#World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

[novlr]

I’ve been reading some craft books and online posts about the world building because my story is an urban fantasy set in present day US, in a fictional town, and theres not a secondary world where the fantasy happens, it’s all in the real world, except the magic is a secret that only certain people know about, but all of the resources I find about world building only talk about fantastical worlds that exist by themselves and not the kind of more subtle world building that I’d have to do. Do you have any tips?

Worldbuilding for urban fantasy is the perfect opportunity to explore the mix of the mundane and the magical. It involves crafting a universe where the impossible becomes possible, yet is grounded within the familiar settings of our own world. This requires a delicate balance—immersing readers in the fantastical without breaking the spell of believability. Here are some essential tips on worldbuilding for urban fantasy writers.

Understanding urban fantasy

Before delving into building your urban fantasy world, it’s crucial to understand what sets this subgenre apart from other forms of fantasy.

Recognise the defining traits of urban fantasy, which typically include a contemporary setting combined with supernatural elements.

Familiarise yourself with the genre’s common tropes and themes, like hidden magical societies, the coexistence of magical and non-magical beings, and the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Critically read successful urban fantasy novels to see how other authors have balanced the real and the fantastical.

Consider reader expectations for the genre, and the flexibility it has for innovation and subversion of norms.

Determine the tone and mood you want for your setting, as this will influence all other aspects of your worldbuilding.

Creating your magical systems

The magical systems in your urban fantasy will offer a unique flavour to your world, determining the capabilities of your characters and the challenges they face.

Where does the magic in your world come from—is it drawn from nature, ancient artefacts, parallel dimensions, or something else?

Decide if magic is commonly known or if it’s a secret kept from the general populace. If it’s a secret, why? And what are the consequences if it becomes known?

Develop the limitations and costs of magic, as these constraints can drive conflict and plot development.

Invent magical organisations, guilds, or societies, detailing their roles, influence, and how they operate in your story world.

Create distinct magical phenomena that occur within your urban setting, which can become landmarks or points of interest in your narrative.

Consider how technology and magic interact; do they coexist harmoniously, or are they in constant contention?

Creating realism in your urban setting

Realism in urban fantasy is about making the reader recognise and connect with the world you have created as something that is both other and familiar.

Include lots of real-world details, including accurate descriptions of city life, technology, and culture. Make sure you research for accuracy.

Use sensory details to make the urban environment come alive—smells, sounds, textures, and tastes that the reader can relate to.

Include social and political issues that resonate with contemporary society, allowing readers to draw parallels with their own experiences.

Develop a diverse cast of characters whose life experiences and backgrounds reflect the complexity of a modern urban society.

Integrate authentic dialogue that mirrors the way people communicate in modern life, including local slang and mannerisms, both real-world accurate and unique to your setting.

Consider the logistics of an urban environment, like transportation, law enforcement, and the economy, and how these are affected by the presence of magic.

Character development in an urban fantasy

Characters are the heart of your story, and the way they react to fantasy elements in their real-world environments will drive a lot of your narrative.

Create protagonists and antagonists whose motivations are shaped by the intersection of the real and the magical in their lives.

Develop backstories for your characters that explain their relationship to the urban setting and the magical elements within it.

Design character arcs that reflect the challenges and growth that come with living in a world where fantasy is reality.

Introduce secondary characters that highlight the diversity of the urban fantasy landscape, from magical creatures to human allies and adversaries.

Explore the psychological impact of a dual-world existence on your characters, including the strain of keeping secrets and the wonder of discovering magic.

Use character relationships to explore the nuances and complexities of your urban fantasy world.

Plotting your urban fantasy

Your plot is the vehicle through which readers experience your story world. Urban fantasy requires careful attention to pacing to give both elements equal weight.

Construct a plot that intertwines the urban and the fantastical, using the unique aspects of your setting to drive the story forward, rather than relying on the mundane.

Introduce conflicts that arise from the overlap of the magical and the mundane, be they societal, personal, or existential.

Use the setting itself as a character, with its own moods, secrets, and evolving role in the narrative.

Create set pieces that showcase the extraordinary within the ordinary—magical battles on the rooftops, secret meetings in subways, or enchanted parks hidden in plain sight.

Develop a pace that balances the exploration of your urban world with the unfolding of magical elements and plot progression.

Consider the use of multiple viewpoints to give a broader perspective on how the urban fantasy elements affect different characters and society at large.

Blending the real and magical

The key to urban fantasy is making the reader believe that magic could exist in their own world, interwoven with the everyday.

Introduce the fantastic elements gradually, allowing the real world to serve as an anchor for the reader’s suspension of disbelief.

Develop a set of rules for how magic operates in your world to maintain consistency and a sense of order.

Use recognisable landmarks and urban elements as grounding points, then twist them with your fantasy elements.

Establish the history of magic in your world and how (or if) it has shaped society and its infrastructure.

Consider the impact of magical events or beings on the everyday lives of both your characters and the city’s unsuspecting inhabitants.

Intertwine the real and the fantastic so that they feel inseparable, each substantiating the other’s existence.

[expanding-hyrule]

Guarding Zelda by @railtracer30

Modern AU | Varies by work | AO3 | Ongoing

Synopsis: Zelda Ororo is a young half-Gerudo political activist, recently drawn into a campaign of her own to run for Junior Minister of Greater Hyrule. Ser Link du Trac is the elite Guardsman Special Class assigned by several pulled strings of her captain of industry father to watch her while she steps into the greater cultural spotlight. Along for the ride is the Gerudo chauffeuse Tali, with snark and bite to share. As Zelda continues on her political campaign to open Greater Hyrule's diverse populace to her radical ideals, danger rears up as it is wont to on the political trail.

Content Warnings: Sexual Harassment

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guarding Zelda is a bodyguard AU, but it immediately caught my attention because the writing style is so unique. The story is told in snapshots and you gather information while you explore the world. It takes third person limited pov 100% seriously, so you don't get info dumps about backstory or anything like that, no, you know what goes through the characters' heads and nothing more. It needs a lot of skill to pull this way of story telling off and RailtracR30 delivers with witty dialogue and a love to the details. Definitely worth a shot if you feel like reading something fresh! - ZeldaElmo

A fantastic modern AU with a healthy blend of classic Zelda flavor with the twist of modernity. Right now, a bite-sized snack following a delightful duo, but with the promise of a full meal right around the corner. This will absolutely leave you hungry for more! - amelias-hart

This AU is a series of connected one-shots set in a modern day AU where Link is Zelda’s bodyguard. The stories go from charming to dramatic, and throughout is a developing rocky relationship between two imperfect but very endearing protagonists that just makes you want to see what happens next. Sometimes sheer delight, sometimes tense and dramatic, each story is absolutely worth a read. - Karama9

In this modern imagining of Hyrule with its luxury coffee and smartly tailored suits, Princess Zelda struggles to reconcile her sense of duty with the forbidden feelings growing between her and her sworn protector, Link. As a looming sense of foreboding shines light on buried secrets and emerging threats, Zelda’s desire for the one man she knows she shouldn’t have sets off a reckoning where questions of power and agency can no longer be ignored. A sophisticated story of tender hearts trying to reconcile loyalty and longing, and a skillfully rendered testament to Link and Zelda’s complicated affections resonating in every version of Hyrule. - Hatenohouse

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You can find @railtracer30 at AO3.

[kiaratheronappreciationweek]

(this incredible poster is the handiwork of our lovely host @sazanes!!)

Welcome to our third Kiara Theron Appreciation Week! That time of the year when we get together and celebrate this wonderful character (though to be honest, every day is a great day to celebrate Kiara).

This year, we will be holding this event around May 21st, which is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development! Basically, a day specially meant to celebrate all cultures and diversities. And which estate is best known for its rich culture, art and literature? Castelserraillan, of course!

Here are our themes for this year:

Day 1 - May 21st - Culture/Festivals

Day 2 - May 22nd - Character Appreciation/Throwback

Day 3 - May 23rd - Languages/Wine

Day 4 - May 24th - Diplomacy/Nature

Day 5 - May 25th - Family/Friendships/Romance

Any content is welcome - art, fanfic, edits, essays, moodboards, interactive media, headcanons...even short appreciation posts and screencaps! Our only requirement is that the content should be Kiara-focused and depict her positively.

Each day has a theme, and some will have two. For those days, you can choose whichever theme you prefer or you can even combine them! It isn't completely necessary to post the content exactly on the day it's meant for...just make sure you tag it with the day and theme even if you're submitting it on a later day.

We also will be accepting pieces after the event is over, and all year round until the next KTAW! So even if you have your post ready much later, please don't hesitate to tag us! 🤗

Blogs to Tag: @hanaleeappreciationweek, and hosts @lizzybeth1986 and @sazanes

Tags to Use: #kiaratheronappreciationweek, #KTAW, #KTAW 2024

There are some incredible fan-community blogs that work tirelessly both to promote creative fandom works and make the experience fun for their writers! Do check them out!!

@choicesficwriterscreations, @choicesmonthlychallenge, @choicespride, @choicesflashfics, @choicesholidays, @choicesprompts, @wordwarriors, @choicescommunityevents

If you know any others who would like to be tagged, please let me know! Here are the amazing works sent in for 2023 and '22 if you'd like to get more inspired!

KTAW 2022 | KTAW 2023

Can't wait to see all our fellow Kiara fans next month!!

✅✅signal boosts are always appreciated!✅✅

[time-adrift]

For my inaugural post on ‘Suzblr’, I’m going to be as self-indulgent and nerdy as possible by discussing my one and only forte within the context of the game. Will post on Reddit at some point too but Tumblr gets it first because I said I would be annoying on here. 

So as brilliant as the worldbuilding of Suzerain is, one of the things that kinda leaves a bit more to be desired is the development of the linguistic setting and languages of the Suzerainverse. Am I a harsh critic because I'm a weirdo linguistics student who does acoustic analysis for fun? Yes. But in any case, the world does feel a bit underdeveloped in this regard. 

Based on character dialogue and the tiny lore we get, we know Sordish is very much Germanic-inspired, as is Valgish which it is explicitly said to be related to, and Agnolian. We also know Rizian and Palesian are closely related to the point that Palesian is considered by some to be a dialect – a great detail.

We can get a lot from names too – both in terms of character names and toponymy. Linguistically and culturally, Rizian seems the closest to Spain based on the house names (Toras, Sazon, Azaro), as well as the use of the Basque surnames for certain figures (Etxeberria, Itxaro, Esquibel), among other things. Lore drop: I did a Basque language class for credits and almost failed. 

There’s also clearly some influence from Latin with other names (Romus, Ricardus, Titus, etc. ). Going back to Valgish, we see the Germanic influence on the names of characters of Valgish descent like Emmerich Hegel, Elena Werner, and Axel Reinhart. Rumburg is obviously a Britain-Russia hybrid, evident also in the hybrid city names (Tzarbourgh and Ironsrad, anyone?) 

I appreciate delving into it would just be another layer of complexity, especially since languages and their development, after all, are natural and evolve out of use, so I understand why the lore is fairly vague, but I just have so many opinions and so many questions, y’all. 

Like what is the lingua franca of the world? Based on their previous colonial dominance, Valgish seems the most likely, as has been discussed on the subreddit. 

Official tree model for Proto-Merkopan when? One can dream… 

What do they speak at the AN meetings? Usually they have interpreters for these things, but there are no mentions of interpreters in any diplomatic dealings, bilateral or multilateral. But again understandable because that would just make the dialogue heavy.

How many languages does Romus speak? Is it too self-indulgent if I imagine him as a linguist? New headcanons: Romus and Axel practice languages together as a form of father and son bonding. HOW CUTE.

Even within the Sordish/Rizian speakers themselves, I wish there was more about sociolinguistic variation and the regional accents of Sordland/Rizia. There would be a standard which I assume the royal and upper class characters would speak, but I like to imagine there's some diversity within the country – as is usually the case among speakers of a language.

As you can tell I could literally talk about this all day. Am I annoying enough for this place?

[theprofessionalpromptmaker]

Emergency Medical Services for Children Day & International Tea Day & National Juice Slush Day & National Waiters and Waitresses Day & Rapture Party Day & World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Person A runs a tea/smoothie/juice shop that borders the real world and a fantastical dimension, which they use to get the best of both worlds’ ingredients. But when ancient beings start using their tea shop as a meeting place to collect chosen ones from the various human teens who frequent their shop, Person A decides to hire a supernatural entity, Person B, of their own to insure all their customers can drink in peace without being harassed or kidnapped by otherworldly beings wanting them to go on dangerous quests for them.

[Overflow prompts for today's obscure holidays is available on Patreon!]

[blindrapture]

greerings to you this morning here in Castleford. I have today's weather report for you. the temperature outside is 34 degrees Fahrenheit. the sun is bright, even through the clouds.

I have all of his movies. most of them are on DVD, my favorites are on Blu-ray (as is all of Twin Peaks).

honestly this is one of the treasures of my media collection. the blu-ray remaster of Mulholland Drive is kinda gorgeous, as is that incredible Elephant Man packaging.

I have, of course, watched all of this. most of it at least twice, some of it nearly a dozen times. I do like to collect the complete works of certain directors, the ones I latch onto. but David Lynch feels like the most rewarding to collect for.

it's a staggering set of films, diverse and entrancing and incredibly thoughtful about the medium. his films want to be films, they may feel experimental but Lynch films have their own consistent cinematic language, more like a cinematic *dialect*, separate from any of his peers, and it's a dialect deeply informed by an understanding of what it's like to *watch* films. a vigorous marriage of visual and aural elements to make complete experiences. not a single part of the process is left out, as audio has the ambient and the diegetic each feeling as maturely developed as the dialogue and the Soundtracks, and visually Lynch famously has the Symbolic raised to an equal footing as the traditional Naturalist elements. the actors do not have top billing over the Symbolic here; the dialogue is written as if Hollywood as an industry had been developing the Surreal as seriously as it had been developing the conventions of Hitchcock all this time.

Lynch believed in the power of cinema; for him, the techniques he used were as obvious as parallel cuts and star power. and in watching his films, we feel without words that we Get it, because.. he was always right, about cinema! he knew the psychological effects of every technique he used. he knew them like he didn't even make them, like he was sitting here next to us Watching the movies too. he knew that film was like dream, that *everyone* dreams, and.. that there's certain ways we *want* to feel after we wake up from a really good dream.

he was also so famously, disarmingly, earnestly American. he told stories about America because, like with cinema, he *loved* America. he loved its "culture," which really meant he loved its people and the fixations they have. their big exciting machinery. their shiny or their rusty cars, their good suits and their plaid and denim, their graceful age and their high-dreaming youth. he loved style and he loved mess. he loved electricity and he loved steam. he loved roads, diners, the day and the night. he loved coffee, and he loved Coca-Cola. and he *loved*, with great empathy, what he saw as America's terror over the formless fight of good versus evil.

in my opinion that is the crux of his artistic mastery, that he was actually able to *depict, cinematically,* a conflict so innately formless. he didn't just capture, visually, the absence of light. he captured a vast metaphysical exchange that shifts as gradually and turbulently as the clouds. he captured the formless and put it on film.

Twin Peaks 2017 is.. a fucking uncompromising masterpiece. the world didn't deserve him.

in every way he was an inspiration. to entire generations of artists. to many of our favorite things.

if you've never seen a single Lynch film, anywhere you start from will blow your mind.

if you've seen some Lynch films but not all of them, anything new you watch will add to your appreciation of a rich and textured language.

his films are worth it.

(with the caveat that Inland Empire, while a *staggering* achievement and in my opinion one of the Top 3 greatest films ever made, must not be the *first* Lynch film you watch.)

I loved living on the same Earth as that guy. the world feels better because he was in it.

if you'll excuse me, I have some rewatching to do.

[thereportersclassroom]

Empowering All Learners Through Technology Integration in Remedial Instruction

Differentiating instruction through technology not only supports the individual needs of students but also fosters global competencies and cultural appreciation. As part of the “Developing Remedial Instruction” unit, I collaborated with my mentor teacher to revise the lesson plan by integrating purposeful digital tools across all instructional days. This integration supports various learning styles, boosts student engagement, and brings diverse cultural perspectives into the classroom.

📚 Technology Integration Overview

Day 1 – Reading Comprehension with Immersive Reader Students will use Microsoft’s Immersive Reader to access modified texts, highlight key ideas, and have passages read aloud. This tool supports auditory and visual learners and builds linguistic development for ELLs and struggling readers (Hodges et al., 2020).

Day 2 – Vocabulary Practice with Quizlet Students will review vocabulary terms using Quizlet flashcards and games. Quizlet allows students to work at their own pace while reinforcing retention through multimodal practice. The platform includes user-generated content from educators globally, exposing students to diverse word usages and dialects.

Day 3 – Collaborative Research with Google Docs Small groups will use Google Docs to co-author a short research report on a world culture relevant to the week’s theme. This not only practices writing and collaboration but also introduces students to global contexts. Real-time commenting and editing ensure equitable participation and accountability (Trust & Maloy, 2017).

Day 4 – Digital Storytelling with Book Creator Students will create digital books about a challenge they’ve overcome, integrating audio, video, and images. Book Creator is especially impactful for students with writing difficulties, allowing them to express identity and emotion through media (Al-Awidi & Aldhafeeri, 2017). This activity promotes empathy and celebrates diverse narratives.

Day 5 – Reflection with Padlet Students will post reflections about what they’ve learned this week on Padlet, responding to classmates across the board. This tool supports peer dialogue, provides anonymity for shy students, and opens space for respectful cross-cultural discussion.

🔒 Ensuring Appropriate Use

To ensure technology is used responsibly, I will establish clear usage expectations, model digital citizenship, and monitor group interactions in real time. Students will complete short self-evaluations after tech-integrated activities to reflect on their engagement and ethical use.

🌍 Global & Cultural Relevance

Every tool selected encourages interaction with global voices or perspectives. From international Quizlet decks to storytelling rooted in students' unique experiences, this unit allows learners to see themselves and others in the content, developing empathy and cross-cultural literacy—key competencies in today’s interconnected world.

📚 References

Al-Awidi, H. M., & Aldhafeeri, F. M. (2017). Teachers’ use of e-books in the classroom: A qualitative study. Education and Information Technologies, 22(6), 2711–2727. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9612-1 Hodges, C., Moore, S., Lockee, B., Trust, T., & Bond, A. (2020). The difference between emergency remote teaching and online learning. Educause Review. Trust, T., & Maloy, R. W. (2017). Teachers Building Digital Portfolios: Integrating Technology, Reflection, and Professional Development. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 33(3), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.1080/21532974.2017.1297762

[harmonyhealinghub]

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day: Honouring Culture, Resilience, and Heritage

Shaina Tranquilino

June 21, 2024

In many countries around the world, indigenous peoples have long been the custodians of unique cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems that are deeply intertwined with their lands. In Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day stands as a testament to the resilience, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

A Day of Recognition and Celebration

Established on June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions of Indigenous peoples. This day not only highlights the achievements and talents of Indigenous communities but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and understanding.

Honouring Culture and Heritage

Central to the celebrations are the diverse cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples, ranging from traditional dances, music, and storytelling to art, cuisine, and language revitalization efforts. Each of these elements serves to showcase the depth and resilience of Indigenous cultures that have withstood centuries of adversity and continue to thrive today.

Acknowledging the Challenges

While National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of celebration, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the historical injustices, systemic inequalities, and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Issues such as access to healthcare, education, clean water, and housing remain significant barriers for many Indigenous peoples across Canada and beyond.

Commitment to Reconciliation

In recent years, there has been a growing commitment to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This includes efforts to address historical grievances, promote cultural awareness and sensitivity, and support economic and social development within Indigenous communities.

Moving Forward Together

As we commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is crucial to recognize that true reconciliation requires ongoing commitment and action from all sectors of society. This includes advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and fostering meaningful dialogue and understanding.

Get Involved

There are numerous ways individuals and communities can participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day:

1. Attend Local Events: Many communities host events such as powwows, cultural exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.

2. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada.

3. Support Indigenous Artists and Businesses: Purchase Indigenous art, crafts, and products to support local economies.

4. Advocate for Change: Raise awareness about Indigenous rights and support initiatives that promote equality and justice.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is not just a day on the calendar but a reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing, understanding, and mutual respect. By celebrating the cultures, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, we can contribute to a future where all peoples can thrive in harmony with each other and the natural world.

Let us use this day as an opportunity to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.

[eretzyisrael]

by Shiryn Ghermezian

The Philly Palestine Coalition on Monday began a petition that demanded the cancellation of the film festival, which is co-sponsored by Israel Bonds, the Consulate General of Israel, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pennsylvania. The pro-Palestinian group falsely claimed that Israel Bonds “finances the Israeli government’s budget” and “directly contributes to the displacement of Palestinians, the expansion of unlawful settlements, and unchecked settler violence.” The petition also falsely accused the state of Israel of genocide, apartheid, and occupation in its treatment of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.

According to the Israel Bonds website, proceeds from the sale of bonds have contributed to Israel’s growth in high-tech, cleantech, and biotech. Capital from Israel bonds have also “helped strengthen every aspect of Israel’s economy, enabling national infrastructure development … [and] expanded transportation networks enabled by investments in Israel bonds help facilitate shipment of ‘Made in Israel’ technology around the world, enhancing national export growth.”

Soon after facing pressure from the Philly Palestine Coalition, the BMFI announced on Monday it pulled the screening of The Child Within Me — a day before the scheduled event.

“Bryn Mawr Film Institute is not a political organization. We don’t endorse or oppose any causes,” the BMFI said in a released statement. “In past years, we have not regarded hosting a screening from the Israeli Film Festival as a political partnership or taking a stance on any issues. This was our feeling when we arranged the 2024 screening many months ago. However, as the situation in Israel and Gaza has developed, it has become clear that our showing this movie is being widely taken among individuals and institutions in our community as an endorsement of Israel’s recent and ongoing actions. This is not a statement we intended or wish to make.”

“BMFI is a safe place for civil and nuanced conversations about diverse stories,” the film institute added. “For the well-being and safety of all patrons, BMFI will not be a location for anger and violence. For those who wish to partake in an IFF screening, there are upcoming screenings at other venues.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Anti-Defamation League’s chapter in Philadelphia were outraged by the move. They urged the BMFI to immediately reverse its decision to cancel the screening.

“Although BMFI states that this decision was made in an attempt to avoid controversy, this action only serves to blacklist Israeli culture, playing into the hands of antisemites who try to deny the Jewish people their voice and existence,” the two Jewish organizations said in a joint statement on Tuesday. “The IFF intentionally offers a multifaceted view of Israeli society. Each season, carefully curated feature films and documentaries provide glimpses into the intricate tapestry of Israeli life, allowing audiences to form their own informed opinions … Let us celebrate cultural diversity, promote dialogue, and recognize the transformative power of film in connecting us all.”

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 5.21

Holidays

Afro-Colombian Day (Colombia)

Agricultural Fair Day

Anti-Terrorism Day (India)

Battle of Iquique Anniversary Day (Chile)

Capitol Build Day (New York)

Circassian Day of Mourning

Daylilly Day (French Republic)

Day of Patriots and Military (Hungary)

Emergency Medical Services Day

EMS Health, Wellness & Resilience Day

End of the World Day

Feast of the Triple Scoop

521 Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Hug Your Interior Designer Day

Hummel Day (a.k.a. Sister Maria Hummel Day)

"I Need A Patch For That" Day

International Day of Statistical Literacy

Journée Nationale des Patriotes (National Patriots' Day; Quebec)

Keanu Reeves Day

Lilies and Roses Day (UK)

National American Red Cross Founder’s Day

National Mamey Day

National Memo Day

National Talk Like Yoda Day

Natura 2000 Day (EU)

Navy Day (Chile)

Passion Play Day (Germany)

Pogo Stick Day

Polar Explorer’s Day (Russia)

Purple Star of Jerusalem Day (a.k.a. Jack-Go-To-Bed-At-Noon)

Rapture Party Day (2011 prediction by Harold Camping)

Recommerce Day

Red Cross Day

Saint Helena Day (Saint Helena)

Sanja Matsuri begins (Tokyo, Japan)

Send a Letter Day

Slap a Patch On It Day

United States Cyber Command Day

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (UN)

World Fish Migration Day

World Meditation Day (UK)

World Tree Kangaroo Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Tea Day [also 12.15]

International Tennessee Whiskey Day

National Mourvèdre Day

National Waitstaff Day (a.k.a. Waiters and Waitresses Day)

Strawberries and Cream Day

World Chardonnay Day

Independence & Related Days

Malabon (City Founded; Philippines)

Montenegro (from Serbia, 2006)

New Zealand (Proclaimed a British Colony; 1840)

Southwest Vineland (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Valentia Riqueza and Grandeza (a.k.a. ValeVRG; Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

3rd Tuesday in May

International Dinosaur Day [3rd Tuesday; also 6.1]

National Stop Nausea Day [3rd Tuesday]

Sex Differences in Health Awareness Day [3rd Tuesday]

Taco Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Festivals Beginning May 21, 2024

The Batch Festival (Bath, UK) [thru 5.26]

Sommeliers Choice Awards (Chicago, Illinois)

Feast Days

Adílio Daronch and Manuel Gómez González (Christian; Saint)

Agonalia (Ancient Rome) [also 1.9 & 12.11]

Albrecht Dürer (Artology)

Alexander Pope (Writerism)

Anastenaria (Fire-Walking Ritual; Ancient Greece)

Andrew Bobola (Christian; Martyr)

Arcangelo Tadini (Christian; Saint)

Chen Dayu (Artology)

Christopher Magallanes, and other Saints of the Cristero War (Christian; Saint)

Day of the Twins: Beginning of Gemini (Astrology/Pagan)

Édouard-Henri Avril (Artology)

Emperor Constantine I (Christian; Saint)

Eugène de Mazenod (Christian; Saint)

Felix of Cantalicio (Christian; Saint)

Festival for Vevodus (God of the Dead, Swamps & Volvanic Movements; Ancient Rome)

Festival of Demeter (Greek Barley Mother Goddess)

Festival of Vejovis (Roman God of Healing)

42 Day (Pastafarian)

Franz Jägerstätter (Christian; Saint)

Free Money Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Godrick of Finkley (Christian; Saint)

Green Four-Net (Muppetism)

Harold Robbins (Writerism)

Helena of Constantinople (a.k.a. "Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, Equal-to-the-Apostles,” Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion)

Henri Rousseau (Artology)

Hospitius (Christian; Saint)

John Elliot (Episcopal Church)

Nestinarstvo (Fire-Walking Ritual; Ancient Bulgaria)

Nost-na-Lothion (Elven feast for the birth of flowers; Lord of the Rings)

Ponder Pointlessness Day (Pastafarian)

Rudolf Koller (Artology)

Saint Camping’s Day (Discordian)

St. Luke (Positivist; Saint)

Theophilus of Corte (Christian; Saint)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown]

Pesach Sheni (2nd Passover) [13-14 Iyar]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 24 of 60)

Premieres

Agents of Fortune, by Blue Oyster Cult (Album; 1976)

Alison, by Elvis Costello (Song; 1977)

Annie (Film; 1982)

The Conquest of Everest, by John Hurt (Memoir; 1954)

Curtain Razor (WB LT Cartoon; 1949)

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (Film; 1982)

The Deep Blue Good-By, by John D. MacDonald (Novel; 1964)

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (Silent Film; 1908)

The Egg Hunt (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1940)

The Foxy Pup (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1937)

Gimme All Your Lovin’, by ZZ Top (Music Video; 1983)

Godzilla vs. Kong (Film; 2021)

Gypsy (Broadway Musical; 1959)

Hassle in a Castle (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1966)

Hot Shots! Part Deux (Film; 1993)

Injun Trouble (WB LT Cartoon; 1938)

I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories, by Ray Bradbury (Short Stories; 1969)

Lunch Poems, by Frank O'Hara (Poetry; 1963)

Mad Max 2 (Film; 1982)

Mask of Orpheus, by Harrison Birtwistle (Opera; 1986)

Maybellene, recorded by Chuck Berry (Song; 1955)

McCartney II, by Paul McCartney (Album; 1980)

Mouse for Sale (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1955)

Naked Came the Stranger (Adult Film; 1975)

Notting Hill (Film; 1999)

Ohio, by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (Song; 1970)

The Optimist's Daughter, by Eudora Welty (Novella; 1972)

Pagliacci, by Ruggero Leoncavallo (Opera; 1892)

Past Perfumance (WB MM Cartoon; 1955)

Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be, sung by Doris Day (Song; 1956)

The Real World (TV Series; 1992)

The Return of the Pink Panther (Film; 1975)

The Rhinemann Exchange, by Robert Ludlum (Novel; 1974)

Riptide, by Vance Joy (Song; 2013)

The Road Warrior (Film; 1982)

The Secret of the Hittites, by C.W. Ceram (History Book; 1956)

Shrek Forever After (Animated Film; 2010)

Snow Excuse (WB MM Cartoon; 1966)

Sour, by Olivia Rodrigo (Album; 2021)

Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (UK Film; 1980)

Terminator Salvation (Film; 2009)

Touch of Evil (Film; 1958)

Twin Peaks: The Return (TV Series; 2017)

The Twisker Pitcher (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1937)

Under the Boardwalk, recorded by The Drifters (Song; 1964)

What’s Going On, by Marvin Gaye (Album; 1971)

Today’s Name Days

Christoph, Constantin, Josef, Julio (Austria)

Elena, Konstantin, Kosta, Kostadin, Kostadinka, Lenko, Stoyan (Bulgaria)

Dubravka, Eugen, Kristofor (Croatia)

Monika (Czech Republic)

Helene (Denmark)

Kindel, Konstantin, Kostel, Tiino (Estonia)

Konsta, Konstantin, Kosti (Finland)

Constantin (France)

Hermann, Konst, Wiltrud (Germany)

Constantine, Constantina, Elena, Elene, Eleni, Helen, Konstantina, Konstantinos, Lena, Nantia (Greece)

Konstantin (Hungary)

Angelo, Giulia, Vittorio (Italy)

Ernestine, Ingmārs, Vinija (Latvia)

Vaidivutis, Valentas, Vydmina (Lithuania)

Eli, Ellen, Helene (Norway)

Donat, Donata, Jan, Kryspin, Przecława, Pudens, Tymoteusz, Walenty, Wiktor, Wiktoriusz (Poland)

Constantin, Elena (România)

Zina (Slovakia)

Cristóbal, Virginia (Spain)

Conny, Konstantin (Sweden)

Constance, Constantine, Helen (Ukraine)

Adelric, Adiel, Audric, Keaton, Kendrick (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 142 of 2024; 224 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 21 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 10 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 14 (Yi-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 13 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 13 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 22 Magenta; Oneday [22 of 30]

Julian: 8 May 2024

Moon: 96%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 1 St. Paul (6th Month) [St. Luke]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 64 of 92)

Week: 3rd Full Week of May

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 1 of 31)

Calendar Changes

Gemini (The Twins) begins [Zodiac Sign 3; thru 6.21]

Saint Paul (Catholicism) [Month 6 of 13; Positivist]

[iimtcollege]

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 🌍

This special day highlights the incredible tapestry of cultures that enrich our lives and communities. It's a reminder of the beauty and strength found in our differences and the power of dialogue in fostering understanding and unity. . https://www.iimtindia.net/ Call Us: 9520886860 . #IIMTIndia#IIMTNoida#IIMTGreaterNoida#IIMTDelhiNCR#IIMTian #WorldCulturalDiversityDay#EmbraceDiversity#UnityInDiversity#CulturalDialogue#GlobalCommunity

[tronuprising-re-askblog]

ACCESSING ARCHIVED DATA…

Character Archive I : TREV (part 1) User: Data under non-disclosure - Property of ENCOM 1984 Developed in 1982 OPEN FILE? (Y/N)?

Program Function: Originally designed to be a language translator program, the User of Trev realized during development that his program’s analysis function was surprisingly better than functional, and would actually be far better suited for a Program Maintenance Software. Within the system this User was designing programs, Trev had come to know the Open Server as an equally dangerous yet diverse culture to grow in. During his youth, Trev had gotten to know many of the programs that came and went, from those simply passing through the system, to patients that were sent from long distances to be under his care.

With the Open Server, Trev spent his free time ice skating in the icy flatlands of his server, or doing research on User Biology. He was captivated by their methods of in using physical means to treat patients, whereas the standard was to access the program’s data. In Trev’s server, that data was accessed not through Identity Disks like on The Grid, but rather a slot that could be accessed on the back of their neck. Since the means of treatment already had a somewhat physical element, Trev believed that a marriage in User and Program techniques could create medical breakthroughs for Programs, and potentially help overcome their fragility/prone to derezzing entirely from a single major injury.

After Kevin Flynn learned of Trev during a business meeting, he had tracked down Trev’s User and spoke with him. Flynn was very impressed with his skills, and offered a position at ENCOM, but for unknown reasons, he had refused. Rumors surfaced about the possibility of the User being on the run from Russian Officials, but nothing was ever confirmed, as the User had vanished not long after Flynn had met him. Whether he was caught or had went into hiding is unknown, and Kevin Flynn himself was adamant about not disclosing the User’s identity, in case the latter belief was true, and had officially wiped all records of the User, or had identifying code lines deeply encrypted, leaving only the designed Programs and Flynn himself to truly know said identity. Before the User had vanished, Flynn paid an unknown sum to select five programs from the User’s roster so he could integrate them into his own developing system. Within the Server, many programs had heard rumors of The Grid, but only whispers of energy and data going to a property that was marked as belonging to Kevin Flynn, but would quickly disappear into encrypted territory that nobody could pass through or even take a peek at. So when the famed User presented himself via text commands, explaining his plans to give five chosen Programs the option to leave their server and join The Grid, the reaction was very mixed. Trev was one of the chosen programs, and after seven Cycles of deliberating (24 Hours in the User World), he made his decision to leave his home and accept the offer. By this time, Trev had been Two User Years old (1Deca4Xila Cycles to be precise) and had seen a great deal—much of it, to his dismay, in the confinements of Civil War. To him, despite leaving home and all his beloved friends, those who he would call family, it was the new start he had been yearning for for nearly a DecaCycle.

On the trip back, he had learned something in those 5.5 Cycles (19 Hours in the User World). Kevin Flynn was one of the most Exhausting Users Trev had ever encountered.

He had talked nearly the entire time. It didn’t occur to Kevin Flynn as he was transfixed with the dialogue commands he had been exchanging with Trev, that while it had only been hours for him, for Trev, entire Cycles were going by. Cycles are a Program’s standard day. And each unit of User Time was 7x longer for a program (i.e. 1 second = 7 Nanos 1 minute = 7 Micros, etc.); to conclude: Trev did not get much rest during the trip. (Each Program got to travel in their own personal flash drive) In fairness, Trev supposed a User would find a Program being fascinated with physical anatomy to be a little strange. It seemed curiosity was a plague he and Flynn had in common—even if he was a little insufferable.

Upon arrival to The Grid, Trev could not deny the beauty in it. The architecture, the size of it—it truly was a vision. The newly integrated Programs were all given suits, as well as Identity Disks.

Trev found them to be far too slimming and uncomfortable—why was everyone walking around with lightlines bared like a newborn with suits that hugged the body so tight you could see every curve on the body? He didn’t care if the overall climate was warmer, he would have liked to have pants, at least. Furthermore, when Trev was invited to The Grid, he was under the impression that this very large system was going to be a professional environment. So, it was safe to say, when he was told after settling in to his new apartment that there was a welcome party in the best nightclub in town…

…this was not the environment he expected.

Parties were not Trev’s scene.

But the mood shift did catch his attention, particularly when a group of programs began to walk in. He had heard whispers of a famous Security Program, “Tron” was his name.

Most Programs tended to stare at Tron, who wouldn’t stare at a legendary program, but someone else had actually caught Trev’s eye, that late Cycle. He was never one to believe in falling in love, or Programs being made while having a specific Counterpart out there to be their other half…

But something made everything slow down, in that moment…

…and he was awestricken.

[milkieways]

we are growing! 7/21/23

Honestly im feeling a bit all over the place, like, oof- what do I do first and where should I continue.. but things are moving forward even if we don't know the way. I appreciate my friends (the team / anyone whos working even just a bit into the game) ! BUUTT OKOKOKOK ! LETS GET A LIST OF STUFF THAT IS CURRENTLY FLOATING AROUND! - The town's name is Aiyana Gardens. ✨ - Here is a list of all of the characters so far: Star (protag, first person), Kishu Chi, Nocte Ventus, Markus Bowen, Lily, Daryo Anne "Incarnation", Yu Bou, Anemone (not official name), Manager Noe, J, Katie Anne, Angela and Oliver Miller. These are official characters that are being planned and then we have a list of possible characters implemented. Possible characters: Brielle Gilmour, Lee Gilmour, Skye Joss, Ryoko Tinselly, Chloe, Edward Sam, Misaki This is all subject to change but the first list is highly unlikely to change <3 Character profiles and desc will be coming in (yall can request specific posts abt characters as well!)

I✨ - Yu bou's VA is currently in the works! If his possible VA becomes his official, we have our first character with an official voice AND VA! WOOO ✨ - A general rule in this world is that everything around the world evolves around the idea of plants, characters are assigned to plants / are identified by plants except for some characters. ✨ - The Anne family is a famous family with one of the members living in the town

- The cafe's work system is being worked around, having multiple managers, workers and hours. So far, we have the hours and shifts: 7 am - 12 am. Morning shift is 7 am-12 pm, mid-day / afternoon shift is 12-6 pm and night shift is until 12 am ! Different characters are assigned to different shifts, still being discussed. ✨ -Our protagonist, Star, is a worker in the morning and night shifts, we have J, working morning and mid day shifts, (Anemone) is there as well working in the mornings and Manager Noe! ✨ -Working on getting character sprites for Markus and Yu Bou, drawn by one of our amazing artists >v< ari!! <3 ✨ -Star, Noe, Anemone, and a couple unnamed character development and details ✨ -Writing the "book" version of it so its ready dialogue ✨ -Looking for coders / programmers and general networking to find other people to help + abilities of ppl! ✨ - Doing research because I want certain amount of diversity and visual accessibility in the game (the cafe's design being accessible for example), as a disabled poc, lgbtq+ person, I'd love to create a media that shows more diversity for people like me and people from communities I know / come from :) ^ fair warning though because I am a third cultural person (basically having mixed cultures bc home country's culture, family culture and where I live culture) and I am yet to be learning more about other countries BUT I personally have a disconnection from stuff like that so getting feedback on cultural stuff would mean a lot! Despite this, my point still stands, the people and communities I've met plus myself have features I'd love to include! So, im open and planning sort of to make open discussions for this :) ✨ There might be some more stuff but I can't recall more rn so this is it for today <3 General reminder that while it seems that we r doing a lot of work, it will come in slowly, specially with me also being a college student + future full time student, but I appreciate all the comments and general support!! I literally am stimming everywhere and bouncing off the walls bc of this game and the development, emotionally everywhere haha. But yea!! <3 Might do an "about the creator" post and some about the team!! anyways, THANK UUU <33

[vincentbarletta1]

Unveiling the Essence of Lusophone: A Journey Through Language and Culture

In a world of diverse languages and cultures, the term "Lusophone" holds a unique significance beyond mere linguistic connections. Derived from "Lusitania," the ancient Roman province that encompassed parts of modern-day Portugal and Spain, "Lusophone" refers to the countries, communities, and cultural spheres united by the Portuguese language. This linguistic thread binds regions with rich histories, intricate traditions, and shared aspirations, creating a fascinating tapestry that spans continents and epochs.

The Lusophone Network: A Global Perspective

The Lusophone community is not limited to Portugal and its immediate neighbors; it encompasses a constellation of countries and territories with historical ties to Portuguese colonialism and exploration. Prominent members include Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor. Additionally, regions like Macau in China and Goa in India, which bear the marks of Portuguese influence, contribute to the intricate fabric of Lusophone heritage. This sprawling network demonstrates the far-reaching impact of Portuguese exploration and colonization.

The Power of Language as a Cultural Link

The Portuguese language is the cornerstone of the Lusophone identity, creating a shared bond that transcends borders and historical legacies. This linguistic connection enables meaningful communication, exchange of ideas, and artistic collaboration among nations that might otherwise have little in common. It fosters a sense of unity and familiarity, allowing Lusophone communities to appreciate each other's cultural nuances and engage in cross-cultural dialogue.

Cultural Diversity within the Lusophone World

While the Lusophone community shares a linguistic foundation, its diversity is evident in its myriad cultural expressions. Each member nation brings its unique traditions, music, cuisine, and ways of life to the collective table. From the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian samba and the rhythmic beats of Angolan kuduro to the melancholic melodies of Portuguese fado, the Lusophone world pulsates with a kaleidoscope of artistic diversity. This cultural mosaic is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Lusophone societies as they have evolved.

Historical Legacy and Contemporary Dynamics

The historical legacy of colonialism is a complex facet of the Lusophone identity. While it has left indelible marks on societies and cultures, it has also been a source of introspection, reconciliation, and growth. Many Lusophone countries have embraced their diverse heritage and worked to address past injustices, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. These nations have navigated their unique paths to independence and development, often overcoming challenges through collaboration and shared experiences.

Lusophone in the Modern Context

In the modern world, the concept of Lusophone continues to evolve. The Portuguese language is a gateway to international partnerships, trade, and diplomacy, providing a platform for Lusophone nations to engage with the global community. Organizations like the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) facilitate cooperation among member states, promoting cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development. This collaborative spirit extends to various fields, including science, technology, and the arts, reinforcing the ties that bind the Lusophone community.

Preservation and Innovation: Balancing Tradition and Progress

Preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation is a delicate balancing act for Lusophone nations. A forward-looking approach to economic and social development complements efforts to safeguard traditional practices, languages, and art forms. For example, countries like Brazil have blended their rich cultural heritage with advancements in technology and industry, leading to a unique fusion of tradition and modernity.

The term "Lusophone" encapsulates far more than a shared language; it embodies a living testament to the interplay between history, culture, and human connections. The Lusophone community showcases the potential for unity amidst diversity, with a linguistic thread that spans continents and fosters mutual understanding. While rooted in a complex history, the Lusophone world is marked by resilience, creativity, and collaboration. As it navigates the complexities of the modern era, the Lusophone identity remains a vibrant tapestry that weaves together the stories, dreams, and aspirations of diverse peoples who share a common bond through the Portuguese language.

[theprofessionalpromptmaker]

I Need a Patch for That Day & International Tea Day & World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Person A likes making punk patches for their jackets and their neighbor, Person B, who runs a custom tea shop, asks if Person A can teach them how to make patches, since Person B wants to try making patches based on their different teas, since they want to start a girl scout/boy scout patch concept for their loyal customers - a tea drinker scouts of sorts.

[Overflow for today's obscure holidays is available on Patreon! x2 Prompts!]