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garaksapprentice · 4 months

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In search of compostable clothing closures

Making clothes that are 97% biodegradable is surprisingly easy. Pick a natural fibre fabric, buy some 100% cotton or linen thread, and you're there. (You can even get 100% cotton overlocker thread - though you have to go searching for it.)

Those last few percent, though? That can be tough. One of the biggest offenders is closures. While there are plenty of clothes that don't need something to hold them shut, I confess I like having the option. Below is a round-up of various closures, and their compostability.

Note: for the purpose of this article, I'm treating metal closures as "compostable", in the sense that they're 1) easy to remove before you compost the rest of the object, and 2) infinitely reusable on other things, unless they break - at which point they're usually recyclable using our current commercial systems. And remember, re-using things that already exist is always preferable to buying new, "better" items.

Buckles/Rings

While less common than other closure methods, I find buckles, D-rings and O-rings are great when used in the right context. They're usually metal or plastic, neither of which are compostable - but metal will last practically forever, if it's good quality. Plastic tends to degrade over time, especially if exposed to the sun.

I find rings especially quick and easy to use, and a set of D-rings can give a very fine-tuned amount of tightening. My favourite belt uses two square D-rings instead of a buckle closure.

Buttons

The humble button, while ubiquitous now, took a while to catch on. Buttons as a common method of closure didn't become popular in Europe* until about the early 1300s, around the same time that the tailoring revolution[^] happened.

Nowadays, plastic is by far the most common material that buttons are made from. It's cheap and sturdy, but obviously it doesn't compost. So what are some alternatives?

Liz Haywood, a pattern maker who focuses on zero-waste designs, has thought a bit about this conundrum here. There's photos of several different DIY compostable and recycled buttons in her post.

For a completely compostable garment, wood, leather, horn, fabric, and thread buttons are your best bet. If, like most sensible people, you remove the buttons from something that's about to be worm food before you ditch it, the options expand considerably - metal, clay, recycled bottle caps, even glass buttons are all possible. You can have a lot of fun with making your own buttons - to match an outfit, or contrast with it, or maybe you'd like a different button for every buttonhole...

Another, related option is cufflinks - 18th century shirts often used cufflinks on the sleeves and one or two small thread buttons on the collar. That way one set of cufflinks could be used on multiple shirts, showing off a bit of wealth, while saving them from the (admittedly harsh) laundry practices of the day.

[*]: I have no doubt that buttons became popular in other parts of the world, too, but unfortunately I don't know much about it. Europe in the 14-15th century is my main area of study, mostly due to the fact that the historical re-enactment group that I'm a part of operates in that time period.

[^]: The tailoring revolution refers to the period where garments for the higher classes underwent a dramatic change in the way they were cut out. The very short version is, fashion garments shifted from primarily rectangular construction to more form-fitting, using the precursors of many standard cutting practices used today.

Elastic

While elastic isn't technically a closure, it's used that way in many different objects. Most elastic nowadays is made from polyester and synthetic rubber. No composting there.

But, all is not lost! You can now find elastics made of natural rubber and cotton! (I was quite impressed by this, to be honest. I thought I'd have to give up elastic for good.)

The downside, as is usual when you actually give a crap about the planet, is cost. You'll mostly only find it for sale online (Etsy has several options), and it can be more expensive (especially factoring in shipping). Prices on the compostable elastics I found were comparable to a mid-range polyester elastic at Spotlight (before shipping). I think that's actually pretty good, all things considered. (I don't trust the cheapest elastic, it loses its stretch ridiculously fast. A fact I discovered to my sorrow only after buying a 20m roll of it.)

As a bonus, supposedly natural rubber elastic lasts longer than synthetic elastics - this has been my experience with many natural vs synthetic things, but I haven't tested natural elastic specifically to know for sure.

The biggest downside here is the rubber - if you're dealing with a latex allergy, this is not the solution for you.

Hooks and Eyes

While these have fallen out of favour over the years, they do have their uses in a compostable closet. They're easy to buy, and easy to make if you can get hold of the wire - all you need is a set of needle-nose pliers.

Being metal, the hook/eye can be re-used until it breaks - which takes a while. Like buttons, they're easy to take off a garment and move to another one. Unlike buttons, they don't need a buttonhole - you can move both the hook and eye almost anywhere on a garment, really refining the fit of an item.

They are, however, somewhat limited in that application - hooks and eyes work best if they're under a small but constant amount of tension, pulling in opposite directions. I once tried to use hooks and eyes on a loose-fitting medieval tunic, and it just didn't work.

Laces and Ties

Before buttons became The Big Thing in medieval Europe (and for quite a few centuries after), laces and ties were the closure method du jour. Why did they stick around so long? The same reason pyjama pants often have a drawstring in them - they add adjustability to garments in a simple and easy to use (and create!) way. Stays and corsets are one of the most recognisable examples of this concept in action.

Lacing does work better on some things than others, but just about anywhere that you'd put elastic nowadays can likely use a drawstring instead. And there are some patterns (YouTube link) for adjustable garments that use lacing as an integral part of the design.

The main downside for me? They can be slow to use, and awkward, if you have difficulty with fine motor control. Mine is variable enough that I'll usually opt for a different closure, unless lacing or ties really is the best or only option.

Snaps

Confession: I adore snaps. They're fast and easy to use when my hands don't want to co-operate, and they can be wonderfully decorative as well as functional.

There are two general types - those you sew into place like you sew on hooks and eyes, and ones that are applied to the fabric using a press. The former takes more time to install, but can be replaced relatively easily if they stop working. The latter can technically be replaced, but it's a LOT harder and you risk damaging the fabric behind it while you try. They're also more likely to rip out of the fabric in the first place.

As for material, it's pretty much just metal and plastic (sometimes a combination). From a sustainability standpoint, metal is the better option - as long as you recycle it at the end of its life.

Zips

Zips are everywhere nowadays. They're easy to use, but can be hard to replace when they break. Putting them in correctly isn't always a cake-walk either. And in terms of compostability, the answer is definitely "no".

The vast majority of zippers on the market use a polyester or poly-cotton tape, with plastic or metal teeth set into it, and plastic or metal tabs and pulls. Because of the mix of materials, and the size of a typical zip, most municipal waste streams can't take them for recycling. However, textile recyclers` such as Upparel usually take zips (and the things they're attached to!).

I also found a couple of different manufacturers creating zips out of post-consumer recycled materials - a pleasant surprise, and a strong move towards closing waste streams.

[`]: Clothing retailers are increasingly taking responsibility for their part in reducing waste by offering recycling programs through their stores. Recycling Near You and Frankie list some of the major programs in Australia, though it's worth noting that most of those listed only want whole textiles or large pieces - to my knowledge, Upparel is the only place that will take scraps, broken textiles, and related.

If I've missed a closure type, or you know of places selling compostable or truly recyclable versions of any of the above, I would love to hear about it. While I'm (currently) a far less prolific sewist than the blog name implies, I want to be deliberate and thoughtful in my sewing choices going forward.

Also, as a last random thought, I wonder if anyone has started making bioplastic versions of any of the above? *Wanders off to do some research...*

Originally published at my blog: https://garaksapprentice.blogspot.com/2023/09/in-search-of-compostable-closures.html

#sewing #produce no waste #use and value renewable resources

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headspace-hotel · 1 year

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I went down the internet rabbit hole trying to figure out wtf vegan cheese is made of and I found articles like this one speaking praises of new food tech startups creating vegan alternatives to cheese that Actually work like cheese in cooking so I was like huh that's neat and I looked up more stuff about 'precision fermentation' and. This is not good.

Basically these new biotech companies are pressuring governments to let them build a ton of new factories and pushing for governments to pay for them or to provide tax breaks and subsidies, and the factories are gonna cost hundreds of millions of dollars and require energy sources. Like, these things will have to be expensive and HUGE

I feel like I've just uncovered the tip of the "lab grown meat" iceberg. There are a bajillion of these companies (the one mentioned in the first article a $750 MILLION tech startup) that are trying to create "animal-free" animal products using biotech and want to build large factories to do it on a large scale

I'm trying to use google to find out about the energy requirements of such facilities and everything is really vague and hand-wavey about it like this article that's like "weeeeeell electricity can be produced using renewables" but it does take a lot of electricity, sugars, and human labor. Most of the claims about its sustainability appear to assume that we switch over to renewable electricity sources and/or use processes that don't fully exist yet.

I finally tracked down the source of some of the more radical claims about precision fermentation, and it comes from a think tank RethinkX that released a report claiming that the livestock industry will collapse by 2030, and be replaced by a system they're calling...

Food-as-Software, in which individual molecules engineered by scientists are uploaded to databases – molecular cookbooks that food engineers anywhere in the world can use to design products in the same way that software developers design apps.

I'm finding it hard to be excited about this for some odd reason

Where's the evidence for lower environmental impacts. That's literally what we're here for.

There will be an increase in the amount of electricity used in the new food system as the production facilities that underpin it rely on electricity to operate.

well that doesn't sound good.

This will, however, be offset by reductions in energy use elsewhere along the value chain. For example, since modern meat and dairy products will be produced in a sterile environment where the risk of contamination by pathogens is low, the need for refrigeration in storage and retail will decrease significantly.

Oh, so it will be better for the Earth because...we won't need to refrigerate. ????????

Oh Lord Jesus give me some numerical values.

Modern foods will be about 10 times more efficient than a cow at converting feed into end products because a cow needs energy via feed to maintain and build its body over time. Less feed consumed means less land required to grow it, which means less water is used and less waste is produced. The savings are dramatic – more than 10-25 times less feedstock, 10 times less water, five times less energy and 100 times less land.

There is nothing else in this report that I can find that provides evidence for a lower carbon footprint. Supposedly, an egg white protein produced through a similar process has been found to reduce environmental impacts, but mostly everything seems very speculative.

And crucially none of these estimations are taking into account the enormous cost and resource investment of constructing large factories that use this technology in the first place (existing use is mostly for pharmaceutical purposes)

It seems like there are more tech startups attempting to use this technology to create food than individual scientific papers investigating whether it's a good idea. Seriously, Google Scholar and JSTOR have almost nothing. The tech of the sort that RethinkX is describing barely exists.

Apparently Liberation Labs is planning to build the first large-scale precision fermentation facility in Richmond, Indiana come 2024 because of the presence of "a workforce experienced in manufacturing"

And I just looked up Richmond, Indiana and apparently, as of RIGHT NOW, the town is in the aftermath of a huge fire at a plastics recycling plant and is full of toxic debris containing asbestos and the air is full of toxic VOCs and hydrogen cyanide. ???????????? So that's how having a robust industrial sector is working out for them so far.

#CAPITALISM IS THE PROBLEM #AAAAAAAAAA #farming #sustainability

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sensualnoiree · 2 months

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✨virgo full moon & the rising signs ✨

The Full Moon on February 24, at around 6 am Central Time, occurs at about five degrees of Virgo, opposite a cluster of planets in Pisces. This opposition highlights a significant tension between Virgo's analytical, detail-oriented nature and Pisces' dreamy, intuitive qualities. This dynamic will be particularly strong on Friday night into Saturday and will carry over into Sunday, as the Moon remains in Virgo.

Aries Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 6th house of health, work, and daily routines.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 12th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Focus on organizing your daily routines and prioritizing your health. Pay attention to any subconscious patterns or habits that may be affecting your well-being. Use this time to find balance between your need for spiritual renewal and your practical responsibilities.

Taurus Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 5th house of creativity, romance, and self-expression.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 11th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Channel your analytical skills into creative projects or hobbies. Pay attention to your romantic relationships and explore how you can bring more practicality and attention to detail into your expression of love. Focus on balancing your personal desires with your social responsibilities.

Gemini Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 4th house of home, family, and emotional foundations.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 10th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Reflect on your emotional needs and how they relate to your sense of security and belonging. Consider any necessary adjustments you can make within your home environment to support your well-being. Balance your career ambitions with your need for emotional fulfillment and family connections.

Cancer Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 3rd house of communication, learning, and community.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 9th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Focus on clear and practical communication with those around you. Pay attention to any misunderstandings that may arise and strive for clarity in your interactions. Use this time to expand your knowledge and explore new ways of thinking. Balance your intellectual pursuits with your spiritual beliefs.

Leo Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 2nd house of finances, values, and self-worth.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 8th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Evaluate your financial situation and consider any necessary adjustments to your budget or spending habits. Reflect on your values and how they influence your sense of self-worth. Use this time to deepen your understanding of shared resources and investments. Balance your material desires with your need for emotional security.

Virgo Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 1st house of self-image, identity, and personal goals.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 7th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Focus on self-improvement and self-care during this time. Reflect on your personal goals and how they align with your sense of identity. Pay attention to any tensions in your relationships and strive for understanding and compromise. Balance your individual needs with your commitments to others.

Libra Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 12th house of spirituality, subconscious, and hidden strengths.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 6th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Take time for introspection and explore your subconscious patterns and beliefs. Pay attention to your dreams and intuition during this time. Consider any hidden strengths or talents you may possess and how you can bring them to light. Balance your need for solitude and spiritual growth with your responsibilities to others.

Scorpio Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 11th house of friendships, social networks, and aspirations.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 5th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Focus on your friendships and social connections, and consider how they contribute to your personal growth. Reflect on your long-term goals and aspirations and take practical steps towards achieving them. Balance your desire for intimacy and transformation with your need for social involvement and networking.

Sagittarius Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 10th house of career, public image, and reputation.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 4th house.

Utilizing the Energy: Evaluate your career path and consider any necessary adjustments to align with your long-term goals. Pay attention to your public image and how it reflects your true self. Use this time to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life and emotional needs.

Capricorn Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 9th house of higher education, travel, and belief systems.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 3rd house.

Utilizing the Energy: Focus on expanding your knowledge and exploring new opportunities for growth. Consider any philosophical or spiritual beliefs that may be influencing your worldview. Use this time to plan for future travels or educational pursuits. Balance your need for intellectual stimulation with your practical responsibilities.

Aquarius Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 8th house of transformation, shared resources, and intimacy.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 2nd house.

Utilizing the Energy: Reflect on your deepest desires and emotional connections with others. Consider any transformations you may need to undergo to achieve greater intimacy and emotional fulfillment. Use this time to reassess your financial situation and shared resources. Balance your need for independence with your desire for deeper connections.

Pisces Rising:

Full Moon in Virgo falls in the 7th house of partnerships, relationships, and contracts.

Aspects: Opposition to Pisces planets in the 1st house.

Utilizing the Energy: Focus on your relationships and consider how you can improve communication and understanding with your partner(s). Reflect on any contracts or agreements you may be involved in and ensure they are fair and balanced. Use this time to strengthen your connections with others while maintaining your sense of self. follow for more astro insights like this and support me over on instagram @sensualnoire or yt @quenysefields

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astrogre · 11 months

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The Planet that is Pluto

Words: power, control, obsession, the underworld, intensity, intense emotions, intense everything, domination, taboo, depth, sex, repressed emotions, shadow self, the survivor, detective, alchemy, dark arts, superiority, fear, bravery

Astrological placements associated with Pluto: Scorpio, 8th house, Aries

Character I associate with Pluto: Femto-Berserk

The way Griffith sacrifices the souls of his people to transform into Femto and have dominance over others. What he does to Casca as well. He is the epitome of an extreme Plutonic character.

Honourable mentions: Homelander- The Boys, Laurie- Euphoria, Makima- Chainsaw man, Erik- Phantom of the Opera, Gaara-Naruto

Places: hades underworld realm, chess tournament’s, hell, anywhere with hierarchy aka corporate workplace, government institutions (because of power play/dynamics), caves, underground tunnel, escape rooms, secret society hidden meetings, nightmares,

Random somewhat astrologically influenced things that personally remind me of Pluto: Rigger, black grapes, death by strangulation, wine, babushka dolls, long nails, snakes, a public executor in the medieval ages, chess, cults, BDSM, the colour black, power play

Song I associate with Pluto:

Listen to this while you read it to immerse yourself in Pluto energy and surroundings, also read the lyrics too it’s very much Pluto energy

For you Pluto dominants:

(Pluto 1st house, Pluto 8th house, Pluto conjunct asc, Pluto conjunct Sun, many strong aspects to Pluto & Honourable mentions: 8th house stellium, Scorpio Stellium.)

This is entire post is dedicated to you

Plutos Traits:

Regenerative and transformative

Think of a snake shedding skin to become anew or when you’ve overcome and left abusive relationships and you’re back in your self confidence. Pluto is a phoenix bird it has a DEEP urge for regeneration and can transform itself from its own ashes into a diamond, Pluto itself is the pressurising machine. Say ashes represent the shittiest moments of our life e.g abuse, relationships, trauma, Pluto has the ability as an alchemist to use this horrible event to make something of more value, it transmutes basic base metal to gold. Transmutes pain and death to renewal. Pluto sees trauma as fuel. Without ashes (intense emotions or experiences) Pluto cannot show up and do it’s thing. Check where you have Pluto in the houses, this may be where you can get hurt most but it’s purposefully for a reason you’re supposed to use those intense emotions and make something beautiful of them

Eg. Pluto in 11th houser may have intense traumatic social circles or communities that ostracise, diminish, use or control them. As a Pluto 11th houser YOU have dominion here, you guys are social climbers the real life underdogs to Royalty stories. Use their exploitation of you as fuel, motivation and a resources to your success.

(Kylie and Kris Jenner have this placement and we all know how they absorb the drama, publicity and negativity from others like a champ, embody it, all to gain constant relevancy, power, influence and fame in their careers. Scandals make their profits go up like the whole Jordan woods drama and using it as marketing to do a sale on Kylie Jenner lip kit, Kris having their children’s private lives scrutinised and publicly available all so her family can gain relevance and wider opportunities)

Dominance and control

The reason why Pluto is known for obsession is because it urges to have the upper hand, Pluto won’t argue when defied he simply acts unbothered but exacts revenge in a cold manner, it wants to dominate and will go to extreme lengths to do that, it will go at all costs, the obsession manifests in an illogical, ego based way think of Gabriel Agreste from miraculous ladybug- how he prioritises triumphing ladybug over saving his wife, that kind of obsession. In my personal opinion I see Pluto as the second ego after Sun. It’s better if I explain by comparison… Think of powerful and dominating planets like Saturn and Mars, imagine if you owed each of these planets money and were in deep debt with them this is how they would respond:

Saturn: would employ you to do gruelling long hard work for many years, no retirement so that you’d die working on their behalf. If you refuse or die before debts are paid they would simply pass your debt onto your children make them do it to repay the money you owe. (If you’ve seen Chainsaw man, Saturn would work/treat the debtors children kind of like the way Denji was treated he had to pay off his fathers debts; in burdensome conditions where his health was being compromised for repayment.)

Mars: if you owed money to mars and were not able to pay it back, mars would most probably threaten you, beat you up, do a drive by shooting, physically destroy your assets like keying cars, graffiti and bulldozing your house, may be very aggressive think of loan sharks and mafia

Pluto: Now if you owe Pluto money.. Pluto is the kind to go further than mars, he would make you pay for it personally, in a way that can be grotesque/dark think of maybe rue from euphoria. When she owed money she just randomly woke up in a strangers bed and the house being filled with men implying she had been sex trafficked. Pluto is very wicked, obsessive and can be unsympathetic. It would not care if you feel pain and regret for inconveniencing them, it does this to put you in your place and prefers you repay the money with your suffering. Pluto may not even want the money anymore but rather the control and prioritises the debtors torture or will get the losses at your expense. eg. Sex trafficking you, have you wake up on the road after being unconscious and notice your kidneys are missing, hold you hostage, torture you, sell your body parts at an elite auction house, make detestable arrangements behind your back like forced marriage etc. This is how Pluto exacts its power and control.

Power obsessed

Pluto gets what it wants and exerts control over others while it does. That’s why it’s described as “scary” and associated with fear, a combination of ego and revenge. This is why wherever Pluto is in your houses it can show where you are intimidating, relentless and powerful and what you have constantly been resiliently obsessing over for years.

E.g Pluto 1st housers feel the desperate need to be in control and that they are seen to be dominant. They’re kind to get insulted if you call them “cute” or make jokes about their authority. (Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Justin Beiber all have this placement and came out of being typecasted or known as the “sweet good girl/boy” stereotype to powerful and to be taken with caution.

Taboo

Pluto is labelled taboo because it inserts itself into light AND darkness. It doesn’t mind and in fact rather enjoys exploring sex, defiance, repressed emotions, any subject that the general public refuse to speak of, Pluto relishes in that. I remember as a child there was a myth that I was told. It was that if you say “Bloody Mary” three times in the mirror you’ll get haunted and a ghost will appear to attack you, while other children may scream and dread in fear to even think of doing such an act, Pluto ruled natives may be the kind when alone to quickly run into the bathroom turn off the lights and try it out alone. That’s why they’re known to participate in dark arts, have interest in disturbing topics, they are fearless, like the challenge and find the minuscule information available on it a challenge. It’s not that Pluto ONLY has interest in taboo topics it’s just that it doesn’t hold as much fear of it as everyone else, talking about sex or death to Pluto is like talking about the weather, it’s no different, after all it’s just another subject.

The reason why they’re so fascinated by such topics and affiliated with them is because they see wasted energy and potential in these dark topics, abandoned resources that nobody wants meaning there’s more for them, and that’s why Pluto wants to explore it. Pluto isn’t wasteful. If Pluto were to kill a cow it would use its meat for food, bones for medicine, skin for rugs and teeth for necklaces, not a part of it would go unused. It gets excited when someone hits them because it means they can hit back.

Hidden self

Pluto is the hidden shadow part of yourself self you may want to hide and refuse to acknowledge. This is because as mentioned before Pluto loves the darkness and inside the subconscious there’s the good stuff and the bad stuff, our subconscious holds our fears, our beliefs, our desires and Pluto brings out all that stuff as conversation starters and wants to explore it and use it as fuel. This is why Pluto is known to be triggering because to be honest who wants to remember the fact they are afraid of touch and their abuser that caused that? But Pluto does. Pluto wants to remember them, Pluto wants to bring it up, Pluto wants to know who they are, Pluto wants to get revenge on them and put them in their place. Wherever Pluto is in your houses can also show how you can exact revenge so that it hits hard on others.

E.g. Pluto 4th house can suggest native can use powerful resources in their family, or their family has status, control, authority over others and can utilise it against others to contribute to their downfall.

(Megan Markle has this placement and she certainly lives up to it. She’s able to use the traumatic experiences she endured as a royal as fuel against them and is slowly contributing to the downfall of the monarchy by using her name and her affiliation to the royal family).

How to activate Pluto

Pluto can only transform and use its powers of Alchemy, transformation, control and power if you tap into its energy otherwise Plutos potential will be ignored. The same with any placement really. If you have a Venus 1st house, you want to be a beauty influencer but don’t put yourself out there, it’s energy will never manifest and remain as wasted potential.

The way you’re supposed to use Pluto is by confronting your fears. When you are most afraid, do it anyway.

E.g. Pluto 7th housers when you’re laying in bed and you’re thinking of that traumatic experience in your relationships instead of suppressing it, allow Pluto to remember it and allow that level of disrespect you feel to take action in the way of your Pluto sign.

(Shakira, Cardi B and Megan Thee stallion all have this placement and exacted revenge on their partners in different ways, Shakira and Cardi did it by artistically exposing them in music and making money form it, Megan did it the same way and also by lawsuits, doing public interviews on torey Lanes and pressing charges)

Anything Pluto touches is where you hold the most power in your birth chart. Usually people say how come i’m not good in that area?? It’s because you’ve not utilised Pluto. It’s because you won’t let Pluto explore it and turn your tribulations into gold.

What can Pluto tell us:

The best way of how you can exact revenge for it to successfully hit hard on others.

Where your wasted potential is. Basically where you allow your fears, desires, trauma to lay dormant instead of using that intense energy for Pluto transformation

Where we get excited when someone hits us because it means we can hit back. (Applies only if native is used to Plutos energy, otherwise you won’t be able to hit back. You’ll know if it’s active if when you have challenges under the themes of the house Plutos in you trust you can fight back like you have in the past)

Where you hold the most power

What you obsess over

How you deal with fears, death, change and trauma

Which part of your life you experience extreme transformation and changes

What you like to fight for

I will most likely be making a series that incorporates all of this for each house. However due to the fact that I am unfortunately very detail oriented this may take a while for me to commit to.

Pluto Series:

Pluto in 1st House

#dark astrology #astro notes #astrology observations #astro placements #astrology #pluto #sagittarius pluto #pluto aspects #pluto in 1st house #pluto 1st house #scorpio #8th house #astro posts #Spotify

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pissvortex · 8 months

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I dislike how you keep coming back in the podcasts that green tech buit on exploitation can't be useful at all, and... i think it paradoxically diminishes the threat of climate change. Noone supports the way the mines are working now, but there is material difference between an entire country being made into a dead desert and remaining habitable but fucked up at places locally by mining! It's like saying that the green revolution was unsustainable (soil erosion, capitalism), but adding that therefore the lives of people it saved from hunger were somehow fake and worthless too. The world works on inhuman logic, that we have to face instead of hiding under false pretensions of moral superiority, and "uh we should only have fossil fuels bc everything green is unethical (somehow unlike oil), and who dies of climate change, deserves to die", or "uh we should have no modern energy sources whatsoever, full anprim, 1% survivors is good actually" are both ALSO based on the idea that the suffering of some people does not matter - so there is no fair reason to single out green tech as the only one causing suffering.

i've simply never said this. what you might be thinking of is that most of the renewable energy some people think will bring about a utopia is entirely powered by exploited / slave labor. the most mineral-rich countries on this planet are kept in poverty to ensure the western world has cheap, unlimited access to these goods. there is certainly a future where climate sustainability is obtained under capitalism, but it involves condemning Africa forever into the depths of poverty and misery. there is no instance in which an equitable future comes about and the power structure of the entire world is not flipped completely on its head. the global north would have to start actually producing something of equal value if they wish to retain access to the resources of exploited nations and make up for all they've stolen.

if the idea that a world where the citizens of empire have to actually do even a fraction of the backbreaking work they have forced upon the entire globe is an anprim billions dead apocalypse in your mind, that is extremely telling of your mind alone

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budandtender · 9 months

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Cannabis: A Multifaceted Plant for a Multitude of Uses

Introduction

Cannabis, a plant that has been a part of human history for thousands of years, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as its myriad of uses become increasingly recognised. From its strong fibres used in textiles and paper to its nutritional and medicinal properties, cannabis has proven itself to be a truly multipurpose plant. This article will delve into the various aspects of this versatile plant and explore how it has been utilised throughout history and across cultures.

The History of Hemp: A Material with Unmatched Strength

One of the most well-known uses of cannabis is in the production of hemp, a material derived from the plant's strong fibres. These fibres have been used for millennia to create durable cloth, rope, and paper. The Vikings, known for their seafaring prowess, utilised hemp to construct sails for their ships, enabling them to voyage from Scandinavia to Nova Scotia. In the United States, Betsy Ross sewed the first flag from hempen cloth, and the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Even the now obsolete German currency, Deutsche Mark, were once printed on hemp paper.

The use of hemp extended beyond these applications, as seen in the Netherlands, where windmills were built specifically to crush hemp stalks. This demonstrates the importance of hemp in various industries and highlights the plant's incredible versatility.

Cannabis as a Nutritional Powerhouse

While the strength of its fibres may have initially attracted humans to the cannabis plant, its potential as a food source likely played a significant role in its widespread cultivation. Cannabis seeds, or hempseeds, are packed with essential nutrients such as polyunsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, and proteins. These qualities qualify hempseed as a functional food, meaning it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

For over three thousand years, Asian cultures have utilised hempseed as both a food and a medicine. Despite the prohibition of cannabis products in the United States, hempseed has been allowed for use in food over the last two decades. This highlights the recognition of its nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Cannabis Resin: A Source of Medicinal and Psychoactive Compounds

The resin produced by the cannabis plant is another aspect that has garnered significant attention due to its medicinal and psychoactive properties. The compounds found in cannabis resin, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have been the focus of breeding efforts to increase their production. These efforts have led to the development of various cannabis drug chemotypes around the world, with some cultivars producing only THC, others producing both THC and CBD, and a few expressing propyl THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) and/or CBDV (cannabidivarin).

The medicinal uses of cannabis resin have been widely researched, with evidence suggesting its effectiveness in treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more. The psychoactive effects of THC have also led to the recreational use of cannabis, which has sparked debates surrounding its legalisation and regulation.

Environmental Benefits of Cannabis Cultivation

In addition to its myriad uses, cannabis cultivation offers several environmental benefits. Hemp plants are known to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, making them an effective tool in combating climate change. Furthermore, hemp requires fewer pesticides and herbicides than many other crops, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Cannabis can also be used as a source of biofuel, offering a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Additionally, the fast growth rate and low water requirements of hemp make it a sustainable crop, capable of providing resources without causing significant strain on natural resources.

Conclusion

Cannabis is a truly remarkable plant, with applications ranging from textiles and paper to nutrition and medicine. As society continues to recognise its numerous benefits, it is likely that the cultivation and use of cannabis will only continue to grow. By embracing this versatile plant, we can harness its potential to improve our health, industries, and environment for generations to come.

#cannabis #cannabismedicine #cannabishistory #medical cannabis #cbd #feelgreatagain #cbdoil #budandtender #health #endocannabinoidsystem

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sagezora · 2 years

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PICK A CARD MESSAGES FOR SCORPIO SZN 🖤

*past, present, future spread*

card 1: “DEATH MOTHER” 💀

past: may be leaving an energy where you were realizing how much you were living in the past. you are noticing the skeletons is your closet and the need to let go to move forward . realizing you need to make some space for the new possibilities. There is a major need to make time to nurture yourself and tap into your creativity.

present: PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS! Be wise. you’re spirit guides, your ancestors, your inner voice is trying to communicate and help guide you. you have to take time to be present and actually listen. also a mentor could definitely be beneficial during this time. a lot of blessings and opportunities are surrounding you. it can be easy to self indulge and be reckless without a good plan. find an efficient way to manage all the blessings that are coming to you. pace yourself! be patient. put in the work and soon you will see all the pay offs. have faith your journey. good fortune and success is within reach! (a certain woman could be trying to help support and assist you towards this success. it could be through advice, networking, money or more. Look out for this individual. they have many resources that could be very beneficial to you. Be open minded. They could help with building the security that you’ve been longing for)

future: you know what you want and how to get it and no one will stop you from obtaining it. you have the courage and confidence to approach your goals and relationships. certain relationship issues may be clearing up. this a time to work towards your health. pay attention to your body. this is a time where you will have to defend what is of value to you or your chosen authentic life path. this may come with conflicts and challenges. you will be tested but keep yourself cool and level headed. keep your two feet planted to the ground. honor yourself and your intentions. Stand up for yourself and take action. It will feel rewarding in the end. The storm will pass. You have the power and wisdom to handle whatever may come your way.

Card 2: “LUNA MOTH” 🌙

past: leaving an energy where you felt overwhelmed and overstimulated. theres a lot of transformation and changes in your horizon. A need to let go of certain obsessions to properly gain clarity. you may have a lot of interests or tasks and was trying to accomplish everything at the same time. you realized that isn’t productive and you need to take time to focus and put your energy towards one thing at a time to actually further your goals. there’s a need for boundaries. there’s a need to take control of your resources and how you’re using them. theres a need for compassion and kindness to towards yourself and others. a healer may have came into your life for support and also helping you trust in your own judgment

present: there’s a major need for rest. an old cycle is about to end and a new cycle is approaching. there’s a need to release and surrender. take time to withdraw and renew yourself. letting go is a crucial part of your healing process. its time to start fresh. leave any troubles or bad habits behind. Its time to prepare the seeds of your dreams and transform good habits. this a time where peace and harmony is important. take advantage of the easy flowing energy. a little effort goes a long way. luck is on your side. if any person is trying to disturb your peace, set strict boundaries and don’t fall for the emotional chaos. Its definitely ok for deep emotions to arise when it comes to yourself and relations to others but make sure the intention is to move towards emotional peace.

future: keep moving forward! don’t give up! have faith. life is full of ups and downs and can be confusing but continue to chase your dreams. to obtain something you never had, you have to be open and willing to do something out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself. great things are around the corner. Be careful about how you talk about yourself and the future. Words are powerful. You’ll be able to talk your way into and out of tough situations. It’s all about mindset during this time. An increase in money is coming your way. The money will bring you freedom to take more risks and chances towards your dreams but please be discerning.

Card 3: “THE NIGHT” 🌌

past: leaving an energy where you realized there’s some undoing and shadow work on the horizon for you. nurturing the the courage to go inward and explore the darkest parts of your soul. Continuing to work towards knowing your worth and speaking your truth. there could be a lot going on in the real world which is making you want to escape. Your mind feels scattered and it may have been hard to get things done. There’s a need to quiet your mind. Feeling very upside down in your life or just losing energy. You need time for deep healing. Put your healing first. There’s a need to strengthen mental faculties. Realizing there’s different ways to express yourself and communicate and get your point across

present: healthy boundaries are crucial for your growth and self care. theres a need for balance during this time. healthy boundaries will help you with taking care of yourself which will ultimately help you become more reliable to others. Healthy and clear boundaries help you tune into your needs and goals. focus on self respect and love during this time. there’s not much that needs to be done at the moment. make plans during this time but be patient when it comes to acting on them. be still. dont waste your energy. dont try to switch up your routine too much during this time. may not be effective. if you must take any action during this time, make sure its purposeful. this is the best time to get into spiritual matters and dream. trust your boundaries. don’t be afraid to say no. let go of guilt that may come up. listen to your intuition and trust the process

future: There’s still going to be a need for rest in your routine. you will need and deserve it. there will be a time where silence is needed for clarity. Silence will also help with learning and gaining information. Pause. Relax and let the lessons you learn help you grow. Besides you will need all the rest you can get. You will be embarking on a challenging journey soon. A time where you will be maturing and facing the truth. The obstacles and challenges in your way are exposing you to a part of your life that may not have been based on anything real. basically could of misjudged a situation for yourself. The journey will help you correct areas of your life thats isnt based on reality. let go of situations that are based on illusions. Its time to be real with yourself. Know and understand your limits. You may go through some rough patches but success is also guaranteed when the hard work is done.

*take what resonates, leave what doesn’t 💖*

xo, sagezora

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lestappenforever · 4 months

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So on the whole Fred thing, there is this article https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-vasseur-ferrari-nuova-al-95-ma-non-sara-una-rivoluzione/10558537/ that covers some of the questions that Fred was asked in the annual lunch that the press attends. He was asked a lot of questions in regards to the contact extension of both drivers and the whole number 1 and number 2 driver and all of that.

These are some of the highlights from that:

Are there any updates on the status of the contract negotiations for the renewal of Charles and Carlos? Is the goal still to renew with both? “As you know, they are under contract with us until the end of 2024, which means we still have a few months ahead of us. Last year Mercedes renewed the contract for 2024 to both of its drivers at the end of August; so, I believe we still have weeks and months ahead of us. A year ago I told you that I would try to make a decision by the end of this year, but I have to admit that the last part of the season was very busy. We met and started discussions, but we are a little behind the initial plan. I don't think it's a problem at all, we'll make a decision soon.”

Do you think the renewal of the drivers will come before the start of the season? (!!) “It could be the goal.”

Do the renewals of the two pilots provide for the same duration in terms of years of contract or will there be different agreements for each of them? “I remember perfectly well that a year ago in this same room I was getting a lot of questions about the topic 'Charles number one and Carlos number two of the team'. We have shown on several occasions that we are guaranteeing our pilots more than equal treatment, I believe Singapore has been the best example.”

“Charles agreed to start the race with a set of soft tires to be able to get past Russell and control him, all to help Carlos. We have two drivers who are doing a good job, Carlos was very strong after the summer break with two great weekends in sequence in Monza and Singapore, and it was probably a stimulus to Charles, as we saw in the season finale.”

“We will continue in this direction, I don't want to have a good resource and another second level, we have two cars and two drivers of value, and I think one of the positive aspects of the season was the performance of Carlos and Charles. They guaranteed the team pretty much the same points, with a small delta of difference and we want to go on like this.”

(Just as a note, this article was written in Italian and this is its translation)

The fact that Fred has said that both are equal, despite what he said in Abu Dhabi about Charles being a leader, means that there’s something going on, because in less than a month you don’t change your narrative unless something happened.

Another thing is that he said that Charles agreed to jeopardize his race, which honestly I don’t believe it makes much sense, especially putting in the context of Charles helping Carlos, yet Carlos never did that, and Carlos did say that he won’t leave a gap or something like that unless it’s Lando or Fernando, so the whole Charles is helping and yet he doesn’t come out with a podium, I don’t know, it doesn’t make much sense.

But what could be said, is that there’s something, Fred is unable to talk about contracts, saying both drivers are equal, there’s something fishy going on in Maranello and as a Charles to RBR supporter (because of the drama and racing, not necessarily shipping) I’m sat.

Oh, anon brought the tea. ☕️

Although there is absolutely no way whatsoever any of us can know for sure what any of this means, one way or another, I definitely think this whole interview is suspicious as hell.

It's only been a few weeks since Abu Dhabi, and Fred suddenly having such a profound change of opinion just doesn’t add up.

Like I said, we have no way of knowing what — if anything — this means, but I am personally very excited to see how the Ferrari/Charles/Carlos saga will turn out in the end.

Thank you so much for this, anon! ❤️

#Asks #Anon asks #Lestappen gate 2023

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lecalendrierrepublicain · 2 months

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Duodi 22 Ventôse an CCXXXII

(lundi 11 mars 2024 / Monday March 11th, 2024)

Pendant la Révolution française, l'objectif était de créer une nouvelle société basée sur les idéaux de liberté, d'égalité et de fraternité. Le calendrier républicain était une manifestation de cette volonté de rupture avec l'ancien régime. Chaque jour de ce calendrier était dédié à une plante, un animal ou un outil, symbolisant ainsi les valeurs républicaines et l'importance de la nature dans la vie quotidienne.

Le mois de Ventôse dans le calendrier républicain français, correspondant généralement à la période entre le 20 février et le 20 mars, symbolisait le début de la transition vers le printemps. Associé au vent, ce mois était marqué par les premiers signes de renouveau et d'activités agricoles, préparant le terrain pour la saison à venir.

Le 22 Ventôse dans le calendrier républicain est appelé "journée du persil".

Cette journée était dédiée à la mise en avant du persil, une plante herbacée largement utilisée en cuisine pour sa saveur aromatique et ses propriétés médicinales. Pour comprendre l'importance de cette journée, il est nécessaire de connaître le contexte historique et culturel de l'époque.

Le persil, choisi pour être célébré le 22 Ventôse, était considéré comme une plante humble mais essentielle. Utilisé depuis l'Antiquité pour ses vertus médicinales et culinaires, le persil incarnait la simplicité et la vitalité. Sa présence dans de nombreux plats de la cuisine française en faisait un ingrédient familier pour le peuple.

La journée du persil était l'occasion de mettre en lumière l'importance des plantes aromatiques dans l'alimentation et la santé. Les républicains encourageaient la culture du persil dans les jardins potagers pour assurer une alimentation saine et diversifiée pour tous.

La journée du persil nous rappelle l'importance de valoriser les ressources naturelles et de promouvoir une alimentation équilibrée. Elle nous invite également à nous souvenir des idéaux de la Révolution française et de l'aspiration à une société plus juste et solidaire.

***

During the French Revolution, the objective was to create a new society based on the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Republican calendar was a manifestation of this desire to break away from the old regime. Each day of this calendar was dedicated to a plant, an animal, or a tool, symbolizing republican values and the importance of nature in daily life.

The month of Ventôse in the French Republican calendar, generally corresponding to the period between February 20th and March 20th, symbolized the beginning of the transition to spring. Associated with the wind, this month was marked by the first signs of renewal and agricultural activities, preparing the ground for the upcoming season.

In the Republican calendar, the 22nd day of Ventôse is called "day of parsley".

This day was dedicated to highlighting parsley, an herb widely used in cooking for its aromatic flavor and medicinal properties. To understand the importance of this day, it is necessary to know the historical and cultural context of the time.

Parsley, chosen to be celebrated on the 22nd day of Ventôse, was considered a humble yet essential plant. Used since antiquity for its medicinal and culinary virtues, parsley embodied simplicity and vitality. Its presence in many French dishes made it a familiar ingredient for the people.

The parsley day was an opportunity to highlight the importance of aromatic plants in food and health. Republicans encouraged the cultivation of parsley in kitchen gardens to ensure healthy and diverse nutrition for all.

The parsley day reminds us of the importance of valuing natural resources and promoting a balanced diet. It also invites us to remember the ideals of the French Revolution and the aspiration for a fairer and more fraternal society.

#calendrier #calendrier républicain #calendrier républicain français #calendrier révolutionnaire #calendrier révolutionnaire français #france #français #révolution #ventôse #plante #french calendar #french #french revolution #french republic

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wolfalder · 6 months

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What would you consider to be an ethically sourced tail? Where might somebody purchase an ethically sourced tail?

Thank you so much for asking!!! 🐾

Personally I believe It should either: Be sourced as a by-product of the food industry, Transform a waste product to give it value, such as the reclaiming fur from animals culled for environmental management, Minimise waste by re-manufacturing vintage pieces or using surplus manufacturing material, instead of only using new material. There are other options such as taxidermy from ranched animals which were stillborn or died from illness or other natural causes. Byproducts of roadkill, pest management, and wildlife population control which are done in a sustainable manner that keeps the natural population at a healthy and maintainable level. Also if there is no unnecessary pain or cruelty that’s inflicted and killing of said animal involves minimal waste and has a purpose other than simply their fur.

And I know there is the argument that we don’t need to kill animals to make clothing because of course there are other materials to keep us warm, but the best of them (wool, down, leather) also come from animals. Meanwhile, most synthetic fibers (including fake or “faux” fur) are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, the extraction and transformation of which entails serious environmental risks.

In many regions, wildlife populations must be culled annually to maintain healthy and stable populations, to preserve habitat, to protect endangered species (e.g., by culling predators that attack ground-nesting birds or sea turtle eggs), and to safe-guard human health, livestock and property. If furbearer populations must be culled, surely it is more ethical to use these animals than to discard them?

Farmed minks manure, soiled straw bedding and carcasses are composted to produce organic fertilizers, to enrich the soil and produce more food, completing the agricultural nutrient cycle. Biofuels made from mink remains now power buses in Aarhus, Denmark, the world’s largest producer of farmed mink. Similar projects are being tested in North America.

Now after all that here are some options for furs/tails. Though please do your own research into each small business or company you buy from.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SterlingFoxTaxidermy

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChimeraTaxidermyAU

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fairfoxie · 3 months

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hi!! i was wondering if i could get your perspective on something, as i really respect the resources you share about being faekin and i want to know more about it! i am irish reconstructionist pagan who works with the good folk, and i admit that i often have trouble reconciling my religious beliefs with 'kin posts that i see. i was wondering, if you felt comfortable responding, what your perspective on the clash that sometimes occurs between faekin and the cultural evolution of the fairy archetype is? if this is offensive i apologise and absolutely did not mean it as such! i'm still relatively new to the nonhuman community (my nonhuman blog is foxwyrm!) and am trying to learn more about it :} regardless, i love your blog, and appreciate what you share!!

Hi! I'll start by saying this is not even a little bit offensive! I know you're asking a question in earnest and I'm honestly really grateful to get the opportunity to voice my perspective.

And really, I wasn't sure at first how to approach all of this at all. My brain and beliefs are scattered, and to be quite honest I make it up as I go along. That's why I used to be petrified of doing any kind of spirit work, especially with the Good Folk. So only recently have I combined my own Neopaganism with my Otherkin experiences. I am still learning. But I'm learning a lot, especially now from others who walk a similar path.

I'll admit I had to look up just to make sure I understood what an Irish Reconstructionist Pagan is, and it seems to be exactly what I was hoping it would be! I may not be strictly of that faith myself, but I'm highly grateful that there are people who are, who keep that alive. I'm so fascinated by pre-Christian Celtic faiths and I do wish it were easier to find the old stories. But stories survive through people, and I enjoy sharing videos I've found where Irish people who coexist with the Good Folk, talk earnestly about their faith and how it impacts their lives. I think those collective experiences are very real and important and culturally valuable. I see parallels in our perspectives, when they speak of mutual respect and of leaving nature undisturbed. I highly value the words of the people who live where there are said to be Faeries.

Still I'd hesitate to discuss being faekin with someone of that particular tradition. I do get overcome with doubt and worry about myself. Is my very existence disrespectful? Just yesterday I ran off into the woods in tears with a question of who, what, am I?

I have discussed being Otherkin with the trees before. I'm an animist at heart, and I like to keep company with the friendly spirits of trees often.

Tree spirits are good listeners, and they understand the humans they live with. When I talk to the trees, I don't have to explain what I am. I show them. They understand. They accept me. They don't judge or argue, and they accept strange contradictions like me being human and nonhuman at the same time.

I see lots of things in the forest. Things that renew my belief in magic every time in different ways. I have hardly a choice but to believe in all manner of beautiful spirits, fae big and small, even gods. I believe in monsters too, but I believe in myself more, and I value my autonomy, and so I choose not to let my spirit be harmed.

And because I value my autonomy, I am drawn to the Otherkin community, where you don't have to have all the answers, just be who you are and you will be accepted in the best of our circles. We respect each other's minds, bodies, and spirits, and each of us walks a parallel but completely different path into ourselves. I'm glad there are others like me, who don't know why they are nonhuman in some way, just that they are, and that we have carved out a space in which to exist as we are.

I don't have all the answers, and probably never will. But I find little congruencies that allow me to slip through the cracks between what is and isn't. Here are some of them.

Many Faeries do look like humans. Changelings of course, and selkies, and Hulder and Skogskra, and nymphs and elves and many others. And much folklore seems to have it that people who seem to be human turn out to be Fae.

But I was born to humans, I know that for sure. And as such, I consider myself a Human Fairy. Of sorts. Like I said, I value my autonomy, and my right to say what I am and be what I am.

For me, the difference between a Faery and a Fairy is that Faeries are the beings that already existed, living at arm's length from most humans for most all time. We only remotely understood them back then, we only remotely understand them now. But we respect them, and many do respect us back and seek friendships with us.

The Fairy, on the other hand, is that cultural archetype you were talking about. A Fairy can be created by a human, it can be a human, it can be a character, and most importantly, it can be the link between people and magic. I have an affinity for pixies and pillywiggins, flower fairies, gnomes, brownies, dryads, sylphs, and all manner of tiny winged beings of nature, and yes, Tinker Bell, who was my personal introduction to the Fairy world, and the idea that there are magical beings who live in another world but also interact with our world. My first 'kin feels' would have been daydreaming myself in Pixie Hollow/Fairy Haven as a tiny fairy with wings and a talent, just the same way Prilla blinks to the Mainland. I still clap sometimes, because I do believe in Fairies.

And I think that the spirit world contains multitudes. I think it contains Faeries and Fairies all at once, and that thoughtforms, spirits, fae, and gods are all a big part of what makes humanity who we are in the first place.

And even still, I don't know if I have all of my facts and beliefs straight. But I know that I don't have to. If I waited until I understood myself completely before going and living my life, I'd simply never get the chance to. And so I just go live it. As I get older I care less about the labels and more about the experiences. But I love being a Fairy. I love being Otherkin. And I love talking to the kindest of the Good Folk. And I'll love this whether or not I will ever fully understand any of it.

I truly hope this is something like the answer you were hoping for.

#fairfoxie replies #otherkin #faekin #fairykin #fairfoxie #oh wait my ask tag is actually #ask pine #:3

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chrisadew · 2 years

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chrisadew’s astrology thoughts & observations pt. 1

🖤 Virgo is the sign of critique and skill, so naturally whatever house in your chart has Virgo on it is gonna be the area of life where you use those ever evolving skills to help others, but also where you can nitpick at things, at yourself (stop that pls 👀) and rearrange or attempt to perfect your process. It’s also the area of life that can draw criticism from others.

🖤 When you’re looking at transiting planets, don’t think that because it’s not in the sign your natal planet is in it doesn’t matter! I am a Scorpio rising, so Mars is my natal chart ruler. Every time Mars transits a new sign, it’s gonna be especially significant to me as well as Aries risings. Same goes for Cancer risings with the Moon (changes sign every 2.5 days) etc etc.

🖤 The house with Pluto in it tends to amplify the themes of that house and consistently destroys/renews them. An example of this is people with Pluto in the 11H - your friend groups/communities/associations can drastically evolve over time.

🖤 To give someone credit is a 10H matter, but to leave someone a review is a 9H matter. Business thrives on reviews that build on your reputation - the reviews of the people reflect the business ideals and customer expectations, Jupiter type tings.

🖤 Tbh, you really can see sex in every single house in your chart - not just the 5H and 8H. Same goes for any other signification ever.

🖤 12H Mars people absolutely need an incidental/unstructured physical outlet for pent up energy, aggression and anger. In the 12H, Mars can feel a little bit confused and misdirected sometimes. An outlet can help to ground it and teach you to cut through the fog of Neptune’s domain; it can make your actions more intentional and less erratic.

🖤 The 6H and it’s ruler in your chart speaks to how you deal with and solve problems that arise. Example = if you have the 6H ruler in the 12H and there’s those little itty bitty issues you never seem to notice everyday or just brush off to “do later”? They could for sure bite you in the ass when you least expect it 🫣 the flip side is = you do those things as and when they pop up, and there’s an unexpected payoff down the line.

🖤 Leo risings could potentially do veryyyy well living abroad or away from their birthplace/hometown (their whole sign 12H ruled by the Moon, 5H + 8H ruled by Jupiter, 4H + 9H ruled by Mars, 2H + 11H ruled by Mercury).

🖤 When you satisfy Venus, all the Venusian related things in your life have the potential to change; for example: that's why I see some 8H Venusians come up when they're in genuine, reciprocal relationships (with people that mean something to them, not necessarily romantic) 🥺, the minute that healthy balanced exchange appears, here comes the sense of power, the ability to embrace change and deal with upheaval much better, monies, all the thingsssss 🤩 Same goes for 9H Venusians when they’re on an adventure or studying a subject they really love, or 6H Venusians when they truly enjoy their routine and/or job, they thrive.

🖤 Wherever Neptune is in your chart requires a lil bit of conscious imagination and glamour to charm the themes of that house. Someone with Neptune in the 6H for example could do with a dose of fantasy, magic or spirituality (whatever that looks like for them) in their everyday/work life to make whatever they do feel a bit more worthwhile to them.

🖤 The sign on your 2H (and it’s ruler) can also be representative of how you measure your own self worth and values; it’s your currency and eventually what you will use in trade at the meeting of the 8H (shared resources).

🖤 One thing an Aries 6H is gonna do is figure out a way to cut time on a task. 6H Aries is productivity, but make it ⚡quick ⚡💎

#chrisadew #black astrologer #astrology #astrology observations #my posts

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sensualnoiree · 2 months

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astro notes: sun saturn mercury conjunction 💫

With Saturn and the Sun approaching conjunction on February 25 this triple conjunction includes a debilitated Mercury, making the reset moment powerful. The actual rebirth occurs around February 28. Saturn's symbolism includes death and rebirth, different from Pluto's or Uranus's. Saturn is a gateway, representing a threshold between the known and unknown, the seen and unseen, the traditional and the transcendent. It signifies a moment of letting go and crossing over, especially significant in a double-body water sign like Pisces, bringing a sense of insignificance. Embracing insignificance can be valuable, as it levels things out and prevents self-righteousness. Holding the tension of opposites, which Saturn rules, is crucial for understanding the deeper meanings of life and enlightenment.

Aries Rising For Aries rising, the conjunction of the Sun and Saturn falls in your 12th house, indicating a time of unconscious processing and spiritual renewal. You may find yourself confronting hidden fears or subconscious patterns that are ready to be released. This is a time to let go of old ways of thinking or being that no longer serve your highest good. Pay attention to your dreams and intuition, as they may offer valuable insights into what needs to be released. Use this energy to connect with your inner self and engage in practices that nourish your spiritual growth and emotional well-being.

Taurus Rising With the conjunction in your 11th house, Taurus rising, you are likely to experience changes within your social circle and group affiliations. Old friendships or associations that no longer align with your values may fall away, making space for new connections that support your personal growth. This is a time to reassess your long-term goals and aspirations, focusing on building a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can help you achieve your dreams. Embrace this period of transition as an opportunity to align your social life with your authentic self.

Gemini Rising For Gemini rising, the conjunction occurs in your 10th house of career and public image, indicating a period of significant change and restructuring in your professional life. You may feel a strong desire to reassess your career path and long-term goals, seeking greater fulfillment and purpose in your work. This is a time to take on new responsibilities and challenges that can help you grow professionally. Embrace the opportunity to redefine your public image and reputation, aligning them more closely with your true self.

Cancer Rising With the conjunction in your 9th house, Cancer rising, you are likely to experience a shift in your beliefs and worldview. Old belief systems or philosophies that no longer resonate with you may fall away, making room for new perspectives and ways of thinking. This is a time to explore new ideas and expand your horizons through travel, education, or spiritual pursuits. Embrace this period of growth and discovery as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world and your place within it.

Leo Rising For Leo rising, the conjunction occurs in your 8th house of transformation and shared resources, indicating a period of intense personal growth and change. You may find yourself confronting deep-seated fears or emotional patterns that are ready to be released. This is a time to let go of old ways of relating to others and embrace a more authentic and vulnerable approach. Use this energy to deepen your connections with others and cultivate a greater sense of intimacy and trust in your relationships.

Virgo Rising With the conjunction in your 7th house, Virgo rising, you are likely to experience changes in your partnerships and relationships. Old relationship dynamics that are no longer serving your growth may come to the surface, prompting you to reassess your approach to relating to others. This is a time to cultivate more authentic and balanced relationships, based on mutual respect and understanding. Embrace this period of transformation as an opportunity to deepen your connections with others and create more meaningful partnerships.

Libra Rising For Libra rising, the conjunction occurs in your 6th house of health and daily routines, indicating a period of focus on your physical well-being and habits. You may feel a strong desire to overhaul your daily routines and self-care practices, seeking greater balance and harmony in your life. This is a time to prioritize your health and well-being, making changes that support your overall vitality. Embrace this period of renewal as an opportunity to cultivate healthier habits that nurture your body, mind, and spirit.

Scorpio Rising With the conjunction in your 5th house, Scorpio rising, you are likely to experience changes in your creative expression and romantic life. Old creative projects or romantic relationships that no longer inspire you may fall away, making room for new sources of joy and self-expression. This is a time to embrace your creativity and passion, allowing yourself to be more spontaneous and playful. Use this energy to explore new creative outlets and cultivate more joy and pleasure in your life.

Sagittarius Rising For Sagittarius rising, the conjunction occurs in your 4th house of home and family, indicating a period of focus on your personal life and emotional well-being. You may feel a strong desire to create a more stable and nurturing home environment, rooted in your values and sense of security. This is a time to connect with your roots and family history, seeking a deeper understanding of your past and how it has shaped you. Embrace this period of introspection as an opportunity to create a more solid foundation for yourself and your loved ones.

Capricorn Rising With the conjunction in your 3rd house, Capricorn rising, you are likely to experience changes in your communication style and immediate environment. Old ways of thinking or communicating that no longer serve your growth may fall away, making room for new ideas and perspectives. This is a time to embrace a more open-minded and flexible approach to communication, allowing for greater connection and understanding with others. Use this energy to expand your mental horizons and engage in meaningful conversations that broaden your perspective.

Aquarius Rising For Aquarius rising, the conjunction occurs in your 2nd house of finances and self-worth, indicating a period of focus on your material resources and sense of value. You may feel a strong desire to reassess your financial situation and cultivate a greater sense of abundance and prosperity in your life. This is a time to redefine your relationship with money and material possessions, seeking a more balanced and sustainable approach to financial security. Embrace this period of reflection as an opportunity to cultivate a deeper sense of self-worth and abundance in your life.

follow for more astro insights like this and support me over on yt @quenysefields or instagram sensualnoiree

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mariacallous · 5 months

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This story originally appeared on Grist and is part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

On a 20-acre parcel outside the tiny Southern California town of New Cuyama, a 1.5-megawatt solar farm uses the sun’s rays to slowly charge nearly 600 batteries in nearby cabinets. At night, when energy demand rises, that electricity is sent to the grid to power homes with clean energy.

To make renewable energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind available when it is most needed, it’s becoming more common to use batteries to store the power as it’s generated and transmit it later. But one thing about the Cuyama facility, which began operations this month, is less common: The batteries sending energy to the grid once powered electric vehicles.

The SEPV Cuyama facility, located about two hours northeast of Santa Barbara, is the second hybrid storage facility opened by B2U Storage Solutions. Its first facility, just outside Los Angeles, uses 1,300 retired batteries from Honda Clarity and Nissan Leaf EVs to store 28 megawatt-hours of power, enough to power about 9,500 homes.

The facilities are meant to prove the feasibility of giving EV batteries a second life as stationary storage before they are recycled. Doing so could increase the sustainability of the technology’s supply chain and reduce the need to mine critical minerals, while providing a cheaper way of building out grid-scale storage.

“This is what’s needed at massive scale,” said Freeman Hall, CEO of the Los Angeles-based large-scale storage system company.

Electric vehicle batteries are typically replaced when they reach 70 to 80 percent of their capacity, largely because the range they provide at that point begins to dwindle. Almost all of the critical materials inside them, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, are reusable. A growing domestic recycling industry, supported by billions of dollars in loans from the Energy Department and incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, is being built to prepare for what will one day be tens of millions of retired EV battery packs.

Before they are disassembled, however, studies show that around three-quarters of decommissioned packs are suitable for a second life as stationary storage. (Some packs may not have enough life left in them, are too damaged from a collision, or are otherwise faulty.)

“We were seeing the first generation of EVs end their time on the road, and 70 percent or more of those batteries have very strong residual value,” said Hall. “That should be utilized before all those batteries are recycled, and we’re just deferring recycling by three, four, or five years.”

Extending the useful life of EV batteries mitigates the impact of manufacturing them, said Maria Chavez, energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“The whole point of trying to deploy electric vehicles is to reduce emissions and reduce the negative impacts of things like manufacturing and extractive processes on our environment and our communities,” Chavez told Grist. “By extending the life of a battery, we reduce the need for further exploitation of our natural resources, we reduce the demand for raw materials, and we generally encourage a more sustainable process.”

Just as batteries have become crucial to reducing emissions from transportation, they’re also needed to fully realize the benefits of clean energy. Without stationary storage, wind and solar power can only feed the grid when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.

“Being able to store it and use it when it’s most needed is a really important way to meet our energy needs,” Chavez said.

The use of utility-scale battery storage is expected to skyrocket, from 1.5 gigawatts of capacity in 2020 to 30 gigawatts by 2025. EV packs could provide a stockpile for that buildout. Hall said there are already at least 3 gigawatt-hours of decommissioned EV packs sitting around in the United States that could be deployed, and that the volume of them being removed from cars is doubling every two years.

“We’re going from a trickle when we started four years ago to a flood of batteries that are coming,” he said.

B2U says its technology allows batteries to be repurposed in a nearly “plug-and-play fashion.” They do not need to be disassembled, and units from multiple manufacturers—B2U has tested batteries from Honda, Nissan, Tesla, GM, and Ford—can be used in one system.

The packs are stored in large cabinets and managed with proprietary software, which monitors their safety and discharges and charges each battery based on its capacity. The batteries charge during the day from both the solar panels and the grid. Then B2U sells that power to utilities at night, when demand and prices are much higher.

Hall said using second-life batteries earns the same financial return as new grid-scale batteries at half the initial cost, and that for now, repurposing the packs is more lucrative for automakers than sending them straight to recyclers. Until the recycling industry grows, it’s still quite expensive to recycle them. By selling or leasing retired packs to a grid storage company, said Hall, manufacturers can squeeze more value out of them.

That could even help drive down the cost of electric vehicles, he added. “The actual cost of leasing a battery on wheels should go down if the full value of the battery is enhanced and reused,” he said. “Everybody wins when we do reuse in a smart fashion.”

B2U expects to add storage to a third solar facility near Palmdale next year. The facilities are meant to prove that the idea works, after which B2U plans to sell its hardware and software to other storage-project developers.

At the moment, though, planned deployment of the technology is limited. B2U predicts only about 6 percent of decommissioned EV batteries in the US will be used for grid-scale storage by 2027.

“People are skeptical, and they should be, because it’s hard to do reuse of batteries,” said Hall. “But we’ve got a robust data set that does prove reliability, performance, and profitability. We’re at a point where we really can scale this.”

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dollopheadedmerlin · 1 year

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Yall are gonna learn about my OCs now

I'm planning out a book that takes place in a universe where Mimes, Jesters, and Clowns are all types of peoples, their markings a part of their skin instead of makeup and their cultures twisting aspects of entertainment into ritual.

This is Humor, the Jester

He's an idiot.

Jesters live most often in small settlements and communities. They have the most potent and versatile magic, though it varies from person to person. All jesters, however, have the innate ability to conjure bells made of gold, which is unique to them. They use this in their culture, gifting them to each other as signs of respect or gratitude. You will often see a newborn baby with only two bells, from either of it's parents. Or perhaps a few more if they have a larger family. But as they grow, they earn more bells and adorn them to their clothing.

Any village of substantial size will have gathering tent where ceremonies are hosted (name giving, unions, funerals, etc.). Often these are run by the Ringmaster, which is an assumed position by the member with the most bells. This is because the more bells someone has earned, then more their people respect them. So overtime the most helpful or kind or wise member of the group will become akin to a village elder and wordlessly assume the roll of Ringmaster. They often have the most powerful magic of their group, since possessing strong gifts lends to aiding others. It is not a guarantee, however, as there are other ways to earn bells than magical feats. Some Ringmasters are simply very knowledgeable, or strategic.

Humor is very much not the Ringmaster of his group. He is an entertainer, often wearing face paint that resembles the Queen's markings and mocking the higher class in performances riddled with warnings.

This is because the Queen has exhausted all of the natural resources of gold. So the only way to obtain gold now is to steal from Jesters, as their bells are the only renewable source. But, as bells are very important to their culture, the jesters do not give her gold willingly, so she has been known to pillage jester villages and settlements to steal their riches.

Clowns make up the majority of the upperclass, most of them living in the City or the Circus. They value beauty above all else, the queen being obsessed with her own appearance, spending her days standing in her throne room, surrounded by mirrors as others do her bidding.

Clown society has curated a taste for certain traits; bright, saturated colors, symmetry, detailed markings, large, dark eyes, as well as a few specific features such as "masks", "gloves", "socks", blush, and red noses.

Those who do not fit these standards are mocked at best, and actively targeted at worst. There are those who do not agree with these standards and will purposefully "ruin" their markings with modifications, but they are often arrested for their protest.

This also leads to the want of pretty things. Which is why the queen hoards gold, melting it down into fanciful adornments and decor for herself and her castle.

Mimes, on the other hand, are typically nomadic. They arguable have the strongest magic, but it is more restricted. They are able to make indestructible invisible structures by mining where they wish to place them. These structures remain indefinitely until the mime who placed it mimes it away, or the mime is no longer able to actively manifest it. These structures rely on the concentration or meditation of the mimes to exist. So if a mime if knocked unconscious or leaves the area, the structure may vanish.

Their markings only appear in grey, black, and white. And they have no vocal cords, instead speaking a form of sign language. They do not have spoken names. Their names in sign are often comprised of movements tracing a prominent marking of theirs. For example, the mime above would have a name that looks like tracing two fingers along the lines that start above their eyes and then tapping the cheeks where the lines turn into dots. A mime with two recognizable dots on either side of their nose, may have a name that appears as rubbing two circles into that spot with two fingers. If perhaps a mime is known to have a large, flower like marking on their chest, miming a bloom coming from your chest could be the sign for their name.

Because of their magic, the Queen has employed many of them in her castle, most commonly to run the dungeons. The mimes are often coerced into working for her, with hostages or threats to their communities, so they work dutifully, even if they secretly support her demise.

They maintain the cells in the dungeon, putting up their impenetrable walls in shifts to keep in prisoners. Few dare to let convicts escape, as the punishment for doing so is incredibly dire.

When they are left to live freely, mimes typically travel in groups, needing no shelter or belongings, aside from scavenging for food. They mime roofs above their heads when it rains, and lay upon invisible platforms to sleep, taking turns keeping watch to warn for danger, as well as keep the structures in place.

They also have tails, because why not

#mine #oc #ocs #oc dump #the mosaic king #lemme know what you think!#I'm super happy with my worldbuilding for this one #doodle

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reasonsforhope · 1 year

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One country in the [climate-change] firing line is Cape Verde. The West African island nation, where 80% of the population lives on the coast, is already feeling the brunt of rising sea levels and increasing ocean acidity on its infrastructure, tourism, biodiversity and fisheries.

The country desperately needs to both mitigate and adapt to these problems, but – as with many Global South countries at present – simply lacks the budget to do it: Cape Verde’s debt reached an all-time high of 157% of GDP in 2021.

In a bid to address both issues simultaneously, the country has signed a novel agreement with Portugal to swap some of its debt for investments into an environmental and climate fund. The former Portuguese colony owes the Portuguese state €140m ($148m) and Portuguese banks €400m.

On a state visit to Cape Verde on 23 January, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa announced the debt would be put towards Cape Verde’s energy transition and fight against climate change. Costa earmarked projects involving energy efficiency, renewable energy and green hydrogen as possible targets for the fund.

“This is a new seed that we sow in our future cooperation,” said Costa. “Climate change is a challenge that takes place on a global scale and no country will be sustainable if all countries are not sustainable.”

“Debt-for-climate swaps” allow countries to reduce their debt obligations in exchange for a commitment to finance domestic climate and nature projects with the freed-up financial resources. The concept has been knocking about since the 1980s, typically geared at nature conservation. However, after recent deals for Barbados, Belize and the Seychelles, and huge $800m and $1bn agreements in the offing for Ecuador and Sri Lanka, is this financial instrument finally coming of age?

How It Works

Debt-for-climate swaps typically follow a formula. First, a creditor [here, a group or government that money is owed to] agrees to reduce debt, either by converting it into local currency, lowering the interest rate, writing off some of the debt, or a combination of all three. The debtor will then use the saved money for initiatives aimed at increasing climate resilience, lowering greenhouse gas emissions or protecting biodiversity.

The original 'debt-for-nature swaps' began as small, trilateral deals, with NGOs buying sovereign debt owed to commercial banks to redirect payments towards nature projects. They have since evolved into larger, bilateral deals between creditors and debtors...

Debt-for-climate swaps free up fiscal resources so governments can improve resilience and transition to a low-carbon economy without causing a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities. [These swaps] can create additional revenue for countries with valuable biodiversity or carbon sinks by allowing them to charge others to protect those assets, thereby providing a global public good.

Swaps can even result in an upgrade to a country’s sovereign credit rating, as was the case in Belize, which makes government borrowing cheaper [and improves the country's economy.]

Right now, these [swaps] are needed more than ever, with low-income countries dealing with multiple crises that have put huge pressure on public debt...

Debt-for-climate swaps: “Increasing in size and scale”

Although debt-for-climate swaps are not new, until recently the amount of finance raised globally from the instrument has been modest – just $1bn between 1987 and 2003, according to one OECD study. Just three of the 140 swaps over the past 35 years have had a value of more than $250m, according to the African Development Bank. The average size was a mere $26.6m.

However, the market has steadily picked up pace over the past two decades... In 2016, the government of the Seychelles signed a landmark agreement with developed nation creditor group the Paris Club, supported by NGO The Nature Conservancy (TNC), for a $22m investment in marine conservation.

The government of Belize followed suit in 2021 by issuing a $364m blue bond – a debt instrument to finance marine and ocean-focused sustainability projects – to buy back $550m of commercial debt to use for marine conservation and debt sustainability.

Then, last year, Barbados completed a $150m transaction, supported by the TNC and the Inter-American Development Bank, allowing the country to reduce its borrowing costs and use savings to finance marine conservation.

“Two or three years ago, we were talking about $50m deals,” says Widge. “Now they have gone to $250–300m, so they are definitely increasing in size and scale.”

Indeed, the success of the deals for the Seychelles, Belize and Barbados, along with the debt distress sweeping across the Global South, has sparked an uptick of interest in the model.

Ecuador is reported to be in negotiations with banks and a non-profit for an $800m deal, and Sri Lanka is discussing a $1bn transaction – which would be the biggest swap to date."

-via Energy Monitor, 2/1/23

Note: I'm leaving out my massive rant about how the vast majority of this debt is due to the damages of colonialism. And also countries being forced to "PAY BACK" COLONIZERS FOR THEIR OWN FREEDOM for decades or in some cases centuries (particularly infuriating example: Haiti). Debt-for-climate swaps are good news, and one way to help right this massive historic and ongoing economic wrong

#climate change #developing countries #economics #debt for climate #debt relief #cape verde #barbados #seychelles #ecuador #sri lanka #portugal #belize #global south #conservation #biodiversity #good news #hope #international politics

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