#Contribute in Global Success

[greenthestral]

Unleashing Global Opportunities: Embracing 3COs (Connect, Collaborate, Contribute)

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the power of collaboration and connection has become more significant than ever before. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing ease of communication, individuals, businesses, and communities have gained unprecedented opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute on a global scale. This article delves into the transformative potential of the 3COs: Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute, and explores how embracing these principles can unlock boundless global opportunities.

Connectivity lies at the heart of the modern world. The internet, social media, and mobile devices have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. These technological advancements have transcended geographical boundaries and bridged gaps between cultures, enabling individuals and organizations to form global networks.

In the digital age, connecting with others has become effortless. With just a few clicks, we can establish connections with people from diverse backgrounds, tapping into a vast pool of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. Social media platforms, online communities, and professional networks have become powerful tools for connecting with like-minded individuals and experts across the globe. Through these connections, we can exchange ideas, gain valuable insights, and expand our horizons.

Collaboration has always been a catalyst for progress, but in today's globalized world, it has taken on a whole new dimension. By breaking down barriers and leveraging technology, collaboration has become more accessible, efficient, and impactful than ever before.

Global collaborations bring together diverse talents, skills, and resources, fostering innovation and driving growth. From multinational corporations to grassroots initiatives, cross-border partnerships enable organizations to pool their expertise and tackle complex challenges that transcend geographical boundaries. By combining different perspectives and approaches, these collaborations can unlock fresh ideas, accelerate technological advancements, and drive positive change on a global scale.

Moreover, collaboration is not limited to businesses alone. Non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental bodies are also embracing the power of collaboration to address pressing global issues such as climate change, poverty, and healthcare. By pooling their resources and knowledge, these stakeholders can create synergistic solutions that have far-reaching impacts on society.

In the era of globalization, it is no longer enough to solely focus on personal or organizational success. The concept of contribution has gained prominence, as individuals and businesses recognize the importance of giving back to society and making a positive impact on a global scale.

Contribution can take various forms, from volunteering and philanthropy to sharing knowledge and expertise. Technology has played a crucial role in democratizing contribution, making it easier for individuals to support causes they believe in and share their skills with others across the world. Crowdfunding platforms, online volunteering platforms, and open-source communities have created avenues for people to contribute their time, resources, and expertise to address global challenges.

Furthermore, the power of contribution extends beyond individuals. Businesses are increasingly expected to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the well-being of communities and the planet. By embracing corporate social responsibility, organizations can build trust, foster long-term relationships with stakeholders, and create a positive brand image. Additionally, businesses that actively contribute to social and environmental causes often attract top talent and gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

By embracing the 3COs: Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute, individuals, organizations, and communities can unlock a world of opportunities. The power of connection allows us to tap into a global network of knowledge and expertise, while collaboration enables us to leverage diverse talents and resources to drive innovation and growth. Through contribution, we can make a positive impact on a global scale, fostering a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world.

To fully harness the potential of the 3COs, individuals, organizations, and communities must adopt a proactive and inclusive approach. Fostering a culture of collaboration within organizations encourages teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Embracing diversity and creating platforms for employees to connect and collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds and expertise can lead to breakthrough ideas and solutions.

Leveraging technology is crucial in facilitating connectivity and collaboration. Utilizing digital platforms and tools enables individuals and organizations to connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities across the globe. Virtual collaboration tools bridge geographical gaps, facilitating efficient communication and project management.

Seeking partnerships and collaborations with organizations and individuals that share similar goals and values can lead to mutual benefits and amplified impact. By collaborating on projects, sharing resources, and leveraging collective expertise, individuals and organizations can drive innovation, address complex challenges, and create a larger impact.

Embracing sustainability and prioritizing corporate social responsibility is essential in contributing to a better world. Embedding sustainability into the core values and practices of organizations helps create a positive brand image, attracts top talent, and positions businesses for long-term success. Actively contributing to initiatives and causes that promote a more sustainable and equitable world allows individuals and organizations to make a meaningful difference on a global scale.

Embracing the 3COs: Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute, has the potential to unlock boundless global opportunities. By breaking down barriers, fostering collaboration, and making meaningful contributions, individuals, organizations, and communities can drive positive change and create a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable world. Embrace the power of the 3COs and unleash your potential to shape a brighter future.

Connect: Breaking Down Barriers

Connectivity lies at the heart of the modern world. The internet, social media, and mobile devices have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. This interconnectedness has transcended geographical boundaries and bridged gaps between cultures, empowering individuals and organizations to form global networks.

With just a few clicks, we can now connect with people from diverse backgrounds, tapping into a vast pool of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. This unprecedented level of connectivity creates endless possibilities for collaboration and learning. Whether it's through social media platforms, online communities, or professional networks, connecting with like-minded individuals and experts across the globe allows us to exchange ideas, gain insights, and expand our horizons.

Collaborate: Fostering Innovation and Growth

Collaboration has always been a catalyst for progress, but in today's globalized world, it has taken on a whole new dimension. By breaking down barriers and leveraging technology, collaboration has become more accessible, efficient, and impactful than ever before.

Global collaborations bring together diverse talents, skills, and resources, fostering innovation and driving growth. From multinational corporations to grassroots initiatives, cross-border partnerships enable organizations to pool their expertise and tackle complex challenges that transcend geographical boundaries. By combining different perspectives and approaches, these collaborations can unlock fresh ideas, accelerate technological advancements, and drive positive change on a global scale.

Moreover, collaboration is not limited to businesses alone. Non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental bodies are also embracing the power of collaboration to address pressing global issues such as climate change, poverty, and healthcare. By pooling their resources and knowledge, these stakeholders can create synergistic solutions that have far-reaching impacts on society.

Contribute: Empowering Individuals and Communities

In the era of globalization, it is no longer enough to solely focus on personal or organizational success. The concept of contribution has gained prominence, as individuals and businesses recognize the importance of giving back to society and making a positive impact on a global scale.

Contribution can take various forms, from volunteering and philanthropy to sharing knowledge and expertise. Technology has played a crucial role in democratizing contribution, making it easier for individuals to support causes they believe in and share their skills with others across the world. Crowdfunding platforms, online volunteering platforms, and open-source communities have created avenues for people to contribute their time, resources, and expertise to address global challenges.

Furthermore, the power of contribution extends beyond individuals. Businesses are increasingly expected to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the well-being of communities and the planet. By embracing corporate social responsibility, organizations can build trust, foster long-term relationships with stakeholders, and create a positive brand image. Additionally, businesses that actively contribute to social and environmental causes often attract top talent and gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Embracing 3COs for Global Opportunities

To fully harness the potential of the 3COs (Connect, Collaborate, Contribute), individuals, organizations, and communities must adopt a proactive and inclusive approach. Here are some strategies to embrace the 3COs and unlock global opportunities:

Foster a culture of collaboration: Encourage teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge sharing within organizations. Embrace diversity and create platforms for employees to connect and collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds and expertise.

Leverage technology: Utilize digital platforms and tools to connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities across the globe. Embrace virtual collaboration tools to bridge geographical gaps and facilitate efficient communication and project management.

Seek partnerships: Actively seek out opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with organizations and individuals that share similar goals and values. Collaborate on projects, share resources, and leverage collective expertise to drive innovation and create a larger impact.

Prioritize sustainability: Embed sustainability into the core values and practices of organizations. Consider the environmental, social, and economic impact of decisions and actions. Actively contribute to initiatives and causes that promote a more sustainable and equitable world.

Embrace lifelong learning: Stay curious and open to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Engage in continuous learning through online courses, webinars, conferences, and networking events to expand your horizons and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, embracing the 3COs (Connect, Collaborate, Contribute) is crucial for unlocking global opportunities. By breaking down barriers, fostering collaboration, and making meaningful contributions, individuals, organizations, and communities can drive positive change and create a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable world. Embrace the power of the 3COs and unleash your potential to shape a brighter future.

[waitingforminjae]

also just......obvs they have and had big plans for nct as a global bg but i still feel like they’ve never pushed as far as they could musically like. the concept is literally limitless. they could push into so many various genres of music and types of groups. trios and duos and bands. ballads and trot and rock. you created an infinite sandbox and your not even gonna play around in it? lame :/

[usadvlottery]

Embark on a professional odyssey through Employment-Based Immigration in the USA, a gateway for skilled individuals and professionals seeking career opportunities on American soil. This immigration pathway encompasses various visa categories, from the widely recognized H1B to employment-based green cards, providing a diverse spectrum of professionals the chance to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the U.S. job market. Explore stories of achievement, resilience, and innovation as individuals navigate the complexities of employment-based immigration, fostering economic growth and enriching industries across the nation. Join us in celebrating the success stories of those who have turned their ambitions into reality, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of the American workforce.

[reasonsforhope]

The World's Forests Are Doing Much Better Than We Think

You might be surprised to discover... that many of the world’s woodlands are in a surprisingly good condition. The destruction of tropical forests gets so much (justified) attention that we’re at risk of missing how much progress we’re making in cooler climates.

That’s a mistake. The slow recovery of temperate and polar forests won’t be enough to offset global warming, without radical reductions in carbon emissions. Even so, it’s evidence that we’re capable of reversing the damage from the oldest form of human-induced climate change — and can do the same again.

Take England. Forest coverage now is greater than at any time since the Black Death nearly 700 years ago, with some 1.33 million hectares of the country covered in woodlands. The UK as a whole has nearly three times as much forest as it did at the start of the 20th century.

That’s not by a long way the most impressive performance. China’s forests have increased by about 607,000 square kilometers since 1992, a region the size of Ukraine. The European Union has added an area equivalent to Cambodia to its woodlands, while the US and India have together planted forests that would cover Bangladesh in an unbroken canopy of leaves.

Logging in the tropics means that the world as a whole is still losing trees. Brazil alone removed enough woodland since 1992 to counteract all the growth in China, the EU and US put together. Even so, the planet’s forests as a whole may no longer be contributing to the warming of the planet. On net, they probably sucked about 200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year between 2011 and 2020, according to a 2021 study. The CO2 taken up by trees narrowly exceeded the amount released by deforestation. That’s a drop in the ocean next to the 53.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases emitted in 2022 — but it’s a sign that not every climate indicator is pointing toward doom...

More than a quarter of Japan is covered with planted forests that in many cases are so old they’re barely recognized as such. Forest cover reached its lowest extent during World War II, when trees were felled by the million to provide fuel for a resource-poor nation’s war machine. Akita prefecture in the north of Honshu island was so denuded in the early 19th century that it needed to import firewood. These days, its lush woodlands are a major draw for tourists.

It’s a similar picture in Scandinavia and Central Europe, where the spread of forests onto unproductive agricultural land, combined with the decline of wood-based industries and better management of remaining stands, has resulted in extensive regrowth since the mid-20th century. Forests cover about 15% of Denmark, compared to 2% to 3% at the start of the 19th century.

Even tropical deforestation has slowed drastically since the 1990s, possibly because the rise of plantation timber is cutting the need to clear primary forests. Still, political incentives to turn a blind eye to logging, combined with historically high prices for products grown and mined on cleared tropical woodlands such as soybeans, palm oil and nickel, mean that recent gains are fragile.

There’s no cause for complacency in any of this. The carbon benefits from forests aren’t sufficient to offset more than a sliver of our greenhouse pollution. The idea that they’ll be sufficient to cancel out gross emissions and get the world to net zero by the middle of this century depends on extraordinarily optimistic assumptions on both sides of the equation.

Still, we should celebrate our success in slowing a pattern of human deforestation that’s been going on for nearly 100,000 years. Nothing about the damage we do to our planet is inevitable. With effort, it may even be reversible.

-via Bloomburg, January 28, 2024

[anarchywoofwoof]

i feel like i'm going to vomit

raytheon, who is a salesperson on behalf of agony and death, casually unfolded their disgusting, exploitative blueprint of human destruction in their latest earnings call. raytheon executives, in suits soaked with the blood and sweat of global suffering, gaped at the "opportunity" unfolding re: the ongoing war crimes and horrific brutality being carried out Palestine.

while Palestinians watch everything they've ever loved get turned to rubble, raytheon stockholders see dollars in destruction, profit in pain, and business blooming on the battlefield. imagine, turning the tremors of traumatized, suffering people into a system of fuel for your war machine - this is their normal. this is the shit that sales people at raytheon live for 9 hours a day and then go home and sleep at night.

history bleeds from the pages of raytheon's diary, filled with tales of technologized terror, largely carried out against minority peoples with little means to fight back or defend themselves. tales where human lives are turned into rows and columns on spreadsheets and civilizations’ calamities are converted into cold, hard cash trails.

meanwhile, the boardroom buzzes and swarms with heartless vultures, circling the globe, eyes peeled for the next plot of despair to descend upon, beaks ready to peck at the literal carrion of communities in conflict.

oh, and Biden's Defense Secretary was on the Board

“see a benefit,” they have the fucking audacity to say, as if the orchestras of war are trumpeting some sort of symphony of success for their gross and disgusting contributions. raytheon's portfolios pulsate with the rhythms of air strikes and raids, and their balance sheets boom with the bass of bombs dropping on communities that have been traumatized so many times over that they have nothing left to give.

in the tragedy of others, raytheon finds triumph. in the heartbeats silenced by their symphonies of destruction, they find the rhythm of their entire revenue stream.

the engine of exploitation, oiled with oppression and fueled by the flames of conflict, roars at the center of raytheon's profit model. call it out when you see it: capitalism is incompatible with the preservation of human life.

[x]

[sizzlingsandwichperfection-blog]

A Big TB Announcement

Greetings from Washington D.C., where I spent the morning meeting with senators before joining a panel that included TB survivor Shaka Brown, Dr. Phil LoBue of the CDC, and Dr. Atul Gawande of USAID. Dr. Gawande announced a major new project to bring truly comprehensive tuberculosis care to regions in Ethiopia and the Philippines. Over the next four years, this project can bring over $80,000,000 in new money to fight TB in these two high-burden countries.

Our family is committing an additional $1,000,000 a year to help fund the project in the Philippines, which has the fourth highest burden of tuberculosis globally.

Here’s how it breaks down: The Department of Health in the Philippines has made TB reduction a major priority and has provided $11,000,0000 per year in matching funds to go alongside $10,000,000 contributed by USAID and an additional $1,000,000 donated by us. This $22,000,000 per year will fund everything from X-Ray machines, medications, and GeneXpert tests to training and employing a huge surge of community health workers, nurses, and doctors who are calling themselves TB Warriors. In an area that includes nearly 3,000,000 people, these TB Warriors will screen for TB, identify cases, provide curative treatment, and offer preventative therapy to close contacts of the ill. We know this Search-Treat-Prevent model is the key to ending tuberculosis, but we hope this project will be both a beacon and a blueprint to show that It’s possible to radically reduce the burden of TB in communities quickly and permanently. It will also, we believe, save many, many lives.

—

I believe we can’t end TB without these kinds of public/private partnerships. After all, that’s how we ended smallpox and radically reduced the global burden of polio. It’s also how we’ve driven down death from malaria and HIV. For too long, TB hasn’t had the kind of government or private support needed to accelerate the fight against the disease, but I really hope that’s starting to change. I’m grateful to USAID for spearheading this project, and also to the Philippine Ministry of Health for showing such commitment and prioritizing TB.

—

One reason this project is even possible: Both the cost of diagnosis (through GeneXpert tests) and the cost of treatment with bedaquiline are far lower than they were a year ago, and that is due to public pressure campaigns, many of which were organized by nerdfighteria. I’m not asking you for money (yet); Hank and I will be funding this in partnership with a few people in nerdfighteria who are making major gifts. But I am asking you to continue pressuring the corporations that profit from the world’s poorest people to lower their prices. I’ve seen some of the budgets, and it’s absolutely jaw-dropping how many more tests and pills are available because of what you’ve done as a community.

—

I don’t yet have the details on which region of the Philippines we’ll be working in, but it will be an area that includes millions of people–perhaps as many as 3 million. And it will include urban, suburban, and rural areas to see the different responses needed to provide comprehensive care in different communities. This will not (to start!) be a nationwide campaign, because even though $80,000,000 is a lot of money, it’s not enough to fund comprehensive care in a nation as large as the Philippines. But we hope that it will serve as a model–to the nation, to the region, and to the world–of what’s possible. 

—

I’m really excited (and grateful) that our community gets to have a front-row seat to see the challenges and hopefully the successes of implementing comprehensive care. Just in the planning, this project has involved so many contributors–NGOs in the Philippines, global organizations like the Partners in Health community, USAID, the national Ministry of Health in the Philippines, and regional health authorities as well. There are a lot of partners here, but they’ve been working together extremely well over the last few months to plan for this project, which will start more or less immediately thanks to their incredibly hard work.

[batfambyval]

Okay here’s the thing I’m really annoyed about concerning Tim Drake:

He didn’t remain CEO in more than name. He let Lucius take care of everything he just used the position to create his Neon Knights initiative. He isn’t running WE. He is however running NK. He’s traveling around the world setting up NK locations in cities with lots of at risk youth. He’s not running a Fortune 500 company he’s running a non-profit charity organization dedicated to protecting kids and getting more people on a stable path earlier in life. He isn’t out here dealing with rich, white, assholes so he can make money for himself! He’s doing it to better the world, he’s doing it for education and a safe environment for kids around the world! And he is facing a lot of resistance from the rest of the rich and powerful. He is endearing himself to no one in the business world because his ultimate goal is to dethrone them all by fixing the wage gap. He wants people to have choices so the rich and powerful can’t exploit them as easily.

Tim Drake is not a business man. He has the skills, the ruthlessness and the determination but not the desire. He uses his status and money to help people in need. And it’s a more realistic way of helping the world. You can’t just throw money at problems and expect them to go away. Donating money doesn’t help nearly as much as using money to create systems that help people get the skills and opportunities they need. It takes dedicated work and meticulous oversight and it’s not something that can be done casually. It’s a commitment, not a hobby. The world is to fucked up for any easy fixes. But Neon Knights is a great idea, a long term solution if done correctly. I’ve always thought that fixing education and making sure everyone has equal opportunity from a young age would fix a lot of the issues in the world. More educated people making smarter decisions, more diversity because everyone’s success in entirely merit based. Anyway I’m getting off track. Point is, Tim isn’t some business man with charitable contributions here and there. He’s dedicated his civilian life to the long term benefit of society. He’s not a slacker or a full time vigilante. He’s out there building an entirely new system, a global network of people and locations dedicated solely to helping kids have better futures.

[deirdreskye]

Commercial I would produce as an advertising executive:

We are treated to a succession of interviews with several different billionaires concerning their plans for the future.

"Humanity's destiny is in the stars," says the cool, young social media entrepreneur. "My new company will build a Mars colony in the next twenty years, and from there? The galaxy. The universe!"

"My next project is to render the human body obsolete," says the rideshare app CEO. "The mind-machine interface is no longer science fiction, it's reality. Soon, we will upload our minds to the cloud and live in virtual reality. Or as I call it, paradise!"

"We have forgotten God, and the traditional family values He has set out for us," says the aging, old-money oil man. "But my political contributions and policy think tanks will bring about an end to this age of sin and decadence!"

"Climate change is far from inevitable," says the real-estate mogul. "With my investments in green energy, we are only a technological breakthrough or two away from ending and reversing global climate change. As far as I'm concerned, the world has already been saved!"

Now we get to see how their plans turn out. A space ship drifts through oblivion and inside, all the lights are off. The social media entrepreneur is in his space suit, his lifeless eyes staring out into the void. It turns out his rocket ship was about as reliable as his electric cars.

Then we see the rideshare CEO. Or rather, his virtual avatar. He sits in the lotus position, meditating before a peaceful, pixelated field of grass. His eyes snap open. And then, he shrieks in agony. Back in the real world, his brain is in a jar, crisscrossed with wires and electrodes, suspended in fluid that is beginning to boil. The lab is on fire. Let's hope they fix this little glitch in the next patch.

The old-money oil man is long dead, of course, but his great-great-grandson lives on. We see him in the crumbling ruins of the Vatican, ritualistically sacrificing a lamb on a great pyre before the shit-smeared remains of the Pope's golden throne to the cheers of his tribe. An orgy breaks out to celebrate the occasion and we see the oil billionaire's progeny swallow a mouthful of the moon priestess' urine. "Thank you, daddy," he says, wiping his mouth. Now that's what I call "family values".

Finally, we see a field of shattered solar panels beneath a red sun, like so many broken windows in the sand in every direction as far as the eye can see. This place is not a place of honor. No highly esteemed deed is commemorated here. Nothing valued is here. What is here was dangerous and repulsive to us.

Sometimes, things just don't go the way you planned. When that happens, State Farm Insurance has you covered.

[probablyasocialecologist]

People of conscience around the world are rightfully shattered, enraged, and sometimes feeling powerless. Many feel compelled to boycott any and all products and services of companies tied in any way to Israel. The proliferation of extensive “boycott lists” on social media is an example of this. The question is how to make boycotts effective and actually have an impact in holding corporations accountable for their complicity in the suffering of Palestinians? The BDS movement uses the historically successful method of targeted boycotts inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the US Civil Rights movement, the Indian anti-colonial struggle, among others worldwide. We must strategically focus on a relatively smaller number of carefully selected companies and products for maximum impact. Companies that play a clear and direct role in Israel’s crimes and where there is real potential for winning, as was the case with, among others, G4S, Veolia, Orange, Ben & Jerry’s and Pillsbury. Compelling such huge, complicit companies, through strategic and context-sensitive boycott and divestment campaigns, to end their complicity in Israeli apartheid and war crimes against Palestinians sends a very powerful message to hundreds of other complicit companies that “your time will come, so get out before it’s too late!” Many of the prohibitively long lists going viral on social media do the exact opposite of this strategic and impactful approach. They include hundreds of companies, many without credible evidence of their connection to Israel’s regime of oppression against Palestinians, making them ineffective. That being said, all peaceful popular efforts, including boycott and divestment, to hold all genuinely complicit corporations (and institutions) accountable for supporting Israel’s grave violations of Palestinian rights are justified and called for. It is perfectly legitimate, for instance, to boycott companies whose Israeli branch or franchise has supported Israel’s unfolding genocide in Gaza, some of which we mention below in the grassroots organic boycott targets section. Also, a company or product may make perfect sense as a boycott target in one context or city but not another. This context-sensitivity is a key principle of our movement. Regardless, we all have limited human capacity, so we’d better use it in the most effective way to achieve meaningful, sustainable results that can truly contribute to Palestinian liberation. We therefore call on our supporters to strengthen our targeted campaigns and boycott the complicit companies named on our website to maximize our collective impact. The following are the current top priority boycott targets of the global BDS movement.

[tailschannel]

SEGA Japan's division manager wants Sonic, with respect, to rival Mario's popularity in games and media

In an interview published by SEGA of Japan, 2nd Division manager Osamu Ohashi spoke about the state of the Sonic the Hedgehog series and its goals to expand the prominence of the brand, following successes with Frontiers, the two motion pictures from Paramount, the in-person activations around the world, and more.

In a reply to a question about Sonic's popularity, particularly against Mario, the manager acknowledged the latter's major presence, and expressed a desire for the blue blur to respectfully challenge the media rollout of Nintendo's flagship mascot.

"Simply put, I want to surpass Mario. Sonic was originally developed to compete with Mario, and it hasn't succeeded to this day. Because we respect Mario, our goal is to catch up and surpass him."

"We want Sonic to be played all over the world, including Japan, just like Mario, and we want the movie to be a bigger hit than Mario. That's our goal as Sonic lovers."

Sonic the Hedgehog is SEGA's strongest franchise, with a global cumulative rollout of 1.6 billion unit sales and downloads. Despite renewed interest from recent video game and movie successes, it is common belief that the franchise's popularity is concentrated in specific locales, like the United States and the United Kingdom. Sonic's relative unpopularity in eastern Asia, especially in the publisher's home turf of Japan, was a topic acknowledged in the past.

The manager's interview echoed SEGA's goal to take the Sonic franchise to new heights; by doubling down on movies, merch, games and animations, and improving Sonic's recognition in regions like eastern Asia and Latin America. The publisher hopes to set an example for other SEGA and Atlus properties to follow, like Like a Dragon and Persona.

(story contributed by Spectre and Scarlett for the Tails' Channel newsfeed.)

[zhou-enlai-fanclub]

The reason we support BDS is not because it is the "moral" thing to do (an entirely subjective and immaterial assertion) but rather because it is an effective strategic tool towards a particular political goal. There isn't something intrinsically moral about buying or not buying from a particular company, or rather, the moral valence of the action is politically irrelevant. We must judge political decisions based on their potential material consequences and their strategic merit. The BDS campaign grows out of the success of a particular tactical decision in supporting the dissolution of South African Apartheid. It is, obviously, not that boycotts ended South African apartheid. However, as an above-ground set of strategies, the global campaign towards boycott, divestment, and sanctions against the South African Apartheid Government contributed in a particular way to a significant factor to the end of the SA Apartheid government, namely, by making support of SA apartheid a financial liability. This is a specific contribution to the struggle with a particular scope. As such, the value of this strategy, as with any other, is its actual material consequences. If it doesn't work, it's not valuable. The BDS campaign is a campaign which, practically, seeks to make the Zionist Entity a financial liability to the imperial capitalist interests who seek to benefit from the presence of the Zionist Entity as a colonial outpost. It is a strategy which is successful, broadly, at contributing to this. However, it obviously is not the only tool relevant to the liberation of Palestine. It is one tool of many. The Zionist Entity will cease to receive meaningful support of its parent, The USA, once, among other factors, the US deems the support of the colony too much of a liability to continue.

Meaningfully, this is why BDS boycotts are not general boycotts but specific, targeted boycotts with a particular scope. Likewise, the moral quality of boycotting or not boycotting is, and should be, irrelevant to an assessment of the political value of boycotting as a strategy. It is important that we understand the tools we have access to, their underlying mechanics, their most effective use-cases, and their strategic and tactical merit in particular contexts.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New proof for black hole spin

The supermassive black hole at the heart of galaxy M87, made famous by the first picture of a black hole shadow, has yielded another first: the jet shooting out from the black hole has been confirmed to wobble, providing direct proof that the black hole is spinning. Super massive black holes, monsters up to billions of times heavier than the Sun that eat everything around them including light, are difficult to study because no information can escape from within. Theoretically, there are very few properties that we can even hope to measure. One property that might possibly be observed is spin, but due to the difficulties involved there have been no direct observations of black hole spin. Searching for evidence for black hole spin, an international team analyzed over two decades of observational data for the galaxy M87.  This galaxy located 55 million light-years away in the direction of the constellation Virgo harbors a black hole 6.5 billion times more massive than the Sun, the same black hole which yielded the first image of a black hole shadow by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) in 2019. The supermassive black hole in M87 is known to have an accretion disk, which feeds matter into the black hole, and a jet, in which matter is ejected from near the black hole at close to the speed of light. The team analyzed data for 170 time frames collected by the East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN), the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), the joint array of KVN and VERA (KaVA), and the East Asia to Italy Nearly Global (EATING) VLBI network. In total, more than 20 radio telescopes across the globe contributed to this study. The results show that gravitational interactions between the accretion disk and the black hole’s spin cause the base of the jet to wobble, or precess, much the same way that gravitational interactions within the Solar System cause the Earth to precess. The team successfully linked the dynamics of the jet with the central supermassive black hole, providing direct evidence that the black hole does in fact spin. The jet’s direction changes by about 10 degrees with a precession period of 11 years, matching theoretical supercomputer simulations conducted by ATERUI II at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). "We are thrilled by this significant finding," says Yuzhu Cui, lead author on the paper summarizing the research she started as a graduate student at NAOJ before moving to Zhejiang Lab as a postdoctoral researcher. "Since the misalignment between the black hole and the disk is relatively small and the precession period is around 11 years, accumulating high-resolution data tracing M87 structure over two decades and thorough analysis are essential to obtain this achievement.” "After the success of black hole imaging in this galaxy with the EHT, whether this black hole is spinning or not has been a central concern among scientists," explains Dr. Kazuhiro Hada from NAOJ. "Now anticipation has turned into certainty. This monster black hole is indeed spinning." “This is an exciting scientific milestone that was finally revealed through years of joint observations by the international researchers team from 45 institutions around the world, working together as one,” says Dr. Motoki Kino at Kogakuin University, the coordinator of the East Asian VLBI Network Active Galactic Nuclei Science Working Group. “Our observational data beautifully fitted to the simple sinusoidal curve bring us new advances in our understanding of black hole and jet system.”

TOP IMAGE...The black hole’s spin axis is assumed to align vertically. The jet’s direction is almost perpendicular to the disk. The misalignment between the black hole spin axis and the disk rotation axis triggers the precession of the disk and jet.  CREDIT Yuzhu Cui et al. 2023, Intouchable Lab@Openverse and Zhejiang Lab

LOWER IMAGE....Top panel: M87 jet structure at 43 GHz based on bi-yearly stacking data observed from 2013–2018. The white arrows indicate the jet position angle in each subplot. Bottom panel: Best fitted results based on the yearly stacked image from 2000–2022. The green and blue points were obtained from observations at 22 GHz and 43 GHz, respectively. The red line represents the best fit according to the precession model.  CREDIT Yuzhu Cui et al., 2023

[reasonsforhope]

"The amount of electricity generated by the UK’s gas and coal power plants fell by 20% last year, with consumption of fossil fuels at its lowest level since 1957.

Not since Harold Macmillan was the UK prime minister and the Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time has the UK used less coal and gas.

The UK’s gas power plants last year generated 31% of the UK’s electricity, or 98 terawatt hours (TWh), according to a report by the industry journal Carbon Brief, while the UK’s last remaining coal plant produced enough electricity to meet just 1% of the UK’s power demand or 4TWh.

Fossil fuels were squeezed out of the electricity system by a surge in renewable energy generation combined with higher electricity imports from France and Norway and a long-term trend of falling demand.

Higher power imports last year were driven by an increase in nuclear power from France and hydropower from Norway in 2023. This marked a reversal from 2022 when a string of nuclear outages in France helped make the UK a net exporter of electricity for the first time.

Carbon Brief found that gas and coal power plants made up just over a third of the UK’s electricity supplies in 2023, while renewable energy provided the single largest source of power to the grid at a record 42%.

It was the third year this decade that renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro and biomass power, outperformed fossil fuels [in the UK], according to the analysis. Renewables and Britain’s nuclear reactors, which generated 13% of electricity supplies last year, helped low-carbon electricity make up 55% of the UK’s electricity in 2023.

[Note: "Third year this decade" refers to the UK specifically, not global; there are several countries that already run on 100% renewable energy, and more above 90% renewable. Also, though, there have only been four years this decade so far! So three out of four is pretty good!]

Dan McGrail, the chief executive of RenewableUK, said the data shows “the central role that wind, solar and other clean power sources are consistently playing in Britain’s energy transition”.

“We’re working closely with the government to accelerate the pace at which we build new projects and new supply chains in the face of intense global competition, as everyone is trying to replicate our success,” McGrail said.

Electricity from fossil fuels was two-thirds lower in 2023 compared with its peak in 2008, according to Carbon Brief. It found that coal has dropped by 97% and gas by 43% in the last 15 years.

Coal power is expected to fall further in 2024 after the planned shutdown of Britain’s last remaining coal plant in September. The Ratcliffe on Soar coal plant, owned by the German utility Uniper, is scheduled to shut before next winter after generating power for over 55 years.

Renewable energy has increased sixfold since 2008 as the UK has constructed more wind and solar farms, and the large Drax coal plant has converted some of its generating units to burn biomass pellets.

Electricity demand has tumbled by 22% since its peak in 2005, according to the data, as part of a long-term trend driven by more energy efficient homes and appliances as well as a decline in the UK’s manufacturing sector.

Demand for electricity is expected to double as the UK aims to cut emissions to net zero by 2050 because the plan relies heavily on replacing fossil fuel transport and heating with electric alternatives.

In recent weeks [aka at the end of 2023], offshore wind developers have given the green light to another four large windfarms in UK waters, including the world’s largest offshore windfarm at Hornsea 3, which will be built off the North Yorkshire coast by Denmark’s Ørsted."

-via The Guardian, January 2, 2024

[moodboardmix]

Ryuichi Sakamoto (January 17, 1952 - March 28, 2023)

Professor Sakamoto was one of Japan’s most successful musicians, acclaimed for work in Yellow Magic Orchestra as well as solo albums and film scores.

As a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra alongside Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, Sakamoto created joyous and progressive electronic pop in the late 1970s and early 1980s, alongside solo releases. He acted alongside David Bowie in the 1983 film Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence and composed its Celebrated theme, the first in a series of film scores including Oscar-winning work in 1987 with David Byrne and Cong Su for Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor.

Alongside YMO, Sakamoto continued releasing solo albums including 1980’s B-2 Unit, another influence on the robotically funky sound of electro that also foreshadowed other dance music styles. After focusing purely on solo work, he forged further connections in the west, collaborating with musicians including Iggy Pop, Robert Wyatt, Laurie Anderson, David Sylvian and more. Sylvian contributed Forbidden Colours, a vocal version of one of Sakamoto’s most famous works, the theme to second world war drama Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence. Sakamoto also starred in the film as a prisoner of war camp commander.

Following The last Emperor (in which he also had an acting role), he collaborated with Bernardo Bertolucci again for The Last Buddha, and with Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence director Nagisa Oshima for Gohatto. He also scored two films by Brian De Palma (Snake Eyes and Femme Fatale), plus Wild Palms for Oliver Stone, High Heels for Pedro Almodóvar, the 1990 film adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, and more. His 2015 score for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film The Revenant was nominated for Golden Globe, Bafta and Grammy awards. In 2019, he composed the music for an episode of dystopian TV drama series Black Mirror. He took no further acting roles, aside from appearing as a film director in Rain, a music video for Madonna.

Mr Sakamoto released a steady schedule of solo releases throughout the 1990s and onwards, and wrote a piece for the opening ceremony of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. In 1999 he debuted the multimedia opera project Life, in collaboration with artist Shiro Takatani with contributions from Bertolucci, Pina Bausch and more. He and Takatani extended the concept into installation work from 2007 onwards.

Also in 2007, he began the ambitious Schola project, curating 17 compilations of global music ranging from composers such as Ravel and Beethoven to Japanese pop. It was released via his record label Commons, set up in 2006, which has also released work by artists including Boredoms and OOIOO.

In 2002, he began a fruitful partnership with German musician Carsten Nicolai, who used his Alva Noto alias for four collaborative albums of minimalist electronica.

Mr Sakamoto was also an environmental campaigner, opposing the use of nuclear power, and creating the forestry project More Trees to enable carbon offsetting.

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

[moirtre]

‎ ‎ ⋆⠀⠀&.⠀⠀٬⠀⠀(⠀⠀ARSENIC.⠀⠀)⠀...⠀is the first full album (lp) by south korean girl group, letalis. the album was released in both digital and physical form by south korean entertainment company, apricus culture on october 29, 2014.

the album was supported by performances of the title track, "POISON" and two additional promotional singles, "FOR THE THRILL" and "CHECK IT". as the group's first full-length album, ARSENIC received mixed reviews despite its overwhelming commercial success. the group promoted the album for a total of five weeks through music show performances, two seoul concerts, five fanmeetings, and several variety show appearances. the album's title track, "POISON" received a total of 8 music show wins while "CHECK IT" amassed 2 towards the later end of promotions.

despite the album's popularity, critics published mostly lukewarm reviews of the album. most prominently, a common critique was the "repetitive" sentiment shared by critics in both korea and abroad. despite critical favorites "REBOUND", "CHECK IT", "LOVE/OR", and "BAD GIRL" receiving praise for the involvement of contributing members naryun, jiseo, and melanie, other songs were heavily criticized for their recurring themes, genres, and structure. regardless, the group's fanbase would propel the album and its promotional singles onto the gaon and billboard global charts, solidifying the "bread and butter" of letalis' musical character.

⠀*⠀SECTION ONE⠀:⠀the tracklist.

ʬ.ʬ.⠀001:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ REBOUND

ʬ.ʬ.⠀002:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ FOR THE THRILL⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀003:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ POISON* (title)⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀004:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ GINGER TRUFFLE

ʬ.ʬ.⠀005:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ DRIP⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀006:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ LIGHT ME UP⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀007:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ CHECK IT

ʬ.ʬ.⠀008:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ LOVE/OR

ʬ.ʬ.⠀009:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ MISS.ME

ʬ.ʬ.⠀010:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ GUN

ʬ.ʬ.⠀011: ⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ BAD GIRL⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀012:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ MINDURZ

ʬ.ʬ.⠀013:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ GLASSSY

⠀*⠀SECTION TWO⠀:⠀the physical album.

‎ ‎ ⋆⠀⠀&.⠀⠀٬⠀⠀two versions of arsenic were available for purchase upon initial release. the group would go on to record the entire album in japanese for a limited edition special release in 2015 as part of their debut anniversary celebration.

ʬ.ʬ.⠀STANDARD VERSION: contains one disc, one photobook (featuring 100 photos), one of four unit posters, one of seven member-written letters, one of seven random photocards, one group poster, and one of three random stickers.

ʬ.ʬ.⠀TONEDEAF VERSION: contains one disc, one photobook (featuring 111 photos), one of four unit posters, one of seven member-written letters, two of seven random photocards, one of seven individual mini-poster, one of two random group posters, three stickers, and one fandom charm.

ㅤ*ㅤSECTION THREEㅤ:ㅤthe styling.

sticking to the general idea of their previous era, the members each had a personal hand in their own looks. each stage built off the individual tastes of each member while holding on to their cohesiveness. easily one of their most identifiable eras solely off the styling.

ㅤ*ㅤSECTION FOURㅤ:ㅤthe notes.

a fan favorite era

one of their more iconic albums, def a top three vitalis staple album

people either loved or hated this era (including the girls themselves). there were a lot of mixed reviews among critics and it wasn't secret to the girls.

weird animosity between emmy and juniper starts here. no one really knows why but they were regularly exchanging not-so nice words about each other to anyone who cared enough to listen.

one of their encore stages went viral after they used voice changing microphones with shuffled effects (entirely emmy's idea). still one of the highest viewed encores of all time, a letalis fandom staple video as well. several members were in tears from laughter (emmy, jiseo, naryun) while others were completely stoic (naira, juniper). ironically, this video pretty much sums up their public dymanic pretty well.

lots of controversy surrounding the tracks on the album. towards the end of the promotional period, the girls were visibly tired of performing "for the thrill" which was unanimously voted in a fan poll posted to melanie's fancafe as being the fans' least favorite b-side off the album.

despite how well the title track, "poison" did, some of the girls voiced their varying opinions on what they would chosen instead. snowballed into a weird scandal where they were accused of suffering from "celebrity disease". never ended up being addressed but apricus did tighten the reigns on what the girls were allowed to say/bring up during the rest of the promotions.

the true beginning of the core writers and producers that usually appear on letalis albums. also the beginning of the naryun and trenton rumors (that would eventually be entirely true). it wasn't lost on the public that letalis was gonna stick to what works so these same writers and producers in different arrangement are a staple to their discography.

miss. me randomly went viral in 2020 around the time challenges became a regular occurrence. so in between the challenges for the album they were promoting at the time, they were suffering through doing cute little hand choreo for the song.

naryun, melanie, and emmy gained their first credits on this album!

announced their first asian tour after the end of promotions. cute little 15-show tour, mostly in large theaters and arenas, nothing crazy but a precious memory for all the girls.

[canadian-car-shipping]

Exploring The History And Success Of A Canadian Car Company

Buckle up, gearheads! Today, we are revving our engines and taking a thrilling ride through the fascinating history and remarkable success of a Canadian car company that has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. From its humble beginnings to conquering international markets, this company's journey is awe-inspiring. So, fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the exhilarating world of innovation, challenges, triumphs, and everything in between!

Impact On The Canadian Automotive Industry

Established decades ago, the Canadian car company has played a pivotal role in shaping and driving the automotive landscape within Canada. Its presence has bolstered the economy and fostered a sense of national pride in producing quality vehicles on home soil. The company's commitment to innovation and excellence has set new standards for the industry, inspiring others to push boundaries and strive for greatness.

This company has become an integral part of Canada's automotive sector by providing jobs, investing in research and development, and supporting local suppliers. Its impact ripples through various communities across the country, creating opportunities for growth and advancement. As a beacon of success in a competitive market, this Canadian car company continues to pave the way for future automakers to follow suit.

Expansion Into International Markets

The Canadian Car Company's expansion into international markets marked a significant milestone in its history. It opened up new opportunities for growth and global recognition, and by venturing beyond national borders, the company showcased its ability to compete globally.

With a strategic approach, the Canadian Car Company penetrated various international markets, adapting to different cultural preferences and regulations. This adaptability was crucial in establishing a strong presence in diverse regions worldwide.

The Canadian Car Company successfully introduced its vehicles to consumers worldwide through partnerships and collaborations with local distributors and dealerships. This approach not only boosted sales but also solidified the brand's reputation on an international level.

Expanding into international markets allowed the Canadian Car Company to showcase its commitment to innovation and quality across borders. The company's dedication to excellence resonated with customers globally, increasing demand for its vehicles.

Key Innovations And Technological Advancements

One key factor contributing to the success of this Canadian car company is its continuous focus on innovations and technological advancements. From the early days of manufacturing vehicles, they have strived to stay ahead of the curve by integrating cutting-edge technology into their designs. This commitment has allowed them to meet evolving consumer demands and set new industry standards.

The company's investment in research and development has led to breakthroughs in fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall performance. By harnessing the power of innovation, they have created cars that are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly. These advancements have positioned them as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions.

Moreover, this Canadian car company has incorporated advanced software and connectivity options into its vehicles through strategic partnerships with tech companies and suppliers. This forward-thinking approach has created smart cars that offer customers a seamless driving experience.

By staying at the forefront of technological progress, this Canadian car company continues to push boundaries and shape the future of automotive engineering.

Success Stories And Notable Achievements

One of the most renowned success stories in Canadian Car Company's history is its groundbreaking introduction of electric vehicles to the market. This bold move not only revolutionized the industry but also solidified the company's position as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious automaker.

In addition, the company's commitment to innovation has led to numerous accolades and awards for its cutting-edge designs and advanced technology integration. Its dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new standards has earned it a loyal customer base around the globe.

Furthermore, their strategic partnerships with key players in the automotive sector have paved the way for collaborative projects that have further enhanced their brand reputation. These successful collaborations have resulted in mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved, showcasing Canadian Car Company's ability to thrive in competitive environments.

These notable achievements are testaments to the Canadian Car Company's unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous growth in the automotive industry.

Challenges faced by the company

Navigating the competitive landscape of the automotive industry, the Canadian Car Company has faced its fair share of challenges. From economic downturns to shifts in consumer preferences, staying ahead of the curve requires continuous innovation and adaptability.

One significant challenge has been balancing sustainability with performance in an environmentally conscious market. As regulations tighten, the company continues to address the delicate balance between investing in eco-friendly technologies and maintaining high-quality standards.

Moreover, global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs have posed logistical hurdles for production and distribution. Finding efficient solutions to minimize delays and optimize operations remains a top priority for sustained growth.

Despite these obstacles, the Canadian Car Company's commitment to excellence and resilience has propelled it forward. By embracing change, fostering creativity, and prioritizing customer satisfaction, this iconic brand continues to make waves domestically and internationally.

As we reflect on its journey through history filled with achievements, innovations, and challenges, overcome, one thing is clear - the legacy of this Canadian car company will undoubtedly continue shaping the future of automotive excellence for years to come.