The dairy industry is a global powerhouse, providing essential nutrients for billions of people worldwide.
From creamy yogurts to melt-in-your-mouth cheese, dairy products are a staple in many cultures.
But who are the key players shaping this vast industry?
This article dives into the top 20 dairy companies, exploring their global reach, product offerings, and impact on the market.

List of Top 20 Dairy Companies

The dairy industry is dominated by a mix of established powerhouses and emerging players.
Here's a closer look at the top 20 dairy companies, ranked by their dairy revenue:

Serial Number	Dairy Companies
1.	Nestle
2.	Lactalis
3.	Danone
4.	Yili Group
5.	Fonterra
6.	Mengniu Dairy
7.	Arla Foods
8.	Friesland Campina
9.	Saputo
10.	Unilever
11.	Amul
12.	Savencia
13.	Muller
14.	Agropur
15.	Schreiber Foods
16.	Sodiaal
17.	DMK Group
18.	Froneri
19.	Glanbia
20.	Land O'Lakes

1. Nestlé (Switzerland)

Nestlé, a global giant in food and beverages, holds a leading position in the dairy industry.
Its portfolio boasts iconic brands like Milo, Carnation, and Nido, offering a diverse range of dairy products, from milk and yogurts to nutritious infant formulas and indulgent ice creams.
Nestle Dairy leverages its global reach and innovation to deliver high-quality dairy products to consumers worldwide, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

2. Lactalis (France)

Lactalis, a French multinational, reigns supreme as the world's largest dairy company.
Founded in 1933, it boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing cheese, milk, cream, butter, and more. Renowned brands like Président, Parmalat, and Siggi's yogurt fall under its umbrella.
Lactalis prioritizes international expansion, with a presence in over 100 countries. They champion sustainable practices and cater to evolving consumer preferences with innovative dairy products.

3. Danone (France)

Danone, a leading French multinational food and beverage company, boasts a strong presence in the global dairy market.
Renowned for its commitment to health and sustainability, Danone offers a diverse portfolio of dairy products like yogurts (Activia, Oikos), fresh milk beverages, and dairy-based desserts.
With a focus on innovation and regional preferences, Danone caters to consumers worldwide, making it a trusted name for delicious and nutritious dairy options.

4. Yili Group (China)

Yili Group, a leading contender in the global dairy industry, reigns supreme in Asia.
Based in China, this powerhouse boasts a diverse product portfolio, including yogurts (Ambrosial), ice creams (QQstar), and milk powders.
Recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation, Yili has secured numerous awards and enjoys immense brand loyalty within China.
With a global reach extending beyond Asia, Yili is a key player in shaping the future of the dairy landscape.

5. Fonterra (New Zealand)

Fonterra, a world leader in dairy exports, is a New Zealand cooperative owned by thousands of farmers.
They specialize in milk powder, cheese, and butter, supplying high-quality dairy products to consumers worldwide.
Known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Fonterra plays a crucial role in shaping the global dairy landscape.
This New Zealand giant offers a diverse product range, ensuring a delicious taste of dairy excellence in every corner of the world.

6. Mengniu Dairy (China)

Mengniu Dairy, a leading player in China's booming dairy industry, offers a vast array of nutritious and delicious dairy products.
From its iconic Milk Deluxe to popular yogurt brands like Just Yoghurt and Telunsu, Mengniu caters to diverse consumer preferences.
The company prioritizes high-quality ingredients and innovative products, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in China's dairy market.
This overview explores Mengniu's journey, product portfolio, and impact on the Chinese consumer landscape.

7. Arla Foods (Denmark)

Arla Foods, a Danish-Swedish dairy cooperative, is a powerhouse in the global dairy industry.
Ranking as the world's largest dairy company by milk volume, Arla offers a diverse range of high-quality products like cheese (Lurpak, Castello), milk, and yogurt.
With a focus on sustainability and farmer ownership, Arla is a trusted brand enjoyed by consumers worldwide.

8. FrieslandCampina (Netherlands)

FrieslandCampina, a Dutch multinational dairy cooperative, stands as a leading force in the global market.
Established through mergers of regional cooperatives, it boasts a rich heritage and a commitment to quality.
From creamy cheeses like Dutch Lady to nutritious infant formula like Friso, FrieslandCampina offers a diverse range of dairy products enjoyed by consumers worldwide.
This cooperative prioritizes sustainability and empowers its member dairy farmers, solidifying its position as a responsible and innovative leader in the dairy industry.

9. Saputo (Canada)

Saputo Dairy, a leading player in the global dairy industry, hails from Canada.
Founded in 1954, this family-owned business has grown into a cheese powerhouse, boasting a diverse portfolio of dairy products.
From mozzarella to yogurt and dairy alternatives, Saputo caters to a wide range of consumer preferences.
With a strong presence in North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East, Saputo's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a global dairy leader.

10. Unilever (UK/Netherlands)

Unilever, a leading consumer goods giant, holds a surprising position in the dairy industry.
While not solely focused on dairy, Unilever boasts a strong presence through iconic ice cream brands like Ben & Jerry's, Magnum, and Breyers.
Their portfolio extends beyond frozen treats, encompassing dairy alternatives and exploring lactose-free options.
This overview dives into Unilever's dairy offerings, highlighting its commitment to indulgence and innovation within the ever-evolving dairy landscape.

11. Amul

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), popularly known as Amul, is India's largest dairy cooperative, empowering millions of farmers and delighting consumers with its diverse range of dairy products.
From fresh milk and cheese to ice cream and ghee, Amul stands for quality, innovation, and a commitment to fair prices for farmers.
This iconic brand represents the success story of India's cooperative movement, making it a household name across the nation.

12. Savencia (France)

Savencia Fromage & Dairy, often shortened to Savencia, is a major player in the global dairy industry, renowned for its specialty cheeses and high-value-added dairy ingredients.
This French independent family group, listed on Euronext Paris, ranks as the world's #5 cheese manufacturer and the #2 cheese group in France.
Savencia boasts a strong international presence, offering a diverse range of cheeses, creams, butter, and functional dairy ingredients to consumers and food manufacturers worldwide.
Their commitment to quality and innovation ensures a delicious and trusted dairy experience.

13. Müller (Germany)

Müller, a powerhouse German dairy company, has carved a reputation for delicious yogurts, fresh milk, and delightful desserts.
Founded in 1941, Müller's success stems from its commitment to quality ingredients, innovative products, and a diverse portfolio.
From its iconic Müller Corner yogurts to its creamy milk and indulgent desserts, Müller caters to a wide range of taste preferences.
With a presence across Europe and beyond, Müller continues to be a driving force in the global dairy industry.

14. Agropur (Canada)

Agropur, a leading North American dairy cooperative, champions quality and innovation.
Founded in 1938, it empowers over 3,000 dairy farmers and offers a diverse range of products, including cheese, butter, milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
Agropur's commitment to excellence extends beyond its products, fostering sustainable practices and community development.
From iconic brands like Natrel and Olympic to its international presence, Agropur is a force to be reckoned with in the global dairy landscape.

15. Schreiber Foods (USA)

Schreiber Foods, a powerhouse in the dairy industry, has been delighting consumers worldwide for over 100 years.
Renowned for its high-quality cheese and delectable desserts, Schreiber boasts popular brands like Sargento and Schreiber.
Their commitment to innovation extends beyond delicious products, with a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.
From creamy cheeses to decadent desserts, Schreiber Foods continues to be a leader in the global dairy market.

16. Sodiaal (France)

Sodiaal, a leading French dairy cooperative, champions quality and farmer empowerment.
Owned by over 16,000 dairy producers, Sodiaal processes a significant portion of France's milk supply.
The cooperative boasts renowned brands like Yoplait yogurt and Candia milk, enjoyed worldwide.
Sodiaal prioritizes sustainable practices and supports PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses, preserving regional heritage.
Committed to innovation, Sodiaal offers a diverse range of dairy products, from cheese and butter to ice cream, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

17. DMK Group (Germany)

DMK Group, a German dairy cooperative, stands tall as a leading player in the European dairy industry.
Founded in 2011 through the merger of two prominent companies, DMK boasts a network of over 7,800 employees and partnerships with 5,200 farmers.
Their commitment to quality shines through their diverse product range, encompassing milk, cheese, ice cream, and even baby food.
Recognized brands like MILRAM and Oldenburger solidify DMK's position as a trusted provider of delicious and nutritious dairy products across Europe and beyond.

18. Froneri (UK)

Froneri, the world's second-largest ice cream manufacturer, reigns supreme in Europe and is rapidly expanding globally.
Headquartered in England, this powerhouse emerged in 2016 through the merger of R&R Ice Cream and Nestlé's ice cream division.
Froneri boasts iconic brands like Häagen-Dazs, Magnum, and Walls, offering a delightful variety of ice cream flavors and formats to satisfy every craving.
They're committed to innovation and cater to evolving consumer preferences, making Froneri a force to be reckoned with in the global frozen dessert landscape.

19. Glanbia (Ireland)

Glanbia, a prominent player in the global dairy industry, boasts a rich heritage and a diversified portfolio.
Headquartered in Ireland, Glanbia operates across two key segments: Glanbia Nutritionals and Glanbia Ireland.
Glanbia Nutritionals is a world leader in cheese and high-quality whey protein ingredients, catering to the nutritional and functional food industries.
Glanbia Ireland, on the other hand, focuses on the Irish dairy market, offering a wide range of dairy products like milk, butter, and cheese under popular brands.
With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Glanbia remains a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving dairy landscape.

20. Land O'Lakes

Land O'Lakes, a name synonymous with quality dairy products in the US, boasts a rich history dating back to 1921.
This farmer-owned cooperative, headquartered in Minnesota, revolutionized the butter industry by introducing fresh, sweet cream butter in individual sticks.
Today, Land O'Lakes offers a vast array of dairy products, from butter and cheese to milk and ice cream.
Committed to innovation and sustainability, Land O'Lakes remains a leading force in the American dairy industry.
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Originally posted on "ask a priest" reddit and cross posted here for any experience laity may have with any of the questions I have or if there is a Priest on here that would like to field these questions
I am unsure if the answers to the questions I have will be practically usefulness or not, as the answers will probably dictate my wife's thoughts and motivations about this, but it might be and as the spiritual leader of our marriage I want to get some answers for her and I have curiosity about the nature of catholic cannon law anyhow, (philosophy BA I think the history of it compaired to modern practice and interpretation interests me as a intellectual persuit). I hope this thread can help me find some answers and be an interesting non judgmental conversation. Warning... it might be a long one... I will also leave out a lot of the spiritually significance unless it is relevant to cannon law.
For background I (m38) grew up non denominational christian, baptised at 4 (baptist at the time) and remained so for almost 3 decades. Around 2017 I was introduced to Messanic Judaism and by 2020 I was practicing Judaism and had renounce my Christiananity on a path towards Judaism and I will have my Bar Mitzvah at the age of 39. I was previously married in a christian church in 2011, separated from my ex wife 2020 and finnally got a divorce in 2022 (custody battle delayed the divorce greatly).
My wife (f42), was born and raised roman catholic and was actively practicing most of her life. However down her maternal line her grandmother is Jewish making her Jewish. In 2018 she separated from her then husband (heavy drug use and probably infidelity) and moved from the east to west coast. Got a legal separation then. She never got an annulment but got a legal divorce a while before I did.
My ex wife left our marital home in june of 2020, I met my now wife shortly there after. By Oct 2020 we begain living together. At this point we were regularly going to our Synagogue but she was not going to mass. Since then we have been to a handful of service over the years as something she finds confort in even as we fully embrace Judaism as our practice and the way we choose to serve and honor Yeshua ("jesus"). We were legally married by a Rabbi in a Jewish ceremony March 26, 2023. By both US law and any interpretation of Torah we are married.
My wife would like to still beable to attend AND take sacrament every once in a while. We have no intention of regular practice but its something that she is deeply connected to still and calls herself both a catholic and a Jew. But she has not be able to legally take communion for years and would like to. I believe you may beable to predict some of my questions, also feel free to correct any of my misunderstandings or misinterpretations of cannon law as I will include those in my question.
We did speak to a priest some time ago before we were married about thr process of annulments and marriage in the catholic church but some of the situation has changed since then and my understanding of cannon law and also increased since then. But from what I understand, according to the catholic church and cannon law we are still married to our exs and are essentially co habitating and this currently prevents her from taking communion. The only way for her to be in "a state of grace" and thereby beable to take communion is if we were to get annulments and then get married in the catholic church, but that poses a myriad practical problems, including ones that may be impassable for the church to perform a marriage mass for us, and that is what my questions are about. All of these questions are assumed to be the case if we are granted annulments, (which that would take a while the process seems needlessly extensive for something that is normallt granted) or if some sort of dispenation could be given to solve that or any of hte other hurdles here.
As I understand a catholic can marry a non catholic as a sacrment if they have been baptised in a christian church, which I have, but I have also renounced my Christiananity, is the fact that I was at one time a baptised chrstian whats important or what I am currently practicing? Alternatively if a catholic, marries a Jew (or other non Christian religion) I have read it is not done as a sacrment, can a catholic living with a non Christian spouse return to a "state of grace"?
As I understand it would require us to return to a "state of grace" for 6 months. We have no desire to lie to a preist to get them to perform the ceremony. This would involve not co habitating or at least litrally refraining from sexual relations for those 6 months. Neither one of those options are valid or even something we would remotly consider. Even if we consider it ourselves, which would be utterly ridiculous, under the eyes of G-d we are husband and wife and it would actually be forbidden by Torah for us to refrain for that time frame or reason. Assuming we did get annulments would a priest perform a marriage mass still if we made no changes to our home or sex life?
I understand there is a requirement for us to commit to raise our children catholic, but her sons are grown, raised Catholic but now agnostic, my son is 4 years old and we are raising him Jewish. However we cannot have any children of our own medically so there will be no children from our marriage. Would a commitment need to be made about my son? Or is this only in regards to children born to the union?
Again neither one of us intend on regular practice of catholicism but my wife would like to continue to come to mass every once in a while and partake, she would like to regain and maintain a state of grace with the church but we will not violate the sanctity of our marriage for that nor do we want to lie to a priest about our life or intentions.
All answers are appreciated and if there is any consiteration of dispensations or indulgances (do those still exisit?) that might help us in this situation that information would also be appreciated and helpful.
Thank you and G-d bless.

I am unsure if the answers to the questions I have will be practically usefulness or not, as the answers will probably dictate my wife's thoughts and motivations about this, but it might be and as the spiritual leader of our marriage I want to get some answers for her and I have curiosity about the nature of catholic cannon law anyhow, (philosophy BA I think the history of it compaired to modern practice and interpretation interests me as a intellectual persuit). I hope this thread can help me find some answers and be an interesting non judgmental conversation. Warning... it might be a long one... I will also leave out a lot of the spiritually significance unless it is relevant to cannon law.
For background I (m38) grew up non denominational christian, baptised at 4 (baptist at the time) and remained so for almost 3 decades. Around 2017 I was introduced to Messanic Judaism and by 2020 I was practicing Judaism and had renounce my Christiananity on a path towards Judaism and I will have my Bar Mitzvah at the age of 39. I was previously married in a christian church in 2011, separated from my ex wife 2020 and finnally got a divorce in 2022 (custody battle delayed the divorce greatly).
My wife (f42), was born and raised roman catholic and was actively practicing most of her life. However down her maternal line her grandmother is Jewish making her Jewish. In 2018 she separated from her then husband (heavy drug use and probably infidelity) and moved from the east to west coast. Got a legal separation then. She never got an annulment but got a legal divorce a while before I did.
My ex wife left our marital home in june of 2020, I met my now wife shortly there after. By Oct 2020 we begain living together. At this point we were regularly going to our Synagogue but she was not going to mass. Since then we have been to a handful of service over the years as something she finds confort in even as we fully embrace Judaism as our practice and the way we choose to serve and honor Yeshua ("jesus"). We were legally married by a Rabbi in a Jewish ceremony March 26, 2023. By both US law and any interpretation of Torah we are married.
My wife would like to still beable to attend AND take sacrament every once in a while. We have no intention of regular practice but its something that she is deeply connected to still and calls herself both a catholic and a Jew. But she has not be able to legally take communion for years and would like to. I believe you may beable to predict some of my questions, also feel free to correct any of my misunderstandings or misinterpretations of cannon law as I will include those in my question.
We did speak to a priest some time ago before we were married about thr process of annulments and marriage in the catholic church but some of the situation has changed since then and my understanding of cannon law and also increased since then. But from what I understand, according to the catholic church and cannon law we are still married to our exs and are essentially co habitating and this currently prevents her from taking communion. The only way for her to be in "a state of grace" and thereby beable to take communion is if we were to get annulments and then get married in the catholic church, but that poses a myriad practical problems, including ones that may be impassable for the church to perform a marriage mass for us, and that is what my questions are about. All of these questions are assumed to be the case if we are granted annulments, (which that would take a while the process seems needlessly extensive for something that is normallt granted) or if some sort of dispenation could be given to solve that or any of hte other hurdles here.
As I understand a catholic can marry a non catholic as a sacrment if they have been baptised in a christian church, which I have, but I have also renounced my Christiananity, is the fact that I was at one time a baptised chrstian whats important or what I am currently practicing? Alternatively if a catholic, marries a Jew (or other non Christian religion) I have read it is not done as a sacrment, can a catholic living with a non Christian spouse return to a "state of grace"?
As I understand it would require us to return to a "state of grace" for 6 months. We have no desire to lie to a preist to get them to perform the ceremony. This would involve not co habitating or at least litrally refraining from sexual relations for those 6 months. Neither one of those options are valid or even something we would remotly consider. Even if we consider it ourselves, which would be utterly ridiculous, under the eyes of G-d we are husband and wife and it would actually be forbidden by Torah for us to refrain for that time frame or reason. Assuming we did get annulments would a priest perform a marriage mass still if we made no changes to our home or sex life?
I understand there is a requirement for us to commit to raise our children catholic, but her sons are grown, raised Catholic but now agnostic, my son is 4 years old and we are raising him Jewish. However we cannot have any children of our own medically so there will be no children from our marriage. Would a commitment need to be made about my son? Or is this only in regards to children born to the union?
Again neither one of us intend on regular practice of catholicism but my wife would like to continue to come to mass every once in a while and partake, she would like to regain and maintain a state of grace with the church but we will not violate the sanctity of our marriage for that nor do we want to lie to a priest about our life or intentions.
All answers are appreciated and if there is any consiteration of dispensations or indulgances (do those still exisit?) that might help us in this situation that information would also be appreciated and helpful.
Thank you and G-d bless.
PS I will probably cross post this to catholicism as well.

POLYANDRY: SACRED, SECRET, SEXUAL
Before July 12, 1843, before Joseph Smith received the revelation that became (but not until 1876) Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants (the revelation on polygamy), there was no shortage of domestic anxiety in the City of the Saints (Nauvoo, Illinois). The Latter-day Saints were told that while they had solemnized their marriages in civil proceedings, they were not married by the law of God for time and eternity, “that their marriage relations with each other were not valid.” Those who were legally married by the civil sovereign or in church by unempowered pastors, meaning almost everyone, were not spiritually married in heavenly terms. They were bound only by their own covenants which, if not satisfactory, were revocable. Thus anyone whose marriage relations “had not been productive of blessings and peace” was declared free to revisit their commitments. “[T]he doctrine of ‘sealing’ for an eternal state was introduced, and the Saints were given to understand . . . . That those who had solemnized the rites of matrimony had no authority of God to do so.” (John D. Lee, Confessions, 1877, 146). If the Saints “felt it oppressive to remain together, they were at liberty to make their own choice, as much as if they had not been married.” (Ibid.). Some couples exchanged partners.
In 1841 and 1842 (years that immediately preceded the final draft of a “polygamic” revelation), and in 1843 up to the time the revelation was read to the Nauvoo High Council, Joseph will be married many times. The revelation the prophet is supposed to have received in its final form on July 12, 1843, was not privately read to the High Council – men who could be trusted not to tell the truth, in a meeting, the subject of which was not reported in the minutes – until August 12, 1843. (Official Minutes: “August 12, 1843; Saturday). (At Hyrum Smith’s Office). No buisness [sic] before the Council. Teaching by Pres[iden]ts Hiram Smith & William Marks.” Thomas Grover, attendee, 1869: “Hyrum Smith reasoned upon said Revelation for about an hour, clearly explaining the same, and then enjoined it upon said Council, to receive and acknowledge the same, or they would be damned.” (Affidavit, Thomas Grover, 6 July 1869. See “The Nauvoo City and High Council Minutes,” John S. Dinger, ed. [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2011], 467-68 n 61). The revelation described various invisible early generic unions in general terms and commanded Emma Smith to accept them. By July 12, 1843, Joseph had already married (in addition to Emma) about twenty-eight women. (George D. Smith, Nauvoo Polygamy . . . But We Called It Celestial Marriage (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2008), 621-23). And between July 12 and August 12, 1843, between the written receipt of the controversial revelation and the confidential report to the High Council, he will marry about four more. In this pursuit of partners and at this time, the prophet is a man possessed. Polygamy, according to Joseph Smith, “is the most holy and important doctrine ever revealed to man on earth.”
Now the Master of the Universe, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the great last hope of insistent billions, whose voice by Mormon reckoning has gone essentially unheard no matter the crisis for more than 1600 years, concerns himself with the reordering of marital priorities in Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1842 and 1843, Joseph’s God, wakened from centuries of slumber, will seem to tell Mrs. Henry Jacobs, Mrs. Norman Buell, Mrs. George Harris, Mrs. Orson Hyde, Mrs. Orson Pratt, Mrs. Hiram Kimball, Mrs. Robert D. Foster, Mrs. William Law, Mrs. Adam Lightner, Mrs. Windsor Lyon, Mrs. David Sessions, Mrs. John Cleveland, Mrs. Jabez Durfee, Mrs. Stephen Poulterer, Mrs. Edward Sayers, Mrs. Jonathon Holmes and Mrs. Lucien Woodworth that they would be better off married to Joseph Smith for time and eternity than to their legal husbands only for time, and that it was God’s holy will that they should also plurally marry their prophet. Several women refused. The prophet, by this reckoning, would become the father to the children of those legal husbands whose wives didn’t refuse in a Mormon afterlife. And the eternal husband to the children’s mothers.
Sometime later, William Smith, the prophet’s brother who had been a founding Apostle and the Patriarch, told Isaac Sheen “that he [William Smith] had the right to raise up posterity from other men’s wives,” that “it would be an honor conferred upon them and their husbands, to allow him that privilege, and that they would thereby be exalted to a high degree of glory in eternity.” [Isaac Sheen to Editor, Cincinnati Daily Commercial, 22 May 1850 (William knew Joseph’s polyandry was sexual), cited in Richard S. Van Wagoner, Mormon Polygamy: A History (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1986), 245 n 7. “Sheen insisted that Smith offered his wife to him ‘on the same terms that he claimed a partnership in other men’s wives.’” (Ibid.). Raising up “posterity” with the wives of other men was the ultimate objective of these marriages and of the plurality wife doctrine, whether on the earth or in the life to come. Brigham Young proved when he married and had a child with Zina Huntington (Jacobs) (Smith) (Young), while she was still married to Jacobs and undivorced, but one case in point, that polyandry was sexual]. William didn’t invent that concept, but rather gave voice to his brother’s doctrine. It suited William like it suited his older brother. God will command previously married women to revisit their spiritually barren commitments, telling them one at a time by means of special revelations adapted to their particular circumstances that they should share themselves with their husbands and Joseph (Brigham, Heber and William) for time, then give themselves and their biological children with their less-than-eternally married lawfully deputized husbands to a time and eternity husband (for exaltation) in a Mormon afterlife.
Website: MormonismUnderTheMicroscope.com

The heat and the pressure are on—for our planet, and for one more World War.
Last Week in Collapse: June 2-8, 2024
This is Last Week in Collapse, a weekly newsletter compiling some of the most important, timely, useful, soul-crushing, ironic, stunning, exhausting, or otherwise must-see/can’t-look-away moments in Collapse.
This is the 128th newsletter. You can find the May 26-June edition here if you missed it last week. You can also receive these posts (with images) every Sunday in your email inbox with Substack.
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Bengaluru broke a 133-year rain record by almost 10mm last Sunday, with 111mm (4.37 inches) of rain falling in a single day. In Sri Lanka, some 24,000 people were displaced by recent flooding. A heat wave swept through the southwest United States and northern Mexico. Part of Niger already broke its June temperature record. Parts of New South Wales, Australia broke nighttime temperatures as well; so did the Philippines, and Vietnam. And a heat wave in Greece.
“Atmospheric blocking” happens when regions of the atmosphere remain stationary for days or weeks, imposing similar weather on a region for a while. A study released in Nature Communications looked at Svalbard, which is warming faster than the Arctic, which is itself warming faster than most of the rest of the planet. The researchers claim that atmospheric blocking has resulted in warmer & wetter conditions in Svalbard, which is driving its ice loss. “The augmented blocking in the Ural and Scandinavian regions in the future combined with the projected declines in sea ice, and increases in sea surface temperatures and moisture availability, will likely increase the magnitude and frequency of exceptional rainfall incidents similar to the 2016 occurrence, posing further hazards to the population and ecosystems in Svalbard.”
A paywalled study in Nature Climate Change emphasizes “in the absence of a global tipping point there is no safety margin within which permafrost loss would be acceptable.” The summary states that permafrost melt does not have a worldwide tipping point, but rather several local temperature thresholds. Permafrost worldwide is expected to be all melted once global temperature gains hit 5 or 6 °C.
We are currently in the brief neutral period between El Niño and La Niña, expected to begin around August. Meteorologists expect temperatures in the eastern Pacific to decline for between 1 and 3 years—and for stronger Atlantic hurricanes. A 14-page report from the WMO forecasts a particularly wet summer for Central America.
Monsoon storms in Sri Lanka killed 14, mostly by falling trees, though others drowned or were covered by landslides. Texas saw “canteloupe-size hail” fall during a freak tornado; some think it is a record size for the region. Experts say some 23% of Africa’s land has been degraded, by five major factors: 1) invasive species, 2) climate change, including Drought and flooding, 3) resource extraction, 4) deforestation, and 5) pollution, including algal blooms. Poverty, population growth, and resource dependencies have aggravated the problem, says the article.
In Kashmir, a glacier Collapsed, sending three plunging into the ice, one of whom has still not been found. In the Philippines, a volcanic mud landslide swept into a village; volcano alerts were raised to 2 (on a 0-5 scale). Rising sea levels are displacing residents of one of Panama’s islands (pop: ~1,200); others will follow. Greece is gearing up for a fierce wildfire season ahead. And, in a moment of hopeful news, Sweden is banning bottom trawling in its “marine protected areas.”
In the EU, early polling appears to show a “greenlash,”, a backlash to the Green Alliance—and perhaps a loss of some 30% of their 72 current seats in the EU Parliament (705 total). Some blame the “moral superiority complex” of Greens, while others believe it is their lack of compromise on important issues. Farmer protests also damaged Green sentiment; now future sweeping climate reforms will probably have to wait years to get passed, since conservatives are expected to make gains. Most results will emerge within 24 hours of this post.
Worldwide, 39% of environmental journalists have faced threats due to their reporting—according to a 112-page report by the Earth Journalism Network. Most of the threats came to reporters writing about illegal extraction operations.
Roughly 20% of sealife near the surface is expected to face a “triple threat” of climate hazards: extreme heat, oxygen loss and acidification. Some of these species will die in place; others will be forced into progressively smaller living spaces. Most of the danger lies in the northern Pacific. The full study in AGU Advances has more.
The UN Secretary-General announced that we are on the “highway to climate hell.” And we aren’t wearing any seatbelts. The EU Copernicus Programme says last May was the hottest on record. This means the last 12 months were the hottest on record, with each consecutive month setting a new monthly record. Our planet is supposedly on the edge of 1.5 °C temperature increase, but some think we’ve already surpassed it.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a 27-page report, “Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update 2024-2028,” predicting short-term temperatures exceeding the 1.5 °C mark.

“The global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2024 and 2028 is predicted to be between 1.1°C and 1.9°C higher than the average over the years 1850-1900. It is likely (80% chance) that global mean near-surface temperature will exceed 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average levels for at least one year between 2024 and 2028. It is about as likely as not (47%) that the five-year mean will exceed this threshold….Arctic warming over the next five extended winters (November to March), relative to the average of the 1991-2020 period, is predicted to be more than three times as large as the warming in global mean temperature. Predicted precipitation patterns for 2024, relative to the 1991-2020 average, suggest an increased chance of low rainfall over North-East Brazil and an increased chance of wet conditions in the African Sahel, consistent with the warmer-than-usual temperatures in the North Atlantic….

The Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy released its 2024 Environmental Policy Index, and the 204 pages illustrate the state of sustainability in 180 countries, according to 58 indicators. The document, full of useful graphics and accessible summaries, presents a world in escalating danger of global heating, pollution, and biodiversity loss. It is well worth skimming. These kinds of climate reports usually seem to me like, overall, much more time was spent making them than people spend reading them…

“Only five countries — Estonia, Finland, Greece, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom — cut their GHG emissions at the rate needed to reach zero by 2050….After climate change, biodiversity loss has emerged as the most serious and irreversible environmental crisis….As of 2022, aggregated GHG emissions were falling in 60 countries but still rising in 128…. Human activities, namely the combustion of fossil fuels, of which CO2 is an inevitable byproduct, have caused a nearly 50 percent of the increase in CO2 levels in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution, with atmospheric concentration surpassing 426 parts per million in April 2024 — a level higher than at any point in human history….China, the United States, and India are pivotal, accounting for over half of global GHG emissions…China used more cement in two years (2020 and 2021) than the United States did in the entire twentieth century….Air pollution remains the most serious environmental threat to public health. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) caused 7.8 million premature deaths in 2021, close to 12 percent of global deaths…” -selections from the first third of the report

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Mexico saw its first human case of a bird flu strain, H5N2, in a dead man supposedly with no known previous exposure to animals. Two turkey farms got outbreaks in Minnesota, and Iowa’s first dairy farm reported bird flu as well. American health authorities expect H5N1 human cases to rise in the coming weeks. Bird flu was also found in San Francisco last week. Millions of human vaccine doses for bird flu are being prepared for the United States this summer.
Citigroup says the United States is already in a recession, though other institutions disagree. Nevertheless, junk bonds are becoming even more junky, and economists agree that the economy is at least slowing down. Credit card debt is reportedly rising, and the “personal savings rate” has dropped to pre-COVID levels. “America’s debt accumulation over the last seven years is akin to the costs of a world war,” says the article. Cuts to the Federal Reserve interest rate are coming, and the rise of tariffs is unlikely to stop soon. And Europe’s strongest economy, Germany, is not seeing a strong recovery from last year’s recession.
Thousands are starving in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where Drought and school dropouts have also worsened. Investigators claim in a new report that both sides in the Tigray War committed grave war crimes and “acts of genocide” in the conflict, which ended (on paper, anyway) in November 2022; intercommunal violence continues at a lower intensity.
The American Heart Association released a report projecting the rates of heart illnesses by 2050, and they believe the rate of hypertension among adults will rise from about 51% in 2020 to 61% in 2060. Diabetes rates are expected to jump from about 16% in 2020 to almost 27% in 2050; and obesity rates will expand 17% to over 60%... A number of other heart conditions are expected to worsen as well, though at least high cholesterol rates are expected to decrease.
A 12-page report by Oil Change International says what we all know: most nations are failing to meet climate targets. “Some G7 countries are massively expanding fossil fuel production at home, while others are investing in more fossil fuel infrastructure abroad.” China is, far and away, adding more renewable energy capacity than any other nations on earth, supposedly adding “over 90% of all renewable capacity mentioned in NDCs {nationally determined contributions}” in the 2020s so far.
The U.S. FDA has unanimously recommended a new vaccine be developed to address the JN.1 COVID variant. Vaccine-manufacturers say that a new vaccine could arrive as early as mid-August. A 242-page prepublication report on the long-term dangers of Long COVID, with a view to planning future impacts on Social Security.

“Even individuals with a mild initial course of illness can develop Long COVID with severe health effects….Women are twice as likely as men to experience Long COVID….Long COVID can cause more than 200 symptoms and affects each person differently….There currently is no curative treatment for Long COVID itself. Management of the condition is based on current knowledge about treating the associated health effects and other sequelae….Long COVID symptoms generally improve over time, although preliminary studies suggest that recover can plateau 6-12 months after acute infection. Studies have shown that only 18-22 percent of those who have persistent symptoms at 5-6 months following infection have fully recovered by 1 year. Among those who do not improve, most remain stable, but some worsen.” -selections from the study summary

Germany reported African swine flu in some pigs in the northeast. Monkeypox cases remain in the United States, and at higher rates than last year, despite waning media coverage. And four strains of dengue fever, yes four, are still sweeping through Brazil with no end in sight.
A number of current & former employees at OpenAI are warning of the careless pursuit of dominance of the artificial intelligence arena—and the supposed 70% chance that AI could bring about “doom” for humanity. Some of the computer scientists believe that a general intelligence (AGI) could arrive as soon as 2027—a generation earlier than previous estimates of roughly 2050. "The world isn’t ready, and we aren’t ready," said one dissenting researcher.
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The intervention into Haiti is almost ready to go, but gangsters in Haiti have escalated attacks against police in advance of the Kenya-led operation, set to begin in a week or two. “The gangs are just waiting for the Kenyans, they’re just cracking their knuckles and stretching out.…It’s going to be a battle if not a bloodbath of a war, because the gangs are ready,” said one ex-diplomat. A new PM has been installed, Garry Conille, a guy who previously served as PM for 4 about months in 2011-2012. Gangs vying for power control roughly 80% of Port-Au-Prince; will they remain fragmented upon the arrival of an outside coalition, or make an alliance of convenience to oppose police intervention?
Although New Caledonia’s state of emergency has ended, over $1B of damage has been wrought by rioters opposing an expansion of voting rights. Analysts say that the Pacific island’s abundant nickel reserves—essential for France’s renewable energy push—have seen their extraction obstructed by recent events. A curfew remains in place, and social cohesion has been seriously damaged by the protests and the central government’s reactions.
President Biden issued new orders restricting the flow of migrants and asylum-seekers at the Mexico border. At the U.S./Canada border, migrant arrivals have spiked 1000%+ in the last 3 years. Days before the EU election, Portugal instituted stronger controls over immigration. On the Poland/Belarus border, a Polish soldier died, after being stabbed by a migrant from Belarus.
Georgia’s controversial foreign agents bill has been signed into law despite strong protests from the masses. Some call the law a form of Russian hybrid warfare, though Russia contends that allowing foreign media funding functions as a kind of anti-Russian hybrid warfare on its own.
South Korea suspended a military agreement with North Korea over their waste balloons sent into the South. This will result in a more militarized border, outside the DMZ, in the coming months. President Putin is also planning a visit to Pyongyang, which has been long-supplying materiel to Russia for use in Ukraine. A border clash between Chinese and Indian forces took place in their contested mountains—using only sticks and stones.
Conditions in Gaza are said to be “beyond crisis levels” for the 1M+ people who have been displaced from Rafah, as the Israeli advance continues—despite calls from the ICJ to halt the operation. “The sounds, the smells, the everyday life, are horrific and apocalyptic,” said one observer. Killings in the West Bank have now exceeded 500 since October 7, and aid deliveries have sunk 65%+ since the Rafah offensive began. A strike on a school killed 45 people sheltering there, according to Gaza officials. In the coastal settlement of al-Mawasi, where many IDPs moved after the Rafah invasion began, toilets are so scarce that over 4,000 people share a single latrine.
The battlefield is expanding; in some ways, it has always been all-encompassing, and it’s only now that the world is re-learning it. Ukraine has sent soldiers to Syria to fight Wagner Group mercenaries operating in the failed state. Ukraine had earlier intervened in Sudan to combat Russian forces operating in the country. Ukraine also struck an air defense unit inside Russia for the first time, marking another escalation in the War. Russia struck Ukraine’s largest hydroelectric power plant in Dnipro, which is now in “critical condition.” Russia reportedly intends to restart the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant at some point, though international regulators argue that it would be unsafe to turn Europe’s largest nuclear facility online while War still rages around it. Half of Ukraine’s electrical generation has been taken offline. Although weapons are reaching Ukraine’s frontlines, they are not enough to change the tide of the War—and are still outnumbered by Russian soldiers & munitions. Ukraine is also crowd-sourcing 3D-printing drone parts to support their drone fleets—a key part of future modern warfare.
Russia also claims that French military instructors within Ukraine present a lawful military target for Russian forces—and an opportunity to start WWIII. But others believe the flashpoint may come from elsewhere—Taiwan, or the unfolding Israel/Hamas/Hezbollah/Iran conflict, which are intensifying on the Lebanon/Israel border. Russia is also taking over Niger’s uranium reserves, once held by a French corporation. And four Russian sea vessels will be visiting Cuba—but not carrying nuclear weapons.
Around Sudan’s capital, looters, checkpoints, and violence have been established. Several torture chambers have been discovered, and the smell of death hangs in the air of a few neighborhoods, contested by both sides. The number of displaced people is approaching 10M. Russia is supposedly playing both sides to its advantage. “All over Sudan, people are going hungry because they have lost everything, the economy has collapsed, and armed men frequently steal what little aid is available,” said one reporter. The insurgent RSF forces are said to not only be fighting for the future, but fighting over history as well. The National Museum has become a cemetery for RSF fighters. University archives have been burned. And ancient artifacts have been cleared out, sold to mysterious buyers, stashed away in unknown places, or simply destroyed… Other horror stories are still emerging; this article details some of the worst recent tales in the War.
One major NATO supplies provider claims that a decade of arms accumulation is coming, to replenish stockpiles given to Ukraine and in advance of a potential open War between China and whatever western nations decide to participate. China announced its intention to detain vessels moving into its alleged national waters near the Philippines—and presumably to sink those which resist. Ukraine used up six years’ worth of shoulder-fired missiles, like javelins, in just one year. The development of the F-35 will exceed $2T, although the U.S. military is planning on using it less than previously expected. NATO is also planning its rapid-transit troop corridors through Europe to the expected frontlines of a potential open War against Russia.
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Select comments/threads from the subreddit last week suggest:
-It is a common refrain that the education system is a bellwether for Collapse. It is also a symbol—alongside our food system, plastic dependency, state militaries, and many other institutions—of how difficult it apparently is to change course. The institutional friction and incentives are burnt in. This detailed post on the (American) school system and the “metacrisis” and much more. Several thorough comments build on the OP’s thesis. Peek into teachers for a glimpse into our doomed future.
-People in southern California are evidently closing their eyes and ears to Collapse, if this weekly observation is to be believed. The author writes about their unfulfilled hope that humanity might turn the ship around during the COVID period, cognitive biases, the persistence of COVID denial, plastics, and the early burning sun.
-Society is closing in on a Doom-Awakening, says the comments on this post. Some disagree (see the above observation).
-Nothing works, and everything is breaking—say many terrific comments in this self-post about the lack of empathy, passion, quality products, and the atrocious job market.
Got any feedback, questions, comments, complaints, upvotes, hurricane advice, bird flu tips, cheap off-grid land, etc.? Check out the Last Week in Collapse SubStack if you don’t want to check collapse every Sunday, you can receive this newsletter sent to your (or someone else’s) email inbox every weekend. What did I forget this week?

Eating a lot of junk food regularly can have several negative effects on your health:

1. Weight Gain: Junk food is often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. This weight gain can increase the risk of obesity and related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Junk food is typically low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Consuming a diet high in junk food can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can impair overall health and increase the risk of various health problems.
3. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Diets high in junk food have been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and certain cancers. These diseases can significantly impact quality of life and may shorten lifespan if left untreated.
4. Digestive Issues: Junk food often contains little to no fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion. Consuming large amounts of junk food can lead to digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and indigestion.
5. Poor Dental Health: Many junk foods, especially sugary snacks and beverages, can contribute to poor dental health. Regular consumption of these foods can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
6. Mood Swings and Mental Health Issues: Research suggests that diets high in junk food may be linked to an increased risk of mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Nutrient-poor diets can negatively impact brain health and neurotransmitter function, potentially affecting mood and mental well-being.
7. Energy Fluctuations: Junk food tends to provide a quick energy boost due to its high sugar content, but this energy is short-lived and often followed by a crash. Regularly consuming junk food can lead to energy fluctuations throughout the day, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic.
8. Addiction and Cravings: Junk food can be addictive due to its high sugar, fat, and salt content, which can trigger pleasure centers in the brain. Over time, this can lead to cravings and dependence on junk food, making it challenging to adopt healthier eating habits.

Overall, while occasional consumption of junk food is unlikely to cause significant harm, regularly indulging in these foods can have serious consequences for your health in the long term. It's essential to prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support overall health and well-being.

Taking care of your eyes is essential for maintaining good vision and preventing eye-related problems. Our eyes are constantly exposed to screens, pollution, and various environmental factors that can strain them. Here’s a comprehensive guide shared by York Optometric Centre on how to take care of your eyes daily.

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

With the increased use of digital devices, eye strain has become a common issue. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective way to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax the eye muscles and prevent fatigue.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for good eye health. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. These nutrients help prevent age-related vision problems. Leafy greens, carrots, fish, eggs, nuts, and citrus fruits are excellent choices.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including eye health. Proper hydration helps maintain moisture levels in the eyes, preventing dryness and irritation.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your eyes and increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when you are outdoors, even on cloudy days.

5. Use Protective Eyewear

When engaging in activities that could harm your eyes, such as playing sports, working with hazardous materials, or doing home repairs, always wear appropriate protective eyewear. This can prevent injuries and long-term damage.

6. Reduce Screen Time

Prolonged exposure to digital screens can cause digital eye strain, characterized by dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Try to limit screen time and take frequent breaks. Adjust the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level and ensure your screen is at eye level.

7. Ensure Proper Lighting

Good lighting is essential when reading or working. Dim lights can cause eye strain, while overly bright lights can cause glare. Use adjustable lighting to find the right balance and reduce strain on your eyes.

8. Blink Regularly

Blinking helps to keep your eyes moist and clean. When focusing on screens, people tend to blink less often. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly to prevent dryness and irritation.

9. Practice Good Hygiene

Keep your hands and face clean to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to your eyes. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands and always remove makeup before sleeping to prevent infections.

10. Get Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye check-ups are crucial for detecting eye problems early. Even if you do not have vision problems, routine exams can help identify conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration in their early stages.

11. Use Eye Drops

If you suffer from dry eyes, use artificial tears or prescribed eye drops to maintain moisture. Avoid using drops that promise to reduce redness as they can cause more irritation in the long run.

12. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking are vital for eye health. Exercise improves blood circulation, which is beneficial for your eyes, while sufficient sleep helps in eye repair and rejuvenation.

13. Adjust Your Work Environment

Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to reduce strain on your eyes. Your computer screen should be about an arm’s length away and the top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.

14. Manage Health Conditions

Certain health conditions like diabetes and hypertension can affect your eyes. Proper management of these conditions through medication, diet, and regular check-ups is essential for preventing eye complications.
By incorporating these daily habits into your routine, you can significantly improve and maintain your eye health. Remember, taking proactive steps today can help ensure your vision remains clear and healthy for years to come.

Feeling the sweat trickle down my forehead, I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. It was my first week as a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and it felt like chaos. The beeping from machines, doctors and nurses rushing around, the collective anxiety gripped me. I didn’t want to mess this up, lives were at stake.
In the middle of it all, I had a patient, let’s call her Mrs. Smith. She was a sweet elderly lady suffering from hypertension and diabetes. Her medication list looked like a never-ending scroll. My mind was filled with information about dosage, timing, precautions, everything! Seemed like I had an entire library in my head. Now the question was, how to utilize this library without overworking my brain?
That's when I remembered learning about the cognitive load theory during my psychology studies.
The cognitive load theory basically refers to the amount of mental activity - perception, memory, problem solving - that can be used at any one time. We, as humans, have a limited capacity of working memory. So, it becomes essential to manage how we use this limited resource wisely.
Applying this in the healthcare sector, I started categorizing Mrs. Smith's medications based on their purpose, frequency, and side effects. For instance, her diabetes medications were kept together, all the meds to be taken once daily were grouped, and the ones with potential digestive side effects were noted separately.
This not only reduced my cognitive load but also increased the efficiency of my work. I was less stressed and hence more efficient in managing Mrs. Smith's complex medication regime. By compartmentalizing the information, I was able to streamline my work, reduce chances of error, and finally breathe a little easier.
Thinking in this way made me realize how practical the cognitive load theory is. It can be applied daily, in any field and in any way that suits you. Just remember, our brains are like sponges, but even sponges have a saturation point. So, manage your mental load wisely.
P.S. This story might seem like it's straight out of "Grey's Anatomy," but trust me, it's all hypothetical! I mean, who names their patient Mrs. Smith? But hey, it’s a great way to show how cognitive load theory can be applied in real-life situations, like healthcare. Keep your mind clear and your heart big, folks!

IP: s.froobworld.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/UG9CjMGtSs
Website: https://froobworld.com/
Dynmap: https://map.froobworld.com/
FroobWorld is a small survival server that's been going since 2011. If you enjoy the old-school style of SMP, you will probably enjoy our server.
Our rules are pretty standard. Essentially - no griefing; no stealing; and no cheating. We keep the chat at PG-13 levels.
Some features of FroobWorld:

• Land claiming, with no limit to the size (within reason)
• Lockette-style chest locking
• /rtp, /home, /spawn, /tpa, /back
• Long-term maps
• 32 view distance
• We don't take donations or give prizes in exchange for votes

Research: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.23.581767v1
Full PDF: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.23.581767v1.full.pdf

Abstract

This study explores cortical tracking of speech (CTS) in adults who stutter (AWS) compared to typically fluent adults (TFA) while listening to sentences. We manipulated the upcoming involvement of the speech-motor system during listening: participants either had to simply listen to the sentences (listening only) or complete unfinished sentences by naming a picture (listening-for-speaking). AWS, known for atypical neural structure and functionaing in the speech-motor network, exhibited reduced CTS in the theta band in temporal sensors during the listening-for-speaking task, reflected at the source level in the left temporo-parietal junction and the right pre-motor and supplementary motor regions. Additionally, connectivity analyses reveal that TFA had stronger inter- and intra-hemispheric information transfer in the theta range than AWS in both tasks, involving frontal, temporo-parietal, (pre-)motor, and superior temporal regions, with different patterns according to the task. Notably, increased connectivity from the right superior temporal cortex to the left sensorimotor cortex correlated with faster naming times in the listening-for-speaking task. These findings suggest that atypical speech-motor functioning in stuttering impact also speech perception, especially in situations requiring articulatory alertness, and highlight the involvement of frontal and (pre-) motor regions in normal conditions in CTS.
Key Objectives and Methods

• The study aimed to analyze CTS in individuals with developmental stuttering (DS) compared to typically fluent adults (TFA).
• Participants engaged in two listening tasks: listening-only and listening-for-speaking, the latter involving an upcoming speech production.
• Researchers measured coherence in the theta range (3-5 Hz) and cortical connectivity.

Main Findings

Theta Coherence:

• AWS showed reduced theta coherence in the listening-for-speaking task, particularly in the left inferior parietal/temporo-parietal cortex and right premotosupplementary motor regions.
• Theta rhythm is crucial for syllabic grouping and speech perception.

Cortical Connectivity:

• AWS exhibited weaker inter-hemispheric connectivity between auditory, frontal, and sensorimotor regions in both tasks.
• Notably, reduced connectivity was associated with slower speech response times (RTs) in AWS during the listening-for-speaking task.

Behavioral Correlations:

• A significant negative correlation was found between connectivity strength (right STG → left SM cortex) and RTs, suggesting that better connectivity facilitates faster speech responses.

Theoretical Implications

• Speech-Brain Synchronization:
  • CTS involves aligning brain frequencies with speech signals, supported by speech-motor regions.
  • In AWS, impaired CTS during speech listening and production transitions may stem from unstable speech-motor planning.
• Region-Specific Impact:
  • The left inferior parietal cortex and right premotor areas are vital for speech-motor coordination.
  • These regions are often dysfunctional in DS, affecting the neural circuits necessary for efficient speech processing.
• Theta Rhythm and Syllable Processing:
  • Theta rhythms correspond to the syllabic rate and are essential for speech perception and motor programming.
  • In DS, the inability to efficiently track these rhythms reflects broader speech-motor system instability.

Connectivity Patterns

• Listening-Only Task:
  • Weaker connectivity from the left STG to the right IFG and right IFG to left IPL/TPJ was observed.
• Listening-for-Speaking Task:
  • Weaker connectivity from the right STG to left SM regions and left IPL/TPJ was found.
  • Efficient connectivity between these regions is crucial for smooth transitioning between listening and speaking.

Behavioral and Clinical Significance

• Speech Response Times:
  • Slower RTs in AWS highlight the impact of connectivity deficits on speech processing efficiency.
  • Correlations between connectivity strength and RTs suggest that stronger neural connections support better speech production.
• Impact on Everyday Life:
  • Suboptimal CTS in DS may affect not just speech production but also speech perception and intelligibility.
  • This could lead to more effortful language comprehension, especially in conversational contexts.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence that developmental stuttering involves significant impairments in CTS, particularly during tasks requiring speech production. These impairments are linked to weaker inter-hemispheric connectivity and slower speech response times, suggesting that enhancing neural connectivity could be a potential therapeutic target for improving speech fluency in DS.
The present work suggests that CTS recruits (pre-)motor regions and regions responsible for sensorimotor integration, as well as auditory regions, supporting the view proposing an interaction between these networks also in speech/language perception (Pickering & Garrod, 2013; Skipper et al., 2017), in addition to be instrumental in orchestrating successful speech production (Guenther, 2016; Hickok et al., 2011). This process seems to work less efficiently in DS, especially when additional neural resources are needed for managing listening-for-speaking conditions, as usually happens in more ecological communicative situations (Neef & Chang, 2024). A better understanding of CTS processes in DS under various circumstances may be informative for improving rehabilitation solutions for stuttering.

This article discusses some of the best smoothies for pregnancy. Smoothies may be incredibly tempting during pregnancy for a variety of reasons.
When you're pregnant, especially in the first trimester, nausea and vomiting (often referred to as morning sickness) can make eating or holding down your favorite foods difficult.
As your pregnancy advances, you may have heartburn and a sense of fullness. Necessitating changes to your regular meals and snacks. Smoothies are frequently beneficial.
While nausea can make you need something cold and straightforward to digest, like a smoothie, many pregnant women are also preoccupied with their regular lives while preparing for their baby's arrival.
Doctors, nurses, relatives, friends, and practically everyone you know advocate fruit smoothies for pregnant women. And it's for a good purpose.
With the importance of a well-balanced nutritional diet and a focus on keeping the mother's vitamin and mineral intake on track, putting together a complete meal plan and guaranteeing its availability around the clock can be difficult for anyone.
Compared to all of that, making a simple smoothie simply combining a few ingredients, blending it, and savoring an irresistible taste is a lot better option any day of the year.
Let's discuss some of the best smoothies for pregnancy without further ado.

1. Soothing Mango Green Smoothie

This smoothie is fantastic to try if you have an upset stomach, nausea, or digestive troubles. The lemon and ginger assist in preventing nausea, and the cashews and hemp hearts provide protein, which is an important component of blood sugar regulation, which is a significant role in the nausea game," Taylor explains.
Hormone changes in pregnancy can produce nausea. You can alleviate some pregnant women by regularly eating to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Also, eat a balanced diet that includes foods high in protein and complex carbs to help manage your blood sugar and minimize the severity of nausea.
Ingredients include Water, Spinach, Hemp Hearts, Apple, Fresh Ginger, Fresh Lemon Juice, Raw Cashew, and Frozen Mango.
Furthermore, in a high-powered blender, combine all ingredients and blend on high for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
Taste and alter the ingredients as needed, adding more water to thin it down, ice to cool it down, more cashews to thicken it up, or more mango to sweeten it up.

2. Labor Prep Smoothie

The Labor Prep Smoothie is ideal for the final weeks of pregnancy. According to Taylor, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber are the three most critical components of a work snack.
This pregnancy smoothie contains raspberry leaf tea and dates. Two of the most popular end-of-pregnancy foods have been shown to help with labor speed. Also, women who drank raspberry leaf tea spent less time in labor, according to tiny research from 1998.
Furthermore, women who ate dates had a shorter first stage of labor and a higher risk of spontaneous labor, according to a small 2011 study.
These were both modest studies that would need to be repeated. However, including raspberry leaf tea and/or dates into your meals or snacks can be delightful and may have health advantages.
Ingredient for preparing Labor Prep Smoothie includes: Iced raspberry leaf tea, Frozen Raspberry, Rolled Oats, Frozen Avocado Chunks, Collagen Powder, Lemon Juice, etc.

3. Banana Berry Pregnancy Smoothie

This smoothie is especially beneficial during the first trimester since bananas contain potassium. An important electrolyte that must be supplied if vomiting occurs.
Berries offer a sweet and tangy flavor to the smoothie and are one of the highest-fiber foods, which can aid with constipation.
In this smoothie, protein comes from both plants and animals. Hemp's hearts are a good plant protein source. Hemp hearts contain fat that may benefit cardiovascular health, "Lvova explains.
Furthermore, Choline, a vital vitamin during pregnancy, is found in cow's milk. Choline is essential for brain growth and other functions.
Choline is found in various foods, including milk, eggs, fish, and soybeans. This is one of the best smoothies for pregnancy.

4. Maple Peach Smoothie

Lvova made this pregnant smoothie with yogurt and milk to guarantee that both mom and baby get enough calcium.
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in flax seeds. DHA, one of the omega-3s found in small amounts in flax (and more considerable amounts in fatty seafood like salmon), has enhanced brain development.
"The fiber in flax seeds is also beneficial for maintaining good bowel patterns," explains Lvova.
The Maple Peach Smoothie also has calcium, and for a good reason. Also, yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein in smoothies.
Furthermore, because calcium is one of the minerals that a pregnant woman's body will give to a growing baby from her stores, you may have decreased bone storage if you don't get enough throughout pregnancy.

5. Shamrock Shake

Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which give the smoothie a creamy, rich flavor. Fiber, B vitamins (particularly folate), vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin C are abundant. Avocados are high in fat, which helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. They also have fiber in them, which can assist with constipation.
Leven likes to use nutrient-dense foods like spinach and yogurt in her smoothie recipes. "Grass-fed whey and organic yogurt are good sources of calcium and protein," Leven notes.
Spinach, which is strong in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate, and potassium, is another healthy addition.
Studies have demonstrated these nutrients aid in constipation and fetal development. Furthermore, ingredients include Avocado, Organic baby Spinach, and Protein Powder.

6. Super Smoothie

When you're pregnant and breastfeeding, staying hydrated might be difficult. When you're pregnant, you require more water than usual.
It helps your body produce amniotic fluid, support a bigger blood volume, transport nutrients, and eliminate waste. 7 Water is also necessary for lactation support while breastfeeding.
With water, carbs, vitamin C, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant components. And wheat germ, this Super Smoothie can help enhance nutrient and liquid consumption. "Folic acid is abundant in wheat germ, which is helpful both before and during pregnancy," explains Leven.
It's critical to have enough folic acid during the first few weeks following conception to reduce the chance of brain and spinal cord birth abnormalities.
Furthermore, Some green leafy vegetables, most berries, nuts, legumes, and citrus fruits contain folic acid naturally.
Even though You can find it in meals, taking a folic acid supplement is critical to obtain the recommended amount regularly.

I'm super excited and am spending all my free time refreshing these forums! But this is my first ever festival (unless you count Slam Dunk) and I feel like I have some really stupid questions (or just rambling thoughts from someone who has a tendency to overthink) that I haven't seen answered.

1. How long does it take to walk from the orange/red campsite to the arena? Or how long before a band I wanna see should I be setting off if I'm at the campsite?
   
2. Same as Q1 but from district X
   
3. How long before a band should I go to the stage if I wanna be near the front?
   
4. So Busted are in a tent... either I'm completely underestimating the size of the tent or people aren't going to fit?!?
   
5. What do people wear in the arena? I'm mostly used to indoor bands/bands during the day and tend to get super hot and sweaty dancing but then in between or when it gets late will I get cold? I've seen pictures/clips of people in crowds wearing hoodies but I feel I would overheat. Plus don't want to have to carry it around.
   
6. Linked to 4 I suppose, I have a bum bag for essential stuff and don't really want to be carrying things around all day so should I leave my raincoat in my tent if it doesn't look like it's going to rain or will I regret that with the long walk to/from the tent? I was going to ask about a water bottle but just realised I can probably get a collapsible one.
   
7. Me and my partner have 5 day tickets and planning to come on Thursday morning. We are both a bit socially awkward with new people (except when drunk - but I don't plan on drinking much as I'm a lightweight and tend to forget a lot when drunk). Will we find enough things to do on the Thursday or would it be better to arrive later?
   

Sorry for the stupid questions! And thanks in advance.
Btw my partner has only been once before back in 2011 and he worked on the stalls so would have had a different experience but I'm assuming things have changed a lot since then anyway.

They look for excuses to expand their power and influence. And when an excuse does not readily exist, they create one.
The Façade
Recent history confirms this. Let's review several cases over the last 130 years in chronological order.
■ At the end of the 19th century, the US wanted to expand its sphere of influence. In 1898, they sabotaged one of their own battleships, the USS Maine, in the harbour of Havana, Cuba, blaming it on the Spanish. US newspapers built the case for war, which was viewed as a pretext even at that time, as represented in the movie Citizen Kane.
From https://www.workers.org/2022/04/63411/ :
"A declassified CIA document written March 13, 1962, outlines Operation Northwoods, a plan for a U.S. attack on Cuba following its 1959 Revolution: (tinyurl.com/2p9cj7ek)"
"On page 11, during an outline of false-flag tactics, the CIA directly uses the phrase “a ‘Remember the Maine’ incident”, and follows with plans to intentionally blow up a U.S. ship to start a desired “war on communism”. Our revolutionary comrades in Cuba hold as official history that the 1898 incident was a planned, false-flag operation."
As a result of the sinking of the USS Maine, the US gained the port of Guantanamo in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and control of the Philippines as a foothold in the Orient. Note the theme... a covert act by government used as an excuse for war, and using the media to spread misinformation to gain public support.
■ Next example, WW1. England wanted to draw the US into the war for some badly needed support. So Winston Churchill, who was serving as First Lord of the British Admiralty, created the excuse the US needed to justify joining the war.
The English Channel was swarming with German submarines (U-boats), attacking British shipping. The British implemented shipping by convoy under protection of British warships. But on May 7, 1915, Churchill called-off naval protection for the RMS Lusitania, a British commercial liner with 123 Americans onboard, which was subsequently sunk by the Germans. "A ship sacrificed. Her innocent passengers, pawns in a cruel new era." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0X01_RGcNE / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH11zZlppRY
The sinking turned American public opinion against Germany, and contributed to US entry into the war. "Remember the Lusitania" became a rallying cry repeated in the papers.
■ Next example, WW2. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the day Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, a sequence of intelligence and messaging failures sealed the base's fate.
Prior to the attack: "Radio communications intelligence 'lost' the location of Japanese carriers." "Kimmel did not inform Short." "Washington issued 'War Warning' messages." "Anti-aircraft guns to protect Pearl Harbor were not deployed or had their ammunition locked up. No fighters were ready to engage a Japanese attack." https://www.nationalww2museum.org/waarticles/pearl-harbor-missed-tactical-warnings
The morning of the attack: Japanese submarine periscope sightings, dismissed. A huge wave of aircraft blips on radar, dismissed. Nervous phone calls from radar operators, dismissed. One desperate message was found "balled-up in a trash can". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_warning_of_Pearl_Harbor_attack
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was not a "false-flag" event; it indeed happened, and Japan was indeed the perpetrator. But such readiness failures despite warnings give me the impression it was made just too easy for them, that the gate was left open.
Was Japan baited and lured into attacking Pearl Harbor by suggestions, whether private or public, that the American public did not want war, and the US government would simply cede territories in the Pacific? This theory has been in circulation since the war. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pearl-Harbor-and-the-Back-Door-to-War-Theory-1688287
Whatever the cause, the US government got what it wanted... a reason to join the war.
■ Next example, sabotage proposals: The US Department of Defense proposed "Operation Northwoods" (cited in the 1st example above) to President Kennedy in 1962, outlining a number of "false flag" missions to make it seem the US had been attacked by Cuba. The proposal suggested the US government engage in "acts of terrorism against American military and civilian targets, blame them on the Cuban government, ... to justify a war against Cuba." Among the proposed acts of sabotage were shooting down a remote controlled aircraft painted as a US Air Force plane, blowing up an American ship (described above), and orchestrating acts of terrorism in US cities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Northwoods
Other proposals: "Create an incident which has the appearance of an attack on US facilities in Cuba"; covert attacks on British Commonwealth member states Jamaica and Trinidad-Tobago to "incite the people of the United Kingdom into supporting a war against Castro"; and "bribe one of Castro's subordinate commanders to initiate an attack" against US Navy base Guantanamo. All such proposals were flatly rejected by President Kennedy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Mongoose
■ Next example, Vietnam War. On August 2, 1964, US forces carrying out amphibious operations off the coast of North Vietnam were confronted by North Vietnamese troops. On August 4th, the US claimed it was attacked by North Vietnam. On August 7th, US Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave newly installed President Johnson (less than one year after Kennedy was assassinated) legal justification to enter the Vietnam civil war.
But as Wikipedia explains: "Later investigation revealed that the second attack never happened." "The National Security Agency, an agency of the US Defense Department, had deliberately skewed intelligence to create the impression that an attack had been carried out." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Tonkin_incident
The US weapons industry had been wanting another war since the Korean War ended in 1953. But President Kennedy wasn't cooperating. After Kennedy was conveniently taken out of the way, Johnson got what he always wanted - the Presidency, while US weapons manufacturers got what they wanted - war.
■ Next example, US involvement in Iran-Iraq war 1980-88. In 1978-79, Iran’s religious revolution overthrew Iran’s king, the Shah of Iran. The new religious regime in Iran confiscated the oil fields and facilities of US oil companies operating in Iran.
The US oil barons called on the US government to get their oil fields back, citing US interests in controlling global oil flows. The US wasted no time attacking Iran immediately following the revolution, but not directly. Instead, the US backed the forces of Iraq in what became the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Iraq_War
■ Next example, 1^st Gulf War 1991. By the end of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988, the US had not been able to orchestrate Iran’s downfall, and thus had not been able to retake the oil fields it had lost in Iran. The US decided it needed to put its own troops in the Middle East and finish the job against Iran themselves.
But the US needed an excuse to station US troops in the Middle East close to Iran. So it created another pretext, making Iraq believe the US would not interfere in Iraq’s plans to invade Kuwait.
“On the 24 July [1990], U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, Margaret Tutwiler, told journalists, "We do not have any defense treaties with Kuwait, and there are no special defense or security commitments to Kuwait.[10]" On the 25 July, Saddam Hussein held a meeting with American diplomat April Glaspie. During the interview, April said, "We have no opinion on the Arab-Arab conflicts, like your border disagreement with Kuwait," and, "We should express no opinion on this issue and that the issue is not associated with America.[11]" Some historians believe that these comments represented an unwitting green light of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationale_for_the_Gulf_War
On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. On January 16, 1991, the US launched Operation Desert Strom against Iraq in what is now called the 1^st Gulf War.
■ Next example, 911. I know, I know. People have been refuting a US cover-up since day 1. I'm not going to sidetrack into that debate here. All I will say is... both Trade Center towers and the Pentagon had been recently renovated, the work of which is difficult to ascertain and still secret. Everything else has already been extensively debated on the web; I'll just leave it there.
The main question concerning 911 has always been, "Would US agencies commit acts of terrorism against their own cities as a pretext for war?" Given the scenarios presented in operations Northwoods and Mongoose cited above, the answer to that question is, "Yes."
For more evidence that 911 was a planned American operation, see my other post: https://www.reddit.com/conspiracy_posts/comments/1daih25/warnings_of_911_in_back_to_the_future/
■ Next example, false claim of WMD in Iraq. In late 2002, US intelligence presented grainy satellite images of what appeared to be military trucks and supply depots in Iraq. They claimed the trucks and depots hid weapons of mass destruction. Congress gave the military permission to attack Iraq, which it did in March 2003. And behold... there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
David Kay, Head of Iraq Survey Group, later blamed the false claim on "a lack of human agents inside Iraq in the months before the war", and "analysts being under pressure to draw conclusions". https://www.sipri.org/commentary/essay/2023/twenty-years-ago-iraq-ignoring-expert-weapons-inspectors-proved-be-fatal-mistake
What did the US get out of 911 and the false WMD claim? Excuses to invade Afghanistan and Iraq... neither country of which ever had any involvement with 911.
The official reason for entering Afghanistan was to capture Osama Bin Laden. Yet after OBL was killed in 2011, the US remained in Afghanistan until 2021. Why did the US remain in Afghanistan for an additional 10 years? Because Afghanistan borders Iran.
■ Iran has always been the principal target of interest. The US oil barons have been eyeing Iran since its religious revolution of 1978-79, which confiscated the properties and facilities of US oil companies operating there.
The US wasted no time attacking Iran immediately following the revolution, backing Iraq in the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88. But the US realized it wasn't going to get Iran without direct US involvement. 911 and the false WMD claim gave the US excuses to plant troops on either side of Iran - in Iraq on the west, and Afghanistan on the east.
After removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq in 2003, the US remained there, fighting groups backed by Iran. This was followed by the conflict in Syria starting in 2011 and still ongoing, with the West fighting Iranian-backed groups there as well.
From the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88, to post-Hussein Iraq, to Syria from 2011 onward, the US has been engaged in a 40-year proxy war against Iran. What has been only a proxy war until now is poised to turn into a direct conflict soon, as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.
The Rehearsal
Preparations for war require more than just fabricating excuses, but also conditioning the population. This includes spreading misinformation, controlling the judiciary, and displaying intimidating force. Trump's presidency worked on all three.
Trump's term in office was a dress rehearsal in spreading misinformation and manipulating the news, principally through Fox News and a large number of conservative talk shows across the country.
"Fox News has been described by academics, media figures, political figures, and watchdog groups as being biased in favor of the Republican Party in its news coverage, as perpetuating conservative bias, and as misleading their audience in relation to science, notably climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News_controversies
Additional charges against Fox News include spreading misinformation regarding the 2020 election results.
The paper "What is Fox News? Partisan Journalism, Misinformation, and the Problem of Classification" - a collaborative work by several university academics - questions "the idea that Fox should be considered a news source in the first place, claiming it should be considered something more akin to propaganda". https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/19312431211060426
Trump's presidency was also a dress rehearsal in influencing the judiciary, filling the courts with loyalists to promote the group's causes, including overthrowing Roe v Wade. This will come in handy when the time comes to suspend other rights and freedoms, including the constitution.
Then came COVID. That was a dress rehearsal to practice locking down entire countries, suspending rights and freedoms en masse.
They also practiced displaying force by mobilizing militias and gun activist groups behind the insurrection of Janurary 6, 2021, intimidating voters at election sites, and shooting at protestors. They even practiced defending their obedient shooters, ie: the shooter who showed up at a protest rally with a full-sized rifle, killed a protestor, and was later exonerated on grounds of self-defense. What a joke.
The Actors
So what's next? They're already working on their excuse for WW3 in the Middle East. Look at what's happening in Israel and Palestine. And now they have a new excuse for US presence in the Persian Gulf - attacks on shipping. Attacks against shipping in the region have been occurring for decades. Why are they reacting so strongly now when they didn't before? Because both these conflicts allow the US to strike at Iranian allies: Hamas in Palestine, and the Houthi in Yemen.
I'm not saying atrocities should be ignored. I am asking why the West focuses on some atrocities and not others. There are plenty of atrocities taking place in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in which the US never gets involved. But when anything happens that gets their troops close to Iran, they're there.
The West has been fighting Iran in one arena after another ever since the Iranian revolution. The recent conflicts in Palestine and the Persian Gulf are just the latest excuses to position forces in the Middle East. They've been there since 1980, and will remain there until they are ready to attack Iran directly. It will be an allied invasion, composed of the US, the UK, Israel and Russia (which borders Iran to the north).
Russia is allied with this "group" we've been talking about here. Recall the glowing accolades Trump showered on Putin. Recall the assistance Russia gave to Trump in the 2016 election. https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/cyberussian-interference-in-2016-u-s-elections
Trump even asked the Russians to find Hillary Clinton's emails. Why would Trump ask Russia to find US government emails unless he knew they were hacking US government computers? Why ask Russia and not US law enforcement? Why Russia and not another country? Because Trump knew Russia would help him. https://www.pbs.org/newshoupolitics/trump-asked-russia-to-find-clintons-emails-on-or-around-the-same-day-russians-targeted-her-accounts / https://www.vox.com/2020/9/29/21493319/trump-russia-if-youre-listening-comments-rewrite-history
Recall also how Trump kept denouncing NATO, challenging it, threatening to withdraw the US from it, weakening it from within. The intent was to make it easier for Putin to take Ukraine and other former Soviet territories in Eastern Europe. Had Trump won in 2020, Putin would have been free to achieve his ultimate objective of rebuilding the USSR. All handed to Putin in exchange for helping Trump get elected, and for Russia's participation in the up-coming war against Iran. Fathom that. After all the effort Ronald Reagan put into dismantling the Soviet Union, Trump would help Putin rebuild it.
Notice too how Koch Industries, the 2nd largest private company in America with over $125 billion in annual revenue, refuses to observe US sanctions against Russia, and has continued doing business in Russia. The Koch brothers have also refused to denounce Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Koch's ties with Russia go back to the 1930's, where their father, Fred C. Koch, made fortunes building oil refineries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_C._Koch
Today, Koch Industries engages in a range of industrial enterprises. A severe polluter of the environment, Koch Industries finances misinformation denying climate change, buying political influence to fight environmental legislation. The brothers' political influence supporting conservative politicians and conservative think tanks has been described as "overwhelming". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koch_Brothers_Exposed
President Eisenhower identified another player pushing the world toward war, which he called "the military-industrial complex", a cluster of industries that benefit from war. They need war to clear-out their inventories so they can produce more weapons. They prosper from armed conflict, and thus influence politicians to pursue war. As Eisenhower warned in his farewell address to his nation, "We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists." https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/president-dwight-d-eisenhowers-farewell-address
Another major actor in this drama is big-oil, which benefitted from US control of Iraq and its oil fields, and is salivating over the prospect of regaining control of Iranian oil fields. And big-pharma, which benefitted from government money for COVID vaccines, but then refused "to waive intellectual property rights and share vaccine technology" with developing countries, "fuelling an unprecedented human rights crisis". https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/09/new-report-shows-leading-covid-19-vaccine-pharma-companies-fuelling-unprecedented-human-rights-crisis
And who else belongs to this cast but Elon Musk, who not only defended Putin's invasion, but also cut-off Starlink's satellite service in Ukraine to prevent Ukraine's military from launching satellite-guided missiles to defend themselves against Russian attacks.
Not all conservatives belong to this malicious group; the vast majority do not. The conservative camp has become divided into two broad clans: the “middle-right” and “far-right”. I use “clans” because the two groups do not get along.
The middle-right are reasonable, cooperative, respectful of the law, devoted to the order of government, and committed to building the nation for the benefit of all its citizens.
The far-right, though, are radical in their dealings. They are divisive, they lie profusely, they incite violence, they threaten other members of congress, they are disruptive to orderly government and international cooperation, they do not know the meaning of "compromise" which is essential to keeping the nation united, they are unreasonable.
The “directors” of this drama are from this far-right clan. These directors manipulate the actors from behind the scenes. They put the various actors on stage and in the spotlight to sway and stir the audience, while they themselves hide behind the curtains. The script they follow has been decades in the making, and is about to reach its climax.
The Script
All this until now has been in preparation for what is to come, regardless of who wins the next US election or any election after it. Remember, political leaders are only figureheads. They are just servants providing this group of directors with important services, and to sway the public to support their causes.
When they are ready to launch their plans for World War 3, something will happen (real or faked - perhaps a radioactive "dirty bomb" detonation on US soil) that will prompt another lockdown similar to the one we "practiced" under COVID. Only this time, it will last much, much longer. The freedom of the press will be suspended, and so will the constitution. Our freedoms will be removed again, but this time it may be permanent.
If you throw a piece of wood into the water, it will rise to the surface. But if you sink that wood deep enough under water, it will not rise up anymore. Why? Because the water pressure grows more powerful the deeper you go. The weight of the water prevents the wood from rising up. This is why pieces of shipwrecks stay on the ocean floor.
Civilization as we know it is about to become shipwrecked. Society recovered from COVID because the interruption was brief. It was like a piece of wood that never sank deep enough, and so rose to the surface again.
But this time, they will keep civil liberties suppressed for a very long time; years. Suppress something long enough and it will not rise up again. They are getting ready to shut us down, and it will be a shutdown from which society will never recover. We will forget the press. We will forget elections. We will forget owning property and money. They just have to keep things suppressed long enough for people to forget them. A decade should do it.
Now we know why e-money is so heavily promoted and being so quickly adopted. Anyone protesting the new regime will be erased from society via user-specific digital shutdowns. Barred from transacting, investing, buying or selling. Cards deactivated, crypto seized, bank accounts emptied.
No? Have we forgotten Cyprus 2013? Well, it has been a decade.
The next phase of the plan for World War 3 is ready to come into effect, regardless of who takes power in the US - Republican or Democrat. The US entered existing wars and started wars of its own regardless of who was in power. Remember, a president is not the real power behind government. Actual power lies in the hands of the directors behind the curtains who control the actors they put on stage.
Joseph Cafariello
PS...
So how can we endure what is coming? Better still, how can we avoid it?
One word... truth.
All the turmoil and chaos we are experiencing come from deceptions, distortions, and lies. What they build on lies, we can demolish with truth.
Everything built on lies is unstable, since lies shift like sand. Whereas truth is stable and constant, and cannot be destroyed.
Embrace only truth, reject lies. Speak only truth, abandon lies. Receive only those who come to us with truth, dismiss those who deliver lies.
Remove the façade and expose the actors who try to deceive us. Reveal what has been concealed, uncover what has been covered, speak what has been hushed.
Only then will we have a better world, a stable world, a world built on truth, a world of freedom. Because lies enslave those who believe them, whereas truth sets us free.

The Circle of Malius tapestry depicting Ultima Risen looking down upon seven of its elemental Eikons
“Have you learned nothing!? Damned is the slave who would turn the scourge upon his master.” -Ultima
Hello and welcome to my final post on the mythological inspirations for the Eikons of Final Fantasy XVI. If you would like to read any of my previous posts on the Eikons, you can find them here:

1.) Phoenix

2.) Ifrit

3.) Shiva

4.) Ramuh

5.) Garuda

6.) Titan

7.) Bahamut

8.) Odin

9.) Leviathan

With the conclusion of the Echoes of the Fallen and the Rising Tide expansions, our protagonist Clive Rosfield finally reunites the power of the Eikons and realizes his full potential as the conduit for Ultima’s ambitions; and thus attains a form of apotheosis through the reward of Ultima’s divine abilities. As such, I figured I should do one more post, this time on Ultima itself. Though it is mostly an original character, there are still a lot of real-world religious themes baked into Ultima’s character that makes for a thematically poignant villain. As always, I am no expert and if you feel like I may have said something incorrect or if you feel that I missed something; by all means please let me know in the comments as I would love to start a discussion with you on these topics. I would also like to give a shout out to u/H-HGM-N who asked me to make a post on Ultima a while ago. I hope you all like it!
The main antagonist of Final Fantasy XVI, Ultima is a member of a race of extraterrestrial-like beings that share a single consciousness and identity. The Ultima collective were the first to discover the manipulation of aether, the quintessence of life, through magickal feats and with it, the Blight that would swallow their homeland. Driven by desperation, sixteen of the remaining Ultimas divested themselves of their deteriorating physical forms and embarked on a voyage to the land that would be known as Valisthea. Here, Ultima formed the Mothercrystals in order to siphon the realm’s aether for the purpose of weaving a spell that would resurrect its species and remake the world. Ultima also created mankind to act as stewards for its Mothercrystals, imbuing the members of the tribes that centralized around these glassy formations with elemental affinities; giving rise to what would eventually become the Dominants and Eikons. All of this was done in the hopes that successive generations of humans would produce a suitable body for Ultima to inhabit that could withstand the massive amount of aether required to cast the revivification spell; its perfect vessel, its Mythos. As the Mothercrystal Dzemekys resided in relatively close proximity to Origin, the metaphorical ark that ferried Ultima to possible salvation; the Children of Dzemekys, the Motes of Darkness that cultivated around this Mothercrystal regularly communed with their creator, starting a religion dedicated to Ultima called the Circle of Malius. One of the prominent beliefs of this faith was that of the Savior Myth, which prophesied that “...on some future day of reckoning, the incarnation of the lord would appear among mankind and remake the world; that the advent of this incarnation would be heralded by the emergence of several heavenly servants of great might; that the lord’s faithful should rally these servants together in order to bring the incarnation into being; and that for their loyalty, they would be rewarded with the greatest gladness”.
From this background information, as well as the names of many of Ultima’s attacks and Eikonic abilities, such as Holy, Voice of God, Aureoles, Proselytize, Purgatorium, Ascension, and Flames of Creation; we can start to see the parallels between Ultima and Mythos with the Judeo-Christian God of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ, the earthly incarnation of God and the Messiah according to the followers of Christianity. With its status as the originator of the human race, it is quite clear that Ultima is based on the idea of a creator deity, an often primeval and beneficent god in monotheistic and polytheistic belief systems that functions as a creatio ex nihilo explanation for the formation of the universe, the planet, or the existence of human life. Some examples of creator gods include the Sumerian Enki, who fashioned humanity from clay to act as servants to the gods in the story Enki and Nimnah; the Shinto kami Izanagi and Izanami, who formed the islands of Japan (Kuniumi) by churning the Pacific Ocean with their heavenly spear according to the Kojiki; and the Norse sons of Borr, that being Odin, Vili, and Vé who not only formed the mortal realm of Midgard from the primordial giant Ymir’s body, but also created the first two humans Ask and Embla.
Bearing similarities to the creation myth presented in the Babylonian Enūma Eliš; the first of the five books of the Hebrew Torah, that being the Book of Genesis, states in verses 1:1-2:3 that Yahweh, or Elohim Adonai “God the Lord” is yet another creator deity, being the grand architect of existence that created the world and all life on it in the span of six days. The first two humans made by God on the sixth day of creation, Adam and Eve, resided in the Garden of Eden where they were instructed not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Tempted by a serpent into disobeying their promise to God, Eve and Adam ate from the tree; resulting in their expulsion from paradise and the advent of sin or the “fall of man”. The subsequent generations born from the first two humans tainted the world, and as such, God sought to rebuild what He made by washing away the corruption with a great flood, mirroring older Mesopotamian deluge myths such as the one alluded to in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Verses 11:1-9 in the Book of Genesis mention that in the time after the Flood, Nimrod, the great-grandson of the Flood survivor Noah, led the newly united human race into constructing a ziggurat tower in the land of Shinar that reached up to the sky. Viewing this act as an affront to His lordship, God dispersed the human race across the Earth and created numerous languages so that humanity could never again unite and elevate themselves to godhood; dubbing this monument to the disorganization of the human race as the Tower of Babel.
These themes of mortal hubris, impiety, and the divine retribution for these disrespectful acts is also present in Final Fantasy XVI. During the time of the Fallen, an ancient race of technologically-advanced humans, a vicious war was fought for control over the Mothercrystals called the War of the Magi. The Fallen conducted horrific experiments within a literal and metaphorical ivory tower called the Sagespire, transmuting organic matter into inorganic crystals in the hopes of creating their own Mothercrystal and attaining godhood. The Fallen also constructed airships as well as machines designed to combat the Ultima collective and those who would defend the Mothercrystals. These machines, called Eikonoklastes, are named after the term “iconoclast”, which means a person who destroys or attacks religious images or beliefs. One such Eikonklaste was the Omega-I model, which is not only a recurring superboss) in the Final Fantasy series, but also has several neat Christian references associated with it. For instance, during the fight with Omega Aionios, the hostile machine can do an attack called Pantokrator. This is referring to the Christ Pantokrator, a mostly Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic depiction of a stern but benevolent “Christ the Almighty” or “Christ the All-Powerful”; with the Western Christian equivalent being Christ in Majesty. Another religious reference comes from the trophy received by the player for creating the Omega Weapon, called My Reward is With Me; with this phrase originating from verses 22:12-13 in the Book of Revelation as spoken by Jesus Christ, saying; “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last”. This is also referenced in the description of the Ultima Weapon that says “‘His word was the first, so shall it be the last.’ - Eikonomachy - Genesis 3:11”.
Much like the Greek story of Icarus flying too close to the Sun and falling to his death as a result, the rebellion against Ultima culminated in the Sins of Dzemekys; in which the Fallen invaded the eponymous Mothercrystal located in southern Storm to claim the giant formation as their own, but Ultima struck them down and destroyed the Mothercrystal, leaving a giant crater behind as a testament to the dangers of challenging the gods. This act not only echoes (pun intended) the Tower of Babel parable and the story of original sin as discussed by ProfNoctis and M. J. Gallagher in the video “Final Fantasy XVI Lecture Stream: A Conversation with MJ Gallagher on Faith, Fables, and the Fallen”; but the Sins of Dzemekys also inadvertently caused the forced emigration of the Children of Dzemekys to the continent outside of Valisthea in an unfortunate subversion of the Book of Exodus story of the Israelites, the chosen people of God, departing from Egypt in search of the Promised Land. This transgression committed by the Fallen against Ultima led the being to become what is known in comparative mythology as the deus otiosus, or the “idle god”. Ultima abandoned its creations, becoming dormant until Clive Rosfield awoke as the Dominant of the Infernal Eikon Ifrit and Ultima’s Mythos hundreds if not thousands of years later.
The fly in the ointment, however, is that Ultima never cared for its creations, its humanity, in the first place. The Savior Myth propagated by Ultima, the ancient Circle of Malius, and it's more modern offshoot Savior Cults in Waloed speak of “The Raise”, the ascension of the faithful into paradise for aiding the lord’s incarnation (Mythos) during the end of the world called the Arche (another term for Primogenesis). This idea is an obvious parallel to the evangelical Christian belief in the Rapture most likely originating from the verses 24:36-44 in the Gospel of Matthew and 4:15-17 in the First Epistle to the Thessalonians, whereby during an end-time event either before or during the period of the Great Tribulation that will precede the Second Coming of Christ; the faithful, living and dead, will rise up into the sky and join God in the eternal paradise of Heaven. However, the myth surrounding the Raise is a farce; as the Raise is actually the spell that Ultima intends to cast using Mythos to remake the world. Having served their purpose, Ultima will no longer have need of the human race alongside its resurrected people, meaning that the birth of the new world also spells the death of humanity. Furthermore, the process of Primogenesis, as the name implies, is meant to revert mankind to a prior, “purer” state of being by stripping the wills and higher brain functions of man and beast alike through the metaphorical ritual cleansing of aether floods. Numerous times in the game, Ultima comments on the “threads of consciousness” to Clive and states how it must untangle him from these threads and empty the vessel if Clive is to become its Mythos. These “threads of consciousness” most likely refer to human willpower, a sense of self, and empathy. The greatest affront to Ultima, the reason why it abandoned mankind, was because of their unforeseen development of sentience and free will. These concepts are alien to Ultima, as its entire race shares a single mind, a single identity, a single goal. In fact, Ultima only refers to itself with plural self-descriptors such as “us”, “we”, or “our” and displays a jarringly flat affect up until the final battle, where all of the Ultimas combine into the singular, angelic form of Ultimalius.
Given its rejection of mankind’s autonomy, as well as the fact that the being itself and the majority of the confrontations with it are some sort of mental abstraction; through a metatextual viewpoint it could be argued that Ultima is a twisted manifestation of the Jungian concept of the Collective Unconscious; a pull towards maladaptive conformity and unity, thereby acting as the antithesis to one of FFXVI’s major themes regarding the importance of individuality and freedom. In stark contrast to the popularly held belief in the tabula rasa, the idea that people are born as “blank slates” that are then shaped by their sensory experiences, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and the adherents of analytical psychology proposed that the Collective Unconscious is an inherited instinctual framework for understanding the world beyond conscious awareness that is present in all humans from birth. Jung argued that the Collective Unconscious manifests as archetypes, recurring images and ideas that can be seen propagating in various distinct cultures, allowing for one to make sense of one’s environment through familiar motifs. Jung believed that the similarities between many of the world’s mythological figures and events correspond to these universal archetypes; such as the aformentioned deluge myth motif or the pattern of the king of the gods often being a senex sky father. We can actually see this idea in Final Fantasy XVI in the form of the Eikons, which like the Eidolons) of Final Fantasy IX, are reflections of a given culture’s shared beliefs and experiences manifesting as a centralized figure of veneration for said culture; acting as the godhead of Ultima and the Mothercrystals. For instance, the Motes of Water originally hailed from the coast of southern Ash near the Mothercrystal Drake’s Horn and the river called the Ceaseless Rill, and as such their Eikon embodies the aspects of the water they were constantly surrounded by; that being the sea serpent Leviathan.
Jung believed that individuation, the process by which an individual develops a sense of self, first starts by consciously confronting and integrating aspects of the unconscious such as the Persona), the individual’s perceived role in society; the dualistic gender dynamics within each individual known as the Anima and Animus; and the uncomfortable and reprehensible aspects of an individual’s psyche) called the Shadow). By denying this process through the use of Primogenesis, Ultima keeps humanity under its thumb as an unenlightened slave race complacent in their own self-destruction. We witness this self-realization process for Clive, this transformation into Logos and denial of Ultima’s conformist Mythos, begin when he confronts his Infernal Shadow and accepts the truth of his role in the calamity that transpired at Phoenix Gate; which I think is beautifully demonstrated by the fact that Clive’s inner demon is the literal demon Ifrit.
The words Mythos and Logos are both of Greek origin and roughly mean “myth/story” and “reason, discourse, or word”, respectively. The use of Logos in FFXVI is interesting in that this word also has a theological connotation to it. In the Christian Bible, such as in verse 1:1 of the Gospel of John, Logos) is used to refer to Jesus Christ as the “Word of God”, being the preeminent representative of God’s divine creative presence and a member of the Holy Trinity as God the Son. Similarly to Logos, the Greek word Rhema means “utterance” or “something said”, with the Septuagint, the Koine Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, using both logos and rhema interchangeably when referring to the Word of God; which may explain why the crystals acquired from completing the circles of the Kairos Gate are called Rhema. To Ultima, Logos represents both the ruination of its divine vision of a new world for its own as well as the invictus) or “unconquerable” savior of mankind, with Clive ultimately sacrificing himself so that humanity may learn from their mistakes and build a better world where everyone can live on their own terms. Similarly, as discussed in the four gospels of the New Testament, Jesus was arrested, crucified, and resurrected; with this seen as a sacrifice on the Messiah’s part to serve as an example of how to achieve atonement and salvation for the misguided masses of Jerusalem.
In his video “Ultima - A Deconstruction of Villainy”, YouTuber FatBrett makes a very interesting comparison between Ultima and the protagonist of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus. In her novel, Dr. Victor Frankenstein experiments with bringing life to dead tissue through galvanic and chemical processes. The scientist succeeds, essentially playing the part of God by creating a new form of life, but upon doing so is horrified and disgusted by the Creature, spurning his creation and eventually seeks out its destruction as it takes revenge for its abandonment. I bring this up because I would like to pay particular attention to the subtitle of Shelley’s novel, the Modern Prometheus, as this harkens back to the Greek story of the Titan Prometheus; who as a patron deity of humanity gifted mankind fire in defiance of the Olympian king Zeus, and as a result is eternally punished for his disobedience. In terms of the title of Mary Shelley’s novel, the Prometheus name, like the story of Icarus and FFXVI’s Fallen, is used to evoke the idea of a character that oversteps their bounds and is thusly punished for their arrogance. However, I would argue that this is only one aspect of the Prometheus myth. Through another lens, Prometheus could be seen as an example of the “nobel rebel” archetype, an individual who fights for an oppressed group in defiance of the injustices of a tyrannical system or individual, often in the hopes of making a positive change through their rebellion.
Prometheus’ theft of fire, while a sleight against the ruling pantheon that incurred a great cost, represents the gift of civilization and the boon of freedom that knowledge bestows; making it so that mankind would no longer solely rely on the gods for aid. We can also see a similar scenario play out in the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. While humanity lost access to paradise on Earth, they gained freedom in the form of self-awareness and knowledge equatable to that of the divine. These sentiments are also shared by the Ophites, who viewed the serpent in the Genesis narrative as a liberator of mankind from the control of a malevolent creator. Several critical analyses of John Milton’s characterization of a sympathetic Satan in his 17th century epic poem Paradise Lost also somewhat align with these viewpoints. Likewise, our protagonist Clive Rosfield, our nobel rebel and Dominant of the demonic Eikon Ifrit, defies the slave-master hierarchy of Valisthea before setting his sights on the ultimate slaver; denying Ultima its Mythos, its fantasy, by gifting mankind with its champion of free will, equality, and compassion; its Logos. And as I see it, in the end Clive succeeds in his crusade against tyranny not by killing Ultima, but by removing magick from the world, since the use of magick was the root cause of humanity’s enslavement, both from themselves and from their God.
Ultima’s apathetic disposition towards its creations, like Dr. Frankenstein, mirrors the Gnostic beliefs regarding their Demiurge or “Creator” named Yaldabaoth. Gnosticism is a collection of various esoteric Jewish and Christian sects that started possibly around the 2nd Century AD or earlier, with one of the primary beliefs shared by these disparate groups being that material existence was born from a mistake, and as such it is an existence of suffering and wickedness that can only be alleviated by coming to terms with and understanding the essence of the material and the spiritual; a process of personal enlightenment called gnosis. To elaborate further, according to accounts such as those found from the Nag Hammadi Library and the theologian Valentinus), there exists a spiritual realm of light which encompasses the totality of the immutable Supreme Being; the Monad), Bythos, or “the One”. From this Plemora, this immaterial plane, arrived the first emanation of the One, that being the hermaphroditic Barbēlō from which further personified divine principles of the mind called Aeons) descended, with these principles often being in male-female pairings called syzygies. It is worth noting that the hierarchical structure of the Aeon lineage#/media/File:Aeons.png) bears some resemblance to the Jewish Kabbalist diagram of the Tree of Life), which consists of the ten emanations of the Ein Sof, the “infinite divinity”, called the Sefirot. The Kabbalist Tree of Life just so happens to also resemble the sword-like symbol that not only can be seen on the Arete Stone in the Hideaway, but also appears when the Ultimas converge into Ultimalius at the end of the game as shown here in this post by u/Physianower. Anyways, the final emanation of the Gnostic Monad is Sophia) (Wisdom) who has no partner, and as such, leaves the light of the Plemora in search of one; resulting in the inadvertent asexual birth of Yaldabaoth. Ignorant to the existence of the Plemora and the Monad, Yaldabaoth believes itself to be the Supreme Being and creates matter, the universe, and all life within it; becoming the Demiurge.
Given that Gnosticism derives from divergent Judeo-Christian ideals, it should come as no surprise that Yaldabaoth was considered synonymous with the Old Testament’s Yahweh. While the followers of the Valentinian version of Gnosticism viewed the Demiurge as ignorant and flawed, other Gnostic sects, such as the Ophite, Sethian, and Archontic systems viewed the Creator as more of a malevolent figure that not only demanded reverence, but also inadvertently denied humans access to the Plemora and Sophia through their flawed mortal existence. As such, the only way for an individual to escape this entrapment is by undergoing the transcendental process of gnosis, allowing the divine essence within each person’s soul to be released, becoming what is known as a Pneumatic). This is similar to the Hindu concept of attaining liberation (moksha or nirvana) from the reincarnation cycle of Saṃsāra through the process of acquiring jñāna, or an understanding of the true self (Ātman)); which I find interesting as the alternative name for the Ultima Weapon superboss) from the SNES version of Final Fantasy VI is the Atma Weapon). Like Yaldabaoth, Ultima’s use of Primogenesis in Final Fantasy XVI prevents mankind from undergoing gnosis, while Clive as Logos acts as the metaphorical shepherd that enlightens humanity and guides it back to the light of the Plemora, which the Gnostics believed was Jesus’ role as well.
I should also mention that Yaldabaoth was typically viewed as a zoomorphic serpentine entity with a lion’s head, as shown here, while Hippolytus of Rome claimed that Simon Magus, the supposed founder of Gnosticism, also attributed fiery properties to the Demiurge, parroting verse 12:29 from the Epistle to the Hebrews, “...for our God is a consuming fire”. I think it's no coincidence that Ultima’s original physical body is the fiery Ifrit Risen, which has a feline face and a reptilian body. Furthermore, Ifrit Risen is actually the combined form of the two Eikons of Fire; Ifrit and Phoenix. In my first post on the Phoenix, I mentioned that the logo artwork for FFXVI by artist Yoshitaka Amano, which depicts the pivotal moment where the two Eikons of Fire duke it out beneath Phoenix Gate, looks similar to the Chinese symbol of yin and yang, which represents complementary opposites that provide a state of equilibrium. Ifrit Risen, like the Gnostic Aeons and Carl Jung’s conception of the Anima and Animus, is a syzygic pairing, a union of opposites. I would propose that while not a literal divine hermaphrodite, this unbreakable bond between the brothers Clive and Joshua Rosfield, who are likened to the twins Prometheus and Epimetheus in the song “Away”, could be seen as something similar to the hermaphroditic metaphor for the end product of the alchemical Magnum Opus) (Great Work) called the Rebis.
If you would consider this alchemical perspective, then I would like to further suggest that perhaps that Ifrit Risen is an allusion to the final stage of the Magnum Opus called Rubedo (reddening); whereby the given alchemical material has already undergone the stages of Nigredo (putrefaction), Albedo) (purification), and Citrinitas (spiritual awakening/transformation) just as Ifrit Risen is the combination of the destructive and restorative aspects of fire that attains sacred wholeness through its union. It just so happens that the stage of Rubedo was also occasionally represented through the symbol of a phoenix) and Carl Jung himself likened the four stages of the Magnum Opus to the process of individuation. It is also possible that like the Prometheus story, fire as the element of the divine could be a symbol for knowledge, free will, rebellion, and human ingenuity; or as I have also mentioned in my post on the Phoenix, could be based on the idea of the Empyrean. In Dante Alighieri’s Paradiso#The_Empyrean), the Empyrean is the highest realm of Heaven consisting of sacred fire where the wills of man and God become one; achieving what the Gnostics would most likely call the Anima Mundi or “World Soul”. And just like the Plemora and the Empyrean, the Nexus of Ultima’s Origin is bathed in the light of the aether harvested from all across Valisthea, but like the name of the eponymous song, it is a far cry from Heaven.
Well, this is it. I’m sad to say that my posts on Final Fantasy XVI are most likely finally over, but like ProfNoctis and M. J. Gallagher said in their video on the Echoes of the Fallen DLC, the amount of research the team at Square Enix did for this game is absolutely astounding, and I can’t thank them enough for this gem of a game that allowed me to write so much in these essays.
If you would like to watch some more videos regarding Ultima, Mythos, and Logos; I would recommend “Final Fantasy XVI - LOGOS EXPLAINED” by C. J. Cala, “Final Fantasy XVI Lecture Stream: The True Meaning of Mythos and Logos” by ProfNoctis, and “The story of Ultima explained Final Fantasy 16 Lore” by Alleyway Jack. If you would like to research more about Jungian analytical psychology, I would suggest checking out “The Collected Works of C. G. Jung”. Or if you would like to play another game that deals with Jungian psychology, world mythologies, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and themes of rebellion and freedom; then look no further than the excellent Persona 5.
And I can’t thank you all enough for reading my posts. It means so much that you would allow me to indulge in this little passion project of mine and I sincerely hope that I was able to at least instill a little more appreciation of this game and our world in at least one person. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Although modern humanity will likely never encounter the trials of strength and stamina faced by the mythical demigod Hercules himself, one competition, originating from the world of Strongman sports, replicates the essence of Herculean challenges. This is none other than the “Hercules Hold.”
The Seeds of Hercules Hold History
The Hercules Hold has its roots in the blood, sweat, and iron of Strongman competitions. To truly understand this event, one must peer back into the annals of history. The sport’s origins are as diverse as its participants, with many cultures having their iterations of athletes displaying their physical prowess, from the ancient Highland Games in Scotland to primitive weightlifting in early civilizations.
The modern iteration of the Hercules Hold is a reinterpretation of these age-old contests. Participants must maintain the hold over two hinged pillars, designed to pull away with increasing force, simulating Hercules’s strain in holding apart two mythological beasts. Over time, it evolved into a fan favorite due to its tremendous display of strength and endurance, concepts central to the spirit of Strongman events.
Understanding the Hercules Hold Mechanics
Today’s Hercules Hold is all about a test of grip strength and mental resolve. Athletes stand between two hinged pillars or handles, held arm’s length away from the body. The handles are then released, and slowly but surely, gravity starts pulling them apart. The objective? Hold on as long as possible, grin, and bear the intense strain.
Just possessing brute strength isn’t enough to triumph in this event. It is a test of mind echoing the ancient hero’s resolve. The load on each handle can be up to 350 pounds, and the strongest can withstand it for around a minute – a ticking clock that is both incredibly swift and agonizingly slow to the contenders.
Training for the Showdown for Hercules Hold
Achieving incredible strength and endurance in Hercules Hold requires focused training, strategic approaches, and persistent dedication. Participants must develop a comprehensive strength-building regimen targeting essential muscle groups and building mental resilience. Here are some essential training components for the Hercules Hold:
Grip strength: Central to Hercules Hold, competitors must develop a strong grip through exercises such as towel pull-ups, dead hangs, and fat-grip implements, in addition to the main gripping exercises mentioned above.
Shoulder stability: Exercises such as overhead presses, face pulls, and rotator cuff variations are crucial for building robust shoulders while maintaining joint health. Strong and stable shoulders serve as the foundation for enduring the forces exerted by the Hercules Hold.
Core training: A strong core allows athletes to maintain their balance and body stability during the event. Exercises like planks, cable rotations, and hanging leg raises are important components of preparing for the Hercules Hold challenge.
Large compound lifts: Total body strength is crucial for strongman events. Including compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and Olympic lifts in a training program supports overall strength development and contributes to specific performance improvements in Hercules Hold.
Mental preparation: Embracing adversity and building mental toughness is essential for overcoming the physical demands of the Hercules Hold. Visualization, goal setting, and mental techniques like mindfulness can help athletes develop the necessary mental strength to endure the event.
Cardiovascular conditioning: Although Hercules Hold primarily tests musculoskeletal strength, having better cardiovascular fitness allows athletes to recover quicker between attempts and maintain composure during the hold. Incorporating both low-impact steady-state (LISS) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) helps maximize recovery and performance.
Mobility and flexibility training: Maintaining healthy joints for optimal range of motion is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance. Including stretching and mobility exercises as part of the training program helps safeguard the competitors from potential setbacks.
Safety should be a top priority during training. Competitors must use proper lifting techniques, mobility drills, and progressive overloading to ease into their training and minimize the risk of injuries. Building strength focuses on incremental improvements, and a cautious approach is vital to achieve lasting strength gains.
The Apotheosis of Holds: World Records
Now, let’s look at the stories of the two record-setting titans: Mark Felix, and Laurence Shahlaei.
mark felix hercules hold
Mark Felix: A Deep Dive into His Legacy, Hercules Hold, and other Achievements
Early Life
Birthplace: Born on April 17, 1966, Mark Felix spent his early years growing up in the lively town of St. George’s, Grenada.
Migration: At the pivotal age of 23, seeking better prospects, he made a big leap and emigrated to Rishton, Lancashire in England.
Initial Expertise: Before strongman contests, Felix was dedicated to bodybuilding. Bodybuilding laid down his base, establishing a solid foundation of strength, discipline, and commitment, all of which were instrumental for his future calling.
Profession: Felix was not always a full-time athlete. He crafted a living working as a plasterer before his athletic career, deploying his superior strength and precision in his craft. This occupation inadvertently developed and fine-tuned his gripping strength and muscular endurance.
Mark’s Strongman Journey
Strongman Entry: Recognizing a latent passion, Felix embraced the challenge of strongman competitions at the arguably late age of 37. His entry into this hefty world was marked by a swift mastery over heavy weights and challenging apparatus.
Professional Turn: Felix transitioned from newbie to professional within just a year of first stepping into the strongman arena. He turned pro following the inauguration of the International Federation of Strength Athletes (IFSA) Strongman Federation in 2004.
From Bodybuilding to Strongman: Shifting his focus from bodybuilding to strongman competitions was a bold move in 2003. Despite beginning his strongman journey later compared to other athletes, Felix quickly established himself as a formidable competitor due to his prior strength training.
Significant Achievements
Mark Felix‘s career showcases an array of significant feats, setting him apart as a master of grip strength and an enduring force in the Strongman world:
His career took flight with a third-place finish in England’s Strongest Man in 2004, catapulting him into the strongman spotlight.
In 2005, he clinched the title at the IFSA British Championships, displaying his handling skills across diverse challenges such as the Deadlift, Farmer’s Walk, and the iconic Atlas Stones.
Felix’s prowess earned him second place in Britain’s Strongest Man in 2006. Proving his unflinching perseverance, he competed in The World’s Strongest Man in the same year, landing a commendable fourth-place position in the finals.
From 2008 to 2020, Felix was a regular feature in Europe’s Strongest Man competitions, where he seized third place not once, but twice, in the years 2010 and 2015.
Personal Records
Mark Felix’s praise isn’t just limited to his competition success; his awe-inspiring personal records are a testament to his relentless pursuit of strength:
Gym Records
Squat: Felix displayed his might with a formidable squat of 350 kg or 770 lb.
Bench Press: His upper body strength is highlighted by a substantial bench press record of 240 kg or 530 lb.
Deadlift (without straps): Felix demonstrated his raw pulling power with a commanding deadlift of 405 kg or 893 lb.
Competition Records
Equipped Deadlift: Demonstrating his mettle in a competitive setting, Felix pulled a herculean-equipped deadlift of 420 kg.
Strongman Competition Feats
Hummer Tire Deadlift (with straps): Felix powered through the Hummer Tire Deadlift raising an astounding 511.5 kg or 1,128 lb at the Arnold Strongman Classic in 2013.
Hercules Hold: Felix broke the world record for Hercules Hold at the 2020 Europe’s Strongest Man competition, holding the position for an impressive 92.37 seconds, cementing his legacy as a grip strength legend.
Silver Dollar Deadlift (without a deadlift suit): Felix demonstrated his consistency and durability by lifting 515 kg or 1,135 lb in the Silver Dollar Deadlift at the UK’s Strongest Man competition in 2021.
Mark Felix’s career trajectory resonates with his innate capability to adapt, learn, and continuously redefine his limitations. His grip strength defies his age and surpasses even those competitors more than a decade younger. This enduring strength and legacy in the strongman world have rightfully earned him the title of “The Miracle Man.” Felix represents more than just a holder of the Hercules Hold record; his name will forever be associated as one of the most accomplished, enduring figures in the Strongman community, resonating with the spirit of the sport.
Laurence Shahlaei
Laurence Shahlaei & Hercules Hold: An Overview of His Life and Achievements
Early Life
Birth and Heritage: Laurence Cristiaan David Shahlaei was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on Christmas Day in 1982. Laurence’s heritage is beautifully mixed – his father hails from Kermanshah, Iran, while his mother was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Education: As a young student, Shahlaei attended Balcarras School. Later, the family moved to the picturesque Stroud, Gloucestershire, where he continued his education.
The Ascent into Strongman: Laurence began strongman training in 2005 and wasted no time in challenging himself. The same year, he entered his first novice competition, finishing in 8th place, signaling the promising potential for his future in the Strongman arena.
Strongman Career
Initial Feats: Within merely two years, the budding strongman entered his first Britain’s Strongest Man (BSM) competition after a triumphant win at the Midlands qualifier.
Evolving Athlete: Despite suffering a bicep injury in 2007 that forced him to withdraw from the competition, Shahlaei proved his resilience. In 2008, he qualified yet again, ultimately finishing an impressive 4th in the final.
World’s Strongest Man: His outstanding performance in 2008 made an impression on the strongman community and earned him a spot in the prestigious World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition that same year. Although he did not make the final, his tenacity did not falter.
Favorite Events and Achievements: Laurence established a deep connection with specific events, such as the Squat for Reps, Farmer’s Walk, and Super Yoke. Throughout his 15-year career, he participated in 55 international competitions, securing victories in 8 of them. Most notably, he won the title of Europe’s Strongest Man in 2016.
At the 2011 WSM, Shahlaei achieved an impressive 4th place finish and consistently placed within the top 10 multiple times, in 2009, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
Final Showdown: Laurence signaled the end of his competitive career at the 2021 Giants Live Strongman Classic, clinching a respectable 7th place.
Personal Records
Shahlaei’s numerous records in both powerlifting and strongman competitions are a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for strength-based sports:
Powerlifting Records:
Squat max: An impressive 380 kg (838 lb) at the 2020 Tattooed and Strong event.
Bench press max: He pushed through a 227.5 kg (502 lb) bench press at the 2020 Tattooed and Strong event.
Deadlift max: A massive 385 kg (849 lb) lift in the 2016 Tattooed and Strong competition.
Total: An astounding combined total of 960 kg (2,116 lb).
Strongman Records:
Dinnie Stone carries in farmers’ walk style (with the original stones): A World Record distance of 22 ft 4 in (6.81 m).
Squat: A remarkable 317.5 kg (700 lb) with 12 reps executed during the 2017 WSM.
Log press: An intense 185 kg (408 lb) lift at the 2011 SCL South Africa event.
Axle press: Shahlaei pressed 205 kg (452 lb) at the 2010 Giants Live Turkey competition.
Deadlift: A prodigious 435 kg (959 lb) deadlift during the 2014 Europe’s Strongest Man contest.
Dumbbell press: 100 kg (220 lb) x 4 repetitions at the 2018 Giants Live North American Open.
Car Walk: Shahlaei carried a 450 kg (992 lb) car for 20 meters in 11.05 seconds at the 2016 Europe’s Strongest Man event.
Thor’s Hammer one-arm grip lift: A staggering 113 kg (250 lb) lift at the 2021 Rogue Invitational.
Captains of Crush: Shahlaei has closed the No. 3 gripper, which has a crushing pressure of 127 kg (280 lb).
Laurence Shahlaei’s journey from being a novice in strongman competitions to becoming a celebrated, decorated athlete is a testament to his natural talent, unwavering determination, and tireless hard work. His numerous records and achievements clearly demonstrate his strength and the invaluable contributions he has made to the strongman world.
Trials of Titans: Training and Diet for Hercules Hold
Each record holder’s journey to the zenith of this event involves a meticulously planned training regime, a disciplined diet, and, in some cases, performance enhancers.
Mark Felix Workout & Diet for Hercules Hold Events:
Workout Frequency: As a professional strongman, Felix’s training would typically range from 4-6 days per week depending on where he stands in the competition season. Off-season might involve less frequent but heavier sessions, while pre-competition periods could include more frequent but varied training for conditioning.
Routine: A strongman’s routine involves a mix of compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses, each performed for 3-5 sets of 3-8 reps to build maximal strength. Felix might integrate specific strongman events training, like farmer’s walks or atlas stones, into his weekly routine.
Grip Training: Mark’s unparalleled grip strength training likely revolves around heavy carries, holds, and pulling exercises with thick handles to mimic the grip challenges of competition. High-rep sets and timed holds could be frequent in his regimen.
Diet: To fuel such intense workouts, strongmen consume upwards of 5,000-10,000 calories per day, split across multiple meals rich in protein (meats, fish, eggs), complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, oats), and healthy fats (nuts, avocado, oils), with vegetables providing necessary vitamins and fiber.
Recovery: Active recovery such as mobility work, light cardio, and stretching, as well as passive recovery methods like massages, ice baths, and sufficient sleep, would be crucial to Felix’s ability to train consistently.
Laurence Shahlaei and his Training Before Hercules Hold Contest:
Training Split: Laurence would have likely adhered to a training split that targeted different muscle groups and strongman events across the week, ensuring ample recovery time for each muscle group.
Cardio and Conditioning: His regimen would include cardio and conditioning work like prowler pushes and sled drags, aimed at maintaining the endurance needed for competition events like the Car Walk.
Volume and Intensity: Training would likely alternate between periods of high volume (more reps, lighter weights) and high intensity (heavier weights, fewer reps) to build both muscle endurance and peak strength.
Dietary Regimen: Shahlaei’s diet would be meticulously designed to support both weight management and muscle gain, with a focus on lean proteins, carbohydrates timed around workouts for energy, and healthy fats for hormonal balance and inflammation control.
Recovery and Physiotherapy: As a strongman and a personal trainer, Shahlaei understands the importance of recovery, likely incorporating active rest days, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises into his routine, especially after sustaining injuries throughout his career.
Steroid Usage of Hercules Record Holders
While there is no publicly available evidence or confession regarding steroid usage by these bodybuilders, many speculate that due to the immense pressure and competitiveness at the professional level, they might have used performance-enhancing drugs to gain an advantage.
Mark Felix Steroid Cycle
According to the opinion of pro bodybuilders and fitness experts, Mark Felix might follow a steroid cycle similar to the following:
Testosterone Cypionate: 500-750 mg per week
Deca Durabolin: 300-500 mg per week
Dianabol: 30-50 mg per day
Human Growth Hormone (HGH): 4-6 IU per day
Anastrozole: 0.5-1 mg every other day
It is essential to remember that these are purely speculative and not confirmed by Mark Felix or any official sources.
Laurence Shahlaei Steroid Cycle
Like many professional athletes at the top echelons of their sport, Shahlaei may face speculation about steroid usage or performance-enhancing drugs to maintain a competitive edge.
According to the opinion of pro bodybuilders and fitness experts, Laurence Shahlaei might follow a steroid cycle similar to the following:
Testosterone Propionate: 400-600 mg per week
Trenbolone Acetate: 300-400 mg per week
Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate): 200-400 mg per week
Anadrol: 50-100 mg per day
Arimidex: 0.5-1 mg every other day
Again, it is important to note that these steroid cycles are speculative and not verified by Laurence Shahlaei or any official sources.
Mark Felix: Grip Strength Extraordinaire and Record-Breaking Hercules Holder
Mark Felix etched his name in the annals of strength athletics by delivering an awe-inspiring performance in the Hercules Hold at Giants Live Wembley 2019. The defining moment saw Felix surpass the threshold of human endurance as he shattered the existing world record.
The record-setting event unfolded in Manchester Arena, where Felix, with his exceptional strength and tenacity, took on the challenge of the Hercules Hold. The atmosphere was electric. The crowd was rapt with anticipation, knowing they were witnessing a potential record-setting performance.
Surpassing the one-minute mark, which itself is an extraordinary feat, Felix demonstrated why he is an undisputed titan in this discipline. With Manchester’s support, Felix not only eclipsed the previous world record but raised the benchmark to a staggering new height — achieving 1 minute and 27.52 seconds. This feat was not just a victory of the day, but an embodiment of his longevity and supremacy in the sport.
In this iconic event, age was just a number for Felix. His record-breaking grip is a testament to his prowess and unwavering resolve. An athlete ever-present in the global strongman circuit, Felix illuminated Manchester with a performance that will resonate through the ages, bringing the entire arena to its feet, united in a deafening chorus of admiration and awe.
His record stands as a towering benchmark for aspiring strongmen and is a monumental addition to the annals of strength athletics. The visual encapsulation of Felix’s phenomenal hold, the crowd’s support, and the glorious aftermath can be relived through the following links:
Hercules Hold Champions and Records: The Enduring Strength of Laurence Shahlaei and Mark Felix
Laurence Shahlaei’s ascent in the strongman world from a novice to becoming Europe’s Strongest Man demonstrates his incredible resilience and strength. His ability to overcome injuries and push the boundaries of his personal records, in events like the Car Walk and Thor’s Hammer, leaves an inspiring legacy in strongman history. Mark Felix, with a strongman career that defied age, is particularly renowned for his extraordinary grip strength, exemplified by his world records in Hercules Hold. Starting at 37, Felix’s achievements have proven that age is but a number, and his enduring physical power continues to awe fans and competitors alike.
Both athletes share a commonality in their Herculean strength and perseverance, leaving indelible marks on the sport. The Hercules Hold event, a testament to their gripping capabilities, is a measure of physical endurance and symbolizes the relentless spirit both these men embody. Future generations of strongmen will continue to be inspired by each of them as they retire from the competitive arena, leaving behind a legacy of strength and determination.

To start off, some context. Who am I? Nobody, just your average joe who recently picked up and fell in love with the 2011 platform, I've been toying with the idea of fully committing and swapping my edc over to a 2011 as well, specifically a ported 3.5". Nobody seemed to really offer a good out of the box solution that didn't involve either long lead times like what I had to endure for my first 2011 (ds9 LOC), or that didn't involve sending off parts to multiple shops for various custom work.
I saw a post here from Major Havoc, and noticed that the frame from Cosaint arms happened to say Flat rock, NC. That's right down the road from me, so I checked their website while on a lunch break and they seemed to offer exactly the config I wanted at a reasonable price and wait time, but their website also mentions scheduling a consultation. I thought what the hell, so I called them and got in touch with Greg, who said to stop on by and he'd be happy to let me hold and play with their show room guns, one of which happened to be more or less exactly what I was looking to order.
I showed up and met Greg, who it turns out is the owner. Greg was alone in the shop on a Friday, running the milling machines. I want to stress that again. The owner of the business was in his shop, on Friday, working overtime on the actual milling machine. I was already impressed, but then Greg welcomed me into the shop when I mentioned that I also work in the CNC world and gave me a full blown tour of their operation from start to finish, including letting me hold and look at some of their prototypes that aren't on the market yet.
I was floored. I was being treated like some big name gun influencer, or like an old friend, and I was basically just a walk in. We got to talking and it was clear Greg still has a burning passion for his work. His background in 2011s started back in STI, and he said "I want to make hundreds of guns for individuals, not thousands for the public".
At the end of the shop tour I thanked him and told him I would likely be sending him a build sheet request similar to what was in his show room, a tri-topped 3.5" ported. "Before you do that why don't we just go shoot it, lemme lock the back doors and grab a box, I'll meet you at [the local range 5 minutes away]".
Again I was shocked, he was offering to let me shoot one of their showroom demos on his dime. We get to the range, load up a few quick mags and man, a ported 3.5 shoots damn well. I immediately fell in love with the gun after the first mag, I turn around and Greg is loading mags for me. Like, seriously, is this man a saint or what. He's loading mags for some random guy who just walked into his shop. I pull off some doubles to really get a feel for it, and satisfied that I had found my next edc, thanked him again and we headed up to the counter where I kid you not, this man tries to pay for the lane before I can even get my wallet out. Thankfully the range owner wouldn't let him do that for a quick 5 minute essentially magdump, and said that "Oh Greg does this all the time, don't worry about the lane".
We parted ways and as I write this my cz is going up on local forums to order a cosaint custom.
As far as the build quality is concerned, for those who only care about products, Greg confirmed that every frame is milled oversized and then hand fit. The show room guns I held felt nice and tight, though they were all anodized aluminum frames with cerakoted slides which meant they didn't have that same buttery smooth glide as dlc parts would. I can personally vouch that they use only top tier internals as well, I saw their small parts wall.
This isn't a paid advertisement or anything, and I don't even own one of their guns (yet), I was simply floored at being treated that way and after the fiasco with MPA yesterday, figured we could all use a bit of positivity in the forum.
Greg, if you or any of your employees browse this forum, bravo to you sirs.

I am taking a beating on a couple of 401ks from old jobs - an HP portfolio at Fidelity from the late 2000s and another at Empower from a mid-2010s job.
The HP 401k is the greatest concern - for some reason they have me at this mix:
SHORT TERM BOND 10/09/2015 39.80%
CORE BOND INDEX 12/31/2010 21.97%
REAL RETURN BOND 10/09/2015 18.41%
US SM/MID-CAP EQUITY 10/09/2015 12.38%
US LARGE CAP EQ INDX 12/31/2010 3.34%
US LARGE CAP EQUITY 10/09/2015 2.17%
INT'L EQUITY FUND 10/09/2015 1.04%
US SM/MID-CAP EQ IDX 12/31/2010 0.88%
I left the company before 2010, so the selection was done by someone?? who apparently thinks I'm 175 years old.
The Empower port is a lot better- it's their 2035 lifepath, but that's still only 70/30 equity, with over 20% in int'l stocks.
The two 401ks combined represent about 16% of my NW, with the remainder being in Tbills and CDs (34%) and in other, more aggressive retirement accounts (50%.)
I don't mind the Empower account being at 70/30, but what should I do if anything with the Fidelity account? It has had essentially no growth since 2011.