#Received/Responded 19 February 2024 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

gumjrop · 4 months

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The Weather

More than half of all US states remain at high to very high levels of SARS-CoV-2 detected in wastewater since January 25, 2024. As more people face reinfections, COVID remains a serious disease and we recommend that you continue to take precautions as the risk for infection is high at this time.

Although wastewater levels have dropped for multiple US regions, wastewater levels in the South have climbed higher than we’ve seen for any region this season and are currently the second highest peak we’ve experienced in the duration of the pandemic. This is a particularly concerning rebound as at the beginning of the year, Southern levels were experiencing a sharp decline. CDC’s national and regional wastewater data over time also show high levels nationally. As a reminder, the last two weeks are provisional data, indicated by a gray shaded area on the graph, therefore these values may change as additional wastewater sites report data. We want to remind you that multiple layers of precautions will protect against a COVID infection.

Wins

We thank many of you this week for joining us and in signing on with our letter to the ACLU regarding the actions taken by the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) that previously weakened already insufficient protocols employed within healthcare settings. We had many concerns with the actions taken by HICPAC. As a result of your actions, as well as support by many of our allies at previous HICPAC meetings, the CDC responded on January 23, 2024, with a request to consider clarification questions in distinguishing masks and N95 respirators. The CDC asked HICPAC to consider these questions prior to submission to the Federal Register for more public comment. This success demonstrates the importance of working together and holding the CDC accountable for ensuring safe healthcare settings for all patients and healthcare workers. You may also submit an additional comment or a reply to the CDC’s official response to HICPAC at the bottom of the news release.

As many healthcare systems and public health departments have restored masking in healthcare settings only when facing public pressure, without further action this important measure may not last. We ask you to support national and local groups to advocate for everyone’s safety in maintaining universal masking in all healthcare and healthcare-like settings. Universal masking can become a standard of preventative care rather than a short term response to infectious disease already surging.

Variants

JN.1 remains the dominant variant in the United States, and is approximately 93.1% of circulating variants as of 2/3/2024. HV.1 drops even further to 2.3%, and all other variants are estimated to make up less than 2% each. The updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccines updated with the XBB.1.5 variant were recently shown by a MMWR report to be at least 49% to 60% effective against symptomatic infections during the Fall season, from late September 2023 to mid-January 2024. By ensuring additional precautions including testing, masking, ventilation, and air filtration, the additive effect will ensure a higher effectiveness.

Vaccine uptake remains limited with only 21.8% of adults and 11.6% of children receiving the updated COVID vaccine as of 2/02/24. The Bridge Program remains available for those underinsured or without insurance for no-cost access to these vaccines.

Hospitalizations

A downward trend continues with new hospital admissions, currently at 22,636 the week of January 27, 2024. We still do not know the total number of hospital-acquired infections, since reporting over these numbers was halted in May of 2023. Despite this decrease in new hospital admissions, please consider that wastewater levels are still high nationwide, and that hospitalization does not reflect the current amount of circulating virus. Please continue to exercise caution and wear a well-fitting respirator indoors.

Testing and Treatment

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID) found that SARS-CoV-2 viral load peaks around the fourth day of symptom onset. This may suggest why tests do not seem to be picking up positive cases early on. This does not mean that transmission is unlikely prior to the fourth day of symptoms, but rather, one should continue to employ serial testing and isolation measures beyond the first few days of illness. If you have tested negative on day one or two with a rapid antigen test (RAT), you may still have a COVID infection, unless you test negative on day four or five with a RAT.

Because of a lack of RAT sensitivity, people may mistakenly believe they do not have COVID, and both enter isolation too late and exit isolation prematurely, leading to increased transmission within the population. For this reason, it is important to wear a high quality respirator at the onset of COVID-like symptoms, regardless of a negative test. We must demand for more sensitive testing and no-cost access to better tests (such as PCR), as well as an infrastructure that allows for longer sick leave and sick-time pay. At this time, limited testing options remain at no cost including the Test to Treat program and Walgreens PCR program as well as treatment options including the no cost antiviral program operated by Pfizer and supported by Health and Human Services. Remember to check for regional offerings as well such as the “Express Testing” PCR program in New York City, which could be more accessible to you.

Vaccines

On February 1, the CDC published in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) that the most recently updated monovalent XBB.1.5 booster offered 54% increased protection against symptomatic (self-reported) COVID. Note, the study was limited as it did not evaluate the effectiveness against asymptomatic COVID cases. The CDC recommends that all individuals older than 6 months of age should receive the updated vaccine. If you have not yet received your vaccine, please do so.

Current updated vaccines being somewhat effective against symptomatic acute infection is not enough, and we should demand for sterilizing immunity of COVID through vaccines. Intranasal vaccines, which may induce a more robust mucosal immunity based on animal models, seem to be in the pipeline. However, it is unclear whether production of such vaccines is receiving appropriate funding or will be available to the public anytime soon.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is having a meeting on February 28-29th and COVID vaccines will be on the agenda. We will be sending information on a request for actions in the coming few weeks on how to participate in ensuring the CDC takes appropriate steps to protect the public from ongoing COVID infections.

Take Action

Further research and investment is needed for effective treatments against Long COVID. PCORI, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, is seeking individuals to represent patient voices on their advisory panels. This is an invaluable opportunity to advocate for Long COVID research as this research and funding organization has an annual budget of nearly 300 million dollars for medical research. Applications are due March 29, 2024 and those selected to be on their advisory panels can participate virtually. Lending your voice to this is invaluable.

We must also ensure constant access to no or low cost high quality masks and respirators. Request that the federal government ensure that there remains ongoing local manufacturing of high quality masks and N95 respirators to prevent a future shortage by contacting your representatives.

Many people rely on pulse oximeters in healthcare and at-home settings as a medical device to check blood-oxygen levels during an active COVID infection and recovery. For several decades, it has been established that these medical devices have failed to measure accurately when used with darker skin color. In response, a recent lawsuit has been filed against 12 manufacturers. In addition, the FDA is currently seeking comments through the Federal Register on this matter. We ask you to submit a public comment asking the FDA to act immediately and ensure future pulse oximeters are properly manufactured to support all people.

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foundationhq · 3 months

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DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 23. Various classified times.

DECLASSIFIED DETAILS: The MTF Chi-00 team meets in the 2F of the Site-φ Base of Operations for their first, great challenge: mandatory workplace introductions. Beyond that, it's a simple week of getting to know their surroundings and hopefully, starting to acclimatize into their new lives.

FOR PLAYERS: 𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑖. 𝑐ℎ. 𝑖. (𝒅𝒊𝒔)𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 is live FEB. 19 - FEB. 29, 2024. FoundationHQ is now open for interactions! Regular activity requirements will commence today. In our game, players “play at the their own pace,” meaning all that is mandatory for event participation is the STORY BEAT. Other topics and activities listed in SIDE STORIES are recommended to get a fuller game experience, but not required to progress the mainline plot. Free free to use them for jumping off points in starters, threads, self-paras, etc.! Respond as you see fit, and have fun! And watch the world respond to you.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

UPDATE. ²⁰²⁴ MARCH 1: EVENT EXTENDED TO MARCH 11, 2024.

STORY BEAT; 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.

You arise, the sun waking up with you over the strips of gray haze that curtain its brilliance. The wan daybreak lights the interior of your new home for the next three-hundred sixty-five days. It is empty, just like your head. Since the flight into Site-φ, intense brain fog has rolled in and settled deep in the recesses of your mind, nesting.

Like a cuckoo child, a parasite, this sense of a waking dream lodges itself in your higher cerebral reasoning, immobilizing any mental processes until you get a sip of water, a smidgeon of coffee, or tea... Then and only then, your thoughts unfurl, leaving behind wrinkled, indecipherable reminders and memories of what you did last night before sleep overtook you.

The alarm rings, and the bedside clock rattles, hopping between its two stick feet. You’re all dressed and ready to go. You don’t remember washing or putting on your clothes. Whose face did you see in the mirror?

A gunmetal pearl Jeep Wrangler Sport, the car the ombudsmen said would come to pick you up, creeps into view, rolling onto the driveway of the resident building. You depart, wanting to arrive on time. Inside, the Captain of the Security Team, Junichi Kato, greets you with a broad, gap-toothed grin. Although the ride is pleasant, you cannot harken any of the captain's live commentary. Your stomach churns as the jeep races through the grayed landscape towards Site-φ’s principal base: a massive colossus of concrete and metal.

“Great chat, by the way!” The Captain chuckles as he helps you out. It’s cheery. There’s no hint of sarcasm or a single blister on the man’s ego. Therefore, the bright-eyed sincerity is worse; do you tell Captain Kato you recall nothing?

After check-ins in the lobby and passing through checkpoint screenings — standard security measures, every seasoned employee of the Foundation knows this — you receive your modified pager and a temporary Level 0 Clearance keycard. According to the secretary, the photographer rejected the headshot you sent earlier before your arrival. They wish to schedule a private photo shoot with you later in the week to capture the “essence” of Standardized Employee Identification Cards. As you mull over what that could possibly mean, the elevator dings.

The second floor. The office space bears signs of recent remodeling, showing that it’s cleared out and set up for MTF Chi-00, also known as “The Broken Scales of Themis,” also known as your team. Across the hall is a large conference room with glass walls. Someone has drawn the blinds. A man is already sitting inside — legs crossed, elbow propped on his knee, and chin rested in the palm of his right hand — and he fixes his gaze straight at you.

Logic kicks in; it must be your new commander. Dark eyes track you as you continue to move forward. You pause near the door. Waiting, waiting. Come on, get a move on. Your will, that quiet but ardent nudge inside you, propels you forward.

You enter the glass-walled room, and the bearded man stands up to shake your hand. He says, “Mornin’,” his tone is raspy but unexpectedly soft and polite compared to his casual attire and gruff appearance. The commander gestures for you to sit, and you find one suitable.

It’s silent but tense; the Commander looks downright bored. You feel it, the heavy fruit of compulsory small talk dropping — then the door opens again. Another welcome. Wash and repeat. The seats fill with bodies, mouths exchange hellos, and eyes start to scout and hide amongst the ranks. Some steeled, armed glares promising retaliation; some wobbly, seeking a guardrail; sixteen pairs orient themselves to the lone man standing, who steps forward.

“Well... Guess I’ll go first.”

📌 OOC REQUIREMENTS!

⒈ Post an in-character introduction to the team, no minimum or maximum word limit. This will be your character's first impression to the team! Have fun and format it however you'd like. Dialogue, script, narration, what have you! ⒉ React to others' in-character intros; how does your muse feel hearing their introductions? Players may respond directly to other's tumblr posts via the reply feature, via reblog for a longer form response, send a smoke signal (...maybe not the last one...), and there is no word limit. For these reactions, even one-liners and gif reactions are allowed! Three (3) reactions are mandatory to pass this event check. If you'd like to react to all the muses (we highly suggest doing one-liners, you wacky animal!), special subplots may be unlocked for your muse.

📍 If all muses receive at least three (3) reactions within the event, a huge bonus will be unlocked for the first mission for all members.

SIDE STORIES.

Based on the results of the group's discord theories regarding our first event preview, some side stories have been declassified. Good job, everyone! And there are some side stories which are yet to be discovered by you. Even if some events are “classified,” we hope that our players take a leap of faith and go for what interests them the most! Who knows where that rabbit hole leads...

𝐼𝐶 𝐴𝐶𝑇𝐼𝑉𝐼𝑇𝐼𝐸𝑆, 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑁𝑇𝑆, & 𝐼𝑁𝑇𝐸𝑅𝐴𝐶𝑇𝐼𝑉𝐸𝑆.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟏𝟗

INTRODUCTIONS; the members of themis introduce one another, some meeting for the first time, others shying away from too-familiar faces. after first impressions, where does everyone stand with each other?

PHOTO OP; the site photographer would like to take a photo of your muse for their employee identification card at site-φ. it is highly recommended, or you'll be carting around a level 0 clearance card all throughout the base, which may affect access. 📍 players are recommended to either dm or submit photos if they'd like a personalized graphic as well! a sample ID will be posted on the FHQ DISCORD.

TOUR OF THE FLOORS; HR has appointed ombudsperson A.J. to take the themis members on individual and group tours of the main base facilities. the mtf chi-00 team are shown the above ground floors, as well as the basement floors B1F-4F. 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 has access to B5F+, and peeked at B6-7F. 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 has been briefed on B7F's current persons of interest. notably, the guided tour does not enter any of the current containment floors.

RECEIVE YOUR PAGER & WELCOME PACKET. at the end of the day, you receive your pager, your means of remote communications throughout the site. every pager is fitted to be functional anywhere on the mountain, with message storage and also the ability to assign contact names. although it is a secure private communication for staff in the area, be mindful, pager messages can be traced. with your pager, you also get a small welcome basket comprising of a tiny plastic house plant of your choice, a site-φ stationary kit (notebook, writing tools, a small protractor), a bag of authentic german pretzel chips, and an all-you-can-brunch site-φ cafeteria buffet ticket.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟎

THE LAKESIDE; 11:48 AM - 6:21 PM. the crater lake is temperate at this time of year. it is temperate every time of the year. the water is great. come on in. [𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙵𝙸𝙴𝙳]

LAB APPOINTMENTS; there are empty lab rooms within the main base for themis' researchers to conduct their own experiments — related to their current work, right? — that can be booked through the head of research at site-φ. just let them know what you intend to research, and immediately jump the line of the other scientists at the site who've been working for their independent lab space all their lives. some themis researchers, depending on their prestige, may be given a full team of lab assistants to aid in their noble pursuit to secure, contain, and protect.

SCiPNET LOGIN SETUP; for those who haven't been in the foundation long, or have avoided the online access terminal, they will be placed in a short seminar to establish and update their SCiPNET logins. SCiPNET is the main mode of sending emails, consulting the database on SCPs, and accessing sensitive files for those with high clearance. if you're looking to send an email to a fellow staff member, you need a SCiPNET account. SCiPNET does not work where there is no Wi-Fi, so the connection to the database is strictly limited to the main base, as well as other smaller operational buildings around site-φ.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟏

WALKING CLUB SIGN-UPS; the walking club, a group of highly-intelligent pack of dogs, is looking for new members! the 8-dog squad is here to keep staff members safe while on the ruff trails of the ██████ mountain ranges. they insist you don't go wandering off alone! also that you have a bag of treats!!

DEFENSE SEMINAR; some of themis' esteemed have no experience with hand-to-hand combat, or handling protective arms. for others, it might have been a while. as mtf chi-00's auditing missions may require coordination in the field, or in the case there is an unlikely event of a security or containment breach at site-φ, the security department will be offering self-defense as well as weapons handling classes.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟐

CORNER COFFEE; BARB, the barista on the 3F, has a special on days with "repeating" numbers (i.e. the 11th, the 22nd, and the 33rd). come pick up a personalized drink from her before she closes shop. BARB is definitely a person in-the-know of site-φ's happenings, and who knows what she'll say while brewing your drink... *UPDATE: only available for threads dated on the 22nd, will expire after the event closes.

DESDEMONA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS. the quartermaster, DESDEMONA, is thrilled to see site-φ's latest join the ranks. she'll need to take your measurements, as per her profession. however, if you don't mind staying a while after fittings, perhaps you'd like to assist the gentle old lady with a favor? oh, those rumors? don't believe them. there's ample supply of tiger balm in the infirmary. [𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙵𝙸𝙴𝙳] *UPDATE: only available for threads dated on the 22nd, will expire after the event closes.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟑

(𝐢𝐧)𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞; a ttrpg interactive game element. for more information, click on the link.

FRANKIE'S FAMOUS FISH; a new shipment has come in via air-drop and you know what that means! frankie's famous fish is on the menu for a limited-time only! don't forget to grab a bib, a waiver, and your favorite brand of antacid tablets! will you take on the deadly challenge? *UPDATE: only available for threads dated on the 23rd, will expire after the event closes.

"MANDATORY" FIRST ASSESSMENT WITH WELLNESS COUNSELOR J. OYUUN; to gauge the mental wellness of site-φ's newest, the HR department has arranged 1-on-1 assessment appointments with oyuun, the wellness counselor. they're not one to strictly abide by a schedule, so they've told you that if they're free, which you can literally see as their office is a glass room suspended in the air of the B1F, you can drop on in. they're not much of a talker, but they know exactly what you need to feel better for that day.

📌 OOC GUIDELINES & HINTS!

Side stories are not mandatory, and are features for enhancing your experience immersing into Site-φ’s world. Feel free to interact in any shape or form, be it directly or indirectly referencing them for open and closed starters, pager chats, self-paras... you can even request to interact with the NPCs 1-on-1! Based on your muse's movements during this event, new information, features, and subplots may be unlocked following the event's conclusion. This game is responsive to you; your actions will directly affect the environment. As for the [𝚁𝙴𝙳𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝙳] event on the FHQ Discord, stay tuned... and hope luck is on your side...! All in all, however you wish to spend your time at Site-φ, we hope that it'll be a fun and memorable experience!

#fhq.plot #[ have fun everyone! ]#[ if you have q's; feel free to reach out any time :) ]#[ :'s i can never put things on queue right whoops ]#fhq.plot.1.1

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studentofshinto · 3 months

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Koichi Barrish 19 February 2024 from Facebook. Good Morning Lisa Marie Price, thank you for your question---- have you seen the genre of early rotoscope animations where everything, all the trees and animals , fence posts, cars, spoons and teapots etc where all animate, all chatting singing dancing, living and communicating together….. well, I believe that this rather frivolous model is in fact more accurate, more correct and closer to what is “real” than the subject-object model of life where we humans exist and live and all plants , animals and things exist to serve us in our lives and quest for happiness and fulfillment. Shinto, spontaneously developing in deep pre-history is : the genius and root of Japanese Culture, is way of progressing with, relating to and giving gratitude to all aspects of our existence…. a way of relating to the world, to life , to family, working life, food, the movement of the seasons …. Shinto is the realization that Nature itself is divine….we as human beings exist as part of the infinite force and flow, the endless spiral movements, the dance of Great Nature itself … Shinto offers us a profound spiritual technology that can aid us as we seek develop our listening bodies and our hone our abilities to perceive and respond to these movements and voices of Divine Nature as we awaken to the current moment … So to respond to the question, please consider life deeply, imagine and relate to all beings and all things as alive and concious — seek to progress in harmony with and appreciation of these myriad lives — to cultivate and deepen your own spirituality you may choose to receive and care for the Kannagara Ofuda —as carrying the essence of Kannagara Okamitachi, the Kami of Generative Life Force, Soul Activation and Soul Pacification…. in such a case you could pause each morning and pledge to do your utmost as part of Divine Life flow to realize and accomplish your own life mission and pause again each evening to offer gratitude….

Reply to the question: What is the best way to learn about Shinto and to start practicing?

#shinto #japan #japanese culture #it doesn't quite answer the question #Kannagara jinja

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usafphantom2 · 5 months

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Russia suspected of planning to arm Kh-32 cruise missiles with cluster munitions

Friday, 05 January 2024 12:02

The Ukrainian National Resistance Center claims to have discovered documents showing that the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to equip Kh-32 cruise missiles with cluster munitions, the Kyiv Post reports.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

Russia suspected of planning to arm Kh 32 cruise missiles with cluster munitions 1Russia is reportedly planning to enhance its Kh-32 cruise missiles by incorporating cluster munitions (Picture source: Kyiv Post/NRC)

EzoicAccording to claims made by partisans associated with the National Resistance Center (NRC), Russia is reportedly planning to enhance its Kh-32 cruise missiles by incorporating cluster munitions. Allegedly, the NRC received documents from the Dubna Machine-Building Plant, situated in the Moscow region, which indicate that the Russian Ministry of Defense initiated a project to upgrade cruise missiles with cluster munitions in October. It is important to note that the NRC has not documented any instances of Russia actually deploying cluster munitions. Nevertheless, they are urging Ukrainians to remain vigilant and respond promptly to air alarms, as they believe that the adversary is willing to employ more deadly weaponry against civilian populations, regardless of international laws.

In a separate development on December 19, members of the ATESH movement in Ukraine revealed that they had obtained confidential documents from the Dubna Machine-Building Plant, disclosing production issues related to cruise missiles in Russia. The partisans discovered that the plant had failed to meet the annual state order, falling short of the expected production target. According to an ATESH movement operative, "By November 10, the plant was expected to manufacture 80 missiles, but in reality, only 61 were produced. A source within the plant's management suggested that the state order was excessively large, exceeding the plant's capacity by more than threefold."

Kh-32 cruise missile

Kh-32 is a supersonic air-launched cruise missile with a range of 600–1,000 km developed by the MKB Raduga from the Kh-22. The missile was accepted to service in 2016 as armament for the Tupolev Tu-22M3M bombers. Compared to its predecessor, the Kh-22, the Kh-32 shares the same structural design and geometric dimensions. However, there are significant enhancements made to its capabilities. Firstly, the warhead weight has been reduced to 500 kg (1,100 lb), a modification aimed at extending its range.

The Kh-32 is equipped with a more potent engine for increased performance. Additionally, it features an advanced guidance system that includes a radar inertial guidance system with radio command correction and terrain-based referencing via an altimeter. Instead of relying on autopilot, the missile employs an automatic control system.

One of the most noteworthy improvements is its maximum range, which extends up to 620 miles (997 kilometers). In terms of penetrating air defense systems, retired Russian Colonel Konstantin Sivkov believes that the Kh-32 possesses formidable capabilities. During its final stage, the Kh-32 employs a steep dive, which makes it difficult for missile defense systems like the Aegis Combat System, equipped with Standard Missile 6 missiles, to track and engage. Furthermore, the Kh-32's multi-frequency radar offers improved resistance to electronic warfare tactics such as spot jamming.

Russia suspected of planning to arm Kh 32 cruise missiles with cluster munitions 2Tupolev Tu-22M3 with a Kh-32 cruise missile before the first test launch in February 2021 (Picture source: open source)

@Airrecognition via X

Russia suspected of planning to arm Kh 32 cruise missiles with cluster munitions 3The main visible difference between the

two missiles is the size of the radome. The older Kh-22's is larger, extending further down the fuselage (Picture source : hisutton.com)

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deancasroaringtwentiesbang · 9 months

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DCRT 2023 - 2024 Schedule🥂

September 10, 2023 | Sign Ups Open - All Participants

 Sign ups are open for all participants ages 18+. After reading the rules and familiarizing yourself with the schedule, you will be invited to join the Discord server via email. 

December 1, 2023 | Sign Ups Close - Authors 

There will be no exceptions or late entries after this date. 

December 20, 2023 | First Check-In - Authors 

Nothing is due at this point, but we want to make sure you are on track to finish the required amount by claims. The check in form will be emailed on December 15, 2023. 

January 8, 2024 | 80% Drafts and Claims Info Due - Authors 

Author drafts are due. More information in the Claims Info section found on Tumblr. The form will be open January 1, 2022. 

January 8, 2024 | Sign Ups Close - Artists

 There will be no exceptions or late entries after this date, though you may still participate in the second round of claims if applicable. 

January 8, 2024 | Final Drop Out Day - Authors 

This is the final day for authors to drop out without penalty. Please contact the mods via email if you would like to drop out. Dropping out after this date may disqualify you from future rounds. 

January 17, 2024 | FIRST ROUND OF CLAIMS - Artists 

Open to Registered users only and lasts 24 hours. Mods will be sending out emails to artists indicating which fic they have claimed with or without author contact info (depending on author preference.) 

January 18, 2024 | SECOND ROUND OF CLAIMS - Artists 

Open to the public and able to claim second fic until all fics are claimed. Mods will be sending out emails to artists indicating which pic they have claimed with or without author contact info (depending on author preference.) 

January 19, 2024 | Introductory Emails - All Participants 

Teams will receive emails with contact info.  

January 21, 2024 | Team Check-In - All Participants 

Teams will be expected to contact each other and share current drafts within 48 hours of the end of claims. If your partner does not respond, contact a mod immediately. 

January 21, 2024 | Posting Availability Due - All Teams 

Availability forms will be sent out four days before they are due. Only one form per team needs to be sent in, so it is important to be in contact with your partner so that you are on the same page in terms of availability. Form opens January 19, 2024. 

January 22, 2024 | Posting Schedule Released - All Participants

 Posting schedule will be sent out to all participants. Contact the mods if there are any issues. Note that posting will only take place Monday-Friday. 

February 19, 2024 | Check-In and Rough Drafts Due - Artists 

This check in is to make sure our artists are on track to finish their art by posting. Line art, rough sketches, and first drafts will need to be submitted. The check in form will be available five days before the due date. Form open January 12, 2024.

February 19, 2024 | Pinch-Hit Emails

 Mods will be sending out requests to pinch hit artists as required. 

March 7, 2024 | Final Check-In - All Teams 

Final polished art/fic drafts are due. This form will be open for five days before the deadline. Form open March 1, 2022. 

March 11, 2024 | Posting Begins 

The first teams will start posting, and mods will share posts on social media. 

Sometime In March | Posting Ends and Masterpost Goes Live On Tumblr 

Posting ends and all stories are compiled into a master post on Tumblr. The collection will be closed. 

#destiel fanfiction #Destiel #DESTIEL FANART #Cas loves Dean #DEANCAS #DCRT 2024 #Dean/Cas Roaring Twenties Bang

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hardynwa · 3 months

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SIM-NIN linkage: NCC rules out extension, telcos bar 12 million lines

The Nigerian Communications Commission has ruled out an extension of the February 28, 2024 deadline for the linkage of Subscriber Identity Module cards to National Identification Numbers. As a result, telecommunication companies have been directed to bar 12 million lines which have not been linked to the owners’ NINs after the expiration of the deadline. The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Reuben Mouka, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Wednesday. Reaffirming the NCC’s stance, Mouka stated, “We already issued a public notice in this regard and all the information. If there was an extension, NCC would have communicated that. But as far as I know, there is no extension.” In a December 2023 notice, the NCC had asked telcos to bar SIMs that had not been linked to their owners’ NINs by February 28, 2024. It further asked the Global Satellite Mobile Communications firms to bar those whose NINs have been submitted but not verified by March 29, 2024; and interdict those who have less than five lines linked to an unverified NIN by April 15, 2024. The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, confirmed to The PUNCH that telecom operators would comply with the NCC’s directive. He said out of the 224 million active lines, about 12m lines risked deactivation. Adebayo said, “About 12 million SIM cards may not have been linked to NIN. Some of these SIM cards work on modems and mifi devices. According to the regulatory directives, those numbers that are not properly linked to NIN will have services withdrawn to them by midnight today. We stand by that regulatory directive and we are going to comply,” The ALTON chairman also dismissed speculations about a possible extension, stating that the deadline ought to have happened last year. He declared, “No, the regulator has made it clear that there won’t be any further extension. Let us remember that this ought to have happened last year, but it was extended by the regulator till the 28th of February, 2024.” Since the NCC first ordered the suspension of SIM cards without NIN on December 15, 2020, there had been a rapid increase in the number of people obtaining their NINs. Between the period the order was given and the second deadline date, January 19, 2021, Nigerian mobile operators received 47.8m new submissions from active subscribers. In 2021, about 21 million subscribers were yet to obtain their NIN, even as the deadline for registration approached A high-ranking official at MTN Nigeria, who was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, informed The PUNCH that the company planned to disconnect the defaulting subscribers in compliance with the directive. According to the official, there has not been any counter-directives from the NCC. Emphasising that it is a federal issue, the official pointed out that some lines had been disconnected earlier. “Remember, this is not an issue with the telcos. It’s a Federal Government issue, and before now, some lines were being disconnected. If they wanted to extend the deadline, they would have issued another notice, but they aren’t as I speak to you,” the official stated. In response to the situation, a Public Relations official at Airtel Nigeria, Sam Adeoye, mentioned that Airtel would release an official statement on the development. However, Chineze Amanfo, Lead, Public Relations at 9Mobile, did not respond to calls when contacted by our correspondent. Court order Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained telecom operators from deactivating or barring any line or SIM not linked to their NINs. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa restrained the telcos while ruling on an application filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje. Lewis-Allagoa made the order on February 22, 2024, while ruling on a motion for the restraining orders filed by Ogungbeje. Ogungbeje, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/667/23, sued the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, and Airtel Network Nigeria Limited before the court. He asked the court for an injunction pending appeal, ‘’restraining all the respondents jointly or severally, whether, by themselves, their agents, outlets, agencies, privies, officials, servants, men, parastatals, units, organs, or anybody or person however so called, from taking any step or action capable of enforcing the judgment in anyway and from further outright barring, deactivating and or restricting any SIM cards or his phone Lines, or of any Nigerian Citizen, slated for February 28, 2024, or any other scheduled date, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal at the Court of Appeal, against the court’s judgment delivered on May 8, 2023, by Justice Lewis-Allagoa.’’ When quizzed about the NCC’s reaction to the court injunction, Mouka responded, “We are not aware of any court injunction stopping the NCC from barring lines that have not been linked with NIN.” Earlier today, at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade, the Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, insisted that, as a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to their SIM. Maida reaffirmed that the February 28th deadline was given to telecom operators to bar subscribers who failed to link their NIN to their SIM stands. “To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar the phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024,” he added. In his reaction to Mouka’s statement that the NCC was not aware of his suit, Ogungbeje said the position of the commission is ‘’most ridiculous and shameful.’’ Ogungbeje stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the AGF were part of the suit, stressing that the NCC as an agency of the Federal Government must obey the court order restraining it from barring SIMs not linked to NINs. He said, “The order specifically stated that both the Federal Government and its agencies are hereby restrained. A very good instance is the order of the Supreme Court in respect of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Godwin Emefiele’s policy on the new naira notes. “That position by the NCC is most ridiculous and shameful. The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation are part of the suit.’’ “So in this instant case, the NCC is bound by the order of the court as the court restrained both the Federal Government and it agencies, including the telecom firms.” Network glitches On Wednesday, major operators across the country, including MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, grappled with a widespread network connection crisis. Subscribers were unable to make calls due to glitches attributed to a fibre optic cable cut. The chairman of ALTON, Adebayo, clarified that the telecom connection failure experienced by subscribers was unconnected to the NIN/SIM link deadline. He attributed the connectivity issue to the significant fibre cuts made by road contractors employed by the Federal Government. The ALTON chairman noted, “What you have seen today as difficulty in connection has nothing to do with the NIN/SIM link deadline. “There have been significant fibre cuts across the country, and this has impacted connectivity today, but efforts are being made by affected telecom operators to rectify this situation.” He assured the public that efforts were being made to salvage the situation as soon as practicable while emphasising the need to protect telecom infrastructure. “Appropriate reports would be made to the right quarters. The cuts can be traced to the activities of the Federal Government by contractors doing road work. This is why it is imperative to safeguard telecom infrastructure, going by what we have seen today. “If we have critical national infrastructure protection, maybe what happened today wouldn’t have happened. We put it on the doorstep of the government to ensure that road contractors do not continue to cause this type of damage.” The incident left countless residents in communication limbo, sparking a digital uproar across social media platforms. Users have taken to expressing their frustration, detailing their struggles with the sudden loss of connection on social media. A WhatsApp user, Emekuku said, “It’s frustrating when network providers in Nigeria cite server or application issues as reasons for service problems, leaving customers unable to resolve their issues. “It highlights the need for improved infrastructure and communication from the providers to address such issues promptly and transparently.” Another user, Babatee, noted, ‘’MTN is trying so hard to compete with Glo for the award of the most useless network in Nigeria. Dear MTN, no matter how hard you try, Glo will always be miles ahead of you when it comes to uselessness. So stop playing, fam.’’ MTN network Another subscriber said, “The poor MTN network knocked me out of an important meeting and kept me incommunicado for several hours. “Even now, they have only restored data services, but still no call or SMS. Not that they can ever say, ‘Oh, sorry for the network failure, oya take free airtime and data.’ Lai-lai.” An Airtel user wrote, “It appears that the frustration with network services in Nigeria is widespread. The lack of a reliable network service provider affects many users, and the absence of explanations from the providers regarding disruptions in data and call services raises concerns. “The situation may not be trending because such issues might be common and not getting enough attention. In a statement released by MTN, the telecom company acknowledged the existence of a connectivity problem and committed to resolving the issue promptly. According to the telco, the problem started at about 1.39 on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. In its reaction via X, MTN Nigeria blamed the network issue on multiple fibre cuts, even as it assured customers that its engineers were working assiduously to restore normal services. The statement read, “Dear Customer, you have been experiencing challenges connecting to the network due to a major service outage caused by multiple fibre cuts, affecting voice and data services. “Our engineers are working hard to resolve this, with services gradually being restored in some areas. “We apologise for the inconvenience and ask for your patience & understanding as the team works to restore full service as soon as possible.” Read the full article

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xtruss · 3 months

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Social Security Reform Splits Young Americans and Boomers

— February 28, 2024 | Newsweek

A majority of Americans agree that Social Security needs reforming, but they disagree on how it should be changed. Photo Illustration By Newsweek/Getty

Younger generations in the U.S. are more likely to support cutting Social Security benefits for retirees to ensure the future sustainability of the program than older generations, according to a recent survey commissioned by Newsweek.

The poll, conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies on behalf of Newsweek between February 18 and 19, found that a 66 percent majority of Americans across all generations agreed that the Social Security program needs reforming, though they disagree on how to do it.

The Social Security program is facing a financing shortfall that has led experts to warn that the fund's reserves might become depleted in 2034, with recipients possibly receiving only 78 percent of their full benefits.

"The hard facts are that the system's revenues are insufficient to pay the full amount of scheduled benefits, starting in 2033," Gal Wettstein of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College told Newsweek. "At that time, ongoing revenues are projected to be sufficient to cover roughly three-quarters of scheduled benefits. The only levers we can pull are revenue increases, benefit cuts, or some redistribution of benefits from one group to another."

A majority of 69 percent of respondents across all age groups opposed cutting benefits to those on Social Security, while 52 percent were against raising the retirement age and 44 percent opposed raising taxes on workers' income. The poll was run among a sample of 1,500 eligible voters in the U.S.

Baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—and members of the Silent Generation–born between 1928 and 1945—were much more likely to oppose cutting benefits for recipients than the younger generations. Only 3 percent of boomers supported such reform against 11 percent of Gen Xers—born between 1965 and 1980— 20 percent of millennials—born between 1981 and 1996—and 30 percent of Gen Zers—born between 1997 and 2013.

The generations were more aligned in their opposition to raising the retirement age (opposed by 41 percent of Gen Zers, 53 percent of millennials, 46 percent of Gen Xers and 53 percent of baby boomers and members of the Silent Generation) and increasing taxes on workers (opposed by 36 percent of Gen Zers, 48 percent of millennials, 55 percent of Gen Xers and 38 percent of baby boomers and members of the Silent Generation).

Significantly, younger respondents to the poll were less likely to say Social Security will be important for them when they retire, with respectively 51, 44 and 32 percent of Gen Zers, millennials and Gen Xers saying that the program will be able to support them in their retirement against 52 percent of boomers and the Silent Generation. Across all generations, 44 percent of respondents agreed that Social Security benefits will support them in their retirement.

"Many young professionals think of Social Security as this ambiguous thing and aren't sure how it will affect their future," Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor Kendall Bregenzer told Newsweek.

"They feel discouraged and have lost faith in the program because it's projected to run out of money," Bregenzer said. "The outcome is unknown, and this scares young professionals as they start to plan for retirement. However, working with a financial advisor can provide some grounded perspective and help people prepare for factors that are out of their control, such as changes to Social Security."

Northwestern Mutual recently published its own study, which found that more than four in 10 Americans (42 percent) can imagine a time when Social Security no longer exists, especially young people.

"When it comes to younger generations, Gen Z and millennials anticipate Social Security delivering significantly less in terms of overall retirement funding compared to boomers," Bregenzer said. "People crave stability with their finances, and the lack of clarity around Social Security is generating financial anxiety. However, younger generations have time to adjust and plan ahead, which could minimize Social Security's impact on their retirement income."

Wettstein told Newsweek that younger generations are generally overly pessimistic about the Social Security System.

"Many polls show that large segments of young adults believe that they will receive no Social Security benefits whatsoever, which is highly implausible," he said. "Again, even if no policy action is taken, revenues are projected to be sufficient to cover roughly three-quarters of scheduled benefits."

For Wettstein, one reason for this pessimism "may be a concern that policymakers might hold older, current beneficiaries harmless even as they shift the burden to younger, current workers," he said, adding that a large part of the shortfall in Social Security is attributable to debts incurred by early cohorts of recipients who are mostly dead by now.

"The early cohorts received benefits far in excess of their contributions and we are burdened by this legacy debt to this day," Wettstein said, adding that younger generations should beware of the impact that cutting benefits could have on them.

"It is important to understand what the alternatives to Social Security are: If individuals will save more to compensate themselves for benefit cuts, this may benefit their heirs when some inevitably die without exhausting their assets [although those benefits would likely tilt towards the children of the wealthy more than the current system]," Wettstein said.

"But, if people end up not saving enough to sustain themselves with lower Social Security benefits, that could in turn place an even greater burden on their children to care for them financially. As is often the case, it is not straightforward to understand who the winners and losers of a complex policy change will be."

#Social Security #Reform #Splits #Young Americans | Baby Boomers #Gen Zers | Gen Xers #Millennials #Baby Boomers | Silent Generation #Pessimistic #Social Security System #Newsweek

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vincentcheungteam · 3 months

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The only true paradigm

How did Simon insult the Spirit in Acts 8:19? It is not obvious why you would think he did, so it is not easy to respond directly. Nevertheless, while we are on this passage, we should correct a common distortion. Philip had preached Jesus Christ to the people, and those who believed were saved. Then Peter came to the people to impart the Holy Spirit to them, so that they would receive power as Jesus promised. Simon did not ask to buy the Holy Spirit. He offered money to Peter, not to influence the Spirit, but to influence Peter to confer the ability or the ministry of the laying on of hands to impart the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He said, “Give me this power.” What power? He did not say, “That I may receive the Holy Spirit,” but he said, “That anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit” (v. 19). To use healing as an illustration, Simon would not be offering to buy a miracle of healing to heal himself, but to buy a ministry of healing to heal others. The “gift of God” (v. 20) that Peter said he could not buy was not the Holy Spirit, but the ministry to impart the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Certainly Simon was wrong. But in his perverted way, he admired the Holy Spirit and the ministry of imparting the Spirit. In fact, he was much closer to a proper attitude than the cessationists.

Peter told him to repent, but you must read the text you use. Peter told him to repent so that “if possible” or “perhaps” he might be forgiven (v. 22). When you speak carelessly about the Holy Spirit, you are treading on dangerous grounds. Of course there would be no room for repentance if a statement amounts to blasphemy against the Spirit. Even when it is unclear to us, it is always clear to God. However, when it is uncertain to us that a statement amounts to blasphemy against the Spirit, even an apostle could only say it might be “possible” for the person to be forgiven. Simon did not call the manifestations the work of demons. He did not say Philip or Peter preached false doctrine. He did not say the manifestation was “strange fire.” He did not say that what Jesus promised about the Spirit had ceased. He did not make accusations of counterfeit or fanaticism. Cessationists have said all these things and more, but Simon did not say these things. He did not utter any criticism at all about what was happening. He acknowledged the reality of God’s power and wanted to participate. He had only praise and desire for it, but his perverted attitude was enough to earn a rebuke, with enough room for only a “possible” forgiveness. Consider what this means for the cessationists.

Simon was arguably in a better place both theologically and spiritually than the cessationists. He grasped the distinction between receiving the Christ (Acts 8:12-13) and receiving the Spirit (Acts 8:14-16). He also grasped the distinction between receiving the Spirit (Acts 8:17) and imparting the Spirit (Acts 8:18). Theologically, this makes him superior to almost every Christian tradition and scholar in the past two thousand years. The fact that he understood both of these distinctions establishes him as not only incrementally superior, but paradigmatically superior, to almost every single Christian tradition and scholar in all of church history. Nevertheless, this was the basic gospel that the early converts everywhere learned on the first day (Acts 2:38, 19:2, 5-6). He was also spiritually and ethically superior. Although his attitude and motive were surely defective to the point of sin, at least he was — wickedly, selfishly — stumbling toward the direction of endorsement and participation of the work of God, rather than making it a matter of creed and policy to resist the Spirit!

Published by Vincent Cheung, February 2, 2024

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mediamonarchy · 3 months

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https://mediamonarchy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240219_MorningMonarchy.mp3Download MP3 Balls to write the truth, President’s Day sneaker pimps and Navalny whacked + this day in history w/John Kerry’s Hollywood ISIS propaganda and our song of the day by SUIT on your #MorningMonarchy for February 19, 2024. Notes/Links: Image: “I want peer-reviewed articles and at least ten sources.”“Why? You got jabbed in a parking lot by a stranger with a drug you knew nothing about just to get a free donut.”https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/597898944584089623/1208906633455861843/peer_reviewed_parking_lot.jpg?ex=65e4fd09&is=65d28809&hm=0002dc6315eb0e195145e8a1f0ddf8c62543c849f0b312975a8f6a97b41c8b11& Image: The Leftist Good Samaritan – “Stay here. I’m going to go write a law that forces you to buy insurance.”https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/597898944584089623/1208906201853599755/leftist_samaritan.jpg?ex=65e4fca2&is=65d287a2&hm=041670b2cef08f9cd722e0f79bcd7a8566f6decf98199a35be4909f1ffe6727a& Meow Wolf Calls Off Matisyahu Concerthttps://www.sfreporter.com/news/2024/02/15/meow-wolf-calls-off-matisyahu-concert/ Travis Kelce’s Debut as a Film Producer Is Also the First Movie Financed Using President Biden’s Green Energy Tax Creditshttps://variety.com/2024/film/news/travis-kelce-my-dead-friend-zoe-financed-energy-tax-credits-1235908057/ Security Cameras Suddenly Pan Away as Bomb Squad Responds to Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb; Video obtained by The Epoch Times sheds new light on key details relating to the DNC pipe bomb on Jan. 6, 2021.https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/security-cameras-suddenly-pan-away-as-bomb-squad-responds-to-jan-6-pipe-bomb-5586718 Houston college student sentenced for Jan. 6 capitol riot, says FBI agent allegedly stole from himhttps://abc13.com/alexander-fan-sentenced-houston-man-to-12-months-probation-for-trespassing-jan-6-2021-capitol-riot/14435276/ Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) trashes reporters for claiming President Trump was part an Insurrection on Jan. 6thhttps://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4216767/posts Video: “You Don’t Have The B—s To Write The Truth”: Eli Crane Straight-Up Insults Reporters In Angry Tear (Audio)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3u13AATHdg Eli Cranehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Crane Video: Joe Biden on Elton John – “It’s his fault we spent so much money fighting HIV” (Audio)https://twitter.com/BGatesIsaPyscho/status/1757667549729214802 RFK Jr. Scores Big Win In Lawsuit Accusing Biden Admin Of Censoring COVID Vaccine Infohttps://www.zerohedge.com/markets/federal-judge-hands-rfk-jr-win-lawsuit-accusing-biden-admin-censoring-covid-19-vaccine-info San Francisco Appoints First Noncitizen to Election Commissionhttps://www.theepochtimes.com/us/san-francisco-appoints-first-noncitizen-to-election-commission-5589635 Texas To Build Military “Base Camp” On Mexico Border To House 1,800 Soldiershttps://www.zerohedge.com/political/texas-build-military-base-camp-near-mexico-border-house-1800-soldiers Hugh Aynesworth: CIA Media Asset, FBI Informer, Friend of Lyndon Johnson White House and Media’s Darling JFK Assassination “Lone Nutter” Journalist Dies at 92https://covertactionmagazine.com/2024/02/13/hugh-aynesworth-cia-media-asset-fbi-informer-friend-of-lyndon-johnson-white-house-and-medias-darling-jfk-assassination-lone-nutter-journalist-dies-at-92/ IRS Warns Tax Refunds Will Be Much Lower This Year; Inflation-hit Americans who filed their taxes early have received, on average, smaller tax refunds this year.https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/irs-warns-tax-refunds-will-be-much-lower-this-year-5588942 SiriusXM Cuts 160 Jobs Amid Push to Become More “Efficient, Agile”https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/siriusxm-layoffs-1235822610/ Nike’s stock drops as plan to cut almost 1,700 jobs highlights need for new strategyhttps://www.marketwatch.com/story/nike-to-lay-off-more-than-1-600-employees-to-cut-costs-report-8e3bd3cb Trump Launches Line of Sneakers During ‘Sneaker Con’ in Philadelphia; Shoes Sell-Out In One Afternoonhttps://w...

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#alternative news #geopolitiks #media monarchy #Morning Monarchy #mp3 #podcast #Songs Of The Day #SUIT #This Day In History

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brian-in-finance · 3 months

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Cait #17. Personally, I think that outfit and look should score higher as well as a few others which are way better than the first 10. Still, she made the list which is good to see.

93 Of The Best Oscars Dresses Of All Time

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/celebrity-style/g26388237/best-oscar-dresses-ever/

Thanks for the message, Anon. 😃 I loved her 2020 ensemble… whilst never losing sight of fashion sense’s subjectivity (a sentiment that really hits home this London Fashion Week 😖).

Here’s Number 17:

Designer: Valentino / Year: 2020

Numbers 1 through 5 are under Elle’s text. Numbers 6 through 16, and 18 through 93, live in the link.

93 Of The Best Oscars Dresses Of All Time

From Barbra Streisand's exquisite Arnold Scassi pantsuit to Halle Berry in Elie Saab, we've collected the best Oscars dresses of all time.

For many, the Oscars awards ceremony is hotly anticipated for its choice of winners. Cinephiles discuss intently if Brendan Fraser's comeback role in The Whale will nab him Best Actor In A Leading Role, or if Paul Mescal will pip him to the post. Others tune in for the meme-making cultural moments, be it a slap heard around the world, or a calamitous misreading of 'Moonlight' as 'La La Land' (it could happen to anyone, right?).

But for us, and we suspect you too, it's the sport of red carpet dressing that keeps us coming back for more. Having the ability to promote (or demote) a near-unknown to a leading lady in the blink of a ballgown, the power of a stellar styled look cannot be understated. Be it Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy in 1954, Michelle Williams in Vera Wang in 2006, or Lupita Nyong'o in Prada there have been some truly marvellous -dare we say history-making - gowns worn by the best actors in the world on the night of the Academy Awards.

So devoted are we to the best dressed stars of the red carpet, ahead of the 96th Academy Awards (taking place on March 10 2024) we've gone through each and every one of them to find the 93 best Oscar dresses ever worn. You're welcome!

Designers: Jason Wu and Messika / Year: 2023

Designer: Alaïa / Year: 2023

Designer: Moschino / Year: 2023

Designer: Rodarte / Year: 2023

Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Couture / Year: 2022

Elle

Photo: FarFarAwaySite

Remember… Irish actress Caitriona Balfe looked stunning — as per usual — on the red carpet at the 2020 Oscars in Valentino Haute Couture! The 40-year-old newlywed wore a unique outfit that involved a dress and a blouse when she walked the carpet at her first Academy Awards. She stunned in the black, fishtail-style gown which fell straight down her body in an extremely flattering style. But the strapless dress wasn’t the star of the show: it was the sheer pink blouse she wore over the top! The high-neck blouse was made of a very light material, and fell down to her hips. It also featured a gorgeous, oversized bow which she wore to the left of her neck. Stunning! The model-turned-actress accessorized with silver stud earrings and a matching silver ring and bracelet. Caitriona slicked her beautiful brunette tresses back into a tight bun near the nape of her neck, and polished her look with a bold red lipstick, and red nail polish. What a star! — Hollywood Life

#Tait rhymes with hat #Good times #Inbox #Anonymous #Elle #19 February 2024 #Top 93 Oscars dresses #Received 19 February/Responded 20 February 2024

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thewahookid · 3 months

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Prayer and converse with God is a supreme good...

February 19, 2024

Dear Family of Mary!

Today I want to share with you an excerpt from an astonishingly beautiful homily by St. John Chrysostom. St. John describes the glory of prayer!! It continues to take my breath away. Since Our Lady has called us to prayer, I think this homily will help us respond to her call:

From a homily by John Chrysostom, bishop

(Supp. Hom. 6 De precatione: PG 64, 462-466)

Prayer is the light of the spirit

Prayer and converse with God is a supreme good: it is a partnership and union with God. As the eyes of the body are enlightened when they see light, so our spirit, when it is intent on God, is illumined by his infinite light. I do not mean the prayer of outward observance but prayer from the heart, not confined to fixed times or periods, but continuous throughout the day and night.

Our spirit should be quick to reach out toward God not only when it is engaged in meditation; at other times also, when it is carrying out its duties, caring for the needy, performing works of charity, giving generously in the service of others, our spirit should long for God, and call him to mind, so that these works may be seasoned with the salt of God's love, and so make a palatable offering to the Lord of the universe. Throughout the whole of our lives we may enjoy the benefit that comes from prayer if we devote a great deal of time to it.

Prayer is the light of the spirit, true knowledge of God, mediating between God and man. The spirit, raised up to heaven by prayer, clings to God with the utmost tenderness; like a child crying tearfully for its mother, it craves the milk that God provides. It seeks the satisfaction of its own desires, and receives gifts outweighing the whole world of nature.

Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassador. It gives joy to the spirit, peace to the heart. I speak of prayer, not words. It is the longing for God, love too deep for words, a gift not given by man but by God's grace. The apostle Paul says: "We do not know how we are to pray but the Spirit himself pleads for us with inexpressible longings."

When the Lord gives this kind of prayer to someone; he gives him riches that cannot be taken away, heavenly food that satisfies the spirit. One who tastes this food is set on fire with an eternal longing for the Lord: his spirit burns as in a fire of the utmost intensity.

Practice prayer from the beginning. Paint your house with the colors of modesty and humility. Make it radiant with the light of justice. Decorate it with the finest gold leaf of good deeds. Adorn it with the walls and stones of faith and generosity. Crown it with the pinnacle of prayer. In this way you will make it a perfect dwelling place for the Lord. You will be able to receive him as in a splendid palace, and through his grace you will already possess him, his image enthroned in the temple of your spirit.

(St. John Chrysostom!)

I have no words! This homily is heavenly, celestial, full of grace, straight from the Holy Spirit!!!! Read it many times, it will continue to fill you with awe at the gift of prayer!

Here is a message from Our Lady that echoes St. John's homily:

October 2, 1986

"Dear children!

Today again I am calling you to pray.

You, dear children, are not able to understand

how great the value of prayer is

as long as you yourselves do not say:

'now is the time for prayer,

now nothing else is important to me,

now not one person is important to me but God.'

Dear children,

consecrate yourselves to prayer with a special love

so that God will be able to render graces back to you.

Thank you for having responded to my call."

Our Lady is such a wise mother. She knows exactly how to help us begin to love prayer just as St. John Chrysostom loved prayer. This is exactly what we need in these days!

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

Cathy Nolan

Mary TV. Inc. | www.marytv.tv

#love #jesus loves you #jesus christ #blessed mother mary #mary #queen of peace #peace #prayer #medjugorje #church

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howwelldoyouknowyourmoon · 3 months

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37 consultation requests made by kids regarding Unification Church worries: Japan government

February 19, 2024 (Mainichi Japan)

TOKYO – Japan's national government on Feb. 16 passed a Cabinet resolution recognizing 37 cases of children seeking guidance over worries related to the controversial religious group Unification Church. • The move was in response to a written question from opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) House of Representatives member Kazunori Yamanoi. The government said that as of the end of January there were 24 cases of children seeking advice from school counsellors, and 13 where they called a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology support line with worries relating to the group, formally called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

By topic and with multiple selections possible, 24 cases involved the home environment – the most common concern – and five consultations from junior high students were about stopping going to school. More than one case with high school counselors involved physical and mental health, academic choices and other points.

In November 2022, the education ministry asked prefectural education boards and others to implement guidance services regarding the Unification Church. This was so that schools would not respond passively to students' problems just because they were religious in nature.

In reply to Yamanoi, the national government stated, "We believe we've established a thorough system of support to deal closely and individually with students who are troubled on a variety of issues." (Japanese original by Nao Ikeda, Political News Department)

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Editorial: Moriyama unfit as Japan culture minister after Unification Church ties emerge

Gov't panel compiles measures to help Japan's Unification Church victims

#ffwpu #unification church #UC of Japan #sun myung moon #hak ja han #second gen

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beardedmrbean · 5 months

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Half of the more than 1,000 adults in Finland surveyed in a poll commissioned by the daily Helsingin Sanomat agreed that the nation must prepare for war within the next few years.

Only 13 percent of respondents were of the opinion that Finland does not need to prepare for war in the near future. Twenty-six percent neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement, and about 10 percent answered that they were unable to say.

Reporting on the poll, Helsingin Sanomat noted that the views expressed were quite similar regardless of age or gender.

Worries about war were also found to cut across party lines. Only supporters of the Left Alliance stood out, with only about a third agreeing that Finland should prepare for war. The highest rate of agreement with the statement, 59 percent, was among supporters of the National Coalition Party.

Although half of the respondents said that it is necessary to prepare for war, based on the survey, few (about one-fifth) have personally taken concrete measures to be ready in the event of war or a state of emergency.

The HS poll also examined views on the war in Ukraine.

Based on the survey, the Finnish public does not widely support the idea that the West should start persuading Ukraine to make peace, if it means that Ukraine would not be able to get back all the territories taken by Russia.

A fifth of respondents did say they would back such a move. More than twice as many, 43 percent disagreed.

However, a majority of those polled, 53 percent, said they fear that if the war in Ukraine ends with Russia in possession of at least part of the territories it has seized from Ukraine, there is a risk that Russia will attack a Nato country within the next few years. Only 16 percent said they disagreed it could happen.

The Helsingin Sanomat survey was carried out by the pollster Verian (formerly Kantar Public) which interviewed 1,047 individuals representative of the adult population of mainland Finland during 15-20 December 2023.

Election by the numbers

Turun Sanomat reports that candidates in the race for the Finnish presidency on Thursday were randomly assigned the numbers that voters will use on the ballot to cast votes for their choice.

Li Andersson of the Left Alliance is candidate number two. Candidate number three is OIli Rehn, who is running for the Centre Party and with the backing of a voters' association. Harry Harkimo of Movement Now is candidate number four.

Finns Party candidate Jussi Halla-aho will appear on the ballot as candidate five and the Social Democratic Party's Jutta Urpilainen is number six. The independent Mika Aaltola was assigned number seven and the National Coalition Party's Alexander Stubb is candidate number eight.

The Christian Democrats' Sari Essayah is now running for president as number nine. Pekka Haavisto, a Green Party MP backed by a voters' association, is number 10 on the list.

Election day is Sunday, 28 January. If none of the candidates receives more than half of the votes then, a second round will be held on 11 February. The top two candidates who make it into a second round will run with the same ballot numbers.

Advance voting in the first round will take place from 17 to 23 January 2024, and abroad 17 to 20 January 2024.

Winter solstice

Savon Sanomat is among the papers reminding us that today, Friday, is the winter solstice with the day at its shortest of the year in the northern hemisphere.

The Ursa Astronomical Association points out that in southern and central Finland, the arc of the sun across the sky is at its lowest point, while north of Sodankylä, Arctic night continues with the sun staying below the horizon.

Friday's period of darkness in southern Finland lasts 14 hours 19 minutes, in Oulu 15 hours 5 minutes.

The sun is above the horizon Friday in southern Finland for about 6 hours and in Oulu for a good 3.5 hours.

But, as the paper points out, daylight hours will now slowly start to grow again.

White Christmas, slippery roads

An Uutissuomalainen news group report carried by Uusimaa tells readers that the good news for those celebrating the holiday is that the latest snow storm means that Christmas will be white even in southern parts of Finland.

In southern Finland, daytime temperatures will be around zero on Friday, colder as one moves north.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute forecasts subzero temperatures during the weekend, with cloudy skies Christmas Eve across most of Finland, and the thermometer at minus 1C-7C.

However, this was already creating very bad conditions for motorists in southern Finland on Friday morning and for holiday traffic in general as far north as North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu.

According to the road transport authorities, the the heaviest holiday traffic is likely to be seen on Saturday.

In addition, the paper warns pedestrians that pavements in the southern parts of the country are extremely slippery.

#nunyas news #updates from up north

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packernet · 5 months

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New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2023/12/19/2023-packers-season-in-review/

2023 Packers Season In Review

It isn’t every year that a team replaces a generational quarterback that has worn their uniform for 18 years. In 2023, that is precisely what the Packers had to do with Aaron Rodgers. While this isn’t common for most, Green Bay fans saw the same scenario with Aaron Rodgers in 2008 when he replaced Brett Favre. 2023 has been a tumultuous year for the Packers. Let’s take a look at what has transpired.

The Aaron Rodgers Saga

The 2022 season was, without question, Rodgers’ worst in Green Bay. He averaged just 217 yards per game and logged a 41.3 QBR, the worst career mark by a wide margin. His 26 touchdowns were the second-lowest mark of his career, and the 12 interceptions he threw were the most since his first season as the starter. Despite being favorites in the latest NFL fixtures, the Packers finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and just the third time since Rodgers became a starter.

The season was marred by the drama between Rodgers and his young receiver core and constant rumors of his potential retirement. After the season, Rodgers went into his now infamous darkness retreat in February, claiming he was “90% retiring” before the withdrawal. When he came out, he knew his time in Green Bay was over one way or another. According to Rodgers, “it was evident that it was retire or move on to a new team.”

Both sides complained about the other, with the Packers claiming that they were unable to reach Rodgers, something he blamed on bad cellular service. Regardless of your side, the stalemate ended in April when the Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets for a 2023 first-round, second-round, sixth-round pick, and a conditional 2024 second-round pick. The trade came after Rodgers announced to the world that he wanted to play for the Jets on the Pat McAfee show. For the Packers, it was time to move on.

Starting The Jordan Love Era

While the demise of Green Bay’s relationship with its Hall of Fame quarterback was quick, the roots were deep, beginning with the Packers’ decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With Rodgers gone, Love finally had his shot, and it has been a roller coaster of a season.

Green Bay started hot, winning two of its first three games, blowing out Chicago on opening day, and narrowly beating New Orleans 18-17 in week three. The only loss in between was a one-point loss to the Falcons on the road. However, it went downhill quickly from there. Led by Love, Green Bay dropped its next four games and five of six overall. Love could have been better during that stretch, which included a loss to the hapless Raiders, throwing just seven touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. His quarterback rating was just 75 in those six games.

However, Love and the Packers responded well to the adversity by winning three consecutive games, capped by a thrilling win against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead. During the three-game winning streak, Love threw for eight touchdowns and no interceptions, with a quarterback rating of 117.5. The wins also brought Green Bay back to .500 for the first time since September, putting them back in the playoff hunt.

How The Rest Of 2023 And Beyond Is Shaping Up

Until now, the Packers had peaked with their Sunday night win in Kansas City. Love was brilliant in that game, passing for 267 yards and three touchdowns against a ferocious Chiefs defense and outdueling two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes. However, the team immediately followed up the marquee win with a brutal loss to the Giants in a game they needed for their playoff hopes. To make matters worse, the loss came on a Monday night, meaning they had a more extended rest period than usual and will have a shorter rest period for their next game.

Currently, the Packers sit at 6-7, holding on to the 7th and final playoff seed by a thread. However, things are looking up for Green Bay. The Packer remaining schedule is challenging, but it could be worse. They play games against the 1-11 Panthers, 5-8 Bears, and 6-7 Bucs. The most challenging remaining game on their schedule is a Christmas Eve trip to Minnesota, but the Vikings are missing their starting quarterback.

The Packers have a legitimate opportunity to make the postseason in Love’s first season, their first season without Rodgers in nearly 20 years. For all his bumps and bruises, Love has been good, too. He has 23 touchdown passes on the season, and his 58.7 QBR is pretty close to Rodgers’ 62.9 mark from his first year as a starter. Their first-year numbers are strikingly similar.

Can The Packers Make The Playoffs?

The Giant’s and Bucs losses hurts them, but they’re still in reasonable shape. They possess tie-breakers against the Rams and Seahawks, their two biggest competitors in the playoff picture. They have possibly the easiest remaining schedule of the three. Green Bay is still in a position to make the playoffs, and if Love can continue progressing, we could see them playing in January.

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