Marmot Day

Marmot Day is celebrated on February 2 of every year. It is a special day dedicated to the observance of marmots. Marmots are a variety of large animals like squirrels that include woodchucks, ground squirrels, and groundhogs. Even though these marmots can be found all over the globe, from Russia to India and from Canada to Mexico, marmots don’t seem to get the recognition. Hence Marmot Day is a day to honor these mysterious creatures around the world.

“There are a lot of public misconceptions surrounding marmots, but as my students and I are finding, scientists also have much to learn about them ” – Olson.

History of Marmot Day

Marmot Day was first celebrated in the year 2002 as a day to observe all marmots. Marmot Day celebrations take a lot of different forms. It is an official holiday in Alaska. In Alaska, it is celebrated on every year to honour Alaskan marmots and Alaskan culture. Marmot Day became an official holiday in Alaska on 18th April 2009, after the 26th Alaska State Legislature passed Senate Bill 58 officially. On Marmot Day, family dinners will be organised, and marmot jokes and stories will be shared in the dinner. It is also the title of a community observance in Owosso, Michigan that occurs on 25th July. The city of Owosso, Michigan organises a festival on this day which offers different family events, activities and a marmot video competition.

How to Celebrate Marmot Day

If you are interested to celebrate the day but you aren’t able to go Alaska or Michigan, no problem don’t worry. Just go out to watch marmot in a place where marmot can be found. If not, you can look at the history of marmots and research about it online. Learn more about Marmot and their nature.

Source

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is observed on February 2 of every year in the United States of America and Canada. It is a popular observance among many Americans and it focuses on the tradition of the groundhog coming out of its den to forecast the weather.  It is believed by many Americans that if it is sunny when the groundhog comes out of its home and sees his shadow, it means the winter will continue for 6 more weeks. In that case, the groundhog will go back into his home and will sleep again. But suppose if it is cloudy while the groundhog comes out and not able to see his own shadow then the groundhog stays outside to play, then people will start celebrating by believing that spring is about to come.

“The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.” – Bill Vaughn.

History of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day was first celebrated in the United States in the year 1887. Clymer H. Freas, editor of the local paper Punxsutawney Spirit started encouraging the groundhogs as the official Groundhog Day meteorologist. Even though some places have in some cases started celebrating their own groundhogs, Punxsutawney Phil, the official groundhog lives near Punxsutawney at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania. Every year thousands of visitors come to Punxsutawney on 2nd February to participate in this celebration. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plays a vital role in arranging Groundhog Day in the town. Also, many Club members, visitors, locals, and reporters gather at Gobbler’s Knob on 2nd February of every year to see the appearance of Phil’s and his weather prediction. Pennsylvania’s governor attends ceremonies of Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney observed its 1st Groundhog Day in the 1800s in the United States. This day also gained popularity with the release of the film Groundhog Day in the year 1993. All these started so many decades before when nature and animal worship was popular, people of Europe believed that the badger had the ability to estimate the coming of spring. They will plant their crops after the badger predicts the weather. But later sadly in Pennsylvania, there were not many badgers so the badger was substituted by the groundhog.

How to Celebrate Groundhog Day

If you want to participate in the annual Groundhog Day celebration then go to Pennsylvania, if you can’t make it to  Pennsylvania then try participating in the events organized on the day in other places. If you are not able to participate in the event then take some time to look at the celebration of the day online and check if the groundhog has seen its shadow.

Source

Steve Biko, The Father of the Black Conscious Movement, was arrested On August 18, 1977...

Stephen Bantu Biko the father of the Black Conscious Movement (BCM) was arrested August 18, 1977. He died in police custody 42 years ago on September 12 1977. He remains one of SA’s most iconic struggle heroes and his life and ideas continue to inspire generations...

15 Facts About Steve Biko & the Black Conscious Movement (BCM)

1. Biko Founded the Black Consciousness Movement While in Medical School — Biko founded the Black Consciousness Movement while in medical school, fighting against apartheid polices and encouraging pride in black identitiy and cultural heritage... He said, “Black Consciousness is an attitude of the mind and a way of life, the most positive call to emanate from the black world for a long time.”

According to the Biko Foundation — ‘The primary aim of “black consciousness” was to raise the self esteem of black Africans (through lectures and community activities). Biko felt the apartheid system had such a strong psychological effect on the black population that it caused Blacks to internalize and believe whites’ racist stereotypes. He thought that blacks had been convinced they were inferior to whites, which resulted in the hopelessness that was prevalent in the black community. Biko preached Black solidarity to ‘break the chains of oppression.’

...The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) was an influential student movement in the 1970s in Apartheid South Africa. BCM promoted a new identity and politics of racial solidarity and became the voice and spirit of the anti-apartheid movement at a time when both the African National Congress and the Pan-Africanist Congress had been banned in the wake of the Sharpeville Massacre. The BCM reached its zenith in the Soweto Student Uprising of 1976 but declined quickly afterward...

... The elements of Black pride and celebration of black culture linked the Black Consciousness Movement back to the writings of W. E. B. Du Bois, as well as the ideas of pan-Africanism and La Negritude movement. It also arose at the same time as the Black Power movement in the United States, and these movements inspired each other; Black Consciousness was both militant and avowedly non-violent. The Black Consciousness movement was also inspired by the success of the FRELIMO in Mozambique...

2. His name makes a sentence with the names of his siblings — ...Together, their names create the saying “Hayi ukuBukeka kweKhaya laBantu aBandileyo” which means “We admire the expanded family”...

3. Biko Was Born in Present-Day Eastern Cape & Was Expelled From a Prestigious High School Because of His Brother’s Political Actions — Lovedale School accused Biko, his brother and 50 other students of supporting an organisation affiliated with the banned Pan Africanist Movement (PAC) and he was expelled aged 15... this event politicized Biko...

4. Biko went on to medical school at University of Natal Medical School

5. Biko was initially involved with the multiracial National Union of South African Students, but after he became convinced that Black, Indian and Coloured students needed an organization of their own, he helped found the South African Students’ Organisation 10. (SASO), whose agenda included political self-reliance and the unification of university students in a “black consciousness”. In 1968 Steve Biko was elected its(SASO) first president. Steve Biko was also involved with the World Student Christian Federation. In the early 1970s Steve Biko became a key figure in The Durban Moment.

6. In 1972 he was expelled from the University of Natal because of his political activities and he became honorary president of the Black People’s Convention. He was banned by the apartheid regime in February 1973, meaning that he was not allowed to speak to more than one person at a time nor to speak in public

7. Steve Biko and the BCM played a significant role in organising the protests which culminated in the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976...

8. Biko Died in Police Cusotdy Naked & Restrained After Suffering a Major Head Injury During a Brutal Interrogation — Police claimed Biko suffered a head injury during a “scuffle.” It was later revealed that he was beaten and tortured, and after suffering the injury he was driven, naked and chained, to a police hospital in Pretoria, 700 miles away, where he died on September 12, 1977, on his floor cell...

9. His seminal work I Write What I like was published posthumously — a collection of Biko’s writings between 1969 and 1972 when he was the president of South African Student Organisation (Saso). He wrote under the pseudonym Frank Talk.

10. Biko Is Survived by His 4 Children & His Legacy Is Celebrated Around the World

...Biko’s legacy has been celebrated around the world, with statues erected in his honor and streets renamed for him, in places including South Africa, Britain, the United States and Brazil...

Journalist Donald Woods wrote a book about his life and death, called Biko, which was later turned into the 1987 film Cry Freedom, starring Denzel Washington as Biko.

11. The student affairs building at UCT is named after him — The Steve Biko Union Building at the University of Cape Town houses the students’ representative council (SRC) and other student societies...

12. Denzel Washington and Richard Branson donated to have his statue erected —The statue of Biko erected in East London was made possible by donations from Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, Peter Gabriel and Richard Branson at the behest of Biko’s long-time friend Donald Woods...

13. He was a google doddle on his 70th birthday —

14. Even though Steve Biko was never a member of ANC, ANC has included him in the pantheon of struggle heroes, going as far as using his image for campaign posters in South Africa’s first non-racial elections in 1994

See Also:

- 7 things you didn't know about: Steve Biko

- The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM)

- Steve Biko Calls for Black Consciousness

- GOOGLE: Steve Biko: The Black Consciousness Movement

- South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement in the 1970s

Ignorant prisoners

Can any individual of us state with absolute assurance: 'Absolutely nothing binds me. I am absolutely totally free'? Each as well as everyone of us is bound by the fetters of karma.

The three types of people

Our ancient bibles tell us of three different kinds of individuals: nityamukta, mukta and badha.

The nityamuktas are those honored spirits that are not subject to the legislation of fate. Its results can not touch them, for they have acquired the Lotus Feet of the Lord, they are the ever-free, the eternally-free, that are above and also beyond the cycle of birth and re-birth, above as well as past karma.

The muktas are the freed or emancipated souls, those that, with the elegance of God or the elegance of their Master, have done well in librating themselves from the bondage of karma.

The third type, badhas, are bound hearts like us that are still bound by the toils of their very own karma. Many of us, alas, are still in a state of ignorance about our very own condition.

Prisoners! Prisoners!

I remember an unforgettable night, when my Beloved Master, Sadhu Vaswani, was pacing up and also down on the balcony of Krishta Kunj, his house in Karachi. As he looked down the street below, he exclaimed 'Prisoners! Detainees!'

I looked down as well, however I saw no detainees. I saw the website traffic, and I saw a variety of people who were going concerning their organisation. However there was no indication of prisoners!

Actually, Krishta Kunj was positioned near the Karachi Area Prison, and detainees would pass by your house from time to time, as they were led out by their wardens for labour routines, or gone along with by cops to appear in court. Yet on this celebration, there were no prisoners to be seen. Stunned, I said to him, 'However Dada, I see no prisoners below!'

Sadhu Vaswani's reply still mirrors in my ears. For long have I practiced meditation on the profound wisdom of his words to me that evening: 'Prisoners, prisoners of desire are individuals,' he said. 'Alas, they know not of their chains!'

Are you aware?

Prisoners of desire are we all! We are bound by our very own delights and griefs. We are happy with just what the globe offers us, we take great delight in our pleasures as well as possessions.

We commemorate the birth of a child, and we mourn over his loss when he passes away. We weep for a while, and afterwards we beget extra children. We are not knowledgeable about the fetters that bind us!

Those of us who familiarize our bonds, make the effort to look for freedom. This state of awareness is called mumukshatwa, the need to achieve freedom. In this problem, our deep awareness is awakened as well as prompts us on the path of liberation.

672.

When was the last time you let someone know you truly love him/her? >> Hm.

Do you complain when you are bored, or look for something to do? >> I might say that I’m bored, conversationally, if I’m not alone. But usually I just flop around and wait until my brain settles down. (Usually, boredom for me isn’t a lack of things to do, it’s just a kind of restlessness or anxiety that prevents me from doing anything or focusing on anything.)

Do other people's complaints ever get on your nerves? >> Sure.

Generally, what is your favorite ride at an amusement park? >> I remember liking roller coasters, but I haven’t been to an amusement park in a long time.

Who is your favorite 90's musical artist? >> I mean, a lot of the music I enjoy is from the nineties...

Do you think that music was better when your parents were young, or now? >> Music is just music. Some of it I like, some of it I don’t like, but every time period in the past century-plus has had its pop music that older people hate. I think it’s just more difficult to adapt to new music trends as one gets older, and one is more likely to experience nostalgia for the music they grew up with, and mistakenly assume that their nostalgia means that the music was obviously objectively better back then. There are some musical trends that I wish were still knocking around, sure, but there are some new trends that I love, too. People will always be around making music that I like, no matter what year it is.

How did you develop your specific taste in music? >> I mean, it wasn’t any effort on my part. I just like what I like; I assume it’s mostly subconscious.

If you drink coffee, how do you like it (with cream, black, etc)? >> Black.

Did your parents sign you up for things like piano lessons and ballet? >> He always signed me up for things I didn’t enjoy, and then wondered why I didn’t perform to his standards.

What is your favorite children's song? >> I don’t have one.

Is there a funny story about yourself that you like telling others? >> Probably, but I can’t remember it right now.

Are you good at telling jokes? >> No, I don’t have the memory for constructed jokes.

Are you uptight, or are you easy going? >> I’m neurotic about some things because of how I’m wired, and I’m pretty apathetic about other things for the same reason.

Other than gas, what do you frequently purchase at a gas station? >> I don’t regularly buy things at gas stations.

What is one concern you have about the present state of the world? >> Meh.

Ten years ago, did you think that this was how the world would turn out? >> I wasn’t thinking about how the world would turn out ten years from then.

Ever think you might be better off living in a different time period? >> No.

Do you drink regular or diet soda? >> If I’m going to drink soda, I’m going to drink regular soda.

What CDs would you take with you on a road trip? >> Thank god for Spotify.

Think of your favorite band? What album by them is your LEAST favorite? >> I don’t have a favourite band.

Have you seen your favorite band in concert? If so, how was it? >> I’ve seen live several bands I’ve called “favourite” in the past. They were all great shows.

Do you walk regularly? >> I don’t. Especially not in this season.

Did you take a Health class in high school? How was it? >> Yeah. I don’t know, I slept through most of it.

If you could have the answer to one question, what question would that be? >> ---

Do you like any bands from other countries? >> Sure, of course.

When was the last time you mailed a handwritten letter? >> Uh... middle school?

Do you still receive Christmas cards? >> Not unless I do a card exchange amongst my tumblr mutuals, which I did do one year. But executive dysfunction got in the way last season so I didn’t get around to it.

Do you know anyone who is really hard to please? >> I mean, maybe.

What gets you through the day? >> *shrug*

Do you have a Before Bed routine? >> Not really. I just make sure to take my pill at around 10p.

Describe your stance on organized religion? >> I don’t have a stance on it, really. I find some aspects of it fascinating, some aspects of it helpful, and other aspects of it harmful. Just like... anything, I guess? I’m considering conversion to a particular organised religion, but I’ve been spoiled by the sheer freedom of being unaffiliated and I’m not sure how willing I am to give that up.

Describe your stance on religion in general? >> I’m notoriously interested in and even passionate about religion in general, even when I don’t care to personally participate in it. It’s one of those things I’d consider majoring in if I was in any way inclined towards formal education.

If you found out your bf/gf was homosexual, how would you react? >> Whaaaaat? The woman that is always saying “I’m gay” at any given occasion (particularly when she sees other women) is not straight?????? News to me.

If you are homosexual, and you find out your bf/gf is straight, then what? >> I mean, that’s a situation I can’t really imagine being in.

Have you ever sung karaoke? What songs? Was it fun? >> I’ve sung at live-band karaoke... I’d say around 100, 150 times? I was pretty much a regular. My go-to songs included Smells Like Teen Spirit, Jeremy, and No One Knows. Oh, and The Trooper until I saw [fellow regular] Dorit do a belly-dance bit with a sword on her head during the solo. I think all of us regulars gave up on doing The Trooper after that, lmfao.

Do you study for big tests? >> ---

What makes you nervous? >> Oh, a few things, I guess.

Have you called anyone today? What did you talk about? >> No.

When was the last time you went bowling? >> The last time I was even in a bowling alley is when I was eighteen. The only reason I remember is because that was the last time I saw Thomas before he died. (That bowling alley isn’t even there anymore. Always thought a bowling alley in Port Authority was weird, anyway...)

Do you drive around the neighborhood to look at lights around Xmas? >> We usually just see them on regular drives. When I lived in the Pine Barrens as a preteen, it was nice because we lived by a four-mile-long lake, and you could always see the reflections of the lights across the lake in the water. Also, there was this one house that always went absolutely apeshit with the lights every year. I shudder to think of their electric bill.

Why are so many single people bitter on Valentine's Day? >> Because they’re lonely or have been hurt by exes or are unhappily aromantic, and don’t like being bombarded by hearts and romantic shit everywhere. It’s not rocket science, dude.

What holiday is a big deal for you? >> I mean, Christmas. I enjoy it and for once in my life I get to fully celebrate it.

What is one tradition you hate participating in? >> I don’t know, but whatever it is, I probably just refuse to participate in it period.

Have you ever been sledding? >> Nope.

Do you have acne? >> Not since high school.

Have you made a fool of yourself today? >> Not to my knowledge.

Is there someone you wish you could talk to, but you're too afraid? >> Not specifically. But in general, fear is the foundation of why I don’t open up to people.

Do you have a favorite cookie? >> I like lemon cookies...

When was the last time you did something for someone else? >> Neighbour left her key in her door and I knocked on the door to alert her to it.

Do you let other people choose the radio stations in your car? >> ---

Would you say that you are an accepting and openminded person? >> Sure.

Have you ever been convinced to try something you didn't want to do? >> Not if I really didn’t want to do it. I’ve been convinced to try things that I was on the fence about.

What happened? How did you feel about your choice? >> ---

Have you ever tried to influence someone else? >> I mean, sure, probably.

When was the last time you cheated--at anything? >> I don’t remember.

Do you play any online computer games? If so, what? >> Yeah. I play several MMOs (not at the same time, I usually alternate between them from month to month).

What food can you not seem to get enough of? >> Cheese and crackers, for some reason.

When you are mad at someone, how do you show them? >> I usually just don’t talk to them or don’t give any friendly social cues. Kind of freeze them out, I guess. I figure most people don’t care if I’m upset with them or not, so it doesn’t make any sense to tell them or have a conversation about it. That may be fallacious, but I... also haven’t been explicitly proven wrong yet, lol.

Do you like to think that you are better than other people? >> No.

When was the last time you felt you had a reality check? >> I don’t know.

Have you ever felt out of touch with reality? >> Sure, many times.

Have you ever been sick to the point of possibly dying? >> Nope.

Have you ever had a tooth pulled? >> Yes, because I can’t afford a root canal.

How long do you you usually chew a stick of gum? >> Not that long. The flavour only lasts like five minutes at best, after all, and once the flavour’s gone the gum starts to lose pliability.

Did you chew gum in school, even if it was against the rules? >> I don’t recall doing so.

Did you take a foreign language in school? >> I tried. I didn’t get very far because of changing schools all the time, being in the mental hospital all the time, and also that stupid fiasco where I got no credit for a whole year of Spanish I (I don’t remember why, but it was definitely some bullshit).

Did you attempt to make Honor Roll? Did you make it? >> I only made honour roll in elementary.

What was your favorite school project? >> That report I did about Jim Morrison. Or that project I did about the war against rock and roll, lol (you know, the Satanic Panic around metal music and all that noise; I basically got tired of being told I listened to “devil music” and decided to expose the ridiculousness of it in my final project).

Did you attend any school dances? >> I mean, I went to prom.

Were you in any after school clubs? >> I tried to be, but my father made me leave them because he didn’t approve of the kinds of clubs I wanted to be in (and I didn’t want to be in the kinds of clubs he approved of).

Was there any teacher that made life living hell for you? >> I definitely felt that way.

How about any student(s)? >> Some years, yes.

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed? >> I don’t remember. It’s a common occurrence so I don’t make much note of it when it happens.

Which parent are you more apt to go to if you're upset? >> ---

Do you have any coffee mugs with funny pictures/sayings? >> I have a mug with a cute cactus on it! But Sparrow has all the punny mugs (they’re all cat puns).

Describe your favorite t-shirt? >> ---

Describe something strange that you own? >> Hmm... not sure I own anything strange. Or maybe it’s just that nothing I own is strange to me.

What do you like to do on a friday night? >> Go to Cafe Boba for a weekly meetup group.

What do you like to do on a sunday night? >> Whatever.

Are monday's a drag for you? >> No more or less than any other day of the week.

Do you think graffiti is a valid form of artistic expression? >> Of course.

Do you know where the food you eat comes from? >> Of course not, I live in the US. It’s all a clusterfuck of obfuscation.

Do you ever worry about where the world will be in 20 years? >> No. My peers seem to have that covered.

Have you spent much time contemplating your death? >> Oh, definitely.

Do you know what you want your funeral to be like? >> I know that I want a home vigil (assuming I die when I’m older, after we’ve already bought an actual home). If I die, like, tomorrow or whatever, I guess people can do whatever they want funeral-wise because I’m not interested. Just bury me in a cardboard or pine box in the green section at that one cemetery near us, please. Not in a fucking thousand-dollar metal casket or whatever. Let me decay.

How often do you think dirty thoughts? >> I don’t know, often enough, I guess.

Can mere images turn you on? How about words? >> Images, sure. Words, if they come from Inworld, yeah...

Do you give a good back massage? >> No.

Do you think that feet are disgusting? >> I mean, not inherently. At least they don’t... secrete stuff. (I mean, besides sweat.)

Do you have a girlish scream? >> I don’t recall ever screaming, period.

When was the last time you screamed? >> ^

What is your political affiliation? >> I don’t have one, but I usually vote Democrat.

Are you registered to vote? >> Yeah.

Are you GOING to vote? >> *sigh* Yeah, guess I oughta.

Do you think you would enjoy living in college dorms? >> No. Nooooo no no no no.

Have you ever been to the YMCA? >> Yeah.

If you ditched school, where did you go? >> ---

Have you ever been offered drugs? What, and by who? >> I mean, by friends. Not by complete strangers the way D.A.R.E. insisted. (I mean, that probably does happen too, just not at all with the frequency one would expect...)

Are you afraid to walk places at night if you are alone? >> No.

What's in your school backpack? >> ---

Are you put off by overly social people? >> No. I’m easily exhausted by very extroverted, exuberant people, is all. Doesn’t mean I don’t like them as people.

What do you think of people who are shy? >> I don’t think anything of them, specifically. Some people are just shy. That’s fine.

Thursday, 19th September 2019 – Voegtlinshoffen, Colmar

Voegtlinshoffen is a tiny village which is not one of the half-timbered confections that so many Alsace villages are, because most of those were destroyed in the course of the Thirty Years’ War and rebuilt afterwards in a more simple style. What is does have is a site that provides stunning views across the Rhine and beyond to the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Alps. What is does have are some excellent wines, including the Hatchbourg grand cru, and it was that which brought us to the village on another gloriously sunny day.

We’d begun with a delicious breakfast (including a glass of crémant) at the Hostellerie le Marechal, and then checked the car to see if anything had fallen off after our encounter with the ironwork the day before (nothing seemed to have done, but there was a rattle that suggested the exhaust system might have been compromised) so we undertook the 15 minute drive to Voegtlinshoffen and the cellar visit organised by the hotel for us.

We were going to see a specialist in the crémant on offer at breakfast, Joseph Cattin, where the family have been making wine since 1720. It all started with François Cattin, who was Swiss, and who settled in the village where he was also a builder. They are 11 generations in now and still going strong as one of the largest family owned vineyards in Alsace.

In 1850 they shifted to wine making exclusively, with Joseph taking over the family-owned Estate just as phylloxera hit at the end of the 19th century. Joseph dedicated his time to finding was to fight this plague, becoming a pioneer of Alsacien viticulture. Meanwhile his brother headed off to Paris and set up a restaurant called La Cigogne (the Stork) which served Alsacien gastronomy to well heeled Parisians and foreign guests, acting as a shop front for the wines his brother was making.

Almost a century later the 10th generation modernised the estate and started worldwide exports of their products. It’s now being run by Jacques Cattin Junior, who has been in charge of winemaking since 2007, and his wife Anaïs, who runs the international sales department. What they now have is a fantastic range of wines, and a modern winery that includes a rooftop bar where you can try the wines alongside plates of charcuterie and cheeses. We were taken round by the charming Marianne, who showed us around the original winery, where we could see both the old wooden barrels and the hyper-modern temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.

They even have pipes running under the road to enables the grapes to be crushed on one side of the road in what looks like the original building, and then run straight into the stainless steel tanks in the building on the other side of the road! It’s a most impressive set-up and the wines they produce reflect that.

After our visit, and an explanation of many of the processes, we sat down with Marianne to try a number of wines. Even using the spittoon, after we got through it seemed like a good idea to get something to eat, and where better than the rooftop bar, the Belvedere, with its phenomenal views over the surrounding landscape. It would also give us the opportunity to discuss which of the wines we’d tried we actually wanted to buy.

A plate of charcuterie and cheese later (and a free glass of wine with lunch) and we were ready to shop. 6 boxes of wine later we were helped to load the car (after a swift unload to make sure everything went in in the right order) and presented with a bottle of wine that Marianne said was her favourite crémant to add to the haul we’d paid for. We were liking this free wine thing! We were ready to pick our way carefully back to Colmar for the rest of the day.

Having dropped the car back in the car park, we headed into town to hunt down the Tourist Information office to see what information we could pick up. We kept on getting sidetracked though because Colmar is jaw-droppingly lovely and there were oddities round every corner, like the giant soft toy gingerbread man! At least we understood that gingerbread is very much an Alsace thing. There are those who claim that the crusaders brought it back to Europe, but how true that is I have no idea. Also that the Chinese started it, with Mi-Kong (“honey bread), a delicacy made from wheat flour and honey, fragranced with aromatic plants and baked in the oven. Whatever the case, Alsaciens like it, and it’s everywhere, even made into liquers and spirits that can be added to crémant to make a kir!

There was an artisans’ market going on in the former Customs House (the Koifhus) which detained us for a while, both looking at what was on offer and getting a look inside the building. It was planned in 1433, and the current building dates to 1480 and two more buildings were added in the 16th century. The condition of the building in the 19th century was so poor that it came close to being demoloshed, but instead it was restored in the late 1890s, when a turret and glazed tiles were added. It was renovated again in 2002 to replace the Renaissance style sandstone balustrade which was removed in 1976. It was used as a warehouse and as a place of taxation for imported and exported goods as well as for meetings of the representatives of the Décapole, the federation of the 10 imperial cities of Alsace. Today it was being used to display a range of attractive good including some glassware that really caught my eye.

We stopped off to look at the collegiate church of Saint Martin. It dominates the square on which it sits and is as impressive inside as outside. The building itself was constructed between 1235 and 1365 and is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture in Alsace. Needless to say with a city as closely packed as Colmar is, there have been frequent fires, and in 1572 the framework of the south tower and all the roofs were destroyed, so what you can see now is much more modern. It has also undergone several restorations, the most recent in 1982 which gave the archaeologists a chance to have root around. They found foundations of a 1000 year old church as well as traces of extensions from the 11th and 12th centuries.

It’s an interesting church and there are a number of features that are quite surprising to the modern visitor, including the anti-semitic and downright offensive so-called “Judensäue, a testament to the troubled history of the Jews in Alsace, that came to a ghastly climax in 1349, when they were accused of causing plague by poisoning the wells. On February 14 several hundred Jews were massacred during the Strasbourg pogrom and any remaining Jews were forbidden to settle in the town, being reminded every evening at 10 o’clock by a bell and a municipal herald blowing the “Grüselhorn” that they had to leave. I’m guessing the only reason they stayed in the surrounding towns was the lack of anywhere else they could go, if the prevailing attitude was so vile.

The interior is quite plain, having lost a lot of its furniture during the French Revolution, but it does still have one of the many Baroque organs built by Johann Andreas Silbermann that are everywhere in the region. There are also a nubmer of medieval altars and statues, and a rare Gothic stained glass window of a beardless Christ. The Isenmann altarpiece, of which more in another post, was originally here as well. In 1462 the municipal painter Caspar Isenmann was commissioned to paint a set of panels dedicated to the life of Christ and he completed the word in three years. In 1720 the altar was removed and the paintings were dispersed. The seven surviving panels have been in the Unterlinden Museum since 1853.

We eventually made it to the Tourist Information Office were we realised that for what we wanted to do, the Colmar City Card was actually a good deal. It was €32 each for seven days and gave you access to all the museums (six of them, and you could visit as often as you wanted) as well a trip on one of the tourist trains and a boat trip. We went for it, and then decided we’d have a gentle ride round town on the tourist train straight away. I know some people think they’re a waste of effort but I find them a useful way of getting my bearings, as well as a good excuse to have a sit down…

Afterwards we decided that we had time for one of the museums. We opted for the Musée Bartholdi.

It’s a museum dedicated to the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the man who designed the Statue of Liberty, among other colossal works. The house was his birthplace and is full of works by him. These include a lot of preparatory models for monuments that are actually in Colmar, many of which we would find during our stay. I hadn’t realised he also put forward a design for the fountain on the Quinconces in Bordeaux, and the museum had a model for one of the horses to prove it. What’s there is insane enough. Lord knows what he would have built given half a chance.

Bartholdi served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 as a squadron leader of the National Guard, and possibly as a liaison officer to Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi. As an officer, he took part in the defense of Colmar from Germany, and after the Alsace’s defeat he constructed a number of monuments celebrating French heroism in the defence against Germany. One of those projects was the Lion of Belfort, which is huge. He didn’t do anything by halves, it seems.

Then in 1871 he he went to the United States where he suggested the idea of a massive statue to be given by the French to the Americans in honor of the centennial of American independence. The result was “Liberty, Illuminating the World” as she’s more correctly known. There were lots of items telling the story of the design and construction, though sadly most of it is in French with no translation into any other languages. This seemed a bit of a shame, really, as it was fine for people like me, but I’m pretty sure a lot of visitors won’t be able to read French and could probably do with some help to understand exactly what was going on.

We stepped back out later having learned something new, which is never a bad thing. It was time though to quit for the day and go back to the hotel for dinner. The area round the hotel was looking especially lovely so we decided we’d step out from the hotel to look for an aperitif later on.

Travel 2019 – Alsace and Baden, Day 7, Voegtlinshoffen, Colmar Thursday, 19th September 2019 - Voegtlinshoffen, Colmar Voegtlinshoffen is a tiny village which is not one of the half-timbered confections that so many Alsace villages are, because most of those were destroyed in the course of the Thirty Years’ War and rebuilt afterwards in a more simple style.

ThunderClan Worldbuilding

(for my au)

Most worldbuilding stays the same in the Clans as it did in the books, there'll just be some things added to it. The Clans are a good example. Setting differences between each one really helps distinguish them.

ThunderClan are the largest of the Clans, sporting a bulky, and muscular build. They're the most physically intimidating of all the Clans, with powerful haunches, wide heads, strong chests, a rigid posture and broad shoulders. ThunderClan tends to have medium length or long fur; short fur is considered quite the rarity in ThunderClan. Despite these common attributes, ThunderClan have more variation than the other Clans, as they took quite a few outsiders into their borders under Firestar's leadership. Being a pure Clan cat is of great importance amongst the Clans, but ThunderClan are significantly more accepting that others, and that can be seen in the physical appearance of many modern ThunderClan cats.

Common fur colours and patterns are ginger, cream, tortoiseshell, and black tabbies. Common markings include mackerel, classic, and spotted tabbies, white spotting, and mottled patterns in torties. ThunderClan cats do not favour light colours due to the need to camouflage with the dappled foliage around them, and having a small and lithe build suggests a non-ThunderClan cat close in relation.

ThunderClan are noted for their militarist behaviours and views. They're the vikings or spartans of the Clan world, valuing physical/mental strength, bravery and keeping strong borders. Between all the Clans, they are the strongest, and other Clans often try to avoid coming to blows with ThunderClan. ThunderClan cats are taught to enjoy battle, though not to invite it. After all, they are not tyrants, but noble. This nobility is one of ThunderClan's core values, others including being merciful, loyal, courageous, and to the other Clans annoyance, a kind of moral compass, taking their sense of justice to a point where they frequently involve themselves in other Clan issues, and act self righteous.  ThunderClan, while greatly appreciating the Clan as a whole and their collective strength and unity, places a great deal of value on a cat's individual abilities. Rising up the ranks is the goal of all ThunderClan cats, which breeds many great warriors, but also drives divisions between Clan members in a competitive sense, and breeds the most belligerent traitors. It is every ThunderClan apprentice's dream to save their Clan, bring themselves glory, and become the heroes that they've been spoonfed through nursery tales all their lives. "Clan blood lies above all else,"* but individual strength and skill is very important to these cats. Following the rules and The Code is very important to this Clan, and breaking the code is true blasphemy, despite their acceptance of outsiders.

ThunderClan are known for their seriousness and their nosiness, and often find themselves mocked for their inflated sense of justice. ThunderClan cats are excessively organised and run similarly to a military camp. Duty first, and no cat must slack off. Despite this rather serious behaviour, ThunderClan are not boring by any means. They quite enjoy joking about, and are prone to pranking each other. In terms of art and expression, ThunderClan are real storytellers. While all Clans engage in this, ThunderClan value their stories the most, and verbal language is how they pass down history rather than visually, and when teaching, storytelling comes up a lot. ThunderClan often spend nights just telling stories and speaking of their history. While other Clans may tell stories of fictional events, ThunderClan tells strictly of their history and important events. They also make sculptures as an art activity! While cats don't usually have all that much free time due to work, they really are the builders of all the Clans - skilled members of the Clans can construct small shapes out of twigs and other plant material.

ThunderClan tends to be conservative in terms of naming. They're the least adventurous with names, sticking to mainly basic names, and often name their kits after important cats in ThunderClan history or after significant cats in the parent's life.

Not only are ThunderClan the best fighters out of all the Clans, they're also very skilled hunters. Perfectly equipped to stalking and pouncing upon their prey despite their largeness, and they're also very capable builders in terms of constructing stable dens. Really, ThunderClan. You're too op. The other Clans are sick of you.

ThunderClan celebrate a number of events, not as many as RiverClan, but more than WindClan and ShadowClan. Some celebrations include:

Bluebell's Awakening - ThunderClan celebrate the sprouting of bluebells, as it shows that Newleaf has arrived. This is celebrated by a day free of duty and Clan-wide happiness and fun.

Birdsong Day - This is when ThunderClan splits into patrols and raids bird nests to celebrate the return of New-Leaf. The goal is to collect as many as you can in a certain area of the forest without breaking them; it's a competition. It is confined to one area of the forest so that there are plenty of eggs to grow into birds.

The Return of the Wheateater - when the Wheateater returns from it's migration, ThunderClan celebrates. Wheateaters are considered a sign of good luck from StarClan in ThunderClan's eyes, and are therefore welcomed warmly.

Day of Peace - Celebrated by all the Clans. This is celebrated in early Leaf-Bare, where the Clans meet together and simply converse, share news and hold a contest. This welcomes the harsh months of Leaf-bare and survival, and is the Clan way of saying "no matter what is about to come, we remember that we are all united like our ancestors wish us to be."

Greenleaf day - a day celebrating Greenleaf. Free of duty and holds a Clan feast.

Day of Hunger - To show gratefulness to StarClan for providing plentiful food in Greenleaf, ThunderClan choose to have a day of fasting, to show respect for StarClan's hard work and for the sacrifices of prey. (RiverClan thinks this is stupid. Celebrate prey abundance by fasting. RiverClan celebrate the same thing by feasting.)

Day of Victory - A day when the Clan remembers Sunheart and Seedleap; two felines who are reknown war heroes of a long war with ShadowClan. These two killed the ShadowClan leader, Laurelstar, ending the war.

Thunder Moon - A day dedicated to Thunderstar, the founder of ThunderClan. This is celebrated in the second storm of Leaf-fall. No one in ThunderClan is sure why it has to be the second storm, only that it's tradition. If there is only one storm in the season, it is a terrible omen.

The Battle of BloodClan - ThunderClan honours the events of The Battle of BloodClan, paying respect to cats who have died and recalling the events and glories of the day, praising Firestar and reenacting the battle. This takes place mid Leaf-Fall (I'm not sure what season the battle actually took place in and the wiki was unhelpful.)

Day of Stories - This is a day where ThunderClan celebrates their history by telling stories, most centered around brave warriors of the past. To be chosen to be a storyteller is a great honor. This takes place mid Leafbare to keep spirits high.

* Clan Blood Lies Above All Else is the words all the Clans live by. It's basically words of the bible - considered just as important as the Code, but it isn't written in it. Think: Faction before blood from Divergent.

I couldn't resist so 11, 18, 26 and 37 for WangXian! Hope you don't mind :D

How could I mind? They are depression healers (and givers because angst but anyway). I’m still not done with the novel so forgive me any possible mistakes, ok? ;)

BIG FAT DOMESTICITY QUESTIONS MEME

11. sleeping habits? 

We have a well-organised individual and a rather hyperactive individual. Their sleeping habits must be a disaster, right? So Lan WangJi goes to bed at exactly the same time, every night, and wakes at exactly the same time, every morning. Like a walking alarm clock. Usually, when he tries to sleep, Wei WuXian has the best humor and goes for a night walk or drinks or does everything to disturb the silence. Because he’s bored. And he thinks that Lan WangJi should chill out. That’s why he tries to convince his husband to stay late and enjoy their nights. It may include improper propositions Lan WangJi, being himself, may complain but in the end he always agrees and soon the clan is terrified to learn that the second master overslept! Still, he usually wakes up before Wei WuXian and gives him that judging glare when he’s sleeping at noon. Wei WuXian thinks that after so many hardships, he has the god given right to rest! And when they sleep together, Lan WangJi sleeps like a corpse, so on his back and without moving, when Wei WuXian just loves to sleep on him. Lan WangJi lets him, obviously. Once Wei WuXian considered putting a white cloth on his face but he has a little too many bad memories with corpses to try… 

18. who uses all the hot water?

Look at the Lan Clan. Do you think they even use hot water or claim that cold water clears minds? Well, obviously it would be Wei WuXian. He takes all hot water. But I think Lan WangJi doesn’t really mind and it affects people who live together with them much more. Wei WuXian is also a man of great sacrifices and so he attempts to make a hot bath to see if Lan WangJI would take the opportunity. Every day is good chance to check how far he can go…

26. who cooks normally?

We know the tragic tale of WWX and his soup. He’s officially forbidden to enter the kitchen and cook anything because that taste may summon evil spirits. Of course, WWX is deeply offended and he tries to break the ban, a normal day in his life. But what can he do if the Lan cooking is just so boring? He adds some spices to make it better. 

37. do they celebrate birthdays, valentine’s day, anniversaries?

(Actually the first thing that came to my mind is that they have more death anniversaries that happy dates. Well….)

Please, we’re talking about WWX. Would he miss a chance to celebrate? What’s more, to celebrate with LWJ? Never. WWX remembers all anniversaries and uses every opportunity to bring the greatest rice wine and drink with LWJ. And we all know that after some alcohol, LWJ becomes life of the party mixed with very affectionate drunk. Although the possibility is tempting, WWX never allows anyone to celebrate with them. He knows that LWJ has his honor. And it’s nice to know he’s the only one who saw that side of his husband. Once he made him sing, it’s a good reward for keeping quiet. 

The idea of this experiment isn’t to boycott films which don’t meet the criteria, or to imply that only films which do are good or valid, but only to create a list of films which exist outside the usual hegemonic narrative.

Foreign films are allowable but only if they represent similarly marginalised voices in their own countries - for example a Japanese film would not be admissible purely on the basis of being directed by and starring Japanese people, but could be admissible if it was made by and about women, queer people, disabled characters, or starring/about people of colour oppressed in Japan (eg the Ainu, Black people in Japan etc).

Films by/about only straight cis white women or white cis gay men don’t count, although I’ve listed some as honorable mentions, because while they're still underrepresented in film production they're certainly not as unheard as other more marginalised voices.

Reblog with your suggestions and tag them #FilmsForUs!

My initial suggestions:

Comedy

Nina’s Heavenly Delights: Lesbian romcom about a Scots-Indian woman trying to win a curry competition in memory of her recently-passed father (1: almost all Scots-Asian cast with the exception of the love interest, 2&3: dir. Pratibha Parmar, a Desi lesbian, 4: check, 5: side plots about her brother and mother’s relationships, 6: check)

Hunt For The Wilderpeople: A Maori kid from the inner city is adopted out to the country, but when he and his adoptive father disappear into the bush it sparks a nationwide manhunt  (1: Maori protagonist and some core cast, 2&3: dir. Taika Waititi, written by Taika Waititi and Te Arapa Kahi, 4: check, 5: very little romantic content, 6: check (although some jokes referencing CSA))

But I’m A Cheerleader: A naive teenager is sent to a conversion camp when her parents suspect she may be a lesbian, opening her eyes to a whole new world.  (1: Almost exclusively queer characters, 2&3: dir. and written by Jamie Babbit, a lesbian, 4: check, 5: no heterosexual romance, 6: check)

Saving Face: A young closeted Chinese-American surgeon has her life thrown into disarray when her widowed mother becomes pregnant outside wedlock and is thrown out by her parents. (1: I think the whole cast are Asian or Black?, 2&3: dir. and written by Alice Wu, a Chinese-American lesbian, 4: check, 5: mother’s subplot involves, but doesn’t centre around, her relationships, 6: check)

Dear White People: The lives of five very different Black students at an Ivy League college intersect when a campus society organises a blackface party (1: Core cast is two Black women and three Black men, one of whom is gay, 2&3: dir. and written by Justin Simien, a gay black man, 4: check, 5: one of the four storylines is somewhat focused on Sam’s relationships with men but it’s not the primary focus but only an element of her story, 6: check)

Action

Black Panther: The new king of a highly-advanced and secretive African nation is challenged and overthrown by a vengeful rival, who forces him to confront his country’s responsibility to the world (1: Core cast is all Black bar two, 2&3: dir. Ryan Coogler and written by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole (two Black men), 4: check, 5: There is a romance plot between Nakia and T’Challa but it isn’t foregrounded, 6: check)

Pacific Rim: 

Wonder Woman

Thor: Ragnarok

Drama

Angels in America: Six-hour epic exploring death, religion and sexuality in the AIDS epidemic (1: Main cast mostly gay men and straight women, one Black protagonist and several Jewish ones, several HIV+, 2&3: written by Tony Kushner, a gay Jewish man, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check)

Hidden Figures: The true story of three Black female mathematicians integral to the success of the US Space Program (1: core cast three Black women, 2&3: based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, a Black woman, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check)

Moonlight: A gay Black boy grows up in a rough neighbourhood, struggling with his isolation and fear. (1: Core cast all Black, gay protag and bisexual love interest, 2&3: all Black creators, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check)

The Shape of Water: A mute Latina woman working in a Cold War research institute falls in love with an ancient river god held for experimentation, and helped by a Russian spy conspires to save him. (1: Core cast are a disabled latina woman, a gay man, a black woman, a Russian spy and an amphibian monster, 2: dir. and written by Guillermo del Toro (Mexican) and co-written by a woman, 3: Uses the allegory of monsterhood to sensitively explore how each of these people is othered and oppressed, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check)

Boy: In 1984, young Maori boy living in profound poverty is finally able to reconnect with his absentee criminal father, only to find the reality of his dad is very different to what he’s dreamed about. (1: Cast is almost entirely Maori, 2&3: dir., written by, and starring Taika Waititi (as the protag’s shitty dad), 4: check, 5: check, 6: check)

Angry Indian Goddesses: As old friends arrive in Goa to celebrate a friend’s wedding to her mystery partner, they hang out, laugh, drink, dance and unpick the many ways Indian culture ignores and oppresses women. WARNING: This one has very explicit description of rape and abuse. It also has a VERY sudden tonal shift in the final act which...the first 3/4 of the film seems like it’s going towards something fun and uplifting. It’s not. Don’t watch this one when you’re looking for something to cheer you up. (1: Cast includes two queer characters and one mixed-race character, as well as multiple survivors, 2: co-written by Arsala Qureshi, an Indian woman, 3: Handles issues of caste, gender and sexuality thoughtfully and sensitively (although I’m not Indian so feel free to correct me on that), 4: check, 5: check, 6: Rape is a big theme, but it’s there to discuss its devastating impact and to explore how different women react to different manifestations)

Kids

Moana: The daughter of a Polynesian chief, chosen by the sea, sets out on a quest to repair the damage done by the demigod Maui (1: Polynesian cast played by Polynesian VAs, 2&3: Co-written by Hawai’ian brothers Jordan and Aaron Kandell, and initial draft by Taika Waititi, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check)

Honorable mentions (films which I think are in the spirit of #FilmsForUs but may not meet all the requirements as written)

Pride: Comedy The true story of the formation of Gays And Lesbians Support The Miners, an unlikely solidarity organisation in the 80s between the London queer scene and the striking miners’ unions in North Wales (1: All white cast of primarily queer characters, 2&3: written by Stephen Beresford, a gay man, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check - honorable mention because it’s primarily about cis white men - there are lesbian characters but they are not the focus) 

Bend It Like Beckham: Comedy The daughter of an orthodox Sikh family pursues her love of football against her family’s wishes (1: Largely British Asian cast, 2&3: dir. Gurinder Chadha, written by Gurinder Chadha and Guljit Bindra, both British-Indian women, 4: check, 5: unfortunately there is a major romantic subplot and I hate it and this film should have been about the protagonist getting off with Kiera Knightley, 6: check - honorable mention because the protagonist’s straight relationship somewhat dominates the narrative)

Attack The Block: Action/Comedy A gang of teenagers defend their South London council estate from aliens, which the film uses to explore police brutality against Black kids. (1: Most of the cast are Black, 2&3: All white creative staff, although I believe they’re largely from a similar socioeconomic background, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check - honorable mention because despite having a sensitively-written, diverse cast it was written, directed and produced exclusively by white men)

Mad Max: Fury Road: Action 

Battle Of The Sexes: Drama The true story of Billy Jean King, world tennis championship, and her fight for equal pay and respect for female athletes, as well as her struggle as a closeted lesbian (1: Gay female protagonist, 2&3: dir. by a straight man and straight woman, written by a straight man, all white, 4: check, 5: check, 6: check - honorable mention because of a straight white creative team)

Lilo and Stitch: Kids A fugitive alien lands in the middle of two Hawai’ian sisters struggling to keep their family together after the loss of their parents, tackling poverty, colonialism and the threat of CPS (1: Native Hawai’ian cast played by Hawai’ian VAs, 2: All white production staff, 3: Handles Hawai’ian issues thoughtfully and carefully, 4: check, 5: Nani has a romance subplot with David but it isn’t foregrounded, 6: check - honorable mention because no Hawai’ian creators were involved)

Marmot Day

Marmot Day is celebrated on February 2 of every year. It is a special day dedicated to the observance of marmots. Marmots are a variety of large animals like squirrels that include woodchucks, ground squirrels, and groundhogs. Even though these marmots can be found all over the globe, from Russia to India and from Canada to Mexico, marmots don’t seem to get the recognition. Hence Marmot Day is a day to honor these mysterious creatures around the world.

“There are a lot of public misconceptions surrounding marmots, but as my students and I are finding, scientists also have much to learn about them ” – Olson.

History of Marmot Day

Marmot Day was first celebrated in the year 2002 as a day to observe all marmots. Marmot Day celebrations take a lot of different forms. It is an official holiday in Alaska. In Alaska, it is celebrated on every year to honour Alaskan marmots and Alaskan culture. Marmot Day became an official holiday in Alaska on 18th April 2009, after the 26th Alaska State Legislature passed Senate Bill 58 officially. On Marmot Day, family dinners will be organised, and marmot jokes and stories will be shared in the dinner. It is also the title of a community observance in Owosso, Michigan that occurs on 25th July. The city of Owosso, Michigan organises a festival on this day which offers different family events, activities and a marmot video competition.

How to Celebrate Marmot Day

If you are interested to celebrate the day but you aren’t able to go Alaska or Michigan, no problem don’t worry. Just go out to watch marmot in a place where marmot can be found. If not, you can look at the history of marmots and research about it online. Learn more about Marmot and their nature.

Source

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is observed on February 2 of every year in the United States of America and Canada. It is a popular observance among many Americans and it focuses on the tradition of the groundhog coming out of its den to forecast the weather.  It is believed by many Americans that if it is sunny when the groundhog comes out of its home and sees his shadow, it means the winter will continue for 6 more weeks. In that case, the groundhog will go back into his home and will sleep again. But suppose if it is cloudy while the groundhog comes out and not able to see his own shadow then the groundhog stays outside to play, then people will start celebrating by believing that spring is about to come.

“The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.” – Bill Vaughn.

History of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day was first celebrated in the United States in the year 1887. Clymer H. Freas, editor of the local paper Punxsutawney Spirit started encouraging the groundhogs as the official Groundhog Day meteorologist. Even though some places have in some cases started celebrating their own groundhogs, Punxsutawney Phil, the official groundhog lives near Punxsutawney at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania. Every year thousands of visitors come to Punxsutawney on 2nd February to participate in this celebration. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plays a vital role in arranging Groundhog Day in the town. Also, many Club members, visitors, locals, and reporters gather at Gobbler’s Knob on 2nd February of every year to see the appearance of Phil’s and his weather prediction. Pennsylvania’s governor attends ceremonies of Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney observed its 1st Groundhog Day in the 1800s in the United States. This day also gained popularity with the release of the film Groundhog Day in the year 1993. All these started so many decades before when nature and animal worship was popular, people of Europe believed that the badger had the ability to estimate the coming of spring. They will plant their crops after the badger predicts the weather. But later sadly in Pennsylvania, there were not many badgers so the badger was substituted by the groundhog.

How to Celebrate Groundhog Day

If you want to participate in the annual Groundhog Day celebration then go to Pennsylvania, if you can’t make it to  Pennsylvania then try participating in the events organized on the day in other places. If you are not able to participate in the event then take some time to look at the celebration of the day online and check if the groundhog has seen its shadow.

Source

Semdaeism introduction found on my site.

So, you might be wondering to yourself what Semdaeism believes, i want to take the time to explain as an overview the basic beliefs and tenants of the Semdaen religion, how it functions, why it functions and how it can help you live your life to the better.

So to begin with, Semdaeism as a religion is defined as ‘A polytheistic religion that believes in the existence of every single deity under its own cosmology, a belief in a messianic like figure in King Arthurand in their own pantheon of deities called either ‘Kono or in Neobrittonic Nevii’ Now that might be a lot of information for you, so let’s break it down.

To begin with, Semdaeism as a religion believes in the existence of every single god of every single religion, let me elaborate on this for those who have any confusion about this: Semdaeism believes these deities are separate beings, we do not believe in a great unity or ‘the one’ or that these gods are reflections of other beings, this is pantheism which Semdaeism does not accept. This extends for all gods, so for example Jupiter is not Zeus and Woden in not Odin. Semdaeism does NOT accept parody gods like the flying Spaghetti monster, these are not real or worshipped gods and are therefore not counted, this is also true for fictional gods from comics, movies or games. I also described that these gods live under a Semdaen cosmology, that means for example that while in Hellenism Ouranos is the sky, In Semdaeism Nem is the original sky and that these gods or their forefathers were made in the Semdaen tradition by the great sacrifice of Bran. Semdaeism is very much compatible with other religions such as Hellenism and Asatru, but it is a SEPERATE religion that does not put focus on other faiths or there religion, they exist in Semdaeism and that is all. Semdaeism also recongises a large amount of natural deities, for example gods of mountains, rivers and particularly great trees are all given worship and sacrifice, it is important to keep the worship of the land regular so as to keep everything going well.

Semdaeism believes in a messianic like figure, he’s not really a messiah that other religions describe, King Arthur is this figure, i know that may seem odd but the Semdaen King Arthur is extremely different from what we think of as King Arthur, this is Semdaeism only follows Welsh or its own traditions, it completely ignores all French issues and traditions, it goes so far as to not have Morgan le Fay, Merlin or Lancelot in it due to their non existence in the Welsh texts. Now onto why the king is such a central figure, there is a coming golden age in Semdaeism, where all the Arrikirris have come to pass and all the faithful are there when our King will return and become king of the Earth. It sounds like the second coming, however it is different, for one our King will literally rule on Earth, he will not take anyone to heaven but make Earth itself a golden age like heaven, and he won’t do this through sheer conversion, our king is a warrior king and will likely also take conquest of other states.

Semdaeism also believes in its own pantheon of gods, which i call the ‘Kono or in Neobrittonic the Nevii, from Enev meaning spirit, in short, these beings were originally humans, who after completing some feat such as killing a demon or going on the journey to heaven under piety or request of a god became godlike beings when drinking the blood of the cauldron Mor, which holds the blood of every divine being, and becoming something that is higher then a god. It is important for me to stress, the ‘Kono are entirely seperate from the gods and are not gods, they are considered above the gods, if you are a pagan and have issue with this, i don’t know what to tell you, Semdaeism isn’t going to be this pitch perfect thing nor is it simply going to accept everything that other religions say. It is still a seperate religion.

Now onto why Semdaeism is here, in the long and short of it, Semdaeism as a religion has a goal and that goal is to achieve godhood through the enlightenement of the eight heavenly laws and the following of the other Semdaen laws. It is thought that after achieving this enlightenment you would reincarnate into a person of great interest, such as a king, queen, monarch, general etc. and after woulds you get brought to be in the kings court personally to serve in it and help humanity through a wide variety of godly means, when the king returns these ancient kings and generals will come and reclaim their thrones and leads. It should be noted that you don’t have to be a Semdaen to become a god in this state, however Semdaeism offers the clearest guide to joining the gods, others in the past have done it but again, it requires specific things and the following of the eight heavenly laws and the lesser laws. I will talk more on these laws in another post, but in essence they are: – To not harm the dead, speak ill of the dead and give regular worship of the dead whether they be great or little. – To carry a sword at all times and have martial skill. – To have ability in the fine arts and music. – To treat animals fairly and to understand how to sacrifice one properly. – To be apart of both the native and non native community. – To have virtue and follow the lesser laws. – To never speak ill of the gods or make mocking images of them or destroying images of the gods. – To always seek knowledge, especially of religion.

I wanted to put a short mention on rituals, the sacrifice of animals is very important in Semdaeism, especially when honoring the dead as the animals become part of their property in the afterlife to both versions of the ancestors which i will touch on later. Apart from that Semdaeism encourages altar building, the writing of hymns and making of art for the gods. Semdaens also participate in several holidays, both from what our king would’ve celebrated and from Semdaeism itself, it should be noted that a lot of these times don’t follow a simple date but act in times for example Holdydh or the day of the sun happens on the longest day of Summer and Loirnos or the night of the moon in the longest night of winter. There will probably be a large amount of overlap. Also to be noted finally is that Semdaeism recongises a variety of feasts and has its own organised ritual of feasting, i will speak more of these rituals later on so that you can better understand how to practice Holy feasting or the Feast of Heaven.

I believe i have touched on everything in this topic, i hope that you have all gained a basic understanding from reading these and that you have many questions! I will do my absolute best to answer as many as I can, for now we will settle with this FAQ which as of writing is very small and doesn’t cover much but will grow as time goes on.

Chapter 5. The Heir to Vayton & Son Ltd, my GWTW fanfiction “The Robillard Boutique”

Charleston, January 1875 Aymeric Vayton, a large landowner and a leading figure in Charleston society, had just died of a heart attack. Duncan's return to his birthplace was brutal. The serenity that had protected the „Soft South“ Plantation was shattered. He rushed to comfort his mother and sister about the painful loss of the patriarch. The funeral had had held the previous month while he was still in the boat, crossing the ocean for coming back to Charleston. When he arrived, he required a memory celebration in which attended the Charleston community, the planters of the Old South, Southern and Yankee businessmen gathered for the occasion, and many strangers. This recognition warmed the hearts of the three mourners. Duncan had always been a good son, and his father had enjoyed praising him. In his honour, the business man had renamed his empire Vayton Ltd to Vayton & Son Ltd, eager to see his heir succeed him. With a touch of remorse, the young man was aware that he had disappointed him in one respect: his reluctance to marry had not allowed Aymeric to be assured of any descendant of the Vayton branch. Now heir to the largest plantation in South Carolina and head of one of the largest fortunes in the United States of America, the young industrialist was also going to have to face the marasms of the economic recession that was coming down like a big black cloud. Fortunately, Aymeric Vayton had been a clever manager. He had secured his fortune in gold bullion and had not made speculative investments in suspiciously booming stock companies. Therefore, he was not affected by the Coinage Act. The planter's son's first concern was the future of his family's cotton plantation which stretched for miles and miles along the Sotono River. The fall in production had been staggering from 1861 to 1866 - when it was fortunate, as at Soft South, that his estate had not been burnt down and the cotton plants ransacked by the Yankees during the war. Aymeric Vayton had held on. By 1868, the number of bales coming out of his warehouses had returned to pre-war levels, as had the other large farms.* The plantation could continue to prosper on the Sotono River. At the end of the war, the money of Aymeric Vayton had partly melted, because, alike may Charlestonians, he had generously given part of his fortune to the Confederate Army. But, very quickly, the Vayton patriarch regained colors and diversified his fortune. Over the years, huge tracts of land in the most dynamic southern states had come into the possession of Charleston's oldest family. Aymeric had set his sights on well-irrigated farmland, some fertile for rice paddies, others for cotton or wheat. Aymeric Vayton had the foresight to plant indigo’s trees as far as the eye could see. He was inspired by the meteoric success of the Coffin family's move to Beauford. The Coffins had become the largest producers of indigo, not only for South Carolina, but for the South as well. The Charlestonian did not aim to match their market’ share, but the gains he got from this additional culture let him say that his gamble paid off.

While reading the notarial records of Vayton & Son Ltd, Duncan hardly believed his eyes finding out that he owned now these wide fields of indigo trees. « Father, you bequeathed me a « war treasor », the indigo ! This is going to be the special touch, the „griffe“ of „La Mode Duncan“…. After 1865, Aymeric Vayton chose to expand into real estate by investing in old buildings, focusing on colonial planters' mansions and antebellum mansions in the historic centres of Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. All had suffered some damage during the war and had been bought at very low prices. Betting on the demand for a return to authenticity, he had surrounded himself with a solid team of restoring architects, masons, ironworkers, painters, carpenters and decorators who all advocated quality craftsmanship and respect for Southern elegance. Certainly, the added value generated by the embellishment of these well-built mansions would further perpetuate the Vayton heir's capital, even though this was not a good time to be selling property. But Vayton & Son Limited could afford to put its investments on hold until the economy recovered. Discovering the numerous buildings owned by Vayton & Son Ltd, Duncan got an idea : «Oh ! There are at least three antebellum houses which will be useful for «La Mode Duncan“ ! Satisfied with the infrastructure of the business created by his father, Duncan had the wisdom to keep his teams in place, reappointing some key men to bring new blood and energy to Vayton & Son Limited. The choice of safeguarding and restoring the historical and architectural heritage of the Old South ends up certifying the image of respectability and generosity of the Vayton family. In the same spirit, the recession and poverty that were beginning to flare up made Duncan decide that future family action should be in this charitable vein. The day after his father’s tribute, he spoke with Cathleen and Melina about this. "Mother, Melina, I would like to share my concern with you. Our family needs to be there to alleviate the suffering that is starting to show for all those brave Charlestonians who have just lost their jobs. The misery will increase throughout the year, probably for the next two or three years. The financial crash will result in a cascade of bankruptcies of many industries and businesses. What can be done to help the poor employees who will be left "out in the cold? » "I am moved by your initiative, which does not surprise me, my dear son. You have a big heart, like your sister. We should first create a foundation that will structure our good deeds. » "What if we named it "Aymeric Vayton Charity's Foundation »  said Melina excitedly.. What do you think? » "Very good! Your father would be proud. I will invite my friends of the Embroidery Circle and the Friends of Literature to share our ideas. It is true that the charitable initiatives of Charleston's good society are disparate. Our foundation will bring them together and coordinate their actions. » "Mother, we should be able to identify as soon as possible the needy who are in emergency, those who no longer have enough to eat. Could you ask the priests and pastors of the neighbouring parishes? I think that these indications will be precious and will allow us to organise a distribution of meals as soon as possible. » Melina applauded. "It's going to be a tough job. But I'm so proud to be part of a family that wants to do good around them. » "That is agreed. Mother and Melina, you will take charge of the foundation. With advisors, of course. We will decide on an annual budget. It is up to you to distribute the funds according to the urgency. For my part, I will unfortunately be too busy with the weaving factory and the creation of my sewing workshop." Before going about his business, Duncan added, "I have another suggestion for you. Now that Father is gone, it would be sad for the two of you to live alone on the Soft South plantation. My fashion shop is going to be based in Charleston, and I have just bought there a fine house with a large garden in Old Town. I shall be very glad if you will come and move in with me. Will you do me the honor? » "This is great news, my son. It is true that I have so many fond memories in our beautiful colonial house. It is haunted by the laughter of the two of you as children. I must admit, though, that continuing to live there without my husband would be too painful. » "Mother, during the hot Charleston summer, we'll be enjoying as a family the paradise that is our beloved Soft South. So don't be too melancholic. How convenient it will be for you to be close to the members of your charitable circles. And having you both near me will enable me to spoil you with invitations to restaurants and the theatre. » "You are right, Duncan. I'm very happy with this decision. I know Melina is already excited about being able to live near her friends. Isn't she? "The delighted look on her daughter's face left no doubt in her mind. "Have you already selected an available property in the old town? » Duncan's cheeky smile broke out: "Well, yes, I've found the gem! At the Battery, a large three-storey house perfectly restored, with all the comforts, wide piazas, magnolias. In short, happiness for the three of us! The neighbourhood is peaceful, and I presume that many of your acquaintances have taken up residence there. » „ Oh ! I’ve almost forgotten : the building is next door to a friend of yours, Mother. I think I remember you telling me about her. A certain Butler. Yes, I remember now, it is Mrs. Eleonor Butler.» **** Endnote : My sources of information on the cotton economy and textile mills in the USA in 1870 are based on Louis Reybaud's thesis published in 1870, "L'Industrie et les Ouvriers du Coton aux États-Unis depuis la guerre de secession", Revue des Deux Mondes, 2nd period, volume 90, 1870. Indigo cultivation in South Carolina in the 19th century: Beauford (source Wikipedia).

#Gonewiththewind, #fanfiction, #GWTW fanfiction, #Rhett Butler, #Scarlett O’Hara, #Charleston, #Old South, #1873 krach

Disclaimers : I do not own the characters and the story of Gone With The Wind which belong to Margaret Mitchell.

for the ship thing: johnrezi, preferably black

who hogs the duvet

John cause he’s bigger and Terezi on principle.

who texts/rings to check how their day is going

They both do it in their own ways. John is more likely the person who will initiate and text to ask how she’s doing where he’ll tease her which eventually leads to shit shes been actually struggling with. For Terezi she’ll bring it around on him at some point to get him angry and venty where he’ll talk about shit that actually bothered him that day. They’re both repressive people who feel weird being genuine with each other since the core of their relationship is based around joking and teasing each other but they are also depressive people who get what the other is going through.

who gets up first in the morning

Terezi goes to bed last and gets up first. John wants to know her secrets.

who suggests new things in bed

Give me a T! E! R! yeah anyways I headcanon John being on the ace spectrum and not that interested in sex stuff so on the occasion when they do go at it it’s Terezi whipping out the bad dragon dildis and trying to convince him why they should use it over his laughs.

who cries at movies

Eh, I don’t really think either of them are really people to cry at movies. I imagine John does over stupid shit like Conair though so I guess him.

who gives unprompted massages

Terezi gives unprompted commands to John to massage her. John tries to make it as bad as possible.

who fusses over the other when they’re sick

Hmmmm, they don’t fuss over each other but I’d say they’d be accommodating at least. John will make her soup but the kind she dislikes and Terezi will make the couch up and set up the TV but play movies he hates. They both get the worst tasting medicine.

who gets jealous easiest

Neither. They are so not those kind people in my opinion? I definitely see them not caring if the other person dates other people, finds others attractive (1M GONN4 FUCK H3R F1RST JOHN), or even if they just rather hang with other people. They got a real healthy relationship and there are times where Terezi will bluntly tell John she wants to hang with Karkat alone or chill with Vriska and John completely understands. Sometimes he just wants to be with Jade or the rest of the betas.

who has the most embarrassing taste in music

Terezi probably likes the weirdest asmr shit but John’s love of 90′s and early 2000′s makes anyone cringe.

who collects something unusual

Terezi. She’s just weird guys. Probably collects strange hairs she finds on her body or something (people who know me in real life don’t interact)

who takes the longest to get ready

Eh, probably John only because he takes the time to put on pants. Terezi’s not one for dolling herself up, like, she doesn’t even brush her hair most of the time.

who is the most tidy and organised

John puts shit away but then can never find it (he used to just ask his dad where stuff was and never had to look for it himself) while you can’t see Terezi’s floor but she can sniff out an expired coupon from three years ago.

who gets most excited about the holidays

John all the way, the dudes got holiday spirit. Not to make this sadstuck™ but I feel like after his dad died and he didn’t get to do all his old traditions he realized he didn’t appreciate what he had until it was gone. He probably got annoyed by his dad’s Christmas decoration extravaganza growing up but after the death he puts on a huge show for everyone to honor the memory/cheer himself up. Terezi probably doesn’t really get the point for most of the holidays humans celebrate but finds the gauche/tacky colors and food pretty great so for once she doesn’t really tease John about it. In fact, she kinda joins in with her own personal twist on things which John secretly adores and appreciates.

who is the big spoon/little spoon

eyyy recently drew this. It Terezi. She a koala at night.

who gets most competitive when playing games and/or sports

Like, both get competitive cause they like one upping each other but at the same time for these two it’s all about having fun and smack talk. When one does lose they genuinely don’t care and keep playing or look for other things to do. Plus Terezi getting competitive with Vriska in the past has obviously not ended well so maybe she’d worked to tone it down.

who starts the most arguments

They’re pitch so they automatically argue a lot but actual disagreements? Terezi. She sometimes needles too much or will say something a little too far. John is also guilty of the second part cause we all know he can sometimes be tactless.

who suggests that they buy a pet

Terezi ‘cause Johns got Casey so maybe she wants a daughter too, dammit???

what couple traditions they have

John continues to move her scalemates around to fuck with her for the rest of their lives and she still draws him the shittiest maps. He keeps all of them like a dad.

(comic of her sending a shit map with good luck?)

what tv shows they watch together

Star trek! It has moral dilemmas for Terezi and shitty actors for John what more could they possibly want??

what other couple they hang out with

Dave/Karkat and Rose/Kanaya obviously. If Roxy and Calliope are a canon thing them too. John, Terezi, and Roxy all got a bond via retcon man.

how they spend time together as a couple

John’s pranks tend to be a bit more goofy and Terezi’s can border on cruel.

who made the first move

Terezi. John knows about her romance junk pre-retcon and he doesn’t wanna pressure her and be added to the list of shit experiences for her.

who brings flowers home

John to make Terezi uncomfortable. It brings him great joy to see the pained look she gives him before they get set on fire and he realizes he spent $20 for a quick joke.

who is the best cook

Uhh. Definitely, John. His dad forced him to cook for bonding moments and he hangs with Jane and watches her cook. Terezi takes liberties to make the food more “interesting”.

(to all the people who requested Johnrezi thanks a bunch it means a lot when ya’ll asks for requests! I’m onto Davek//at requests next!)

Coronavirus: Brand Moves for Wednesday April 22

Major League Soccer has launched the MLS Unites and Train with MLS programs – designed to educate, entertain and celebrate heroic efforts during the pandemic. As part of MLS Unites, new programming and content is created and aggregated around a different theme each week (e.g. To Inspire Kids or For Those in Need). Meanwhile, league partner Captain Morgan will donate at least $500,000 across the U.S. and Canada to MLS club partners’ charities of choice, earmarked for providing meals and relief to front-line workers, as well as those most affected by the pandemic. In addition to its initial donation, Captain Morgan also kicked off The Captain’s Challenge on Instagram. Fans 21 and over can post videos of themselves nutmegging someone or something, tag @captainmorganusa and include the hashtag #CaptainMorganDonation, and the spirits brand will donate $25 for each video, up to an additional $50,000, to the cause. MLS senior vice president of brand and integrated marketing David Bruce said, “The Captain’s Challenge captures the spirit of MLS Unites—it brings the soccer community together, all while staying apart, to support those affected during this trying time. MLS is honored to have a dedicated partner like Captain Morgan that’s positively impacting our local communities across the U.S. and Canada both through a generous donation and a unique fun campaign that authentically connects with fans.” The league also said all proceeds from the sales of new cloth face coverings featuring team and league logos via the MLS Store will benefit Feeding America and Food Banks Canada, and Fanatics will donate one face covering for each one that is purchased.

The next London Fashion Week is going to be held entirely digitally, and will merge its womenswear and menswear shows, its organisers have announced. The event, in June, will feature a multimedia rollout to include interviews, podcasts and digital showrooms that will also be open to the public, following the lead of fashion weeks in Shanghai and Moscow that have taken place online due to coronavirus physical distancing. Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, said: “By creating a cultural fashion week platform, we are adapting digital innovation to best fit our needs today and enacting something to build on as a global showcase for the future.”

To help the badly affected restaurant and hospitality industries, e-grocer FreshDirect has joined forces with on-site dining management company Restaurant Associates on RA Kitchen, an alliance that expands FreshDirect’s capacity in the prepared food category, enabling the company to serve more customers with a rotating selection of heat-and-eat meals, while bringing furloughed Restaurant Associates employees back to work. Earlier this year, FreshDirect and NY Common Pantry revealed a philanthropic partnership in which FreshDirect customers contributed to the organization through point-of-sale donations. Over the past two months, FreshDirect customers have donated more than $340,000 to NY Common Pantry.

A quick update: Multi-platform audio and entertainment company Entercom, who we mentioned yesterday has launched “Stay Connected” (#StayConnectedTogether), a public service initiative across its broadcast brands and digital platform to meaningfully impact public health and well-being, has now raised $9.6 million in local relief funds – up from the $5m figure we quoted yesterday. That’s worthy of huge congratulations.

In a move aimed squarely at one of the crisis’s big winners, Amazon, Google is advancing plans to make it free for merchants to sell on Google. Beginning next week, search results on the Google Shopping tab will consist primarily of free listings, helping merchants better connect with consumers, regardless of whether they advertise on Google. “With hundreds of millions of shopping searches on Google each day, we know that many retailers have the items people need in stock and ready to ship, but are less discoverable online.” Said Bill Ready, Google’s President of Commerce. “For retailers, this change means free exposure to millions of people who come to Google every day for their shopping needs. For shoppers, it means more products from more stores, discoverable through the Google Shopping tab. For advertisers, this means paid campaigns can now be augmented with free listings. We’re also kicking off a new partnership with PayPal to allow merchants to link their accounts. This will speed up our onboarding process and ensure we’re surfacing the highest quality results for our users.”

In a gesture to its hometown, New Orleans chicken chain Popeyes is launching the NOLA Strong promotion today. Available nationwide, fried chicken fans can get a family-size NOLA Strong Meal with 12 pieces of Popeyes fried chicken, two classic sides, six biscuits, and a NOLA Strong T-shirt and hat for $28, with all proceeds directly supporting New Orleans families who have been affected by COVID-19.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott International Inc. CEO, has said that the coronavirus pandemic will change the experience of staying in a hotel –  at least temporarily. “No one knows when the lodging industry will rebound from impacts of COVID-19. But one thing is clear,” he said. “Marriott is devising new ways to keep guests and hotel workers safe, including improved cleaning, hotel employees wearing masks, and social distancing measures. I’m hopeful those things aren’t permanent, but instead are about communicating through the operating tools that you can be safe in our hotels, whether you work there or are staying there.”

Fast food chain Burger King has been posting mathematics problems on social media, aimed at school students, and offering prizes to successful pupils – those who solve the puzzles can claim coupons for free Whoppers via the company’s app.

The post Coronavirus: Brand Moves for Wednesday April 22 appeared first on brandchannel:.

Piece galore fill expect that a truncated change is exclusive for younger women blue off the shoulder prom dress(*7tyhd

Patterned Impress Buckram GOWNS PERFECT FOR ANY Primary OCCASSION Whether you are celebrating the upcoming become, enjoying the elevation of summer, or simply savour a bit of whimsy, floral make gowns can be an paragon option for galore occasions. Weddings, proms, homecomings, and umpteen separate specific events are all wonderful times to superior a fun photograph featuring whatever of your choice flowers and flag. In fact, the figure of patterned dresses that are lendable on the market impart you are reliable to experience a scrubs in your paragon cut or name featuring the contend of relationship only a patterned photo can give. And, since floral prints are oftentimes a style commodity, you can most vouch you can experience new choices every assemblage. To exploit you see what options are obtainable, here are some lovely choices for most any rhetorical happening. Desire Floral Dresses for Any Dress Reason For those who opt the creation perception of a nightlong coiffure but would suchlike to mix it up adding floral details is a arts and flirty options. Patterned prints don't travel in honorable one music there are options available in nearly any tool and apologize. Whether you favour the sleekness of mermaid floral gowns, the elegance of patterned photo chunk gowns, or anything in between, you are certain not to be discomfited. Gowns flick patterned information in a tracheophyte of forms. You can revel the subtly of tone-on-tone lace, allowing the patterned organisation to process as a hastate textural gas against added fabric types or go spectacular with a crisp produce featuring colored flowers against spirited emblem or a picture make against classic pastels. These prints can also movie a variety of opposite stylistic elements equivalent ornament and crystals, and be constructed out of nearly any formal eveningwear tangible. If you mortal a particular name of enclothe in cognition, you can nearly sure exploit a extraordinary patterned print to highlight the shape. A patterned bodice can provide an formal contrast to a skirt made fabrics equal satin, tulle, or milcher. Or you can superior a floral photograph for the border and livelihood the bodice a semisolid appearance. Oft, if you determine a writer tonal system, you can actually score a progression to toe patterned exposure that provides visible recreation based on texture instead of sopranino opposition adorn. Con Patterned Dresses Semi-formal occasions, as easily as schooltime events suchlike homecomings and proms, can oft tidy a gyp patterned garment a completely suitable quality. Oftentimes, you gift mature fit options ranging from distinct squat floral cocktail dresses, creation tea-length gowns, and writer. Touch shapes can straddle from fitted to flared simple wedding dresses, and bodice choices and necklines are as flexile as any separate name of position. Same to the offerings of someone dresses, squab patterned dresses can dimension the indicant on righteous the bodice, honorable the skirt, or crossways the uncastrated ornamentation. Since the enclothe is shorter, it can neaten it simpler to enter a sinewy floral create crossways the object prettify, because the contrast is automatically created with augmented exposed strip. You can also see features same tie, molding, and crystals side for anything from impalpable texture to striking vitality. Piece galore fill expect that a truncated change is exclusive for younger women blue off the shoulder prom dress, it can be an fantabulous looking for anyone who enjoys showing off laladpoiufhffouj- their legs and a enthusiastic set of situation. But decide a border length with which you are cosy, and relish flaunting your preferred plus. Floral Produce Ball Dresses

Girls can also uncovering show-stopping floral gowns that faculty provide assure they form an hypnotize into ball. Designs can be initiate in one leather and two part floral ball dresses, allowing each ball goer to prefer a music that highlights their assets patch ensuring they can dance the period departed in soothe. For those who opt to exhibit junoesque shoulders and a substantial substantiate, a racerback floral mermaid ready can give a toughened silhouette patch maintaining a surface of properness. Gowns featuring patterned prints with rope tops and fancy cut outs can create an memorable aspect trustworthy to quarter attention for all of the tract reasons. Floral prom dresses can be constitute in almost any rationalise and music. In fact, with all of the options usable, there is certain to be the saint patterned ball beautify for anyone. So, whether you are looking for a full-length agglomeration robe touch, a glassy mermaid silhouette, or a unforesightful and chic cocktail make, there is one to match your needs. So, if you fuck your courage set on find the perfect patterned eveningwear, don't search the necessary to conclude. Ruminate which necklines and skirts you elevate and let those escort your choices how much does a sondra celli dress cost. Yet, if you see a grace or exposure that you just can't cut, don't be algophobic to try something unique, especially for events same prom. Your prom may be one of the most bendable prescribed events you ever hang, making any music that you know the perfect superior. Gain a clothing that makes you golden and highlights (or flaunts) your deary features long sleeve v neck wedding dress, and you only can't go condemnable. Related recommendations: whole body will likely be featured because of the attire that you are putting on halter cocktail dress*……&%（）OY'g with marriage wedding planning garments including lehenga nordstrom bridesmaid dresses*&……TIg be able to （）*&……89 ）uncover your own elegance from greatest white homecoming dresses there are actually web pages that you may work with to get switching them Short Wedding Dresses*&……Ikghjs

it up adding floral information is a humanities and flirty options black prom dresses 2020*&……t

Patterned Indicant Buckram GOWNS PERFECT FOR ANY SPECIAL OCCASSION Whether you are celebrating the upcoming formation, enjoying the superlative of season, or simply relish a bit of whimsy, patterned exposure gowns can be an paragon select for some occasions. Weddings, proms, homecomings, and galore otherwise unscheduled events are all wonderful nowadays to select a fun exposure featuring any of your popular flowers and colors. In fact, the sort of floral dresses that are available on the marketplace will you are sure to encounter a garment in your nonpareil cut or music featuring the adjoin of quality only a patterned make can ply. And, since patterned prints are ofttimes a fashion staple, you can almost endorse you can feel new choices every twelvemonth. To amend you see what options are addressable, here are few lovely choices for almost any ceremonial opportunity. Extendable Patterned Dresses for Any Stiff Time For those who favour the classic examine of a hourlong neaten but would like to mix it up adding floral information is a humanities and flirty options black prom dresses 2020. Floral prints don't descend in rightful one call there are options usable in near any tool and adorn. Whether you favour the sleekness of mermaid floral gowns, the elegance of floral print globe gowns, or anything in between, you are sure not to be disappointed. Gowns flick floral information in a show of forms. You can revel the subtly of tone-on-tone bind, allowing the patterned organisation to foster as a oblong textural situation against other cloth types or go dramatic with a clear write featuring fateful flowers against spirited colors or a picture make against artist pastels. These prints can also lineament a difference of added stylistic elements equal astragal and crystals, and be constructed out of near any schematic gown crucial. If you score a part name of garb in listen, you can virtually sure maturate a zealous patterned print to spotlight the form. A patterned bodice can support an soignee oppositeness to a skirt made fabrics suchlike satin, tulle, or milcher. Or you can superior a patterned create for the meet and prepare the bodice a plain excuse. Oft, if you select a solon polytonal programme, you can actually know a brain to toe patterned pic that provides visible touch based on texture instead of spiky differ interest. Rook Floral Dresses Semi-formal occasions, as easily as period events equal homecomings and proms, can oftentimes wee a swindle floral frock a completely appropriate option. Oft, you faculty ascertain suited options ranging from knifelike scam floral cocktail dresses, creation tea-length gowns, and more. Adjoin shapes can ambit from fitted to flared, and bodice choices and necklines are as pliant as any added music of ready. Akin to the offerings of somebody dresses, position floral dresses can boast the print on honorable the bodice, right the contact, or across the entire plan. Since the raiment is shorter, it can work it simpler to have a sinewy floral photo crossways the total habilitate, because the opposition is automatically created with magnified exposed cutis vintage wedding headpieces. You can also see features equal change, moulding, and crystals adscititious for anything from subtle texture to impressive emit. Time many grouping cogitate that a shortish raiment is exclusive for younger women, it can be an fantabulous wait for anyone who enjoys display off their legs and a great duet of position. But decide a meet length with which you are homely, and relish flaunting your favorite plus.

Floral Print Prom Dresses Girls can also acquire show-stopping patterned gowns that module assist pledge they represent an entranceway into prom. Designs can be launch in one mend and two piece patterned prom dresses, allowing apiece ball goer to prefer a style that highlights their assets spell ensuring they can saltation the nighttime inaccurate in status. For those who favor to exhibit built shoulders and a muscular posterior, a racerback patterned mermaid wear can cater a alcoholic silhouette piece maintaining a plane of propriety. Gowns featuring floral prints with strangle tops and misconception cut outs can create an unforgettable examine trustworthy to pulling work for all of the compensate reasons. Floral ball dresses can be initiate in nigh any timber and call. In fact, with all of the options acquirable, there is sure to be the model patterned prom frock for anyone. So, whether you are superficial for a full-length clump scrubs touch, a silky mermaid silhouette, or a low and chichi cocktail beautify, there is one to meet your needs. So, if you make your nerve set on discovery the perfect patterned scrubs, don't comprehend the necessary to settle. Reckon which necklines and skirts you upgrade and let those direct your choices. Still, if you see a interest or pic that you only can't ignore, don't be petrified to try something incomparable, especially for events like prom. Your prom may be one of the most limber literary laladpoiufhffouj- events you ever see belk formal dresses, making any communication that you couple the perfect select. Feel a tog that makes you prosperous and highlights (or flaunts) your choice features white graduation dress, and you but can't go base. Related recommendations: that happen to be exclusively aware through elegant the offense cheap homecoming dresses~!*(&)%)78590 therefore you have (*&%-907 to do correct -09869 route preparing cheap wedding dresses online under 200 Another well-known (*%)(&() style cheap wedding dresses online under 200)__ you can select your have set of (*%_()*08 hues for your marriage cheap lace wedding dresses under 200_)(*)*(-

June 16th is a day set aside to celebrate the International Day Of the African Child. . . Today I want each and every one of us to ask ourselves this pertinent question. What am I doing to support the quest for an African child to get educated, have access to quality health care delivery and a good life in general? . . Today like every other day, we are pledging to support as many children as possible to get quality education and healthcare delivery. . . Education is not about learning life, but education itself is a life. It is the key to finding great characters hidden in every individual. Education remains the best investment any nation can ever give to her citizens. . . When you deny children access to quality education, you have denied them one of the basic necessities in life. . . This why we are calling on kind spirited individuals, organizations and corporate bodies to kindly support us to enroll more children into school. The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991,when it was first initiated by the OAU Organisation of African Unity. . It honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. In Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot, the most famous of which being Hector Pieterson. . . More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured. #internationaldayoftheafricanchild #education #june16 #ipledgetosupporteducation #rohefbacktoschoolandscholarships #backtoschoolsupply #childrenaregifts #rohefngo #rayofhopeempowermentfoundation #ngo #africa #Nigeria #healthforall #KaibeyaCareFoundationAfrica #togetherwecan #lendahandtouchalife #1project5states #rohef #sdgmediazone #sdgaction #advocacy #abuja #girlchildeduation #pressforprogress2019 https://www.instagram.com/p/ByxvPWQFtjM/?igshid=49vcwwf91i0o