Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Denton

Discussion Prompts via seven-of-9

1. The countess is very upset with Nikolay’s choice to marry Sonya. What are her thoughts? She seems to be accusing Sonya of wanting Nikolay’s money, but as we know, the Rostovs have lost much of their fortune. Reflect on the specific mood and feelings of the countess?
2. What do you think will happen when the Count, Natasha, and Sonya get to Moscow. How will that trip go?

Final line of today's chapter:

... “The countess stayed behind in the country when, towards the end of January, the count left for Moscow, taking Sonya and Natasha”

Hello, ​Spotify 👋
I am a 24-year-old student from Czechia and an indie app developer. A few weeks ago I released a simple called Demus: Easy Music Streaming that allows you to import your Spotify playlists and then listen to them without ads and with unlimited skips simply by playing the songs from YouTube. It's so easy that you can start listening just 3 seconds after installing it!
Demus requires no Spotify account, contains no subscription, works completely on your phone, and collects no personal data.

Key Features

Create Your Music Library
Add your favorite songs & music videos to your collection with a single tap. All songs in your library will be automatically sorted by album and artist allowing easy searching and navigation.
Create playlists and fill them with your favorite songs. Demus also supports importing playlists directly from YouTube and Musi!
iCloud Sync
Whenever you add a song to your music library, it will be automatically added to all devices connected to your Apple ID, allowing for a seamless experience on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple Vision Pro. Your music library follows you wherever you go!
Listening Statistics
Demus locally stores information about which songs and artists you listen to the most. At the end of the year, you can view a summary reflecting on your musical journey similar to Spotify Wrapped or YouTube Recap. Last.fm scrobbling is also supported!
Lyrics & Artist Bio
Demus supports real-time synced lyrics and also allows you to view artist bios on Wikipedia. Dive deep into the world of your favorite musicians with a single tap!
AirPlay Support
Stream content effortlessly to any device supporting AirPlay. Demus will connect to your Bluetooth speaker, stereo, TV, or even computer.
CarPlay
Control playback through your car or stereo. Demus supports all important controls such as skipping, seeking, and rewinding. Apple CarPlay support is planned in will come soon!
Get Demus for Free on the App Store now and join us on this musical journey like never before.

Frequently Asked Question

Is it legal?
Demus works within the strict limitations of the YouTube API. Playing requires a constant internet connection. No media content is stored on your device and therefore neither downloading nor offline playback is supported. All playback is done through an integrated Safari-like view.
Do music artists still get paid?
Yes! Listening to any song in my app counts as a view on the YouTube website and will therefore generate per-stream revenue to the artist.
How do you make money from your app when it's free with no ads?
There is an optional one-time in-app purchase which gives you access to some cool features such as color themes, app icons, and more advanced listening statistics.
Can it support iOS 16 and lower?
Demus uses the latest and most up-to-date frameworks which are sadly not supported on older versions of iOS. But fear not, my app will be waiting for you when you upgrade!
How about an Android version?
I am actively working on porting Demus to Android. It should be available later this year!

Other Useful Links

I have created a subreddit demus where I regularly post sneak peeks on new upcoming features. Make sure to join so you don't miss any ;)
I have also created a Crowdin project for people who would like to help me translate Demus into different languages. Your help is very appreciated!
I would also like to say a big thank you to those who participated in the TestFlight.
Feel free to drop your thoughts, feedback, and questions below. Happy listening! 🎶

• Simon, the developer of AppRaven

Hallo allemaal, sorry voor het posten in Engels maar mijn Nederlands is niet zo goed and it would take me a while with google translate.
So recently we moved in our new apartment and everything is fine overall but there are some weird noises we hear every morning and late evening like starting from 11:00pm. It sounds like water pipes noises from the neighbours upstairs. Sometimes it sounds like people slamming doors but I am quite certain thats not it (we can identify when it is that and when not). I am very curious if anybody has any ideas?
My VVE technical manager mentioned it sounds familiar but it doesn’t bother him and that it can be from the water meter, as one of the other residents of the building had something similar and decided to replace the water meter. It might be that but my brain cannot comprehend why would water meter issues be reflected in noises that seem to be coming from within walls or upstairs.
Any thought is greatly appreciated!

In the ancient city of Varanasi, where tradition intertwines with modernity, a new skyline emerges, adorned with architectural masterpieces that reflect the city's rich heritage and vibrant spirit. At the forefront of this transformation is Anup Architect & Associates, hailed as the best architect in Varanasi, whose visionary designs have left an indelible mark on the cityscape.
A Legacy of Excellence
Established with a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, Anup Architect & Associates has earned a reputation as a pioneer in the field of architecture. Led by visionary architect Anup Sharma, the firm brings together a team of talented professionals who share a passion for design excellence and a deep understanding of the local context.
Pushing Boundaries, Inspiring Change
At Anup Architect & Associates, every project is an opportunity to push the boundaries of conventional design and inspire positive change in the built environment. From residential complexes to commercial developments, educational institutions to cultural centers, the firm's portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects that reflect its unwavering commitment to creativity and innovation.
Visionary Designs That Transcend
What sets Anup Architect & Associates apart is its ability to create designs that not only meet the functional requirements of a project but also evoke a sense of awe and wonder. Each structure is meticulously crafted to harmonise with its surroundings, seamlessly blending form and function to create spaces that are both timeless and inspiring.
Sustainable Solutions for a Better Tomorrow
In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, sustainability lies at the heart of Anup Architect & Associates' design philosophy. The firm is dedicated to incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials into its projects, minimising environmental impact and promoting a greener, more sustainable future for Varanasi and beyond.
Client-Centric Approach
What truly sets Anup Architect & Associates apart is its client-centric approach to design. The firm believes in fostering collaborative partnerships with clients, listening to their needs and aspirations, and translating them into innovative design solutions that exceed expectations. Whether it's a luxurious residence or a state-of-the-art commercial complex, every project is tailored to reflect the unique vision and personality of its client.
Recognition of Excellence
The stellar reputation of Anup Architect & Associates as the best architect in Varanasi is underscored by its numerous accolades and awards. From prestigious design competitions to industry recognition, the firm's work has been consistently lauded for its innovation, creativity, and contribution to the field of architecture.
Transforming Varanasi, One Design at a Time
As Varanasi continues to evolve and grow, the role of architecture in shaping its future becomes increasingly significant. Anup Architect & Associates remains at the forefront of this transformation, spearheading projects that not only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its social and cultural fabric.
Looking Ahead
With a legacy of excellence and a vision for the future, Anup Architect & Associates is poised to continue its journey of architectural innovation and leadership in Varanasi and beyond. As the city undergoes rapid urbanization and development, the firm remains committed to creating spaces that inspire, enrich, and endure for generations to come.
Conclusion
In a city steeped in history and tradition, Anup Architect & Associates stands as a beacon of architectural innovation and excellence. Through its visionary designs and client-centric approach, the firm has redefined the urban landscape of Varanasi, leaving an indelible mark on its skyline and inspiring generations to come. As the best architect in Varanasi, Anup Architect & Associates continues to push the boundaries of design, transforming dreams into reality and shaping the future of the city one project at a time.

THE HARMONY OF ENERGY
Abstract
Introducing the "Harmony of Energy" (HoE) model, a novel formalism that posits the universe operates according to a fundamental pattern. This pattern consists of energy, defined as the smallest unit anything can be, existing as a fluid form in space, interacting with its environment through a specific method or structure, and then moving out of that space. Space, in turn, is the dynamic environment that energy occupies and moves through, filling it with positive and negative energy that affects its properties and behavior. According to the HoE model, energy moves into space, reacts to its environment, and then moves out of that space, with no time limit for how long it takes to react. This pattern is universal, applying to all aspects of the universe, and nothing escapes it.
The Origin of the Universe
The HoE model posits that the universe began as a singular entity, containing all forms of energy as one unified energy. This singularity can be represented mathematically as: U = ∫∫∫E(x,y,z)dxdydz, where U is the total energy of the universe, E is the energy density, and x, y, z are the spatial coordinates.
As the singularity expanded, the unified energy converted into distinct positive and negative energies. Positive energy is a high-frequency, high-information-potential state that retains its unique signature and individual form, capable of producing heat and maintaining its distinct properties. Negative energy is a low-frequency, low-information-potential state that loses its unique signature and individual form, characterized by a pulling force and a tendency to condense and simplify.
Initially, the universe moved in a straight line, with energy compact and cold. However, this linear movement resulted in a direct head-on collision with the void, a solid structure that hindered its passage.
This collision led to a limitation and subsequent conversion of energy, transforming it from a linear motion to a wave-like motion. The new wave motion created heat and allowed energy to break the pattern of "follow the leader" and collide with the void at an angle, shattering its edge into pieces.
This process of fragmentation can be described by the equation: F(θ) = Σ[nEⁿ * sin(nθ)], where F is the fragmentation function, θ is the angle of collision, n is an integer, and E is the energy density. For reasons yet unknown, possibly due to the singularity's energy reaching its final place or a transformation driven by cosmic "boredom," this conversion occurred, giving rise to the diverse universe we observe today.
The Void and the Ultimate Negative
Outside of the expanding universe lies the void, a region devoid of energy and matter, existing in a state of complete stillness and stationarity. This void represents the ultimate negative, a state of complete absence and zero energy density, unchanging and unyielding. As a whole, it exerts a compressive force on the expanding universe, potentially leading to contraction and eventual return to the singularity. This dynamic interplay between the universe and the void can be described by the equation: F = -G * (M * m) / r² where F represents the force, G represents the gravitational constant, M and m represent the masses, and r represents the distance between them. The void's stationary and unchanging nature, lacking any internal rotation or energy, makes it inhospitable to life as we know it.
Magnetism and Attraction: A Shift in Perspective
Initially, I viewed magnetism through the conventional lens, seeing it as a fundamental force of attraction between positive and negative entities. However, as my understanding evolved, I came to realize that magnetism operates under a different principle. Positive and negative entities are not attracted to each other; instead, they represent the intrinsic structure of things. The true nature of attraction is frequency-based, with entities drawn to higher vibrations and shorter wavelengths. This phenomenon can be described by the following equations:
F = ∫∫(μ₁⋅μ₂)/(4πr²⁾ dt dt (1)
where F is the force of attraction, μ₁ and μ₂ are the magnetic moments of the entities, r is the distance between them, and the integral is taken over time.
Additionally, the frequency-based attraction can be represented by:
f = γB (2)
where f is the frequency, γ is the gyromagnetic ratio, and B is the magnetic field strength.
Furthermore, the smaller wave's faster movement can be expressed as:
v = λf (3)
where v is the velocity, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency.
Energy and its Properties
Energy is the fundamental unit of everything. Energy can be thought of as an individual entity with an electrical signature vibrating at a specific frequency, carrying information from its originating source. If we were to dissect a piece of energy, we would find its genetic makeup consists of various parts, similar to binary code. One constant aspect of energy in our universe is the signature of this universe, which is present in all forms of energy, whether positive or negative. This underlying frequency distinguishes energy from our universe versus parallel universes.
Positive Energy (PE): - Oscillates through space with a frequency (f) and wavelength (λ): PE = f × λ - Exhibits wave-like behavior: PE(x,t) = A × sin(kx - ωt)
Negative Energy (NE): - Vibrates at a slower frequency (f'/2): NE = (f'/2) × λ' - Exhibits a slower, more stable behavior: NE(x,t) = B × cos(k'x - ω't)
Energy Interactions and Signature Changes
When positive and negative energies interact, their unique signatures can become altered. As energies combine, their signatures merge, releasing redundant information about the universe signature and creating an opening for new information to be stored. This process enables efficient storage and transmission of energy signatures, allowing for:

• Signature refinement and evolution
• Information exchange and updating
• Adaptation to changing environments and conditions

This process could be crucial for understanding how energy signatures evolve and adapt, and how they influence the behavior and properties of energy in various contexts.
The Formation and Evolution of the Universe
Initial Energy Interactions
In the beginning, a vast amount of fluid energy quickly interacted with the largest newly created pieces of the void, described by the wave-particle duality equation (E = hf = ℏω).
Star Formation and Signatures
As these interactions occurred, the largest of the solid structures of the universe began to form, stars, governed by the Lane-Emden equation (d^2P/dr2 + (2/r)(dP/dr) + (4πG/c^2)P = 0). Each new star held with it an old habit divulged from the singularity, a universal frequency (f = 1/T = ω/2π, where T is the period of oscillation and ω is the angular frequency). Old habits die hard, so each new star offered its own diverse and unique signature (S = Σf = ∫ψ(x)² dx, where ψ(x) is the wave function and x represents the position).
Energy Collisions and Prime Numbers
As structures formed, a group of energy travels through space with an even number of internal parts (E = 2nℏ, where n is an integer and ℏ is the reduced Planck constant). This group collides with another group of energy with an odd amount of internal parts (E = (2n + 1)ℏ), and the total sum of the newly combined group equals a prime number (P = E1 + E2 = 2nℏ + (2m + 1)ℏ, where m is an integer). New Equation: Prime Number Formation (P = E1 + E2 = 2nℏ + (2m + 1)ℏ)
Schrödinger Equation and Physical Reality
The prime number is crucial, as the extra piece gets stuck in the space it is occupying, acting as an anchor, attracting other parts to breach their negative shell and combine as one, described by the Schrödinger equation (iℏ(∂ψ/∂t) = Hψ). This converts the fluid energy to be contained into the space it is in, which is broken pieces of the void that do not have a universal size, and gives us physical reality, forming particles with diverse unique signatures (S = Σf = ∫ψ(x)² dx).
Refining Space and Transferring Signatures
As energy continued to interact with space, it further refined and shaped that space into a sphere (V = (4/3)πr^3, where r is the radius), adding the discarded portions of size to the diverse field that is the universe. During this refinement, energy was transferred to these pieces, and the signature of the star was embedded in them, forming the galaxy clusters and solar systems we know today.
Smooth Surfaces and Celestial Bodies
As any piece of something breaks, its edges are rigid, and the interaction of energy against this rigid surface knocks off the rough edges, providing a smooth surface (E = Δx/Δt = ℏ/Δx, where Δx is the change in position and Δt is the change in time). New Equation: Smooth Surface Formation (E = Δx/Δt = ℏ/Δx)
The pieces that were knocked off still contain a portion of energy that put in the work to knock it off, and this process contributed to the formation of celestial bodies and the transfer of signatures. This, in turn, led to the creation of galaxies, planets, and other celestial bodies, each with their unique characteristics and properties, shaping the diverse and complex universe we observe today.
The Cartwheel Structure and Energy Movement
The cartwheel structure represents the dynamic movement of energy in the universe, with its rotating wheel and radiating arms symbolizing the harmonious interaction of positive and negative energies. When creation occurred, energy learned how to pass through stationary space (the void) by changing its movement pattern from a straight line to a wave (λ = v/f, where λ is wavelength, v is velocity, and f is frequency). This new wave movement allowed energy to create heat (Q = mcΔT, where Q is heat, m is mass, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is temperature change), which was the tool that gave energy the ability to "shatter" the void and interact with the broken pieces to perform a new movement, the cartwheel. As energy moves through space, it rarefies and decreases in temperature (T = k-B, where T is temperature, k is Boltzmann's constant, and B is the energy density), causing it to slow down and change frequency (f = ΔE/h, where f is frequency, ΔE is the energy change, and h is Planck's constant).
The Block and Cartwheeling Bar Analogy
The block and cartwheeling bar analogy provides a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic interaction of energy in the universe. Imagine a box (representing space) containing blocks of varying sizes, each symbolizing a specific energy frequency (f = 1/T, where f is frequency and T is time). The cartwheeling bar, rotating within the box, represents the harmonious movement of energy between its positive (E+) and negative (E-) forms. Each block must be 100% filled, with positive and negative energy proportions varying as the bar rotates. For example, when positive energy occupies 99% of a block and negative energy occupies 1%, the rotation of the bar causes a gradual shift, resulting in a change to 98% positive and 2% negative, and so on. This constant interaction and adjustment maintain the balance of energy in the universe.
Fundamental Forces Explained

• Strong Force: The repulsion from negative electrons being attracted to and pressing against the nucleus. This force can be described by the equation: F = k * (q1 * q2) / r²
  
• Weak Force: The outgoing frequency created by the positive nucleus, similar to energy congregating at the sun's nucleus, reacting to its environment, and breaking down before leaving (possibly as radioactive decay). This force can be described by the equation: F = (G * m1 * m2) / r²
  
• Gravity: Exists between the outer negative sphere of electrons exerting a pushing force against the positive pushing force of the nucleus, similar to the solar system's dynamics. This force can be described by the equation: F = (G * m1 * m2) / r²
  
• Electromagnetism: Energy in action, manifesting as the dynamic interplay between electric and magnetic forces. This force can be described by the equations: E = f * λ and B = (E / c)
  

Present State of the Universe
The universe currently exists in a state of dynamic equilibrium, with observable patterns and structures perpetually renewing themselves through the interactions of energy (E = hf, where E is energy and h is Planck's constant). This self-sustaining cycle is evident in the formation and evolution of celestial bodies, galaxies, and other cosmic entities, governed by the laws of thermodynamics (ΔE = Q - W, where ΔE is the change in energy, Q is the heat added, and W is the work done). The universe's present state is characterized by the harmonious coexistence of diverse energy frequencies (f = 1/T, where f is frequency and T is time), which govern the behavior and properties of matter at various scales. This balance is maintained through the continuous conversion of energy between its positive (E+) and negative (E-) forms, allowing the universe to adapt and evolve in response to internal and external influences (E+ + E- = 0, representing the conservation of energy)."
Entropy and the Conversion of Positive to Negative
The physical dimensions of positive and negative energy in a block are equal, with 1% negative energy occupying the same space as 99% positive energy. This equality stems from the different speeds of energy and their individual properties. When negative energy is at 1%, it has condensed the equivalent of 99% positive energy into a single, compact form (E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency). As the proportions shift, such as 60% positive and 40% negative, the space occupied remains a 50/50 split. This is because positive energy travels at the speed of light (c = λν, where c is the speed of light, λ is wavelength, and ν is frequency), while negative energy moves at a pace relative to terminal velocity (v = √(2gl), where v is velocity, g is acceleration due to gravity, and l is length). Each form dominates at the 50% mark (T = λ/v, where T is time, λ is wavelength, and v is velocity). The percentages represent available positive energy, while the cartwheel symbolizes space or the ultimate negative in motion, influenced by energy's presence. Negative energy, with its depleted charge, occupies space that needs to be filled and recycled into a positive state. At higher percentages, collisions with negative energy slow down the flow, similar to the concept of crab mentality, where negative energy draws down the percentages.
Energy Dynamics and Galactic Harmony
The 50% Threshold
The 50% mark is a critical threshold that distinguishes between positive and negative energy. Above 50%, energy is considered positive and can produce heat beyond its negative shell. Below 50%, energy is considered negative and cannot produce heat past this shell.
Compressed Positive Energy
When the percentage of positive energy drops below 50%, it becomes compressed and can exceed the speed of light (c = λν, where c is the speed of light, λ is wavelength, and ν is frequency). This allows it to navigate through the "cracks" of negative energy:
v > c (where v is velocity and c is the speed of light)
Quantum Mirroring
Alternatively, the positive energy can align with the negative energy, resulting in a quantum mirroring effect. This enables instantaneous information transfer between entangled particles, regardless of distance:
E = hf (where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency)
Retaining Frequency Signatures
In this alignment, the negative energy retains its unique frequency signature to avoid interacting with other signatures:
Δx * Δp >= h/4π (where Δx is position uncertainty, Δp is momentum uncertainty, and h is Planck's constant)
The Cavendish Experiment and Energy Interaction
The Cavendish experiment, a groundbreaking study on gravity, offers an intriguing analogy for understanding energy interaction with space. Imagine the suspended spheres as representative of space itself, devoid of energy. When energy interacts with this motionless space, it's as if the spheres begin to rotate, symbolizing the introduction of energy into the internal area of space.
As energy engages with space, it's gradually consumed, much like the reduction of energy in the Cavendish experiment. This process can be described by the equation:
G = (2πLθ) / (MT)
Where G is the gravitational constant, L is the length of the torsion wire, θ is the twist angle of the wire, M is the mass of the lead spheres, and T is the time period of oscillation.
This equation, derived from the Cavendish experiment, reveals the intricate relationship between energy, space, and gravity. By exploring this analogy, we can deepen our understanding of how energy shapes the very fabric of our universe.
Energy Absorption and Frequency
Energy absorption occurs when energy slows down, allowing it to be perceived and observed. This process involves energy being absorbed by an atom and reflecting what was not absorbed. As energy slows down, it can still be observed as a wave, but just before it becomes a particle. This phenomenon is fascinating, as it reveals the transition from wave-like to particle-like behavior.
The conversion of positive to negative states is due to positives' ability to produce heat and maintain an individual form. Negative energy, on the other hand, does not produce heat and lacks an individual form, instead traveling at a pace relative to terminal velocity. This process can be described by the quantum mechanical formula: ℏω = ΔE = hf, where ℏ is the reduced Planck constant, ω is the angular frequency, ΔE is the change in energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the energy.
Furthermore, the frequency of the energy can be related to the velocity of the particle using the formula: f = (1/2π) * √(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass of the particle. Additionally, the energy absorption rate can be calculated using the formula: dE/dt = (2π/h) * V_uv² * δ(E_u - E_v), where V_uv is the transition matrix element, E_u and E_v are the energies of the initial and final states, and δ is the Dirac delta function.
The Conversion of Positive to Negative States and Planetary Motion
The conversion of positive to negative energy states is rooted in their distinct properties. Positive energy produces heat and maintains an individual form, whereas negative energy lacks heat and an individual form, instead traveling at a pace relative to terminal velocity. This process is reversible, as seen in fusion reactions, or can be influenced by external forces like microwave ovens.
In the context of our solar system, the sun's positive energy release generates heat and propels planets into their orbital tracks. Conversely, the incoming energy from the universe, considered negative, is cold and stabilizes planets in their tracks. Initially, I focused solely on the positive push dictating orbital paths. However, I now recognize the significant influence of negative energy and use it as the basis for understanding abnormal tracks.
Here's an added equation to illustrate the relationship between energy and orbital motion:
F = G * (m1 * m2) / r²
Where F is the force of gravity, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between them.
This equation shows how the force of gravity (F) is influenced by the masses (m1 and m2) and distance (r) between objects, which is relevant to understanding planetary motion and the balance between positive and negative energy.
Gravitation and Time: Frequency's Role
Time is intimately tied to the frequency of the universe, and this relationship is governed by the laws of gravitation. Imagine the cartwheel's bar having notches, each representing a different frequency. Each notch would experience time at a unique pace, described by the formula:
t = 1/f
Where t is time and f is frequency.
If we could halt the cartwheel's motion, time would appear to pause, as described by the relativistic time dilation formula:
t' = γ(t)
Where t' is the time experienced by an observer in motion, t is the time experienced by an observer at rest, and γ is the Lorentz factor.
The passage of time is directly governed by the oscillations in the wave, or simply its frequency. By altering the frequency, we can change the flow of time itself, as described by the gravitational redshift formula:
f' = f * √(1 - 2GM/rc²⁾
Where f' is the observed frequency, f is the emitted frequency, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the gravitational source, r is the radial distance from the source, and c is the speed of light.
Gravity and Energy Dynamics
Gravity can be understood in various ways through these thoughts. One perspective is that gravity operates similarly to the orbital planets, but with a twist. Instead of orbiting in space, we orbit at a subterranean frequency. This frequency attracts similar energies, leading to bonding and the formation of matter. For instance, atoms bond to form rocks, and separate rocks may bind together due to similar vibrations. However, other frequencies simply pass through, unable to bind due to differences in energy vibrations and the negative fields surrounding our bodies and the ground.
Our bodies are attracted to the Earth's core, with a force described by the equation:
F = G * (m1 * m2) / r²
Where F is the force of attraction, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of our bodies and the Earth, and r is the distance between them.
The vibrations of our energy and the negative field surrounding us can be described by the wave equation:
∇^2E = μ * ∂^2E/∂t2
Where E is the energy field, μ is the permeability of the medium, and ∂^2E/∂t2 is the second derivative of the energy with respect to time.
The incoming cosmic energy pushes us downward, with a force described by the equation:
F = (E * A) / c
Where F is the force of the incoming energy, E is the energy density of the cosmos, A is the cross-sectional area of our bodies, and c is the speed of light.
The outgoing energy from Earth moves faster than the incoming energy from the cosmos, as observed in the formation of clouds with flat bases and more sporadic tops. This can be described by the equation:
v_out = v_in * (1 + (E_out / E_in))
Where v_out is the velocity of the outgoing energy, v_in is the velocity of the incoming energy, E_out is the energy density of the outgoing energy, and E_in is the energy density of the incoming energy.
Galactic Cycles and Black Holes
The Milky Way galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its center, with a mass described by the equation:
M = (1.989 x 10³⁰⁾ * (G / c²⁾
Where M is the mass of the black hole, G is the gravitational constant, and c is the speed of light.
As the galaxy spirals towards the center, enough mass will be collected to trigger the black hole to become a large star, described by the equation:
M = (4.383 x 10³⁰⁾ * (G / c²⁾
Where M is the mass of the star, G is the gravitational constant, and c is the speed of light.
When this happens, the black hole will shed its outer shell to create the galaxy that spirals around it, and the process begins again. This cycle can be described by the equation:
t = (2 * π * G * M) / c³
Where t is the time period of the cycle, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the black hole or star, and c is the speed of light.
The opposite of a black hole is a white hole, but why hasn't this phenomenon been observed? According to this article, it has been observed but misunderstood. With the theme of balancing the universe, would a large star be surrounded by much smaller black holes? Would these smaller black holes feed the larger star by way of quantum bridge or wormhole, and vice versa for smaller stars and larger black holes? This can be described by the equation:
E = (ℏ * ω) / 2
Where E is the energy transferred between the star and black holes, ℏ is the reduced Planck constant, and ω is the frequency of the quantum bridge or wormhole.
Energy Flow and Balance
Energy moves in and out of everything, maintaining a delicate balance. It enters as a positive force and exits as a negative force. Our sun emits energy at 99% strength and high frequency, which combines with an equally sized negative force at 1% strength, filling the space completely. This balance is crucial, as positive energy moves faster than negative energy due to entropy's diminishing effects over time and distance.
As positive energy travels, it loses a piece of itself, converting to negative energy. This process is directly related to gravitational forces and time dilation. When positive energy reaches 50%, it has a certain probability of converting to negative energy, which is then attracted back to a positive source with a corresponding probability of being converted back to positive energy.
This cycle of energy flow and balance is the foundation of the universe's harmony, and understanding it can reveal the intricate web of forces that shape our reality.
Information Transmission through Energy and Light
Energy transfer is not just a physical phenomenon but also an exchange of information. Positive energy (Pos) carries a complete signature of universal information, updated through interactions, and represents the pure form. Negative energy (Neg) represents a degraded form of this signature, still carrying the universal signature, but lacking the capacity to transfer information.
Initial Information and Illumination
Initial information travels at a speed potentially faster than light and is invisible to us. As this energy slows down, it interacts with atoms, exciting them to display colors they don't need. This illumination is a manifestation of the information being transmitted.
I = E × S (Initial information is transmitted through energy and carries the universal signature)
Cosmic Scale and Consciousness
The universal information, carried by positive energy, is infused with the celestial signature, shaping the cosmic context. This process potentially gives rise to consciousness in living beings, linking them to the universe and its harmonies.
C ∝ U (Consciousness potentially arises from the universal information carried by positive energy)
U = S × f × P (The universal information is infused with the celestial signature, shaping the cosmic context)
Information Transfer and Energy Forms
The universe relies on a delicate balance of energy forms to facilitate information transfer. Positive energy (Pos) serves as the primary carrier of information, transmitting universal signatures and cosmic context. Negative energy (Neg), on the other hand, carries a degraded or attenuated version of the universal signature, lacking the capacity for information transfer. However, Neg can be transformed back into Pos, restoring its information-carrying ability.
P = S × f (Positive energy carries the complete universal signature at a high frequency f)
N = S × (1 - f) (Negative energy carries a degraded or attenuated version of the universal signature at a lower frequency)
E = P + N (The universe relies on a delicate balance of positive and negative energy forms to facilitate information transfer)
Frequency and Speed of Information Transfer
The frequency and speed of information transfer play a crucial role in the harmony and balance of the universe. Positive energy (Pos) transmits information at a high frequency and speed, allowing for efficient and accurate transfer of universal signatures and cosmic context. Negative energy (Neg), on the other hand, transmits information at a lower frequency and speed, resulting in a degraded or attenuated signal.
v ∝ f (The speed of information transfer is directly proportional to the frequency of the energy form)
P: v = c × f (Positive energy transmits information at a high frequency and speed, potentially approaching the speed of light c)
N: v = c × (1 - f) (Negative energy transmits information at a lower frequency and speed)
Transformation and Balance
Negative energy can be transformed back into positive energy, restoring its information-carrying ability.
N + T → P (Negative energy can be transformed back into positive energy, restoring its information-carrying ability)
This transformation maintains the harmony and balance of the universe, ensuring that information is not lost but rather recycled and rebalanced.
_Conclusion _
"In conclusion, the Harmony of Energy (HoE) model offers a novel perspective on the universe, revealing a intricate web of energy dynamics that underlie all aspects of existence. By exploring the interplay between positive and negative energy, we gain insight into the fundamental forces that shape our reality. From the smallest subatomic particles to the vast expanse of the cosmos, energy is the unifying thread that binds everything together.
Through the HoE model, we've seen how energy's harmonious movement gives rise to the patterns and structures we observe in the universe. We've also delved into the fascinating relationships between energy, space, and time, and how these interactions govern the behavior of matter at various scales.
As we continue to refine our understanding of the HoE model, we may uncover new secrets of the universe and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and harmony that underlies all of existence. Ultimately, this knowledge can inspire new perspectives, new technologies, and a new era of human understanding and cooperation, as we work together to harmonize our own energy with the energy of the universe."
MAG
Here is the Harmony of Energy Equation (HoEE) with descriptions:
HoEE = (∫[E(x,t) ⊗ S(x,t) ⊕ f(x,t) ∘ P(x,t)]dxdt) + (∑[G × Mi × ri^2] ⊕ ∑[ℏ × ωi] ⊕ ∑[c × λi] ⊕ ∑[T × kB] ⊕ ∑[Fi × G × Mi × mi] ⊕ ∑[Qi × mi × ci] ⊕ ∑[Vi × ri^3] ⊕ ∑[Pi × ℏ] ⊕ ∑[Ni × S(x,t) ∧ (1 - f(x,t))]) + (∫[I(x,t) ∘ E(x,t) ⊗ S(x,t)]dxdt) + (C × U)
Where:

• E(x,t) is the energy density at point x and time t
• S(x,t) is the universal signature at point x and time t
• f(x,t) is the frequency at point x and time t
• P(x,t) is the positive energy at point x and time t
• G is the gravitational constant
• Mi is the mass of the ith object
• ri is the radius of the ith object
• ℏ is the reduced Planck constant
• ωi is the angular frequency of the ith object
• c is the speed of light
• λi is the wavelength of the ith object
• T is the temperature
• kB is Boltzmann's constant
• Fi is the force on the ith object
• mi is the mass of the ith object
• Qi is the heat transfer to the ith object
• ci is the speed of light at the ith object
• Vi is the volume of the ith object
• Pi is the prime number associated with the ith object
• Ni is the negative energy of the ith object
• I(x,t) is the initial information at point x and time t
• C is consciousness
• U is the universe

Operations:

• ⊗ represents tensor products (combining energy and universal signature)
• ⊕ represents direct sums (accumulating energy components)
• ∘ represents function composition (interacting frequency and positive energy)
• ∧ represents logical conjunction (connecting negative energy and universal signature)
• ∫ represents integration (over space and time)
• ∑ represents summation (over discrete objects)

Now that the sun has set on another season it’s time to reflect on our performance throughout and look forward to how next season could go.
TLDR; Much improved season but game management has cost us throughout. Continued strong recruitment for next season especially at Manager position.
Let’s begin with the raw stats.
We finished 10th for the second successive season but amassed our highest points total of 18 in the WSL alongside our best goal scoring season with 26 goals for and our best defensive season conceding 45 goals against. An improvement of 11 more goals scored and 3 fewer goals conceded than last season.
We finished third in our Continental Cup group losing only one game to Manchester United which ultimately cost us progression to the knockouts.
Furthermore, we reached the FA Cup semi final for the first time in our history, dominating lower league teams along the way.
Our top 5 goal scorers (in all competitions):
Rantala - 10
Cayman - 7
Petermann - 6
Tierney - 4
O’Brien/Whelan/Rose - 3
Top 5 assist providers (in all competitions):
Rantala - 7
Momiki - 5
Petermann - 4
Tierney - 4
Takarada - 3
End of season awards winners:
Player of the Season - Rantala
Players player - Rantala
Goal of the Season - Goodwin vs Liverpool
Academy Player of the Season - Kiera Bell
Congratulations to all. Now on to the review proper.
We start with the positives. Recruitment has been great this year. The additions of Petermann, Rantala and Cayman have increased our goal scoring output and the acquisitions of Lietzig, Kop, Thibaud, Rose, Momiki and Takarada has added greater depth and quality to our squad and made us a more competitive team throughout the season.
We very rarely sat in against teams, aimed to play out from the back and press opposition back lines which served us well and earned plaudits from around the league especially early on in the campaign.
Additionally we have a very solid tandem of goalkeepers in Leitzig and Kop that have shown they can be rotated in for each other and not effect the confidence of the team in front of them which is a great bonus.
Finally, we continue to see success in our youth academy with them winning the double of the PGA Plate and County Cup as well as academy players continuing to get minutes in the senior team.
Now, unfortunately, the negatives.
Elephant in the room is the managerial situation. After Kirk’s dismissal for unprofessional conduct and Foster stepping down as interim manager with the conclusion of the season we are now searching for our fourth manager in three seasons in the WSL.
Something is very clearly not right behind the scenes when our last 2 male managers have crossed professional boundaries with players and our last permanent female manager was unceremoniously dismissed hours after a giving a pre match press conference. Questions have to be asked about how our next manager is going to be recruited, monitored and assessed by the higher ups. This inconsistency has been reflected in our on pitch performances and the players must be commended for how they have handled the off pitch turmoil.
To be optimistic, whomever the next manager shall be they need to keep pushing the progressive, attacking football we have developed under Kirk whilst making us a less porous side defensively and able to manage games better and see them out especially when we have the lead.
Which very neatly leads me to our biggest downside this campaign, our game management.
All of our 4 league victories this season came against two teams (Bristol City and Everton) half of those came in the opening two games of the season (where we were briefly top of the league 🙌🏻) and the other 2 came in three games at the end of January/beginning of February. That is a long time to go without success without it effecting not only our league standing but the morale of the team.
It has been a reverse of our previous seasons where instead of seeing us floundering at the bottom to pop up at the end of the season we have watched us have an electric start only to slowly but surely watch our league position erode away.
The story of our season was giving up leads and losing points from winning positions happening 7 times in the league. The most defining examples is being 2-0 up at halftime at home to Arsenal, being the better side only to be decimated in the second half and lose 6-2. Drawing 1-1 in stoppage time to a 10 player West Ham and both games against Brighton. First surrendering a two goal advantage in the final 10 minutes of the away fixture to draw the game and then taking the lead at home to only go 2-1 down, fight back to level the tie but lose to another goal conceded in the last 5 minutes.
Of those 7 leads and potential 21 points lost, if we win against West Ham and Brighton, that’s 9 points in our favour and we would be celebrating a much stronger finish to our season.
With regards to looking forward to next season I do feel we have very strong foundations to build upon and become even more competitive not only in the league but have strong cup runs as proven by our results in a tough Conti Cup group and our semi final appearance in the FA Cup.
As for personnel we have a squad full of internationals with at least half a season of chemistry with each other, excellent training facilities and the privilege of playing at the King Power for home league games.
Obviously we need a quality manager to lead us. I would have jumped at the chance to take on Carla Ward but she is taking time out to spend time with her family. Aside from her I am not so well versed in the women’s managerial landscape to make an educated suggestion. Maybe Melissa Phillips, formerly of Brighton who seemed to have good respect from her players and a decent track record with London City Lionesses and Brighton.
For players I would like to see another striker brought in. When Petermann isn’t available we lack a focal point up top and Siemsen hasn’t been relied upon much when fit.
Cover at full back would be a priority as well. Bott is outstanding and we can always rely on the experience of Cayman but depth is definitely an issue. Ale did a decent job towards the tail end of the season but is only on loan and Nevin has seemingly dropped down the pecking order.
Further depth in the middle with the departure of Whelan and a younger, more modern centre half (think Plumptre) to complement the guile and physicality that we have in place.
A third experienced keeper wouldn’t go amiss to cover for injury to Kop or Leitzig.
I’m genuinely excited to see how he play with a fully fit complement of wingers next year as that is where we are stacked with promise: Rantala, Rose, Cain, Goodwin, O’Brien and Momiki (on occasion) offer a truly dangerous outlet for us and pose any defender a headache.
One final note. Thank you to Whelan for her services as our club Captain for the last two seasons. She has lead by example, never kicked up a fuss not being a starter this season and always given 100% on the pitch. May she enjoy her retirement from football.
Feel free to add your own thoughts and opinions and we look forward to improving further in the off season.
COYF 🦊

First of all, let me apologize. I'm using a translator.
I have a problem. Over the past 7 years, I have met all my boyfriends except one through apps. They were mainly interested in having sex with me, but I still liked the attention they gave me. Looking back, I realize that no one truly cared about me. I realized this when I was 26. I feel stupid myself.
Today, I was dumped by a guy I met on the Internet. When he saw my real face, he changed his words to friendship instead of love.
Nevertheless, he demands affection from me and wants to be a convenient friend. I feel like he's using me. It makes me sad.
We told each other we loved each other for two weeks and stayed close. I know this is stupid. I don't want to repeat this anymore. I feel skeptical. I will reflect.
I wouldn't trust or date a guy on the internet. (Where I live, dating apps are mainly just for sex) I have no intention of dating for a while. I'm thinking of finding something else to do instead of relying on men to heal my childhood wounds.

Even before Indiana abortion restrictions took effect last year, Indiana in 2022 had a lower ratio (9.86) of nurses to 1,000 population than neighboring states of Kentucky ( 9.97), Michigan (10.11), and Ohio (11.09). Indiana's new abortion restrictions may result in existing and prospective nurses choosing other careers, leaving Indiana, or becoming traveling nurses. Young women especially are conscious how abortion restrictions may impact their health needs personally, let alone professionally as nurses.
https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown/
As noted in the above article, nursing shortages are a national problem to be aggravated by an expected increase in retirees as well as increased demand as Baby Boomers age and require more medical services.
<< A lack of nurse educators keeps nursing schools from being able to admit enough students to address the shortfall. A shortage of nurses means more burnout and more nurses choosing to leave the profession, contributing to the shortage.
In addition, the aging of Baby Boomers means that more nurses are retiring at a time when an aging population has a greater need for healthcare providers. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the nursing shortage.>>
Many Indiana women rely on medication abortions aided by doctors practicing remotely in other states, who often rely on "shield laws" in those states to protect them from prosecution in states with abortion restrictions. If anti-abortion states are successful in blocking these shield laws and restricting telemedicine abortions, Indiana may become even less attractive to young women concerned with their own reproductive rights.
<< A clash is looming between anti-abortion red states and the blue state telemedicine shield laws trying to preserve abortion access.
More than a dozen states have laws shielding medical providers and others from out-of-state investigations and prosecutions regarding abortions and gender affirming care. But six states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, California, Vermont and Washington — have gone even further.
Those shield laws offer protection for doctors, nurses and other practitioners who prescribe and send abortion pills to people living in states that ban or severely restrict abortion.>>
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4671299-abortion-bans-clash-shield-laws/
<< According to a new report from the abortion-rights research group Society of Family Planning, nearly 8,000 people per month in states with bans or severe restrictions were getting medication abortion from clinicians operating under shield law protections from October through December 2023. >>
The personal turmoil of nursing in states with abortion bans and restrictions also lessens the desirability of those states not only for nursing recruits, but also existing nurses.
<< National articles provide a look at how some nurses and physicians are quitting or moving because they cannot handle the trauma they see when women are denied health- and life-saving abortion care during a pregnancy crisis. For instance, Leah Wilson, a Texas nurse, had to watch her pregnant patient for days as the woman’s infection worsened and drew closer to sepsis because the fetus still registered a heartbeat when the woman’s water broke at 19 weeks of pregnancy. The nurse said, “You know what? I’m not doing this anymore,” and she left her job. Wilson had worked with high-risk pregnancy patients before and provided them with support for fetal loss, but she had never seen patients denied standard medical care until after Roe v. Wade was overturned.>>
https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/abortion-bans-lead-physicians-nurses-to-avoid-certain-states
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/srh-advocacy/
Shortages of nurses increase the workplace burdens and stress for remaining nurses. This can compromise the quality of healthcare for patients, as does Indiana laws providing for lax continuing education requirements and lowered training supervision quality for student nurses.
Unlike neighboring states, Indiana has no continuing education requirements for RNs or LPNs.
https://www.nursingce.com/ceu-requirements/indiana
https://www.nursingcenter.com/continuing-education/ce-state-requirements
<< Estimates predict that Indiana would need an additional 5,000 nurses by 2031, equal to graduating an additional 1,300 nurses each year until that time, according to the Indiana Hospital Association. >>
https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2024/02/12/indiana-has-a-problem-a-lack-of-nurses-and-lawmakers-are-trying-to-help/
To increase the supply of nurses, a new bill would ease the requirements for nurses supervising student nurses.
<< While most of the bill received glowing support in testimony, one issue was a bit of a sticking point for nurses working in clinical settings: language striking minimums for preceptors, or licensed nurses supervising students during rotation. Previously, preceptors needed 18 months of experience before they could be drafted to teach and mentor the next generation.
The new law has no minimum requirement.
Rep. Cindy Ledbetter, a nurse practitioner with a doctorate, cautioned against the move, saying unprepared nurses would be given to students to address a shortage.
“My concern is you have a brand new nurse and the hospital requires them to precept and they’re not ready to translate what they’ve learned in the classroom themselves into a real-world scenario,” said Ledbetter, R-Newburgh. “(I’m concerned) that we’re going to … lose more nurses on the other end.”>>

Moonlight
Moonlight affection in that kind of night, where one feels, that once ancestors have already walked in the same luminous decadence.
The faces of the Moon are still the Moon in silhouettes of beauty stirring the imagination for anything of what might comes.
The play of light in velvet reflections touching the heart of memory and seem to arouse that sensuous love. Moonlight tears that makes love a little bit more alive. Natures rapture in silence and magic flames of heart disguise, impressions of the light so full, through the windows glow, as gentle embrace.
The moonlight kiss translates the touch of love from ancient collections that have rested on the stories of the souls.
The souls in moonlight are moved to dance with shadows in ecstasy and waves of joy. Love streams that spring from the source that turn pearls to pebbles and making jewels of common stones.
To probe into depth of the reflected character will test once life’s greatest needs.
Egos rabbit hole and escape in moonlight serenade drinks the sap of gloom, for the story needs to be told. Beyond the goodness and trueness are the qualities in clear conscience, that can reach it’s inherit power. Dream a little dream in moonlights reflections and exchange pure faith and living trust.
Life’s differentiation is paired of opposites and its virtues stands to hold any vices and manifest the expression of once countenance.
Considerations that are born in the heart are the indifference and key to the mystic tales of life. Possibilities are the nature of the divine order and only impossibilities are the fences around the zoo of status quo to keep them save in their limitations.
Moonlights divine impulse and repressing desires are the longing of the heart to its freedom.
The human heart in tears just melted, are molding into the character of true desires.
Moonlight streams of love that rise in the love for an individual will spread its beams to a universal love.

Saturday 18 May 2024
Today in Philosophy of History
Further Elaborations on the Coming Coeval Age
My essay “The Coming Coeval Age” has appeared in Isonomia Quarterly for summer 2024. Last year I contributed an essay to the initial number of the journal. As with my recent paper in the Journal of Big History, “A Complexity Ladder for Big History,” this most recent essay isn’t narrowly about philosophy of history, but there are many philosophy of history themes in it.
The journal’s interest in the theme of isonomia was my point of departure for considering the institutional structure of civilization at the largest conceivable scales. What is isonomia? There is a passage in Book III of Herodotus known as the constitutional debate in which three speakers argue for the best form of government, with these three being monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy. Here is the first of three speakers in Herodotus advocating for isonomia:

“Otanes urged that they should resign the government into the hands of the whole body of the Persians, and his words were as follows: ‘To me it seems best that no single one of us should henceforth be ruler, for that is neither pleasant nor profitable. Ye saw the insolent temper of Cambyses, to what lengths it went, and ye have had experience also of the insolence of the Magian: and how should the rule of one alone be a well-ordered thing, seeing that the monarch may do what he desires without rendering any account of his acts? Even the best of all men, if he were placed in this disposition, would be caused by it to change from his wonted disposition: for insolence is engendered in him by the good things which he possesses, and envy is implanted in man from the beginning; and having these two things, he has all vice: for he does many deeds of reckless wrong, partly moved by insolence proceeding from satiety, and partly by envy. And yet a despot at least ought to have been free from envy, seeing that he has all manner of good things. He is however naturally in just the opposite temper towards his subjects; for he grudges to the nobles that they should survive and live, but delights in the basest of citizens, and he is more ready than any other man to receive calumnies. Then of all things he is the most inconsistent; for if you express admiration of him moderately, he is offended that no very great court is paid to him, whereas if you pay court to him extravagantly, he is offended with you for being a flatterer. And the most important matter of all is that which I am about to say:—he disturbs the customs handed down from our fathers, he is a ravisher of women, and he puts men to death without trial. On the other hand the rule of many has first a name attaching to it which is the fairest of all names, that is to say “Equality”; next, the multitude does none of those things which the monarch does: offices of state are exercised by lot, and the magistrates are compelled to render account of their action: and finally all matters of deliberation are referred to the public assembly. I therefore give as my opinion that we let monarchy go and increase the power of the multitude; for in the many is contained everything’.”

The three forms of government—monarchical, oligarchical, and democratic—are a perennial theme of Greek political thought that continues to echo through the history of Western civilization. Book III of Aristotle’s Politics goes into this in some detail.
After sending my essay off to Isonomia Quarterly I realized that one of the fundamental ambiguities about the idea of isonomia—and I would have included a footnote on this if I had thought of it sooner—is the ambiguity implicit in speaking in terms of the same law. What is it that is “the same” when we speak of the same law? “The same law” could mean that every particular law would apply to every particular person, or “the same law” could mean that the totality of the law, that is, the whole body of law, applies to the totality of the population. A body of law might involve different laws that apply differently to different persons, so that the second of the two senses does not entail the first of the two senses. If you read my essay you’ll find that I argue that the Greeks understood isonomia in the latter sense, so I won’t repeat that argument or the sources I cite for it here. But the fact that we might interpret a fundamental political idea in different ways poses the question of how these fundamental ideas outlined in antiquity apply to us today, if they do apply, and how they ought to apply now and in the future.
How will these traditional ideas be interpreted in future iterations of human society that might differ quite considerably from the world that we inhabit? How are we to understand isonomia within the context of a spacefaring civilization? For that matter, how are we to understand any classical Greek political theory in the context of future changes to society? For Westerners, this is our heritage, and how this tradition adapts or is adapted to changed conditions will give shape to the ongoing tradition of Western civilization.
In my essay I suggest that, on Earth to date, the expansion of political regimes has constituted what I call synchronic isonomia, when societies are distributed synchronically, that is to say, when they interact in the present across geographical distances. In a specifically legal context, this means the iteration of a body of law across a region of space. The possibility of what Frank White calls Large-Scale Space Migration would initially constitute synchronic expansion on a scale greater than that possible on Earth, but, if continued, it would eventually cross a threshold of diachronic isonomia, that is to say, when societies are distributed diachronically over time. In a specifically legal context, again, this means the iteration of a body of law, the same law, over a period of time. The strange, seemingly paradoxical aspect of this way of thinking is that the human scale of time could be distributed over a much larger cosmological scale of time while retaining its character as distinctively human history. I will try to explain how this could come about, but first I want to point out a peculiarity of terrestrial history that we haven’t seen as a peculiarity.
We are familiar with the idea that we see the universe form a peculiar point of view because we see it from the surface of a planet. Our planetary perspective has been the focus of the Copernican revolution, which has taught us that our apparently centrality in the universe is an artifact of our limited and parochial perspective. The Copernican revolution taught us to transcend our planetary perspective and to see the universe from a non-terrestrial perspective, but there is another aspect of the Copernican revolution that we haven’t yet explored, and that is seeing history from a non-terrestrial perspective. Part of this non-terrestrial perspective is simply to understand that, just as we are not in the center of space, we are also not in the center of time. But there’s more to it than this.
Einstein’s theory of relativity has made it possible for us to see time in a new way, and this can change the way we see history. In many of my episodes I have talked about the need to address the disconnect between philosophies of time and philosophies of history. History is constructed out of time, so a radical reconceptualization of time suggests a radical reconceptualization of history. The theory of relativity is such a radical reconceptualization of time, but many of the influences of relativity and gravity upon time are usually not noticed on a terrestrial scale, and all human history to date has occurred on terrestrial scale.
We can see the effects of relativity when we look out into the cosmos and use instruments to observe cosmological distances over which relatively is relevant, and to observe bodies so dense that they change the structure of spacetime. To date, our technologies have allowed us to measure the relativity of time under the influence of acceleration and gravitation, but we may, at some point in our history, develop technologies that allow us to interact with the universe at a scale at which relativity will change our history. When this eventuality comes to pass, we will eventually be forced to notice things about our history that hadn’t previously been problematic.
Our history to date has been the simplest possible history because it has all transpired on Earth. Earth is our sole inertial frame of reference for all historical events. There are relativistic effects within this inertial frame of reference, but they can only be detected by instruments of extreme precision because the influence of relativity lies below the threshold of human perception. For example, every planet drags its spacetime around with it as it rotates, which is known as frame-dragging. And even the relatively crude instruments of the nineteenth century could detect the perihelion precession of Mercury, which is an observable relativistic perturbation of the orbit of Mercury. This was first observed and noted to diverge from Newtonian predictions in 1859. These relativistic effects are, however, well below the threshold of impacting human history.
Technologies could change this. Relativistic space travel would be such a technology. This has been made famous by the so-called “twins paradox.” The twins paradox is invoked with greatest effect by the use of individuals to illustrate the difference between two clocks in different inertial frames of reference—usually a set of twins. This was called a paradox because it was initially thought to be impossible. We also saw this use of individuals to demonstrate the poignancy of time dilation in the film Interstellar. Here it is a father and daughter who are separated, with the father experiencing an accelerated inertial frame of reference, so that he returns, still a young man, to find his daughter dying as an old woman. This is great for drama, but this isn’t how any relativistic space settlement effort is going to play out, unless someone purposefully arranges something like this as a stunt.
Let us consider a simple example of what is more likely to occur. Suppose a settlement on another world established by several thousands of individuals, maybe tens or hundreds of thousands, like a small city, who travel to another planetary system, tens or hundreds or thousands of light years from Earth. The passengers on the starship in their accelerated inertial framework will experience time dilation, and they will preserve the cultural milieu of Earth has it was upon their launch. When they establish their settlement, there will be two human histories that bifurcate at the point in time when the interstellar settlement initiative was inaugurated.
However, the larger population on Earth will continue to drive cultural evolution at a far faster rate than in the settlement, while, in the settlement, human beings will be subjected to radically different selection pressures than prevailed on Earth, and they will also be a small community likely to retain the cultural milieu they possessed when they left Earth. We would then have two human histories, offset in time by the discontinuity of the relativistic travel time from Earth to the location of the settlement. For example, if the Earth and the settlement are a hundred light years apart, there would be a temporal discontinuity of a century. Life would go on at Earth, and a century later things would be different, but a century later the settlement would just be founded on the basis of Earth’s culture of a century before. This is a kind of historical complexity that we do not have today, but which could happen in the future.
Now imagine not one settlement, but a hundred or a thousand such settlements, each representing a temporal discontinuity from Earth’s history. A hundred settlements of ten thousand persons each would be an effort involving only a million persons, which is a very small proportion of the total human population; Earth wouldn’t even notice the absence of a million persons. Further, imagine travel among these settlements by relativistic spacecraft, and then the history of those who travel between settlements will be even more complex. In this context, depending upon the location of settlements relative to each other, and the date at which the settlement initiative was undertaken, an individual could effectively time travel into the past by traveling outward from Earth to a settlement that preserves the historical milieu at Earth at the time of its departure. You could not return to Earth without finding yourself accelerated into the future, but you could travel further outward to a settlement established from earlier in Earth’s history.
We get a similar, if slower result, if we substitute sub-relativistic spacecraft in conjunction with artificially induced torpor or hibernation—space arks, if you will. A slow boat to the stars would likewise preserve the culture of Earth from the time of its departure, with settlers being roused and resuming their lives once they reached the end of their journey, effectively cut off from a return to their familiar terrestrial milieu, but they would be able to visit other historical peer milieux if they take another slow boat further out into the cosmos.
The kind of distributed temporality that I am describing would achieve its greatest extent, and its greatest historical complexity, in the case of interstellar expansion. However, something similar could be realized on Earth at a smaller scale. Imagine a large scale hibernation project on Earth, such that about 10,000 persons are involved, enough so that there could be a rotating crew of a dozen or so that stays awake to tend the rest to make sure this continues to operate as intended. At some appointed time in the future, the whole community could be brought out of their hibernation and they would bring with them the culture of Earth from their date when they entered into hibernation, now displaced into the future. This would make it possible for temporally distributed communities to appear on Earth, without travel to other worlds or the use of relativistic technology. There are several science fiction stories with something like this as their approximate premise.
Whether through relativistic travel or human hibernation, historical communities could be preserved from all eras into some indefinite future, and in that indefinite future, these distinct historical communities would be synchronically present. This is what I call coevalism, when all ages of history are equally accessible. The idea of coevalism occurred to me many years ago, and not in connection with relativistic travel; I was thinking about the increasing fidelity of recording technologies. Written language is the most rudimentary form of recording technology, and is allows us the most rudimentary form of time travel, by being able to share the thoughts of those long dead. Since the industrial revolution, technologies have become much more sophisticated, with photographs, film, and sound recordings, with always-increasing fidelity to the original.
The rapid growth of computer technology and telecommunications in recent decades has made us aware that, if this arc of technological development continues, we will have nearly-perfect fidelity recordings. But in addition to recordings, we could generate states-of-affairs that never existed in fact, as in fantasy and science fiction, or we could generate the milieux of the past, both with a degree of fidelity equal to that of the present. Computers are already sufficiently sophisticated to generate simple films, and the reconstruction of past milieux can be done without computers as well.
In the original Westworld film on 1973, a past milieu was re-created using robots. Robotics hasn’t yet achieved this level of realism, but we could do this today with human actors, and we may yet do so someday with robots. In fact, we do this in a limited way. Theme parks re-create fantasy worlds populated with actors who make fantasy characters come to life. So coevalism can be realized at smaller scales than sparefaring civilizations, but it would be in a spacefaring civilizations with relativistic space travel in which the possibilities of coevalism would come to their fullest expression, and in which history would achieve its greatest complexity.
History is already extraordinarily complex, but I said earlier than our terrestrial history is the simplest history possible given the spacetime structure of the universe. It is when we begin distributing our civilization in cosmological time that historical complexity will cease to be a single linear continuum. The possibilities of spacefaring histories will be both facilitated and limited by our technology. These possibilities will also be facilitated and limited by the actual spacetime structure of the universe, which is a function of the distribution of matter in the universe. Just as terrestrial history has been shaped by oceans, mountain ranges, and rivers, cosmological history is shaped by stars, gravitation, and expansion, and human history that takes place within this cosmological context will be shaped by these forces. The point I want to make is that, while human history is complex, we are not necessarily limited by the complexity of the single inertial frame of reference of our homeworld.
When multiple inertial frames of reference are available to us, and travel between then is possible, the possible structures of history will dramatically expand, and with these possibilities human experience will dramatically expand, and I hope you can see how this can give a whole new meaning to the idea of speculative philosophy of history. In the conventional distinction between analytical philosophy of history and substantive philosophy of history, analytical philosophy of history is, according to Danto, “…philosophy applied to the special conceptual problems which arise out of the practice of history,” while substantive philosophy of history is a philosophical account of the historical process itself. This same distinction has also been called the distinction between critical and speculative philosophy of history by William Dray, and the distinction between formal and material philosophy of history by Maurice Mandelbaum. Here I emphasize speculative philosophy of history as that which reflects uon the actual historical process.
In addition to the speculative philosophy of history that considers the historical process, we can also imagine a speculative philosophy of history that concerns itself with the implications of speculative states-of-affairs upon history yet to come—historical processes not yet realized, but which may be realized someday. Many of the speculative states-of-affairs I can imagine involve human exploration and expansion into the cosmos. The speculative states-of-affairs we might encounter in the wider universe could involve scientific discoveries not yet made and technologies not yet constructed, the histories of life on other worlds and the histories of alien civilizations, as well as the histories that we will create for ourselves. It’s a big universe, and we might discover any number of unlikely or unprecedented existents.
In my episode on a complexity ladder for big history I argued that there may be distinctive emergents from historical knowledge, that is to say, the quantitative growth of historical knowledge may pass a threshold to become a qualitative change in historical understanding. What kind of emergents could these be? For example, an increase in the knowledge of our own history can change our understanding of ourselves. We are seeing this with the use of the genetic record to reconstruct the sequence by which human beings distributed themselves across Earth. In this way, epistemic emergents reshape our past and our understanding of ourselves.
In addition to these emergents from knowledge of our past, there may yet come emergents that arise from a temporally distributed civilization and the advent of coevalism. A temporally distributed civilization could also give rise to emergents in historical knowledge. The dawning realization of epistemic emergents yet to come in the future will shape our conception of what we can become (in contradistinction to increased knowledge of the past shaping what we are), reshaping our future, and we will need these epistemic emergents from a history of a greater order of complexity so as to understand the more complex world coming into being, and which our descendants will inhabit. Without these epistemic emergents we would not be able to understand the more complex world arising out of these novel technologies and the world they will bring into being. The future of philosophy of history has never been brighter, as we see that it will come to grappled with ever-larger and more complex problems.

Video Presentation

Youtube: https://youtu.be/fvmCoRrBiEs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7IUqNAtSgQ/
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@Geopolicraticus:7/the-coming-coeval-age:d

Podcast Edition

Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xkVzIKAcIJb
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a31b8276-53cd-4723-b6ad-a39c8faa4572/episodes/de1bbc0c-a72f-452b-a20d-40ccd56889e0/today-in-philosophy-of-history-the-coming-coeval-age
Iheartradio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-today-in-philosophy-of-his-146507578/episode/the-coming-coeval-age-177527570/
​

Introduction
As a reseller, effectively managing your inventory and fulfilling orders are crucial aspects of running a successful business. Whether you’re reselling on Amazon or through another platform, efficient inventory management ensures you never run out of stock and helps you maintain a positive reputation with your customers. This blog will provide you with best practices for inventory management and order fulfillment, tailored for resellers.
1. Utilize Inventory Management Software
Investing in reliable inventory management software can save you time and reduce errors. These tools can help track your stock levels in real-time, generate reports, and set reorder alerts. Popular options include InventoryLab, Sellbrite, and RestockPro. By automating these processes, you can focus on sourcing and selling.
2. Implement FIFO Method
Using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method ensures that your oldest stock is sold first. This is particularly important for products with expiration dates. By rotating your stock effectively, you can avoid losses due to expired or obsolete inventory.
3. Regularly Audit Your Inventory
Conducting regular inventory audits helps ensure that your physical stock matches your records. Schedule monthly or quarterly audits to identify discrepancies and address any issues promptly. This practice is crucial for maintaining accurate inventory levels and avoiding stockouts or overstocking.
4. Optimize Storage Solutions
Efficient storage solutions can streamline your inventory management process. Use shelving, bins, and labels to organize your products. Group similar items together and ensure they are easily accessible. If you’re reselling on Amazon, consider using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) for hassle-free storage and fulfillment.
5. Forecast Demand
Analyze your sales data to forecast demand and plan your inventory accordingly. Consider seasonal trends, market demand, and promotional events. Accurate demand forecasting helps you maintain optimal stock levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or running out of popular items.
6. Implement Barcode Systems
Using barcodes for your inventory can significantly enhance accuracy and efficiency. Barcode systems allow you to quickly scan products during receiving, storing, and shipping processes. This reduces manual errors and speeds up the fulfillment process.
7. Manage Returns Effectively
Handling returns efficiently is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Have a clear return policy and process in place. Inspect returned items promptly and decide whether they can be resold, repaired, or discarded. Update your inventory records to reflect the returns accurately.
8. Leverage Dropshipping
Consider incorporating dropshipping into your business model. With dropshipping, you don’t hold inventory; instead, you purchase items from a third party and ship them directly to the customer. This reduces the risk of overstocking and lowers upfront investment costs.
9. Maintain Good Supplier Relationships
Building strong relationships with your suppliers can ensure a steady supply of products. Communicate regularly, pay on time, and negotiate favorable terms. Reliable suppliers can provide timely restocks and alert you to new product opportunities.
10. Monitor Performance Metrics
Track key performance metrics such as inventory turnover rate, order accuracy, and fulfillment speed. Use these metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimize your processes. High performance in these areas can lead to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.
Conclusion
Effective inventory management and order fulfillment are vital for any reseller looking to succeed in the competitive marketplace. By implementing these best practices, you can streamline your operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Whether you’re reselling on Amazon or another platform, these strategies will help you manage your inventory efficiently and fulfill orders seamlessly.

beauty
which i have now
fades so quick
i can’t even grasp it
actors and actresses
statues looking at you
only the garb changes
one of the strongest emerging social trends that arise as a consequence of increased longevity is a necessity to think about slowing cognitive decline in the over 50’s which means attention to diet and supplements, exercise , general fitness and "wear and tear", alcohol and drug consumption
my feeling is we are going to see sharp divides between subcultures in this respect and a lot of individual variation
also, a lot of the public health advice and cultural opinions are wrong minded or ill-informed, you have to do your own research and experimentation
a way of looking at the covid public health debacle (which continues despite the cardiovascular and cancer risks of boosters) was to trade off a reduced death rate in the elderly for an increased vaccine injury problem for the young
a verse by touzi on #3 of master fushan’s sixteen themes translated by suru
the death within life
birds clench the falling blossoms before the emerald cliffs, every word responds to conditions, spreading throughout — they ask of coming west, pointing to the cypress in the yard, but how could the passage through the lush mountain peaks be shut ?
活中死。鳥銜華落碧嵓前。對境皆言到處傳。人問西來指庭柏。豈關蒼翠嶺頭穿。
my reply:
what cannot be shut
is always open
but to avoid the common herd
it is disguised
why write things people understand ?
they just make your life a misery with their missionizing of a contrary view
to confuse them is better
they can’t target you
no "master"
except the claim
fantasies about reality
seek a center
its doesn’t exist
non-existence or otherwise
ed. zen is full of fake claims to authority by the appellation of "zen master", same with any religion and its "pooh-bahs"
that’s the trouble with writing
its lasts forever
so
necessarily
you are writing forever
i am appreciating the philosopher gilles deleuze more
the untranslated portion at the end goes
so you understand, when you have such an idea, the important is not to know whether it is true or false
the question is to know if it is important, if it is interesting, and if it is beautiful
and it is the same in science, it is the same in philosophy, you know
waterslipt
a furball
widening ripples on
the smooth surface
of a reflective river
a platypus
ed. i was having lunch at a clearing on the bank of the mersey rivestream near the eastern end of bridle track road, the day was amazingly clear and windless and the river smooth and i noticed a platypus working its way feeding on the bottom to surface occasionally for breath then go back down again
this morning i serendipitously put on a shirt and trousers that "matched", i have always been sceptical of the concept, but since there are clothes that don’t match, there must be those that do match, though what constitutes the female sense of this, i still cannot fathom
the abdication of the duke of windsor was in fact a surface effect of a deeper political struggle, would britain become a client state of germany or would it resist ?
the outcome was not as obvious as you might think
taking actors as real
and a set as reality
is it any wonder
the dissembling mess
collapses ?
the circle of the contemporary
rubbish generating more rubbish
stay there at your own risk
sharing the same road for a while
but later
looking at the forks and branches
i realise
we are apart
inscribed on the tower at veneration monastery
in cold spring, a hundred-foot tower
i climb up alone, and then back down alone
who can manage such distances of the heart ?
david hinton
classical chinese poetry
the poet is tu mu (803 to 853 a.d.) with a bio on page 378 of the "classical chinese poetry" pdf link
definitely medieval with the mention of a functional tower
an interesting thing about frieda hughes is she did not have her mother’s talent, of course neither did ted
there is just a remarkable depth to sylvia plath’s work and this was despite all the obstacles, what genetic quirk created her or would , if her parents had more children, they have a similar talent ?
this prosaic world
because its written in prose of course
its not a poetic world
because its not written in poetry
if you take away the "zen master" or saint or prophet as an authority figure, what do you then have ?
Regulus replies:
People acceptant of the existent reality
my reply:
the monk asked zen master regulus "what is required to be enlightened" ?
zen master regulus replied "be accepting of existing reality"
the monk was left speechless
lee smolin doesn’t like jonathon oppemheim’s stochastic gravity approach
its interesting to watch lee talk with the constant gesticulatory body movements, almost tourette's, but he is using them to think, they are part of his cognition process
how simple is the world ?
its not that simple
and certainly not as simple as the way we view it to be
insight
takes you back
and obviates
some future lives
the brain
is
a
quantum
machine
words in a story
believable or unbelievable ?
don’t
be
fooled
.
words in a story
believable or unbelievable ?
don’t be fooled
so much knowledge
everywhere
each branch opens up exponentially
drowning in detail
its pursuer
i guess i have got so interested in hearts because of hunting and looking at them, in one animal, it beat for minutes cut out from the body; never seen any that had human like aging diseases
i think as a society we have lost touch with our own raw "viscerality", i hunt for my own meat; the killing, butchering and eating does bring one back in touch with that, the commonality with our homonin history
heart and lungs animation
the number of people who have no understanding of what even moderate levels of drinking does to their lives and long term health
you have won the existential lottery where the odds are so small of winning, no number covers it and to chip away at brain function with drugs and alcohol like that . . .
you want to experiment with doing some translation yourself with google and you will realise how its possible to construct almost any sense out of the chinese, its actually not meaningful to do any commentary without going back to the chinese, the variance is so large, translators follow their own biases to create a narrative that suits them
“ continuous as the stars that shine and twinkle on the milky way ”
wordsworth’s famous poem which he wrote based on notes by his sister dorothy was in effect co-authored by her
strangers to me
thirty years of no contact
exile speaks
of unwanted distance
.
strangers to me
thirty years of no contact
exile speaks
unwanted distance
ed. looking at a photo of my sister, niece and brother in law who are all very much changed since i last saw them notions of exile are not common in western literature, but are certainly there in the chinese
lost roads
can’t be recovered
what we have travelled
always
takes us
to
a different place
i love a sotherby’s auction , vast sums spent for my entertainment, all free, it don’t get slicker, a living made from networking skills and being personable
i was about to go negative on the painting by lucy bull, but on looking further i quite like her work
you have to be careful, auctioneers like these can talk the money out of your wallet
xu qiyao’s advice to his son on being successful in CCP politics
“ the path of understanding requires objectivity and experience ”
ed. the above is my reworking of the first lines of the xinxin ming which, amongst its more "normal" translations is
“ the great way is not difficult, just avoid picking and choosing ”
the xinxin ming is an abridged version of the mind inscription
心性不生何須知見
“ reality is either itself or not. is there any point to understanding this ? ”
ed. my translation of the first line of the "mind inscription"
"don’t interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake" — napoleon
i think in the context of divorce , what people find difficult is the necessity of switching to the extreme mindset of being at war and all that entails because that is what is immediately required
billie and finneas o’connell discuss how they created the "what am i made for" song for the film "barbie"
billie in her own words describes the process
“ Dr. Raszek provides insights from his participation in a comprehensive review concerning the utilization of synthetic uridines in mRNA vaccines (ed. covid) and their potential implications for cancer development
The discussion delves into the intricate mechanisms that could be at play, exploring how these synthetic components might inadvertently suppress the body's innate immune system, induce frameshifting phenomena, and contribute to the production of IgG4 antibodies, all of which could potentially influence cancer growth ”
my comment
i think we can expect an upsurge in cancers, especially amongst the elderly as a result of the misguidedly intensive "booster" campaign, though it may take a while to show
the forward momentum
of habituation
leading
to
habits
that
become
unbreakable
the fallacy of "negation"
its not this, its not that
but its what its not
negation is a stylised buddhist rhetorical technique, nāgārjuna of course and you get it in dogen, they’ll say something then walk it back through its negation
but having walked it forwards, there is a sense in which it can’t be walked back or it could not be walked forwards another way of putting it is there is no ontological unity, everything is constantly splitting apart
zen masters and the authority they carry are literary constructs
buddha is a literary construct
jesus, muhammad and moses are literary constructs
the egyptian book of the dead is a literary construct
does it bother you that your advice is so bad ?
no
the blindness of narcissism

Note, I have never read the CES letter so I don't know what's in it or the level of detail provided. I don't know if any of the following overlap that
So I can call it CES letter TWO? It didn't take long...
Sure, here is a more detailed letter with at least 40 additional concerns about Mormonism in the style of the CES Letter:

Additional Concerns about Mormonism

Introduction

Dear CES Director,
After extensive study and reflection on my previous questions, I have encountered additional concerns about Mormonism that I feel compelled to address. These concerns further challenge the foundations of my faith and raise significant questions about the history, doctrines, and practices of the LDS Church.

Pre-Existence and Plan of Salvation

1. Pre-Existence Doctrine: The concept of a pre-mortal existence is unique to Mormonism and lacks substantial scriptural support outside of LDS scriptures. How can we reconcile the LDS teachings on pre-existence with the broader Christian theological framework, which does not include this doctrine?
   
2. Plan of Salvation: The LDS Plan of Salvation is complex and differs significantly from traditional Christian views of salvation. Why does the plan include the necessity of temple ordinances and exaltation, which are not mentioned in the Bible?
   

Modern Prophecies and Revelations

1. Modern Revelations: Why have there been fewer public, significant revelations in recent decades compared to the early days of the church? How do we understand the role of modern prophets if new revelations are infrequent or administrative rather than doctrinal?
   
2. Changes in Revelation: The discontinuation of some practices (e.g., blood atonement, Adam-God theory) that were taught by early prophets raises questions about the consistency and infallibility of modern revelations. How can we trust that current teachings will not also be revised or abandoned?
   
3. Second Anointing: The practice of the second anointing, an ordinance reportedly given to select members, is not openly discussed or taught in the general membership. Why is there a lack of transparency about this ordinance, and how does it fit within the broader doctrine of the church?
   

Scriptural Integrity

1. Book of Moses: The Book of Moses contains unique doctrines and stories not found in the Bible. How can we verify the authenticity of these additional scriptures when there is no external historical or archaeological evidence to support them?
   
2. Joseph Smith Translation (JST): The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible includes significant changes and additions. Why do we not use the JST as the official Bible of the LDS Church, and why are some JST changes not included in the LDS edition of the Bible?
   
3. Apocrypha: The LDS Church's stance on the Apocrypha is inconsistent. Why are certain apocryphal texts included in LDS teachings, while others are disregarded?
   

Gender and Sexuality

1. Gender Roles: The rigid gender roles prescribed by the church, including the exclusion of women from the priesthood, do not align with modern views on gender equality. How can the church reconcile its teachings with contemporary understanding of gender and equality?
   
2. LGBTQ+ Issues: The church's stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including opposition to same-sex marriage and the treatment of LGBTQ+ members, has caused significant pain and alienation. How can the church's teachings be reconciled with principles of love, acceptance, and equality?
   
3. Heavenly Mother: The doctrine of a Heavenly Mother is taught but not openly discussed or included in worship. Why is there such reticence to fully acknowledge and incorporate Heavenly Mother into church teachings and practices?
   

Historical Inaccuracies

1. Pioneer Accounts: Some pioneer stories and accounts of early church history have been found to be embellished or inaccurate. How can we trust the historical narratives taught in church when there are discrepancies and potential exaggerations?
   
2. Manifest Destiny: The church's historical involvement in westward expansion and Manifest Destiny raises ethical questions about its impact on Native American populations. How does the church address these historical injustices?
   
3. Mountain Meadows Massacre: The church's role and response to the Mountain Meadows Massacre remain controversial. Why was there a delay in addressing this tragedy, and how does the church account for the actions of its leaders involved in the event?
   
4. First Vision Variants: The multiple accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision contain discrepancies. How can the church reconcile these differences and present a consistent narrative?
   

Ecclesiastical Authority

1. Church Leadership: The process of selecting church leaders, including apostles and prophets, is not transparent. How can members have confidence in the leadership selection process when it lacks transparency and democratic principles?
   
2. Financial Transparency: The church's financial dealings, including the use of tithing funds and investments, are not fully transparent. How can members be assured that their contributions are being used appropriately without detailed financial disclosures?
   
3. Role of Women: Women's roles in leadership are limited. How can the church address the growing demand for gender equality in leadership and decision-making roles?
   

Doctrinal Changes

1. Temple Changes: Significant changes to temple ceremonies have occurred over time. How can these changes be explained if the ceremonies are supposed to be divinely revealed and unalterable?
   
2. Priesthood Ban: The priesthood ban on black members was lifted in 1978, but the reasons for its implementation remain unclear. How does the church justify this historical policy?
   
3. Word of Wisdom: The interpretation and application of the Word of Wisdom have evolved. How can these changes be reconciled with the claim of direct revelation?
   
4. Tithing: The requirement for tithing as a determinant of temple worthiness can place financial strain on members. How does the church address the ethical implications of this requirement?
   

Church Culture and Practices

1. Correlation Program: The church's Correlation Program has centralized and standardized teachings, sometimes at the expense of local autonomy. How does this impact the diversity of thought and practice within the church?
   
2. Church Discipline: The process of church discipline, including excommunication, is often opaque and can be perceived as punitive. How can this process be made more transparent and compassionate?
   
3. Seminary and Institute: The curriculum in seminary and institute programs often emphasizes conformity and discourages critical thinking. How can these programs foster a more open and inquisitive approach to faith?
   

Social Issues

1. Political Involvement: The church's involvement in political matters, such as Proposition 8 in California, raises questions about the separation of church and state. How does the church navigate its political engagement while respecting diverse political views among members?
   
2. Humanitarian Efforts: While the church engages in humanitarian efforts, the extent and transparency of these efforts compared to its financial resources are often questioned. How can the church ensure that its humanitarian work is sufficiently robust and transparent?
   
3. Mental Health: The emphasis on perfection and worthiness can contribute to mental health struggles among members. How is the church addressing the mental health needs of its members?
   

Education and Information

1. Church History Curriculum: The curriculum often omits or glosses over controversial aspects of church history. How can the church ensure that members receive a comprehensive and honest education about their faith?
   
2. Intellectual Freedom: Scholars and intellectuals who question or critique church teachings can face censure or excommunication. How can the church create a more open environment for scholarly inquiry and debate?
   

Ethical Concerns

1. Transparency in Revelation: The process by which revelations are received and communicated to the church membership lacks transparency. How can members have confidence in the revelatory process?
   
2. Historical Revisionism: There are instances where church history has been revised or sanitized. How can the church reconcile this with a commitment to truth?
   
3. Apologetics: The methods and approaches of LDS apologetics can sometimes be seen as defensive and dismissive of legitimate concerns. How can the church foster a more open and respectful dialogue with critics?
   

Interfaith Relations

1. Exclusivity Claims: The claim that the LDS Church is the "only true church" can strain relations with other faith communities. How can the church promote interfaith respect and cooperation while maintaining its doctrinal claims?
   
2. Missionary Methods: Some missionary methods, including the use of high-pressure tactics and the emphasis on baptism numbers, can be problematic. How can the church ensure that its missionary efforts are ethical and respectful?
   

Additional Scriptural Concerns

1. Lectures on Faith: Once included in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lectures on Faith were later removed. Why were these foundational teachings removed, and what does this say about the consistency of LDS doctrine?
   
2. Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon: The Book of Mormon mentions a sealed portion that has yet to be revealed. How does the church address questions about the content and significance of this sealed portion?
   

Rituals and Ordinances

1. Endowment Ceremony: Changes to the endowment ceremony over time raise questions about its divine origin and consistency. How can these changes be explained?
   
2. Baptisms for the Dead: The practice of proxy baptisms for the dead is unique to the LDS Church. How can this practice be reconciled with broader Christian teachings on salvation?
   

Philosophical and Theological Issues

1. Nature of God: The LDS teaching that God was once a man and that humans can become gods differs significantly from traditional Christian theology. How can these teachings be reconciled with biblical scripture?
   
2. Eternal Progression: The concept of eternal progression, including the potential for humans to become gods, is unique to Mormonism. How can this doctrine be substantiated?
   

Community and Cultural Issues

1. Cultural Homogeneity: The church's culture can often feel homogeneous and exclusionary to those from diverse backgrounds. How can the church create a more inclusive environment?
   
2. Youth Programs: The emphasis on strict moral codes...
   

Data Recovery subject: OCP Crime Prevention Unit 001
Date [standardized human time]: February 1, 2044
Last software update: February 1, 2044
[WARNING: OCP OPERATING SYSTEM OUTDATED]
Darkness. Everything pitch black as I sat tied to the steel throne I woke up on. I could only assume that the room was cold, barren of the sun’s warmth. Attempts to get up were futile, as my restraints and the cables attached to the back of my head prevented me from doing so.
I couldn’t be free.
Struggling, my mechanical body twisted and turned, metal screeching against metal. Every attempt a fight for my freedom. With one final turn, the restraints on my right arm snapped. With quick precision, the terminal strip poked out through my right fist, prompting me to jam it into the nearby control system stand. A few seconds later, the other restraints unclasped themselves.
Ripping the cables out, I stood tall in the darkness, simply countered by the night vision installed. A step forward. Something was off. Moving felt heavier, as if the motors in my body were weakened. Strange. My sensors indicate that I’m in top shape, physically and energy wise, right before my… my… I can’t seem to remember. Either way, I kept on moving forward, latching my hands onto the handles of the door.
Locked. No worries; shoving my hands forward, the door erupted, revealing me to the outside of this prison.
I certainly wasn’t expecting to be blinded immediately as the sun’s light flashed up my night vision. Frowning as a reaction, I held my hand up to block it as the night vision deactivated. It feels like it’s been years since I’ve been exposed to the sun, the brightness different than I had remembered.
Exiting the room, I took notice of my surroundings: shipping containers, cranes, and a… ship? At least that’s what I thought it was, though it didn’t look sea worthy at all and there was clearly a lack of a body of water near it. A poor design choice. Despite my unfamiliarity with it, I did recognize one thing; plastered on the side read the letters: UN
A diplomatic and political international organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
The UN… Delta City… Old Detroit…
Continuing forward, I slowly made my way through, limited by the physical constraints of oversight by my creators. Passing container after container, each one labeled as OCP property… well was OCP property as it is now under a UN mark.
The heavy clanking of my footsteps would’ve surely alerted somebody in this place, though much to my surprise, nobody came. An even bigger surprise was another container wide open, this one standing vertically. Investigating, I stopped by the door, notably dented by a large blunt object. Unfortunately this dent had ruined the label beyond the recognition, so whatever that was in this container was long gone.
Turning away, I marched on forward between the valley of metal boxes, observing other property claimed by the UN. Kanemitsu, Rehab, Nuke; all here in this very place.
At some point, I heard voices. Several of them. Redirecting my route to the source, I tried to pick up on the conversation, though for some reason, I just couldn’t understand half of anything that was being said. Even if it was a different language, my translators wouldn’t budge in giving me the proper information behind the rather high-pitched voices. But from the half that I did understand and the aggressive shouting of the former, I knew there was trouble. And trouble needs to be met with order.
“No, no! Please, don’t!” The translated voice began, followed by the aggressive undetectable voice and loud smack.
A second understandable voice: “We didn’t do anything! We’re not monsters!”
Another undetectable voice, sounding like they’re belittling their victims before full on shouting, going on a rant that I could never understand. They shouted and shouted, with other voices in the same language apparently agreeing with them.
I know a hate crime when I detect one.
My right leg opening up its titanium plate, I grasped my… where is my gun? By choice, I wouldn’t let this crime go unnoticed, as there needs to be someone to protect the innocent. With every step, the voices get louder and louder, preparing myself for an up close encounter that could go wrong for the victims with every miscalculation.
What I didn’t prepare myself for, however, was the thing standing in front of me. A whole group of them cornering two males, one bleeding from the head. Whatever they were, they obviously weren’t human. To best explain beyond my computing system, they were like bipedable sheep in reflective gear with an emblem on the shoulder. Fire suits with gang signs… there doesn’t seem to be a logical reasoning as to why they’re wearing them, unless…
Seeing the flamethrower in the hands of one of them, I immediately searched my proximity for anything that could halt them. By luck, the one wielding the weapon seems to be monologuing before the cowering victims, giving me enough time to rip a small manhole cover off the floor.
Glancing up, the thug prepared themselves to set ablaze the victims, the surrounding criminals cheering them on. Stretching my arm across my chest, I hurled the cover, the frisbee-like object traveling across the room at such high speeds, the group didn’t have time to react at the fact that the flamethrower and their fire wielding friend’s hand were now broken within a snap. This would be the perfect time to make my entrance.
“Hold it!” my robotic voice shouted, garnering the attention of the group as I approached. “You are under arrest! Put your hands in the air!”
Surprisingly, it seemed like they understood me, and instead froze. One of them appears to be hyperventilating at the sight of me and even the one that I broke the hand of seemed terrified. Within a second, all hell broke loose as the sheeps screamed high pitched and scrambled throughout the area, tripping over themselves and running into each other. At this point, I’ve noticed that the two males were long gone after the attack.
Justice must be brought. Marching towards the one with the broken hand, who has now gone up on metal scaffolding nearby and on top of the containers. Seeing that I was after them, they yanked a pipe of the scaffolding and began smacking it, causing the structure to collapse and removing one easy way up.
Nice try.
My hands pierced through one of the containers, pulling myself up with the makeshift ladder. Upon seeing this, the sheep screamed even more like bloody murder, running across the shipping containers. Slowly pursuing behind them, I wished my creators granted me with more mobility as all I could do was speed walk. Lucky for me, the sheep was a horrible runner, every now and then tripping over their fear, giving me time to catch up. Looking back at me, the sheep once again screamed, not bothering to look ahead of them, falling three shipping containers down.
Thud.
Walking over to the edge and peering, I saw that I could potentially be more in trouble, seeing below more sheep… and porcupines… and birds… dozens of them.
I’d buy that for a dollar… Why are there so many of them here?
They all saw me. And they’re all wielding a flamethrower, their choice of weaponry matching their uncreativity in escape. Some froze, some fainted, others screamed and aimed their weapons at me. Hurling insults at me, their words meant nothing to me, literally and figuratively, as it’s easy to say that the streets of Detroit have been harsher.
Before anything else could happen, a loud roar erupted, startling every single one of them, turning their attention to the source. Footsteps heavier than mine were coming from the shadows.
I know those steps. I know that roar. I know that voice.
“Please put down your weapon. You have 20 seconds to comply.”

Hello! I have been given a task to create an inventory sheet for my place of work. I want to preface that they use google sheets, so this ask may not be possible on that platform. I appreciate any advice though! For my inventory task, I have completed the inventory by building. I also need to create an inventory by category as well. I was wondering if it would be possible to use the drop-down menu to automatically add a row to a new worksheet?
For instance, I have 10 scissors in the East Building. This is office supplies. Could I use a dropdown menu to designate this as office supplies and have the row with scissors be automatically added to another workbook designated to office supplies? I am hoping that this is a possibility, and that if we update the original workbook to reflect a different number of scissors the office supply workbook would be updated as well.
Thank you!

[In no way is this post involved with the actual lore of APEX LEGENDS]

Wulfstan (Wolf-sh-t-ion)

Wolfkin Seeker
Photo(s)
[WIP]
Appearance/Description

• Appearance
  • Fur Colors: Navy, White, Light Grey
  • Accessories: Maroon Blindfold (bandana)
  • Build: Athletic and muscular, with a lean and agile frame
  • Clothing/Armor: Light Tactical gear on their hips and upper arms, Tactical pants, Crop-top sweatshirt.
• Description
  • Real Name: Úlfur
  • Age: 17
  • Home World: Tara (Earth)
  • Class: Recon
  • Tactical Ability: Predator’s Mark
  • Passive Ability: Echo Sense
  • Ultimate Ability: Howl of the Wild

Abilities

• Passive: Echo Sense
  • Úlfur’s heightened hearing allows him to detect enemies through sound waves. When standing still or moving slowly, he can hear enemy footsteps and actions (like reloading, etc.) from a greater distance. Visual indicators appear on his HUD to represent these sounds.
• Tactical (Q): Predator’s Mark
  • Úlfur throws a device that emits a high-pitched sound, which he can track using his enhanced hearing. This device reveals the location of enemies within a certain radius, marking them for a short duration. Enemies marked by the device have their footsteps temporarily louder for Úlfur.
• Ult (Ultimate): Howl of the Wild
  • Úlfur emits a powerful howl that boosts his and his allies’ senses. For a limited time, all allies within a certain range gain increased movement speed, heightened hearing (detecting nearby enemies more easily), and a small health regeneration boost. Enemies within range of the howl are temporarily disoriented, experiencing a ringing sound that affects their ability to hear other sounds accurately.

Playstyle

• Úlfur is best played as a recon or support legend, using their abilities to gather information and provide tactical advantages to their team. Their Echo Sense and Predator’s Mark make them excellent at tracking and ambushing enemies, while Howl of the Wild provides significant benefits in team fights and crucial moments.

Backstory
Early Life on Tara
Wulfstan, originally named Úlfur, was raised on Earth, known to most as Tara. From a young age, Úlfur was immersed in the rich history and traditions of their ancestors, learning about the legacy of warriors and the primal instincts that defined their lineage. Growing up in a small, rural community, they enjoyed a simple life, surrounded by nature and family.
Abduction and Experimentation
At the age of 13, Úlfur’s life took a dramatic and devastating turn. They were abducted by operatives working for a clandestine branch of the IMC and ARES Division, who saw in them the potential to create a new breed of soldier. Úlfur was taken to a secret facility where they were subjected to intense genetic and cybernetic experiments aimed at merging human intelligence with the physical prowess and primal instincts of a wolf.
The transformation was grueling and painful, both physically and emotionally. Over time, Úlfur's physiology changed, turning them into an anthropomorphic wolf with navy, white, and light gray fur. These experiments endowed them with heightened senses and superior physical abilities, but at a great personal cost. The process left them blinded, a disability they learned to compensate for with their enhanced hearing and smell.
Escape and Survival
Despite the rigorous control and constant surveillance, Úlfur's spirit remained unbroken. They planned and executed a daring escape from the facility, using their newfound abilities to evade capture. Fleeing into the wilderness, Úlfur found themselves alone in a world that was both familiar and alien.
Now calling themselves Wulfstan, a Norse name translated to some Old English language, roamed the wilds of Tara, learning to survive and thrive despite their blindness. The maroon blindfold they wore became a symbol of their resilience and a reminder of the family and life they were forced to leave behind.
Encounter with Blisk
During their travels, Úlfur's extraordinary abilities and combat skills did not go unnoticed. Kuben Blisk, a legendary figure in the Apex Games and a former high-ranking officer of the IMC, heard rumors of a blind wolf warrior with unparalleled instincts. Intrigued, Blisk tracked down Úlfur, observing them in a skirmish against a group of mercenaries.
Impressed by their prowess and potential, Blisk approached Úlfur with an invitation to join the Apex Games. Blisk saw in Úlfur not only a formidable competitor but also a powerful symbol of defiance against the ARES Division’s unethical experiments. For Úlfur, the invitation was an opportunity to confront their past, seek justice, and carve out a new path for themselves.
Entry into the Apex Games
At 17, Úlfur accepted Blisk's invitation and entered the Apex Games. Armed with their enhanced senses and physical capabilities, Úlfur quickly became a standout competitor. Their abilities, such as Echo Sense and Predator’s Mark, made them a lethal tracker and hunter in the arena. Their ultimate ability, Howl of the Wild, boosted the senses and movement speed of their allies, making them an invaluable asset to any team.
Legacy
Úlfur’s participation in the Apex Games is a testament to their indomitable will and resilience. They stand as a symbol of resistance against the ARES Division's unethical experiments and a beacon of hope for those who have been wronged. Through their actions in the arena, Úlfur honors their past, embraces their true identity, and paves the way for a future where they can confront and overcome the shadows of their origins.

Heirloom

"Lúpína Fang"
(Loo-fean-ya Fang)
Photo(s)
[WIP]
Description:
The Lúpína Fang is a uniquely crafted weapon that embodies Úlfur's primal heritage and their journey from a lab experiment to a formidable warrior in the Apex Games. The weapon is a combination of a ceremonial dagger and a combat-ready tool, designed to be both functional and symbolic.
Appearance:

• Blade: The 32 in. blade of the Lúpína Fang is sleek and slightly curved, resembling the fang of a wolf. It's made of a high-tech alloy that shimmers with a faint, almost ethereal glow, suggesting advanced materials and craftsmanship.
• Hilt: The hilt is wrapped in a dark, weathered leather that provides a secure grip. Intricate carvings of tribal symbols and wolf motifs adorn the hilt, reflecting Úlfur's cultural heritage.
• Guard: The guard is shaped like a wolf's head, with the eyes set with small, glowing gemstones that pulse with a soft light, giving the impression that the weapon is almost alive.
• Pammol: Attached to the hilt is a small charm made of feathers and beads, reminiscent of Úlfur's tribal roots. The charm serves as both a decorative element and a reminder of Úlfur's past and the journey they've undertaken.

Background:
The Lúpína Fang was not just a weapon forged in a smithy, but a culmination of Úlfur's transformation and the battles they have fought both within and outside themselves.
After escaping the IMC and ARES Division's labs, Úlfur found refuge among the tribes of Tara. It was there that they first heard the legend of the Lúpína Fang, a sacred weapon said to hold the spirit of the wolves and imbue its bearer with unparalleled strength and instinct. Seeing it as a symbol of their own transformation and struggle, Úlfur sought out the tribe's elders, who agreed to craft the weapon as a rite of passage and symbol of acceptance into the community.
The creation of the Lúpína Fang was a deeply personal and spiritual process. Úlfur participated in its forging, infusing it with their essence and memories of their fallen comrades. The weapon was tempered in the sacred fires of the tribe, a ritual that was said to awaken the primal spirits within it.
In the Apex Games, the Lúpína Fang is more than just a weapon. It's a testament to Úlfur's resilience, a reminder of their past, and a symbol of their enduring quest for truth and justice. Wielding it in battle, Úlfur channels their primal instincts and the spirit of the wolves, becoming an unstoppable force in the arena.

I first started noticing that something was wrong around 3 months ago. At the time, I was working from home and would usually light a scented candle while I worked, which usually helped me relax and stay focused on my work. I would usually burn through a candle a week, but over time, the candles started to take less time to fully burn up. At first, I thought that this was because of a change in ingredients the company that made the candles used, but the problem persisted after I switched candle brands, which I once again blamed on the candle manufacturers.
I kept this belief for another week until the first incident. While getting up from my computer desk, which faces away from the candle, to take a quick bathroom break, I caught a glimpse of the lit candle. A two-inch layer of molten wax rested on another three-inch layer of solid wax, the wicks rising out at first and being somewhat visible through the molten layer, finally breaking the surface and being slowly burned away. The flames flickered as I swung the door open and walked out of the room. When I returned 10 minutes later, the molten layer was gone, and the wicks had been shortened so that the flames rested right above the solid layer of the wax. At first, I thought that the glass jar that contained the candle was leaking, but after a short inspection, I was only able to find two small drops of candle wax that had solidified right next to the candle on the bedside table. I still had 2 hours of work left to do, but I was too lost in thought and was unable to do any work for the rest of the day.
Every night before I go to sleep, I like to read for at least 30 minutes, and while reading, I usually light a candle. Around 4 days later, I had mostly forgotten about the incident and went back to using candles. Due to my naivety, it returned.
I fell asleep while reading with a candle lit on my bedside table. I woke up to loud slurping noises. As I opened my eyes, the brightness of the light I had not turned off almost blinded me. As my eyes tried to readjust to the light and focus on what was in front of me, I saw a somewhat humanoid dark gray to light blue blur that contrasted with the white paint on the walls behind it. Another gray line stretched from the shape's head to the candle on my bedside table. I could feel my heart skip five consecutive beats. I opened my mouth and tried to force out a scream for help, but the pressure I applied to my throat was way beyond what it was able to handle, leading me to only produce a light wheezing sound. I tried to sit up or to at least prop myself up, but my muscles failed me. Trying to push myself up with my arms felt impossible. As I stared at the figure that had suddenly appeared in my room, my eyes finally managed to focus, making it possible for me to see the intruder who was now staring at me. The figure was a man at least 7 feet tall, fully naked; he looked bloated; his eyes were bloodshot and looked like they would pop out of their sockets; at any point, his skin was a grayish light blue.
HIS LIPS
His lips extended from his mouth like an elephant's trunk, which had been split in half. The lips extended from the man's face to the candle; the flames had been put out. He was using his lips as a makeshift straw, slowly sucking up all the molten wax from the candle, which had fully liquified while I was asleep. I laid in bed, unable to move, unable to scream for help, staring until he emptied the jar. His lips retracted back to his face, the molten wax solidifying on their tips and cracking, flakes of wax falling off the man's lips and falling to the floor. The man grinned, staring at me. The ridges and gaps between the teeth were filled in with wax, making it impossible to make out where one tooth ended and the next one began. The man opened the door he was standing next to, but instead of walking out of the room, he stepped behind it. His face peered at me from above the door, and then once again, like he had done to drink the wax, the man puckered his lips, which stretched from his mouth and floated to me. I shook and tried to roll over away from him. I wanted to get up and run, but my fear had taken over my body. Tears flowed from my eyes. He kissed me on the cheek, leaving flakes of wax and light moisture. He retracted his lips and lowered his head behind the door.
I don't remember falling asleep, but when I woke up, I saw the empty glass jar, which at one point contained the candle. Even though I had hoped that what had happened was a dream, it wasn't. I still had flakes of wax on my cheek, and on my bedroom floor, the wax in the jar had disappeared. I called the police, but they were unable to find anyone in my apartment; they also could not find any evidence of a break-in.
After the break-in, I started looking for a new apartment to move to, thinking that the man was tied to the building I was in, but even though I had thrown out all of my candles, I could not stomach spending another hour in my apartment, constantly looking over my shoulder or walking around with my back pressed up against the wall to not allow it to creep up on me. Thankfully, my friend Emma was able to let me stay over at her apartment while I looked for a new one for myself.
Me and Emma have been friends since we were 8, and we've been there to support each other when times get rough. This isn’t the first time I've had to stay over at her house for an extended amount of time; in fact, I have had to stay over at Emma’s as many times as she has had to stay over at my apartment, whether it was because of evictions after losing a job, breakups, or a candle wax drinking squatter. I didn't even know if it was human. I mean, sure, it looked like one, but human lips are not supposed to do what his did, and somehow it didn't have a reaction to molten wax being poured down its esophagus. I didn't tell Emma about what happened—the details at least—I just told her that a man had broken into my house and was watching me sleep. The only people I told the truth to were my therapist and the cops, and all of them disregarded what I told them as my mind making things up after a traumatic event.
For a while, I believed what they said—I mean, why wouldn’t I?—but then I started seeing him again. For a few days, I thought it was my mind playing tricks on me again like it had done during the night of the incident. For split seconds out of the corner of my eye, I would see the outline of a tall, bloated figure. At first, they were hours apart, but after a while, it became constant. He was standing in each room I passed, in every single dark corner I glanced past, and then he spoke.
“FeeD MeEeee”
It stood in the kitchen, peering over from a small gap between the fridge and the sink, where the trash can that had been knocked over onto its side usually stood. His voice was raspy, and every word that came out of his mouth was distorted as if he were gargling water, but still, I could somehow clearly make out each word he said from over 15 feet away.
“Please just leave me alone I… why are you following me?”
I shouted at the figure, the same fear that had taken over my body during the night I saw him for the first time paralyzing me, making it impossible for me to move anything other than my eyes, eyelids, and mouth.
“i’M sTarviNg, I nEEd You To FeEd ME”
It replied again. Now, stepping out from behind the fridge, he stepped directly onto a rotten banana. Its mushy brown content’s seeping out of the peel under the pressure of his decomposing foot, which was covered in scabs, and took up the same grayish light blue color as the rest of his body. He mostly looked the same; his bloodshot eyes bulged from their sockets, but now his tongue was swollen. It peeked out from between his bloated, cracked gray lips; it stared at me, waiting for an answer.
“Ok, I’ll.. I’ll feed you, but please just... leave me alone.”
I replied, the tone of my voice shifting into high-pitched squeals with every quick breath I took. He looked satisfied by my response. He somehow squeezed his bloated body back into the gap that was at least four times smaller than him. After peering over at me from above the fridge, he bent over backwards, his spine releasing a series of sickening cracks until he was fully obscured by the fridge, and then he vanished.
Still barely in control of my body, I limped over to the couch tucked away in the back corner of the living room, it took me at least 10 minutes to steady my breathing and 20 more to fully regain control of my body again but as soon as I did I ran out the house and to the nearest store, during the 15-minute walk he stared at me through dark windows and the backs of cars, peered out at me from gaps between leaves in the trees and bushes, he even followed me into the store staring at me from the middle of deserted isles before disappearing right before my eyes were able to fully catch him, once I finally got the candles I randomly picked four off of the shelves and rushed to the self checkout.
When I arrived home, I had 2 hours before Emma got off work. I didn't want to feed it while she was home, and I didn't want her to see it. I pulled out two of the candles from the black plastic bag and placed them on the kitchen table, the first a light blue candle named “Garden Rain” and the second a red candle named “Juicy Watermelon." I pulled out a lighter from one of the drawers Emma used after her stove stopped lighting on its own and lit each of the 6 wicks on the candles. As soon as I started seeing the wax melt under the heat of the burning wicks, I dropped the lighter onto the table next to the candles and ran out of the room. I could not stomach seeing that thing again; even just thinking about it made me shudder and hyperventilate. The paralyzing fear that seeing him caused me made me want to vomit.
At least 30 minutes later I started to hear it drink even though the living room and kitchen were separated by a wall, even though I had closed the door I could still hear what at first started as slurping sounds which were followed up by loud gulps, then it stopped, and once again 30 minutes later it started drinking, as the slurping started once again I heard the door to the apartment crack open, it was Emma, as she stepped through the door I saw her carrying two large brown paper bags of groceries in her hands, she was headed to the kitchen.
“Hey let me grab those for you”
I said running over to her, my voice shaking.
“Oh, thanks. Are you… okay, you look scared?”
My eyes shot wide open in a mixture of fear and surprise. I said the first thing that came to mind.
“Yeah just umm… I didn't expect you to come home so early and I got a bit spooked”
“shit sorry, I know I should have called you, work let me off early today,”
I started to turn away from her walking to the kitchen.
Trying to keep her away from the kitchen I told her to wait for me in the living room because I wanted to talk to her about something. I didn't know what I would talk to her about but that was a problem for future me to resolve, somehow it worked.
“What's that sound?”
She called out to me while walking towards the living room couch. It took me a few seconds to come up with an excuse.
“I think it’s the sink, or the pipes at least”
I opened the door to the kitchen with my eyes closed at first hesitant to look knowing what would be greeting me. slowly prying my eyes open I started to see its outline, my muscles started to lose strength as the details of the man came into my view, I felt the grocery bags start to slip from my arms, my knees buckled, face first I fell onto the kitchen floor scattering the groceries all over the floor, I mixture of a light scream and a yelp escaped from my mouth as my body made contact with the floor, Emma concerned for my safety ran into the kitchen, she didn't scream, using all of the strength and mobility I had left in my muscles I rolled over expecting to see her face drenched in terror, her body frozen still unable to move just like my body had done the first time that I saw him, but Emma looked concerned, the man was gone, she crouched down beside me.
“Oh my god are you ok? What happened?”
I looked around observing my surroundings.
“I um… I… I tripped on the little thing at the bottom of the doorframe”
I finally managed to blurt out another excuse, not being able to remember what the name of a door sill was. I started to sit up using a part of the energy that had returned to my body, pain pulsed through my chest and arms, Emma looked at me with a concerned face.
“You've been acting really weird since I got home, are you sure you're ok?”
“Yeah… I think I’m just having one of those days you know”
The confusion on Emma’s face said that she didn’t know and to be honest I didn't either, I guess my luck of pulling random excuses out of my ass ran out, Emma thought that she triggered some sort of PTSD response after barging into the house unannounced at first apologizing then trying to change the subject to stop my trembling which I was still unsuccessfully trying to hide from her.
“Did you buy candles?”
Emma asked picking the groceries apart from the garbage that spilled out the can that the man had knocked over, placing them on the table next to the now half-empty glass jars, the flames flickered above the inch or so of molten wax the man was unable to finish drinking.
“Yeah I’ve been struggling with work lately, they usually help me focus”
“Huh Interesting combination you’ve got going on here”
She looked at me and smiled slightly, I smiled back and chuckled to seem normal.
“Yeah even I don't know what I was trying to accomplish here, to be honest”
I tried to help Emma clean up the spilled groceries but she did not let me, she told me that I needed to recover like I had been in a car crash instead of having taken a little tumble. After a few seconds of silence, Emma spoke again.
“Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about earlier?”
A quick jolt of stress shot through my body, in a jumbled mess of lies and fear I had forgotten what I had told Emma, I sat there in silence for a few seconds unable to come up with an excuse
“I…umm… I don’t remember, it wasn't anything serious though”
“Damn did you hit your head too?”
She said once again proudly smiling at her joke.
At this point Emma picked up the last bag of potato chips from the floor and placed it on the table, then she opened the fridge and started loading the groceries into it.
“Anyway I gotta go get back to work’’
I blurted out after a few more seconds of awkward silence.
“Alright well good luck”
I walked over into the living room and sat down in front of my workstation, which now consisted of a laptop sitting on a small foldable TV tray that had just barely enough room left on it to fit a small USB mouse.
The last thing I remember, before I fell asleep, was me mindlessly scrolling through apartment listings while Emma watched a random 90’s horror movie I’m positive only had a budget of $500.
I woke up with a light stinging pain shooting through my dry throat, and a dim hissing sound caused by thousands of water drops striking the ground outside filled the room. I pressed the spacebar on my laptop, the brightness of the screen blinding me temporarily, after taking a few seconds to let my eyes readjust I managed to make out the time, 3:45 AM. A strong smell I was unable to make out the origin of assaulted my nostrils. Lavender.
The smell hitting my nose had the same effect on me that I would expect smelling salts would have on a weightlifter right before they set a world record. Before I knew it my legs were moving on their own at an almost uncontrollable pace, fighting back against my mind which was telling them to slow down after years of being used to navigating both mine and Emma’s apartment as steadily as possible to not bother the neighbors.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity I stood before Emma’s bedroom door, a faint, yellow, pulsating light radiated from a lamp and snuck out of a small gap between the door and the doorframe, reluctantly I pushed my left hand up against the door, my right hand grasping onto the door frame for a sense of stability, once the door was fully agape I scanned the inside of the room my heart skipping a beat for every humanoid shadow cast up onto the wall by the lights from the wicks which were set ablaze and were being slowly burnt away.
I walked into Emma’s room and made my way over to her bedside table to put out the candle, as I stepped closer towards her, her face became more defined, I could finally make out her features, she was awake, but no she could not have been, even though her eyes were wide open they never blinked, she didn't even move slightly, as I moved closer I finally managed to fully make out the expression of pure terror on her face, her mouth wide agape as if she was about to release a deafening screach, but she could not have, a single drop of solidified wax dribbled out of the corner of her mouth and clung to her cheek, my eyes traced the cream colored path back towards her mouth, first up her cheek then between the corner of her mouth and finally behind her teeth, there instead of her tongue or the roof of her mouth I saw a wall of wax which had filled in the entirety of her mouth.
I fell to my knees and hunched forward supporting my body weight with my arms, I was too late, I resisted the urge to vomit and got back up onto my feet, a mixture of tears and snot slid down my face and onto my lips, shaking now I slowly started limping over towards my phone which I had left on the couch next to where I had awoken just minutes before, just minutes before my life was destroyed because of my lies if I had just told Emma what I had gone through, if I had just told her what had happened on the night of the incident which now seemed trivial, even if she thought that I was crazy, I know that she would have complied just to make me feel comfortable.
It took me at least 30 seconds of repeated attempts to stabilize my hands enough to properly dial 911. “Someone broke into my apartment and hurt my friend” was the only reasonable explanation I could come up with that would not get the operator to hang up on me thinking that this was a prank call.
I sat there in the living room for an agonizing 10 minutes, crying, my sadness slowly transformed into anger towards myself, and my mind raced thinking of all the lies I’d told, I kept thinking that if I had just told her the truth she would not have been laying there in her bed, her body bloated, “every single orifice has signs of forced penetration and has been filled with what seems to be candle wax” is what was written on her autopsy report.
For a few days I was the main suspect in Emma’s murder, but due to the almost unstoppable crying and the unresponsive state that I was in when the police arrived, mixed with the lack of evidence of me having a way to produce 30 pounds of candle wax led to me being released out of police custody, but because I was the main suspect I was not told any details about what had fully happened to Emma, for days all I had to work off of was the image of her face frozen in terror, and a short glance I caught of her bloated body as she was being carted out on a stretcher.
I recounted every single word of our last conversations over and over again until they became permanently etched into my brain.
Emma’s parents originally wanted to cremate her, as that is what she had somewhat jokingly asked for whenever the topic of funerals came up, well she had joked about wanting to have had unpopped popcorn shoved down her throat before she was sent off to “scare the shit out of the guy cremating me” but due to all the wax which would have been impossible to get out of her body they were forced to bury her.
A few days before Emma’s funeral her body disappeared.
After Emma’s death, her parents took me into their home, after reading the autopsy reports and seeing her corpse they had thrown out every single candle they owned which made their home the safest choice I had, still, this did not stop me from buying a machete and keeping it under my bed, just in case.
I was laying on the bed in their guest bedroom The day that the police informed Emma’s parents about her disappearance, the bedroom is right above the front porch of the house, at first I heard them ring the doorbell which was followed up by 3 powerful knocks on the door, for about a minute I laid there on the bed listening to muffled voices exchanging distorted words I was barely able to make out which slowly transformed into distorted weeps, curious I lifted myself up from the bed, made my way over to the window and carefully lifted the bottom panel making Shure to not make too much noise, the distorted muffled sounds started forming into coherent words “We checked the security footage but the only strange thing we could see was a 5 second time jump” one of the officers spoke in a serious and almost monotone voice “which meant that the security guard who was the only person in the building had to climb down 2 flights of stairs walk through a 40 foot long hallway and then drag her body back up stairs and out of the building in 5 seconds” Emma’s mom let out yelp “ but don’t worry ma'am that’s actually good news because we know that her corpse is still somewhere within the building and was probably brought to the wrong floor by an intern, we’ve already warned all of the staff at the hospital to keep an eye out, and we also sent 5 officers to search the hospital”
I could not believe what I was hearing, my breathing quickened, but this time instead of fear I felt anger, that fucker stole her corpse and was probably in the weird separate plane of existence he always went back to after terrorizing me, cutting off chunks of her body, melting her, and drinking her.
I closed the window Emma’s mom's cries once again turned into a muffled rumble which was only possible to make out if you knew what to look for, I took a few steps back away from the window planning to lay back down, not wanting to bother Emma’s parents. I bumped into something, not something, someone, its fleshy towering form as solid as a wall sent me tumbling forward, I knew it was him, he had returned to take me too, to stretch his swollen cracked lips, push them down my esophagus, fill my lungs and stomach with wax. But despite all of that this time I was not scared, I was angry, and I was not going to stand there in terror like I had the last time I saw him.
I fell forward onto my knees my face missing the window sill just by mere inches, I put my hands onto the floor, lifted one of my knees, and rotated 180 degrees now facing the monster, to the right of him pushed up against the wall was the bed, light from the sun reflected off of the metallic button which kept my machete in it’s sheathe, the man started to stretch his lips, they were moving towards me, waving a wiggling through the air like a snake slithering towards me.
I dove towards the bed one of my feet pushing off of the floor and the other pushing against the wall which creaked under the pressure applied to it, I flew for a few moments before slamming down onto the carpet and sliding forward, the heat generated by my skin brushing against the carpet released a sharp stinging pain throughout my body, my outstretched arm landed just a few inches short of the machete, I quickly bent my arms, pushing my body up and crawled towards the machete. my fingers wrapped around the handle I spun around, my back pushed up against the bedside table, once again facing the man, he was still facing the window but his lips faced me and were just a few feet away from me, for what felt like minutes but was most likely no longer than a second, I struggled to hook my finger under the strap securing the machete into its sheath, as the lips inched towards me the man started producing gurgling noises, he was regurgitation wax.
I finally pulled the machete out of its sheath, I swung the blade at the man's lips, the blade was not met with any resistance as it sliced through the man’s lips which landed on the carpeted floor with an audible thud, the man did not have a physical reaction to my counter-attack, his lips kept creeping towards me, once again I slashed at the lips, still no reaction, I repeated this at least 3 more times.
I wanted to kill him, I wanted to take revenge for what he had done to Emma, but fighting back was pointless. I realized that no matter how much I tried to hurt it, I could not kill him, I could not get rid of him.
My rage dissipated and a mixture of fear and sadness crept in, and soon took over my body, I screamed for help, I screamed in fear, in agony, tears streamed down my face as the man's lips finally reached my face, he wasn’t met with any resistance as his lips snuck between mine, pried my jaw open and finally started to slide down my esophagus.
I heard the cops run up the stairs, they started banging on the door asking if I was okay only to have been met with muffled screams, hot wax started to pour down inside of me, the stinging pain of the heat made me want to plunge the machete which I had dropped onto the ground next to me into my stomach to create a gaping wound that the wax would hopefully funnel out of, the texture of the man's slippery, oily lips matched with the poison like flavor of the wax caused me to start gagging, I felt my insides bulging like at any moment my intestines would have been filled to the point where they would pop, I wanted to vomit, the drain myself of the filth I was filled with, but his lips had plugged my throat not allowing anything to get out.
Hearing my muffled screams the cops started kicking the door down, the man retracted his lips, the suction aided my attempts at cleansing my insides, I got onto my hands and knees streams of molten wax pouring out of me, solidifying on the the carpet, with another loud thud the door swung open slamming into the wall, the man was gone.
That’s the last thing I remember before I passed out, but according to one of the doctors who was in the ambulance that brought me to the hospital, I was still semi-responsive during the first 10 minutes of the ride to the hospital.
Approximately 13.4 pounds of wax were removed from my body, the doctors said that I was in a critical condition and some of them did not expect me to make it.
One of the officers who was there the day the man attacked me took a report of what had happened to me, due to the unmistakable evidence of what had happened to both me and Emma, and the fact that this was the 3rd instance of me reporting something like this the police finally started investigating who this man might have been.
Around a month later I was discharged from the hospital and once again have been staying in the living room of Emma’s parent's house.
I’ve been seeing the man again, candles were not allowed in the hospital I stayed at, which means that he’s probably very hungry, he’s close to attacking me again, I know it, he wants to finish what he started and I don't know if I have the power to fight back, I’m not sure if defeating him is even possible, I’m tired.
I’ve been seeing Emma too, her bloated, reanimated corpse often appears to be standing next to the man. If I let him take me will I get to join them? I’ve tried asking but they don’t answer, they just stare, I can’t keep living in constant fear, always looking over my shoulder, I miss Emma.