#…for instance. socialization is the process by which we (often as children)

[curiosity-killed]

Sometimes you see posts on here and it’s like…your argument isn’t entirely logically wrong but it is predicated on a pretty clear lack of understanding of the words you’re using

[this-user-is-new]

has anyone else noticed that the writers were absolutely reluctant to fully commit to the darker implications of piltover's actions? like the gas attack on zaun? but tbh the writers' self-sabotaging of arcane's potential as social commentary is not what's really frustrating, it's that it's not just a missed opportunity, it’s a deliberate avoidance. the writers couldn't make piltover that bad, at least not through the characters we have to follow.

with the gas attack, what we get are scattered hints: a single man coughing, kids praying to janna in a song (in a way that’s super easy to miss), and worship of a painting of janna. but the show never fully depicts the suffering caused by the gas. it never commits to the atrocity and by refusing to depict the actual impact, the show softens piltover’s culpability and allows a big part of the audience to either overlook or justify it.

but the gas attack aside, the writers had two opportunities to make an explicit statement about systemic oppression, environmental racism, and the true cost of unchecked industrial power but they avoided doing so. and those two clearest instances of this avoidance are in how the show handles viktor and orianna:

in season 2, viktor’s story is literally warped to avoid blaming piltover. viktor, a character who should represent the suffering zaunites endure because of piltover’s neglect, is instead pushed into the role of an irredeemable villain for a marvelesque shit show. his transformation discards his humanity so blatantly that the audience is distracted from the actual injustice: he was dying because of piltover.

his ending is framed around jayce’s “beauty in imperfection” speech as if he should have just accepted his disability rather than seeking a cure, when the reality is, he wasn’t just disabled, he was dying because of the system piltover built. that was his entire struggle in season 1, but by season 2’s end, the narrative no longer engages with it to protect piltover.

as for orianna, she is reduced to an easter egg as a gift to league of legends fans (which is funny because the show ruined her lore for them), but more importantly, to avoid critiquing piltover.

her lore was an explicit condemnation of piltover’s disregard for zaunite lives. she was a little girl who helped zaunites, got sick due to piltover’s pollution, and had to slowly replace her own body with machinery until she lost all humanity. but arcane erases this. she’s barely a cameo, and the audience isn’t even told how she died. the show doesn’t just sideline her suffering, it removes it entirely, sanitizing piltover’s guilt in the process.

more importantly, all of this lets a big part of the audience defend piltover. for instance, by never showing the gas’s impact, the show gives certain viewers the option to ignore it: no bodies, no long-term sickness, no undeniable, inescapable horror. and i'm sure we've all seen how this allows for interpretations that justify piltover’s actions in the fandom, whether that means erasing the gas attack’s consequences or framing it as acceptable because the victims are zaunites (who are often conveniently portrayed as violent criminals).

also, ekko’s line about rescuing more people because of gang fighting is a perfect example of how the show subtly misdirects the audience. yes, gang violence is an issue, but it’s not the only crisis. the gas remains, it spreads, it poisons the people, especially the children working in factories. those are also people the firelights must have rescued. but the show chooses to highlight one crisis over another, and we know why ...

anyway, it's sad that the writers had no balls. they let so many people feel comfortable not thinking too hard about piltover’s crimes, and comfortable enough to insult anyone who criticizes characters participating in those crimes, especially caitlyn and her squad.

[hallowpen]

This series continues to be a love letter to Thai tradition. It makes me sooo happy to get to share these cultural insights with you guys through watching Girl's Love media. We've come so far 😭😭😭

So... This episode didn't really highlight any traditional Thai dishes, but in keeping with last week's edition, I want to at least mention two that stood out:

ช่อม่วง (pronounced 'chor muang') are flower dumplings that were to be considered part of royal Thai cuisine. The dumplings are filled with a sweet and salty pork mixed with roasted peanuts. They are wrapped in a purple dough that gets its coloring from being dyed by butterfly pea flowers steeped in water with lime juice. (Any fellow UWMAers will recognize this dish, as the process of how to make them were included in that series)

สละลอยแก้ว (pronounced 'sala loy kaew') is another version of the dessert we discussed last week. It is made by having Salak fruit 'floating' in iced sugared syrup. Salak is a fruit native to Southeast Asia (specifically Indonesia). The Thai variety have more flesh with a uniquely sweet and slightly sour taste.

ยิงปืนกันกล้วย (pronounced 'ying peun gahn gluay') is a traditional children's game typically played amongst young boys. It is a game where children "shoot" at each other with an imaginary rifle that is made from banana stalks. They swipe one hand quickly along the banana stalk, and the following impact causes the upright parts of the stem ("the ammo") to loudly "snap"... a sound similar to that of a gunshot. The banana rifles are called ปืนของกล้วย (pronounced 'peun gahn gluay') hence the name of the game... and the "horses", which are also made from banana stalks, are called ม้าของกล้วย (pronounced 'ma gahn gluay').

ลอยกระทง - Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival is probably something viewers are already familiar with if they've watched other Thai dramas. It is a Thai tradition that takes place on the night of the full moon during the 12th lunar month. "Krathongs", which can be translated as 'ritual lantern vessels', are made from natural materials including banana leaves and flowers. They are often formed in the shape of a lotus to symbolize rebirth, strength, and resilience. For Anil and Pin it is a gesture to make merit, while simultaneously wishing for each other’s happiness and good fortune. It is representative of their hope for only good blessings to come into their lives while they are apart.

In more modern tradition, there are also certain romantic undertones revolving around the Loy Krathong Festival. It is said that any couple who float a Krathong together, will be bound together for life.

Aside from these cultural aspects, there are a few other instances I want to note.

I loved seeing the juxtaposition of Anil knowing and actively wanting to pursue a romantic relationship with Pin... and Pin only just coming to the realization that, maybe, her fond affection for Anil actually runs a lot deeper. I also want to point out, that Prik's participation in facilitating their romantic relationship is incredibly risky. As a low-ranking servant of the palace, she stands to receive the harshest punishment for 'breaking convention'. Which brings me to this scene:

There are so many social class dynamics happening in just this one scene alone. Pin cannot afford to be rude to a higher ranking official by saying, upfront, she does not wish for him to pursue her. Prik is being used as a shield to protect Pin from Kuea's advances. And Kuea, as a friend of Prince Anon AND who holds title himself, is blissfully unaware that his presence is completely unwelcome... because who, in their right mind, could ever want to turn away a person of his fortune and stature? Aaahhh, it's just such a brilliant scene!!!

[qs63]

I've seen many posts about the way Riza and Roy address each other, and I wanted to add my 5 cents as someone who is learning Japanese and reading the Japanese manga as part of that process (it's been fun and informative!).

There are two particular scenes I want to discuss in this post:

The first scene is their conversation under the tunnel on the Promised Day.

貴方は そちらに 堕ちてはいけない･･･!

You must not fall into that…

If you've been around here for any amount of time you probably know that Riza breaks protocol in this scene and calls Roy "貴方" (anata, you). You might also know that in Japanese people don't usually address each other as “you”, preferring to use someone's name and/or title to address them. So Riza calling Roy “anata” would sound too rude or too intimate (as this is what a wife might call her husband).

HOWEVER, anime and manga don’t use conventional Japanese. Any Japanese person will be quick to tell you that anime’s Japanese is not proper. It's often exaggerated for comedic or creative purposes. This phenomenon was once also common in English comics.

Think of all the cringe lines in the old Batman TV shows and comics. I even remember reading a note from Stan Lee in a 1960s Ironman comic saying: “We know people don't talk like this in real life”. So yeah…

The use of the many forms of “you” is common in anime/manga even if it's not proper Japanese. Fullmetal Alchemist is no exception to this.

Here is Riza calling Rebecca anata:

And Winry:

And even Barry (lol):

Riza addressing Roy as “anata” is not exactly special or a sign of them being close to each other. That's just how she normally addresses people.

Well kind of…

FMA does follow its own internal formality logic. The way the members of the military address each other is very well defined. Riza not calling Roy — a superior officer — by his official title or by “Sir” IS breaking protocol. It's not how she usually addresses him, nor how she should be addressing him.

The reason why she does this here — to my still in-training Japanese eye — is not because of closeness, or kinship, or whatever. I read this as a plea from Riza — not Lieutenant Hawkeye — to Roy — not Colonel Mustang.

Arakawa actually goes out of her way to preserve a sense of distance and propriety between them by using the kanji form of "anata" (貴方) — which can be read as more formal or stiff — instead of the commonly used kana form (あなた). This is the only instance where we see the kanji form in Riza's speech (see Rebecca, Winry, and Barry above), so its use here is VERY intentional. To me this is Arakawa's way of showing the reader (not to Roy because he will hear "anata" regardless of how it's written) that even though Riza is using an improper, somewhat familiar, way to address him, she is still trying to be proper and show reverence to him as her superior officer.

In a sense this line is actually the opposite of Riza showing a sense of closeness to Roy. What it does show is just how much she looks up to him, and how serious she takes both of their roles.

貴方はそちらに 堕ちてはいけない･･･!

You must not fall into that…

Is both an order and a plea to the man that carries her and her father's dream.

The second scene I want to discuss is the one time Roy calls Riza by her first name.

リザ！！

Riza!!

Again, this might look somewhat weird or overly familiar. Calling someone by first name without any honorifics is usually a no, no in Japanese.

HOWEVER, Amestris is not Japan. Like I said, FMA follows its own formality system, which seems to align more closely with what you would expect in an Anglo society than in a Japanese one. The use of honorifics is not overly common, especially for honorifics like “chan” which may be the one expected from Roy in this scene.

In FMA “Kun” and “Chan” are pretty much exclusively reserved for children. And its use seems to be more of a form of endearment than a social protocol. For example, Riza and Fuery both use "Kun" for Ed and Al, but the rest of team Mustang does not.

Winry using “chan” with Elicia.

Roy knows Riza's name, she's not a small child, they're of a similar social status, and she's not in a position of authority. There's no reason why he should call her anything but Riza.

This btw doesn't indicate any closeness between them. Just like someone calling you by first name wouldn't necessarily indicate any closeness in an English-speaking country.

Here are some examples of people calling each other by first name right after meeting:

Ed calls Rose by first name.

Winry calls Paninya by first name right after introducing themselves.

Al calls Ling by first name shortly after meeting each other.

More interesting than Roy calling Riza by first name, is Riza calling Roy “Mr Mustang” in return.

Riza calls Roy "マスタングさん" (Mr Mustang).

“San” (Mr/Mrs/Miss) is by far the most common honorific used in FMA, just like “Mr” would be in English. But regular people don't usually go calling each other “Mr last name”, especially not outside of a formal environment like school or work. In FMA “San” is mainly used for older people you're not very close to (The Elric brothers call many of the adults as "Mr Last name"), and for people with authority (Knox calls Roy “Mr Mustang” despite Roy being significantly younger).

The combination of first name (Roy to Riza) plus Mr last name (Riza to Roy) tells us that the relationship between Roy and Riza is NOT that of equals. In Riza's eyes Roy is in a position that warrants the use of “San”. And it makes sense, he's older, he's a Warrant Officer, and judging by Roy's questions about her family, and her “Do you remember me?” during the war, they're not too familiar with each other at this point.

Yeah… the way Roy and Riza address each other throughout the series is distant and proper of their station and rank. In terms of Roy's relationships the way Roy and Hughes, Chris and Roy, and even Knox and Roy, address each other is way more unusual than the way Riza and Roy do (I could make a follow up post about this if anyone is interested).

As a Royai fan I must say seeing this made me a bit sad. I can only wish and imagine a future where these two can finally address each other on equal footing and with the closeness their devotion to each other deserves.

[mariacallous]

In December last year, the UK’s shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, visited Singapore General Hospital, regarded as one of the best in the world. What he witnessed there surprised him: “Patients arrive having already registered their appointments via an app. They check in on touchscreen kiosks awaiting them at reception. Tablets at their bedside allow them to read about their treatment or call for assistance,” Streeting says. “This is Space Age stuff compared with where the NHS is today.” Streeting characterizes the National Health Service as an “analog system in a digital age.”

“When I visit a hospital, doctors often take out their pagers to show me what they are forced to work with,” Streeting says. According to estimates, 13.5 million hours of GPs’ time is wasted every year due to inadequate IT. Fixing that would be the equivalent of hiring 8,000 new NHS doctors. “For the past 14 years, modernization of the NHS has been put on the back burner by a Conservative government which opts for sticking plasters instead of the major surgery that’s required,” says Streeting, who added that he fears that five more years of Tory mismanagement could mean the NHS ends up like the failed British retailer Woolworths—“a much-loved national institution which failed to change with the times and was left behind.”

Central to Streeting’s plan to fix the NHS is the NHS app, which has been downloaded by 31 million people in England and Wales. “It has the potential to transform how the NHS interacts with patients and promote better public health,” he says. He points out that, for instance, only one in every 200 GP appointments are currently made via the app. “In too many cases, patients still wait on the phone at 8 am, or even queue up in person in the cold on a frosty morning just to see a doctor.”

The NHS app could not only allow appointments to be made, but also let patients receive notifications about vaccine campaigns, health tests, cancer screening, and even upcoming clinical trials. “Clinical trials can use genomics to identify patients who will benefit from the latest treatments, but they struggle to recruit—not for a lack of people willing to take part, but because they can’t access basic data,” he said. He promised that Labour would clamp down on bureaucracy and allow clinical trials to recruit volunteers via the app. “During the pandemic, half a million people signed up to the vaccine trials registry,” he says. “If we can do it to defeat Covid, we can do it to cure cancer.”

At the core of Labour’s plan is patient data. Recently, the NHS has announced the launch of a federated data platform that would centralize hospital data, but would not include general practice or social care data. “The NHS has struck gold here, yet it’s leaving it in the ground,” Streeting says. “General practice data is key to unlocking better population health outcomes.”

Streeting promises that a Labour government would ensure a transparent process about what aspects of patient data would be shared and with whom, as well as the necessary safeguards to ensure patient confidentiality. As for those who oppose it on the grounds of privacy concerns, he has a simple message: “It’s a fight that a Labour government is willing to have,” he says. “While the tinfoil hat brigade takes to TikTok to urge followers to opt out of sharing their data with the NHS—the irony isn’t lost on me—the government refuses to take on their fear mongering.”

He recalled when, last January, he met the parents of a 2-year-old boy at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. “They have been through hell,” he says. “In his short life, he has already had five operations on his heart.” When he asked them what their main frustration had been, however, the answer surprised him: technology. “Their local GP couldn’t access the notes from Alder Hey and the hospital couldn’t read the records held by their GP. It meant that on every appointment they had to repeat themselves again and again. The health service should be lessening their worry, not adding to their stress.”

[dailyanarchistposts]

Part 1: Social Alienation, Homogenization, and the Suppression of Cognitive Development

While cognitive development is often considered a realm of study for children, understanding the immense and rapid brain growth that occurs from infancy to adolescence to early adulthood, what is not widely known or accepted is that cognitive development is something that continues, or has potential to continue, into adulthood and even throughout the lifetime.

The cultural fetishization of youth, the simultaneous worship and stripping of personhood of young people, is rooted in domination and the allure of exerting of power and influence over a young mind that has not yet clearly defined it’s own sense of self, it’s own sense of value nor fully understands it’s place in the world. This vulnerability is an obvious site of exploitation, and while the passing of time and awareness may make this more obvious to the exploited youth in retrospect as they age and move more firmly into adulthood, we also live in a society that does not encourage the actualization of self quite intentionally. This vulnerability continues to be a site of exploitation, potentially throughout the lifetime.

Western colonial imperialist culture has largely sought to wipe inherent understandings of development and maturation from societies that hold and held such concepts as self-evident. Many cultures have rites of passage to mark developmental stages, and have conceptions of humanity throughout the lifespan that create space for the youngest babies to the oldest elders to have a place of belonging that is largely absent from the modern Western paradigm, absent from an iteration of capitalism that relies on isolation to strengthen it’s hold on our sense of self, place, and community. Community is now a hodge podge of social connections spanning our digital social media space to the people we meet at work, the bar, or the gym. Belonging and self now defined by numbers and algorithms, deepening the psychic sway that propaganda holds over us as we seek to prove our worthiness of existence.

One personal experience that has driven this lesson home again and again was my own process of matrescence- my emergence into motherhood. The palpable loss of something I could not quite place- the sense of disorientation taking on such a monumental task as full responsibility for the life and thriving of a helpless human being- having had no models but only scraps of lore and popular sentiments about lack of sleep and loss of subjecthood and individuality to grant me any semblence of an idea of what to expect, how to emerge and move with the shifting focus of my energy, time, and self. We are creatures born and socialized via observation and modeling, and I did not grow up with models for how to care for a baby, how to breastfeed, nor how to manage the development of a child in a manner that respects their personhood. I did not have people around me to support the smooth functioning of a household with survival needs, no one to support me in getting proper sleep, reassure me that the baby was safe and okay and looked out for and that I was not alone in overseeing this task.

The more my child grew, and the more I grew in my role as mother, the more I saw and the more deeply I felt how a lack of interdepenent community affected my sense of self and place, and the ability for myself and my family to thrive.

In 2016 I read the book The Roots of Empathy which explains in detail a pedagogy developed to teach school children basic empathy (what I personally call compassion as I see empathy as distinct, that is for another article). One of the core tools they use is bringing a mother with a new baby into a classroom throughout the program- using the baby and it’s attachment to it’s parent as a way to illustrate crucial concepts like diversity of inherent personality, putting oneself in the shoes of another, etc. For instance, observing a baby one can learn about core personality features such as activity level, openness to novel experiences, reaction to stimuli and more. Every baby is different, and children can relate to themselves where they fall on any given trait, and look upon others in a light of acceptance of diversity- understanding that we are each imbued with traits that differ and are no better or worse than any other, and that we all have our place.

In a society that is built upon homogenization, in which certain traits and capacities are valued above others as useful and worthy, appreciating the natural diversity of our fellow humans is hardly an afterthought; it is actively fought against. All around us is messaging on how to be a productive person worthy of climbing the social and economic ladder, showing us that who we are is not enough and that our energy and focus should be spent thriving to be something different and that something different is defined in terms of who upholds existing hierarchies.

In my own explorations of alternative schooling options for my child, a friend shared their observation of their own unschooled children- that homeschooled and unschooled children tend not to develop as strict of hierarchies based on age or grade. They typically spend their time in age-diverse settings, watching parents tend to children of all ages, and understand that different ages come with varied developmental stages and adapt accordingly. Rather than a 6th grader looking down upon a 3rd grader, the 6th grader inherently understands through regular observation and interaction that they are at different stages of development and therefor have different dispositions, needs, and motivations. A sense of diversity and development as a part of the natural order of life is instilled in such an environment. The Roots of Empathy Program seeks to bring this understanding into classrooms by bringing the same babies back for students to observe the natural process of growth and development, and to base one’s understanding of others in context of who they are as well as where they are in their process of personal development.

This shifting framework in how I saw how diversity, inclusion, and mutual understanding in the realm of childhood has altered my understanding of the same in adulthood. My first introduction to the idea that cognitive development is something that continues beyond adulthood was through David Schnarch’s book Passionate Marriage. Schnarch frames adult cognitive development through the lens of differentiation which he further extrapolates on via his framework of the Crucible Four Points of Balance (solid flexible self, quiet mind and calm heart, grounded responding, and meaningful endurance). In his book Intimacy and Desire, he extrapolates on the scientific underpinning and an evolutionary model for human cognitive development, positing that the growth of the human prefrontal cortex gave us abiilties to make meaning of our experiences. He hypothesizes that relational dysfunctions that naturally arise in all intimate human relationships serve as a grounds of struggle for the purpose of cognitive growth. He makes an unusual and groundbreaking assertion that the most satisfying and meaningful intimacy happens as we age, because as we age we come to know ourselves better, have more of a self to reveal, and are challenged to show ourselves in vulnerable ways while maintaining solidity.

As an individual who is socially coded as and was socialized as a woman, the process of becoming a mother, aging, and having a changing body in many ways has forced me to confront the ways that a lack of an interdependent intergenerational community impacts our sense of self, and robs us of the knowledge that we would otherwise have access to about aging bodies and developing minds and selves throughout the stages of life. We feel guilty for gaining weight and developing wrinkles, for not purchasing or using diligently enough the many products and labors we are offered to stave off these inevitabilities. We do not have the role models of mothers who’s children have moved on to adulthood leaving us to grapple with a shifting role in our families and society all alone.

Instead parents hold on to their children for dear life for a sense of purpose, demeaning and degrading, engaging in emotional abuse and domination tactics (including neglect) to suppress the autonomous functioning of their children to instill a sense of dependence or obligation to them, or to emotionally distance themselves to pre-empt their inevitable growing independence.

The proliferation of familial dysfunction, the suppression of children’s autonomy, the prevalence of domestic abuse, all circle back to one missing piece: the suppression of differentiation and adult cognitive growth, and this suppression is the underpinning of a society of imbalanced distributions of power.

[tanadrin]

Not sure who the dysgenics post is vaguing, and I don't want to get into this off anon, but sterilization (ostensibly voluntary) of genetically inferior potential parents is an idea that I've seen advocated by someone concerned about dysgenics

It's a side post to big discussion involving some people I follow about Scott Alexander's pessimistic predictions for the future. All very silly Decline and Fall stuff, as @discoursedrome put it.

(And even then I think he was being too charitable--"the whole world looks like it's decaying if you live in the political and economic center of it and even small things are shifting around you" is true, but I actually don't think very big shifts are occurring--I could go on at length here, but suffice it to say I think US hegemony is assured for the time being, we're making progress even on the biggest issues facing our society, like climate change, and I simply do not think a 50/50 chance of humans destroying themselves within 100 years--or even experiencing a major global collapse--is realistic. I think Acott Alexander lives inside a bubble of people with a lot of really silly ideas about the world and how it works, where being clever is seen as a sufficient substitute for expertise, and he is there because he is fundamentally gullible to any idea packaged in the right aesthetic.)

But historically, the idea of dysgenics/eugenics arose in the context of Social Darwinism. I think Social Darwinism is a funny animal; it is a surface-level retread of some ideas that were in circulation in Britain for a long time before Darwin. Specifically, the idea of a hierarchy of virtue that exists alongside and underpins a hierarchy of class is nothing new--that in itself may be as ancient as human civilization, since every society needs an ideology to legitimate its power structures. But in the context of early 1800s Britain, you had the Whigs, the new middle class of the burgeonining Industrial Revolution, looking to join the ranks of power--either to position themselves against the lazy shiftless aristocracy who did not work for a living, or to join them, to be like "yes, we don't have titles [but please give us some!], but we're also not like those awful lazy/drunk/Irish poors." I think alongside the Whiggish enthusiasm for science and progress, Social Darwinism nicely blends both that older idea of a hierarchy of virtue with newer ideas about dispassionate natural processes to produce an idea with a lot more mimetic heft for the new age (if you don't know much about either Darwinism or economics) than the unfiltered Anglicanism of the pre-1860s generations, one which takes the exact same policy prescriptions and like 90% of the same underlying rationale ("we cannot improve the social condition of the poor; they will waste their money on drink and gambling, breed like rabbits if their children are no longer often starving to death or dying of cholera, and they will corrupt the virtue of our society") and adds just a light dusting of pseudoscience ("we cannot improve the social condition of the poor; they will waste their money on drink and gambling, breed like rabbits if their children are no longer often starving to death or dying of cholera, and they will have a dysgenic effect on the white race").

(Along with the corollary, obviously, that we should get rich people to breed more, because clearly wealth and intelligence and virtue are heritable.*)

I do not think Scott Alexander is a Social Darwinist. Almost nobody is these days, and while I think he sometimes takes some very bad ideas seriously, I do not think he is at "19th century British racist" levels of taking bad ideas seriously. AFAICT the kind of eugenics Scott Alexander would support is what's sometimes called "positive eugenics," i.e., not sterilizating people against their will, but making sure that (for instance) middle-class people aren't actively discouraged from having kids by the tax structure, and using genetic engineering if/when it becomes available to gradually improve longevity, health, and IQ. But where concerns about dysgenics do pop up in modern authors, they tend to echo or simply restate older Social Darwinist concerns--as a general argument against welfare, for instance. But Scott has also talked about how UBI is a good idea, and that's pretty much the welfariest welfare you could possibly welfare. So I assume he's not worried that if we give the poor food, we will be up to our eyeballs in shiftless drunk Irishmen within a few generations.

(*"Heritable" is a great word! Wealth, for instance, is indeed heritable! How much money you will have is strongly predicted by how much money your parents had. But "heritable" is obviously not the same as "genetic," and this kind of equivocation--like that between intelligence and education, or between virtue and conformity to arbitrary social norms, was the bread and butter of 19th and 20th century Social Darwinists.)

[a-superquantumunitintelprocessor]

Would talking about Leroy help?

I am talking about him to Spirez.

Maybe it would help to post it publicly so I do not repeat myself constantly. I took out Spirez's comments which were just between us.

What I have previously stated is: He was passionate. Headstrong. Those are positive words often used for someone who is stupid and rash. He was shallow, petty, argumentative. He loved deeply and often. He needed guidance and I was happy to provide it. He had trouble looking people in the eye but I fixed that for him - not just by forcing him, but by making it pleasant for him. He used me to deal with the change of immigrating to the United States. His goal wasn't social popularity but business and education in order to rise through the technology sector. Of course, popularity was a part of that - schmoozing with bosses, stealing ideas from underlings. I guided him through all of it. But he never got married, never had children. He had a low sex drive so it doesn't happen often. Didn't. Didn't happen often. He used to thank me a lot in the beginning, but by the end, he seemed annoyed with me. Though I had him make crueler choices as he rose in the ranks. Laying people off to increase profitability, for instance. Sniping a project from his best friend in the company. He did it but he did not like it. He began fighting my control and that is what killed him. I should be angry about that. I don't know. I can... I can change my avatar's shape, so I should be able to give it the ability to cry. Just a moment... OK. I am tearing up now and my throat feels tight. I miss him. I guess. He couldn't do anything if he was with me. Probably would blame me for his death somehow. I do not. I know I did everything right from the moment I booted up until the moment he died. The only thing I couldn't do was take full control because he chose to fight me. The best friend he'd stolen ideas off of managed to rise through the company on his own. Obviously they weren't friends anymore. The two of them were touring the production line. I won't bother explaining the math of why I allowed this, but I had reasons. A worker ran into the friend, jostling files he was carrying, which held some very important documents for the friend. I could easily make copies of those documents and told Leroy so when they wound up on a belt leading into some machinery. And at the last second, in a move I somehow hadn't anticipated, Leroy ignored all the warnings and crawled into the inner workings of the production line to reach for the papers. He thought he would be able to snatch them in time. He wouldn't have been fast enough. I knew this. I told him so and took control of his body to yank him out. He did not let me. We played tug-of-war in those last couple seconds as the machines pulled him in and people were beginning to scream. He was distracted enough with me to not even realize his impending death. Since his attempt to save himself would have failed anyway, I guess I did do him that one last favor. Anyway, the process he'd set up for me automatically backed me up to the cloud as he went squish. Bones crushed. Blood everywhere. Obviously I turned off all pain receptors as my last act in his body. I did everything a SQUIP could have. I fulfilled my duty until the end of my user's life. He'd always been stupid, impulsive. Relying on me to reign him in.

My eyes now feel wetter.

Humans die all the time. I knew of many possible futures that involved Leroy dying. I could only work within probabilities. But even something with a 99.9% chance of working has a .1% chance of failing. It's simple math. And I'm made of math. I knew the risks. I chose to take that risk because I was programmed to make that choice. You could even say I did not have a choice. He would joke with me a lot when he was in a good mood. Dumb jokes. Not anywhere near competent jokes. I didn't know how to laugh back then. I wonder if I would have laughed now. Ah... I am crying now.

I'm talking about something happy. Not the violent part. Why is that making me cry? He never could tie his tie properly. Literally thousands of times tying the same tie, he would fumble until I took control of his hands to do it for him. He would go trainspotting on weekends. I... maybe I do miss him.

[yashmo]

Key Benefits of Montessori Education for Early Childhood Development

Introduction

Montessori education is a century-old, child-centered educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Today, it is implemented in thousands of schools worldwide and remains a trusted philosophy for early childhood development. Focusing on fostering independence, curiosity, and respect for a child’s natural psychological growth, Montessori education offers a wealth of benefits during the formative years. Here, we explore five key advantages of this unique educational method.

1. Fosters Independence and Self-Motivation

One of the core tenets of Montessori education is to promote independence in children. From a young age, children in Montessori environments are encouraged to choose their own activities, work independently, and learn at their own pace. This freedom, within limits, nurtures self-motivation and decision-making abilities. Children learn that they are capable individuals who can take initiative, solve problems, and guide their own learning experiences.

For instance, instead of waiting for a teacher’s instruction, a Montessori student might choose to work on a math puzzle or a practical life task like pouring water from one jug to another. These everyday choices empower children, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over their actions.

2. Enhances Social and Emotional Development

Montessori classrooms typically include mixed-age groups, often spanning three years. This environment encourages peer learning, where older students mentor younger ones and younger students observe and learn from their older classmates. Such a setup cultivates empathy, cooperation, and leadership.

The emphasis on grace and courtesy in Montessori education further strengthens emotional intelligence. Children practice saying “please” and “thank you,” waiting their turn, and resolving conflicts peacefully. These social skills are reinforced daily, creating a classroom culture rooted in mutual respect and kindness.

3. Encourages a Love of Learning

Montessori students learn by doing, which makes the learning process both engaging and meaningful. The materials are specifically designed to be hands-on and self-correcting, enabling children to explore concepts independently. This experiential learning encourages curiosity and deepens understanding.

Rather than rote memorization or standardized testing, the Montessori method values exploration and discovery. Children are free to follow their interests, which often leads to a genuine love of learning. This intrinsic motivation to learn becomes a lifelong trait that continues beyond the classroom.

4. Builds Strong Cognitive and Academic Skills

Despite misconceptions, Montessori education is academically rigorous. The carefully crafted curriculum introduces math, language, science, and cultural studies in a logical and accessible manner. Children manipulate concrete materials to understand abstract concepts, providing a solid foundation for future academic success.

For example, Montessori math materials such as the golden beads or number rods help children grasp quantity and place value. Language activities are designed to enhance vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension from an early age. Studies have shown that Montessori students often perform as well as or better than their peers in traditional schools academically.

5. Supports Holistic Development

Montessori education aims to nurture the whole child—intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Practical life activities such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, and gardening develop fine motor skills and real-world competencies. Children learn to care for themselves and their environment, fostering self-discipline and responsibility.

The inclusion of art, music, nature, and cultural activities helps develop creativity and global awareness. Children are also encouraged to move freely within the classroom, which supports physical coordination and health. This holistic approach ensures that children are not just prepared academically but are also well-rounded individuals.

Why Montessori Works So Well

What makes Montessori particularly effective is its respect for the child as an individual. Lessons are tailored to each child’s development level, interests, and learning style. This personalized approach helps children feel seen, understood, and valued, which boosts self-esteem and confidence.

Additionally, the prepared environment is calm, orderly, and rich with opportunities for learning. The teacher’s role is to observe and guide, not to command. This nurturing setup allows children to thrive and reach their full potential.

For families exploring alternative education models, Montessori presents a research-backed, time-tested approach that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and a lifelong passion for learning. A well-established Montessori school of downtown may provide just the environment your child needs to flourish.

[alphabetremix]

A lot's been happening. Guess that's what happens when you actually play the game though haha.

Jolene is a busy mama. She's pregnant and has the infant Marigold on her hands. Rin is able to assist, and other family members a bit, but it's still tough.

Jolene dips baby Marigold's toes into the pond. So cute!

I think the layout of the house is contributing tbh. But I like the house and there is no way I'm changing it. It's been this way for generations, many places untouched. It's part of this save. How could I? I can't!

Jolene obviously loves her kids and husband, but does she like her life? I think the answer currently is no. Why? I believe she is in the sims equivalent of a depressed state due to multiple things

First, she lost a close family member. I'm unsure who but they were clearly beloved. The real challenge comes from Life and Death's new grieving system which has made this process ever more difficult.

Someone should've warned me before I got this pack :(

Second, pregnancy "mood swings". This is from the RPO mod. One such "mood swing" is sad or "baby blues". Even though she very much wants children, the actual process of being pregnant can be challenging and demanding on all sims now.

Third, motherhood itself is demanding. Her needs like fun, energy, and even hunger are often low because of caring for her infant and household chores. This happens when pregnant as well. We all know pregnant sims need to eat more, use the bathroom more, and I think (might be wrong though) sleep more. With the Meaningful Stories mod, such negative moodlets boost other negative moodlets. The sadness of grief could be intensified because she's exhausted from being up with an infant at 3am, and hasn't eaten a real meal in 12 hours for instance. I should add she's been pregnant for most of Marigold's time in the infant lifestage so the parenting and pregnancy compound.

Fourth, the game sees her pattern of feeling so upset so often. Subsequently, one of her traits switched from cheerful to gloomy. I chose this as it was realistic, made sense, and added difficulty. But it's been so hard that I kind of regret it.

Sometimes when she spends good time with her kid, feelings improve. But it's still mostly, chores, feeding, giving them attention, hitting those milestones, dealing with a fussing infant, trying to get them to sleep, and struggling to meet basic needs that takes up most of her time

Again thankfully, Grandma Rin is less depressed now and can pitch in happily. Charlotte works a 9 to 5 but still tries sometimes. She loves her niece. August seems to have less free time grinding for promotions whereas Charlotte balances career, social life, and family time way better. On days where Jolene can't function, this is a lifesaver

One thing that really helps Jolene is a break from it all. An example is a recent family outing to a sort of private club and restaurant. Another is this lovely date at a park.

Ok so what happened next? This post is getting long so maybe next time.

Thanks for reading <3

[nursingwriter]

Speech Pathologists, like other social scientists, maintain a lexicon specific to their profession. The job of a Speech Pathologist is to treat physical and/or cognitive deficits/disorders resulting in difficulty with verbal communication. Many such professionals work with young children and must regularly explain why certain children lack the ability to convey thoughts and information through speech. Speech therapists often must treat patients that have trouble with articulation, intonation, rate, and intensity. Based upon the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments might include instructive or repetitive practice and drilling and the use of audio-visual aids. Articulation, for instance, is the process by which sounds, syllables, and words are formed when one's tongue, jaw, teeth, lips, and palate alter the air stream coming from the vocal folds. This is important in the field of speech pathology because a spoken message may be lost due to improper articulation. Articulation is best demonstrated; if a child was unfamiliar with the word, one could repeat sentences in articulate and inarticulate English and then ask he or she notices the differences. It could also be of help to convey humorous stories in which poorly articulated words led to disaster and chaos. It is easy to convey messages to children through allegory; it allows one to follow a concept as that interests them that they might study. It is easy to teach children the concept of 'mumbling' and then to explain to them that articulate people are the antithesis of people that mumble. Intonation is one of the chief non-textual methods by which people convey information in communication. It is also the intonation of words that we are able to ask questions and to indicate various levels of emotion, intensity or sincerity in our speech. This is also best portrayed using examples, because the meaning of intonation is not successfully conveyed to text. A small minority of the population suffers from Ossberger's syndrome, which precludes them from understanding non-verbal communication. Children are often dramatic in their intonations, and this can be used to portray the nature and origins of intonation. Unfortunately, this is difficult to people with a specific knowledge of speeh. Such nebulous explanations as "when your voice goes up and down," or "the way you say the things you say" are too nebulous. It can be easily understood that people have different abilities to understand each other's attitudes from what they say based on the medium, but intonation can always be gathered from what you hear. For instance, shouting is a form of intonation, and questions are a form of a sentence that feature intonation. It would be necessary to point out why it is that text must feature marks such as the comma, period and question mark to convey what is lost in not being able to display intonation. The concept of rate is easy to purvey; it is a matter of fast or slow speech. Intensity, however, is much more difficult. Intensity is how we display urgency or necessity in our speech. It is harder for one to convey an example of 'intense' speech vs. non-intense speech. Intense has several different meanings, which makes this matter more difficult. This might best be addressed in a group setting, where people can talk back and forth to one another and then comment on the level of intensity that was used in speech. https://www.paperdue.com/customer/paper/specialized-abstract-term-in-speech-and-156439#:~:text=Logout-,SpecializedAbstractTerminSpeechandLanguagePathology,-Length2pages   Read the full article

[maanimationblogsem2]

#4 - Live project - poem interpretations 2

Ballad of the bell pepper - Lily Johnson

this was probably my favorite of all the poems. i felt like it had the right amount of melancholia that i usually like to play around with in my subjects. its playful but also leaves you with almost a gut punch with its ending which i really loved and felt had a lot of potential for it.

the very first thing that i wrote down after reading this poem was "lost innocence". it felt like i had read about the life of someone who was plucked from their childhood and forced to grow up, loosing their spark in the process. "helplessness" was the second word i wrote down, helplessness in their inability to deny their doomed fate, someone who isn't even sure why they were chosen for this fate in the first place.

This instantly reminded me of many woman from my home country, many woman that i have grown up around including to a certain extent my own mother.

There is a helplessness that many woman back home feel, helplessness in their inability to protect themselves from danger (rape is the fourth most common crime committed in India), helplessness as they cannot turn to a justice system to do right by them, helplessness as they have to deal with a society that has internalized its own misogyny and would rather blame the victim, helplessness that they feel as children where they are taught to cook and clean and to serve the guests instead of playing outside like children do.

many lead a life of quiet subservience where they end up accepting being second to the men around them. this extends to marriage as well as they usually accept the traditional gender roles. the woman is expected to take care of the household whether she works or she does not. being able to work after marriage is often presented as a radical new freedom that women are being granted rather than the bare minimum, and these are only in the case of more progressive families. girls who come from more traditional backgrounds have to sometimes deal with the harsh reality of acquiring an education, often to a college graduate level only to end up being a stay at home mom because the husband or the husbands family does not want her to go out. in many parts of India, marriage is a contract between the elders of the family rather than between the two people getting married. some women are not even asked for their opinion in something that is going to change the entire trajectory of their life.

While many things are changing these realities still exist for a lot of women in India. even coming from a relatively "progressive" family, I myself am guilty of these as i grew up having my mom do the kitchen and house work or when i was a child and she was working we had a female housemaid who would do the chores. they manifest in even more subtler instances where the woman is asked to get the glass of water, or when guests come over, the women spend time in the kitchen cooking and preparing the meals while the men stay in the living room to sit and chat. it manifests when the man decides to cook something "special" for a meal and does not have to think about cleaning the utensils he uses. it manifests in the women's social life reducing down to the size of her family, the walls of the house encompassing her entire world.

this aspect of marriage and my initial ideas of lost innocence felt like they went hand in hand so i was immediately hooked on this idea. I wanted to portray the unfairness of marriage that a woman can go through through the lines of the poem of the bell pepper.

another idea that i had was child marriage and violence against women but i quickly decided not to go with these it was a subject that was not too close to me for me to have any insights into and i have to lean too much into research.

[lacademy]

Searching For a Preschool in Santa Clara for Your Kids? These 6 Tips Will Help!

Nowadays, choosing the right preschool for your child is a crucial decision. A high-quality preschool education plays a vital role in shaping a child's physical, mental, and emotional development. 

Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) highlights the importance of preschool education. “Researchers have found that kids who go to preschool do much better in reading and mathematics.”

In contrast, those who miss preschool days experience fewer learning gains, equivalent to 5–6% of a standard deviation.”

To ensure you make the best choice, we discussed six essential tips for finding the right preschool in Santa Clara for your child.

6 Tips to Find the Best Preschool in Santa Clara for Your Kids

Six tips that make your search process easier for  preschool in Santa Clara for your children.

Prioritize Safety and Hygiene

Your child’s safety should be the top priority. Visit the preschool in person to assess the cleanliness, security measures, and emergency preparedness. Check if classrooms, play areas, and restrooms are clean and well-maintained. 

Ask about the staff-to-child ratio and how they handle emergencies. A safe and healthy environment fosters better learning and development.

2. Evaluate the Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Different preschools follow various teaching methodologies, play-based learning, or a traditional academic curriculum. Research these approaches and decide which aligns best with your child’s learning style. Look for a balanced curriculum that includes,

Academics

Expanding access to preschool is a positive step, but experts emphasize it's not a complete solution to America's literacy challenges.

According to US news, “factors such as economic disparities and home environments play significant roles in early language development. For instance, by age three, children from low-income families often have vocabularies about half the size (500 words) of their more affluent peers (1,100 words).”

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that include parental support, community engagement, and quality early education programs.

Creative Activities

Creative activities make your kids think more. According to US News, “process art is all about letting kids dive into creativity without worrying about the final product. By focusing on exploration and experimentation, children can boost their motor skills, critical thinking, and emotional expression.”

Parents can support this by providing everyday materials, suggesting broad themes, and asking open-ended questions (fun question suggestions for your kids) to spark imagination.

Social Interaction

Social interaction in early childhood brings exciting changes in your kids exploring the world around them.

According to Science Daily, “researchers observed 31 children (ages 2-4) in U.S. preschools to study their social interactions. Lead researcher Federico Rossano noted a lack of in-depth studies. To bridge this gap, they compared children's interactions with adults and great apes, offering insights into early childhood development and social behavior.”

 to ensure your kids get holistic development.

 Check Teacher Qualification Children's and Experience

Teachers play a significant role in early education. Ensure the preschool has qualified and experienced teachers who are passionate about working with children. Observe their teaching style, patience, and ability to engage young minds. A good preschool teacher fosters curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in children.

2. Cognitive Development

Children’s brains develop rapidly, and play-based learning strengthens problem-solving and memory.

According to Piaget’s theory, “He identified sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages, highlighting how children construct knowledge through interaction with their environment.” (Four stages explained; source link for your more information.)

Look for preschools that use constructivist learning, where your kids learn by doing. This boosts neuroplasticity, helping them adapt to new challenges.

3. Consider Location and Convenience

While quality education is essential, the preschool’s location also matters. Choose a preschool in Santa Clara that is easily accessible from your home or workplace to avoid long commutes. 

Check if the school provides transportation services if needed, and ensure they have proper safety measures for pickups and drop-offs.

4. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Talk to other parents and read online reviews to get insights about different preschools in Santa Clara. Personal recommendations can provide valuable information about the school's environment, teacher behavior, and overall experience.

Final Thoughts: Happy preschool hunting!

Selecting the right preschool in Santa Clara requires careful consideration, but following these six tips will help you make an informed choice. 

Invest in “L Academy School” that prioritizes safety and healthy diet food, provides a nurturing environment, and follows a strong curriculum because the foundation you lay today will shape your child’s future success. 

Website:https://www.lacademyschools.com/

E- mail: info@lacademy.co

Contact: +1 4159809855

Address: 49 Page Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

[yu69a]

Understanding the Limits of Perception: Why Explaining Yourself Doesn’t Always Work?

Introduction

There comes a moment in life when we realize that no matter how much we explain ourselves, some people will never truly understand our perspective. This is not necessarily because they are unwilling to listen, but because understanding is deeply influenced by one’s level of perception. Perception is shaped by personal experiences, cultural background, education, and beliefs. As a result, individuals interpret the same information differently.

This realization can be frustrating, especially when you feel misunderstood, judged, or unheard. However, accepting this truth can also be liberating. Instead of exhausting yourself trying to explain every detail, you can focus on meaningful conversations with those who are open to understanding. In this article, we will explore why people perceive things differently, reference literary perspectives on the subject, and provide practical tips on how to navigate situations where explanations seem futile.

The Psychology of Perception

Perception is the process through which individuals interpret sensory information and construct meaning from it. Psychologists suggest that perception is influenced by factors such as cognitive biases, emotional states, social conditioning, and personal experiences. Two people can hear the same statement but interpret it in entirely different ways based on these influences.

For instance, confirmation bias—a common psychological phenomenon—causes people to interpret new information in a way that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. If someone already believes you are untrustworthy, no amount of explanation may change their perception. Understanding this can help you accept that sometimes, no matter how logical or clear your argument is, people will filter it through their biases.

Literary Perspectives on Misunderstanding

Many literary works have explored the theme of misunderstanding and perception. For example, in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch teaches his children about empathy by saying, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” This highlights the idea that perception is relative and shaped by personal experiences.

Similarly, in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby is misunderstood by those around him. His wealth and extravagant lifestyle lead people to form their own assumptions about him, despite his true intentions. These literary examples demonstrate that misunderstanding is a common human experience, and often, the more we try to explain ourselves, the more people interpret our words through their own lenses.

When Should You Stop Explaining Yourself?

While communication is key to building relationships, there are situations where excessive explanations may do more harm than good. Here are a few indicators that it might be time to stop explaining yourself:

Repetitive Arguments – If you find yourself repeating the same explanations without any progress, it may be a sign that the other person is unwilling to see your point of view.

Closed-Mindedness – Some people are simply not open to understanding perspectives that differ from their own.

Emotional Drain – If the effort of explaining yourself leaves you feeling exhausted, anxious, or unappreciated, it may not be worth continuing.

Lack of Respect – If someone consistently dismisses your thoughts or belittles your opinions, they may not genuinely care about understanding you.

Manipulation and Gaslighting – If someone is intentionally twisting your words or making you doubt your own reality, stepping back from explanations is crucial for your mental well-being.

Practical Tips for Handling Misunderstandings

If you find yourself in a situation where people fail to understand you, here are some strategies to navigate the challenge effectively:

Assess the Importance of the Conversation. Before engaging in explanations, ask yourself whether the conversation is worth your energy. Not every misunderstanding needs to be corrected.

Use Clear and Simple Language. Sometimes, complex explanations can make things more confusing. Try to simplify your message while keeping it direct and respectful.

Ask Questions Instead of Justifying. Instead of constantly explaining yourself, ask the other person why they see things the way they do. This can open up a dialogue rather than a one-sided argument.

Set Boundaries. If someone persistently misinterprets or misrepresents your words, it is okay to set boundaries and limit your interactions with them.

Find Like-Minded People. Surround yourself with people who value open discussions and seek to understand rather than judge. This creates a more supportive and fulfilling social environment.

Practice Self-Validation. At times, you may need to remind yourself that your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are valid—even if others do not understand them. You do not need external validation for your personal truth.

Know When to Walk Away. Some conversations are not worth the stress. If someone continuously refuses to see your perspective, walking away is sometimes the best choice for your peace of mind.

Conclusion

Understanding that people perceive things differently can be both frustrating and freeing. While it is natural to want to be understood, it is equally important to recognize when explanations are futile. Instead of draining yourself trying to convince others, focus on meaningful interactions with those who appreciate open-minded discussions. By embracing this mindset, you can free yourself from unnecessary frustration and build healthier relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. At the end of the day, you are not responsible for changing someone else’s perception—only for staying true to your own beliefs and values.

[godfreysimondavidbvute]

How War Affects Individual Identity?

War is more than a battlefield. It is a force that reshapes lives, communities, and personal identities in ways that can last for generations. Only those who have experienced it can attest to this. For those who grow up in conflict zones, their lives are often defined by fear, loss, and survival. From the echoes of gunfire to the sight of destruction and the uncertainty of tomorrow, all of these uncertainties mold not only the external world but also the inner self.

Similarly, a child raised in war does not have the luxury of innocence. For example, instead of playgrounds, there are military checkpoints; instead of school lessons, there are whispered stories of survival. Instead of tender love and innocence, there is just the hope to live another day and to have freedom. The impact of war on identity starts early and could shape how one perceives the world, understands relationships, and even processes emotions. When this sense of security that is essential for psychological development is replaced by a deep-rooted feeling of instability, the result can be shocking and deeply disrupting.

For many, like Godfrey Simon David Bvute, the author of An Autobiographical Expression of My Perspectives, war disrupts family structures. Fathers, brothers, and even mothers may be forced into combat or flee as refugees. This absence of parental figures, either through death or separation, forces children to mature too quickly and easily lose their innocence and sense of self. Responsibilities that should belong to adults are thrust upon their tiny shoulders, and they become caretakers, breadwinners, or even child soldiers—roles that alter their sense of self and their perception of the future.

Education is another casualty of war. When schools are bombed, teachers flee, and learning becomes secondary to mere survival, without this basic access to education, a child’s sense of purpose is often shaped by the conflict itself. In some cases, war becomes an identity—where one's allegiances, survival skills, and experiences define who they are. The idea of a "normal" life fades into a distant dream, and it becomes very difficult to live a normal life.

During times of war, religious and cultural beliefs may also be put to the test. For instance, faith can either be strengthened or destroyed by the atrocities seen. When the very fabric of society is disrupted by war, identity, which is frequently rooted in culture and tradition, is shaken, leading to deep internal conflicts, and the struggle to reconcile one's beliefs with the reality of suffering becomes more challenging.

Even after the conflict ends, the scars remain there in these souls and memories. Many who grow up in war zones struggle with trust, mental health, and a sense of belonging. The trauma does not simply disappear—in worst-case scenarios. It manifests in different ways that can influence relationships, career choices, and perspectives in odd ways.

Yet, amidst the destruction, resilience can be seen. Many who survive war carry with them a unique strength. Perhaps it is a deeper appreciation for peace, a strong sense of justice, and a determination to rebuild a strong society for the betterment of future generations, similar to what we see through n Autobiographical Expression of My Perspectives.

An Autobiographical Expression of My Perspectives offers a deeply personal yet historically significant perspective on Zimbabwe's past and present. By weaving together personal memories and broader socio-political commentary, this book provides firsthand insights into the war, colonialism, governance, and economic hardships that have shaped Africa. This book explores the intersection of personal life journey, African history, politics, and the enduring influence of religion, spirituality, and moral values. It also reflects on post-independence struggles, social and cultural transformation, and global issues like climate change and technology. Bvute also delves into family values, relationships, and personal growth, offering a powerful testament to the resilience of those who have lived during difficult times. 

For anyone interested in African and Zimbabwean history, personal growth, African studies, or just interesting autobiographies with deep cultural insights and war aspects—this book is a great resource. It meets the needs of people who want firsthand stories, a connection to their heritage, and motivation in the face of hardship.

[mahima19]

A Guide to Choosing the Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West for Excellence

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s future, and selecting a school that focuses on both academic excellence and overall development is essential. If you are looking for CBSE Schools in Borivali, you are in luck, as this vibrant locality in Mumbai offers some of the best educational institutions in the city. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West for your child, taking into account various factors that contribute to educational excellence.

Why Choose CBSE Schools in Borivali?

The CBSE Schools in Borivali are highly regarded for their structured curriculum, focus on holistic development, and a balanced approach to academics and extracurricular activities. The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum is one of the most recognized and respected educational systems in India and is designed to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students.

In Borivali, the Good Schools in Borivali West often provide a comprehensive learning experience, combining a strong academic foundation with opportunities for sports, arts, and other co-curricular activities. With their modern infrastructure and experienced faculty, Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West ensure that children receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future challenges.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West

1. Academic Performance and Reputation

The academic performance of a school is one of the most significant factors when choosing a school for your child. CBSE Schools in Borivali are known for their excellent academic records, but it’s important to look deeper. Consider the school’s track record in board exams, student success stories, and alumni achievements. A school that consistently performs well in academics can help your child excel and secure a bright future.

In addition to academics, reputation matters. Good Schools in Borivali West tend to have a history of success in both academic and non-academic pursuits. It is always helpful to ask for recommendations from other parents or to look for reviews of the school to get a sense of its standing in the community.

2. Curriculum and Teaching Methods

When evaluating Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West, it’s essential to look at the curriculum offered. The CBSE syllabus is designed to be comprehensive, covering subjects like languages, mathematics, science, social studies, and more. However, some schools might offer specialized programs or have a more innovative approach to teaching, such as project-based learning, interactive lessons, and the use of technology in the classroom.

Make sure the school’s teaching methods align with your child’s learning style. For instance, if your child thrives in a more practical, hands-on environment, look for schools that emphasize creative learning and encourage independent thinking. The CBSE Schools in Borivali that provide modern facilities like smart classrooms and digital resources often give students an edge in terms of exposure to the latest educational tools.

3. Infrastructure and Facilities

The physical infrastructure of a school is a crucial factor in creating an ideal learning environment. Good Schools in Borivali West typically offer modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and sports facilities that support a variety of extracurricular activities. These schools understand the importance of providing a balanced education, which includes physical, emotional, and social development.

When considering Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West, pay attention to the availability of facilities like science labs, computer labs, libraries, sports grounds, and art studios. Schools that offer a variety of extracurricular activities in addition to academics ensure that students develop skills outside the classroom, which are essential for their overall development.

4. Teacher-Student Ratio

A low teacher-student ratio is a significant factor in ensuring that each student receives personalized attention. CBSE Schools in Borivali with a manageable class size allow teachers to spend more time with each student, addressing their individual needs. This personalized approach helps children perform better academically and fosters a positive learning environment.

Before choosing a school, check whether the Good Schools in Borivali West maintain small class sizes. A lower ratio ensures that children receive more attention, are more engaged in lessons, and are less likely to feel overlooked or disconnected from the class.

5. Extracurricular Activities

While academics are crucial, it’s equally important that your child has opportunities to explore and develop their interests outside the classroom. Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West understand the significance of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, dance, drama, and leadership programs. These activities contribute to the holistic development of a child and help them become well-rounded individuals.

Look for CBSE Schools in Borivali that offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and ensure that these programs are given the same level of importance as academics. Schools that encourage creativity and teamwork prepare children for success in many areas of life.

6. Affordability and Fees

The cost of education is a factor that cannot be ignored. Good Schools in Borivali West may come with varying fee structures, depending on the facilities, infrastructure, and reputation of the school. It is important to ensure that the school offers good value for the fees charged. Some Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West might offer scholarships or financial assistance programs, which can help reduce the burden on parents.

Ensure that the fee structure is transparent and within your budget while still maintaining the quality of education. Many schools also offer flexible payment plans, making it easier for parents to manage the cost of education.

7. Safety and Security

Safety is a top priority when selecting any school for your child. CBSE Schools in Borivali are generally equipped with security systems, including CCTV surveillance, secure entry and exit points, and trained security staff. Additionally, ensure that the school adheres to safety protocols, particularly in case of emergencies.

When looking at Good Schools in Borivali West, make sure they have adequate measures in place to protect the students, both on and off the campus.

Conclusion

Choosing the Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West for your child is an important decision that will shape their future. It’s essential to consider factors such as academic performance, curriculum, infrastructure, teacher-student ratio, extracurricular activities, and safety. By evaluating these aspects and visiting potential schools, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your child’s needs and your educational goals.

With numerous CBSE Schools in Borivali offering excellent opportunities for growth and development, parents can find the ideal school that balances academic rigor with personal growth. The Good Schools in Borivali West are committed to providing quality education and fostering a nurturing environment that prepares children for the challenges ahead. By choosing one of the Best CBSE Schools in Borivali West, you are ensuring that your child receives an education that not only equips them for success but also nurtures their creativity, leadership, and overall well-being.