22cal. model 1900, made in italy by mondial
Eminem
2009.09.05 17:22 Shroomsoup Eminem
The official subreddit for Eminem & Shady Records.
2024.05.14 17:54 OriginalPapaya8 The VW Gol GTI, Fiat Uno Turbo IE. and the Chevrolet Corsa GSI. Three amazing Brazilian hot hatches.
 | CHEVROLET CORSA GSI: It came with a 1.6 Ecotec engine with double camshafts and 16 valves, a very modern package for the time and imported from Hungary. Powered by gasoline, it produced 108 hp of power and 14.8 kgfm or 9.94 lb/ft of torque, enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds and reach 192 km/h – the Corsa was a light car. The compact hatch also had a transmission with closer ratios, as well as firmer springs and shock absorbers, not to mention the look with exclusive 14-inch wheels, rear spoiler and sunroof. submitted by OriginalPapaya8 to WeirdWheels [link] [comments] -HP: 108 hp -Torque: 14,8 kg/m or 9,94 lb/ft -0 - 100 km/h or 0 - 62 mph: 9.8 s -Top Speed: 192 km/h or 119.3 mph FIAT UNO TURBO IE: The sports car was equipped with a 1.4 (1,372 cm³) engine imported from Italy, which worked with 0.8 bar of turbo pressure to deliver 118 hp of power and a maximum torque of 17.5 kgfm. Also thanks to its weight of just 975 kg, the Uno Turbo accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reached a top speed of 195 km/h. At the time, the Fiat hatch was at the top of the podium of the fastest national cars, beating none other than the Gol GTi, Kadett GSi and Escort XR3 in both acceleration and maximum speed - practically tying with the Corsa GSi 1.6 16V. To accompany the stronger engine, Fiat made some exclusive changes to the model. It had a lower ride height (10 mm or 0,394 inches), an oil cooler, larger brake discs and a recalibrated suspension, featuring shock absorbers with greater load and a stabilizer bar at the rear. All in all, it greatly favored the dynamic behavior of the hatch. Despite its Italian origin, the Brazilian Uno Turbo gained a slightly different look from the European model. It was much more eye-catching with more prominent bumpers, side skirts and exclusive fender moldings, in addition to 14" alloy wheels with 185/60 R14 tires. The seats were properly sporty, being enveloping and with a different fabric, the brand also enhanced the environment with red seat belts. The cluster was alien-like in a panel that was simple, being the same one used until the end of the first generation. It had a speedometer with an exciting 240 km/h or 149 mph counter and rev counter, as well as fuel level gauge and water temperature gauge. However, there was still a turbo pressure gauge, as well as oil temperature and pressure gauges. The three-spoke steering wheel had smooth shapes, clashing with the boxy set. An interesting fact was that Fiat offered a complementary, professional driving course for the first owners of the model. -HP: 118 hp -Torque: 17,5 kg/m or 11,75 lb/ft -0 - 100 km/h or 0 - 62 mph: 9,2s -Top Speed: 195 km/h or 121 mph VOLKSWAGEN GOL GTI: The Volkswagen Gol GTi was a car that made history in Brazil as it was the first vehicle equipped with electronic injection as standard. Furthermore, at the time of its launch in 1989, it had fabulous performance thanks to the AP 2.0 engine in a light car like the Gol. The 1994 Gol GTI has a sporty look, with fog lights level with the front grille, 14-inch BBS aluminum wheels, a series of black stickers and a huge spoiler on the trunk lid. The bumpers were the same as the conventional Gol, but in this GTI version they had blue filets - further characterizing the model's sporty feel. The interior of the 1994 Gol GTI was no less impressive than the exterior. The model adopted huge Recaro sports seats, covered in a black mesh fabric with gradient yellow motifs that make the look very pleasant. At the wheel, the driver had one of the best driving positions that the Gol has ever offered, with a four-spoke steering wheel with excellent grip, which in this 1994 model had, for the first time in the history of the Gol, hydraulic assistance. Furthermore, the panel with satellite controls made access to the controls extremely easy, allowing the driver to operate them without taking their hands off the steering wheel - something important in a sports car. The Gol GTI came as standard, very complete, with, in addition to the hydraulic steering mentioned above, electric windows and locks, air conditioning, sound system, electrically operated mirrors, among other items. -HP: 120 hp -Torque: 18,4 kg/m or 12,36 lb/ft -0 - 100 km/h or 0 - 62 mph: 9,2 s -Top Speed: 181 km/h or 112,4 mph |
2024.05.14 05:44 courtingdisaster Presenting the evidence: 17 May 2024
 | Come one, come all, we're clooowning again! 🤡 submitted by courtingdisaster to GaylorSwift [link] [comments] Thanks to u/1DMod for posting the Jimmy Fallon video that led to me to start to connect the dots that other creators have noticed. Long story short, we're clowning for Stockholm N1 (maybe even night ✌️ as well), buckle up clowns! ✌️First things first, May 17 is ✌️ fortnights after the release of TTPD on April 19. We know that Taylor is still throwing up peace signs which seems unnecessary if it only ever meant that there was a second part of TTPD. I think it's an indication that we haven't completely cracked that egg yet.This photo was necessary for the post, ok National/International Day OfWhile these days aren't necessarily solid proof of anything, Taylor did release TTPD on Poetry & The Creative Mind Day and also released the ME! music video (ME! Out now!) on Lesbian Visibility Day so I think it's definitely worth investigating.After publishing this post I was reading through the comments in this thread about easter eggs and was reminded by u/-periwinkle that some people predicted the Toe breakup date based on something Taylor mentioned in her NYU speech ("Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release"). 11 months later, the Toe breakup news came out on, you guessed it, National Catch and Release Day. More on the NYU speech later. First, let's have a look at the holidays for May 17 that could be relevant:
https://preview.redd.it/4ikx6teucd0d1.jpg?width=443&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6aec634e52a1083cccbcaefcb78227f2fe8db793
Direct 17/5 easter eggs
Important days in historyThese could be nothing, could be something, still worth noting:
Important events in the TSCU on this day
Stockholm
https://preview.redd.it/a28zn1akid0d1.jpg?width=1237&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2b4751ac3530892d8a17d3c5ca1bbea8a1f5ee9
New RomanticsKristen, who I have referenced in nearly every part in this post (again, she's amazing, go follow her), has a mass coming-out theory that she has dubbed the New Romantics. I highly recommend checking out her content on Twitter and TikTok and she's also recently launched a podcast that you can read more about here for more information on this theory. Essentially the theory is that a large number of artists in the entertainment industry are queer and are working together as a "safety in numbers" type approach to coming out of the closet and potentially changing the industry in a monumental way.Let's have a look at some players that are relevant to either May 17 or Stockholm (or both in one person's case!):
Theories as to what exactly is coming
In SummationSomething is happening in Stockholm. I don't know why exactly but it is THE ONE to watch.I think it would be interesting to revisit the NYU speech, Karma music video, Stephen King, photos from the Uno parties and the Lover era in general for further hints as to what's coming. I think the key is going to be working together due to a comment that Questlove (yes, the one who throws the Uno parties) left on one of Kristen's videos. Here's a link to the video, the top comment is his. Regardless, I'll be there talking smack in the megathread on Friday and keeping an eye out for any new "Chiefs" colours. See you there, clowns! Who's clowning with me?! 🤡🤡🤡 Edit: I'll be making some additions to this post as people have been making incredible connections already, thank you! These will be noted as a new bulletpoint to try and keep it transparent as to what has been added. As I'm researching I'm also making new connections of my own that I will also add as separate bulletpoints. |
2024.05.13 22:16 Artistic_Victory A hungry bear does not dance A House Divided Alternate Elections
 | A hungry bear does not dance submitted by Artistic_Victory to Presidentialpoll [link] [comments] Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, created in 1913. The city of Sofia went through changes according to the vicissitudes of Bulgarian history. Many rulers ruled it and each of them left their special stamp on the soul of the city. The large Jewish community that lived in the city also left evidence of a glorious past. The Bulgarian people are one of the oldest peoples in Europe, with a cultural continuity of 1300 years. Information about Jewish settlements in Macedonia dates back to the time of Gaius Caligula and in the Nicopolis district a Latin inscription was found that testifies to the existence of a Jewish community in the 2nd century. There are not many other peoples on the European continent that formed so early and preserved their language, their religion, and their national tradition. The English, for example, completed their consolidation into one nation only after the Norman conquest in the XI century, and the Germans and Italians in the XIX century. The formation of the Bulgarian people was the first swallow that heralded the golden age of the Slavic peoples and kingdoms; In Russia a century later the inner Principality of Kyivan Rus was created, and in the Balkans two centuries later the kingdoms of the Bosnian Serbs and Croats were formed. The word Bulgarian itself means "to do good". Bulgarians have three important characteristics according to their own myth - from the Thracians they believe they received the sympathy for mysticism, from local Turks they bred with their fighting ability, courage and determination, and from the Slavs - patience as a way of life and mutual guarantee to each other and to other Slavic nations. However, this wonderful cultural continuity was disrupted with the Ottoman occupation in the 14th century - which succeeded in destroying the local aristocracy, destroying the cities and fortresses, and deeply damaged the original organic Bulgarian culture while preventing for a time the formation of the Christian urban culture that developed in the same period in Western Europe. Therefore, unlike in Italy, England and France, ancient cities from the Middle Ages were unfortunately not preserved to modern times. In addition, Bulgaria did not experience the Renaissance, the Baroque, the Enlightenment period, and only in 1878, upon gaining independence, did it begin to rediscover its powerful roots. In the years following independence, Bulgaria became increasingly militaristic and was often referred to as the "Prussia of the Balkans", in regards to its desire to change the Berlin Treaty through warfare, when the division of territories in the Balkans by the Concert of Europe regardless of ethnic composition led to a wave of discontent not only in Bulgaria, but also in the nations who were her neighbors and Bulgaria strived with relative success to manage the power relations compared to the other Christian countries of the region. The defeat of the Ottomans in the Turco-Italian War, and the feeling that this was the time when Christian territories could be conquered from the Ottomans, led some of the Balkan countries to create the Balkan League, in which Bulgaria served as a central player. The First Balkan War began when Montenegro declared war on the Ottoman Empire, and a few days later the other members of the League officially joined the war. During the war, the Allies managed to conquer large parts of the reminder of Ottoman Europe, with Bulgaria in particular suffering huge losses in combat operations. These territories were taken from the Empire in the Treaty of London that ended the war. However, League members failed to reach an agreement regarding the division of the various territories, and against this background, the Second Balkan War broke out. In the second war, Bulgaria fought against the other members of the league. The war against Bulgaria was even joined by Romania, which was afraid of a large-scale Bulgarian sphere of influence. At the end of the war, in the Bucharest Agreement, all of Bulgaria's gains from the previous war were completely erased, except for a coastal strip near the Aegean Sea that remained in its hands. Part of the Dobruja region passed from Bulgarian control to Romania, Greece received the territories of Thessaloniki and Serbia received Macedonia. As a result of these changes, the main power in the Balkans shifted from Bulgaria to Serbia. Thus when the Great War began Bulgaria joined the German Alliance with the hope of receiving territorial gains, and indeed it was generously rewarded by the Germans following the end of the war – with most of Serbia being transferred to the Bulgarian Tsardom and the entire Black Sea coast taken from Romania back to Bulgaria at the International Peace Conference of the Hague. The new territories brought new hope to the Bulgarian people, who prospered in these post-war days due to an economic alliance with Mitteleuropa, and as result, the Bulgarians did not bother to hide their sympathy for the Germans, even after the 1929 German economic crash and when it seemed that the established world order was beginning to crumble as more and more powers became Integralist and avowed anti-German. At that time, the reported German pogroms did not affect the Bulgarian domestic policy - which continued to allow a rich cultural life for Bulgarian Jews. As a token of gratitude to the Germans and out of fear of a non-German Europe that would be hostile to them, the Bulgarians quickly and almost automatically joined the German side in World War II. In retrospect, contrary to the results of the Great War, the Tsardom got the short end of the stick and suffered a colossal defeat. Although the Bŭlgarska armiya was relatively well equipped for the Serbian and Albanian threats and even advanced directly to the Serbian city of Niš, difficult terrain conditions soon made the front static along with reports of abuse of Serbian prisoners of war. The Greek declaration of war on Bulgaria which concerned many was merely only the beginning of bad tidings, each one greater than the other. Eventually Romania declared war as well almost a year into the start of World War II. The Bulgarian army simply could not deploy on so many fronts and received encirclements one after another, as the Romanian invasion was unrestrained and ruthless. In less than a month and a half afterwards, all of Bulgaria was conquered. With no other option, the Bulgarian government announced unconditional surrender to the Pact of Iron. A new puppet government was established which received all administrative dictates from Paris and Bucharest while the Tsar was found dead by suicide, in a clear indication of the national situation. Pact soldiers were allowed to loot whatever they needed, and Bulgarian national historical works were transferred to other countries. It was the darkest period of the Bulgarian people, who experienced quite a few tragedies in the past. And an even darker period for the Bulgarian Jews, when in 1944 the government approved the request of Russia and Romania to transfer 11,343 Jews to "labor camps" after a preliminary "deportation" of 9,000 other Jews (the extermination of the Jews in the Holocaust often received such titles, although those who ''discussed'' the request knew what it was truly about – an extermination camp). However, hope can be found even in the most difficult moments. As the Germans eventually got closer to Bulgaria, the Bulgarian people revived the guerrilla action against the local Pact forces. Bulgarian public figures protested after the expulsion of the Jews of 1944, among them the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, bishops and parliamentarians and managed to prevent the deportation to extermination camps of about 48,000 more Jews before the liberation of Bulgaria by the Kaiserliche deutsche Armee while the survival rate of the Jewish population in Bulgaria was among the highest of controlled Pact nations. On February 1, 1945, hundreds of Bulgarian Pact collaborators were executed by German forces in an event that received international condemnation and Bulgarian silence. Bulgaria emerged from the war with a terrible sense of loss. The brief period of complete German military occupation ended sooner than expected, when both the Americans and the Germans reached agreements on the re-creation of the Tsardom with Macedonia once again returned to Bulgaria in the Treaty of Aachen. In those days, Bulgaria still needed German economic and military support to prevent anarchy and enable basic functioning and so it suffered after Operation Halfmoon despite not being classified as an enemy nation for the purposes of the operation. Therefore, it did not show any opposition to the American soldiers who came to manage and start the rehabilitation of the region, and cooperated with them as Secretary of State Grew was able to finally settle the territorial disputes that led to almost a century of tensions and wars in the region with virtually all (devastated) Balkan countries signed the Sofia Agreements in exchange for participation in the ''Grew plan'', as they formally committed to ceasing and ending any territorial claims and opened full diplomatic relations with each other. “Efectul știrii este mai important decât adevărul ei.” https://preview.redd.it/e26ny6qb490d1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=005fae12cea049f2cde8675cc454c590f54ca1c0 In 1901, the Italian Guglielmo Marconi reached his great achievement – a telegraph transmission from Europe across the Atlantic Ocean to America. The German-Jewish Gustav Ludwig Hertz has already proved that electricity can pass through electromagnetic waves, those waves whose frequencies span across the spectrum from X-ray waves to UV waves, microwaves, and radio waves. Hertz conducted an experiment on the subject, got the frequency unit named after him, and has been able to transmit sounds not only through an electric cable (ie telegraph) but through the air (wireless telegraph). The last breakthrough was made by a Serbian genius named Nikola Tesla who demonstrated the system to the public in 1903. A wireless telegraph does what a cable telegraph does – it transmits a message from point to point. What will make it a world changer is the human understanding that this technological ability can be used not only from a transmitting point to a receiving point, but from a transmitting point to dozens of receiving points at the same time and later tens of millions of receiving points. This is how the radio was born. The radio and the wireless telegraph are technically very similar and thus the radio was a natural continuation of the telegraph with the help of inventors and entrepreneurs (a famous story is of David Sarnoff, an American Jew who worked for Marconi's telegraph company that also sold radios and insisted despite his boss's refusal to broadcast the 1920 World Series, which became the largest and most successful mass broadcast of that time and helped for the public to get used to the radio. It is also worth noting that he already suggested in 1915 that the company change its branding to the ''Radio Corporation of America'' and sell music boxes to consumers, but the process took place only after General Electric bought the company). Telegraph connected points; The radio connected audiences. Those who sat on an isolated farm, those who worked in a factory, those who relaxed in the living room of their homes, suddenly everyone had the ability to hear at the same time leaders’ speeches, classical music (and later rock and roll), they heard dictators, declarations of war and peace. Historical events were reported as quickly as possible on the evening news. The world with the radio will become more accessible to the masses. In 1925, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird managed to produce a device that transmitted images of moving figures clearly and not just voices. In 1937 the RCA conducted its first television broadcast, while the first television receivers sold were physically large and took up space in the home living room like a piece of furniture and the viewing screen was small. During this period there were still no long broadcast hours and on certain days there were only special broadcasts. These broadcasts content was scarce and included mainly news and coverage of special events, such as various sports events. World War II significantly slowed down the development of the television broadcasting industry. All technological effort was directed to the war effort. Only after the war did the industry begin to gather momentum again. Starting in 1947, a dramatic development can be seen in the amount and variety of commercial television broadcasts in the US and, along with it, in the rest of the developed world (together with a significant reduction in the price of the television compared to the pre-war world). A variety of comedy, drama and thriller programs aired alongside editions of news, entertainment, and other leisure programs. The American people began to buy televisions in droves, and this only encouraged the industry to invest in more reliable models and more continuous broadcasts. |
2024.05.13 11:47 everopposing the warp
I've always had my own thoughts on why the Warp is how it is, but ultimately, I think it really does just add up that negative emotions would be dominant in a realm completely shaped by our thinking. The negativity bias is a real thing, we are just simply more inclined to stick to the negativity in our lives as opposed to positivity. Not only that, but if you wanted to boil it down to "good & evil" thinking as discussion of the Warp so often does, just because humans have the capacity for good, does not mean those that do good are exempt from more sinister thoughts. Just because you are kind doesn't mean you are without thoughts of hatred and violence. Just because you are content with life doesn't mean you aren't prone to bouts of despair. This of course swings the other way around as well, but ultimately many of the aspects of perceived negativity that manifest in the Warp are very natural reactions in our minds and one could argue that doing good isn't as much about not having such thoughts, but simply acting against them.
That said, I actually do believe that the Warp does have positive forces within it. It's probably more just that people will only perceive aspects of the Warp that their own minds are drawn to. In my head, the Warp simply responds to the person that calls upon it and the emotions of that person draw out a certain aspect of the Warp towards them. After all, the Chaos Gods themselves tend to seek out souls, whose thoughts align with their way of thinking. The Warp only shows the aspects of itself that reflect the person it seeks, as if it is magnetically pulled towards our thoughts. I always think that the Warp is more receptive to us than anything else. While many of these demonic possessions and mutations the warp enacts on us might seem hostile, they could also be the Warp acting upon a primal want and receptiveness from it's host to open itself to it's influence. To use your favorite Hellraiser analogy, this line of thinking is pretty much epitomized by the "It's yours. It always was" routine. Much like how the Lament Configuration, while it might not have seemed that way to the characters in the story, sought those that wanted it and gave them what the darkest side of themselves wanted, the Warp might simply be responding to such darkness and acting upon the wants of those that call to it, consciously or not.
The idea of the minds of people attracting aspects of the Warp that most align with their thinking would also make sense, considering it is a realm created by our thoughts. Even in our everyday reality, our predisposition and general attitude towards life colours much of what goes on around us and makes us experience the same reality differently. For example, your alarm clock not working in the morning and being late for school or work because of it is something all of us could experience, but everyone will experience the situation differently. Some would be prone to be angry, cursing the useless contraption for not working. Some would feel ashamed of letting such a thing happen. Some would panic, afraid of any potential reprimanding it might lead to. While some could just laugh it off as a peculiar occurrence they might talk about during break time with the lads. When our gut instincts have a tendency towards any of these reactions, it generally flavours most things that occur in our lives and shapes our perception of it.
So where are these positive Warp entities? Honestly? I think they'd just be more subdue by nature and less upfront about how they influence us anyway. It would make sense why extreme feelings of terror, violence or lust would be so forceful and aggressive, but it'd make less sense why a being that is fed from generosity or honor would do things like mutate and possess people. And this isn't even going into whether the Chaos Gods we already have couldn't have the potential to be positive influences to people. Who's to say a blossoming of genuine love between two people couldn't be fueled by Slaanesh? When a person decides to quit their bad habits and start improving their lives, could this not have been inspired by the whispers of Tzeentch? Could a family grieving the loss of a loved one not find peace within the consolidation of Nurgle? Again, I believe the Warp responds to people based on their own mentality. It's just that in such extreme times as the 41st Millennia, we often see the most extreme of circumstances erupt before we see how Cleetus the Catachan guardsmen had a better day, because Tzeentch convinced him to try out a new pair of underwear that helped with his chafing.
In the early 1900's, both Einstein's theory of Relativity and the various quantum phenomena, which would eventually be classified as quantum physics, were brand new revelations to humanity. Since the Renaissance, the natural world had been increasingly explored and described as "If you see it it is real." Copernicus's heliocentric model of the solar system, newtonian physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, these were all things we could observe in some direct manner. We might need lenses like microscopes and telescopes, but it was something we could see.
But then Relativity and Quantum mechanics hit the scientific world like a brick through a window: it shattered preconceived notions of what had been considered true. The recent discovery of radiation (particle) and light waves we can't see (x-rays, infrared, radio), the idea that time wasn't fixed, that space itself can be shaped and molded like clay, these were revelations that shattered many world views. The bottom line was that our senses do not perceive the world as it is: our reality is a thin vernier, a thin layer of ice on which we tread that hides a vast and unknown ocean with laws and phenomena truly alien to our everyday experience.
Enter Lovecraft. A scrawny, racist, classist New England boy from old money, Lovecraft suffered from severe anxiety disorders while having a fascination with the sciences. However, his mind, fraught with trauma and anxiety, did not allow him to study science well enough to truly comprehend the new theories. Still, he trusted the scholars: rich white men, many from prestigious institutions and storied blood lines. And everything they were saying was that reality was a lie. Without the ability to understand deeper, with overwhelming prejudice and terror of the world, he sat down to write about his fears and existential dread.
I think this is what makes his writing, while dated, still resonate. His concepts, fears, and world building continue to reflect the discrepancy between the scientific world and our lived experience. And as new information comes to light, we are faced with more questions. How would Lovecraft react to dark matter and dark energy? 90% of the universe is intangible, aethereal, invisible matter which can only be detected by gravity? Or that the universe is rapidly expanding, all the world's and galaxies moving further apart at quickening speeds doomed to die cold and alone in the black? I'm sure the thought of thinking machines able to emulate human speech and behavior, infinitely more intelligent, and given power over massive amounts of our society would make him soil his pants: the man-made God, AI, a superintelligence. The millions of exoplanets so close to our star it dredged up his fears of alien horrors.
Yeah, his writing may be racist, classist and sexist, but the man spoke to fears still relevant today. That's the basis of 40K's Warp. The existential terror in humanity.
submitted by everopposing to u/everopposing [link] [comments]
That said, I actually do believe that the Warp does have positive forces within it. It's probably more just that people will only perceive aspects of the Warp that their own minds are drawn to. In my head, the Warp simply responds to the person that calls upon it and the emotions of that person draw out a certain aspect of the Warp towards them. After all, the Chaos Gods themselves tend to seek out souls, whose thoughts align with their way of thinking. The Warp only shows the aspects of itself that reflect the person it seeks, as if it is magnetically pulled towards our thoughts. I always think that the Warp is more receptive to us than anything else. While many of these demonic possessions and mutations the warp enacts on us might seem hostile, they could also be the Warp acting upon a primal want and receptiveness from it's host to open itself to it's influence. To use your favorite Hellraiser analogy, this line of thinking is pretty much epitomized by the "It's yours. It always was" routine. Much like how the Lament Configuration, while it might not have seemed that way to the characters in the story, sought those that wanted it and gave them what the darkest side of themselves wanted, the Warp might simply be responding to such darkness and acting upon the wants of those that call to it, consciously or not.
The idea of the minds of people attracting aspects of the Warp that most align with their thinking would also make sense, considering it is a realm created by our thoughts. Even in our everyday reality, our predisposition and general attitude towards life colours much of what goes on around us and makes us experience the same reality differently. For example, your alarm clock not working in the morning and being late for school or work because of it is something all of us could experience, but everyone will experience the situation differently. Some would be prone to be angry, cursing the useless contraption for not working. Some would feel ashamed of letting such a thing happen. Some would panic, afraid of any potential reprimanding it might lead to. While some could just laugh it off as a peculiar occurrence they might talk about during break time with the lads. When our gut instincts have a tendency towards any of these reactions, it generally flavours most things that occur in our lives and shapes our perception of it.
So where are these positive Warp entities? Honestly? I think they'd just be more subdue by nature and less upfront about how they influence us anyway. It would make sense why extreme feelings of terror, violence or lust would be so forceful and aggressive, but it'd make less sense why a being that is fed from generosity or honor would do things like mutate and possess people. And this isn't even going into whether the Chaos Gods we already have couldn't have the potential to be positive influences to people. Who's to say a blossoming of genuine love between two people couldn't be fueled by Slaanesh? When a person decides to quit their bad habits and start improving their lives, could this not have been inspired by the whispers of Tzeentch? Could a family grieving the loss of a loved one not find peace within the consolidation of Nurgle? Again, I believe the Warp responds to people based on their own mentality. It's just that in such extreme times as the 41st Millennia, we often see the most extreme of circumstances erupt before we see how Cleetus the Catachan guardsmen had a better day, because Tzeentch convinced him to try out a new pair of underwear that helped with his chafing.
In the early 1900's, both Einstein's theory of Relativity and the various quantum phenomena, which would eventually be classified as quantum physics, were brand new revelations to humanity. Since the Renaissance, the natural world had been increasingly explored and described as "If you see it it is real." Copernicus's heliocentric model of the solar system, newtonian physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, these were all things we could observe in some direct manner. We might need lenses like microscopes and telescopes, but it was something we could see.
But then Relativity and Quantum mechanics hit the scientific world like a brick through a window: it shattered preconceived notions of what had been considered true. The recent discovery of radiation (particle) and light waves we can't see (x-rays, infrared, radio), the idea that time wasn't fixed, that space itself can be shaped and molded like clay, these were revelations that shattered many world views. The bottom line was that our senses do not perceive the world as it is: our reality is a thin vernier, a thin layer of ice on which we tread that hides a vast and unknown ocean with laws and phenomena truly alien to our everyday experience.
Enter Lovecraft. A scrawny, racist, classist New England boy from old money, Lovecraft suffered from severe anxiety disorders while having a fascination with the sciences. However, his mind, fraught with trauma and anxiety, did not allow him to study science well enough to truly comprehend the new theories. Still, he trusted the scholars: rich white men, many from prestigious institutions and storied blood lines. And everything they were saying was that reality was a lie. Without the ability to understand deeper, with overwhelming prejudice and terror of the world, he sat down to write about his fears and existential dread.
I think this is what makes his writing, while dated, still resonate. His concepts, fears, and world building continue to reflect the discrepancy between the scientific world and our lived experience. And as new information comes to light, we are faced with more questions. How would Lovecraft react to dark matter and dark energy? 90% of the universe is intangible, aethereal, invisible matter which can only be detected by gravity? Or that the universe is rapidly expanding, all the world's and galaxies moving further apart at quickening speeds doomed to die cold and alone in the black? I'm sure the thought of thinking machines able to emulate human speech and behavior, infinitely more intelligent, and given power over massive amounts of our society would make him soil his pants: the man-made God, AI, a superintelligence. The millions of exoplanets so close to our star it dredged up his fears of alien horrors.
Yeah, his writing may be racist, classist and sexist, but the man spoke to fears still relevant today. That's the basis of 40K's Warp. The existential terror in humanity.
2024.05.13 07:49 badal843346 Coffee Machine Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2036
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Further, for the in-depth analysis, the report encompasses the industry growth drivers, restraints, supply and demand risk, market attractiveness, BPS analysis, and Porter’s five force model.
With the development of automatic coffee machines, simple, easy, and enchanting coffee today is only a press of the button away. Today, we have a range of easy to use and easy to clean automatic coffee machines available in the market which uses special coffee capsules, a pre-portioned container made of aluminum or plastic for single-serve, to brew coffee.
The coffee machine market is expected to observe an attainable high CAGR during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-2036. The market is segmented by type, application, and region. Among product applications, the commercial segment is anticipated to dominate the global market share owing to an expansion in the number of cafes, restaurants, and eateries globally, increasing prevalence of coffee outings, which has lead to installations of quick brewing machines in commercial sectors for their customers. The household segment is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the forecast period on account of individuals seeking café style coffee at the comfort of their households. Consumers in western nations prefer home-brewed coffee, which in turn, is anticipated to fuel market growth.
“The Final Report will cover the impact analysis of COVID-19 on this industry.”
Regionally, the coffee machine market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa region.
North America and Europe account for major coffee consumption. North America is majorly dominated by the USA. Europe holds the largest market share led by Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and others. The growth is credited to the growing number of European consumers who are willing to pay for high prices for specialty beverages and escalating rate of emerging cafes and eating outlets in the region.
The Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the forecast period owing to rising awareness among individuals about various innovative coffee machines, escalating coffee intake, the emergence of more cafes and restaurants, and shifting cultural trends.
Growing coffee consumption around the world to boost the global coffee machine market
With rising disposable income and technical know-how, coffee lovers have found a way to cater to their needs by brewing their favorite coffee at their households. Coffee consumption has widely expanded across the world and consumers are preferring coffee machines for their convenience.
Additionally, the increase in disposable incomes in developing economies, rising awareness related to advanced technology and specifications available, and growing need for a wide variety of coffee blends have contributed towards the market growth significantly.
Request for customization @
https://www.researchnester.com/customized-reports-6002
However, the high cost associated with buying coffee and coffee machines might hamper the overall market growth.
This report also provides the existing competitive scenario of some of the key players of the coffee machine market which includes company profiling of Koninklijke Philips N.V. (AMS: PHIA), Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (NYSE: KDP), illycaffè S.p.A., LUIGI LAVAZZA SPA, Dualit Limited, JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS, Pacific Coffee Co. Ltd., Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX), Nestlé Nespresso SA (SWX: NESN). The profiling enfolds key information of the companies which encompasses business overview, products and services, key financials, and recent news and developments. On the whole, the report depicts a detailed overview of the coffee machine market that will help industry consultants, equipment manufacturers, existing players searching for expansion opportunities, new players searching possibilities and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies according to the ongoing and expected trends in the future.
About Research Nester
https://www.researchnester.com/reports/coffee-machine-market/6002
Research Nester is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates, and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided the right guidance at the right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decisions to avoid future uncertainties.
Contact for more Info:
AJ Daniel
Email: [sales@researchnester.com](mailto:sales@researchnester.com)
U.S. Phone: +1 646 586 9123
U.K. Phone: +44 203 608 5919
submitted by badal843346 to u/badal843346 [link] [comments]
Request Free Sample Copy of this Report @
https://www.researchnester.com/sample-request-6002
Further, for the in-depth analysis, the report encompasses the industry growth drivers, restraints, supply and demand risk, market attractiveness, BPS analysis, and Porter’s five force model.
With the development of automatic coffee machines, simple, easy, and enchanting coffee today is only a press of the button away. Today, we have a range of easy to use and easy to clean automatic coffee machines available in the market which uses special coffee capsules, a pre-portioned container made of aluminum or plastic for single-serve, to brew coffee.
The coffee machine market is expected to observe an attainable high CAGR during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-2036. The market is segmented by type, application, and region. Among product applications, the commercial segment is anticipated to dominate the global market share owing to an expansion in the number of cafes, restaurants, and eateries globally, increasing prevalence of coffee outings, which has lead to installations of quick brewing machines in commercial sectors for their customers. The household segment is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the forecast period on account of individuals seeking café style coffee at the comfort of their households. Consumers in western nations prefer home-brewed coffee, which in turn, is anticipated to fuel market growth.
“The Final Report will cover the impact analysis of COVID-19 on this industry.”
Regionally, the coffee machine market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa region.
North America and Europe account for major coffee consumption. North America is majorly dominated by the USA. Europe holds the largest market share led by Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and others. The growth is credited to the growing number of European consumers who are willing to pay for high prices for specialty beverages and escalating rate of emerging cafes and eating outlets in the region.
The Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the forecast period owing to rising awareness among individuals about various innovative coffee machines, escalating coffee intake, the emergence of more cafes and restaurants, and shifting cultural trends.
Growing coffee consumption around the world to boost the global coffee machine market
With rising disposable income and technical know-how, coffee lovers have found a way to cater to their needs by brewing their favorite coffee at their households. Coffee consumption has widely expanded across the world and consumers are preferring coffee machines for their convenience.
Additionally, the increase in disposable incomes in developing economies, rising awareness related to advanced technology and specifications available, and growing need for a wide variety of coffee blends have contributed towards the market growth significantly.
Request for customization @
https://www.researchnester.com/customized-reports-6002
However, the high cost associated with buying coffee and coffee machines might hamper the overall market growth.
This report also provides the existing competitive scenario of some of the key players of the coffee machine market which includes company profiling of Koninklijke Philips N.V. (AMS: PHIA), Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (NYSE: KDP), illycaffè S.p.A., LUIGI LAVAZZA SPA, Dualit Limited, JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS, Pacific Coffee Co. Ltd., Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX), Nestlé Nespresso SA (SWX: NESN). The profiling enfolds key information of the companies which encompasses business overview, products and services, key financials, and recent news and developments. On the whole, the report depicts a detailed overview of the coffee machine market that will help industry consultants, equipment manufacturers, existing players searching for expansion opportunities, new players searching possibilities and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies according to the ongoing and expected trends in the future.
About Research Nester
https://www.researchnester.com/reports/coffee-machine-market/6002
Research Nester is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates, and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided the right guidance at the right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decisions to avoid future uncertainties.
Contact for more Info:
AJ Daniel
Email: [sales@researchnester.com](mailto:sales@researchnester.com)
U.S. Phone: +1 646 586 9123
U.K. Phone: +44 203 608 5919
2024.05.13 03:58 ReportsStack Flavored Syrups Market Size, Industry Trends & Growth Analysis from 2024 to 2030
The forecast for the global flavored syrups market indicates a notable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5%, with an estimated value approaching USD 65 billion by 2027. The surge in demand for customized flavors and the growing consumer inclination towards convenient food options are among the key drivers propelling market expansion. Additionally, the trend towards sugar-free alternatives among consumers, coupled with the increasing availability of diverse types of sugar-free flavor syrups, is expected to fuel substantial growth in the market.
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=34067
Market Trends:
· Growing Demand for Natural and Organic Varieties: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that align with their desire for healthier lifestyles and sustainability. As a result, there's a rising demand for flavored syrups made from natural and organic ingredients, free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives. This trend is driven by a greater awareness of the health benefits of natural products and a desire for transparency in food sourcing and production processes.
· Expansion of Flavor Options: Manufacturers in the flavored syrups market are continuously expanding their product offerings to include a wider variety of flavors. This trend reflects the diverse and evolving preferences of consumers, who seek novel and innovative flavor experiences. Companies are exploring exotic and unique flavor combinations inspired by global culinary trends, as well as traditional and nostalgic flavors that evoke familiar comforts.
· Rise in Sugar-Free and Low-Calorie Options: With the growing concern over the health impacts of excessive sugar consumption, there's a significant demand for sugar-free and low-calorie alternatives in flavored syrups. Consumers are actively seeking products that allow them to indulge in sweet flavors without compromising on their health goals. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by developing formulations that use natural sweeteners or sugar substitutes while maintaining the taste and quality of traditional syrups.
· Innovation in Packaging and Dispensing: Packaging plays a crucial role in enhancing the convenience and usability of flavored syrups for consumers. Manufacturers are investing in innovative packaging designs and dispensing mechanisms that offer ease of use, portion control, and mess-free pouring. This includes the adoption of squeeze bottles, pump dispensers, single-serve packets, and resealable containers, catering to different consumer preferences and usage occasions.
· Customization and Personalization: Brands are recognizing the importance of consumer engagement and loyalty through personalized experiences. In the flavored syrups market, this trend translates into offering customization options that allow consumers to create their own flavor blends or tailor syrups according to their individual preferences. Whether it's choosing the intensity of sweetness, selecting specific flavor combinations, or personalizing packaging with custom labels, brands are empowering consumers to express their creativity and uniqueness.
Market Opportunities:
The flavored syrups market presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. One key opportunity lies in catering to the increasing demand for natural and organic products, as consumers prioritize health and wellness. By developing flavored syrups made from high-quality, natural ingredients and free from artificial additives, manufacturers can tap into this growing segment of health-conscious consumers. Additionally, there's a rising interest in sugar-free and low-calorie alternatives, offering an opportunity for companies to develop innovative formulations that satisfy consumer cravings for sweet flavors while addressing their dietary preferences. Moreover, expanding the range of flavors and exploring new applications beyond beverages, such as desserts, baked goods, and cocktails, opens up avenues for product differentiation and market diversification.
According to the recent report published by RC Market Analytics, the Global Flavored Syrups Market is expected to provide sustainable growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. This latest industry research study analyzes the flavored syrups market by various product segments, applications, regions and countries while assessing regional performances of numerous leading market participants. The report offers a holistic view of the flavored syrups industry encompassing numerous stakeholders including raw material suppliers, providers, distributors, consumers and government agencies, among others. Furthermore, the report includes detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global market considering market history, product development, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and key success factors (KSFs) in the industry.
Browse the Full Report Discretion @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/flavored-syrups-market/
Geographically, the flavored syrups market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The flavored syrups market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Flavored syrups market estimates have also been provided for the historical years 2020 to 2023 along with forecast for the period from 2024 - 2030.The report includes a deep-dive analysis of key countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, among others. Thereby, the report identifies unique growth opportunities across the world based on trends occurring in various developed and developing economies.
The Flavored Syrups Market Segmentation:
By Type:
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=34067
Key Questions Answered by Flavored Syrups Market Report:
Media Contact:
Company Name: RC Market Analytics Pvt. Ltd. Contact Person: Vijendra Singh Email: sales@researchcorridor.com Visit us: https://www.researchcorridor.com/
submitted by ReportsStack to u/ReportsStack [link] [comments]
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=34067
Market Trends:
· Growing Demand for Natural and Organic Varieties: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that align with their desire for healthier lifestyles and sustainability. As a result, there's a rising demand for flavored syrups made from natural and organic ingredients, free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives. This trend is driven by a greater awareness of the health benefits of natural products and a desire for transparency in food sourcing and production processes.
· Expansion of Flavor Options: Manufacturers in the flavored syrups market are continuously expanding their product offerings to include a wider variety of flavors. This trend reflects the diverse and evolving preferences of consumers, who seek novel and innovative flavor experiences. Companies are exploring exotic and unique flavor combinations inspired by global culinary trends, as well as traditional and nostalgic flavors that evoke familiar comforts.
· Rise in Sugar-Free and Low-Calorie Options: With the growing concern over the health impacts of excessive sugar consumption, there's a significant demand for sugar-free and low-calorie alternatives in flavored syrups. Consumers are actively seeking products that allow them to indulge in sweet flavors without compromising on their health goals. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by developing formulations that use natural sweeteners or sugar substitutes while maintaining the taste and quality of traditional syrups.
· Innovation in Packaging and Dispensing: Packaging plays a crucial role in enhancing the convenience and usability of flavored syrups for consumers. Manufacturers are investing in innovative packaging designs and dispensing mechanisms that offer ease of use, portion control, and mess-free pouring. This includes the adoption of squeeze bottles, pump dispensers, single-serve packets, and resealable containers, catering to different consumer preferences and usage occasions.
· Customization and Personalization: Brands are recognizing the importance of consumer engagement and loyalty through personalized experiences. In the flavored syrups market, this trend translates into offering customization options that allow consumers to create their own flavor blends or tailor syrups according to their individual preferences. Whether it's choosing the intensity of sweetness, selecting specific flavor combinations, or personalizing packaging with custom labels, brands are empowering consumers to express their creativity and uniqueness.
Market Opportunities:
The flavored syrups market presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. One key opportunity lies in catering to the increasing demand for natural and organic products, as consumers prioritize health and wellness. By developing flavored syrups made from high-quality, natural ingredients and free from artificial additives, manufacturers can tap into this growing segment of health-conscious consumers. Additionally, there's a rising interest in sugar-free and low-calorie alternatives, offering an opportunity for companies to develop innovative formulations that satisfy consumer cravings for sweet flavors while addressing their dietary preferences. Moreover, expanding the range of flavors and exploring new applications beyond beverages, such as desserts, baked goods, and cocktails, opens up avenues for product differentiation and market diversification.
According to the recent report published by RC Market Analytics, the Global Flavored Syrups Market is expected to provide sustainable growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. This latest industry research study analyzes the flavored syrups market by various product segments, applications, regions and countries while assessing regional performances of numerous leading market participants. The report offers a holistic view of the flavored syrups industry encompassing numerous stakeholders including raw material suppliers, providers, distributors, consumers and government agencies, among others. Furthermore, the report includes detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global market considering market history, product development, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and key success factors (KSFs) in the industry.
Browse the Full Report Discretion @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/flavored-syrups-market/
Geographically, the flavored syrups market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The flavored syrups market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Flavored syrups market estimates have also been provided for the historical years 2020 to 2023 along with forecast for the period from 2024 - 2030.The report includes a deep-dive analysis of key countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, among others. Thereby, the report identifies unique growth opportunities across the world based on trends occurring in various developed and developing economies.
The Flavored Syrups Market Segmentation:
By Type:
- Fruit
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Others
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Beverages
- Dairy & Frozen Desserts
- Others
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=34067
Key Questions Answered by Flavored Syrups Market Report:
- Product popularity and adoption based on various country-level dynamics
- Regional presence and product development for leading market participants
- Market forecasts and trend analysis based on ongoing investments and economic growth in key countries
- Competitive landscape based on revenue, product offerings, years of presence, number of employees and market concentration, among others
- Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Pestle Analysis, Porter’s Five Force model, Value Chain Analysis pertaining to Flavored Syrups market
- Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional and country-level markets from 2020-2030
Media Contact:
Company Name: RC Market Analytics Pvt. Ltd. Contact Person: Vijendra Singh Email: sales@researchcorridor.com Visit us: https://www.researchcorridor.com/
2024.05.12 22:04 popcodswallop [WTS] VINTAGE • 1930s-40s Italian and French Wet Noodles (Superflex-Wet Noodle): (2) Montegrappa Extras Aurora Selene Astura Nova Novo Retrofit (3) Edacotos Mercury w/ Sticker •
This week’s vintage batch of Italian and French pens from my own collection might be the largest bunch of Wet Noodles I’ve ever offered! Nibs range from Superflex to Wet Noodle with more than half of the pens being the latter. As you can see, my collecting focus was pens with white metal trim, which all 9 pens have. Some uncommon models here, especially if you’re in the US. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/qzjdJeU
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple months. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (>2mm). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue.
1. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green marble w/ lizard skin window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS F/M Flex/Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Founded c.1912 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy by Edwige Hoffman and Heinrich Helm, Montegrappa (née Elmo) was one of the Big Four Italian makers whose products have had a profound impact on FP design to this day. The Extra was the premier model of the late-1930s and 1940s. This pen has the white metal trim and factory stainless steel nib that distinguish wartime pens in Italy during the restriction on precious metals to aid the war effort. Not a common pen to see Stateside. It’s a piston filler made of green marble celluloid with an eye-catching, transparent, lizard-skin-patterned window in the barrel for viewing ink-level. To fill simply rotate the filler-knob on the end of the barrel counter-clockwise to extend the piston, submerse the nib, then rotate the filler-knob clockwise to draw ink. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen is no exception, yielding Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nib with particularly juicy flow that’s reliable over its full range of flex, making it a great choice for boldly shaded writing and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on one side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes aside from some fine scratches on the plastic between and below the cap bands. Barrel transparency is superb (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Feed is missing a couple fins from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO LEFT). This pen's filling mechanism was restored in the last couple years but does have a little quirk in filling I haven’t been able to diagnose. It fills near to factory capacity smoothly with no leaks, but one must be careful to avoid extending the piston all the way down to the bottom of the ink-view window. If extended all the way down, the bottom part of the piston loses connection with the top part, requiring the section to be unscrewed to help the piston back up with a pencil eraser while turning the knob. This is a straightforward process but annoying, so I’ve always chosen to fill to just 90% of factory capacity to avoid it. A scarce pen in a striking color pattern. Price:$320 $290
2. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green swirl w/ lined window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS XF Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. For more on Montegrappa and the Extra, see description of pen #1 above. This pen has white metal, wartime trim and nib, but it retains the elegant roller-clip distinctive of Italian pens of the 1930s – so likely late-1930s production. It’s another piston filler made of celluloid in an interesting, green swirl pattern with a transparent, lined window in the barrel for viewing ink level. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen epitomizes this statement, being a Wet Noodle with variation and softness comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under minimal pressure. Thin hairlines, astonishingly responsive snap-back that rivals the 14k dip pen nib in pen #5 below, and reliable flow over its full range of flex makes it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on the same side of the cap as pen #1 above (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Barrel transparency is excellent apart from a ring of staining (DETAIL PHOTO). Filling system restored with new cork in the last couple years - operation can be a tad stiff if it hasn't been used in a while so I recommend storage filled with water. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $370 SOLD
3. c.1940 Aurora Selene (brown web, celluloid, NPT, button filler, Platiridio XF Wet Noodle nib). This is an oversized pen by vintage standards, having a thick girth and measuring 5 3/16” capped. Counded in 1919 by Isaia Levi and located in Turin, Italy, Aurora remains one of the most celebrated Italian makers. Introduced in 1940 amid Axis restrictions on precious metals, the Selene was their wartime button-filler and was marketed as “the pen for everyone.” In 1943 the Aurora factory was bombed by the Allies, perhaps contributing to this model’s short span of production. This example is made of celluloid in a fetching brown shell color pattern evocative of the 2nd-gen Eversharp Doric. Nickel plated clip and early-style cap bands with wider center band. One historically interesting detail of this pen is that its barrel bears the subtle heatstamped personalization of Lancia, the famous Italian auto manufacturer (see timestamp photo). To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once (DETAIL PHOTO). This big pen has a strong fill and holds a lot of ink. As if the 2 pens above weren’t evidence enough of the quality of Italian steel nibs, the Aurora Platiridio #5 in this pen takes the cake. Not only is it a Wet Noodle with softness and flow rivaling that of a dip pen nib, but it’s capable of one of the widest max line widths I’ve ever measured. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to an incredible 5B? (approx 2.8mm!) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Even so, it retains a superbly responsive snap-back that gives one precise control over the line under any amount of pressure. That and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Note that due to the considerable space between the tines of this nib at full flex, Waterman Serenity Blue had trouble keeping the surface tension but my trusty Omas Grey solved the problem entirely, producing flawlessly reliable lines under full flex. So some experimentation with wetter inks might be in order. Condition: excellent+ [B+] assuming you take the “Lancia” marking as an interesting mark of historical provenance as opposed to a flaw. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws. ). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the section is deep and fully legible. Price: $420 SOLD
4. 1930s-40s Astura Nova (grey pearl snakeskin, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Astura pens were made by S.A.F.I.S., a company in Turin (fd. 1926) that would come to be one of the most influential Italian pen makers of the early half of the twentieth century (MORE INFO). They’re best known for producing pens of considerably high quality such as Radius and The King. And this Astura follows suit. It’s made of celluloid in a particularly bold and pearlescent snakeskin pattern, complemented by nickel plated trim. 14k Warranted #3 nib yields Super-flexible variation with softness verging on that of a Wet Noodle. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: fine [C]. Nickel-plated trim shows some brassing to the clip and some of the lower cap band, which has been factored into the price. Nib has a mark on one tine that's merely cosmetic, having no effect on durability or performance. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Another beautiful Italian pen and another lovely writer. Price: $280 SOLD
5. 1930s-40s Novo Retrofit (green moss, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. The only maker’s mark on this pen is a barrel imprint that reads “Novo.” But I haven’t been able to determine whether that’s a make or a model or anything about it, for that matter. It’s clearly Italian, of a quality similar to the Montegrappas and Aurora above, probably originating from one of those conglomerates that collaborated with some of the major Italian makers. In fact, the clip of this pen is identical to that of pen #2. This pen is made of celluloid in an unusual, moss green color pattern with flashes of a brighter green. Nickel-plated trim with elegant roller-clip. This pen is a button filler. To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. This pen came to me nibless but with a very narrow section, so I equipped it with a smaller, 14k, iridium-tipped Aikin Lambert dip pen nib - adjusted and tuned to match factory performance. That nib is a Wet Noodle with killer snap-back. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under minimal pressure (probably the softest nib of the batch) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, effortless variation, surgically precise snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from perhaps a sliver or two of high-point wear on the apex of the faceted clip. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $270 SOLD
6. 1930s-40s Edacoto 02 Retrofit (coral grey pearl, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This is a larger Edacoto model, having a thicker girth than standard and measuring 5 1/16” capped. Edacoto (née Edac) was French maker based in Paris from 1922 to the mid-1960s. Edacotos are well-made pens known for their unusual color patterns and distinctive waterfall clip design. This one is a case in point, being made in a grey pearl celluloid with a quasi-psychedelic color pattern resembling chatoyant coral that seems to shift when the pen is turned under light. This model’s size, filling system, and trim configuration situates it near the top of Edacoto’s lineup. It is a button filler. To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. It’s equipped with one of my dip pen nib retrofits: a large, 14k, iridium tipped E.S. Johnson that’s been adjusted and tuned to match factory performance. That nib is another Wet Noodle, laying down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws apart from the top cap band having lost some of its original luster (I assume). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Feed is missing a a fin from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO RIGHT). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $310 SOLD
7. 1930s-40s Edacoto (grey web, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, SS XF/F Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see description of pen #6 above. This pen is made of grey web celluloid complemented by nickel plated trim with deluxe, triple cap bands. SS Edacoto 87 nib is yet another Wet Noodle with flow and softness comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Effortless variation, strong snap-back, and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws apart from a pin sized spot of wear on the lever and a couple on the cap bands on each side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price: $220 SOLD
8. 1930s Edacoto (grey pearl marble, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k F Flex/Superflex nib). This smaller model measures 4 5/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see pen #6 above. This one is made of grey pearl marble complemented by nickel-plated trim. 14k Warranted nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for expressive and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent/fine [B/C]. Nickel-plated trim looks clean with the naked eye but shows a peppering of wear under a loupe. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes apart from subtle shrinkage of the cap that can’t be seen so much as felt when running a finger down it – merely cosmetic with no affect on how the cap screws on. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price:$150 $140
9. 1940s-50s Mercury w/ Sticker (blue swirl, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. This mysterious pen has defied all my research efforts. It’s marked “Mercury” on the barrel in the usual place and “B-tg / SGDG / Made in France” farther up toward the section. It comes with its original price sticker, ehich reads “Mercury” and “225” penned in ink. This pen is made of a curious wrapped celluloid in blue and black complemented by heavy, white metal trim with “Bronze au Glucinium” stamped in the top of the spring-activated clip. Never seen trim made of this! Threads for the blind cap appear to be stainless steel. All this gives the pen a substantial heft in the hand. Super-Flexible 14k Mercury nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. This pen is in pristine, museum-grade condition. Nickel-plated trim is immaculate with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel are deep and fully legible. Price: $240 SOLD
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS
submitted by popcodswallop to Pen_Swap [link] [comments]
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/qzjdJeU
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple months. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (>2mm). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue.
1. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green marble w/ lizard skin window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS F/M Flex/Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Founded c.1912 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy by Edwige Hoffman and Heinrich Helm, Montegrappa (née Elmo) was one of the Big Four Italian makers whose products have had a profound impact on FP design to this day. The Extra was the premier model of the late-1930s and 1940s. This pen has the white metal trim and factory stainless steel nib that distinguish wartime pens in Italy during the restriction on precious metals to aid the war effort. Not a common pen to see Stateside. It’s a piston filler made of green marble celluloid with an eye-catching, transparent, lizard-skin-patterned window in the barrel for viewing ink-level. To fill simply rotate the filler-knob on the end of the barrel counter-clockwise to extend the piston, submerse the nib, then rotate the filler-knob clockwise to draw ink. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen is no exception, yielding Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nib with particularly juicy flow that’s reliable over its full range of flex, making it a great choice for boldly shaded writing and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on one side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes aside from some fine scratches on the plastic between and below the cap bands. Barrel transparency is superb (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Feed is missing a couple fins from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO LEFT). This pen's filling mechanism was restored in the last couple years but does have a little quirk in filling I haven’t been able to diagnose. It fills near to factory capacity smoothly with no leaks, but one must be careful to avoid extending the piston all the way down to the bottom of the ink-view window. If extended all the way down, the bottom part of the piston loses connection with the top part, requiring the section to be unscrewed to help the piston back up with a pencil eraser while turning the knob. This is a straightforward process but annoying, so I’ve always chosen to fill to just 90% of factory capacity to avoid it. A scarce pen in a striking color pattern. Price:
8. 1930s Edacoto (grey pearl marble, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k F Flex/Superflex nib). This smaller model measures 4 5/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see pen #6 above. This one is made of grey pearl marble complemented by nickel-plated trim. 14k Warranted nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for expressive and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent/fine [B/C]. Nickel-plated trim looks clean with the naked eye but shows a peppering of wear under a loupe. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes apart from subtle shrinkage of the cap that can’t be seen so much as felt when running a finger down it – merely cosmetic with no affect on how the cap screws on. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price:
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:
USPS First-Class with tracking for $5Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.- USPS Priority with tracking for $9
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS
2024.05.12 02:00 Logic_Sandwich JoJo's Bizarre OC Tournament #7: R2M22 - Markov vs Reese McGuffin
Vote on a match featuring the detective teams allied against a masked vigilante having gone berserk!
Scenario: The Kamala Rose International, Vasitanagarh — 2:06PM
Weeks ago, in the very center of The Kamala Rose International lay the fantastical garden known as the Heart of the Rose, in the center of that garden stood a gazebo, and in the center of that gazebo was a table surrounded by four individuals in a heated discussion.
“That was sloppy work, Margherita!” Sulka slammed their fist against the table in an uncharacteristically loud fit of rage, “I told you to get rid of that man last week! Now because of your pointless delays he was able to leak that scandal to the news!”
“Hey hey, levati dai coglioni! I don’t appreciate the blame being thrown onto me here,” Margo threw up his arms in response, looking more annoyed than upset, “You never told me there was any urgency. Besides, it takes a bit of time to frame an accidental death. What, do you think you can just shoot a guy in the head and call it a suicide? You watch too many movies if you think that kind of thing can just happen overnight, mammalucco.”
“Do you even care that our operation here is in jeopardy now that that video is drawing prying eyes our way?!” Sulka almost spat at the italian man, “Your nonchalance is insulting!”
“Easy, Sulka,” Jim Peckle interjected, “Margo did his best. No way for him to know that things would turn this way.”
“You’re both right, actually,” Margo sneered, “I did my best, as I do with every job, but I honestly couldn’t care less if this little crime ring collapses. You lot are nothing more than a side hustle to me, my allegiances lie back in Italy. In other words, stop pestering me and vai a cagare.”
With a swish of his apron Margo left, leaving Sulka to smolder in a more recognizable quiet anger.
“That’s the last time we give him a time sensitive job, if you ask me,” Pluto spoke up for the first time since arriving (late), “The unwanted attention is a problem, don’t get me wrong, but I’m more concerned with how we even got to this in the first place, hey? That guy in the video was talking about missing people, Kiisseli. Just what the hell have you been up to?”
“Need I remind you, Hendrix,” Sulka’s cold gaze turned to meet Pluto’s, “that part of our arrangement involves the right to privacy. I do not intend to pry about what you use our resources for so I expect that you will do me the same decency.”
“Excuse me…?” Pluto straightened up from his relaxed position, “You don’t get to just shrug this off after bringing the feds to our damn doorste-”
“To be curt,” Sulka cut him off, “It’s none of your damn business, Pluto. So drop it.”
Behind Sulka’s back, Jim quietly scoped his nearest emergency exit.
Pluto’s vein bulged visibly at Sulka’s words, “You’ve got people paying attention to the airport cuz you’ve been pulling some shady bullshit and you just managed to get your ass handed to you by a cat and some whackjob in a mask, hey. Obviously this is my fucking business!”
“I may have been beaten by a “whackjob” as you put it,” Sulka slowly rose from their chair, “but I could certainly beat you if you’re going to keep acting like a thorn in my side.”
“You could beat who?” Pluto’s voice raised an octave in sheer frustration and confusion, “Trust me, you don’t want this smoke, Kiisseli.”
“What’s this about smoke?” Dark Disquiet shimmered into view and lit a fire in its palm behind Sulka as they spoke, “Because from where I stand you’re the only one who should fear getting burned, Hendrix.”
“This isn’t the time or place for a fight,” Jim stepped in between the two, holding up his hands. Behind his dark sunglasses, his eyes flicked cautiously over to Sulka. “Everything just goes up in flames. Nobody wins… Best cool things down and make peace.”
An uneasy silence hung over the gazebo until Pluto clicked his tongue in frustration, “Yeah. Fine. Better an ally than an enemy, I suppose. But let it be known that next time I have to deal with problems caused by your actions I’ll be expecting a damn good explanation, hey? Now I’m getting out of here before your self important face pisses me off any more than it already has.”
Once Pluto had left earshot, Sulka let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of their nose, “I hate to admit it but I too am in a state where I still need to rely on Hendrix’s assistance. Oh how I despise co-leadership…”
“I like having him around,” Jim replied, shrugging minutely, “He brings a lot to the Heart. He’s easygoing, and a lot more dedicated than he seems on the surface. It would be a shame to drive him away.”
“You’ve already deescalated the situation, Jim Peckle. Any further arbitration would be pointless, unless you mean to crawl your way back onto my good side. In which case you have a long way to go,” Sulka made a dispassionate gesture towards the exit, “You may leave as well, but don’t assume that this means you’re off the hook. You’ve not yet been forgiven for leaving me in the dirt and running off with that costumed clown after our fight.”
Jim hesitated for a moment before deciding to swallow his pride and take his own advice. Instead, he simply gave a light nod in response and scurried out of the gazebo.
For a time Sulka sat in silence, partially to gather their thoughts and partially to make sure their team members had cleared out. “Marko, Olli, come here now.”
Barely missing a beat, the Runoilija brothers ran in to greet Sulka, “Right here boss!” Marko, the bigger of the two, responded, “Sorry we weren’t here for the meeting–that kid you hired a while back was break dancing in the halls outside the garden and we were entranced by the little guy!”
“Enough!” Sulka was all too familiar with how the brothers could prattle on if left unchecked, “I didn’t call you over to have you discuss your simplistic entertainment. I have a job for the two of you.”
“Lay it on us boss, we’ll get it done in no time,” Olli rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
“To be more accurate it’s closer to a reassignment than a job,” Sulka tucked their hands behind their back, beginning to pace across the raised dais. “Thanks to this mess we’re in, I’ll be forced to decrease, if not totally halt, my… cultivation, we’ll call it, her at the Rose. In order to make up for the drop-off in offerings we will need to expand operations outside of the airport. I’ve already made the arrangements. Starting tomorrow, you two will be stationed at Club Naraka over in Port Konwar. You will remain vigilant for any and all stand users that enter the building. I don’t care how you do it but make sure you check every guest. Once you find a stand user you are to restrain them and call for me. This is by far the most promising location I’ve managed to get a hold of, so I am expecting big things. Are there any questions?”
“Uh, it’s a club, yeah?” Marko cocked his head, “That means there’ll be booze, right?”
“...Yes Marko,” Sulka sighed, “There will be drinks of all kinds.”
“Alright! We won’t let you down boss! You can count on us!” Olli beamed—and promptly tripped on Marko’s heels in his haste as the two of them rushed for the door.
Sulka sighed again, if that pair of fools weren’t so loyal they would’ve discarded them long ago.
THUMP
THUMP
THUMP
Reese’s eyes slowly opened, his vision hazy. His head stung—that was the first thing he noticed, the dull throbbing pain in his temple. He couldn’t think straight. Where was he? Why was he here? What was-
God, his head.
“Ghhh...” He massaged his temples, blearily trying to force some sense into his brain. He was... Where was he...
Memories came back to him slowly, filtered through heavy bass and the scraping of a rusty fan overhead. He was looking for leads on something... His father was looking into Nightblooms... There were rumors of knowledgeable Stand users here... His teammates had told him not to go, but he-
The door creaked open, slamming against a dingy, degraded concrete wall. Reese lifted his head, slowly. His head felt like a ten ton weight on his shoulders. He could hardly see. What the fuck happened?
Through the now open door a stream of light poured in highlighting the silhouettes of two men. The bigger man on the right spoke first, “So this kid is the fresh meat, huh? And you’re sure he’s one of us this time?”
“Oh definitely,” The skinny man on the left replied, “This guy’s a stand user, no doubt about it.”
Reese could hear what the men were saying but his mind was covered in a fog and it was difficult to comprehend the words. Fresh meat? Stand user? Did these two bring him here? What did they want?
The skinny man kneeled down to bring himself face to face with Reese. Even in the darkness of the room he was close enough that Reese could make out his distinctly crooked nose , “I’m gonna make this real simple for you, pal. You see our boss is a very important person. They are the type with big plans that some people might not agree with. Because of that, they like to make powerful friends whenever possible. Friends like you, for example. For that very reason the boss is on their way here right now to meet you! I’m sure the two of you will get along great but I thought I should give you a bit of a warning. The boss doesn’t like it when their offer of friendship gets turned down, you see. There’s only one thing they hate more than that. Unnecessary risk. If they can’t have you as a friend… Well, I’m sure you’ll make the right choice once you meet them.”
“Uhhh, Olli?” The bigger one tapped the skinny man on the shoulder, “I don’t think this kid is hearing you. Look at his eyes, it’s like he’s still asleep.”
“Wha-?” Olli aggressively grabbed Reese’s head and forcefully opened his eyelids all the way to stare into the boy’s pupils, “Goddamnit, the drugs still haven’t worn off! Urgh, just put him back to sleep Marko. I’ll give him the speech again once he wakes up.”
Reese wanted to run or fight or something but he could barely move as the skinny man- Olli let go of his head. Drugs? Had these two drugged him? His mind was swimming with Olli’s monologue creating a whirlpool of words and phrases that he recognized but could not focus on. With every ounce of his available strength he lifted his body onto his elbows and looked up to his captors.
“W-wait a se-” He couldn’t even form a full sentence before the bigger man- Marko reeled back and threw out a punch.
There was a violent shake.
A loud thud.
And then black.
Club Naraka was, if nothing else, accurately named.
When you first stepped into the subterranean hell pit of human desire, you were greeted with the thick smell of booze and cigarettes and other far less legal things. It had a way of overwhelming every sense, actually. Harsh lights strobed against the otherwise dim chambers of each floor, and the bass thumped hard enough to feel in your ribs. When you eventually found yourself in a place where it didn’t smell so harshly of booze, it was because it smelled like vomit instead, or some other thing you didn’t really want to figure out the source of.
Emile Gulati, 27 years old, stared with half lidded eyes at the air freshener she’d hung behind the bar, wishing with all of her heart that it actually worked. It was her last little rebellion against this place. She tried wearing earbuds, but she couldn’t hear her own music over the stuff they played in the club. She tried normal earplugs, but those hardly worked, and just made it harder to bartend. She considered nose plugs, but that’d just make her look weird - customers gave her enough shit already.
“Evening, bartender~.” A sleazy looking man had somehow wandered over to the bar without her noticing, splaying himself over the counter. Emile tried her best to hide her immediate disdain. “You, uh, wow, huh, eheh.” He pointed at her. “Nnnn~ice outfit. Eheh.”
She scowled.
“You gonna order something or what?” Emile made sure to step back a few feet. Best not to stand too close to guys like this - she’d learned that the hard way just a week ago. “I don’t work here as a fucking model. Get a drink.”
“Bitch.” The man sneered. “You people should be more agreeable. Tsch.” He wandered off, having seemingly forgotten what he came for in the first place. Emile sighed in relief. She idly looked back at the little bottle under the counter, and winced. She’d made a routine of reminding herself it was there and feeling like shit about it.
Being a bartender here was bad enough, but every now and then she’d get a lovely text from a higher up on the burner phone they’d given her to slip a few drops of that into their drink. Within moments a security guard would drag them away, leaving Emile with no explanation. Not that she was expecting one, granted. But she would’ve liked to know what exactly she was doing here. For closure, or something. Maybe.
Couldn’t pay rent in Mist City without a job, she reminded herself for the fourth time that night. The latest one really got to her - some bright eyed youngster filled with determination who was trying so hard not to look like he was there on some sort of mission. She had hope that whatever job it was would succeed, but that hope seemed to evaporate like a fine mist when she watched him disappear behind the elevator doors.
She rubbed her temples.
“...”
And exhaled. This place got in the way of her reason, the music keeping her from thinking. Was next month’s rent worth the people she’d screwed over? Hell if she knew.
“I’m taking my fifteen,” said Emile, to no one in particular. She marched away from the bar, stalking towards the elevator. When the doors closed behind her, she found herself blessed by something close to peace and quiet. It reassured her.
Equally reassuring was the golden coin beneath her feet, glinting in harsh LED light.
“...Lucky coin, huh?” She picked it up, admiring it for a moment before pressing down on the lowest button on the elevator keypad. She didn’t know what she was actually going to do - but it’d probably be better than doing nothing.
When the doors opened, Emile found the floor was completely barren. No one wandered through the dusty concrete halls; the only thing that gave her company was the thick, noxious smell that clung to the air. Preferring not to investigate its source, Emile began walking through the halls…until her eye caught on an open door. Unsure where else to go, she peeked inside.
Curled on the cold floor was a body. Emile’s stomach dropped–until she saw movement in the person’s chest. Still alive. That she could work with. Rushing over, Emile knelt next to the unconscious person, as she had with countless blackout drunks. She made sure he was on his side, and then gently stirred him until he woke. All the while, dread tangled her organs in knots. Who would do such a thing? Why? Still, the answers didn’t matter. What mattered is that something was very wrong with this place, and they needed to leave as fast as possible.
Yet, when the young man opened his eyes, he didn’t look at her with shock or fear, but anger. A righteous fury that had him just about jumping to his feet.
“Woah! Woah, settle down, you were unconscious, your body needs time-” Emile began, before the man shook his head. That alone seemed to dizzy him, as he braced himself against the wall.
“I don’t have time. I need to- I can’t have been the only one. I need to-”
Emile stepped closer, trying to put a hand on his shoulder, but he immediately bristled at the touch, as if on reflex.
“You’re hurt- look, man… something’s up with this place. We need to get out of here.”
But he just shrugged her off, moving towards the nearest unlocked door. Without hesitation, he flung it open, frantically looking for other survivors. Yet, what he and Emile found…were rows of bathtubs. That horrid, sharpened smell was even stronger now, nearly overwhelming. It was all Reese could do to not keel over. Instead, Emile moved to support him, and the two crept closer, peering over the edge.
Inside the tub, something boiled, bubbled, churned.
The thing inside could barely be called human. The acid gnawed at the corpse like a desperate, starving animal, stripping the charred flesh off of its bones. Unable to support itself, it collapsed further, head sinking under the liquid. Soon, its blank, lifeless expression was stripped down to its gleaming bone. Gone. All gone.
Reese felt like he was standing in a tunnel. Lightless. Empty. Infinite. The feeling of Emile letting go, the sound of sharp retching, something splattering against the tile, all of it was muffled.
What cruel animal is man.
It was the twin jolts of fear and rage that hit him like an IED. Pounding adrenaline restarted his heart, clicking the world into focus. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Emile heaving, shuddering, pulling at her hair. All the unconscious drunkards, for all the rowdy bar fights, none of it could have prepared her for these horrors. That adrenaline pumped through her in turn, she could feel that fear grow sharp and jagged-
She could feel something take that fear, guiding it towards a sound. Footsteps. Reese didn’t seem to hear them, only her. She tried to speak- nothing. No sound could escape her lips. The fear that gripped her chest was unlike anything she had ever felt before. She couldn’t make a whisper but with the full force of her adrenaline she could still move.
The next few moments were a blur. A bottle on a shelf, shouting from the previous room, a desperate lunge, and the distinct sound of rending flesh. Suddenly everything was vivid and clear again. She felt the guards blood trickle through her fingers as Emile looked down and witnessed what she had done. The bottle had become a knife, and she had stabbed someone.
The guard fell to the ground as Emile stared at her shaking, blood stained hands, “I- that wasn’t- I didn’t mean-” She was stammering all while Reese watched on in silent shock.
“He’s not dead Emile,” a feminine voice echoed through her skull, “You have to finish it. You have to make sure.”
Her eyes darted from one end of the room to the other, trying desperately to find the source, but the longer she delayed the louder it got.
“Kill him. Kill Him. KILL HIM. KILL HIM.”
What happens when an animal is backed into a corner?
It attacks.
Suddenly, something in Emile snapped- no, it shattered like a broken bottle. A low scream escaped her throat betwixt clenched jaws as she savaged upon the barely breathing man.The knife became her teeth, raised into the air and plunged into red flesh. A wet schlllrk rang as she pulled it back out, only to bury it down again and again and again.
Reese moved quickly, instinctually- tackling her to the ground. A desperate move- to break this haze that she was in, end whatever vile urge had overcome her.
His eyes widened as they tumbled onto the floor, spotting several pairs of feet. Guards. He had tackled them into the direct view of more guards.
”Shit.”
A snapping noise split the air. An ethereal crocodile came from the ether, ready to defend its user.
A cornered animal attacked.
“That was not my fault!” Marko slammed his beer mug on the counter, “That last one wouldn’t stay down, so I just kept hitting him until he did. How was I supposed to know that he’d die so easily!”
“You literally just gave a textbook description of negligence, you moron. Of course it was your fault!” Olli smacked Marko on the side of his head to emphasize his point.
“Why’d you always gotta hit me…” Marko grumbled as he rubbed his head, “If you’re so sure that I’m the moron then let's bet on whether the fresh meat has gone cold or not. Whoever loses pays for the other’s drinks for the rest of the night.”
“Alright deal,” Olli snickered as they shook hands, “I’ll go take a look.”
Olli’s hand restlessly gripped the switchblade in his pocket as he descended through the floors of the nightclub. He fully intended to finish off the drugged up kid in the basement, assuming he refused to work for the boss like most did. He would pin the blame on his dumbass brother and have him pay for his drinks for the whole night. A win-win scenario.
Suddenly, a vibration from his phone. An update from the guards:
The prisoner got out. There are two of them now.
Marko received the same message back at the bar above. In a fit of rage he chucked his mug of beer at the wall with his full strength, just barely missing the skull of the bartender who was serving him. Before he had a chance to cause any more senseless damage another message addressed to himself and all the other guards came through, this time from his brother.
Find them both, NOW! Kill them if you have to, just make sure they don’t leave! If they’re gone when Sulka gets here we’ll all be fucked!
Marko stood up from the bar and began to push through the flirting couples and stumbling drunkards of the nightclub as his Ultraviolet materialized. The fresh meat had a helper and the two were trying to scurry away like rats? That was fine by him. Marko specialized in hunting down rats.
The music seemed to distort more intensely the longer Reese listened. Maybe it was the dull ache of the base, punctuated by a hundred frenzied footfalls, a rhythm that toppled over itself. Maybe it was the rage that sent his own heart racing. He could feel it pound against ｢Magenta Mountain｣ as he held the hourglass close to his chest. Still, there was no time to rest.
Finally, the two of them found the source of the noise. A dark, dingy dancefloor. It stunk of sweat and mildew, and the dancing bodies seemed to twist in the low light. Even as the two entered, splattered in blood, no one took notice. They were too caught up in dance, alcohol, god knows what else. In this moment of respite, Reese turned to Emile. Her gaze was as vacant as his own, she seemed to look right past him.
“Hey, focus.” Impatience had made his voice sharp. There wasn’t time for niceties, not for her. Emile’s eyes readjusted, finding him. In the dark, he could not see that was shone in her expression wasn’t malice, but fear.
“What the hell was that!?” he pressed. She shrunk away in turn.
“...I had to get out.”
“I know that,” Reese frowned, “We’re in the same boat. But that’s not an excuse- I could have helped! You didn’t have to-”
“I have to get out,” Emile continued. Her gaze went past him yet again. Her body shuddered. “Please, please just let me out. I’ll do anything, anything you want, I can’t stand this hell- just let me out!”
“I…” Reese swallowed, hugging his Stand tight. “What?”
His mind reeled, trying to process his next steps. This woman was unstable, that was clear. Unstable, violent, dangerous—not just to others, but herself. If Reese allowed her to simply leave, without understanding what was happening, who knew how many would suffer? Yet, the crowd shifted in strange ways, the beat becoming frantic, the music growing warped and mutilated. Should he stop the woman? Should he protect her from these maddening halls? What should he do? What should he do?
The moment Reese looked up, trying to make a call–Emile was gone. She had vanished deep into the crowd, following that horrid, golden voice. The music reminded Reese of the howl of coyotes in the night. The raucous celebrations of beasts who found their meal.
Against his beating heart, he felt ｢Magenta Mountain｣. Inside those grains lay the vast expanse of evolution, and its uniting link: the will to survive at any cost. His beasts had all failed, each one had faced death, and lost. At this moment, Reese understood them. He knew what it was to be a cornered animal. He would deal with the moral quandaries of man once he escaped. But first, he had to escape. The grains of sand were slipping through the hourglass. He knew he would not die like all those beasts that came before him. He would escape. He would survive. He had to.
Nothing else mattered.
Lost in the crowd, he and Emile reached that same conclusion.
Nothing else mattered.
Open the Game.
Green circles are guards, each of which have 333 physicals, Guard: 3, and Basic Weapon Use: 3. These are overall competent operatives who aren’t going to be utterly trivial to get past, and each is armed with a handgun loaded with 9mm bullets and a baton.
The 2nd basement floor has MARKOV on one side in the bar, and Reese on the other in the boiler room. A few guards are already on the map; neither has immediate line of sight on either player.
North of MARKOV is a storage closet, which opens into a bathroom. North of this is the backrooms of the club, with the currently full dance floor in the middle. North of the boiler rooms is the security guard room, and at the far northeast of the map is the office of the club’s owner, filled with various trophies.
Of note for Reese, there are a few dead rats (purple triangles) in the boiler room, and a piece of coral (purple circle) in the office. This chunk of coral is 8 kg, and when reanimated by ｢Magenta Mountain｣ forms as a sort of hemisphere 2m across and 1.5m high.
The 1st basement floor is mostly for club business, with speakers and various technical material spread around. Of note, the many, many guards on the south of the first level will, if the players choose not to fight through the closest stairways, slowly fill into the lowest level, chasing the players. In essence, there will be significantly less guards around the stairs to the ground floor if the players take the longer path.
Finally, the Ground Floor is an open warehouse space with no traditional obstacles- as everything in this room is currently floating airborne, with a gloating Sulka armed with a fire extinguisher acting as the final obstacle. Between Sulka’s mobility, their guards acting as easier targets, and the needs of the match, they may not be RETIRED, but attacks launched at them will temporarily distract them and force them to block or avoid them. Otherwise, Sulka will alternate between launching single massive crates and flurries of small objects at the players as they fight their way through the ground floor, up to the doors at the north.
Goal: Fight your way out of Club Naraka! In particular, leave the club in better shape than your opponent.
While combat is allowed and expected, for the most part guards won’t leave too far from their base location; they can be snuck past. The winner of the match is who gets out of the club in the overall best condition.
Combat between players with the intent or foreseeable result of RETIREMENT is not recommended, though other types of interference are.
Additional Information: MARKOV’s current user is Emile Gulati, who has 233 physicals and 3 Bartending; Bartending gives Emile a thorough understanding of the layout of the club as well as preternatural skill in being able to throw around glass bottles or other similarly hefty items.
As for other NPCs besides the guards, the clubgoers have 222 physicals, Ignoring Any Chaos Around Them 5, and Mostly Irrelevant To The Match 4. Essentially they can act as a sort of cover in the dance floor, but besides hiding among them, don’t worry about anyone besides guards too much.
| Team | Combatant | JoJolity |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery of Wayward Reverie | Markov | “Come on, what are you doing anyway? Calm down—got up on the wrong side of the bed or something?” Use a variety of tools, items, and tactics during your escape! |
| I.M.P.A.C.T. | Reese McGuffin | “What I have to do is look for the bone using my strings…” Use a variety of tools, items, and tactics during your escape! |
Link to Match Schedule
2024.05.11 09:27 TerribleSell2997 Model Based Enterprise Market is Dazzling Worldwide and Forecast to 2030
~Model-based enterprise market~ is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031).The market growth is attributed to the increasing use of 3D technology in many industrial verticals to meet the growing need for new applications—from 3D modeling to model-based business solutions globally driving the market growth. Model-based enterprises offer to develop, create, and execute innovative building systems, architectural shapes, and other things. It is a creative, quicker, and more flexible approach to product creation and manufacturing.
Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/model-based-enterprise-market
Of the different kinds of digital twins, product digital twins are the ones that are utilized the most frequently. These allow product development teams to design a complete digital version of a product before it is ever made physically. Shop floors and entire supply networks can likewise be replicated using digital twins. By simulating the operation of complex systems, these twins help businesses maximize performance by giving stakeholders important insights into the efficacy and efficiency of their systems. Using digital twins can result in cost savings of 20.0–30.0%.Such savings are limited to that specific silo. However, businesses can save overall expenses combining the various kinds of digital twins into a Model-Based Enterprise (MBE).
full report of Model Based Enterprise Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/model-based-enterprise-market
· Market Coverage
· Market number available for – 2024-2031
· Base year- 2023
· Forecast period- 2024-2031
· Segment Covered- By Source, By Product Type, By Applications
· Competitive Landscape- Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ingredion Inc., Kerry Group Plc, Cargill
· Inc., and others
Market Segmentation
Global Model Based Enterprise Market by Offering
o Solutions
o Services
Global Model Based Enterprise Market by Deployment Type
o Cloud
o On-premise
Global Model Based Enterprise Market by End User
o Aerospace
o Automotive
o Construction
o Retail
o Power & Energy
o Food & Beverages
o Life Sciences & Healthcare
o Marine
o Oil & Gas
o Others (Electronics & Telecommunications)
Regional Analysis
o North America
o United States
o Canada
o Europe
o UK
o Germany
o Italy
o Spain
o France
o Rest of Europe
o Asia-Pacific
o China
o India
o Japan
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia-Pacific
o Rest of the World
o Latin America
o The Middle East & Africa
Company Profiles
o Altair Engineering Inc.
o ANSYS, Inc.
o Aras Corp.
o Autodesk, Inc.
o Bentley Systems International Ltd.
o Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
o Capvidia NV
o CIMdata, Inc.
o EnterpriseDB Corp.
o ESI Group
o IBASET INC.
o Oracle Corp.
o PROSTEP Group
o PTC Inc.
o Sopheon Corp.
o Synopsys, Inc.
o Tata Technologies
o Theorem Solutions
The Report Covers
About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offer Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies.
Media Contact:
Company Name: Orion Market Research
Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari
Email: [info@omrglobal.com](mailto:info@omrglobal.com)
Contact no: +91 780-304-0404
submitted by TerribleSell2997 to Nim2908 [link] [comments]
Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/model-based-enterprise-market
Of the different kinds of digital twins, product digital twins are the ones that are utilized the most frequently. These allow product development teams to design a complete digital version of a product before it is ever made physically. Shop floors and entire supply networks can likewise be replicated using digital twins. By simulating the operation of complex systems, these twins help businesses maximize performance by giving stakeholders important insights into the efficacy and efficiency of their systems. Using digital twins can result in cost savings of 20.0–30.0%.Such savings are limited to that specific silo. However, businesses can save overall expenses combining the various kinds of digital twins into a Model-Based Enterprise (MBE).
full report of Model Based Enterprise Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/model-based-enterprise-market
· Market Coverage
· Market number available for – 2024-2031
· Base year- 2023
· Forecast period- 2024-2031
· Segment Covered- By Source, By Product Type, By Applications
· Competitive Landscape- Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ingredion Inc., Kerry Group Plc, Cargill
· Inc., and others
Market Segmentation
Global Model Based Enterprise Market by Offering
o Solutions
o Services
Global Model Based Enterprise Market by Deployment Type
o Cloud
o On-premise
Global Model Based Enterprise Market by End User
o Aerospace
o Automotive
o Construction
o Retail
o Power & Energy
o Food & Beverages
o Life Sciences & Healthcare
o Marine
o Oil & Gas
o Others (Electronics & Telecommunications)
Regional Analysis
o North America
o United States
o Canada
o Europe
o UK
o Germany
o Italy
o Spain
o France
o Rest of Europe
o Asia-Pacific
o China
o India
o Japan
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia-Pacific
o Rest of the World
o Latin America
o The Middle East & Africa
Company Profiles
o Altair Engineering Inc.
o ANSYS, Inc.
o Aras Corp.
o Autodesk, Inc.
o Bentley Systems International Ltd.
o Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
o Capvidia NV
o CIMdata, Inc.
o EnterpriseDB Corp.
o ESI Group
o IBASET INC.
o Oracle Corp.
o PROSTEP Group
o PTC Inc.
o Sopheon Corp.
o Synopsys, Inc.
o Tata Technologies
o Theorem Solutions
The Report Covers
- Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
- Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
- Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
- Key companies operating in the global model-based enterprise market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
- Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
- Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
- Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.
About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offer Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies.
Media Contact:
Company Name: Orion Market Research
Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari
Email: [info@omrglobal.com](mailto:info@omrglobal.com)
Contact no: +91 780-304-0404
2024.05.11 04:43 Rich_Ad_1642 OOP gets tangled in a shit show bachelorette - Italy edition
I am NOT OOP, OOP is u/yslbabycat
Originally posted to AITAH
Concluded
1 update - Medium
Original Post: February 6, 2024
Update: February 7, 2024
Trigger Warnings: harassment, stalking, attempted sexual assault
”AITAH for leaving in the middle of a girl’s trip in Europe”
Original Post: February 6, 2024
I 24F have a friend 32F who got engaged and decided to do a girls trip as her bachelorette party. She picked Italy and there were 6 of us on this trip.
My friend loves to drink and party whereas I don’t drink but will indulge on occasion, like special events and celebrations. During this trip I tried to participate in the drinking as best as I could. I’m a very bubbly and extroverted person when I’m in a group setting.. so who I am sober vs drunk it’s the same energy. I have tried to express this to my friend for years but she is still someone who gets sad when other people don’t drink as much as her. It is also physically impossible for me to drink as much as her— I just can’t. But I tried really hard for my friend on this trip to indulge her. I wanted her to feel happy. I share this to express that I went in with the best intentions.
But here is where I drew the line.
We met some young people, they invited us to a party. We went and danced and met more people.. the night kept going on longer and we were very far from our lodgings. These young men with 2 women in their group told us to stay with them for the night.. I wasn’t feeling this situation. It felt unsafe but the group voted and I was in the minority. They were all quite inebriated and it was hard to be the only sober person trying to get them to reconsider and get a cab and go to our lodgings. I didn’t trust these men. Something seemed wrong. But I was at a loss as I could not split from my group and didn’t feel safe separating from them in the middle of the night.
We go to this house and settle in. In the middle of the night I hear attempts being made to enter our room.. the men entered even though we had locked the doors. I pretended to be asleep and the men were talking in Italian but it felt like they were checking on us and wanting to do something? They were quarreling with each other going back and forth it seemed. They ultimately left to argue outside .
I didn’t sleep the whole night. I texted my boyfriend and told him what was happening. And how I felt unsafe.
Next morning the group of girls I’m with decides we are going to stay another day because these men have offered to show us around. I didn’t want to get into a car with them because I found them creepy. There were women in their group but it didn’t matter. They seemed even more suspicious to me, being overly friendly. The whole morning I found the men staring at me a lot and also making some comments about my ethnicity - I am Korean and they could tell and it seemed that they were interested in me because of my ethnicity, asking me strange questions …including if I’m a virgin or not.. so in my head I could only think of perverted reasons for these questions because I thought these guys were sketchy and sizing us all up for some reason I couldn’t figure out yet.
My friends said I was having a language barrier issue and I probably misunderstood.. they were liking the attention of these affluent seeming guys who were going to get us on a yacht. My suspicions and concerns went unheard.
I talked to my boyfriend in France and he said he could come get me and he did.
AITAH for leaving the trip because I felt uncomfortable and unsafe?
I tried to communicate all this to my friend but she didn’t feel the same so I did what I had to do for myself. The men were saying they will drive us to get our things from the hotel and we can stay with them instead and the girls were considering it.
I left 4 days prematurely … the girls eventually came back and told me how creepy and scary the men became and that I was right. The friend however (32F) whose bachelorette it was is mad at me for leaving.
Edit: just want to add my boyfriend offered to drive them to our booked hotel and I urged them to follow the planned itinerary.. we even found a legit company who did yacht services.. and my boyfriend offered to gift my friend by paying but she and the others wanted to go with that group of men.
Update: February 7, 2024
You can read the first post here.
I 24F did not expect such an overwhelming response on that post. I wrote it in part.. to vent because I felt some members of the bridal party are unfairly upset with me. I am no longer part of the group chat and I was supposed to be singing a song for the couple at this wedding, which I am sure won’t be happening either. That’s okay..
At this point I do not want to attend.. seems like a sign that I should no longer be friends with the bride 32F (and another friend from this group, and maybe even the rest of them). It still hurts though. I guess that’s normal.
I also want to express.. This can happen anywhere in the world. I do not mean to claim Italy is unsafe, rather that situations can be unsafe (anywhere) especially when people get caught up and choose to stop being aware of their surroundings. When I was living at a model house.. I witnessed a lot of manipulation, and part of my vigilance is due to the experience I had. To have it fall on deaf ears was extremely disheartening.. but I learned from this experience now too.
On my post I also recieved several comments requesting more information so I will answer it here as part of the update. If I missed your question, I'm really sorry..
This conversation got cut short when a woman from the Italian group entered the room. We had no alone time after this, so I continued to persist in the group chat. The only thing I kept from the girls in my group was that my boyfriend was currently on his way (it's a few hours drive). I chose to keep this a secret because I did not want the girls to mention it to the Italian group… I felt it would cause a problem in the worst case scenario.
All the other girls in the group are single, except myself, one other girl, and the Bride … so I think that contributed.
The bride-to-be and her best friend (who kept disagreeing with me alongside her) love to party. Her fiancé is the same. They are constantly partying together, going to raves and concerts and festivals all over the world. It was also for this reason they kept trying to overrule me.. they deemed themselves more experienced travelers.
Even before this trip, I have always been labelled the 'baby' of the group. Despite this label, I am not clueless. It also takes more to impress me so I don’t give a reaction easily or get swept up by “charitable” gestures. These gestures really made the girls become careless. I am spirited and friendly to people I know but naturally skeptical of strangers. I don’t have a loud voice, but I am vocal and will speak my mind whereas some of the other girls are more quiet followers who say things that they know will be in alignment with the group. The bride and her best friend were louder, and very wrong but their loudness and the conviction with which they projected their opinion bulldozed me especially when no one else would take my side.
There was a major 'that only happens in movies, this would never happen to us' type mentality going on that didn't work in my favor. This mixed with the high of alcohol/drugs and the runaway train that was the mentality of the girls on this trip.. it got really hard to talk sense into any of them.
My boyfriend met me at a store when I left with a girl from the Italian group on a “supply run”. It felt like a red flag to me that they always wanted to accompany us. My boyfriend arrived and I told the Italian woman I am going home. My boyfriend had me call the bride to be.. He said he will take them all back to the hotel. He even offered to help arrange a boat if that’s what was keeping her here. She told him he is controlling and she feels bad for me: She refused everything he graciously offered and asked for me to be put on the phone .. then she yelled at me for having done this behind her back. And for spoiling the mood of the trip/the memory for her.
The conversation was going nowhere. She told me to essentially fuck off. I was fed up at this point and feeling unwell from lack of sleep. My boyfriend went back on the phone with the bride and made her put him on speaker and then told them all to share their location with my phone. The Bride refused but everyone else did it.
The girls went later with the women from the Italian group back to the hotel to get their things and relocate to the villa.
Also I learned one of the girls did have sex with one of the guys ( the bride-to-be’s best friend, who was the girl that kept siding with her). She had sex with one of the men the first night and that's probably why she was so adament to stay. They continued their fling, but the other girls became sour to the experience and asked to leave. By the end of the night they had to check back into a different hotel. What a mess.
The Bride to be is angry that I abandoned the group, and that I left too suddenly without 'thinking about it'. She says I have shown I am not a person who sticks with her through thick and thin. In my defense, I tried my best to express my feelings but they went on unheard so the only choice I had was to leave because in all honesty I refuse to risk my own safety. I also did not want to get into too much detail for sake of length, but the men made me uncomfortable for several reasons and I think I have the right to NOT be subjected to unwanted attention.
Despite all my calm attempts to reason.. the Bride-to-be doesn't understand my side … she believes I overreacted “for nothing”. I’m not sure if the other girls are trying to persuade her to understand me or if they’re all in agreement with her. I think I am just done defending myself. I refuse to 'beg' for this friendship. I kind of want to just move on quietly… what transpired speaks volumes by itself, no?
For background: I have known the Bride-to-be for years and the time span is the main reason we stay friends. We don't see each other all the time though, and can go months and months without interaction. I have many other friend groups. But the 'history' we share keeps us together. Over the years, she doesn't seem to have grown at all... so maybe it's time to go separate ways.
RELEVANT COMMENT
Fancy_Complaint4183: NTA. Chills. That could have gone so differently. Did they not see the last season of White Lotus?! Thank goodness you got yourself out of there and agree that boyfriend is a rockstar and gets full marks!! DITCH these vermin pretending to be your friends.
ADDITIONAL INFO FROM OOP - February 12, 2024
submitted by Rich_Ad_1642 to BORUpdates [link] [comments]
Originally posted to AITAH
Concluded
1 update - Medium
Original Post: February 6, 2024
Update: February 7, 2024
Trigger Warnings: harassment, stalking, attempted sexual assault
”AITAH for leaving in the middle of a girl’s trip in Europe”
Original Post: February 6, 2024
I 24F have a friend 32F who got engaged and decided to do a girls trip as her bachelorette party. She picked Italy and there were 6 of us on this trip.
My friend loves to drink and party whereas I don’t drink but will indulge on occasion, like special events and celebrations. During this trip I tried to participate in the drinking as best as I could. I’m a very bubbly and extroverted person when I’m in a group setting.. so who I am sober vs drunk it’s the same energy. I have tried to express this to my friend for years but she is still someone who gets sad when other people don’t drink as much as her. It is also physically impossible for me to drink as much as her— I just can’t. But I tried really hard for my friend on this trip to indulge her. I wanted her to feel happy. I share this to express that I went in with the best intentions.
But here is where I drew the line.
We met some young people, they invited us to a party. We went and danced and met more people.. the night kept going on longer and we were very far from our lodgings. These young men with 2 women in their group told us to stay with them for the night.. I wasn’t feeling this situation. It felt unsafe but the group voted and I was in the minority. They were all quite inebriated and it was hard to be the only sober person trying to get them to reconsider and get a cab and go to our lodgings. I didn’t trust these men. Something seemed wrong. But I was at a loss as I could not split from my group and didn’t feel safe separating from them in the middle of the night.
We go to this house and settle in. In the middle of the night I hear attempts being made to enter our room.. the men entered even though we had locked the doors. I pretended to be asleep and the men were talking in Italian but it felt like they were checking on us and wanting to do something? They were quarreling with each other going back and forth it seemed. They ultimately left to argue outside .
I didn’t sleep the whole night. I texted my boyfriend and told him what was happening. And how I felt unsafe.
Next morning the group of girls I’m with decides we are going to stay another day because these men have offered to show us around. I didn’t want to get into a car with them because I found them creepy. There were women in their group but it didn’t matter. They seemed even more suspicious to me, being overly friendly. The whole morning I found the men staring at me a lot and also making some comments about my ethnicity - I am Korean and they could tell and it seemed that they were interested in me because of my ethnicity, asking me strange questions …including if I’m a virgin or not.. so in my head I could only think of perverted reasons for these questions because I thought these guys were sketchy and sizing us all up for some reason I couldn’t figure out yet.
My friends said I was having a language barrier issue and I probably misunderstood.. they were liking the attention of these affluent seeming guys who were going to get us on a yacht. My suspicions and concerns went unheard.
I talked to my boyfriend in France and he said he could come get me and he did.
AITAH for leaving the trip because I felt uncomfortable and unsafe?
I tried to communicate all this to my friend but she didn’t feel the same so I did what I had to do for myself. The men were saying they will drive us to get our things from the hotel and we can stay with them instead and the girls were considering it.
I left 4 days prematurely … the girls eventually came back and told me how creepy and scary the men became and that I was right. The friend however (32F) whose bachelorette it was is mad at me for leaving.
Edit: just want to add my boyfriend offered to drive them to our booked hotel and I urged them to follow the planned itinerary.. we even found a legit company who did yacht services.. and my boyfriend offered to gift my friend by paying but she and the others wanted to go with that group of men.
Update: February 7, 2024
You can read the first post here.
I 24F did not expect such an overwhelming response on that post. I wrote it in part.. to vent because I felt some members of the bridal party are unfairly upset with me. I am no longer part of the group chat and I was supposed to be singing a song for the couple at this wedding, which I am sure won’t be happening either. That’s okay..
At this point I do not want to attend.. seems like a sign that I should no longer be friends with the bride 32F (and another friend from this group, and maybe even the rest of them). It still hurts though. I guess that’s normal.
I also want to express.. This can happen anywhere in the world. I do not mean to claim Italy is unsafe, rather that situations can be unsafe (anywhere) especially when people get caught up and choose to stop being aware of their surroundings. When I was living at a model house.. I witnessed a lot of manipulation, and part of my vigilance is due to the experience I had. To have it fall on deaf ears was extremely disheartening.. but I learned from this experience now too.
On my post I also recieved several comments requesting more information so I will answer it here as part of the update. If I missed your question, I'm really sorry..
- Did I tell the girls the men had entered our room at night?
This conversation got cut short when a woman from the Italian group entered the room. We had no alone time after this, so I continued to persist in the group chat. The only thing I kept from the girls in my group was that my boyfriend was currently on his way (it's a few hours drive). I chose to keep this a secret because I did not want the girls to mention it to the Italian group… I felt it would cause a problem in the worst case scenario.
- Is the Bride-to-be a cheater?
All the other girls in the group are single, except myself, one other girl, and the Bride … so I think that contributed.
The bride-to-be and her best friend (who kept disagreeing with me alongside her) love to party. Her fiancé is the same. They are constantly partying together, going to raves and concerts and festivals all over the world. It was also for this reason they kept trying to overrule me.. they deemed themselves more experienced travelers.
Even before this trip, I have always been labelled the 'baby' of the group. Despite this label, I am not clueless. It also takes more to impress me so I don’t give a reaction easily or get swept up by “charitable” gestures. These gestures really made the girls become careless. I am spirited and friendly to people I know but naturally skeptical of strangers. I don’t have a loud voice, but I am vocal and will speak my mind whereas some of the other girls are more quiet followers who say things that they know will be in alignment with the group. The bride and her best friend were louder, and very wrong but their loudness and the conviction with which they projected their opinion bulldozed me especially when no one else would take my side.
There was a major 'that only happens in movies, this would never happen to us' type mentality going on that didn't work in my favor. This mixed with the high of alcohol/drugs and the runaway train that was the mentality of the girls on this trip.. it got really hard to talk sense into any of them.
My boyfriend met me at a store when I left with a girl from the Italian group on a “supply run”. It felt like a red flag to me that they always wanted to accompany us. My boyfriend arrived and I told the Italian woman I am going home. My boyfriend had me call the bride to be.. He said he will take them all back to the hotel. He even offered to help arrange a boat if that’s what was keeping her here. She told him he is controlling and she feels bad for me: She refused everything he graciously offered and asked for me to be put on the phone .. then she yelled at me for having done this behind her back. And for spoiling the mood of the trip/the memory for her.
The conversation was going nowhere. She told me to essentially fuck off. I was fed up at this point and feeling unwell from lack of sleep. My boyfriend went back on the phone with the bride and made her put him on speaker and then told them all to share their location with my phone. The Bride refused but everyone else did it.
The girls went later with the women from the Italian group back to the hotel to get their things and relocate to the villa.
- After the trip: most of the girls informed me I was right (excluding bride-to-be and one other girl). This is what happened.
Also I learned one of the girls did have sex with one of the guys ( the bride-to-be’s best friend, who was the girl that kept siding with her). She had sex with one of the men the first night and that's probably why she was so adament to stay. They continued their fling, but the other girls became sour to the experience and asked to leave. By the end of the night they had to check back into a different hotel. What a mess.
The Bride to be is angry that I abandoned the group, and that I left too suddenly without 'thinking about it'. She says I have shown I am not a person who sticks with her through thick and thin. In my defense, I tried my best to express my feelings but they went on unheard so the only choice I had was to leave because in all honesty I refuse to risk my own safety. I also did not want to get into too much detail for sake of length, but the men made me uncomfortable for several reasons and I think I have the right to NOT be subjected to unwanted attention.
Despite all my calm attempts to reason.. the Bride-to-be doesn't understand my side … she believes I overreacted “for nothing”. I’m not sure if the other girls are trying to persuade her to understand me or if they’re all in agreement with her. I think I am just done defending myself. I refuse to 'beg' for this friendship. I kind of want to just move on quietly… what transpired speaks volumes by itself, no?
For background: I have known the Bride-to-be for years and the time span is the main reason we stay friends. We don't see each other all the time though, and can go months and months without interaction. I have many other friend groups. But the 'history' we share keeps us together. Over the years, she doesn't seem to have grown at all... so maybe it's time to go separate ways.
RELEVANT COMMENT
Fancy_Complaint4183: NTA. Chills. That could have gone so differently. Did they not see the last season of White Lotus?! Thank goodness you got yourself out of there and agree that boyfriend is a rockstar and gets full marks!! DITCH these vermin pretending to be your friends.
OOP: Ironically I’ve also not watched any of White Lotus but I see it mentioned here on my post a few times.. I think I need to watch it myself.
I only chose to come on the trip with these girls after reviewing the itinerary because I knew what kind of travellers they are.. I guess getting engaged to be married didn’t change anything. In hindsight I may be a little naive for thinking it would.
Thank you so much for reading my post I hope it helps someone like me in the future or makes girls aware that you can never be too cautious.
I’m grateful (and extremely lucky by happenstance) that my boyfriend was around as he was also going to attend this wedding .. it’s much more difficult when you have a long flight to take to get to your person.
ADDITIONAL INFO FROM OOP - February 12, 2024
I was just saying to another user in a comment that .. looking back on it, I think it was naive of me to expect this group to not do something like this, given their past travel history. I made an assumption based on the itinerary and the fact that she was getting married … that this trip would be a different vibe. It wasn’t and I’m just lucky my bf was also going to be attending this wedding so he was nearby to come get me!THIS IS A REPOST SUB – I AM NOT OOP
And you are so right— it should have never been about voting on whether my feelings, discomfort and concerns mattered, they should have been taken into consideration. There was a lot of evidence to.. at the very least paint the picture that these men were making aggressive unwanted advances which could escalate and that we shouldn’t entertain their type of company.
The fiancé is also my friend and he did ask for my side of the events after she told him hers. He did not see anything wrong with my decision, and felt it was a bad idea what they decided to do. But he is somewhat like her in that he’s very much a carefree partier.. also the girls and the bride all shared their side of the story first so I think it influenced the narrative a lot.
He has told me he has spoken to the bride about what happened— then she reached out and asked me to attend the wedding but there was no apology. She didn’t address anything or discuss it. Felt very much like she was deciding to let me back in? And so I decided her re-inviting me to her wedding wasn’t enough.. I told her I am not coming. I was supposed to sing at her wedding but I’m no professional, it was more of a little gesture for the bride and groom as my friends, not something that would be missed if it didn’t happen. I don’t think my absence will be felt much in the sense of the program so I don’t feel bad about not going to the wedding. I don’t think my conscience would allow me to even sing for her without feeling like a clown after everything that went down.
She’s been indirectly posting passive aggressively (meme quote reels and stuff about friendships and loyalty) that I know is a dig at me on her stories.. the friendship is over. And the way she is acting only makes it easier to be ok with that.
She always has to prove she’s right or explain her way out of something when she’s wrong. She’ll never acknowledge anything other than her perspective. I somehow got through all these years of our friendship never having ruffled her feathers but this one time we weren’t on the same page for valid reasons.. it really showed me how ignorant? and self centred she is.
Omg sorry for the novel.
2024.05.10 23:38 Acceptable-Tie-2626 Eurovision Song Contest 2024: Introductory Post
This Saturday (May 11), the Grand Finals of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden after the 2 semifinals were concluded. This contest took place for the first time in 1956, and only cancelled once in 2020 due to the peak pandemic. However, this year’s competition made the headlines for a lot of reasons, including the Israeli participation, where Eden Golan also become one of the finalists with the song “Hurricane,” (don’t forget to stream!) composed by Avi Ohayon, Stav Beger, and Keren Peles. However, how does the contest work? For those who are new to the competition, I hope this introductory post helps.
Disclaimer: I’m a Eurovision fan from abroad who have been watching the contest for more than a decade. Yes, the competition’s broadcast begins at 2am for me usually, but it’s not a problem! I initially wanted to explore to fill my playlist, and it turned out I entered an entirely new music sphere.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE Since there are 37 participating countries this year (for real), 31 of them were divided into 2 semifinals that was drawn separately several months ago in the Semifinal Allocation Draw. Note that as a result of the first semifinal coinciding with the Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel (Yom Hashoah), Israel asked the EBU for a dispensation to compete in the second semifinal, which the EBU accepted. The other 6 countries advanced directly to the Finals, where 5 of them are the countries who contributed the most to the EBU: France, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany. The other 1 is the host country (this year is Sweden), and this year, they performed in the middle of the semifinal contestants (instead of a montage of their rehearsals from the previosu years) in the semifinals they are allocated to vote from the same allocation draw.
10 countries from each semifinal will qualify to the Grand Finals, where the auto-finalists joined to make it 26. Usually, the champion will get to host the competition the upcoming year, but for the nearest examples, not in 1980 (the Netherlands hosted instead as the third place after the United Kingdom, the runner-up of 1979, rejected, and after Israel also rejected and ended up withdrawing) and 2023 (due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which raised the safety concerns, the runner-up of 2022, the United Kingdom, offered to host, and Liverpool won the bid–but Ukraine also auto-qualified to the Finals as the 2022 champion).
As the whole competition is held within the fortnight (including the rehearsals and Turquoise Carpet, which is also a part of the Opening Ceremony a week before the real competition), these weeks are called the Euroweek. The semifinals and the final are held in the span of a week; for instance, in 2024 (this year), the competition is held in May 7 (semifinal 1), May 9 (semifinal 2), and May 11 (Grand Finals).
How are the performance orders determined? For the semifinals, in a different reveal show after the entry submission deadline (usually, after this, if countries wish to release a revamp or something, they are free to do so). For the Grand Finals, it is the press conference after their semifinals, which drawn the qualified countries to perform in the first half (somewhere between 1-13 out of 26), second half (14-26), or producers’ choice (up to the producers to determine where they perform, usually they try to balance out between slow tempo, mid-tempo, and high tempo ones so not all super-slow ballads are stacked in one place, and not all bangers are stacked in one place as a consequence of being too random).
WHO IS THE EBU? EBU is the European Broadcasting Union, the union of broadcasters across Europe (and some other country members). They have organized the contest since its inception in 1956, where the initial idea was “to bring Europe together in music post-war,“ or somewhere along those lines as inspired by the Italian Sanremo festival. There were 7 countries, and they used to send 2 entries before we settled into 1 entry per country starting 1957.
WHY IS THERE AUSTRALIA AND ISRAEL EVEN? Australia was initially invited to compete in 2015 as they have a lot of fans, and the SBS (Special Broadcasting Services) aired the competition since the 1980s, if I’m not mistaken. Thanks to their decent results that year (inside the Top 10 with Guy Sebastian’s “Tonight Again”), they were invited to compete until today. Somehow, Israel is still located in what is called the “EBU zone,” thus their debut in 1973 (with Ilanit’s “Ey-Sham”), and when they withdrew in 1980 (due to it coinciding with the same Holocaust Remembrance Day), Morocco took part instead with Samira Bensaid’s “Bitaqat Khub” as they are located in the zone. To add, Lebanon was about to debut with Aline Lahoud’s “Quand tout s’enfuit,” but suddenly Kdam 2005 happened and Lebanon could not partake when Israel is there, thus their withdrawal.
HOW DID THE PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH COUNTRY SELECTED? In general, there are several ways on how participants from each country are selected: 1. Internal selection, where the broadcasters determine which artists should compete for that nation. This can be artist only or also with the song, but in case of the former, it is usually because there are National Finals for just songs. 2. National Finals, where the broadcasters organize a competition/utilize an existing song festival in their country to pick their entries for the Eurovision Song Contest, usually both songs and artists, where its winner will be crowned champion and will be able to represent their countries in the competition. Some of the most famous festivals/national finals are such as but not limited to Melodi Grand Prix (Denmark, Norway), Melodifestivalen (Sweden), Festival da Cançao (Portugal), Beovizija (Serbia), Sanremo (Italy), Vidbir (Ukraine), Eesti Laul (Estonia), and recently ESCZ (Czech Republic) and Supernova (Latvia).
How about Israel? Good question! Through Israel’s Eurovision history, they have selected their entries both internally, through an existing festival (Festival Hazemer ve Hapizmon/פסטיבל הזמר והפזמו in 1978-79), a custom National Final (Kdam Eurovision/קדם אירוויזיון from 1981-2013 except for the withdrawing years), and where a reality singing competition was used to select the artist (Hakochav Haba for [2015-2020/1](tel:2015-2020/1) and 2023, X Factor for 2022). In the case of the latter, there were song-only National Finals in 2020-21 and 2022, where the same artist contests several different songs (for 2020-21) and 4 different artists present their competing songs in the X Factor Israel final rounds.
For this year, just like in 2015-19, Eden Golan internally selected the song “Hurricane” despite reports that the choice was between October Rain and Dance Forever.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE WINNERS/QUALIFIERS OF THE MAIN CONTEST? Good question! The voting advertisement you’ve seen across social media (and even billboards) help the televoting part, which accounted for 50% of the final points in the competition. The semifinal went full 100% televoting mode this year (something that appeared similar to 2004-06, if I’m not mistaken, I’m writing this in full memory mode), with the finals also having juries. If you’re familiar with douze points (12 points), it’s after all the votes have been tallied. Let me try to go deeper here.
Each country has 5 jury members, one will be a chair and some others are panels as well. They rank the songs as well from start to finish (I have no idea about what are their considerations to give marks), but their final ranks will be compiled and tabulated as one, and their average ranks will translate into awarding 12 points for the country’s cumulative 1st place, 10 points for the 2nd place, 8 points for their 3rd place, 7 points for their 4th place, 6 for their 5th, 5 for their 6th, 4 for their 7th, 3 for their 8th, 2 for their 9th, and 1 point for their 10th. The same points arrangement also applies for televoting as their % are arrayed, with the highest % getting the 12 points, and vice versa. The voting/ranking breakdown will usually be released right after the competition for the sake of transparency in Eurovision’s official website, but if the broadcasters ended up releasing their percentages too officially, they could go ahead (in the case of Italy that we know of, for example, they’re releasing it in full post-competition).
The televoting part, somehow, allows us to participate actively and vote for our favorite songs (for some, besides their own country). It’s like “favorite winner” or something like that in my native tongue. Campaigns to vote for your own entry to the voters abroad (since you cannot vote for your own country) is natural, and remember that there are locals who only tuned in in the Grand Finals day, that do not follow the competition as much as we do (or I do, to some extent), and after tuning in to that one day, that was it (thus, the more varying demography than just younger age range, you know). Or, those who might not follow/watch the competition, but they saw a campaign “vote this” and ended up voting instead. This might be the case how, despite our personal music taste (generally, some likes this song, though), Ukraine’s “Stefania” (performed by Kalush Orchestra) won in 2022, the year they got invaded by Russia.
However, if you notice something like a 12-point exchange between Greece and Cyprus, we can ask ourselves if they have a similar music taste cumulatively. My ears said they’re close enough as I explored their music, but maybe your taste feels something different!
And yes, voting results could divide the fandom once again, but remember, everyone: it’s millions of ears (and visuals) combined, so if the final results do not reflect our own musical tastes, then it’s natural. But, there will always be people (including us) that said “X robbed” “Y robbed” “A should have won” and carry that on until the end of the day. These kinds of discourses will fill the first days post-competition.
HOW CAN WE VOTE? To vote, call/SMS the numbers provided for your country corresponding to the running order (but you cannot vote for your own country) OR if you’re abroad like me, you can always go to the Eurovision app or esc.vote and vote for your favorite countries up to 20 times per payment method. For the rest of the world, voting will usually open after the day minus one Dress Rehearsal (Jury Final, this is the moment where the juries mark the performances like today, and no there are no commentaries like X Factor or else we’re going to take 3 days if every jury comments to each country LOL) to accommodate those who cannot watch due to the final taking place in nonsensical hours for their country (like mine, not everyone can watch ESC live at 2am), and the voting lines will open again after the first participant performs and during the interval act (non-competing acts that performs in between the participants and before the announcement, either past winner(s), past participant(s), popular artists, or even past National Finals contestant(s))) before the hosts and the voting windows say “Stop Voting Now!” Also, participating countries, you cannot vote for your own country but you can campaign so people can vote for your country’s entry–campaigning is always part of the competition, you know? (fans also campaign for their favorites so that makes sense).
POST-EUROVISION DEPRESSION? If you’ve heard about it, that’s because we cannot move on from the competition right after its conclusion. After it’s over, you felt like wanting to rank the song again, looping the song, re-watching the entire competition/National Finals. Or maybe you could end up participating in a fan contest made by your fellow fans and modeled after Eurovision, sending existing artists and songs and voting as if we are the delegation of some countries. The fan contests thing exists everywhere, I even administer one.
May the taste be ever in your favor, and let us be united by music as it is why we are here. Should there be any questions, feel free to carry on this thread and I’ll try to answer as best as I can!
submitted by Acceptable-Tie-2626 to Israel [link] [comments]
Disclaimer: I’m a Eurovision fan from abroad who have been watching the contest for more than a decade. Yes, the competition’s broadcast begins at 2am for me usually, but it’s not a problem! I initially wanted to explore to fill my playlist, and it turned out I entered an entirely new music sphere.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE Since there are 37 participating countries this year (for real), 31 of them were divided into 2 semifinals that was drawn separately several months ago in the Semifinal Allocation Draw. Note that as a result of the first semifinal coinciding with the Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel (Yom Hashoah), Israel asked the EBU for a dispensation to compete in the second semifinal, which the EBU accepted. The other 6 countries advanced directly to the Finals, where 5 of them are the countries who contributed the most to the EBU: France, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany. The other 1 is the host country (this year is Sweden), and this year, they performed in the middle of the semifinal contestants (instead of a montage of their rehearsals from the previosu years) in the semifinals they are allocated to vote from the same allocation draw.
10 countries from each semifinal will qualify to the Grand Finals, where the auto-finalists joined to make it 26. Usually, the champion will get to host the competition the upcoming year, but for the nearest examples, not in 1980 (the Netherlands hosted instead as the third place after the United Kingdom, the runner-up of 1979, rejected, and after Israel also rejected and ended up withdrawing) and 2023 (due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which raised the safety concerns, the runner-up of 2022, the United Kingdom, offered to host, and Liverpool won the bid–but Ukraine also auto-qualified to the Finals as the 2022 champion).
As the whole competition is held within the fortnight (including the rehearsals and Turquoise Carpet, which is also a part of the Opening Ceremony a week before the real competition), these weeks are called the Euroweek. The semifinals and the final are held in the span of a week; for instance, in 2024 (this year), the competition is held in May 7 (semifinal 1), May 9 (semifinal 2), and May 11 (Grand Finals).
How are the performance orders determined? For the semifinals, in a different reveal show after the entry submission deadline (usually, after this, if countries wish to release a revamp or something, they are free to do so). For the Grand Finals, it is the press conference after their semifinals, which drawn the qualified countries to perform in the first half (somewhere between 1-13 out of 26), second half (14-26), or producers’ choice (up to the producers to determine where they perform, usually they try to balance out between slow tempo, mid-tempo, and high tempo ones so not all super-slow ballads are stacked in one place, and not all bangers are stacked in one place as a consequence of being too random).
WHO IS THE EBU? EBU is the European Broadcasting Union, the union of broadcasters across Europe (and some other country members). They have organized the contest since its inception in 1956, where the initial idea was “to bring Europe together in music post-war,“ or somewhere along those lines as inspired by the Italian Sanremo festival. There were 7 countries, and they used to send 2 entries before we settled into 1 entry per country starting 1957.
WHY IS THERE AUSTRALIA AND ISRAEL EVEN? Australia was initially invited to compete in 2015 as they have a lot of fans, and the SBS (Special Broadcasting Services) aired the competition since the 1980s, if I’m not mistaken. Thanks to their decent results that year (inside the Top 10 with Guy Sebastian’s “Tonight Again”), they were invited to compete until today. Somehow, Israel is still located in what is called the “EBU zone,” thus their debut in 1973 (with Ilanit’s “Ey-Sham”), and when they withdrew in 1980 (due to it coinciding with the same Holocaust Remembrance Day), Morocco took part instead with Samira Bensaid’s “Bitaqat Khub” as they are located in the zone. To add, Lebanon was about to debut with Aline Lahoud’s “Quand tout s’enfuit,” but suddenly Kdam 2005 happened and Lebanon could not partake when Israel is there, thus their withdrawal.
HOW DID THE PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH COUNTRY SELECTED? In general, there are several ways on how participants from each country are selected: 1. Internal selection, where the broadcasters determine which artists should compete for that nation. This can be artist only or also with the song, but in case of the former, it is usually because there are National Finals for just songs. 2. National Finals, where the broadcasters organize a competition/utilize an existing song festival in their country to pick their entries for the Eurovision Song Contest, usually both songs and artists, where its winner will be crowned champion and will be able to represent their countries in the competition. Some of the most famous festivals/national finals are such as but not limited to Melodi Grand Prix (Denmark, Norway), Melodifestivalen (Sweden), Festival da Cançao (Portugal), Beovizija (Serbia), Sanremo (Italy), Vidbir (Ukraine), Eesti Laul (Estonia), and recently ESCZ (Czech Republic) and Supernova (Latvia).
How about Israel? Good question! Through Israel’s Eurovision history, they have selected their entries both internally, through an existing festival (Festival Hazemer ve Hapizmon/פסטיבל הזמר והפזמו in 1978-79), a custom National Final (Kdam Eurovision/קדם אירוויזיון from 1981-2013 except for the withdrawing years), and where a reality singing competition was used to select the artist (Hakochav Haba for [2015-2020/1](tel:2015-2020/1) and 2023, X Factor for 2022). In the case of the latter, there were song-only National Finals in 2020-21 and 2022, where the same artist contests several different songs (for 2020-21) and 4 different artists present their competing songs in the X Factor Israel final rounds.
For this year, just like in 2015-19, Eden Golan internally selected the song “Hurricane” despite reports that the choice was between October Rain and Dance Forever.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE WINNERS/QUALIFIERS OF THE MAIN CONTEST? Good question! The voting advertisement you’ve seen across social media (and even billboards) help the televoting part, which accounted for 50% of the final points in the competition. The semifinal went full 100% televoting mode this year (something that appeared similar to 2004-06, if I’m not mistaken, I’m writing this in full memory mode), with the finals also having juries. If you’re familiar with douze points (12 points), it’s after all the votes have been tallied. Let me try to go deeper here.
Each country has 5 jury members, one will be a chair and some others are panels as well. They rank the songs as well from start to finish (I have no idea about what are their considerations to give marks), but their final ranks will be compiled and tabulated as one, and their average ranks will translate into awarding 12 points for the country’s cumulative 1st place, 10 points for the 2nd place, 8 points for their 3rd place, 7 points for their 4th place, 6 for their 5th, 5 for their 6th, 4 for their 7th, 3 for their 8th, 2 for their 9th, and 1 point for their 10th. The same points arrangement also applies for televoting as their % are arrayed, with the highest % getting the 12 points, and vice versa. The voting/ranking breakdown will usually be released right after the competition for the sake of transparency in Eurovision’s official website, but if the broadcasters ended up releasing their percentages too officially, they could go ahead (in the case of Italy that we know of, for example, they’re releasing it in full post-competition).
The televoting part, somehow, allows us to participate actively and vote for our favorite songs (for some, besides their own country). It’s like “favorite winner” or something like that in my native tongue. Campaigns to vote for your own entry to the voters abroad (since you cannot vote for your own country) is natural, and remember that there are locals who only tuned in in the Grand Finals day, that do not follow the competition as much as we do (or I do, to some extent), and after tuning in to that one day, that was it (thus, the more varying demography than just younger age range, you know). Or, those who might not follow/watch the competition, but they saw a campaign “vote this” and ended up voting instead. This might be the case how, despite our personal music taste (generally, some likes this song, though), Ukraine’s “Stefania” (performed by Kalush Orchestra) won in 2022, the year they got invaded by Russia.
However, if you notice something like a 12-point exchange between Greece and Cyprus, we can ask ourselves if they have a similar music taste cumulatively. My ears said they’re close enough as I explored their music, but maybe your taste feels something different!
And yes, voting results could divide the fandom once again, but remember, everyone: it’s millions of ears (and visuals) combined, so if the final results do not reflect our own musical tastes, then it’s natural. But, there will always be people (including us) that said “X robbed” “Y robbed” “A should have won” and carry that on until the end of the day. These kinds of discourses will fill the first days post-competition.
HOW CAN WE VOTE? To vote, call/SMS the numbers provided for your country corresponding to the running order (but you cannot vote for your own country) OR if you’re abroad like me, you can always go to the Eurovision app or esc.vote and vote for your favorite countries up to 20 times per payment method. For the rest of the world, voting will usually open after the day minus one Dress Rehearsal (Jury Final, this is the moment where the juries mark the performances like today, and no there are no commentaries like X Factor or else we’re going to take 3 days if every jury comments to each country LOL) to accommodate those who cannot watch due to the final taking place in nonsensical hours for their country (like mine, not everyone can watch ESC live at 2am), and the voting lines will open again after the first participant performs and during the interval act (non-competing acts that performs in between the participants and before the announcement, either past winner(s), past participant(s), popular artists, or even past National Finals contestant(s))) before the hosts and the voting windows say “Stop Voting Now!” Also, participating countries, you cannot vote for your own country but you can campaign so people can vote for your country’s entry–campaigning is always part of the competition, you know? (fans also campaign for their favorites so that makes sense).
POST-EUROVISION DEPRESSION? If you’ve heard about it, that’s because we cannot move on from the competition right after its conclusion. After it’s over, you felt like wanting to rank the song again, looping the song, re-watching the entire competition/National Finals. Or maybe you could end up participating in a fan contest made by your fellow fans and modeled after Eurovision, sending existing artists and songs and voting as if we are the delegation of some countries. The fan contests thing exists everywhere, I even administer one.
May the taste be ever in your favor, and let us be united by music as it is why we are here. Should there be any questions, feel free to carry on this thread and I’ll try to answer as best as I can!
2024.05.10 17:29 UstroyDestroy AI Expert Perspectives, Corporate Advocacy, and Technological Advancements in AI: Weekly Digest
leaders #science #opensource #tool #major_players #event #paper #dataset #startups #api #feature #release #update #hardware #opinions #scheduled
Yann LeCun, a renowned AI expert, shares his perspective on the nature of concepts and abstractions, stating that they do not necessarily involve language and that his speech is an approximate representation of his mental models [1][2]. He suggests that the difference in bandwidth between the visual system and the language understanding system may explain certain phenomena [3]. LeCun also believes that Large Language Models (LLMs) do not manipulate mental models and therefore will not achieve human-level intelligence on their own [4]. He clarifies that when he refers to "mental pictures," he is not talking about literal images but rather abstract mental models that can be manipulated, some of which may resemble pictures [5]. LeCun also highlights that while humans have more factual knowledge and linguistic abilities than dogs, dogs surpass humans in their understanding of the physical world and their ability to reason and plan [6]. He uses a common plot template found in novels and movies to illustrate the idea that learning a skill requires hands-on experience, not just theoretical knowledge [8].Meta and IBM are advocating for openness and goals aligned with academia, startups, VCs, and the open source community. They feel that their voices are not being heard sufficiently by policy makers in the US, EU, and Canada. Individual EU countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Denmark support open platforms for AI for sovereignty and economic development. However, the EU commission and parliament are less favorable towards this approach [7][9].
Andrej Karpathy shares their experience of facing challenges with achieving optimal memory bandwidth on Nvidia GPUs due to limitations in the compiler and stack. Despite trying various optimization techniques, they are unable to surpass 80-90% memory bandwidth on certain kernels [10].
Google AI researchers Tomas Pfister and Sercan Arik will be hosting a live Q&A session at the #ICLR2024 Google booth today at 9:30 AM to discuss the latest in Cloud AI Research [11][12]. Google AI has made advancements in differential privacy research to enable private training of Gboard language models [13]. Google AI also presented at #ICLR2024 on using deep neural networks to potentially improve early detection of fetal hypoxia and enhance maternal/neonatal care [14]. A discussion on measuring and expressing uncertainty in language model predictions will also take place at the #ICLR2024 Google booth [15].
The Google Research Connectomics team, in collaboration with Harvard University, has published a 1.4 petabyte human brain connectome in Science Magazine. This groundbreaking work reveals new structures within the human brain and marks the 10th anniversary of the team's formation. The dataset is available for researchers to explore and refine, opening up new avenues for further discoveries in neuroscience [16][17][18][19].
Cohere has introduced Command R Fine-Tuning, a new powerful model that offers superior performance on enterprise use cases at a fraction of the cost compared to larger models in the market. This advancement enables enterprises to efficiently scale AI to production. The model consistently produces top-notch results in various industries such as finance and scientific research. The Cohere Command R with fine-tuning is available on the Cohere platform, AWS SageMaker, and will soon be accessible on additional platforms [20][21][22][23][24]. Cohere is also hosting a Build Day event in San Francisco where participants can create innovative solutions using Command R and R+ to build enterprise-grade knowledge systems and multilingual customer chatbots [25][26].
NVIDIA AI Developer shared free courses in generative AI for learning AI [27]. Groq Inc announced that Marcin Komorowski has joined their team to work on their next generation chip for AI Inference solutions. They will also showcase the LPU Inference Engine at ISC24 [28][29]. NVIDIA is a dominant player in the AI chip market, with loyal customers and strong market dominance. However, other tech companies like Groq are starting to challenge Nvidia's position with new chip offerings [30].
Stability AI has announced Stable Artisan, which allows users to access advanced models like Stable Diffusion 3, Stable Video, and Stable Image Core to create high-quality media directly within Discord [31]. Amdocs collaborated with NVIDIA to enhance customer experiences in telecom contact centers by using an LLM-based solution for billing inquiries [32]. DocuSign is utilizing NVIDIA Triton and Azure to leverage contract information, converting agreement data into actionable insights, speeding up contract review processes, and enhancing productivity [33]. NVIDIA Morpheus, an AI-driven cybersecurity framework, can be used to enhance anomaly detection in Linux audit logs [34].
Andrew Ng recently spoke at an event at the U.S. Capitol about AI and regulations, highlighting the importance of protecting open source technology. OpenAI has been licensing news archives from publishers like Financial Times to train its models. A new algorithm called Deja Vu has been proposed to accelerate the inferencing of large language models. A computer vision system developed by Safe Pro Group called Spotlight AI is being used to identify landmines and... (incomplete)
1. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788446833640874115
2. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788448916435841532
3. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788450011929284773
4. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788450332386722156
5. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788451367645774276
6. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788453799566233980
7. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788464185921130617
8. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788473350177599888
9. Yann LeCun @ylecun https://twitter.com/ylecun/status/1788553995755110788
10. Andrej Karpathy @karpathy https://twitter.com/karpathy/status/1788528061027152221
11. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788458770386800655
12. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788459202681205195
13. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788482498751525279
14. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788493400800366830
15. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788530862868349215
16. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788634055400903138
17. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788635682799280217
18. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788636515150512178
19. Google AI @googleai https://twitter.com/googleai/status/1788682690172260693
20. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788581173645500712
21. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788581175222583683
22. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788581180201123861
23. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788581186257748251
24. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788581193258050037
25. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788716407309705456
26. cohere @cohere https://twitter.com/cohere/status/1788717270614904905
27. NVIDIA AI Developer @NVIDIAAIDev https://twitter.com/NVIDIAAIDev/status/1788630020128206918
28. Groq Inc @GroqInc https://twitter.com/GroqInc/status/1788559302170480784
29. Groq Inc @GroqInc https://twitter.com/GroqInc/status/1788631206537359803
30. Groq Inc @GroqInc https://twitter.com/GroqInc/status/1788676335251910810
31. Stability AI @stabilityai https://twitter.com/stabilityai/status/1788634334145945648
32. NVIDIA AI @NVIDIAAI https://twitter.com/NVIDIAAI/status/1788569619336224787
33. NVIDIA AI @NVIDIAAI https://twitter.com/NVIDIAAI/status/1788645113465311330
34. NVIDIA AI @NVIDIAAI https://twitter.com/NVIDIAAI/status/1788660217028231563
35. Andrew Ng @AndrewYNg https://twitter.com/AndrewYNg/status/1788648531873628607
36. Greg Brockman @gdb https://twitter.com/gdb/status/1788694574149337336
2024.05.10 14:14 Michtrk 1949-1952 period in Europe
Stalinist period in Eastern Europe (1948/49-1953)
Basic things that apply to all socialist states in this period: Large advancements in education, healthcare, industrialisation (but unlike OTL not absolute priority of heavy industry due to different international situation) and post-war reconstruction and realative stabilisation of economies, collectivisation of agriculture, women emancipation, institution of hardline regimes with a strong role of secret police and suppression of any opponents of the regime, show trials and purges, large influence of Soviet Union in internal politics – countries forced to act as Soviet “advisors” want, socialist realism control over culture, dominance of propagandistic and ideological motives, strong censorship
Albania
Austrian Democratic Republic (1950-1953)
What was happening in the UN zone and what changed with the creation of Germany? It becomes more complicated. Next to the Allied Control Commission (ACC) under control of the UN Trusteeship Council and local state governments, a new position was established by the 1950 Peace Treaty – Authority of High Representative of the German Democratic Republic – so a representative sent by Berlin government, see UNMG was officially part of Germany. You will not see it on any maps. This High Representative had some powers, and he oversaw relations and implementation of common policies, elections, but the vast majority of German laws did not apply here, if these laws weren’t approved by UNMG, which they weren’t as this organisation was dysfunctional. UNMG became hub for German dissent and target of emigration, however, unlike GDR x FRG living conditions (in terms of economics, income, workers’ rights etc.) in UN zone sucked even more than in Germany proper, as it exited purely to exploit German labour, resources and industry in profit of Western companies. UNMG was the main point of German propaganda, criticised, as well what it was, Western exploitation of Germany, and strikes were organised against, it was the worst presentation capitalism can give. The 1951 election was met with protests as we mentioned above, it led to increasing opposition to the GDR government. Before 1953 it was common to travel between zones, but as the border was closed UNMG and GDR divided even more (so yes, it was part of Germany, but majority Germans cannot enter it and it is not ruled by the German government). If it is not complicated enough, it will get later in 1953.
FRANCE
Important in France is that CIA involvement in the country ended in 1949 (important is that CGT-FO despite being formed doesn’t gain any support and remains very marginal, while CGT itself is pro-communist). As the Marshall Plan aid is cut, economic situation worsens and living conditions fall and as government prioritises financing of Indochina War, post-war reconstruction drags on, rations continue, people are increasingly unhappy and PCF gains more and more support, right-wing turns towards Gaullists. This period is marked with numerous strikes, protests, unrest and general chaos. Also like in Italy, France takes many IMF loans and gets into debt.
Political chaos: 26 August 1948, Ramadier replaced as prime minister by André Marie, Marie forced to resign in 11 October 1948, replaced by Henri Queuille, who was replaced by Georges Bidault who served until 20 July 1950, replaced by Henri Queuille (again) just for a month, 23 August 1950 René Pleven became prime minister, government collapsed after formation of PSIF (and effectively lost parliamentary majority) 28 June 1951, new government head by Robert Schuman that and stayed in this position to the election in 1952, but was not able to pass anything including electoral reform that helped Third Force in our reality.
Since 1950 PCF has used a “popular front strategy” and attempted to sway the left-wing faction of SFIO to support them, instead of Third Force. There are changes, instead of the pro-government group headed by Mollet being splinter, instead the splinter group is forced by anti-government sections of SFIO and Parti Radical, French Socialist Independent Party (Parti Socialiste Indépendant Français PSIF) 26 June 1951, formation of PSIF which first leader become by popular Pierre Mendès France, who vocally opposed continuation of the war in Indochina. PSIF formed the “Popular Front” with PCF.
Before 17 January 1952 election, large political polarisation. Massive “New Year Strike” in 1952 – General Strike organised by PCF, mostly as part of political campaign. There is also increasing radicalisation of anti-communist right. Government attempts a massive anti-communist campaign that ends up being unsuccessful, while Gaullists are mainly attacking the government and PCF second. Wikibox needs overhaul (actually even those before it, there are too many seats for election), election results into majority of the Popular Front, Gaullists became the second strongest party and Third Force parties ended up decimated. Maurice Thorez became French Prime Minister; communists took key ministries (21 January 1952).
Maurice Thorez government (1952-1953)
First acts are several major left-wing reforms: shortening of workday, workers’ rights, approval of massive social programs and public works to reduce unemployment. During spring and summer several major nationalisations are drafted and approved by the government. End of financing of the colonial war. Early policies of the government are popular amongst people and somehow improve the economic situation. France petitions the USSR for aid in April 1952.
Franco-Vietnamese talks February – April 1952, ceasefire is declared, delegates including Ho Chi Minh and representatives of Laos and Cambodia, but not Bao Dai, are invited to Paris (Paris Conference 5 March – 6 April). France withdraws from Vietnam and recognises Democratic Republic of Vietnam as a legitimate Vietnamese government. French troops also began to transfer authority to locals in Cambodia and Laos and leave the area completely by January of 1953. This initiates debates about the future of colonies Thorez announces that in the future France would set all colonies on the way of independence. This generates large opposition from the right, but also liberals.
PCF also works on taking control over the French security apparatus and military. As we mentioned, there was conflict between “eastern” and “western” branches of Free French Forces, 1947-1951 communist sympathisers were removed from important positions, during 1952 the opposite happened. Communist aligned officers from the French Legion in the USSR take important leadership positions in the military. As communists controlled the Interior ministry before, several pro-communist officials survived there and now were empowered or re-instated, anti-communists removed. This was attacked by opposition, however communists augmented they do the same thing as the Third Force did before.
Major fight was about SDECE, which was dominated by anti-communists and closely connected with MI6 and CIA. In late January 1953 PCF publicly attacked SDECE as an organisation controlled by “imperialist spies and reactionaries, that plot subversion against the French people'' after the “Le Havre Affair”, where many weapons were found hidden by local Gaullist political leader (30 January 1953). Another major political weapon for communists was the publication of the French war crimes in Indochina in L’Humanité by Vietnamese correspondents (September to November 1952), Thorez government announced that all perpetrators would be punished, leading to large police investigation and arrests of many officers that participated in war in Indochina including many SDECE agents, serving also a purge. Back to Le Havre Affair, after this evidence war presented by ministry of interior that SDECE agents collaborating with Britian and America were responsible, leading to SDECE being dissolved (27 February 1953) and instead new communist dominated General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) was formed, organisation started to investigate SDECE, military and opposition parties, DGSI started to cooperate with MGB. Thorez gets reports that there were preparations for counter-revolutionary activity. Truth is that SDECE had been collaborating with CIA and MI6 since November in preparation of what would become Salan’s Coup.
Benelux - Netherlands, Luxembourg nothing to expand. Belgium Julien Lahaut survives assassination attempt unlike OTL, there is a mistake I never realised in the wikibox, bad despite Van Acker shown correctly as candidate, wrong person is shown as elected president.
Italy - Since better result De Gasperi’s DC rules alone without coalition. This results into lesser number of left-wing policies. Cutting of the Marshall Plan has serious implications for Italy, a much worse economic situation, with living conditions falling in the early 1950s. Italy thus took large IMF loans between 1951-1952, that put country into a huge debt. These both factors result into even larger popularity of PCI. DC began to massively fall at polls. To improve its standing, electoral law was changed to gain a supermajority bonus (2/3 of seats) to party or coalition, that obtains over 50% votes, communist protests.
Ireland - The 1951 election resulted in gains for Fine Gael (even though Fianna Fáil did still win), so Costello’ Labour-FG coalition continued to govern.
Nordics - integration
Norwegian 1949 election victory of Labour, Gerhardsen remains PM and doesn’t resign in 1951 as in our reality. Same policies, economic recovery and prosperity. Military strengthening.
Finald 1950 Paasikivi re-elected president. 1951 parliamentary election victory of Social Democrats, continuation of Kekkonen government. Increasing Nordic Cooperation. Everything as in our reality. July-August 1952 Helsinki Olympic games – last international event without major tensions
Iceland – American military withdrawal from Iceland, TATO seen as pointless. 23-24 Oct. 1949 parliamentary election results in victory of coalition government between Progressive and Social Democratic Party (government is supported by Socialists, who also see electoral success, while Independence suffers major defeat). Hermann Jónasson becomes the new prime minister. 1.8.1952 Ásgeir Ásgeirsson elected president. 1952 fishing disputes with UK: “Cod Wars”, this also contributes to that 30.8.1952 Iceland suspends its TATO membership. US bases continue to operate on Greenland as before.
In Turkey 14.5.1950 first free multiparty election are held, victory of the Democratic Party, Adnan Menderes becomes prime minister, Celal Bayar becomes president. Pro-Islam policy, economic growth after encouraging business, strongly pro-British policy. Turkey helps with Operation Poseidon, Kingdom of Greece becomes increasingly reliant on Turkey, while relations with mainland Greece collapse. After 1951 rise of anti-Greek sentiment in Turkish society, Red Scare and suspicion towards Greeks. Investment in military strengthening, taking US loans.
submitted by Michtrk to pobeda1946 [link] [comments]
Basic things that apply to all socialist states in this period: Large advancements in education, healthcare, industrialisation (but unlike OTL not absolute priority of heavy industry due to different international situation) and post-war reconstruction and realative stabilisation of economies, collectivisation of agriculture, women emancipation, institution of hardline regimes with a strong role of secret police and suppression of any opponents of the regime, show trials and purges, large influence of Soviet Union in internal politics – countries forced to act as Soviet “advisors” want, socialist realism control over culture, dominance of propagandistic and ideological motives, strong censorship
Albania
- 1949-1953: Main difference is that during this era there weren't any western attempts at overthrowing Hoxha (yet). These years see successful economic development and mass modernisation of the country. Albania is strongly pro-Soviet, however its importance compared to OTL is lesser as Greece is also socialist.
- May 1949: Show trial and execution of Koçi Xoxe. Hoxha’s power strengthened, relations with Yugoslavia fell apart.
- On the 15 July 1949 death of Dimitrov, Valko Chervenkov became general secretary. Hardline Stalinists Bulgaria’s “Little Stalin” – repression (large part of BKP purged), consolidation of power, Soviet inspired culture, development of heavy industry, collectivisation. Since death of Vasil Kolarov also as the prime minister (23.1. 1950)
- 1949: Traicho Kostov with other prominent moderate members of BKP executed after a show trial.
- Failure of the First Five Year Plan as it did not met all targets (1949-1953), large scale industry build-up achieved.
- Soviet economic control trough Sov-Rom companies
- 1948 leading communist politician Lucrețiu Pătrășcanu was arrested (after Soviets demanded), accused of titoism. Persecution of opposition and anti-communist resistance active in Carpathians.
- 1949 start of construction of the Danube–Black Sea Canal, start of gradual collectivisation, start of development of heavy industry (success in development of steel, petrochem and machinery industries). 1951-1955 first five-year plan.
- Power struggle between “Muscovite” and “Prisoners” faction within Romanian Workers Party – Ana Pauker a stalinist, who multiple times defied Stalin’s policy (allowing Jews migrate to Israel, opposing collectivisation efforts) was still slowly losing favour of Stalin, in January 1952 Gheorghiu-Dej requested Stalin’s approval for purge of Muscovite faction, however unlike our reality (and this is main shift) this is initiative is opposed (due to lesser extent of Stalin’s antisemitic campaign, that would be only beginning by that time, lobbing of Molotov and Beria for them ), instead Stalin pressures Romania for show trial with Pătrășcanu, which in this timeline see Stalin as failure of Gheorghiu-Dej.
- 3.6. 1952, Petru Groza stepped down as prime minister -> instead of centralising power in Gheorghiu-Dej’s hands, soviet-aligned Iosif Chișinevschi was pushed by soviet “advisors” to this position.
- Show trial with Pătrășcanu and his suspected associates 28 April to 2 May 1953.
- 16-24 October 1949 Process with László Rajk – as in our reality, “titoist spies” influential to other trials. Inter opposition to Rákosi purged. 15 executed, 78 imprisoned. Other purges and show trials in the military during 1951. Trial with Jews is not planned.
- Rákosi builds the most repressive regime from the socialist bloc states, a cult of personality modelled after Stalin.
- Economy: focused on expansion of heavy industry, collectivised agriculture. However, like in other states without Korean war, shifts to military sector primacy doesn’t happen, resulting in more supply of consumer goods, but Hungary still faces shortages, but the economic situation is little bit better overall.
- 14.8. 1952 Rákosi further centralised power in his hands by becoming chairman of the council of ministers.
- October 1948: Gomulka and other proponents of sovereign stance purged; 1951 Gomulka arrested. March 1948 Witold Pilecki show trial.
- 22.12. 1948 creation of Polish United Workers Party.
- High soviet control: Konstantin Rokossovsky as polish defence minister (49-56), influence of “advisor” Ivan Serov
- Catholic Church keeps influential position -> conflict after 22.7. 1952 constitution that declares Polish People’s Republic as a secular state, closing of Church schools etc. Trial with Cracow Curia (1953)
- 1950-1956 Six-Year Plan – changes as in other states from our reality, it is not focused on rapid accelerated industrialisation, instead on increase in heavy industry, while also investing in services, food, construction, and consumer goods. Result is less developed heavy industry, but better economic situation of population and less shortages (but Poland would still experience some). As the plan was more modest, it was successfully completed in 1956. As in our reality, mass increase in urbanisation and general national income (that would be bit lesser due to less heavy industry being developed)
- Warsaw that was less damaged was still largely reconstructed in socialist realism
- 1948-1949: wave of exile to the American zone in Germany. Due to Czechoslovakia not being (in years 1948-1956) on the Iron Curtain, there are way less cases of illegally trying to flee across borders (since the only way is to another socialist state GDR), emigrants mostly try to get to Western Austria through Eastern Austria.
- In 1948 consolidation, start of collectivisation and final wave of nationalisations (majority of industry already nationalised during the Third republic), ČSSD merged (annexed) into KSČ. Law 231/1948 (law on the protection of the people’s democratic republic) passed, enabling persecution of political opponents (6.10.1948), “bourgeois” societal organisations (like Sokol) banned.
- 1949 the first political process with general Píka. 1950: Under Soviet pressure organisation of mass political process with “Group of Milada Horáková” (31 May-8 June 1950, non-communist intelligence). 1952 process with “Green International” – catholic intelligence.
- 1949 start of construction of Stalin’s monument in Prague.
- 1949-1953: The First Five Year Plan – centrally planned economy, focused on industrialisation of Slovakia
- Massive changes due to different international situations! – first 5year plan was focused since 1951 on militarisation due to Korean War and Cold War tensions, this period is radically different and much more calm , so this doesn’t happen, instead plan remains focused on mechanisation of agriculture, growth and development of consumer industry prioritised over the heavy industry -> this has positive effect on economy and plan is successful (this has influence down the line in 1953), economic situation is better compared to our reality, more goods to buy are available. Main target of propaganda of that era is the United Kingdom and its Imperialism, TATO, Yugoslavia and in Czechoslovakia especially Western Austria and Habsburgs, not American Imperialism. Also the infamous campaign against “the American beetle” doesn’t exist, campaign against the potato beetle yes, but it is not presented as a CIA operation to destroy Czechoslovak potatoes.
- Process with a conspiracy centre of Otto Šling and Jan Šverma – 20. January 1953
- Slánský process without Slánský. This is another major shift, the Slánský process had major antisemitic undertones and Slánský being Jew was a major factor in choosing him. This antisemitism is missing as 1952 is the year where first antisemitic campaigns only started in the USSR, instead it is focused solely on “titoists”, while other people are grouped with them. Everything was organised by Soviet “advisors''.
- Jan Šverma, who survived during the Slovak National Uprising, served as the Deputy Prime Minister (1948-1951) and Deputy General Secretary of KSČ (1945-1951), together with Otto Šling (leader of KSČ in Brno) were accused of being heads of made-up conspiracy led by Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom. They were executed. Other people persecuted (some are different): Karel Šváb, Vladimír Clementis, Osvald Závodský, Bedřich Reicin, André Simone and Josef Frank (executions), Marie Švermová, Arthur London, Vavro Hajdů, Mikuláš Landa, Jarmila Taussigová (life sentences) and others. People who were persecuted due to them being Jewish or having ties with Israel are not affected in this timeline.
- Process with bourgeois nationalists – June 1954, it was a follow-up to the process with Šverma, delayed to the period after Stalin’s death as Husák refused to confess. He was given “only” life sentence, others 20-10 years in prison. Oher follow-up “Process with regional secretaries” doesn’t take place; these people are already convicted in the main process.
- In 1953 Stalin had died, so did Klement Gottwald (14.3.1953)
- Anti-communist political leader arrested in 1949: Hans Hedtoft, H. C. Hansen and others October 1949 process with members of anti-communist MI6 affiliated group “Firmaet”, however political leaders weren’t put on trial due to Larsen’s opposition to such mass trial.
- 1949: approved the first five-year plan: focus mainly on modernisation of agriculture, shipbuilding, light industry and only in minority in heavy industry and started voluntary and gradual collectivisation, all against wishes of soviet “advisors”, continuous diplomatic relations with Nordic countries (+large immigration wave to Sweden, established tough border security) -> as we establish Stalin loses trust in Larsen already in 1947 and his further opposition to Stalin’s plans and Tito-Stalin split (even if Larsen officially denounced Tito, he himself wanted to develop “Danish Way to Socialism” as campaigned before power consolidation) leads eventually to his downfall, despite pleasing Stalin with established of several Soviet military bases in Denmark and obeying all Informbyro directives.
- 15 February 1951 Central Committee of DFSP announced resignation of Larsen from all positions “due to health and personal reasons” he was replaced by Knud Jespersen as the general secretary and by Alfred Jensen as the prime minister. Several days later, Larsen was purged from the party and secretly arrested. On 12 March statement of the CC of DFSP on “Errors and Rightist Deviations under leadership of Aksel Larsen” was released, denouncing Larsen for Titoism, working also as party’s “self-critique” and devoting its leadership to upheld Marxism-Leninism. Party was purged of “Titotists”, many of them arrested. On 4 May also president Mogens Fog was forced to resign and put under house arrest, the presidency was abolished and replaced by a collective organ.
- New directives were issued regarding collectivisation, the process was “speeded up” and peasants were forced to join collective farms by economic pressure (high quotas), but still a more moderate agricultural policy based on Germany and Austria was promoted. Those in opposition were arrested. The Five Year Plan was reworked with help of Soviet experts giving primacy to construction of new metallurgy.
- Stalin wished to stage a large show trial with Larsen, as message to other leaders in socialist bloc, so between 20 to 26 April 1952 “Trial of the Anti-Party Conspiracy Revisionist Centre headed by Aksel Larsen” was held, it became shock worldwide (and paranoia to all socialist leaders) and only time past communist leader was executed, next to Larsen another 10 people were executed and 15 sentenced to long time in prison.
- By 1953 collectivisation rates increased from 15% in 1951 to 50%, targets of the 5 year plan were not met, Danish economy was however still in a relatively good shape.
- Worse isolation and economic hardships compared to our reality, as the non-interventionist United States don’t really want to help Yugoslavia and Britain has few resources to spare.
- 1949: Andrija Hebrang, Sreten Žujović and other pro-soviet leader purged, executed, arrested or forced to flee.1948-1950 attempted coup, insurrection of anti-Titoists in several places
- Immediately after the split, Yugoslav economy suffered problems due to the Soviet embargo, and Tito moved the country towards self-sufficiency. Investments in the military. Special measures introduced in 1948 (third shifts, mobilisation of workforce and ratios) to combat problems.
- In 1948 trade between Yugoslavia and the West was restored, soon socialist bloc imports were replaced by Western ones, but at unfavourable prices. In 1949 IMF and World Bank approved loans to Yugoslavia, however due to Americans not lobbying for Tito, interest rates were unfavourable and got Yugoslavia to huge debt. Unlike OTL, desperate Tito abandoned claims on Trieste and managed to obtain British aid in 1951.
- Economic hardship forced Yugoslav leadership to seek economic reform and thus the beginning of Yugoslav socialist self-management (market socialism) was born. Introduced by Tito, Milovan Đilas and Edvard Kardelj in 1950. It led to partial stabilisation of the dire economic situation.
- Threat of possible Soviet invasion increased in 1951 with communist victory in Greece. However, unlike in our reality Yugoslavia did not turned to United States, Greece and Turkey, but to TATO as an alliance, Yugoslavia entered negotiations with TATO that resulted into singing of the Turkish-Yugoslav Agreement on 28.12.1952, in which countries pledged to defend each other against Soviet or Greek invasion and opened possibility of Yugoslav membership, it is connected with increase of relations with USA after American “New Foreign Policy Doctrine” of 1951.
- 2.-7.11. 1952 VI. Congress of Communist Party of Yugoslavia: Party renamed to League of Communists of Yugoslavia, peak of political liberalisation, decentralisation state and of party structure, separation of party and government functions, socialist self-management officially approved as economic policy, economic and political discussion promoted, emphasis of creation of socialist democracy, “democratic centralism” abolished. Changes resulted in 13.1.1953 Yugoslavia passed constitutional reforms – Yugoslavia declared “socialist, democratic, federal state of sovereign and equal nations”, a new legislative Federal People's Assembly was established, giving more power to republics. Liberalisation also brough artistic freedom.
GREECE
- 1951: communist consolidation of Greece, beginning of anti-communist insurgencies (active to mid-1960s). Sweeping radical socialist reforms: nationalisation of all industries, beginning of collectivisation. Repression of suspected royalist sympathisers (Campaign Against Reactionary Saboteurs), creation of soviet-modelled powerful Ministry of Public Security (November 1951) that led these repressions. Autumn 1951 mass arrests and purges in various fields. Large wave of emigration. Paranoia and fear of British invasion, start of military build-up reorganisation of DSA into the Greek People’s Army, Airforce and Navy.
- In November 1951 Zachariadis consolidated his grip over the military by purging war hero and prominent commander Markos Vafeiadis after accusations of him being Yugoslav spy and royalist, this move was unpopular for people and regular party members. Stalinism, creation of personality cult around Zachariadis. Purge of Vafeiadis’s allies.
- 6 December 1951 “Bloody Day of Saint Nicholas” execution of many prominent “bourgeois intellectuals and politicians” that supported royalists during the civil war after a show trial.
- 1952: IX. Congress of KKE (11.3.) – position of Zachariadis confirmed, toning down of repressions, election (2.6.) – only one-party ticket and “Democratic Front for National Reunification”. Campaign for international recognition (socialist states did already before 1951), Zachariadis retreats from the position of prime minister, Nikos Ploumpidis takes this position. Creation of the People's Assembly that passes the new constitution (August). Greece joins CMEA.
- Relationship with church: As majority of Greek people are religious, approach like in Poland, trying to make agreement, however persecution of many priests, who are connected with anti-communist groups.
- The most militarised (maybe after USSR…) in socialist bloc at the time, had very tense relations with TATO.
- 1953 (later about it, since it belongs more to the 1953-1956 period): Despite the death of Stalin Greek Stalinism itself continues…
- Rump British puppet state, wikibox accurate for now only everything is moved by a year
- September 1951 to March 1952 “Rhodos government period” – state is ruled basically by military, very unstable state, uprisings and rebellions mainly in Crete. White terror and repressions start against populations many suspected communists executed, massacres.
- March 1952 Papagos comes to power (officially), gains extraordinary powers (basically becomes a dictator) – in next month intensification of repression and eventual defeat of all insurgencies and opposition against exile Kingdom, stabilisation and formation of working authoritarian state apparatus. Seat of government moved to Crete.
- In December 1952 a fraudulent election was held, victory of Papagos’es Greek Rally against the Liberal Party -> it marks transition to façade democracy and limited liberalisation.
- Papagos' government continues to represent Greece in the UN.
Austrian Democratic Republic (1950-1953)
- After its formation, several left-wing reforms were passed: nationalisation of industry, creation of a centrally planned economy (1st five-year plan 1951), moderate collectivisation of agriculture. Similar to (real and TTL) Germany, East Austria suffers problems with Republikflucht towards the Western part. In 1952 federal states were abolished and East Austria became a unitary state. General secretary and president Koplening, prime minister Franz Honner (wikibox here accurate), elected in 1951 with “National Unity Front” list.
- Fight with Catholic Church, prominent institution in Austria, seen as representation of old reactionary Empire and sympathisers with the Western part (especially after the proclamation of Archduchy). Promotion of a new Austrian identity based on the labour movement, the first Austrian republic (which DRÖ claims to be a continuation) and strongly opposed to pan-Germanism and the old Austrian Habsburg empire. East Austria presents itself as the only sole legitimate Austrian state.
- Compared to other states, political climate is lighter, there are no show trials, however in 1952 part of VSAPÖ (Vereinigte Sozialistische Arbeiterpartei Österreichs – United Socialist Workers Party of Austria – aforementioned union of SPÖ with KPÖ) is purged and catholic leaders often face persecution with many of them imprisoned
- Head of the first West Austrian government was Julius Raab, while Leopold Figl served as State-President.
- Why the hell is Austria Archduchy again you may ask? Since 1919 Habsburgs were banished from Austria, however here Winston Churchill comes to change situation, as West Austria was created under large British influence, Churchill went to propose to Raab to restore Habsburgs in order to boost public support and to continue historical line from the Habsburg Austria and to have greater legitimacy as the true successor. As the National Council was dominated by ÖVP, Raab agreed to the proposition. From August to November (1950) discussions were held between Otto and Raab on restoration of monarchy. Newly proposed changes to the constitution were discussed in the National Council. Eventually supporters of restoration prevailed and on 11 January 1951 the Habsburg Law was revoked.
- Otto von Habsburg returned to the country already in January 1950, was greeted by cheering crowds, but also with demonstrations. Monarchy is going to remain a polarising question amongst West Austrians. In the East this was greatly condemned.
- The March 1951 election resulted in another majority of ÖVP, the new National Council drafted and approved a new constitution making the country a constitutional monarchy, 26 June 1951. 3rd December 1951 Otto’s coronation ceremony, reining name as Otto II.
- Economically and politically West Austria is close with Italy and the United Kingdom, it also took an American loan in 1952.
- In 1951 Western Austria also introduced Gruber Doctrine (after foreign minister Karl Gruber), emphasising its position as the only sole legitimate Austria state, stating that Salzburg cuts relations with any country that has diplomatic relations with East-Vienna.
- Last time we left, the German Democratic Republic was proclaimed in May 1950 and occupational troops started to leave the country, that wouldn’t be finished until late September. Until that time DDR could not fully project its authority outside the Soviet zone. As Germany was disarmed it had to rely on its Volkspolizei.
- Some reforms were already started by the German Economic Commission and Occupation Authority, like nationalisation of nazi and pro-nazi owned industries and expropriation of various assets. In May 1950 a major nationalisation decree (that affected all parts of Germany, excluding the UN zone) was issued by the Reiman government, together with promised land reforms and voluntary formations of collectives.
- In September Länderat was dispersed by German authorities. During October CSU was forced to join Democratic Bloc, while Bavarian Party was banned for promoting separatism, many right-wing parties for its real or imaginary connection with Nazism. By the end of the year control over the American zone was achieved, however the governments of Baden and Wurttemberg still opposed the government. In March 1951 administrative reform was passed by SED, weakening the power of opposition by merging Baden with Wurttemberg and changing the borders of Franconia. New election was declared for October 1951, both state and federal (justified by “need to take into account political and legislative changes”), despite vocal protests of many deputies Democratic Bloc, now renamed Democratic Front for National Unity (DFE) put only one united candidate with possibility of a blank ballot. Democracy ended (29 October 1951). As elections were also held in the UN zone, here the blank ballots actually won 76% of the votes as part of a large protest initiative. Before the election on 5th of May 1951 III. SED congress was held, Walter Ulbricht was elected general secretary, major reorganisation on the lines of socialist bloc mass parties.
- 1952: The First Five Year Plan was launched focused on reconstruction, collectivisation of agriculture – everything like in real life East Germany (thus also similar to East Austria). Plan set high targets, resulting in high quotas for workers. (Germany economy was still in very bad state), persecution of opposition (connected with Nazism and declared saboteurs), Stasi created and eventually by end of the year thanks to facing large exodus (similar to East Germany) inner-German border (with UN) was closed (December 1952).
- Germany internationally still appeared as a neutral state and also had relations with Yugoslavia, however, they took pro-Soviet positions all the time: recognition of PRC and Greece.
- Nazi resistance existed in very limited numbers, some soldiers hiding in the woods and fighting long-lost war, no mass nazi underground. But as German propaganda pushed that idea and it also entered popular discourse.
What was happening in the UN zone and what changed with the creation of Germany? It becomes more complicated. Next to the Allied Control Commission (ACC) under control of the UN Trusteeship Council and local state governments, a new position was established by the 1950 Peace Treaty – Authority of High Representative of the German Democratic Republic – so a representative sent by Berlin government, see UNMG was officially part of Germany. You will not see it on any maps. This High Representative had some powers, and he oversaw relations and implementation of common policies, elections, but the vast majority of German laws did not apply here, if these laws weren’t approved by UNMG, which they weren’t as this organisation was dysfunctional. UNMG became hub for German dissent and target of emigration, however, unlike GDR x FRG living conditions (in terms of economics, income, workers’ rights etc.) in UN zone sucked even more than in Germany proper, as it exited purely to exploit German labour, resources and industry in profit of Western companies. UNMG was the main point of German propaganda, criticised, as well what it was, Western exploitation of Germany, and strikes were organised against, it was the worst presentation capitalism can give. The 1951 election was met with protests as we mentioned above, it led to increasing opposition to the GDR government. Before 1953 it was common to travel between zones, but as the border was closed UNMG and GDR divided even more (so yes, it was part of Germany, but majority Germans cannot enter it and it is not ruled by the German government). If it is not complicated enough, it will get later in 1953.
FRANCE
Important in France is that CIA involvement in the country ended in 1949 (important is that CGT-FO despite being formed doesn’t gain any support and remains very marginal, while CGT itself is pro-communist). As the Marshall Plan aid is cut, economic situation worsens and living conditions fall and as government prioritises financing of Indochina War, post-war reconstruction drags on, rations continue, people are increasingly unhappy and PCF gains more and more support, right-wing turns towards Gaullists. This period is marked with numerous strikes, protests, unrest and general chaos. Also like in Italy, France takes many IMF loans and gets into debt.
Political chaos: 26 August 1948, Ramadier replaced as prime minister by André Marie, Marie forced to resign in 11 October 1948, replaced by Henri Queuille, who was replaced by Georges Bidault who served until 20 July 1950, replaced by Henri Queuille (again) just for a month, 23 August 1950 René Pleven became prime minister, government collapsed after formation of PSIF (and effectively lost parliamentary majority) 28 June 1951, new government head by Robert Schuman that and stayed in this position to the election in 1952, but was not able to pass anything including electoral reform that helped Third Force in our reality.
Since 1950 PCF has used a “popular front strategy” and attempted to sway the left-wing faction of SFIO to support them, instead of Third Force. There are changes, instead of the pro-government group headed by Mollet being splinter, instead the splinter group is forced by anti-government sections of SFIO and Parti Radical, French Socialist Independent Party (Parti Socialiste Indépendant Français PSIF) 26 June 1951, formation of PSIF which first leader become by popular Pierre Mendès France, who vocally opposed continuation of the war in Indochina. PSIF formed the “Popular Front” with PCF.
Before 17 January 1952 election, large political polarisation. Massive “New Year Strike” in 1952 – General Strike organised by PCF, mostly as part of political campaign. There is also increasing radicalisation of anti-communist right. Government attempts a massive anti-communist campaign that ends up being unsuccessful, while Gaullists are mainly attacking the government and PCF second. Wikibox needs overhaul (actually even those before it, there are too many seats for election), election results into majority of the Popular Front, Gaullists became the second strongest party and Third Force parties ended up decimated. Maurice Thorez became French Prime Minister; communists took key ministries (21 January 1952).
Maurice Thorez government (1952-1953)
First acts are several major left-wing reforms: shortening of workday, workers’ rights, approval of massive social programs and public works to reduce unemployment. During spring and summer several major nationalisations are drafted and approved by the government. End of financing of the colonial war. Early policies of the government are popular amongst people and somehow improve the economic situation. France petitions the USSR for aid in April 1952.
Franco-Vietnamese talks February – April 1952, ceasefire is declared, delegates including Ho Chi Minh and representatives of Laos and Cambodia, but not Bao Dai, are invited to Paris (Paris Conference 5 March – 6 April). France withdraws from Vietnam and recognises Democratic Republic of Vietnam as a legitimate Vietnamese government. French troops also began to transfer authority to locals in Cambodia and Laos and leave the area completely by January of 1953. This initiates debates about the future of colonies Thorez announces that in the future France would set all colonies on the way of independence. This generates large opposition from the right, but also liberals.
PCF also works on taking control over the French security apparatus and military. As we mentioned, there was conflict between “eastern” and “western” branches of Free French Forces, 1947-1951 communist sympathisers were removed from important positions, during 1952 the opposite happened. Communist aligned officers from the French Legion in the USSR take important leadership positions in the military. As communists controlled the Interior ministry before, several pro-communist officials survived there and now were empowered or re-instated, anti-communists removed. This was attacked by opposition, however communists augmented they do the same thing as the Third Force did before.
Major fight was about SDECE, which was dominated by anti-communists and closely connected with MI6 and CIA. In late January 1953 PCF publicly attacked SDECE as an organisation controlled by “imperialist spies and reactionaries, that plot subversion against the French people'' after the “Le Havre Affair”, where many weapons were found hidden by local Gaullist political leader (30 January 1953). Another major political weapon for communists was the publication of the French war crimes in Indochina in L’Humanité by Vietnamese correspondents (September to November 1952), Thorez government announced that all perpetrators would be punished, leading to large police investigation and arrests of many officers that participated in war in Indochina including many SDECE agents, serving also a purge. Back to Le Havre Affair, after this evidence war presented by ministry of interior that SDECE agents collaborating with Britian and America were responsible, leading to SDECE being dissolved (27 February 1953) and instead new communist dominated General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) was formed, organisation started to investigate SDECE, military and opposition parties, DGSI started to cooperate with MGB. Thorez gets reports that there were preparations for counter-revolutionary activity. Truth is that SDECE had been collaborating with CIA and MI6 since November in preparation of what would become Salan’s Coup.
Benelux - Netherlands, Luxembourg nothing to expand. Belgium Julien Lahaut survives assassination attempt unlike OTL, there is a mistake I never realised in the wikibox, bad despite Van Acker shown correctly as candidate, wrong person is shown as elected president.
Italy - Since better result De Gasperi’s DC rules alone without coalition. This results into lesser number of left-wing policies. Cutting of the Marshall Plan has serious implications for Italy, a much worse economic situation, with living conditions falling in the early 1950s. Italy thus took large IMF loans between 1951-1952, that put country into a huge debt. These both factors result into even larger popularity of PCI. DC began to massively fall at polls. To improve its standing, electoral law was changed to gain a supermajority bonus (2/3 of seats) to party or coalition, that obtains over 50% votes, communist protests.
Ireland - The 1951 election resulted in gains for Fine Gael (even though Fianna Fáil did still win), so Costello’ Labour-FG coalition continued to govern.
Nordics - integration
- First attempted customs unions from 1951 failed, but a free trade agreement (3.8.51) between Norway and Sweden was signed, this treaty also established open borders. Upon free travel was expanded in 1952 and later in 1954 with creation of Nordic Passport Union (SWE, NOR, FIN, ICE, later Faroe Islands joined too) – open borders and free movement.
- 1.7. 1951 Swedish-Norwegian Defence Treaty was signed (negotiations began already in 1949 after change of American foreign policy) – countries established a military alliance.
- 12.2.1953 Nordic Council – largest project – was created between Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Faroe Islands.
Norwegian 1949 election victory of Labour, Gerhardsen remains PM and doesn’t resign in 1951 as in our reality. Same policies, economic recovery and prosperity. Military strengthening.
Finald 1950 Paasikivi re-elected president. 1951 parliamentary election victory of Social Democrats, continuation of Kekkonen government. Increasing Nordic Cooperation. Everything as in our reality. July-August 1952 Helsinki Olympic games – last international event without major tensions
Iceland – American military withdrawal from Iceland, TATO seen as pointless. 23-24 Oct. 1949 parliamentary election results in victory of coalition government between Progressive and Social Democratic Party (government is supported by Socialists, who also see electoral success, while Independence suffers major defeat). Hermann Jónasson becomes the new prime minister. 1.8.1952 Ásgeir Ásgeirsson elected president. 1952 fishing disputes with UK: “Cod Wars”, this also contributes to that 30.8.1952 Iceland suspends its TATO membership. US bases continue to operate on Greenland as before.
In Turkey 14.5.1950 first free multiparty election are held, victory of the Democratic Party, Adnan Menderes becomes prime minister, Celal Bayar becomes president. Pro-Islam policy, economic growth after encouraging business, strongly pro-British policy. Turkey helps with Operation Poseidon, Kingdom of Greece becomes increasingly reliant on Turkey, while relations with mainland Greece collapse. After 1951 rise of anti-Greek sentiment in Turkish society, Red Scare and suspicion towards Greeks. Investment in military strengthening, taking US loans.
2024.05.09 18:18 ReportsStack Cocktail Syrups Market Size, Industry Trends & Growth Analysis from 2024 to 2030
The global cocktail syrups market is poised to exhibit a notable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 5% throughout the forecast period to 2030, having been valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2020. A key catalyst propelling market expansion worldwide is the burgeoning working-class demographic alongside the increasing prevalence of social gatherings among young adults. The pandemic-induced closure of non-essential establishments such as hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars has prompted significant shifts during lockdown periods across various economies. Moreover, the advent of organic and botanical ingredients in a myriad of flavors presents fresh avenues for manufacturers within the market.
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Market Trends:
· Demand for Natural and Organic Ingredients: Consumers are increasingly seeking cocktail syrups made from natural and organic ingredients, driven by health and wellness concerns. Manufacturers are responding by offering products free from artificial additives, colors, and flavors.
· Innovative Flavor Profiles: There is a growing demand for unique and exotic flavor profiles in cocktail syrups, including floral, spicy, and herbal varieties. Manufacturers are experimenting with unconventional ingredients and flavor combinations to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
· Premiumization: Premiumization is a significant trend in the cocktail syrups market, with consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality, artisanal products. This trend is driven by the desire for elevated drinking experiences and the perception of premium syrups as a symbol of sophistication.
· Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability has become a focal point for many consumers, leading to increased demand for eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing practices in the cocktail syrups market. Companies are implementing measures to reduce their environmental footprint and communicate their commitment to sustainability to consumers.
· Convenience and Versatility: Consumers are seeking convenient and versatile cocktail syrups that can be easily incorporated into a variety of drinks and recipes. Manufacturers are responding by offering syrups with multi-functional applications, such as for cocktails, mocktails, coffee beverages, and culinary purposes.
Market Opportunities:
Opportunities abound in the cocktail syrups market, spurred by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and changing market dynamics. One significant opportunity lies in catering to the growing demand for natural and organic ingredients, as consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness. Manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by expanding their product offerings to include a diverse range of natural flavors and formulations. Additionally, there is an opportunity to innovate and differentiate through the introduction of unique and exotic flavor profiles, tapping into consumers' adventurous spirits and desire for novel taste experiences. Premiumization presents another promising avenue, with consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality, artisanal syrups that offer enhanced flavor and sophistication. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels offers manufacturers the opportunity to reach a broader audience and engage directly with consumers, thereby driving sales and brand loyalty.
According to the recent report published by RC Market Analytics, the Global Cocktail Syrups Market is expected to provide sustainable growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. This latest industry research study analyzes the cocktail syrups market by various product segments, applications, regions and countries while assessing regional performances of numerous leading market participants. The report offers a holistic view of the cocktail syrups industry encompassing numerous stakeholders including raw material suppliers, providers, distributors, consumers and government agencies, among others. Furthermore, the report includes detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global market considering market history, product development, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and key success factors (KSFs) in the industry.
Browse the Full Report Discretion @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/cocktail-syrups-market/
Geographically, the cocktail syrups market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The cocktail syrups market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Cocktail syrups market estimates have also been provided for the historical years 2020 to 2023 along with forecast for the period from 2024 - 2030.The report includes a deep-dive analysis of key countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, among others. Thereby, the report identifies unique growth opportunities across the world based on trends occurring in various developed and developing economies.
The Cocktail Syrups Market Segmentation:
By Product:
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=145719
Key Questions Answered by Cocktail Syrups Market Report:
Media Contact:
Company Name: RC Market Analytics Pvt. Ltd. Contact Person: Vijendra Singh Email: sales@researchcorridor.com Visit us: https://www.researchcorridor.com/
submitted by ReportsStack to u/ReportsStack [link] [comments]
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=145719
Market Trends:
· Demand for Natural and Organic Ingredients: Consumers are increasingly seeking cocktail syrups made from natural and organic ingredients, driven by health and wellness concerns. Manufacturers are responding by offering products free from artificial additives, colors, and flavors.
· Innovative Flavor Profiles: There is a growing demand for unique and exotic flavor profiles in cocktail syrups, including floral, spicy, and herbal varieties. Manufacturers are experimenting with unconventional ingredients and flavor combinations to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
· Premiumization: Premiumization is a significant trend in the cocktail syrups market, with consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality, artisanal products. This trend is driven by the desire for elevated drinking experiences and the perception of premium syrups as a symbol of sophistication.
· Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability has become a focal point for many consumers, leading to increased demand for eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing practices in the cocktail syrups market. Companies are implementing measures to reduce their environmental footprint and communicate their commitment to sustainability to consumers.
· Convenience and Versatility: Consumers are seeking convenient and versatile cocktail syrups that can be easily incorporated into a variety of drinks and recipes. Manufacturers are responding by offering syrups with multi-functional applications, such as for cocktails, mocktails, coffee beverages, and culinary purposes.
Market Opportunities:
Opportunities abound in the cocktail syrups market, spurred by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and changing market dynamics. One significant opportunity lies in catering to the growing demand for natural and organic ingredients, as consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness. Manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by expanding their product offerings to include a diverse range of natural flavors and formulations. Additionally, there is an opportunity to innovate and differentiate through the introduction of unique and exotic flavor profiles, tapping into consumers' adventurous spirits and desire for novel taste experiences. Premiumization presents another promising avenue, with consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality, artisanal syrups that offer enhanced flavor and sophistication. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels offers manufacturers the opportunity to reach a broader audience and engage directly with consumers, thereby driving sales and brand loyalty.
According to the recent report published by RC Market Analytics, the Global Cocktail Syrups Market is expected to provide sustainable growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. This latest industry research study analyzes the cocktail syrups market by various product segments, applications, regions and countries while assessing regional performances of numerous leading market participants. The report offers a holistic view of the cocktail syrups industry encompassing numerous stakeholders including raw material suppliers, providers, distributors, consumers and government agencies, among others. Furthermore, the report includes detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global market considering market history, product development, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and key success factors (KSFs) in the industry.
Browse the Full Report Discretion @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/cocktail-syrups-market/
Geographically, the cocktail syrups market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The cocktail syrups market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Cocktail syrups market estimates have also been provided for the historical years 2020 to 2023 along with forecast for the period from 2024 - 2030.The report includes a deep-dive analysis of key countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, among others. Thereby, the report identifies unique growth opportunities across the world based on trends occurring in various developed and developing economies.
The Cocktail Syrups Market Segmentation:
By Product:
- Fruit
- Herbs & Seasonings
- Vanilla
- Others
- Sweet
- Salty
- Sour
- Mint
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=145719
Key Questions Answered by Cocktail Syrups Market Report:
- Product popularity and adoption based on various country-level dynamics
- Regional presence and product development for leading market participants
- Market forecasts and trend analysis based on ongoing investments and economic growth in key countries
- Competitive landscape based on revenue, product offerings, years of presence, number of employees and market concentration, among others
- Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Pestle Analysis, Porter’s Five Force model, Value Chain Analysis pertaining to Cocktail Syrups market
- Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional and country-level markets from 2020-2030
Media Contact:
Company Name: RC Market Analytics Pvt. Ltd. Contact Person: Vijendra Singh Email: sales@researchcorridor.com Visit us: https://www.researchcorridor.com/
2024.05.09 17:54 Amazing-Sun1524 Lured by „model scout” to perform sexual activity on cam at 15, at 28 scared AI will find it.
Hi everyone, I really need to get this story off my chest and looking for recommendations what to do next. Parents, look after your kids and make sure this doesn’t happen as it’s more common than it seems.
I (28 F) was worn in Eastern Europe (Slavic) and raised first by a single mother (father left to another family) and then stepfather. My family was quite poor, we lived in a dorm with alcoholics or rented places.
Pre-story: experienced sex way too early as the partner of my granny sexually abused and raped me from the age of 5 to 12. Grandparents lives close by and my parents would drop me there and put me sleeping with the guy in the same bad as “it was more comfortable”. He stopped only when he got cancer. My granny had to stay with him because the only other place my granny could go was my uncle and he was drinking for whole life and beating up all relatives. I tried telling my mum twice, both times she didn’t hear me and first and asked to repeat but I didn’t have the courage to say it again. I feel it’s an important point as this probably normalized sexual activities way too much for me.
I finally openly told my mum about that when I was 17, she only said that he also tried to pick her up and didn’t react in any supportive way. He was dying from cancer and she was helping my granny to take care and clean up for him.
Story: When I was 15, a female model scout from Italy reached out in VK inviting me for a casting in my city, the agency was small but looked legit and few of their models were part of IMG, and other agencies.
I did not pass the casting and was really sad about it, the scout reached out and offered “another way”, that I can make the director (M 32 back then) “fall for me” and help me with the career, and in general to get out of the miserable life. She got my trust very quickly, telling that I was like a younger sister to her, we talked every day on various topics. She admitted she was a „ high class escort”. She taught me how to talk to the director via skype, lure him in, perform sexual acts on camera or send him videos of myself, and some to her as well. This sounds so creepy, and horrible but back then at 15 I was very stupid, and to that day I don’t know how I believed her and got into that, and why nothing rang the bell..
My mum knew I was talking to him on Skype and was naive to believe that he really likes me and will make my life better.
We talked for more than 6 months, I told him that I was virgin (didn’t want to tell about the abuse from granny’s partner), he came to my town and we were supposed to have sex. My mum knew i was going to meet him at night and did not stop me. It was horrible, I was in pain, drank and realized how disgusting and terrible I was, and there was a tape. He blamed me that i was not a virgin. He gave me ugly shoes and money for taxi. I still remember that walk home in tights in -15though the park, crying. I wanted to jump to the river that night. Half through the skype conversations with the guy I managed to develop feelings for him so after all I was also heartbroken. Of course I did not get any money for anything, in case anyone things otherwise. I did not ask for money nor was I offered anything, I was just exploited.
After that, the guy lost interest and the „scout” started to ask for the video and blackmail me if I don’t get it for her(I didn’t have it) because she had other videos. I told her that I was underage in all of them, and that I’d go to the police and exposed their agency and her, I also told her I was going to kill myself and leave a note about all that, and and blocked her.
I lived in fear for few years, became very socially anxious, my stuttering got worse, got into alcohol, smoking and parties at my school. I had school crushes like any other girl but couldn’t even properly kiss with guys I liked for the next long 7 (no sex, any intimacy) years because I remembered how disgusting the experience was.
The turning point was leaving my homecountry,at 18 I moved to Europe for my bachelor degree, became the best in my class academically, quit parties as well as smoking and drinking, quickly built a good career in finance, started gymming, got my health and diet back on track, bought an apartment with my own savings from the finance job, travelled the world and have an amazing partner now who knows all that and does not judge me, did master degree and making a career pivot into another area. I felt as finally my life is good. The only part which is left is my extreme social anxiety.
It all crashed few days ago when I run an AI face recognition program and it found a video with me on the cam, there was nothing sexual, a fragment of me in a suit for few seconds and nothing more, but it was from these times and background was changed. I couldn’t get the full version as it was deleted. Since that day I can’t sleep, I can’t work and study, I constantly think about that, I am sure I will commit a suicide if anyone will see these videos. I was so dumb and stupid to do all that.
I told my boyfriend about that, and he is supporting and said that he’ll help to take them down if there’s anything but I’m sure that AI models will get better and what if my employer sees them, what if his parents see them. I can’t live with that thought. I blame myself every day and don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to cope with that, I know that I got out from the darkness of my childhood and made a right choice after all, but these demons from the past will destroy my life one day.
I’m really scared to do anything, I don’t have any materials or proofs left so I can’t make them stop if case there’s anything. They will blackmail me and publish everywhere. Another problem is that I looked much older in these videos as I used makeup so I’m not sure if I looked underage there.
My plan is to find a good therapist now. I’m sorry for such unstructured long text, I’m full of emotions crying for the last few days.
There are so many questions I have, why nothing rang the bell for me, why my mother never stopped me, why the director guy did all that with me, esp that I was underage, although he was a public figure with his agency and he’s still online on Facebook etc, why this lady abused me so much, why I didn’t go to the police when I had the proofs. If anyone been through similar situations, how did you cope?
submitted by Amazing-Sun1524 to Sextortion [link] [comments]
I (28 F) was worn in Eastern Europe (Slavic) and raised first by a single mother (father left to another family) and then stepfather. My family was quite poor, we lived in a dorm with alcoholics or rented places.
Pre-story: experienced sex way too early as the partner of my granny sexually abused and raped me from the age of 5 to 12. Grandparents lives close by and my parents would drop me there and put me sleeping with the guy in the same bad as “it was more comfortable”. He stopped only when he got cancer. My granny had to stay with him because the only other place my granny could go was my uncle and he was drinking for whole life and beating up all relatives. I tried telling my mum twice, both times she didn’t hear me and first and asked to repeat but I didn’t have the courage to say it again. I feel it’s an important point as this probably normalized sexual activities way too much for me.
I finally openly told my mum about that when I was 17, she only said that he also tried to pick her up and didn’t react in any supportive way. He was dying from cancer and she was helping my granny to take care and clean up for him.
Story: When I was 15, a female model scout from Italy reached out in VK inviting me for a casting in my city, the agency was small but looked legit and few of their models were part of IMG, and other agencies.
I did not pass the casting and was really sad about it, the scout reached out and offered “another way”, that I can make the director (M 32 back then) “fall for me” and help me with the career, and in general to get out of the miserable life. She got my trust very quickly, telling that I was like a younger sister to her, we talked every day on various topics. She admitted she was a „ high class escort”. She taught me how to talk to the director via skype, lure him in, perform sexual acts on camera or send him videos of myself, and some to her as well. This sounds so creepy, and horrible but back then at 15 I was very stupid, and to that day I don’t know how I believed her and got into that, and why nothing rang the bell..
My mum knew I was talking to him on Skype and was naive to believe that he really likes me and will make my life better.
We talked for more than 6 months, I told him that I was virgin (didn’t want to tell about the abuse from granny’s partner), he came to my town and we were supposed to have sex. My mum knew i was going to meet him at night and did not stop me. It was horrible, I was in pain, drank and realized how disgusting and terrible I was, and there was a tape. He blamed me that i was not a virgin. He gave me ugly shoes and money for taxi. I still remember that walk home in tights in -15though the park, crying. I wanted to jump to the river that night. Half through the skype conversations with the guy I managed to develop feelings for him so after all I was also heartbroken. Of course I did not get any money for anything, in case anyone things otherwise. I did not ask for money nor was I offered anything, I was just exploited.
After that, the guy lost interest and the „scout” started to ask for the video and blackmail me if I don’t get it for her(I didn’t have it) because she had other videos. I told her that I was underage in all of them, and that I’d go to the police and exposed their agency and her, I also told her I was going to kill myself and leave a note about all that, and and blocked her.
I lived in fear for few years, became very socially anxious, my stuttering got worse, got into alcohol, smoking and parties at my school. I had school crushes like any other girl but couldn’t even properly kiss with guys I liked for the next long 7 (no sex, any intimacy) years because I remembered how disgusting the experience was.
The turning point was leaving my homecountry,at 18 I moved to Europe for my bachelor degree, became the best in my class academically, quit parties as well as smoking and drinking, quickly built a good career in finance, started gymming, got my health and diet back on track, bought an apartment with my own savings from the finance job, travelled the world and have an amazing partner now who knows all that and does not judge me, did master degree and making a career pivot into another area. I felt as finally my life is good. The only part which is left is my extreme social anxiety.
It all crashed few days ago when I run an AI face recognition program and it found a video with me on the cam, there was nothing sexual, a fragment of me in a suit for few seconds and nothing more, but it was from these times and background was changed. I couldn’t get the full version as it was deleted. Since that day I can’t sleep, I can’t work and study, I constantly think about that, I am sure I will commit a suicide if anyone will see these videos. I was so dumb and stupid to do all that.
I told my boyfriend about that, and he is supporting and said that he’ll help to take them down if there’s anything but I’m sure that AI models will get better and what if my employer sees them, what if his parents see them. I can’t live with that thought. I blame myself every day and don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to cope with that, I know that I got out from the darkness of my childhood and made a right choice after all, but these demons from the past will destroy my life one day.
I’m really scared to do anything, I don’t have any materials or proofs left so I can’t make them stop if case there’s anything. They will blackmail me and publish everywhere. Another problem is that I looked much older in these videos as I used makeup so I’m not sure if I looked underage there.
My plan is to find a good therapist now. I’m sorry for such unstructured long text, I’m full of emotions crying for the last few days.
There are so many questions I have, why nothing rang the bell for me, why my mother never stopped me, why the director guy did all that with me, esp that I was underage, although he was a public figure with his agency and he’s still online on Facebook etc, why this lady abused me so much, why I didn’t go to the police when I had the proofs. If anyone been through similar situations, how did you cope?
2024.05.09 10:28 tab_rick The 10 Best Bathroom Sink Brands 2023
 | The industry of bathroom sinks, traditionally viewed as a fundamental necessity, has transformed into a symbol of design sophistication, innovation, and market vitality. As of the year 2021, the global market value of bathroom sinks was estimated to be around $3.5 billion, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% over the ensuing five years, according to data from Statista. This upward trajectory can be largely attributed to the flourishing construction and real estate sectors, particularly in burgeoning markets such as China and India. China, for example, has transitioned from being labeled the “world’s factory” to experiencing a substantial surge in domestic consumption, representing close to 30% of worldwide bathroom sink sales in the year 2021, based on a report by IBISWorld. Concurrently, in Western markets, there has been a notable shift towards eco-friendly sink options and designs that incorporate smart technology, opening up a plethora of possibilities for enterprises in pursuit of innovative and sustainable offerings. submitted by tab_rick to KKRsolidsurface [link] [comments] The critical role of manufacturers in this sector cannot be overstated. They are at the forefront of ushering in an era of innovation and elevated quality standards. In the following sections, we will explore a comprehensive list of prominent brands that are leading the way in the bathroom sink industry, each offering a diverse types of sinks to cater to varying consumer needs. Kingkonreehttps://preview.redd.it/9w39nqhr1dzc1.png?width=307&format=png&auto=webp&s=38663cde41081c75c885edc5473042a29f96a64b Location: Shenzhen, China Founded Years: 2000 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Kingkonree is a recognized name in the bathroom sink industry, located in China. Boasting a massive 15,000 m² factory, the company prides itself on its capacity to produce over 15,000 products per month. With its products being appreciated in over 100 countries, it’s clear that Kingkonree has positioned itself as a global contender. We offer various styles of sinks to satisfy customers’ needs. At its core, Kingkonree places a premium on quality. They stick to a rigorous standard for raw materials, ensuring no adulteration. Their combination of 60% aluminum powder and 40% resin ensures a product of the highest quality. Notably, the aluminum powder is sourced from China’s aluminum industry, ensuring a high-density product that does not bleed color or crack. Their commitment to quality is further evident in their decision to use unsaturated resin for their products, similar to the resin used on yacht exteriors, guaranteeing similar anti-corrosion performance. And proven solid surface material is also resistant to high temperatures. However, it’s not just the materials that make Kingkonree stand out. They offer a 10-year warranty, surpassing many competitors who often provide 2 to 5 years. Their baking process, which involves heating at 120°C before stabilizing at 80°C, ensures stable color, evaporating odors, and a consistent shape. This process, although costly, underlines their commitment to delivering premium products. In terms of customization and client servicing, Kingkonree shines. They guarantee a color customization period of merely 1 to 5 days, while many in the industry take up to 15 days. The company also prioritizes its customers’ confidentiality by having a separate mold workshop. Their mold production, impressively fast at 25 days, is almost half the time it takes for other competitors. Summing up, Kingkonree is not just another manufacturer in the bathroom sink industry. It’s a symbol of commitment, quality, and customer-centricity. For businesses looking to associate with a reliable brand, Kingkonree offers an unparalleled proposition. MoenLocation: North Olmsted, Ohio, USAFounded Years: 1956 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Moen, a distinguished American brand in the faucet and fixture industry, originates from North Olmsted, Ohio. Established by the innovative Alfred M. Moen in 1956, it now stands as a significant entity within the prestigious Fortune Brands Innovations corporation. With an impressive history of over 80 years, Moen has solidified its reputation for durability, excellence, and reliability. What differentiates Moen? Their steadfast dedication to exemplary quality and craftsmanship. Their ethos revolves around standing by their products, a principle manifestly evident through the positive testimonials of myriad customers who’ve opted for Moen’s superior water solutions. The Moen team comprises not just manufacturers but visionaries, pioneers, and expert solution providers. Each product is a testament to their commitment, proficiency, and the elevated standards they maintain. Furthermore, Moen’s dedication extends beyond mere product sales. They furnish an extensive array of customer support resources. Whether it’s instructional videos for seamless installation, a comprehensive FAQ section, or guidance on product finish care, Moen ensures their clients have all the requisite information. Their robust warranty support further accentuates their confidence in their product range. For industry professionals and tradespeople, Moen has introduced the “Moen 101 Learning” platform. An invaluable repository of knowledge, it offers insights into product identification, innovation backgrounds, and core product platform specifics. Additionally, their dedicated literature center facilitates easy access to vital guides, brochures, and catalogs. RohlLocation: Chicago, Illinois, USAFounded Years: 1983 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Located at the prestigious Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Rohl epitomizes luxury and craftsmanship in the domain of bathroom fixtures. Since its inception in 1983, Rohl has unwaveringly dedicated itself to obtaining the most exquisite materials and designs from prominent global regions including Italy, England, and France. Their meticulously handcrafted sinks, embodying both luxury and innovation, have elevated numerous master bathrooms, guest spaces, and powder rooms to epitomes of elegance and solace. Rohl’s ethos is characterized by an unyielding passion for exceptional craftsmanship. They perceive beyond mere materials, realizing the inherent potential within stone, clay, brass, and steel. Their meticulous processes—be it casting, glazing, or firing—culminate in fixtures resembling art. This commitment is palpably reflected in their selectively assembled collection of luxury brands, each narrating a distinctive saga of heritage, ingenuity, and aesthetics. Esteemed brands such as Riobel®, Perrin & Rowe®, Shaws®, Victoria + Albert®, and ROHL® itself, collectively contribute to this illustrious tale. Exploring Rohl’s range, it becomes evident that their sinks are more than mere utilities; they are focal points. Each style, whether undermount, vessel, or pedestal, underscores Rohl’s dedication to supreme quality and enduring elegance, including timeless style. For example, Shaws, established in England in 1897, specializes in fireclay sinks meticulously crafted by seasoned artisans. Renowned for their resilience, these sinks are prevalent in historic English residences, attesting to their perennial charm and making them a perfect choice for small bathrooms. GroheLocation: Hemer, GermanyFounded Years: 1991 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Grohe, synonymous with quality and innovation, is a leading name in bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. Originating from Germany, Grohe has established itself as a global brand, continuously offering products that epitomize luxury, function, and design. The brand is dedicated to curating harmonious and serene bathroom spaces, as showcased in their carefully designed ceramic sinks and toilet collections. From the geometric precision of the Eurocube® range to the soft contours of the Essence collection, Grohe ensures each piece reflects meticulous craftsmanship, seamlessly fitting into any bathroom aesthetic. Paired with Grohe’s diverse faucet range, these collections further solidify the brand’s esteemed legacy. Yet, Grohe’s prowess extends beyond design. The core tenets of technology, quality, design, and sustainability serve as the foundation of Grohe’s mission to provide “Pure Freude an Wasser” or “Pure Joy of Water”. The “Made in Germany” seal on their products affirms their dedication to quality and functionality. Advanced production engineering ensures that every item aligns with Grohe’s rigorous standards. Throughout its history, Grohe’s commitment to innovation and superior design has garnered over 240 design and innovation accolades globally. More than awards, architects, designers, and developers consistently choose Grohe for prominent projects, affirming its reputation for excellence. In 2014, Grohe integrated with LIXIL, a global leader in innovative water and housing solutions. This alliance has fortified Grohe’s market position, benefiting from LIXIL’s expansive resources and proficiency. Gerber Plumbing FixturesLocation: Woodridge, ILFounded Years: 1932 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC, distinguished for its precision and reliability, has fortified its esteemed position in the plumbing sector over the decades. Rooted in a rich history and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Gerber Plumbing emerges as a top-tier choice for both residential clients and industry professionals. At the heart of Gerber Plumbing’s commendations lies a steadfast focus on quality. Every bathroom fixture, from basins to taps, adorned with the Gerber Plumbing emblem, epitomizes the brand’s dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and functionality. Tailored to suit both modern sensibilities and classic tastes, their offerings are thoughtfully crafted, centering on the specific requirements of the end user. Furthermore, Gerber Plumbing’s commitment transcends mere product superiority. They place a premium on forging impactful connections, be it with homeowners granting them the honor of enhancing their abodes, or with professionals opting for Gerber Plumbing in their projects. This principle of building and sustaining relationships is intrinsic to their triumph, engendering a loyal network of supporters and partners. Additionally, innovation remains pivotal for Gerber Plumbing. Continuously seeking advancements in technology and design, they ensure their products not only satisfy but surpass user expectations. This progressive vision positions Gerber Plumbing as an industry vanguard, pioneering standards for others to emulate. RonbowLocation: Northern California, USAFounded Years: 2002 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Located in the dynamic region of Northern California, Ronbow represents two decades of excellence and innovation in cabinetry craftsmanship. Distinguished by its approach to not merely producing items but curating experiences, Ronbow has established a distinct position in the sector. Central to Ronbow’s philosophy is the principle of customer-centric design. Recognizing the distinctiveness of each individual’s style, they advocate for homes that mirror personal aesthetics. Hence, Ronbow provides an extensive range of customization, allowing every item to embody the homeowner’s distinctive touch. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in their material choices, procured from premier European sources, guaranteeing both durability and sophistication. Ronbow’s dedication extends beyond mere manufacturing. They emphasize the holistic journey, spanning from ideation to installation. With a proficient team in California, they guarantee a seamless process, offering a comprehensive customer experience that remains unmatched. Innovation remains pivotal to Ronbow’s strategy. By integrating advanced technology, they achieve meticulousness in every aspect – from design to finishing touches. Their modern facility in Livermore, California, underlines their allegiance to technological progression within the sink and cabinetry realm. Such technological expertise, coupled with their sustainability initiatives, ensures that Ronbow’s offerings are as eco-friendly as they are aesthetically appealing. LaufenLocation: Laufen near Basel in SwitzerlandFounded Years: 1892 Target Market: Global Primary Products:
Laufen, a distinguished Swiss company, excels in crafting premium bathroom solutions. Their commitment extends beyond functionality, emphasizing sustainable design. From conceptualization to shipping, each process underscores eco-conscious practices. However, Laufen’s mission transcends just eco-friendliness. They champion innovation with a vision focused on advancing a circular economy. Aligned with global initiatives, they actively support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As a member of the Roca Group, their collective ambition centers on elevating sustainability standards. Their bathroom sinks exemplify the harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility. Laufen offers designs that are not only visually pleasing but also mindful of their environmental impact. Their initiatives, such as the Denmark project targeting plastic recycling from toilet cisterns, manifest their dedication to responsible business practices. With recognized achievements and partnerships with academic institutions and municipalities, Laufen is redefining the future of bathrooms, emphasizing intelligence, purity, and sustainability. Victoria + AlbertLocation: North Charleston, South Carolina, United StatesFounded Years: 1996 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Victoria + Albert has built their reputation around crafting stunning bathroom products, making them a top choice for interior designers. Their line of bathroom basins, including options for guest bath and master bath sinks, are especially noteworthy for their functionality and decor. What makes them stand out? Each basin is designed to not only be beautiful on its own but also to complement their exclusive range of baths. So, when paired, a Victoria + Albert bath and basin create a striking combo, enhancing the look and feel of any bathroom. One of the remarkable features of their products is the unique material they use – QUARRYCAST™. Now, what’s that, you might wonder? It’s a special blend of what they call Volcanic Limestone™ and high-grade resins. This Volcanic Limestone™ isn’t just any ordinary rock. Formed under the extreme conditions of magma heat and pressure on soft limestone, it transforms into an ultra-strong white rock. Mixing it with quality resins, they’ve developed QUARRYCAST™, a top-tier stone composite that offers several benefits:
For those seeking elegance and reliability in their bathroom for a new bathroom sink, Victoria + Albert’s offerings are great choices and hard to surpass. CrosswaterLocation: Dartford，KentFounded Years: 1998 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Crosswater London, deeply rooted in London’s core, has established itself as a prominent entity in the bathroom sector for over twenty years. Possessing a profound comprehension of bathroom aesthetics and function, the brand has ascended as Europe’s foremost purveyor of exceptional products. Their unwavering dedication to superior quality has not merely been observed—it has been lauded. Their distinct amalgamation of continental European design combined with quintessential British flair is prominently showcased throughout their expansive product offerings. Ranging from basin essentials to elegant vanities, Crosswater London equips consumers with everything requisite to enhance their bathroom environment. However, their proficiency extends beyond design. They pledge that each product is subjected to rigorous quality scrutiny. Consequently, acquiring a Crosswater product equates to securing unparalleled excellence. Discussing bathroom basins, Crosswater London elevates the standard. With an assortment that spans from atop-the-counter basins to undermount installation varieties devoid of faucet holes, they ensure that bathrooms exude contemporary sophistication and a modern look. Moreover, their commitment transcends the mere product dimension. They are esteemed for their unmatched customer service, adhering to a principle of “Exceeding Expectations.” Be it technical assistance or expedited deliveries, their profound basins, replete with a deep basin and an overflow drain, are testament to their commitment. A visit to their central hub, Lake View House in London, is a journey of discovery. Upon entrance, visitors are enveloped by a captivating array of their avant-garde bathroom solutions. As an integral component of the Bathroom Brands Group, Crosswater’s entrepreneurial zest radiates, solidifying their position as Europe’s preeminent independent bathroom conglomerate. To encapsulate, Crosswater London represents not merely a brand but an unequivocal assurance of quality, elegance, and peerless service. Elkay Manufacturing CompanyLocation: Downers Grove, IllinoisFounded Years: 1920 Target Market: Worldwide Primary Products:
Founded in 1920 in Chicago, the Elkay Manufacturing Company commenced its distinguished trajectory under the insightful leadership of Leopold Katz and Louis Katz. They set forth with a lucid mandate: to craft superior sinks and to guarantee unmatched customer contentment. Presently, Elkay stands as a hallmark for outstanding kitchen and bathroom sinks. Their comprehensive collection spans from resilient stainless steel models radiating luster, to chic quartz selections in a spectrum of shades. Their fireclay sinks gain accolades for endurance, while their immaculate white porcelain selections embody refinement. For those who seek both functionality and elegance, Elkay introduces its workstation sinks. Their varied offerings align seamlessly with every interior theme, encompassing the refined glass sink designs. Be it a preference for undermount, top-mount, or the timeless farmhouse style, Elkay pledges unparalleled excellence. In addition, their growth now includes an assortment of bathroom sinks, notably the perfect bathroom sink, perfectly crafted designs apt for stone countertops and lavatories. Notably, Elkay’s sinks come with finishes resistant to staining, making them a discerning and elegant choice for washrooms. In the realm of commercial environments, Elkay has secured esteemed partnerships with entities like hospitals, educational institutions, and dining establishments. Their dedication to accessibility is evident in their ADA-compliant sink range, ensuring utility for everyone. Their cutting-edge sink selection tool streamlines the decision-making journey. Transitioning from its modest roots in Chicago to its eminent global stature, Elkay persistently upholds its commitment: delivering top-tier sinks and unwavering customer satisfaction. ConclusionThe bathroom sink sector, an integral segment of the comprehensive home interiors market, has experienced significant expansion over the past decade. Amidst the global surge in urbanization, there emerges an amplified demand for sophisticated and premium bathroom fittings, encompassing basins.A notable transformation within the industry is the heightened inclination towards ecologically responsible and sustainable designs. Manufacturers are innovating by incorporating recycled materials and water-saving technologies, aligning with global sustainability goals. This evolution is of paramount significance for B2B entities, as establishments such as hotels, corporate spaces, and public facilities strive to meet environmental standards. Due to their dedication to aesthetic elegance, enduring quality, and environmental stewardship, these 10 brands have carved a niche in the domain. Their products become focal points in many restrooms, proving indispensable in confined areas where optimizing counter, flooring, and storage space is crucial. Engage with these brands to cultivate a profitable and sustainable business partnership. |
2024.05.09 08:50 birdflustocks The risk of bird flu pig-to-pig transmission: Media, mutations, economics
Sustained pig-to-pig transmission of bird flu would start a new media cycle, possibly affecting the stock market. The media and some scientists would portrait it as a final warning before a human outbreak, due the potential of bird flu reassorting with other influenza viruses in pigs and in memory of the 2009 swine flu pandemic. While we are being assured that there is some surveillance due to the known risk, there are no economic incentives for farmers to detect asymptomatic infections, many pigs aren't even vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
Based on what we know, we don't have seen any sustained pig-to-pig transmission yet, but could be fairly close. We also know that there are over 1 billion pigs in crowded conditions and millions of infected birds spreading H5N1 worldwide. The spread of bird flu in cows highlights the importance of economic incentives. While drastic biosecurity measures on poultry farms may have caused the impression that the pandemic risk is being taken seriously, the poultry flocks would have died anyway, so there were no economic incentives to prevent the culling. Infected cows aren't being culled and infected pigs won't be culled either, in the absence of economic incentives. Meanwhile the cow variant has already spilled back into wild birds.
Pigs getting infected with H5N1 has already happened many times, pigs transmitting H5N1 is a different issue. Especially sustained transmission. Pigs usually don't show symptoms and don't infect each other with H5N1, but some transmission has occured when a PB2-E627K polymerase mutation was present. If this mutation or a similar one would start spreading in birds, it would cause more pig-to-pig transmission. And that mutation was much more widespread before in clade 2.2, so we might see it spread in birds again, over a longer period of time.
PB2-E627K prevalence
Clade 2.1 8.3%
Clade 2.2 92.1%
Clade 2.3 1.1%
Source: Table 3 in this study, beware of white-on-white table headers
But we don't have to look that far into the future or the past. Currently many wild mammals and stray cats are getting infected with bird flu. And more than 5% of infected mammals develop polymerase mutations like PB2-E627K, so pigs might get infected by other mammals or just develop the mutation themselves. With 1 billion pigs it is highly likely that some limited and asymptomatic transmissions between pigs are already occurring. It seems likely that this would evolve into sustained transmission, sooner or later. It might have already happened. The spread in cows may lead to increased surveillance of pigs. Hopefully nothing will happen, but I'm expecting the news any month now.
"As part of an ongoing active influenza A virus surveillance project, nasal swab samples were collected from exhibition swine at 40 selected Ohio agricultural fairs during 2012. Influenza A(H3N2) virus was isolated from swine at 10 of the fairs. According to a concurrent public health investigation, 7 of the 10 fairs were epidemiologically linked to confirmed human infections with influenza A(H3N2) variant virus. Comparison of genome sequences of the subtype H3N2 isolates recovered from humans and swine from each fair revealed nucleotide identities of >99.7%, confirming zoonotic transmission between swine and humans. All influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated in this study, regardless of host species or fair, were >99.5% identical, indicating that 1 virus strain was widely circulating among exhibition swine in Ohio during 2012."
Source: Swine-to-human transmission of influenza A(H3N2) virus at agricultural fairs, Ohio, USA, 2012
"Both mammal isolates evaluated in this study contained the PB2 E627K mutation, were detected in the noses of inoculated pigs, and transmitted to >1 contact pig. The PB2 gene of all human seasonal viruses of the 20th Century contain K627, whereas most clade 2.3.4.4b viruses detected in birds in 2022–2023 contain E627, supporting the role of that mutation in mammalian adaptation. Although we did not fully evaluate the direct effects of the E627K mutation in swine, the shedding and transmission profile shown for the 2 mammal isolates in this study indicate this adaptive mutation might have increased viral fitness through enhanced polymerase activity to enable transmission in an otherwise less susceptible host."
Source: Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine
"In contrast, we detected A/raccoon/WA/22 in the nasal cavity of inoculated pigs (4 of 15) and transmitted to contacts (2 of 5). Similarly, we detected A/redfox/MI/22 in the nasal cavity of inoculated pigs (5 of 15) and transmitted to a single contact."
Source: Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine
"This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity and transmissibility of a mink-derived clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV isolate from Spain in pigs. Experimental infection caused interstitial pneumonia with necrotizing bronchiolitis with high titers of virus present in the lower respiratory tract and 100% seroconversion. Infected pigs shed limited amount of virus, and importantly, there was no transmission to contact pigs. Notably, critical mammalian-like mutations such as PB2-E627K and HA-Q222L emerged at low frequencies in principal-infected pigs. It is concluded that pigs are highly susceptible to infection with the mink-derived clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV and provide a favorable environment for HPAIV to acquire mammalian-like adaptations."
Source: Pigs are highly susceptible to but do not transmit mink-derived highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
"It was surprising to observe that the virus characterised in this study, detected in hens, differed from all other HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses circulating in poultry and in birds by a mutation in the PB2 protein, T271A, which is a marker of virus adaptation to mammalian species; it has previously been shown to be associated with increased polymerase activity in mammalian cells and is present in the 2009 pandemic A(H1N1) virus. It should be noted that this mutation has never been observed in H5Nx viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b collected from birds in Europe since 2020. In contrast, it has been detected in ca 7% of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses identified in mammals in Europe, including the virus responsible for the outbreak on a mink farm in Spain. This molecular finding suggests that virus spread from mammals to birds cannot be excluded."
Source: Asymptomatic infection with clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in carnivore pets, Italy, April 2023
"Here, we report sporadic cases of H5N1 in 40 free-living mesocarnivore species such as red foxes, striped skunks, and mink in Canada. (...) Almost 17 percent of the H5N1 viruses had mammalian adaptive mutations (E627 K, E627V and D701N) in the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunit of the RNA polymerase complex."
Source: Characterization of neurotropic HPAI H5N1 viruses with novel genome constellations and mammalian adaptive mutations in free-living mesocarnivores in Canada
[Reference to the study cited below:]"In addition, in a very recent study, low susceptibility of pigs against experimental infection with an avian-derived H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus, isolated from chickens in Germany in 2022, was reported . This chicken H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b isolate lacked any mammalian-adaptive mutations. Nasal and alimentary exposure of pigs to this avian-derived H5N21 clade 2.3.4.4b virus only resulted in marginal virus replication and 1/8 seroconversion without inducing any clinical signs or pathological changes."
Source: Pigs are highly susceptible to but do not transmit mink-derived highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
"In conclusion, only 1 of 8 pigs inoculated intranasally with HPAI virus H5N1 underwent transient, low-level infection that resulted in the presence of viral RNA in several tissue specimens and seroconversion at 14 dpi. In naturally infected wild mammals, this virus was prominently detected in the brain (2). Given the detection of viral RNA in the brain of 1 intranasally inoculated pig, it cannot be excluded that longer observation might have revealed continuing viral replication in the brain of this animal."
Source: Low Susceptibility of Pigs against Experimental Infection with HPAI Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b
"“That is the last barrier,” Beer says. Although MxA’s detection skills appear very weak in ferrets and some other animals, it is more sensitive in humans—and in pigs. “If an H5 virus is spreading in pigs then it really is code red,” Beer says. In an unpublished experiment Beer and his colleagues infected pigs with H5N1. Even when high doses were used, the virus barely replicated in the animals."
Source: From bad to worse How the avian flu must change before it can trigger a human pandemic
"One isolate had acquired the ability to recognize a human-type receptor. No infected pig had influenza-like symptoms, indicating that influenza A (H5N1) viruses can replicate undetected for prolonged periods, facilitating avian virus adaptation to mammalian hosts. Our data suggest that pigs are at risk for infection during outbreaks of influenza virus A (H5N1) and can serve as intermediate hosts in which this avian virus can adapt to mammals."
Source: Influenza A (H5N1) Viruses from Pigs, Indonesia
"H9 subtype was not detected from serum samples collected in 2003, however, 4.7 % and 8.2 % of H5 subtype influenza positive were detected from serum samples which collected from Guangdong and Fujian provinces."
Source: Isolation and characterization of H5N1 and H9N2 influenza viruses from pigs in China
"Chairul Nidom of Airlangga University in Surabaya, Indonesia, and colleagues in Japan, have been tracking H5N1 in pigs since 2005 in Indonesia, the country hardest hit by the avian flu virus. They now report that between 2005 to 2007 when the avian flu peaked, 7.4 per cent of 700 pigs they tested also carried H5N1. There have been sporadic reports of H5N1 in pigs, but this is the first time the extent of the problem has been measured."
Source: Bird flu jumps to pigs
"Twenty-two could be determined by clade specific RT-qPCR as belonging to the H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c and confirmed by partial hemagglutinin (HA) sequence analysis. In addition, 500 swine sera were screened for antibodies against influenza A virus nucleoprotein and H5 HA using competition ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. Serologically, 222 (44.4%) and 42 (8.4%) sera were positive for influenza A virus NP and H5 antibodies, respectively."
Source: Evidence of exposure of domestic pigs to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Nigeria
"Swine have presented an attractive explanation for how avian viruses overcome the substantial evolutionary barriers presented by different cellular environments in humans and birds. However, key assumptions underpinning the swine mixing-vessel model of pandemic emergence have been challenged in light of new evidence. Increased surveillance in swine has revealed that human-to-swine transmission actually occurs far more frequently than the reverse, and there is no empirical evidence that swine played a role in the emergence of human influenza in 1918, 1957, or 1968. Swine-to-human transmission occurs periodically and can trigger pandemics, as in 2009. But swine are not necessary to mediate the establishment of avian viruses in humans, which invites new perspectives on the evolutionary processes underlying pandemic emergence."
Source: Origins of the 1918 Pandemic: Revisiting the Swine “Mixing Vessel” Hypothesis
"Pigs constitute a mixing vessel of IAV from different species including avian and human hosts. However, other host species such as turkey and quail but also humans themselves may also act in this way; thus, pigs are not essentially required for the generation of IAV reassortants with a multispecies origin."
Source: Are pigs overestimated as a source of zoonotic influenza viruses?
"While it is true that vaccines cannot totally eliminate virus, they prevent clinical disease and significantly reduce the amount of virus in circulation, thereby reducing the opportunity for viruses to mix, exchange genetic material and emerge as new, potentially pandemic strains. Vaccines against swine flu for pigs are much more effective in preventing clinical disease than flu vaccines used in people. It is therefore ironic that the widespread use of the vaccines in people is widely accepted, while the use of much more effective vaccines in pigs is sometimes questioned."
Source: Large scale vaccination against swine flu (Part II)
"In Europe, WIV vaccines are generally administered only to sows, yet only 10–20% of the sow population is vaccinated."
Source: Influenza A Virus in Swine: Epidemiology, Challenges and Vaccination Strategies
"In North America, vaccination against IAV-S is used more than in the EU with ~70% of the pig population being vaccinated."
Source: Influenza A Virus in Swine: Epidemiology, Challenges and Vaccination Strategies
"Deep in the remote Maili Kumi Location in Buuri, Meru County, a state of the art chicken farm is thriving. Here, you can catch a glimpse of an unlikely friendship that has made the farm a household name among residents. The farm rears about 20,000 chicken in automated cages laying on a one-acre farm. “We have around 92 pigs, so the relationship between the pigs and chicken, is that the pigs consume poultry waste,” said (...), the farm manager."
Source: Smart Farm: Feeding pigs with poultry waste to lower costs
"The economics of production results obtained showed that it was more economical to raise pigs using broiler litter at 20% of the diet. The results obtained from this study showed that processing methods such as ensiling, composting and sun-drying improved the nutrient composition of broiler litter and more over, processed broiler litter can be included up to 20% in the diet of growing pigs without any deleterious affect on the performance, hematological indices and economics of production in the diet of growing pig in the tropics. (...) For the test ingredient, the crude protein which was affected by processing (p< 0.05) ranged from 19.2% to 26.9%. Unprocessed broiler litter had the lowest value while highest value occurred with ensiled broiler litter."
Source: Evaluation of different processing methods on the nutrient composition of broiler litter and its utilization by weaner pigs in the tropics
"The global population of pigs has grown steadily over the past decades, from around 400 million in the early 1960s to close to one billion today. At the same time, the average size of pig farms has also increased. Throughout the world, small, backyard pig production has given way to large, commercial pig units. Whereas in the 1990s a large pig farm would have 200 breeding sows, now many farms have thousands or even tens of thousands of sows."
Source: Large scale vaccination against swine flu (Part II)
"The risk for reassortment of the HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b lineage with endemic swine IAV is a consideration on the basis of the susceptibility to this lineage demonstrated in our study, the prevalence of IAV infection and comorbidities in swine herds, and animal husbandry practices. However, the risk for incursion is likely lower in confinement operations with industry standard biosecurity than for backyard or feral pigs. Birdproofing feed and facilities, avoiding the use of untreated water, and restricting peridomestic scavenger mammals from premises are measures to increase biosecurity against HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus incursion into swine herds."
Source: Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine
"At 26 storeys it is by far the biggest single-building pig farm in the world, with a capacity to slaughter 1.2 million pigs a year."
Source: China’s 26-storey pig skyscraper ready to slaughter 1 million pigs a year
"Our last pandemic, swine flu in 2009, arose not from some backwater wet market in Asia, however. It was largely made-in-the-USA on pig production operations in the United States. In this new Age of Emerging Diseases, there are now billions of animals overcrowded and intensively confined in filthy factory farms for viruses to incubate and mutate within. Today’s industrial farming practices have given viruses billions more spins at pandemic roulette."
Source: Primary Pandemic Prevention
"Here, we performed molecular and serological screening of over 500 dead wild carnivores and sequencing of RNA positive materials. We show virological evidence for HPAI H5 virus infection in 0.8%, 1.4%, and 9.9% of animals tested in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively, with the highest proportion of positives in foxes, polecats and stone martens. (...) Serological evidence for infection was detected in 20% of the study population."
Source: High number of HPAI H5 virus infections and antibodies in wild carnivores in the Netherlands, 2020–2022
"Of the 701 stray cats examined, 83 were found to have antibodies to the bird flu virus. Some of the stray cats examined had mild symptoms of illness, but not specific to bird flu. Eating contaminated dead birds is a plausible route of infection for these stray cats. An analysis into different risk factors showed that stray cats originating from nature reserves had, on average, more frequent antibodies against the bird flu virus stray cats from other habitats, such as a livestock farm, holiday park or industrial area."
Source: Onderzoek naar risico’s vogelgriep bij huiskatten
"Their analysis suggests there were as many as five B3.13 introductions from cattle to poultry, one to a raccoon, two to domestic cats, and three to wild birds."
Source: USDA genome study sheds light on H5N1 avian flu spillover to cows, but data gaps remain
submitted by birdflustocks to birdflustocks [link] [comments]
Based on what we know, we don't have seen any sustained pig-to-pig transmission yet, but could be fairly close. We also know that there are over 1 billion pigs in crowded conditions and millions of infected birds spreading H5N1 worldwide. The spread of bird flu in cows highlights the importance of economic incentives. While drastic biosecurity measures on poultry farms may have caused the impression that the pandemic risk is being taken seriously, the poultry flocks would have died anyway, so there were no economic incentives to prevent the culling. Infected cows aren't being culled and infected pigs won't be culled either, in the absence of economic incentives. Meanwhile the cow variant has already spilled back into wild birds.
Pigs getting infected with H5N1 has already happened many times, pigs transmitting H5N1 is a different issue. Especially sustained transmission. Pigs usually don't show symptoms and don't infect each other with H5N1, but some transmission has occured when a PB2-E627K polymerase mutation was present. If this mutation or a similar one would start spreading in birds, it would cause more pig-to-pig transmission. And that mutation was much more widespread before in clade 2.2, so we might see it spread in birds again, over a longer period of time.
PB2-E627K prevalence
Clade 2.1 8.3%
Clade 2.2 92.1%
Clade 2.3 1.1%
Source: Table 3 in this study, beware of white-on-white table headers
But we don't have to look that far into the future or the past. Currently many wild mammals and stray cats are getting infected with bird flu. And more than 5% of infected mammals develop polymerase mutations like PB2-E627K, so pigs might get infected by other mammals or just develop the mutation themselves. With 1 billion pigs it is highly likely that some limited and asymptomatic transmissions between pigs are already occurring. It seems likely that this would evolve into sustained transmission, sooner or later. It might have already happened. The spread in cows may lead to increased surveillance of pigs. Hopefully nothing will happen, but I'm expecting the news any month now.
"As part of an ongoing active influenza A virus surveillance project, nasal swab samples were collected from exhibition swine at 40 selected Ohio agricultural fairs during 2012. Influenza A(H3N2) virus was isolated from swine at 10 of the fairs. According to a concurrent public health investigation, 7 of the 10 fairs were epidemiologically linked to confirmed human infections with influenza A(H3N2) variant virus. Comparison of genome sequences of the subtype H3N2 isolates recovered from humans and swine from each fair revealed nucleotide identities of >99.7%, confirming zoonotic transmission between swine and humans. All influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated in this study, regardless of host species or fair, were >99.5% identical, indicating that 1 virus strain was widely circulating among exhibition swine in Ohio during 2012."
Source: Swine-to-human transmission of influenza A(H3N2) virus at agricultural fairs, Ohio, USA, 2012
"Both mammal isolates evaluated in this study contained the PB2 E627K mutation, were detected in the noses of inoculated pigs, and transmitted to >1 contact pig. The PB2 gene of all human seasonal viruses of the 20th Century contain K627, whereas most clade 2.3.4.4b viruses detected in birds in 2022–2023 contain E627, supporting the role of that mutation in mammalian adaptation. Although we did not fully evaluate the direct effects of the E627K mutation in swine, the shedding and transmission profile shown for the 2 mammal isolates in this study indicate this adaptive mutation might have increased viral fitness through enhanced polymerase activity to enable transmission in an otherwise less susceptible host."
Source: Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine
"In contrast, we detected A/raccoon/WA/22 in the nasal cavity of inoculated pigs (4 of 15) and transmitted to contacts (2 of 5). Similarly, we detected A/redfox/MI/22 in the nasal cavity of inoculated pigs (5 of 15) and transmitted to a single contact."
Source: Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine
"This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity and transmissibility of a mink-derived clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV isolate from Spain in pigs. Experimental infection caused interstitial pneumonia with necrotizing bronchiolitis with high titers of virus present in the lower respiratory tract and 100% seroconversion. Infected pigs shed limited amount of virus, and importantly, there was no transmission to contact pigs. Notably, critical mammalian-like mutations such as PB2-E627K and HA-Q222L emerged at low frequencies in principal-infected pigs. It is concluded that pigs are highly susceptible to infection with the mink-derived clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV and provide a favorable environment for HPAIV to acquire mammalian-like adaptations."
Source: Pigs are highly susceptible to but do not transmit mink-derived highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
"It was surprising to observe that the virus characterised in this study, detected in hens, differed from all other HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses circulating in poultry and in birds by a mutation in the PB2 protein, T271A, which is a marker of virus adaptation to mammalian species; it has previously been shown to be associated with increased polymerase activity in mammalian cells and is present in the 2009 pandemic A(H1N1) virus. It should be noted that this mutation has never been observed in H5Nx viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b collected from birds in Europe since 2020. In contrast, it has been detected in ca 7% of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses identified in mammals in Europe, including the virus responsible for the outbreak on a mink farm in Spain. This molecular finding suggests that virus spread from mammals to birds cannot be excluded."
Source: Asymptomatic infection with clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in carnivore pets, Italy, April 2023
"Here, we report sporadic cases of H5N1 in 40 free-living mesocarnivore species such as red foxes, striped skunks, and mink in Canada. (...) Almost 17 percent of the H5N1 viruses had mammalian adaptive mutations (E627 K, E627V and D701N) in the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunit of the RNA polymerase complex."
Source: Characterization of neurotropic HPAI H5N1 viruses with novel genome constellations and mammalian adaptive mutations in free-living mesocarnivores in Canada
[Reference to the study cited below:]"In addition, in a very recent study, low susceptibility of pigs against experimental infection with an avian-derived H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus, isolated from chickens in Germany in 2022, was reported . This chicken H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b isolate lacked any mammalian-adaptive mutations. Nasal and alimentary exposure of pigs to this avian-derived H5N21 clade 2.3.4.4b virus only resulted in marginal virus replication and 1/8 seroconversion without inducing any clinical signs or pathological changes."
Source: Pigs are highly susceptible to but do not transmit mink-derived highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
"In conclusion, only 1 of 8 pigs inoculated intranasally with HPAI virus H5N1 underwent transient, low-level infection that resulted in the presence of viral RNA in several tissue specimens and seroconversion at 14 dpi. In naturally infected wild mammals, this virus was prominently detected in the brain (2). Given the detection of viral RNA in the brain of 1 intranasally inoculated pig, it cannot be excluded that longer observation might have revealed continuing viral replication in the brain of this animal."
Source: Low Susceptibility of Pigs against Experimental Infection with HPAI Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b
"“That is the last barrier,” Beer says. Although MxA’s detection skills appear very weak in ferrets and some other animals, it is more sensitive in humans—and in pigs. “If an H5 virus is spreading in pigs then it really is code red,” Beer says. In an unpublished experiment Beer and his colleagues infected pigs with H5N1. Even when high doses were used, the virus barely replicated in the animals."
Source: From bad to worse How the avian flu must change before it can trigger a human pandemic
"One isolate had acquired the ability to recognize a human-type receptor. No infected pig had influenza-like symptoms, indicating that influenza A (H5N1) viruses can replicate undetected for prolonged periods, facilitating avian virus adaptation to mammalian hosts. Our data suggest that pigs are at risk for infection during outbreaks of influenza virus A (H5N1) and can serve as intermediate hosts in which this avian virus can adapt to mammals."
Source: Influenza A (H5N1) Viruses from Pigs, Indonesia
"H9 subtype was not detected from serum samples collected in 2003, however, 4.7 % and 8.2 % of H5 subtype influenza positive were detected from serum samples which collected from Guangdong and Fujian provinces."
Source: Isolation and characterization of H5N1 and H9N2 influenza viruses from pigs in China
"Chairul Nidom of Airlangga University in Surabaya, Indonesia, and colleagues in Japan, have been tracking H5N1 in pigs since 2005 in Indonesia, the country hardest hit by the avian flu virus. They now report that between 2005 to 2007 when the avian flu peaked, 7.4 per cent of 700 pigs they tested also carried H5N1. There have been sporadic reports of H5N1 in pigs, but this is the first time the extent of the problem has been measured."
Source: Bird flu jumps to pigs
"Twenty-two could be determined by clade specific RT-qPCR as belonging to the H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c and confirmed by partial hemagglutinin (HA) sequence analysis. In addition, 500 swine sera were screened for antibodies against influenza A virus nucleoprotein and H5 HA using competition ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. Serologically, 222 (44.4%) and 42 (8.4%) sera were positive for influenza A virus NP and H5 antibodies, respectively."
Source: Evidence of exposure of domestic pigs to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Nigeria
"Swine have presented an attractive explanation for how avian viruses overcome the substantial evolutionary barriers presented by different cellular environments in humans and birds. However, key assumptions underpinning the swine mixing-vessel model of pandemic emergence have been challenged in light of new evidence. Increased surveillance in swine has revealed that human-to-swine transmission actually occurs far more frequently than the reverse, and there is no empirical evidence that swine played a role in the emergence of human influenza in 1918, 1957, or 1968. Swine-to-human transmission occurs periodically and can trigger pandemics, as in 2009. But swine are not necessary to mediate the establishment of avian viruses in humans, which invites new perspectives on the evolutionary processes underlying pandemic emergence."
Source: Origins of the 1918 Pandemic: Revisiting the Swine “Mixing Vessel” Hypothesis
"Pigs constitute a mixing vessel of IAV from different species including avian and human hosts. However, other host species such as turkey and quail but also humans themselves may also act in this way; thus, pigs are not essentially required for the generation of IAV reassortants with a multispecies origin."
Source: Are pigs overestimated as a source of zoonotic influenza viruses?
"While it is true that vaccines cannot totally eliminate virus, they prevent clinical disease and significantly reduce the amount of virus in circulation, thereby reducing the opportunity for viruses to mix, exchange genetic material and emerge as new, potentially pandemic strains. Vaccines against swine flu for pigs are much more effective in preventing clinical disease than flu vaccines used in people. It is therefore ironic that the widespread use of the vaccines in people is widely accepted, while the use of much more effective vaccines in pigs is sometimes questioned."
Source: Large scale vaccination against swine flu (Part II)
"In Europe, WIV vaccines are generally administered only to sows, yet only 10–20% of the sow population is vaccinated."
Source: Influenza A Virus in Swine: Epidemiology, Challenges and Vaccination Strategies
"In North America, vaccination against IAV-S is used more than in the EU with ~70% of the pig population being vaccinated."
Source: Influenza A Virus in Swine: Epidemiology, Challenges and Vaccination Strategies
"Deep in the remote Maili Kumi Location in Buuri, Meru County, a state of the art chicken farm is thriving. Here, you can catch a glimpse of an unlikely friendship that has made the farm a household name among residents. The farm rears about 20,000 chicken in automated cages laying on a one-acre farm. “We have around 92 pigs, so the relationship between the pigs and chicken, is that the pigs consume poultry waste,” said (...), the farm manager."
Source: Smart Farm: Feeding pigs with poultry waste to lower costs
"The economics of production results obtained showed that it was more economical to raise pigs using broiler litter at 20% of the diet. The results obtained from this study showed that processing methods such as ensiling, composting and sun-drying improved the nutrient composition of broiler litter and more over, processed broiler litter can be included up to 20% in the diet of growing pigs without any deleterious affect on the performance, hematological indices and economics of production in the diet of growing pig in the tropics. (...) For the test ingredient, the crude protein which was affected by processing (p< 0.05) ranged from 19.2% to 26.9%. Unprocessed broiler litter had the lowest value while highest value occurred with ensiled broiler litter."
Source: Evaluation of different processing methods on the nutrient composition of broiler litter and its utilization by weaner pigs in the tropics
"The global population of pigs has grown steadily over the past decades, from around 400 million in the early 1960s to close to one billion today. At the same time, the average size of pig farms has also increased. Throughout the world, small, backyard pig production has given way to large, commercial pig units. Whereas in the 1990s a large pig farm would have 200 breeding sows, now many farms have thousands or even tens of thousands of sows."
Source: Large scale vaccination against swine flu (Part II)
"The risk for reassortment of the HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b lineage with endemic swine IAV is a consideration on the basis of the susceptibility to this lineage demonstrated in our study, the prevalence of IAV infection and comorbidities in swine herds, and animal husbandry practices. However, the risk for incursion is likely lower in confinement operations with industry standard biosecurity than for backyard or feral pigs. Birdproofing feed and facilities, avoiding the use of untreated water, and restricting peridomestic scavenger mammals from premises are measures to increase biosecurity against HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus incursion into swine herds."
Source: Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine
"At 26 storeys it is by far the biggest single-building pig farm in the world, with a capacity to slaughter 1.2 million pigs a year."
Source: China’s 26-storey pig skyscraper ready to slaughter 1 million pigs a year
"Our last pandemic, swine flu in 2009, arose not from some backwater wet market in Asia, however. It was largely made-in-the-USA on pig production operations in the United States. In this new Age of Emerging Diseases, there are now billions of animals overcrowded and intensively confined in filthy factory farms for viruses to incubate and mutate within. Today’s industrial farming practices have given viruses billions more spins at pandemic roulette."
Source: Primary Pandemic Prevention
"Here, we performed molecular and serological screening of over 500 dead wild carnivores and sequencing of RNA positive materials. We show virological evidence for HPAI H5 virus infection in 0.8%, 1.4%, and 9.9% of animals tested in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively, with the highest proportion of positives in foxes, polecats and stone martens. (...) Serological evidence for infection was detected in 20% of the study population."
Source: High number of HPAI H5 virus infections and antibodies in wild carnivores in the Netherlands, 2020–2022
"Of the 701 stray cats examined, 83 were found to have antibodies to the bird flu virus. Some of the stray cats examined had mild symptoms of illness, but not specific to bird flu. Eating contaminated dead birds is a plausible route of infection for these stray cats. An analysis into different risk factors showed that stray cats originating from nature reserves had, on average, more frequent antibodies against the bird flu virus stray cats from other habitats, such as a livestock farm, holiday park or industrial area."
Source: Onderzoek naar risico’s vogelgriep bij huiskatten
"Their analysis suggests there were as many as five B3.13 introductions from cattle to poultry, one to a raccoon, two to domestic cats, and three to wild birds."
Source: USDA genome study sheds light on H5N1 avian flu spillover to cows, but data gaps remain
2024.05.08 19:01 fly0793 Deal of the Century: Orange Factory Small Lady Dior in Patent Gray Calfskin from Anna [REVIEW]
![Deal of the Century: Orange Factory Small Lady Dior in Patent Gray Calfskin from Anna [REVIEW]](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/lQ1XUksXxnonXqdBdankeBKqwf5CK0sstdZBYYw9KmA.jpg "Deal of the Century: Orange Factory Small Lady Dior in Patent Gray Calfskin from Anna [REVIEW]") | Brand/Model/Style/Size of Item: Small Lady Dior in Stone Gray Patent Cannage Calfskin submitted by fly0793 to WagoonLadies [link] [comments] Author Expertise: My interest in reps was first piqued when, ~15 years ago, a friend of my mother's gifted her a Jimmy Choo rep from Tokyo (pic related here), an item that I noted instantly elevated her spring style and gave us preferential treatment when visiting... pretty much anywhere. This was solidified when I moved to the 3rd largest city in NA in my early twenties and made several friends in the fashion industry, and I learned two (rather appalling) things: 1) to look good (put together) is to feel good, and, 2) in this city, people will simply treat you better when you are carrying a Chanel bag. On our 2016 joint income of $150K, purchasing luxury bags was simply not an investment priority (though I own several auth that I purchased for a sub-$1500 ticket price.) So, I entered the world of reps, visiting the auth in store after receipt and presenting only those to the world that I felt were not call-outable. Since then, though we have now bought our own home and improved our careers, the dark triad -and thrifty - part of my personality gets way too turned on by the idea of having "beat the system" by purchasing products of near-equal quality at 10-20% of the price to ever purchase auth. Disclosure: The seller does not know I'm writing this review. No affiliation/promotion with Anna or the Lindashians. Seller: Anna, Whatsapp +86 1891648 7535 Price Paid: 1350 CNY minus 10% repeat business discount = 1215 CNY or 168 USD, + 550 shipping (76 USD) - but I purchased two bags in this order, so not sure how much shipping would be on its own. Paid via Paypal F&F Factory: Orange Factory Factory Photos Timeline: 04/16: Inquired and sent photo link, Anna replies immediately in her usual lightning fashion, I paid and provided my address 04/19: Received PSPs and replied with strap personalization preferences. Note, I have no doubt that the PSPs I received throughout are of the actual item I received. I'm not including them here since it's the same bag, just with all of the packaging on it. 04/21: Received PSPs with strap personalization 04/23: Received FedEx tracking 04/29: Received package!! Impression: First of all, my overall satisfaction can be summed up as: delight, joy, and a sadistic dose of smugness that I paid <$200USD for this high-quality bag for which the auth fetches $5000. The leather is soft and squishy; while I don't own any other patent bags, I do own several patent leather shoes, and this is the softest item that I own in that fabric. The handles are sturdy and comfortable. The strap is bendy but sturdy - though I am not going to review here, because I added a level of personalization that I'm not comfortable photographing. I also find the whole idea of ever using the strap a bit ridiculous with this bag. The embroidery, the patent - does that scream street/casual wear?? I think not. Chances I'll use it? very low. There is a most definite odor of fufu. While this might horrify some people, I have extensive experiences with fufu, and know that it diminishes over time to the eventual earthy, sweet, pleasant smell of its luxurious cousins. It's already down by 70%. The Lady and I are in it for the long haul, and the thought of her stinking for the next 6 months to a year is the price I'll gladly pay. Now, onto the QC: Rep to Factory: Ok, so here is my wild theory about the factory photos: I suspect that they are of an authentic 2023/2024 season bag upon which OF bases their construction. If the photos are truly from an OF-made bag, there is some batch-to batch discrepancy, and that first item is virtually identical to the auth. Anna advised me (as indeed the rest of this sub has) that Angel Factory is the best for repping Dior, but quoted me 3500 CNY for an AF Lady Dior. Thus, I took the gamble. Making this disclaimer so that it's clear that I was warned, and that I remain satisfied anyway. https://preview.redd.it/g3h07ztu78zc1.png?width=2888&format=png&auto=webp&s=be20286a8dcfe5d8daf9c66a341519e942ab5ed3 Item received, photographed with flash Here, I have included photos of my item in both natural light and with flash, primarily for the purposes of illustrating that the colour of the item is 1) diverse and beautiful and 2) bang on the factory photos. Here, my main (and only real) criticism is evident: the colour of the stitching. The stitches themselves are beautiful, neat, and virtually identical to the factory photos. However, the colour of them is off. In the factory (and auth, as will be shown) the stitching is slightly darker than the colour of the leather. In the rep, the stitching is slightly lighter. This remains the only call-outable feature on this bag, though based on my experience, no one is going to notice unless someone else with the 2023/2024 bag is standing right next to you. 90% accurate. The handles stand up beautifully on their own (albeit with some manipulation on my part). I have found that they do fall a bit sideways if I don't carefully place them, which I know is also true of the auth (though friends that I know have bags from previous seasons). The colour of the gold may look different in the photos. My impression is that, in real life, the gold on the rep is a champagne to light gold colour that is not noticeably different from the factory photos or auth. https://preview.redd.it/xm1zki2u98zc1.png?width=3212&format=png&auto=webp&s=ca10a49e7611b9589aa9576ce60083b1c748bfdf The shape of the opening is slightly different from the factory photos. https://preview.redd.it/qp25igdna8zc1.png?width=2522&format=png&auto=webp&s=ad5cee6533920169d353edb1deadd6735b74d491 The inside stamp is also different from factory photos. Hilariously, the rep also comes with a date code in the inside pocket. This is the head scratcher. I have taken the following information, widely available on the internet, concerning Dior's date codes: "Generally, Dior date codes consist of a combination of letters and numbers, each representing different details about the item. The date code on a Dior purse or wallet is a combination of digits, letters and dashes organized in a way that lets us know important information about a Dior item. Here's the order on newer items
The last 4 digits indicate the month and the year when the bag was made. The first and third number indicate the month of manufacturing, the second and fourth number indicate the year." Yeah, the rep's date codes don't follow any of that. The country of production is QQ, and the last 4 digits are 46 98, which can't represent a possible date, lol. However, I wouldn't deduct accuracy from the overall bag for this. Why are you letting anyone go through your bag?! https://preview.redd.it/ao692t8zb8zc1.png?width=2340&format=png&auto=webp&s=049a36d09499448742e47e3492617652d279b37c The side profile wasn't well captured in the factory photos, however, I am happy. Rep to Auth: The factory photos of this bag are virtually identical to the auth (sourced from the Dior website), as will be shown below. Thus, my criticisms are the same, and I haven't got much to add here, but will put them in for illustration. The darned stitching colour What strikes me most about the comparison is just how great the rep's hardware is. The D, I, O, and R are bang on. https://preview.redd.it/kgjq1cqxe8zc1.png?width=2522&format=png&auto=webp&s=12766bf375bf0fdf866822be38f07c38f242945a Really impressed that the quilting isn't too poofy on the rep, and that the handles are pretty darned close, if not identical. https://preview.redd.it/9rkddiwkf8zc1.png?width=2176&format=png&auto=webp&s=14d73e2906ce44c78f18f8811b015e34bb07ecd9 Again, what draws my attention here is the similarity of the quilt puffing from a bird's eye view. The only potentially call-outable difference from the auth is that it appears the handles might stand up easier? Not sure how much manipulating Dior did for its site photos.
Possibly my favourite rep purchase ever. Seller Satisfaction: I've purchased with Anna before, going back 3 years, and would do so again. She is engaged and speedy. Point to the Lindashians on this one. The Wrap Up: I wore this bag to Saks yesterday (does NOT have a Dior store within) and got so many complements on my outfit and bag. I wouldn't wear it to a Dior store, with the differences in stitching colour - but I would have no problem wearing it anywhere else under any other circumstances. WIMB: Sunglasses, phone, wallet, keys, and airpods. |
2024.05.08 16:12 strider_of_numenor Coping with FOMO, wasted years, and being a 23y/o virgin
Hey, I hope this post doesn't break any rules, I guess I just need some kind of support and don't know where else to go. I'm sorry if the post is too long and puts you off from reading.
I'm a 23 years old male from Italy. I've been struggling a lot recently because of being what you might define a late bloomer. I grew up poor and unfortunately in a context where I didn't click with many people in school (and my parents never seemed to care at all about my social life and left me to my own devices), even though I was kinda liked by everyone I was never liked enough to be included in groups or hang out outside of school, except one friend I had for many years that I'd spend all my time with when I was a teenager. We kind of went separate ways eventually and lost contact, so from around 16-17 y/o I started to live like a complete hermit, just at home playing videogames and doing nothing but that. I even got depressed and quit school as a result for about 3-4 years, and started doing things like 3D modeling to pass the time but never made money out of it.
At 21 I went back to finish school and got my diploma, at 22 I started working out, got a firearms license and I tried to join the Air Force but was rejected despite passing all the tests. After that I tried to find a job and I landed a couple which turned out to be terrible experiences and I made no money out of them. I always thought I wasn't good enough at studying for university and I was too broke for it anyway, so I never considered it until this year. I kept working out and in December last year I started swimming too, on top of running and lifting, and in January I tried to join the navy and passed everything, and I should be leaving for training next month in June.
During all this time I only ever socialized with people online through playing games, which I think has kept me sharp enough, and in fact even though I used to be incredibly shy and socially awkward, growing up now I feel a lot more secure in having conversations with people, even though sometimes that awkwardness still creeps up. That is at least, in English, because that's the language I've pretty much exclusively used all these years, which makes me worried that I'll be crap at socializing in Italian when I leave for the navy.
I'm not a bad looking guy at all, I'm 5'7, I have an athletic physique and a few hobbies and interests. That notwithstanding I've had simply nowhere to go and meet people being isolated this whole time, partly also because of being broke, and as a result I never had a 'real' relationship with a woman, and while that didn't bother me THAT much when I was a teenager, in the past 2-3 years it's been bothering me massively and making me feel absolutely terrible every day.
I've had 3 long distance relationships so far with women that I met online, 2 of which didn't last too long or end well, and with the current one being the best with a 25 y/o dutch woman that I love very much. We're so compatible with each other and we love spending as much time as we can together every day, and despite that I still feel depressed, because as real as my love for her is, I suppose it doesn't ever really feel like I "have her" until I can see her and be with her physically. We're planning to meet after I'm done with my training (start of August) so I finally have some money to book a flight and go see her. The thing is that while I'm poor, she's very well off and she could definitely afford to see me right now despite being busy with university, and she's also planning a 1 month trip in South Korea later this year, and I'm not sure how to deal with the distance.
She probably doesn't mind it because she's had multiple long term relationships since she was 18 (and feeling behind her in that sense also makes me feel bad), while I'm still here all by myself, so while she's probably fine with spending months apart I feel like I need to catch up on all that I've missed out on during all these years, and like I need to be with her. I'm not sure how to cope with these feelings, I feel terrible every single day for having never touched a woman at 23, I wish I could go back in time and change things but I can't and there's nothing I can do about it. I just feel like I'm behind everyone, and like it's not normal, I feel different from everybody and like there's no hope for the future, because no matter what I do I can't change being "old" to start with these things now. The thought of it being 'too late' kills me inside every single day, and I can't hide that it even made me suicidal multiple times, bawling my eyes out about it. Even though I rationally know that it's not too late, it still feels that way, and that lingering feeling of being behind everyone in life is ever present and keeps torturing me.
I just want to feel normal and like I didn't miss out on all that much in the end, and like I can have a normal, fulfilling relationship and feel fine with myself, but I don't know how to. I have all these things going on in my head, and every day is a struggle to keep going, and to be honest I'm not sure how the heck I'll be able to go through training soon when I'm in this state, and that's an additional concern now...
I hope you guys have some advice on how to cope with these feelings, because I wouldn't know where to start. Thank you so much for any advice and support.
submitted by strider_of_numenor to Healthygamergg [link] [comments]
I'm a 23 years old male from Italy. I've been struggling a lot recently because of being what you might define a late bloomer. I grew up poor and unfortunately in a context where I didn't click with many people in school (and my parents never seemed to care at all about my social life and left me to my own devices), even though I was kinda liked by everyone I was never liked enough to be included in groups or hang out outside of school, except one friend I had for many years that I'd spend all my time with when I was a teenager. We kind of went separate ways eventually and lost contact, so from around 16-17 y/o I started to live like a complete hermit, just at home playing videogames and doing nothing but that. I even got depressed and quit school as a result for about 3-4 years, and started doing things like 3D modeling to pass the time but never made money out of it.
At 21 I went back to finish school and got my diploma, at 22 I started working out, got a firearms license and I tried to join the Air Force but was rejected despite passing all the tests. After that I tried to find a job and I landed a couple which turned out to be terrible experiences and I made no money out of them. I always thought I wasn't good enough at studying for university and I was too broke for it anyway, so I never considered it until this year. I kept working out and in December last year I started swimming too, on top of running and lifting, and in January I tried to join the navy and passed everything, and I should be leaving for training next month in June.
During all this time I only ever socialized with people online through playing games, which I think has kept me sharp enough, and in fact even though I used to be incredibly shy and socially awkward, growing up now I feel a lot more secure in having conversations with people, even though sometimes that awkwardness still creeps up. That is at least, in English, because that's the language I've pretty much exclusively used all these years, which makes me worried that I'll be crap at socializing in Italian when I leave for the navy.
I'm not a bad looking guy at all, I'm 5'7, I have an athletic physique and a few hobbies and interests. That notwithstanding I've had simply nowhere to go and meet people being isolated this whole time, partly also because of being broke, and as a result I never had a 'real' relationship with a woman, and while that didn't bother me THAT much when I was a teenager, in the past 2-3 years it's been bothering me massively and making me feel absolutely terrible every day.
I've had 3 long distance relationships so far with women that I met online, 2 of which didn't last too long or end well, and with the current one being the best with a 25 y/o dutch woman that I love very much. We're so compatible with each other and we love spending as much time as we can together every day, and despite that I still feel depressed, because as real as my love for her is, I suppose it doesn't ever really feel like I "have her" until I can see her and be with her physically. We're planning to meet after I'm done with my training (start of August) so I finally have some money to book a flight and go see her. The thing is that while I'm poor, she's very well off and she could definitely afford to see me right now despite being busy with university, and she's also planning a 1 month trip in South Korea later this year, and I'm not sure how to deal with the distance.
She probably doesn't mind it because she's had multiple long term relationships since she was 18 (and feeling behind her in that sense also makes me feel bad), while I'm still here all by myself, so while she's probably fine with spending months apart I feel like I need to catch up on all that I've missed out on during all these years, and like I need to be with her. I'm not sure how to cope with these feelings, I feel terrible every single day for having never touched a woman at 23, I wish I could go back in time and change things but I can't and there's nothing I can do about it. I just feel like I'm behind everyone, and like it's not normal, I feel different from everybody and like there's no hope for the future, because no matter what I do I can't change being "old" to start with these things now. The thought of it being 'too late' kills me inside every single day, and I can't hide that it even made me suicidal multiple times, bawling my eyes out about it. Even though I rationally know that it's not too late, it still feels that way, and that lingering feeling of being behind everyone in life is ever present and keeps torturing me.
I just want to feel normal and like I didn't miss out on all that much in the end, and like I can have a normal, fulfilling relationship and feel fine with myself, but I don't know how to. I have all these things going on in my head, and every day is a struggle to keep going, and to be honest I'm not sure how the heck I'll be able to go through training soon when I'm in this state, and that's an additional concern now...
I hope you guys have some advice on how to cope with these feelings, because I wouldn't know where to start. Thank you so much for any advice and support.
2024.05.08 15:01 ibid-11962 In-Universe Lore [Post Murtagh Christopher Paolini Q&A Wrap Up #3]
As discussed in the first post, this is my ongoing compilation of the remaining questions Christopher has answered online between August 1st 2023 and April 30th 2024 which I've not already covered in other compilations.
As always, questions are sorted by topic, and each Q&A is annotated with a bracketed source number. Links to every source used and to the other parts of this compilation will be provided in a comment below.
The previous post focused on Movies and Adaptations. This installment will focus on In-Universe Lore, questions and answers that relate to matter inside the books, not about the books. The next post will focus on Murtagh (the book and the character).
submitted by ibid-11962 to Eragon [link] [comments]
As always, questions are sorted by topic, and each Q&A is annotated with a bracketed source number. Links to every source used and to the other parts of this compilation will be provided in a comment below.
The previous post focused on Movies and Adaptations. This installment will focus on In-Universe Lore, questions and answers that relate to matter inside the books, not about the books. The next post will focus on Murtagh (the book and the character).
In-Universe Lore
Teleportation MagicI always assumed when Arya tried to send Saphira’s egg to Brom she missed him geographically but was that a REALLY early clue that Eragon’s his son? So he was “close” to Brom because they’re related? Yup. You got it. [T]Murtagh and Brom
Why Don't People Just Teleport Around? I know Oromis said that the teleporting spell is a taxing one, but Arya sent Saphira's egg halfway across the continent on her own. It seems like it would be easier to travel long distances in a few "hops" with breaks in between. Especially once Eragon gets the Eldunarí. Good question. Maybe you'll get some answers. :D [R]
Since Murtagh and Brom met briefly, I was wondering, had we had more time with Brom, would he have considered Murtagh for simply who he is or whose son he is? I think he would have needed to have gotten to know Murtagh. So I think he would have been immediately suspicious of him, especially given the circumstances under which they met. And of course meeting him would have been a very emotional experience for Brom, given his history with Morzan. So it would have been difficult. And of course, once Murtagh realized who Brom was and that he was responsible for killing Morzan, then that would have made it that much more difficult. Eragon will have been so clueless in that moment. Oh yeah, but that's kind of the definition of Eragon in the first couple of books, he has no idea what's going on. He's like, "who, me, what, what?" [19]Shades
If I recall correctly, there are only 3 or four shades that were recorded to be killed in history. What happens to all other Shades that were created? Actually, what I said in (Eragon, I think) is that there were only a few people who had killed a Shade and lived. But yes, they're super dangerous and difficult to deal with. [R]Tornac
What happened to Tornac, Murtagh's horse? Is he still alive? How is he doing? No comment. [19]Nasuada
I actually had a whole backstory planned with Nasuada's mother for The Inheritance Cycle and just the way the scenes worked out in the series, there was never an opportunity for that that to naturally come out in her conversations with anyone that we saw. [11]Vegetarianism
I wonder if the elves in the Forsworn continued their vegetarianism? Sure they were evil, but I know lots of vegans/vegetarians who are still jerks to people but not animals. They may have been evil, but they weren't barbarians! (From their point of view.) [T]Healing Magic
Will we ever learn how Murtagh healed Thorn so quickly in Eldest? Eldunarí [T]Spirits
If spirits are self-sustaining, why are they drawn to sources of power, and why do they "drink from the emanations that give them life" despite the fact they are self-sustaining? A clarification: they're self-sustaining in the sense that they're stable patterns that can persist over time. However, like all living things, they still need sustenance, which they get in the form of energy (usually electromagnetic) that they absorb/consume from the environment. [R]Elvish Children and Ageing
In Brisingr, Rhunön says while forging the sword Brisingr that children have something special. They are born, with "gifts of grace and gifts of power that no grown elf can hope to match" and their "blossom withers" over time. How do you feel about that quote, now that you are a father and that you have children? Oh, I stand by it. I think you could say the same is true for human children to a degree. They're born with a share of innocence and beauty even that we all lose as we age. We gain things in return. We gain wisdom. We gain knowledge. We gain strength. Hopefully we gain patience and kindness also. But there is something special about childhood. A timelessness which I suppose goes back to innocence. And of course with the elves, since they're tied into magic in ways that we aren't, there are other factors in play as well. They have powers or abilities that somehow outstretched that of any adult elf? Well, my thought was the inhibitions are lower. The barriers between them and the flow of magic is different. And so they are more naturally inclined toward wild magic. That is magic unbounded by the ancient language. And not that it always happens, but just in general, I think with the Elven children, you never quite know what might happen. And then as they get older, as they hit their equivalent of adolescence, it all becomes much more constrained and adult. When are you considered an adult for the elves, like 50 years old? I don't want to commit to an actual number at the moment. I'd have to look at it. I know I've always thought about a very rough guide would be like 20 to 30 is kind of their teenage years, roughly. And then you're not considered a young adult until well after that. And I try to think when Arya took up her role as ambassador and left, Du Weldenvarden. And it might've been when she was like 20 or 30, something like that. She would've been, really kind of too young to do that, but it'd be like a, 18-, 19-year-old going off to join the foreign legion or something, but people do that. [19]Angela
In Inheritance, is what Angela is writing down a Doctor Who reference? Maybe. Is it raxacoricofallapatorius? Now that would be copyright infringement. Right, it is the legally distinct version of that. Yes, I am a Doctor Who fan. I have to ask, have you read To Sleep in a Sea of Stars? I actually haven't yet. That is next on the list. Well, the reason I asked is there is a certain short curly-haired woman with a cat who appears in To Sleep in a Sea of Stars that might answer a few of your questions or raise a couple more. [11]Eragon vs Barst
Murtagh was an amazing ride. I just missed Angela. She does appear in the book. Just under a different name . . . [Uluthrek] [T]
Has Angela the Herbalist ever gotten drunk? Most likely. [T]
Would Eragon have been able to defeat Barst? Yes. [R]Reading Magic
Jeod says "The spell you sent me, however, did not work when I read it from the scroll." I don't recall him ever being mentioned as a spellcaster. He'd have to be though, for him to be able to cast this spell right? Nope. Non-magicians can cast spells if the spells are, in essence, pre-loaded with energy. So if a scroll/gem/object is imbued with the necessary energy to enact the spell, then all you need to do is trigger the release of the energy by performing the necessary action (in this case, reading the words of the spell off the scroll). [R]Eldunarí Training
Arya and Murtagh aren't getting ANY actual “rider” training. Eragon is the only rider alive who was taught rider-only knowledge. And neither Fírnen or Thorn has a dragon to teach them dragon-only knowledge. Don’t forget some of the Eldunarí stayed behind in Ellesméra with Arya and Fírnen. Was in deluxe edition of Inheritance and then added to later printings of main edition. [R]Az Sweldn rak Anhûin Riders
What will happen if a dragon was to hatch in the Dûrgrimst Az Sweldn rak Anhûin? I'm not sure that the dwarves would allow any of those clan members to come before the dragon eggs. If that did happen and one dragon hatched for them, I think it'd be very difficult politically, and it's entirely possible that the dragon for whom it hatched would be exiled from their clan. I thought that maybe it will make them change, but no, it's unlikely after all since they showed so much antagonization. I mean, come on, how often do people change their beliefs? Not often. [19]Forbidden Spells
You aren't exactly the kind of guy that I would openly give like a bad review to. Good, you should do it anonymously. That's what the internet was made for. I wouldn't give you a bad review, like under my real name, because I can't think of any other author whose magic system is specifically able to give someone testicular torsion. Could we get a firm pronunciation of that spell? It would be bowler, that's actually how you would say it. Böllr, that's ball of course, thrysta. Böllr thrysta. And it's considered the worst spell in the World of Eragon. You're really discouraged from using it. And those who use it are usually exiled and/or killed on the spot. Wow. So it's sort of akin to like an unforgivable curse. It is an unforgivable curse. That's right. Well thank you so much. I'll have to remember that spell for the next time someone suggests a really bad idea. Like leaving a bad review on my books? No, I was thinking like if someone said, hey, do you guys want to go watch Eragon? [31]
Dragons
Dragons PhysicsI think something you always run into if you're trying to depict dragons as real world animals is how do you actually get them to breathe fire if there's a biological process? My solution is just magic which was easy. With a lot of CGI dragons the wings are always too small. You need massive wingspan to get a body that size off the ground. Real world physics, if you're gonna have them fly, they need to have very big wings. I have the privilege of living in a part of the country where quite a few dinosaurs have been dug up. In fact, not too far from my house, they dug up a, I think it was a brontosaurus. And the big museum near me in Bozeman, Montana, the Museum of the Rockies has one of the best dinosaur exhibits in the world. And the paleontologist Jack Horner actually worked in conjunction with that museum for many years. And I got to have a sort of behind the scenes tour with him one time and he showed me these bones from the wings of a pterosaur. Huge, huge animal. And the wings were so fragile and he was talking about the ratio of the wings to the body size and the weight that could actually lift and everything. And you either need some massive genetic engineering or some magic to make dragons actually possible. [30]Dragon-adjacent Species
Just finished Murtagh and holy flaming dragon balls was that an amazing, wild ride from start to finish! You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! (For the record, dragon, ah, gonads are internal. Just to be clear.) [T]
Where do the dragons poop? Wherever they want. [R]
What discoveries about dragons do you continue to uncover and how do you continue to draw inspiration for describing the dragons in very different ways? If I were writing a story that wasn't in the World of Eragon, something completely new, then I think I'd draw a little bit more from some stuff I've read in mythology and just other fantasy books over the years. Specifically in this series though, what I'm discovering, if anything, is just further exploration of what I've already established. So taking it to the logical extremes of, okay, if the dragons exhibit these traits, what about this? What about that? How would that actually influence things? And also in my world, I have a couple of dragon-adjacent species. Because it seemed to me that if the dragons existed, as with most creatures, there'd be something similar as well, similar, that had evolved along similar lines, but wasn't actually a dragon. So I have a couple of those. And those are fun to play with as well. [34]Dragon Diets
How would you make a giant dragon ecologically feasible? But I don't know if there's a way to even do that. I always thought that the only way it would work would be if dragons were kind of like whales, which are predators. So you can have so many very large predators and it really depends on having enough biomass underneath them to support that. And I kind of look at various reptiles and snakes where especially as they get larger, they gorge and then they go into hibernation. They rest, they digest for sometimes months and months at times. And that could be semi-realistic and it fits with some of the mythology. But if you get into really large dragons, which is always fun to write about, even the physics of supporting their own weight aside, let's say it's magic or they've got adamantium bones or whatever and muscles, but then what are they actually eating? They'd have to go pick up blue whales and down a blue whale every once in a while. It's really the only conceivable thing. Or you'd be wiping out entire herds of everything. I think the complicating factor is that so many dragons in our books and other books are really intelligent. So you have the double whammy of a very large predator who might also have human level, if not more, intelligence. And then you really got to start wondering about the impact on the ecology. It's like, well, OK, maybe the dragon just takes a large valley and sees a couple herds there. And so it carries a couple boulders over and blocks off each end of the valley. And now its own private ranch. And you're going to live and grow there and get eaten occasionally, and the dragon's happy. See, now I'm picturing Yellow Scale Ranch, like a city of Yellowstone. And the dragon has a cowboy hat and maybe a walking stick. What do you think's under the caldera? Why do you think it erupts every so many tens of thousands of years? [30]Dragons Eating Others
One thing that's never talked about enough with dragons and how they hunt and eat is just how bad it would smell if they went after a flock of sheep. Do you know how bad birds would smell? The stench would drive off every creature, every predator, every human in probably like a 20 mile radius. [30]
One of my favorite scenes was right after Muckmaw, when Murtagh wouldn't let him eat him. The funny thing is, when they're flying over some mountains, Thorn is talking about eating Urgals, and Murtagh makes him promise that he's not going to eat an Urgal, or a Human, or an Elf, and he conveniently leaves out the Dwarves. Which readers have immediately picked up on. And someone said, well, you know, the Dwarves do kind of have it out for Murtagh because he killed their king. So maybe Murtagh left that out on purpose. That he's just giving a little bit of a loophole for Thorn. That if Thorn needs to eat a dwarf, Murtagh's not going to be too concerned. To be fair, I do think that Saphira would really have no qualms about eating someone she didn't like either. No, but I think that she'd have justification, right? Well, yeah, I mean, Thorn's justification is he doesn't like you or he's hungry. Those are good justifications. [32]Alcoholic Dragons
We all know that Saphira is a great mead aficionado. Is it something that's only her fancy or do some other dragons also like that? Some other dragons definitely enjoy drinking, so it's not just Saphira. There was probably some wild parties in Vroengard then. Oh yeah, and it's actually a common thing in the wild and lots of animals will try to get fermented berries and essentially get themselves drunk. So I think dragons probably enjoy a good drink now and then. It seems to be the smarter the animal, the more they like alcohol. [19]Dragons and Riders Dying
In Eragon, correct me if I'm wrong, if the Rider dies, the dragon dies, right? So that's actually something they invented for the film version. They will often die, just because the bond is so strong. But there's nothing like that compels the death. It's more like they're suicidal, they feel horrible, and they they end it. [33]Dragon Colors
Why is Saphira blue? Because I'm color blind. I am red-green color blind. I see both red and green, but I see less of them than someone with normal color vision. And so if you've read the books, the way that I described dragon vision is how I see the world. Blue is the most vibrant color I tend to see. And thus, Saphira is blue. However, I've been told that the blue that I think Saphira is, is actually purple for someone with normal color vision. So I see purple as the most amazing blue. So she is a purple dragon, but I say she's blue. [35]Dragon Gods
Back when I just finished Inheritance, I had some daydreams/fanfiction about the first new dragon that would hatch after Eragon left Alagaësia. Just wondering if you have guesses on the new dragon's color? Puce. [R]
Men, Dwarves, and Elves each have their own gods and religion. What about Dragons? Do they have their own gods and religion? Dragons ARE gods. At least, that’s what *they* think. [T]Dragons are Cats
Could dragons make good pets? I clearly prefer dogs and cats! Dogs love us for life. Cats are the perfect companions for writers. In fact, my dragons behave like cats! Like them, they have high self-esteem. They are very proud. [4]Saphira's Hotness
I know we all hate the movie because it’s awful, but I’m rewatching now and damn is newborn Saphira adorable as all hell. She needed to be fiercer looking, like a baby hawk. But yes, very cute. [R]Shruikan
Saphira's supposed to look beautiful, right? She's FABULOUS. [R]
I was just wondering what you thought about Saphira's Rule 34 page. I don't want to think about it. [31]
Which character do you think is the most tragic, with the most disappointments and loss? Shruikan [R]
Murtagh
PronunciationHow do you pronounce Murtagh, your new book? Because Italians have their pronunciations, English has its own pronunciations. We pronounciation the "gh" here in Italy. First of all, in The World of Eragon there are many different dialects and languages. So the way you say his name is how is name would be said in certain parts of the world. I say Murtagh (mur-tag) but I'm an American so my vowels are very flat, and in The Word of Eragon it probably would be said much more like Murtagh (murr-tug) or something like that. Like in Italian Ci. The first time I was in Italy, for Eldest, or for my second book. My parents came to visit while I was in Italy, and I was calling their room and I called to the front desk of the hotel and I asked for their room and I gave them the last name and I said "Paolini" (pow-li-ni) and they go "No. No. No." I said "Paolini (pow-li-ni)". "No. No. No. No one by that name." And finally I went "Paolini (pay-oh-liii-niiiiiiiii)". And they go "Ohhhhhhhh". [Note that when the translator tries saying this answer back in Italian all the Paolinis sound the same.] We also have a lot of different accents in the Italian language. That may have also helped out. No, I know. My family is originally from Bologna, and I watched a lot of Italian films and shows. The difference between what you hear in Inspector Commissario Montalbano versus some of the other films is very different. [7]Murtagh's Map
I reserve the right to butcher my character's names however I darn well please. And I have gotten into extended discussions with my fans about whether it is Murtuag, Murtag, or Murtah because Murtah is actually a real Irish name. And because I'm an uncouth American and I have flat vowels, I say Murtag, but it probably should be Murtuag and of course historically it's Murtah. [33]
Why isn’t the map in English? Because it’s Murtagh’s actual map. The translation key is in the back of the book. [T]Runes
Did you draw this and then fold and crease the page, and this is a photograph of that, or are the creases drawn? Neither. I drew it and then placed a picture of creased paper under the drawing, on a separate layer. The map by itself, without the paper image, looks rather bare, as I designed it to work with the underlying texture. [T]
The reason it's only half of Alagaësia, is because if you translate this bit, and there is a translation key in the back of the book, it says this is an imperial map. So this is a map from the Empire that Murtagh was given before the end of Inheritance. [17]
I've gotten a few people who've been annoyed that in the map at the beginning of Murtagh, all the locations are labeled in runes, which I do provide a Rosetta Stone for at the back of the book. Of course, you have to go look in the back of the book and know that it's there in order to figure that out. So some people have been like, "How am I supposed to know where Murtagh is? Come on." But the idea was that it is a in-universe artifact. It's actually the map that Murtagh himself is carrying around, which is why it's all wrinkled and stained and actually is what he's carrying around. [34]
The map at the beginning and the other illustrations are very dark. Is this deliberate or just an error? Printing error. It shouldn’t be that dark. [T]
There was also an instance where it says that the dwarves and humans use different runes, but in Eragon, it is mentioned that they use the same runes. Same runes arranged differently. [T]Mr Stabby vs Tinkledeath
While reading Murtagh, I came across a line where he is unable to read the dwarvern runes, however in Eldest, Gannel tells Eragon that humans adopted the dwarvern runes as their own. There's a discussion about the differences between the human and dwarven runes included at the back of Murtagh. [R]
If there will be a duel between Mr. Stabby, which technically cannot be broken, and Tinkledeath that can cut through almost everything, how will the duel ensue? I would guess that Mr. Stabby could hold off Tinkledeath, at least for a time. But trying to block a sword with a fork is very, very difficult, so I wouldn't want to try. [19]Svartlings
You have magic, dragons, ugly bird men and their ugly Wal-Mart bird dragons, bears the size of houses, elves that dress up as furries, and rocks that grow from farm soil! What a fantastical universe Don't forget the giant boars, the horned goat/sheep people, the ten-mile-high mountains, the giant whirlpool, and the spirit-possessed magicians. Oh yeah, and what are Svartlings? [R]Poetry
In this book there are indeed many plot twists, epic new enemies, but you know what I wasn't expecting? Murtagh becoming a poet. Was it because you've become keen on poetry as well? It's because if you've ever spent a fair bit of time without the Internet and without television and without radio and without books, you get really bored quite honestly. Especially if you have the sort of mind that like you need to do something with your mind and I think Murtagh is that sort of a person. Like he has too many unpleasant things to think about in his life and so he needs to distract himself. And after the end of Inheritance he knows he's changed and I think he's trying to think of himself in a new light as a new person. So for me it was like fifty percent him trying to entertain himself, fifty percent him trying to avoid thinking about things he didn't want to think about. And then of course outside of the actual universe of the story it's me the author enjoying doing poetry. But I wouldn't put it in if I didn't think it made sense for the character. [17]Glaedr’s scale
The werecat Carabel tells Murtagh that he must use a dragon scale to lure Muckmaw. She insists that “only the scale of a dragon will suffice for Muckmaw.” But why Glaedr’s scale? Couldn’t they have removed one of Thorn’s to use as bait? I was surprised that neither Murtagh or Thorn thought of it — even if just to dismiss it as a bad idea. You're right: I should have addressed this in the book, if even only to have Murtagh have the knee-reaction of "I'm not pulling a scale off Thorn!" to which Carabel would have said, "I'm not asking you to." etc. [R]Doorways
Why not any other scale, why only Glaedr's scale? Why didn't Murtagh ask the same question? Murtagh would NEVER volunteer to pull a scale off Thorn. Especially not if there was a possible alternative. [T]
Who was the elf that was protecting Glaedr's scale? Murtagh literally has to stab himself to free himself from the mental grip of someone, and he's not the least bit curious as to who it is? I think it's one of the two elves standing outside the stone house in Gilead. The ones that Murtagh purposefully avoided. This. [R]
"He blinked and took a closer look at the back wall. Was there something on the ... Yes. A faint line of white chalk. He traced it with his eyes and found that the line drew an arch from floor to head height. An arch or a doorway. The idea of a doorway. A yearning for freedom." Sounds like the kind of door Angela drew in FWW... Sure does. [T]Scurvy
How did Murtagh not get scurvy when he was living off the land? My boy didn't have a single fruit. Organ meats and pine-needle tea. [T]Scrying
I think [Murtagh and Thorn] are very very ignorant of magic. Like when they were talking about going south and were like "welp there's no faster way to contact anyone other than courier". I was practically screaming "YES THERE IS IT'S CALLED SCRYING YOU IDIOTS" Nasuada would be warded against random scrying, and Murtagh knows this. Pretty sure he thinks about this exact point when considering how to get info to Nasuada near the end of the Gil'ead sequence. [R]ADHD
I was describing this book [Murtagh] to my partner while I was reading it. And he goes "these two characters sound like they have ADHD". And I was like, "I see it." I don't know. They focus pretty well on the things they do. [32]Azlagûr
Is the "unnamed shadow" in Eragon's Guide to Alagaësia the DraumaAzlagûr? It is not referring to Azlagûr. [R]Galbatorix Motivations
Could Azlagûr be a Chinese Dragon? The old Chinese explanation for solar eclipses WAS a dragon eating the sun. Scary [R]
You tie Galbatorix to Bachel in this book in a way. Was there was that like nerve-wracking, because there's that element of like 'oh am I going to take something away from the previous story by tying it in here'? Yeah and it's possible some people are going to view it as too much of a retcon, but to that I would say two things. One, a lot of this has been planned for a very long time by me. Two I wouldn't believe 100% everything Bachel says. I have my own theories for what Galbatorix thought and felt and was actually up to. I don't think actually that the Dreamers had as much control. In fact the whole reason I'm sure he was looking for the name of names, the name of the ancient language, was to wipe the Dreamers out in many ways. I wouldn't trust everything Bachel says. [11]Shaking the valley
Galbatorix downfall was his unawareness of non-worded magic, but in Murtagh he and the forsworn meet Bachel who only uses unworded magic. Remember: Bachel lies. And even if she didn't, and Galbatorix was aware of wordless magic, he never would have thought to protect himself against a spell meant to help him, not hurt him. [T]
The whole "Galby lost part of his army in the spine" thing was a result (in part) of his attempt to deal with the Dreamers, and we have Bachel boasting that even Galbatorix couldn't stop them. And yet, we've been told that Eragon and the Eldunarí could have dealt with the Dreamers without too much difficulty. Galbatorix was significantly more powerful than they were, even without the Name of Names. So, if we take-as-given that Galbatorix wanted the Dreamers gone, why are they still there? He knew where they were, he knew he had the means to obliterate them, and (by his own estimation) the Varden was no real threat to him. 1. Bachel lies. 2. The Urgals wiped out Galbatorix's army. No contradiction there. Were they controlled/influenced by the Dreamers? Good question. 3. The Dreamers themselves aren't the real threat. 4. Galbatorix knew more than Murtagh/readers know. [R]
The thing that bothered me about the Ra'zac saying he's getting close to finding the Name is that I can't figure out any way they would have any indication of whether he's "close." There are many different names for the language, some more descriptive than others, but only one true name. It would be like saying, “I know Latin!” vs. “I know this exact dialect from this exact time period, and it is called X.” There are layers of specificity. [R]
Do you have a favorite scene or character or moment that you want to share? I really liked when Bachel shook the valley. Did she shake the valley though or is there a giant dragon under the Earth that moved in its slumber? Because I have theories. Well that's a good question. [11]Thorn Flashbacks
The scenes where Thorn was being put in an arena when he was young, is it a vision or is it a real recollection of Murtagh? That was a real recollection. [19]End Him Rightly
Was there a reference in murtagh to the pommel throwing technique? A certain character [Tornac] asked "Did you end him rightly?" And that made me remember the German fencing manual? Or was this just coincidence? There are no coincidences. @Skallagrim Ok, but like are we supposed to interpret this as a valid technique in-universe which Murtagh did? Or perhaps as a joke that the above mentioned character decided was appropriate to reference at that particular moment? It's both. It's a valid historical technique and also a joke within the HEMA community. Though not meant to be a joke between characters. [T]Torture
I just finished Murtagh and one thing that sticks to my mind is how pointless / tame the torture scenes were. The torture was worse than you think. I just didn’t want to write it out in detail. [R]Ithring
My personal theory is that Bachel forced Murtagh to inflict the pain on his own body through the breath or invading his mind. I could see Bachel forcing Thorn to maul Murtagh, Or Murtagh to torment Thorn under the breath. It was even worse than either of those two options, sorry to say. [R]
I just noticed; the Fractalverse logo & the center of [the Ithring] symbol, are similar. Shhh. [T]Murtagh's Spell
Does the explosion from “compress air and gather light” come from Murtagh [focusing] a bunch of light into a spot, which would heat up the air and cause it to rapidly expand? Bingo. And if there was watemoisture at the target location (which there was), you'll get a steam explosion. [R]Murtagh Healing
One of the spells Murtagh cast in the book, I think the translation was "Compress the air and gather light." And then a big explosion happened. Was that lightning or was that a form of plasma that had become unstable? Superheated watemoisture expanding. Basically, a steam explosion. [T]
You really put Murtagh through a lot. And it made me both smile and ache for him. I did put him through it. And one of the reasons is because although it was not his choice, he did some pretty unpleasant things and coming to terms with that was never going to be easy. And I think he will have an easier time of it moving forward now. He'll never have the life that Eragon has, but I think he has a chance at a more normal life now. As normal as he'll ever have a life. I wouldn't be surprised if he wakes up in a cold sweat, having some bad dreams for a couple of years, but I think he's on the path to healing. [19]Nasuada controlling magic users
Given the new paradigm of Nasuada being a queen, how will she manage to have at the same time potent enough magicians and keeping control of magic in her realm as decades will go on in the future, especially since she's not a magician herself? That is the problem she's grappling with and it's a difficult one. I think the solution she's settled on at the moment is insufficient, with drugging people who don't want to join Du Vrangr Gata or don't want to swear this or that. So my thought is that now that Murtagh is spending time with her and Murtagh has had this experience of being controlled by Bachel's breath, he has a unique perspective on all of this, and perhaps that will help guide Nasuada's thoughts and approaches moving forward. But it's a problem. I've seen people criticize Nasuada's choices with how to deal with the magicians. And I'll happily agree it's not ideal, but it's also not ideal to have random people wandering around who can kill you with a word or who can slip into your mind and control you and you have no defense against that. It's a major major problem and no one would put up with it in the real world. If you knew that was a possibility and you suspected someone of being a magician, that's the sort of thing where witch hunts and magician hunts start actually making a lot of sense. Maybe not on an individual moral level, but from a societal standpoint, it starts making a lot of sense why you might kill those people.* [19]Murtagh and Nasuada
What are Murtagh & Nasuada up to at this moment in time? Standing outside the small, barred room hidden behind her council chamber. [T]
Fractalverse
Sometimes I overthink things and end up confusing readers. Example: in Fractal Noise, I have my civilian characters use twelve-hour time. But they refer to the times using 24-hour terminology. So they'd say "Oh-nine-hundred" for 9am OR 9pm and rely on context for the listener to understand. Problem is, I never really explained what I was doing to readers. Lol. Ah well. Live and learn. [T]
Re-read To Sleep after reading Fractal Noise and somewhere in To Sleep it says the Great Beacon pulses ever 5.2 seconds but in Fractal Noise it says it's around 10 seconds. Is this a misprint? Yes. Was corrected in reprints. [T]
I have so many unanswered questions about Talos & the hole! Can we pleease get some lore on it. Lore upcoming in the next #Fractalverse books. So. Much. Lore. There's an entire dimension to the story that isn't yet apparent. [T]
If you think about it, the #Fractalverse has seven dimensions: three-subluminal, one luminal, and three superluminal. . . . I'm sure it's just coincidence. Why 3 subluminal and 3 superluminal? I thought the Tri-Space model was 3 realms? Yes, three realms, but superluminal and sub-luminal space are each 3D, while the luminal realm is just a membrane separating them. (Technically the membrane has an infinitesimal thickness to it, but that's splitting TEQs. For all practical purposes, it's 1D.) [T]
Fan Theories
I understood that some seeds had been planted in Murtagh, which made me wonder. Those seeds were even already in Brisingr. [23]
How far does the history of Alagaësia go, with all the associated myths and legends? You are now looking at the figurative tip of the iceberg. There is much more. There are fans who can now finally connect some of the clues I left in Eragon and my science fiction books. They suddenly get an inspiration and say: “Christopher doesn't play chess, he plays 4D chess.” But I have given away a lot of hints in my books, which I now have to do something with. In the coming books, both in Eragon and in my science fiction books, we will get more of the history, including things that I laid the foundation for years ago. So are both series connected? No comment. [23]
In the fan community there have been some very smart people who have been concocting some elaborate theories of what is actually going on in the World of Eragon and the Fractalverse. And they’re not right on everything but they’ve gotten pretty close in some very interesting ways. And all I'll say is that yes, I am doing a quite a lot of deep things and it isn't really apparent yet, and that's just my own fault, because I haven't written the next couple of books that will confirm what it is I'm actually doing on a deep level. So I'm looking forward to that. [32]
Have you seen any theories out there that have been correct? Yeah, a couple. There's a couple of really super smart fans in my fan base who've finally caught on to some of the very deep things I've been doing in the background of both my fantasy books and also my sci fi ones. And they've been like picking apart the world and going, wait a minute. Did Christopher mean this? Did he mean this? And nine times out of ten, the answer is yes. It's really hard to outsmart the crowd. There's so many smart people out there. And I love seeing that engagement. [33]
I have a bunch more theories on Giants but I'll save it for another post. You better write that post about the Giants. [R]
There are a lot of specific references to the moon in relation to the Ra'zac. Sheesh. All this talk of moons makes me wonder why/how Angela ended up being called Uluthrek. [R]
Fractal Noise has nearly no lore pertaining these theories. Ahem. All this talk about spirits and not a single mention of the 'angels' from FN? [R]
There gotta be something interesting at the top of Beors. Nobody has been to the top yet, not even the Riders. Pretty much little to zero breathing air at that point. Seems like the perfect place to have magical or immortal beings kinda just hanging out away from anything. Heh [R]
Right now no matter what way you swing it, we have issues in terms of time. Angela's presence makes things infinitely more complicated. Correct. I'm also guessing we're dealing with the very real issue of "Paolini is making up new shit as he goes", and is finding ways to retroactively make things fit together. Incorrect. (Or at least, mostly incorrect. :D) There's a major piece to the puzzle that I haven't shared yet. The next two Fractalverse books will clarify. [R]
Click here to continue to part 4: Murtagh & Murtagh (the book and the character)
2024.05.08 09:07 SkyAnimal Timeline of Human Evolution.
Earth's orbit experiences an “Orbital Eccentricity”, 100,000 year cycle orbit and inclination variation, going from circular to elliptical, the hemispheres experience more or less sun or exposure to the sun for extended periods, causing ice ages. Scientists estimate we are near the minimum, a 6% change in solar energy. At peak, the earth experiences a change of 30%.
Modern Day Primates, in the wild and captivity, are able to communicate, near and far, using verbal and gesture components, even to other species. Have been observed using wood as tools, and in using medicinal plants to treat wounds.
44 million y a - Hominid ancestors acquire Herpes virus.
10 million y a - Primate ancestors develop genes to digest alcohol.
6 million years ago - Primate ancestors split from Chimpanzee/Bonobo line (15 million DNA mutations have occurred since then; each person born today has 100 mutations distinct to them, most don’t survive.)
5.3 m y a - Mediterranean Sea experiences the Messinian Salinity Crisis, for 600,000 years the Straight of Gibraltar closed off, causing the Mediterranean to shrink down to two inland seas with Italy and Greece separating them. Ends in the Zanclean Flood, a river of Atlantic sea water flows thru Gibraltar and fills the Mediterranean in 2 years.
5 m y a - Arabian-African continent reconnects with Asia. Land based Turtle species start going extinct.
4 - 3 m y a - Hominid ancestors acquire pubic lice from Gorillas (genetic evidence).
3.6 - 2.58 m y a - Considered the Neogene Period.
3.3 m y a - Stone tools found in Kenya and Ethiopia.
2.6 m y a - Mode One Stone Tools found in Ethiopia, would subsequently spread. Flourished to 1.7 million y a in southern and eastern Africa. Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) Era (2.6 m y a till end of last Ice Age, 11,000 y a). Subdivided into the Early- or Lower Paleolithic (c. 2,6 million years ago - c. 250,000 years ago); the Middle Paleolithic (c. 250,000 years ago - c. 30,000 years ago); and the Late- or Upper Paleolithic (c. 50,000/40,000 - c. 10,000 years ago)
2.58 million - 11,700 years ago - Considered the start of the Quaternary Period, and covers the Pleistocene.
2.4 – 1.4 m y a – Homo Habilis (4.5-3.5 feet tall).
2 m years ago - Earliest Hominids start eating meat.
1.9 – 1.8 m y a – Homo Rudolfensis.
1.89 m y a to 110,000 y a - Homo Erectus (first to leave Africa and spread across Asia).
1.8 m years ago - Mode One Stone Tools found on Java.
1.7 m years ago - Mode Two Stone Tools (slicing, hand-axe/butchering, evidence of drilling tools) appear in Kenya and southern Africa.
1.6 m years ago - Mode One Stone Tools found in northern China.
1.6 - 1.5 m y a - Africa, Turkana Boy dies, likely from a tooth cavity infection. He was either 8 or 11-12 years old and 61 inches tall. Brain 880 ccm.
1.5 m y a - Kenya, possible start of Hominids using fire to cook food. (increase in caloric intake, which would lead to evolution; however, Paranthropus Boisei is the local species, brain 500-550 ccm, 54 inches tall)
1 million years ago - Likely split between ancestor of Homo Sapiens and proto-Neanderthal-Denisovan species. (Mitochondrial DNA evidence.) South Africa, evidence of fire use for cooking.
1 m - 700,000 y a - Java, Java Man dies, brain 900 ccm. 5' 8" tall.
900,000 y a – Possible earliest use of boats.
820,000 - 580,000 y a - Durum Wheat develops out of natural hybridization with Einkorn Wheat (genetic analysis).
800,000? y a - Low world temperatures recorded. Height of Ice Age?
790,000 y a - Levant, oldest Fire hearths found. (Homo Heidelbergensis, 1,250 ccm brain, 69 in tall)
740,000? y a - Height of Ice Age?
7-200,000 y a – Homo Heidelbergensis (East Africa and Europe, likely first to hunt large animals with spears)
640,000? y a - Height of Ice Age.
550,000? y a - Height of Ice Age?
540,000 - 430,000 y a - Art: Sea shell formed into decoration by Homo Erectus. (Could indicate when sea shells began to be used as whistles and horns.)
530,000? y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, high CO2 content in the atmosphere, 524-474,000).
500,000 y a - South Africa, evidence of Spears. Genetic evidence of Neanderthal spread from Europe to Caspian Sea, Denisovans occupied land from Caspian to the east.
450,000 y a - Earliest physical evidence of Neanderthal.
450,000 y a - Global temperatures had dropped, stayed that way for thousands of years.
430,000 - 230,000 y a - Durum Wheat cross-breeds with wild Goat Grass (genetic analysis).
400,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 424-374,000).
400,000 y a - Germany, oldest Spears found. France (Terra Amata), possible evidence of manmade shelter using prepared wood.
360,000? y a - Height of Ice Age.
335-236,000 y a – Homo Naledi (South Africa, 4’9”)
310,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 337-300,000).
300,000 y a – Mode Three Stone Tools (smaller knife-like, scrapers, developed in Europe by Neanderthals)
300,000-200,000 y a – Africa, Origin of Male Y-Chromosome that all current males are descended from. (40% of males do not reproduce.)
270,000? y a - Height of Ice Age.
240,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 242–230,000).
200,000 y a - France, evidence of Neanderthals fishing. Africa, "Mitochondrial Eve," source of all Human Haplo-groups that everyone is descended from, existed at this time.
194,000-135,000 y a - Penultimate Glacial Period.
190,000 y a - Early physical evidence of Denisovans. (At least three interbreeding events would occur with Homo Sapiens. EPAS1 gene, hemoglobin concentration, Tibetan plateau.)
190,000-50,000 y a - Flores Island, evidence of tool use by the Human Hobbit.
170,000 - 80,000 y a - Body Lice evolve (genetic evidence, feed on human skin, live in clothing; evidence of clothing)
164,000 y a – South Africa, heat treating Silcrete Stone to enhance stone tool production.
140,000 y a - Homo Sapiens found in Europe.
130,000 y a - Evidence of humans in North America. Crete, earliest human settlements found on the island. Art: Neanderthal necklace made of eagle talons. Croatia: Neanderthal teeth show possible dental work.
125,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 130-115,000). Sea levels 4-6 meters (18 feet) higher then today.
110,000-15,000 y a - Last Glacial Period. Grey Wolves would migrate from North America back to Asia prior to the maximum.
100,000-60,000 y a - Flores Island, bone fossil evidence of the Human Hobbit.
100,000 y a - Oldest example of proper human burial. South Africa, Pigment (paint) Creation Kit found. (would cover bodies in mud/clay and then spray the paint over the bodies, sun screen-protection from insects)
90,000 y a – Harpoons.
86,000-37,000 y a – Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens begin interbreeding, based on genetic evidence found so far.
75,000 years ago - Likely rise of Hunter Genotype in Homo Sapiens.
75,000 y a - Art: Drilled snail shells found in South African cave.
73,000 y a - South Africa (Blombos Cave), evidence of Red Ochre art on pieces of stone, stone with deliberate lines cut into it possibly representing count marks.
72,000 y a - South Africa, Beads found in cave.
70,000 y a - Mitochondrial DNA suggests this is when the Haplo-group of early humans migrated out of Africa to populate the rest of the world.
70-60,000 y a - Earliest evidence of bone and stone arrowheads (for Spear Throwers), found in South Africa. 64,000?
70,000 - 35,000 BCE - Neanderthal burials in Europe and Middle East.
68-16,000 y a – Smallpox evolves from an African Rodent Virus.
67,000 BCE - France, burial shows skulls with Trepanation (cutting holes to relieve brain pressure), earliest example of surgery.
65,000 y a - First humans settle Australia.
64,000 y a - Spain, oldest evidence found of Cave Art (Neanderthal hand).
61,000 y a - South Africa, possible evidence of a Sewing Needle.
60,000? y a - Height of Ice Age?
60,000 y a - Evidence of man/Neanderthal using herbal medicine.
55,000 - 40,000 y a - Italy, evidence of Neanderthal using Pine Tree Resin and Beeswax for hafting tools, in cave. (Beeswax can be used in making Candles.)
52,000 y a - Last evidence of Denisovans.
52,000 – 41,000 y a – Archaeological find of “Bast” tree fiber twisted into primitive cordage, possibly as handle for a Stone Tool. (meaning they had access to Clothing, Nets, Cord for Fishing or Hafting tools, rope; thinking processes of Counting, Sets, Patterns, and possibly abstract thinking)
50,000 - 10,000 y a - Mode Four Stone Tools (long blades).
50,000 y a - Australia, last evidence of megafauna. Siberia, needle made from bone found in Denisovan cave. Genetic evidence of Neanderthal spreading to western edge of China.
50,000 years ago - End point of development of Gatherer Genotype (can survive famine), Teacher Genotype (can handle new and different environments, analytical).
45,000 y a - Evidence of Neanderthal and Homo Sapien interbreeding. (Fossil found, DNA tested.) (France, to create stone tools required precision, “Soft Hammers” were likely used.)
44,000 y a - Evidence of art found in Indonesia.
44,000-40,000 y a - Europe experiences cold and dry weather, displacing populations.
43-42,000 y a - Germany, oldest musical instruments (flutes) found.
42,000 y a - Australia, skeleton of man suggests Atlatl use, pre-dating earliest evidence; earliest example of cremation found. Spain, small amounts of Natural Gold found in a cave.
40,000 y a - (Mankind is at the “Forager” level.) Last evidence of Neanderthal. (Inheritance of "STAT2" gene, immune response. HYAL2 gene, helps skin recover from sunburns.) China, test on body found that ate a lot of fresh water fish. Possible example of oldest petroglyphs. Beads found in Lebanon.
40,000 - 26,000 y a - Studying toe bones, showed they became smaller and weaker, indicating shoes were worn. Prior to this, shoes were likely bags wrapped around feet to protect from cold.
38,000 BC - First appearance of Mode Five Ground Stone tools on Japan. (rock was quarried; thin slivers of flint stone, attached to hafts, man is learning the use of a "handle" for tools and "leverage", create Adzes, Celts, and Axes; grinding helps to penetrate trees and was likely discovered when grinding plant matter; found buried with owners; were traded) Lasted till 14,000 BC. (Would not become popular elsewhere until 10,000 BC?) Germany: Clay Figurine featuring human with lion like appearance, thought to be earliest representation of a Deity.
35,000 BCE - Europe, earliest examples of "Venus figurines" found buried in graves (some showing they were deliberately broken or stabbed repeatedly); would later spread to rest of Eurasia. Early examples of skulls and long bones showing red ochre, indicating possible relic worship.
35,000 y a - Germany, flute made from a vulture bone found.
30,000 BCE – Solomon Islands, first humans settle (60 km sea voyage).
31,000 - 27,000 y a - Evidence of Pit Fire (Earthernware) Pottery developing.
30,000-20,000 years ago - Explorer genotype (Ice Age refugees, idiosyncratic, asymmetrical, contrarian mentality)
30,000 y a - Evidence of starch residue on rocks, indicating where plant matter was pounded and ground. (Would likely be the pre-cursor of developing bread from roots of cattails and ferns. Quern Grinding Stones would spread and gain popularity.) Georgia, Flax used as a textile (harvested, dyed, and knotted) found in Dzudzuana Cave. Fertile Crescent, Einkorn wheat harvested in it's wild form. Evidence of man using the Atlatl. Poland: Boomerang carved from mammoth tusk found. France, Lunar Calendar. Likely when Bolas (stone weight(s) and length of cord) began to be used.
28,000 y a - Europe, oldest evidence of rope.
25,000 - 15,000 BCE - Blood Type A develops in the Fertile Crescent. (able to survive Plague, Cholera, Smallpox)
27,000 y a - Australia, oldest example of petroglyphs found. Czech Republic, earliest example of "Weaving" of material together to create baskets and basic cloth. (Leads to counting and simple math, organizing.)
26,000-13,300 y a - Considered "Glacial Maximum", ice sheets extend to the 45th parallel north. (26,500 considered to be maximum glacial reach.)
23,000 - 12,000 y a – Europe, Perforated Batons found, made of antler, assumed to be a form of Atlatl that uses a leather strap or string to wrap around the spear and give it a slight spin, arrow or spear thrower (similar to Swiss Arrow). Right and left handed throwers find preference. Most carved with Horses, have one or two holes (one had 8 holes).
23,000 y a - Israel, Ohalo archaeological site, hunter-gatherer society (6 brushwood shelters, 132 stone tools some attached to hafts, stone Sickles, dwellings showed flint tools were made at entrance, cooking at other end, grind stone showed sand and cobbles to place and had U-shape of seeds around it) that grew/harvested Barley, Millet, Bromus (grass in same tax tribe as wheat/barley/rye, can be used for fermenting beverages, can be eaten by humans and animals), Rubus (same family as Rose plants, similar to blackberries), and various fruits (seeds from 13 different species), earliest evidence for “Bedding” material.
22,000 – 17,000 y a – France, Solutrean inhabitants make use of Antler.
21,000-17,000 y a - France, Atlatl's found in caves.
20,000 y a - Height of the Ice Age, sea levels 120 meters (360 feet) lower. Mode Five Stone Tools (microliths glued to handles, Fertile Crescent). Earliest example of a building/house found. Ukraine, Bullroarer (wood on rope that is swung around to create sound over long distance) found. Iraq-Iran, Zarzian Culture, had domesticated Dogs.
19,050? - 13,050 y a - Oldest Dryas Period, stadial, abrupt cooling period. Sea levels rose 10-15 m in 500 years.
17,000 BCE - Mesopotamia, Wild Emmer Wheat harvested.
18,000 - 17,500 y a - Siberia, earliest example of a domesticated dog found frozen. Germany, Bow and Arrows found. Early evidence of Darts used.
18,000 y a - Japan, oldest pottery discovered.
15,100 - 14,000 y a - Morocco, earliest example of a cemetery.
15,000 y a – Mode Five Stone Tools reach Europe. Southern France, cave art depicting possible Musical Bow, Nose Flute; "The Sorcerer," a figure showing human and many animal qualities (bison), made out of Clay.
15,000 – 10,000 y a – France, Stone Oil Lamps.
14,500 y a - Oldest example of bread making, Jordan desert.
14,160 - 13,820 y a - Archaeological find: infected tooth partially cleaned out with flint tools.
14,600 - 13,600 y a - "Melt Water Pulse," sea levels rose 16-24 m.
14,000? y a - Older Dryas Period, around 200 year cooling period.
13,500 - 8,200 y a - China, wild Rice domestication event occurs.
15-10,000 BCE - Himalayas, development of Blood Type B.
11,050 BCE - Syria, attempts at domesticating Rye.
13,000 y a - Greece, evidence of lentils found. Earliest evidence of Amber used in jewelry. Israel, archaeological evidence of beer like gruel for ceremonial purposes found at Haifa. Likely beginning of Slavery.
13,000 - 12,700 y a - Fertile Crescent, archaeological evidence of man corralling and using pigs.
12,900 - 11,700 y a - The Younger Dryas Period, when temperatures went cold instead of warming from the Last Glacial Maximum.
10,000 BCE - Jericho, considered mankind's first town, is established. Buildings of clay and straw, dead buried under homes. (Would reach 70 dwellings by 94,000 BCE.) Chickpeas domesticated. Earliest evidence of the Bottle Gourd being domesticated and used (Africa and Asia variety). Azerbaijan (Caspian Sea), petroglyphs of reed boats. Starting point of Ocarina type flutes. Cyprus, humans arrive. Germany, Jet artifact (Botfly larvae, which can be eaten). Curved Stone Oil Lamps.
11,700 y a - Considered the beginning of the Holocene.
9600 BCE - Southern Levant, earliest use of wild Emmer Wheat.
11,500 - 11,000 y a - "Melt Water Pulse," sea levels rose 28 m.
11,400 y a - Cypress, archaeological evidence of pigs (indicating they had been domesticated and brought from the mainland).
9400 - 9200 BCE - Jordan Valley, Fig trees found, indicating earliest agriculture since these trees could not reproduce.
9130 - 7370 BCE - SE Turkey, Gobekli Tepe, oldest known worship location.
9000 BCE - Syria, oldest (Saddle) Quern found. Mesopotamia, Copper first used. Bartering of Cattle and agricultural products likely occurring at this time.
9000 - 3300 BCE - Neolithic Era, roughly. Time period of when man has begun herding, before using bronze.
11,000 - 9,000 y a - Mesopotamia, domestication of Sheep; Rammed Earth construction technique developed. Iran, Domestication of Goat (focused on management of the animal, varieties would come later).
11,000-4,000 years ago - Warrior genotype (farmers, soldiers, inventors); Nomad genotype (life upon a horse, can handle different environments, good immune system)
11 or 10,000 y a - Last Ice Age ends.
8800 BCE - Emmer Wheat spreads beyond the Levant.
8700 BCE - Iraq, Copper pendant.
8500 BCE - Domestication of Barley. Domestication of peas occurs around this time. Turkey, Beer production found at Gobekli Tepe. Domestication of Cattle from the Aurochs (two separate populations, one in Mesopotamia [pop. 80], the other Pakistan). (Rendering cattle bones into Tallow allows for the creation of Candles. Beeswax also used.) Oregon, oldest pair of shoes found made from bark twine. Oats possibly start to be harvested, crop mirrors wheat (is like a weed).
8400 BCE – Cyprus, earliest dug Water Well (26 ft).
10,300 - 8,700 y a - China, Millet harvested.
10,200 - 9,500 y a - Emmer Wheat domesticated(?).
10,000 - 7,000 y a - Archaeological evidence of boats.
8000 BCE (10,000 years ago) – Genetic evidence of breeding Pigeons. Palestine, archaeological evidence of pastoralism. Pre-Pottery Neolithic people in the Fertile Crescent form perfectly smooth stone vases. Iran, Goat domestication. Believed to be when primitive dairy-cheese making began. Flax cultivation. China, Quern Grinding Stones. England, Antler used in headdress costume.
9,500 y a - Cyprus, earliest evidence of cat domestication. SE Anatolia, cold-working, annealing, smelting, lost wax casting of Copper.
7570 BCE – Indus Valley, Lapis Lazuli artifacts.
7500 - 5700 BCE - Anatolia, Catal Hoyuk develops as a spiritual center, found many clay figurines and impressions (feminine, phallic, hunting).
7400 BCE - A monolith ends up submerged in the Straight of Sicily.
7176 B.C. – Earth hit by one of the most massive Solar Storms from the sun ever recorded (visible at night with the magnetic field interaction).
7000 BCE - Archaeological evidence for pastoralism in Africa. China: evidence of mead (honey, rice, water fermented) in pottery; evidence of musical instruments. India, first archaeological evidence of Dance (cave art); evidence of dentistry. Armenian Highlands, art depictions of Cymbals. Durum Wheat made thru artificial selection in Europe and Near East. Greece, earliest evidence of grain silos. Turkey, Catal Hoyuk, art depiction of a Slinger. Afghanistan, Lapis Lazuli mined and traded to Indus and Mesopotamia societies. Europe, Cave Wall art of Honey Collecting.
7000 - 6600 BCE - China, domestication of Soy beans.
7000 - 6000 BCE - Turkey, domestication of Bitter Vetch. (Too bitter for human consumption without being boiled several times, has been found to be great for cattle feed.)
6500-3800 BCE - Ubaid Period (Mesopotamian citystates rise, evidence of specialized workers, evidence of taxation)
6500 BCE - Turkey, evidence of lead smelting at Catal Hoyuk. (Wrapping the dead in textiles, too.) China, archaeological evidence of Silk. Kosovo, oldest Ocarina found in Europe.
8,200 - 7,600 y a - Sea levels rise rapidly. Linked to North American great fresh water lake (Agassiz, Ojibway) sudden draining into Atlantic Ocean. 8,400 y a?
6050 BCE - Moldova, evidence of man extracting salt from a natural spring.
8,000 y a - Western Europe, white skin first appears. Iran: earliest evidence of irrigation; man starts choosing sheep for their wooliness, not just meat and skin (2-3,000 years later, would start wearing wool). Georgia, earliest evidence of wine. Spain, cave painting shows people collecting honey from a wild hive, using a container to hold. China, Buckwheat cultivated (near Tibetan plateau), possible first example of Influenza. Earliest evidence of the Ard Plow used (castrating bulls to train 4 years to become Draft Oxen, also means they can be used to haul logs thru and from forests). Mediterranean, Broad (Fava) Beans, Broccoli. Portugal: Almendres Cromlech, begins, aligned to equinox and solstice, occupied for 2,000 years, would become largest complex in Iberian peninsula, equal to other large complexes in Europe. Anatolia: Obsidian polished into mirrors. Spelt Wheat appears. First Stone hafted Axes. Earliest evidence of “Cock Fighting” game fowl. (Iraq, Kiln.)
6000 - 3500 BC - Mesopotamia (Sumer), Poppy domesticated.
7,8-5,000 y a - SE Turkey, Einkorn Wheat grown and domesticated.
5600 BCE - Evidence of The Black Sea Flood, turning the fresh water lake into a salt water sea, rose shorelines and displaced populations (source of flood myths in religions).
7500 y a - Earth experiences a cold climate period? Lasts for 500 or more years.
7500 y a - Earliest example of chickpeas being used. Poland, archaeological evidence of cheese making. Ukraine, Romania, earliest examples of traps used for hunting. Pakistan, evidence of Cotton found in copper beads. Egypt, earliest Combs found (placing a leaf in the teeth can create a primitive sound instrument).
5500-5000 BCE - Serbia, Copper Smelting.
5200 - 4700 BCE - Iran, earliest evidence of a wheel, for pottery, made of stone or clay.
7,000 y a - Earliest example of Dolmen, single chamber tomb, consists of two stones supporting another on top (table design), found in western Europe, would spread and be common 4000 - 3000 BCE in Europe. Iranian plateau, evidence of Bronze made with naturally occurring arsenic. Tin would replace as the major ingredient (and releasing non-toxic vapors) in the late 3000 BCE period. Iran, evidence of wine found, using sealed containers. China, Hemp domestication (smoking was likely cause for spread, Iron Age would use for production); Rammed Earth construction technique, Silkworm domestication begins. Egypt, Badarian culture starts farming, used boomerangs. Roundels, circular enclosure often with entrances aligned to solstice, would be constructed in Central Europe (Germany, 120-150 altogether). Siberia, oldest carpet found (likely a funeral gift, from Armenia, featured griffons). Mesopotamia: first use of Stamp Seals for government purposes; Rotary Quern milling stones are introduced. Armenia: possible origin of Apricots. Lake Zurich, cultivation of Pear. Indus Valley Civilization, using Bitumen aka Asphalt for waterproofing (a basket), adhesive. Bulgaria, Turquoise beads.
6950 - 6440 y a - Papua New Guinea, cultivation of Taro and Yam.
4800 BCE - Egypt, early evidence of peas being grown. Cairn of Barnenez, Brittany, England, begins (burial monument and later bronze age use, considered one of the oldest and largest man made structures).
4700 - 4200 BCE - The town of Solnitstata, considered the oldest known settlement in Europe. Built around a salt deposit.
6,500 y a - Croatia, earliest example of an oven found. Slovenia, dental filling made with beeswax. Indus Valley, irrigation. Wine production reaches Greece. Carnac Stones, Brittany, France; would become large complex of standing stones, menhirs, domens, tumuli (burial mounds, with passage tombs), large rectangle formed by stone. Americas: various tribes domesticated “chili peppers.” Bulgaria, Carnelian beads. Manufactured Red Pottery Oil Lamps.
4500-4000 BCE - China, Investment Casting develops.
4200 - 4000 BCE - Mesopotamia develops true, easy to spin pottery wheels.
6,000 y a - Earth experiences a cold climate period? (Starting maybe 500 years earlier and ending 500 years later.)
4000 BCE - (Mankind has achieved “Farmer status.”) (Thought to be when Cattle were turned into Oxen for Draft Animal purposes.) Egyptians start building big Brick structures; manufacturing Papyrus; Gold artifacts; (domesticated Donkeys?). Earliest examples of Kilns. NE Italy, archaeological find of Appleseeds. Sicily, evidence of wine found. Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Horse domestication begins (they became small and varied in size as compared to their wild ancestors). “Pontic Language Explosion”. [People from north of the Caspian and Black Seas migrated around Eurasia, ancestor of western languages. (shared origins with: milk, horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, grain, copper, carts, yoke, weaving, mead; patrilineal clans)]. Earliest examples of Viticulture (wine making). Levant, earliest examples of harvesting Olives; start using grain Silos. Art: Earliest depiction of Shoes, Sandals. China: example of a Loom for Silk production; Ramie (similar to flax, requires chemical processing, not as popular, believed to be used for Egyptian mummy wraps). Persia (Iran), Mung Bean domestication?, Chang (precursor to Harp) found on artwork, made with sheep guts. Mesopotamia: Stamp Seals come into use; Mirrors made of Copper; 30-40% of animal bones in settlements were pork (understood to be a way of removing trash from community, easy to feed and raise many); Uruk clay tablet describes two temples owning a herd of 95 pigs to be rendered into soap to clean linen; clay pipes for sewage. Europe, farming reaches northern regions. Anatolia, Silver production.
4000 - 1000 BCE - Ethiopia, Teff is discovered (can feed people and livestock, building material).
3800 - 3500 BCE - Czech Republic, possible evidence of earliest plowed fields.
5,700 y a - Lolland Island, a blue eyed, dark haired, dark skin woman spits out some Birch Bark gum; oldest complete human genome extracted; had Mononucleosis ("kissing disease"). Possible archeological evidence of pit traps used for migrating animal hunting.
3630 BCE - Oldest example of silk fabric found.
3600 BCE – Pork bones in settlements (Levant, Mesopotamia) dropped to 16-30% of total livestock.
5,500 - 4,700 y a - Georgia, tomb found had honey remains on pottery. (This culture could identify Linden, Berry, and Meadow-Flower varieties.)
3500 BCE - City of Uruk: (Mesopotamia) begins outward expansion and influence, later first example of organized warfare (would influence Egyptians to start building pyramids); "Cylinder Seals," a type of noble seal, that can be rolled unto wet clay (would be popular until 1000 BCE). Iraq, Kish Tablet, considered to represent the early transition from pictographic to cuneiform. Mesopotamia, earliest Harps and Lyres found; Gold artifacts. Modern humans settle the western coast of Europe, hunter-gatherers. Egyptians show Cat domestication; Gold Smelting; used a vertical Gnomon as a primitive Sundial? Iran, Beer made from Barley. Armenia, earliest Leather Shoe found. China, Pottery in shape of silkworm indicates earliest example of Sericulture (silk worm production).
3500 - 3350 BCE – Mesopotamia, earliest evidence of wheeled vehicles. Indus Valley civilization uses Stamp Seals with a type of script.
3400 BCE (5,400 years ago) - First metal casting. France, Cow skull showing Trepanation found.
5,400 -5,100 y a - Itzi the Iceman dies in the mountains of Northern Italy. Had a copper axe. Earliest evidence of tattoos. Shoes made from two types of animal skin (bear and deer). Arsenic residue in his hair.
3300 BCE - Egypt, tomb paintings show people Dancing. Indus Valley, develop Sanitation.
3200 BCE - Examples of using symbols to represent real life objects (would go to form written language). Ireland, construction begins on Newgrange, largest passage tomb in Europe, aligned to winter solstice. Egypt, Bead made of Meteoric Iron found.
3100 - 2900 BCE - Jemdet Nasr period (following fall of Uruk) would be known as establishing Cuneiform as a proper language.
3100 BCE - Upper and Lower Egypt unified. Mesopotamia, likely evidence of the earliest Lute type device.
3000 BCE - Onset of Bronze. Mesopotamia, Irrigation; Glass Beads appear (possible side effect of making metal); possible earliest Iron working (required higher temperatures), cuneiform mention of Pigeons. Sumer, Medical text found on tablet, believed oldest ever found. Egypt, Hieroglyphs of Pigeons and use of Homing Pigeons for message delivery, first record of a Doctor named, Imhotep; Antimony harvested from rock and made into eye makeup; earliest evidence of domestic Donkeys in the south. Egyptian Mummies show evidence of Smallpox (deathrate 30% especially among babies, can leave people blind). Dromedary Camels likely domesticated in Somalia at this time. (Camel hair can be harvested for shelter and clothing, outer guard hairs make for water proof coats. Camel milk readily turns into yogurt. To turn into butter requires a clarifying agent and extended process.) Chicken reaches Europe from Asia. England, earliest Stone Circles found. Slovakia, Romania, earliest chainmail found. Sheep chosen for wooly coat, not long hair. China, Clay Bells found. India, River Buffalo domesticated (water buffalo); Jute grown for fiber (burlap). Northern Iran, earliest examples of Trumpets. SE Asia, earliest records of Radish. Pakistan, Terracota female figurines.
2800 BCE - Solid evidence of plowed fields. China, Copper smelting discovered. Babylon, evidence of manufacture of soap like substance.
2700 BCE - Chinese treatise on health. 40 kinds identified.
2650 BCE - Egypt, dental work found.
2630-10 BCE - Egypt, Pyramid of Djoser constructed by Imhotep, considered first.
2600 BCE – Egypt, domestication of Honey Bee complete.
2600 - 1900 BCE - Indus Valley, Stoneware Pottery (meaning fired at 1000 degrees Celsius), would become a major industry; (Ivory?).
2580-50 BCE – Egypt, creates first true Ocean Dock for sea trading vessels (with Indus Valley).
2560 BCE - Great Pyramid of Giza completed.
2500 BCE - Evidence of The Amber Road, trade route from the Baltic Sea to Mediterranean Sea. E Iran, Bactrian Camels domesticated. Iraq, "Lyres of Ur," considered world's oldest stringed instruments. Peru, oldest Sling ever found. Egypt, earliest depiction of a Khopesh (sword). Sumerian Clay Tablet with instructions for manufacturing soap (heating mixture of oil and wood ash, earliest record chemical reaction, used for washing woolen clothing). China, axes with Corundum (precious stone). Harappan Culture of Indus Valley, chicken used for Cock Fighting, not food.
2500 - 2000 BCE - Mali, domestication of Pearl Millet. Turkey, Meteoric Iron dagger.
2400 BCE - Sumer, description of Prostitution and a Brothel-Temple to Fertility Goddess.
2300 BCE - Mesopotamia, Urukagina of Lagash, considered the earliest Law Code. (Widows and orphans exempt from taxes, state pays for funeral expenses, the rich must pay in silver and cannot force the poor against will, checked power of priests, protect from usury, abolished polyandry). Iran, Quince (fruit). China, oldest Gnomon (painted stick that casts a shadow for sundial purpose).
2200 BCE - China, first known tax, using salt. Iraq, tablet reads “22 jars of Pig Fat” (each jar 18 liters of Lard, 396 liters total, require 45 adult pigs; likely used to make soap to clean wool of sheep before turning them into textiles)
2200-2000 BCE - Turkey, Iron Smelting.
2100 - 2050 BCE - City of Ur: Earliest written Code of Law discovered. References Butter. (Fines for bodily harm, references murder, robbery, adultery, rape. Two classes of people: free and slave.)
4000 - 3000 y a - Mesopotamia, earliest Scissors (shear, spring type). India, Mung Bean domesticated.
2000 BCE - Murals show horses pulling chariots. Horses become common in western Europe. England, Great Orme Mine started, would become largest copper mine in region (most productive between 1700 - 1400 BCE), used bone and stone tools. China, Bells made out of metal (Bellfounding); domestication of the Swamp Buffalo (water buffalo). Ghana, earliest evidence of Cowpea (black eyed pea). India, Canola/Rapeseed; Diamonds being used to drill beads. Egypt, Lupin Beans. Greece, Kale grown.
1900 BCE – Homing Pigeons used for warfare.
1800 BCE - Egypt, medical text on gynecological issues; Safflower for pigment. India, Iron working.
1754 BCE - Code of Hammurabi (recognized Prostitution and gave women protection and inheritance; theorized that a fertility goddess had a temple that offered sex workers).
1700 - 1200 BCE - (Late Bronze Age) 8 societies in Middle East: Aegean, Egyptian, Hittite, Canaanite, Cypriot, Mitanni, Assyrian, Babylonian. Considered a "globalized world system." Next time this would occur is today.
1700 BCE – Mesopotamia: The "Mari Letters" reference Minoan society, King Hammurabi; clay tablets list Trigonometry Tables and Applied Geometry (for land ownership, speculated to aid in construction).
1628 BCE - Island of Thera/Santorini experiences huge volcanic eruption, possibly causing a tsunami thru eastern Mediterranean.
1600-1500 BCE - Greece, Helmet formed of boar tusks found.
1600 BCE – Levant, Mesopotamia, Pork bones rarely found in settlements (banned from temples in Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Egypt). (Found amongst the poor classes, difficult to tax since it did not produce wool or milk or could plow a field.)
1550 BCE – Papyrus Ebers, Egyptian medical text, mentions Chlamydia.
1500 BCE - Modern Trumpet design found in eastern Mediterranean. India, Pigeon Pea domesticated. Egypt, Mercury found in tombs; archaeologists find earliest Sundials; Emerald mines. China, Water Clocks.
1400 BCE - Syria, Hurrian Songs, cuneiform music tablet in Ugarit. Greece, oldest body armor found, made of bronze, Dendra Panoply (not actually worn, more of a showpiece, but clear representation of body armor for battle). China, Meteoric Iron axeheads. Art representation of Scale Mail in Egypt. Art: representation of Shields.
1350 BCE - Turkey, Hittites chronicle Egyptian prisoners of war bringing "the plague.”
1300 BCE - Uluburun Shipwreck, off coast of Turkey, had 300 sixty pound copper ingots (10 tons), 1 ton of tin, and tin objects and ingots of colored glass (blue, rose, brown). From Cypress/Minoa.
1300? - 900? BCE - Eastern Mediterranean experiences a 300? year drought. (Could also be: Cypress 1200- 850. Syria 1250-1187. Galilee 1250-1100)
1279 BCE - Battle of Qadesh (Egypt vs Hittites).
1200 BCE (3,200 years ago) - Onset of Iron smelting. Earliest Camel saddles appear. Last appearance of Megaliths. India, earliest evidence of Firewalking.
1200 BCE - Eastern Mediterranean civilization collapse. Drought in Greece. Earthquake series.
1188-1177 BCE - Egypt suffers invasions from "The Sea People."
1185 BCE - Syria, Ugarit Letter, Famine.
1140? BCE - Ramses 6th, mummy found to have Smallpox. No record of people dying from Smallpox.
1100 BCE - Phoenicians establish nation. Europe, Iron Age.
1100? BCE - Earth experiences a cold temperature period?
1100-750 BCE - Egypt, Iron Smelting.
1070 BCE - Egyptian mummy found with Silk in hair, earliest evidence of Silk Road.
1000 BCE - Early Cuneiform script (late stages, still pictograph in nature). Bactria, Barbat (primitive lute). Egypt, Kenaf is grown for fibers, leaves can be eaten by animals and humans (similar to Jute and Hemp; rope, rough fabric, sails). Mediterranean, Cabbage domesticated. China, Iron Age. Sport: racing Homing Pigeons.
930 BCE - Camel bones found in Arabian peninsula. Jordan, earliest Bloomery for Iron working found.
800 - 600 BCE - Ethiopia, Sorghum Wheat begins to be harvested.
800 BCE - Considered the beginning of Ancient Greece, after the Mycenae Civilization. China, Bloomeries used.
700-500 BCE - The Illiad orally composed. India, Diamond mining starts.
708 BCE – Greece, Olympics, Discus Throw.
700 BCE - Turkey, first Coins in Lydia. Assyria, first equipment recognized as a Saddle for a Horse.
660 BCE – Massive Solar Storm hits Earth.
600 BCE - Earliest example of a Steel Sword.
600-400 BCE - Ancient Greece rise of scientific inquiry and philosophy
550 BCE - The Illiad written down.
540 BCE – Sri Lanka, earliest record of Pearls.
500 BCE - Camels used in warfare. Persians use kettle drums for military maneuvers, frighten enemies. Greece, Grape Syrup, early form of sweetener and preservative; earliest written mention of what could be Influenza. Blackberries consumed around Europe. Spain, Disk Quern developed. India, Cholera described in Sanskrit. Romans manufacture dipped Candles.
430 BCE – Athens, Typhoid Fever outbreak during siege by Sparta.
400 BCE - The "Celts/Gaeil" settle Ireland. Greece, the “Hippocratic Corpus” seventy collected medical texts, mentions Pneumonia, Meningitis, Valerian Root.
396 BCE - Olympics, horn blowing competitions.
314 BCE - China, first mention of Sweet Orange.
298 BCE - Foot powered Loom.
200 BCE - China starts making paper.
submitted by SkyAnimal to DebateEvolution [link] [comments]
Modern Day Primates, in the wild and captivity, are able to communicate, near and far, using verbal and gesture components, even to other species. Have been observed using wood as tools, and in using medicinal plants to treat wounds.
44 million y a - Hominid ancestors acquire Herpes virus.
10 million y a - Primate ancestors develop genes to digest alcohol.
6 million years ago - Primate ancestors split from Chimpanzee/Bonobo line (15 million DNA mutations have occurred since then; each person born today has 100 mutations distinct to them, most don’t survive.)
5.3 m y a - Mediterranean Sea experiences the Messinian Salinity Crisis, for 600,000 years the Straight of Gibraltar closed off, causing the Mediterranean to shrink down to two inland seas with Italy and Greece separating them. Ends in the Zanclean Flood, a river of Atlantic sea water flows thru Gibraltar and fills the Mediterranean in 2 years.
5 m y a - Arabian-African continent reconnects with Asia. Land based Turtle species start going extinct.
4 - 3 m y a - Hominid ancestors acquire pubic lice from Gorillas (genetic evidence).
3.6 - 2.58 m y a - Considered the Neogene Period.
3.3 m y a - Stone tools found in Kenya and Ethiopia.
2.6 m y a - Mode One Stone Tools found in Ethiopia, would subsequently spread. Flourished to 1.7 million y a in southern and eastern Africa. Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) Era (2.6 m y a till end of last Ice Age, 11,000 y a). Subdivided into the Early- or Lower Paleolithic (c. 2,6 million years ago - c. 250,000 years ago); the Middle Paleolithic (c. 250,000 years ago - c. 30,000 years ago); and the Late- or Upper Paleolithic (c. 50,000/40,000 - c. 10,000 years ago)
2.58 million - 11,700 years ago - Considered the start of the Quaternary Period, and covers the Pleistocene.
2.4 – 1.4 m y a – Homo Habilis (4.5-3.5 feet tall).
2 m years ago - Earliest Hominids start eating meat.
1.9 – 1.8 m y a – Homo Rudolfensis.
1.89 m y a to 110,000 y a - Homo Erectus (first to leave Africa and spread across Asia).
1.8 m years ago - Mode One Stone Tools found on Java.
1.7 m years ago - Mode Two Stone Tools (slicing, hand-axe/butchering, evidence of drilling tools) appear in Kenya and southern Africa.
1.6 m years ago - Mode One Stone Tools found in northern China.
1.6 - 1.5 m y a - Africa, Turkana Boy dies, likely from a tooth cavity infection. He was either 8 or 11-12 years old and 61 inches tall. Brain 880 ccm.
1.5 m y a - Kenya, possible start of Hominids using fire to cook food. (increase in caloric intake, which would lead to evolution; however, Paranthropus Boisei is the local species, brain 500-550 ccm, 54 inches tall)
1 million years ago - Likely split between ancestor of Homo Sapiens and proto-Neanderthal-Denisovan species. (Mitochondrial DNA evidence.) South Africa, evidence of fire use for cooking.
1 m - 700,000 y a - Java, Java Man dies, brain 900 ccm. 5' 8" tall.
900,000 y a – Possible earliest use of boats.
820,000 - 580,000 y a - Durum Wheat develops out of natural hybridization with Einkorn Wheat (genetic analysis).
800,000? y a - Low world temperatures recorded. Height of Ice Age?
790,000 y a - Levant, oldest Fire hearths found. (Homo Heidelbergensis, 1,250 ccm brain, 69 in tall)
740,000? y a - Height of Ice Age?
7-200,000 y a – Homo Heidelbergensis (East Africa and Europe, likely first to hunt large animals with spears)
640,000? y a - Height of Ice Age.
550,000? y a - Height of Ice Age?
540,000 - 430,000 y a - Art: Sea shell formed into decoration by Homo Erectus. (Could indicate when sea shells began to be used as whistles and horns.)
530,000? y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, high CO2 content in the atmosphere, 524-474,000).
500,000 y a - South Africa, evidence of Spears. Genetic evidence of Neanderthal spread from Europe to Caspian Sea, Denisovans occupied land from Caspian to the east.
450,000 y a - Earliest physical evidence of Neanderthal.
450,000 y a - Global temperatures had dropped, stayed that way for thousands of years.
430,000 - 230,000 y a - Durum Wheat cross-breeds with wild Goat Grass (genetic analysis).
400,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 424-374,000).
400,000 y a - Germany, oldest Spears found. France (Terra Amata), possible evidence of manmade shelter using prepared wood.
360,000? y a - Height of Ice Age.
335-236,000 y a – Homo Naledi (South Africa, 4’9”)
310,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 337-300,000).
300,000 y a – Mode Three Stone Tools (smaller knife-like, scrapers, developed in Europe by Neanderthals)
300,000-200,000 y a – Africa, Origin of Male Y-Chromosome that all current males are descended from. (40% of males do not reproduce.)
270,000? y a - Height of Ice Age.
240,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 242–230,000).
200,000 y a - France, evidence of Neanderthals fishing. Africa, "Mitochondrial Eve," source of all Human Haplo-groups that everyone is descended from, existed at this time.
194,000-135,000 y a - Penultimate Glacial Period.
190,000 y a - Early physical evidence of Denisovans. (At least three interbreeding events would occur with Homo Sapiens. EPAS1 gene, hemoglobin concentration, Tibetan plateau.)
190,000-50,000 y a - Flores Island, evidence of tool use by the Human Hobbit.
170,000 - 80,000 y a - Body Lice evolve (genetic evidence, feed on human skin, live in clothing; evidence of clothing)
164,000 y a – South Africa, heat treating Silcrete Stone to enhance stone tool production.
140,000 y a - Homo Sapiens found in Europe.
130,000 y a - Evidence of humans in North America. Crete, earliest human settlements found on the island. Art: Neanderthal necklace made of eagle talons. Croatia: Neanderthal teeth show possible dental work.
125,000 y a - Interglacial Peak (between Ice Ages, 130-115,000). Sea levels 4-6 meters (18 feet) higher then today.
110,000-15,000 y a - Last Glacial Period. Grey Wolves would migrate from North America back to Asia prior to the maximum.
100,000-60,000 y a - Flores Island, bone fossil evidence of the Human Hobbit.
100,000 y a - Oldest example of proper human burial. South Africa, Pigment (paint) Creation Kit found. (would cover bodies in mud/clay and then spray the paint over the bodies, sun screen-protection from insects)
90,000 y a – Harpoons.
86,000-37,000 y a – Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens begin interbreeding, based on genetic evidence found so far.
75,000 years ago - Likely rise of Hunter Genotype in Homo Sapiens.
75,000 y a - Art: Drilled snail shells found in South African cave.
73,000 y a - South Africa (Blombos Cave), evidence of Red Ochre art on pieces of stone, stone with deliberate lines cut into it possibly representing count marks.
72,000 y a - South Africa, Beads found in cave.
70,000 y a - Mitochondrial DNA suggests this is when the Haplo-group of early humans migrated out of Africa to populate the rest of the world.
70-60,000 y a - Earliest evidence of bone and stone arrowheads (for Spear Throwers), found in South Africa. 64,000?
70,000 - 35,000 BCE - Neanderthal burials in Europe and Middle East.
68-16,000 y a – Smallpox evolves from an African Rodent Virus.
67,000 BCE - France, burial shows skulls with Trepanation (cutting holes to relieve brain pressure), earliest example of surgery.
65,000 y a - First humans settle Australia.
64,000 y a - Spain, oldest evidence found of Cave Art (Neanderthal hand).
61,000 y a - South Africa, possible evidence of a Sewing Needle.
60,000? y a - Height of Ice Age?
60,000 y a - Evidence of man/Neanderthal using herbal medicine.
55,000 - 40,000 y a - Italy, evidence of Neanderthal using Pine Tree Resin and Beeswax for hafting tools, in cave. (Beeswax can be used in making Candles.)
52,000 y a - Last evidence of Denisovans.
52,000 – 41,000 y a – Archaeological find of “Bast” tree fiber twisted into primitive cordage, possibly as handle for a Stone Tool. (meaning they had access to Clothing, Nets, Cord for Fishing or Hafting tools, rope; thinking processes of Counting, Sets, Patterns, and possibly abstract thinking)
50,000 - 10,000 y a - Mode Four Stone Tools (long blades).
50,000 y a - Australia, last evidence of megafauna. Siberia, needle made from bone found in Denisovan cave. Genetic evidence of Neanderthal spreading to western edge of China.
50,000 years ago - End point of development of Gatherer Genotype (can survive famine), Teacher Genotype (can handle new and different environments, analytical).
45,000 y a - Evidence of Neanderthal and Homo Sapien interbreeding. (Fossil found, DNA tested.) (France, to create stone tools required precision, “Soft Hammers” were likely used.)
44,000 y a - Evidence of art found in Indonesia.
44,000-40,000 y a - Europe experiences cold and dry weather, displacing populations.
43-42,000 y a - Germany, oldest musical instruments (flutes) found.
42,000 y a - Australia, skeleton of man suggests Atlatl use, pre-dating earliest evidence; earliest example of cremation found. Spain, small amounts of Natural Gold found in a cave.
40,000 y a - (Mankind is at the “Forager” level.) Last evidence of Neanderthal. (Inheritance of "STAT2" gene, immune response. HYAL2 gene, helps skin recover from sunburns.) China, test on body found that ate a lot of fresh water fish. Possible example of oldest petroglyphs. Beads found in Lebanon.
40,000 - 26,000 y a - Studying toe bones, showed they became smaller and weaker, indicating shoes were worn. Prior to this, shoes were likely bags wrapped around feet to protect from cold.
38,000 BC - First appearance of Mode Five Ground Stone tools on Japan. (rock was quarried; thin slivers of flint stone, attached to hafts, man is learning the use of a "handle" for tools and "leverage", create Adzes, Celts, and Axes; grinding helps to penetrate trees and was likely discovered when grinding plant matter; found buried with owners; were traded) Lasted till 14,000 BC. (Would not become popular elsewhere until 10,000 BC?) Germany: Clay Figurine featuring human with lion like appearance, thought to be earliest representation of a Deity.
35,000 BCE - Europe, earliest examples of "Venus figurines" found buried in graves (some showing they were deliberately broken or stabbed repeatedly); would later spread to rest of Eurasia. Early examples of skulls and long bones showing red ochre, indicating possible relic worship.
35,000 y a - Germany, flute made from a vulture bone found.
30,000 BCE – Solomon Islands, first humans settle (60 km sea voyage).
31,000 - 27,000 y a - Evidence of Pit Fire (Earthernware) Pottery developing.
30,000-20,000 years ago - Explorer genotype (Ice Age refugees, idiosyncratic, asymmetrical, contrarian mentality)
30,000 y a - Evidence of starch residue on rocks, indicating where plant matter was pounded and ground. (Would likely be the pre-cursor of developing bread from roots of cattails and ferns. Quern Grinding Stones would spread and gain popularity.) Georgia, Flax used as a textile (harvested, dyed, and knotted) found in Dzudzuana Cave. Fertile Crescent, Einkorn wheat harvested in it's wild form. Evidence of man using the Atlatl. Poland: Boomerang carved from mammoth tusk found. France, Lunar Calendar. Likely when Bolas (stone weight(s) and length of cord) began to be used.
28,000 y a - Europe, oldest evidence of rope.
25,000 - 15,000 BCE - Blood Type A develops in the Fertile Crescent. (able to survive Plague, Cholera, Smallpox)
27,000 y a - Australia, oldest example of petroglyphs found. Czech Republic, earliest example of "Weaving" of material together to create baskets and basic cloth. (Leads to counting and simple math, organizing.)
26,000-13,300 y a - Considered "Glacial Maximum", ice sheets extend to the 45th parallel north. (26,500 considered to be maximum glacial reach.)
23,000 - 12,000 y a – Europe, Perforated Batons found, made of antler, assumed to be a form of Atlatl that uses a leather strap or string to wrap around the spear and give it a slight spin, arrow or spear thrower (similar to Swiss Arrow). Right and left handed throwers find preference. Most carved with Horses, have one or two holes (one had 8 holes).
23,000 y a - Israel, Ohalo archaeological site, hunter-gatherer society (6 brushwood shelters, 132 stone tools some attached to hafts, stone Sickles, dwellings showed flint tools were made at entrance, cooking at other end, grind stone showed sand and cobbles to place and had U-shape of seeds around it) that grew/harvested Barley, Millet, Bromus (grass in same tax tribe as wheat/barley/rye, can be used for fermenting beverages, can be eaten by humans and animals), Rubus (same family as Rose plants, similar to blackberries), and various fruits (seeds from 13 different species), earliest evidence for “Bedding” material.
22,000 – 17,000 y a – France, Solutrean inhabitants make use of Antler.
21,000-17,000 y a - France, Atlatl's found in caves.
20,000 y a - Height of the Ice Age, sea levels 120 meters (360 feet) lower. Mode Five Stone Tools (microliths glued to handles, Fertile Crescent). Earliest example of a building/house found. Ukraine, Bullroarer (wood on rope that is swung around to create sound over long distance) found. Iraq-Iran, Zarzian Culture, had domesticated Dogs.
19,050? - 13,050 y a - Oldest Dryas Period, stadial, abrupt cooling period. Sea levels rose 10-15 m in 500 years.
17,000 BCE - Mesopotamia, Wild Emmer Wheat harvested.
18,000 - 17,500 y a - Siberia, earliest example of a domesticated dog found frozen. Germany, Bow and Arrows found. Early evidence of Darts used.
18,000 y a - Japan, oldest pottery discovered.
15,100 - 14,000 y a - Morocco, earliest example of a cemetery.
15,000 y a – Mode Five Stone Tools reach Europe. Southern France, cave art depicting possible Musical Bow, Nose Flute; "The Sorcerer," a figure showing human and many animal qualities (bison), made out of Clay.
15,000 – 10,000 y a – France, Stone Oil Lamps.
14,500 y a - Oldest example of bread making, Jordan desert.
14,160 - 13,820 y a - Archaeological find: infected tooth partially cleaned out with flint tools.
14,600 - 13,600 y a - "Melt Water Pulse," sea levels rose 16-24 m.
14,000? y a - Older Dryas Period, around 200 year cooling period.
13,500 - 8,200 y a - China, wild Rice domestication event occurs.
15-10,000 BCE - Himalayas, development of Blood Type B.
11,050 BCE - Syria, attempts at domesticating Rye.
13,000 y a - Greece, evidence of lentils found. Earliest evidence of Amber used in jewelry. Israel, archaeological evidence of beer like gruel for ceremonial purposes found at Haifa. Likely beginning of Slavery.
13,000 - 12,700 y a - Fertile Crescent, archaeological evidence of man corralling and using pigs.
12,900 - 11,700 y a - The Younger Dryas Period, when temperatures went cold instead of warming from the Last Glacial Maximum.
10,000 BCE - Jericho, considered mankind's first town, is established. Buildings of clay and straw, dead buried under homes. (Would reach 70 dwellings by 94,000 BCE.) Chickpeas domesticated. Earliest evidence of the Bottle Gourd being domesticated and used (Africa and Asia variety). Azerbaijan (Caspian Sea), petroglyphs of reed boats. Starting point of Ocarina type flutes. Cyprus, humans arrive. Germany, Jet artifact (Botfly larvae, which can be eaten). Curved Stone Oil Lamps.
11,700 y a - Considered the beginning of the Holocene.
9600 BCE - Southern Levant, earliest use of wild Emmer Wheat.
11,500 - 11,000 y a - "Melt Water Pulse," sea levels rose 28 m.
11,400 y a - Cypress, archaeological evidence of pigs (indicating they had been domesticated and brought from the mainland).
9400 - 9200 BCE - Jordan Valley, Fig trees found, indicating earliest agriculture since these trees could not reproduce.
9130 - 7370 BCE - SE Turkey, Gobekli Tepe, oldest known worship location.
9000 BCE - Syria, oldest (Saddle) Quern found. Mesopotamia, Copper first used. Bartering of Cattle and agricultural products likely occurring at this time.
9000 - 3300 BCE - Neolithic Era, roughly. Time period of when man has begun herding, before using bronze.
11,000 - 9,000 y a - Mesopotamia, domestication of Sheep; Rammed Earth construction technique developed. Iran, Domestication of Goat (focused on management of the animal, varieties would come later).
11,000-4,000 years ago - Warrior genotype (farmers, soldiers, inventors); Nomad genotype (life upon a horse, can handle different environments, good immune system)
11 or 10,000 y a - Last Ice Age ends.
8800 BCE - Emmer Wheat spreads beyond the Levant.
8700 BCE - Iraq, Copper pendant.
8500 BCE - Domestication of Barley. Domestication of peas occurs around this time. Turkey, Beer production found at Gobekli Tepe. Domestication of Cattle from the Aurochs (two separate populations, one in Mesopotamia [pop. 80], the other Pakistan). (Rendering cattle bones into Tallow allows for the creation of Candles. Beeswax also used.) Oregon, oldest pair of shoes found made from bark twine. Oats possibly start to be harvested, crop mirrors wheat (is like a weed).
8400 BCE – Cyprus, earliest dug Water Well (26 ft).
10,300 - 8,700 y a - China, Millet harvested.
10,200 - 9,500 y a - Emmer Wheat domesticated(?).
10,000 - 7,000 y a - Archaeological evidence of boats.
8000 BCE (10,000 years ago) – Genetic evidence of breeding Pigeons. Palestine, archaeological evidence of pastoralism. Pre-Pottery Neolithic people in the Fertile Crescent form perfectly smooth stone vases. Iran, Goat domestication. Believed to be when primitive dairy-cheese making began. Flax cultivation. China, Quern Grinding Stones. England, Antler used in headdress costume.
9,500 y a - Cyprus, earliest evidence of cat domestication. SE Anatolia, cold-working, annealing, smelting, lost wax casting of Copper.
7570 BCE – Indus Valley, Lapis Lazuli artifacts.
7500 - 5700 BCE - Anatolia, Catal Hoyuk develops as a spiritual center, found many clay figurines and impressions (feminine, phallic, hunting).
7400 BCE - A monolith ends up submerged in the Straight of Sicily.
7176 B.C. – Earth hit by one of the most massive Solar Storms from the sun ever recorded (visible at night with the magnetic field interaction).
7000 BCE - Archaeological evidence for pastoralism in Africa. China: evidence of mead (honey, rice, water fermented) in pottery; evidence of musical instruments. India, first archaeological evidence of Dance (cave art); evidence of dentistry. Armenian Highlands, art depictions of Cymbals. Durum Wheat made thru artificial selection in Europe and Near East. Greece, earliest evidence of grain silos. Turkey, Catal Hoyuk, art depiction of a Slinger. Afghanistan, Lapis Lazuli mined and traded to Indus and Mesopotamia societies. Europe, Cave Wall art of Honey Collecting.
7000 - 6600 BCE - China, domestication of Soy beans.
7000 - 6000 BCE - Turkey, domestication of Bitter Vetch. (Too bitter for human consumption without being boiled several times, has been found to be great for cattle feed.)
6500-3800 BCE - Ubaid Period (Mesopotamian citystates rise, evidence of specialized workers, evidence of taxation)
6500 BCE - Turkey, evidence of lead smelting at Catal Hoyuk. (Wrapping the dead in textiles, too.) China, archaeological evidence of Silk. Kosovo, oldest Ocarina found in Europe.
8,200 - 7,600 y a - Sea levels rise rapidly. Linked to North American great fresh water lake (Agassiz, Ojibway) sudden draining into Atlantic Ocean. 8,400 y a?
6050 BCE - Moldova, evidence of man extracting salt from a natural spring.
8,000 y a - Western Europe, white skin first appears. Iran: earliest evidence of irrigation; man starts choosing sheep for their wooliness, not just meat and skin (2-3,000 years later, would start wearing wool). Georgia, earliest evidence of wine. Spain, cave painting shows people collecting honey from a wild hive, using a container to hold. China, Buckwheat cultivated (near Tibetan plateau), possible first example of Influenza. Earliest evidence of the Ard Plow used (castrating bulls to train 4 years to become Draft Oxen, also means they can be used to haul logs thru and from forests). Mediterranean, Broad (Fava) Beans, Broccoli. Portugal: Almendres Cromlech, begins, aligned to equinox and solstice, occupied for 2,000 years, would become largest complex in Iberian peninsula, equal to other large complexes in Europe. Anatolia: Obsidian polished into mirrors. Spelt Wheat appears. First Stone hafted Axes. Earliest evidence of “Cock Fighting” game fowl. (Iraq, Kiln.)
6000 - 3500 BC - Mesopotamia (Sumer), Poppy domesticated.
7,8-5,000 y a - SE Turkey, Einkorn Wheat grown and domesticated.
5600 BCE - Evidence of The Black Sea Flood, turning the fresh water lake into a salt water sea, rose shorelines and displaced populations (source of flood myths in religions).
7500 y a - Earth experiences a cold climate period? Lasts for 500 or more years.
7500 y a - Earliest example of chickpeas being used. Poland, archaeological evidence of cheese making. Ukraine, Romania, earliest examples of traps used for hunting. Pakistan, evidence of Cotton found in copper beads. Egypt, earliest Combs found (placing a leaf in the teeth can create a primitive sound instrument).
5500-5000 BCE - Serbia, Copper Smelting.
5200 - 4700 BCE - Iran, earliest evidence of a wheel, for pottery, made of stone or clay.
7,000 y a - Earliest example of Dolmen, single chamber tomb, consists of two stones supporting another on top (table design), found in western Europe, would spread and be common 4000 - 3000 BCE in Europe. Iranian plateau, evidence of Bronze made with naturally occurring arsenic. Tin would replace as the major ingredient (and releasing non-toxic vapors) in the late 3000 BCE period. Iran, evidence of wine found, using sealed containers. China, Hemp domestication (smoking was likely cause for spread, Iron Age would use for production); Rammed Earth construction technique, Silkworm domestication begins. Egypt, Badarian culture starts farming, used boomerangs. Roundels, circular enclosure often with entrances aligned to solstice, would be constructed in Central Europe (Germany, 120-150 altogether). Siberia, oldest carpet found (likely a funeral gift, from Armenia, featured griffons). Mesopotamia: first use of Stamp Seals for government purposes; Rotary Quern milling stones are introduced. Armenia: possible origin of Apricots. Lake Zurich, cultivation of Pear. Indus Valley Civilization, using Bitumen aka Asphalt for waterproofing (a basket), adhesive. Bulgaria, Turquoise beads.
6950 - 6440 y a - Papua New Guinea, cultivation of Taro and Yam.
4800 BCE - Egypt, early evidence of peas being grown. Cairn of Barnenez, Brittany, England, begins (burial monument and later bronze age use, considered one of the oldest and largest man made structures).
4700 - 4200 BCE - The town of Solnitstata, considered the oldest known settlement in Europe. Built around a salt deposit.
6,500 y a - Croatia, earliest example of an oven found. Slovenia, dental filling made with beeswax. Indus Valley, irrigation. Wine production reaches Greece. Carnac Stones, Brittany, France; would become large complex of standing stones, menhirs, domens, tumuli (burial mounds, with passage tombs), large rectangle formed by stone. Americas: various tribes domesticated “chili peppers.” Bulgaria, Carnelian beads. Manufactured Red Pottery Oil Lamps.
4500-4000 BCE - China, Investment Casting develops.
4200 - 4000 BCE - Mesopotamia develops true, easy to spin pottery wheels.
6,000 y a - Earth experiences a cold climate period? (Starting maybe 500 years earlier and ending 500 years later.)
4000 BCE - (Mankind has achieved “Farmer status.”) (Thought to be when Cattle were turned into Oxen for Draft Animal purposes.) Egyptians start building big Brick structures; manufacturing Papyrus; Gold artifacts; (domesticated Donkeys?). Earliest examples of Kilns. NE Italy, archaeological find of Appleseeds. Sicily, evidence of wine found. Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Horse domestication begins (they became small and varied in size as compared to their wild ancestors). “Pontic Language Explosion”. [People from north of the Caspian and Black Seas migrated around Eurasia, ancestor of western languages. (shared origins with: milk, horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, grain, copper, carts, yoke, weaving, mead; patrilineal clans)]. Earliest examples of Viticulture (wine making). Levant, earliest examples of harvesting Olives; start using grain Silos. Art: Earliest depiction of Shoes, Sandals. China: example of a Loom for Silk production; Ramie (similar to flax, requires chemical processing, not as popular, believed to be used for Egyptian mummy wraps). Persia (Iran), Mung Bean domestication?, Chang (precursor to Harp) found on artwork, made with sheep guts. Mesopotamia: Stamp Seals come into use; Mirrors made of Copper; 30-40% of animal bones in settlements were pork (understood to be a way of removing trash from community, easy to feed and raise many); Uruk clay tablet describes two temples owning a herd of 95 pigs to be rendered into soap to clean linen; clay pipes for sewage. Europe, farming reaches northern regions. Anatolia, Silver production.
4000 - 1000 BCE - Ethiopia, Teff is discovered (can feed people and livestock, building material).
3800 - 3500 BCE - Czech Republic, possible evidence of earliest plowed fields.
5,700 y a - Lolland Island, a blue eyed, dark haired, dark skin woman spits out some Birch Bark gum; oldest complete human genome extracted; had Mononucleosis ("kissing disease"). Possible archeological evidence of pit traps used for migrating animal hunting.
3630 BCE - Oldest example of silk fabric found.
3600 BCE – Pork bones in settlements (Levant, Mesopotamia) dropped to 16-30% of total livestock.
5,500 - 4,700 y a - Georgia, tomb found had honey remains on pottery. (This culture could identify Linden, Berry, and Meadow-Flower varieties.)
3500 BCE - City of Uruk: (Mesopotamia) begins outward expansion and influence, later first example of organized warfare (would influence Egyptians to start building pyramids); "Cylinder Seals," a type of noble seal, that can be rolled unto wet clay (would be popular until 1000 BCE). Iraq, Kish Tablet, considered to represent the early transition from pictographic to cuneiform. Mesopotamia, earliest Harps and Lyres found; Gold artifacts. Modern humans settle the western coast of Europe, hunter-gatherers. Egyptians show Cat domestication; Gold Smelting; used a vertical Gnomon as a primitive Sundial? Iran, Beer made from Barley. Armenia, earliest Leather Shoe found. China, Pottery in shape of silkworm indicates earliest example of Sericulture (silk worm production).
3500 - 3350 BCE – Mesopotamia, earliest evidence of wheeled vehicles. Indus Valley civilization uses Stamp Seals with a type of script.
3400 BCE (5,400 years ago) - First metal casting. France, Cow skull showing Trepanation found.
5,400 -5,100 y a - Itzi the Iceman dies in the mountains of Northern Italy. Had a copper axe. Earliest evidence of tattoos. Shoes made from two types of animal skin (bear and deer). Arsenic residue in his hair.
3300 BCE - Egypt, tomb paintings show people Dancing. Indus Valley, develop Sanitation.
3200 BCE - Examples of using symbols to represent real life objects (would go to form written language). Ireland, construction begins on Newgrange, largest passage tomb in Europe, aligned to winter solstice. Egypt, Bead made of Meteoric Iron found.
3100 - 2900 BCE - Jemdet Nasr period (following fall of Uruk) would be known as establishing Cuneiform as a proper language.
3100 BCE - Upper and Lower Egypt unified. Mesopotamia, likely evidence of the earliest Lute type device.
3000 BCE - Onset of Bronze. Mesopotamia, Irrigation; Glass Beads appear (possible side effect of making metal); possible earliest Iron working (required higher temperatures), cuneiform mention of Pigeons. Sumer, Medical text found on tablet, believed oldest ever found. Egypt, Hieroglyphs of Pigeons and use of Homing Pigeons for message delivery, first record of a Doctor named, Imhotep; Antimony harvested from rock and made into eye makeup; earliest evidence of domestic Donkeys in the south. Egyptian Mummies show evidence of Smallpox (deathrate 30% especially among babies, can leave people blind). Dromedary Camels likely domesticated in Somalia at this time. (Camel hair can be harvested for shelter and clothing, outer guard hairs make for water proof coats. Camel milk readily turns into yogurt. To turn into butter requires a clarifying agent and extended process.) Chicken reaches Europe from Asia. England, earliest Stone Circles found. Slovakia, Romania, earliest chainmail found. Sheep chosen for wooly coat, not long hair. China, Clay Bells found. India, River Buffalo domesticated (water buffalo); Jute grown for fiber (burlap). Northern Iran, earliest examples of Trumpets. SE Asia, earliest records of Radish. Pakistan, Terracota female figurines.
2800 BCE - Solid evidence of plowed fields. China, Copper smelting discovered. Babylon, evidence of manufacture of soap like substance.
2700 BCE - Chinese treatise on health. 40 kinds identified.
2650 BCE - Egypt, dental work found.
2630-10 BCE - Egypt, Pyramid of Djoser constructed by Imhotep, considered first.
2600 BCE – Egypt, domestication of Honey Bee complete.
2600 - 1900 BCE - Indus Valley, Stoneware Pottery (meaning fired at 1000 degrees Celsius), would become a major industry; (Ivory?).
2580-50 BCE – Egypt, creates first true Ocean Dock for sea trading vessels (with Indus Valley).
2560 BCE - Great Pyramid of Giza completed.
2500 BCE - Evidence of The Amber Road, trade route from the Baltic Sea to Mediterranean Sea. E Iran, Bactrian Camels domesticated. Iraq, "Lyres of Ur," considered world's oldest stringed instruments. Peru, oldest Sling ever found. Egypt, earliest depiction of a Khopesh (sword). Sumerian Clay Tablet with instructions for manufacturing soap (heating mixture of oil and wood ash, earliest record chemical reaction, used for washing woolen clothing). China, axes with Corundum (precious stone). Harappan Culture of Indus Valley, chicken used for Cock Fighting, not food.
2500 - 2000 BCE - Mali, domestication of Pearl Millet. Turkey, Meteoric Iron dagger.
2400 BCE - Sumer, description of Prostitution and a Brothel-Temple to Fertility Goddess.
2300 BCE - Mesopotamia, Urukagina of Lagash, considered the earliest Law Code. (Widows and orphans exempt from taxes, state pays for funeral expenses, the rich must pay in silver and cannot force the poor against will, checked power of priests, protect from usury, abolished polyandry). Iran, Quince (fruit). China, oldest Gnomon (painted stick that casts a shadow for sundial purpose).
2200 BCE - China, first known tax, using salt. Iraq, tablet reads “22 jars of Pig Fat” (each jar 18 liters of Lard, 396 liters total, require 45 adult pigs; likely used to make soap to clean wool of sheep before turning them into textiles)
2200-2000 BCE - Turkey, Iron Smelting.
2100 - 2050 BCE - City of Ur: Earliest written Code of Law discovered. References Butter. (Fines for bodily harm, references murder, robbery, adultery, rape. Two classes of people: free and slave.)
4000 - 3000 y a - Mesopotamia, earliest Scissors (shear, spring type). India, Mung Bean domesticated.
2000 BCE - Murals show horses pulling chariots. Horses become common in western Europe. England, Great Orme Mine started, would become largest copper mine in region (most productive between 1700 - 1400 BCE), used bone and stone tools. China, Bells made out of metal (Bellfounding); domestication of the Swamp Buffalo (water buffalo). Ghana, earliest evidence of Cowpea (black eyed pea). India, Canola/Rapeseed; Diamonds being used to drill beads. Egypt, Lupin Beans. Greece, Kale grown.
1900 BCE – Homing Pigeons used for warfare.
1800 BCE - Egypt, medical text on gynecological issues; Safflower for pigment. India, Iron working.
1754 BCE - Code of Hammurabi (recognized Prostitution and gave women protection and inheritance; theorized that a fertility goddess had a temple that offered sex workers).
1700 - 1200 BCE - (Late Bronze Age) 8 societies in Middle East: Aegean, Egyptian, Hittite, Canaanite, Cypriot, Mitanni, Assyrian, Babylonian. Considered a "globalized world system." Next time this would occur is today.
1700 BCE – Mesopotamia: The "Mari Letters" reference Minoan society, King Hammurabi; clay tablets list Trigonometry Tables and Applied Geometry (for land ownership, speculated to aid in construction).
1628 BCE - Island of Thera/Santorini experiences huge volcanic eruption, possibly causing a tsunami thru eastern Mediterranean.
1600-1500 BCE - Greece, Helmet formed of boar tusks found.
1600 BCE – Levant, Mesopotamia, Pork bones rarely found in settlements (banned from temples in Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Egypt). (Found amongst the poor classes, difficult to tax since it did not produce wool or milk or could plow a field.)
1550 BCE – Papyrus Ebers, Egyptian medical text, mentions Chlamydia.
1500 BCE - Modern Trumpet design found in eastern Mediterranean. India, Pigeon Pea domesticated. Egypt, Mercury found in tombs; archaeologists find earliest Sundials; Emerald mines. China, Water Clocks.
1400 BCE - Syria, Hurrian Songs, cuneiform music tablet in Ugarit. Greece, oldest body armor found, made of bronze, Dendra Panoply (not actually worn, more of a showpiece, but clear representation of body armor for battle). China, Meteoric Iron axeheads. Art representation of Scale Mail in Egypt. Art: representation of Shields.
1350 BCE - Turkey, Hittites chronicle Egyptian prisoners of war bringing "the plague.”
1300 BCE - Uluburun Shipwreck, off coast of Turkey, had 300 sixty pound copper ingots (10 tons), 1 ton of tin, and tin objects and ingots of colored glass (blue, rose, brown). From Cypress/Minoa.
1300? - 900? BCE - Eastern Mediterranean experiences a 300? year drought. (Could also be: Cypress 1200- 850. Syria 1250-1187. Galilee 1250-1100)
1279 BCE - Battle of Qadesh (Egypt vs Hittites).
1200 BCE (3,200 years ago) - Onset of Iron smelting. Earliest Camel saddles appear. Last appearance of Megaliths. India, earliest evidence of Firewalking.
1200 BCE - Eastern Mediterranean civilization collapse. Drought in Greece. Earthquake series.
1188-1177 BCE - Egypt suffers invasions from "The Sea People."
1185 BCE - Syria, Ugarit Letter, Famine.
1140? BCE - Ramses 6th, mummy found to have Smallpox. No record of people dying from Smallpox.
1100 BCE - Phoenicians establish nation. Europe, Iron Age.
1100? BCE - Earth experiences a cold temperature period?
1100-750 BCE - Egypt, Iron Smelting.
1070 BCE - Egyptian mummy found with Silk in hair, earliest evidence of Silk Road.
1000 BCE - Early Cuneiform script (late stages, still pictograph in nature). Bactria, Barbat (primitive lute). Egypt, Kenaf is grown for fibers, leaves can be eaten by animals and humans (similar to Jute and Hemp; rope, rough fabric, sails). Mediterranean, Cabbage domesticated. China, Iron Age. Sport: racing Homing Pigeons.
930 BCE - Camel bones found in Arabian peninsula. Jordan, earliest Bloomery for Iron working found.
800 - 600 BCE - Ethiopia, Sorghum Wheat begins to be harvested.
800 BCE - Considered the beginning of Ancient Greece, after the Mycenae Civilization. China, Bloomeries used.
700-500 BCE - The Illiad orally composed. India, Diamond mining starts.
708 BCE – Greece, Olympics, Discus Throw.
700 BCE - Turkey, first Coins in Lydia. Assyria, first equipment recognized as a Saddle for a Horse.
660 BCE – Massive Solar Storm hits Earth.
600 BCE - Earliest example of a Steel Sword.
600-400 BCE - Ancient Greece rise of scientific inquiry and philosophy
550 BCE - The Illiad written down.
540 BCE – Sri Lanka, earliest record of Pearls.
500 BCE - Camels used in warfare. Persians use kettle drums for military maneuvers, frighten enemies. Greece, Grape Syrup, early form of sweetener and preservative; earliest written mention of what could be Influenza. Blackberries consumed around Europe. Spain, Disk Quern developed. India, Cholera described in Sanskrit. Romans manufacture dipped Candles.
430 BCE – Athens, Typhoid Fever outbreak during siege by Sparta.
400 BCE - The "Celts/Gaeil" settle Ireland. Greece, the “Hippocratic Corpus” seventy collected medical texts, mentions Pneumonia, Meningitis, Valerian Root.
396 BCE - Olympics, horn blowing competitions.
314 BCE - China, first mention of Sweet Orange.
298 BCE - Foot powered Loom.
200 BCE - China starts making paper.
2024.05.08 01:46 LupaSENESE RIP to my absolute favorite ancient Rome historian, Karl Galinsky (1942 - 2024)
I wanted to pay tribute to my absolute favorite ancient Rome historian, Karl Galinsky (February 7, 1942 – March 9, 2024). He was a professor at the University of Texas in Austin. He was considered one of the foremost experts on Augustan Rome. I wanted to write briefly what I love about his writing and history, and why I prefer his work on Augustus above anyone else’s.
I’ve read a veritable mini-library on Augustus. His principate and life is my favorite period in Roman history. In a great deal of these books, there is this pervading cynicism about Augustus that no doubt stems from Tacitus and Sir Ronald Syme. Both of these legendary historians wrote about Augustus with a heavily biased lens. Tacitus wrote from the perspective of an optimate who valued the libertas of a small faction, the Roman oligarchy. Galinsky writes, “Libertas has both an active and passive meaning. It could mean freedom to do something actively, or it can be the freedom from something or someone. Tacitus and Cicero reflect on this matter, they espouse the former (active freedom). But of course, they are extremely biased and are purely referring to senatorial freedom and not the people’s.” Sir Ronald Syme, and understandably so, wrote from the perspective of a historian in the late 30’s, amid encroaching totalitarian dictators. Mussolini revived Augustus’ reign and Augustus was depicted as the “godfather of European dictators.” Galinsky writes, “After Mussolini, for instance, effectively usurped the Augustan era for Fascism, the association stuck for decades, and scholars were reluctant to say anything positive about Augustus so as not to appear as sympathizers.”
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill in Augustan Rome writes, “The fact that Mussolini (and even to some degree Hitler) made use of Augustus as a supposed model had a strong and largely negative impact on the reception of Augustus in the post-fascist period. Sir Ronald Syme's devastating account of Augustus in The Roman Revolution (1939) made plain a lack of sympathy for a figure who, having been deployed as a model for fascist dictators, started to look like one. Even Maecenas came to look like Hitler's minister of information, Goebbels, in manipulating public opinion. Half a century after the fall of fascism, more nuanced viewpoints became possible.”
And indeed, more than half a century after the fall of fascism, more nuanced viewpoints became to emerge and the pinnacle of this newer, fresher, and less biased reception of Augustus is that of Karl Galinsky. Galinsky praises Augustus as someone who only adversely affected the senatorial oligarchy in his reign. He was a necessary monarch and most importantly, the monarch of all, and not just of the select few oligarchs. Similar to Jochen Bleicken’s assessment of Augustus (by the way, Bleicken’s biography of Augustus is the best out there), they both view Augustus as - along with Alexander the Great - the most important figure of antiquity in western civilization. Below, I wanted to provide some of my favorite passages from two of Professor Galinsky’s books. One is Augustus: An Introduction to the Life of an Emperor, and the second one is my all-time favorite book, Augustan Culture. I will provide page numbers for each passage.
"Now “having power over all things,” did Augustus exercise power for its own sake, or did he use it as the means to an end? The answer is, quite unambiguously, the latter." (82)
"How Augustus governed: His personal imprint clearly was discernible, but, quite typically, was not the result of a constant series of executive orders. Such steps were rare. An example is edicts which addressed a number of concerns that had been directed to his attentions by non-Romans in Cyrene: he decreed that Roman citizens should be subject to local laws and that in trials involving Greeks half the jury should be Greek. Similarly, he interfered little in the affairs of the towns in Italy, which numbered around 400. Road building was a priority to tie the empire together just on a material level, and imperial officials were put in charge of the task. But, as we know from what happened in Italy, they had to work though local authorities and contractors. The emperor would not have it otherwise, and balanced approaches like these characterize his style of governing. In short, Augustus was an involved ruler. There was constant communication and consultation rather than intervention. He tapped into existing networks and structures but provided a sense of direction." (164)
"For most people around the Mediterranean, the end of ruinous wars and a return to normal life, domestic tranquility, and some material security would have been enough. If it took a monarch to guarantee these basic blessings, so be it. At least he was “the monarch of everybody” (Momigliano 1940, 80) instead of being interested only in the welfare of a small clique; of course, that monarch should not be a paranoid dictator or bloodthirsty tyrant, either. A return to “laws and rights” would have sufficed, but other frameworks were available besides the republican constitution, which had not been up to the task. The converse parameter for Octavian was that, no, he was not about to give up his power but would try to exercise it in a way that was acceptable to most." (182)
"The other quality that allowed Augustus to achieve all he did was his capacity to grow. Conquest and warring down the enemy was one thing; effectively governing the resulting reign was another – here is where Augustus saw the biggest difference between himself and his model Alexander. Given the generally static view of character in Greco-Roman antiquity, his development after 30 BC was not to be expected, and some understandable mistrust kept lingering. This change should not be rendered simplistically with phrases like “a kinder, gentler Augustus” and similarly reductive characterizations. He still was the same man with the same steely determination. But he saw the task he was facing now, and the way he chose to engage it, required qualities beyond those that had been in evidence. He addressed the problems that had been neglected, and he planned for the long term and not just for his own gain. The way he and his advisers went about this with hard work, patience (we may recall his motto “make haste slowly”), fairness, and vision resonated. This was a ruler and leader one could respect." (185)
Augustus led a moral revitalization and followed through on it; it was a time for rededicating the state to values, virtues, ideas, and ideals. Especially in the arts and literature, the phenomenon is more complex than mere “propaganda”. (on supposed “propaganda”. 20)
To calls coins propaganda is way too simple. It was a lot more nuanced than that. There is no evidence that indicates a pattern of control by the princeps himself. Barbara Levick has proposed that the coins do not produce a message from the emperor to his subjects, but rather are an offering of respect by the subjects to the emperor. (On coins and propaganda. 30)
Maecenas, in his pro-monarchic advice to Augustus, counseled him that “none of the cities should be allowed to have their own separate coinage… they should all be required to use ours” (Dio 52.30.9). Augustus neither did so nor did he need to; Auctoritas once more triumphed over potestas. (40)
The basic change under Augustus only affected the senatorial oligarchy adversely. On several occasions Cicero stresses the importance of preserving the appearance of popular freedom while keeping all the power in the hands of the leading citizens… expressed by Cicero’s spokesman, Scipio in The Republic (1.47-48): “The people hardly possess more freedom under an aristocracy any more than under a monarchy.” (55)
During the late republic, the common people were essentially double losers. They had no meaningful political freedom, nor were they freed from oppressive misery – economic, social, or political – caused by incessant party strife. The fact that a monarch who guaranteed them domestic tranquility and not the aristocracy, was irrelevant to them. At least he was a monarch of everyone instead of looking out only for the interests of a small clique as the senatorial regime had done in the name of its libertas. (55)
submitted by LupaSENESE to ancientrome [link] [comments]
I’ve read a veritable mini-library on Augustus. His principate and life is my favorite period in Roman history. In a great deal of these books, there is this pervading cynicism about Augustus that no doubt stems from Tacitus and Sir Ronald Syme. Both of these legendary historians wrote about Augustus with a heavily biased lens. Tacitus wrote from the perspective of an optimate who valued the libertas of a small faction, the Roman oligarchy. Galinsky writes, “Libertas has both an active and passive meaning. It could mean freedom to do something actively, or it can be the freedom from something or someone. Tacitus and Cicero reflect on this matter, they espouse the former (active freedom). But of course, they are extremely biased and are purely referring to senatorial freedom and not the people’s.” Sir Ronald Syme, and understandably so, wrote from the perspective of a historian in the late 30’s, amid encroaching totalitarian dictators. Mussolini revived Augustus’ reign and Augustus was depicted as the “godfather of European dictators.” Galinsky writes, “After Mussolini, for instance, effectively usurped the Augustan era for Fascism, the association stuck for decades, and scholars were reluctant to say anything positive about Augustus so as not to appear as sympathizers.”
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill in Augustan Rome writes, “The fact that Mussolini (and even to some degree Hitler) made use of Augustus as a supposed model had a strong and largely negative impact on the reception of Augustus in the post-fascist period. Sir Ronald Syme's devastating account of Augustus in The Roman Revolution (1939) made plain a lack of sympathy for a figure who, having been deployed as a model for fascist dictators, started to look like one. Even Maecenas came to look like Hitler's minister of information, Goebbels, in manipulating public opinion. Half a century after the fall of fascism, more nuanced viewpoints became possible.”
And indeed, more than half a century after the fall of fascism, more nuanced viewpoints became to emerge and the pinnacle of this newer, fresher, and less biased reception of Augustus is that of Karl Galinsky. Galinsky praises Augustus as someone who only adversely affected the senatorial oligarchy in his reign. He was a necessary monarch and most importantly, the monarch of all, and not just of the select few oligarchs. Similar to Jochen Bleicken’s assessment of Augustus (by the way, Bleicken’s biography of Augustus is the best out there), they both view Augustus as - along with Alexander the Great - the most important figure of antiquity in western civilization. Below, I wanted to provide some of my favorite passages from two of Professor Galinsky’s books. One is Augustus: An Introduction to the Life of an Emperor, and the second one is my all-time favorite book, Augustan Culture. I will provide page numbers for each passage.
Augustus: Introduction to the Life of an Emperor
“Augustus, then, did not “restore the constitution of the Republic” but rather “restored constitutional government” (Scheid 2007, 89). And it is good to question how many people really wished for a return of that Republic with all its instability, aristocratic jockeying for power, and the government’s neglect of the basic needs of people such as the ability to pursue happiness, domestic tranquility, and a productive life for themselves and their families. Hence, as Dio reports on that occasion (53.11.2), there were members of the senate “who abhorred the republican constitution as a breeder of strife, were pleased at the change in government, and took delight in Caesar.” If that was true of senators, it was all the more true of the vast majority of Italians. They were not interested in the politics of the capital, by which they were deeply affected but in which they could not participate unless they went to Rome and voted there. The libertas they welcomed was not the liberty to engage in cliquish competition for status, and office in Rome but freedom from the effects of discord, factionalism, and hardships that system had produced. Hence the end of the Res Gestae echoes its beginning where Augustus proclaimed to have liberated the republic from the tyranny of a faction. From all this, yet another reason emerges why Augustus wanted to “restore” the republican system: precisely as a constant reminder of its built-in weakness and risks. The republic, without a strong leader, was not the way most people wanted to be governed; there was no nostalgia for its excesses and the economic and political havoc that had resulted. If the system was to work again it required an Augustus. Leaving it to its own devices was a guarantee to return to the bad old days.” (68)”"Now “having power over all things,” did Augustus exercise power for its own sake, or did he use it as the means to an end? The answer is, quite unambiguously, the latter." (82)
"How Augustus governed: His personal imprint clearly was discernible, but, quite typically, was not the result of a constant series of executive orders. Such steps were rare. An example is edicts which addressed a number of concerns that had been directed to his attentions by non-Romans in Cyrene: he decreed that Roman citizens should be subject to local laws and that in trials involving Greeks half the jury should be Greek. Similarly, he interfered little in the affairs of the towns in Italy, which numbered around 400. Road building was a priority to tie the empire together just on a material level, and imperial officials were put in charge of the task. But, as we know from what happened in Italy, they had to work though local authorities and contractors. The emperor would not have it otherwise, and balanced approaches like these characterize his style of governing. In short, Augustus was an involved ruler. There was constant communication and consultation rather than intervention. He tapped into existing networks and structures but provided a sense of direction." (164)
"For most people around the Mediterranean, the end of ruinous wars and a return to normal life, domestic tranquility, and some material security would have been enough. If it took a monarch to guarantee these basic blessings, so be it. At least he was “the monarch of everybody” (Momigliano 1940, 80) instead of being interested only in the welfare of a small clique; of course, that monarch should not be a paranoid dictator or bloodthirsty tyrant, either. A return to “laws and rights” would have sufficed, but other frameworks were available besides the republican constitution, which had not been up to the task. The converse parameter for Octavian was that, no, he was not about to give up his power but would try to exercise it in a way that was acceptable to most." (182)
"The other quality that allowed Augustus to achieve all he did was his capacity to grow. Conquest and warring down the enemy was one thing; effectively governing the resulting reign was another – here is where Augustus saw the biggest difference between himself and his model Alexander. Given the generally static view of character in Greco-Roman antiquity, his development after 30 BC was not to be expected, and some understandable mistrust kept lingering. This change should not be rendered simplistically with phrases like “a kinder, gentler Augustus” and similarly reductive characterizations. He still was the same man with the same steely determination. But he saw the task he was facing now, and the way he chose to engage it, required qualities beyond those that had been in evidence. He addressed the problems that had been neglected, and he planned for the long term and not just for his own gain. The way he and his advisers went about this with hard work, patience (we may recall his motto “make haste slowly”), fairness, and vision resonated. This was a ruler and leader one could respect." (185)
Augustan Culture
It was the self-interest of the senate and its neglect of the larger interests of the res publica that gave rise to the Gracchan unrest and undermined the senate’s own auctoritas: it became auctoritas in form, but not in essence. Auctoritas is not simply a given, but needs to be reacquired and validated. In that sense, it is part of the Augustan ethos that emphasized process and ongoing effort rather than fulfillment. On the political level this activity ultimately fell to Augustus. He did not usurp the auctoritas of the senate, but came to supersede it because of his ability to take the senate’s virtual unwillingness to solve the various long-standing problems that were afflicting the Roman state. Roman political practice was familiar with the role of the princeps and ‘auctor’ who would guide the senate and ensure stability and concord in the res publica. Augustus came to utilize that role to the fullest. (How Augustus saved Rome. Reasoning for Late Republic’s decline. 15)Augustus led a moral revitalization and followed through on it; it was a time for rededicating the state to values, virtues, ideas, and ideals. Especially in the arts and literature, the phenomenon is more complex than mere “propaganda”. (on supposed “propaganda”. 20)
To calls coins propaganda is way too simple. It was a lot more nuanced than that. There is no evidence that indicates a pattern of control by the princeps himself. Barbara Levick has proposed that the coins do not produce a message from the emperor to his subjects, but rather are an offering of respect by the subjects to the emperor. (On coins and propaganda. 30)
Maecenas, in his pro-monarchic advice to Augustus, counseled him that “none of the cities should be allowed to have their own separate coinage… they should all be required to use ours” (Dio 52.30.9). Augustus neither did so nor did he need to; Auctoritas once more triumphed over potestas. (40)
The basic change under Augustus only affected the senatorial oligarchy adversely. On several occasions Cicero stresses the importance of preserving the appearance of popular freedom while keeping all the power in the hands of the leading citizens… expressed by Cicero’s spokesman, Scipio in The Republic (1.47-48): “The people hardly possess more freedom under an aristocracy any more than under a monarchy.” (55)
During the late republic, the common people were essentially double losers. They had no meaningful political freedom, nor were they freed from oppressive misery – economic, social, or political – caused by incessant party strife. The fact that a monarch who guaranteed them domestic tranquility and not the aristocracy, was irrelevant to them. At least he was a monarch of everyone instead of looking out only for the interests of a small clique as the senatorial regime had done in the name of its libertas. (55)