from arifdemir
Trump is threatening Greenland's democracy, resources, and environment-but Greenlanders have made it clear: their future is not for sale
https://action.wemove.eu/sign/2025-01-Stop-Trump-Greenland-petition-EN
Read the latest posts from Paper.wf.
from arifdemir
Trump is threatening Greenland's democracy, resources, and environment-but Greenlanders have made it clear: their future is not for sale
https://action.wemove.eu/sign/2025-01-Stop-Trump-Greenland-petition-EN
from arifdemir
In New Zealand, the sanctity of human life is greatly under threat—at both its earliest and final stages
https://family.org.nz/pro-life
from arifdemir
Storbritannien er blevet rystet af en række forfærdelige voldsepisoder i de senere år, hvor gerningsmændene har haft en immigrant baggrund
from arifdemir
Met 26,7 procent staat het Vlaams Belang opnieuw bovenaan in de jongste peiling van HLN en VTM (DPG Media). N-VA volgt op 23,4 procent en verliest duidelijk
https://www.vlaamsbelang.org/nieuws/vlaming-plaatst-vlaams-belang-weer-op-1-peiling
from arifdemir
Further Muslim sites attacking Christianity and our comments or rebuttals can be found here
https://answering-islam.org/L_i-on-c.html
from samirshabaz
Listen to CHRISTIAN RAVE MUSIC. Techno, Bigroom & CEDM, a playlist curated by God's Nation
https://soundcloud.com/itisgodsnation/sets/christian-rave-music-techno
from samirshabaz
Den barske historie om Joseph sætter ord på, hvordan forholdene er for nogle kristne ude i verden. 80% af alle religiøst forfulgte er kristne. Kristofobi er således den mest udbredte form for had i verden
https://bibelselskabet.dk/fortaellinger-om-forfulgte-kristne
from samirshabaz
Learn how to become a Christian with a simple step-by-step guide
https://jesus.net/articles/how-to-become-a-christian
from sparr
Setting community norms democratically within dictatorial bounds
This post is about something I've done before and plan to do again that I haven't seen discussed elsewhere. For that thing to make sense, I first want to describe some other things adjacent to it...
There are a few common modes of governance in groups of people. The most common category involves decisions being made some number of the people involved. When that number is everyone you have a democracy or consensus based or similar organization. When that number is less than most but still many people then you have a representational governance model. When that number is small you have something like a board or council. When that number is one then you might have a dictatorship or a sole elected leader. There are, of course, more complex systems involving committees, quorums, etc.
It is also relatively common to use different scales and methods of governance for different types of decisions. One or a few people might own the property and make decisions about new buildings, selling it, taxes, etc. A committee or subgroup might handle event planning, recruiting, onboarding, etc. Everyone might get a vote in meal times and quiet hours.
What I have done, and want to do again, and want to discuss here, is using those different scales and methods to make different parts of the same decision. The system I have in mind involves one or a few people setting hard boundaries for a rule or decision, and then more to all of the people involved drawing lines within those boundaries. In the examples below, I am the dictator in question, and I'm speaking from the perspective of me founding and organizing a community in which I would want to live with many other people. However, the same ideas apply if I am one of five co-buyers of a property and we are setting the boundaries that apply to decisions made by the more numerous non-owner members of our community.
The first motivation here is personal, to build an environment in which I want to live. A second motivation, similarly important, regards how decision making conflicts can affect the success or failure to get a project off the ground. A recent post on the Supernuclear blog (https://supernuclear.substack.com/p/how-to-kill-a-community-before-it) dove into the disastrous consequences of including too many strong preferences in choosing a property, and I believe that same concept applies to all sorts of early direction-setting decisions. My favorite quote is “The community that they now love and live in only exists because they didn’t get a vote at the founding.”
So, in that context, here are some of the boundaries that I would establish around a forming community, with the expectation that many people would self select out, and some other people, including myself, would be able to reach some common agreement within:
I don't want to live in a community where certain drugs are welcome. If the people around me are doing meth or heroin, I'm going to have a bad time. At the other end of the scale, I don't want to live in a completely sober community. Even though I am a sober person, I enjoy my friends and family being able to partake reasonably in things like alcohol and marijuana. So those are the boundaries I would set in advance; anyone who wants to join the next community I organize needs to be comfortable living somewhere in that range. If you need to have meth in your house, my house isn't for you. If you need everyone around you to be sober, ditto. But everything between those limits is up for discussion and decision among all the members of the community. Maybe we decide as a group that mushrooms and acid are ok, but cocaine and ketamine are not. That's my personal preference, but it's not nearly as strong of a preference as the ones I used to set the limits.
I don't want to live in a community that is only 25-50 year old able bodied professionals. I also don't want to live in a community that focuses the majority of its resources and efforts toward supporting young, old, disabled, etc members. My ideal would be about halfway between a representative sample of the population and a house filled entirely with my demographic neighbors, but I can see a comfortable future in a wide range of environments surrounding that ideal. I would set those initial boundaries and then let the community settle organically somewhere within them.
In terms of communal groceries and dinners, I don't want a diet with no animal products. I understand at least a few of the arguments and motivations behind vegan lifestyles, but that's not the right environment for me. I also don't want a diet where animal products are the only source of protein, or a necessary part of a healthy caloric intake. That's expensive and unnecessarily exclusive and potentially boring. In between? I don't have strong feelings, and everyone involved in the community can be part of the decisions about how we plan the food we share.
I need everyone to participate in community meetings with some frequency, at least often enough to vote for leadership and hear about large scale plans and upcoming changes. That might two to four times per year. I can't keep up with a community that has mandatory meetings more than twice a week. In between? We can all figure that out together.
I could give a dozen other examples, and probably will in a post more specifically about my next project when the time comes to pull that particular trigger. For the purpose of this post, I hope I've sufficiently illustrated the concept in question. I'd love to hear feedback on this approach, suggestions for how to tweak it, concerns about failure modes, variations you've seen in practice, etc. Feel free to comment here or reach out to me privately.
from tagesbuch
Mein Schlüsselerlebnis zum Verständnis des weltweiten Aufstiegs der populistischen Nationalismen ereigenete sich im Frühjahr 2020. Im Lockdown nach Ausbruch der Covid-19-Pandemie sagte ein mir bis dahin unauffäliger Nachbar beim Frischluftschnappen im Hof: “Ich glaube nicht, dass so viele Menschen an dem Virus sterben. Es gibt da so Seiten im Internet.”
Zum einen war die Situation leicht verständlich: die Folgen des Pandemie-Einbruchs waren so drastisch, dass er sie verleugnete. Die psychische Motivation war ebenso offenkundig: “wenn es nicht wahr ist, muss ich mich nicht ändern”.
Zum anderen war das Gespräch erschreckend: denn jede Fortsetzung war sinnlos. Als Tatsache praktisch beweisen kann man nur seine direkt erreichbare Umwelt, alles andere ist #Kommunikation. In der Kommunikation sind Behauptungen auf #Begründungen angewiesen. Und wenn sich jemand der Schlüssigkeit von #Argumenten durch ein schlichtes “glaube ich nicht” verweigert, bricht die Kommunikation ab (oder irrlichtert ziellos weiter).
Die Covid-19-Pandemie war ein Katalysator für den populistischen #Nationalismus. Dieser hatte schon nach der #Finanzkrise 2008 erheblich an Zustimmung gewonnen, als radikale Alternative zur #Demokratie. Die Finanzkrise hatte offenkundig werden lassen, dass es eine Elite tatsächlich gibt. Denn die Schäden und Belastungen trafen ökonomisch Schwächere (sowohl individuell als auch staatlich), doch im Bankensektor schien niemand im juristischen Sinne schuldig zu sein. Es gab keine Gerichtsverfahren oder politisch einschneidenden Eingriffe, um etwa die Kosten der Krise bei den Profiteur:innen des Wertpapierhandels einzutreiben. In diesem Moment versagte die Demokratie, weil sie offensichtlicher Ungerechtigkeit tatenlos zusah, oder sogar noch rechtfertigte. Sie untergrub die von ihr versprochene #Gleichheit.
Der populistische Nationalismus sammelte fast alle Unzufriedenen, die man gegen das System mobilisieren konnte. Die wenigen linken Alternativen (wie etwa Syriza in Griechenland) scheiterten daran, dass die Demokratie tatsächlich ein #System ist: nämlich eine komplexe Organisation voneinander abhängiger Teile. Es lässt nicht zu, dass nur eine Komponente oder nur ein lokaler Ort sich grundlegend ändert, weil in der Weltwirtschaft alles vernetzt ist und Wechselwirkungen aufeinander hat. Für grundlegende Veränderungen braucht es immer eine kritische Masse.
Eine solche kritische Masse bilden, unterstützt von “Social Media”, aber mittlerweile die populistischen Nationalismen. Die Bereitschaft zur Verleugnung, um Anpassungszwänge abzuwehren, vermischt sich in gefährlicher Form mit der Wut von Enttäuschten. Enttäuschung und die Erlaubnis zu aggressivem Hass ergeben eine teuflische Mischung.
Die #noafd halte ich für brandgefährlich. Denn sollte sie an Regierungsgewalt gelangen, bliebe ihr gar nichts anderes übrig, als ihre Diskriminierungen, Unterdrückungen und Vertreibungen umzusetzen – denn ein alternatives politisches Programm haben sie nicht. Um ihre Wähler:innen bei Stange zu halten, müssten sie ihren Hass soweit wie möglich in die Tat umsetzen.
from Kernuac en español
#poemas #poemascortos
Teníamos todos los ingredientes para preparar el cocktail perfecto; en cada iteración no hallamos la razón de su amargo dulzor, en boca.
Y me armé para la noche, tus “212 runas” son mi cobertura. Llevo conmigo tu “medalla azul” mientras deambulo en la vida, solo.
Aunque mi data siga fragmentada no temo a conectar y ser leído; Quien reconstruya mis archivos Tendrá acceso a todo mi sistema.
Tanto nos esforzamos buscando anillos al planeta que ignoramos por completo cuán visibles son sus lunas...
Tatuado a piel con el fuego de un amor, no el de la suerte, el de la historia; cuántas imágenes caben en mi memoria el inicio de una vida, que marcó la mía.
Transform your smile with Invisalign in Da Nang, Vietnam. This coastal city is emerging as a premier destination for advanced orthodontic care, offering world-class treatment at accessible costs. Our provider combines cutting-edge clear aligner technology with personalized care, ensuring your journey to a straighter smile is both efficient and comfortable. From initial 3D scanning to final refinement, every step is managed by certified specialists dedicated to precision. Enjoy the freedom of removable aligners, minimal office visits, and discreet treatment that fits your lifestyle. Whether you are a local or a medical traveler, Da Nang provides a serene backdrop for your dental transformation. Benefit from a seamless process, transparent pricing, and a team committed to your optimal results. Choose Invisalign in Da Nang for a radiant, confident smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. – https://idcdanang.com/en/
from teethwhiteninginhochiminhcity
Experience a brighter, more confident smile without exceeding your budget. Professional dental whitening in Vietnam offers exceptional value, with prices typically ranging from 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND (approximately 125 to 340 USD) per session, depending on the clinic and technology used. This cost is significantly lower than in Western countries, often saving patients 50% to 70% while maintaining high standards of care. Leading clinics in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi use advanced solutions like laser or LED-activated gel, delivering visible results in a single one-hour appointment. Treatments are performed by licensed dentists using safe, regulated products, ensuring minimal sensitivity. When evaluating dental whitening price Vietnam, consider that packages may include follow-up visits or take-home kits for prolonged effects. Always verify the clinic’s accreditation and read verified patient reviews. Investing in a professional whitening treatment here not only enhances your smile but also supports long-term oral health. Plan your visit during Vietnam’s dry season (November to April) for optimal travel conditions. Transform your look affordably and safely. 😁✨ – https://teethwhiteninghochiminh.com/teeth-whitening-clinics-in-ho-chi-minh/
Seeking world-class dental care in Vietnam? Look no further than the premier dental clinic Ho Chi Minh has to offer. Combining state-of-the-art technology with an internationally trained team of specialists, this clinic sets the gold standard for oral health and aesthetic dentistry. From precise implantology and pain-free root canals to transformative smile makeovers with porcelain veneers, every procedure is tailored to your needs. They utilize digital X-rays and 3D imaging for accurate diagnostics, ensuring minimal discomfort and maximum safety. The sterile environment and rigorous infection control protocols provide peace of mind for both local and expatriate patients. Whether you require a routine check-up or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, you will experience exceptional care in a calm, modern setting. Multilingual staff fluent in English, Korean, and Japanese bridge communication gaps effortlessly. Advanced equipment like CAD/CAM technology allows for same-day crowns, saving you precious time. Patient reviews consistently praise the gentle chairside manner and outstanding results. Prioritize your smile with the trusted expertise of top dental clinic Ho Chi Minh. Book your consultation today for a healthier, brighter smile. 😁✨醴 – https://teethwhiteninghochiminh.com/teeth-whitening-clinics-in-ho-chi-minh/
from sparr
My Ideal Day
The first steps to achieving a goal are to determine and say it, right? To that end, here's what I want my typical day to look like, probably 2-5 years from now. Some of this will sound entirely mundane, but much of it requires some particular types of environment and circumstances. Arranging my life to bring those about is something this exercise is meant to help with.
I wake up around 7-9AM, having gotten a full night's sleep in a quiet place. My nesting partner probably shared my bed, and maybe we get up together or a short while apart. I get dressed, brush my teeth, then wander somewhere comfortable, perhaps inside or out. I spend 10-20 minutes on my computer or phone catching up on messages and posts from friends near and far.
Next I go out to the workshop or garage or barn to take quick next steps in some ongoing project. Perhaps flipping over something to dry, moving something from an oven or kiln to a cooling rack, starting a next batch of 3d printed components, etc. Or maybe I'm doing a quick chore like letting the chickens out to pasture, rotating the compost, etc. Something easy and productive that makes sense after letting it sit overnight.
At this point I enter a more social environment, with my partner and some of our intentional community neighbors. Someone, possibly me, is preparing a simple breakfast for half a dozen people or more. It might involve grits or oatmeal, bacon and eggs, fruit, etc. Everyone in the household or community knows where and when breakfast is typically shared, so I get to see many of my closest neighbors for at least a few minutes while we eat. We chat about our plans for the day, exciting parts of the previous day, etc.
The rest of my morning and into the afternoon involves productive projects. I could be working in the wood shop, doing some home improvement, coordinating community or event logistics, or working some sort of day job. This is where I'll usually have the most alone time, although collaboration will also be common. Whatever I am doing to “earn a living” will probably happen in this window, whether that's selling furniture or teaching classes or writing software. If I have lunch, which is more likely if I'm doing more physically demanding work, then it probably happens in the middle of this.
In the early evening I might help cook or relax before eating. Most of the community members will gather for dinner, perhaps around 6PM. Once every week or two this will segue into a community meeting, but the more typical day will just be social conversation and maybe a bit of planning for tomorrow.
Along the way between my morning routine and the wind down after dinner, I expect to have done about a half hour of work toward the maintenance of the space. This includes typical chores like cleaning and lawn care, but also more bespoke tasks specific to the community environment. Some days I'll have done this alone, and some working alongside one or two other people.
After dinner I will either do recreational things alone or with a partner or friend, or I'll participate in the rotating schedule of social activities in the community. Throughout the week and month I'll have the choice to attend movie nights, music jams, lightning talks, board and video games, etc.
One or two nights a week I'll expect more of a party atmosphere, around the fire pit or in our community lounge or theater, or traveling alone or with friends somewhere in the nearby/surrounding city for an event. Most nights I'll wind down quietly with some reading, video games, writing, and/or time with my partner. Then a shower and bed.
Even including the occasional exceptions described above, I wouldn't want every day to be like this. 60-80% would probably be about right, with the other 20-40% of my days following wildly different patterns. I expect to spend at least one weekend a month and a few weeks a year hosting and participating in multi-day all-day events. There will be some local and national and international travel, and corresponding gaps of days to weeks in this schedule. I will at least occasionally go all in on a project, spending 12-16 hours a day on it for multiple days to deliver some significant milestone or accomplishment. But, at the end of any of those diversions, I would want to come back to a routine something like this.
Having written this, I am now considering updates to my dating doc and personal user manual. My life goals haven't changed much since I wrote them, but there are some details here that could be relevant and newly insightful. I guess I'll consider those updates as things I could do later this month as part of this writing challenge.
The attached image is an aspirational schedule for a 50-150 person intentional [meta]community that I intend to create, which environment would correspond pretty closely to this life that I want to live.
from samiraabbas
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