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THE VOICE OF SEMAR

Remember to get all of your metaphysical supplies here!

I had to share this

Children of Semar :

Emerge out of the cocoon of closed-mindedness,

Be receptive to truths, even if they hurt.

Reform your character before demanding the reformation of

others,

For the perfection of the world begins with thyself.

Beliefs and blind faith are a drawback to spiritual progress,

They bind one to superstition, fear and ignorance.

Acquire the understanding that divine revelation is a continuous

process,

For humanity is ever-evolving and is ever in need of higher

education.

Fanaticism is a devilish expression and has to be eradicated,

For it begets separatism, inharmony, and violence among men.

Transcend racial, tribal, and sectarian attitudes,

Nothing causes so much strife and suffering as separatism.

Know that human laws must reflect Cosmic laws if they are to be helpful,

Man-made laws without divine sanction may restrict the workings of justice.

Understand that the highest civilization is not dependent upon external technology,

It is dependent more upon spiritual unfoldment and the awakening of divine potentials.

Be not hesitant to do away with traditions and customs should you be aware of their negative content,

It is in purifying the dross in anything and in everything that the treasure may be revealed.

Do not mistreat Nature with your arrogant expressions,

Be kind to her, and she will be kind to you.

Know that egocentrism has always been the core and cause of humanity's problems,

It is the same with you, what would you do?

Why give your personal power away by letting others do the thinking for you?

Learn how to think, be not afraid to think for yourself.

Learn how to take charge of, and be responsible for yourselves;

Letting others do the work for you causes your own stagnation in the mire.

Seek God and your divine heritage, not for any worldly or heavenly benefits,

But because it is destined and right for every being to do so.

If you profess being a follower of any religion, then apply the moral and spiritual precepts;

Vain beliefs and faith without the application of spiritual principles makes you nothing but a

hypocrite.

It is impossible to grow in any way if you are stuck in your mortal-mindedness;

In essence you are divine, immortal, with all the powers of a god; therefore, remove thoughts of

mental limitations.

One of your problems is self-centeredness.

How will you evolve without self-forgetfulness, selflessness, and self-sacrifice?

Psychics and paranormals may mislead you.

Truth does not dwell in the world of psychicism.

Why do you curse and verbally attack others?

Garbage from your mouth will only darken your light.

Why pay attention to gossip, why attend to celebrities?

More important work awaits your attention.

Why do you constantly think of the opposite sex in such lustful ways?

There is no rest for the mind troubled by excessive sexual thoughts.

Why do you express your sexuality in such animalistic ways?

Sex should only be the expression of true love, affection and tenderness.

Why believe yourself to be a dweller of an island, a nation, a planet?

God has given you and all beings the whole universe to live in.

You are alive with divine gifts and yet you use them not;

Why then complain of your apparent lack of abundance?

Why feel inferior or superior to others?

In essence you are all children of the Light with the same divine-potentials.

Why do you express your lower side in art, music, and culture?

The decline of civilization results from the predominance of negative expressions of the psyche.

Why fill your minds with trash issued from magazines, commercials, movies and gossips?

You will constantly think of the things you fill your minds with, and the things you think of you will

become.

Why be too opinionated when opinions seldom reflect truth?

For if they were truths, they would not be called opinions.

How can you call yourselves civilized when your way of thinking is still primitive?

Though it be reason that distinguishes a man from a beast, it is compassion and love that

distinguishes a civilized man from a primitive one.

Where is your love and compassion, children of Semar?

Why express the dark side when it is so much easier expressing light?

Why quibble over doctrines and dogmas, they simply cause you to go astray;

Everyone is your brother and sister no matter what their beliefs.

The greatest solution to a problem satisfies all parties involved,

A poor solution only satisfies the person who makes it.

Why have you no respect for life?

Animals and trees are your brothers just as the person next to you.

Why be sensitive to the harsh words of men when you should be listening to the sweet voice of the

Spirit?

Your attention should be directed inwards and not brooding upon external voices--the insults or

criticisms of others.

Why do you fight fire with fire, for such is immature;

How long more will you remain in the valley and not rise to the mountain peak?

Why act as prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner yourselves?

Have you no faith that Cosmic laws will deal justly to those that transgresses her?

Why do you complain of situations and circumstances when it is you that helped to create them?

The world that you experience is simply a reflection of your thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs.

Why are your devotional prayers so mechanical, so robotic?

Have you no real love and yearning for the Almighty?

No matter what your beliefs you think them to be true;

If they are beliefs and not experiential knowledge how can they be true?

When will you awaken to Reality, to Truth, to the Presence of the Almighty?

Enchanted with carnal matters have drugged you into spiritual slumber.

You seek spiritual guidance for the sake of your own welfare.

When will you seek guidance for the sake of your fellow men?

You treat others as infidels, as unbelievers, as outcasts;

Know ye that separative thoughts are spawned by the devil.

God gives freely, Nature gives abundantly;

And yet, you claim their gifts as your own and will not benefit others.

You believe in your nation's future greatness as proclaimed by messengers,

And yet, if nothing is done to manifest this greatness, it but remains in the air.

Why do you wait for a savior? Why do you waste time waiting for a Goddess of Justice?

Manifest the savior in your hearts; be the hands and mouthpiece of the Goddess.

Your hatreds, anger, violence, and egoism have polluted the subtle worlds;

These rebound back to you and cause your catastrophes and disasters.

How long will you remain in darkness?

No one can pull you out of it except yourselves.

Why do you hesitate to forgive your brother?

Are you so perfect that you are without sin?

You believe it impossible to be perfect so that you will not need to strive for it;

Yet strive for perfection for it is your destiny to outgrow the human condition.

Purify your thoughts, for thoughts are creative and manifests themselves in this world;

Negative thoughts affect people negatively, positive thoughts affect people positively.

The violence in your mind creates the violence in this world;

Therefore cause your mind to be tranquil, that the world may reflect such a state.

You are beautiful and yet you will not express your beauty;

You are unique and yet you suppress your uniqueness.

Why do you carry your ego with you?

So long as your ego exist, you will not be saved from the tortures of "hell."

There is not much time left for you;

A world-cycle is coming to a close.

Will you continue to accumulate possessions and lose your soul?

All that prevents or hinders your spiritual progress is evil at work.

Will you ascend to heaven alone without having compassion for your brothers?

Stay where you are and help others to ascend likewise.

Are you a coward that you will not teach and be responsible for others?

You are your brother's keeper, when will you realize that?

How will your nation be a spiritual light of the world, when you will not be spiritual?

The transformation of an organism begins at the cellular level.

Being religious or psychic is not the same as being spiritual;

Being spiritual entails radiating the highest light in the lowest darkness.

Why do you blame others and God for your troubles?

It is you that is the primary cause, others simply act out your script.

Take the best qualities of both East and West and make them your own;

Take the worst qualities of both East and West and eradicate them from your being.

Why are you a slave to your carnal desires and appetites?

They are the source of your pain and suffering.

Why are you arrogant, are you omniscient?

Do not force your beliefs upon another, for blind you may be leading the blind.




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What To Do in Case of Psychic Attack or of Being the Victim of Malevolent Spell

Being a relatively visible public Witch, I get plenty of requests for spells, which I politely decline to do. I tell people two things: One is that it's best to create one's own spells rather than have someone else cast them. The other is a caution against performing any magic that would interfere with the free will of another. The exception to that would be a binding of someone else, making them unable to do further harm.

If you believe someone has put a negative spell on you (usually called a hex), here are a few things you can do to protect yourself, and possibly reverse the spell.


First, purify your person. Take a shower, or better yet, soak for a while in hot water containing sea salt, bath salts, or Epsom salts. Allow the salt and water to neutralize any negativity within yourself; think of this as you soak. Let any contamination be washed away with the water spiraling down the drain, out of your house and out of your life. Drink lots of water to wash out your insides. Wash your hair, brush your teeth, put on clean clothes. You may also wish to drink mint tea or another tea that you find refreshing.


Second, purify your dwelling. Dust, sweep, vacuum, tidy up, polish. Air out the rooms. Wash the windows with a mild solution of vinegar and water. This allows purifying sunlight and moonlight to illuminate the room as well as making the glass more reflective to deflect unwanted energies.[1]


Circulate through the rooms where you live with sage or other purifying incense, making sure to fumigate everywhere -- stairways, closets, underneath stairways, basement, attic, garage if attached. If your dwelling is one that you can circumnavigate, you may wish to walk all around the outside of the building wafting this smoke.


Then mix salt and water and sprinkle it around the house. As with the incense, do this around the outside of the home, too, if you can. Be sure to cense and sprinkle all openings to the outside -- doors and windows, of course, but also skylights, electrical outlets, heating vents, chimneys, ventilator hoods, toilets, and sink, tub and shower drains. Also do this to mirrors.


While you're doing these things, speak the words, "With Earth and Water I purify this space," and "with Fire and Air I consecrate this space," because that's exactly what you're doing.[2]


Third, ward your space. If you're the witchy sort, trace a protective pentacle with the salt water on all doors, windows and mirrors. Rosemary grows in abundance where I live, so I like to use a sprig of it to sprinkle the salt water. Then I like to leave rosemary sprigs on all the window sills.


When you've done all these things, take a step back, be very quiet, look around, listen and note how different your space feels to you now.


You may also wish to perform these acts at other places where you spend a lot of time, such as work, if you can.


One last thing you may want to do, although it's not as easy and practical as the rest. You may wish to hang little mirrors in the windows or on the outside of the building to reflect away negativity. The mirrors aren't really necessary; they're just extra insurance, if you will. You should be fine just doing the other things I've recommended.


Now envision yourself within a bubble. Project this bubble around you and around your home. Nothing can pass through the membrane that has not been invited by you. Anything unwelcome bounces off the bubble. Build a strong image of this bubble in your mind. If you have a small object, maybe a clear quartz crystal or a piece of rosemary, that reminds you of this visualization, carry it in your pocket or keep it someplace handy. You can't be expected to hold this image in your consciousness all the time. But if you have this object, then at times when the image has faded and you feel you need to reinforce your working, take it out and look at it and touch it to reawaken your sense of your protective bubble.


As with all magic spells, you needn't stick with the formula offered here. If other ingredients call to you or other actions spring from you, trust your intuition and go with them.


These are my recommendations. For another approach, here's a Lemon UncrossingSpell (to break a curse). I have never tried this so I can offer no assurance of its efficacy.


[1] For a super-duper heavy cleansing of a home, say if you're just moving in after someone else has been living there, and if you have the time, get some dragon's blood incense and burn it on a piece of charcoal in a container left in the bathtub or shower. As soon as you light it, leave and let it fumigate the entire house. You don't want to breathe much of this stuff. Then return a few hours later and open all the windows to let out the dragon's blood fumes.


[2] Some additional things you can do to cleanse a new or dirty home: Walk throughout the rooms with noisemakers, rattles, a drum to frighten off unwanted spirits. Do this before censing and sprinkling. After censing and sprinkling, ring a little bell at the windows and mirrors.




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Meet the VMAX VX2 Pro scooter – Your new favorite ride

NEWS – The VMAX VX2 PRO. This isn’t just any electric scooter; it’s a Swiss-engineered marvel that’s changing the game for urban commuters and thrill-seekers alike. Power That Packs a Punch Let’s talk power, because that’s where the VX2 PRO by VMAX really shines. This electric scooter comes with a 500-watt motor that can peak […]




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Here’s a miniature vise for your hobby tool chest

NEWS—The Ray Studio hand vise seems like the perfect tool for hobbyists who like to paint small figures, glue small parts, and more. The weighted handle provides a grip for one hand or you can place it on a table. Or you can remove the handle altogether. The split vise features slots for rods to […]




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TIFF Day 5: If You Drop the Weights He Vituperates You, But If You Lift Them He Sings About Ducks

The Inconvenient Indian [Canada, Michelle Latimer, 4] Essay-format documentary examines the Indigenous struggle for sovereignty and cultural reclamation in North America, as hosted by novelist Thomas King and inspired by his nonfiction book of the same name. Makes its case through cinematic language, pushing the archival footage and talking heads format to the background.

Beginning [Georgia, Dea Kulumbegashvili, 4] Depressed wife of a pastor bears the brunt of a persecution campaign from a local man hostile to their minority Baptist faith. The camera acts as a pitiless eye in this harsh, austere drama of pervasive male oppression.

I Care a Lot [UK, J Blakeson, 3] Corrupt legal guardian (Rosamund Pike) who slaps unsuspecting seniors into care facilities to bleed them dry triggers a cat-and-mouse game when her latest prey (Dianne Wiest) turns out to be the mother of a wealthy gangster (Peter Dinklage.) Engaging thriller— until it betrays the contract it has established with the audience.

Concrete Cowboy [US, Ricky Staub, 3] After yet another expulsion from school, a troubled teen (Caleb McLaughlin) gets dumped for the summer with his father (Idris Elba), who belongs to Philadelphia’s threatened culture of inner city horse owners. A rich social milieu is the star of the show in this affirming drama, which could do with a stronger drive to activate its protagonist.

Lift Like a Girl [Egypt, Mayye Zayed, 4] From ages 13 to 18, under the tutelage of a volcanic, motormouth coach, with a rubble-strewn lot on a busy Alexandria street, weightlifter Zebiba trains to be a champion. Fly-on-the-wall documentary inhabits a hardscrabble community powered by loving verbal abuse.

The coach and his key athletes denigrate the skills of male lifters, while constantly referring to the girls as boys, urging them to man up, and telling them they need to grow balls if they want to win.


Capsule review boilerplate: Ratings are out of 5. I’ll be collecting these reviews in order of preference in a master post the Monday after the fest. Films shown on the festival circuit will appear in theaters, disc and/or streaming over the next year plus.




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TIFF Day 10: The Festival Wraps With Some Very Good Dogs

The final day of TIFF 2020 has come and gone and below are my final capsule reviews. I’ll post a full capsule roundup on Monday.

Fauna [Mexico/Canada, Nicolás Pereda, 3.5] Narratives nest within narratives when an actor visits his girlfriend’s family in a sleepy small town. Comic misunderstandings, naturalistic locations and twisting meta-story may remind seasoned festival-goers of the works of Hong Sang-soo, with Coronas instead of soju.

Preparations to Be Together For an Unknown Period of Time [Hungary, Lili Horvát, 4] Top neurologist questions the accuracy of her recollections when she moves back home from the US to Budapest for a romantic rendezvous, only to find that the object of her affections professes not to remember her. Quietly suspenseful drama of psychological uncertainty.

The Truffle Hunters [Italy, Michael Dweck & Gregory Kershaw, 4] An aging generation of Piedmontese truffle hunters carries on the search for the elusive delicacy, fearing the poison bait left for their beloved dogs by ruthless newcomers to the trade. A documentary balm for lovers of food and canines luxuriates in the presence of sumptuously photographed forest eccentrics and their very, very good dogs.

Bandar Band [Iran/Germany, Manijeh Hekmat, 3] A pregnant singer, her husband and their guitarist try to get their van through a floodstruck region to attend a contest gig in Tehran. Neorealist drama where the obstacles in the characters’ path are literal.

The Water Man [US, David Oyelowo, 3.5] Imaginative kid (Lonnie Chavis) heads into the Northwestern forest in search of a legendary immortal, thinking he holds the secret to curing his mom (Rosario Dawson) of leukemia. One of the more successful of a recent wave of films that put a somber sin on 80s kids adventure, thanks to a well-constructed script and Oyelowo’s sure control of tone.

Among the differences of this digital-only fest was that it removed the flexibility to choose between multiple screening dates. In a regular year I program the last days and work backward to end on some combination of stronger and/or lighter selections. Here programmers assigned a 24 hour window for each film. These last movies weren’t what I would have picked as closers in ordinary times. To compensate for this Valerie and I are running a day of fake TIFF programming to simulate the funner final Sunday we usually shoot for. They consist of one film that played at TIFF 2019 and three others from previously-appearing directors. Play along at home by streaming The Vast of Night, The Forest of Love*, Mr. & Mrs. Adelman, and Ace Attorney.

*Update: Turns out this one is ultra-disturbing and in no way fun or light. Going into something with mistaken tonal expectations—just like the real TIFF!


Capsule review boilerplate: Ratings are out of 5. I’ll be collecting these reviews in order of preference in a master post the Monday after the fest. Films shown on the festival circuit will appear in theaters, disc and/or streaming over the next year plus.



  • toronto international film festival


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Legitimacy of two Victorian local government elections in question after duplicate votes detected - ABC News

  1. Legitimacy of two Victorian local government elections in question after duplicate votes detected  ABC News
  2. Victorian council election results 2024 LIVE updates: Suspected postal vote tampering in council elections  Sydney Morning Herald
  3. VEC investigates potential vote tampering in two Melbourne councils  The Age




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drawn to the void

Today on Married To The Sea: drawn to the void


This RSS feed is brought to you by Drew and Natalie's podcast Garbage Brain University. Our new series Everything Is Real explores the world of cryptids, aliens, quantum physics, the occult, and more. If you use this RSS feed, please consider supporting us by becoming a patron. Patronage includes membership to our private Discord server and other bonus material non-patrons never see!









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John Hugley IV records a NASTY block to help Xavier hold on to 40-25 lead at halftime vs. Jackson State

John Hugley IV recodrded a NASTY block to help Xavier hold on to 40-25 lead at halftime vs. Jackson State




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Diversity in the NSA Workplace: ‘Your Unique Voice and Skillset will be an Asset’

How inclusive is NSA in terms of diversity? Recently, two employees answered that question and more. Let’s go straight to the source. Michelle E. Prior to joining the National Security Agency (NSA) as a recruiter, Michelle E., pictured life at the agency like many of us do. “Whenever thinking about NSA, I always thought of […]

The post Diversity in the NSA Workplace: ‘Your Unique Voice and Skillset will be an Asset’ appeared first on DiversityJobs.com.



  • Diversity Career Stories

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Klarna files for a US IPO; analysts put Klarna's implied valuation at ~$14.6B in October 2024 after shareholder Chrysalis upped the value of its stake to $154M





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How Color Scheme, CTA’s and Web Design Affect Website Visitors

Overall Added Value As a Web Designer, Programmer and SEO Specialist it all goes hand and hand for the most part. Knowing your target country or audience can aid in the delivery of your message and what you are trying to accomplish. The design and layout are for sure areas that go overlooked and under […]




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How to Create Video Sitemap Code to get Better Video Results

Well, let me start off by saying thing’s have been busy since the last post back in early November. Most of my time and focus has been spent updating websites to HTML5 code. So my apologize for the long delay of writing. There is still plenty of updating to complete so it could be a […]





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Billy West Recorded Some Choice Donald Trump Tweets in the Voice of Zapp Brannigan

It turns out that there's a VERY fine line between Donald Trump and the Futurama character Zapp Brannigan. Memes with Zapp's image and Trumps tweets started circulating the internet and they caught the attention of Billy West, the voice actor who plays Zapp Brannigan on Futurama. The recordings he made are out of this world.




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The Vision and Strategy for Social Services: progress report

Social Services in Scotland: a shared vision and strategy for 2015-2020 was launched on World Social Work Day in March 2015 by the Social Work Services Strategic Forum.

A progress report summarising the range of work which is underway to implement the strategy has now been published. While this is a five year strategy, it is clear that even at this early stage real progress is being made collectively by all parts of the sector.  

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People, who chairs the Strategic Forum, said:

read more




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I Tried the Viral DIY Pool Noodle Decor Hack, and It Couldn't Be Easier

I’m definitely going to do this again! READ MORE...




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F&S weten niet of ze volgend jaar weer meedoen (NRC, do, 15-08-24)




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F&S volg je via: https://nrc.nl/rubriek/fokke-sukke/ (NRC, di, 10-09-24)




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F&S zijn te volgen (via https://vantol.substack.com) (NRC, di, 01-10-24)





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"An hour a day can be enough." Victor Piñeiro Gives Writing Advice and Discusses His MG Debut TIME VILLAINS

By Sara Truuvert

When your novel is deemed "the greatest idea for a book ever", you're probably on to something. That certainly seems to be the case for debut author Victor Piñeiro, whose novel Time Villains has garnered a starred review from Kirkus and a spot as an Amazon Best Book of the Month. The book promises time-hopping high jinx, historic and literary Easter eggs, and even some one-sentence Puerto Rican recipes.

Time Villains follows sandwich-obsessed Javi Santiago, who has to nail his homework assignment if he wants to pass sixth grade. The assignment seems simple enough: if you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be? Plus, Javi has his best friend Wiki and little sister Brady to help him. What could go wrong? Turns out, a lot! The trio accidentally uses an antique dining table to summon the dinner guests for real. Now, Blackbeard the Pirate is on the loose, and Javi, Wiki, and Brady must figure out how to send him back (perhaps with the help of other historical figures...). Time Villains is the first novel in a three-part series. It launched on July 6th, 2021 with Sourcebooks and is widely available to order

Victor Piñeiro is an author and a Creative Director at HBO Max. He has also done a multitude of other cool things, like teach, make documentaries, lead content/social strategies for Big Spaceship, YouTube, Hasbro, and Google, and answer these interview questions while caring for his two-week-old child. You can find out more about Victor on his website, Twitter, and Instagram

Q. A huge congratulations on your literary debut! Would you tell me a bit about your journey to publication?

A. Thank you! Being a published author has been the dream since I was a kid, so it’s been quite the journey! In my teens and twenties I couldn’t silence my inner critic long enough to write novels, so I turned to poetry and screenplays, writing and producing documentaries for a spell. I finally coaxed a book out in 2017 after writing daily on my (long) commute for three years. It was a very unconventional first book—the only kind I could coax out on my first try—so I shelved it and started working on Time Villains

Three drafts in I sent Time Villains to a bunch of agents, and after chatting with a few, a friend put me in touch with Elana Roth Parker. I feel so incredibly lucky to work with Elana—she saw the seed of something in my draft and we developed it into something far more compelling. When Annie Berger at Sourcebooks showed interest in the book, it felt like winning the lottery twice. Annie and the whole team have been the most incredible partners—thoroughly brilliant and a complete joy to work with. And here we are—the book just hit shelves this week and I’m not sure what to do with myself!

Q. Would you please introduce us to the novel’s hero, Javi Santiago? (I must know what level of dedication to sandwiches it takes to be classified as ‘sandwich-obsessed’!)

A. Javi’s an aspiring chef and sandwichéaste (think cinéaste but for sandwiches) who’ll do anything to pass sixth grade. He’s a zany kid with an overactive imagination and a penchant for asking deep questions about food (because what makes a sandwich a sandwich, really?). He peppers in one-sentence recipes throughout the book—some of Puerto Rico’s most delectable dishes, mixed in with his own recipes (like the Spanglish Sandwich aka The Spanglo Sando™). And while he’s fun and eccentric, underneath the silliness he’s a first generation Puerto Rican kid struggling with imposter syndrome as he tries to excel at something in his life. 

Q. You offer us such a hilarious dynamic between your protagonists – we have the almost-failing student, Javi, paired with his best friend, Wiki, the human Wikipedia/young professor (plus, Javi’s little sister, who wants to be the president’s bodyguard!). How did you land on this dynamic? Is it something you envisioned from the get-go?

A. The characters were floating around my head disparately but when I put them together I realized how fun their dynamic would be. 

I know a few folks who are so brilliant they seem weighed down by their intelligence—it’s made them world-weary. I thought that’d be really fun to capture in an extremely-precocious sixth grader. As I was coming up with the character I remembered a line in a hip hop song I love, “Catch me solving mysteries like Wikipedia Brown.” And that’s where Wiki’s name emerged and the character solidified in my head.

In terms of Brady, I knew I wanted a hot-headed sibling/partner to steal the spotlight and do much of the butt kicking because I love that dynamic in stories, going all the way back to Frodo and Sam. I also have a few friends with wild kid sister energy and they’re the life of any party, so I knew I wanted to bring that to the trio. 

Q. You had to develop a wide array of voices for this story, including kid Mozart, the Earl of Sandwich, and Blackbeard the Pirate. Was that a challenge? A joy? A spiralling research nightmare?

A. A spiralling research dream! This series gives me the best excuse to research my favorite folks in history and fiction, and it’s been a blast. I loved reading old texts on pirates, delving into the specifics of Mozart at age twelve and dusting off copies of old novels with iconic characters as I researched this book. And I knew nothing about the Earl of Sandwich before writing this, but how could Javi not invite him?

There was one aspect of research that was a bit frustrating. A big focus of this series is exploring characters more representative of the world’s history and fiction, because I’m hoping this book is ultimately a gateway to other books, characters and historical figures for kids to explore. Finding a wealth of information about some historical and mythological figures from other cultures was incredibly difficult. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I wasn’t prepared for it to be quite so challenging—which invigorated me to include more of them in the book!

Q. You have such lovely, concise, concrete writing advice available on your website. Is there any advice my-novel-is-getting-published Victor would give I’m-starting-to-write-a-novel Victor?

A. So much advice! I think there are a few super important things that would’ve had me writing novels decades ago, so I take any chance I can get to relay them to other aspiring/young writers.

1. An hour a day can be enough. I always thought I needed to quit my job and write eight hours a day to finish a novel, which held me back for years. Then I read a Murakami interview where he said he completed his first novel by writing an hour a day after work. In that moment I felt like the universe gave me permission to write mine. 

2. Lower the bar far lower than you’re comfortable with for that first draft. (No, lower!) There are passages in the first draft of my books that are barely intelligible, but I now know that’s okay. The first draft is about discovery and getting the story out of your head and onto the page. It’s far too early to be precious about anything. Just get it all out and see what you’ve got when you’re done.

3. Don’t dread rewriting—it’s far more fun than expected. Before writing my first book I was terrified of it, but it’s become one of my favorite aspects of writing. (Which is a good thing considering it’s 75-90% of what you do as a writer!) 

Q. Do you have any advice for young writers in general?

A. Absolutely. Besides everything I said above, read about writing and join online writing communities. Screenwriting books are great for story structure basics, Stephen King’s On Writing is great for process, Brandon Sanderson’s free writing course on YouTube is absolutely brilliant, Neil Gaiman and David Mamet’s Master Class courses are gold, and Reddit’s /r/writing is a fantastic place to learn alongside others in the trenches. I also love John Truby and Lisa Cron’s books. But maybe it’s best to start with this short Ira Glass video. Or this brilliant reflection on writing advice Chuck Wendig just wrote.

Q. Finally, I read that you used to be a documentary filmmaker and a blogger. What are some questions you would ask Blackbeard, if you met him?

A. It’d be one of those long interviews—the kind that take up the entire documentary and usually take the film crew multiple days to shoot—because I’d want to lead up to asking him how many people he actually killed. (Some historians say almost zero!) And I’d also want to ask him a lot of questions about Stede Bonnet, “The Gentleman Pirate” who was an equally fascinating and thoroughly hilarious character. He was rich, had a midlife crisis, became a pirate, and got thoroughly swindled by Blackbeard. (Side note: I was so happy when I heard the news that Taika Waititi would be creating a show about him!) Finally, I’d ask him to get battle ready. Before a skirmish Blackbeard would light fuses or small candles in his beard, since the smoke gave him a demonic appearance. It was his favorite scare tactic. I’d love to see it live!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Sara Truuvert completed her MLitt in Creative Writing at the University of St Andrews. She also holds a Certificate in Creative Writing from the Humber School for Writers and a BA in English, Drama, and the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Toronto. Her work has appeared in the Literary Review of Canada among other publications.

For more interviews, see the Inkygirl Interview Archive. Also see Advice For Young Writers and Illustrators, a compilation of tips generously offered by children's book creators Inkygirl.com has interviewed over the years.




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Can’t Get The Cozy Home Vibe? Here’s What You’re Missing

Have you ever stepped into a home and immediately felt that warm, welcoming atmosphere? It’s such a delightful experience, isn’t it? While IKEA offers lots of choices for cozy home decor, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, making it easy to choose pieces that don’t quite fit together. Your space may end up disjointed and cluttered, which is the opposite of the relaxing atmosphere you’re aiming for. And as if navigating the IKEA maze isn’t tricky enough, sifting through […]

The post Can’t Get The Cozy Home Vibe? Here’s What You’re Missing appeared first on IKEA Hackers.




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New FakeCall Malware Variant Hijacks Android Devices for Fraudulent Banking Calls

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new version of a well-known Android malware family dubbed FakeCall that employs voice phishing (aka vishing) techniques to trick users into parting with their personal information. "FakeCall is an extremely sophisticated Vishing attack that leverages malware to take almost complete control of the mobile device, including the interception of incoming




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The vCISO Academy: Transforming MSPs and MSSPs into Cybersecurity Powerhouses

We’ve all heard a million times: growing demand for robust cybersecurity in the face of rising cyber threats is undeniable. Globally small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks but often lack the resources for full-time Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). This gap is driving the rise of the virtual CISO (vCISO) model, offering a cost-effective




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Why are some viruses harmless and others deadly? A.J. te Velthuis is on the case.

The Princeton microbiologist has also created a non-infectious version of the COVID-19 virus that researchers can study safely.





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Songs About Flowers: Exploring The Vast Melodic Garden

Within the vast musical landscape, songs dedicated to flowers have blossomed as lyrical tributes to the natural wonders that captivate and inspire. The countless compositions celebrating the beauty and symbolism of flowers highlight their enduring allure and universal appeal. In this article, we embark on a detailed exploration of the world of songs about flowers, ... Read more

The post Songs About Flowers: Exploring The Vast Melodic Garden appeared first on Star Two.




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The Vienna Dioscurides

The Vienna Dioscurides is an early 6th-century copy of De Materia Medica, a manuscript first created by the ancient Greek physician and pharmacologist Dioscurides. A precursor to all modern pharmacopeias, it remained in practical use until about 1600. The Vienna Dioscurides contains more than 400 pictures of animals and plants and is the earliest known manuscript to use a solid gold background. It is also the oldest surviving illustrated treatise on what type of animal?




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Automate posting to anywhere via webhooks

Not so long ago, RSS Ground became “compatible” with automation platforms such as Zapier, IFTTT, and Pabbly Connect. You can use RSS Ground Posting Campaigns and Personal Feeds as “triggers,” and utilize Personal Feeds as “actions.” But many of our customers have been inquiring about compatibility with other automation platforms or even their proprietary software, […]

The post Automate posting to anywhere via webhooks appeared first on RSSground.com.




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Video: This is Home with Brage Vestavik



The Viking at home where his journey to the forefront of freeriding all began.
( Photos: 48, Comments: 6 )




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While votes are counted, we look at how counting is used in movies

The process of counting ballots has stressed out a lot of people this week. NPR's movie critic says he's been distracting himself from the election with cinematic counting.






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Why Chania, Greece Should Be Your Next Paradise Vacation Destination

Situated on the northwest coast of the picturesque island of Crete, Chania stands as a testament to a vibrant mix of cultures that have left their mark over the millennia Breathtaking, famous for rich historical fabrics and the warm hospitality of his people is not appropriate to the destination; It’s an experience waiting to be discovered. This blog post will be your gateway to why Chania, Greece is the paradise you have been searching for. What sets Chania apart? A mixture of histories The streets of Chania speak of the past, whispering stories of Venice, the Ottomans and the Egyptian conquerors, each of whom left behind them a piece of its culture, architecture and spirit and through this blend of influences no Chania becomes a living canvas with so much history and beauty. The Old Port of Venice, with its magnificent lighthouse, stands as a symbol of Chania’s enduring heritage, inviting visitors to walk and marvel at the texts carved into its ancient stones. Unsurpassed natural beauty From tranquil beaches with crystal-clear waters to majestic white mountains in the background, Chania offers natural landscapes as diverse as stunning with stunning white and pink sands like Balos The Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach are not heavenly. For adventure enthusiasts, the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest canyons in Europe, is both a challenge and a reward of unparalleled panoramic views Elegant Gastronomic Delights Chania’s cuisine is typical of Crete’s many dishes. With a culinary tradition that emphasizes innovation and local ingredients, Chania offers a quality and divine culinary experience. Olive oil, wild herbs, fresh herbs and catch of the day feature prominently, delivering authenticity. The heart of Chania: its people Perhaps, though, what really sets Chania apart is the kindness and hospitality of its people. Guests are welcomed with open arms and treated as part of the family, making every experience in Chania feel personal and authentic. Whether it’s through shared meals, guided tours or casual conversation, Chanias make sure you take a piece of their heart with you when you leave Why choose Chania for your next vacation Chania, a picturesque town on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, captures the heart of every traveler with its breathtaking beauty, rich history and crystal clear beaches If you want to relax, you relax or go deeper into history, Chania has something special in store for you. Pristine Beaches Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach Balos Lagoon: Nestled between the Gramvousa Peninsula and the coast of Crete, Balos Lagoon is famed for its wild natural beauty, exotic turquoise waters, and fine white sand. This beach is accessible by boat or a short hike, offering stunning views that are worth the journey. Elafonissi Beach: Known for its unique pink sand, Elafonissi Beach is located on the southwestern tip of Crete. The beach is a protected nature reserve, providing shallow crystal-clear waters perfect for families. The island opposite the beach is accessible by foot through shallow water, revealing rare plant species and an environment unspoiled by human activity. These beaches are not just places to sunbathe and swim; they are destinations where nature’s artistry is on full display, featuring: Crystal-clear blue waters Exotic landscapes Unique natural environments Rich History and Culture Chania is a city soaked in history, with its roots stretching back to ancient civilizations. Walking through Chania is akin to traversing through time, with each step uncovering a new layer of its past. Overview of Chania’s History From the Minoan civilization to Byzantine times, followed by Venetian, Ottoman, and Egyptian influence, Chania is a living museum showcasing the rich tapestry of human history. This diverse historical influence has shaped the city’s architecture, culture, and traditions, making it a fascinating place to explore. Historical Sites The Old Venetian Harbor: The heart of Chania, this harbor is lined with historic buildings, bustling cafes, and quaint shops. The striking lighthouse, built by the Venetians and reconstructed by the Egyptians, is one of the most iconic images of Chania. The Ancient Ruins of Aptera: Located a few kilometers outside of Chania, the ancient city of Aptera presents a captivating site with ruins dating back to the Minoan era. Visitors can explore ancient temples, Roman baths, and impressive fortifications that offer a glimpse into the past. Exquisite Cuisine Step into Chania, and you’ll be welcomed with a feast not just for the eyes, but for the palate too. Cretan cuisine is a journey of taste, freshness, and tradition. Local Specialties: Dakos: A rustic appetizer featuring barley rusk topped with crushed tomato, mizithra cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Moussaka: A rich casserole layered with potatoes, eggplant, minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Kalitsounia: Sweet or savory cheese pies unique to the region. Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: Rich in olive oil, legumes, and fresh produce, the Cretan diet is renowned for its health-promoting qualities. Dishes like Greek Salad and Grilled Seafood provide nutrients and antioxidants linked to longevity. Where to Find Local Cuisine: Tavernas in the Old Harbor serve fresh, local dishes with scenic views. Street vendors and local bakeries offer quick, delicious bites. Breathtaking Landscapes Chania’s dramatic landscapes invite both awe and adventure. Mountains and Gorges: The White Mountains: A towering range that gives you hiking trails and caves to explore. Samaria Gorge: A 16 km trek through a World Biosphere Reserve. Outdoor Activities: Guided treks are available for all levels of hikers. Boat trips allow you to appreciate the coastline from the water. Local Hospitality and Authentic Experiences The warmth of Chania’s people makes every moment spent here feel genuinely welcoming. Warm Hospitality Offered by Locals: Visitors are often greeted with a heartfelt “Kalimera” (good morning) and a smile. Many locals are eager to share stories or help guide you to the best spots. Immersive Experiences: Traditional Cretan Nights: Enjoy vibrant folk music and dancing. Local Markets: Visit the Agora (central market) to buy local honey, cheeses, and herbs. Planning Your Trip to Chania Nestled on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, Chania is a captivating blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Planning your trip requires thoughtful consideration of when to visit, where to stay, how to navigate the city, and what experiences you shouldn’t miss. Best Time to Visit Analyzing Chania’s Weather Patterns: Spring (April to June): The weather starts warming up, making it ideal for outdoor activities without the summer crowds. Summer (July to August): Peak season with sunny days perfect for beach outings, but expect higher prices and more tourists. Autumn (September to October): Warm and less crowded. The sea remains warm enough for swimming. Winter (November to March): Cooler temperatures and occasional rain, suitable for those seeking tranquility and interested in exploring Chania’s cultural sites. Accommodations Chania offers a breadth of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Overview of Accommodation Options: Luxury Resorts: Beachfront properties providing exclusive amenities and breathtaking views. Boutique Hotels: Nestled in the Old Town, offering unique charm and close proximity to historical sites. Budget-Friendly Stays: Hostels and guesthouses that don’t compromise on comfort and provide excellent value. Getting Around Navigating Chania and its surrounding areas can be both fun and convenient. Tips on Navigating Chania: Public Transport: City buses are reliable for local travel. For adventures beyond the city, consider the KTEL buses that connect Chania to other parts of Crete. Car Rental: Offers the freedom to explore remote beaches and mountain villages at your pace. International driving permits are usually required for visitors. Must-Have Experiences Chania brims with activities and sights that cater to all interests. Curated List of Not-to-Miss Experiences: Old Venetian Harbor: Stroll around and enjoy the sunset views. Samaria Gorge: A challenging but rewarding hike offering stunning natural landscapes. Beaches: Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach are must-visits for beach lovers. Cretan Cuisine Tasting: Explore local tavernas for an authentic taste of Crete. conclusion Chania, with its perfect blend of climate, accommodation options, easy navigation and unique experiences, promises a memorable getaway. Chania is not just another holiday destination; It’s a place where every corner holds a story, every meal a celebration, every moment like heaven. Whether you’re wandering its cobblestone streets, sunbathing on its pristine beaches, or exploring its rich cultural heritage, Chania invites you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history and warmth is not just a place to visit; There is a world to experience. Make Chania your next holiday destination and discover a paradise that captures your heart.

The post Why Chania, Greece Should Be Your Next Paradise Vacation Destination appeared first on Geeky Traveller.




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'Disclaimer' | Crítica: Cate Blanchett brilha em suspense de vingança 'envolvente'

Cate Blanchett intepreta Catherine Ravenscroft, uma famosa jornalista investigativa que recebe anonimamente um romance no qual ela é, indiscutivelmente, a personagem central




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3 caminhos para anistiar Bolsonaro — e como STF pode ser 'pedra no sapato' nos seus planos de voltar ao poder

O ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro e seus aliados políticos tentam reverter a inelegibilidade até 2030 imposta pela Justiça eleitoral com recursos e tentativas de mudar a legislação.




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Air Force veteran Anna Luna runs Charlie Crist

Air Force veteran and former Turning Point USA spokesperson Anna Paulina Luna has just announced she is running for the U.S. Congress against Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist in Florida’s 13th congressional district.

The post Air Force veteran Anna Luna runs Charlie Crist appeared first on Shark Tank.




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‘A Lot Of People Are Very Angry’: Chris Matthews Unloads On Dems Over ‘Open Border’ Policy After Harris Loss

By Jason Cohen Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews on Wednesday criticized Democrats for their “open border” policy following Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to former President Donald Trump. Trump clinched the required 270 electoral votes early Wednesday, winning Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, according to multiple forecasters. Matthews, on “Morning Joe,” argued that Democrats’ lenient […]

The post ‘A Lot Of People Are Very Angry’: Chris Matthews Unloads On Dems Over ‘Open Border’ Policy After Harris Loss appeared first on Liberty Unyielding.




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Two major reforms can improve the VA

(Official Washington Examiner editorial, Nov. 11)  Year after year, presidential administration after administration, people across the political spectrum agree that U.S. military veterans deserve better treatment. Alas, despite genuinely good […]

The post Two major reforms can improve the VA appeared first on Quin Hillyer.




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How are the vaping rules changing?

Marketing rules will be stricter, nicotine vapes will be taxed and disposable vapes will be banned.




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My pilgrimage to the vanishing Sphinx snow patch

The Sphinx, a patch of snow thought to be the longest-lasting in the UK, has melted for the fourth consecutive year.




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FA launches investigation into Coote video

The Football Association launches its own investigation into the video that appears to show Premier League referee David Coote using foul language to describe former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.