#Ballast Key

[kseniyagreen]

I see the meaning of the epilogue in the fact that the essence of Li Lianhua/Li Xianyi is alive too. Both of his personalities died - and both were resurrected, but no longer in constant struggle with each other, but in some integrity.

Here is another moment - throughout the drama I could not shake the feeling that the poison here is not only a physical ailment, but also a metaphor for a mental illness. Because every time we are shown another "blow" of poison, this happens after some traumatic events.

As if the complex of everything that happened 10 years ago drove Li Xiangyi into a spiral of struggle with himself, and it is this permanent smoldering struggle that burns him from the inside.

Because the mechanism of his chronic sense of guilt is actually quite cunning. He does not forgive himself for what he forgives others, not because he is strict with himself. But because his broken illusions, his broken self-image, are attached to this guilt, which he cannot let go of.

Behind the external conviction that Li Xiangyi must die, there is a deep, inverted rebellion against the fact that he could not become that ideal Li Xiangyi. Such a self-sabotaging protest against life and against society in the spirit of "if I turned out to be superfluous in this society, if you all don't need me here, then I'll just take it and leave this life. Just like that ." His guilt and his pride are woven into an inextricable ball.

To survive, he needs something more than the Styx flower. He needs to truly - and not nominally superficially - let go of his social role as the "main character". Cut off the ballast of other people's expectations.

I also think that he really intended to come to the duel with Di Feisheng to die as Li Xiangyi. But by breaking Li Xiangyi's sword, he killed Li Xiangyi as a social role and gave him a chance to survive as a person. I would like to think that this meeting with Xiao Zijin did not so much drive him into a dead end as it shifted something in his mind. It helped him realize that he did not want to play this game anymore.

The gladiatorial arena, in which only one must remain, is also one of the key images of the drama. And I think the very last arena that Li Lianhua needs to break is inside himself.

All the antagonists in the drama sought to occupy some status, as if status would make them real. Li Lianhua also had this antagonist in his heart, who believed that if he could not be "that" Li Xiangyi for others, he could not exist at all.

In the finale, this internal antagonist breaks his sword and flies beyond the boundaries of the social arena.

[sarahreesbrennan]

A Villain with an Axe to Wield

‘What are you hiding, my lady?’ Meet Emer. Wicked maid of a wicked mistress, she’s an expert in following evil orders, dressing ladies to kill, and making grimly sarcastic remarks (that last she does for free). She doesn’t know in the future of the book, she climbs the ranks and the… pile of bodies… to become the Iron Maid, a fantasy answer to Lizzie Borden. Lately her mistress acts very concerned whenever Emer goes near an axe. As if Emer didn’t have enough to deal with given her lady’s odd new behaviour and sudden but inevitable betrayal, the palace now recruits guards from the literal gutters? (Key, on hearing the first grimly sarcastic remark: Bestie. 🥰 Emer: … Co-worker.) Brought to vivid wonderful life by @vkelleyart who bravely endured my emails about axes… If this maid has your axe, there’s a preorder link to Ballast Books, one of the beautiful members of my indie preorder campaign which get evil goodies.

🪓😈💜

[psalm22-6]

Who among us has not written about Les Miserables for some school project or another? I did for my capstone project in high school. Well so did one graduate of Kokomo high school in 1887. There were 10 in that year's graduating class and their names and the subject of their capstone project were printed in the local paper:

Miss Callie McNutt, "A Literary Mirror" Miss Mary Hunt, "The Key to the Safe Not the Gold" Miss Hattie Durett, "The Commonplace" Miss Nettie Leach, "Life's Perspective" Miss Kate Hunt, "The Danger is in the Desert" Frank Morris, "Mimer's Curse" Miss Maud Frazier, "Shall We Call It Charity, or Tribute?" Miss Tudie Ellis, "Injolras and Grantaire"  Miss Della Hunt, "The Alpine Rose" Miss Myrtle Maris, "Ballast"

In trying to find out more about the intriguing Tudie Ellis, I considered that "Tudie" might be a misspelling of "Trudie" and I looked for more information on her school. I found an almost identical record of the graduating class of 1887 on an Indiana genealogy archive with one difference: her name is listed as Martha Ellis (married name Hopkins). With that information, I found a Martha Ellis Hopkins from Indiana, born in 1870 and who had a sister named Sara Ellis, also a graduate of Kokomo High School. The Indiana Historical Society has a collection of Martha's papers but they all pertain to her role as Republican Party precinct vice-committee woman in Jasper County, Indiana. Also the Tippecanoe County Historical Association has her bicycle in their collections....but sadly no one seems to have her high school paper about in Les Mis.

[a-forbidden-detective]

I know that you are a big fan of RonToto (like all other manga readers) but I'm curious. What do you think about KawaToto? I know that's not very popular ship but I really like them. So I wanna hear your thoughts about them.

Dudeeeeee!!! I love them too. Wrote, but haven’t uploaded yet, a heavy chapter of them breaking up bc RonToto. But Kawasemi and Toto, they also fuel my fire. I want a polyamory of RonToto, Kawasemi and Kei in between. I know that Spitz would be lonely. But yeah, Kawasemi and Toto, I feel like Kawasemi is this older dude, a mentor to Toto, who he respects. Thing is Kawasemi likes Toto a lot that I feel like he’s going to be there waiting for Toto, how long it takes. On the other hand, Toto will tell him, No Kawasemi san it is wrong to wait for a guy like me who’s in love with his best friend. If Ron didn’t exist in his life I think he would. But the thing is if not for Ron, Kawasemi wouldn’t even notice Toto. He saw him functioning as a ballast to Ron. A conductor of light. Toto has admired Kawasemi for a very long time. He might have a crush on him bc he was the best investigator bc Toto loves good detectives.

PS: I might go back to this topic again.

Thank you for the ask!

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Hubb Kitchen 2.0

From Scobie, Endgame:

It was a shaky start for the couple's charitable foundation, too. They launched the Sussex Foundation in the summer of 2019, but a source working on the project later told me that plans for the non-profit were ultimately shelved as Harry and Meghan didn't want to focus on providing grants, an effort that requires constant fundraising. The Archewell Foundation's launch in October 2020 came with grand ambitions to provide something different, but as the months went by they realized again that grants would become the ballast for this foundation as well. No shame in that, and the money given out has gone on to do great things, such as helping move eight thousand individuals out of Afghanistan with the Human First Coalition and providing additional resoruces to the tech-focused civil rights advocacy organization Color of Change. For a couple who want to create change around a myriad of issues, it makes sense that they have so many irons in the fire. But at the time of this writing, two and a half years into the foundation's life, the true purpose and mission of their charitable vehicle is still not completely clear. A lot of everything, but little in terms of major anchoring projects. As it turns out, the grant work they avoided at first has taught them how to support small charities and build new partnerships. Now, said the head of the foundation and former Kensington Palace aide James Holt, a 'significant change' in direction will become more visible over the next two years. Moving forward, programs are being developed with a key thread in all three areas of the foundation's work--mental health. It starts with the couple's efforts to build a better online world, which includes a project and partnership with the Social Media Victims Law Center and families who have suffered the most extreme impacts of social media. Linking back to Harry's media battles, Archewell is also seeking ways to 'restore trust in information.' As well as looking at structural reform, a spokesperson added that they want to use their platform to 'promote and highlight media organizations they think are doing the right thing.' And the third area is uplifting communities. Picking up from Meghan's work supporting victims of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in London, who came together to prepare food for displaced residents and the wider community, the foundation is introducing the sentiment and drive behind the Hubb Community Kitchen to communities across the United States. By mid-2023, ten projects were already quietly in pilot phases (from sewing groups to cooking clubs), with a focus on women-led initiatives supporting Afghan immigrants who fled the Taliban. Archewell's decision to work with William Morris Endeavor (WME), a powerhouse agency headquartered in Beverly Hills, has also helped the duke and duchess accelerate soem of their charitable work. 'It takes a long time to build a lasting legacy but this is their life's work,' said a Sussex spokesperson.

But no, Scobie isn't Meghan's lapdog. He doesn't know six months in advance that she is cooking with Afghan immigrants and there will be a photoshoot on Superbowl Weekend to go with her umpteenth rebranding effort.

[titleknown]

HELLOWEEN #7: GIOBELA

-GIOBELLA, known to some conjurers as SYNTHEVE or NORIOTH, is a Decanus Deicidium  of Hell, with 23 legions and 667 unknowable curses to her name. She knows all arts sorcerous, in particular dread augry, bodily transformation, all blasts and beams, and may be called upon to summon globular lightning and falling stars or creatures from worlds beyond Hell or Heaven.

She appears as a beautiful woman adorned in a flaming cloak, with great claws and the head of a ram. She is of fair disposition and will readily aid the summoner without coersion, though as a requirement for her summoning,she will ask for a kiss upon apparation. This will only be required once, but it will leave her mark upon the summoner.-

Giobella is... intimidating. I have heard whispers of her in the corners of hell, my interviewees speak of her often unprompted with a mixture of fear and awe. I have seen the results of her wrath for reasons enigmatic to even those witnesses, smoldering craters and twisted bodies. I have heard the rumors, that she has eaten the Star of the Forsaken Tree, that it was her that stole the crystal key from the Titan of Dis, that the twenty-three members of the Temple of Longinus' Fang were originally twenty four before they crossed her path.

I, myself, was wise enough to take credence of these rumors, and would not have spoken to her at all had I not met her in the archives as I was searching for ancillary information. There was little fanfare but her appearance itself, she was simply there, shining within the archive as she browsed it herself for some unknown purpose.

She was the one who initiated conversation first. She saw me and asked "Do you bear the Sign of Lillim?" I replied in the negative and asked the meaning of the sign. Perhaps a foolish boldness, but one that appeared to amuse her. She told me to forget it, and asked of my purpose. As I explained, she offered an interview and I obliged.

It was in her tower, the God-Killing Prism, where I spoke with her. She was using another demon as a footstool and several souls as a chair as she spoke to me. None of them appeared to exhibit any consternation, not even the soul growing fangs while Giobella was leaning her elbow on her rib.

She was remarkably open about the affairs of Hell, which granted valuable insight that I will speak of in several later entries, and remarkably more affable towards her lessers than others I spoke with. Which is perhaps understandable, it is easy to be compassionate from the shining tower, but I suspect that it is more than that; given the way other higher level devils I spoke with were.

She also seemed keenly interested in the entries within my pages, perhaps asking more questions about myself than I did of her, and informing me of several things I had not yet recorded in fact. But she seemed remarkably cagey about herself and her origins, dodging questions with quick ballasts of wordplay and redirection.

But through careful dialogue I did gain enough information to infer a few things. She started out as low-born, perhaps even partially of human stock (A rarity if there ever was one), and mainly got where she was through sheer dedication to the sorcerous arts, but also through being lucky in choosing which opportunities and patrons to pursue, a fact she seemed slightly ashamed of.

But, she seemed completely in-control of most of our conversation. the only time she became even slightly uncollected is when I tried to press on the matter of the Sign of Lillim. To see her eyes blaze is to know she spoke the truth when she said that all I needed to know about the subject at the moment was to never speak of it in hell except to two names, one of them she knew intimately, the other she only knew from afar.

After this, she gave me a sigil of pink metal wrapped in paper to show, but only to those two, she emphasized, and she quickly changed the subject.

We parted amicably, and I would not be averse to conversing with her again. I am still curious about the hellhound crossbreeds within the psychic warhound lineage...

-Xavier X. Xolomon , Monsterologist and Understudy to The Librarian Of Babel

———————————-

This is probably the most indulgent demon I've done, and I worry I may have made her too Mary Sue-y and straightforward-good for Hell, but I did want to go for a more "cool" than "pathetic, grotesque and/or sad" vibe to her as a character to befit her design.

Which, fun fact, I basically made her when I was dawdling on Kaijune, with her and a few other demons you're going to see inspiring me to do a whole project of these, so there's that!

And yes, the Sign of Lillim is a hint at the larger geography of Hell, and it and the mention of her commentary will get follow-through later...

...As per usual the whole descriptions, designs, ectcetera from this project are free to use as you see fit under a CC-BY 4.0 license so long as I; Thomas F. Johnson, am credited as their creator!

[lebuc]

energize & glow up

* big fish swallow whole any small fry gets in the way & day by day the meglo's get swole;

with a so-narrow path to glow-up 'cept at their own peril, like Pauline in the old funnies for most indie bunnies, should you blow up...

here, there - traversing curses, broken verses & scenes in rehearsal; dispersing with diverse tokens & commercials from sow's ear to a silk purse in reverse ...could be worse.

you could be denied any role in a cast; no lines, no credits, hole in your ship's ballast, no Dutch boy's thumb to plug up the gap,

no wharf, no scarf or feather for your cap, no fine weathered friends to tuck you in for a nap;

your dinghy's adrift or on two feet of snow, in an icy current's whisk with an undertow - itsa no-go.

‘cept one day you'll start to realize no one’s coming to rescue, to no great surprise; you'll have to become captain of your own fate, keen savoir faire keying the golden gate;

despite tilting toward triteness, - you know that i'm right - might sometimes gets frightened in a one-on-one fight.

so pick & pop roadblocks, one jab at a time; grab an steady bystander to hold onto the line 'fore your high-flying leap thru the wind, off the ledge of trepidation & doubt, no hemming or hedge; to find one day soon you're at a filling station gassed up, classed up & with a reservation for yourself, your cute boo ( or two - you do you...) for a damned exhilarating rendezvous,

all because you dared empower a self-powered line & the shock of it all is...you’ll be feeling just fine. * 1/23 - lebuc - energize & glow up

[rickybaby]

CW: diets/disordered eating

i also just saw on twitter that micheal had daniel doing 40 hour fasts bc of “health benefits.” 💀💀😵‍💫 ALSO, i remember on a podcast daniel saying he’s basically on what’s a keto diet (he didn’t say it by name, but very low carbs, high fat and again mentioned “health benefits”) which is literally just starving ur body of key macros😭 anyway i’m so glad he’s free from that 🙏🏼 him talking about how he didn’t train much over christmas and ate whatever to put on weight and now loves training more than ever and doesnt need ppl to tell him when to run made me so happy (not blaming micheal just a general statement).

CW: diets/disordered eating

I’ve always seen how people with ED experience and even professionals say how the stuff Michael posts is harmful and I think whatever practices/advices he has just sort of feed into the toxic relationship drivers have with food and their weight. Because the article about the 40hrs fast is from 2019 and the way Daniel talked about it, it was like almost with relish because in his head, he was not eating, meaning he was lighter and thus he could go faster. Obviously whatever diet Michael had him on back then didn’t have as much as a harmful impact because he didn’t have the outside stresses as he had at McLaren.

Now I don’t whether the rumours about Seb taking up Daniel’s weight issue to the FIA are true or not, but Daniel clearly knew he had trouble keeping on weight. He talked about it in Abu Dhabi and if I remember correctly, it was at one of those mid-season races last year, and there was this one update on the McLaren app before quali or practice where they mentioned ballast is being added to Daniel’s car because he is below the minimum weight.

So his weight was clearly something that had been acknowledged and discussed and I see people saying how is that Michael’s fault because he couldn’t exactly force feed Daniel. No he couldn’t but as his trainer or coach or whatever, he should have taken a step back and realise there was a problem he wasn’t well-suited to solve and it was HIS responsibility to go and find Daniel outside help. Convince Daniel that he needed the help of an outside professional because his job was literally to look after Daniel’s health

[darkarfs]

100 Favorite Albums (2023 Edition)

No duplicate entries, only 3 Mike Patton projects, being honest with myself. This was hard and took a good long time. Be kind if you judge.

I've been really listening to music for over 30 years and I still know nothing. The numbers are just there for enumeration, this list is in no order.

The Flatlanders - More a Legend Than a Band

Opeth - Blackwater Park

Propagandhi - Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes

Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works, Vol. 2

Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto - Insen

Black Sabbath - Master of Reality

Gillian Welch - Time the Revelator

Acrania - Fearless

Genghis Tron - Board Up the House

Mr. Bungle - California

Fair To Midland - Arrows and Anchors

Gorguts - Obscura

Harold Budd - Avalon Sutra

Loscil - Plume

Ben Frost - By the Throat

Type O Negative - October Rust

Songs: Ohia - Didn't It Rain

Emeralds - Does It Looks Like I'm Here?

Skeleton Key - Fantastic Spikes Through Balloon

They Might Be Giants - Flood

Cocteau Twins - Heaven or Las Vegas

Between the Buried and Me - Colors

Breeders - Last Splash

Gang Starr - Moment of Truth

Tom Waits - Rain Dogs

Bohren & der Club of Gore - Black Earth

Cryptopsy - None So Vile

Megadeth - Rust In Peace

Vince DiCola and Various Artists - Transformers: the Motion Picture OST

Judas Priest - Painkiller

Gwar - Carnival of Chaos

Mike Patton - Mondo Cane

Pyrrhon - What Passes For Survival

The Bug - London Zoo

Laurie Anderson - Big Science

Talk Talk - Laughing Stock

Venetian Snares - Rossz Csillag Alatt Született

Anaal Nathrakh - Codex Necro

Vangelis - Blade Runner OST

Killing Joke - S/T (2003)

Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do

Prince - Purple Rain

Brian Eno - Before and After Science

Bark Psychosis - Hex

Finntroll - Ur Jordens Djup

Life Without Buildings - Any Other City

Ephel Duath - The Painter's Palette

Tangerine Dream - Phaedra

Sawako - Hum

The Coup - Party Music

David Sylvain and Holger Czukay - Plight and Premonition

Grouper - Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill

Butthole Surfers - Locust Abortion Technician

Sade - Diamond Life

Esquivel - Latin-Esque

Kesha - Rainbow

Tindersticks - Curtains

Emily A. Sprague - Water Memory / Mount Vision

Demdike Stare - Tryptych

Kyle Bobby Dunn - Ways of Meaning

Electric Wizard - Dopethrone

Boards of Canada - Music Has the Right to Children

Pixies - Surfer Rosa

Boris - Pink

The Humble Bee - A Miscellany for the Quiet Hours

Captain Beefheart - Safe as Milk

Dream Theater - Awake

Madvillain - Madvillainy

Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine

Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual

Deli Creeps - Dawn of the Deli Creeps

the Mountain Goats - All Hail West Texas

Animals as Leaders - The Joy of Motion

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor

Taylor Deupree - Faint

Faith No More - Angel Dust

Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pandora's Pinata

Silver Jews - American Water

Sigh - Imaginary Sonicscape

Metallica - Master of Puppets

GAS - S/T

Charles Dodge - Earth's Magnetic Field

Gojira - The Way of All Flesh

Cattle Decapitation - The Anthropocene Extinction

Benoit Pioulard - Precis

Sparks - Angst In My Pants

Stars of the Lid - The Ballasted Orchestra

Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want

Exlimitir - It Weighed Itself In Silver

Defeated Sanity - Passages Into Deformity

The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium

Belong - October Language

h hunt - Playing Piano For Dad

Oneohtrix Point Never - Garden of Delete

CRYSTAL - Reflection Overdrive

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - Of Natural History

Ween - Quebec

Kurt Vile - God Is Saying This To You

Akira Rabelais - Eisoptrophobia

Twine - S/T

[jacobwren]

“It is plausible to argue that these three points have sedimented weight, not as remnant ideology, but rather as ballast for common-sense notions of everyday dangers and alternatives to them. In particular, I believe they help to explain the promotion and acceptance of expanded punishment and the attendant apparatuses of criminal justice in the contemporary period, according to the following scheme. First, the legitimate domestic US state is the national security, or defense, or warfare state. Second, the local world is, and has always been, a very dangerous place: indeed, at the very moment when the nation is basking in foreign victory, the domestic turns hostile. Finally, the key to safety is aggression.”  ― Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Abolition Geography: Essays Towards Liberation

[talenlee]

Nobody Speaks To the Captain No More

Today, I learned Jimmy Buffett died.

I said a long time ago that Jimmy Buffett’s death was going to mess me up, and I thought that was said in earnest. Jimmy Buffett, if you’re not familiar, is was an American singer-songwriter from Mobile, Alabama, renowned for his involvement in and then kind of codifying the musical genre known as gulf and western. The sound, as I someone who just listens to it a lot, had a lot in common with country music in terms of its production style – there’s not a lot of distortion, instruments tend towards the acoustic rather than the electric, and you usually have a single vocalist, who’s often the author of the song presenting music that’s about a personal experience, in a kind of storytelling way. On the other hand, the association with the Gulf of Mexico meant that the musical instruments are influenced more by, well

Uh

Black people?

Kettle drums, hymnal organs, a range of percussion instruments that I don’t know by name, that kind of thing? Things you’d hear in the Caribbean, and that’s not to simplify the many different musical styles in the gulf, but to indicate the things that Gulf and Western picked up from it.

I wrote about Jimmy Buffett’s music, as expressed in the albums my dad had when I was a kid, across a few years. Between that and my other online statements about the inevitable impact of his death, I had three people approach me about The Bad News, and what that meant, and to check if I was okay. It made sense to me – after all, I’d said that would happen, right?

But I’m okay?

At least right now, as far as I know.

Weird.

When Kenny Rogers died, I immediately wrote an article and shared it that night, like this one is (probably) going to get. I don’t remember how I felt at the time but I feel like that was done in some strange fugue. I don’t remember why I felt it was important to do that — it wasn’t like I spoke about Kenny Rogers much. Maybe it was a need to try and do that, finally, while also doing my best to pick through the legacy of a man who I knew was aggressively mediocre in every way except in the way that an industry chose to elevate him. It wasn’t like Kenny Rogers was the author of his best song (since Don Schlitz wrote The Gambler, and that dude went on to write When You Say Nothing At All) or even the best performer on his best song (because he did Islands in the Stream with Dolly Parton, where he was essntially ballast).

I didn’t feel the need to do that to Jimmy Buffett. I think I’m well known as much as I have any kind of public identity as a dude in his early 40s whose taste in Jimmy Buffet is uh, forty years old. It was my dad’s music, it’s nostalgic to me, and broadly speaking considering Jimmy Buffett’s whole ouvre he didn’t do a lot to embarrass me. Jimmy Buffett respected the homeless, wanted to help the environment, was pro-shoplifting and performed with a lot of black artists and shared their music.

I don’t think that he was good, really. I mean, by the time he died, Jimmy Buffett was a billionaire, which means even in death, he was doing something great and ensuring a billionaire died. Bit of a reach there, I know.

But Jimmy Buffett seems to be primarily known as an embarassing presence. That corny guy, stoner humour, restaurant chain kinda dude. Even the involvement with My Brother, My Brother, and Me is a sort of jokingly ironic way, the way that liking Jimmy Buffett is something worth being teased over. Eddie Burbank did a whole video about trying to interrogate the idea of Jimmy Buffett entirely through the interface of visiting Margaritaville hotels and restaurant chains, which was painful and embarrassing, especially since you’re not about to get an incredible elaborate vision of a person’s philosophy from their ads trying to sell you margaritas. And I get it?

It’s weird, I just don’t feel the need to defend Jimmy Buffett. Dude wrote a bunch of songs I like. He wrote in a key I could sing. He performed in a style I could manage. He was The Good Boomer, of his sort, I guess.

I think part of it was that my entire life, Jimmy Buffett has been old. My earliest memories of him are of songs that relate to A Pirate Looks At Forty. He was my dad’s age, a little bit older, and that meant as my dad accommodated turning forty – as I am having to – he’s just always been there, like the long runway ahead of me, telling me that yeah, okay I’m getting older, but I’m… y’know, growing older, but not up.

He’s was just some guy.

He was, best I know, a pretty okay guy.

There’s this Achewood strip about how when your Michael Jackson dies, you realise in that moment that you’ll never be young again. I think that that doesn’t impact me in the same way, because I don’t have memories of ever being young, of being youthful. I have memories of this confused and stupid figure who was made up of the most superficial moments of social engagement from Christian media, falling down stairs of history on the way towards being a person, pre-emptively made into a crotchety, twee, smug old man in my teenage years.

I don’t feel like I’ll never be young again.

I’m mostly just worried about how this affects my dad.

Anyway, farewell to you, Jimmy Buffett. You made a bunch of my favourite songs, your words are written on my heart. You told me about the city where the dudes and the dykes all looked the same, you told me about the federalis who just grin and tell you that they want to be your friend, you told me about the name plate on the glass that brings back twenty memories. You told me about how to swipe shit ethically, you told me about how math suks and you taught me about the Hawaiian navy. You tried to get Americans to eat invasive species and you even made Alan Jackson momentarily tolerable.

I’ll miss him, but I don’t have to.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

[notsosilentsister]

Letter to a new teacher

Your students looked a bit lost? I had students complain about me to my supervisor because my lesson had been so confusing that they had checked out after 5 minutes. They haven't done that in a while, so I guess, things can get better! Teaching can be hard on the ego; lord knows, it was hard on mine, especially during the first years. Got a lot of mixed feedback from the beginning, definitely cried about it on one occasion or two. But the truth is, finding a style that works for you is just a lot of trial and error, and you get quite a bit of a margin of error in most institutions. The stakes are not actually that high. Take a moment and consider, seriously, what is the worst that could happen?

So I've explained something badly, I've lost the class? Just means I'll have to explain it again. Maybe not the most efficient use of lecture time, but I'm sure some students would need a repetition anyway. If it's a key point, it's never enough to explain it just once. If it's just a footnote, I make a note not to put it on the exam and move on.

Honestly, the mere fact that you're paying attention to whether you've lost your audience already puts you heads and shoulders above some instructors I could think of from my personal experience. Explaining something in a confusing manner is an easy mistake to make, but it's also an easy mistake to correct. The students are bored? Well, some are going to be bored no matter what I do. The subject either holds some intrinsic interest for the student, or it doesn't, and if it doesn't, any bells and whistle I could use to get at least some momentary attention will only take a student so far anyway. It's true that a bad teacher can kill even the most motivated student's interest in a subject, but for that it usually takes somewhat more than just being dull. Also, ultimately every learner has to find their own way to the matter; to truly grasp something, you need to feel a personal resonance. I can tell you why something is interesting to me - I can't tell students why it should be interesting to them, because I don't know all their lifes and all their plans, and even if I did, I can't make that personal connection for them. If they're only here to get a certificate, binge all the knowledge the night before the test, to vomit it up on cue with the full intention to shed it all like so much ballast once they've handed in their exam, I'm not going to stop them, I actually think they should have that choice. (I've always side-eyed the sort of teacher who goes into it with the aspiration "to shape young minds"; I think the young minds should always be free to reject getting shaped. I've certainly had my share of students who clearly walked out of my lessons with perfectly pristine minds, and they should be free to do so - but of course they were clearly extremly bored!). You know which student is certainly not going to be bored? The student who's always on their toes, because they feel their instructor might call on them any minute and tear them apart in front of the whole class. They're not going to actually learn anything either, because the fear takes up too much mental capacity to process new information properly, but they are probably not going to vote that class "best class to nap through" in the yearbook (not gonna lie, I was pretty insulted about that one for a week at least). Obviously I'm not saying you'll either have to bore or terrodrize your students. Obviously good teachers manage to to do neither. But it can be a tricky balance to strike (some students are quite sensitive and feel easily over-taxed, others will feel easily understimulated if you don't challenge them once in a while, it's not always immediately obvious who's which type), and what I'm saying is, there's definitely a worse side to err on, in my humble opinion. You clearly want to see yourself as someone who holds themselves to certain standards. You might be surprised, but so do I. I actually think it's hugely important that teachers do. But these standards can't just be external standards alone - external standards are moving targets, in some ways you always could be doing more, there are some students who will always need more than you're capable of - your standards have to be internal ones, they have to reflect what's most important to you, and they have to be workable for you. My standards for example: Don't make students cry. I made a student cry once and it was the worst, it made every subsequent failure pale in comparision. Don't stand by while a student hurts (insults, mocks, undermines) another. Don't punish students for your own mistakes, always admit when you're wrong. Don't play favourites. These to me are the four mortal sins of teaching, the things that can really cause lasting damage. Dull and confusing is not optimal, but it happens, and the students will survive. These are the things that I need my students to trust me with: That I know my stuff That I give a shit That I don't take things too personally. Maybe they'll sometimes find me dull and confusing, but my experience is, if they trust me with these three things, I can work with them well enough.

[doorsblacksea]

Fieldwork targets Black Sea cultural heritage

In the Vadu area of Constanța County, Romania, a field activity focused on the Black Sea coasts rich Cultural Heritage was recently carried out by researchers from the National Institute for Marine Geology and Geoecology (GeoEcoMar), working with a group of Faculty of Geology and Geophysics (University of Bucharest) students led by Faculty Lecturer Dr. Florina Tuluca. The primary goal of the campaign was to explore the archaeological potential of this area, particularly a suspected shipwreck buried beneath the sands, using advanced geophysical methods. This work is of particular interest to DOORS in terms of promoting the cultural heritage potential of the region as a driver for new blue economy opportunities in areas like eco-tourism.

The research team employed horizontal gradient magnetometric measurements as one of their key investigative tools. This technology allowed for a highly detailed magnetic survey of the targeted area, offering insights into the subsurface magnetic anomalies previously detected based on drone-borne magnetometric measurements, carried out by the GeoEcoMar research team in 2022. The detected magnetic anomalies could indicate the presence of metallic remnants, such as shipwreck debris, buried beneath the sands.

In addition to the horizontal gradient magnetometric measurements, the GeoEcoMar research team conducted in-situ magnetic susceptibility measurements. These measurements were performed directly on archaeological artifacts (such as ceramics, bricks and adobe), rock outcrops and soil deposits, aiming to assess the magnetic properties of the materials found on site and of the geological background.

The surveyed archaeological site is located on a promontory, approx. 1 km north of Vadu village. Its name – Ghiaurchioi – suggests the existence in this area of a Christian village and reminds of Ghiaurcaraharmanlîc (the Christian Caraharman) mentioned in written sources from the 16th century (Iosipescu & Iosipescu, 2022). The archaeological research undertaken here (Iosipescu, 1982, 2004) has confirmed the existence of a settlement with dwellings with stone foundations, also dated by gold coins from Sultan Suleyman Qanunî (1520-1566). The stratigraphic surveys and other discovered materials proved the existence of living levels contemporary with those of Histria (Istros), such as a 4th century B.C. coin of this ancient Greek city. Life on this promontory ended with the terrible cholera epidemic brought here by the Russian troops (1828-1829), which forced the survivors to take refuge in the interior of Dobrogea, never to return.

Research staff of the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics carried out complementary geophysical techniques, specifically electric and seismic measurements. The team employed electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to map subsurface structures by measuring variations in the soil's electrical resistance. This method is highly effective in distinguishing between different types of materials, such as compact sand, water-saturated sediment, and possible remnants of wooden or metallic shipwrecks.

In addition to electrical measurements, the team conducted a seismic survey, generating seismic waves and recording their travel times through the subsurface layers. By analyzing how the waves propagated through the ground, the team could identify different stratigraphic layers and potential buried objects. Seismic surveys are particularly valuable for identifying harder materials, such as ship hulls or ballast stones, that may contrast with the surrounding sandy environment.

While magnetic surveys are ideal for detecting metallic objects or high-magnetic properties buried materials or structures, the use of electric and seismic techniques would help identify non-metallic materials and refine the understanding of the buried structures.

Students played an active role in the fieldworks, gaining practical experience in applying geophysical methods to real-world archaeological investigations. They participated in the setup and data acquisition, and further on interpretation processes, learning firsthand how different geophysical tools work together to solve complex scientific problems. The involvement of the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics students in the Ghiaurchioi archaeological site of Vadu area geophysical survey not only provided them with invaluable field works experience but also contributed to the larger scientific mission of studying (and protecting) the archaeological sites along Romania’s dynamic coastline.

A short visit to the nearby ancient Greek city of Histria (Istros), founded in the mid-7th century B.C. and inhabited for at least 1,200 years - one of the most important coastal archaeological sites of Romania - linked the practical geophysical work in Vadu with the broader historical context of the region, offering a deeper appreciation of the Black Sea’s long-standing role as a hub of trade, culture, and civilization.

[mariteksolution]

What Are the Key Components of a Marine Automation System?

Marine automation systems have become integral to modern maritime operations, helping enhance safety, improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and optimize overall ship performance. A typical marine automation system integrates various technologies, allowing ships to operate with minimal human intervention while maximizing operational accuracy and effectiveness. Below, we explore the key components that make up a marine automation system and how they contribute to seamless vessel management.

1. Engine Control and Monitoring System (ECMS)

The Engine Control and Monitoring System (ECMS) is one of the most critical components of a marine automation system. It is responsible for overseeing the main engine's operation, auxiliary engines, and other critical machinery. The system continuously monitors engine parameters such as temperature, pressure, fuel consumption, and engine speed. Real-time data is fed into the system to ensure that engines operate at optimal efficiency, preventing breakdowns and reducing fuel wastage. ECMS can also trigger alarms and automatic shutdowns in case of critical failures, thereby enhancing operational safety.

2. Power Management System (PMS)

A ship’s power management system is essential for optimizing power generation and distribution. The PMS oversees the operation of generators, managing electrical load distribution, and switching between power sources to ensure energy efficiency. It regulates the ship’s electrical supply, balancing demand from various equipment, machinery, and systems. Automation in power management helps reduce fuel consumption by optimizing generator usage and prevents overloading or blackouts that could disrupt vessel operations.

3. Navigation and Steering Automation

Automated navigation systems are a crucial element in modern marine automation. These systems integrate various tools such as GPS, radar, and automatic identification systems (AIS) to provide real-time data for safer navigation. Autopilot systems, which can automatically control the ship’s course, are a key feature of navigation automation. These systems reduce the need for constant manual input, allowing ships to maintain precise routes, avoid collisions, and improve fuel efficiency by optimizing sailing paths. Additionally, integrated bridge systems (IBS) combine data from different navigational tools into a single interface for easier monitoring and control by the crew.

4. Ballast Water Management System (BWMS)

A Ballast Water Management System is designed to automate the process of controlling the amount of ballast water on board, ensuring the vessel maintains proper stability and meets regulatory requirements. Marine automation helps in monitoring the ballast tanks, controlling pumps, and adjusting the ballast levels based on the ship's loading condition and sea conditions. Moreover, automated BWMS systems are increasingly being integrated with water treatment technologies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding ballast water discharge.

5. Cargo Management System

For vessels carrying bulk cargo, automation in cargo management is vital for efficient loading, unloading, and monitoring. This system includes automation of pumps, valves, and cargo tank monitoring to ensure that the loading process is safe and efficient. Automation ensures the cargo is distributed evenly, maintaining ship stability while minimizing the risk of human error, which could lead to dangerous conditions, especially in liquid cargo handling such as oil or chemicals.

6. Alarm and Monitoring Systems

Alarm and monitoring systems play a pivotal role in marine automation by continuously tracking various shipboard parameters such as temperature, pressure, vibration, and liquid levels. These systems are equipped with sensors distributed throughout the ship to detect anomalies and potential faults in machinery, power systems, and other operational areas. Should a system exceed safety thresholds, the alarm system triggers alerts, providing the crew with the information needed to take corrective action or, in some cases, initiate automatic responses, such as engine shutdown or power redistribution.

7. Communication Systems

Modern ships are equipped with sophisticated communication systems that are integrated with automation technologies. These systems allow the vessel to stay connected with shore-based operations centers and receive remote support. Additionally, automated communication systems are used to transmit critical data related to engine performance, fuel consumption, and route planning to shore facilities for real-time analysis and decision-making.

8. Cybersecurity Systems

As marine automation becomes more advanced, the importance of cybersecurity within these systems has grown. Cybersecurity systems are now an integral component, ensuring that the automation systems are protected from external cyber threats, which could compromise the safety of the vessel or lead to operational disruptions.

Conclusion

Marine automation systems are composed of several key components, each playing a vital role in enhancing the operational efficiency, safety, and reliability of modern ships. From engine control and power management to navigation, cargo handling, and cybersecurity, each subsystem integrates seamlessly to provide a comprehensive solution that reduces human intervention while improving precision and safety. As technology continues to advance, marine automation systems are likely to evolve further, playing an even more prominent role in the future of maritime operations.

[siplsmktg]

Biaxial Geogrid: A Comprehensive Guide

Biaxial geogrids have become an essential material in modern civil engineering, especially for road construction, railways, and other infrastructure projects. These innovative products play a pivotal role in soil stabilization, enhancing the performance and longevity of various construction works. In this guide, we will delve deep into the world of biaxial geogrids, their applications, and key considerations when purchasing them in India, particularly in Ahmedabad.

What is a Biaxial Geogrid?

A biaxial geogrid is a type of geosynthetic material used to stabilize soil. Unlike other geogrids, biaxial geogrids provide equal strength in both longitudinal and transverse directions. This means that they are designed to distribute loads evenly in two directions, making them ideal for soil reinforcement applications. The grid structure of these materials allows for high tensile strength, making them highly effective in improving the load-bearing capacity of the soil.

Importance of Biaxial Geogrids in Civil Engineering

Biaxial geogrids are critical in civil engineering projects because they help improve soil stability, which is essential in the construction of roads, railways, and other heavy structures. By reinforcing the soil, biaxial geogrids prevent soil displacement and deformation, ensuring that structures built on them remain stable and secure for long periods. These grids are particularly valuable in areas with weak soils, where traditional construction methods may not be sufficient.

Applications of Biaxial Geogrids

The versatility of biaxial geogrids allows them to be used in various applications, including:

Road Construction: Biaxial geogrids are commonly used to reinforce the base and sub-base layers of roads, reducing the risk of rutting and improving the load distribution. This leads to more durable road surfaces that require less maintenance.

Railways: In railway construction, biaxial geogrids are used to stabilize the ballast and subgrade, ensuring the stability of the tracks and preventing deformation due to heavy loads.

Retaining Walls: Biaxial geogrids are also used to reinforce retaining walls, enhancing their structural integrity and preventing wall failure due to soil movement.

Landfills: These geogrids are employed in landfills to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, particularly in the construction of landfill liners.

Advantages of Using Biaxial Geogrids

The use of biaxial geogrids in construction projects offers several advantages:

Increased Durability: By reinforcing the soil, biaxial geogrids increase the lifespan of construction projects, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance.

Cost-Effective: Although biaxial geogrids come with an initial cost, their long-term benefits, such as reduced maintenance and improved stability, make them a cost-effective solution for many projects.

Enhanced Load Distribution: Biaxial geogrids help distribute loads evenly across a surface, reducing stress on the soil and preventing issues such as rutting and displacement.

Biaxial Geogrid Suppliers in India

India has seen a growing demand for biaxial geogrids, with numerous suppliers catering to the construction and infrastructure sectors. Biaxial geogrid suppliers in India offer a wide range of products, including those made from materials like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. These suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring that construction companies have access to high-quality geogrids that meet international standards. Some of the key suppliers are located in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, but Ahmedabad has emerged as a prominent hub for biaxial geogrid suppliers due to its growing infrastructure development.

Biaxial Geogrid in India: A Growing Market

The use of Biaxial geogrid in India has grown significantly over the past decade. This can be attributed to the rapid expansion of the country’s infrastructure, particularly in road construction, railways, and real estate development. The Indian government’s focus on improving the country's transport networks has fueled the demand for geosynthetic materials like biaxial geogrids. Furthermore, the challenging soil conditions in many parts of India make geogrids an essential component of modern construction projects.

Biaxial Geogrid Price in Ahmedabad

Biaxial geogrid price in Ahmedabad vary depending on several factors, including the material, grid size, and tensile strength. Typically, biaxial geogrids made from polypropylene are more affordable than those made from high-density polyethylene. The price also depends on the supplier and the quantity purchased. In Ahmedabad, prices for biaxial geogrids can range from ₹60 to ₹150 per square meter, depending on the specifications.

However, it is essential to consider not just the price but also the quality and durability of the geogrid. Cheaper alternatives may not provide the same level of performance and could lead to higher long-term costs due to increased maintenance and potential structural failures.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Biaxial Geogrids

When purchasing biaxial geogrids for a construction project, it is crucial to consider several factors:

Material: Biaxial geogrids are typically made from polypropylene or high-density polyethylene. The choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as load-bearing capacity and environmental conditions.

Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of the geogrid determines its ability to reinforce the soil. Projects requiring high load-bearing capacity, such as road and railway construction, may require geogrids with higher tensile strength.

Grid Size: The size of the grid openings can affect the geogrid’s performance in soil stabilization. Smaller grid sizes are typically better for finer soils, while larger grid sizes may be more effective for coarse soils.

Supplier Reputation: It is essential to work with a reputable supplier to ensure that you are getting high-quality products that meet international standards.

Installation of Biaxial Geogrids

The installation of biaxial geogrids is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to ensure optimal performance. The geogrids are typically laid over the prepared subgrade, with the soil or aggregate placed on top. It is important to ensure that the geogrid is stretched evenly and securely anchored to prevent movement during the placement of the overlying material. Proper installation is critical to maximizing the performance and lifespan of the geogrid.

Biaxial Geogrids in Sustainable Construction

As sustainability becomes a key focus in the construction industry, biaxial geogrids are playing an increasingly important role in eco-friendly projects. By reducing the need for traditional materials like concrete and steel, geogrids contribute to lower carbon emissions and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, their use in soil stabilization helps prevent soil erosion, which is critical in preserving the natural landscape.

Future Trends in Biaxial Geogrid Technology

The future of biaxial geogrid technology looks promising, with ongoing research and development focused on improving the material properties and expanding the range of applications. Advances in polymer technology are leading to the development of geogrids with enhanced tensile strength and durability, making them even more effective in challenging environments. Additionally, as construction projects become more complex, the demand for customized geogrid solutions is expected to grow.

Conclusion

Biaxial geogrids are a vital component in modern construction, offering unparalleled benefits in terms of soil stabilization, load distribution, and long-term durability. In India, the demand for biaxial geogrids continues to rise, driven by the country’s infrastructure development. When purchasing biaxial geogrids, it is essential to consider factors such as material, tensile strength, and supplier reputation to ensure that the project’s requirements are met. In Ahmedabad, prices for biaxial geogrids are competitive, making it an attractive market for both suppliers and buyers.

FAQs

1. What is the price range of biaxial geogrids in Ahmedabad?The price of biaxial geogrids in Ahmedabad typically ranges from ₹60 to ₹150 per square meter, depending on factors such as material and tensile strength.

2. How do biaxial geogrids improve road construction?Biaxial geogrids enhance road construction by reinforcing the base and sub-base layers, improving load distribution, and reducing the risk of rutting, which leads to more durable roads with less maintenance required.

3. Where can I find biaxial geogrid suppliers in India?Biaxial geogrid suppliers can be found across major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is emerging as a significant hub due to its infrastructure development and competitive pricing.

[getyourhomedecor]

Can You Install Artificial Grass By Yourself?

Are you curious about the benefits of artificial lawn for your house? Like you, a lot of homeowners are drawn to it by all of its benefits. Nonetheless, we recognize that financial limitations may be a challenge when organizing home improvements. "Is it possible for me to install synthetic turf on my own?" is probably what you're wondering. Yes, without a doubt! One excellent approach to save money is to install artificial turf yourself. However, it's crucial to think about your suitability for the job. Even though going the DIY approach can save you money, it does take work and effort. You don't need to worry—we'll help you out the entire time! If you want to know about Artificial Grass Prices, check out Artificial Grass GB!

1. Calculate the Project Area and Select the Turf:

By precisely measuring the area of your project, you can select the turf and make sure you have enough rolls. Turf rolls can be cut to the length you choose; they are usually 15 feet wide. In order to determine your roll arrangement, this step is essential.

2. Make Your Project's Blueprint:

Create a basic blueprint on graph paper or use a free online CAD tool to plan the layout of your project area. A blueprint is not necessary, but it will aid in organization and guarantee precise measurements.

3. Remove Any Current Grass:

Next, clear your project location of any natural grass, dirt, or sod. This is a labour-intensive process, so think about asking friends or family for assistance and keeping a truck or wheelbarrow nearby. Remember to get rid of any tree roots or sprinkler lines that could cause problems.

4. Setup the Base:

Unload the gravel base after the area is level and clear. Try to cover the whole turf installation area with a 3–5 inch layer of gravel. To divert water flow away from your house, make sure the base is sloping in the opposite direction. To make a smooth, safe surface, add crushed tiny particles after the gravel has been laid.

5. Install and Attach the Turf:

Being cautious not to disturb the crushed particles, roll out the turf on top of the base area. Once the turf is laid out, any indentations that happen at this stage will be apparent. Using a utility knife to cut the grass and glue the seams together, stretch the turf into the base layer and fasten it in place with nails. Make sure there are no trip hazards and that the turf is firmly fastened.

6. Incorporate the Infill:

Infill is the final and most crucial stage. By adding infill, you can offer ballast and weigh down the lawn. Using a seed broadcaster, uniformly distribute your choice of infill material—sand or silica sand. This will keep the turf from having any bumps or uneven patches.

How to Install Artificial Grass Inexpensively:

1. Affordable, High-Grade Synthetic Grass Remnants:

Remaining artificial grass might save a lot of money, depending on the overall area of your project! Used turf remnants from previous projects are offered for sale at a reduced price. Although they come in different sizes, they are usually no bigger than 15′ x 15′.

But bear in mind that synthetic grasses are made using colour lots. This implies that there may be minor colour differences between two independently produced rolls of the same product type. Nonetheless, a lot of do-it-yourselfers have installed leftover parts from various colour lots. The eye is sometimes diverted from the pieces' (quite significant) differences in colour by placing planters or other landscape objects in between them or by installing the individual pieces in different locations.

2. The Key to a Cheap Sub-Base:

Sub-base. What's that? For whom is it necessary? Yes, you do if you're installing artificial grass. Once you've excavated a few inches below the surface and before you install the grass, sub-base is placed where your natural grass was. Its main function is to keep the turf from getting wrinkly due to the natural expansion and contraction of the native soil in your yard.

One of three things occurs in the majority of professional installations: class II road base, decomposed granite, or crushed miscellaneous base (CMB).

Because it can provide a consistently level surface and has better drainage than the other two, decomposed granite is regarded as the best of the three. For example, installing greens requires a more durable and effective decomposed granite sub-base. The cost of decomposed granite is a drawback.

Is a workaround possible? Generally, artificial grass performs well and lasts a long time when only a little quantity of decomposed granite is used. In actuality, for optimal drainage and overall function, only the upper few inches of the sub-base must be formed of decomposed granite. This implies you can lay a few inches of decomposed granite on the surface after filling the majority of the excavated area with low-cost class II or CMB. This will result in fair results and a significant cost reduction.

Having said that, we never advise compromising on the decomposed granite subbase for some installations. This plan isn't going to be effective if your yard already has drainage problems or receives a lot of rainfall. For further advice, make sure to go over the specifics of your project with professional experts.

3. The Hack for the Seaming Method:

When installing artificial grass, you'll probably need to cut and sew together many sections of turf. The most common tools used for this are nails, seaming glue, and seaming tape. Although it is the most costly approach, this one is thought to be the safest and most dependable. While seaming tape and glue may not seem like much money for a modest installation, they can add up quickly for bigger ones.

The less expensive option? Simply apply a lot of nails. Though not quite as secure, this seaming technique is perfectly workable for certain applications. We only advise this technique if your grass won't see a lot of foot traffic because nails can and frequently do come away with time and enough foot traffic. A box or two of cheap 5-inch nails can work wonders for a sizable installation area that won't see much foot activity.