#history.com/activate

[csolarstorm]

The Eternal Flower Files: The Sun King

Let's talk about King AZ, the king that became a wanderer.

Pokemon X and Y draw a lot of connections between King AZ and King Louis XIV of France. Remember that portrait in Parfum Palace? The one that reminds our player character of AZ?  Well, Parfum Palace is based on the Palace of Versailles, and the painting looks a lot like like Louis XIV. He called himself the "Sun King" for reasons that will be clear later in the post.

Screenshots from Pokemon Generations Episode 18: The Redemption

Notice how in AZ's last scene at the end of Pokemon X and Y, the sun is beating down hard on him in nearly every shot, including during the battle. Then when when Floette appears, she descends down from the sun.

While X and Y compare AZ to the Sun King, here it seems like the sun symbol...is Floette herself, as if the sun is Floette watching AZ. Floette's Eternal Flower is likely associated with light, but the sun itself? I don't have a full theory about this. Not yet anyway.

Another symbol associated with King AZ is the inchplant, historically known as "Wandering Jew".  It's a vine that shares some similarities with the Eternal Flower, especially the reddish-violet variants.  It even has three-petaled flowers, like the trillium.  The zebra-like stripes on the leaves especially remind me of the black triquetra markings on the Eternal Flower's petals. 

Sources: Succulent Depot, OrchidWeb: Tradescantia zebrina

If you've listened to Z-A theories lately, you might have heard of AZ's widely agreed on other inspiration, the story of the Wandering Jew, or "Eternal Jew". This is the antisemitic folk tale of a Jewish man who was cursed with immortality after mocking Jesus on the morning of crucifixion, and made to wander the earth until the end of days. This story has fueled centuries of antisemitism, even being used by Nazis for propaganda in WWII. 

We know anime can't resist playing with European history and western religious symbols. Pokemon wouldn't be the first anime to be inspired by Ahasuerus (Fate/Requiem), Xerxes (Fullmetal Alchemist), or Cartaphilus (Ancient Magus' Bride), which are all names associated with various versions of the Wandering Jew.  Personally though, I imagine this story catching GameFreak's attention because of the plant, considering how much flower symbolism runs the Pokemon franchise.

Sources: (1) Getty Images, via History.com, (2) Internet Archive via Wikipedia

So here we have a set of conflicting inspirations for AZ: the Sun King, and the Wandering Jew.  "Conflicting" is an understatement, because Louis "the Sun King" XIV actively persecuted French Jews. He called himself the Sun King because he considered himself God's representative on Earth.  Not only did he expel the Jews from the French West Indies, he stripped Calvinists of their religious liberties, and sometimes even went after other Catholics. (Source: History.com)

What do we make of these conflicting inspirations? Well, fiction can be cathartic. I think GameFreak switched the roles of the Sun King and the Wandering Jew for their story. In real life, the Sun King enjoyed a nice, long reign, unscathed by the people he persecuted and exiled. But in Pokemon X and Y, it's not the innocent religious minorities that wander the earth. It is the Sun King himself, forced to live eternally with the crimes he committed as the ruler of Kalos.

...

Multiple drafts of this post were reviewed by @fluffybunnybadass, who helped me cut straight to the substance. Thank you!

Want to know more about Eternal Flower Floette's connection to sacred geometry? Or how about all the Pokemon characters named after the fleur de lys? Ever since the announcement of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, I've been serving up lots of Gen VI theories, so check out them out below:

The Eternal Flower Files: Flowers of the Fleur de Lys

Eternal Flower Files Short: Thismia

The Eternal Flower Files: Sacred Geometry

Xerneas and Yveltal are Fungi: Let Me Explain

Poll: What Does the Λ in Legends Z-A Symbolize?

Pokemon Legends Z-A: What Is the Λ?

Aaah, it's an A! Is the A in Z-A the Tree of Life?

How much longer am I going to have to wait for a freakin' Unova remake?!

[thecultoflexithewulf]

Ujima (collective work & responsibility):

Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa, celebrated on December 28th, is a powerful concept that emphasizes collective work and responsibility. Pronounced oo-jee'-ma, Ujima represents a commitment to active and informed togetherness in addressing common community issues. This principle encompasses the idea that the community's problems are shared by all and must be solved together.

The symbol associated with Ujima is Akoma Ntoaso, the Adinkra symbol of shared effort and obligation. This symbol represents the interconnectedness and collective responsibility within the community. The lighting of a candle on the Kinara during Kwanzaa is a physical manifestation of this commitment.

Ujima is more than just a principle; it's an active practice of working together to build and maintain the community. It recognizes that progress is impossible and liberation unthinkable without collective work and struggle. This principle aligns with the African proverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child," highlighting the importance of communal support and nurturing.

"Kwanzaa," Encyclopaedia Britannica, last modified December 23, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kwanzaa.

"Kwanzaa - Meaning, Candles & Principles," HISTORY, accessed December 25, 2023, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history.

"Kwanzaa," Wikipedia, last modified December 25, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa.

"Kwanzaa," National Museum of African American History and Culture, accessed December 25, 2023, https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/kwanzaa.

"The First Kwanzaa," HISTORY.com, accessed December 25, 2023, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-first-kwanzaa.

My Daily Kwanzaa, blog, accessed December 25, 2023, https://mydailykwanzaa.wordpress.com.

Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture (Los Angeles, CA: University of Sankore Press, 1998), ISBN 0-943412-21-8.

"Kente Cloth," African Journey, Project Exploration, accessed December 25, 2023, https://projectexploration.org.

Expert Village, "Kwanzaa Traditions & Customs: Kwanzaa Symbols," YouTube video, accessed December 25, 2023, [Link to the specific YouTube video]. (Note: The exact URL for the YouTube video is needed for a complete citation).

"Official Kwanzaa Website," accessed December 25, 2023, https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.html.

Michelle, Lavanda. "Let's Talk Kwanzaa: Unwrapping the Good Vibes." Lavanda Michelle, December 13, 2023. https://lavandamichelle.com/2023/12/13/lets-talk-kwanzaa-unwrapping-the-good-vibes/.

[pel-in]

GT investigates: How US propaganda machine, VOA, sows global discord through prejudicial reporting

US billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), recently called for the radio stations Radio Free Europe and Voice of America (VOA), founded by the US, to be shut down. Musk wrote on the social media platform X that nobody listens to them anymore and "it is just racial left crazy people talking to themselves while torching US$1B/year of US taxpayer money." These remarks drew worldwide attention over the news outlets as, for years, they have been widely criticized for their "biased" and "reality-distorted" reporting in many countries to advance US interests.

The VOA, in particular, is infamously known for many of its "fake reports" that aim to tarnish China's image and spread rumors. What is the origin of the VOA? What common tactics does the VOA employ as part of a propaganda campaign to advance US interests while undermining others? In this installment, we look into the VOA to find answers. 

Origin of war machines

Established in 1942, the VOA is funded by the US government through the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), according to the VOA website. 

The predecessor of the USAGM was the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which was responsible for managing the international broadcasting activities of US foreign propaganda. Outlets such as the VOA and Radio Free Asia (RFA), which are referred to as the mouthpieces of the US government, fall under its purview. 

According to history.com, an American website focusing on history, the VOA was established as a radio program aimed at clarifying US policies during World War II and boosting the morale of its allies across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Following the war, the VOA evolved into a key component of the US' Cold War propaganda efforts, primarily targeting audiences in Western Europe. In February 1947, it launched its inaugural Russian-language broadcasts directed at the Soviet Union. 

By the time WWII ended, the VOA was broadcasting 3,200 programs in 40 languages every week. The VOA's function is to "promote understanding of the US and to spread American values," read an entry in Britannica, a fact-checked online encyclopedia. 

The US "used public diplomacy to persuade European audiences that the foundations of democratic government and capitalist enterprise were superior to Soviet alternatives. The VOA broadcast directly into the Warsaw Pact nations of Eastern Europe to dispel myths about the West," said the article. 

"VOA has always been a Cold War weapon for the US, a part of its so-called propaganda for the enemy," Lü Xiang, an expert on US studies and a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

"It was never a media outlet in the conventional sense. From its inception, it has been a tool of ideological warfare by using false or misleading information to smear and spread negative propaganda about enemy nations and camps that the US deemed hostile," Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, told the Global Times.

Shen introduced that during the Cold War, the VOA used shortwave radio to broadcast US foreign policy to the world. As time progressed, the VOA underwent significant technological changes. After the Cold War ended, it transitioned onto online platforms and rebranded itself as an "independent media outlet." 

In recent years, the VOA has ramped up efforts to be complicit with US government in spreading both misleading and fabricated information to suppress China, Shen pointed out.

Photo: VCGDirty smear tactics

When the US administration wielded its judicial power against overseas Chinese people, accusing them of being "agents of the Chinese government," the VOA played a role in this campaign. One of the latest cases is that of Liang Litang.

A federal jury on February 10 found a Boston man, Liang Litang, not guilty of charges that he was secretly working with the Chinese government to compile a "blacklist" of Chinese activists and organizations in the US, a Boston-based American daily newspaper, the Boston Globe, reported.

Following the verdict, Liang expressed to the media, "Justice has finally arrived."

Liang, 65, an overseas Chinese who runs a Chinese restaurant in Boston, was arrested by the FBI in May 2023. He was accused of being an "agent" of the Chinese government. 

However, during the period of Liang's arrest and prior to the trial, the VOA published several stories attacking him, suggesting that he was guilty without the need for a trial. These articles included videos featuring some Chinese Americans with anti-China sentiments to play "people in the know," listing Liang's "crimes" and asserting that the FBI's surveillance of Liang is justified. Expressing their pure hate emotions, these people condemned Liang in front of the camera. The videos, while emotionally charged, lacked substantive evidence and appeared to be driven by a one-sided agenda.

The VOA certainly did not miss the verdict in Liang's case, but in its report on his acquittal, all the interviews cited were from individuals expressing disappointment with the not guilty verdict.

Despite citing one-sided unverified sources, the Global Times found that, in an effort to present itself as an "independent media" outlet, the VOA employs a reporting strategy that has often created negative associations to achieve its intended propaganda effect.

For example, on January 11, 2005, the VOA aired two pieces on China's economic news: The first was that China's trade surplus in December reached a record high, while the second claimed that trade with China was causing job losses in the US, stating that since 1989, the growing trade surplus with China had resulted in the loss of 1.5 million American jobs. Despite the positive news regarding China's economic development, the VOA consistently managed to twist the narrative to evoke negative sentiments among international readers, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Due to the constant influx of such news, Chinese media has identified a pattern in how VOA the disseminates negative narratives about China. This pattern often involves "insiders" or "authoritative scholars" leaking unfavorable information, which the VOA then claimed to "investigate further." This process is frequently amplified by "anti-China politicians" who echo these sentiments and contribute additional exaggerated claims. As a result, a closed loop emerges, resembling a "black industry chain" of "anti-China rhetoric" that spans from fabricating lies to launching attacks, Xinhua reported.

The Global Times found this trend to be particularly pronounced during significant events hosted by China. For instance, during the opening of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the VOA published dozens of articles aimed at discrediting China within a short period of time. Furthermore, a search for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the VOA website reveals that the first five pages predominantly feature negative coverage.

"They defined the concept of 'human rights' based on the standards they set. Nearly everything China does is likely to be portrayed as a violation of the human rights," Lü commented.  

"When listening to the VOA, it often presents China and the US as completely opposing worlds: One is portrayed as civilized, while the other as barbaric. One is upholding human rights, while the other is claimed to be denying them. This stark binary contrast is clearly reflected in its broadcasts," he said.

Predictable decline The VOA has been a significant player in global media for more than 80 years. However, its relevance and effectiveness in today's rapidly evolving media landscape are increasingly under scrutiny. 

Today, the question arises: What does it truly mean to the US? 

In a thought-provoking article published in 2016 on the website of the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy, Dan Robinson, a former senior White House correspondent for the VOA, argued that the organization had lost its purpose and should be dismantled. Robinson highlighted that the VOA has long suffered from chaotic management, resulting in a demoralized workforce and diminished operational capacity.

Robinson pointed out that the speed and efficiency of its news reporting, particularly on its primary English-language website, have significantly declined. This decline has rendered the VOA less competitive in an increasingly crowded media environment, where diverse information sources abound.

Robinson even bluntly pointed out that at the time, BBG executives, the VOA's top brass, would go on to use Russia and China as an excuse to "keep the mismanaged BBG alive ad infinitum."

In 2021, US lawmakers introduced the Strategic Competition Act of 2021, which proposed allocating $100 million annually for USAGM's ongoing and new programs to support several media outlets to counter China. 

However, no matter how hard the US government and VOA staff members try, people have realized that the era when former US president Ronald Reagan could read a script in the VOA studio and create a stir in Soviet society has long since ended. In today's rapidly developing internet age, Chinese and American netizens can now share information on social media platforms like RedNotes without any barriers observers said.

As a researcher, Lü said he rarely turns to the VOA because its information is "too weak." "Every topic related to China is interpreted through a one-sided ideological lens, purely ideological interpretation. Moreover, some of its practices even violate journalistic ethics," he explained. 

"The VOA's news approach has long lost its credibility within both American society and the international community," Lü Chao, director of the Institute of US and East Asian Studies at Liaoning University, told the Global Times. 

Currently, the US is experiencing an unprecedented internal division and reorganization among its elites. For many Republicans, the VOA has long been a financial burden, Lü Xiang noted. "It has now become a political weapon in domestic political struggles. The VOA fails to serve the purpose of enhancing the US' image abroad, therefore, it is not surprising that DOGE is now calling for to reform or even shut it down," he said.

"A few decades ago, radio broadcasts were considered an advanced means of communication, but today, they are completely out of place in the digital age," Lü Chao said. "Musk's criticism of the VOA is rooted in the intense competition between the two parties; the outcome is uncertain, but the decline of the VOA is predictable."

[inqueeriescentral]

The Stonewall Riots!

History.com has an article titled “Stonewall Riots” they explain how the discrimination against the LGBTQ movement began a series of rebellions that took place in gay bars. They note “The 1960s and preceding decades were not welcoming times for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. For instance, solicitation of same-sex relations was illegal in New York City.” The authors’ main point is that the community felt unsafe in the city and risked arrest, but the gay bars provided a place to seek refuge and be themselves. Also, a lot of these bars were owned by the mafia so the police would begin to harass these bars. Finally, the regulations for LGBTQ patrons were overturned in 1966, but the display of homosexual activity still remained illegal which was prevelent with the harrassment received from police. 

Give it a read and think about how the constant raids at gay bars were a key turning point in the LGBTQ movement! 

[mexicocasestudy]

Three Historical Events:

The Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire (1519-1521): The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire dramatically altered Mexico’s cultural and social landscape, destroying one of the most advanced indigenous civilizations in the Americas. This conquest, led by Hernán Cortés, led to the imposition of European norms, including Catholicism, which would eventually shape Mexican identity. It also began centuries of colonial rule, which created a cultural divide between the indigenous peoples and the Spanish colonizers. The event fostered a complex relationship between indigenous populations and Europeans, influencing the creation of Mexico’s mestizo identity. Over time, the fusion of indigenous beliefs and Catholicism gave rise to unique cultural expressions, like Día de los Muertos, illustrating the resilience of indigenous culture amidst colonial domination. (History.com Editors, 2010)

Mexican Independence (1810-1821): Mexico’s War of Independence, led by figures such as Miguel Hidalgo, was a critical moment in the country’s development, fostering a sense of national pride and the aspiration for autonomy. The struggle against Spanish colonial rule began in 1810 and culminated in 1821 with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba. The conflict not only shaped Mexican identity but also created a shared sense of resistance against foreign oppression. Independence influenced the values of sovereignty and equality, which were later reflected in the nation’s political and social reforms. The movement for independence cultivated a national consciousness focused on freedom from external control, and it helped mold modern ideas of citizenship and democratic rights. (History.com Editors, 2010)

The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920): The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, was a major social and political upheaval that aimed to address land reforms, labor rights, and the concentration of power among elites. The revolution’s influence on Mexican culture cannot be overstated; it sparked the development of a new national identity that emphasized the importance of social justice and equality. Leaders like Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa became cultural icons, symbolizing the struggle for the rights of peasants and workers. This event also reshaped the country’s political and economic systems, laying the groundwork for Mexico’s later policies on land redistribution and labor rights. It instilled a sense of activism and resistance, which continues to shape Mexican attitudes toward justice, equality, and the role of the state. (History.com Editors, 2010)

Film: Documentary “ The Mexican Revolution”

The documentary The Mexican Revolution: The Bandits Turned Heroes explores the social and political upheaval of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), focusing on the lives and legacies of revolutionary leaders like Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa. It highlights their fight for land reform, labor rights, and equality, framing them as symbols of resistance and justice in Mexican history. Through vivid storytelling, the film delves into how these leaders' efforts challenged the oligarchic structures of their time and left an enduring impact on Mexican culture and identity. This documentary provides viewers with a compelling lens into the revolution's transformative effects on Mexico's political, social, and cultural landscape.

Source:

History.com Editors. "History of Mexico." History, A&E Television Networks, 9 June 2010, https://www.history.com/topics/latin-america/history-of-mexico.

[suygetsuu]

Remembering George Floyd: A Deeply Felt Plea for Justice and Transformation

On May 25, 2020, something heartbreaking and pivotal happened that changed everything in the struggle for racial justice. In a tragic and unjust event, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, lost his life during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a heartbreaking moment that shook the world, bystanders recorded the tragic scene of Derek Chauvin, a former police officer, kneeling on George Floyd's neck for an agonizing 9 minutes and 29 seconds, while Floyd desperately cried out, “I can’t breathe.” This intense footage ignited a wave of anger, sorrow, and a fresh demand for justice and transformative change (Olorunnipa 2023).

A Worldwide Uproar

George Floyd’s death wasn’t just a single event; it’s a harsh wake-up call about the ongoing struggles with police violence and racial injustice that have been embedded in the fabric of the United States for ages (History.com Editors 2021). His last moments turned into a striking reminder of how desperately we need change and responsibility in our police systems. The words “I can’t breathe” echoed around the world, turning into a powerful call for action as countless individuals flooded the streets, seeking justice not just for Floyd, but for every victim of racial violence (History.com Editors 2021).

The protests that erupted after Floyd's death were unlike anything we've seen before, both in size and influence. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, hailing from various nations and cultures, came together in a powerful display of solidarity to express their frustration and call for transformation. The Black Lives Matter movement, advocating for racial justice since 2013, really picked up steam, especially after Floyd’s death sparked a wave of activism everywhere. The way this movement is all about decentralization really shows how social media can be a game changer. It’s incredible how they’ve managed to organize protests and raise awareness so effectively!

Pathways to Justice

After these protests, everyone saw some real progress in tackling systemic racism and police brutality. Derek Chauvin faced charges and was ultimately convicted of murder and manslaughter, ending up with a 22.5-year prison sentence (Olorunnipa 2023). All the other officers who took part in the arrest faced consequences for what they did too. These legal outcomes felt like a small win for justice, but they also made it clear that we need to push for bigger, systemic changes to stop these kinds of tragedies from happening again.

George Floyd’s impact reaches far beyond the legal battles. His passing sparked a worldwide awakening to the deep-rooted problems of race, privilege, and justice. Everyone, from organizations to individuals, had to face their own biases and actually do something to build a fairer society. The impact of Floyd’s death is still felt everywhere, sparking conversations and driving changes through policy reforms and community efforts. It’s all about envisioning the world we aspire to create.

A Timeless Legacy

In remembering George Floyd, let’s keep his spirit alive by pushing forward in the battle for justice and equality. His life, though it ended too soon, has created a lasting impact that resonates with so many. The wave of change ignited by his passing is a powerful reminder that each of us has a part to play in tearing down systemic racism and creating a world where everyone is honored and respected.

In honor of George Floyd, let’s work towards a future where “I can’t breathe” transforms from a desperate plea into a powerful symbol of our united dedication to justice and compassion.

References

History.com Editors 2021, ‘George Floyd Is Killed by a Police Officer, Igniting Historic Protests’, History, A&E Television Networks, viewed <https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/george-floyd-killed-by-police-officer>.

Olorunnipa, T 2023, ‘George Floyd | American citizen’, Encyclopedia Britannica, viewed <https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Floyd>.

[astonishinglegends]

Ep 284: Nightmarchers of Hawaii

"My family and I might be safe from the Night Marchers because our ancestor was the Kauai ali’i and Kamehameha’s adviser, Chief Kai’iana. Ka’iana died at the Battle of Nu’uanu and may walk with the procession."  -- Tonight's guest, Kamuela Kaneshiro

Description:

Those who have visited Hawaii have experienced its natural beauty, soothing lifestyle, and the charm and friendliness of the inhabitants. However, only a select few may have encountered what the locals know and revere – the supernatural entities and legends that are still active and enduring. Some, like seeing "Madame Pele," can invigorate awe and wonder, while others can be terrifying. One of the latter and seemingly more prevalent is encountering the Night Marchers. They usually appear as a column of warriors floating above the ground along a predetermined path, weapons or torches in hand. Many report only hearing their presence in the form of unexplainable beating drums or the ghostly blowing of a conch shell. And just seeing them, it's said, ensures a disappearance or violent death to the witness if the proper respect isn't paid in their presence. But what is their origin story, and what do they want? Are they soldiers defeated by King Kamehameha I advancing towards a counterattack or seeking revenge? Or are they keepers and enforcers of ancient Hawaiian cultural laws and mores? To help us explore these questions and relay some of his personal experiences, tonight's guest is Kamuela "Kamu" Kaneshiro. As a native Hawaiian, content creator, and podcaster for 20 years, Kamu has extensive knowledge of the lore and heritage of his homeland. His royal lineage might even protect him from these fearsome spectral guardians. Join us for a fascinating discussion as we warily watch for the Night Marchers of Hawaii.

Reference Links:

Kamuela Kaneshiro’s website, legendsfromthepacific.com

Kamuela’s episode, “Episode 12 – Hawaii’s Deadly Royal Procession - The Night Marchers”

Kamuela’s “Episode 11 – Hawaii’s Ultimate Warrior - King Kamehameha the Great”

Kamuela’s “Episode 1 – Pele - Hawaii’s Goddess of Fire”

A free bonus episode gift from Kamuela – “Hawaii’s Faceless Ghost – Mujina”

Kamuela’s newsletter sign-up and free gift

Kamu’s old neighborhood

The “Chicken Skin” show’s episode on the Nightmarchers, from Noʻeau Woo-O'Brien’s YouTube channel

Wikipedia entry on Hawaii

Nightmarchers on Wikipedia

“ Mana” – the supernatural force in Oceanian cultures

“Pō Kāne: When Spirits Haunt the Night” from the Ho‘okahua Hawaiian Cultural Vibrancy Group

Kamehameha I

Kaʻiana

Battle of Nuʻuanu

“Nu‘uanu Pali Road – 1897: Crossing the Ko‘olau Range” from the Historic Hawai’i Foundation

Kapu in Hawaiian culture

Hawaiian religion

Aliʻi – ancient Hawaiian hereditary nobility

List of Hawaiian monarchs

“A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF THE RULERS OF HAWAII” by Jane Smith, from the Hawaii Star

“When Hawaii’s Monarchy Was Overthrown, With Rogue US Support” on History.com

Simon Metcalfe

American sailing vessel, the Fair American

“Madame Pele”

Nāmaka, older sister of Pele

The Wild Hunt

Harry Dresden

PUʻUHONUA O HŌNAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK from LoveBigIsland.com

Mujina – The Faceless Woman from AmericanGhostStories.com

Glen Grant, Hawaiian historian

The Ti plant – Cordyline fruticosa

“ Maui Plant of the Month: Monkeypod” – from MauiWebCameras.com

Location:

Oʻahu, Hawaii, site of the Battle of Nuʻuanu, where King Kamehameha I’s army forced over 700 opposing warriors off a cliff.

Suggested Listening:

From the Astonishing Legends Network:

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CREDITS:

Episode 284: Nightmarchers of Hawaii. Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess. Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound. Music and Sound Design by Allen Carrescia. Tess Pfeifle, Producer and Lead Researcher. Ed Voccola, Technical Producer. Research Support from The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2024 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[eashasschoolblog]

Reflective Critique

Question 4: How things like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo (these are only examples, choose your own) have changed the concept of power on the web and the world. Why is this important?

  The web and social media has given greater incentive to give power to anyone online. This can be seen through The Women's March movement that took place in 2017 in order to unite women together to protest for gender equality and other threats to women's rights. Thousands of people took part in the movement across multiple cities in America to show their support for women's rights. This led to the success of women running for office as well as an increased number of people voting. This started when a woman named Teresa Shook posted to her Facebook voicing out her outrage for treatment of women and wanting to create a pro Women March. As a result of this now there have been many more movements for women's rights which shows the importance and power of Citizen journalism on the web and how it changes the world.

This Screenshot shows the movement #womensMarch being used to spread more awareness about women's issues. (Image reference BABEVOTE , 2020, and Garrick A. McFadden, Esq 2019, via Twitter.)

References:

BABEVOTE. [@BABEVOTEorg]. (2020, May 8). BABE VOTE’s stated goal is to “build an army of voters,” with its eyes set on getting non-voters to the [Tweet]. Twitter.

https://twitter.com/BABEVOTEorg

Benz, D. (2023, March 20) The Women’s March: Protest And Resistance. Learning for Justice.

https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/the-womens-march-protestandresistance#:~:text=The%20Women's%20March%20had%20an,of%20women%20elected%20to%20Congress.

Garrick A. McFadden, Esq. [@GarrickMcF]. (2019, Aug. 2). There are a number of reasons why I love, admire and will fight for @ewarren, but a picture is worth [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/GarrickMcF

History.com Editors. (2021, Jan. 19). Women’s March. This day in History.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/womens-march

Hitchings-Hales, J. & Calderwood, I. (2017, Aug. 23), 8 Massive Moments When Hashtag Activism Really Worked. Global Citizen.

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/hashtag-activism-hashtag10-twitter-trends  -dresslik/

[michaelcosio]

Amazon is using union-busting Pinkerton spies to track warehouse workers and labor movements at the company, according to a new report

Katie Canales Nov 23, 2020, 11:42 AM PST

Amazon is hiring detectives from the notorious Pinkerton agency to spy on warehouse workers and monitor them for labor unionization efforts, according to a Monday Motherboard report.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that Amazon has indeed recruited operatives from Pinkerton, the spy agency that has a centuries-long history of upending worker union activities, among other services.

Per Motherboard, Pinkerton spies were "inserted" into a warehouse in Wroclaw, Poland, in 2019 to look into an allegation that job candidates were being coached for job interviews.

Amazon spokesperson Lisa Levandowski told Business Insider that the firm partners with Pinkerton to "secure high-value shipments in transit," not to gather intelligence on warehouse workers, and that all activities are "fully in line with local laws."

Motherboard obtained internal emails written by members of Amazon's Global Security Operations Center in 2019. The leaked documents reportedly show Amazon analysts tracking union organizing activity of workers in Europe, with members having the ability to stay updated on labor organizing efforts conducted at warehouses, right down to the date, time, location, and the number of workers involved.

The report also revealed that the data analysts used Facebook and Instagram to monitor the activity of social justice and environmental activist groups, including Greta Thunberg's Fridays4future and Greenpeace. Amazon said the company's analysts do not create social media accounts to track social movements.

Some of the documents suggest that the same monitoring tactics used in Europe could be being used in the Americas, according to the report.

Levandowski told Business Insider that "like any other responsible business, we maintain a level of security within our operations to help keep our employees, buildings, and inventory safe. That includes having an internal investigations team who work with law enforcement agencies as appropriate, and everything we do is in line with local laws and conducted with the full knowledge and support of local authorities."

The Pinkertons were used as a resource by 19th-century industrial bigwigs to spy on unions and to break up worker-held strikes. Steelworkers held a strike in 1892 that devolved into violence and the death of a dozen people when Carnegie Steel Company recruited 300 Pinkertons to act as armed guards, according to History.com. The event led to some states passing laws to prohibit the use of third-party security forces in labor disputes.

As Christy Hoffman, the general secretary of UNI Global Union, told Motherboard, Amazon's deployment of Pinkerton spies to monitor workers' strikes echoes the same tactics used by 19th-century industry tycoons and comes as the company remains under the microscope of anti-trust investigators in the EU and in the US.

"For years people have been comparing big tech bosses to nineteenth-century robber barons, and now by using Pinkertons to do his dirty work, Bezos is making that connection even clearer," Hoffman told Motherboard.

The developments are the latest in a string of evidence that highlights Amazon's robust efforts to monitor and crackdown on its workers unionizing. The retail giant has been staunchly opposed to labor unions — the firm listed, but quickly removed, a job opening earlier this year for an analyst that would monitor employee's efforts to organize.

While CEO Jeff Bezos and his ecommerce giant have profited heavily from home-bound customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon workers have been advocating for better working conditions, staging strikes and protests. Christian Smalls, a former warehouse worker at Amazon's New York fulfillment center, was fired after the company said he ignored social distancing recommendations during a walkout in March. Leaked documents, obtained at the time by Motherboard, revealed an internal effort to mount a PR campaign against Smalls. The documents reportedly revealed that Amazon's top lawyer called Smalls "not smart or articulate" and said the company should "make him the face of the entire union/organizing movement."

A separate Motherboard report from September found that Amazon had been using a tool to monitor dozens of private and public social media groups to find drivers that were organizing strikes or protests.

[pastperfect-online]

January 3, 1959: Alaska admitted into Union

"On January 3, 1959, President Eisenhower signs a special proclamation admitting the territory of Alaska into the Union as the 49th and largest state.

Indigenous peoples inhabited the region that would become Alaska for centuries. The European discovery of Alaska came in 1741, when a Russian expedition led by Danish navigator Vitus Bering sighted the Alaskan mainland. Russian hunters were soon making incursions into Alaska, and the native Aleut population suffered greatly after being exposed to foreign diseases. In 1784, Grigory Shelikhov established the first permanent Russian colony in Alaska on Kodiak Island. In the early 19th century, Russian settlements spread down the west coast of North America, with the southernmost fort located near Bodega Bay in California.

Russian activity in the New World declined in the 1820s, and the British and Americans were granted trading rights in Alaska after a few minor diplomatic conflicts. In the 1860s, a nearly bankrupt Russia decided to offer Alaska for sale to the United States, which earlier had expressed interest in such a purchase. On March 30, 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward signed a treaty with Russia for the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million. Despite the bargain price of roughly two cents an acre, the Alaskan purchase was ridiculed in Congress and in the press as “Seward’s folly,” “Seward’s icebox,” and President Andrew Johnson’s “polar bear garden.” Nevertheless, the Senate ratified purchase of the tremendous landmass, one-fifth the size of the rest of the United States.

Despite a slow start in settlement by Americans from the continental United States, the discovery of gold in 1898 brought a rapid influx of people to the territory. Alaska, rich in natural resources, has been contributing to American prosperity ever since.

-History.com

This week in History:

January 1, 1863: Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation

January 2, 1974: President Nixon signs national speed limit into law

January 5, 1920: New York Yankees announce purchase of Babe Ruth

January 6, 1838: Samuel Morse unveils the telegraph

This Commemorative Medal celebrating Alaska's statehood can be found in the online collection of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

[tgablissortonn]

19th century ghost stories

my storyline’s main antagonists are ghosts. so i wanted to look at the history of ghost stories in 19th century britain.

after industrialisation in britain started, and after urbanisation, the people who moved from their villages to larger cities still wanted to hear the stories they’d have been told. there was a greater interest for these stories due to the growing population. through the industrial growth of Britain, this also led onto the growth of the written world and books. Steam powered printing presses allowed for versions of stories and publications to be physical that they could sell. writers such as Elizabeth Gaskell, Margaret Oliphant and Arthur Conan Doyle were writing actively during this time so they had a lot of stories to tell. another writer from this time was Charles Dickens. Charles Dickens wrote the famous novella “A Christmas Carol”, and in recent times this story is still very popular after being created in to many movie adaptations and even a version featuring the Muppets. “history.com” says about this topic that Charles Dickens wrote a lot of different Christmas novellas, and a lot of them involved ghosts. And he also popularised the concept of Christmas literature and exploring the theme of forgiveness and family during Christmas time.

The story follows the main character Ebenezer Scrooge, being visited by 4 ghosts. There are 3 ghosts that represent the past, the present and the future. they are named the ghost of christmas past, the ghost of christmas present, and the ghost of christmas future. These 3 ghosts visit Scrooge in his sleep to show him his memories of himself in the past, the memories and the world around him in the present day, and the result of his future.

The fourth ghost is the first to appear, the ghost of Ebenezer’s deceased business partner, Jacob Marley. There are many different kinds of ghosts shown in A Christmas Carol. all of the ghosts have a different attitude and a different mindset, they are 4 very different personalities. There are ghosts that are kind, the ghost of christmas past and present, ghosts that are evil, the ghost of christmas future, and Jacob Marley whom represents the spirits of a past relationship coming back to haunt a friend or give some kind of premonition. Dickens supposedly took inspiration from prisoners he saw in Pennsylvania.

Marley is chained down by shackles, representing his guilt of what he did in his life as being a mean spirited man who did not care for the lower classes. He represents the kind of ghost that is a spirit of a person who has already lived their life and exists in the afterlife. i really like the idea that he is chained down by shackles and i want to take inspiration from that into some later work and maybe incorporate it into another character’s story to show that they arent worn down by their guilt but are a criminal who needs to serve for their crimes of extortion.

[ffcarlos-grad604]

[Draft] Essay - Section 3: The Creative, Positioning the Researcher

Instructions

This is where you will introduce yourself as a creative maker, thinker and research. Defining in 3-4 points:

The key values and ideas that underpin your practice;

The conventions, media and processes that you gravitate towards;

The key methods and tools you use to undertake research, locate ideas and context, to find a topic, subject matter and themes;

Share your point of view about the role and importance of design. This could be for a specific social or cultural impact, audience or cause, sustainability, gender issues, equality etc;

--

My practice is rooted in certain key values and ideas that drive my work, informed by my experiences and aspirations. My multidisciplinary approach includes communication and interaction  with themes in music, faith, and social good. The wide range of topics and themes enriches my creative process.

As for media and processes, I lean predominantly towards digital tools and platforms. Graphic design finds its home in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. For interaction design, I utilise Miro and Figma to craft intuitive and user-centric digital experiences.

Research is always a crucial aspect of the creative process. The vast landscape of the internet holds a massive trove of information and inspiration. However, actively engaging with the stakeholders and audience to really understand their needs, preferences, and pain points is paramount in creating resonant solutions as well. Collaboration and open communication are valued and essential processes to ensure the success of projects.

My view on design is that it is a means of fostering impact and encouraging positive change. Whether it's through creating engaging visuals for the church community, designing campaigns for social good, or enhancing user experiences, design can be a tool for communication, education, and transformation.

--

Other Paragraphs I've Written

An essential dimension to “The Creative” I’m integrating is my faith. My family comes from a Roman Catholic background, and while I’ve always identified as a Catholic, my connection to it has deepened recently. This year, I started attending my local parish, and contributing to the ministry by playing piano with the choir at masses.

Alongside doing creating branding and promotional material for church, I aspire to leverage graphic design to nurture my relationship with Christ as my journey in faith is very personal. While I haven’t undertaken any creative projects tied to Christianity due to my short time of involvement with the church, I’m considering how having some sort of journal/diary could  be a valuable tool to harmonise my path in faith with my interest for publication/editorial design.

A faith journal or diary would serve as a personal space where I synthesis and articulate my thoughts, relections, prayers, experiences, scriptural and quote collections, regarding spirituality expressed in creative ways. It could include illustrations, typography, and other visual aids thoughtfully laid out. I aim to create a free and comfortable space for self-discovery, so I will personalize it to align with my needs and preferences, yet also design it to be engaging and aesthetically pleasing.

The Holy Bible is a historical and spiritual artefact, officially compiled in the late fourth century, and the best-selling book in the world with hundres of millions of copies printed over the past 1500 years (History.com Editors, 2018). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a reference work summarising the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic Church, often used as a teaching tool (Hopkins, 2023). But at a glance, the Bible and the CCC seem like plain and dense volumes, hundreds of pages long, and jam packed with text.

Both of these essential books offer a parallel to my interest in publication and editorial design. I’ve often felt frustated at the challenge of comprehending theological concepts.

I could create storytelling elements comprising of typographic designs, symbolic illustrations and capture the essence of the biblical narratives. These preserved centuries of wisdom and inspired writings can engage viewers with spiritual depth.

--

Aside from design, my other talent and passion lies in music and I play the piano and viola. From being a part of a world premiere production with New Zealand Opera, to accompanying singers, and teaching kids; my musical journey has enriched my personal growth.

My journey began when I was 8 years old. Over the years, this passion has helped me grow so much as a person. Through countless practice sessions, lessons, and rehearsals, I have been taught discipline, patience and perseverance. Through my effort and commitment, I have been rewarded with many accomplishments and awards. Music has been a big part of my life and will continue to be.

Almost everyone is familiar with music and has been exposed to various genres, but many fail to fully grasp the significance and influence it holds in our daily existence. Music serves not only as a form of artistic expression and entertainment, but also possesses the potential to be therapeutic and beneficial to our mental and physical well-being.

I would be open to designing for CD’s, album covers, posters advertisements for concerts and festivals. Additionally, I would like to do work that engages and inspires the newer generations in music education and provide the opportunity for them to explore it.

--

Design is integrated in every part of this world, from the products, services, and spaces we work, move, and live in. Design is not merely about aesthetics but also about innovating, inspiring, and offering solutions that will impact lives.

Alongside graphic design, I would like to pursue a career in the User Experience (UX), or Customer Experience (CX) design industry. In my Interaction Design Studio class last semester, I chose to redesign Webjet’s website focusing on the flight booking section.

I conducted user research such as surveys and user testing to identify problems, limitations and weaknesses of the Webjet website as well as competitor analysis research and critically examining, and comparing similar websites.

Using wireframing and prototyping in Figma, I employed a design system with typography, colour, icons, grid and components. I improved the design’s consistency and cohesiveness so that users could build the most streamline travel journey.

This project made me realise that I enjoy working on designs that improve customers’ interactions and therefore, I want to do this type of work in the future. I want to positively influence consumer’s experiences with products, services, and systems in a way that is intuitive, smooth, and pleasant.

-

Social good is a theme that will come up more frequently in my design practice as I have acquired two internships for the upcoming summer. One of them is at Good Health Design, a transdisciplinary design and research studio based in AUT’s School of Art and Design. The other is at Waiheke Resources Trust, a professional non-profit organisation the promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility on Waiheke Island (Waiheke Resources Trust, n.d.)

During the mid-term break this semester, I was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the ICU with a life-threatening complication at Middlemore Hospital. This unexpected hiatus caused me to take few weeks off to recover, and revaluate my priorities in my life. This disruption and challenging ordeal has sparked an interest in design in the healthcare sector.

I look forward to my 2023/2024 summer internship at Good Health Design. I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with clinical experts, healthcare professionals, and researchers from different fields to empower, enhance and enrich the communities and the healthcare experience of individuals. This isn’t limited to the medical needs, but also the emotional, psychological and social aspects of health (Good Health Design, n.d.).

[alevv-cas]

Halloween. Is it a win?

This is for awareness and just a little bit of good read. Not intended to be a downer:

Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31, originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain1. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 11. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death1.

Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred1. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth1. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities1. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes1.

In terms of biblical connections, there are no direct references to Halloween in the Bible2. Some Christians believe that participating in Halloween is a form of involvement in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness, which is forbidden in Scripture: Ephesians 5:7-152. However, others consider modern-day Halloween activities to be harmless fun2. The Bible is actually completely silent on Halloween since it did not exist during the time when the books of the Bible were written3.

It’s important to note that while some people have connected Halloween to earlier pagan celebrations of the new year, Halloween actually has significant Catholic roots. The name itself comes from All Hallow’s Eve – that is, the Vigil of All Saints’ Day, when Catholics remember those who have gone before us to enter our heavenly home.

Halloween has been around for more than a thousand years1. Originally a religious observance, it became increasingly secular over the centuries until its religious trappings all but disappeared1. Today, Halloween is considered a holiday for dress-up and fun, especially for children1.

The custom of trick-or-treating, in which children dress up in costume and solicit treats from neighbors, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century as Irish and Scottish communities revived the Old World custom of “guising,” in which a person would dress in costume and tell a joke, recite a poem, or perform some other trick in exchange for a piece of fruit or other treat1. By 1950, trick-or-treating for candy had become one of Halloween’s most popular activities1. Today, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays for candy sales in the United States, estimated to be more than $3 billion1.

While Halloween may not have direct biblical connections, it has evolved into a community-centered holiday. It encourages creativity through costumes and decorations, brings neighborhoods together through trick-or-treating and parties, and is seen as a fun way to celebrate the fall season. It’s important to note that how one chooses to celebrate Halloween is often a personal decision based on their own beliefs and traditions.

References: 1. history.com 2. learnreligions.com 3. christianity.com 4. vaticannews.va 5. britannica.com 6. earthobservatory.nasa.gov 7. edsitement.neh.gov 8. biblestudy.org 9. britannica.com 10. history.com 11. today.com 12. hindustantimes.com

#HalloweenOrigins #samhainfestival #celticnewyear #allhallowseve #trickortreat #halloweencostumes #halloweencelebration #communityholiday #fallseason

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] On this day in history, Aug. 2, 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Hatch Act of 1939 — known formally as An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities — into U.S. federal law, according to History.com. This legislation prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch of the federal government from engaging in some forms of political activity, the same source indicated. The president and vice president are exempt from this legislation.ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, AUG. 1, 1839, SHREDDED WHEAT IS PATENTED: ‘WONDER OF THE AGES’​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​"The Hatch Act limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state, D.C. and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs," the U.S. Office of Special Counsel states."The law’s purposes are to ensure that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion, to protect federal employees from political coercion in the workplace, and to ensure that federal employees are advanced based on merit and not based on political affiliation.​​​​" On Aug. 2, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Hatch Act of 1939 — known formally as An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities — into U.S. federal law.  (Getty Images)The mission of the law is to keep federal employees from engaging in political activities while they’re on the job. It was also designed to ensure federal employees don’t face political pressures as they perform their work, cited History.com.ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, MARCH 12, 1933, FDR GIVES HIS FIRST ‘FIRESIDE CHAT’ RADIO ADDRESSViolations of the Hatch Act carry serious penalties, which may result in disciplinary action or removal from federal employment, the same source indicated.The Hatch Act is enforced by the Office of Special Counsel.There are three main purposes of the law, according to the American Postal Workers Union.Ensure federal programs are administered in a non-partisan fashionProtect federal employees from political coercion in the workplaceEnsure that federal employees are evaluated on merit, not political affiliation.Additionally, while at work, federal employees may not distribute or display campaign materials, perform campaign-related chores, wear or display partisan buttons, T-shirts or signs, make political contributions to a partisan political party, candidate or group, post comments to a blog or a social media site, or use email or social media to distribute, send, or forward content advocating for or against, a partisan political party, candidate or group, as History.com outlined. The Hatch Act, signed by FDR in 1939, defined political activity as "any activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group." (Getty Images)The legislation was initially passed in reaction to a scandal during the administration of FDR, multiple sources have noted.Sponsored by as well as named after New Mexico Sen. Carl A. Hatch, a Democrat nicknamed "Cowboy Carl," the legislation defined political activity as "any activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group," according to History.com.The president and vice president are exempt from the civil provisions of the Hatch Act because those positions are both officeholders and candidates.  Notably, the president and vice president are exempt from the civil provisions of the Hatch Act because those positions are both officeholders and candidates, according to multiple sources. The Hatch Act applies to all federal employees; however, application of its restrictions is broken down into two groups based on position, according to the Department of Justice.ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, JUNE 22, 1944, FDR SIGNS GI BILL, WITH FAR-REACHING IMPACT ON AMERICAN VETERANS  "Less restricted" employees, including most career employees in the executive branch, are able to participate actively in political management or partisan political campaigns, while off-duty, outside a federal facility and not using federal property, said the U.S. Department of Justice."Further restricted" employees are held to stricter rules that preclude active participation in political management or partisan political campaigns, even off-duty, the U.S. Department of Justice also noted.  In 1993, under President Bill Clinton’s administration, the Hatch Act was further amended to allow most federal employees to engage in voluntary, partisan political activities while off-duty and away from federal premises.  (David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)The following Department of Justice employees are "further restricted" by statute: all career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees; administrative law judges; employees in the Criminal Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Division; and criminal investigators and explosives enforcement officers in ATF, recounted the same source. Since its enactment in 1939, the Hatch Act has been amended. ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, FDR'S EFFORT TO PACK SUPREME COURT FAILED BADLYA 1940 amendment extended the act to cover certain state and local government employees with salaries mostly paid using federal money, reports History.com. Then, in 1993, under President Bill Clinton’s administration, the act was further amended to allow most federal employees to engage in voluntary, partisan political activities during their off-duty time, away from federal premises, the same source indicated.There are consequences of violating of the Hatch Act.  Also, the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012, passed under President Barack Obama, changed the status of District of Columbia employees and made changes to enforcement, allowing more disciplinary actions, according to History.com.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThere are consequences of violating of the Hatch Act. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe penalty structure for violations of the Hatch Act by federal employees include: removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed five years, suspension, reprimand or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, according to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Erica Lamberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital. [ad_2]

[techtotrends]

How to create a Disney plus account?

To create a Disneyplus.com Login/Begin account you will need a valid email id or a mobile number that receives text messages. So by getting these ready start the process as. Take your android smartphone or any device such as a laptop or pc that contains a web browser.

Visit Us:- https://techtotrend.com/disneyplus-com-begin-login//

[my18thcenturysource]

On International Women's Day we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and economic achievement of women, but I would not call it a happy or quite celebratory holiday. Today we also highlight the current work towards equality, and raise awareness against bias, and this years' theme is #ChooseToChallenge (because a challenged world is a world in alert, so challenge and call out gender bias and discrimination when you see it.)

Today's post (hey! I'm back!) is a little timeline for International Women's Day, for all of us to take a look at what we have achieved, and what the road ahead looks like. So, here we go:

1909 - the Socialist Party of America created the "National Women's Day" held in February 28th in New York City. This was a the original idea of activist Theresa Malkiel.

1910 - The International Socialist Women's Conference takes place in Cophenhagen, Denmark. 100 women from 17 countries agree on an annual Women's Day to promote equal rights (including the vote), but no date was specified.

1911 - International Women's Day was honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19th. On March 25th the fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City took the lives of 146 working women, most of them immigrants, this drew attention to working conditions and it became a main focus on the next International Women's Day events. James Oppenheim published a poem in The American Magazine, quoting "bread and roses" from a 1910 speech by Helen Todd calling not only for basic rights and equality, but also for beauty and dignity, creating the "Bread and Roses" slogan that became representative of the women's fight, but also key for the 1912 Lawrence mills strike.

1914 - International Women's Day was held on March 8th for the first time. In London was held a march from Bow to Trafalgar Square in support of women's suffrage, and Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested.

1917 - On the last Sunday of February (March 8th on the Gregorian calendar) women in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg) began a strike for "bread and piece" for the end of WWI, this demonstration eventually covered the whole city, and days later forcing the Czar to abdicate and women were granted the right to vote by the provisional Government. This marked the start of the Russian Revolution.

1927 - There's a march in Guagzhou, China, of 25,000 women and male supporters. Even though the Women's Day was commemorated in China since 1922, it was until 1949 that it was declared an official holiday and women would be given half a day off.

1936 - Dolores Ibáuri led a women's march in Madrid on the eve of the Spanish Civil War.

1967 - Women's Day is taken up by second-wave feminist, and it stops being perceived as a "communist holiday". It is now a day of activism and its sometimes refered in Europe as "Women's International Day of Struggle".

1975 - International Women's Day is celebrated by the United Nations. During the 70s and 80s, women's groups were joined by leftists and labor organizations in calling for equal pay, economic opportunity, legal rights, reproductive rights, child care, and prevention of violence against women.

1996 - The UN announced the first annual theme: "Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future", each year there's a new them and 2021's is "Choose to Challenge".

2007 - Violence sparked in Tehran on March 4th, when police beat hundreds of men and women who were planning a rally, arrested dozens of women and some were released after several days of solitary confinement and interrogation.

There is of course so much more to say about this day, but this post is getting LONG, and of course I added at the bottom links for further learning.

Finally, this is a day to take action. And the marches are not the only option, you can:

Support female-centric charities.

Raise awareness of women's struggles.

Pressure your local government to achieve gender parity.

Share and celebrate women's achievements.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Learn more:

International Women's Day

Remembering Theresa Serber Malkiel, the forgotten woman behind International Women’s Day, Adrija Roychowdhury, The Indian Express, 8th March 2019.

International Socialist Conferences of Women Workers, Alexandra Kollontai, International Socialist Conferences of Women Workers, 1918.

The roots of International Women’s Day are more radical than you think, Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, 2020.

Death in the Afternoon Podcast, ep 11: The Least Worst Death, 2019. MAJOR CONTENT WARNING this episode talks about the tragedies of 9/11 and the Triangle Shirtwaist factory, and it might be VERY disturbing for some. Please take care while listening if you choose to.

Uncovering the History of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, David von Drehle, The Smithsonian Magazine, 2006. - Again, CONTENT WARNING for fire, mass death, suicide,

Bread and Roses: the origins of a Mount Holyoke tradition, Rachel Nix, 2019.

Bread and Roses poem, by James Oppenheim, 1911.

From the archive, 11 June 1914: Arrest of Miss Sylvia Pankhurst, The Guardian

The Strike that Shook America, Christopher Klein, History.com, 2012.

Russia’s February Revolution Was Led by Women on the March, Carolyn Harris, The Smithsonian Magazine, 2017.

In China, Women’s Day Marches On Despite Decline, Chen Yan, Sixth Tone, 2018.

Memories of Resistance: Women Activists from the Spanish Civil War, Shirley Mangini, Signs (vol. 17, no. 1), 1991.

Iranian Police Clash With Women's Day Protesters, 2007.

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Images from top:

Poster for Women's Day, March 8, 1914, demanding voting rights for women, Karl Maria Stadler.

Female tailors on strike, New York City, February, 1910.

The Bread and Roses strike, 1912.

Women's demonstration for bread and peace – March 8, 1917, Petrograd, Russia

Alexandra Kollontai with Clara Zetkin at International Women's Conference, 1921.

A Tehran University female student protesting against the government of Iran, December 9, 2007, Tehran University in Tehran.