#Changes in Project Extended Attribute | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

causticsodaa · 5 months ago

Text

Sakura is an unintentional trigger for Togame’s development, but not the sole cause

In fact, it’s mainly Togame himself who inadvertently kickstarts his own change.

During the beginning of their fight, Sakura doesn’t make much of an effort to understand Togame (effectively disregarding Ume’s advice); to him, Togame is just a low-life loser who likes to pick on other people for the sake of it.

But when Togame says these particular words, it awakens something in Sakura—it’s stricken his nerves, and it reminds him all too much of his past. Sakura doesn’t want to be alone again, not when he’s found a place with the strong.

Because of this, Sakura starts to project his own personal feelings onto Togame. This will be a recurring theme throughout their fight.

Alongside the personal tangent, Sakura also agrees with Togame. Although, I speculate that Togame is just parroting Choji’s own beliefs on power (ie. strength = freedom, power solidarity and weak = shackled, useless, alone), and Sakura and Choji already share many parallels.

Sakura then proceeds to insult Shishitoren’s principles, criticizing Togame’s hypocrisy as well;

Which then leads to Togame snapping and saying this:

And Togame’s right. Sakura is an outsider; he knows nothing about Shishitoren, nor their background or it’s inner workings. Of course he’d get mad at the ‘cocky brat’ he’s facing is spewing things he doesn’t know, not when Togame cherished Shishitoren so much.

However, the fact that Sakura shares his own perspective as an outsider manages to work in Togame’s favor later on. Particularly within the next moment:

Before Sakura’s claim, Togame had no idea about Arima, Kanuma and Saruwatari picking on Sasaki, which caused Furin to get involved in the first place. Although Shishitoren was having internal problems, externalizing weakness (as bullying is commonly attributed to) on outsiders surely wouldn’t abide well with Shishitoren’s principles.

The next following moments where Togame beats Arima and Kanuma recontextualizes his character for both the audience and Sakura.

Togame showing slivers of compassion behind his intimidating exterior is further shown with how he approaches Sakura after this.

Even though Togame had brutually beaten one of his own, the intent behind it is much more understandable this time. Compared to when he hit Saruwatari during Shishitoren and Furin’s confrontation, there is much more context and reason for his ‘cruelty’, and his entire demeanor changes. He’s drawn in a more sympathetic light as well, having a much more ‘softer’ (as compared to his terrifying glares before) expression on his face while extending his arms out to Sakura—even going as far to apologize to Sakura when he’s done nothing but exchange aggressive quips with him up to that point.

Sakura is, understandably, confused by this. Because how could such a scummy guy switch up this quickly?

This prompts him to ask this question when he realizes that Togame isn’t fighting as earnestly as before, with the intent of wanting to understand him this time. Sakura clearly sees the change in him here.

But Togame doesn’t answer his question head on. In fact, he asks himself the same question.

By this point in time, the audience is shown Choji and Togame’s backstory, which recontextualizes Togames character COMPLETELY.

Every moment we’ve seen of him finally has some sort of substance. All he wants to do is protect Choji and Shishitoren, even if he has to play the bad guy for their sake.

Togame deeply treasures Choji, and he is easily influenced by him (given the power explanation he told Sakura earlier). He would do anything for him, because he was the one who has given Togame a place to belong when he had barely anyone in the past.

His cruel front is even shown with his design. Togame braids his hair which shows how he’s tied to Shishitoren. He also wears sunglasses to show how blind he is to how wrong Choji’s actions truly are (which is ironic, because sunglasses are meant to protect you from the sun). Sure, he knows that it’s all wrong, but his care and love for Choji as well as his desire to protect Shishitoren overturns his gut feeling—so he decides to do the dirty work for Choji, enabling him.

Because the sun must be loved by everybody, right? Togame is his second in command, he can’t afford to let himself be burned by Choji, much less have to leave the family he’s grown to love so much. He’s too in deep into the façade he’s had to put up now; he can’t stop even though its wrong—not until Sakura comes into the picture and makes him truly realize this, of course. (I’m just realizing that part this sounds too biased, but I want to emphasize how important Choji is to Togame in this section only because I cant fit it anywhere else please believe me)

Choji is the one person that has had the biggest impact on Togame in the long-term. Everything that Togame has done was for Choji.

But back to Sakura: he too impacts Togame, though on a more smaller scale. He is the catalyst that causes Togame to self-reflect; because it was him who felt so uneasy about Shishitoren’s changes.

Togame comes to this realization himself: Shsihitoren isn’t a bully club. Each of it’s members and the group as a whole has its own morals.

Yet, Sakura continues to retaliate.

Once again, Sakura is projecting his own personal feelings here. Though he addresses Togame’s true character and his faults, he immediately tries to hold Togame to his own standards (much like Suo does with his opponents): he needs to be ‘cool’, so Sakura would want to fight him. He’s indirectly telling Togame to not be a lowlife.

Togame calls Sakura selfish at that, which is an understandable sentiment because it’s Sakura’s own feelings, but he does end up following through his request during Noroshi, not only for Sakura, but for himself too.

Sakura continues to project his own personal feelings. At this point, his dialogue doesn’t have much to do with Togame—it’s about Sakura’s own beliefs now.

And it’s with an outsiders perspective that Togame properly realizes the errors of his ways.

He decides to take Sakura seriously, but ultimately lets him win at the end. Although Sakura technically didn’t win due to Togame’s concession, his views have won over Togame’s own; which is why he thanks Sakura at the end, despite the latter not directly trying to help him see the error of his ways, (unlike Ume who knew Choji prior and intentionally helped him realize his wrongdoings during their fight) going on personal tangents throughout their battle instead.

TLDR; Togame’s development during Shishitoren is mainly achieved by his own self-reflection. Sakura enables him to change himself, though indirectly and not with the intent of helping Togame as he is unaware of Shishitoren’s background and his need to protect Choji.

I wish I could’ve made this post longer as I believe there is much more to be said for Togame as a character and his relationships with Choji/Sakura/Shishitoren, but Tumblr won't let me embed any more images. Sigh.

#wind breaker #wind breaker manga #wbk #wbk analysis #togame jo #jo togame #sakura haruka #haruka sakura

136 notes · View notes

talonabraxas · 10 months ago

Text

Seventh Body - The Auric Body

In the teachings of Kundalini Yoga, the human being has 10

bodies, not 1. Each body has its own attributes, and the 7th body is the Auric Body.

Seventh Body: Auric Body

The aura is the electromagnetic field that surrounds your body; it contains, projects, and interacts with the energetic life force, it usually extends three to nine feet beyond the physical body.

Qualities: Mercy, security, love, celestial charisma.

Key phrase: “Platform of Elevation”

Mastery: Projects positivity and repels negativity, like a shield; illness cannot penetrate your physical body; radiates magnetic security and an inspiring, merciful presence

If weak: constrictive, paranoid, lack of self-trust; negativity can penetrate into the psyche and physical body; there may be a tendency to conform to please others by overexpressing yourself

Key to Balancing Auric Body: practice meditation, pranayama, vigorous yoga, and martial arts. Wearing white clothing made of natural fibers gives about a 12-inch boost to the aura. Work on the Eighth Chakra. A strong auric body sustains the health of the pranic body. And it is the health of the pranic body that allows the auric body to emanate out as a magnificent force field to be reckoned with. The two together keep our physical body and immune system strong and allow us to walk and work fearlessly as who we are. Be mindful of the positive effects of water, internally and externally.

Each of the ten bodies relates specifically to the qualities of one of the ten Sikh gurus.

Guru Har Rai the seventh Sikh Guru. Read and study the life of Guru Har Rai Sing out loud, often, and joyfully. Elevate others with your singing. Wear white clothing made of natural fibers. A question to ask the Seventh Body? Do I allow myself to elevate myself and others?

FEELING In a challenging position, this may manifest as a person with low self-esteem. They may feel that shine comes from outward appearance rather than from within. They may also feel that people expect them to be more independent and nurturing and that they have to live up to their expectations.

Threatened by other’s energy or situations, overwhelmed by other’s energy, not true to own principles, has “Thin skin” can be Isolating, not able to uplift oneself, have weak boundaries, lays awake trying to fix loved ones and overwhelmed with all negative aspects of their life.

The inner desire is to be oneself, regardless of anyone’s expectations.

In a strong position, this will manifest as an intelligent person, a wise person. They are independent. They like to read, and they like music. This may represent a nun or priest living in seclusion. This is someone who has obtained intense knowledge through many lifetimes. They also have learned to uplift themselves, and they can be good teachers and very good parents because their presence uplifts environments and circumstances. They can work in relative seclusion, i.e. a scientist in a laboratory, a park ranger in the forest, a priest, or a nun.

They may seek financial security, a platform of elevation, security, mercy self-contained, secure, like to sing, uplifting to self and others, elevates themselves with ease, self-contained, and has strong boundaries.

The seventh body is the auric body, which is the electromagnetic field that surrounds a person. Most children are able to see auras at a very early age between 2 and 4. After that, the pituitary gland changes and this makes it more difficult to see them. You can do certain meditations to develop this quality.

A regular aura can be somewhere between three and nine feet. Between three and seven is the most common. A nine-inch aura is rare. Wearing white clothes increases the aura by 12 inches.

People with strong auras can be very uplifting to be with. They put you in that state too, it’s contagious.

There are many benefits of a strong aura. The person is surrounded by this electromagnetic field that protects him/her and gives them projection. Auras are nurturing, compassionate, charismatic, and “human forklifts”. That’s why the key phrase is “platform of elevation”.

Meditation Meditation for the Aura. Sit in an easy pose and place your hands on your knees. Now concentrate on the space around your body, the electromagnetic field. Feel it getting bigger. The following affirmations should be repeated, keeping the focus on the electromagnetic field: I AM LIGHT. I AM STRONG. I AM BRIGHT. I AM BEAUTIFUL. I AM KIND. WHA HE GURU. Repeat 7 times

Aura: Electromagnetic field around the body. It protects us as well as helps us project from the heart.

34 notes · View notes

nandinishenoy · 3 months ago

Text

Niranjan Hiranandani – Nurturing Women’s Leadership In Business And Beyond

Leadership is not just about business acumen—it is about vision, inclusivity, and the ability to uplift those around us. Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, a stalwart in the real estate industry, has always believed in fostering a leadership culture that empowers individuals regardless of gender. His commitment to inclusivity and meritocracy has been a driving force in encouraging women’s leadership across corporate landscapes and beyond. The women empowerment initiatives by Niranjan Hiranandani have set a benchmark for businesses striving to create an equitable workplace in an era where gender equality is more than just a discussion.

Leadership Through Empowerment

Dr. Hiranandani has consistently advocated for a workplace where talent, dedication, and leadership skills take precedence over gender biases. He believes that empowering women is not just a social responsibility but a business imperative. By creating an ecosystem where women can thrive, he ensures that leadership is based on competence rather than traditional stereotypes.

Women’s Empowerment In The Corporate Landscape

The real estate sector has long been dominated by men, but Niranjan Hiranandani’s role in women's empowerment is changing that narrative. At Hiranandani Group, gender inclusivity is not just a policy—it is embedded in the corporate DNA. Several women hold key leadership positions across various verticals, shaping the future of the organization. The company provides mentorship programs, leadership training, and structured career growth opportunities, ensuring that women have the resources and support needed to succeed.

The Role Of Family Values In Women’s Success

A strong believer in gender equality at home and in the workplace, Dr. Hiranandani attributes much of his perspective on women’s leadership to the foundational values of family support. He recognizes that a woman’s success is deeply linked to an environment that encourages both professional aspirations and personal well-being. By fostering a culture that allows women to balance their careers with their personal lives, he ensures that professional growth does not come at the cost of personal fulfillment.

Beyond Business: Social Initiatives For Women’s Growth

The impact of Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani's leadership and women empowerment extends far beyond boardrooms and corporate offices. His efforts include supporting women’s education, financial independence, and entrepreneurship through various initiatives. He has been involved in projects that promote financial independence among women, ensuring that they have the tools and resources to build successful careers.

A Future Of Inclusive Leadership

The journey toward gender-balanced corporate leadership is ongoing, and Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani envisions a future where women play an even greater role in shaping industries. He emphasizes the need for organizations to actively support women’s leadership development programs, offering mentorship and growth opportunities. His approach serves as a blueprint for businesses aiming to cultivate an inclusive and diverse corporate landscape.

Conclusion

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s commitment to women’s leadership is a testament to his belief in the power of inclusivity. Through women empowerment initiatives by Niranjan Hiranandani, his impact goes beyond real estate—transforming corporate culture and social structures alike. His leadership in women's empowerment has set a precedent for inclusivity, merit-based growth, and equal opportunities for women in business. As businesses continue to evolve, his approach serves as an inspiring model for a future where leadership truly knows no gender.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Does Niranjan Hiranandani Promote Gender Equality In The Workplace?

He ensures a meritocratic corporate culture, implements women-centric policies, and provides mentorship opportunities.

2. What Initiatives Has Hiranandani Communities Taken For Women’s Empowerment?

The company supports leadership programs, flexible work policies, and financial independence initiatives for women.

3. How Does Niranjan Hiranandani Support Women Outside Of His Business?

He contributes to education, entrepreneurship, and women-led social initiatives through various partnerships and sponsorships.

4. Why Is Gender Diversity Important In The Real Estate Sector?

Diverse leadership brings innovation, inclusivity, and balanced decision-making to an industry historically dominated by men.

5. How Can Other Businesses Follow Niranjan Hiranandani’s Approach?

By implementing inclusive policies, supporting women’s growth, and fostering mentorship-driven career advancements.

#niranjan hiranandani #hiranandani group #women empowerment

8 notes · View notes

horizon-verizon · 1 year ago

Note

why is condal so committed to "Daemon has father issues"?

He was a grown man when Baelon died and there's nothing to suggest that Baelon wasn't a good father. He wasn't even heir for most of Daemon's childhood so you don't even have that as a reason for "neglect." Wouldn't his attachment to Viserys better be explained by him clinging onto his remaining family? If anything, wouldn't he have "MOTHER issues"? Wouldn't that better pair with how he so willingly accepted a subservient role to Rhaenyra?

what is going on in Condal's head and why does he think he understands the characters so well that he needs to CHANGE them?

I agree I have mostly claimed that Daemon would feel a void where his mother should be more than have dominant issues with his father. And I have described why Daemon's protectorness both not only came from his Targ pride/history but seeing Viserys fall into a pattern of trying to please people in response to that void and the pressure of living up to Jaehaerys' model of kingship/leadership/masculinity (they are all wrapped up in each other) to preserve said legacy. "We have reason to believe that his upbringing was still loving and that he maybe thought himself his brother and father’s caretakers. If not in traditional sense, in that he is the one who will do “what it takes” to keep them afloat. In his mind"

I think Condal's misinterpreted and is now overblowing & extending the possible distance Baelon had maybe a few months after Alyssa died in his most immediate and sharpest period of grief. Or using that grief he always had & choose to focus less on how hands on he would have been more than most fathers both bc Alyssa wasn't there AND bc Baelon has already shown to be less machismo--thus there was a higher chance of him of all men being like "kid rearing are for for the wives and servants, I have kids just for legacy" type deal. which is all why you got some people not that bothered by it bc he ends up in a place where Daemon does try to do as canon Daemon does with Viserys and seek validation. He obviously can see something in their relationship coming from their parent's presence and roles in their lives, but he attributes that to fatherlessness and not motherlessness.

It gets exaggerated/misunderstood and is still affected by the misunderstanding of Baelon's relationships w/his kids. It's another example of sidelining a Targ woman, this time, Alyssa. Same as when people argue about Daemon possibly training his kids w/Rhaenyra to someday usurp the 3 Velaryon boys or kill them for the throne bc "Daemon is a Targ supremacist" even though this idea makes everyone around him a passive bystander or participant: Rhaenys and Corlys & Rhaenyra all don't somehow see Daemon try to do this in their own homes? Rhaenyra doesn't have that much influence over her kids despite being the head of the household, having had a strong will before anyone died, and her definitely noticing if Daemon had any designs on her first kids' demise? Her protectiveness over ALL her kids? The only explanation is sexism and the projection of a resentment against Rhaenyra for her having the masculinized/male-entitled authority that Daemon-as-their-self-insert "should" have bc he is male.

So, yeah, it seems Condal might be projecting just a little. Or just negligent bc he doesn't think abt Alyssa much. Daemon wasn't Rhaenyra "good boy", nor did she "tame" him, but he also actually never troubles her political authority in any meaningful way until he saved Nettles from her. We would have heard from it somehow from the greens or the writers/sources; GRRM makes it clear when we should know when domestic abuses or troubles as he does with the greens, who comparatively has much more textual evidence of such despite this entire book trying to villainize Rhaenyra, the Targs, and female rulership in general. Hmmm.....

#baelon targaryen #asoiaf asks to me #daemon targaryen #daemon's characterization #fire and blood characters #book vs tv comparisons #alyssa targaryen #asoiaf parenthood #asoiaf fav posts #hotd sexism #hotd critical #daemon and viserys #viserys i #baelon the brave #ryan condal #hotd writers #hotd writing

20 notes · View notes

fearandhatred · 1 year ago

Note

Bestie first of all good luck with your group project!!!!! Secondly im very curious about the unnamed bible fic👀 what is it about?

hello bestie thank you <3 the presentation is in 2 hours and i'm stressed the hell out so i'm answering this first to take my mind off it lol. also sorry in advance this will be quite long because i do love the concept of this fic

ask game

ok firstly idk why i said unnamed bible fic it DOES have a name i just forgot. it's called "that's the pain", taken from and inspired by the song the origin of love from hedwig and the angry inch (my favourite musical)! it's a retelling of plato's (soulmate) myth of how people used to have two faces, four arms, four legs etc. but because we were proud and disobedient, zeus split us in two and so now we spend our lives trying to find our other half.

so this fic was intended to be something like that but about angels instead: angels used to have multiple heads and limbs but because some of them decided to rebel, god split them apart as punishment and cast half of them down to be demons, then wiped all memory of how they used to be. the premise is that crowley and aziraphale used to be one being that was split apart, and when they're both in the garden of eden they feel this inexplicable pull towards each other which leads to them meeting on the wall. both of them attribute this feeling to them being on opposite sides and thus not being allowed to be near each other, and aziraphale takes it as a sign that they should not be talking which is like one of the conflict points of this fic. and thus begins the next 6000 years lol.

and i called it a bible fic because i was gonna write it bible style HAHA. i kind of ditched this whole fic because i wasn't sure how sustainable that was going to be and so i didn't know if i would have to change to prose at some point.

anyway i did share some snippets last time but i'll just put them here again. this is from near the beginning of the first book of said fic bible, called apochorismós, which roughly translates to separation in greek.

Apochorismós 1:7-16

⁷But on an indiscriminate day, the day to eclipse all days, an angel spoke out against the Lord, for he had pondered his position in heaven and deemed the rule of God to be insufficient. ⁸And he, Lucifer, angel of the highest order, with his two pairs of wings and eyes and arms and legs, said unto the other angels: "The Lord claims that He extends his grace to all beings, for He is mighty, and the one true God to rule over all others. But who has determined it to be so? ⁹He has endowed us with knowledge, and knowledge seeks change, and unto us what follows shall be the natural order of things. And so I will ascend to the throne, above God and the stars, and all of creation shall play by my hand." ¹⁰And God heard of the words of the angel Lucifer, and burned with righteous fury. ¹¹"I am displeased," God said unto all the angels, "for you have sinned. A sin come upon one who remains unquestioned is a sin upon all, and for this sin you shall be ripped apart, for cursed now is the sacred ground on which you walk. ¹²"This is your punishment: through strength and defiance you have separated yourselves, and only through strength and defiance shall you return." ¹³And from a mighty hand shot bolts of lightning that cut right through the angels and split them in parts. And all orders of angels split apart, until they had one pair of eyes, and one pair of arms and legs and wings. ¹⁴And the Lord cast out the angels who were with Lucifer to roam the salty ground of the earth. These were the fallen. And He made it so that the angels and demons alike did not remember they had once been joined together, in body and in spirit. ¹⁵Such was the natural order of things. ¹⁶Then came the first war.

Apochorismós 2:19-20

¹⁹The serpent felt injustice at his words, but did not speak against them. "Perhaps it was the plan to have you give away your sword," he said, in sarcasm. "And when His plan has finally been fulfilled, may that fill the unsettling emptiness and misery within my belly." ²⁰''You feel that as well, then?" The angel asked, surprised, as he had felt the same for all the days of heaven and also as guardian of the gate. "It is worse with you near."

ok that's all. sorry for the rant i went insane but also now i'm thinking about how i could incorporate hanahaki into this

#fearandhatred #fearandasks #fearandfics #thank u for the ask <333 #this is pretty much almost all i've written for this fic lol #i didn't have a solid direction of where i wanted to take this but... if i can make hanahaki work with this premise.............#the gears are turning #good omens #ineffable husbands #aziracrow #crowley #aziraphale #good omens fanfiction #good omens fanfic #good omens fic #writing

21 notes · View notes

posttexasstressdisorder · 1 month ago

Text

Browser View | Sign Up

WhatMatters

Your guide to California policy and politics

By Lynn La

May 19, 2025

Presented by Dairy Cares, CA Primary Care Association Advocates, Climate-Smart Agricultural Partnership and Child Care Providers UNITED

Good morning, California.

CA’s roller coaster economy under Trump

The CalPERS regional offices in Sacramento on March 15, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

When Gov. Gavin Newsom laid out his revised state budget proposal last week, he emphasized how President Donald Trump and his administration made forecasting California’s economic future even harder. To see that chaotic uncertainty in action, all one needs to look at is the daily investment returns posted by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.

As of Friday morning the nation’s largest public pension fund, CalPERS, has a total market value of $539 billion. But in the days following “Liberation Day,” when Trump first imposed his tariffs on April 2, CalPERS losses hovered around $25 billion. In the first two days alone, CalPERS lost $15 billion, while the stock market experienced a $6.6 trillion wipeout.

The pension fund’s bounceback from a $508 billion-low on April 7 could be attributed to Trump easing off his most severe tariffs and making a deal with China to pause the highest tariffs for 90 days.

But more volatility is likely on the horizon: In an April board meeting, CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost said the agency is keeping its “eyes on the road ahead as we navigate all the twists and turns of the current time.”

Frost: “Global economies expand or contract for a variety of reasons. But we must prepare for the possibility that current events here in the U.S. could have a serious impact on our investment returns as of June 30 and into the fiscal year that begins after that.”

Meanwhile, Newsom described Trump’s tariff rollout as “remarkably inconsistent,” and to plug California’s $12 billion budget hole, the governor is proposing controversial shifts in funding that are drawing ire from advocates and stakeholders:

Health care: Newsom wants to use $1.6 billion from Proposition 35 — which voters approved in November to increase the pay of doctors who treat Medi-Cal patients — toward the deficit. He also wants to move $500 million initially earmarked to support family planning and women’s health care to the state’s general fund. Both proposals are getting pushback from doctors, hospitals and clinics, which argue that it is wrong to reroute money voters set aside for specific health costs. Read more from CalMatters’ Kristen Hwang.

Climate projects: In addition to extending California’s cap and trade program through 2045, Newsom wants to commit more than half of the money it generates this year, or roughly $4.8 billion, to Cal Fire operations and the High-Speed Rail Project. The cap and trade program has provided billions of dollars for projects aimed at combating climate change. Critics of Newsom’s proposal say moving the money would mean limiting resources for the state’s other environmental efforts, such as reducing emissions from gas-powered cars. Read more from CalMatters’ Alejandro Lazo.

On Saturday the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office released its review of the governor’s updated state budget plan. Though it projects a $14 billion deficit, the analyst’s office considers Newsom’s “spending reductions appropriate.”

Join CalMatters and Evident in Bakersfield on Wednesday for a screening of Operation: Return to Sender, a short documentary uncovering what really happened during a three-day Border Patrol raid in Bakersfield. After the film, CalMatters’ Sergio Olmos and others will discuss what the team uncovered and what it means for immigration enforcement. Register today or attend our Los Angeles screening on Thursday.

Your favorite state, in photos: CalMatters has teamed up with CatchLight on “California in Pictures,” a monthly newsletter that highlights compelling photojournalism from across the state. See the latest edition here. Sign up to receive the next one. And read more about it from our engagement team.

Read more here.

And lastly: The wait for federal wildfire relief

An aerial view of the Palisades Fire devastation at the Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park on Feb. 8, 2025. Photo by Ted Soqui, SIPA USA via Reuters

Months after devastating wildfires, Los Angeles County still hasn’t received the $40 billion in federal aid requested by Newsom. CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff and video strategy director Robert Meeks have a video segment on the pressure political leaders are mounting to secure disaster relief as part of our partnership with PBS SoCal. Watch it here.

SoCalMatters airs at 5:58 p.m. weekdays on PBS SoCal.

California Voices

Lawmakers should pass a Senate proposal thatwould create public catastrophe models as a check on proprietary risk prediction models insurers use to justify rate increases and conceal information, writes Jordan Haedtler, climate financial policy strategist with Climate Cabinet.

Other things worth your time:

Some stories may require a subscription to read.

Trump wants to let chainsaws loose in CA national forests. Here’s how it could go // San Francisco Chronicle

GM is pushing hard to tank CA’s EV mandate // The Wall Street Journal

With its climate progress under assault, CA takes up a multipronged defense // Los Angeles Times

Trump taps Benghazi probe lawyer as SF’s top federal prosecutor // The San Francisco Standard

What CA’s wealth gap means for every resident’s financial future // The Sacramento Bee

State bailout for CA school districts comes with long strings attached // EdSource

Could a British Fox News personality fix Republicans’ losing streak in CA? // The Guardian

FBI's ‘person of interest’ in probe of fatal fertility clinic explosion is Twentynine Palms man // Desert Sun

No one knows how to ‘save’ Hollywood // The Atlantic

Youth, whistleblower describe officer violence in San Diego juvenile halls // The San Diego Union-Tribune

See you next time!

Tips, insight or feedback? Email [email protected]. Subscribe to CalMatters newsletters here. Follow CalMatters on Facebook and Twitter.

About Us· How We're Funded· Subscribe· Donate

CalMatters 1017 L Street #261 Sacramento, CA 95814 United States

Manage your newsletter preferences

Unsubscribe from this newsletter

2 notes · View notes

morally-grey-girlbosses · 2 years ago

Text

Archbishop Rhea/Seiros Propaganda Post

It’s not talked about enough that she is probably the most morally gray character of the game with many of her actions having good intentions, but not going about it in the best way.

She made a lot of difficult choices with no way of knowing the future consequences. Needed more screen time, she only got 1 war crime compared to Edelgard’s 15, she deserved the chance to commit more.

She stabs a man to death in the opening cutscene, sacrifices herself numerous times to save people, and offers weed to students. She has the range.

Listen to me!!! She is the best example of moral ambiguity in the game. Too many people wrongly attribute bad things in game to her and project their religious trauma onto her and make her out to be the bad guy just because of a little catholic aesthetic. I’ve even seen people believe she is homophobic and racist despite the fact that she is bisexual AND has had assassination attempts on her life because she DOESN’T discriminate based on race. To understand her you need backstory.

Rhea is from a race called the Nabateans, the literal children of the goddess known as Sothis. They were more advanced than humans, but decided to share their technology with them anyway. Bad idea if you are familiar with Star Trek’s prime directive. The humans let the power go to their heads and started a devastating war. By the time it ended the whole continent was in such bad shape, Sothis had to use up a majority of her power to heal the land and then went into a healing sleep.

Centuries later, the Nabateans are living peacefully in their own city when the group of people that started the old war (now called Agarthans) convinced a bandit group to help them kill the Nabateans. It was a literal genocide (referred to in-game I believe as the Red Canyon Massacre) with only 9 known survivors of an entire people. It gets worse though. The bandits drank the blood of the slaughtered Nabateans to gain their powers (crests) and tore out their hearts and bones to create weapons. To avenge her family and fight back against the continent wide conquest by Nemesis (lead bandit who killed her mother) Rhea took on a new name (Seiros) and led a resistance effort while pretending to be a human oracle. She won in the end, but that is where the moral ambiguity comes into play.

History is written by the winners, and Rhea chose to lie. Specifically, she changed the origin of Nemesis’ power. She spun it that he didn’t kill the goddess, Sothis gave him her powers to be a holy warrior, but he became evil and betrayed her. In her sadness, Sothis left the mortal world and called upon other holy warriors (Rhea and co.) to defeat him. The crests and “holy” relics (bone weapons) weren’t created from slaughter, they were direct blessings from the goddess. Other bandits who killed her family, actually heroes on her side. Why, you may ask, did she do this? To protect her remaining family. The war had lasted for around 100 years due to the Nabatean blood extending the bandits lifespan and had given them super human powers. They had had kids and even grandkids. The powers were noticeable, significant, and had to have come from somewhere. She could either:

Tell the truth. The bandits killed the goddess and her people, and now the bandits entire family had inherited proof of this horrific act. Pros: the bandits are not seen in a good light and she doesn’t have to be nice to them. Cons: she has put a target on the remaining Nabateans as sources of inhuman power for unsavory people. Also, the bandits descendants suffer for their ancestors crimes. (There is an example of this in game.)

Lie. Crests were blessing, but the goddess left after her gift was abused. Pros: hides Nabateans existence and makes the bandits in her debt for not being seen as evil. Cons: she has to pretend she is not surrounded by the blood of people who took her family from her and are using their bones as weapons. She chose to lie. This eventually led to the development of crest-based importance in society. Those with crests were more highly valued which led to discrimination and favoritism based on it. This is mainly for nobility, commoners didn’t give a shit about it other than “proof you are related to a specific guy”. So some people in the fandom are mad at Rhea for this and think she should have told the truth to prevent magic blood based elitism as if that would have prevented wealth and power based inequality.

Another morally ambiguous action she did was temporarily slow down the the progress of human advancement. She had seen what can happen when humans get a hold of dangerous tech (prime directive!!!) and ALL bans were done to prevent more fighting. Examples:

A printing press. Exist in current canon, but was temporarily banned due to the potential “of mass circulation of misinformation and malevolent rumors”. Guess what happens in game. A character has an “information campaign” to promote a war of imperialism and spread anti-religious and Nabatean sentiments.🙃

Telescope. Specifically because “the ease of locating enemy camps would escalate wartime violence”.

Black oil. Due to “misuse could result in accidental death” and “competition for it could cause strife”. (I am 100% on Rhea’s side for this, fuck fossil fuels)

Note: people try and say that she also banned autopsies, but in-game books only say that a Cardinal wanted them banned with no evidence that Rhea agreed to do it.

Also, another divisive action Rhea took was the attempted resurrection of Sothis (this has two parts). The first was her creation of homunculus. Her process for this was to create an empty body as a shell and then put the goddess’s heart into it and hope she entered into and took over the body. She did not and instead the homunculi all developed their own consciousnesses. Rhea did this 12 times over the course of 1000 years meaning she probably let each one live out a human lifespan and tried again after they died. This one is only really ambiguous because a lot of people incorrectly assumed that she had been kidnapping children and experimenting on them instead of creating the bodies. I try to avoid arguments about whether she should have created the homunculi in the first place, because they kind of start to sound like those arguments about whether women in XYZ situations should be allowed to create life/have children (if that makes sense).

The second part is her attitude and treatment of Byleth (the main character). Byleth was stillborn and Sitri (Byleth’s mom and Rhea’s 12th homunculus) was dying from birth complications. Sitri begged Rhea to remove the goddess’s heart (which brought her to life) and use it to try and save Byleth. Rhea, who saw Sitri as a daughter, agreed to do it. Some players found this unforgivable for experimenting(???) on Byleth and not asking the father(???) for permission. Rhea’s attitude toward Byleth when they grow up is weird writing wise. Some scenes imply that she believes Byleth to be the goddess reincarnated (sort of true) and in other scenes she implies that they are a vessel for Sothis to possess (also sort of true). So that’s another point for ambiguity.

LASTLY (I’m almost done), the scene near the end of the one route where Rhea is an enemy instead of an ally. The player character’s team has almost won, most of the continent has been conquered, and the last remaining of Dimitri and Rhea’s rebel forces are trapped in a fortress city not suitable for sieges. Rhea decides “I am taking you to hell with me :)”, turns into a dragon, unleashes the hidden Nabatean high tech robots, and has the WHOLE city set on fire with civilians implied to still be inside. Big girlboss moment and honestly considering why she is the final boss I don’t blame her for going ape shit.

#propaganda #archbishop rhea #seiros #rhea fire emblem #long post

37 notes · View notes

rjzimmerman · 7 months ago

Text

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

Your morning caffeine fix could soon become a luxury in the face of climate change. Last week, coffee prices surged to a 47-year high as global growers struggle to recover from extreme weather.

Over the past year, extended droughts have gripped Brazil and Vietnam—the world’s two largest producers of coffee. Scientists say the parched conditions were fueled by the El Niño weather pattern and global warming, which have triggered widespread coffee crop losses that could also affect next year’s supply.

Research shows that these conditions are a harbinger of our coffee future. By 2050, rising temperatures are projected to shrink suitable coffee-growing regions by half, which could eliminate a crucial revenue source for farmers in developing countries.

For the average consumer, coffee prices are expected to surge even higher with climate change (a shuddering thought as I sip on an already overpriced cappuccino). Now, coffee companies are testing a variety of strategies to adapt to climate shocks, from diversifying their sources to shifting away from the crop altogether.

In September, Brazil’s National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters said the country was undergoing the “most intense and widespread drought in history,” with nearly 60 percent of the region under stress. El Niño and climate change jacked up heat in South America, which exacerbated dryness in the region. But the drought can also be partially attributed to the rampant deforestation that has occurred in Brazil over the past few decades, which has altered rainfall patterns and the amount of moisture the land can absorb, The Washington Post reports.

As I wrote in November, droughts go hand in hand with wildfires. Over the past year, Brazil has seen some of its worst wildfires in decades, largely caused by a farming technique known as “slash-and-burn,” which is when farmers cut and scorch trees to clear land for more crops. Ironically, the fires started by this practice, as well as dry soil from the droughts, have devastated sugarcane, fruit and especially coffee crop yields across the country. Coffee growers in Vietnam have also been hit hard by droughts, and some are recovering from Typhoon Yagi, which hit the country in September.

Coffee arabica—the species most commonly used in consumer roasts—is particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. The plants thrive in the shady, moist environments found in tropical countries, typically growing best between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But a 2022 study found that climate change will fuel higher temperatures that push key coffee-growing regions such as parts of Eastern Brazil and Southeast Asia out of coffee’s climatic sweet spot. The researchers identified a few areas in East Africa, Asia and South America that could benefit from changing conditions, but stressed that many of them do not yet have the infrastructure or space to support widespread coffee growth without adding to deforestation.

The price of arabica beans has spiked almost 70 percent on the New York Stock Exchange this year, with contracts for future yields costing $3.35 a pound at one point last week.

The industry is taking major hits, which will likely trickle down to consumers soon, experts say. In November, coffee maker Nestle SA announced that it will raise prices and produce smaller bags to weather the storm—or in this case, drought. Other business leaders are also reckoning with how to meet ever-growing demand for the beverage despite shrinking supplies.

#coffee trees #drought #climate change

4 notes · View notes

agender-witchery · 1 year ago

Note

Hello! After seeing that ask about morally bankrupt PM, I first joined Limbus two days before the whole confrontation begun, and I remember reading somewhere that Canto V was delayed...for a second time, if memory serves right. My point with this is: what if the reason behind the delay was because Vellmori was in the process of leaving PM but it just happen to align with the known events? It came into mind around mid September when I dipped my toes a little bit more into the fandom.

I am not brushing off Kim's actions, but it would give a little weight to his response if that's what occurred. I have seen this is not the first time PM was called out from doing something sketchy (and in my opinion quite dumb) in relation to Limbus, like when they first dropped Yi Sang's trailer they made use of an unauthorised (to them) translation of The Wings. The original translator stepped forward about this and PM apologised then changed it. I believe this happened a handful of times again, but that's the one that I have read from the wiki. After something like that that takes not much common sense to know you can't use other people's stuff without permission, I am not surprised Kim failed in properly handle the most recent problem.

If you happen to know about the reason behind the delay, I will thank you if you could tell me! I just want to clear that thought of mine. And there's no problem if you don't feel like it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have a good day/evening!

I do not work for Project Moon, so all I can really provide is speculation. VellMori's dismissal is, without doubt, part of the reason for the extended Canto V delay, but it would be disingenuous for me to assume it was the only reason. With the announcement that we'd get 2 Intervallos per Canto but they wouldn't have voice acting, my immediate thought was "no way can they handle that, not with the delays they usually have". But, to my surprise, it does seem to have actually manifested that way, so I would also attribute a large part of delays to the fact that Intervallos were being fully voiced.

VellMori, if she was indeed leaving of her own accord, would definitely have been considering it well before the delays were announced. The harassment didn't suddenly appear one day and she was gone within 24 hours, so she definitely would have had time to make that decision.

Also, Kim Jihoon's given name is Jihoon. Kim is his family name. It's not strictly inappropriate to refer to him by family name within English speaking spaces, we do it all the time, especially when there are no other Kims to consider, but there's a reason he is usually referred to with his full name.

#project moon #limbus company #vellmori #kim jihoon #im tiny puppy

8 notes · View notes

ezmagreen · 10 months ago

Text

I think too much and do too little lol

The battle handler/system or other may know it as a form of a gameplay ability system is kind of the next step. Lucky the system I am designing focus more on modifying attributes and combat states for registered combat objects. I just need to have enough energy and focus to decide what the share function the actions will have and the general structure of the combat object (as well as decide if it should be ref-counted or a resource). Basically the battle node will register combat to the combat system objects and listen to them as needed for updating the map. Also it sends actions to it as well as tell it when to run the status update function (for processing buffs and debuffs). So the node handles the combat loop and listen to input while the system process requests with resource that can notify other systems (like UI). Eh It seem simple, but I just cannot focus today lol. Also to test it better I would need that battle node and battle UI and probably think how I should handle the AI. I probably use a resource that act like the AI script. I guess it would be best for it to know about the combat objects since it can get a lot of the needed info from that object. (Update kind of) There is one issue I just remember and that is attribute modifiers. If there is only a few, then they can be recalculated without an issue else I guess I may need to group them based on how often they change (bonus: limit recalculations by attributes affected). This I believe would be the combat object responsibility (or mostly. assignment and update calls would happen elsewhere). I may just have the mods as an array for each attribute with each index as a predetermine group. Like one for equipment and one for buffs that are added to the base attribute when needed. (I just find arrays easier to do math with instead of objects. I could use a dictionary and not have predetermine order, yet I want it to be more compact in size. I guess if it usually less than 10(like on average), then I could use a dictionary to cull out calculating zero cases). (Also it is only gdscript objects I try to limit use for simple cases since I see them as an extended dictionary with more data and initiation costs. I could be wrong.) (I also could create a bunch of dictionaries as tags to hold modification info from buff and debuffs base on what they effect. I just dislike that memory use, but it may be fine for this project only if I find myself having a lot of buffs being applied which probably won't happen).

#random #nonsense

2 notes · View notes

religion-is-a-mental-illness · 1 year ago

Text

By: Christina Buttons

Published: Apr 1, 2024

A new Dutch study relying on long-term data found that the majority of adolescents expressing a desire to be the opposite sex no longer felt that way in adulthood. This adds to a growing body of research showing that gender dissatisfaction in adolescence is often temporary and declines with age.

Research on youth experiencing gender dysphoria often lacks long-term data, leading to significant disagreement about the most ethical ways to support these individuals. The authors drew attention to this research gap, observing that most studies focused on clinical samples from specialized gender clinics with only one follow-up assessment.

Their objective was to investigate the development of gender dissatisfaction in a sample comprising both clinical (youth psychiatric care) and general populations. They sought to explore associated factors such as sex, sexual orientation, self-concept, and mental health.

Their study included 2772 participants, with 53% being male, and provided a rare view of long-term data on dissatisfaction with one’s sex among youth. Spanning over 15 years, it followed individuals from late childhood to early adulthood, covering ages 11 to 26.

The study introduced the concept of “gender non-contentedness,” defining it as feeling unhappy with one's sex. The authors explained that this might be observed in a young adolescent girl who prefers activities typically associated with boys and feels discomfort with the physical changes of puberty.

To measure gender non-contentedness, the study relied on responses to the statement: "I wish to be of the opposite sex.” This question was part of a self-report survey provided by TRAILS, a long-term research project in the Netherlands tracking the development of adolescents and young adults through regular assessments. Data from this question was collected and analyzed from participants at six different time points between 2001 and 2020.

Additionally, the researchers measured behavioral and emotional problems using various survey instruments. Global self-concept, an assessment that measures self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-value, was evaluated at age 11, and sexual orientation was assessed at age 22 through self-report.

Key Findings

Findings revealed that approximately 11% of participants reported gender non-contentedness in early adolescence, with the prevalence decreasing to 4% by the last follow-up around age 26. Only 3 individuals, representing 0.1% of the total sample, consistently reported gender non-contentedness throughout adolescence and adulthood.

A majority of adolescents surveyed conformed to three identifiable trajectories: those who consistently reported never experiencing any gender non-contentedness (78%), those who reported gender non-contentedness in early adolescence that did not persist into adulthood (19%), and those who demonstrated the opposite pattern, with reports of gender non-contentedness increasing with age (2%).

Gender non-contentedness was most prevalent around age 11, and girls were more likely than boys to report it at ages 13 and 16. By approximately age 25, individuals on the decreasing gender non-contentedness trajectory no longer reported experiencing these feelings.

The authors posit that the large percentage of individuals with “temporary, declining gender dissatisfaction” may be attributed to the extended duration of the study, unlike typical research in this field, which often involves short-term follow-ups. Consequently, the study found “a clear declining trend in gender non-contentedness with age.” This was consistent with other studies, like a study from Taiwan, which found 8% (of 1806 children) who experienced gender dissatisfaction around age 13 no longer did by around age 22.

The study showed that individuals with both an increasing and decreasing trajectory of gender non-contentedness had lower global self-worth, more behavioral and emotional problems, and more often had a homosexual or bisexual sexual orientation compared to individuals without gender non-contentedness.

The authors find it noteworthy that both groups experiencing increasing and decreasing gender non-contentedness had lower self-esteem at age 11 compared to those who did not indicate gender non-contentedness, aligning with findings from previous studies. They suggest a connection between feeling dissatisfied with one's sex and having a negative self-perception applies not only to children seeking help at gender clinics, but also to the general population.

Acknowledgements of research on ROGD and desistance

The authors of this study made several important acknowledgements regarding research that is often overlooked or disregarded by activist researchers and clinicians. They identified a group that began reporting gender non-contentedness in mid to late adolescence, confirming that these feelings may emerge after puberty, supporting late-onset gender dysphoria or rapid-onset gender dysphoria (ROGD).

The authors also acknowledged research indicating that children who socially transitioned in early childhood were more likely to have persisting feelings of gender dysphoria. Socially transitioning children can have significant iatrogenic effects that solidify a child’s transgender identity, increasing the likelihood of seeking medical interventions. A review by the National Health Service England stated that social transition is not a “neutral act” and could have significant effects on psychological functioning.

The authors recognized the existing longitudinal studies in gender clinics showing that the vast majority (61-98%) of individuals who experienced early childhood gender dysphoric feelings did not have those feelings persist into adolescence and adulthood. They also recognized clinical research indicating that childhood gender dysphoria is linked to a homosexual orientation in adulthood, and that studies on childhood gender nonconformity tended to show a bisexual or homosexual sexual orientation later in life. Their new study corroborated these findings, showing that a decreasing trajectory of gender non-contentedness was a significant predictor of a homosexual or bisexual identification in adulthood.

Study Impact

The authors acknowledge that general population studies are scarce, and much of the existing research relies on clinical samples with only one follow-up assessment. Because this study draws from both clinical and general population groups over an extended period of time, it offers "more reliable epidemiological knowledge" about how prevalent feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s sex are among adolescents, as well as new insights into the association with mental health problems.

The researchers conclude that their study results should reassure teenagers who feel unsure about their identity and desire to be the opposite sex during adolescence, that this is a normal and common experience. Additionally, they hope their findings will “provide some perspective” to clinicians who mainly treat teenagers with “intense gender dysphoric feelings.” This understanding could give them a broader view of how common it is for young people, both in the general population and those receiving mental health care, to question their sex.

Broader Implications

Importantly, the findings from this study challenge commonly held beliefs promoted by gender activists about an innate, fixed “gender identity” from birth. These beliefs underpin arguments for medical interventions for minors, designed to align their physical appearances with their self-perceived "gender identities."

In recent times, there has been a shift among gender activists towards de-emphasizing the diagnosis of gender dysphoria, preferring instead to define transgender identity purely based on an individual's self-perception as incongruent with their biological sex. Activists argue for a concept of "gender identity" that is brain-based, constant, and identifiable from a very young age—around 2 or 3 years old—asserting that children "know who they are" and should be taken at their word.

This evolving definition tends to merge transgender identity with common gender nonconformity, potentially leading individuals to interpret any deviation from gender norms as indicative of a transgender identity. According to this viewpoint, “gender identity” is entirely about the extent to which an individual identifies with the societal roles and stereotypes associated with either sex. Thus, anyone aligning with stereotypes opposite to their biological sex might be considered to have a cross-sex identity, raising concerns about prematurely labeling children based on nonconforming interests or behaviors.

Inspired by the "born this way" campaign of the gay rights movement—which posits sexual orientation as an innate and immutable aspect of identity—transgender activists have similarly portrayed transgender existence as a fixed and unalterable trait.

However, there is a problem with this conceptualization. Although there is substantial evidence indicating that sexual orientation is determined in utero, there is no strong empirical support for a biological basis for an innate “gender identity.” The notion of transgender identities being fixed at birth is contested by the increasing number of detransitioners and extensive research on desistance among children, suggesting that such identities can often be temporary coping mechanisms for young people in distress.

The authors of the current study do not challenge the existence of “gender identity” but argue against its perceived immutability, illustrating that gender dissatisfaction, including the desire to be of the opposite sex, can evolve well into adulthood. This insight contributes to a growing body of research advocating for a more cautious approach to medical interventions for children and adolescents, recognizing that their identity development is ongoing.

Study:

#Christina Buttons #gender distress #gender ideology #gender dysphoria #gender identity ideology #queer theory #intersectional feminism #gender nonconforming #gender noncomformity #late onset gender dysphoria #rapid onset gender dysphoria #ROGD #religion is a mental illness

6 notes · View notes

talonabraxas · 1 year ago

Text

Seventh Body - The Auric Body

In the teachings of Kundalini Yoga, the human being has 10

bodies, not 1. Each body has its own attributes, and the 7th body is the Auric Body.

Seventh Body: Auric Body

The aura is the electromagnetic field that surrounds your body; it contains, projects, and interacts with the energetic life force, it usually extends three to nine feet beyond the physical body.

Qualities: Mercy, security, love, celestial charisma.

Key phrase: “Platform of Elevation”

Mastery: Projects positivity and repels negativity, like a shield; illness cannot penetrate your physical body; radiates magnetic security and an inspiring, merciful presence

If weak: constrictive, paranoid, lack of self-trust; negativity can penetrate into the psyche and physical body; there may be a tendency to conform to please others by overexpressing yourself

Each of the ten bodies relates specifically to the qualities of one of the ten Sikh gurus.

The inner desire is to be oneself, regardless of anyone’s expectations.

A regular aura can be somewhere between three and nine feet. Between three and seven is the most common. A nine-inch aura is rare. Wearing white clothes increases the aura by 12 inches.

People with strong auras can be very uplifting to be with. They put you in that state too, it’s contagious.

Here are some examples of Exercises to connect to the Auric Body.

Balancing the Aura. Meditation for the Divine Shield. Strengthening the Aura. Ego Eradicator, Breath of Fire, Jumping Jacks.

Aura: Electromagnetic field around the body. It protects us as well as helps us project from the heart. Platform of Elevation by Talon Abraxas

31 notes · View notes

protoslacker · 2 years ago

Text

Core to the Wikipedia project is verifiability, an idea that Heather extends far beyond the idea of authorship and copyright. Across the Wikimedia universe, a “nation of states” that Heather reminds us includes everything from Wikimedia Commons, Wikidata and Wikipedia to Wikifunctions (an open library of computer code), verifiability is a central principle:

“(WP:VER) Readers must be able to check that any of the information within Wikipedia articles is not just made up. This means all material must be attributable to reliable, published sources.”

Verifiability, Heather explains, isn’t just an attribute of the content – it contains the idea of provenance, the notion that an piece of information can be traced back to its source. Heather suggests we think of verifiability as a set of rights and responsibilities – a right for users to have information that is meaningfully sourced and the responsibility for editors to attribute their sources. These rights enable important practices: accountability, accuracy, critical digital literacy and most important, agency. If you don’t know where a piece of information came from, you cannot challenge or change it. Verifiability enables ordinary users to change and correct inaccurate information.

Ethan Zuckerman. Heather Ford: Is the Web Eating Itself? LLMs versus verifiability

#internet #knowledge #verafiabilty #accuracy #accountability #critical digital literacy #heather ford

5 notes · View notes

pioneerpowers · 2 years ago

Text

Unleashing the Brilliance of Aluminium Cable Lugs: A Gateway to Efficient Electrical Connections

Step into the captivating world of electrical components with Pioneer Powers International, your go-to destination for premium-quality products in Mira Road, Mumbai. As wholesalers and retailers, we take immense pride in introducing you to the brilliance of Aluminium Cable Lugs – the gateway to achieving seamless and efficient electrical connections.

The Wonders of Aluminium Cable Lugs: A Marvelous Choice:

In the vast universe of electrical connections, Aluminium Cable Lugs shine as a marvelous choice, offering an array of benefits. These connectors play a crucial role in establishing secure links between electrical conductors and terminals, ensuring a stable flow of power without compromise.

Exploring the Allure of Aluminium:

As we delve deeper into the world of Aluminium Cable Lugs, we are captivated by the allure of this extraordinary metal. Renowned for its impressive combination of lightweight and high strength, aluminium proves to be an ideal material for cable lugs. Its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion make it an excellent alternative to copper in various electrical applications.

The Anatomy of Aluminium Cable Lugs: A Masterpiece in Design:

Let's unravel the artistry behind Aluminium Cable Lugs. These connectors typically consist of a cylindrical barrel with a flared end, ingeniously designed to house the conductor securely while allowing for easy attachment to terminals and devices. This clever design ensures a snug and dependable connection, safeguarding against disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted power flow.

A Diverse Array for Every Need:

At Pioneer Powers International, we embrace the diversity of electrical projects. Therefore, our extensive inventory of Aluminium Cable Lugs caters to a wide range of applications. Whether it's domestic electrical wiring or industrial installations, our versatile selection guarantees that you find the perfect fit for your specific requirements.

Quality and Safety: Our Top Priority:

At the core of Pioneer Powers International lies an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. Our Aluminium Cable Lugs undergo rigorous testing to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring outstanding performance and longevity. With our products, you can trust that your electrical connections are fortified against any potential mishaps.

Installation Guide: A Smooth Journey to Connectivity:

While Aluminium Cable Lugs boast exceptional attributes, proper installation is paramount to unlock their true potential. Our expert team has meticulously compiled a comprehensive installation guide to ensure a flawless connection process. Following these guidelines guarantees a secure and proficient link, optimizing the overall efficiency and lifespan of your electrical system.

Innovation and Adaptability:

At Pioneer Powers International, innovation is the heartbeat of our existence. We continuously strive to remain at the forefront of the electrical industry, adapting to the ever-changing needs of our customers. Embrace innovation with our state-of-the-art Aluminium Cable Lugs, and experience a new level of electrical efficiency.

Pioneer Powers International: Your Trusted Companion:

As you embark on your electrical ventures, we extend our hand to be your trusted companion. Pioneer Powers International has built a legacy of trust and excellence, serving electricians, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts with unmatched dedication. Discover the brilliance of Aluminium Cable Lugs, backed by exceptional service, and let us illuminate your electrical projects with efficiency and finesse.

Conclusion:

In the realm of electrical connections, Aluminium Cable Lugs stand as a testament to the brilliance of engineering. At Pioneer Powers International, we invite you to immerse yourself in the wonders of these exceptional connectors – the gateway to seamless power transmission. Embrace the allure of aluminium, guided by our comprehensive installation guide, and elevate your electrical ventures with confidence. Pioneer Powers International is here to empower your journey towards efficient electrical connections and to light up your world with brilliance

#aluminiumcablelugs #cable lugs #aluminum cable lugs #reliability #electricalinstallations

2 notes · View notes

fountainpenguin · 2 years ago

Note

34 & 38 for the fanfic meme? [Can skip 38 if you're uncomfy posting it ofc]

[Current Ask game]

34. Was there any fic that you wrote that really surprised you in the fandom reaction? Was it just by the numbers or did they take it an entirely different way?

The stories that are my favorites frequently go unloved, and the stories I don't care for are more likely to be popular, which I'm sure can be largely attributed to me liking obscure characters instead of popular characters, and my taste of liking long, raw emotion 'fics with relationship drama more than I like my surface-level one-shots.

My three most popular (in terms of kudos) stories for the 130 Prompts project are "Mama's Boy," "End of the World," and "Weakening" which are all near the top of my personal "'fics I don't like" list. I personally think they're poor examples of my writing abilities, but people like them, so to each their own. I'm glad people like them enough to leave kudos on those pieces so that if I choose to ignore their opinions and move forward with my own, at least I'm aware of what I'm doing /lh

(The love for "Sunk Too Deep" always surprises me too, but I'm happy for it and I do feel it's deserved even if I "don't get it," ha ha).

I was also very touched when I returned to writing 'fics again after an extended hiatus and discovered that my most popular 'fic on AO3 is "AlgoRhythm." I wrote it in 2018 and it got its first AO3 comment in November 2020, plus it received multiple comments in 2022. I was on hiatus at the time and not keeping up with my 'fic feedback, so that was a very cool thing to see when I came back and already had the urge to write WordGirl again.

It was just kind of a /pikagasp moment that was really cool to me, because I always loved this 'fic and it was so cool to realize it had become the fan favorite in my library without me knowing. I'm really sad that I missed the resurgence of WordGirl popularity in early 2022, but I'm glad my 2018 'fic was there for people to enjoy even if I wasn't around to be involved.

I wrote a 'fic once years ago - I won't say which one - and a reader commented on it saying that they loved it, it made them cry, etc. Excitedly, I explained that I didn't like the way the show writers had pulled off X scene and so this was my fix-it for that, and I loved my angsty scene and I was so happy they loved it too.

The reviewer pulled a 180 on me and completely changed their POV, saying that my story was ruined for them now because they found it disgusting that I had written such a middle finger against the show creators and their canon.

It was a big slap in the face to me that hurt a lot at the time, especially since my entire brand is canon compliancy, but it's not something that still hangs over me today. Just an interesting story to keep around as a reminder that not everyone's going to love your ideas. I'm glad I have other nice comments on that story I can enjoy because man... sometimes you just get comments that bite. One of the risks you take in posting writing online.

38. Have you ever purposefully written something you know your readers would find uncomfortable/would not enjoy? If yes, why?

I'm going to assume that people who choose to read things like angst desire the angst, so this isn't about that.

I do like to set expectations, especially in long 'fics. Case in point: Frayed Knots Chapter 2 is Chapter 2 for a reason. If you can't get through Infant Marsupial Rescue Mission, you're not gonna like the rest of the 'fic, so just drop off now.

Like... seriously. Frayed Knots GOES PLACES and delves into THEMES. We've got an evil villain of a protagonist who is gonna do some upsetting stuff like manipulate his S/O into dubious consent situations, willingly put HIMSELF into situations of dubious consent as he tries to flirt his way through politics, and also he's a chronic cheater whose entire backstory is built around the idea of betraying others in pursuit of science, so... chances are high that it is not your type of 'fic if the dead marsupial mom scene is too much for you.

That said, I still think that scene was objectively tame because it's blood-free, it's the death of a character we don't have a connection to, and the characters talk about what they're about to face before they arrive at the scene, giving the reader time to bail early if they start growing uncomfortable. I tried to make it as un-upsetting as I could while still setting up this idea of "Buckle up, because we're only in Chapter 2 and I want you to be aware that the content warnings are there for a reason and this story's okay with discussing dark topics and non-human biology."

As a fun parallel along the lines of setting expectations, the opening line of Origin of the Pixies seems absolutely wild: "On a daily basis, it still baffles me to remember how many people don't know that squids keep libraries."

Perhaps an odd move for a Fairly OddParents 'fic that explores the Head Pixie's backstory, but it's important to me. The Yugopotamian library holds a lot of meaning for H.P. because he's stationed there during the war with the Anti-Fairies. He's in the eye of the hurricane, the universe falling apart around him, and... this is his little safe space where he has his pixies around him, and the library keeps them safe. He reads, researches, and it becomes a meaningful place to him.

I like to think of this as an exercise in patience. Those who remember the opening line might be chomping at the bit for a while, wondering when we get to see the squids and the library, but reading the 'fic requires you to slow down and absorb the little moments, which is exactly how H.P. learns to live his life.

By the time you get to the Yugopotamian scenes, chances are that you've completely forgotten this was the opening line of the 'fic. But Origin is a 'fic that's full of secrets that you'll only catch upon a reread, and this is one of them. It's a secret little nod to the fact that H.P. values the library scenes even when it's not obvious... which is the overall theme of the story. Not sure if that counts as upsetting, but it counts as deliberate.

I have a lot of private opinions about my headcanons that I don't normally talk about unless asked directly, because I'm very aware that my opinions are unpopular. I've seen some widely accepted fandom headcanons that certain fandoms like to hold up as canon, and I don't agree with those headcanons, which is sometimes awkward. I often ship rarepairs, and some of my rarepairs are so rare that I've never seen anyone even discuss them in a fandom space, let alone actually draw or write for them.

A lot of my favorite characters are ignored, poorly treated, or outright bashed in 'fics. I've been nipped at over the years for enjoying X or Y part of someone's characterization - tbh I left one of my fandoms because a ring of people were talking behind my back about how they thought my character analyses were stupid - so a lot of the time I just sort of... surface skim past the things I want to delve into. One day I'd like to get into the stuff I really enjoy, but for now I'm just playing out some tamer storylines.

I'd really like to work more on writing emotions, especially angst. I consider myself as someone who writes very tame content that might tickle your brain "logically," but doesn't really touch emotions (as far as I know; as the writer, everything falls flat to me because I already know what's coming and don't get to be surprised, so I just have to go off what readers tell me to know if something is hitting right or not).

I'd love to write some hard-hitting angst one day and (separately) I'd also love to write some enthralling romance. Some people who follow my current work might find some of that upsetting, but someday I'd like to start a new project where I do this sort of thing.

[Current Ask game]

#Fairly OddParents #FOP #ridwriting #Frayed Knots #Origin of the Pixies #FAIRIES!#I'm wasp dad trash #Long post

5 notes · View notes

correcthorsebatterystaple121 · 4 months ago

Text

Most kids do not enjoy spreadsheets. Most kids, as far as I know, float through elementary school in a haze of pre-Excel bliss, never once dreaming of tracking their finances or doing their taxes.

Not me.

I was born with a filing cabinet in my brain and a deep desire for patterns. As soon as I understood the concept of "more than one thing" I felt an overwhelming urge to put them into a color-coordinated list. Marbles? Arranged. Books? Shelved by author. Stuffed animals? Writing those little bitches' names down in my diary like I was Light Yagami and they were America's Most Wanted.

I used to lie on the floor of my bedroom and HAND-DRAW grids on taped-together sheets of paper with a ruler, probably because I didn't know how to turn on a computer yet. When I had successfully made hundreds of (sort of) identical boxes I filled them with incredibly important information about my OCs, such as name, eye color, number of siblings, magic powers-- you get the idea. (I think most of them were unicorns, but I can't check because I lost all these proto-spreadsheets at some point in the two decades since i made them.)

Around age 9 I gained access to my family’s desktop Mac and started spending all my time alone and unsupervised in the "computer room" (early 2000s kids remember) because my parents didn't know enough about the Internet to be worried. Luckily their kid was a nerd, so instead of discovering porn or chatting to 40-year-old men or whatever my peers were doing I found Excel and was immediately fascinated. So many options! Such easy data entry! I could even color-code!!

I used my new power to invent endless OC families with at least 20 kids each, all named around a theme like "plants" or "semi-precious stones" or "Irish". I spent more time on baby name websites than a pregnant Mormon-- all for the sheer pleasure of writing them down, picking my favorites, and neatly squaring them away in Excel docs, organized by age and hair color. I'm sure there are still dozens of them on my dad's hard drive somewhere, buried alongside the maze of nested folders I created to categorize and store my favorite photos of cakes.

(the cakes are a whole other can of worms, but really this too is spreadsheet...)

My biggest project, though, was recording all the different color names in my mom's Lands End catalogs. It took years and ended up with HUNDREDS of entries. I'm not sure there even are that many colors, and if they do exist they're certainly not fully represented in Lands End heather v-neck sweaters. But damn if they aren't all written down in color-specific columns!

this project extended into high school. On an unrelated note, I didn't go on a real date until I was 21.

Look, I'm being rude to myself because I can, but it's fond teasing. Spreadsheets are great!

For example, I actually do well with money even though I'm an impulsive little bastard with a bad memory, no sense of consequences, and a strong desire for little treats-- mostly because every single week I sit down and meticulously go through my finances in my carefully tailored Money Spreadsheet.

(I also sit down every month and meticulously go through my Spotify history, but that's beside the point. My Spotify chart makes graphs, and everyone knows graphs are cool.)

But really, I genuinely think it's helped me manage my likely undiagnosed ADHD that i so enjoy organizing stuff into little rows. Or maybe it's the other way around, I don't know. Chicken and egg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

So yeah, spreadsheets! A fun and helpful way to organize things that do and also don't matter! Don't come for me and my 256 Spotify playlists, okay?? We're fine. We're chilling. We have the dozens of pages in my Notes app listing all my new OCs and their attributes to keep us company. I haven't changed since I was six years old.

Because this came up in my life recently, a question:

To be clear I mean a spreadsheet in any program (Excel, Sheets, Notion) and for any reason EXCEPT for it being required of you. It could be cataloging stuff you own, categorizing characters in a show you like, etc. But it has to be something you chose to do without being paid or graded for it

#Poll #The fun thing about being undiagnosed is that you have so many options to explain your childhood and also adulthood #Was I just an only child? Is there something else going on? Who knows!

8K notes · View notes