#Inclusive Peace Processes

[artifakt-gallery]

“Bridges Over Battlefields: Pioneering Strategies for Sustainable Peace in Conflict Zones” is now on Amazon

by Artifakt Gallery

“Bridges Over Battlefields: Pioneering Strategies for Sustainable Peace in Conflict Zones” is a groundbreaking book that offers an innovative blueprint for achieving peace in regions marred by conflict. As an invaluable resource for psychologists, government officials, and NGO experts, it shines a light on the multifaceted nature of conflict and provides effective strategies to foster sustainable peace.

Key Takeaways

-Understanding the Spectrum of Conflict: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the varied dynamics of conflict, setting the foundation for strategic peacebuilding. -Key Drivers and Stakeholders: Explore the underlying causes of conflict and the key players involved, paving the way for more nuanced, effective interventions. -The Power of Community Engagement: Discover the immense potential of grassroots efforts in peacebuilding, and how local voices can resonate on a global scale. -Approaches to Reconciliation and Trust-building: Learn effective methods for rebuilding trust in conflict-ridden societies, a crucial step towards lasting peace. -The Power of Peaceful Communication: Grasp the impact of dialogue and diplomacy in the mediation process and their significance in averting violent outcomes. -Strategies for Effective Bargaining: Acquire essential negotiation tactics that can facilitate agreement between conflicting parties. -A Path to Inclusive Peace: Understand strategies for diffusing religious and ethnic tensions, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect. -Harnessing Cultural Narratives: Delve into how cultural narratives and traditions can contribute to a shared vision of peace. -Fostering Development Amidst Conflict: Understand the pivotal role of economic factors and development initiatives in building resilience within conflict-affected communities. -The Future of Peacebuilding: Get insights into how peacebuilding is expected to evolve and prepare for upcoming challenges and opportunities in the field.

“Bridges Over Battlefields: Pioneering Strategies for Sustainable Peace in Conflict Zones” is a comprehensive guide to transforming zones of conflict into arenas of peace. It is an essential read for those involved in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and international development. With a unique focus on the role of community engagement, reconciliation, inclusive peace processes, and innovative peacebuilding strategies, this book will equip readers with the knowledge and tools to pioneer sustainable peace in the most challenging contexts. As we navigate an increasingly turbulent world, let this book be your compass in the quest for lasting peace. Together, we can replace battlefields with bridges, fostering a future where peace prevails.

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Grab your copy now on Amazon!

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Bridges-Over-Battlefields-Pioneering-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B0CCXBQDNL/ref=sr_1_19?crid=24W723U8OQ6G6&keywords=Peaceful+parent+happy+siblings&qid=1692822887&s=digital-text&sprefix=peaceful+parent+happy+siblings%2Cdigital-text%2C648&sr=1-19

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For more books, please visit James Scott on Amazon.

You may also visit Embassy Row Project.

[businessabroad]

The Benefits of Working at the United Nations #1

Embarking on a Career Journey with the United Nations

Have you ever envisioned yourself playing a part in the global narrative, shaping the future and making a tangible difference? The United Nations isn't just an employer; it's a calling for those who dare to dream of a better world.

In our latest video, "The Benefits of Working at the United Nations", we unveil the layers of rewards that a UN career offers. It's where passion meets purpose, where every day is an opportunity to contribute to international peace, security, and prosperity.

At the UN, you're not just gaining a job; you're embracing a diverse and inclusive culture, tapping into unparalleled professional growth, and securing benefits that respect your work-life balance.

If you've been seeking a sign to take the next step, this is it. Watch our video for an enlightening journey through the corridors of the United Nations – your potential future workplace.

Here is the entire course on YouTube.

The Benefits of Working at the United Nations

UN Duty Station: What it is and What you Can Expect

The Process of Getting A Job at the United Nations

How to Apply For A Job At The United Nations

United Nations Levels and Salary - What are they?

Type of Contract at the United Nations

United Nations Steps and Contract Negotiation

United Nations Jobs, Job Role, and Posting Locations

UN Job Opportunities - How to Increase Your Odds

Best Places for Your Family to Live

How are you Competing Against

United Nations Official Languages

This is What the UN's Application Process is Like

How to success your test at the United Nations

Before Passing Your Interview at the United Nations

How to Successfully Interview For a Competency-Based Job

List of Questions used in Competency-Based Interview

What to do After the Interview at the United Nations

#UnitedNationsCareer #GlobalService #BeTheChange

[howdoesone]

How does one assess the effectiveness of truth and reconciliation processes in addressing war crimes?

Assessing the Effectiveness of Truth and Reconciliation Processes in Addressing War Crimes Introduction Truth and reconciliation processes have emerged as important mechanisms for addressing war crimes and human rights abuses in societies recovering from conflict. These processes aim to uncover the truth about past atrocities, provide justice for victims, promote healing and reconciliation, and…

[howisthepope]

Top candidates for new pope?

In no particular order (based on the list by CNN but my own rating)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin 70 yo Secretary of State for the Holy See. This means he has been working in a position of power within the Vatican for a bit Has been a representative in Venezuela, present for Colombia's peace agreement, has been helping improve their relationship with Vietnam and China. Outspoken about Gaza so expected to clash with Trump. A bit conservative but his strength is his diplomacy 7/10

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi 69 yo archbishop of Bologna. Was asked to lead a peace mission in Ukraine, member of Sant'Egidio which helped end the Mozambique civil war in 1992. Likes to bike around Bologna. Has done outreach to LGBTQ catholics 9/10

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle 67 yo leader of the Vatican office for evangelization Has worked closely with leaders of churches in the developing world. He used to be President of Caritas but had to step down so there are some questions about his leadership skills. For that 6/10

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David 66 yo bishop of Kalookan. He is very outspoken for injustice and faced criminal charges for preaching against drug war killings when Duderte was president. Has said that the next pope needs to focus on being inclusive and being a 'field hospital' for the wonded. Seems to be well-liked overal 10/10

Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix 67 yo archbishop of Quebec. This one was on the list but I don't get why? was member of the Council of Cardinals which advises the Pope. There have been alleguations of sexual abuse in 1980 by a 17yo woman. The investigation was done by the Vatican and found no proof, but I take that with a huge ass grain of salt. Could be innocent but if there is even a chance... the people will not like him as Pope. There would be no trust. 0/10

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu 65 yo archbishop of Kinshasa. Respected moral voice of his country. Represents the growing church of Africa and is leader of a church of more than 7 million catholics. Strong defender of democracy and human rights and stands up against warlords and corruption. Against blessing same-sex couples 6/10

Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero 72 yo archbishop of Rabat, Morocco. His experience in Morocco has given him expertise in dialogue with Islam. Has also worked in Paraguay. Advocate of the synod reform process (making the church more inclusive, participative and relevant to the Modern world). Would be quite in line with Pope Francis' views 8/10

Cardinal Péter Erdő 72 you archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest He is the conservative option if anything and an ally to the President of Hungary, Orban. I don't see anything compelling but if the cardinals want to go the conservative route, he is the nr 1 candidate 0/10

[songs-of-the-east]

AeternaNova Northern Macedonian ethnographic project

"AeternaNova" (in Latin "aeterna"- ancient and "nova"-new) is an exhibition of photographs, folk costumes, and an ethnographic film, curated by Filip Petkovski Ph.D., UNESCO-certified heritage expert. It aims to represent the cultural heritage of Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, and Vlachs living in North Macedonia, and to feature recorded personal narratives of the models on the photos who are leaders in their professions (actors, musicians, athletes, public figures), about their views and experiences with diversity and inclusion.

The project incorporates new media, ethnography, and visual anthropology to contextualise the topic, while each photograph serves as a visual narrative aimed to illustrate the dynamic evolution of cultural identity in the region. We are led by the idea that cultural heritage must be reinterpreted and modernised to be largely disseminated, especially amongst the younger population, who might mystify and reject the topic of cultural heritage. The exhibition will take place at the Youth Cultural Centre in Skopje, while the results of the project will be published as a research paper in the journal "Macedonian Folklore" in which we will explore diversity, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.

The project aims to emphasise the similarities in the cultures of all of the communities that live in North Macedonia and encourages the audience to engage in a process of mutual learning and enrichment of knowledge related to cultural heritage."

[heartavenue]

Things To Script! ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ

just like my first things to script I can assure you that these are from my own brain and any resemblance is purely coincidental, I made this while sitting outside of my uni while listening to kpop (stream come over by le sserafim) also just like my first one some of these are very on the nose as they are things that I script into my drs

mold never grows in your water bottle

one side of your headphones never go out/one is not louder than the other

natural disasters never happen

you can never trip, stumble, fall

humans are actively beneficial to the Earth ( @/the-mintaka-system)

popcorn doesn't get stuck in your teeth

you can't choke

water bottle stations in all public facilities

public bathrooms are always clean

death to the 8 episode seasons and the 3 years to make just 8 more

more original films/shows

no more fast fashion

no littering heck no crime at all

world peace

all oppressed peoples are free

all cultures are respected

free healthcare, childcare, and college

paid vacation is six week

paid parental leave is one year

all prescription medicine is affordable

no homelessness

no disastrous space event can happen like the sun exploding or asteroids hitting the earth and killing us all

piercings/tattoos don't hurt and they can't get infected

no allergies

companies products are actually as advertised

artist come and tour your country/state/city

more inclusivity/representation

good TV shows don't get canceled after one or two seasons

death to modern/contemporary architecture bring back buildings with personality!

people recycle more

if you're a water drinker you don't pee so damn much

free therapy

more whimsical stuff happens near you like a magical pond popping up or the circus comes to town

no one tries to walk in on you while you're in the restroom/ no one walks in on you period

people/pets/animals live longer

stuff is made to LAST

attention spans are longer

no anti-intellectualism

no red pill, incel, weird podcast content

matter fact no right wing NOTHING

no car/ferry/train/plane accidents

you never lose important items (birth certificate, wallet, keys etc.)

you always remember important information and can never lose your train of though

corrupted politicians can NOT exist

no paywalls

you have the premium versions of apps, streaming services, etc (or you can script premiums out altogether)

people always hear you, so you never get told to speak up or repeat yourself

your nose never clogs up at night (am I the only one this happens to?) or you can script it out completely

deodorant comes OFF in the shower with ease

you are never ashy, your skin is never dry/can never crack

no acid reflux

you never mistake someone for waving/speaking to you when they're not (god this is so embarrassing)

after you get done brushing your teeth that mint aftertaste goes away very quickly (I hate that so much)

coffee (hot) doesn't get cold quickly

hot chocolate doesn't get cold quickly

iced coffee cubes exist (basically they're like ice cubes but instead of ice, it's coffee so when they melt it doesn't water down your coffee)

matcha iced cubes exists (^ same thing)

you never bite your tongue

the shower curtain never touches you

there's always something to eat in the fridge/pantry

there is NO processing fees for when you purchase things with your card and not cash

nothing ever gets into your eye

one side of your headphones never goes out

your vocabualry is expansive and you never forget what what you're trying to say

[hederasgarden]

I can’t stop thinking about Scott x Tyler’s young sister! Reader. Like she’s all bubbly and sweet offering him food, and he starts to feel guilty over being so condescending towards their group. Maybe like he comes to her hotel room one day to apologize (kinda like Tyler bringing Kate that pizza) and they just start to bond. Anyways Scott has such a chokehold on me

Scott seems to have a chokehold on a lot of us. I’m not sure what it is about a mean, 6'4" engineer, but I feel like I could fix him (though I probably couldn’t).

Thank you so much for sharing your idea with me!

Since I strive to be as inclusive as possible, I usually avoid writing readers who are directly related to another character. That’s to ensure that everyone can insert themselves into my stories. However, it would certainly be hilarious to see Tyler come unglued when he finds out his little sister is shacking up with the resident asshole.

I do like this concept for a reader who Tyler and co adopt as their little sister so we get the same protective vibes.

Scott would be annoyed and confused by her, simply because being happy and positive all the time is not how he operates. I love the idea of him being really awful to the reader, only to realize—after he’s driven her away—that he actually liked having her around. (Please don't ask who hurt me in the past for this be a sexy plot point for me, okay?)

He’d be the most awkward apologizer, standing there rubbing the back of his neck and sort of half-insulting her in the process. He would likely bring a peace offering, something specific he’s seen her eating because, at the end of the day, he is a smart and observant guy.

The reader would just stand there, perplexed, until she finally asks, “Are you trying to apologize to me?”

“Yeah,” Scott replies, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

"Oh….you're like dumb smart, huh?" She says with a laugh. "Well, I forgive you."

Scott would stand there, looking surly, until she invites him to have some pizza and watch a movie.

[videolari]

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[theunsinkableship1]

Friends the one with the mirrors

⚠️#lukolaship skip if you don't believe.

This week has been a heavy and painful one on the Lukolaship. Nicola Coughlan a person whose kindness, talent, and heart have touched so many is facing a wave of hate and hostility simply because she stood in solidarity with trans rights which is admirable

It’s easy, in hard moments, to feel overwhelmed by the ugliness out there. But the truth is: love is louder. Solidarity is stronger. Kindness will always outlast cruelty.

It is important to emphasize that hate should not be directed towards anyone, sending love to Nicola, her friends and everyone standing for dignity and inclusion. Hate has no place here.

Yesterday’s news felt like a small fracture, one we’ve sensed coming for a while, yet hoped might shift course. Nicola appears to have re-launched a relationship on the red carpet with someone who is not Luke. For many of us who’ve followed the story of Lukola with curiosity and admiration, those of us who have quietly hoped, believed, and felt something rare in the space between her and Luke, it stung, not out of resentment, but out of reverence. It marked a shift. The soft fading of a path we imagined brightly lit.

It’s not surprising, though. This has been the trajectory implied since summer 2024. The media breadcrumbs, the distancing, the new alignments, they've all pointed to this narrative. And still, here we are. Still believing. Still showing up with open eyes and hearts.

This isn’t delusion. It’s not denial. It’s about honoring something we’ve seen with our own eyes an extraordinary connection between two people that sparked not only on-screen, but in rare, unguarded moments off it. It's about intuition, patterns, silences, and symbolism. And yes, it’s about love, however complicated, quiet, or off-limits it may be. But because some connections don’t just disappear when the headlines change.

“I will go down with this ship And I won’t put my hands up and surrender.”

Because this never felt ordinary.

And even if we can even begin to comprehend,

We understand this is their life, not ours. They don’t owe us answers. If Nicola is happy, that matters. If Luke is at peace, we’re grateful. But belief, when grounded in truth and tempered with grace, isn’t something you simply abandon because circumstances shift. We don’t stop believing in the sun just because it's cloudy. The truth, as always, reveals itself in time.

For many of us, Lukola was never just about shipping two actors. It was about the rare kind of chemistry that transcends performance. It was the softness between takes, the quiet care, the electric stillness in their shared glances. It was how safe they seemed around each other, how joy radiated in their presence. It felt real, like something not manufactured, not scripted. Like magic, yes, but the kind of magic that only exists when something true is underneath it.

And you don’t just unsee that. You don’t forget how it made you feel. You don’t owe detachment just because the story didn’t go the way you hoped.

None of this is about hating anyone, certainly not their supposed current partners. Most of us are not interested in interfering, or in stirring anything up. We just… care. And we’re trying to process it kindly. Respectfully. Quietly holding space for something that feels luminous.

So, no, we won’t be waving white flags. Because we’re not fighting anyone. We’re simply choosing to wait with love. To hope without pressure. To imagine without expectation.

Because here’s the thing: something’s still mirroring.

"It’s like you’re my mirror, my mirror staring back at me."

One of the more curious patterns that’s emerged over time is how much Luke and Nicola seem to one another. Even now, as they appear on separate tracks, there are synchronizations, emotional, visual, tonal. It’s like a dance of shadows. Like the same song heard in two different rooms. They seem to respond to each other instinctively not as scripted characters, but as two real people who have grown deeply connected, whether they can show it openly or not.

The mirroring between Luke and Nicola has become one of the most fascinating, emotionally loaded aspects of this journey, something subtle, yet too consistent to ignore. Whether it’s in interviews, social media timing, fashion, or even the emotional tone of their public appearances, it feels as though they’re unconsciously (or very consciously) moving in tandem. We’ve seen the pattern enough times now that it can’t be purely coincidence: when one of them steps forward, the other retreats. When one posts something emotional, the other echoes it days later with a similar mood. Their energy shifts seem to occur in tandem even when they’re physically apart or not interacting publicly.

And it brings to mind Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors,” a song often used for Polin edits, but hauntingly fitting for Lukola, too. “It’s like you’re my mirror, my mirror staring back at me.” That lyric carries the weight of connection of unfinishedness, of two people bound beyond words.

So, what could this mirroring mean? What is happening? Here are a few theories:

This mirroring goes beyond surface-level synchronicities. It feels emotional. Symbolic. Like two people tethered, whether consciously or not.

The Soulbond Theory

The most intuitive theory of all: they’re soul connected. Not necessarily in a romantic fairytale way but in the sense of two people who recognize each other on a deeper frequency. Some bonds are simply there, whether or not they’re acted on. The mirroring, in this case, would be the quiet truth of souls still aware of each other. It will explain why they ignite so much fire and passion on so many levels.

The Parallel Journey Theory

“And now it’s clear as this promise, that we’re making two reflections into one…”

They’re on parallel paths that haven’t crossed back yet but still might. They’ve been growing, evolving, healing, learning, becoming separately. But the mirroring suggests a spiritual alignment. They’re becoming the versions of themselves that could finally meet at the right time.

Perhaps their journeys are still aligned, but not yet converged. Sometimes people walk separate roads only to meet again when the time is right.

We see both of them stepping into new chapters Nicola with more vulnerability and boldness, Luke with introspection and quiet growth. They seem to glow up in rhythm. It feels like they’re building the versions of themselves that could, one day, reunite.

The mirrors aren’t just reflecting now they’re preparing for later. They’re growing in ways that may allow them to reunite from a place of deeper readiness.

The Hidden Communication Theory

“Show me how to fight for now, and I’ll tell you, baby, it was easy…”

Another possibility? They’re responding to each other in code. Not necessarily literally but emotionally, symbolically. When public closeness is restricted, mirroring becomes a subtle way of communicating. We’ve noticed it: Songs and words posted on one side, echoed emotions on the other. Softness on red carpets. Thoughtful timing. The silence speaks. Perhaps the mirroring isn’t just unconscious, they’re aware of what they’re doing. They’re offering a kind of silent reassurance. It’s not for the world. It’s for each other. Like sending smoke signals across the hills.

The Emotional Residue Theory

“Aren’t you something to admire, cause your shine is something like a mirror…”

This theory suggests they were once romantically, spiritually emotionally involved maybe deeply and that connection left a lasting imprint. Even if they’ve moved into new relationships or directions, the energetic blueprint remains. Like twin stars that once orbited the same system, their movements still reflect each other. That could explain why their energy still shifts in sync, even when they aren’t seen together.

We see it in matching moods, parallel themes in interviews, or social posts that seem emotionally in conversation with each other. It’s not staged. It’s not necessarily conscious. It’s just... resonance. Still flickering under the surface.

The Timing Mismatch Theory

They did feel something real during filming. Maybe it was love, or the seed of it. But the timing wasn't right. One or both of them were emotionally unavailable or focused on their careers. So, they made a choice: to preserve the friendship or leave the connection undefined for now. But real feelings like that don’t vanish, they pause. Maybe what we witnessed was a beginning that hasn't found its middle yet.

The Private Pact Theory

They are or were together but chose early on to keep it under wraps due to personal values, family privacy, or career strategy. They may have separated quietly or are still quietly present in each other’s lives. A “soft pause” rather than a breakup. In this theory, the heart of their bond is intact, but they're not making it public and perhaps never will.

The Image Management Theory

There may have been (or still are) real contractual or PR-related factors shaping how Luke and Nicola appear to the public. Whether it’s brand deals, Netflix strategy, or other alignments, what we see might be curated. In this reading, current public appearances don’t necessarily reflect emotional truth. And in time, the curtain may drop.

The Emotional Delay Theory

They’ve both felt the pull but haven’t acted on it romantically yet. Maybe they're still figuring it out. Maybe the weight of fan attention actually made them more cautious. The myth of Lukola grew so big, so fast it’s possible they needed to step back and ask themselves what’s real and what’s projection. And they might still be doing that, privately, in their own way.

The Red Herring Theory

The current relationships are real, but they might not be permanent. Like many in adulthood, these could be stepping-stone relationships. Good people, good timing, but not the person. This theory doesn’t deny Nicola’s or Luke’s perceived happiness now it just holds space for change. Not everything we see today is forever.

What can we make of this? I don’t know why things turned out this way, but it's clear they want us to perceive their relationships as they show now, and they choose to identify as friends. While I trust what I saw, which seemed more than friendship, and I’m pretty sure that it clearly went beyond that at one point. Their chemistry was unique and their comfort with each other exceeded professional norms. Their emotional mirroring suggests a deep personal bond. There is logic in seeing something special and reason behind our intuition. We recognized something genuine, even if the full truth isn’t public. Because we heard the truth even when it wore a costume. The connection between Luke and Nicola was real enough, consistent enough, and alive enough that it didn’t need "proof." It was evident in their eyes, their body language, their protective instincts toward one another, the ways they looked for each other, comforted each other, shielded each other especially during the most intense times and in spring and early summer 2024. After that, it’s unclear and very much complicated, because life happens, perhaps they couldn’t say it clearly or weren’t ready. Timing and life might have played a role, circumstances shift, private decisions are made, and public appearances aren't always faithful reflections of private truths, still the authenticity of what existed between them does not vanish

I know what I saw. I know what it meant. I honor it, I cherish it, but I also release it into the hands of time. Whatever is real will remain real. I trust that truth does not need my control to survive.

Some truths belong to the people living them, and it is enough for me to know that, once, something extraordinary touched the world and I was lucky enough to recognize it.

We are not lost. We are not adrift. We are simply moving with the quiet rhythm of time, believing that what was true once, still hums beneath the surface. No matter how silent the water grows, we remain aboard, steadfast, at peace. Sailing not with noise or force, but with the quiet, elegant grace of knowing: the heart remembers. And that is enough.

I will not abandon this ship. I will step back a little for now, not out of disbelief, but out of love and to show some respect and put less pressure on them. Out of trust in time, in life, and in the freedom of hearts to follow their true paths.

Whatever was real will always be real. We’ve seen their true colors. And they’re beautiful.

If all things in time, time will reveal. And we’ll be back on.

Remember this⚓

[bangtanhoesthings]

I saw a comment somewhere that said " I believe Jikook are really together and they will live their truth out loud once they come out of the military.''

Let me put my tin foil hat on and accept the "togetherness" beyond all reasonable doubt for the sake of this argument .

Do I think they would?

Hmm, maybe but probably not.

Let me explain.

I lived in Korea for 14 months whilst getting my Masters. That country is very conservative. I tend to tell my friends that technologically and developmentally, they are leaps and bounds above most countries. But culturally and societal wise, most of Korea is still in the 1950s.

Looking at Korea through the lens of kpop and also kdramas makes people think it's an accepting society. Watching your fave male idols wear skirts, blush, pink, dangle earrings does nothing for the actual LGBTQ rights on the ground. Absolutely nothing. Queer people in South Korea face prejudice, discrimination, and other barriers to social inclusion, the worst among the countries in the developed world. Just a few weeks ago, over 200K Christians took to the streets to protest the anti-discrimination law which among other things would have been a positive step for queer rights.

In a country that's highly unaccepting of things that are different, coming out can put your life and safety at risk and is not advisable.

Would idols from a big group like BTS coming out be a positive thing for the 🌈 movement in SK? Of course. But it would still be an uphill battle and the toll it would take on their mental health is unimaginable.

What I am trying to say is, put your expectations at zero. Because the reality is if any of the members of BTS are LGBTQ, they may never come out and that's okay. They don't owe anyone that. The way society doesn't expect straight people to come out, is the same way it should stop expecting queer people to as well.

I am bisexual and I live in a country where being queer is a criminal offence. I could be arrested and put in prison. I have made peace with the fact that I will never come out, I probably never will be with a woman either. It breaks my heart but that's my reality. Jikook reality is not as extreme as mine, but sometimes the court of public opinion can be just as brutal.

All in all, I believe in living life on your own terms, whatever that looks like. Whether it's taking the risk-jumping off a cliff and learning how to fly in the process. Or taking the safer route and choosing not to jump at all. As long as you are happy, I am happy for you.

I think this grace should be extended to these men, whatever their orientation may be. BTS have made history by paving the way in some circles, this 🌈 may be one of the doors they decide to open for idols someday. Or it is just as likely we may never know, and that's ok. It's none of our business anyway.

Peace and love.

[sexymemecoin]

The Rise of DeFi: Revolutionizing the Financial Landscape

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has emerged as one of the most transformative sectors within the cryptocurrency industry. By leveraging blockchain technology, DeFi aims to recreate and improve upon traditional financial systems, offering a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem. This article explores the fundamental aspects of DeFi, its key components, benefits, challenges, and notable projects, including a brief mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

What is DeFi?

DeFi stands for Decentralized Finance, a movement that utilizes blockchain technology to build an open and permissionless financial system. Unlike traditional financial systems that rely on centralized intermediaries like banks and brokerages, DeFi operates on decentralized networks, allowing users to interact directly with financial services. This decentralization is achieved through smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.

Key Components of DeFi

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): DEXs allow users to trade cryptocurrencies directly with one another without the need for a central authority. Platforms like Uniswap, SushiSwap, and PancakeSwap have gained popularity for their ability to provide liquidity and facilitate peer-to-peer trading.

Lending and Borrowing Platforms: DeFi lending platforms like Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO enable users to lend their assets to earn interest or borrow assets by providing collateral. These platforms use smart contracts to automate the lending process, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Stablecoins: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies to reduce volatility. They are crucial for DeFi as they provide a stable medium of exchange and store of value. Popular stablecoins include Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Dai (DAI).

Yield Farming and Liquidity Mining: Yield farming involves providing liquidity to DeFi protocols in exchange for rewards, often in the form of additional tokens. Liquidity mining is a similar concept where users earn rewards for providing liquidity to specific pools. These practices incentivize participation and enhance liquidity within the DeFi ecosystem.

Insurance Protocols: DeFi insurance protocols like Nexus Mutual and Cover Protocol offer coverage against risks such as smart contract failures and hacks. These platforms aim to provide users with security and peace of mind when engaging with DeFi services.

Benefits of DeFi

Financial Inclusion: DeFi opens up access to financial services for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure. Anyone with an internet connection can participate in DeFi, democratizing access to financial services.

Transparency and Trust: DeFi operates on public blockchains, providing transparency for all transactions. This transparency reduces the need for trust in intermediaries and allows users to verify and audit transactions independently.

Efficiency and Speed: DeFi eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing the speed of transactions. Smart contracts automate processes that would typically require manual intervention, enhancing efficiency.

Innovation and Flexibility: The open-source nature of DeFi allows developers to innovate and build new financial products and services. This continuous innovation leads to the creation of diverse and flexible financial instruments.

Challenges Facing DeFi

Security Risks: DeFi platforms are susceptible to hacks, bugs, and vulnerabilities in smart contracts. High-profile incidents, such as the DAO hack and the recent exploits on various DeFi platforms, highlight the need for robust security measures.

Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory environment for DeFi is still evolving, with governments and regulators grappling with how to address the unique challenges posed by decentralized financial systems. This uncertainty can impact the growth and adoption of DeFi.

Scalability: DeFi platforms often face scalability issues, particularly on congested blockchain networks like Ethereum. High gas fees and slow transaction times can hinder the user experience and limit the scalability of DeFi applications.

Complexity and Usability: DeFi platforms can be complex and challenging for newcomers to navigate. Improving user interfaces and providing educational resources are crucial for broader adoption.

Notable DeFi Projects

Uniswap (UNI): Uniswap is a leading decentralized exchange that allows users to trade ERC-20 tokens directly from their wallets. Its automated market maker (AMM) model has revolutionized the way liquidity is provided and traded in the DeFi space.

Aave (AAVE): Aave is a decentralized lending and borrowing platform that offers unique features such as flash loans and rate switching. It has become one of the largest and most innovative DeFi protocols.

MakerDAO (MKR): MakerDAO is the protocol behind the Dai stablecoin, a decentralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. MakerDAO allows users to create Dai by collateralizing their assets, providing stability and liquidity to the DeFi ecosystem.

Compound (COMP): Compound is another leading DeFi lending platform that enables users to earn interest on their cryptocurrencies or borrow assets against collateral. Its governance token, COMP, allows users to participate in protocol governance.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): While primarily known as a meme coin, Sexy Meme Coin has integrated DeFi features, including a decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and trading memes as NFTs. This unique blend of humor and finance adds a distinct flavor to the DeFi landscape. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

The Future of DeFi

The future of DeFi looks promising, with continuous innovation and growing adoption. As blockchain technology advances and scalability solutions are implemented, DeFi has the potential to disrupt traditional financial systems further. Regulatory clarity and improved security measures will be crucial for the sustainable growth of the DeFi ecosystem.

DeFi is likely to continue attracting attention from both retail and institutional investors, driving further development and integration of decentralized financial services. The flexibility and inclusivity offered by DeFi make it a compelling alternative to traditional finance, paving the way for a more open and accessible financial future.

Conclusion

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) represents a significant shift in the financial landscape, leveraging blockchain technology to create a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient financial system. Despite the challenges, the benefits of DeFi and its continuous innovation make it a transformative force in the world of finance. Notable projects like Uniswap, Aave, and MakerDAO, along with unique contributions from meme coins like Sexy Meme Coin, demonstrate the diverse and dynamic nature of the DeFi ecosystem.

For those interested in exploring the playful and innovative side of DeFi, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to learn more and join the community.

[fadetouchedsilk]

gonna select a few moments from the ama that had me '????' let's go

okay so knowing this i do have to wonder Why they still kept the lof in the final product because it is so unbalanced? i understand every faction not being 1:1 in terms of inclusion, but compared to the crows or wardens the difference is really apparent

??? we can still like. get into arguments with people while working towards the same goal lmao. in fact in a world-ending situation i'd argue that you'd probably see it at a higher frequency than usual due to stress.

sorry this one makes me mad lmfao. so you're telling me the player character got shafted here in favour of Party Banter At The Lighthouse??? a lot of which you can apparently hear outside the lighthouse too? (i am not convinced anyone was actually concerned with rook as a character in the writer's room)

is the onboarding process in the room with us right now? i must have more gaps in my memory than i realize, because as far as i recall the 'onboarding' for previous games consisted of a couple options for a bioware-assigned worldstate, or the choice to import from the keep. read the summary. that's the onboarding.

given the Rough Draft state of the writing in general i just don't buy this as a reason. tbh. i think it would be different If there were a post-decision debriefing conversation with him (at the Bare Minimum) but since apparently dialogue wheels + walking were beyond the capabilities of frostbite, we didn't get that.

i won't even lie i thought about this as i played lmfao i don't actually think we have enough to avoid bad genetics here (pool of at least 50 i think??) looking forward to the french bulldogs of griffons in the coming decades

with peace and love this studio is Not to be trusted with more qunari content in the immediate future unless we start to fix a lot of racist tendencies real fast

don't hold your breath (it gets stated multiple times that there's no dlc plans period) but blood mage was on the table, unfortunate it didn't get implemented but add that to the stack of missed opportunities ig

[watisthisifnotthat]

Lilith in the 2nd House. Lilith in Taurus.

Everybody should read about this Earth placement. Literally relates to us all. Long post 💕📫

- Quickest shoutout in the post, tagged -

@nayatarot777 is one of the top posts for Lilith in the 2ndH/Taurus. For good reason. They're one of the only posts that actually condense the experience outside of perceptions based on materialism instead of comfort.

Instead of shallowness, there's an authentic view of stability. Growth, development and prosperity instead of exploitation.

This placement manifests itself pretty early in life and prevails it's affects rather and furthermore. The fundaments of the house of Taurus unfold from harvest, spring and the employment of sustainability.

In a world where the nutrition of a person requires health and well-being, to prevail in the BALANCE of these priorities can be resisted against to the point of antagonisation depending on one's own personal coodinance for health and well-being.

Based on environmental climates, economical climates and the means of cultivation this is where we see what the Lilith in 2nd/Taurus projects and is projected against.

Down to puberty and how a women's body develops. The relationship with family and outsiders placing boundaries on their expression of DRESSING due to sexist expectations for modesty and conservatism. Or their modernity and freedom of external expression used against them to EXPECT sexuality or promiscuity.

The presence and accumulations of projections, expectations and frustrations can lead to internalisation if other placements or factors of upbringing didn't sustain a healthy sense of authentic self-esteem. They can be influenced to place themselves within their own discomfort for a limiting and dysfunctional sense of safety and inclusion.

Perhaps not realising they are enabling the conditioning of somebody else's low regard of that person's own worth, self-care and self-love within themselves as the Lilith in 2nd/Taurus. Herein, they are projecting against themselves.

This placement embodies the natural process for all beings to live and thrive with ease and betterment. Chaos and negativity always arrive, yet the native person's inclination for grounding and self-fulfillment aren't broadly recognised as a formulation for endurance. With this placement, the native finds themselves as the springboard for the inequity of socioeconomic factors.

It is a touchy subject, a sensitive topic in which effects everybody. Yet when a native's own self belief aligns with their prospects and goals, a peacefulness and self-confidence will arise for who they are, helping them facilitate what they want to be and who they will be helping without intrusive and confining ideas for their OWN LIFE.

Taurus is an Earth Sign, ruled by the planet of all types love and money Venus. The 2nd house is our space, environment and materialsss. With respect, the native must cultivate these ideas without shame and with encouragement for themselves and to others. To question other people's shame for appointing such limitation to the society around us.

There is no greed in fulfilling yourself. There is no conflict in maintaining well-being, health and care. Why shouldn't we enjoy the fruits of our planet AND contribute back to our surroundings THRU our investments. We all make markets move, let us not create strife for basic needs, evolutionary pursuits of our sustenance and indulge harmonically.

To each their own! C'EST LA VIE. In whatever way, to be oppositional in the matters of this placement does not matter. Comme-ci, comme-ca! Let live and let go, be respectful. Love, love, love yourself. ❤️

[queertranshappiness]

A Message To Anyone Who Needs It

An essay of support for any queer youth or people who need it.

(Word count: 1.8k, Reading Time: ~10 minutes. CW: transphobia mentions, however, this does have a hopeful ending.)

Hey there.

To anyone who needs it. Wherever you are, whoever you are. However you identify, whatever name you use, whatever pronouns you use. I have some things to tell you.

It feels like the world is on fire again. Maybe to you, it always feels like that. You’re scared of another attack, of what might happen next. Maybe you’re scared of what bullies or teachers will tell you. Maybe you’re scared of politicians attacking your rights. Maybe you’re scared of how your family might react to your identity. Maybe you’re scared about exploring yourself, scared of what might happen. 

To begin with, I want to tell you that there is nothing wrong with you. You, and your identity, are not the reason for these fears you have to carry on your shoulders. It is not your fault the world can be like this. It is society’s fault for allowing misinformation and hate to breed, and the fault of those spreading it. These people do not define you, or your worth, or your rights. You have a right to be treated like any other child or young person. You have a right to freedom, to self expression. To the healthcare you want and need, to play the sports you love however is most affirming for you. To learn in a safe and inclusive environment, to see your story in people who have gone before, and to pee in peace. In short: to be yourself, in every way possible. 

The people attacking these precious things, no matter how loud they seem, do not represent most people in your country, your city or town, and the world. Most people are kind, and seek to let gender diverse people of all sorts live in peace. It is a minority, who are screaming at the tops of their lungs, as they know they have nothing behind their hateful rhetoric. They are standing on towers of cards that are finally beginning to fall in, and it is their death screams we are hearing. That is not to disregard the damage they are causing in the moment, it hurts, and it is disgusting what they are doing to innocent people like you. However, we are stronger than them, and we always have been.

There have been queer and genderqueer people in all of humanity’s history. From the myths of Mesopotamia through to queer characters in modern shows, for thousands of years we have existed, fought to be ourselves, and thrived. You might feel alone, and not have anyone to look up to who is like you, or feel like you’re the only one like this. However, you are never alone. There’s been many times where I have had to be the brave one, stand up and tell the room who I was… and I found others like me in the process. It is scary, but you have so much power in becoming who you are. Never forget that. You being yourself, and being the best person you can be, inspires so many people, in ways you can’t even see or count.

You might be scared now, not sure where to go… but I promise you, someday, you will be looking back and be so proud of your younger self. However, you have to be there to see it happen, and so, I ask you to do one thing for me. No matter what happens, no matter who you meet, who you are, or whatever a politician decides to throw at you… hold on, as tight as you can. It is hard, and it can be painful, right now. But there is strength in the small things. Find the music that makes you feel heard. Find the stories that make you go ‘wait… there’s an adult like me out there?’. Find the people that light up your face, and give you courage and love when you need it. Use whatever labels you want, if you find them helpful. Don’t use any, if you want. Use whatever pronouns make you happy, whether they be a single set, a combination, or a big list of neopronouns that make you feel good. Name yourself however you want, it can be as similar to your old name or as different to it as you want. The most important thing is that it makes you happy, and that is the thing to prioritise. Don’t let someone else’s misinformed hatred decide who you are. By figuring out what makes you happy, you are taking a stand and telling them: ‘No! You will not define who I am, I am here, and I am myself, and no one else will decide that for me!’. There is more strength in that than you will ever realise, as by doing that… you might inspire someone else to learn about something new, or try something new they’ve been meaning to try for ages, but didn’t know how to begin with.

You are some of the greatest and strongest people I have ever known. You inspire us every day to keep on going and fighting for ourselves, you, and those we love, and we will never ever stop. Even on the dark days when it feels like the world hates you, you have millions of people fighting for you, your life, and your happiness. In your school and community, in your city, and in your country, there are people just like you and people who love you and support you, even if you haven’t met them yet. There is no one way to be a trans person. We all have different experiences, we’re all of different backgrounds, and we are all here together for you. I am sure there is another person like you, out there, living the best way they can, and thriving despite the world. You will find them. Alongside that, you will find your chosen family, the people that help you become the person who you’ve always known you’ve wanted to be. When you’re scared, terrified or panicked, we will reach out for your hands and pull you back up. We will restore your courage and your love. We are fighting with all we’ve got to make sure that you will have a happy life, and we won’t stop until everyone gets the happiness that they deserve.

There is, and will be, more to your story than broken systems, oppression, and hateful politicians. There will be friendship, there will be song, there will be the solidarity the community showed you when you needed it. There will be the times when you stood up for someone in need, the power of existing beyond what other people dream of… and most importantly, even if it doesn’t feel like it now… there will be joy. There will be hope. There will, someday, be a better future. In the long term… this is a political bubble. These politicians and hateful people are the last of their generation, and they will fail. Because no matter how loud they are… in the words of a friend of mine, it comes from them being empty cans. There is more of us out there who love you, honour you, and believe in your truth, your happiness, and your lives. And unlike them, we have a reason to fight… and we will win.

Another thing you can do is to try act out of hope, and not out of despair. We naturally, as people, run away from fear and negativity. What would it look like instead if we framed our transitions, and our journeys, not just in that way but in life in general… as going towards joy? Imagine, even if it’s just for a second, your ideal world. Who would you be? What would you look like, if you had everything you wanted? Who would you love, in whatever ways come to you? What would people be like? What would you do day to day? Hold that image in your mind. That is dreaming of a better future, and it is incredibly powerful. The people screaming transphobic rhetoric don’t want you to be able to do that, but they can never take it away from you, no matter what they do. With that world in mind, what’s something you can do, right in this moment, to make that world closer? Something to make the world a bit better, or a bit more free, or to make yourself a little bit happier. Whatever it is, go out and do it, to the best of your ability. Whether that be to do something kind, research a new label, try a new pronoun set, try out a new hobby, make art, or just rest and have a good sleep. You have done something against the oppression of the moment, by daring to believe in yourself when they don’t want you to. Be proud of that, and do it over and over again, whenever you can. This power is hope, and it will never be defeated, no matter what happens. Next time you’re scared, try act towards who you want to be, and the world you want to see, rather than because of the pain of the present. It is much more sustainable, and you will go far with it.

Finally, always remember that you are loved, and you are valued. You are the only person on this earth who can experience life in the way that you do. Every day you wake up and choose life is a victory. You are allowed to be human, to make mistakes, and try new things. There is nothing wrong with who you are, how you feel, or what you dream of. The most important things are letting yourself be, not hurting others, and fixing your mistakes. Your best will always be enough, and remember to rest. Love as hard as you can, both those you love and yourself. Take time to yourself in all that you do, and do the best you can do, in the ways that are right for you and your situation. It is not your fault the world can be so dark as it feels like it is, and someday, it will get better. To get us there, never give up hope. Keep on dreaming of the world you want and the world you know can happen, and do anything you can to bring it closer. No matter what, live on, so you can be there for those better days, even if it’s just the smallest thing getting a tiny bit easier. That is a victory, and you deserve to celebrate it. Celebrate yourself and celebrate your joy. It is a long road… but you’ve got plenty of time to make it to that world, and as long as you don’t give up… victory will come.

[arkipelagic]

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 10 December) – The Bangsamoro Parliament unanimously approved the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act (BIPA) of 2024 on its third and final reading during a special session on Tuesday, according to a press release from the regional legislative body’s Publication and Media Relations Division.

The law, which was passed with 63 votes in favor, zero against, and no abstentions, “has been recognized as a historic success in the region’s ongoing peace process and commitment to inclusive governance.”

BIPA recognizes the IP’s ownership over their ancestral domains, referred to as fusaka ing��d, and natural resources in these territories.

The press release quoted Ramon Piang, chair of the committee on Indigenous Peoples affairs as saying that the BIPA is an enhanced version of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, “specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Bangsamoro’s indigenous population.”

Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) include the non-Moro IPs (Téduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, Erumanun Ne Menuvu, Higaonon, B’laan), and the Badjao, Sama Dilaut, Jama Mapun, Sama Bangingi, and Sama Pangutaran in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The Supreme Court, however, has ruled with finality on Sulu’s removal from BARMM. (MindaNews)

[reasonsforhope]

"After its first-ever left-wing presidential administration took charge of negotiating permanent peace with the socialist FARC rebels, Colombia’s forests are feeling the effects with a 26% reduction in deforestation in the conflict areas.

These dense, biodiverse rainforests that are a part of the Amazon in places, and independent of it in others, have been one of the many victims of the country’s civil war.

However, President Gustavo Petro is conducting peace negotiations that put the environment first with around 20 splinter factions of the FARC guerillas, who have responded positively.

De-facto leadership in the conflict areas in the forested state of Gauviare has instituted its own deforestation moratorium, and an estimated 50,000 hectares of rainforest have been saved as a result.

“This is really dramatic,” conservationist Rodrigo Botero told The Guardian. “It’s the highest reduction in deforestation and forest fires that there has been in two decades.”

The Guardian recently covered these peace negotiations alongside a delegation from Norway which included that country’s environment minister, Espen Barth Eide.

“What I’m hearing, seeing, and feeling in these meetings is that there is an enhanced understanding that you cannot build a new Colombia on the basis of the further deterioration of nature, so you have to find an economic, social, political, inclusive process that is more respectful towards nature than before,” Barth told the English paper.

Often flying under the radar when compared to its neighbor Brazil, Colombia is the second-most biodiverse country on Earth, and the most biodiverse in terms of bird life.

It’s the 25th-highest country in the world for Forest Integrity Index score (8.26) and boasts twice as many square miles of highly-intact forest than of poorly-intact forest, almost all of which resides in the conflicted states of Amazonia, Caquetá, and Putumayo.

If the Petro government can really put the brakes on the conversion of forests into pastureland for cattle, it would be helping to save one of the most valuable tropical forest ecosystems on Earth."

-via Good News Network, 7/14/23