#Global Top 20

[kingkatsuki]

The weekly top 20 results of the Global BNHA popularity poll.

[avreni]

Comp is sooo unpredictable to me!! 😲

[vulpinesaint]

in other news i get two weeks of summer break!!! :D i thought my summer classes were going to just lead me straight into school again but i do actually get some breathing room before it all starts up once more :D

[foreveranevilregal]

Shocked and betrayed by the last two episodes of Top Chef.

[vijukumar]

Lubricant Market: Trends, Size & Key Industry Players

The global lubricant market is a vital component of the automotive, industrial, and machinery sectors, serving as a critical factor in ensuring the smooth functioning and longevity of equipment. Lubricants reduce friction, wear, and tear, leading to improved efficiency and performance in various applications. This market has shown robust growth over the years, driven by the increasing demand from end-use industries, technological advancements, and the expansion of the automotive sector. In this blog, we will explore the market size, share, and growth of the lubricant market, analyze current market trends, identify key players, discuss the challenges facing the market, and conclude with insights into its future trajectory.

Market Size, Share, and Growth

As of 2023, the global lubricant market was valued at approximately USD 163 billion. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a value of around USD 205 billion by the end of the forecast period. The growth of this market can be attributed to the rising demand for lubricants in emerging economies, the expansion of the automotive industry, and the increasing industrialization and mechanization of various sectors.

The automotive sector accounts for the largest share of the lubricant market, holding nearly 50% of the market revenue. This dominance is primarily due to the extensive use of lubricants in engine oils, gear oils, and transmission fluids, which are essential for the maintenance and efficiency of vehicles. The industrial segment follows closely, with significant demand from manufacturing, power generation, and other heavy machinery sectors.

Market Trends

Several key trends are shaping the growth and evolution of the lubricant market:

Shift Towards Synthetic and Bio-Based Lubricants: Environmental concerns and the need for sustainability have led to a significant shift from conventional mineral-based lubricants to synthetic and bio-based alternatives. Synthetic lubricants, known for their superior performance, longer life, and better thermal stability, are gaining traction, especially in developed markets. Bio-based lubricants, derived from renewable resources, are also seeing increased adoption due to their biodegradable nature and lower environmental impact.

Rising Demand from Emerging Markets: Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are driving the demand for lubricants. Rapid industrialization, increasing automotive sales, and infrastructure development in these regions are key factors contributing to market growth. The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share, accounting for nearly 40% of the global lubricant consumption.

Technological Advancements: Innovation in lubricant formulation and production processes is a significant trend in the market. Companies are focusing on developing high-performance lubricants that offer better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and extended service intervals. Additionally, advancements in additive technology are enhancing the overall quality and functionality of lubricants.

Growing Focus on Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency has become a critical factor in industrial operations and automotive applications. Lubricants that reduce friction and energy losses are in high demand, as they contribute to lower operating costs and improved sustainability. This trend is particularly evident in the manufacturing and transportation sectors, where energy efficiency is directly linked to profitability and environmental impact.

Key Market Players and Their Market Share

The global lubricant market is highly competitive, with several key players dominating the industry. These companies are involved in extensive research and development activities, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to maintain their market positions. Some of the leading players in the lubricant market include:

Royal Dutch Shell Plc: Shell is a global leader in the lubricant market, holding a market share of approximately 12%. The company offers a wide range of lubricants under its Shell Helix, Shell Rimula, and Shell Tellus brands. Shell’s strong global presence, innovative product portfolio, and commitment to sustainability have helped it maintain a leading position in the market.

ExxonMobil Corporation: ExxonMobil is another major player in the lubricant industry, with a market share of around 10%. The company’s Mobil 1, Mobil Delvac, and Mobil SHC brands are well-known for their high performance and reliability. ExxonMobil’s focus on technological innovation and its extensive distribution network contribute to its strong market presence.

BP Plc (Castrol): BP, through its Castrol brand, holds a significant share of the lubricant market, estimated at 8%. Castrol’s lubricants are widely used in automotive, industrial, and marine applications. The company’s focus on developing environmentally friendly products and its strong brand reputation have been key factors in its success.

TotalEnergies SE: TotalEnergies is a prominent player in the global lubricant market, with a market share of approximately 7%. The company offers a diverse range of lubricants under its Total Quartz, Total Rubia, and Total Azolla brands. TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustainability and its extensive presence in emerging markets are driving its growth in the industry.

Chevron Corporation: Chevron, with its Havoline and Delo brands, holds a market share of around 6%. The company is known for its high-quality lubricants, which are used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, industrial, and marine sectors. Chevron’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has helped it maintain a strong position in the market.

Market Challenges

Despite the positive growth outlook, the lubricant market faces several challenges that could impact its development:

Environmental Regulations: Stringent environmental regulations regarding emissions and waste disposal are a significant challenge for the lubricant industry. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter standards to reduce environmental impact, which is driving the shift towards synthetic and bio-based lubricants. However, the high cost of these alternatives can be a barrier to their widespread adoption, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: The lubricant industry is highly dependent on the availability and cost of raw materials, particularly crude oil. Fluctuations in crude oil prices can significantly impact the profitability of lubricant manufacturers. Additionally, the increasing demand for synthetic and bio-based lubricants is putting pressure on the supply of raw materials, leading to potential supply chain disruptions.

Technological Disruption: The rapid pace of technological advancement in the automotive and industrial sectors poses a challenge to the lubricant market. The development of electric vehicles (EVs), for example, requires less lubrication compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This shift could reduce the demand for automotive lubricants in the long term.

Market Fragmentation: The lubricant market is highly fragmented, with numerous small and medium-sized players competing with established giants. This fragmentation can lead to intense price competition, which can erode profit margins and hinder market growth. Additionally, the presence of counterfeit products in certain regions poses a challenge to maintaining product quality and brand reputation.

Conclusion

The global lubricant market is poised for steady growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from emerging economies, technological advancements, and the ongoing shift towards synthetic and bio-based products. However, the market faces significant challenges, including stringent environmental regulations, fluctuating raw material prices, and technological disruption. To navigate these challenges, industry players must focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. Companies that can adapt to changing market dynamics and meet the evolving needs of consumers will be well-positioned to succeed in this competitive landscape. In conclusion, the lubricant market remains a critical component of the global economy, supporting a wide range of industries and applications. While challenges exist, the market's resilience and adaptability suggest a promising future, with continued opportunities for growth and development.

[sunnylifexi]

Buyanysee: review and how to use this Taobao broker

For some years AliExpress has become the reference marketplace to buy in China, but even so, there are things that can't be found on this platform, especially replicas. That is why more and more people are turning to the Chinese version of AliExpress, Taobao, where prices are even lower and the variety is even greater. But Taobao has a drawback: it is a Chinese resident-oriented site, so it only ships to postal addresses in China. The solution to this obstacle are intermediary agents, which are nothing more than Chinese companies that receive the order for you and forward it to your country. The most popular agent is Buyanysee, so today we will analyze if this reputation is justified: we will see if it is worth buying on Taobao through Buyanysee and what are the costs and differences with other agents. Why to buy on Taobao through Buyanysee The prices on Taobao are much lower than on AliExpress, and that makes it very interesting. But, as we said, you can't buy on this site from abroad.

Introduction: In the ever-expanding world of online shopping and global marketplaces, finding a reliable agent to facilitate your purchases can be a game-changer. BuyAnySee is one such agent that has gained attention for its unique features and services. In this detailed review, we will dissect the key aspects of BuyAnySee's operations to provide you with an informed perspective.

Prices: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) BuyAnySee stands out for its transparent pricing policy. Unlike many agents, they do not impose handling fees on the products you purchase. The price you see on Taobao is the price you pay.

Payment Methods: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) BuyAnySee offers a variety of payment options, including PayPal and credit cards. The ability to use PayPal adds an extra layer of security to your transactions. Even if you choose to pay by credit card, the process is seamlessly redirected through PayPal for added convenience.

Shipping: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Remarkable) BuyAnySee provides a range of shipping methods tailored to your needs. Factors such as weight play a crucial role in selecting the most suitable option, with GD-EUB recommended for packages around 2 kg and GD-SAL for those exceeding 5 kg. The platform also offers additional services like label removal, product box removal, and various packaging options, adding flexibility to your shipping choices.

Guarantees: ⭐⭐⭐ (Passed) BuyAnySee commits to a detailed product inspection and careful packaging to minimize the risk of loss. However, it's essential to note that returns can be cumbersome once the shipment is ordered. Therefore, proactive measures such as requesting extra photos or reaching out to the seller for more information on Taobao are recommended.

Customer Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) BuyAnySee's customer service is a standout feature, actively available seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm UTC +8. The platform's popularity can be attributed to its commitment to timely shipping and the provision of product photos upon arrival in the warehouse. Contacting BuyAnySee is convenient through their website or via email, with comprehensive details ensuring a thorough and prompt response.

Conclusion: BuyAnySee emerges as a reliable and customer-friendly agent, offering transparent pricing, diverse payment options, and a range of shipping choices. With an excellent customer service track record, it stands as a viable option for those navigating the intricate world of international online shopping. To explore BuyAnySee's services further, visit their website: www.buyanysee.com

https://buyanysee.com

[thethief1996]

Israel has just bombed a hospital where hundreds of wounded and refugees were taking solace. Journalists in Gaza have reported there was hardly a single body whole in the aftermath (If you can stomach it, there's a video of a father holding what remains of his child). At least 500 people killed by IOF soldiers, who planned this action, got into an airplane and dropped that bomb willingly. The deadliest attack in five wars, according to the Ministry of Health.

Israel has denied ownership of the attack and said it was a misfired Hamas rocket. Originally, they celebrated it on their social media, saying they had destroyed a Hamas target, treating the deaths like an unfortunate collateral. After international backlash, they posted videos to their social media claiming it was a Hamas rocket. The video, though, shows a second explosion 40 minutes after the airstrike, and they edited it our of their tweet in a pathetic attempt at covering up.

Israel has said multiple times that they were going to bomb hospitals. They told doctors to evacuate and leave their patients to death because they were going to bomb, namely: Al Shifa, Shuhada Al Aqsa and the Quwaiti Hospital. Al Shifa housed at least 10.000 refugees and wounded, and worked as a hub for the press because it was one of the only hospitals that still had working generators. Medical crew worked with sirens blaring to signal the hospitals were not empty. This was a purposeful massacre. These people died hungry, thirsty and in pain because of the Israeli government's cruelty.

CNN and other media outlets already tried to pin the blame on Hamas, parroting back the pathetic propaganda being sold by the IOF. Even in death, Palestinians can't be respected and are used to further their own oppression. These people's deaths are not going to be in vain. Within our lifetimes, Palestine will be free.

Take action. The Labour Party in the UK had an emergency meeting today after several councilors threatened to resign if they didn't condemn Israeli war crimes. Calling to show your complaints works.

FOR PEOPLE IN THE USA: USCPR has developed this toolkit for calls

FOR PEOPLE IN THE UK: Friends of Al-Aqsa UK and Palestine Solidarity UK have made toolkits for calls and emails

FOR PEOPLE IN GERMANY: Here's a toolkit to contact your representatives by Voices in Europe for Peace

FOR PEOPLE IN IRELAND: Here's a toolkit by Voices in Europe for Peace

FOR PEOPLE IN POLAND: Here's a toolkit by Voices in Europe for Peace

FOR PEOPLE IN DENMARK: Here's a toolkit by Voices in Europe for Peace

FOR PEOPLE IN SWEDEN: Here's a toolkit by Voices in Europe for Peace

Protests in support have already erupted in Beirut, Madrid and Rabat in response to the shelling of the hospital. Join your local protest and raise your voices. For people in the US, Israel has just asked for additional $10bi in aid on top of the annual $3.8bi already given to them. Palestinians are asking that you refuse this loudly, with their every breath.

Here's a constantly updating list of protests:

Global calendar

USA calendar

Here are upcoming events:

WASHINGTON, DC: Outside Congress on 18/10 at 12 PM

WASHINGTON, DC: NATIONAL MARCH in front of the White House on 4/11 at 12 PM

SAN DIEGO: 2125 Pan American E Rd. (Spreckles Organ Pavillion) on 18/10 at 7 PM

NEW YORK: 72nd st. And 5th ave., Brooklyn on 21/10 at 2 PM

NEW YORK: CUNY Grad Building on 18/10 at 2 PM

NEW YORK: Oct 18, 5pm, Steinway & Astoria Blvd.

DALLAS: 1954 Commerce Street (Dallas Morning News Building) on 19/10 at 3 PM

[CAR RALLY] KITCHENER-WATERLOO: Fairview Park, 2960 Kingsway Dr. on 18/10 at 6 PM

KITCHENER-WATERLOO: CBC Building, 117 King St. W on 19/10 at 5 PM

HOUSTON: Zionist Consulate, 24 Greenway Plaza on 18/10 at 4 PM

OMAHA: 72nd St & Dodge St on 18/10 at 6 PM

SAINT PAUL, MN: Oct. 18, 5:30pm. State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

BALTIMORE: Oct 20, 6pm. Baltimore City Hall

DUBLIN: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 1 on 18/10 at 5 PM

THURLES: Liberty Square on 19/10 at 7 PM

LURGAN: Market Street on 21/10 at 3 PM

PORTO ALEGRE: Rua João Alfredo, 61 on 18/10 at 19h

RIO DE JANEIRO: Cinelândia on 19/10 at 17h

RECIFE: Parque Treze de Maio on 19/10 at 17h

MANAUS: Teatro Amazonas, Largo de São Sebastião on 19/10 at 17h

SÃO PAULO: Praça Oswaldo Cruz on 22/10 at 11h

FOZ DO IGUAÇU: Praça da Paz on 22/10 at 9h

TSHWANE: Belgrade Square Park, Jan Shoba Street on 20/10 at 10 AM

VEREENIGING: Roshnee Sports Grounds on 21/10 at 14h30

Feel free to add more resources

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Gotye featuring Kimbra - Somebody That I Used to Know 2011

"Somebody That I Used to Know" is a song written, produced and performed by Australian musician and singer Gotye, featuring vocals from New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song samples Luiz Bonfá's 1967 instrumental song "Seville", with additional instrumentations of beats and a xylophone playing a melody based on "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep". The song was released in Australia and New Zealand on 5 July 2011 as the second single from Gotye's third studio album, Making Mirrors (2011). It was released in December 2011 in the UK, and 20 January 2012 in Ireland and the US.

In Australia, the song won the Triple J Hottest 100 poll at the end of 2011, as well as ARIA Music Awards for Song of the Year and Best Video, while Kimbra was voted Best Female Artist, and Gotye was named Best Male Artist and Producer of the Year. The song came ninth in the Triple J Hottest 100 of the Past 20 Years, 2013. At the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, "Somebody That I Used to Know" won two Grammys for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year.

Commercially, "Somebody That I Used to Know" was a global success and became both artists' signature song. It reached the top of the charts in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US, as well as 25 other official charts, and reached the Top 10 in more than 30 countries. Globally, "Somebody That I Used to Know" has sold more than 20 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. Gotye paid tribute to the overwhelming number of cover versions of the song by personally creating a video remix, released in August 2012, using segments from hundreds of online covers to create a new, unique version of the track, titled "Somebodies: A YouTube Orchestra".

"Somebody That I Used to Know" received a total of 87,6% yes votes!

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #28

July 19-26 2024

The EPA announced the award of $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The grants support community-driven solutions to fight climate change, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The grants will go to 25 projects across 30 states, and one tribal community. When combined the projects will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of CO2, roughly the output of 5 million American homes over 25 years. Major projects include $396 million for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection as it tries to curb greenhouse gas emissions from industrial production, and $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a plan to phase out the federal government's use of single use plastics. The plan calls for the federal government to stop using single use plastics in food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. The US government is the single largest employer in the country and the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Its move away from plastics will redefine the global market.

The White House hosted a summit on super pollutants with the goals of better measuring them and dramatically reducing them. Roughly half of today's climate change is caused by so called super pollutants, methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Public-private partnerships between NOAA and United Airlines, The State Department and NASA, and the non-profit Carbon Mapper Coalition will all help collect important data on these pollutants. While private firms announced with the White House plans that by early next year will reduce overall U.S. industrial emissions of nitrous oxide by over 50% from 2020 numbers. The summit also highlighted the EPA's new rule to reduce methane from oil and gas by 80%.

The EPA announced $325 million in grants for climate justice. The Community Change Grants Program, powered by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will ultimately bring $2 billion dollars to disadvantaged communities and help them combat climate change. Some of the projects funded in this first round of grant were: $20 million for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which will help weatherize and energy efficiency upgrade homes for 35 tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, $14 million to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama, and $14 million to urban forestry, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The Department of Interior approved 3 new solar projects on public land. The 3 projects, two in Nevada and one in Arizona, once finished could generate enough to power 2 million homes. This comes on top of DoI already having beaten its goal of 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects by the end of 2025, in April 2024. This is all part of President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. 

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pledged $667 million to global Pandemic Fund. The fund set up in 2022 seeks to support Pandemic prevention, and readiness in low income nations who can't do it on their own. At the G20 meeting Yellen pushed other nations of the 20 largest economies to double their pledges to the $2 billion dollar fund. Yellen highlighted the importance of the fund by saying "President Biden and I believe that a fully-resourced Pandemic Fund will enable us to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics – protecting Americans and people around the world from the devastating human and economic costs of infectious disease threats,"

The Departments of the Interior and Commerce today announced a $240 million investment in tribal fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. This is in line with an Executive Order President Biden signed in 2023 during the White House Tribal Nations Summit to mpower Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. An initial $54 million for hatchery maintenance and modernization will be made available for 27 tribes in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The rest will be invested in longer term fishery projects in the coming years.

The IRS announced that thanks to funding from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, it'll be able to digitize much of its operations. This means tax payers will be able to retrieve all their tax related information from one source, including Wage & Income, Account, Record of Account, and Return transcripts, using on-line Individual Online Account.

The IRS also announced that New Jersey will be joining the direct file program in 2025. The direct file program ran as a pilot in 12 states in 2024, allowing tax-payers in those states to file simple tax returns using a free online filing tool directly with the IRS. In 2024 140,000 Americans were able to file this way, they collectively saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees, claiming $90 million in returns. The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. More than a million people in New Jersey alone will qualify for direct file next year. Oregon opted to join last month. Republicans in Congress lead by Congressmen Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Chuck Edwards of North Carolina have put forward legislation to do away with direct file.

Bonus: American law enforcement arrested co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. El Mayo co-founded the cartel in the 1980s along side Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Since El Chapo's incarceration in the United States in 2019, El Mayo has been sole head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities also arrested El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. The Sinaloa Cartel has been a major player in the cross border drug trade, and has often used extreme violence to further their aims.

[fandom]

These were the most talked-about tags on Tumblr last week.

We’ve seen your comments and concerns about the inclusion of the #Palestine tag on Week in Review, and wanted to take this opportunity to explain why it’s on this list. We believe it is important to accurately represent the things that you, the Tumblr community, care about. Week in Review is a weekly high-level glance at the top 20 things the Tumblr community has posted about over the course of the week. When #Palestine makes the Week in Review list, it is because #Palestine was one of the most widely used tags on Tumblr, where you have taken to sharing news, resources, and support and solidarity. This is also true for the times other news-related tags, such as #Ukraine or tags related to elections and other global events, have appeared on Week in Review in the past. We’re discussing as a team whether to include news-related tags in Week in Review moving forward, and will take your feedback into account.

Dungeon Meshi

Artists on Tumblr

Palestine

Falin Touden | Dungeon Meshi

Game Changer

Watcher

Laios Touden | Dungeon Meshi

Jujutsu Kaisen

Marcille Donato | Dungeon Meshi

Dead Boy Detectives

Hazbin Hotel

Cats of Tumblr

Baldur's Gate 3

Hannibal

Fantasy High: Junior Year

Farcille | Falin Touden & Marcille Donato, Dungeon Meshi

Helluva Boss

Cottagecore

One Piece

Taylor Swift

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Bowen McCurdy and Jordan Morris’s “Youth Group”

NEXT SATURDAY (July 20), I'm appearing in CHICAGO at Exile in Bookville.

Youth Group is Bowen McCurdy and Jordan Morris's new and delightful graphic novel from Firstsecond. It's a charming tale of 1990s ennui, cringe Sunday School – and demon hunting.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250789235/youthgroup

Kay is a bitter, cynical teenager who's doing her best to help her mother cope with an ugly divorce that has seen her dad check out on his former family. Mom is going back to church, and she talks Kay into coming along with her to attend the church youth group.

This is set in the 1990s, and the word "cringe" hasn't yet entered our lexicon as an adjective, but boy is the youth group cringe. The pastor is a guitar-strumming bearded dad who demonstrates how down he is with the kids by singing top 40 songs rewritten with evangelical lyrics (think Weird Al meets the 700 Club). Kay gamely struggles through a session and even makes a friend or two, and agrees to keep attending in deference to her mother's pleas.

But this is no ordinary youth group. Kay's ultra-boring suburban hometown is actually infested with demons who routinely possess the townspeople, and that baseline of demonic activity has suddenly gone critical, with a new wave of possessions. Suddenly, the possessed are everywhere – even Kay's shitty dad ends up with a demon inside of him.

That's when Kay discovers that the youth group and its corny pastor are also demon hunters par excellence. Their rec-rooms sport secret cubbies filled with holy weapons, and the words of exorcism come as readily to them as any embarrassing rewritten devotional pop song. Kay's discovery of this secret world convinces her that youth group isn't so bad after all, and soon she is initiated into its mysteries, including the existence of rival demon-hunting kids from the local synagogue, Catholic church, and Wiccan coven.

As the nature of the new demonic incursion becomes clearer, it falls on Kay and her pals to overcome these sectarian divisions over the protests of their guitar-strumming, magic-wielding leader. That takes on a special urgency when Kay learns why the demons are interested in her, personally, and a handful of other kids in town who all share a secret trait.

I confess that as someone who lived through the 1990s as a young man, there is something disorienting about experiencing the decade of my young adulthood through the kind of retro lens I associate with the 1950s or 1960s. But while the experience is disorienting, it's not unpleasant. McCurdy's artwork and Morris's snappy dialog conjure up that bygone decade in a way that is simultaneously affectionate and critical, exposing the hollowness of its performative ennui and the brave face that performance represented even as the world was being swept up in corporate gigantism.

McCurdy and Morris are really onto something here, implicitly asking us why the 1990s gave us Buffy and Sabrina (and The Coven, etc etc) – what was it about that decade in which Reaganomics and globalism consolidated the gains of the 1980s, where the climate emergency took on its undeniable urgency, where media monopolies mastered the art of commodifying counterculture faster than it could mutate into new forms?

Morris's writing really shines here. If you enjoyed Bubble, his earlier outing based on the post-apocalyptic comedy podcast of the same name, you will love this one:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/21/podcasting-as-a-visual-medium/#huntr

Morris is also half of Jordan, Jesse Go!, the long-running podcast where he and Jesse Thorn do a weekly ha-ha-only-serious goofball schtick that never fails to smuggle in really clever and insightful ideas amidst the poop jokes.

https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/jordan-jesse-go/

John Hodgman calls nostalgia a "toxic impulse." Church Group deftly avoids nostalgia's trap, managing to be a period piece without falling prey to the Happy Days pathology of ignoring the many flaws and problems of its era. And of course, it's a hoot and a blast.

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/16/blight/#the-dream-of-the-nineties

[nightmaretour]

(Image descriptions are in alt text due to taking up most of the post and making people less likely to read and reblog, a fully screen reader friendly version can be found here: https://www.tumblr.com/nightmaretour/761524737363099648/this-is-the-fully-screen-reader-friendly-version)

With everything going on, it's easy to miss that September is sepsis awareness month. As a sepsis survivor myself, I feel a great responsibility to spread awareness of this greatly underestimated killer, in hopes that this information might help some of you to save a life in the future.

Sepsis is a disease that affects around 49 million people worldwide every year, and responsible for around 20% of all global deaths, claiming approximately 11 million lives per year. It's estimated that one person dies of sepsis every 2.8 seconds. Around half of those who survive sepsis are left with physical or cognitive disabilities for the rest of their lives. On top of that, it's the most vulnerable of us that are most likely to develop sepsis.

Despite being one of the global leading causes of death, very few people know much about sepsis or how to spot it, which is what makes it all the more deadly. Sepsis kills approximately 1 in 6 people who contract it, but spotted early, patients with sepsis are around half as likely to die as those who have been allowed to develop into the later stages.

Sepsis is always the result of an existing bacterial, viral, fungal or even parasitic infection, usually due to a serious infection such as pneumonia or meningitis, but it can also be caused by something as small as an infected papercut or bug bite. Almost half of all cases occur in children.

But most importantly, it's all about time. If you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms that you suspect might be sepsis, get to a hospital. It's far better to be wrong and live than it is to be wrong and die. I sincerely hope that you will never have to use this information, but if you do, I hope that it will help you to save a life.

Sepsis is incredibly time sensitive, even a few hours could be the difference between life and death. If you spot any of the signs in yourself or someone else, do not delay. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

For more information, visit:

Worldsepsisday.org

Globalsepsisalliance.org

Sepsisresearch.org.uk

Sepsis.org

[probablyasocialecologist]

The discretionary carbon footprints of the 1% are not only unjust on a symbolic level. They are also quite literally a material cause of the climate crisis. Researchers estimate that more than half of the emissions generated by humanity since our emergence on this planet have been emitted since 1990. But in these past 30 years, the emissions of the poorest 50% of people have grown hardly at all: They represented a little under 7% of global emissions in 1990, and they remain a little over 7% of global emissions today. By contrast, the richest 10% of people are responsible for 52% of cumulative global emissions — and the 1% for a full 15%. This means that the richest 63 million are producing fully double the dangerous greenhouse gases that half of all humanity, or nearly four billion people, emit. When scientists include the embodied emissions — or what it takes to make the products bought by the rich — in the calculation of their individual carbon footprints, the numbers become even more grotesque: That makes the average carbon footprint of the richest more than 75 times higher than that of the poorest. An estimate looking into 20 of the most prominent billionaires in the U.S. and Europe found that their carbon footprints in 2018 ranged from about 1,000 metric tons to nearly 32,000.

[...]

As Bloomberg News recently reported, the personal emissions of the top 0.001% — those with at least $129.2 million in wealth — are so large that these people’s individual consumption decisions “can have the same impact as nationwide policy interventions.” And the super-rich are not reducing their individual carbon footprints voluntarily. On the contrary. In 2021, sales of superyachts, by far the most polluting luxury asset, surged by 77%.

19 April 2022

[tamapalace]

Bandai Introduces the Tamagotchi Connection with a 20th Anniversary Global Re-Release

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here! Bandai has officially announced the re-release of the Tamagotchi Connection with a 20th anniversary device! That’s right, can you believe it has been 20 years? We’re BEYOND ECSTATIC, and Bandai did NOT disappoint!

Physically the design of the Tamagotchi Connection 20th anniversary looks like a Tamagotchi Connection V3 with the iconic antenna, but it’s clear that Bandai has put together this model to give us a taste of what the Tamagotchi Connection was like! We’re not entirely sure on the programming, but it looks like it will take characteristics from the Keitai and Tamagotchi Connection V3.

The re-release of the Tamagotchi Connection for the 20th anniversary features unique programming that includes over 50 characters, 10 mini games, and 150 items! Your favorite characters will be back and raisable, and of course you can connect them together!

Lets talk packaging, reminiscent of the Tamagotchi Original packaging, the Tamagotchi Connection 20th anniversary ditches the early 2000’s plastic packaging in favor of a more eco friendly paper packaging with. Brand new Tamagotchi logo, and yes look at the beautiful Connection graphics on the packaging! Colors of packaging include blue stripes that faces into white.How cute are Mametchi and Memetchi in the upper left-hand corner?

The back of the packaging is super cute as it details the functionality of the Tamagotchi Connection which includes detailing the growth chart, samples some characters and some mini games, along with items. The packaging also mentions that there is a password for the item on the side flap inside the box, so perhaps we’re going to get some new passwords?

The packaging does call out that we will be able to shop for new items directly on the Tamagotchi, so the shop has returned. You’ll earn those Gotchi Points and then purchase some new items to spoil your Tamagotchi!

Unpack your CR2032 batteries, because the Tamagotchi Connection 20th anniversary is powered by the same batteries you know and love. The packaging also calls out that programming is in both English and Japanese. Perhaps it’ll ask which language on boot, which would make the most sense, similar to the Tamagotchi Uni.

Let’s talk shells! Bandai is releasing the initial Tamagotchi Connection 20th anniversary wave with 6 shells. Two of which are returning from 2006, these include Bubbles and Ice Cream. The new shells include Clear Retro which features a clear translucent shell and cute retro like graphics in white, orange, purple, and green around the display along with pink buttons. Then you’ve got Rainbow Sky which is so cute and features a shell completely painted in a red, yellow, green, and blue rainbow along with some clouds and hearts, purple buttons and the top of the antenna is blue.

Lastly, Bandai has brought back the True Friends pack, how creative is that? These two graffiti shells are unique as they are excuse to the true friends two pack, one is a blue graffiti shell, the other is a pink graffiti shell. They both feature Tamagotchi characters include Mametchi, Kuchipatchi, Memetchi, and Mimitchi.

There will be four shells exclusive to Japan that are all reminiscent of shells released in the 2000’s! That includes the iconic melon soda!

The Bubbles shell includes a password to download soda, the Ice cream shell includes a password to download ice cream, the Rainbow Sky shell includes a password to download an umbrella, the Clear Retro shell includes a password to download a waffle, and the True Friends Blue Graffiti and Pink Graffiti True Friends pack incudes a password to download a pencil!

All of the shells include the new logo to match the packaging of the Tamagotchi Connection 20th anniversary.

It is important to note that the wallpaper behind the screen on these will be a bit different from one another. Both Bubbles and Ice Cream uses the numbered background featured on the Tamagotchi Connection V1, whereas the new shells have backgrounds that are unique to their shells. That’s an awesome attention to detail.

Another thing to call out is that the chain on these devices is the same as the Tamagotchi Original, or Tamagotchi Connexion in Europe. This model does not feature the same chain as the Tamagotchi Connection with the chainlink design and ring.

Pricing! The Tamagotchi Connection is priced at $29.99, and the Tamagotchi Connection True Friends pack is priced at $57.99. This is a global release and preorders are already open on Amazon with an official release date of July 9th, 2024. Japan will be releasing them a bit later on August 3rd, 2024! It’s about to be an AMAZING SUMMER! The Tamagotchi Connection is already the  Amazon #1 Best Seller in Toys & Games before it was even officially announced by Bandai! Don’t call it a comeback, call it a takeover.