#1 star environmental impact

[ethiholic]

SHEIN

Worker Wage - ★☆☆☆☆

SHEIN does not publish the wages of garment workers.

It has been held up in many controversies revolving how much they pay garment workers with many of them being paid under a living wage. There have also been reports of workers having their pay docked for messing up on garments

Working Conditions - ★☆☆☆☆

SHEIN uses small factories that are not heavily regulated. As a result, factories lack emergency exists, windows are barred, and stairs are difficult to access or climb in case of an emergency. Workers are also subject to 75-hour workweeks which is illegal under Chinese law that mandates that a workweek is 40 hours.

Sustainable Materials - ★☆☆☆☆

SHEIN claims to use many recycled materials but there is no proof of this happening. Their clothes are generally made with virgin synthetic materials.

Environmental Impact - ★☆☆☆☆

The brand produces multiple million tons of waste a year. They produce an equal amount of CO2 to 180 coal-fired plants.

Social Impact - ★★☆☆☆

They run SHEIN X that connects designers with marketing and manufacturing tools in order to grow their businesses.

SHEIN also claims to distribute gifts to front line manufacturing workers and to help the children of workers access education.

Inclusivity - ★★★★★

Their clothes run from XS-4XL depending on the section and prices are generally under 10 dollars.

#shein #sustainability #1 star worker wage #1 star working conditions #1 star sustainable materials #1 star environmental impact #2 star social impact #5 star inclusivity

[left-reminders]

(Below are broad vibes for each of the numbers. They are not meant to represent every opinion one could have within those parameters. Some aspects of the description may apply to you while others won't. If you picked a number with a description that doesn't match your perspective, let us know what your actual perspective is in a reblog comment! Comments in general are nice too, of course 👍)

(You also might notice a bias in favor of 5; or at least a far deeper description of what it would entail when compared against the other four. This is partly just because I wanted to soapbox, but I hope it doesn't detract. I genuinely want to hear the perspectives of the 1s, 2s, and 3s, if you're out there and don't appreciate my potential oversimplification!)

1 — It does not factor in at all. Much of the discourse around green politics is a liberal distraction and/or a roadblock holding us back from organizing for socialism. Economic development and human concerns will always matter more. Capitalism was a necessary/justifiable component in the march of history towards socialism, even if it did have certain negative impacts on the environment. The ideal society looks like Star Trek or fully-automated luxury communism (FALC) — one where we overcome "the state of nature" and become masters of our own fate.

2 — It doesn't factor in much, even if I may recognize the reality of climate change and/or the need for environmental protections. We can solve the biggest climate problems with advancements in green technology or perhaps expanding resource frontiers into outer space. In general, other social issues take priority when building socialism.

3 — I care about combating climate change and solving ecological problems, but I find other issues to be more important in my life and I will leave most discussion of it to people more knowledgeable on the subject. The world could be doing far better on these issues and changes are needed, but most of the modern civilizational infrastructure should remain unchanged (albeit organized under a socialist mode of production).

4 — It is very important to my politics. We can balance socialistic technological development with the dire needs of a planet in crisis. Certain human activities and production methods will have to be curbed or eliminated entirely if we are to find this balance (fossil fuels, widget production, private jets, etc), while others will have to be uplifted (renewable energy, public transportation, shared living, etc). Modern civilization is ultimately redeemable, but it needs to undergo a radical transformation.

5 — It is among the most important factors in my politics. I take influence from eco-socialism, social ecology, degrowth, post-civ, anti-civ, deep ecology, or any number of other political perspectives which are ecologically-focused. Locally-organized economies; drastic reductions in working hours and energy throughput; rewilding of the land; emphasis on non-consumptive forms of leisure; an end to consumerism, growth-based economic metrics, and imperial conceptions of "development"; agroecology and polyculture as core methods for obtaining food; and a vast deconstruction of much of the civilizational edifice are all pieces to this puzzle and are required if we are going to have a habitable planet for the generations to come. The ideal society looks like a Miyazaki film, that yogurt commercial, or lightly-automated comfortable ecological socialism (LACES) — one where we "don't seek to become larger within socialism, but rather more realized" (Joel Kovel).

[animatedjen]

Jedi Survivor Photomode Tips: Portrait Lighting!

There are four lighting features that impact Survivor’s photomode: the environmental light, Cal's lightsaber, the exposure slider, and the three spotlights. Let's use them all 🔆

Environment

The environment/lighting teams at Respawn have designed incredible locations across all these different Star Wars planets. Pay attention to how the already-placed lights impact your portrait: I have a running shortlist of favorite locations that I often go back to when creating a specific look.

Environmental lighting also includes effects like fire particles, weapons, Merrin’s magick, etc. If you get your timing right, these can add extra color and visual interest to your photo.

Lightsaber

Cal’s lightsaber! It’s made of light! While everyone has their own color preferences (ginger saber supremacy) keep your color choice in mind when using the saber as a key light.

Bonus tip: Cal’s saber can also be used to help light NPCs 👀 Photomode allows you to toggle Cal’s visibility on and off, but the ambient glow from the saber will remain. It’s pretty easy to tell when I’m using this trick: just look for a bar-shaped catchlight in the character’s eyes.

Speaking of catchlights - they’re a great way to add life to your portrait. If the environmental light doesn’t hit the character’s eyes, I’ll often use the first spotlight as a key (main) light to try and create that reflection.

Spotlights

I’m often using spotlights in two ways, either intensifying the environmental light or pushing the image with stylized lighting. The first creates more interaction between the character and their surroundings, while the second adds drama and visual interest. My favorite portraits are often a mix of both.

Here’s a breakdown from a recent photo: the unlit photo (1), a yellow spotlight as a key (2), a red rim light that connects to the neon sign in the background (3), a green rim light for stylization and repeating color (4), and the final image (5)

Other spotlight tips: play with moving them closer/further away from your subject, along with the intensity of the light itself. Some colors (white, yellow) are more powerful than others (red, blue). If I can’t get the color I want from one light, I’ll place two in the same location and drop the intensity to blend them - blue and green make turquoise!

If you want to be a nerd like me (though I'm in this industry so it's kind of my job) study lighting that’s used in real life portraiture and cinematography. Techniques like short lighting, three point lighting, butterfly lighting, etc.

Exposure Slider

The exposure slider in photomode is a helpful option when the entire scene is darker/brighter than you’d like. It’s also a good way to isolate your subject from the background: drop the exposure down, then use spotlights to add light back to your subject. Note that the spotlight brightness is impacted by the exposure as well, so you’ll need to crank the spotlights up to compensate.

Photo editing

Survivor’s visuals have a beautiful dynamic range and photomode does a great job protecting its highlights and shadows, though that often means less contrast. So if it’s a favorite portrait, I’ll add some contrast back in and often push complementary color into the shadows (yay color theory!)

--

So I've been slowly writing notes for a full-fledged video tutorial and wanted to try a thread-style post in the meantime. Lighting is such an important part of photography, both IRL and virtual, but it's not the easiest tool to use. This is more theory than a practical how-to, but hopefully some of it is helpful?

If you made it all the way down here, you get... a turbo dog or something. Two turbo dogs! 🌭

#star wars jedi survivor #jedi survivor #cal kestis #photomode #virtual photography #star wars #jen makes jedi tutorials

[alexhwriting]

Bloodborne: A Study of Environmental Narratives and Ludonarrative Harmony.

So I am finally adding more to this blog, beginning with the Bloodborne paper that I wrote following the streams that I did of the game last fall. Because of the sizes of these projects I'll be posting them in sections, just so I'm not battling Tumblr's word limit. I'll do my master's thesis this way next.

I. Introduction

Early scholarship in Video Game Studies wrestled with the very nature of games themselves: were they more narrative or ludic in nature? In his 2004 article “Game Design as Narrative Architecture,” Henry Jenkins suggests that the field of video game studies would benefit from a third element in the discussion of games, spatiality.[1] He claims that spatiality is something that has drawn people to stories since the time of questing myths, and that the spatial game, one in which space is utilized as part of the game experience, is an extension of this engaging mode.[2] Jenkins compares these in-game environments to amusement park rides, in that they replicate the atmosphere of the story.[3] For example, replicating the sounds and objects from a particular story, such as Pirates of the Caribbean or Star Wars to immerse and engage the player in what’s going on around them.[4] An example of this kind of spatiality can be seen in the game Bloodborne (2015), in the way that the game relies on exploration of the in-game environments for the character to engage with the game mechanics (which consists of fighting enemies).

Amy Green argues that the backbone of the gaming experience, which distinguishes it from the amusement park attraction, is an interactive component: agency.[5] Agency is a ludic component of the game: the player interacts with the story unfolding around them as an active participant in that story. Without consistent and active input from the player of a game, the narrative and game cannot progress. For Green, this agency also affects the space of the game and makes it, as she calls it, negotiated space.[6] By negotiated space, she explains that the story is not yet set completely in-stone, and the player retains some control of the meaning expressed by the experience.[7] If a book is the set-in-stone narrative, then video games are mostly finished books where the player can add in their own actions into their text as they play, akin to a Mad Libs story (though not necessarily comedic in intention).

Marie-Laure Ryan, speaking more generally about the experience of finding oneself invested in any story world, game or otherwise, discusses the way that space is reliant on narrative to elevate it from space to place.[8] By this, Ryan means that stories give the space of a story its meaning and therefore its status as a recognizable place instead of just a non-descript area where action occurs. For example, a city street is just a city street, but Time Square in New York City is a place because of the stories and impact that the particular place has. This idea of narrative making spaces important will become important as we see the intertwining of narrative and location throughout this paper.

Over the course of this paper, I will argue for the use of the phrase ludonarrative harmony, a term I use to indicate the successful blending of story and action to create an immersive experience for the player that goes beyond the ludic and narrative dichotomy. To illustrate this, I will be using Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware in 2015, as an example of ludonarrative harmony, which occurs when a game’s story and mechanics both act together to strengthen the immersion for the player. As the player explores the game world at the behest of strange notes, is frequently rewarded with gruesome revelations about the world, and their character takes mechanical damage from the act of progression, the combination of ludonarrative harmony, and environmental storytelling comes to the fore. It is these elements that allow a game to create an immersive experience for the player, rather than just the ludic or narrative elements.

[1] Jenkins, “Game Design as Narrative Architecture.” 121.

[2] Jenkins, 122.

[3] Jenkins, 124.

[4] Jenkins, 124.

[5] Green, Storytelling in Video Games. 36-37.

[6] Green, 37.

[7] Green, 37.

[8] Ryan, Narrative as Virtual Reality 2. 86.

#video games #fromsoftware #fromsoft games #soulsborne #elden ring #dark souls #bloodborne #unpacking #2023 Work #Ludonarrative harmony #environmental storytelling

[genshin-impact-updates]

"All Senses Clear, All Existence Void" Version 3.3 Update Maintenance Preview

Dear Travelers,

Our developers will soon begin performing update maintenance. While the update maintenance is in progress, Travelers will be unable to log in to the game. Please take note of the update time and schedule your game time accordingly.

After this is complete, the game will update to a new version. We recommend that Travelers install this update over a Wi-Fi connection.

〓Update Schedule〓

Update maintenance begins 2022/12/07 06:00 (UTC+8) and is estimated to take 5 hours.

〓How to Update Game Client〓

PC: Close the game, open the Genshin Impact Launcher, and click Update.

iOS: Open the App Store and tap Update.

Android: Open the game and follow the directions on-screen.

PS5™ and PS4™: Highlight Genshin Impact from the Home Screen, press the OPTIONS button and select "Check for Update."

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if you encounter any issues installing the new version. We will do our very best to resolve the issue.

〓Compensation Details〓

Maintenance Compensation: Primogems ×300 (60 Primogems per hour the servers are down)

〓Scope of Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 5 or above before 2022/12/07 06:00

Please claim before the end of Version 3.3.

Our developers will distribute compensation to Travelers via in-game mail within 5 hours after the update maintenance is finished. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attached compensation in time.

For more update details, including bug fixes and other compensation details, please see the Version Update Details notice to be posted at 2022/12/07 07:00.

〓Update Content Overview〓

● System

Adds the feature of adding 1–3-Star Artifacts at once to the Destruction System.

Adds the function of filtering by Artifact status in Inventory > Artifacts: you can filter by Artifact Lock Status, Level Status, and Equipment Status.

● Audio

Optimizes the sound performance when a character defeats an opponent or inflicts a CRIT Hit.

Optimizes the sound performance of some objects.

Optimizes the English, Korean, and Japanese voice-over for certain characters and quests.

Optimizes the English voice-over related to a certain region's name as well as the English voice-over performances of some NPCs.

Decreases the volume of environmental sound effects under certain circumstances.

● Other

Reduces the difficulty of the Daily Commission "Hey, Come Out!" and adds gameplay tips.

Adjusts the display order of Mora converted from Adventure EXP in the Reward Preview after reaching Adventure Rank 60.

Optimizes the special effects display of the Tranquility Aura from Nilou's Elemental Skill.

Optimizes the special effects performance of Polearm characters' Plunging Attacks.

*This is a work of fiction and is not related to any actual people, events, groups, or organizations.

"PlayStation", "PS5", "PS4", "DualSense", "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

#genshin impact #genshin impact updates #official #genshin impact news #genshin impact 3.3 #oh god what region are they changing this time

[cleanearthfunfacts]

Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating an Eco-Friendly Home 💡🌱🌍 Entertaining Guide on Environmental Awareness, Sustainable Living, and Renewable Energy Solutions | Clean Earth Fun Facts

Introduction:

Welcome to Clean Earth Fun Facts, your go-to source for fun and entertaining facts about our planet and how to keep it clean and green. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various strategies and tips for creating an eco-friendly home. By incorporating energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, and water conservation strategies, you can reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a sustainable future. Let's dive in!

Chapter 1: Energy-Efficient Appliances

Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings

Look for appliances with ENERGY STAR certification

Consider energy-efficient models for refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and more

Lighting Solutions

Switch to LED or CFL bulbs

Utilize natural light through skylights and windows

Install motion sensor or timer switches to save energy

Smart Home Technology

Invest in smart thermostats and programmable HVAC systems

Control lighting and appliances remotely to avoid unnecessary energy consumption

Use power strips to eliminate standby power

Chapter 2: Sustainable Building Materials

Choose Renewable Materials

Opt for sustainably harvested wood and bamboo

Explore alternatives like reclaimed wood or recycled materials

Consider cork or linoleum flooring instead of vinyl or carpet

Energy-Efficient Insulation

Install insulation with high R-value to reduce heat loss

Consider eco-friendly options like cellulose or wool insulation

Seal air leaks to improve overall energy efficiency

Green Roofing Options

Explore cool roofs that reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption

Consider metal roofing, recycled shingles, or living roofs (vegetation)

Chapter 3: Water Conservation Strategies

Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Install low-flow toilets and showerheads

Use faucet aerators to reduce water flow

Repair leaks promptly

Rainwater Harvesting

Set up rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater for gardening or flushing toilets

Direct downspouts to water plants and trees

Landscape Design for Water Efficiency

Choose native, drought-resistant plants

Group plants with similar water needs

Mulch garden beds to retain moisture

Conclusion:

Congratulations on taking the first step towards creating an eco-friendly home! By implementing the strategies and tips discussed in this guide, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable future. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Join us at Clean Earth Fun Facts in spreading awareness and inspiring others to embrace sustainable living. Together, we can make our planet cleaner, greener, and healthier!

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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Welcome to Clean Earth Fun Facts, your ultimate source for entertaining and educational content about the environment, sustainable living, and renewable energy solutions. Join us as we explore fascinating facts, tips, and celebrations related to a clean and green planet.

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Sit back, relax, and let us entertain and educate you with fascinating facts and inspiring stories about our incredible planet. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest videos. Together, let's make a difference and create a cleaner, greener world!

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I am an environmental enthusiast. I have a passion for creating a cleaner and greener environment, and I believe that we can make a significant impact with your help. As an advocate for a more sustainable future, I have created the "Go Green Clean Environment Initiative" to support our community's transition to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

With your support, we can make a positive impact on the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. Our goal is to make our community a model of sustainability for others to follow.

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Your contribution will help us further Clean Earth Fun Facts content creation. We believe that every little bit counts, and we appreciate any donation, no matter the size.

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Welcome to Clean Earth Fun Facts, your ultimate destination for all things green, sustainable, and eco-friendly! Join us as we explore environmental awareness, conservation, renewable energy, and more. Our channel promotes green living, sustainable practices, and the importance of biodiversity. Dive into a world of eco-consciousness and discover green initiatives, reduce your carbon footprint, and become an eco-warrior. Learn about sustainable fashion, wildlife conservation, and the latest green technologies. Let's make a positive environmental impact through education and advocacy. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future for our planet. Subscribe now and join the Clean Earth Fun Facts community!

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If you're looking for captivating videos on environmental awareness, sustainable living tips, and entertaining facts about the environment, you've come to the right place! 🎥🌱 Join me on https://michaelanthonyhoga6.wixsite.com/youtubecomcleanearth for an engaging journey towards a cleaner, greener planet.

Let's spread the word about the importance of conservation, climate change awareness, and the wonders of renewable energy solutions. Together, we can make Earth Day celebrations a year-round event!

Remember, every small action counts. Share the knowledge, embrace eco-friendly practices, and let's create a brighter future for generations to come. 🌎💚

Join the Clean Earth Fun Facts movement and be part of the solution for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet! Our website is a hub of valuable information and resources dedicated to spreading awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable living practices. We provide engaging content, including informative articles, entertaining videos, and interactive quizzes, all aimed at educating and inspiring individuals to make a positive impact on our planet. If you are an advertiser who shares our vision for a better world, we invite you to partner with us. By placing your brand on our platform, you can reach a passionate and environmentally-conscious audience eager to support businesses that align with their values. Leave your information below, and our team will get in touch with you to discuss exciting advertising opportunities. Together, let's create a sustainable future and make a real difference for generations to come.

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#cleanearthfunfacts #GreenPlanetEntertainment #EnvironmentalAwareness #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyFacts #ConservationEducation #ClimateChangeAwareness #EarthDayCelebrations #RenewableEnergySolutions #EntertainingFactsAboutTheEnvironment #Environmentalawareness #sustainability #ecofriendly #Conservation #Greenliving #Renewableenergy #Climatechange #EarthDay #Biodiversity #Ecoconscious #Sustainablepractices #Natureconservation

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

No gamma rays from nearby supernova

A nearby supernova in 2023 offered astrophysicists an excellent opportunity to test ideas about how these types of explosions boost particles, called cosmic rays, to near light-speed. But surprisingly, NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope detected none of the high-energy gamma-ray light those particles should produce.

On May 18, 2023, a supernova erupted in the nearby Pinwheel galaxy (Messier 101), located about 22 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. The event, named SN 2023ixf, is the most luminous nearby supernova discovered since Fermi launched in 2008.

“Astrophysicists previously estimated that supernovae convert about 10% of their total energy into cosmic ray acceleration,” said Guillem Martí-Devesa, a researcher at the University of Trieste in Italy. “But we have never observed this process directly. With the new observations of SN 2023ixf, our calculations result in an energy conversion as low as 1% within a few days after the explosion. This doesn’t rule out supernovae as cosmic ray factories, but it does mean we have more to learn about their production.”

The paper, led by Martí-Devesa while at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, will appear in a future edition of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Trillions of trillions of cosmic rays collide with Earth’s atmosphere every day. Roughly 90% of them are hydrogen nuclei – or protons – and the remainder are electrons or the nuclei of heavier elements.

Scientists have been investigating cosmic ray origins since the early 1900s, but the particles can’t be traced back to their sources. Because they’re electrically charged, cosmic rays change course as they travel to Earth thanks to magnetic fields they encounter.

“Gamma rays, however, travel directly to us,” said Elizabeth Hays, the Fermi project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “Cosmic rays produce gamma rays when they interact with matter in their environment. Fermi is the most sensitive gamma-ray telescope in orbit, so when it doesn’t detect an expected signal, scientists must explain the absence. Solving that mystery will build a more accurate picture of cosmic ray origins.”

Astrophysicists have long suspected supernovae of being top cosmic ray contributors.

These explosions occur when a star at least eight times the Sun’s mass runs out of fuel. The core collapses and then rebounds, propelling a shock wave outward through the star. The shock wave accelerates particles, creating cosmic rays. When cosmic rays collide with other matter and light surrounding the star, they generate gamma rays.

Supernovae greatly impact a galaxy’s interstellar environment. Their blast waves and expanding cloud of debris may persist for more than 50,000 years. In 2013, Fermi measurements showed that supernova remnants in our own Milky Way galaxy were accelerating cosmic rays, which generated gamma-ray light when they struck interstellar matter. But astronomers say the remnants aren’t producing enough high-energy particles to match scientists’ measurements on Earth.

One theory proposes that supernovae may accelerate the most energetic cosmic rays in our galaxy in the first few days and weeks after the initial explosion.

But supernovae are rare, occurring only a few times a century in a galaxy like the Milky Way. Out to distances of around 32 million light-years, a supernova occurs, on average, just once a year.

After a month of observations, starting when visible light telescopes first saw SN 2023ixf, Fermi had not detected gamma rays.

“Unfortunately, seeing no gamma rays doesn’t mean there are no cosmic rays,” said co-author Matthieu Renaud, an astrophysicist at the Montpellier Universe and Particles Laboratory, part of the National Center for Scientific Research in France. “We have to go through all the underlying hypotheses regarding acceleration mechanisms and environmental conditions in order to convert the absence of gamma rays into an upper limit for cosmic ray production.”

The researchers propose a few scenarios that may have affected Fermi’s ability to see gamma rays from the event, like the way the explosion distributed debris and the density of material surrounding the star.

Fermi’s observations provide the first opportunity to study conditions right after the supernova explosion. Additional observations of SN 2023ixf at other wavelengths, new simulations and models based on this event, and future studies of other young supernovae will help astronomers home in on the mysterious sources of the universe’s cosmic rays.

Fermi is an astrophysics and particle physics partnership managed by Goddard. Fermi was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, with important contributions from academic institutions and partners in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden, and the United States.

#science #space #astronomy #physics #news #nasa #astrophysics #supernova

[weaponsofclairvoyance]

we watched a star trek movie for every night of chanukah which i think is very appropriate and then continued on from there so here is my current ranking

voyage home (most completely wonderful in terms of plot and character and pure enjoyment AND made a positive environmental impact irl. also it's fun to see mr spock in san francisco ❤️)

search for spock (the most romantic film ever made)

undiscovered country (genuinely thoughtful political commentary & wonderful performance from all)

wrath of khan (wrath of khan)

beyond (joy and fun and tributes to the original movies that felt loving and appreciative rather than cheap)

first contact (borg queen is there, picard goes crazy, love to see it. this is 6 on the list but #1 in terms of kinkiness)

insurrection (gave us a taste of the picard we saw in measure of a man and i loved it. 10/10 for his performance and his moral integrity alone. the rest was decent too, i enjoyed it even though jonathan frakes is a narcissist)

final frontier/2009 tied (bad but fun. misogyny. shatner and abrams clearly wish it was star wars which they wish was a terrible action movie)

generations (i liked that guinan was there and that kirk's magical immortality brain paradise cast him in the role of bland heterosexual. other things happened too i guess.)

the motion picture (the longest movie ever made where nothing happens at all)

nemesis (i was so mad about picard going "god troi cant you just let that guy telepathically assault you a few more times for a negligible tactical advantage" that i couldn't even pay attention to the rest of the movie. i am genuinely offended on levar burton gates mcfadden michael dorn & marina sirtis' behalf that this was meant to be their last performance of these characters and they either had 8 minutes of screentime and/or were utterly disrespected. it was funny when brent spiner killed data though. free yourself!)

into darkness (would be lower on the list if humanly possible. what aos did to uhura makes me want to kill. benedict cumbersome should be fired out of a cannon)

[formulatalk]

F1: Sebastian Vettel Turns Suzuka Curve into a Symbol of Biodiversity

On the Thursday preceding the Japanese Grand Prix, Formula 1 fans were treated to a unique and environmentally conscious touch. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel orchestrated a captivating initiative to draw attention to an environmental agenda focused on biodiversity, renaming Suzuka Circuit's iconic Turn 2 to "Buzzin' Curve."

Vettel, known for his passion for nature and ecological causes, took a hands-on approach to the campaign. He oversaw the construction of ten insect enclosures positioned within Turn 2. Formula 1 also authorized the zebras in this section to be painted in black and yellow, a color combination chosen to symbolize the cause.

The campaign, titled "Buzzin' Curve, Racing for Biodiversity," aims to raise awareness about the critical issue of biodiversity loss and decline. Vettel explained, "Biodiversity describes the variety of species, encompassing animals, plants, living organisms, bacteria, and diversity within species themselves. It also encompasses different ecosystems, such as forests, woodlands, deserts, Arctic regions, and tropical rainforests."

Vettel's choice of yellow and black as the campaign's colors reflects his belief that bees can serve as ambassadors for this cause, as these pollinators have distinct and recognizable colors, are instantly identifiable, and can effectively convey the campaign's message.

In addition to painting the zebras, the initiative took concrete steps to create additional habitats for other insects. These efforts aimed to provide space for nesting, hibernation, and feeding, although the impact on the track is relatively small. However, Vettel emphasized that "change starts in people's minds," and the goal is to inspire positive environmental actions.

Vettel's "Buzzin' Curve" initiative serves as a reminder that Formula 1, while thrilling, can also be a catalyst for positive change and environmental awareness on a broader scale. It is an example of how sports and their stars can contribute to a better world.

#formula one #sebastian vettel

[onetouchheat]

Maximizing Comfort and Savings: The Guide to Energy-Efficient AC Installation by One Touch Heating & Air Conditioning

As temperatures soar and summer settles in, the reliance on air conditioning becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. But with rising energy costs and environmental concerns, finding a balance between comfort and efficiency is crucial. That's where One Touch Heating & Air Conditioning comes to the rescue. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of energy-efficient AC installation, exploring how One Touch Heating & Air Conditioning can help you beat the heat while keeping your energy bills in check.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency in AC Installation

Energy efficiency isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of minimizing your carbon footprint while maximizing your savings. Traditional air conditioning systems can consume significant amounts of energy, contributing to high electricity bills and straining the power grid. Energy-efficient AC installation, on the other hand, focuses on reducing energy consumption without compromising on cooling performance.

The One Touch Approach to Energy-Efficient AC Installation

At One Touch Heating & Air Conditioning, we take pride in offering tailored solutions that prioritize both your comfort and the environment. Here's how we approach energy-efficient AC installation:

1. Expert Assessment and Sizing

Proper sizing of your air conditioning system is the foundation of efficiency. Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your space, taking into account factors like square footage, insulation, and local climate. By choosing the right-sized system, we prevent overexertion and excessive energy consumption.

2. High-Efficiency Equipment

We offer a range of cutting-edge, energy-efficient AC systems that have earned the ENERGY STAR® certification. These units are designed to provide exceptional cooling while using significantly less energy than standard models.

3. Precision Installation

Our skilled technicians follow industry best practices to ensure every component of your AC system is installed with precision. Proper installation not only ensures optimal performance but also prevents air leaks and inefficient operation.

4. Programmable Thermostats

Pairing your energy-efficient AC system with a programmable thermostat allows you to regulate your home's temperature based on your schedule. This prevents unnecessary cooling when you're not at home, translating to energy savings.

5. Ductwork Evaluation

Leaky ducts can undermine the efficiency of your air conditioning system. We assess your ductwork for leaks and insulation issues, making necessary repairs or improvements to enhance efficiency.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient AC Installation

1. Lower Energy Bills: By investing in an energy-efficient AC installation, you can significantly lower your monthly energy bills, leaving you with more money in your pocket.

2. Environmental Impact: Reduced energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and a greener future.

3. Enhanced Comfort: Energy-efficient systems maintain a more consistent temperature, eliminating hot and cold spots in your home and ensuring a more comfortable living space.

4. Extended Lifespan: Properly installed and maintained energy-efficient AC systems tend to have longer lifespans, providing you with reliable cooling for years to come.

5. Potential Incentives: Some regions offer rebates, tax credits, or incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, further sweetening the deal.

When it comes to staying cool during the summer months, there's no need to choose between comfort and efficiency. With One Touch Heating & Air Conditioning's energy-efficient AC installation, you can have the best of both worlds. Our commitment to top-notch equipment, expert installation, and sustainable practices ensures that your home remains cool, comfortable, and energy-conscious. Contact us today to learn how our AC installation Brampton experts can transform your cooling experience while making a positive impact on the environment and your wallet.

#ac repair #ac installation #ac installation brampton #emergency ac repair #hvac companies

[simlicious]

Get to Know me

I was tagged by the wonderful @aroundthesims, thank you! 😘

1. What do you have under your bed? My entire wool stash for my knitting projects! 💜 according to my ravelry stash, about 20 kg of wool (I have a bit of an obsession).

2. Favorite candy? What I favor changes periodically! Generally, I love soft and salty licorice, sour, chewy gummy candy and also candy bars like snickers. I don’t eat a lot of chocolate sweets, but I do love a good chocolate cake or hot chocolate :) Right now, I enjoy eating “Spekulatius” (speculoos), which is a crisp cookie with spices like cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and cloves; and homemade Christmas cookies made by my parents! 

3. The last thing you drew/doodled was:  Random scribbles on a scrap paper, I like to doodle while talking on the phone. I usually draw eyes, trees, and weird surrealistic things that I make up as I go along. On the piece of paper, I can make out some sort of spider web with a flower in it, a star with an eye in the middle, something that looks like tangled Christmas lights, also with some eyes in it (idk, I have an eye obsession it seems).

4. Are you completely sober rn?  Always (I don’t drink)

5. What’s the one thing that annoys you more than anything? I’m super annoyed that consumers get told that they need to do their share to save the planet, like use reuseable packaging, do not buy online, only buy organic foods, recycle all the trash. I do try to do most of these things regularly, but it annoys me that companies suggest that is the way we save the planet. But this just shifts the problem away from the ones who can make a far bigger environmental impact: the companies themselves, who often do just the bare minimum when it comes to saving the planet. Many just deflect their responsibility, and that makes me mad. Does your workplace have different trash cans to recycle properly? Probably not...

6. Have you ever gotten your tongue stuck to a cold pole during winter? Not that I remember (I might have I kissed something cold as a kid and it felt kind of sticky, but never put my tongue on something cold)

7. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?  Idk, probably here.

8. What was the single last word you spoke? "bis dann” (see you soon/later), to my mom on the phone. I’m tagging:  You (but feel free to ignore!)

#personal

[ethiholic]

Victoria's Secret

Worker Wage - ★☆☆☆☆

There is not sufficient information on whether or not they are properly paying garment workers. There have been claims that garment workers can make 4 cents per item In 2022, Victoria’s Secret paid $8.3 million to Thai workers that had been fired without proper severance in 2021

Working Conditions - ★☆☆☆☆

Victoria’s Secret has reportedly used child labor in parts of Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. According to Victoria's Secret, Slave Labor And So-Called "Free Trade":

Many factory workers are unable to leave the manufacturing parks as they lack documentation and fear imprisonment for their lack of papers.

Workers are also subject to around 100-hour workdays, with mandatory overtime.

Employees that make mistakes are subject to being slapped or beaten and are given around 3 minutes to complete items

Sustainable Materials - ★★☆☆☆

Victoria’s Secret uses a small amount of organic cotton and recycled materials. Most of their materials are synthetic.

Environmental Impact - ★☆☆☆☆

Victoria’s Secret does not appear to control the environmental impacts of the factories that produce their garments.

In their stores and distribution centers, they have made efforts to reduce their energy consumption.

Social Impact - ★★☆☆☆

In 2022, Victoria’s Secret committed to donating $300,000 to non-profit organizations that focused on inclusion.

Inclusivity - ★★★☆☆

The average price of items at Victoria’s Secret is $44.

Bra sizes range from 30A to 44DD but these sizes are not available for all items.

#victoria's secret #sustainability #1 star worker wage #1 star working conditions #2 star sustainable materials #1 star environmental impact #2 star social impact #3 star inclusivity #victorias secret

[wizard-anarchist-dragon]

How does your magic system work?

This post comes out of a lore dump by my DM explaining DND magic through the creation of a magic/anti-magic pair of particles.

So what about in other pieces of media. 1) Diathesis-stress This is a psychological theory suggesting that a condition needs a genetic predisposition, and then exposure to an environmental stimulus (stress) in order for the traits to begin to show

2) Unexplained science e.g. The long earth, To sleep in a sea of stars, Dragonriders of pern This can be good or not, as it can be studied and understood, but it can lead to quite a bad consequence …. the possibility for genetic supremacy

And so I come to my favourite game;

How eugenics is your magic system?

Before I start, I will be discussing mundane vs magical humans, rather than inherently magical beings such as fae, mer, dragons. Although they will be brought in, I am not discussing their species

Genetics - pure eugenics e.g. harry potter Your character has the right genes in order to be able to 'just do it'. if you do not have those genes you will fail, leads to genetic supremacy (you see the relevance of the example)

Genetics - interbred e.g. Percy Jackson You have an ancestor which allows you to use their magic. they have no control over your use of magic, but you can then breed for that trait. (I know that in PJ the power has diminishing returns but it is just to get you thinking)

Genetic - earned/choice e.g. Lord of the Rings, Ingo by Helen Dunmore Although your ancestors interbred you need to choose. in LOTR we know Elrond and Elros had to choose if they chose elf or human. In Ingo (obscure reference but I like it) you have to accept what 'magic' you are doing, but it needs you to have the gene for it.

Genetic - inheritance/cultural e.g Belgarid series by David Eddings, Merlin (TV show) druids There is a genetic element, but if you seek out the relevant god/gods then you can gain magic as well. In these examples the main character is genetic, but we see how culture effects their magic use.

Some - trainable e.g. Earthsea series by Ursula le Guin Lots of people can, but you need to learn to control it through self-control or magic words etc. Earthsea might have everyone being magic, but due to some of the ways the school/education works I want to say there is some people who are better. The way this is different to 'everyone - trainable' is because some people simply can't train at all and people are often said to 'have a gift' and so sent to train more.

Some - random e.g. The fire within by Chris d'Lacy There can be a genetic element, but magic is so unpredictable that it is more like it is magic choosing its hosts. if you have read the whole of the example series you know what I am talking about.

Everyone - but some are better than others e.g. star wars Midi-chlorian count, really? enough said

Everyone - magical onset e.g. Eragon by Christopher Paolini Maybe Eragon is just my theory but in general, every Human has the chance of magic development, but it needs a cause. in Eragon, it needs a dragon, but Roran and Nasuada are able to start controlling their minds from magic-casters, suggesting magic exposure is correlated with how much magic you can do.

Everyone - testable e.g. The bone wich by Rin Chupeco There are types of magic, and people need a threshold to count, but it is a subtle impact on everyone's lives unless you have active control. this example is a good book if you want a more unique look at magic.

Who knows? - trainable e.g Riftwar saga by Raymond e. feist, Diskworld by Terry prattchet you might be magic, lets give you some task and see if you can do it

Who knows? - random e.g Narnia by C.S.Lewis, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke These characters are not shown as 'magic' but they are special for what appears to be no reason whatsoever.

I would love to hear other peoples takes on magic systems, especially is they are not in this list.

and remember, there is no magic

#magic #there is no magic #magic system #how eugenics is your magic system? #books

[apalooka]

It Lives Within - Chapter 11: Dancing with the Devil - Choices

It Lives Within Home Page

Choices may vary based on if Noah or ILITW MC survived.

For convenience sake, ILITW MC will be referred to as "Devon". ILB MC will be referred to as “Harper”.

Choice 1

We should focus on fighting. (+LINCOLN, +JOCELYN, -ABEL)

We should focus on figuring things out. (+ABEL, +AMALIA, -JOCELYN) (ABEL Nerve +2, AMALIA Nerve +2)

Choice 2

Choose this look! (Body Types 1 and 2: Gold and black dress; Body Type 3: Black suit with gold accents and tie)

Choose this look! (Body Types 1 and 2: Black suit with gold tie; Body Type 3: Gold leaf top with black skirt)

Choose this look! (Body Types 1 and 2: Black and gold dress; Body Type 3: Gold jacket with black turtleneck and pants)

Choose this look! (Body Types 1 and 2: Black suit with gold accents; Body Type 3: Black and gold dress)

Choice 3 (if Stacy is alive)

Abel (No effect)

Amalia (No effect)

Lincoln (No effect)

Jocelyn (No effect)

Choice 4

You look gorgeous! (No effect)

When did you get so sexy?❤️ (No effect)

(AMALIA Nerve +3)

Choice 5

I didn't know you owned a dress! (No effect)

You look incredible.❤️ (+JOCELYN if you’re romancing her or No effect)

Choice 6

You look fancy. (No effect)

The suit plus reading really gives you hot nerd points.❤️ (No effect)

Choice 7

It should be a crime for you to cover your tattoos. (No effect)

You're wearing the hell out of that suit.❤️ (No effect)

(+LINCOLN)

Choice 8

Good thing I'm good at schmoozing people. (No effect)

It's all up to you, Stacy. (appears if Stacy is alive)

Why can't you just do it? (appears if Stacy is dead)

(AMALIA Nerve +10 - if you chose to bring Amalia) (LINCOLN Nerve +5 - if you chose to bring Lincoln)

Choice 9 (if you chose to bring Abel)

I will too. (No effect)

I'm reserving judgement. (No effect)

I disagree. (No effect)

Choice 10

I have concerns about the environmental impacts. (+AMALIA - if you chose to bring Amalia / +LINCOLN - if you chose to bring Lincoln / or No effect)

Someone's planning something dark with the Power. (+ABEL - if you chose to bring Abel / -LINCOLN - if you chose to bting Lincoln / or No effect)

Choice 11

Rudy Wright. (No effect)

Mayor Green. (No effect)

Adrian Kim. (No effect)

I'm done asking questions. (No effect) (Appears after choosing one of the above options.)

You can choose them all. This just determines the order.

(MC Nerve +5 - if Stacy is alive) (ABEL Nerve +10 - if you chose to bting Abel) Choice 12 (if you chose to bring Abel, Lincoln, or Jocelyn) Tell him/her about my father. (No effect) Tell him/her about my mother. (No effect) Tell him/her about my sister. (No effect) (+LINCOLN) (LINCOLN Nerve +5) - if you chose to bring Lincoln

Choice 12 (if you chose to bring Amalia)

Reminisce about my father. (No effect)

Reminisce about my mother. (No effect)

Reminisce about my sister. (No effect)

Choice 13 (if you chose to bring Abel, Amalia, or Lincoln)

Ask him/her to dance with me under the stars.❤️ (+AMALIA - if you chose to take Amalia / +LINCOLN - if you chose to take Lincoln / or No effect)

Go inside. (Go to Choice 15)

(+LINCOLN if you are romancing him)

Choice 13 (if you chose to bring Jocelyn - Slow Burn/Not Romancing)

Ask her to dance.❤️ (+JOCELYN)

Go back to the table. (Go to Choice 15)

Choice 13 (if you chose to bring Jocelyn - Friends with Benefits)

Pull her into a steamy kiss.❤️ (+JOCELYN)

Go inside. (Go to Choice 15)

Choice 14 (if you chose to bring Abel)

Kiss him.❤️ (No effect)

Let him kiss me.❤️ (only appears if you are romancing Abel)

Go inside. (No effect)

Choice 14 (if you chose to bring Amalia)

It's more romantic.❤️ (No effect)

It's a better venue. (No effect)

Choice 14 (if you chose to being Lincoln)

Kiss him.❤️ (No effect)

End the dance. (No effect)

Choice 15

I have a better idea.❤️ (CONNOR Nerve -3)

I have environmental concerns. (No effect)

Don't you think there's a better location? (No effect)

Choice 16

Let's go. (No effect)

I'd rather not… (Go to Choice 24)

Choice 17

No thanks. (No effect)

I'd love one. (No effect)

Choice 18

Join him.❤️ (No effect)

Stay standing. (No effect)

Lean against the desk. (No effect)

Choice 19 (if you did not tell Matthias about the Power in Choice 10)

Tell him the whole truth. (No effect)

Leave things vague. (No effect)

Choice 20

That's a good idea. (No effect)

That's not a good idea. (No effect)

You could get hurt.❤️ (No effect)

Choice 21

[Matthias has a point.] (No effect)

[Matthias is wrong.] (No effect)

Choice 22 (if you chose the Flirt option in Choice 18)

[He looks handsome.]❤️ (No effect)

[He looks tired.] (No effect)

Choice 23

Grab it. (LORE DOC)

Ignore it. (No effect)

Choice 24

Try to get info from her! (No effect)

Forget it… (Go to Chapter End)

Choice 25

Remain silent, listen and observe. (Go to Choice 26A if you met Marianthe in Chapter 6) (Skip Choice 26 if you did not meet Marianthe until now.)

Flirt with her.❤️ (Skip Choice 26 if you met Marianthe in Chapter 6) (Go to Choice 26B if you did not meet Marianthe until now) (Pick if you want to sleep with Marianthe and/or do not want to lose nerve at the end of the chapter.)

Strike up friendly conversation. (Skip Choice 26 if met Marianthe in Chapter 6) (Go to Choice 26C if you did not meet Marianthe until now.)

Choice 26A (if you chose to remain silent and previously met Marianthe.)

Ask about the phone call. (Go to Chapter End)

Ask about work. (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Choice 26B (If you flirted with Marianthe and did not meet her until now)

MC. (Go to Chapter End)

Taylor. (No effect) ⬅ Correct

I’m a mystery.❤️ (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Choice 26C (If you had a friendly conversation with Marianthe and did not meet her until now.)

I'm MC. Nice to meet you. (Go to Chapter End)

I hate when people screw up whiskey. (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Choice 27

Flirt.❤️ (No effect) ⬅ Correct if you picked the Flirt option in Choice 25

Make small talk. (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Ask about her business ventures. (Go to Chapter End)

Choice 28

Distract her by sleeping with her!❤️ (Go to Choice 29A if you chose both Flirt options in Choices 25 and 27. Otherwise, Go to Chapter End) (Pick this option if you do not want to lose nerve at the end of the chapter)

Distract her by misdirection! (Go to Choice 29B)

Choice 29A (Sleep with Marianthe) This Choice is timed!

Focus! (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Forget! (Go to Chapter End)

Fantasize! (Go to Chapter End)

If time runs out, you Forget!

Choice 30 (Sleep with Marianthe) This Choice is timed!

Concentrate on the feeling… (Go to Chapter End)

Succumb! (Go to Chapter End)

Concentrate on the phone… (No effect) ⬅ Correct

If time runs out, you Succumb!

Choice 31 (Sleep with Marianthe) This Choice is timed!

Grab her ass! (No effect)

Grab her phone! (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Grab her boob! (No effect)

If time runs out, you Grab her boob!

Choice 29B (Distract Marianthe) This Choice is timed!

Grab the phone! (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Wait! (No effect)

Grab the counter! (No effect)

If time runs out, you Grab the counter!

(MC Nerve -10) - You do not lose nerve if you slept with Marianthe and failed the timed checks

Chapter 11 Complete

3 out of 6 Collectibles Found 5 out of 9 Lore Docs Found

<< It Lives Within Choices: Index

< Chapter 10: The Truth Never Hides for Long

> Chapter 12: Chasing Phantoms

#It Lives Within #it lives within guide #ilw guide #ilw #it lives within chapter 11 #ilw ch 11

[freehawaii]

HAWAI`I VACATION IS HARMFUL TO ITS RESIDENTS

CNN - August 18, 2022

The Hawaii most tourists see is one of azure waters and towering resorts, of "aloha" and "ohana" and hula. But as it exists now, the powerful tourism industry dictates the lives of Native Hawaiians, often for the worse, said Kyle Kajihiro, a lecturer at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and activist for the rights of Native Hawaiians. The tourism industry in Hawaii powers its state revenue, but that reliance on tourism has resulted in Native Hawaiians getting priced out of their homes, climate change wreaking havoc on the natural landscape, and a lack of respect for the 50th state that is also the ancestral land of more than half a million people. "I think that it is too easy for people to visit places like Hawaii," Kajihiro said. "It conditions visitors to feel entitled.” The industry must change to improve the futures of Native Hawaiians, Kajihiro told CNN. He's one of several residents who have worked to educate visitors and return some elements of Hawaiian culture to the people from whom it originated. If visitors to Hawaii decenter themselves and instead take with them respect and a willingness to learn -- or choose not to visit at all -- then Hawaii may be preserved for the people who have called it home for centuries, activists say. For many residents, living in Hawaii is no vacation. Tourism is Hawaii's largest single source of private capital, per the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it remains incredibly lucrative: In April alone, visitors to Hawaii spent over $1 billion in the islands, according to a state report marking the recovery of tourism since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. But what's profitable for Hawaii's economy can negatively impact the lives of Native Hawaiians and yearlong residents. To combat drought conditions, residents last year were asked to reduce their water consumption or face a fine while large resorts continued to use far more water. There are millions more annual visitors than there are permanent residents -- in 2021, there were more than 6.7 million visitors compared to 1.4 million residents -- which can cause carbon emissions to surge and overuse of its beaches, hiking trails and other natural wonders. Hawaii has even been called the "extinction capital of the world" for the number of species who've gone extinct or are at high risk of dying out. It also has the highest cost of living in the nation, partly due to the state having to import around 90% of its goods. Its housing market is one of the most expensive in the country, ProPublica and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported in 2020, and with a large demand for land and a limited amount of it, Native Hawaiians can spend decades waiting to reclaim ancestral land, leading some to move from the islands. "Tourism normalizes and conceals the current dystopian reality experienced by many Kānaka Maoli and the poor immigrant communities in Hawaii," Kajihiro told CNN. (Kānaka Maoli is the Hawaiian-language term for Native Hawaiians.) To empower Native Hawaiians and return some of their rights, the tourism industry needs to change, beginning with its ethos, Kajihiro said. 'DeTours' show the real history of Hawaii beyond the beach. In an effort to reclaim the histories of Hawaii and educate residents and visitors about the impacts of colonization, militarization and tourism, Kajihiro created the Hawai'i DeTour Project. The program, which he runs with lifelong activist Terrilee Kekoʻolani, aims to "interject a more critical historical account of Hawaii" in hopes that it'll start conversations about social responsibility and create solidarity with social justice and environmental activist efforts in Hawaii. Kajihiro leads DeTours to locations like downtown Honolulu to discuss Hawaii's former sovereignty; to 'Iolani Palace, where the US supported a White settler-led coup against Queen Lili'uokalani; to military landmarks like the Pearl Harbor memorial to discuss American efforts to transform parts of Hawaii into military strongholds. Though Kajihiro doesn't advertise his services, visitors are increasingly seeking them out. While he prioritizes educational and political groups that can help create change locally, he has seen both residents and visitors on his tours, some of whom go on to become involved in the causes he highlights. "I guess it could be seen as a good sign that people want to learn and be more responsible as travelers," he said. "But there are also many people who simply want the novelty of a 'reality' tour or seek to assuage their guilt by doing a more 'socially responsible' tourism. I'm not interested in giving people permission to visit Hawaii guilt-free.” One way to support Native Hawaiians is to not visit at all, some say. Two educators in Hawaii borrowed the name of Kajihiro's operation for their book, which also shares his principles. "Detours: A Decolonial Guide to Hawai'i," co-edited by Vernadette Gonzalez and Hōkūlani Aikau, is no ordinary guide book -- it's a call to action. The book is designed to educate readers about Hawaii's past and present and the negative impacts of colonization, militarization and tourism. Even if readers never make it to Hawaii, the stories transport them to some of the sites Kajihiro leads his groups to. In the introduction to the book, Gonzalez and Aikau write that not all readers will be "invited or allowed to go to all of the places that are described," and some locales were left out entirely because they're "not meant for outsiders." Many tourists' relationship to Hawaii is an extractive one, Gonzalez and Aikau write, and that relationship must shift to one of support if the Hawaii tourists know and the Hawaii its residents live in are to continue to exist. Even better, they write, would be choosing not to vacation in Hawaii at all. "Sometimes the best way to support decolonization and Kanaka 'Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) resurgence is to not come as a tourist to our home," the editors write. Improving tourism begins with respect for the islands and Native Hawaiians.

Of course, there will always be tourists in Hawaii as long as it remains the islands' top industry -- and as long as its beaches beckon to guests with deep pockets. The nonprofit Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii connect tourists with local attractions that emphasize cultural and environmental responsibility. The Coconut Traveler, a travel company created by Debbie Misajon, the granddaughter of Filipino immigrants who moved to Hawaii to work on sugarcane plantations, is aimed at wealthy guests and charges a responsible tourism fee, 100% of which goes to local organizations that work to sustain Hawaii's natural beauty. Recentering the focus of a trip to Hawaii from the guest to the island and its residents might lighten the footprint a tourist leaves there, Misajon told CNN. "I'm all for coming and enjoying the islands, but (I) encourage people to find ways to be part of the solution," Misajon said. "It might be trite, but spend your money locally.” Making fundamental changes to the tourism industry should begin with returning rights to Native Hawaiians and letting them decide how they want their culture to be shared and consumed, if at all, Kajihiro said. There's already a model of this in New Zealand, where the Māori people have control over how their culture is represented and experienced by tourists, he said, with an emphasis on mutual respect. "Let's abolish the word 'tourism,'" Kajihiro said. "The very term privileges the consumer, the act of consuming places, and the transactional relationship." Instead, he said, visitors should "rethink travel as entering someone else's home." Someone who's a guest at someone else's home may bring a gift with them or express their gratitude to their host in other ways, he said. "As a visitor, you have the burden to learn, act responsibly, not be a burden and respect your hosts," Kajihiro said.  

#overtourism #free hawaii #hawaiian kingdom

[muneeswari]

Essential Qualities of a High-Quality Air Conditioner

When choosing an air conditioner (AC) for your home or office, several critical qualities distinguish the best models:

1. Energy Efficiency

Seek out units with high SEER ratings and ENERGY STAR certifications. These efficient models help lower electricity costs and reduce environmental impact.

2. Cooling Capacity

Select an AC with the appropriate BTU rating for your space to ensure effective cooling. An HVAC professional can assist in determining the right size.

3. Reliability and Durability

Choose reputable brands known for producing durable and reliable AC units. Customer reviews and warranty information are helpful resources.

4. Quiet Operation

Opt for units with noise levels under 50 dB to maintain a quiet and comfortable environment, especially in bedrooms and living areas.

5. Advanced Features

Modern ACs offer features like smart controls, air purification systems, and variable speed compressors for enhanced convenience and performance.

6. Ease of Maintenance

Select units designed for easy maintenance, with accessible filters and components that are simple to clean or replace.

7. Environmental Impact

Look for eco-friendly models that use refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and offer eco-mode settings.

Top Choices for 2024

Best Overall: Daikin Fit – High energy efficiency, advanced features, quiet operation.

Best for Large Spaces: LG Dual Inverter – Powerful cooling, quiet, compatible with smart home systems.

Best Budget Option: Midea U Inverter – Affordable, highly efficient, very quiet.

By focusing on these essential qualities, you can choose an AC that provides efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective cooling for your space.

If you want the best service from both brands, Jas AC Plaza is the place I highly recommend. They sell both Daikin and Bluestar ACs and offer great service too. They provide service for all brands, but they are especially known for servicing Daikin and Bluestar. It's a one-stop-super market for all your AC needs in Chennai that I will personally recommend from my experience.

#ac sales #ac service #ac amc