s no point fighting it, because people aren’t going to pay for music if they can stream it for free or pay a small subscription. It has opened up the music industry a lot as well. I would never have been able to start what I do without the Internet, because the industry was a lot more closed off. It’s used to be much more of a boy’s club exclusivity, but now people in Manchester and Glasgow, where it’s not the hub of music, can start something and push tunes they like. They can express their musical tastes, whether that’s via blogging or whatever. It’s a good thing, but I will say that there’s too many bands, too much music. You don’t need a budget to release songs anymore, which is great, because people who don’t have label backing can release music. That also means that there’s a lot of stuff that isn’t very good.

“Streaming isn’t the death of the music industry, we just have to accept it and get on with it.”— Stephen Archibald

Yeah, there was that quote from the Island Records President, saying that the Internet has opened up “a sea of mediocrity”, which is harsh, but in some ways it’s…

It’s true. I would rather have a bunch of shitty music, but also people who are great and wouldn’t have had the platform otherwise. There’s bands making amazing music who can use the Internet to get it out there, and I would take that at the expense of having a bunch of rubbish stuff as well. There’s always been loads of music, but it’s just curated in a different way now. The industry also doesn’t have to have people in every city going to live shows. You can live in Glasgow where you don’t have any major or big independent labels around you, but you can still get your music heard.

A little earlier you mentioned blogging, and that’s how you started out, so why were you drawn to the music blogosphere?

The first place that I wrote for was Crack in the Road, and I’d been reading that for ages, it was the first blog I followed without really knowing that it was well regarded. I was in Glasgow thinking that I needed to move to L.A. or London because I was in this place far away from music, but then I started to get into blogging and checking out new music. I thought, “although I don’t know what is going on in my life right now, I might as well get involved in music in any way I can.” I was always checking out random new bands, so I had to give myself a platform for that. I’ve met some cool people in the process and it did work out and it did help me turn my love for music into a job. I was always looking for new music anyway, and there’s loads of Glasgow artists that I loved and really believed, so I thought that if I could blog then I could give a voice to these people who I really enjoy. It was as easy as sending the editor a message and saying, “I’ve never done this before, but can I do it?” Then they went “okay, as long as you can spell and construct a sentence!” [we laugh]

That’s pretty much all it takes! Is there anything in particular that you look for in an artist or a band before you write about them?

No, not really. I don’t really have preferences. I’d write about a hip-hop artist or a folk artist or traditional roots music - I don’t really care! It’s has to kind of catch me… it’s not a tangible thing, so I couldn’t say what would make me like it. It has to make me say, “aye, that’s a beast, that’s a belter!” It has to have an impact or just be a wee bit different from the norm. If a band is doing something interesting, I respect that as well.

Since starting out in the world of music blogging, you’ve set up your own publicity company, which is Jumping The Shark PR. Why did you decide to start that?

I’d always thought about it, because I’ve always wanted to work in music, so I thought “how can I get to know these big companies? How do I get jobs when I’m all the way out here in Glasgow?” Then I noticed all these other PR companies starting up, and publicity had always seemed like this really closed thing before when it was more about print media, but now that it’s online so anyone can do it. The first band I ever worked with The Wild Curve, who are no more unfortunately, I saw on a local music blog and thought it was really cool, so first I thought I could write about it, but then I thought maybe this is the thing that could actually make me give PR a go. I made an email address that day and a Facebook page, and I emailed another band at the same time and told them I had done this before to get my foot in the door, but that was a lie! It worked out, and it went well with those first couple of bands. From there, I was bumping into other artists around Glasgow who were saying and I got to know them, which is how I met White. After that I started looking outwards from Glasgow into other cities and trawling about blogs and SoundCloud for tunes I liked and emailing them in hope for the best. There wasn’t really any planning. It was more about trying to blag my way through it! [laughs] I think I almost know what I’m doing now, but at the start I really didn’t. That’s a good thing though, that you don’t really need to know exactly what you’re doing, you just need to throw yourself into it. You’ll figure it out!

For anyone out there thinking of starting their own PR company, would you have a piece of advice for them?

Just do it! If you find a band that you like, then set up an email address and pretend that you’re a company. It’s a very easy thing to start up, as opposed to starting up another business where you’re selling clothes or craft beer, you need money to do these things, but you don’t need to have a budget to start up a PR company. People aren’t paying for your assets, they’re paying for your knowledge of how things in music work. It’s a very easy thing to get going, because there’s no fixed costs, there’s no big investment. As long as you’ve got a laptop and a smartphone, then you can do it. There aren’t as many barriers to enter to music industry as you’d think. It will take a while to plug away and start getting good work, but to start out, you just have to do it. Have confidence in yourself and go for it.

“There aren’t as many barriers to enter to music industry as you’d think. It will take a while to plug away and start getting good work, but to start out, you just have to do it.”— Stephen Archibald

Exactly! Since we’re at The Great Escape, which is a festival dedicated to new music, I wanted to ask you what do you think the appeal of going to see these small artists is?

It’s always cool to have a bunch of music around each other. Brighton is already quite a nice place and we’re sitting on the beach just now. There’s three hundred bands playing over the weekend, so for one it’s great to see a band you’ve been listening to online and supporting, and secondly, live music is where the money is, you have to have a good live show to do well. It’s also great for meeting other people in music, not just networking and schmoozing, but meeting other like-minded people. Britain is seen as quite an influential country in music, and The Great Escape seems to be a tangible collection of that happening all at once. Even though London is the epicentre of Britain in general, but also for music, there’s stuff going on all over the country. There was a Creative Scotland showcase yesterday with five or six different Scottish bands and it was rammed to the gunnels with Scottish people and otherwise. It’s great because it shows that other parts of the country have music to give. Bands come from all over to play this and it’s a cool thing for everybody who like tunes, who wants to hang out, have a beer and watch bands.

For my last question, who is your recommended must-see act at The Great Escape festival?

I tried to see Seramic, but I couldn’t get in, so I would have recommended that. Also Muna, and Man of Moon. Anna of the North, which is something that’s been bubbling around for a while now, but hasn’t made that jump yet, so it will be cool to see her live and hear more of her songs. You know, a lot of bands and artists will have one or two amazing songs online, that hundreds and thousands of people will check out, but if they don’t have the well-oiled machine of live shows, then you wonder if they can become a career artist. It will be interesting to see people like that who you’ve listened to so many times online, but seeing them in person is a way to justify it.

https://humanhuman.com/articles/interview-stephen-archibald

[njawaidofficial]

'The Pilgrim's Progress,' Written in 1678, to Become Faith-Based Film

http://styleveryday.com/2017/07/12/the-pilgrims-progress-written-in-1678-to-become-faith-based-film/

'The Pilgrim's Progress,' Written in 1678, to Become Faith-Based Film

3:49 PM PDT 7/11/2017 by Paul Bond

The movie comes from King Street Pictures, founded by entertainment lawyers.

Christian filmmakers are tackling a movie based on what is generally considered the first novel written in English.

The book, The Pilgrim’s Progress From This World, to That Which Is to Come, was written in 1678 by John Bunyan. He began his Christian allegory while in prison, accused of conducting religious services without permission. The book has been translated into more than 200 languages and many theologians consider it the second most-read book of faith after the Bible.

The film, dubbed Heavenquest: A Pilgrim’s Progress, is the third movie from King Street Pictures, which makes faith-inspired films for a global audience. King Street was founded last year by former Warner Bros. attorney Dan Mark and his partner Rachel Tan, a former actress in Hong Kong and also an entertainment attorney. 

The first two movies from King Street, which is partially funded by Asian investors, are Snakehead and Fiction and Other Realities, both in postproduction. The former is a drama about human smuggling, while the latter is an English and Korean language musical.

With Heavenquest, King Street is hoping to break a couple of barriers for faith-based movies: Earn itself a worldwide audience and prove that Christian moviegoers appreciate the fantasy genre.

As to the latter, the Chronicles of Narnia franchise is also considered fantasy, though the filmmakers oftentimes downplayed the Christianity in that series, whereas those behind Heavenquest will not.

The movie’s international cast includes In Pyo Cha, one of the first South Korean superstars, plus Karyme Lozano and Fernanda Romero from Mexico, Peta Sergeant from Australia and Ricky Kim from South Korea. Americans include newcomer Patrick Thompson as well as Alan Powell, the lead singer of Anthem Lights, a Christian band.

“We’re trying to break new ground in the faith-based genre,” said director Matt Bilen. “It’s dirt-under-the-fingernails, action-packed, grittier, more stylistic and more cinematic than what audiences have seen previously.”

The movie has begun filming in Redding, Calif., filmmakers said Tuesday.

The book tells the story of Christian and his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, and it includes characters — some of them bearing fantastical gifts — with names like Evangelist, Mr. Worldly Wiseman, Goodwill, Beelzebub, Piety and Envy. 

Previous attempts to turn Bunyan’s book into a movie include films dubbed Pilgrim’s Progress in 1912, 1978 and 2008.

Source

#FaithBased #Film #Pilgrims #Progress #Written