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if-you-fan-a-fire · 1 year

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“THIRD MAN SENTENCED IN SERIES OF FRAUDS,” Toronto Star. February 3, 1933. Page 2. ---- Charles Sheppard, Salesman for W. S. Pratt, Gets Six Months --- Morris Rosenbaum and Max Beaver, facing two counts, one of burglary and one of wounding, were remanded in custody; further hearing Feb. 8. The two accused men were alleged to have robbed and wounded one Morris Bodler.

Bail of $2,000 was demanded of Henry Solfjelt on a charge of criminal negligence. The crown explained that the case should stand over till Feb. 17, as the complainant was confined to hospital from the accident..

What was described by the crown as the last conviction to be asked for in a series of false pretence charges on which W. S. Pratt and a salesman said to have been in his employ, each convicted and sent to the Ontario reformatory was heard to-day when Chas. Shippard was arraigned before Magistrate R. J. Browne, charged with securing a part of the sum of $25.00 from W. Warnock by false pretences with intent to defraud.

Plea of guilty was accepted by the court. The crown expressed willingness to have sentence set at six months definite.

"I may state that I believe Shippard to have been the least to blame in the activities of the W. S. Prati coterie, and in view of the fact that both Mr. Pratt and the other sales- man have been convicted, and because Mr. Shippard has done all possible to assist me in the clearing up of the cases, I suggest that a short, definite term be applied to Shippard.

"Six months definite," was the order made. Impersonated Army Men On a charge of impersonating Salvation Army officials in order to obtain money, George Fowler and Leonard Elton were sentenced to serve 6 days in jail each.

Pleas of guilty were made by both men, who admitted having committed a similar offense previously, when they received a warning.

Percival M. Stafford, out ticket of leave from Kingston penitentiary, came before Magistrate Browne to-day on a charge of fraud, pleaded guilty and received sentence of three months definite and three months indeterminate.

"I think the best place for him is back at Kingston, where the authorities will have to see to it that he serves the balance of his lengthy term." said the court.

Pleading guilty of breaking and entering and theft of $30 from H. A. Griffin and S. J. Lyle, George Flint and Wm. Costin were remanded one week for sentence.

"I want to make a further investigatlon into this matter" stated the crown.

Harry Some was committed for trial on a charge of criminal negligence arising out of an accident Jan. 6. when serious bodily harm was done to L. Simmons, when, it is said, a horse-drawn wagon driven by accused knocked down Mr. Simmons on St. Clair Ave.

Ten days in jail was given Arthur Holmes, who pleaded guilty to the theft of auto tools from a car parked on Pembroke St. last night.

Asks for Deportation Robert Arthur asked to be deported and pleaded guilty to the theft of an auto.

"Very well. if that's the way he feels about it," agreed the magistrate. "Sixty days in jail, with deportation to follow."

Cites Edward the Third Precedent Howard Johnson, alias James Beatty, and George Baker, alleged ringleaders of a movement advocating force and violence against the law, were heard in part before Magistrate Browne. Both elected trial by jury and reserved their pleas.

When the crown stated that summary trial could be ordered, defence counsel retorted, "Oh no!. The authority for my clients' right to elect jury trial dates back to King Edward the Third."

"Perhaps you will contend I have not the right to commit for trial," commented Magistrate Browne.

"Of course you may commit."

“Thanks a lot." replied the court. "I'm glad I have some right in the matter."

Detective Nursey said he had arrested the two accused at a meeting December 12, and that he heard Howard Johnson say to those assembled in the room ---- "Go back to your hostels and organize. Demand what you want and, if you don't get it, take it."

"What About the Pollce?" Nursey then added. "someone in the audience asked - What about police?" 'Never mind the police," Johnson replied, 'our workless are now ready to smash through their lines and demand what they want."

"Then, as I was taking Johnson towards the door, he turned and shouted to the assembly, 'carry this on to its ultimate conclusion."

"It was after we had taken charge. of Johnson and Baker that we arrested the other 42 men who were congregated in the basement room."

Detective Nursey stated he had overheard Johnson say In effect. "I have organized in other places and we have 500 or 600 men behind us in Toronto."

The case was then adjourned to afternoon court.

Herbert Applegate was shown to have a record extending back to 1928 when he pleaded guilty to the theft of a pair of gloves from a down- town store. "Jail for 30 days," was the order made.

Held Over For Rest Djies Lalonde and Sam Pawluckuk, were charged with stealing a ride from Sudbury to Toronto.

They pleaded guilty when brought before Magistrate Tinker in early police court to-day. Both of accused looked in dire need of a rest. "I think you boys should be held over for a day or two and have a wash up and a feed," opined the court. "Ten dollars or ten days each."

On similar charges. Raymond V. Dell and Leo Coulter explained that they wanted to get to their homes in Montreal and since neither had the price of a railroad ticket they were forced, on account of bad weather, to steal a ride on a freight train. "Unfortunately we were caught as we stepped out of an empty car as the train rolled into Toronto," said the elder of the two. "It'll be $10 or five days each." advised the bench.

One lone inebriate, Edward Bennett, was ordered to pay $10 or serve 10 days.

Robert Gow, accused of criminal negligence in an auto accident of recent occurrence, was bound under bail of $2,000 to appear for hearing, Feb. 8th.

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frstndlstlns · 1 year

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The Fish That Ate the Whale

Sam Zemurray spoke with no accent, except when he swore, which was all the time.

I can’t help but feel, after all the talk of America’s decline, that we would do well by emulating Sam Zemurray—not the brutality or the conquest, but the righteous anger that sent the striver into the boardroom of laughing elites, waving his proxies, shouting, “You gentlemen have been fucking up this business long enough. I’m going to straighten it out.”

— Rich Cohen

#bananas #revolutionary fervor #biography #2012

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dosangeles · 3 months

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luke you silly bitch

#sorry i love him i cant fault him for his revolutionary fervor

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egg0nface · 9 months

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Man I wish I could write in a well-thought out pretty way because I’d love to do speeches and explain my ideas in a more permanent setting with words that mean something to me but my god I really suck at explaining myself and my vocabulary is only useful in a policy sense so I just feel stupid and unprepared when I talk to people even though I know exactly what I want and how to get there.. I need to learn more words istg

#this is a cry for help #I can’t write worth shit #I want to be all revolutionary and beautifully spoken like our old mourned comrades but MY GOD I cant form a sentence that’s important and #gets what I mean across with the same emotion and revolutionary fervor I have in my heart #maybe that’s just not for me? like I really want to say something important bc I know my thoughts are intricate and very easy to #really make people think but I just can’t write it down right it just feels so unnatural #I hate it so much because I know exactly what I want to say but not the words to say it in

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lordadmiralfarsight · 7 months

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Revolution fetishism is a horrible political view, especially in this context

Okay, rant incoming, partially related to recent events, but also to earlier thinking on my part.

There are, on the Left, a fair few people that romanticize or outright fetishize the concept of Revolution, of violent popular uprising to wrest power out of the hands of a corrupt elite and give it to the people. Very romantic, very righteous (self-righteous pretty often), very good and nice and sexy. And by the grace of revolutionary fervor and ideological purity, everything will be better after.

Except no.

See, a lot of this romanticization of Revolution comes, to my knowledge, from my own country of France. We have romanticized our Revolution a fair bit, and honestly, looking at the first part, fair. A serious go at giving women rights, a no-cause divorce, abolition of slavery, privileges thrown out, equality between people proclaimed loud, enfranchisement given to minorities ... in 1789. A LOT of good and progress, especially for the time.

But then it got fucky, VERY fucky. The Reign of Terror, under the caring leadership of Maximilien Robespierre, was a fucking nightmare on Earth, caracterized by mass executions on political basis, and by this I mean anyone that opposed Robespierre got beheaded. Political plurality? You mean anti-revolutionary sentiment ! Unacceptable, kill everyone.

A rumor of the time said the Place de Grève was covered in a layer of blood that was ankle deep. Is that an exageration ? Yes, certainly. But the fact it got to that point should tell you something about how intense the murdering was. And that was just one square in Paris, there was the rest of the country to consider too.

But surely, after Robespierre fell victim to his own system and was executed, something better emerged, right?

No. Sweet mother of fuck, NO.

What followed was roughly 70 years of political instability and violence, warfare and civil war, several dictatorships, including attempts to restore absolute monarchy, that undid most of the good brought by the first part of the Revolution. And finally, France stumbled onto political stability in 1870 when the temporary 3rd Republic, that was supposed to wait until the presumptive heir to the throne (who wanted an absolute monarchy) croacked did what temporary things do best and became the permanent system (until its fall).

This was not thanks to the Revolution. It was pure randomness.

Did the French Revolution bring good things? Yes, it did. In its first part. The second part brought chaos and misery for multiple decades. And it took a lot of work and efforts to bring back what the Revolution, the peaceful part, had brought in.

And far too many people on the Left fetishize and romanticize the whole thing, as if we couldn't have had the first part without the second, as if the progress and hope and betterment somehow needed the chaos and murder that came after.

Yes, there would have been a period of conflict, European monarchies would not have accepted quietly a realm the size of France doing away with monarchs. But did we REALLY need the political purges ? Did we REALLY need the paranoia ? Did we REALLY need the massacres ?

But you will find people that answer yes, and say the spilled blood somehow made it pure, or good. And those same people are looking at what Hamas is doing and are cheering. These people don't celebrate the first part, the progress and hope. They claim to be, but they aren't. They celebrate the Terror. They yearn for the unjust "popular tribunal" AKA mob "justice". They dream of executing political opponents or anyone they think is "bad" on light or even absent charges.

And That's why they cheer for Hamas rockets and massacres. That's why they sing when Israeli children are murdered. That's why they attack Jews that don't live in Israel. Because they hope to vicariously live this period of unchecked violence.

Know who was celebrating the RIGHT part of the Revolution ? The Israeli working with Gazan to build understanding. The Gazan protesting against Hamas. The Israeli Arabs risking their lives to save the lives of fellow Israeli and of foreigners, regardless of skin or creed. The Gazan trying to improve things in their homes against the wishes and efforts of Hamas.

Know who IS celebrating the RIGHY part of the Revolution ? The Israeli protesting the way the IDF is bombing Gaza. The people decrying the hypocrisy of blood-thirsty leftists. The people calling for Peace and working to make the political change to allow it.

But the Robespierres of the time, drunk on their own self-assurance, condemn and insult them, claiming that blood must be spilt. But it doesn't have to be. The French Revolution started relatively bloodlessly. It didn't need some great orgy of violence. Oh it wasn't clean, but it was far cleaner than the armchair Robespierres would like it to be. Because it didn't need to be.

And that's my point, really. The people fantasizing about and fetishizing the Revolution always dream of torrents of blood washing away the injustices, of seas of corpses forming a fertile ground upon which progress can grow. But that horseshit. All you get with that is, like the Place de Grève, a sinister place that stinks of rot and death, and flocks of scavengers gorging on your crimes.

All you get is a chance for a Napoleon to arrive. Or Stalin's USSR that so casually carried on with the crimes of the Tsars. Or Polpot who murdered 25% of his population.

If you look at the French Revolution, the right lesson to learn is that you need to know when to stop, and that's before you get to indiscriminate killing. Because once you get to that point ... people that thrive in those settings get in power and perpetuate them.

And to apply that to the situation in I/P ... knowing when to stop means realizing that Israeli are still humans, that Gazan are still humans, that their lives have worth and should be protected, that supporting child killings when it's done by "brown people" is not anymore alright than supporting child killings when done by the IDF. And you people should very well consider the possibility that people inside the IDF are doing all they can to reduce Bibi's ability to order war crimes.

And you should recognize that there are efforts on the part of the IDF, sometimes token efforts, sometimes more than just that, to limit the number of dead civilians. Point me to a case where Hamas did the same. Point me to a case where they tried to get Israeli civilians out of the way instead of targeting them.

Hamas is not a Revolution you want to succeed. It's not about being free. It's about killing. This isn't a "glorious revolutionary action", it's a prelude to the wholesale slaughter and ethnic massacre they dream of. It's a tiny window into their ideal, blood soaked world.

Violent revolution should be a last resort, when there is no other option available, when the system is so utterly broken and shattered that nothing can move, and it should be stopped as soon as the system is unfucked enough to negociate. The I/P situation is not at that stage. Look at how much efforts the fascists of both sides have to invest in maintaining this. Look at how much time and money and efforts they have to invest to keep each other in place. And despite this, people of both sides reach for peace, argue and protest for it, even at the risk of their very lives (especially true in Gaza).

And if you refuse to consider all this, if you insist on following Robespierre, remember this : La Veuve came for him too, in the end.

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radiofreederry · 5 months

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Happy birthday, Friedrich Engels! (November 28, 1820)

Well-known as the collaborator of Karl Marx, and a formidable theorist in his own right, Freidrich Engels was born in what is now North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, to a wealthy family. Influenced by Hegel from a young age, he began to associate with the left-wing circle known as the Young Hegelians, which is how he met Marx. The two became close friends and frequent collaborators, writing The Communist Manifesto together in 1848 as revolutionary fervor gripped Europe, with Engels himself participating in the abortive German revolution. Engels and Marx would spend their remaining years in Britain, where Engels helped support Marx as he wrote Capital, his magnum opus; Engels would assemble Marx's notes into the final volumes of Capital after his death. Among Engels' own theoretical works are such writings as On Authority and The Principles of Communism. He died in 1895.

"The abolition of private property is, doubtless, the shortest and most significant way to characterize the revolution in the whole social order which has been made necessary by the development of industry – and for this reason it is rightly advanced by communists as their main demand."

#birthdays #friedrich engels

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triviallytrue · 6 months

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if you rip out all the materialism and replace it with revolutionary fervor, communism looks a lot like a religion. once you realize this, it's a lot less surprising that so many far left parties end up as high control groups

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thevagueambition · 2 years

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There are many reasons the odd, conservative "Grantaire was right since they all died" reading of the barricade is infuriating, but one is that like... when is Grantaire "right"? Does he ever say they shouldn't do what they're doing? Does he ever try to stop them?

It's more that Grantaire doesn't have the patriotic fervor to find the prospect of martyrdom anything but depressing, nor does he have the revolutionary belief that said martyrdom will make a difference going forward, or indeed that there is any better future to move towards in the first place

There's a reason Enjolras says Grantaire doesn't believe in anything rather than saying Grantaire disagrees with the rest of Les Amis – and there's a reason Grantaire answers that he believes in the concrete person standing in front of him, even if he can't believe in the (to him) abstract things they're risking their lives for.

The ability to believe in a better future is central, not a disagreement over the actions taking place. When reassuring Enjolras that Grantaire can handle Barriere du Main, Grantaire describes the physical actions required to get there, while not addressing his lack of belief and indeed in going to Barriere du Main, Grantaire performs the physical task asked of him but fails the one that requires belief.

The significance of OFPD is that Grantaire has the option to stay hidden and survive or stand up and knowingly martyr himself for the good of the future. That he chooses the latter is significant outside any romantic readings because it's a task that requires the exact type of belief that he has consistently been shown to be incapable of.

#tbf i think that reading usually comes from people who haven't read the brick #still conservative nonsense ofc but somewhat more understandable with 'turning' and everything #grantaire

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if-you-fan-a-fire · 2 years

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“STILL PROBING STUDENT DEFY,” Kingston Whig-Standard. October 24, 1932. Page 3. ----- Student heads and University Officials Cooperating in Task --- Investigation into physical initiation carried out by Queen's University students in defiance of a ban imposed by the student governing body on such activities is proceeding today. University authorities and heads of the student body are co-operating in an effort to definitely fix the blame for the breach of university discipline. The outbreak took place on Thursday night, on the eve of the student elections, and is believed to have been confined to the Medical Faculty. Another student demonstration occurred on Friday evening but as far as can be learned, it did not transgress the order regarding physical initiation.

#queen's university #kingston ontario #medical students #initiation rituals #hazing #student hazing #alma mater society #school spirit #great depression in canada #revolutionary fervor #youth in revolt

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leibal · 4 months

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Within an industrial-style loft in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, Italian design champion Patrizio Chiarparini founded Duplex in 2015. Curating pieces from iconic design brands, groundbreaking talents, and master artisans, Duplex recently revealed Utopia, an exhibition celebrating the revolutionary fervor of post World War II Italian design.

#minimalism #minimal #minimal furniture #minimalist exhibition #leibal

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elbiotipo · 11 months

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my prediction on the future of the Succession characters, 5 years later:

Kendall: Relapses hard on his substance abuse, triggering several interventions by his siblings. Tries to become an hotshot investor on the vein of Stewy, but his lack of judgement plays against him. Ocassionally known for his public stunts, some in purpose.

Roman: Practically dissappears from the corporate sphere and the public eye. Uses his fortune to idly explore his identity, sexuality, gender, ideology, but never settling into anything. He doesn't become a *good* person, but he is more introspective.

Shiv: Mantains her extremely toxic marriage to Tom both because of their child and some lingering love. Tries to become a political donor and kingmaker, but finds her family history pressuring her at every turn. She is a rather absent mother, but claims at least she isn't as bad as her parents (debatable).

Connor: A wacky perennial candidate, his political ideology has become more "eclectic" thanks to Willa, who has settled in a rather comfy relationship with him. Has his own think-tank for his odd ideology mix and loves to get interviews. He is a bit of a meme, but not a very beloved one.

Tom: Replaced after a couple years on Matsson's orders by another empty suit, he struggles to find any job, wandering on Shiv's, Kendall's, even Connor's projects. Constantly trying to get closer to Shiv, only to fall apart and try to party it away. Very overprotective (not in a healthy way) of HIS child. Mattson took Greg on the divorce.

Greg: As the United States enters into revolutionary fervor on Mencken's second and increasingly authoritarian presidency, Greg manages to fall up into Mencken's White House as media manager and later reliable yes-man. After leaking the position of US forces on the Final Taiwan Crisis, in an attempt of intimidation on the orders of a hawk fascist secretary of state, his miscalculation triggers an nuclear war, extinguishing civilization on the Northern Hemisphere for the rest of the century.

#cosas mias #succession #succession spoilers

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bluecolourworker · 4 months

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"A very interesting evening, detective."

The lieutenant is not talking just about Mazovian analysis.

Somehow you missed it earlier, amidst the revolutionary fervor: the way Kim's words rolled off his tongue, the lack of an answer off your mouth, how quickly the students's eyes darted between the two of you. But the wind gives you a second chance, caressing your cheeks pink again.

Under the dim lights, you slow down. Waves crash, salt against chestnut, and you see the curve in Kim's lips as he lets smoke out; in front of the students, it was subtler, the malice just in his tone. Again, no comeback: your own lips are parted, breath condensing as you follow the line of the lieutenant's mouth, the cigarette burning, his fingers steady under the leather. Is it soft?

The blush reaches your chest. It must be, well cared for like Kim's other possessions — there are no cracks visible, only smooth grain. What does it feel like against skin? From the inner pocket of your jacket, an Astra finds its way from the beaten-up pack to your chapped lips; the ease of this movement surprises you more than the familiarity of the taste burning your lungs, but not more than the look Kim gives you.

(Somewhere in Revachol, a man smokes a cigarette. His outfit is entirely black leather: heavy boots, tight pants, jacket and cap — in spite of the cold, the open jacket displays a bare chest. Another man, dressed similarly, leans on a motorcycle. Dark gloves shine near the flame of a lighter, leather brushing against skin. A rough sort of tenderness.)

A shudder takes your body for an instant, only to leave you back to that warmth, all the way down your stomach. It all comes together now: the suggestion in Kim's words, how those boys looked as if they were lost in a house of mirrors, your turn in this game. A detective always figures out.

"Yeah."

You take another drag as you look to the light behind the metal grille door, like a smoke could make the warmth last longer.

It can.

"I bet the infra-materialism stuff is even better." You say, looking back at the lieutenant with mischief. Something glints in his eyes and you see the beginning of a laugh being shaken off in amused disbelief.

"By the way, I have big news, Kim…"

It is a late Friday night in Revachol and tired workers look forward to the weekend. Two police officers go through their clues after hours, two communist students have a breakthrough in their discussion, pairs of lovers meet in dark streets — the city looks out for all.

#writing #harry #kim #steban #ulixes #completing the homo-sexual underground thought during the communist meeting was just so 😘👌#disco elysium

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rose-reads-visualnovels · 8 months

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"Witches are unconquered things. Wild magic. Wild women. To own them is to kill them. They perform magic from their coffins as the world sings of their defeat." This is an interesting take, do you mind if I ask for elaboration? Is it sorta in the sense of Utena "if a woman cannot become a princess, then she's destined to become a witch", or something more? Follow-up, do you think that'd disqualify any of the Ushiromiya wives/moms from being witches?

Witches Archetypes are split into two with slight variants within these categories:

1. the old Crone/Hag, a spinster who retreated from society and bitterly poisons the youth with her pagan ideas (feminism)

2. the Temptress, a sensual young woman that runs naked under the moonlight. She scorns men and is attuned with nature. She infects other young women with this rebellion (feminism).

You’re supposed to kill the hag and tame the temptress. But taming is death of the spirit. You can be alive but dead all at once. Performing miracles from the spiritual grave.

Any of the Ushiromiya women could be “awakened” so to speak in the second category. They could’ve been witches that “died” or they could be alive and “infected with demonic fervor”.

I’m curious to see how it goes!

— Rose, the Revolutionary Witch

#anon ask #askbox #revolutionary girl utena #rgu #umineko #on the matter of witches

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centrally-unplanned · 5 months

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alright lets start - mao zedong (with the caveat that i suspect at the time "replacement" was more heavily weighed towards Yet Another Warlord Leader), tho ofc there was a possibility of a palace coup too

@nonevahed

mao VOR?

Ugh, like how do you even do this? Mao's VOR is probably irreplaceable, he is one of the most impactful people in human history. Its just also almost entirely awful?

I think his VOR pre-independence is definitely strong but often overvalued; for one, he was not the uncontested leader of the CCP in those times. There was a lot of myths around the CCP in the 1930's and 1940's of "two factions" (Soviet vs Mao) that were primarily invented after that fact- it was an oligarchic system then, and Mao wasn't even the primarily leader of military affairs until probably 1943-1944. He was still important of course, definitely a strong advocate of the "let Japan and the KMT bleed each other dry" approach, but he wasn't blazing the trail.

I do think at the start of the Second Chinese Civil War his VOR shoots up - he is very much the architect of using land reform, tax reform, and bureaucratic reform as this multi-pronged propaganda approach to get wide swathes of Chinese society on his side, and there is a big debate in the CCP leadership between the "peace" and "war" factions, and iirc he was the biggest war proponent. He is not an operational commander though - a lot of his "theorizing" on war is a bit bunk, like he will talk extensively about a People's War and all this stuff but the CCP achieved material superiority over the KMT and beat them conventionally, they didn't use it.

After 1949 his VOR is just insane, because he was insane and also such a cache of political power and prestige that he was able to carry the day on so many initiatives. The Korean War, the added waves of land reform (the initial one would have happened no matter what), and ofc the Great Leap Forward all would have been radically different without him. And ofc the Cultural Revolution was literally his revenge against the politburo figures who ousted him after the GLF, he is the full architect of that. There was, to be clear, a ton of "revolutionary fervor" in China at that time, a lot of energy for big projects. His replacements would have probably done some dramatic things. But extremely few people were envisioning the extent he went to over and over.

To address that side comment, I think you should evaluate Mao's replacements as being Zhou Enlai or other CCP members, not the warlords per se. Maybe in a focused debate on just the Civil War, but the KMT post-WW2 was in an awful position - decimated by the Japanese and saddled with the burden of being the incumbent and therefore responsible for the famine, hyperflation, and deprivation of the time. The CCP was actually in a fine position to win that one - their victory was no miracle. So the likeliest non-Mao timeline in 1946 is one where the CCP still wins but another figure is the leader. But ofc you can debate timelines, etc, maybe if Mao dies in 1943 its different.

#vor debates

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palin-tropos · 1 year

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this post from @weepylucifer went places and now we’re going to talk about Steban in a depressive mood sticking his head in the Swallow some more because a divine power cursed him to be made of the same stuff as Harry Du Bois as well as Kras Mazov and now he’s self destructing with deliberate amnesia :C

I feel like it’s not always obvious what triggers the depression, it’s a general malaise, the world is Not Right and he cannot fix it alone. He spends too much time in his own head, reading account of young revolutionaries who died before they finished their journals. All that haunts him.

And Ulixes, guided by an extremely agitated shrike-ghost following him around, has just found out that Steban is cooking his brain cells in the void? He’s never been so freaked out in his life.

Unfortunately those friendly ghosts that have been hanging around them all the time are, despite being ideologically against the Pale, coming from the Pale in their own way. So there’s always been a delicate balance.

Maybe Uli finds Steban and he’s seriously debilitated, a little too much exposure to raw entropy, and he needs some immediate care. Some kind of detox, although what could possibly help detox from un-matter? Plasm, Uli thinks. That’s got to be the answer. It’s so hard to feel revolutionary fervor when your beloved comrade is trying to put holes in his brain.

There’s one thing that comes to mind is music. When people all sing in one voice... there’s nothing like it, is there? But he’s just one man; even so, he holds Steban in his lap and quietly sings old revolutionary songs to him, like lullabies.

#no longer the saga of required reading although the cat may feature in all this #but oh no he's a harry parallel after all. his Problems

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rylem33 · 3 months

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Unlocking Potential

This is the story in full. This is also posted over at my blog along with 80 other stories of mine. The link is on my Tumblr home page. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the cool, dim light of the lab, surrounded by the soft hum of machinery and the faint clatter of lab equipment, Elena’s excitement was palpable. She animatedly described her latest findings to Marcus, her hands moving with each word, illustrating the remarkable cognitive enhancements she’d observed in her test subjects.

“Marcus, it’s incredible,” Elena exclaimed, her eyes alight with the thrill of discovery. “The rats, they’ve shown significant improvements in problem-solving and memory tests. It’s like we’ve unlocked a part of their brain that was dormant!”

Marcus, leaning against a lab bench, watched her with a mixture of admiration and something more tender that he dared not name. “That’s amazing, Elena. Your dedication’s really paying off,” he said, his voice warm with genuine pride for her achievements.

Elena, too caught up in her enthusiasm, missed the subtle inflections in Marcus’s tone, the slight linger in his gaze. “I’m telling you, Marcus, we’re on the brink of something revolutionary. If these results are anything to go by, human trials could change everything we know about our potential.”

Marcus shifted slightly, his smile bittersweet as he observed Elena’s fervor. “I have no doubt about that. You’re going to make history with this, Elena.” His words were supportive, but his body language—a slight tilt of the head, an unconsciously forward lean—betrayed his deeper, unspoken feelings.

Elena, oblivious to the undercurrents of the moment, continued, her mind racing with possibilities. “Just imagine the applications, Marcus. Enhanced learning, accelerated skill acquisition… the implications are endless!”

Marcus nodded, his affection for Elena mingling with a touch of melancholy. He knew her heart belonged to her research, her brilliant mind always chasing the next discovery. “You’re going to do great things, Elena. Just make sure you take a moment to celebrate your successes, too.”

Elena paused, her smile softening as she regarded Marcus. “I will, I promise. Couldn’t have gotten this far without your support, you know.”

As Marcus offered a reassuring smile, the moment was tinged with the unspoken truth of his feelings, hidden beneath layers of friendship and professional camaraderie. And as Elena turned back to her notes, her thoughts filled with the promise of her research. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Journal Entry: Day 1

Morning Thoughts:

The dawn of what I believe to be a groundbreaking day in the field of neuroscience. Today, I initiate the first human trial of my device, designed to unlock the latent potential within our brains. The success with the lab rats has been beyond encouraging – enhanced cognitive abilities, improved problem-solving skills, and faster learning rates. If these effects can be replicated in humans, the implications could be revolutionary. My hands tremble slightly as I write this, not out of fear, but with the sheer excitement of potential discovery.

Midday Observations:

The initial session with the device was… uneventful, at least in the immediate aftermath. I felt a slight warmth, a buzzing at the base of my skull as the sub-atomic radiation did its work, but nothing more. No sudden enlightenment, no overwhelming rush of knowledge. The only physical side effect seems to be a mild headache, which could easily be attributed to my heightened state of anticipation rather than the treatment itself. The rats showed their first signs of improvement by the third day; patience is required.

Evening Reflections:

As I sit here in the quiet of my lab, the only sounds being the hum of computers and the occasional click of cooling equipment, I can’t help but feel a sense of solitude. This project has been my life for so many years, my constant companion. It’s a lonely path, this pursuit of knowledge, but one I tread willingly. The potential to elevate human consciousness, to unlock the mysteries of our own minds, is a goal worth any sacrifice. Yet, as I prepare to turn off the lights and head home to an empty apartment, I wonder if perhaps I’ve sacrificed too much. But then, the thought of tomorrow’s session with the device rekindles the flame of excitement within me. The journey has only just begun.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Journal Entry: Day 2

Morning Thoughts:

Today greeted me with surprises that were as unexpected as they were curious. Upon waking, I felt an unusual lightness, a vitality that’s been absent for years. The scales confirmed it – a noticeable decrease in weight overnight, which is scientifically implausible given my caloric intake and sedentary lifestyle. More perplexing still was the mirror’s reflection; my skin seemed clearer, and there was a certain… vibrancy to it. I attributed these changes to a placebo effect or perhaps the result of improved sleep, induced by the excitement of the experiment.

Midday Observations:

As the day progressed, the changes became harder to rationalize away. My clothes felt looser, and my movements carried an ease I hadn’t known in years. Colleagues remarked on my appearance, asking if I’d changed my hair or started a new diet. It was flattering, yet disconcerting. The physical alterations seemed beneficial but were entirely unexpected. My focus began to shift from the cognitive effects I was so eagerly anticipating to the startling physical transformation unfolding. Theories raced through my mind – was the device somehow influencing my metabolism? Enhancing cellular regeneration? The implications were vast, yet so were the ethical considerations.

Dr. Sarah Chen: (noticing Elena as she walks into the lab) Elena, did you do something different with your hair? It looks… brighter, somehow. Elena: (smiling awkwardly) Oh, just the same old shampoo, I guess. Maybe the lab lights are playing tricks. Dr. Alex Rivera: (at the coffee machine) Hey, Elena, have you been hitting the gym lately? You seem… I don’t know, more energized. Elena: (shrugging, trying to deflect) Just trying to stay active, you know how it is. Nothing out of the ordinary. Dr. Michael Kim: (during lunch break) I have to ask, Elena, what’s your secret? You’re looking really refreshed these days. New diet? Elena: (with a forced chuckle) Secret? I wish I had one! Just the usual, maybe a bit more sleep than usual. Dr. Lisa Patel: (in a team meeting, whispering) Elena, seriously, you’re glowing. If you’ve started some new wellness routine, you’ve got to share it with us. Elena: (feeling increasingly uncomfortable) Oh, it’s nothing, really. Just trying to keep stress at bay, that’s all.

Evening Reflections:

The excitement of the morning’s discoveries has given way to a creeping unease. The physical improvements, while welcome on a personal level, are a deviation from the intended cognitive enhancements. I spent the evening poring over my data, searching for any anomalies in the treatment parameters, any overlooked variables that might explain this unintended outcome. The scientific part of me is intrigued by this new development, but the cautious researcher within warns of the unforeseen consequences of tampering with the delicate balance of the human body. Tonight, I find myself at a crossroads, torn between the thrill of discovery and the weight of responsibility. The path forward is unclear, and for the first time in this experiment, I feel a flicker of doubt.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Journal Entry: Day 3

Morning Thoughts:

This morning’s reflection was nothing short of a revelation. The woman staring back at me from the mirror bore only a passing resemblance to the Dr. Elena Maxwell of just a few days prior. The changes are now undeniable, not just subtle hints but a dramatic transformation. My skin, my physique, even the way my clothes drape over my frame—it’s all altered. I found myself experimenting with outfits that had been pushed to the back of the closet, abandoned for being too form-fitting or youthful. The sense of vitality is exhilarating, yet it’s accompanied by a whisper of apprehension. This wasn’t the goal of my experiment, but can it truly be deemed a setback?

Midday Observations: The lab, once my sanctuary, now feels like a cage. I caught myself glancing at the clock, eager for a break, a stark contrast to my previous disregard for the passage of time when engrossed in research. Social media, a realm I had once dismissed as frivolous, now holds a peculiar allure. The influx of ‘likes’ and comments on my increasingly frequent posts is strangely gratifying. My scientific pursuits are being overshadowed by this burgeoning vanity, a realization that both fascinates and disturbs me.

Evening Reflections:

Tonight, I find my thoughts straying not to my research, but to the social engagements I’ve suddenly found myself eager to attend. The irony is not lost on me; the very science that consumed my life is now facilitating a departure from it. There’s a part of me that mourns this shift, yet another part revels in the newfound attention and confidence. The device was meant to unlock potential, but I hadn’t anticipated that it would unlock this aspect of myself. The question that haunts me as I prepare for bed is whether this change is truly me emerging, or if I’m losing the essence of who I am to this unintended side effect.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Journal Entry: Day 4

Morning Thoughts:

Waking up this morning, I scarcely recognized the person in the mirror. The physical transformation is now complete, and the person looking back at me is a far cry from the scientist I was just a few days ago. My reflection shows a vibrant, youthful woman, but the eyes—that spark of relentless curiosity—seem dimmer today. I’ve become someone who cares more about likes and comments than about lab results and scientific breakthroughs. The realization leaves me feeling hollow, as if I’ve lost a part of myself that was the core of my identity.

Midday Observations:

My visit to the lab was brief and unfocused. I found myself avoiding my colleagues, unable to face their questions or share in their excitement about the ongoing projects. A chance encounter with a longtime collaborator forced me to confront the reality of my situation. He barely recognized me, and his shock was a mirror reflecting the drastic changes I’ve undergone. His concerned questions about my well-being and the project cut through the fog of my recent self-absorption. For the first time, I questioned whether the trade-off was worth it.

Elena: (tentatively approaching) Hey, Marcus. Marcus: (doing a double take) Elena? Is that really you? Elena: (forcing a smile) In the flesh. Surprised? Marcus: I’ll say. You look… different. I almost didn’t recognize you. What happened? Elena: (shrugging) Just trying out something new, I guess. Marcus: (with genuine concern) But this is more than just a new look, Elena. You’ve been… different. And your project? We’ve all been wondering what’s going on. Elena: (sighing, looking away) I know, I know. It’s just that… things have changed, Marcus. I’ve changed. Marcus: (leaning in, lowering his voice) I heard about your experiment. Is it related to that? Elena, if something went wrong, we can help. Elena: (biting her lip, then meeting his gaze) It’s not that simple. The experiment… it worked, but not in the way I intended. I’ve been… distracted, caught up in the changes. Marcus: (placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder) Look, Elena, you’re brilliant. Whatever’s happening, we can figure it out together. Don’t let this consume you. Remember why you started all this. Elena: (nodding, a hint of the old determination in her eyes) You’re right. I need to refocus, get back to the essence of my research. Thanks, Marcus. I needed this wake-up call.

Evening Reflections: The decision to halt the treatments was made in a moment of clarity, amidst a turmoil of emotions. The allure of youth and beauty, so intoxicating at first, has proven to be a siren’s call, leading me away from the essence of who I am. I’ve decided to document these side effects meticulously, to understand the breadth of the device’s impact. This evening, I documented my thoughts in an email and sent it to my work account. Tomorrow, I plan on taking immediate action to recover my former self.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Journal Entry: Day 5

Morning Thoughts:

The reflection that greeted me in the mirror today was both astonishing and uncharted territory. The woman staring back at me, imbued with the vibrancy and beauty of early adulthood, was a stark departure from the seasoned scientist I’ve always identified as. My experiment, it seems, has not only rewritten the rules of my existence but continues to do so even after the treatments have ceased. This was a phenomenon never observed in the rats, a deviation that puzzles and fascinates me in equal measure.

My physique now marries strength with an elegance I hadn’t known was possible for me, embodying a version of myself that existed only in fanciful daydreams. Despite halting the treatments, the metamorphosis persisted, suggesting that the device’s effects might be irreversible or even self-perpetuating. The very essence of my being, once solely devoted to the intellect, now seems intertwined with a physical form that defies my every expectation.

It’s clear the device has worked, but the path it’s taken is one I hadn’t charted. The potential I aimed to unlock within the cerebral cortex has instead manifested through every fiber of my physical self. My body, now a perfect fusion of strength and grace, reflects a version of myself I never dared to imagine.

Midday Observations:

Started the day planning to get back to the lab, but then, out of nowhere, my phone pings with a notification from some dating app. Weird, right? I guess I downloaded it when I was bored yesterday in the lab. But there’s this guy on there, smiling in his picture, and I just couldn’t help it. Ended up chatting and, before I knew it, we made plans to meet up. It’s been ages since I did something like this. So, the lab and all those experiments I was so wrapped up in? They kind of just slipped my mind.

And you know what? Talking to this guy was so easy, so fun. It’s like all the heavy science stuff I’m usually all about just faded a bit. Not saying I’m not smart anymore, but things felt… lighter, somehow? Like I wasn’t trying to figure out a big puzzle, just enjoying the chat. Planning for tonight felt exciting, way more than any of my research has in a while.

It’s kind of funny, thinking about it. Here I am, getting ready for a date, feeling all giddy and stuff. A part of me wonders if this is all part of the changes I’ve been going through. Like, not just looking younger, but feeling it too? In my head, I mean. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

Evening Reflections:

Tonight was awesome. Just hanging out with people, laughing, and feeling all cozy inside. It’s like I found something super special without even looking. Life’s got so much cool stuff to try, and I’m just so, so ready for it all. Writing this down, I’m all smiles and feeling super chill. I mean, science is cool and all, but there’s this whole other thing about just being happy and having fun. That’s kinda where I’m at now. Going to take a break from writing in this journal thingy. Not sad or anything, just super pumped to see what’s next. Catch ya later, journal. It’s time for the next big adventure.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Epilogue In the bustling corridors of the research institute, Marcus spotted Elena from a distance. Her transformation was nothing short of astonishing. Gone was the slightly disheveled, intense researcher he’d known for years. In her place stood a woman who seemed to radiate with a vitality and confidence that turned heads as she moved through the crowd.

Curiosity piqued, Marcus navigated through the sea of colleagues to reach her, a familiar smile playing on his lips. “Elena!” he called out, his voice tinged with the warmth of old friendship.

Elena turned, her strawberry blonde hair catching the light in a way that seemed almost ethereal.

“Hi, Elena.” She faced him with a polite, questioning smile, her eyes devoid of recognition. “It’s me, Marcus. We’ve worked together for the last five years,” Marcus introduced himself, a hint of disbelief creeping into his voice.

Elena’s smile remained, courteous yet distant. “Oh, nice to meet you, Marcus. I’m sorry, I’m just on my way to meet someone. But it’s always nice to see new faces around here,” she replied, her tone light and dismissive.

Marcus was taken aback by her response, his smile faltering as he processed the situation. “Elena, it’s me, Marcus. We’ve shared countless late nights in the lab, remember? The quantum biology debates?”

Elena’s smile wavered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features before she regained her composure. “I’m sure that was quite interesting. But I really must be going. Take care, Marcus,” she said, her voice kind but firm, as she turned to continue on her path.

Marcus stood there, rooted to the spot, as he watched her walk away. The realization hit him like a cold wave; the Elena he knew, the passionate scientist consumed by her work, seemed to have vanished. In her place was this new Elena, a stranger with the same face but an entirely different essence. The disconnect was jarring, leaving Marcus to ponder the cost of the transformation he’d just witnessed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue 2 A few months had passed since the incident in the research institute’s corridor. The campus was alive with the vibrant energy of summer, and the sand volleyball courts had become a popular gathering spot for students seeking a break from their studies.

Elena was at the center of it all, her laughter ringing out as she skillfully volleyed the ball over the net. She moved with an athleticism and grace that captivated the group of coeds she played with, her competitive spirit infectious. The transformation that had once seemed so startling to her colleagues had become her new normal, and Elena embraced this life with open arms.

Marcus, now accustomed to the drastic change in his former collaborator, happened to walk by the courts on his way to the lab. He paused for a moment, observing the scene from a distance. There was a time when he might have called out to her, attempted to bridge the gap that had widened between them. But that time had passed.

Elena, fully immersed in the game and her new social circle, didn’t notice Marcus. And Marcus, recognizing the futility of reaching out to someone who had so completely moved on from their shared past, chose to continue on his path without interruption.

#f2f transformation #personality change

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