#republic government scholarships

[just-late-roman-republic-things]

Today's book review: The Storm Before the Storm, by Mike Duncan!

I've liked Duncan's work for a long time. He's exceptionally good at making complex subjects easy to follow, and he's considerably better than Tom Holland, Michael Parenti and most "pop historians." His podcast, The History of Rome, is still one of the best bird's-eye views of the period from 753 BCE to 476 CE. Yep. It is LONG.

Anyway, The Storm Before the Storm runs from the end of the Punic Wars in 146 BCE, through the wars of Jugurtha, the socii, Marius and Sulla, to Sulla's death in 78. The goal of this book is to explore how the Roman republic became so damaged that men like Caesar and Pompey were able to break it apart. It also serves a valuable place as one of the few mainstream books covering this time period.

I do think this is a good introduction to the Gracchi, Marius, Sulla and the struggles of their generation. Duncan makes the events exciting without over-dramatizing them, and although he expresses horror and dismay as civil war erupts, he's good at not taking sides with any particular faction. Most of his claims come directly from classical sources he's read.

That said, he's less acquainted with recent scholarship, so some of his claims are outdated. He repeats the "agrarian hypothesis" which is now discredited - that is, the idea that large slave plantations exacerbated the divide between rich and poor, and displaced many families to the city where they destabilized Roman politics. He also repeats the old ideas of Gaius Marius being chiefly responsible for the Marian reforms, which in turn made armies more loyal to their generals than to the government. In reality, those reforms were much more small-scale, and did not fundamentally change the incentives or culture of army life. (For a thorough analysis, see Gruen's Last Generation of the Roman Republic, chapter 9.)

There is also the question of whether the Roman republic was "on the road to ruin" by Cicero and Caesar's era, a view that Duncan shares with most popular history. But Gruen (LGRR), Morstein-Marx (Julius Caesar and the Roman People) and others have made comprehensive arguments to the contrary: that it was not the decline of the republic that caused the civil war of 49, but the civil wars of 49-30 that caused the demise of the republic. Personally, I lean more toward that view, but there's no consensus.

In short, I think Duncan's work is very good for learning the concrete events of this time period, and how the classical sources portrayed these events. But be cautious of his analyses for the bigger picture, and look at more academic sources, too.

[ugisfeelings]

tbh I’m relatively new to francophone scholarship on the French Revolution and I unfortunately cannot read French-- but just from skimming the autotranslations of this article by Pascale Pellerin, Algeria writer Kateb Yacine’s 1984 play, Bourgeois sans-culotte ou le specter du parc Monceau, presents as possibly one of the most compelling dramaturgical interpretations of the French terror and Maximillien Robespierre’s historical memory imo and should honestly be considered a primary example of his radical influences. Yacine unfortunately died while revising the manuscript, so it was never published in the form he intended, but there have been partial translations online, and a clip from the posthumous 1988 Paris performance is on youtube as well.

The play on Robespierre was commissioned by and performed mostly in Arras, aka Robespierre’s hometown, but it would be remiss to shrug Yacine’s interpretation of the French Revolution as a provincial hagiography or redundant to previous French leftist nationalist discourses. Bourgeois sans-culotte is thoroughly a transnational story about revolutionary violence and freedom, and a critical recuperation of Robespierre’s legacy from the perspective of France’s former colonies. For Yacine especially, it was important to highlight the parallels in historiographic receptions of the “reign of terror” to colonial propaganda of the Algerian Revolution and other anticolonial guerilla struggles in Haiti, Vietnam, and Algeria

Posting my favorite sections from Pellerin’s analysis, translations provided by google lmfao; highlights & underline mine--

“Kateb Yacine's piece constitutes a circular vision of History of which Robespierre would be the centre. Whether one is in Indochina, in France, in Algeria, in the 18th century or during the Algerian war, the image of Robespierre speaks of the violence of History and its justification in the face of the violence of the oppressor, that of monarchical power, that of colonialism, that of Nazism. The representations of the guillotine, the Terror and Robespierre constitute a major ideological challenge for Kateb Yacine and take on a particular meaning depending on the place and the space.” (p4).

Note: Yacine’s conspicuous influences from Marx and direct homage to the opening line, “a spectre is haunting Europe—the spectre of communism," from The Communist Manifesto.

Note: Yacine’s decision to weave his autographical self and experiences in colonial Algeria into re-telling the French Revolution.

Note: Yacine’s portrayal of the guillotine as indeed a “ambivalent tool”-- not as a post-Thermidorian carcicature of popular violence against the bourgeoise-- but due to its later mobilization by the French colonial government in the execution of over 2300 Algerian revolutionaries 1956-63.

Note: Yacine’s mediations on Francophone historiography and moralization of the “Reign of Terror”; direct resonances for Algerian revolutionaries on the role of terrorism in struggles for national indepedence from French colonialism

Note: Yacine’s explicit affirmation of Robespierre as the original and legitimate symbol of an enlightened French republic-yet-to-come, in spite of the revolution’s failure to manifest it.

Note: Robespierre attempting to reach Karl Marx prior to his confrontation with de Gaulle, the latter of whom mocks Robespierre as “[having] nothing of a man of action.” Empower by his meeting with Marx, Robespierre responds to this attempted demasculation [perhaps paralleling popular portrayals of his feud with Danton?] with, “And you, the great de Gaulle, you have subdued the generals, but you have not seen Second Lieutenant Le Pen, who is threatening to take power” (Yacine in Pellerin, pp27).

[newhistorybooks]

"This book explores the largely unexamined history of Africans who lived, studied, and worked in the German Democratic Republic. African students started coming to the East in 1951 as invited guests who were offered scholarships by the East German government to prepare them for primarily technical and scientific careers once they returned home to their own countries. Drawn from previously unexplored archives in Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and the United Kingdom, African Students in East Germany, 1949–1975 uncovers individual stories and reconstructs the pathways that African students took in their journeys to the GDR and what happened once they got there. "

[direwolfrules]

3 Mandos and a Baby AU: The OCs Part 1

I have a bunch of Mando OCs that I’m just throwing into this AU willynilly because I firmly believe New Mando society wasn’t just a bunch of identical tall blondes and like 1 red head. I’m not letting Clone Wars budget constraints also constrain my imagination. Plus I need competent people to replace all the corrupt folks that get taken down and more characters to flesh out the world. A little disclaimer: only the human/near human OCs on this list have portraits because I can’t draw so I’m using Artbreeder.

Harik Vhen:

I’ve finally given everyone’s favorite theater mando a name (okay, my favorite theater mando). Harik’s family were Haat Mando’ade from the planet Vanquo, which despite technically belonging to the Republic controlled Meerian sector, has a long history of being conquered by Mandalore. After the massacre at Galidraan his family integrated into New Mandalorian society so they could survive. What was left of his clan found work in the smuggling business.

Harik’s parents taught him the True Mandalorian way of life. They had to do it in secret, but they were adamant their people’s legacy, and the legacy of Mandalore the Reformer, would not die with them.

Though they weren’t important in the least, Harik’s folks managed to get him into the Royal Academy of Government on one of Duchess Satine’s culture scholarships. His obsession with musical theatre actually had a use, who knew?

Because the Academy’s administration is elitist as hell, all the kids from lesser clans seem to get grouped together. They get the crappiest dorm rooms, the worst class schedules, and depending on the professor, the harshest grading. Harik’s been passed over for staring roles since he was eight, and has to endure the mocking of his more “noble” peers. It’ll all be okay though once he graduates and gets a job in the Ministry of Culture. Then he’ll be able to afford a place in the Sundari mid-levels for his clan, and they won’t have to risk prision just to ensure the ad’ike won’t starve.

He’s a little betrayed when his friend and roommate Alrich Taldyn (Alrich needed a maiden name okay? It was bugging me not having a canon one) starts seeing the heiress to Clan Wren of Krownest, but what’s he gonna do? All his doubts about her vanish the moment the weirdly prescient heir to Kalevala introduces them properly and Harik gets drawn into the most mandokar plot ever.

Vel Batin:

After Korkie and company purge the corrupt from Mandalore’s government, their sector needs a new Senator. Enter Vel Batin, veteran of the Great Clan Wars, former Captain of the Ordo system Protectors, and three-term Mayor of the city of Keldabe.

She’s a certified badass with an axe to grind against the Republic. She lost family on Galidraan, two siblings and six cousins gone within a day, all because the illustrious Republic Judiciary Forces couldn’t do more than two minutes of research. When Mand’alor Kryze announces they’re going to be running the elections for Senator a bit early this year, Batin applies immediately. She makes it clear when meeting with the young Mand’alor that should she get the job she will take every opportunity to throw mud at the Senate. Korkie is ecstatic to hear this and endorses her for the position.

The Clone Wars break out right when Senator Batin is elected, and she gets the pleasure of spending time with Korkie and his friends on the journey to Coruscant. His plan for a clone freedom trail is particularly interesting to her, and they spend much of the flight hashing out the details. Whatever reservations she may have had about swearing allegiance to a 16 year old are quickly washed away by how competent he seems.

The get to Coruscant, Senator Batin is sworn in, and then she turns the pod over to Korkie. Vel has plenty she wants to say, but she figures she’ll get plenty of chances to tear into the Senate. Let the Mand’alor have this one.

She becomes an active participant in the Mando-clone freedom trail, and before the first year of war is over she’s already adopted like seven clone sons. Three of them are fully grown clone troopers, while the other four range from physically 15-ish to freshly decanted tubies. All of them have a “defect” of some kind.

Her three adult clone sons are Rex’s original batch brothers. They were split up when they were four (equivalent to eight standard) due to all of them having minor defects (for fucks sake Nala Se blue eyes isn’t a defect). Despite the longnecks looking for any excuse to kill them, most of their batch makes it off Kamino. Except for Farr, whose only crime was having hair that was a bit too curly for the cloners. While the Coronet Kryze-Kenobi holodrama is going on her and Rex are swapping stories and commlinks so he can talk to his brothers.

Solus Bralor:

The older of the two Bralor twins, Solus’s parents made the immensely creative decision to name her one, and her sister two. The twins have Barolian heritage, hence their offensively blue hair (well, hence Solus’s offensively blue hair. T’ad dyes hers).

She’s an angry edgelord of a kid. She’s totally bought into the propaganda that Duchess Satine is committing genocide against Mandalorian culture. She’s never even so much as spoken to a New Mando, but her buire used to say so, before they died in the 2nd battle of Concord Dawn. Now it’s just her, her twin, their older brother, and their little sibling.

Solus’s loyal to her family, Pre Vizsla, and the Nite Owls, in that order. In the last timeline, she was one of those who sided with Maul’s Shadow Collective. In this timeline, Bo-Katan manages to turn her against Pre with the help of foreknowledge.

In Bo’s last timeline the youngest Bralor, Tio, died because Pre ordered the younger cadets through a live fire exercise. Tio was only seven, and died because they were only seven. In this timeline Bo just happens to be drilling her Nite Owls near the range where Pre’s just straight up shooting children. A couple of daring jetpack maneuvers later and Tio’s being handed off to their shocked siblings while Bo-Katan throws every insult she knows at Pre.

Later, when Bo’s proudly wearing the shiner Pre gave her in response to her tearing him a new asshole (the Nite Owls know that’s not the only bruise she got, they all share a barracks), all four Bralor siblings basically consider her their new god.

T’ad Bralor:

T’ad has spent her whole life following her sister. One and two, Solus and T’ad. It’s just who they are. T’ad even died her hair to better match her sister. When her sister set her mind to joining Lady Bo-Katan’s Nite Owls, T’ad joined her in the training yard. When Solus volunteered for a mission, T’ad would be next to raise her hand. And when Solus sided with Maul’s Shadow Collective over Lady Bo-Katan, T’ad followed her. Followed her right into the grave.

T’ad is smart. Capable. But she lacks any ambition outside of following her sister. Their brother Tracyn worries about that, but she always insists she’s fine. Honestly, she does have a hobby that’s seperate from Solus. Tracyn doesn’t think that setting up a bi-weekly karaoke night for her unit counts as a hobby, but he drops it for now.

When Korkie takes over Mandalore he needs a PR department and Harik recruits T’ad to his staff. She tries to turn it down, she really doesn’t like to do something without her sister, but Harik tells her no. She’s his only other department member and he needs someone to sort through the eighty billion videos of Korkie being an adorable dork. This position is an honor for her, her clan, and anyone else would be chomping at the bit to get this job, so just take it dammit! (She takes the job)

[thepropertylovers]

Life Begins in a World of Gunfire

Methusella's story is the featured selection from USA for UNHCR's annual Refugee Storyteller Celebration, an opportunity for former refugees under the age of 30 who are now living in the United States to share their courageous journeys, passions and inspirations. 

Life Begins in a World of Gunfire By Methusella Rwabose

My life began in a world of gunfire, but I’m determined to build a more peaceful path forward.

As a child, my life was chaotic — there was little peace or safety. I was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a violent time for the country. Our small village was embroiled in a violent conflict between rival militia groups and the national army and due to my father's involvement in politics, our family was frequently targeted by militia groups, causing us to flee our homes in the middle of the night to seek refuge in the woods or neighboring villages.

My parents tirelessly worked to keep me and my siblings safe. But in the chaos of that environment, nothing was certain. In 2008, as the violence and conflict intensified, my family fled our village and sought refuge in Uganda. We would live in a refugee camp for seven years.

Although I was young, I remember the moment we arrived at the camp. We were given a small plot, where we had a tent and a small area of land to farm. Life was not easy there and I soon recognized that things that I loved, like going to school, were no longer a guarantee.

When classes were offered, the classrooms were always overcrowded and under-resourced. For children in a refugee camp, there are other barriers to going to school even when it is available. Many parents rely on the help of their children to farm and help run the household because it is difficult to make ends meet in the camp. Sadly for other children, they may not have had enough to eat.

I always wondered how different my life would have been if I had been afforded the privilege of a viable education. I realized that what should have been a fundamental human right was a luxury beyond my reach. It left me yearning for the chance to go to a school where I could actually be taught how to read and write like anyone else, but this was something I could only dream of achieving.

In 2015, after seven years of living in the camp, a remarkable thing happened; my family was resettled to Denver, Colorado.

I knew there were challenges ahead of me, like learning English and becoming part of a new community. From day one, I was resolute in my pursuit of education and relished the comfort of sleeping soundly without the fear of being displaced.

The moment I arrived in Denver and stepped into South High School, I was so amazed. I felt so happy. In my first year, I was a student in a class with other refugee and immigrant students from all over the world. Our experience in that class was documented by Helen Thorpe, author of the book, The Newcomers. We all learned English together and despite not being able to communicate with each other at first, we became friends.

With a lot of hard work, and help from teachers and volunteers like Ruthann Kallenberg, who helped me learn to read and write, I thrived in school. My English steadily improved, I made the varsity soccer team, joined student government and began doing community service on weekends.

Each step of my journey continued to reinforce the idea that education must be a human right, and is something that every child should have access to. This idea continued to inspire me throughout high school as I began to envision where I wanted to go to college and what I might want to study. In my senior year of high school, I earned a scholarship to the University of Denver. Four years prior, I lived in a refugee camp and didn’t speak English. I’m still in awe when I think about how far I’ve come.

Inspired by my father, I studied Political Science with the hopes of one day working in politics and positively affecting policy and bringing change in my community. In college, I was active in student government and further supplemented my education and aspirations of working on public policy through internships with Colorado state representatives Leslie Herod and Joe Neguse (the son of refugees himself, who later went on to serve in the U.S. Congress) and U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper in Washington, D.C.

My father and I have often talked about the future and about how we might help people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One thing I’ve learned throughout my journey as a refugee is that those with lived experience are often in the best position to help bring about positive impactful change. While I hope for a peaceful future for those back in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I know that my knowledge, energy and opportunity to make positive changes are here in my community in Denver.

In 2021 I put this idea into action. With my friend Hridith Sudev, I helped found the non-profit, Colectivo de Paz, with a mission to create communities of action that empower working-class immigrants, refugees, people of color, veterans, unhoused community members, at-risk students and other historically marginalized peoples and families in the greater Denver area. I know my experience can help others but I also see the work of Colectivo de Paz as a way for me to give back to the community that welcomed me and gave me so much.

Last week I graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Political Science. I’m the first college graduate in my family and earning this degree only reinforces those thoughts I had as a child in the refugee camp in Uganda — education is a human right and every child should have access to one.

On graduation day, I was thinking about the kids in the Congo, Somalia, Syria, Afghanistan and now Ukraine, and how I want to tell them that living in peace is not a dream and that going to school is not a luxury.

The path I take moving forward is full of choice and it’s because I was able to find a life with safety and a chance to pursue an education. I’m grateful for that. But I'm also mindful that my story should not be extraordinary, and that all refugee families deserve peace, dignity and a future.

How can you help:

USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports the full journey of refugees like Methusella. Not only do our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need, but their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build a peaceful life and safely pursue their dreams.

[themollyjay]

Available Now!

Mail Order Bride A Queer Poly Romance by Molly J. Bragg

Ten  years ago, aliens from a Galaxy spanning government called the Hegemony  arrived in the Solar  system and ever since Earth has been on a long,  slow journey to becoming a banana republic.  Samantha ‘Sam’ Murray has  spent her entire high  school career doing everything her mom could  think of to earn a chance at an off-world education that would keep her  from living a life of  poverty. But with just a few weeks left before  graduation there’s no scholarship in sight and Sam has her heart set on  getting an apartment with her best friend and crush, Jenny, and maybe  finding out of they can  be more than just friends. All of her plans  come crashing down when she finds out her mom has  signed her up for an  arranged marriage on another planet as a way to get her the off-world  education she’s sure Sam needs.

Sam arrives on Talamh, a planet  ravaged by disaster, expecting to find herself promised to some rich  alien prince. Instead, she finds herself among a species that has no  concept of gender, promised to a beautiful alien that makes Sam’s little  gay heart skip a  beat every time she looks at them. There’s just one  problem.  Orla, the  person Sam is promised to, is already in love with  their best friend Sorcha.  As Orla and Sam’s  betrothal moves forward,  they find themselves falling in love, but Sam can’t help but worry that  Sorcha will come  between them. At least, until she and Sorcha start to  develop feelings for each other.

Will desire and jealousy destroy all their futures, or will Sam, Orla and Sorcha find a way to be happy together?

Available now at: https://desertpalmpress.com/product/mail-order-bride-by-molly-j-bragg/ (Use 10DPP for a 10% Discount) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WZLN7W8 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1140260 https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mail-order-bride-27 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mail-order-bride-molly-j-bragg/1141312480

[beardedmrbean]

Tsar (Emperor) Samuil (Samuel) was the ruler of a large medieval state, which the majority of modern historical scholarship considers to be the Bulgarian Kingdom with a center in the territory of today's Republic of North Macedonia. This is stated in the official recommendations of the Joint Historical Commission to the governments in Sofia and Skopje for joint commemoration of personalities and events from our common history.

After the issue of Tsar Samuil was one of the most difficult to resolve between the two countries and after two years of negotiations, the commission stated that the medieval state of Tsar Samuil, which is considered the Kingdom of Bulgaria, covered most of the lands and population of the Balkan Peninsula and recommends that both parties celebrate Samuil together.

For the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, the historical commission, composed of Bulgarian and Macedonian historians, states that "their work was developed in the literary centers of Preslav and Ohrid, which were then located on the territory of the medieval Bulgarian state, where their students found conditions for work". This, historians point out, gives reason for modern countries to celebrate the day of Cyril and Methodius together.

For St. Kliment Ohridski - that after the Great Moravian mission of St. Kliment he was sought by the "medieval Bulgarian state and in 886 he was sent by Knyaz (ruler) Boris-Mihail to the Kutmichevitsa region, where he laid the foundations of the Ohrid Book School". In 893, "by order of the Bulgarian Tsar Simeon, Kliment was ordained bishop of Veles".

Historians note that "St. Naum of Ohrid after the Great Moravian mission arrived in medieval Bulgaria. He was one of the founders of the Pliska-Preslav literary school. Around 893 he was sent by Tsar Simeon to Ohrid, where the educational activity of St. Clement continued."

Read the original document (in Bulgarian and Macedonian) here.

[arjaysingh]

Study MBBS  in UZBEKISTAN for Indian student

HOW TO PREPARE FOR MBBS IN UZBEKISTAN? WE HAVE EXCELLENT INFORMATION FOR YOUR CAREER GROWTH

Studying medicine abroad is an appealing prospect for many aspiring doctors, offering a combination of quality education, cultural immersion, and affordability. Among the diverse options available, Uzbekistan stands out as a favourable destination for pursuing an MBBS degree. With its reputable medical institutions, affordable tuition fees, and rich cultural heritage, Uzbekistan offers international students a unique opportunity to embark on a fulfilling academic journey. In this guide, we will explore the process of studying MBBS in Uzbekistan, including admission requirements, academic programs, living expenses, and more.

Introduction to Uzbekistan's Medical Education System

Uzbekistan boasts a robust medical education system with several prestigious universities offering MBBS programs. Tashkent Medical Academy and Tashkent State Dental Institute are renowned institutions known for their high-quality medical education. These universities adhere to international standards and are accredited by the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, ensuring the credibility and recognition of their degrees worldwide.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Prospective students seeking admission to the MBBS in Uzbekistan must meet certain eligibility criteria. Typically, applicants are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic background in science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Proficiency in the Russian or Uzbek language is often necessary as many programs are conducted in these languages. Some universities may offer programs in English, requiring proficiency in the English language instead. Additionally, applicants may need to pass entrance exams such as the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (BCP) test or others, depending on the university's requirements. The application process involves submitting required documents, including academic transcripts, passport copies, language proficiency certificates, and any other documents specified by the university, along with paying the application fee if applicable.

Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Considerations

One of the key advantages of studying MBBS in Uzbekistan is the affordability of tuition fees compared to many other countries. The cost of education is significantly lower, making it an attractive option for international students seeking quality medical education at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, scholarships offered by the Uzbek government or universities can help cover tuition fees and living expenses for eligible students, easing the financial burden. It is essential for prospective students to carefully assess their financial resources and explore scholarship opportunities to ensure a smooth academic journey in Uzbekistan

Accommodation and Living Expenses

Most universities in Uzbekistan provide on-campus dormitory accommodation for international students at affordable rates, offering a convenient and secure living environment. Additionally, students can explore off-campus housing options, such as rental apartments or shared accommodations, depending on their preferences and budget. When estimating living expenses, it is essential to consider factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses to create a realistic budget for the duration of the academic program.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements

International students planning to study MBBS in Uzbekistan are required to obtain a student visa from the Uzbekistan embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa application process typically involves submitting required documents, including an acceptance letter from the university, passport copies, proof of sufficient financial resources, and a completed visa application form. Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, students must apply for a temporary residence permit, which is mandatory for individuals staying longer than three months. Adhering to visa and residence permit requirements is essential to ensure legal compliance and a hassle-free stay in Uzbekistan.

Top Medical Universities in Uzbekistan

Tashkent Medical Academy

Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, Tashkent Medical Academy offers comprehensive MBBS programs with a strong emphasis on practical training.

Samarkand State Medical Institute

With a history dating back to 1930, Samarkand State Medical Institute is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Uzbekistan, known for its academic excellence and research opportunities.

Bukhara State Medical Institute

Situated in the historic city of Bukhara,Bukhara State Medical Institute This esteemed medical institute offers modern medical education integrated with traditional values, preparing students for successful medical careers.

Andijan State Medical Institute

Recognized for its innovative teaching methods and student-centered approach, Andijan State Medical Institute provides a conducive learning environment for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in Abroad, particularly through organisations like Argroup Education, opens doors to diverse opportunities and enriching experiences for aspiring medical professionals. With accredited programs, modern facilities, and experienced faculty, universities abroad provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for successful careers in medicine.

Argroup Education expertise in guiding students through the admission process, securing scholarships, and facilitating seamless transitions ensures a smooth and rewarding journey for aspiring doctors. By studying MBBS abroad, students not only gain valuable international exposure but also contribute to their personal and professional growth.

Whether it's pursuing MBBS in countries like Uzbekistan, where Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute offers specialised programs, or exploring other renowned institutions worldwide, the decision to study abroad can be a transformative one. With dedication, perseverance, and the right guidance, students can embark on a fulfilling academic journey that lays the foundation for a rewarding career in medicine.

[filipinogo]

TES SCHOLARSHIP

It seems you might be referring to the TES Scholarship or "Tertiary Education Subsidy" program in the Philippines. The TES is a government initiative under the Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to qualified Filipino students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs in public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country.

The TES program aims to help students cover various costs associated with tertiary education, such as tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, and other educational expenses. It primarily targets financially disadvantaged students who may struggle to afford the costs of higher education.

Eligibility for the TES program is typically determined based on socioeconomic status and other criteria set by the government. Qualified students receive subsidies to help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a college education.

The TES program is one of the key initiatives of the Philippine government to promote inclusive and accessible tertiary education, ensuring that all qualified students have the opportunity to pursue higher education regardless of their financial background.

[mjd2526-nova]

Module 6 Midterm NCG Class

Wuchang Revolution, Fall, 1911

I had just graduated from high school where I lived in Wuchang. I was starting my freshman year in college when the Qing Dynasty was being overthrown., I can remember sitting in my dormitory that evening, studying my anatomy notes, the smell of lead and crisp paper as I jotted down summaries. The sound of rapid, meek scribbling of pencils was supplanted by an abrupt, uproarious Bang! My heart stopped, and I froze from the shock of the loudness. We thought it was a weapons malfunction at the nearby base, though the direction was wrong. The soldiers were heard shouting panicked orders and warnings of “rebels!” Soon, other voices could be heard arguing. “What happened,” one said. “Xi left a cigarette in the armory. We can still-” the other started. “No, it’s too late now. It’s now or never.”

The next day we were greeted by soldiers. I knew something was off by the casualness and victorious excitement that could be seen on their faces. One of my classmates was friends with a soldier, who explained that there was a mutiny and that the Qing Dynasty was soon to be upended. Many of the people I knew from high school, as well as some from the college, went to fight in the revolution out of giddiness. I was uncertain, but my gut said to stay and take advantage of the scholarship and pursue medicine. I remained doubly focused, and by the time I finished my semester, the Qing government was gone completely, replaced by the new Republic.,

The previous dilapidatedness and docileness of the city were replaced by the boisterousness of troop movements, demonstrations, machismo, and competitiveness to be recruited by the new warlords for the entirety of my schooling years from what I remember. Later that year in 1912,  I recall with exactness the clamorousness of the guys my age headed to nearby Honan province to meet the famous Feng Yuxiang to be recruited, no experience required. They spoke of something unfamiliar to me: “Christianity,” which in my worldliness, caught my attention with its unfamiliarness. It brought them a great deal of eagerness to discuss, so I became curious. They spoke of its arrival to China changing everything, so perhaps it was something brought by those pale Europeans who were seen to wear black clothes and walk grasping a thick book.

1920 Earthquake Aftermath: Gansu, China December 19, 1920

Casualties from the Earthquake days ago are still being tallied. The results were utter calamitousness which left all of our heads ringing from confusion and devastatedness. The brutalness, tiresomeness, and gruelingness of my fellowship days cannot be understated. I previously thought I was busy at the emergency clinic from the general strikes against the Japanese hegemony in the homeland. There were daily puncture wounds, gushing from heads and abdomens throughout the lobby. While this had been challenging personally, the disastrousness of this earthquake engulfed the livelihood of all Chinese. The clinics were full with families with heads and limbs bleeding from fallen infrastructure, wrapped in bandages, awaiting attention, with much hopefulness to receive morphine. As a physician, I was sure many were there just to satisfy opium addictions. A woman shouted at the doctor in charge to attend to her injured child. The smell of infection was abundant. Unwashed gashes were ubiquitously seen, and I heard the incessant buzzing of flies surrounding them. A man’s body lay unattended by his family, who appeared exhausted. Judging by his complexion, he had passed not too long ago. 

I chose the ER fellowship in Lanzhou to escape the noisomeness of Shanghai, the sprawling endlessness and meaninglessness, disillusionedness, and disconnectedness, but the chaos found me. Walking through the city to the clinic, a heavy smell of dustiness and concrete from the destruction still emanated. The roosters shouted as the sun rose. I overheard a man shouting at his wife with combined frustration and desperateness, imploring patience as their home was reduced to piles of rubble. I smelled manure as I passed the cattle beside Xigu district.

As I walked deeper into the city, rows of displaced people, now homeless from the destruction, slept in huddles across the street. The frostiness of the morning would have been worse for those outside. There was the foulness of the smell of bodily fluids. Homelessness is not easy, and nearly the whole city was displaced. I saw the disillusioned face of a man who could not sleep as he sat up close to his family. 

Approaching the clinic, there were already people lined up to see a physician. A man stood crying, begging for his daughter to be seen. There was a large contusion on her forehead approaching her eyes. She also had a bandage. The father cried that as they left their home, she had been hit with a lamp pole. The nurse apologized that there was a waitlist and others were being attended to. 

“When comparing reports produced in the wake of the disaster it became clear that reformist ‘New Culture movement’ intellectuals in Beijing sought to cut from the record local military and gentry relief efforts described in eye witness accounts from Gansu” (Fuller).

Nanking, July 15, 1937

I traveled to Nanking in 1937 to assist in the treatment of those affected by the assaults. Despite my Hippocratic oath, as I gleaned over each case, victimized and brutalized with unimaginableness and horridness, I saw only 1 cure to the predicament which would be to put a bullet in Matsui Iwane. Women with black eyes and other contusions hobbled in, their gait affected. Bones had been broken with beatings from rifles. Wheelchairs could be heard creaking, crouches could be heard clicking across the floor, but there weren’t enough for everyone. Jaundiced faces were seen throughout the crowds of the needy. Many of the people suffered from anemia and even scurvy, as the invaders took most of the food rations and deprived the people.

If this weren’t bad enough, sexually transmitted viruses ran rampant. Women with syphilis, emaciated and covered with lesions on the face and arms sat throughout the lobby, many of their children ran nearby, with their footsteps and voices echoing being one of the main sounds heard in the lobby. The adults were dead silent. Many of the women acquired gonorrhea. A young woman clutched her abdomen, groaning loudly from pain that could be heard down the hall. The strong smell of Baiju was noticeable walking through the halls, and one woman openly took a long, unending swig from her flask. No one was surprised or blamed them. Alcohol seemed necessary in times like this. However, as a physician, I feared the disinhibition and chaos that may ensue. The voice of a young man’s scream of pain emanated from the restroom. 

The obstetrician was overwhelmed, exhausted, and demoralized. He sighed in exacerbation as he passed. When I talked to him about a symptomatic infant, he could not calm himself. He appeared truly traumatized, and he looked at people with a cold stare as if unsure of what he was seeing. On top of the this, morhpines almost never made it to all the patients that needed them, like women in childbirth. The Japanese Guard would come around and demand the morphine and amphetamine from the head pharmacologist.

Many families brought loved ones with neuroses and delusions. There were children and women who were in denial that their family members had been killed by the Japanese soldiers. Many showed signs of despondence; others were catatonic, staring blankly into space with unresponsiveness. Shell shock was ubiquitous. I cringed seeing the lobotomist and diagnostician make rounds, deciding who they would take today. 

Kalgan, November 12, 1946

My patient’s 3rd story hospital room overlooked the Yanghe River. It was a calm, quiet morning, which was welcome, and I was doing checkups on the POW section today. The patient ate his noodles as I checked the clipboard. The sun shined in the window.

“Still no sensation in the leg?” I asked

“No” he responded, calmly. Despite having been on morphine for the gunshot, he wasn’t suffering excessively from withdrawals. He was confused, and he didn’t get friendly with me, but  he was sanguinely welcoming. He seemed to enjoy his noodles and the nice view of the forest. Though he wouldn’t admit it, I think we were all glad for a break in the conflict.

It was incredible. I had seen gunshots far less severe kill people from infections throughout my career. This penicillin seems like it magically cures anything. It was a new class of medicine called antibiotics.  It had been proposed by a man Dr Alexander Fleming back in 1928, but it hadn’t been developed into something operationalized until Howard Florey and Ernst Chain began their experiments in 1937, and tried it on humans in 1940.,18 Though it had been initiated at Oxford University, American factories took the task of mass production in 1941. I have never seen such a panacea as penicillin. It’s been available to us for about 4 years, and I am still impressed by its effectiveness.

The city was only in Kuomintang control for 1 month and things were improving. Negotiations had been underway since the 21st, and Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Sheck called an official ceasefire yesterday. I didn’t have faith that it would last. Westerners had been trying that for a year, and the armistices were always short-lived. But I took the break from fighting as a good sign. Maybe the conflict’s end would lead to a more lasting peace. 

I had met a member of the entourage of American Ambassador Patrick Hurley. The assistant had come down with food poisoning. The man was able to explain from a firsthand perspective about Christianity. Not as a sidenote either, according to him, the construct was central to his healing, and he needed a bible, that thick book I had seen before, as well as what he called a rosary. There were a few differences from what I had researched before after hearing about it the first time. 

I stepped into the hall, leaving the injured man to slurp his noodles. The lobby was pleasantly quiet, and I overheard a conversation that filled the silence. 

“So are we going to cut the leg” a gruff country accent asking the doctor

“Um well, actually…. Unnecessary because…” his voice faded in and out of audibleness due to various vacillating machines buzzing. 

Taipai, 1951

It’s been the most peaceful year of my life. The Republic of China was established. My family moved here, and I am now the Chief Physician. I can afford to take care of them. I traveled here initially to visit to see a part of China that I had never been to before as I was on vacation. It ended up being one of the greatest decisions of my life. This was in 1947 after the capture of Yan’an by Nationalists. I presumed the fighting was either nowhere near complete, or that the Nationalists would win, and if anything, the communists’ battle would become an insurrection within Kuomintang China. In other words, business as usual. I did not expect the final outcome which came at all. If I did, I would have fled much sooner. It is a quite felicitous mistake.

Not only this, but my years of strife seem to have paid off. I am one of the most revered doctors in my field for my experience. I am the head doctor. 

This island is more peaceful than at any time in my life that I have known. Furthermore, medicine has made such rapid advancements while China was warring. Infections are treated swiftly with penicillin, and now streptomycin, an aminoglycoside,  is being introduced as well. Malaria is also no longer a concern, as we treat it with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), though this causes severe nausea. I am the head Doctor of Psychopharmacology in Taipei. 

What I still struggle with are the people who don’t trust medicine, and how to assuage it when their concerns are valid. We have yet to compose an analgesic that can treat pain without causing addiction, as morphine is the primary sedative, painkiller, and anesthesia.,This apprehensiveness reduces my efforts to appear as a shill for the imperialist opioid dealers. Rural people often have this impression of me, but it is unpopular to have such an attitude given the ongoing contentions between the Kuomintang and the mainland. 

1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine (PCP)

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)

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[james-smith07]

Global Opportunities: 15 Scholarships for Congolese Students to Study in Canada – 2023

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast lake, your eyes fixed on the horizon where the sky meets the water. This lake represents the future of education for Congolese students, and Canada is the horizon—a place where dreams and opportunities merge. For students from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Canada is not just a country known for its stunning landscapes and multicultural cities; it's a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. In 2023, fully funded scholarships for Africans, including Congolese students, are the vessels that can carry you across this vast lake to the horizon of your dreams.

Let's dive into the world of scholarships that open doors for Congolese students in Canada, offering them a unique opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions in one of the world's most welcoming and educationally advanced countries.

Why Canada?

What makes Canada an educational utopia for international students? Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Canada prides itself on a high standard of living, a reputation for friendliness, and, most importantly, an education system that ranks among the best in the world. Canadian universities are celebrated for their research-oriented approach and diverse programs that cater to almost every academic interest.

Understanding Fully Funded Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships are the Holy Grail for international students. They cover tuition, living expenses, sometimes travel costs, and often include a stipend. For Congolese students, these scholarships are a lifeline, enabling them to study abroad without the burden of financial stress.

Top 15 Scholarships for Congolese Students

From coast to coast, Canadian universities offer a variety of scholarships for international students from the DRC. These range from government-funded opportunities like the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program to university-specific scholarships such as the University of Toronto’s African Scholars Award. Each scholarship has its unique features, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Eligibility Criteria: What You Need to Know

Eligibility can vary widely among scholarships. Common criteria include academic excellence, leadership qualities, and sometimes specific areas of study or research interest. Understanding these requirements is the first step in your application journey.

Application Tips for Success

How can you stand out in a sea of applicants? It's all about showcasing your unique story, achievements, and aspirations. Tailoring your application to reflect the scholarship's goals and values, along with stellar recommendation letters and a compelling personal statement, can make all the difference.

Spotlight on Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergraduate scholarships open the door for Congolese students to embark on a bachelor's degree journey in Canada. These scholarships often focus on academic merit, but leadership and extracurricular activities play a significant role in the selection process.

Graduate Scholarships: Mastering Your Future

For those aiming for a master's degree, Canada offers specialized scholarships that focus on postgraduate studies. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide support for research projects and professional development.

PhD Scholarships: A Path to Research Excellence

PhD candidates can find a wealth of opportunities in Canada, with scholarships designed to support doctoral research in various fields. These programs offer not only financial support but also access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from leading academics.

Living in Canada: What to Expect

Adapting to life in Canada can be an exhilarating experience. From the multicultural vibrancy of cities like Toronto and Vancouver to the serene beauty of the countryside, Canada offers an enriching environment for international students. However, it's also important to prepare for the practical aspects of living abroad, including understanding the cost of living, weather conditions, and cultural norms.

Conclusion

For Congolese students dreaming of studying in Canada, 2023 is a year brimming with opportunities. Fully funded scholarships offer a gateway to world-class education, professional growth, and personal development. By navigating the scholarship landscape with determination and strategic planning, you can embark on a transformative journey that goes beyond academics

[xtruss]

The MiG-23! The MiG-23 is a variable swept wing, single-engine aircraft designed as a follow-on to the MiG-21 Fishbed. It was designed to combat a variety of US rival fighters like the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II and Republic F-105 Thunderchief but the new General Dynamics F-111 posed a distinct threat. The Flogger is roughly 2/3 the size of the F-111, had a single-seat cockpit rather than the two-side by side cockpit of the F-111 and the Flogger carried just one engine.More than 5,000 MiG-23s of all types were built.The MiG-23 was widely exported by the Soviet Union. Among the users there was the Cuban Air Force that flew MiG-23ML/MF/BN/UB aircraft until the late 2010s

The Day A Cuban Air Force MiG-23 Pilot Defected To The US

On Mar. 20, 1991 MiG-23 pilot Orestes Lorenzo Perez circled the Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West three times, waggling the wings of his Flogger (the NATO reporting name for the MiG-23) to signal friendly intentions, hoping that no one would shoot down the Soviet-built fighter jet.

Perez said he borrowed the aircraft from the Cuban government. He didn’t know a single word in English, he said. But he was escaping Cuba for freedom.

As explained in an extensive piece appeared on The Ledger, Perez, a former Cuban Air Force pilot has received a lot of attention since his escape and daring flight back to Cuba to rescue his family. He even wrote a book about his journey in 1994.

His friends called his daring rescue a suicide mission. He was risking his life and the lives of his wife and two sons, but he said it was worth it because they were pursuing their dreams.

While serving in the Cuban Air Force, Perez earned a scholarship to attend flight school in the Soviet Union, where he learned to fly a small Czechoslovakian Aero L-29 Delfin two-seat jet trainer and a MiG-21. He was part of the Cuban forces sent to Angola to support that country’s Marxist government.

He deployed a second time to the Soviet Union and then he and his family finally returned to Cuba where he was assigned to Santa Clara Air Base, about 165 miles east of Havana.

What he found was a country littered with propaganda and so oppressed by the government that his family knew there was only one thing for him to do — try to escape.

From Cuba to Key West

So, on Mar. 20, 1991, Perez said goodbye to his wife, Victoria, promising to return for her and their two sons. She had to pretend that she knew nothing of Perez’s escape plan. She prayed that her husband would make it to the US and to freedom.

During a training mission that day, Perez flew the MiG-23 from Cuba to Key West. When he finally landed undetected by American radar, speaking in Spanish, he told the pilot who met him on the ground that he was seeking political asylum.

Orestes Lorenzo Perez’s MiG-23 at NAS Key West

Perez said once the pilot understood, they shook hands and the pilot said, “Welcome to the United States.” He was immediately flown to Washington, DC, for a briefing and to receive paperwork. Once he was granted political asylum, he started campaigning to get his family out of Cuba. His wife and two sons were issued US visas, but the Cuban government wouldn’t let them leave.

Perez said the government put surveillance on them. His family lived under constant watch for 21 months, while Perez campaigned across the US to try to gain their freedom, he said.

Then-President George H. W. Bush directed a speech to the Cuban government, asking Fidel Castro to let Perez’s family go. But Castro refused so Perez had to think of a better plan. The only way to rescue them would be to fly back in an airplane.

Through a human rights organization founded by a Cuban political prisoner, called the Valladares Foundation, Perez learned that a 1961 Cessna 310 was for sale. With help from a donation the foundation agreed to pay the $30,000 to purchase it for his rescue attempt.

Cuban Air Force MiG-23 Pilot Who Defected to the US Brings His Family to America

Although he took flying lessons and received his pilot license in Virginia, he had very little experience flying the Cessna before his rescue attempt. Perez had only landed the small plane once, with a co-pilot.

But at exactly 5:07 p.m. on Dec. 19, 1992, Perez left from the Florida Keys, flying low across the ocean. His wife was given a note to meet him at a location about 165 miles from her home in Havana. Perez didn’t know whether she would be there with the boys, or if he would make it to the spot before the Cuban government saw him, but he had to try.

Flying less than 100 feet above the ocean, Perez came over cliffs on the Cuban coastline and saw his wife and sons wearing bright orange T-shirts, just as he had asked them to do. Perez landed the Cessna about 10 yards from a pickup truck, turned the plane around, hurried his family inside and flew away.

When he landed in Marathon less than two hours later, he felt a sense of relief. Perez is one of only a handful of Cuban military pilots to defect to the US during the Cold War. Perez and his family became all American citizens.

The MiG-23 was returned to Cuba shortly after Perez gained political asylum and the Cessna was destroyed in a hurricane.

Orestes Lorenzo Perez after landing at NAS Key West

[wendellcapili]

(30 July 1995). After my Monbusho scholarship at the University of Tokyo (1993-1995), I received a Korea Foundation Research Fellowship at Seoul National University and Yonsei University (May-August 1995). I lived in a dorm at Chungjeongno in Seodaemun-gu, a district in Seoul known for its history, cultural heritage, and centers of education. It has become part of UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities. Before leaving Korea for my studies at Clare Hall, Cambridge (1995-1996), I requested Kyung Hee University Graduate Institute of Peace students Melissa Mercado (Gascon) and Jed Dayang to take my pictures in front of the old Korean National Museum two weeks before the start of its demolition on 15 August 1995, the 50th anniversary of Korea's liberation. The Old National Museum was the Japanese Governor General's Office from 1926 to 1945. Designed by German architect George de Lalande and Japanese architect Ichiro Nomura in a neo-renaissance style reminiscent of late 18th-century buildings prevalent in Germany, it then had a reputation for being the largest colonial government building in East and Southeast Asia. After the Japanese left, the Americans used the colonial structure as its military government headquarters. The building became the site of Korea's Constitutional Assembly on 31 May 1948. Since the founding of the Republic of Korea on 15 August 1948, Korean government offices have occupied the building. It hosted the inauguration of the first President of the Republic of Korea, Syngman Rhee (1948-1960). During the Korean War, the building was briefly occupied by North Korea before United Nations forces recaptured Seoul in September 1950. As a witness to the major political and social upheavals of modern Korean history, the building housed many government offices, including that of the Prime Minister, until 1983, when new structures were constructed nearby. It became home to the National Museum in 1986. Ultimately, debates arose about whether to demolish or keep the building, with supporters arguing for its removal due to its association with the Japanese colonial period. However, others believed it was an important historical landmark. The demolition of the colonial building has become intertwined with the much larger project of restoring Gyeongbok Palace, the royal residence and administrative center, during Korea's Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Plans called for reconstructing 48 previously destroyed structures by the Japanese when they built the Governor General's Office. Since the late 1990s, the walled palace complex has gradually been restored to its original form. The complex has also become home to Korea's National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum. Despite controversies surrounding what is now a demolished building, UP Korea Research Center Director Bae Kyung Min (Miya) says I am very fortunate to have this picture. I have not returned to Korea since then. Miya says the place looks very different now. Perhaps I should come back and have an updated shot taken.

[thxnews]

Canada Honors Victims of Air Disasters

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters: “On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters, we stand in solidarity with Canadians at home and around the world who have lost loved ones to these tragedies. “We solemnly remember the victims of all air disasters, including Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752), Air Ontario Flight 1363, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, and Air India Flight 182. “Exactly four years ago today, the downing of Flight PS752 by the Islamic Republic of Iran shocked the world. This heartbreaking incident resulted in the loss of 176 lives, including Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and many others with ties to Canada. We are taking concrete action, along with our international partners, to hold Iran accountable for this senseless tragedy. We continue to fight for justice and accountability for families as members of the International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752. “Today, we are announcing our next step in holding the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for violating international law by jointly filing our case before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council pursuant to Article 84 of the Chicago Convention. This is an important step in our commitment to ensuring that the families of the victims impacted by this tragedy get the justice they deserve. “We are also committed to strengthening the safety and security of air travel for all Canadians, at home and abroad. Last year, as part of our Safer Skies Initiative, Canada partnered with the Netherlands to co-host the third annual Safer Skies Forum, where we joined our international partners in renewing our commitment to better protect civil aircraft from the risks posed by conflict zones. We also continue to advocate for the ICAO to review its aircraft accident investigation framework, to enhance transparency and credibility of investigations. “We continue to stand with and support the families and loved ones affected by air disasters. Through the Commemorative Scholarship Program launched last October, we will disburse 176 scholarships over five years to honour the memory of victims of Flight PS752. This year, we will award 32 scholarships, including six to candidates with close family ties to the victims of Flight PS752. Last March, we also provided funding to ten organizations through the Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy to support the development of commemorative projects in memory of the victims. “As we pay tribute to the victims of air disasters, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones. We will continue to work with our partners to create a safer, more peaceful world, where everyone can travel in security.”   Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government. Read the full article

[ramrodd]

Did Constantine Really Convert?

COMMENTARY:

Constantine discovered after the Milvian Bridge that all the solders were Christians on both side of the bridge and that the Italian Cohort at the core of the Praetorian Guard, the republican administrative state of the Republic and the Empire. was a secret Christian Fellowship that held the Holy Grail of the Last Supper. Jesus told Cornelius and Pilate where it was in the Upper Room in the hospitality center of Mary of Jerusalem, John Mark's mother.  Bread and Wine was the essence of the Christian Fellowship that had conveyed from

 Melchizedek by way of Passover to Tiberius from the Cross. Theophilus was the Bishop of the Italian Cohort and the staff officer in charge of the Christian manifesto of the  Roman Republic, Hebrews. All this conveyed to Constantine as a consequence of his victory based on the Christian-Druid talisman, XP.. You need to connect the dots between his vision before the battle  Revelation 13. The Holy Spirit will lead you from their.

  Constantine's fatal decision to dismantle the Praetorian Guard lsimply accelerated the disintegration of the Roman Republic of Empire. The Praetorian Guard was the republican administrate state of the Roman Republic (which is the model of the Articles of Confederation)  and the Empire with a permanent Chief Executive Officer. The Roman Stoics were very fastidious in the selection of the temporary dictators, such as Cincinnatus, in times of crises, but the nature of the sociology at that required a proactive capacity the Republicans system doesn't provide. ,

The Praetorian Guard represented a horizontal structure that supported the vertical structures of Roman sociology and anthropology. The Praetorian Guard was the Federal Government of the Roman nation The Praetorian Guard provided all the bureaucratic services for the diplomatic/military career path Julius Caesar and Pilate were on. The centurions  provided an essential inspector general function that von Steubin brought to Valley Forge. The difference between True Warfare and Real, or Primitive, Warfare is the difference between Rome and the rest of the world.

  The deterioration of this instrument, the Roman administrative state spread out across the Mediterranean Basin to sustain Pax Roman. Sejanus was something of a genius in terms of personnel management and administration and and he ran a very clean ship: there were very few blatantly corrupt diplomats in the field Pilate was in charge of a Roman colony that included Judea. He may have appropriated the gold from the Temple, but he used it to finance an aqueduct that delivered that wealth to the community communities around the Galilee. Everybody was living large under Pilate. Josephus claims that he was an advocate for  Jewish  assimilation into Pax Romana as rational self-interest, in contrast to the Zealots, who were also living large, but wanted the entire pie. After Sejanus was executed,   his successors lacked entirely his Salt Water operational nuance It was the corruption of the Roman Procurator that  created and triggered the critical mass of the Jewish Wars. But the centurions represented the moral substance across the Empire that overcame the decadence of the executive classes.

  And then Constantine took that away and tried substitute verticle structures of the Council of Nicea for the horizontal stability of the Praetorian Guard. The thing is , the Italian Cohort of the Praetorian Guard didn't realize they were Christians until it became dangerous to be a Christian, Which occurred the moment Tiberius introduced the term to Roman Senate in the midst of the purges from Sejanus. The relationships of the Pope to the Swiss Guard is what Constantine discovered his relationship to the Christians at the  Milvian Bridge. He may not have actually converted, but his mother became the Patron Saint of Christian archeology.

  The future of your scholarship is James Tabor's intuition that Mark and John are an entwined lnarrative.  

[themollyjay]

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