It was just a raid. The Krr'za'skrr had left almost as soon as they arrived. Just drop into orbit, hit the main population centres, and pull back again before reinforcements could arrive. They hadn't stayed more than a day. A day had been enough for what they came to do.
​
Everyone was dead. Well, almost everyone. A few like me had managed to find some corner to hide in, or slipped through the net entirely and made it out of the town. Some had been hit and left for dead, but made it through the night. Not many, though; the aliens liked to finish defeated enemies with a knife, some kind of ritual. A couple of people had survived pinned under the bodies of their families and friends.
​
All together, out of the whole town of thirty thousand people a few dozen were left. Maybe a hundred or two... I'm not sure the exact count, but it wasn't even enough to fill the sports hall of my school, which is where they put us. The military had also set up a bunch of screens up displaying the names of the dead, collected from the ID chips on the bodies, so we could check for our families. See if there was still hope.
​
There wasn't. Names were added to the list as the bodies were found, so you could see who they'd been found with. My dad had been with a bunch of other men; militia. He must have died in the trenches at the edge of town. I didn't react when I read his name because really, I'd already known. I kept scanning down the list. Shelter six, our neighbourhood's shelter, was there. I could tell from the cluster of names I recognised: neighbours, friends, kids I'd played in the street with. But not my mother, and not my brother.
​
They were further down. It didn't say where they were found, or what had happened to them. But the names were right next to each other. I'll never know how they died. Shot down in an alley, caught in an explosion... or cornered, and finished with knives. I wake up some nights, sweating, still seeing the afterimage of their deaths. Different scenario each time; which nightmare is true, I'll never know, and that's for the best. At least I know they were together.
​
I went back to the cot that had been set out for me and I cried until I physically couldn't any more. No one tried to comfort me; they all had their own misery to carry without taking on mine. A few more survivors were brought to the school, and a lot more names were added to the board. Almost everyone in the shelters had been slaughtered; they might have protected people from stray shots, but they'd done almost nothing to keep the roaches out. The ones who'd survived were the ones like me who found somewhere else to hide.
​
After three days sitting on a cot eating nothing but military rations, a lieutenant came and announced that we were being shipped out. Just like that, New Montana was being abandoned. They war planners had realised what anyone with half a brain could have told them three years ago: that defending a small frontline colony like that was untenable. Less than ten percent of the population survived the raid. In the towns, it was less than one percent. Now there was nothing left to defend, it wasn't even worth trying.
​
They told us to go home pack whatever we could fit in one bag. Only things you really need. I sat on the cot for a while waiting for someone to take me home, before I realised no one was going to and I'd have to take care of myself. The streets still had bloodstains, and I passed a truck piled up with corpses waiting to be taken to the mass graves they'd dug with mining excavators at the edge of town. They'd brought the power grid back on line at least, so when I got in I stripped off the T-shirt and shorts I'd spent the last week in, and showered.
​
Everything looked so normal. Everything looked like my parents had just gone to the store and would be back any moment, bringing Noah with them. But no one was coming home again. I stood in the shower just letting the water run down my back until my skin wrinkled like dried fruit. After I got out, I didn't even bother to get dressed; there didn't seem to be any point. I wandered round naked, wet hair cold against my back, pulling out drawers and cupboards at random. Trying to decide which bits of my life I could afford to take with me. School art project from when I was eight? A framed photo of all of us just after Noah was born? The book my parents had given me - real paper - when I graduated from primary school?
​
How do you make that choice? A whole life, and you can only take whatever can fit in a backpack.
​
Easy: leave it all. The life I'd had here was over. The roaches had killed it just as dead as everything else.
​
I finally dried out my hair and got dressed, then I folded three sets of clothes and seven sets of underwear, and crammed them in the bottom of the bag. I had a super-folding coat, the kind you get in survival kits, that could be compressed down to the thickness of cardboard, so I took that too. I didn't know if we were supposed to bring food but I threw in a few cereal bars, just in case. No point in taking a phone, they'd all been fried by the EMP. Documents; birth certificate and passport. I found the physical copies in the closet in my parents' room. I took my mother's jewellery as well, in case I needed to sell it. A few more odds and ends, like tampons, and a knife.
​
After waiting a long time, I went into my brother's room. I took his blankey. I could leave my life behind, but not his. I needed something. I also took one of the family photos out of the frame, the most recent, from my last birthday.
​
When I got to the muster point I could see they were dismantling the shield emitter and crating it up. They were taking a lot of care with it, but then, it was more valuable to the military than any of the actual people. I'd say it hadn't done us much good, but if it hadn't been for the shield the roaches would probably just have flattened us from orbit.
​
The last I saw of New Montana was from the window of the shuttle as we reached orbit. All the way below us stretched green fields and forests. You couldn't tell a massacre had happened there at all.
​
Then the shuttle swung round, and there was the blocky, pock-marked troop transport that was going to take me to my new life.
​
I don't think anyone called me Leah for months after that. Whenever someone needed me they barked 'Olsson'. The nurses in the med centre giving me vaccinations. The cooks on the mess line. The harassed looking corporal who was supposed to be in charge of making sure all the kids had someone responsible for them, and then the civilian liaison, who had me and twenty other orphans assigned to her.
​
The less said about the refugee camps, the better. Prospero, New Phoenix, Regulus... I had my head shaved for the first time on Regulus. Lice outbreak. Apparently even in this day and age they can't keep the damn things down except with clippers.
​
Six months earlier I would have bawled my eyes out at the sight of all my long, blonde hair being swept along the floor. By that point, I was all out of tears.
​
Was I a good girl, who followed the camp rules and didn't get into any trouble? Was I fuck. The cliché for a kid like me would have been to fall in with some bad people, start hanging around a gang, get into doing dangerous things for stupid reasons. And I suppose, in a way, I did - although I'll leave it to history to judge how stupid it was.
​
The military were everywhere around the refugee camps. The worlds we were sent to were only a little further back from the front line; no time and no ships to take us further, and no one on Earth, or Centauri, or any other developed world who wanted us. The war had turned all the major worlds along the frontier into staging posts for the military build-up, and the military was responsible for moving us around and making sure we got fed. Another reason not to send us any further: it was simpler if the camps and the military bases shared logistics.
​
There wasn't much for a kid to do in the camps. They tried to organise schooling, but people came and went so often it was hard to get consistent teachers, and hard to keep track of which kids were meant to be in which class. And if you didn't feel like sitting in a tent while some shell-shocked old woman tried to explain Shakespeare to you, well, it wasn't like anyone was going to bother chasing you down. Juvenile guardians came and went with the same frequency; most of them saw me so little I doubt I was anything more than a name on a list to them. And any who did care enough to try and help... well, let's just say I didn't reward them for their efforts. Looking back, I kind of wish I'd cut them some slack. It wasn't their fault they were useless, they did the best they could with what they had. But with almost everything being fed into the war effort, what they had usually wasn't very much.
​
So I ended up hanging out with the marines. Why? Why does any teenage girl hang out with a bunch of young men with abs you could break rocks on. How old was I? I'd been in the camps a while by this point; pick a number that makes you feel comfortable. And however old I was, they weren't much older. Eighteen, nineteen years old, about to be sent off to the front where the casualty lists grew by thousands every day. At the time they seemed so mature, so confident, but I look back and all I see is a bunch of kids, trying to use bravado to mask their terror.
​
Those kids saved me. It would have been so easy for me to fall in with the gangs. There were plenty of them in the camps, running all sorts of rackets just below the radar of the authorities. More or less. Occasionally someone would get stabbed, a sweep would be done, everyone would get their tents tossed over and a few guys would get hauled off to the stockade. Things would quieten down for a bit, then the petty violence and extortion would resume, and nothing much changed. I could have found a place in that life easily enough.
​
But it made a difference to me, that the marines were fighting for something. A real cause, protecting humanity, while the gangs got themselves killed over petty squabbles and greed. So I chose to hang around the military base rather than the gang dens, without knowing at the time just what an important choice that was. Because they were heroes to me. I'd sit on a bunk listening with rapt attention as the one marine in the room who'd actually seen combat embellished his stories to the hilt.
​
Then I'd have to hide because there was an officer coming. Or worse, a sergeant. Those drill sergeants were mean as fuck, they didn't care if you were a little girl: no civilians on base after dark meant no civilians on base after dark, and they'd happily give you a few bruises to remind you not to come back. More than once me and my clothes got thrown out the front gate separately, and then I had to find my shorts in the dark while giving the middle finger to the MPs laughing at me.
​
Didn't stop us. And I say us, because there was a big group of kids who were always hanging around the barracks. Girlfriends, boyfriends, but also kids who could pawn stuff for you, run gambling, find recreational substances. I straddled all of those lines and more. Half the economy on those bases was run by teenagers wearing military boots and camo jackets three sizes too big for them. The gangs would have loved to get in on that action, but the bases and their suppliers were off limits to them, and they knew it. Get between a squad of marines and their weed, and best case scenario you'd be found in an alley missing half your teeth.
​
Life stabilised. The government started to realise the people in the camps were never going to be resettled, at least not until the war was over, so they did what they could for them there. Tents became huts, huts became proper buildings. They stopped moving people around so much, and communities started to form. The camp I was in got renamed from 'Transit Camp 331' to Concord.
​
For the first time since New Montana, I had friends. Both among the soldiers and the other kids. In fact, since I'd never exactly been Miss Popular back on New Montana, I had more friends than I'd ever had back home. Everyone on base knew me, and liked me. Partly because once I finally came out of my shell it turned out I was actually quite fun to be around, and partly because I could get things for people that they couldn't get otherwise. Having found myself unsuited to literature or history or any of the other subjects they tried to teach in the makeshift schools, I did at least get a detailed education in pharmacology and economics.
​
The drill sergeants still gave me the stink eye, but there were enough young lieutenants around who needed to take the edge off that they couldn't keep me out for long. I had friends, I had money, and I had a community. It was maybe the happiest time of my life.
​
And if I ever stopped to think about that, that I hated myself. Because it was like I was betraying everyone I'd left behind on New Montana. Friends, neighbours, people I'd grown up with my whole life until that day when the roaches came. But especially my parents, and especially Noah. I'd take out Noah's blankey, that I'd dragged all that way from camp to camp, and I'd beg him to forgive me for forgetting about him long enough to enjoy myself. And for leaving him behind, that night.
​
It got better, as time went by. Guilt fades. You never forget, but at some point, it loses its power to hurt you. Like a drug you're exposed to so often you develop a tolerance. And when the guilt doesn't hit so hard that you break down crying in the night, you can step back and ask yourself: is this really what they would have wanted for you? Torturing yourself over and over again over something you can't change. And that wasn't your fault anyway.
​
If the people I'd lost hated me that much, I wouldn't have been crying over them in the first place.
​
Finally, I started letting myself enjoy happiness. I'd found my niche and I thrived in it, and it might not have been the life my parents - or any parents - would have wanted for their daughter, but it was mine and I was happy with it.
​
So why did I leave it? I could have coasted in that life for a while, I finally had something going my way.
​
Instead, when I turned eighteen I joined the marines.
​
I told people it was because I wanted to get payback against the roaches. For my colony, for my family. That was a motive people could understand. But it wasn't that. I didn't hate the roaches, except in an abstract kind of way; they were too remote, too alien. You might as well hate the weather.
​
You think I was just a stupid kid dreaming about glory and medals and all that shit? That I didn't know what I was signing up for? I knew what war was, I saw it the night it came to New Montana. And I'd spent enough time around marines to know what happened at the front. Not that they talked about it much. But I saw the fresh battalions go out to the front, then get rotated back three, four months later, with people missing, and with people who were missing something in their eyes. I knew war, in the small hours of the night when some boy who'd just finished his first tour needed someone to hold him while he sobbed.
​
So how did I make that choice? Life, or death?
​
I signed up because the marines gave me life. When I was a lost, angry kid, those stupid, drugged up, immature jarheads were there for me. Maybe not always with the best of intentions, but they made sure I was fed properly, and wasn't hassled by the gangs, and had some place to go where I could have fun and forget I was stuck in what was the next best thing to a prison camp. But more than anything, because they treated me like I was a more than just a surname on a register. I was Leah to them, not just Olsson. When they looked at me, they saw a human being. One of them.
​
Isn't fighting for humanity the whole reason we're in this war?
​
I couldn't sit there, watching my friends get sent to the front, knowing I could be there alongside them and instead had chosen to keep myself safe so they could be fed into the meatgrinder in my place. I couldn't do that, and stay human. I didn't know if it was the sensible choice to join. But I knew it was the right choice.
​
Besides, the draft kept getting expanded. I'd probably get called up sooner or later, but if I volunteered I could pick the branch I was sent to. Girls mostly got put in the navy; less heavy lifting. I wanted to make sure I was sent to the marines.
​
There were four of us girls from Concord, barracks brats who wanted to join. Erin, Yukio, Valentina, and me. I waited a few weeks after my birthday so we could all sign up together. Val didn't pass the physical, but the rest of us got shipped out to boot camp a week later.
​
I left my mother's jewellery and my brother's blankey in a locker, with instructions for what to do with them if something happened to me. I was surprised by how much it hurt to leave them behind, but in the end, I didn't look back.
​
When I got to boot camp, they shaved my head again. It was like saying hello to old Leah again, Leah from the bad old days. Except this time, I didn't just have to sit and take it. This time, I got to fight back.
​
Did I say I knew what I was signing up for? I'd been dodging drill sergeants for years, and basic training was still a special kind of hell for me. Most of the guys arrived there as scrawny kids who'd never exercised in their lives, and they were still in better shape than me, Erin and Yukio would ever be. The girls had a much higher wash-out rate; they'd still get sent to the front eventually, the military was too short of bodies not to use everyone it had, they just wouldn't be marines. But the wash-outs were mostly the conscripts. If you had the will, it could be done. There were points where I thought it would break me, but Erin and Yukio kept me going. And when they were at their limit, I kept them going.
​
The physical demands pushed me right to the edge, but at least I was good at the other stuff. Squad tactics, weapon drill, memorising the infantry manual. One drill sergeant said I might even have corporal potential, which from a drill sergeant is like being told you're the second coming of Jesus. Erin and Yukio didn't do so well with that kind of thing. Erin was tall enough that with her buzz cut you could mistake her for a guy, she did better at the physical stuff, including hand-to-hand combat. Yukio sucked at everything, until they put a rifle in her hands. Calm, patient, and able to stay that way even when there were explosions going off beside her. She could put a round through the bullseye every time, under any conditions.
​
Ten weeks of basic training at boot camp, then four more mandatory assessment and assimilation weeks (no prizes for guessing the jokes) on base before we could be shipped to the front. They sent us back to Concord for that, to our huge relief. We slotted into the battalion as if we'd never left, except now instead of being hangers-on we were a full, official part of the family. Guys who'd treated us like kids now treated us like equals.
​
And of course, the younger friends we'd had before we left, we now treated like kids. We got to show off our gear to them, including clothes that actually fit now. And our fresh tattoos: a spear through a star. Of course, since we were proper jarheads now, if any of the newbies left their still-raw tattoos exposed we'd slap it. You know, for good luck.
​
Six weeks after we got to Concord, our battalion was shipped out to the front.
​
Continued here: Our Choices Make Us Human (Part 3)

I have decided to branch out of my comfort zone of front-end development and set up a backend for a hobby-project I am working on. I heavily use Next.js in my personal projects, and opted to go with Supabase for my backend due to current buzz. Their template setup with Next.js is very convenient, basically setting up authentication for me. My problem with this, is that when the users sign up (I am using email sign up BTW), they are sent an email with a link to verify their email. This link will redirect back to the sign in page of my site, where the user is now able to sign in.
I have written a function (in JavaScript from the client side) to insert a new row into my users table of my database (db) when a new user signs up. The reason for this, is because Supabase saves the users to a table on auth.users instead of public.users. I have set up a users table on the public schema for relational items that will be tied to the user (as well as editable items like a bio and a nickname to their profile). This function works perfectly for what I am trying to do, except Supabase's RLS gets in the way. This is due to the user being unauthenticated during the sign up flow. The user isn't actually authenticated until the sign up flow is technically complete, and then the user *signs IN* to be authenticated. Without authorization, the user cannot insert a new row to the db. If I turn off RLS, the function works fine. My issue here is that turning off RLS is dangerous for security purposes obviously.
My question, I suppose, is how I should handle this? Is it worth the risk to just turn off the RLS and let the function work its magic? I tried fiddling with creating functions and triggers for the new users signing up and getting added to the new table, but I am not very good with creating queries. Chat GPT was not really any help (no surprise). If the RLS being turned off is too much risk, then I suppose I am left with tinkering on these queries.
Go easy on me, I am new to backend
EDIT: I probably should have mentioned that none of the information in the user table on the public schema would be sensitive information. It will all be information that can be found on the user profile on the front end app. I am not storing passwords or any private information, just things like names, favorite counts, post comments, bio, ect.

Embrace Diversity
Many years ago, I worked at an office, where a young non-verbal girl would visit frequently, with her mother. At each visit, I would talk to her. I learned how her day was going, her interests, likes and dislikes, I even learned the name of her pet. The biggest thing that I learned was a bit of sign language, that I still remember. That is how diversity can impact our lives.
Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society. These qualities and attributes can include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Embracing diversity means recognizing, respecting, and valuing these differences among individuals. It's about creating environments where everyone feels included, empowered, and able to contribute their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents.
In workplaces, diversity is often seen as an asset because it fosters innovation, creativity, and problem-solving by bringing together people with different viewpoints and skills. Similarly, in societies, diversity enriches communities by promoting understanding, tolerance, and collaboration across various groups.
THE BENEFIT OF EMBRACING DIVERSITY.
Embracing diversity offers numerous personal benefits, including:
Expanded Perspective: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds exposes you to different viewpoints, experiences, and ways of thinking. This broadens your perspective and helps you see the world from various angles, enhancing your critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities.
Cultural Enrichment: Engaging with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds allows you to learn about different customs, traditions, languages, and cuisines. This exposure enriches your cultural knowledge and appreciation, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for people from different cultures.
Personal Growth: Embracing diversity often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging your preconceived notions and biases. This process of self-reflection and growth can lead to increased empathy, open-mindedness, and adaptability, which are valuable qualities for personal development and building meaningful relationships.
Enhanced Communication Skills: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds requires effective communication and interpersonal skills. By navigating cultural differences and finding common ground, you can improve your communication abilities, including active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Professional Development: In today's globalized world, workplaces are increasingly diverse. Embracing diversity can enhance your professional skills and marketability, as you learn to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds and adapt to diverse work environments. Additionally, diverse teams often outperform homogeneous ones, leading to greater innovation and success.
Increased Resilience: Embracing diversity may involve encountering challenges or disagreements due to cultural differences or misunderstandings. However, navigating these challenges can help build resilience and conflict resolution skills, enabling you to thrive in diverse environments and overcome obstacles more effectively.
Overall, embracing diversity not only enriches your personal life but also equips you with valuable skills and perspectives that can benefit you in various aspects of life, including relationships, career, and personal growth.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE SUCCESS IN MANY WAYS:
Enhanced Problem-Solving and Innovation: Diversity fosters the exchange of varied perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions to problems. In professional settings, diverse teams are often better equipped to innovate and adapt to challenges, ultimately driving success.
Broader Networks: Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds expands your social and professional networks. These connections can offer new opportunities, insights, and support systems that can accelerate personal and professional growth.
Cultural Competence: In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural competence is becoming a crucial skill. Embracing diversity enhances your ability to navigate cross-cultural interactions with sensitivity and respect, which is invaluable in global business, diplomacy, and personal relationships.
Marketability: Companies and organizations are placing greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Individuals who demonstrate a commitment to embracing diversity are often more attractive to employers and clients who value diverse perspectives and inclusive work environments.
Social Impact: By actively promoting diversity and inclusion in your personal and professional spheres, you contribute to positive social change. This can lead to greater fulfillment knowing that you are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.
HOW TO WELCOME DIVERSITY
Becoming more welcoming of diversity involves both self-reflection and taking proactive steps to foster an inclusive environment. Here are some steps you can take:
Examine Your Beliefs and Biases: Reflect on your own beliefs, attitudes, and biases regarding different cultures, identities, and perspectives. Recognize that everyone holds biases, and commit to challenging and unlearning any stereotypes or prejudices you may have.
Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about different cultures, identities, and experiences. Read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, and engage with diverse voices to broaden your understanding and empathy.
Listen and Learn: Actively listen to individuals from diverse backgrounds and seek to understand their experiences and perspectives. Practice empathy and avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes or limited knowledge.
Cultivate Curiosity: Approach interactions with curiosity and an open mind. Ask questions respectfully and be willing to engage in conversations about cultural differences, experiences, and perspectives.
Expand Your Social Circle: Seek out opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds in your community, workplace, or social circles. Attend cultural events, join diverse groups or organizations, and participate in activities that expose you to different cultures and perspectives.
Speak Up Against Discrimination: Take a stand against discrimination and injustice when you encounter it. Use your voice to advocate for equality, fairness, and inclusion, whether it's in conversations with friends and family or in larger social and professional settings.
Challenge Stereotypes: Be mindful of the language you use and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or assumptions about people based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other identities. Instead, celebrate the diversity of human experiences and identities.
Support Diversity Initiatives: Get involved in initiatives and organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This could involve volunteering, supporting diversity-focused policies and programs, or advocating for systemic change within your workplace or community.
Reflect on Your Privilege: Take time to reflect on your own privileges and how they may influence your perspectives and experiences. Acknowledge the systemic inequalities that exist and commit to using your privilege to uplift marginalized voices and promote equity.
Be Open to Feedback: Be receptive to feedback from others, especially from individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups. Use feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning, and be willing to make changes to become a more inclusive and welcoming person.
IS THERE A DIVERSITY QUOTIENT
There isn't a widely recognized "Diversity Quotient" like there is for IQ (Intelligence Quotient) or EQ (Emotional Quotient), the concept of measuring one's understanding and embrace of diversity is increasingly gaining attention. Some organizations and researchers have developed assessments to gauge individuals' attitudes, related to diversity and inclusion.
WELCOMING DIVERSITY IS AN ONGOING PROCESS
Embracing diversity fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, both for yourself and others. This can lead to greater satisfaction in relationships, career fulfillment, and overall well-being.
Diversity not only enriches individual lives but also contributes to collective success by encouraging innovation, expanding networks, and promoting cultural understanding and inclusion.
Diversity is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond a simple metric. True diversity and inclusion involve ongoing learning, self-reflection, and action to create equitable and inclusive environments for all, regardless of their backgrounds or identities.
Becoming more welcoming of diversity requires a commitment to continuous learning, empathy, and advocacy for social justice and equity.
By embracing diversity and committing to ongoing learning and growth, you can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable world.
I hope these tips aid you in your journey toward life success, whatever that looks like for you.

Many years ago, I worked at an office, where a young non-verbal girl would visit frequently, with her mother. At each visit, I would talk to her. I learned how her day was going, her interests, likes and dislikes, I even learned the name of her pet. The biggest thing that I learned was a bit of sign language, that I still remember. That is how diversity can impact our lives.
Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society. These qualities and attributes can include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Embracing diversity means recognizing, respecting, and valuing these differences among individuals. It's about creating environments where everyone feels included, empowered, and able to contribute their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents.
In workplaces, diversity is often seen as an asset because it fosters innovation, creativity, and problem-solving by bringing together people with different viewpoints and skills. Similarly, in societies, diversity enriches communities by promoting understanding, tolerance, and collaboration across various groups.
THE BENEFIT OF EMBRACING DIVERSITY.
Embracing diversity offers numerous personal benefits, including:
Expanded Perspective: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds exposes you to different viewpoints, experiences, and ways of thinking. This broadens your perspective and helps you see the world from various angles, enhancing your critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities.
Cultural Enrichment: Engaging with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds allows you to learn about different customs, traditions, languages, and cuisines. This exposure enriches your cultural knowledge and appreciation, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for people from different cultures.
Personal Growth: Embracing diversity often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging your preconceived notions and biases. This process of self-reflection and growth can lead to increased empathy, open-mindedness, and adaptability, which are valuable qualities for personal development and building meaningful relationships.
Enhanced Communication Skills: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds requires effective communication and interpersonal skills. By navigating cultural differences and finding common ground, you can improve your communication abilities, including active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Professional Development: In today's globalized world, workplaces are increasingly diverse. Embracing diversity can enhance your professional skills and marketability, as you learn to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds and adapt to diverse work environments. Additionally, diverse teams often outperform homogeneous ones, leading to greater innovation and success.
Increased Resilience: Embracing diversity may involve encountering challenges or disagreements due to cultural differences or misunderstandings. However, navigating these challenges can help build resilience and conflict resolution skills, enabling you to thrive in diverse environments and overcome obstacles more effectively.
Overall, embracing diversity not only enriches your personal life but also equips you with valuable skills and perspectives that can benefit you in various aspects of life, including relationships, career, and personal growth.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE SUCCESS IN MANY WAYS:
Enhanced Problem-Solving and Innovation: Diversity fosters the exchange of varied perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions to problems. In professional settings, diverse teams are often better equipped to innovate and adapt to challenges, ultimately driving success.
Broader Networks: Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds expands your social and professional networks. These connections can offer new opportunities, insights, and support systems that can accelerate personal and professional growth.
Cultural Competence: In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural competence is becoming a crucial skill. Embracing diversity enhances your ability to navigate cross-cultural interactions with sensitivity and respect, which is invaluable in global business, diplomacy, and personal relationships.
Marketability: Companies and organizations are placing greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Individuals who demonstrate a commitment to embracing diversity are often more attractive to employers and clients who value diverse perspectives and inclusive work environments.
Social Impact: By actively promoting diversity and inclusion in your personal and professional spheres, you contribute to positive social change. This can lead to greater fulfillment knowing that you are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.
HOW TO WELCOME DIVERSITY
Becoming more welcoming of diversity involves both self-reflection and taking proactive steps to foster an inclusive environment. Here are some steps you can take:
Examine Your Beliefs and Biases: Reflect on your own beliefs, attitudes, and biases regarding different cultures, identities, and perspectives. Recognize that everyone holds biases, and commit to challenging and unlearning any stereotypes or prejudices you may have.
Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about different cultures, identities, and experiences. Read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, and engage with diverse voices to broaden your understanding and empathy.
Listen and Learn: Actively listen to individuals from diverse backgrounds and seek to understand their experiences and perspectives. Practice empathy and avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes or limited knowledge.
Cultivate Curiosity: Approach interactions with curiosity and an open mind. Ask questions respectfully and be willing to engage in conversations about cultural differences, experiences, and perspectives.
Expand Your Social Circle: Seek out opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds in your community, workplace, or social circles. Attend cultural events, join diverse groups or organizations, and participate in activities that expose you to different cultures and perspectives.
Speak Up Against Discrimination: Take a stand against discrimination and injustice when you encounter it. Use your voice to advocate for equality, fairness, and inclusion, whether it's in conversations with friends and family or in larger social and professional settings.
Challenge Stereotypes: Be mindful of the language you use and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or assumptions about people based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other identities. Instead, celebrate the diversity of human experiences and identities.
Support Diversity Initiatives: Get involved in initiatives and organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This could involve volunteering, supporting diversity-focused policies and programs, or advocating for systemic change within your workplace or community.
Reflect on Your Privilege: Take time to reflect on your own privileges and how they may influence your perspectives and experiences. Acknowledge the systemic inequalities that exist and commit to using your privilege to uplift marginalized voices and promote equity.
Be Open to Feedback: Be receptive to feedback from others, especially from individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups. Use feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning, and be willing to make changes to become a more inclusive and welcoming person.
IS THERE A DIVERSITY QUOTIENT
There isn't a widely recognized "Diversity Quotient" like there is for IQ (Intelligence Quotient) or EQ (Emotional Quotient), the concept of measuring one's understanding and embrace of diversity is increasingly gaining attention. Some organizations and researchers have developed assessments to gauge individuals' attitudes, related to diversity and inclusion.
WELCOMING DIVERSITY IS AN ONGOING PROCESS
Embracing diversity fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, both for yourself and others. This can lead to greater satisfaction in relationships, career fulfillment, and overall well-being.
Diversity not only enriches individual lives but also contributes to collective success by encouraging innovation, expanding networks, and promoting cultural understanding and inclusion.
Diversity is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond a simple metric. True diversity and inclusion involve ongoing learning, self-reflection, and action to create equitable and inclusive environments for all, regardless of their backgrounds or identities.
Becoming more welcoming of diversity requires a commitment to continuous learning, empathy, and advocacy for social justice and equity.
By embracing diversity and committing to ongoing learning and growth, you can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable world.
I hope these tips aid you in your journey toward life success, whatever that looks like for you.

I'm 43 and just learned through PSA that my real name (first and last name) is NOT my real name. In the past, NSO has been issuing me these 2-pages na papel which is pinapakita ko as my legal documents sa lahat ng transactions ko. It shook my entire world upon learning about the issued birth certificate to me telling me that it is what they have under their record. Both my mother and my BIOLOGICAL father have their signatures affixed there.
The NSO copy has 2 pages kasi parang nakalagay dun na na-late register ako and it shows there ba signed siya ng kinikilala kong father. Pero it is more complicated now kasi PSA na daw ang tinatanggap for birth cert legal document.
Another issue is, last year, same month when I found out about this PSA thing, my biological father reached out to me and nagpakilala nga na tatay ko siya. Pure coincidence, bound to happen sabi ko nga. We had a few conversations before because he was working away from his family and nung nagkasama na ulit sila, I was suddenly out of the picture even when he pleaded na makipagkita ako sa kanya nung naguusap pa kami sa phone.
I then messaged his wife asking lang her permission if I could talk to him. Pero nagmessage si Biological father telling me not to message his wife kasi galit siya sa nangyayari. I felt sad and I respect that. Pero kasi I was fine prior to all these. But now para akong kulang and nawawala. I am old enough para hindi na sana magpaapekto pero parang nassaktan ako sa nangyyari and I don't know why.
2 things I just need to know for now: 1. Ano ang complication ng hindi ko pagpapalit ng mga government IDs ko sa name na nasa PSA ko? 2. Ano ang laban ko sa madrasta ko na ayaw ipakita ang biological father ko sa akin? I was trying so hard para di ako makapagsalita sa kanya ng anything. Pero 43 na ako and ang panganay na anak nya is 30 years old. I got in to my biological father's life first.
Can someone shed a light for me on where I should begin?

Every Sunday, or whenever it is possible, I give a recap of the sermon I heard at church today. I am Orthodox but I visit Catholic and Protestant churches to learn about them when we don't do the Liturgy. Keep in mind that this is a recap of the sermon I heard; this does not necessarily mean I agree with it. This is to share what is actually being taught in Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, which may challenge or perhaps strengthen preconceptions.
Today is Holy Thursday for us Orthodox, so I'll share what was taught at church.
Today's readings:
Exodus 19:10-19

The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.” So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.” Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice.

Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened?Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; when I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’ Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken. Have you entered the springs of the sea?Or have you walked in search of the depths? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?Tell Me, if you know all this. Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place, that you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home? Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great? Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?”Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.”

Isaiah 50:4-11

The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. Surely the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—this you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Matthew 26:2-20; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-45; Matthew 26:40-27:2

“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ” And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Today is a significant day for us: Holy Thursday, the day on which Christ instituted the Eucharist.
What is the Eucharist? What we usually answer is that it is communion with the true Body and Blood of Christ. But while this is correct, today's Gospel reading tells us it contains our entire life. As the bread is broken and the wine is shared, Judas is ready to betray Christ. Rogues come out to attack the faithful. The disciples themselves abandon Christ, as we unfortunately often do. All of this is to be found in the Eucharist.
When preparing the worship service, the priest—not individually, but on our behalf—prepares the Body of Christ as if it were a lamb. The latter is killed, it is cut into pieces, its throat is cut with a knife... But now, the bloody sacrifice which was once done at the Temple has become bloodless, and as it is cut apart, we commemorate the Mother of God, the patriarchs, the saints... and also the living and the dead, even those who have abandoned the faith. These summarize the totality of mankind.
Our preparation for Easter goes on. Tonight, we will read the twelve Gospels of the Passion. On Friday evening, we will take out the Plashchanitsa, the image of the Body of Christ. On Saturday evening, we will mourn as the Virgin Mary did her Son. And all of mankind, summarized in the Eucharist, will be celebrating this powerful, intense, incomprehensible scene of Christ Who becomes man to die like we do and give us hope through the Resurrection. Amen.

Every Sunday, or whenever it is possible, I give a recap of the sermon I heard at church today. I am Orthodox but I visit Catholic and Protestant churches to learn about them when we don't do the Liturgy. Keep in mind that this is a recap of the sermon I heard; this does not necessarily mean I agree with it. This is to share what is actually being taught in Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, which may challenge or perhaps strengthen preconceptions.
Today is Holy Thursday for us Orthodox, so I'll share what was taught at church.
Today's readings:
Exodus 19:10-19

The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.” So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.” Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice.

Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened?Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; when I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’ Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken. Have you entered the springs of the sea?Or have you walked in search of the depths? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?Tell Me, if you know all this. Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place, that you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home? Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great? Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?”Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.”

Isaiah 50:4-11

The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. Surely the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—this you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Matthew 26:2-20; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-45; Matthew 26:40-27:2

“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ” And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Today is a significant day for us: Holy Thursday, the day on which Christ instituted the Eucharist.
What is the Eucharist? What we usually answer is that it is communion with the true Body and Blood of Christ. But while this is correct, today's Gospel reading tells us it contains our entire life. As the bread is broken and the wine is shared, Judas is ready to betray Christ. Rogues come out to attack the faithful. The disciples themselves abandon Christ, as we unfortunately often do. All of this is to be found in the Eucharist.
When preparing the worship service, the priest—not individually, but on our behalf—prepares the Body of Christ as if it were a lamb. The latter is killed, it is cut into pieces, its throat is cut with a knife... But now, the bloody sacrifice which was once done at the Temple has become bloodless, and as it is cut apart, we commemorate the Mother of God, the patriarchs, the saints... and also the living and the dead, even those who have abandoned the faith. These summarize the totality of mankind.
Our preparation for Easter goes on. Tonight, we will read the twelve Gospels of the Passion. On Friday evening, we will take out the Plashchanitsa, the image of the Body of Christ. On Saturday evening, we will mourn as the Virgin Mary did her Son. And all of mankind, summarized in the Eucharist, will be celebrating this powerful, intense, incomprehensible scene of Christ Who becomes man to die like we do and give us hope through the Resurrection. Amen.

Every Sunday, or whenever it is possible, I give a recap of the sermon I heard at church today. I am Orthodox but I visit Catholic and Protestant churches to learn about them when we don't do the Liturgy. Keep in mind that this is a recap of the sermon I heard; this does not necessarily mean I agree with it. This is to share what is actually being taught in Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, which may challenge or perhaps strengthen preconceptions.
Today is Holy Thursday for us Orthodox, so I'll share what was taught at church.
Today's readings:
Exodus 19:10-19

The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.” So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.” Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice.

Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened?Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; when I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’ Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken. Have you entered the springs of the sea?Or have you walked in search of the depths? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?Tell Me, if you know all this. Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place, that you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home? Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great? Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?”Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.”

Isaiah 50:4-11

The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. Surely the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—this you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Matthew 26:2-20; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-45; Matthew 26:40-27:2

“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ” And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Today is a significant day for us: Holy Thursday, the day on which Christ instituted the Eucharist.
What is the Eucharist? What we usually answer is that it is communion with the true Body and Blood of Christ. But while this is correct, today's Gospel reading tells us it contains our entire life. As the bread is broken and the wine is shared, Judas is ready to betray Christ. Rogues come out to attack the faithful. The disciples themselves abandon Christ, as we unfortunately often do. All of this is to be found in the Eucharist.
When preparing the worship service, the priest—not individually, but on our behalf—prepares the Body of Christ as if it were a lamb. The latter is killed, it is cut into pieces, its throat is cut with a knife... But now, the bloody sacrifice which was once done at the Temple has become bloodless, and as it is cut apart, we commemorate the Mother of God, the patriarchs, the saints... and also the living and the dead, even those who have abandoned the faith. These summarize the totality of mankind.
Our preparation for Easter goes on. Tonight, we will read the twelve Gospels of the Passion. On Friday evening, we will take out the Plashchanitsa, the image of the Body of Christ. On Saturday evening, we will mourn as the Virgin Mary did her Son. And all of mankind, summarized in the Eucharist, will be celebrating this powerful, intense, incomprehensible scene of Christ Who becomes man to die like we do and give us hope through the Resurrection. Amen.

Diplomacy!

The purpose of the addon is to provide real Faction Motivations and Relationships, treating Faction Leader Pawns as the trend setter for trade and behavior, engaging in territorial disputes and waging war, signing treaties, and engaging in negotiations with each other and the player.
Guiding philosophies:

• Simpler Is Better. Tynan's philosophy from the book in a nutshell. Small efforts, big impacts.
  
• Enhance the storytelling potential!
  
• Use existing features to their max potential.
  
• Only rescope existing features minimally. (there's only 1 big break here. More on that*)
  
• No dependencies on mods or the other DLCs.
  
• Lots of open hooks for mods to add their own reasons for War & Peace, and balance their items & traits.
  

Why do we want this?

• Factions as of now are irrational, turning our cool colony sim into a Tower Defense. Even if you have god pawns and nukes, they still send 10000 points of their best men to die against your killbox. Silly.
  
• You can't call a leader and negotiate hostage release or sign a peace treaty. They have no rationale and no demands, really. It's all RNG.
  
• You can't see how many points of threat this colony has to hurl at you, and distance to you, and geography is irrelevant. Apparently that one peaceful tribe had a million points to die heedlessly against your cannons, and you can spend 30 years exterminating them town by town and they are just a strong as on day one.
  
• You can't signal to raiders that you wish to surrender and keep your colony, simply paying tribute or taxes and stop the thing they are attacking you over, because currently there is no reason. Which makes it a live or die proposition, with very little story potential. Rimworld is technically a tower defense game, lol.
  
• We want to tell the story of how we were raided, some of us enslaved, the raider set up a war camp on the edge of the map to watch us like a hawk, and forced us to labor for them for 3 years, giving 30-60% of all goods made/mined to them... before some of us escaped, set up a new town, and then returned with allies to liberate our old home!
  
• You can't tell Raiders to surrender! Hey you, 50 of your buddies are corpses. You want to be 51? Prison, now.
  
• You can't order towns on the map to surrender either! We've raided 6 of your 10 towns, your forces went from 10,000 to just 300, and you're starving this winter. You give up and we'll feed you. Resist and you're full of nice organs that are a shame to waste. Give us your leader who started this crap and it's all over. Yes or no?
  

So here are the core Leadership concepts:

• Every Faction has a Global Leader.

Leader Traits and Skills define that faction's trade policy, behavior, etc. Leadership Traits are now a synthesis of existing traits, such as Sanguine or Bloodlust, and skills. Sanguine results in a peaceful faction, Bloodlust results in a hostile faction. Intellect gives the faction better tech skills and items to trade, Shooting and Melee gives them more soldiers and weapons of these types, and Social gives them a higher chance of rolling high during negotiations, etc.

• Every town has a Local Leader.

There is a Global Leader, and Local Leader. The Local Leaders, just like the above, give that town its own political tone, and smaller variations in the overall trade items and skills available. So if the Global Leader has low Shooting, high Medicine, high Intellect, all the towns in the faction have a lot of advanced medicine, medical beds, body parts, and antibiotics, but very few if no guns to trade. But if a Local Leader has high shooting, suddenly there are a lot more guns. Vice Versa. The economy of trade follows this rule too. Especially around food and joy/luxuries.

• Philosophical Differences.

Bloodlust pawns dislike Sanguine pawns. Lazy pawns dislike Industrious pawns. This web sets up a paradigm of conflicts, where Factions with leaders who are a lot alike will band together against those they have less in common. Not always -- Proximity, Time At Peace, Time At War, and Threat vs Defense, would play a role too -- but at its core, the Aggressive Psychopaths run a more totalitarian show with slaves and war-hawk policies, vs the doves who tend to find slavery abhorrent and only attack if provoked or offended.
Greedy pawns, no matter if they are hawk or dove, will tend to try to hoard wealth and capture points of interest regardless of policies, even against the interests otherwise stated.
Since we can't be aware of DLC features like Ideology, we have to ignore those differences. Maybe a content aware patch at the end could be implemented, but it has to be optional.

• Internal Affairs.

So the scenario above, where a Sanguine Global Leader has high intellect and medicine, but low shooting, and the Local Leader is Greedy, has Bloodlust, high shooting, etc -- this is a conflict. Internally, this causes a rebellion to occur, where the Global Leader will want to quell this rebellion, deposing the bloodlust pawn and installing a preferred leader. That spawns a "rebellion" mark on that town, and their army is sent to put it down. The Rebellion may grow if the rebels are able to win. the player may be asked via quest to help put down the rebellion.
Here are the features that would need to exist to support this, based on the Leaders above:

• *Territorial Needs

The biggest break in our philosophy to do no re-scope of existing vanilla features is to redistribute the Resources of the RimWorld across the globe. I know, that's a big break! RimWorld is ultimately a 1 Map Game. Everything you need to start, survive, and build the ship to end the game, is all on your 1 map. But if every map you visit is \packed to the gills\** with components and silver and gold and steel... why move? Why have a globe?
So we'd be taking away 95% of all resources from the one map. Instead, like Marble, Granite, Limestone -- we segregate that into the Mountains and Hills as Rich Steel Deposits, or Impacted Components. Fertile soil in flat valleys in temperate zones.
You'll have to form caravans and camping parties to extract he goods, yes. Your one starting location will be King of at least One Exploitable Resource, which you must defend from outside interests, but can also leverage as trade and treaty agreements early on.

• *Biome Needs

Same as above but it's plants and animals. Suddenly, all you need to survive isn't grown on one map. Deserts have all the psychoid (psychoid must flow) and forests have all the heal root. They only grow in their desired regions, and die elsewhere outside of advance hydroponics. The factions who trade for these resources do so now at a premium, and are a reason to go to war to capture their own outposts.

• Global Territories

There's now a "global claims" layer on the world map around every town belonging to a Faction. They are claiming that territory as theirs economically, politically, and militarily. If your military crosses those lines they get anxious and call you to ask why. If you don't withdraw they assume hostility. If you have a big military near their borders they may get upset too.
Same is true if you set up camp in their economic claims zones and start mining or harvesting. They will demand you pay tribute / taxes, or abandon the claim to them, or face consequences in lowering relationships. You, as a player, may also gain a border drawing utility, and try to expand your borders by building outposts and amassing guns and armor to pawns you send to serve in your armies. If your borders touch, the owners will call you to negotiate a withdrawal, or sign an alliance, or go to war over border disputes.

• Visible Faction Caravans on the Globe

Every town gets a pool of military and civilian caravan budgets. They spawn little ions that, just like the player, roam the globe, trading and attacking targets. This is a tough memory issue, and always on, ticking CPU. Lots of caching needed here and good clean code. Big risk there.

• Player Camps and Satellite Colonies

Currently, the biggest issue RimWorld has with more than one colony, is that it loads *everything* into memory. We can't change that. But what we can do is get clever. We still close those maps forever, and sending them to an icon on the world map, cached at the state it was saved.
The map's available pawns still live there and can be called to return to the player's main home map at any time, or send new pawns to speed up production. Any facility built there, is still there, and on a timer will produce the items made by the pawns assigned to it at the time they were saved into that now permanently closed map.
That new world map site is still allied to the player, and unless attacked, or suffering toxic fallout, will supply the same crafted items, crops harvested, resources mined (until exhausted,) and still need food and clothing, etc. You may need to defend it. If they are starving the map site is lost for good, loaded only as random ruins and pawn corpses if you visit that tile.

• Elect Local Leaders!

Set one pawn as the leader of your town. I won't get into the styles of government, Ideology already kinda did that. So here we hand waive and sacrifice a Grid of Political Alignments the player may subscribe to. Simpler is better, we just base it on the pawn leader's traits. Players role playing a Raider get Bloodlust raider pawns. Those more chill elect Industrious and Sanguine pawns. That pawn informs your new satellite colony's abilities.

• Local Defense Forces

Everyone's favorite. Every town has a local defense pool, of how many soldiers they have vs how many civilians. Soldiers get a minimum amount of shooting and melee, set by their Local leader plus Global Leader policies. Higher Leader Intellect, higher tech guns. Higher shooting & melee -- you get the picture. The size of the town sets the size of their local defenses. LDFs patrol the area around their towns visible on the world map, and go to nearby camps to rest and resupply, before patrolling again. A ring of camps are set up for this purpose.
Players need armies too -- but lets NEVER see them as fully realized pawns. They are just recruits from local areas, nameless, faceless, and roaming the countryside in the armies on the globe as a number. No micromanagement. Just casualties vs recruits and veterans.
The less shown of the invisible hand of this market the better.

• Global Military Forces

Every town gets summed up and donates some fraction of their available soldiers to the main army. This results in a bunch of military parties, which roam the global map of their territory and launch raids against enemies. The big cities have big armies in and out of them. These are your 1000 point raids, very visible on the map. At low tech they clear forests of trees and animals as they march. High tech and they may just drop pod onto your map. GMFs are scary, and also set up a zone of interest around themselves. Their leader pawn also gives them special traits, just as towns enjoy.

• Armies meet Armies

When you have your army meet another army, it isn't on your home map anymore. Instead it's on a tile where your army world caravan meets theirs. You clash, and winner takes all. You spawn these armies on opposite sides of this map. If you are defending, you have a limited time to build defenses. Then the other army spawns in. If you're attacking, they have procgen defenses set up when you get there. If you are both running with no time to defend, you spawn in simultaneously and meet in the middle.
Those who retreat spawn into a retreating army that disappears into the nearest town or camp to fill its soldier count. Same for yours if defeated.
Basically a Caravan Raid of epic proportions, with a timer to set up for the defending player.

• Join battle in Progress

Allied armies may clash with enemies, and you may offer to join them. These battles are just clashes on the world map between two circles rolling dice in a formula of tech levels and number of soldiers of what skills and health/morale conditions. Once your army reaches to hot stop, you may offer to join, name a price (if your ally is losing, big money, eh?) or join for a positive relationship boost. These in progress battles will have some percent of progress to kill pawns and litter the battlefield with dead. But you get one side of the map from your approach angle on the world map (yay, normal positions!) and you spawn in some of your forces to command.

• Surrender!

You may now, when you see the tide has tipped, right click a hostile pawn with one of yours selected and order them to surrender. Social skill and Weapon+Armor+Skills play a role vs their own. If you've killed some percent of their forces, a non-bloodlust, non-psychopath, will probably surrender if more than 50% of their forces are gone, but not fleeing, and/or they are outgunned and outnumbered. Whole towns may surrender this way, and begin paying tribute/taxes to you.

• World Resource UI

To manage all this, you'll need a UI that tells you what your towns are locally producing and globally have in stock. You may send pawns in these "forever caravans" that manage their own food and needs, increasing their Defense potential. Clicking on a town tells you the Defense rating and number of Soldiers vs Civilians it has there. Also what it imports (needs, higher trade value) and what it has (surplus is better prices.) Trading between towns send caravans which you can raid, disrupting the economy, and starting international incidents.

• Refugees, Traders, and Bandits

These groups also roam the world map marauding or fleeing conflicts. You may take in refugees, repel bandits, and assist traders.

• A place to spend all that wealth and retire all those pawns you've collected!

Lets face it, RimWorld is Hording Simulator 9000. You gather all these pawns, but the game only planned for like 12 at most. It loves stacks of 2,000,000 alpaca meat, but it chugs memory and CPU. No more! Send all that junk to your outposts!
You can call it back any time, but it is out of sight and out of mind (and out of RAM) where you don't have to think if Sally is going to mood break or Tom and Dick need a new bed together as lovers who both have malaria. Send them to the camps to toil, take a mood hit if it had bad conditions when you saved it to its forever state, and come home if they get home sick and want a short vacation before going back.
You can have 300 pawn colonies -- I've seen it -- at 3fps. Now instead of micromanaging those 300, send them all to outposts in the hundreds. Your main maps is back to the respectable ~23fps as usual with 12 pawns. :p

• Build a town, save it to the world map, and then do it again!

Some people really love building megacities. But RimWorld is played on 1 map to end that game and build a ship -- game over, you flew way forever. But there are a lot of players who like the come up, and want build a town over and over again, roughing it. The setup is fun! It's when you have a super killbox that's invulnerable and infinite silver production, that it gets boring and we restart.
Now, you can enjoy the start of the game again, building your outposts and towns & cities, while just saving them to this world map to continue on as part of your faction. No, you can't load it again, the game doesn't support that. But it was saved as a picture at the time you left it, and you can still use it to fill your main Faction's resources in the abstract.

• Caravan Overhaul

Caravans are borderline broken in RimWorld. To fix this, we need to introduce Shipping Crates.
These are portable containers that go into a pack animal (or other thing a mod adds, I won't say it) and you pawns just put all the supplies into that crate. The animals don't stop eating, the pawns go about sleeping and eating, until that crate is full. Then once they are rested and relaxed and fed, off they go all at once, no idling, no going insane, no bullshit.
We'd also need to give this Crate the ability to open a UI that says how many days of food, meds, etc it has for the caravan. But Caravans can now scavenge and find supplies as they go, no play micromanagement needed.

• Alliance Building Missions

Alliances need food, meds, and manpower. An attack on one is an attack on all. Defense Quests call the player for aid, and you may send forces to aid them, or risk your alliance. This is a quest like any other, but with much bigger timelines to get ready, and we need a smart proximity to adjust those times to call for aid to be sure the player can reach it in time. They may also call targets for the player to attack, which you are obliged to do as part of the alliance. Saying no may jeopardize your alliance too.
Core essential features, boiled down:

• Leadership Relationship Web
  
• Politics Sim
  
• Electing Your Own Leaders UI
  
• Territories projected onto World Map
  
• Resource Distribution Map
  
• Remove resources from local maps and put them on World Map in hot spots
  
• Alliance Agreement UI (Promise defense of only towns near me, key towns, all towns, everything)
  
• Treaty Agreements UI (Promise to deliver X resources X times annually, or else, consequence.)
  
• Town Manager UI
  
• Town Saver Cache System
  
• Town Saver Cache Interface (pulling resources out of towns, pawns called home, sent to labor camp, vacations, etc.)
  
• Battlefield Event (procgen map, same as a caravan raid, but with biiiig raids
  
• Player Army UI (set policies, set equipment, number of pawns to recruit, set leaders, training, total cost per quadrum to operate.)
  
• Occupation AI for Player Maps (Raiders live on your home map, getting regular food and building a camp. If you rebel, or fail to meet demanded goods over X time, they attack your town, sack it, game over.)
  
• Surrender! UI (Right click feature on leaders. Leaders get a star over their heads/names. UI of terms of surrender. Chance to fail based on negotiator.)
  
• Request Caravan of Supplies UI (ask allies to trade with you, ask tribute be sent to your capital.)
  
• Shipping Crate Caravan Overhaul
  
• Caravan, Army Patrol, and Trade Caravan UI
  

Closing:
I think it's probably one of the most requested features as a DLC, and I know there is no chance we ever see it since Ludeon isn't in the business of accepting requests off the internet. They do in fact have lots of great ideas that are HUGE, but they tend, like anomaly and biotech, to be focused on the existing core loop of that 1 Map Policy, instead of daring to go off map for long and really exercise that multi-map & giant planet feature.
BUT -- I have time to kill between post op on a minor head surgery and getting back to work.
SOS2 is nearing its return to the Workshop, too, after 2 years offline being worked on by the community of maintainers and contributors, so I'm thinking about this stuff again. And while I know Kent and I don't have anther big RimWorld mod in us -- there's someone out there who would appreciate these thoughts, I'm sure.
It's also just good practice, designing documents for ideas that will never happen, and getting feedack on them.
While you work on a big project for 5+ years, your idealization and distillation skills, let alone pitch skills, can degrade. The grind of sacrificing your BIG IDEAS to the gods of "okay we have to actually do this now" can deteriorate one's optimism. You cut cut cut until the design document is nice and lean. Like a good cut of mutton. Doable, but still delicious.
So this helps me keep those skills sharp when I need them next.

BoxOfficeTheory Presale Tracking
USA Showtimes As of April 26
Presales Data (Google Sheets Link)
BoxOfficeReport Previews
DOMESTIC PRESALES
Tarot Thursday comp/predictions assuming $0.70M from el sid and considering katnisscinnaplex's Combined and Santikos comp separately: $0.59M/$0.69M

• abracadabra1998 ($0.52M Thursday comp. Also a really good jump, maybe indicative of good walk-ups. I'll go with a final prediction of $550k, +/-100 (May 1). Probably settle around $400-500k unless this has crazy last-minute growth (April 30). Still doing absolutely nothing (April 25). Now at 6 tickets sold lol (April 21). Tarot only has 2 theaters sold in all the 25 theaters (April 18).)
  
• crazymoviekid ($0.61M Thursday comp and $1.55M Friday comp. Leveling off at $1M Thursday and looking around $1.5M-$2M Friday (April 30).)
  
• el sid ($0.63M Thursday comp. So the comp improved by 100k since yesterday and I think that positive trend will continue till tomorrow so I say 700k+ from previews and with good walks-ups high single digits could still happen. Up 61.5% since yesterday. A nice last-minute improvement (May 2). Up for a horror film horrible 18% since Monday (May 1). Not even that bad. The quite good sales in California help. Of course, with so uneven comps we have to take that number with a grain of salt (April 29). So not too great but also no disaster in my theaters. At the moment my guess would be that it gets high single digits opening weekend(April 26).)
  
• katnisscinnaplex ($0.62M Combined SizeAdjustedComp+GrowthModelForecast. $0.60M Thursday comp. $0.56M Santikos Thursday comp I'll go with 650k Thursday based on yesterday's growth. Gotta go with the growth model on this one with 600k (May 2). I think the pace chart says it all for this one. Pretty tarotble (April 30).)
  
• Relevation ($0.58M Thursday comp. Sold very poorly as all horror seems to do in my market, and tied with The Book of Clarence for second worst seller on record. Thankfully tho my comps have been fairly predictable here, so $500-600K THU and a $6-7M OW sounds reasonable (May 2).)
  

The Fall Guy EA comp: $0.74M
The Fall Guy Thursday previews comp/prediction considering katnisscinnaplex's Combined and Santikos comp separately and assuming $2M for keysersoze123: $2.11M/$2.18M

• abracadabra1998 ($2.27M Thursday comp and $0.82M EA comp. In raw numbers the T-1 hour update is looking pretty good! (May 2). Pretty good day, for both the EA and Thursday previews. I would probably put the EA at around $750-850k. I will just say this is a promising update after a disappointing final week! (May 1). EA maybe around $700-800k from my numbers, Thursday continues to look anemic (April 30). I would have expected them to start climbing up by now. Again, my comps are not the best and walk-ups are king for this, but without a catalyst like a buzzy review drop I can see this have a rough final week (April 29). I'm using a variety of comps here but trying to go with the blockbusters that had better walk-ups/were less pre-sales heavy (April 25).)
  
• crazymoviekid ($1.47M Thursday comp and $6.48M Friday comp. Banking heavily on walk-ups, but for now $1.5M Thursday. $6M Friday unless it acts like the under-indexed Bullet Train in my area. At this rate $2+$6+$8+$5 =$21M OW (May 1).)
  
• DAJK (Fall Guy did like half of Civil War in ticket sales for EA at comparable theaters in my area (May 1).)
  
• el sid ($2.6M Thursday comp. Up ok 24% since yesterday. Only very slightly down from yesterday. So the jump was better than what I expected and the comparison number stayed more or less the same. Today ~30M looks achievable to me (May 2). Overall up mediocre 29% since Monday (May 1). Average (without TLC) True Friday comp: $8M which sounds quite reasonable to me but seldomly have I tracked a movie where the success depended so much on the jumps in the release week and the walk-ups. Compared to Civil War the true Friday would be only $4.7M but compared to a film with good jumps and walk-ups as TLC it's $27.5M (at the moment) (April 30). A nice number but it will very probably go down because e.g. for TLC with only 306 tickets on Monday it was way easier to have decent jumps in the next few days. The EA shows on Wednesday for sure hurt the Thursday presales of The Fall Guy so this is really no bad number. Overall no signs for a breakout hit but very, very solid. All it needs now are at least ok jumps. Not a bad number but it's a little bit as feared, it did not quite have the normal Monday jump. OTOH, other movies which already had a lot of buzz had way worse jumps, 25% are still acceptable (April 29).)
  
• Flip (I looked at two (non-plf) theaters near me, and for next Friday Phantom Menace has 99 tickets sold while Fall Guy has only 68 tickets (April 27).)
  
• jeffthehat ($2.06M Thursday comp. Not as good of a day here. Slipped a little bit vs. comps. Thinking $2.2m +/- 0.3m true Thursday (May 1).)
  
• JimmyB (I know its only one theater [one of the theaters in katnisscinnaplex's Jacksonville sample] but if this forum says a movies presales are popping I like checking my local Cinemark and will see sales are doing great like the forum says. This theater is probably the busiest theater in Jacksonville and its in a nice area of town...lots of homes, apartments, restaurants and a huge outdoor mall. The area would be the prime demo for a movie like Fall Guy, Fall Guy sales are just DOA. 5 sales for two showtimes 5/1 early access. 5 sales for six showtimes 5/2 Thursday (April 25).)
  
• katnisscinnaplex ($2.03M Combined Thursday SizeAdjustedComp+GrowthModelForecast. $0.54M EA comp and $1.91M Thursday Comp. $0.84M EA and $1.52M Thursday comp at Santikos Ungentlemanly, Monkey Man and Challengers all pointing to $2M Thursday so I'll go with the recent trend!. Pretty solid final day! I think 2m is very likely at this point, and I'll even go up to 2.2m for my true previews prediction. Eclipsed my +60% projection and went for +68.7%! It's only a slightly better growth than most of the comps. Still one of the lowest in the last three days growth. Unless walkups are insane I think 2m is a good goal for true previews (May 2). EA comps are all over the place, gut is saying like 600k for EA total (May 1). I was hoping for +30% and it only grew 11.6%... I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. I don't see any reason to think it grows from here (April 30). The last few days it has been on track with comps (April 29). I'm not saying this is going to earn 5m+ in total previews, but we shouldn't get all doom and gloom yet (April 18).)
  
• keysersoze123 (I expect early shows to over index MTC1 big time. May be 750K for early shows. May not hit 3m even with early shows (May 1). Not much of an acceleration today. ATP is good. Still looking at low 2Ms pure thursday and around ~3m with early shows. OW could go as low as mid 20s if things dont pick up 😞 (April 30). It again accelerated (April 29). Definite sign of acceleration but overall pace is still quite low. let us see how final week goes now (April 28). Meh Pace for sure (April 27). $40M OW looks tough. Its hard to extrapolate at this point as pace is really low. If I have to guess its looking at 2.5m ish thursday only gross. So around 25-30m range (April 27). No sign yet of a big breakout. Plus early shows being just day earlier than previews will have some impact on thursday pace until really close to release (April 26).)
  
• Porthos ($2.94M EA+Thursday comp. Trending in the right direction. Finally. Now it has to be said, EA put thumb on the scale. On the other hand, EA was kinda moribund before today, so that there were very nice walkups for it is a decent omen for tomorrow/today. Also, RotB had an identical EA on its T-1, and this grew about .4m against the comp. Not saying 3m is in the cards. But it might be in the conversation. Maybe. Likely better than the 2.5m it was looking like for a while at least. Meh. No real movement on comps, though is trending very slightly downwards. My bigger worry/concern is that there is very little movement on the Wed EA showings (May 1).)
  
• Relevation ($2.99M Thursday comp. Average came just under $3M which sounds pretty right to me and likely means a debut in the high $20M range. $2.75-3M THU and a $25-28M OW is my prediction (May 2).)
  
• TheFlatLannister ($2.45M Thursday comp. Fall guy is not having bad walkups so far (May 2). The best day so far. Very good recovery i would say. Bodes well for walkups tomorrow (May 1). It's slipping fast against comps. Kind of a yikes update (April 30). Pretty good T-4 (April 28). Fell pretty drastically against comp in the past 5ish days (April 27). Pretty much ~$3M right now (April 18).)
  
• Tinalera (Doesnt seem to be much pre sale appetite right now in Vancouver and Calgary [CANADA] (April 23).)
  
• TwoMisfits (Local Cinemark final sets for this weekend - Fall Guy got ONE extra late night showing at my PLF for 2.25 screens (and 9 showings Fri/Sun and 11 Sat) - at the non-PLF, it got an extra screen to have 2 screens (8 showings Fri/Sun and 9 Sat)... So, even if walk ups are bonkers, there's just not gonna be a lot of open space to walk into...aka, Cinemark does not have faith this is breaking out wildly above its current presales-to-weekend-multiplier landing spot (aka, no $50M+ incoming, I don't think) (April 30). While final sets are not up for my Cinemarks, it is telling that Fall Guy is NOT getting all PLF at my PLF theater. Instead, the Star Wars re-release is getting 1 full XD (and 2 screens for presales), which is the same as Fall Guy. At my other local, Star Wars is not yet booked, and Fall Guy is still sitting at 1 screen for presales (April 23).)
  
• vafrow ($1.6M Thursday only comp. Dipping back down a bit on the final day on comps isn't the greatest sign. While the EAs had good walk ups, and I expect similar today, it doesn't feel like there's a lot of room for this to overperform. It's behind both Challengers and Civil War for Thursday sales by a hefty margin. When you roll in EA, I'm guessing we're looking at Thursday numbers of $2.5M or so (May 2). Looking at Fall Guy EA walk ups and they're looking pretty good. It's usually hard for me to measure walk ups as data disappears once shows are 15 minutes in, but this feels like a positive sign. It's also a gorgeous day, probably the first great patio day of the season (in the Greater Toronto Area) (May 1). While I'm not reporting it still, I do still have the comps with EA rolled in, which is giving an average of $3.6M. While we won't know for a while if those EA shows will help spread word of mouth on this, it feels like it's only served to split the preview audiences between Wednesday and Thursday, and as a result, there won't be as many packed houses for this (May 1). A good day, although it's more about the law of small numbers. 66% growth is nice, but not that impressive when your baseline is so small Another ho hum day at a point where even walk up friendly films start seeing some movement (April 29). This film is performing bad, and this market seems worse than others (April 28). Slight bump in sales, but still far off the pace (April 27). Three days of zero sales (April 26). Continues to be unimpressive. I haven't added it as a comp, but it's Thursday preview sales are actually behind Monkey Man at this point (April 24). Full showtimes are up for the Thursday previews for Fall Guy, and across my five screen sample, it only added two showings. Theyre really maintaining a light touch on this one. It's not like there's a lot in theatres right now that warrants holding onto screens either. Still crawling along slowly (April 23). A little bit of movement coming out of the weekend (April 22). I eyeballed some other showings in the area that seem to be doing better, so some of my results might be impacted by distortions from a smaller sample (April 21). Another zero sales day. Yes, final week and walk ups are what's going to matter in the end, but we should be seeing something at this point (April 19).)
  

Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace Re-Release Friday opening day comps/predictions assuming $3.5M for Charlie Jatinder and considering katnisscinnaplex's Friday and Santikos comp separately: $3.61M/$3.42M

• charlie Jatinder ($4.95M Friday comp (compared to Avatar and Titanic re-release). MINI-TC2 $22k Friday sales and $44k Saturday sales. Surprised by SAT being so ahead in sales. Depending on how wide the release is, can see $3M+ FRI, may be even $4M (April 29).)
  
• filmlover (Saturday (May the 4th) is looking to a huge day for it just from glancing at ticket sales. As expected, of course (April 29).)
  
• Flip (I looked at two (non-plf) theaters near me, and for next Friday Phantom Menace has 99 tickets sold while Fall Guy has only 68 tickets (April 27). Phantom Menace should have a good chance at #2 next Friday unless it’s in less than 2.5k theaters (April 26).)
  
• katnisscinnaplex ($3.12M Friday opening day comp. $2.99M Santikos Friday comp Thinking around 3m for Friday. Slipping a bit as the early fan rush will account for a large portion of final sales. Saturday will be key with SW day (May 2). Looking pretty solid for this weekend! Comparing OD to previews will skew things a little, but not many options here (April 29). This is the largest re-release (22,369 screenings and 1,860 theaters) I've seen since I've been tracking (April 26).)
  
• Porthos (Century Arden and Cinemark Roseville have 184/271/78 and 126/256/50 FRI/SAT/SUN ticket presales. Now this is only a couple of theaters, so the pattern might not be universal. Might be "just a pun", but, well SW fans have really adopted May 4th as a Celebrate All Things Star Wars holiday (May 2).)
  
• Relevation ($3.37M Friday comp. Could easily fall below $3M or swing close to $5M but since my anime comps were skewing weirdly low (hence why I didn’t add Spy x Family), I’m gonna err higher and say $3.5-4M THU and a $13-18M weekend (May 2). It’s selling phenomenally in one of my friend’s markets for FRI, even outstripping Dune previews at the same point and it’s already well clear of Challengers, Argylle, and The Beekeeper’s entire runs at my market. Could be looking at a double digit debut (April 25).)
  

The Amazing Spider-Man Monday Re-Release

• filmlover (Have actually sold a fairly decent amount of seats so far (April 15).)

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes EA+Thursday previews comp: $4.88M

• abracadabra1998 ($5.08M EA+Thursday comp. This has been doing pretty consistently well (April 25). Keeps climbing, decent pace so far (April 18).)
  
• katnisscinnaplex ($4.68M EA+Thursday comp. Added Godzilla which brought the average way up (May 1).)
  
• keysersoze123 (Its going to open bigger than Fall Guy for sure. Not sure how wide the early shows are. But a EA gross around 1.5m could be in play. Previews we have to wait and see how it accelerates close to release (April 27). Again minus early shows, presales are moribund (April 17). Presales does not scream a huge breakout. Early shows have good presales but that is just it. Definitely nothing close to a $90M opening weekend (April 9).)
  
• TheFlatLannister ($4.06M Thursday comp. Not even going to update Planet of the Apes because its growth has been pitiful (April 30).)
  
• Vafrow ($3.0M Thursday comp. It is trending in the right direction right now (May 1). It actually had a decent day (April 29). Sales dropped by 3. Cancelled tickets for one of the shows it seems. It keeps getting worse (April 28). Continues to be sluggish (April 26). Seems to be sluggish. There isn't anything right now that looks like it's going to paint this in a positive light. The fourth iteration of a franchise reboot should see stronger sales up front (April 21).)
  

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Monday Re-Release

• filmlover (Have actually sold a fairly decent amount of seats so far (April 15).)

IF Thursday comp: $2.07M

• PROMOTIONS (APRIL 29 ONLY: Each purchased ticket with RegalMovies gifts a ticket to someone at 826. Regal offering 2500 rewards points.)
  
• abracadabra1998 ($1.31M Thursday comp. Comps are obviously silly at this stage, just wanted to show that unsurprisingly not really a lot of interest from a get-go. We shall see how it does in these coming weeks (April 29).)
  
• AniNate(I did see a surprising amount of single sales looking at IF charts (May 1). Gonna try some amateur local tracking: 55 tickets sold across 4 Cinemarks. I feel like this level of unadulterated upfront interest is pretty notable for an original family movie (April 30).)
  
• charlie Jatinder (Hmm. So no real Regal impact it seems at katnisscinnaplex's theaters (April 30).)
  
• katnisscinnaplex ($1.61M Thursday comp. 25 Regal sales (out of 45?) (April 30).)
  
• TheFlatLannister ($3.28M Thursday comp. This is very good considering the lower amount of showings it has (April 30).)
  
• vafrow (For a 100 km radius (which captures the whole broader region, probably about an 8M population base), it's sold 11 tickets. Still no sales locally (April 30). I think this only went up overnight, so it's not too odd to have zero sales (April 29).)
  

The Garfield Movie EA+Thursday Comp: $2.07M

• abracadabra1998 ($0.42M EA comp and $1.12M Thursday comp. Seems like it'll be like Trolls where EA syphons off all the early sales. Very low sales will lead to big variance in these early days. Trolls ($1.63M) is the most useful Thursday comp due to similar EA situations (April 25).)
  
• el sid (The start in my theaters was very modest. It had today for Thursday, May 23, combined 19 sold tickets (in all of my 7 theaters) (April 23).)
  
• katnisscinnaplex ($2.59M EA+Thursday comp.)
  
• Porthos (Maybe it's only in Sacto, but have to say I was rather impressed with Garfield's sales. Did pretty decently on its D1 locally, all things considered. And it wasn't even thanks to an EA boost as the lone EA showing up so far has sold exactly one ticket so far. Considering the extreme backloaded nature of the genre + at least some upfront interest due to the Name Brand, not gonna do any comps. Yet. But I will provide some contrasts. Garfield: 60 tickets sold on Day 1 (EA: 1 ticket sold) [T-31]. Sonic 2: 182 tickets D-1 [T-24]. Minions 2: 67 tickets D-1 [T-24]. Nope: 57 tickets D-1 [T-42]. Elemental: 37 tickets D-1 [T-30]. Wonka: 57 tickets D-1 [T-29]. Mean Girls: 52 tickets D-1 [T-29]. (April 23).)
  
• vafrow (Still no sales (April 28). Still no sales. KFP4 was at 12 for day 2 (April 24). No sales on Garfield. Kung Fu Panda 4 sold 4 tickets on its first day (April 23).)
  

The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Re-Releases (June 8-10)

• katnisscinnaplex (Just for kicks I took a look at the LotR re-releases scheduled for June. They're getting one show each (for the most part) in around 1k theaters. Some locations already adding a second showing (April 30). Looks to be in around 1k theaters. Sales looking good already as expected (I already got mine!) (April 26).)

Domestic Calendar Dates (last updated April 23):
MAY

• (May 2) Presales Start [Babes]
  
• (May 2) Thursday previews [The Fall Guy + Star Wars Ep. I: The Phantom Menace Re-Release + Tarot]
  
• (May 6) Opening Day [The Amazing Spider-Man Re-Release]
  
• (May 8) Presales Start [Furiosa]
  
• (May 8) Early Access [PLF Only, Wednesday: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes]
  
• (May 9) Thursday Previews [Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes + My Ex-Friend’s Wedding]
  
• (May 12) Social Media Embargo Lifts [Garfield 9 AM EST]
  
• (May 13) Opening Day [Monday: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Re-Release]
  
• (May 16) Thursday Previews [Babes + Back to Black + If + The Strangers: Chapter 1 + The Blue Angels IMAX]
  
• (May 19) Review Embargo Lifts [Garfield 9 PM EST]
  
• (May 20) Opening Day [Monday: Spider-Man Homecoming Re-Release]
  
• (May 23) Thursday Previews [Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga + The Garfield Movie + Sight]
  
• (May 27) Opening Day [Monday: Spider-Man Far From Home Re-Release]
  
• (May 30) Thursday Previews [Ezra + Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle + Robot Dreams + The Young Woman and the Sea]
  

JUNE

• (June 3) Opening Day [Monday: Spider-Man No Way Home Re-Release]
  
• (June 6) Thursday Previews [Bad Boys: Ride or Die]
  
• (June 8) 1-Saturday Re-Release [The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition]
  
• (June 9) 1-Sunday Re-Release [The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended Edition]
  
• (June 10) 1-Monday Re-Release [The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Extended Edition]
  
• (June 13) Thursday Previews [Inside Out 2 + Untitled Angel Studios Film + The Watchers]
  
• (June 20) Thursday Previews [The Bikeriders]
  
• (June 27) Thursday Previews [Blue Lock The Movie -Episode Nagi- + Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 + A Quiet Place: Day One]
  

JULY

• (July 2) Opening Day [Wednesday: Despicable Me 4]
  
• (July 4) Opening Day [Thursday: Possum Trot]
  
• (July 4) Thursday Previews [MaXXXine]
  
• (July 11) Thursday Previews [Fly Me to the Moon + Untitled New Line Horror movie]
  
• (July 18) Thursday Previews [Twisters]
  
• (July 25) Thursday Previews [Deadpool and Wolverine + Didi + Fabulous Four]
  

AUGUST

• (August 1) Thursday Previews [Harold and the Purple Crayon + Trap]
  
• (August 8) Thursday Previews [Borderlands + Cuckoo + The Fire Inside]
  
• (August 15) Thursday Previews [Alien: Romulus + Horizon An American Saga Chapter 2]
  
• (August 22) Thursday Previews [Blink Twice + The Crow + The Forge + Slingshot]
  
• (August 24) Opening Day [Saturday: Untitled Angel Studios Film]
  
• (August 29) Thursday Previews [City of Dreams + Kraven the Hunter]
  

Presale Tracking Posts:
March 12
March 14
March 16
March 19
March 21
March 24
March 26
March 30
April 2
April 4
April 6
April 9
April 11
April 13
April 16
April 18
April 20
April 23
April 25
April 27
April 30
Note: I have removed most tracking data that has not been updated for 2 weeks. I think there is value in keeping data for a week or two but at a certain point they start to lose their value and should not be treated the same as more recent tracking data.

BHARAT EPILOGUE PART 1
(In this post: Beef Bans, Ethnic Tensions, Recession, and Elections)
More than a decade of independence, the 50s in Bharat was a time of prosperity and growth for the country. With the death of Nehru, the INC undertook a massive shift away from his Fabian vision for the country. After a number of contingencies, the Liberal C. Rajagopalachari was selected as the Prime Minister of Bharat. His tenure in the first few years was shaky, but PM Rajaji was able to pass his trophy legislation, The Swatantra Act, releasing Bharati citizens from the possibility of a “Permit Raj” as described by Rajaji. The economy expanded almost three-fold in the following years, with the government developing transportation and capital goods manufacturing to facilitate the movement of money.
 
The Roaring 50s, as it has been called, was a time of great change and relative stability in Bharat. While the country was developing, the secessionist neighbor, Pakistan, was developing alongside Bharat. The Indus River development, mediated by the United States, facilitated the building of state-of-the-art hydroelectric and irrigation dams along the Indus River and its tributaries, providing electricity to Punjab and irrigating the arid lands on either side. Indo-Pak relations were unwavering in this time, with more development projects cooperatively supporting both economies. In the late 50s, the Union of Hindustan was established, building upon the Customs Union put to law at partition and allowing other states to join. Though it was limited in scope for much time, it was the first big leap in the cementing of friendship between the two brotherly nations.
 
The end of the 1950s would serve as the prologue to a time of crisis in the 1960s both economically and politically. The first struggles were clear when the CM of Uttar Pradesh signed into law a ban on the slaughter of cattle for beef, violating the implicitly secular nature of the constitution of Bharat. Ethnic tensions, especially in the south of Bharat would prove to be a flashpoint for political change, while the supercharged economy was much overdue for a slowdown. These issues would define the 60s for the country and for the INC.
 
Uttar Pradesh Parliamentary Crisis, 1959
The riots in UP and the scandal in Chief Minister Sampurnanand’s government caused a strong anger in the office of the Prime Minister. Rajaji ordered a federal investigation into the actions of the police in failing to contain sectarian riots against Muslims, claiming a necessity to enforce the Rule of Law and ensure that public servants will serve the entire public. Sampurnanand criticized this move by Delhi as overreach by the government, but the investigation continued as planned.
 
Meanwhile, the legislature in UP stirred with talk of replacing Sampurnanand, with the Socialists taking the strongest stance against him and his allies in the INC. His INC rivals too, in reaction to the investigation and the criticism of him from the INC leadership, began negotiating with INC MPs in UP to mutiny against the CM and remove him from power. His popularity, though, limits the success of these negotiations, but the triumvirate of Charan Singh, Kamlapati Tripathi, and Chandra Bhanu Gupta succeeds in rallying under half of the INC MPs to their side. The Socialists, already united against the CM, make for natural allies in this maneuver, and they agree to vote together on any motion to remove Sampurnanand from his position.
 
The federal investigation, which lasted for three weeks, found that the police chief did in fact have private sympathies for the riots against Muslims and did not deploy riot control as necessary or call on help from Federal forces. The investigatory committee ruled that the police chief was at fault for the excess deaths of Muslims in the riots and advised for his removal and replacement. At this news, the Triumvirate and their Socialist allies moved for a vote of no confidence against Sampurnanand to remove him from his position as Chief Minister, succeeding with just two votes for removal.
 
This move was previously unprecedented in Bharati history since independence, creating new precedents in politics, that the national leadership can interfere with the politics of the states, and that the INC may successfully mutiny against itself. The dangers of such a precedent were clear to the triumvirate and the Prime Minister, but to them the precedent of allowing the state to be ruled by a nationalistic and vigilante government was more dangerous. After the fact, the INC in conjunction with the socialists negotiated to elect Charan Singh to the position of Chief Minister, where he spearheaded land reform efforts in the state and conceded some political favors to the Socialists and to the industrialists led by Tripathi. Additionally, the Singh government reversed the Beef Ban put in place by Sampurnanand.
 
Ethnic Tensions, 1959-1961
The South of Bharat was ethnically diverse, and several movements for autonomy and even secession were followed and advocated for, though typically by a minority of people. However, in the 1960s, this trend would grow to political relevance. Particularly Tamils in the south were particularly strongly for the reorganization of states for the creation of ‘Tamil Nadu,’ a state made entirely of Tamil people. Similarly, Marathas, Telugu, and – in the northeast – Assamese movements were on the rise and calling for autonomy. For the most part, the INC leadership saw this as inefficient and only leading to further bloat of the Bharati state. However, Delhi knew the dangers of keeping the status quo as it is. The 1953 Andhra movement led to a clash that killed several and injured thousands, something that did not bode well for the future of the country. As such, the parliament passed an act that mandated the printing of all literature in states in the local language as well as English – rather than Hindi – so that the local populace could live and work with their native language and understand a shared national tongue in the form of English.
 
Of course, this did not solve all problems. The multilingual state governments had linguistic roadblocks as well, leading to frustration for voters and MPs alike. In an attempt to solve this issue, New Delhi provided resources for the hiring and use of translators and new translation methodologies in state parliaments, though there was trouble in their implementation which did not fully assuage the concerns of the delegates. This frustration manifested itself as protests for the reorganization of states, though not of an unprecedented size.
 
Prime Minister Rajaji, a Tamil native, made speeches in Chennai and other Tamil cities advocating against the linguistic division of Bharat, recalling the British use of divide and conquer to keep the Bharatis subjugated and fighting amongst themselves. However, he recognized the importance of not subjugating one language or people to another simply due to their residing in that state. He spoke in full support of the linguistic and cultural freedom of people within the states, especially directing the audience’s attention towards the Telugu in the north of Madras as brothers and fellow Bharatis. He received a standing ovation from the crowd, but his efforts were still in vain to maintain Madras as it was.
 
Madras was not the only problem area with linguistic issues. Bombay, the city and the state, was feeling its own movement for reorganization. The movement came to a head when protests in Bombay led to the deaths of 100 people in riots when they were shot by police. The various Marathi samitis, which advocated for the annexation of Bombay into the union state as its capital, staged various protests burning effigies of Chief Minister S.K. Patil, – a disciple of Morarji Desai – Minister Desai, and Prime Minister Rajaji in the streets, and the momentum against the INC in Marathi-speaking portions of Bombay has grown.
 
This police violence has been to the detriment of S.K. Patil, a man who was considered to be a candidate for top political office for the next generation of political leaders in Bharat. He has been pinned as a potential leader of Rajaji’s pro-free market, liberal caucus in the INC and has made a name for himself in this regard. He as well as Desai and Rajaji have been vocally against the incorporation of Bombay city into the wider state, citing the cosmopolitan nature of the city and the various benefits that independence has had for the city. In fact, Marathi first-language speakers do not make up a majority of residents of Bombay, with only 40% of people using it in the home on a daily basis. 27% of people use Hindustani – either Hindi or Urdu – on a daily basis, and 15% of people use Gujarati primarily. The remaining 18% of residents speak languages ranging from Tamil to Assamese to Kashmiri and even foreign languages like Arabic. English and Hindustani make up the vast majority of second languages in Bombay city. This fact, they claim, more than justifies its union territory status in Bharat and makes its incorporation into a theoretical Marathi linguistic state unnecessary.
 
Socialists in Bombay state and city have allied with the Marathi advocates, mostly due to the potential of unseating the pro-capitalist Patil from his influential position in the city. Though the image of Bombay city independence has not been helped by the endorsement by the Bharata Jana Sangh and M.S. Golwalkar, claiming that linguistically organized states would “sap the soul of the Hindu people and divide them among themselves,” though not explicitly for the benefit of the pro-reorganization peoples. Patil, Desai, and even Rajaji to some extent, denounced the BJS and Golwalkar as motivated by impure and unfounded positions, and denies their backing for the independence of Bombay.
 
Patil is strongly for the independence of Bombay city, and in his tenure so far improved Bombay with the intention of making it a model city. For the most part, this has come true, with tens of thousands of Bharatis and foreign workers moving every year. He presided over one of the largest growth periods of the city’s history, gaining almost 50% new residents in the course of the 1950s with the help of national developments in transportation to facilitate it and the importance of Bombay as an industrial and commercial hub. His influence on the city has weight, and his camp has the support of several national INC leaders.
 
In January 1961 the State Reorganization Committee was formed with the task of devising a reorganization of the administrative divisions in Bharat. It was clear that some reorganization needed to be done, and this was the decisive moment that the divisions would be redrawn. First, the enclaves and exclaves were simplified, leading to an enlarged Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Bombay state remained mostly unchanged save for a few adjustments. Bombay city remained an independent union territory, to the dismay of Marathi activists. Most significantly, Andhra Pradesh was split from Madras, creating a mostly Telugu state. Andhra Pradesh was decided to be split mostly due to the overextension of Madras, and the increased autonomy would allow for greater development at the cost of more bureaucratic red tape.
 
Assam was treated differently. Instead of splitting it into many small states, the autonomist regions were granted a special status that allowed for a degree of autonomy without the de facto division of the state. Nagaland and other tribes were granted autonomy within Assam, allowing for the central organization of the state alongside linguistic and semi-political autonomy.
 
Protests inevitably followed the State Reorganization but subsided in due time.
 
Economic Stagnation, 1960-1962
Though it was monumental in the post-independence history of Bharat, the Roaring 50s had to come to an end at some point. The release of the Bharati market after the Swatantra Act led to an explosion in economic activity, especially in the region of manufacturing. Though the government made efforts to ensure the continued functioning of the economy and its access to resources to build high-value-added products, the unprecedented growth in Bharat forced enterprises to import much of their needed goods to maintain production. This increased costs of goods produced domestically, in turn incentivizing the purchase of goods made abroad. The Bharati economy, which to this point enjoyed a significant ~15% yearly GDP growth on average, had effectively slowed down to a crawl.
 
It was not the high-end goods that were being imported in mass per-say, but the raw industrial goods that domestic production simply could not keep up with. Iron and food for canning, copper for electrical components, coal and oil for energy and manufacturing; all of these were for the most part imported from elsewhere since the domestic extraction industries could not keep up with the pace of growth so far. Bharati steel manufacturing more than sextupled in the course of the 1950s, allowing for the export of steel to other countries like Ceylon, the Philippines, Nepal, and Pakistan, and capital goods like heavy machinery and precision milling tools had begun manufacture and grown healthily for years. However, the resources that these machines were made of were in desperate shortage, necessitating the import from abroad.
 
The Partition-enabled Customs Union with Pakistan allowed for economic expansion in Bharat to continue, with raw resources from Pakistan fueling the creation of high-value goods to be brought back to Pakistan. However, this would not be enough. Pakistani extraction operations were less efficient than Bharati ones simply due to the red tape not present in Bharat, and the expansion of operations was not nearly as fast as necessary to fuel the exponentially growing economy of Bharat.
 
Stagnation led to the depressing of wages and the increase in the price of good in Bharat, which many began to blame the INC leadership in New Delhi for causing. Some criticized the government for not having the foresight to speed up resource extraction while others railed against the free market as a whole, advocating for the nationalization of industries to be better planned by the government so as to not run into problems of shortage. Prime Minister Rajaji, the pioneer of the free-market caucus in the INC, was a true believer in the ability of the free market to correct itself, which in this case would mean the expansion of domestic extraction enterprises to fulfil a niche in the Bharati market, but this did not come to pass fast enough.
 
Already embroiled in a sectarian crisis in UP and a communalist uprising elsewhere, the economic crisis only exacerbated the protests and movements of the early 60s. People who once saw the country going in a good direction now were cynical and saw the INC as not doing enough for the people. Additionally, this sentiment only enflamed the right-wing of the INC, which had Hindu Nationalist sympathies as seen in UP.
 
1961 Election
1961 was an election year, right as the crises were at their inflection points. Prime Minister Rajaji had announced in December of 1960 that he would not be seeking reelection in 1961, choosing to retire after an eventful decade of governance. In his announcement, Rajaji cited his age as the primary reason for stepping down, saying that he could not in good conscience continue leading any longer and hoping that this would set a precedent for future leaders of Bharat to limit their terms as Prime Minister. In his speech, he mentioned the development that Bharat had experienced under his watch and emphasized the dear necessity for the government to respect the freedom and dignity of all people, privately, politically, and economically.
 
The Socialist Praja Party and Hindu Nationalist splitters took this announcement in stride and began ramping up their campaigning efforts across Bharat. Jayaprakash Narayan, the leading figure behind the Socialist Praja Party, began his tour across the country visiting major rural centers and rapidly expanding industrial cities being hurt by the overheating economy. In February of 1961, Narayan announced an electoral coalition of left-wing and Hindu parties for the unseating of the Indian National Congress from power. This coalition was based in the unrest surrounding the heightened income inequality, difficulty for smallholders to effectively sell their goods on the market, and the frustration from Hindus following the INC’s crackdown on the Uttar Pradesh Beef Ban. Political spectators and media figures commenting on the coalition wrote that the various views expressed by politicians in the alliance have little in common other than a unity against the INC, serving as a point of attack for INC nominees.
 
As the date of the election was coming around, some political scientists in universities around Bharat wrote pieces critical of the INC and the corruption that plagued many electoral districts around the country. Some pointed out the machine-like nature of some local party organizations, receiving bribes from individuals, companies, and even criminal organizations in return for looking the other way on illegal activity or regulatory oversight. However, a change in power via the election of the anti-INC coalition, they wrote, would not be the solution to the problem of corruption. They predict that entrenched patronage networks have two likely futures in the event of an INC unseating: first, the patronage collapses and takes whichever local economy it was propping up, and second, the newly elected government continues the system of patronage. These academics were almost universally criticized by political figures on the whole political spectrum, but their theories would live up to scrutiny in the future, almost certainly too late.
 
The election came and went in a particularly hot August. It was a troubling election cycle, with protests across the country aligned with both sides of the electoral battle. However, to the surprise of some, the Narayan-led coalition won a majority of the seats in the Lok Sabha. The election was not a fully left-wing victory. The Narayan coalition required the support of some BJS MPs in order to ensure an uncontested government, meaning it would be at the whims of local Hindu policymakers. This was not ultimately an issue for Narayan since he was not publicly against Hindu lawmaking as the INC had been.
 
For the next four years, the Narayan Coalition would be responsible for the future of Bharat. Globally the 60s was a critical and chaotic time, and Bharat would certainly not be spared from this fate.

So I go to a gym where they have signs posted not liable for lost or stolen items. Now here's what happened to me. I was working out on Sunday and I came I around 6pm. I was working out on a treadmill and another girl I know there was coming up to me every time she would finish a set to talk to me so I was having to take my headphones off quite often to the point where I took them off and set them in the cup holder of the treadmill. She eventually came up next to me on the treadmill and we were walking for about a half an hour before we finished up I grabbed my water bottle and head to the locker room to grab my bag. Then go tan and leave. I remember checking the time on my phone when I was leaving cuz I noticed the music and the gym was off it was around 7:50 cuz and I didn't realize the gym was closing at 8:00pm. Well turns out I left my headphones in the cup holder.
Come to yesterday (Wednesday) I head back to the gym and realized that my headphones weren't in the bag I got to the front desk and asked if anybody had turned some headphones in the girl that I had spoke to said that she remembers seeing them. She ends up reaching out to a few people, via text, and another employee confirmed that they did see my headphones in the lost and found. The girl helping me said the other employee turned them on and said my name popped up on their phone (like the Bluetooth description). So that right there verified that they were my headphones. Now the employee said since they're not in lost and found it was either one of two things. Either an employee handed them over to another gym member, without making sure that they were going to the correct person. Essentially asking the member what they Los, asking for them to describe what the item looked before handing over my headphones. Or an employee stole them. I just would find it hard to believe that in the two days I missed at the gym someone lost the same headphone I did. Or that someone walked up said they lost headphones and an employee just held up mine and someone was like sure and took them.
The gym told me that they check the cameras tomorrow next morning... Which is today. So I called this morning and unfortunately a manager wasn't in yet so I decided to call back a little bit later around 2:00. I ended up speaking to the same girl I had spoke to yesterday and asked if there was any update. She said that they hadn't checked the cameras yet but just to be patient with them and that they will continue to look into it.
Now here's my question.. when they have signs that post about them not being liable but what happens when an employee mishandles a lost and found item or possibly they stole item what can I do?! I can see if another gym member broke into another person's locker or swiped someone's phone inside the gym how they can't be held responsible. But my property was behind a desk in a cabinet in their possession! I want to file a police report but I feel like I need more evidence aka the camera footage of what possibly happened to my headphones. And for anyone that might ask, the headphones are Beats Studio 3s limit collection matte black and gold they were about $160.
I don't know what to do and have yet to hear back from the gym.

I (34 F) grew up in a huge family with a LOT of cousins. This is because we decend from a line of 11 women and 1 man. No they didn’t keep trying for a boy. Our uncle was one of the oldest, but back in the day they just kept having kids. Anyway, now there are only 2 left and I cherish them.
My Great Aunt Gennie used to watch me when I was a little girl. She didn’t have cable and was always hacking up phlegm in tissues, so I hated it there, but when I became and adult, and especially after my Nana died while I was away at college, I grew attached to her. Also, once the dementia kicked in she became a hoot! I loved talking to her and listening to the hilarious things coming out of her mouth. I also became protective of her. My Nana’s foul widower came sniffing around her door, and me and some of my male cousins made sure he never came back.
Here’s where the “issue” comes in. During Christmas at my mother’s house, my Aunt Gennie decided to start singing an old gospel hymn. It made me tear up a little because she had been repeatedly asking me what my name was, but this hymnal she remembered perfectly. It fascinated me how the mind works. So I recorded her and put it on Facebook with that same sentiment. I even tagged her granddaughter my cousin in Florida (Let’s call her D 42F) who I had just spent some time with thinking, she would love to see her grandmother in such a beautiful light. I got the appropriate responses and thought nothing of it. That’s when all hell broke loose.
D sent me a message saying I should have asked my aunt Gennie for her consent to record her and post it. We live in NC and sadly my great aunt is not in her right mind having dementia. Not that I would ever post anything embarrassing (funny yes. To embarrass her, hell no!) I say that to say, you can’t ask someone not in their right mind for their consent to post something of themselves online anymore than you can legally ask them to sign a contract. (Someone can tell me if I’m wrong)
I was taken aback by this because again, I thought it was a nice video of my aunt singing. Is she the best singer? No, but I was saving a memory to be used later on after she passed. I don’t have anything of my Nana really and I wish someone had recorded her for me. Anyway, things got blown out of proportion and D claimed I recorded her so that I could laugh at her. Laughing could be heard, but that was my aunt’s daughter laughing at a note my aunt couldn’t reach, not me.
D called her aunt, my great aunt’s daughter (let’s call her Lilith because I don’t talk to her and often forget she exists). Lilith calls me and leaves me a nasty voicemail telling me to take down the video. That I have no right to post about HER mother because I do not have her last name, did not come from her loins, and that I can call her if I disagree. I laughed and sent her a text that said I don’t wish to ruin my day by speaking to her. The video is staying up and for her to have a great rest of her day trying not to be hateful. ✌🏾
Since then I have been banned from recording my aunt which is sad. D and I haven’t spoken because I am of the mindset that once you show me who you are I believe you. More family see my point of view, but there are a small few that D has spoken to who she has convinced to see it from her side. It’s sad and I’m over them. So, am I the A-hole?

C.O. is suing me for $4500 for a credit card debt less than a year old. Court date is Monday. I can’t afford an attorney. I contacted C.O.’s lawyer and we agreed on a very acceptable payment plan that I’m thankful for. The agreement (that I signed) states as follows and I’m concerned about number 1.

1. C.O. will obtain judgment in it’s favor.
   
2. C.O. will not execute on judgement as long as payments are made per this agreement.
   
3. 1. & 5. [Insert name] law group will receive and manage payments until completion.

Does this mean they will still proceed with court even though we have an agreement and if so should I still go to the hearing? He said it wasn't necessary for me to appear but would I be screwing myself by not attending. I want to pay the debt and I am very happy with the payment plan.
Thank you

Top 10 Essential Reggaeton-Rap Albums of the 2000’s (2000-2009)
1. Tego Calderon – El Abayarde (2002)
This was the album that kicked the doors open for Hip Hop & Reggaeton on a global scale. It broke sales records for the time and had the major labels come knocking to sign every top Reggaeton act they could find. Tego had the respect of both worlds, the Latin Rap and Reggaeton communities alike which contemporaries like Daddy Yankee or Wisin & Yandel never achieved. "El Abayarde" had its 'Perreo' for the trendy crowd, but Calderon does not abandon his potent lyricism nor intelligent social content in favor of mainstream appeal. Ironically, the album was still commercially successful. It is the most universally acclaimed Urbano Latino album of all time.
2. Luny Tunes & Baby Ranks – Mas Flow 2 (2005)
"Mas Flow 2" is the perfect commercial Reggaeton album. Every song is a hit. The album sold a million units when it was mostly physical due to its mass appeal. "Rakata", "Mirame", "Verte", "Mayor Que Yo", "Tiburon", "Es Mejor Olvidarlo", "Dejala Volar", "Castigo", "Tortura" (Yaga & Mackie), so many memorable songs specifically created for this masterpiece of an album. You don't know true Reggaeton if you don't know "Mas Flow 2".
3. Hector & Tito – A La Reconquista (2002)
"A La Reconquista" was actually the first major label release for a Reggaeton album to achieve wide success. Hector & Tito were in peak form with their writing partner Don Omar who wrote a large chunk of the album along with contributions from Noriega. This album is the one that made Luny Tunes & Noriega into the superstar production team they became. Originally DJ Blass and DJ Goldy were going to produce it, but Hector felt he needed a more commercial sound and then DJ Nelson had him working with Luny Tunes who ended up producing the majority of the album. Eliel, Nelson and Goldy contribute to album as well which is chock full of signature songs such as "Gata Salvaje", "Yo Te Buscaba", "Duele", "Caserio" feat. Don Omar, "De Niña a Mujer" feat. Don Omar, "Felina", "Bandida Universitaria" and more. The album sold over 400 thousand units worldwide.
4. Vico C – En Honor a la Verdad (2003)
Vico C came back better than ever on "En Honor A La Verdad". It was like what if we got a wiser, but equally deadly Vico C like in his best days (1988-1993) and hooked him up with the modern sound of the time? The result was "En Honor a la Verdad" which many consider Vico's best album in his illustrious career. The production was handled by DJ Blass, Echo and Vico C himself. It is intelligent, but with enough mainstream appeal to sell over 200 thousand units worldwide. Vico never dumbed himself down like most do in this game. He should be commended for that.
5. Luny Tunes & Tainy – Los Benjamins La Continuacion (2007)
Underappreciated in its time and bigger in the bootleg circuits through Latin America than in actual sales, Luny Tunes & Tainy launched an expanded edition of "Los Benjamins" only 6 months after the album's first version was released which received a mixed reaction and sold far less than "Mas Flow 2". This perfected version sadly was originally a limited edition thus not everyone heard it at the time. It wasn't until blog sites posted free downloads of the album in zip files that it has caught on within the Reggaeton community and hailed as the classic work it always was. It's hard to believe that some actually thought "Los Benjamins" sucked when it first came out. How!? This still boggles me too, but maybe there was too much hype and the lack of solo DY or Hector songs along with RKM & Ken-Y missing though originally announced for the project maybe peeved some fans off. Also Tego, Eddie Dee, Vico C, Ivy Queen, Nicky Jam and other big names were missing from the original version (Ivy Queen appears in a remix exclusive for the expanded edition). Plus, no one cared RBD was on this. That hyped up collabo was pointless. But in the long term this album has become much more appreciated by newer generations especially since "Mas Flow 2" is yet to be available on streaming services. The music production is also a masterclass far superior than most works today.
6. Don Omar – The Last Don (2003)
You know your album is good when old school salsa folks praise your work. That's what Don Omar did with "The Last Don". He took chances that others rarely did at the time such as the tropical infusions, ballads and street songs all combining to make one hell of an album. "The Last Don" has a little bit for everyone from the battle rap style malianteos with Hector and DY, to the club bangers like "Tu Cuerpo Me Arrebata" feat. Trebol Clan, "Intocable" or "Dale Don Dale". Of course "Dile" has now become a song that embodies Latino culture and our music overall. It is alongside "Guantanamera" and "El Cantante" from Hector Lavoe as himnos that are inseparable from Hispanic culture on a global level. The rest of the album is very good as well.
7. Calle 13 – (Self Titled Debut) [2005]
Residente & Visitante broke through an invisible glass ceiling within the pantheon of Reggaeton and Latin Rap; which was that artists with an alternative sound and point of view could never achieve widespread success or acclaim. That changed with their self titled debut album that has sold over 500 thousand units worldwide to date. "Atrevete-te" is still an anthem adopted by modern generations which seems to resonate with today's audience more than the one of the time. But the deep cuts on the album are what gives it the historical significance like his verbal attack on P Diddy and American corporations coming into Puerto Rico to exploit the Urbano culture he represented. Other songs criticizing the corrupt local government but also making you dance with silly lyrics, non sequiturs along with battle rap lyrics that most MCs could never compete with. Visitante's unique production style with contributions from DJ Blass and Danny Fornaris fit the album's motif perfectly and it is Residente's most acclaimed work to date.
8. Daddy Yankee – Barrio Fino (2004)
DY's magnum opus is the second highest selling Reggaeton album of all time after BB's 'Un Verano Sin Ti'. Yes, "Gasolina" is overplayed to the Latin community especially those of us true Reggaeton lovers, but its a classic song. The rest of the album is filled with memorable tracks as well like "Tu Principe" with Zion & Lennox, "Mami No Me Dejes Solo" feat. Wisin & Yandel, "King Daddy", "El Muro", "Corazones", "Dale Caliente" feat. Blacka Nice, "Sabor a Melao" with Andy Montañez and the inescapable "Lo Que Paso Paso" which still receives plenty of airplay on all platforms to this day. It was universally appealing with this being the last time Yankee did a work that was acclaimed with the mainstream and the underground at the same time.
9. Tres Coronas - Nuestra Cosa (2006)
Tres Coronas have performed the songs from this album in stadiums on more than one occasion with a large portion of the crowd knowing and rhyming along to the lyrics. This album was created when they still had the supremely underrated Reychesta and were a trio. No other pure Hip Hop album from this era has had the influence in Latin America "Nuestra Cosa" did. It is a gritty and very raw album which managed to get a lot of traction thanks to the trio's underground buzz prior to signing with Machete Music/Universal Latino. Roccca, PNO, and Reychesta detail the experiences from growing up and living in the barrios of New York and Latin America which resonated with audiences across Spanish speaking countries.
[10. Wisin]() & Yandel – Pal Mundo (2005)
El duo de la historia sold over a million copies with "Pal Mundo" which is just commercial Reggaeton at its best. Almost every song is a hit and instantly recognizable. The production was handled by Luny Tunes' Mas Flow team which included Nesty, Tainy & Nely. This is some of the catchiest and most well produced Reggaeton you will ever hear anywhere. Wisin was also in peak form here with his chanteos and Yandel may be the best Reggaeton chorus guy of all time.
Mencion de Honor: Voltio – Voltage AC (2004), Mala Rodriguez – Lujo Iberico (2000), RKM & Ken-Y - The Masterpiece Nuestra Obra Maestra (2006), La Conspiracion (2001), Baby Rasta & Gringo - Sentenciados (2004), Luny Tunes & Noriega – Mas Flow (2003), DJ Blass – Sandunguero (2001), Nach – Poesia Difusa (2003), Orishas - Emigrantes (2002), Eddie Dee – Los 12 Discipulos (2004), El Roockie - Semblante Urbano (2008), Buddha's Family (2001) & Violadores Del Verso – Vivir Para Contarlo (2006).

This was a tough list to make. Again, this is only 50% my opinion with the rest being general public assessment of those most knowledgable of Latin Rap and Reggaeton history during this period. I am focusing on the opinions of the nuclei within the Reggaeton and Latin Rap communities mainly.
My personal Top 5: 1. Mas Flow (2) 2. Baby Rasta & Gringo - Sentenciados 3. Buddha's Family 4. La Conspiracion 5. El Abayarde

Hello everyone, and welcome to my first fic. I'm still new to the writing scene, but always looking to improve, so please let me know your thoughts on my work. Not sure if this premise has been written about before, but if it has, I hope I can put my own unique spin on it. As always, thanks to SpacePaladin for creating the wonderful galaxy that we all love to read about and explore.

[Next]

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic Date [standardized Earth time]: July 12, 2136
There was one known instance of a predatory species achieving sentience in the galaxy.
The Arxur, as an anomaly, sparked the Federation’s curiosity. By previous hypotheses on intelligence, their existence was impossible. Conventional wisdom stated that cooperation led to higher thinking, which in turn, led to the formation of technological societies. A predator’s natural instinct for aggression should have limited their evolution.
But it turned out that there was another motivator for technological progress; war. The Arxur derived pleasure from killing each other, and in doing so, managed to claw their way to an industrial stage. Their warfare was so deadly that we feared they would become extinct before we could study them.
The Federation saw their cruelty, but in our naivety, we thought we could change them. If we uplifted them, there would be no logical reason for their destructive ways to persist. Thus, we made our worst mistake: we decided to intervene.
It was out of our kindness that we unleashed the galaxy’s worst monsters. We gave genocidal maniacs the means to escape their planet, and all but invited them to our doorstep. The Federation was an easy target to them, and they set out to claim our territories for themselves. They torched worlds, enslaved millions, and bred our children as delicacies. Our pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears; predators had no sense of compassion to appeal to, after all.
The Federation rallied together to fend them off, and began the ceaseless war for our survival. From that point onward, it was agreed that no predatory species could be allowed to reach the stars. Their kind were too great of a threat to the civilized universe.
Well known to the public, there were wide swaths of space not yet explored. One such part of space was near Venlil territory that had long been designated as inhospitable to sentient life, and was therefore off limits to all but military fleets. Despite assurances there was nothing out there, fear lingered in the minds of many of what creatures might lurk in this dark stretch of space.
But while we spent decades expanding within our own territories, this section of the galaxy remained untouched. No fleets ever ventured there to search for signs of life, nor did we ever receive any indication that life existed there.
All of us were taken aback when an unknown ship suddenly appeared within our system. The most vexing issue was the subspace trail it had pointed back to this dead territory. An anomaly that now was hovering above our planet.
“Governor Tarva.” My military advisor, Kam, was growing more impatient by the minute. It was obvious that this strange ship had him unnerved. “The ship has just entered orbit and is sending out what appears to be a hailing signal. We should respond before civilians potentially pick it up.”
“Of course. Get a channel open.” I said, trying to steady my heightened nerves. First contact with a species from a dead part of space was not something I had thought I’d experience when I ran for office. Not only that, but these strangers had FTL technology, something not seen since the early days of the Federation. I wasn’t sure how I was going to address what could be a race that was potentially as advanced as us. I was anxious.
There was also a nagging worry in the back of my mind that this shouldn’t be possible. All our records had no indication that anything could live where this ship came from. Either this was a mistake on the part of the researchers, or this was a trick of some kind.
I swiveled my chair to face the camera an aid had set up as we began hailing the ship, silently waiting for a response. It only took a few seconds for the ship to accept our hail, and soon after my screen lit up with a video feed.
For a few moments, I was confused. A brown furred venlil looked back at me, sat in a pilot's chair, staring at me with the same look of confusion I wore. They also seemed to wear some form of artificial pelt which covered much of their torso and arms. Perplexed by what I was seeing, I looked over at Kam. “...Are you sure this is the ship? I think there’s been a mis-” I immediately realized I had missed something as soon as I looked back at the screen. The venlil had two small orifices indented on the front of their snout, something me and every other venlil lacked. They had nostrils.
I gasped, shocked by this sudden realization. The individual on screen seemed to grow just as alarmed, mouth hung agape as they studied me further. They then spoke in a guttural sounding language. The translator took a moment to parse their words before relaying the message.
“I… wasn’t expecting… whatever this is. Who are you? Are you a skalgan?”
I was still reeling from the shock of seeing this venlil. I hardly registered the name that he spoke. Trying to regain control of my wit, I did my best to answer. “My name is Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic. I-I’m sorry. I don’t know what a skalgan is. But… this must be a mistake. What’s your name, and where are you from?”
The strange venlil stared at me for a few more moments before speaking. “My name is Noah. We’re here as a exploratory mission from the planet Earth. On behalf of skalans and humans, we come in peace.”
They looked so much like a venlil, yet called themselves skalans. This planet, ‘Earth’, was also unknown to me. Could it be possible that a venlil ship had gotten lost long ago, and these people were only now finding their way back? I wanted to ask more, but the other name he spoke caught my attention.
“Humans? Is there another species with you?” I asked. Noah quickly answered. “Oh, yes. Our sister species is known as humans. Sara, come over here for a moment so the governor can see you.” He called someone off screen, and a moment later, a new individual appeared in view.
My blood ran cold. Predatory eyes locked on me as a pale skinned creature stepped in next to Noah. Its teeth were bared in a snarl, sharp white stones made for tearing flesh from bone. The creature was without question viscous, staring into my very being through the screen with those wide, hungry eyes. My mind halted as overwhelming instinct flooded my brain. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t speak. All I could do was stare back at those evil eyes in mute terror.
“...Governor? Governor Tarva? Are you okay?” It took me several seconds to realize Noah was speaking again. How he could be so calm when there was a predator ready to tear out his throat just inches away from him was impossible for me to comprehend. I wanted to scream at him to run and hide, but suggesting such a thing could trigger the predator’s hunting instinct. It was already too close for him to escape. Perhaps he knew that and that’s why he stayed so still, in some desperate hope it wouldn’t attack.
“...T-This is a trick!” Kam suddenly said. “A predator and prey species living together is impossible!”
Both Noah and the predator exchanged confused looks with each other. “I assure you that this is not a trick.” Noah said. “We might be different in appearance and physiology, but I can assure you that the skalans and humans have been close allies for hundreds of years.”
“That’s right.” The predator Sara said. “Our kind are basically joined at the hip at this point. Good thing too, else these little freaks would probably knock over everything with reckless abandon without us there to keep them calm.”
Noah’s ears twitched with amusement. “So not too different from humans. You all are just as rowdy as us.”
The two verbally jousted with one another as if they were good friends, yet that predator’s gaze was absolutely terrifying to behold. How Noah could throw challenging words at the predator without fear was beyond me. Not only that, but they spoke as if their kind were close to each other. There had to be something else going on. This venlil had to be a slave of some kind, or perhaps he’d been deemed predatory enough to work with the humans.
“Anyways, I’ll be honest in saying that we weren’t expecting to encounter another advanced civilization, not to mention one that has a… striking similar resemblance to skalans.” Noah said. “However, we’re both excited to meet you. Would you perhaps be interested in sharing information about our worlds with one another?”
My mind raced as I tried to think of how to respond. If we give them what they want, the predators might go back and inform the rest of their kind to our presence, and then it’d only be a matter of time before they return to enslave us. I made a snap decision, quickly speaking up. “Actually, h-how would you like to visit in person? We’d be happy to welcome you as guests.”
Noah looked excited at the offer. Sara again flashed her teeth, likely thrilled by the opportunity to hunt. “We’d be honored.” Noah said. “Once we receive the landing coordinates, we’ll make our way down. I look forward to meeting face to face.”
I flick my tail in acknowledgment and quickly terminate the call, letting out a unsteady breath now that I was free of the predator’s gaze. I took several moments to calm my breathing before I then spoke to Kam. “Get the local population to the bunkers and send the planetary distress signal. We need to figure out what we're dealing with here.”
[Next]

I got a offer letter from Company A, I have till next week to make a decision to sign off on on it. Im in the process with Company B for another role and I havent made it to the final interview.
I told the recruiter for Company B, I got a offer from Company A. I told him can I get a final interview with Company B, before my deadline with Company A.
Is it suspicious or a red flag when the recruiter is asking the name of Company A, he said that this info. is needed to speed up the process with Company B.

Hi,
The audio on my PC (dual boot) works correctly on Windows but on Debian, the front end no longer works.
I've already tried several things:

• I replaced pulseaudio with pipewire
• I installed sof-firmare with this command: sudo apt install firmware-sof-signed
• I've checked in pavucontrol that there's nothing mute
• same in alsamixer

The command sudo dmesg grep -E 'sndsof' indicates: snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.6: no codecs found! So I created the file /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf with this line: options snd-hda-intel dmic_detect=0
That's what I've done so far.
And here's the result of several commands I've done:

$ pactl info grep Server Server String: /run/use1000/pulse/native Server Protocol Version: 35 Server Name: PulseAudio (on PipeWire 0.3.65) Server Version: 15.0.0 

​

$ sudo dmesg grep -E 'sndsof' [ 0.009730] software IO TLB: area num 32. [ 0.571471] PCI-DMA: Using software bounce buffering for IO (SWIOTLB) [ 0.571473] software IO TLB: mapped [mem 0x000000009e48c000-0x00000000a248c000] (64MB) [ 0.651846] integrity: Loaded X.509 cert 'Microsoft Corporation UEFI CA 2011: 13adbf4309bd82709c8cd54f316ed522988a1bd4' [ 0.651855] integrity: Loaded X.509 cert 'Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011: a92902398e16c49778cd90f99e4f9ae17c55af53' [ 0.651866] integrity: Loaded X.509 cert 'Microsoft Corporation: Windows UEFI CA 2023: aefc5fbbbe055d8f8daa585473499417ab5a5272' [ 0.651874] integrity: Loaded X.509 cert 'Microsoft UEFI CA 2023: 81aa6b3244c935bce0d6628af39827421e32497d' [ 3.916857] snd_hda_intel 0000:01:00.1: dmic_detect option is deprecated, pass snd-intel-dspcfg.dsp_driver=1 option instead [ 3.916865] snd_hda_intel 0000:01:00.1: enabling device (0000 -> 0002) [ 3.916927] snd_hda_intel 0000:01:00.1: Disabling MSI [ 3.916930] snd_hda_intel 0000:01:00.1: Handle vga_switcheroo audio client [ 3.917027] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.1: dmic_detect option is deprecated, pass snd-intel-dspcfg.dsp_driver=1 option instead [ 3.917032] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.1: enabling device (0000 -> 0002) [ 3.917066] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.1: Handle vga_switcheroo audio client [ 3.917092] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.6: dmic_detect option is deprecated, pass snd-intel-dspcfg.dsp_driver=1 option instead [ 3.917101] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.6: enabling device (0000 -> 0002) [ 3.921241] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.6: no codecs found! [ 3.936560] snd_hda_intel 0000:10:00.1: bound 0000:10:00.0 (ops amdgpu_dm_audio_component_bind_ops [amdgpu]) [ 9.706105] usbcore: registered new interface driver snd-usb-audio 

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$ lsmod grep snd snd_seq_dummy 16384 0 snd_hrtimer 16384 1 snd_seq 90112 7 snd_seq_dummy snd_hda_codec_hdmi 81920 2 snd_hda_intel 57344 2 snd_intel_dspcfg 36864 1 snd_hda_intel snd_intel_sdw_acpi 20480 1 snd_intel_dspcfg snd_usb_audio 376832 3 snd_hda_codec 184320 2 snd_hda_codec_hdmi,snd_hda_intel snd_usbmidi_lib 45056 1 snd_usb_audio snd_rawmidi 53248 1 snd_usbmidi_lib snd_hda_core 122880 3 snd_hda_codec_hdmi,snd_hda_intel,snd_hda_codec snd_seq_device 16384 2 snd_seq,snd_rawmidi mc 77824 5 videodev,snd_usb_audio,videobuf2_v4l2,uvcvideo,videobuf2_common snd_hwdep 16384 2 snd_usb_audio,snd_hda_codec snd_pcm 159744 6 snd_hda_codec_hdmi,snd_hda_intel,snd_usb_audio,snd_hda_codec,snd_hda_core snd_timer 49152 3 snd_seq,snd_hrtimer,snd_pcm snd 126976 22 snd_seq,snd_seq_device,snd_hda_codec_hdmi,snd_hwdep,snd_hda_intel,snd_usb_audio,snd_usbmidi_lib,snd_hda_codec,snd_timer,snd_pcm,snd_rawmidi soundcore 16384 1 snd usbcore 348160 7 xhci_hcd,snd_usb_audio,usbhid,snd_usbmidi_lib,uvcvideo,btusb,xhci_pci 

​

$ pactl list sink-inputs Sink Input #66 Driver: PipeWire Owner Module: n/a Client: 65 Sink: 52 Sample Specification: float32le 2ch 44100Hz Channel Map: front-left,front-right Format: pcm, format.sample_format = "\"float32le\"" format.rate = "44100" format.channels = "2" format.channel_map = "\"front-left,front-right\"" Corked: no Mute: no Volume: front-left: 60838 / 93% / -1,94 dB, front-right: 60838 / 93% / -1,94 dB balance 0,00 Buffer Latency: 0 usec Sink Latency: 0 usec Resample method: PipeWire Properties: client.api = "pipewire-pulse" pulse.server.type = "unix" application.name = "Firefox" application.process.id = "2997" application.process.user = "hugo" application.process.host = "DESKTOP-KRO3L62" application.process.binary = "firefox-bin" application.language = "fr_FR.UTF-8" window.x11.display = ":1" application.process.machine_id = "1f69ed11674e412196768270f1f4b21f" media.name = "AudioStream" node.rate = "1/44100" node.latency = "3307/44100" stream.is-live = "true" node.name = "Firefox" node.autoconnect = "true" node.want-driver = "true" media.class = "Stream/Output/Audio" adapt.follower.spa-node = "" object.register = "false" factory.id = "6" clock.quantum-limit = "8192" factory.mode = "split" audio.adapt.follower = "" library.name = "audioconvert/libspa-audioconvert" client.id = "60" object.id = "61" object.serial = "66" pulse.attr.maxlength = "4194304" pulse.attr.tlength = "44104" pulse.attr.prebuf = "35296" pulse.attr.minreq = "8816" module-stream-restore.id = "sink-input-by-application-name:Firefox" Sink Input #130 Driver: PipeWire Owner Module: n/a Client: 129 Sink: 52 Sample Specification: s16le 1ch 44100Hz Channel Map: mono Format: pcm, format.sample_format = "\"s16le\"" format.rate = "44100" format.channels = "1" format.channel_map = "\"mono\"" Corked: yes Mute: no Volume: mono: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB balance 0,00 Buffer Latency: 0 usec Sink Latency: 0 usec Resample method: PipeWire Properties: client.api = "pipewire-pulse" pulse.server.type = "unix" application.name = "speech-dispatcher-dummy" application.process.id = "4978" application.process.user = "hugo" application.process.host = "DESKTOP-KRO3L62" application.process.binary = "sd_dummy" application.language = "C" window.x11.display = ":1" application.process.machine_id = "1f69ed11674e412196768270f1f4b21f" pulse.min.req = "512/48000" pulse.min.quantum = "512/48000" pulse.idle.timeout = "5" media.name = "playback" node.rate = "1/44100" node.latency = "471/44100" stream.is-live = "true" node.name = "speech-dispatcher-dummy" node.autoconnect = "true" node.want-driver = "true" media.class = "Stream/Output/Audio" adapt.follower.spa-node = "" object.register = "false" factory.id = "6" clock.quantum-limit = "8192" factory.mode = "split" audio.adapt.follower = "" library.name = "audioconvert/libspa-audioconvert" client.id = "75" object.id = "89" object.serial = "130" pulse.attr.maxlength = "4194304" pulse.attr.tlength = "2826" pulse.attr.prebuf = "1886" pulse.attr.minreq = "942" module-stream-restore.id = "sink-input-by-application-name:speech-dispatcher-dummy" 

​

$ inxi -A Audio: Device-1: NVIDIA driver: snd_hda_intel Device-2: AMD Rembrandt Radeon High Definition Audio driver: snd_hda_intel Device-3: AMD Family 17h/19h HD Audio driver: snd_hda_intel Device-4: Micro Star USB Audio type: USB driver: hid-generic,snd-usb-audio,usbhid Device-5: Logitech Webcam C270 type: USB driver: snd-usb-audio,uvcvideo API: ALSA v: k6.1.0-20-amd64 status: kernel-api Server-1: PipeWire v: 0.3.65 status: active 

​
Thanks for your help!

hi everyone i just have a question
i recently got accepted for medicaid. i do have BCBS under my dads insurance until the end of the year, so this will be my primary. i have regular 3 month checks ins with my psychiatrist & always have a copay of $30 from BCBS. i see my psych in 2 weeks and don't want to walk in blind now that j have two insurances. my medicaid says i do not have any cost shares. but i'm wondering will i still have to pay a copay from BCBS even tho i have medicaid as a secondary? (& yes the place i go to accepts both BCBS & medicaid)
also i have a past due balance from BCBS that i have to pay every time i get checked in order to be seen tho. this was more recent. i'm assuming i'd still have to pay that payment since this balance was prior to having medicaid even tho i had eligibility for it at the time unknowingly. i'm also going to get a sublocade shot that i previously gotten years ago when i go see my psych in 2 weeks (he's within an urgent care). it was covered by BCBS and i'm hoping it'll still be covered while having both insurances now. i also get prescribed medications and was hoping to get name brand since i'll be on medicaid. but i heard it's unlikely, but i may have a higher chance to ask my psych to sign off of it since i've previously had issues with generics, & it's noted in my records. we have a good trusting relationship of 4 years so i'm hoping he'll help me out lol
sorry if i went off topic, was just also trying to gain some insight of things since i now have medicaid if possible
TLDR; recently got accepted medicaid while already having BCBS from my father until end of the year. wondering if i will still have to pay any costs/ copays when seeing my psychiatrist

Race Information

• Name: Maratón de Santiago
• Date: April 28, 2024
• Distance: 21.1km
• Location: Santiago, Chile
• Website: https://www.maratondesantiago.cl/
• Time: 1:53:50
• Personal Info: 33 y/o male. 1.83m (6'0) and 84kg (185lb). Very sedentary (remote software developer).

Goals

Goal	Description	Completed?
A	1:55:00	Yes
B	1:58:58 (PB)	Yes
C	Finish	Yes

Splits

Kilometer	Time
1	5:00.7
2	4:57.6
3	4:59.8
4	5:07.3
5	5:23.8
6	5:24.6
7	5:33.0
8	5:35.0
9	5:31.9
10	5:22.1
11	5:33.3
12	5:37.2
13	5:28.0
14	5:32.8
15	5:45.5
16	5:19.7
17	5:08.2
18	5:24.2
19	5:15.1
20	5:25.7
21	5:29.2
22	0:54.6 (0.18km)

Intro

Sorry if this is too long, a lot of things have happened in the last year but running has been a huge constant and most likely what has kept me together in this time. I feel accomplished, happy and very emotional right now.
I have a long history of struggling with weight and self-confidence. I went from 80kg (176lb) at the end of high school, to 120kg (265lb) a couple years into university, while also starting to smoke. After that I lost around 30kg (66lb) by changing my diet and then stayed around that weight for years.
Throughout all this time I struggled with my weight and my looks and at some point in 2017 or 2018 I did the C25k program, finished it and pretty much lost all motivation to keep going, and just stopped doing any exercise again. Then in 2019 in one of the now very familiar struggles I got the urge to get active again, and joined the gym with the intention to try the C25k program again. This time I finished it and actually stuck to running, eventually leaving the gym, quitting cigarettes, and switched to running outside.
I ran for almost 10 months, everything was going well, eventually going up to 10k and 21k in training. I ran 10k in the last version of the Rock N Roll Santiago in 2020, and I was registered to run a 21k in the 2020 Maratón de Santiago (MDS). And then the pandemic hit. I remember starting lockdown literally the day after I ran the RnR Santiago, lol. Well, 2020 MDS got canceled, and because of the pandemic I pretty much stopped running again.
I tried to pick it up again when they let us go outside, but I struggled with knee pain every time, which left me very unmotivated. I kept gaining weight, eventually going up to around 98kg (216lb).
And then a year ago (almost to the day) I decided to lose weight again and get fit, but do it right this time. I would follow the C25k program religiously and not get too ahead of myself. To my surprise everything went pretty much perfect, and I finished the program for the 3rd time in my life. Now at this point I had already decided to run the half-marathon at MDS 2024, but to manage this I would need to run more, a lot more. And lose weight.
When I get obsessed with something I usually investigate a lot, and found some half-marathon plans online and in books, and created my own base building plan based on everything I had read. Sadly, I neglected what I would find out was one of the most important things - strength training. Around November I started experiencing knee pain again, so at some point I decided to stop again and never run again. (Hmm, I wonder why the pain started around November)
I was pretty sad and the next day all I could think was why so many people could run without pain and I couldn't, and decided to consult a doctor specialized in sports, specifically running and knees. After explaining everything, he made me lie down, touched my knee at a specific place and said "this hurts, right?". To my surprise, hell yes that hurt. He knew immediately what it was. IT Band Syndrome, he said. I thought he would say I was done and would need surgery or something extreme which would pretty much make me stop running forever. Of course I was being a little bitch, and he told me to stop running for now, derived me to a PT, and said to not run until the PT told me otherwise.
Well, the first thing the PT told me was to not stop running but to split my runs and increase the number of days from 3 to 6 per week, all while making me do a bunch of strength training exercises at their gym, between 2 to 3 times a week. About a month later there was no knee pain anymore. I was so happy when I realized my knee hadn't hurt for a while. I started testing the limit and luckily I could maintain a way higher volume now that my legs were a bit stronger.
When comparing my progress to the first time I took running seriously (right before the pandemic), I noticed this time it went a little bit slower, but it was very similar.
I kept losing weight and increasing my volume until it was finally time to start my training block.

Training

The training block was an adapted Pete Pfitzinger half-marathon training plan. The key things I changed was I wanted to run 6 days a week, since I was used to this by now, so I split the easy days but kept everything else. Hill workouts I also modified because there's literally no hills nearby that I could walk or run to, and I knew if I had to drive I would eventually just not walk out of the house and skip them. In hindsight, I would've really benefited from hill workouts and will definitely do them in future blocks.
I also had to change a few of the saturday runs, making them shorter or sometimes cutting them altogether so I could go hike with friends. I didn't think it would be a problem since I would be hiking and on my feet for 4+ hrs.
Of course, I kept doing the exercises I had learned during my PT sessions and adding some other strength training routines I found on YouTube.
During training I used the ON Cloudmonsters for pretty much every run until around a month before goal race. I loved this shoe but I was afraid it would run out of juice before the race, and couldn't find my size anywhere in my country to replace them, so I did a lot of the remaining runs on the Brooks Adrenaline 22. On the 10k race in week 10 I used the Cloudmonsters and for some reason they were scratching against my heel and actually made me bleed. So I just assumed they were done (put over 700km on them), and the last week of the block gave a second chance to the ASICS Gel Nimbus 25, which I had tried before but got me blisters. This time the ASICS worked fine and decided I'd run the race in them.
My original goal for the race was 2:00:00 (6min/km pace), but apparently that was very conservative. 3 weeks before goal race I ran a half-marathon in my hometown and performed surprisingly well (1:58:58), so thanks to my friend who convinced me to run this as I was originally not going to. I was extremely happy with this result, but also very nervous, as I was scared I wouldn't be able to perform better than this on the actual goal race, making the training block a bit underwhelming. I had to reevaluate and update my goal, and decided from how I felt in this race that in a perfect day I could probably run at 5:25 pace (for a finish time of 1:54:15).
Next week I ran a 10k race, where I again surprised myself, hitting 49:14, my first sub-50min 10k! I didn't know what to expect, but I ran to effort and it went very well.
I would say overall the training block went as expected and worked great. I had a particularly hard week because of a big life changing event that happened to me, which had me extremely stressed and sleeping very little, but luckily I kept my resolve and did not skip any runs, even though they were absolutely awful.
This was my running volume during the block:

Week	Distance
1	62km (38.5mi)
2	65km (40.4mi)
3	64km (39.7mi)
4	64km (39.7mi)
5	70km (43.4mi)
6	77km (47.8mi)
7	73km (45.3mi)
8	81km (50mi)
9	73km (45.3mi, including 21k "training" race)
10	85km (52.8mi, including 10k race)
11	54km (33.5mi, + metal fest, 8+ hrs standing up for 2 days)
12	62km (38.5mi, including goal race)

Pre-race

I didn't know where to add this, I guess here is fine - I showed up to the race at the lowest weight of my adult life at 83kg (183lb), losing around 15kg in the last 6 months.
The night before I got everything ready for next morning. Checked the weather and realized it was looking to be pretty much perfect! I don't have problems with sleep the night before, and this whole week I got around 8hrs a night average (I tried for more but would just wake up naturally).
I had tried everything out in the race 3 weeks earlier, so I knew some small changes I needed to do. I brought 2 gels (21g of carbs each) and a 350ml flexible bottle with 40g of carbs mixed in (just maltodextrin and fructose). I carb loaded for around 3 days before, and had a PB&J sandwich for breakfast. Also on the way to the race I drank a 1L gatorade and ate around 50g of solid carbs. Honestly I'm not sure if these amounts are good but they had worked for me in training so I just went with it.
I walked around 25 mins to the closest open metro station and got in for a 15 min ride to the start line. This was pretty cool, the metro was open earlier than usual just for the event, so it was packed with runners.
I arrived around an hour before my start time, so got to see the marathon runners start. I haven't participated in a lot of races yet but this was the best execution and organization I've seen so far, not even close. It was over 30,000 people running (13,000 for the 10k, 12,000 for the half and 5,000 for the full) and it felt smoother than all my other races.
Used the toilet like 4 times and got a quick warm up done, then got in the corral.

Race

The race was "downhill" (small elevation loss) for the first 3km, flat for the next 2, uphill for the next 11, and then you lose all that elevation in the last 5km. I didn't have a super specific race plan, but I wanted to run fast on the downhill at the start, slow on the uphill and then use all the energy I had left on the last 5km downhill.
During the race at different points I started getting very emotional, just thinking about all the time I'd invested into running, and everything that has happened during this last year, but thankfully managed to keep it all inside.
KM 0-5 - I ran by feel on the downhill, which was a mistake. By the time I thought of looking at my watch I noticed my HR was extremely high for this early in the race (around 185, my max is 196 according to my watch), so I let go of the woman that had been running with me for the last 3km and slowed down to get my HR a bit lower before the uphill. I started sipping on my carb drink.
KM 6-10 - I kept running mostly by feel, but kept looking at my watch, and I was not happy when I just couldn't get my HR below 180, and kept worrying I would not be able to finish the uphill. The only thing that kept me going and going was thinking about the 5km downhill at the end of the race. Up until this point there was a very small amount of spectators, but the few were really appreciated. I kept sipping on my carb drink until it ran out. I drank gatorade in 2 stations.
KM 11-15 - Oh man, the uphill got a bit more steep, and my HR was not showing any improvements, obviously, but I kept forcing myself to think about that precious 5km downhill at the end. Crowds at this point started to pick up, there were points with A LOT of people, so I didn't skip a single high five and power up, anything to keep me from thinking about what I was doing to my body. I ate a gel at some point and drank water at the stations.
KM 16-21 - Holy shit the uphill was finally over. I thought it would never end. Even more crowds now, and all that was left was the downhill. Time to speed up! I was feeling good, reinvigorated by all of that, but failed to realize my body was pretty beat up after those 11 kilometers of hell. I was really, really struggling now, but somehow I kept going. My legs hurt, my ass hurt, my lower back hurt, breathing hurt. I honestly thought my legs could stop working at any point, since for the last 3km I had been trying very hard to push but my body would just not go any faster, and so many people were passing me.
Official chip time 1:53:50.
3556 out of 11437 runners.
633 out of 1449 runners in my category. I'm in the top 50%, yay!

Post-race

I was so happy it was over, but honestly it felt a bit underwhelming? I thought all the emotions would come up at the end, but instead they just came during the race. I don't know, maybe it was because I was struggling so much at the end, I didn't feel strong, even though I had just met all the goals I'd set.
I went to get my medal, eat my banana, drink my gatorade, grab my bag, and take a selfie. Then hopped on the crowded metro and went home, not really feeling much.
4 days later and writing all of this down, I can say I'm really happy with how everything turned out. I mean, when I started the training block my goal was running at 6:00 pace, and I ran at 5:21! That is a crazy jump and it honestly really motivates me to keep going. I don't know what the next challenge will be, but in the meantime I'll just keep base building.
I'm really surprised at my HR, it felt like this was exactly the highest I could sustain the 21k for, but I was actually scared about it being so high. Garmin stats if anyone is interested.

What's next?

As I said, not really sure what race I'll sign up for, but I would like to get faster before I attempt another half-marathon block, and after that, maybe try the marathon, but even writing about trying the marathon makes me nervous, lol.
I learned a lot, but the biggest takeaways were:

• Strength training is the single most important thing for my body to stay injury free.
  
• Sleeping well really does make running so much easier.
  
• During the race, drinking carbs works much better for me than gels. And for before the race, eating solid carbs (candy mostly) also works much better for me than gels. I've realized I don't really like gels, even though they don't really upset my stomach or anything, not sure what it is about them that make me not want to eat them.
  
• I need to do a much better assessment of current fitness before starting a training block. I think I was in a much better shape than I thought, and my goals were too conservative.
  
• This was the first event I didn't have any friends or family spectating (the people I told just couldn't make it, life happens) and I ran it alone, so it felt a bit lonely. I will definitely try to run the next one with a friend as I did on my previous half, it feels so much easier.
  

If you made it this far, thanks for reading and hope you crush your goals on your next race!
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