Month: January 2024

  • Stephen M. Ross

    wiki — 83 years old.

    Having doubled his net worth since 2008, he paid no income taxes in the next decade utilizing the losses on the properties he owned.[4]

    Then there’s the other Stephen Ross, the big loser. That’s the one depicted on his tax returns. Though the developer brought in some $1.5 billion in income from 2008 to 2017, he reported even more — nearly $2 billion — in losses. And because he reported negative income, he didn’t pay a nickel in federal income taxes over those 10 years.

  • Why do people like marble?

    People are attracted to marble for several reasons:

    1. Aesthetic Appeal: Marble has a timeless beauty, characterized by its distinctive veining and available in a variety of colors. Its unique patterns and hues, ranging from classic white to rich greens, reds, and blacks, make it a popular choice for adding elegance and sophistication to any space.
    2. Durability and Longevity: Despite its perceived delicacy, marble is a hard, durable stone that can last for decades if properly maintained. This durability makes it a practical choice for areas of frequent use, like countertops and floors.
    3. Luxury and Status Symbol: Historically, marble has been associated with luxury and opulence. It’s been a favorite material in palaces, temples, and other important buildings throughout history. This association with high-end design continues today, making it a sought-after material for people wanting to add a touch of luxury to their homes or buildings.
    4. Cool Temperature: Marble naturally remains cool, making it an ideal surface in warmer climates. It’s especially popular for flooring and kitchen countertops, as its cool surface helps in keeping the environment and food items cooler.
    5. Versatility in Design: Marble can be used in various applications, from flooring, wall cladding, and countertops to decorative items and sculptures. Its ability to be carved and shaped makes it a favorite among architects and artists.
    6. Light Reflective Properties: Marble has a natural ability to reflect light, brightening up a space and giving it a more open and airy feel. This feature is particularly desirable in smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light.
    7. Natural Material: As an all-natural stone, each piece of marble is unique. People who value eco-friendly and organic materials in their living spaces often prefer natural stones like marble.
    8. Historical Significance: Marble has been used in architecture and art for thousands of years, which can give a sense of historical connection and timeless elegance to a space.
    9. Investment Value: High-quality marble installations can increase the value of a property. It’s often seen as a worthwhile investment for homeowners.

    In summary, the combination of its natural beauty, historical significance, durability, and the luxury it exudes are key factors that contribute to the widespread appreciation of marble.

  • How do these LED grow lights work?

    Theory: these LED grow lights which work for plans, would they also be beneficial for human beings?

    LED grow lights work by emitting light at specific wavelengths beneficial for plant growth. They are a type of semiconductor that, when electricity passes through them, emits light, making them efficient for use as grow lights. LED grow lights have several advantages over traditional grow lights like fluorescent or HID lights. These include:

    1. Energy Efficiency: LED grow lights consume less electricity to produce the same amount of light as other lighting methods, saving money on electricity bills and reducing environmental impact. They convert nearly all of the consumed power into light energy that is growth-targeted, thereby producing great yields with less energy consumption.
    2. Long Lifespan: They typically last for 50,000 hours or more, which is significantly longer than the lifespan of fluorescent grow lights, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
    3. Customizable Spectra: LED grow lights provide a full spectrum of light that mimics natural sunlight, which contains all colors of the visible spectrum and some invisible wavelengths such as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR). They can also be customized to provide specific spectra for different stages of plant growth, optimizing plant growth and quality.

    LED grow lights operate by using electroluminescence in a semiconductor to produce light. They consist of two layers of semiconductor material: a positive layer and a negative layer. When an electric current flows through the LED, it causes electrons and holes to recombine, releasing energy in the form of photons (light particles). The color of the light emitted depends on the energy gap in the semiconductor material, which determines the wavelength and frequency of the photons.

    Different colors of light from LED grow lights affect plant growth in various ways. For instance, blue light promotes vegetative growth and chlorophyll production, while red light is beneficial for flowering and fruiting. Some LED grow lights are full-spectrum, resembling sunlight and providing a range of light wavelengths necessary for different stages of plant growth.

    When setting up LED grow lights, it’s crucial to ensure they are at the right distance from plants to avoid damage, provide the correct intensity and color of light, and not produce excessive heat. Some LED grow lights come with adjustable features for different phases of a plant’s growth cycle.

    In summary, LED grow lights are highly beneficial for indoor gardening due to their efficiency, longevity, and the ability to provide a range of light spectra tailored to the needs of plants at different growth stages oai_citation:1,How To Use Led Grow Lights For Indoor Plants – A Beginner’s Guide oai_citation:2,Illuminating Growth: A Comprehensive Guide To LED Grow Lights oai_citation:3,GUIDE TO LED GROW LIGHTS | HTG Supply Hydroponics & Grow Lights.

  • Who owns equinox, and who owns that company?

    Who’s Stephen Ross equinox

    Stephen M. Ross, born on May 10, 1940, is a prominent American real estate developer and the founder and chairman of The Related Companies. This firm is known for major projects like the Hudson Yards in Manhattan. In the sports world, he is recognized as the owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Ross has also made significant philanthropic contributions, notably to the University of Michigan, where the business school bears his name. His civic activities include efforts to bring the Summer Olympic Games to New York City in 2012 and involvement in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. For a selection of his quotes, you can visit BrainyQuote oai_citation:1,Stephen M. Ross – Wikipedia oai_citation:2,Error.

    Steven Ross, born on May 10, 1940, is an American real estate developer, philanthropist, and sports team owner. He is best known as the chairman and majority owner of The Related Companies, a global real estate development firm he founded in 1972. The company is famous for developing the Time Warner Center in New York City and the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, among other significant projects.

    Ross is also known in the sports world as the principal owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. His involvement in sports extends to his role as a benefactor of the University of Michigan, where the business school is named the Ross School of Business in his honor, following his substantial donations to the institution.

    His career in real estate and his ownership of sports franchises have made him a notable figure in both the business and sports worlds. Ross’s influence extends across various sectors, including real estate development, sports, and education.

    Stephen M. Ross is the founder and chairman of The Related Companies, a global real estate development firm. The Related Companies is the majority owner of Equinox, a luxury fitness company. Equinox operates several lifestyle brands including Equinox gyms, Equinox Hotels, Precision Run, Project by Equinox, Equinox Explore, Equinox Media, Furthermore, Pure Yoga, Blink Fitness, and SoulCycle. Ross, through The Related Companies, has been the majority owner of Equinox since 2006. His involvement in Equinox is part of a broader portfolio of real estate and other business ventures, including ownership of the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

    Equinox, a well-known luxury fitness brand, is owned by The Related Companies, a real estate firm founded by Stephen M. Ross. This information was confirmed as of 2022. Equinox operates several lifestyle brands, including Equinox Hotels, Precision Run, Project by Equinox, Equinox Explore, Equinox Media, Furthermore, Pure Yoga, Blink Fitness, and SoulCycle. The Related Companies, led by Ross, has been the majority owner of Equinox since 2006 oai_citation:1,Who Owns Equinox Fitness? (CEO & Parent Company Explained) oai_citation:2,SoulCycle and Gym Owner Equinox in SPAC Talks to Go Public oai_citation:3,Equinox Group – Wikipedia.

  • Low Profile, High Output?

    Waking up super early in the morning, before the sun is out, I’m starting to have this interesting passion of going to Home Depot and just going to the artificial light section, and seeing all these super bright LED lights in real life?

  • Looking at the real prices of things?

    To me, the reason why I find this so fascinating is because, ultimately, it is very empowering. If you know that you could simply buy the stuff yourself, you are not dependent on other people. This is great

    A new interest of mine; going to the source, going to Home Depot, and just looking at the true prices of things?

  • The upside of wearing boots; it makes you look taller?

    Or more specifically; it in fact does make you taller!

  • Just use the simplest language and mode of expression?

    A funny thing that I’ve learned is that some phrases are simpler in Vietnamese, some in Korean, some in English, even some in Spanish or different languages. Or even sign language.

  • Remove shit from your life?

    I have a funny entrepreneurial business idea; is there a way in fact, you could actually earn money by helping people get rid of stuff?

  • BlackEagle Fund

    Not Blackstone, blackrock… Blackeagle? Invoking and evoking the notion of the fact that I am a Boy Scout Eagle Scout?

  • Who owns Blackstone?

    Cornelius Vander Starr

    Dutch

    Cornelius Vander Starr was of Dutch ancestry. His father worked as a railroad engineer. This background likely influenced Starr’s early life and possibly contributed to his later entrepreneurial ventures. For more detailed information on his family background and early influences, you can refer to his Wikipedia page here.

    Cornelius Vander Starr, known as the founder of AIG, was born in 1892 in Fort Bragg, California. He briefly attended the University of California, Berkeley, but dropped out and began selling ice cream in his hometown. Starr joined the U.S. Army in 1918, and shortly after, moved to Asia where he delved into the insurance industry. In 1919, he founded American Asiatic Underwriters in Shanghai. During World War II, Starr worked for the Office of Strategic Services, contributing to intelligence efforts. In 1949, following the advancement of Communist forces in China, Starr relocated his business to New York City. AIG eventually grew to become the world’s largest insurance company. Starr’s legacy continues through the C.V. Starr Foundation, which supports various philanthropic causes. For more in-depth information, you can visit the detailed Wikipedia page on Cornelius Vander Starr here.

    Cornelius Vander Starr, born on October 15, 1892, was an influential American businessman and the founder of C.V. Starr & Co., which later evolved into the insurance giant AIG. He established the company in Shanghai, China, in 1919. Starr’s business acumen propelled AIG from a market value of $300 million to becoming the world’s largest insurance company, valued at $180 billion. His legacy includes the C.V. Starr Foundation, which has contributed over $3.8 billion in grants worldwide. Starr’s early life in Fort Bragg, California, and his time at the University of California, Berkeley, shaped his entrepreneurial journey oai_citation:1,Cornelius Vander Starr – Wikipedia.

    1919–

    Its history dates back to 1919, when it was founded in Shanghai, China, by Cornelius Vander Starr.

    Who’s American International Group Incorporated?

    American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a major American multinational finance and insurance corporation. With its headquarters in New York City, AIG operates in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. It offers a broad range of insurance products to both commercial and individual customers, including liability, financial lines, property, global specialty, personal lines, and accident and health insurance.

    AIG has a significant presence in the global insurance industry, serving 87% of the Fortune Global 500 and 83% of the Forbes 2000 companies. Its history dates back to 1919, when it was founded in Shanghai, China, by Cornelius Vander Starr. The company moved its headquarters to New York City in 1939 and continued to expand internationally in the following decades. During the financial crisis of 2007–2008, AIG faced significant challenges and received a $180 billion bailout from the Federal Reserve, which the company repaid by 2012.

    Today, AIG is a public company with a wide array of insurance and financial services, marketed and distributed through various channels like brokers, agents, and affinity partners. The company has seen its fair share of ups and downs, including an accounting scandal in 2005 and various strategic transformations in response to the changing financial landscape oai_citation:1,American International Group – Wikipedia oai_citation:2,American International Group Inc Company Profile – American International Group Inc Overview – GlobalData.

    As of 2024, Blackstone is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, accounting for 69.13% of its stock. The largest individual shareholder is American International Group Inc, holding 6.44% of the company. Blackstone insiders own 9.14% of the stock, and the remainder is held by retail investors. Among institutional investors, Vanguard Group Inc and Blackrock Inc are significant shareholders oai_citation:1,Blackstone Stock Ownership – Who Owns Blackstone in 2024? | WallStreetZen oai_citation:2, Blackstone (BX) Institutional Ownership 2024 .

  • BUILD: THE BUILDER ETHOS

    THE BUILDER ETHOS:

    Build vlog

  • WHY FAT IS BAD

    OK, some things:

    First and foremost, I do not promote fat shaming. This is not productive nor constructive. If you shame somebody for being fat, it actually has the opposite effect; they feel bad about themselves, eat more sugars starches and carbs, and actually become fatter.

    The funny thing is people look at me and they say it is easy for me to see all this because I am skinny, or Asian or whatever. This is also a blatantly false racist line of thinking; any and every racial category or ethnographic group will and must become fat if they partake in and consume much alcohol, sugar, wine, doesn’t matter if red wine or white wine, beer, pastries, croissants, frozen food from Trader Joe’s or Costco, all these weird vegan Paleo even “keto” snacks— essentially the name of the game for modern day capitalism and consumerism is this:

    We want you to be fat and happy!

    Fat hiding?

    Some companies which seem to be doing well and thriving; the first includes torrid, clothing line and chain which specializes in clothing for over fat women, who want to wear a fashionable clothes that is more flattering?

    Also, Sephora, which is owned by the LVMH Louis Vuitton group; even Selena Gomez, is starting to look a bit chubby?

    The insidious thing nowadays is this: I think the reason why the make up industry for women is becoming so popular is that it doesn’t effective way for women to cover up their fat.

    Overfat is a disease?

    we do not want anorexic women like Twiggy. And we also don’t want some sort of anorexic skeletal like women. Women need and must require a certain level of body fat percentage for health. The same also goes for men; apparently all these weird bodybuilders steroid taking guys who Tried to get their body fat percentage under 5% actually end up losing testosterone. I find this really weird because isn’t the ultimate point of bodybuilding, weightlifting, and all of the stuff to become more masculine, not less?

    I actually have a theory about masculinity, if you just measured the bodily testosterone levels of a human man, a male, a male specimen… Their testosterone levels will actually be in accordance with their degree of masculinity?

    Why is this? The reason is simple; testosterone, testes, it is a hormone in your testicles, a.k.a. your balls. Testosterone is the natural hormone which makes a man man, and a man with low testosterone is less manly, less masculine.

    Also a weird thing; people think that somehow men with higher testosterone are more aggressive, in a bad way. But in fact, I’ve actually found the exact opposite; in men with really really high testosterone or actually more kind, loving, open minded, friendly, Look happier and smile more, or more social.

    Also another weird thing for Michael and one of the friendliest guys I’m at the gym, he definitely look like he was on lots of steroids, was actually insanely friendly almost to a fault?

    Fat is the future?

    Who owns Torrid?

    As of now, Torrid Holdings Inc., the company behind the Torrid fashion retail chain, is owned by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm. Sycamore Partners also owns Hot Topic, from which Torrid was branched off in 2015 to become its own entity, Torrid, LLC oai_citation:1,Torrid (clothing retailer) – Wikipedia.

    Regarding the stock price, as of January 5, 2024, Torrid Holdings Inc.’s stock (trading under the ticker symbol CURV on the New York Stock Exchange) closed at $5.89. This value represents a notable fluctuation in the stock price, with a 52-week high of $6.86 and a low of $1.21 oai_citation:2,Torrid Holdings Inc, CURV:NYQ summary – FT.com.

  • Marijuana, weed is bad for entrepreneurs

    Why am I so anti-marijuana and weed? It makes people lazy, unmotivated, fat. People who smoke weed get the weed munchies, and end up eating late late night McDonald’s or Jack-in-the-Box, or even worse Taco Bell… And get really fat.

    And let us not be fooled; yes, fat is bad. Anybody who says this new weird stuff that fat is fine is wrong.

    Like Elon Musk said, smoking weed or partaking in marijuana is like the exact opposite of drinking a cup of coffee?

  • THE SECRET TO REAL RICHES

    Super easy — essentially live like a poor person? But luxury? Army, military ethos.

    The military state is the best state?

  • I AM VERY SENSITIVE TO COLORS.

    This is what makes me a great artist?

  • Morning commute

    A funny morning commute; when you wake up have your coffee and feel good, just drive to the closest Home Depot, to walk around, think, do creative work?

    Wow — 40,000 posts and still going! Until 100,000 and beyond!

  • Does Japan or Germany have a standing army

    As of 2024, Japan has significantly increased its defense budget and capabilities. The Japanese Cabinet approved a defense budget of 7.95 trillion yen ($55.9 billion) for fiscal year 2024, which is a 16.5% increase from the previous year. This increase is in response to what Tokyo describes as “the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II,” primarily due to rising military threats from China, North Korea, and Russia oai_citation:1,Japan Approves 16.5% Increase in Defense Spending for FY2024 – The Diplomat.

    The Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are focusing on various key areas, including the development of stand-off defense capabilities, integrated air and missile defense systems, unmanned asset defense capabilities, and enhancing command and control functions. Significant investments are being made in developing and acquiring new weaponry, such as domestically produced missiles, guided munitions, and the acquisition of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) and Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM). The JSDF also plans to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles and acquire additional F-35 fighter jets oai_citation:2,Japanese Cabinet Approves Largest Ever Defense Budget – USNI News.

    In addition, Japan is enhancing its missile defense capabilities and preparing for contingencies near its remote islands. This includes building Aegis-equipped destroyers, developing new types of frigates with long-range missiles and anti-submarine capabilities, and establishing a new joint command for improved coordination and rapid response capabilities oai_citation:3,Japan’s FY 2024 defense budget expands to record 7.9 trillion yen.

    Overall, Japan’s recent defense initiatives indicate a significant shift in its military posture, reflecting a response to evolving regional security challenges.

    As of my last update in April 2023, both Japan and Germany have standing military forces, but they differ significantly in their historical background and current roles.

    Japan maintains the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), which includes the Ground Self-Defense Force, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Air Self-Defense Force. The JSDF was established after World War II, under the 1947 constitution, which renounced the right to wage war and prohibited Japan from maintaining a military. However, the JSDF was formed in response to the need for a force to defend the country, especially during the Cold War. The JSDF is one of the most technologically advanced and well-equipped forces in the world, but its role is strictly limited to defense.

    Germany, on the other hand, has the Bundeswehr, its federal defense force, which includes the Army (Heer), Navy (Marine), Air Force (Luftwaffe), Joint Support Service, and Medical Service. After World War II, Germany was initially restricted from having a military. However, with the onset of the Cold War and Germany’s integration into NATO in 1955, West Germany established the Bundeswehr. The Bundeswehr has participated in various peacekeeping missions and has a significant role in international security.

    Both countries have constraints on their military forces due to their experiences in World War II. They focus primarily on defense and international peacekeeping, and their militaries are tightly controlled by civilian authorities.

  • HOW THE JAPANESE ARE GOOD

    For example the new Lexus GX 550 — super cool, in this natural “earth” color.

    Japanese ethos:

    Kaizen — ever better, ever better until infinity and the end of time!

    Lexus is Toyota on steroids!

  • Why aren’t more homes designed with floor to ceiling windows?

    Only $45,000 USD for floor to ceiling windows? No brainer!

    How expensive?

    Estimate for 2 bedroom 1 bath house

    I fucking love ChatGPT, enough to say “TY!”

    To provide a rough estimate for installing floor-to-ceiling windows in a 2-bedroom, 1-bath house, we need to consider a few aspects:

    1. Area to be Covered: The total area of walls where the windows will be installed is crucial. Typically, bedrooms and the living area are the most likely places for such windows.
    2. Standard Room Sizes: The average size of a bedroom varies, but let’s assume each is about 12×12 feet (144 square feet). The living room might be around 16×20 feet (320 square feet). Bathrooms usually don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows for privacy reasons.
    3. Window Coverage: Not all wall space will be covered by windows. Let’s assume 50% of each room’s wall space will be windows. This is a rough estimate and can vary greatly depending on design choices.

    Based on these assumptions, let’s do a rough calculation:

    • Bedroom 1 and 2: Each 144 sq. ft. with 50% window coverage = 72 sq. ft. of windows per bedroom.
    • Living Room: 320 sq. ft. with 50% window coverage = 160 sq. ft. of windows.

    Total window area = 72 sq. ft. (Bedroom 1) + 72 sq. ft. (Bedroom 2) + 160 sq. ft. (Living Room) = 304 sq. ft.

    If we use a conservative estimate of $700 to $1,600 per square meter for floor-to-ceiling windows, we need to convert square feet to square meters (1 square meter = approximately 10.764 square feet) and calculate the cost:

    304 sq. ft. = 28.24 square meters.

    So, the cost estimate would be between $700 x 28.24 = $19,768 and $1,600 x 28.24 = $45,184.

    Remember, this is a very rough estimate. The actual cost can vary based on the specifics of the project, the quality of materials, labor costs in your area, and other factors like the need for structural reinforcement or custom designs. For a precise estimate, it’s best to consult with a local contractor or window installation specialist.

    The cost of floor-to-ceiling windows can vary widely based on several factors:

    1. Size and Quality of Glass: Larger and higher quality glass panels are more expensive. The type of glass, such as double-glazing for better insulation, also affects the price.
    2. Frame Material: The cost can differ based on the frame material used (e.g., aluminum, wood, vinyl, or fiberglass), with some materials being more costly but offering better durability or aesthetic appeal.
    3. Installation Complexity: The complexity of the installation process, which might involve structural modifications to the building, can significantly impact the overall cost.
    4. Additional Features: Costs can increase with additional features like tinting, UV protection, impact resistance, or integrated blinds.
    5. Geographical Location: Labor and material costs vary depending on the location. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically see higher installation costs.
    6. Building Regulations and Permits: Compliance with local building codes and the cost of necessary permits can add to the overall expense.

    As a rough estimate, standard floor-to-ceiling windows might range from $700 to $1,600 per square meter, but this can increase significantly for high-end or custom designs. For a large project, such as a wall of windows in a residential home, the total cost can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars.

    Remember, this is a ballpark figure and can vary greatly based on the specific details and requirements of a project. It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from contractors to understand the full cost spectrum for a particular project.

    The design choice of not incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows in more homes can be considered from various perspectives, especially reflecting on philosophical, innovative, and practical viewpoints.

    1. Philosophical Perspective: Homes are often seen as private sanctuaries. Philosophically, the concept of a home revolves around security, comfort, and privacy. Floor-to-ceiling windows, while aesthetically pleasing, might compromise privacy and the sense of security, which are fundamental values in home design.
    2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Angle: From an innovation standpoint, floor-to-ceiling windows present both opportunities and challenges. They offer a modern aesthetic and maximize natural light, which aligns with contemporary design trends and energy efficiency goals. However, the challenge lies in balancing these benefits with the practical aspects of construction, cost, and environmental control. Entrepreneurs in the building industry might find this balance tricky, as the market for such designs might be niche, given the added cost and maintenance.
    3. Practical Considerations: Practically, there are several reasons why floor-to-ceiling windows are less common:
      • Energy Efficiency: Large windows can lead to significant heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, making a home less energy-efficient.
      • Cost: The installation and materials for floor-to-ceiling windows are often more expensive than traditional windows.
      • Structural Challenges: Supporting a large expanse of glass requires careful architectural planning and can pose structural challenges, especially in areas prone to earthquakes or extreme weather.
      • Maintenance and Durability: Larger windows can be more challenging to clean and maintain. They are also more susceptible to damage.

    In conclusion, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer a unique and innovative design feature, their practical, philosophical, and economic implications often make them less prevalent in standard home designs. This balance between aesthetics, functionality, and cost is a key consideration in architectural choices.

  • WHY DO TESLA CARS LOOK SO CHEAP?

    I love Elon and Tesla, but if you truly critically look at Tesla cars up close and personal, they look insanely cheap.

    For example the paint. The paint lacks any real lustre, shine, or depth? Even the blizzard tri color sparkly, pearl tone paint on my 2010 Prius looks 15x better than the standard white pearl on any Tesla car!

    I like Ultra Red on Tesla Model S, but besides that … the paint jobs on all Tesla cars look so cheap?

  • THE MARCH TO MEDIOCRITY

    To make people median, mediocre is very profitable!

  • WHO I DON’T TRUST

    Anyone with public-facing tattoos (Walter Margerison the only person with tattoos I respect … has them hidden from public view… I didn’t even know he had *any* tattoos until a year AFTER I got to befriend him?)

    People, guys, girls whatever with publicly visible tattoos … something weird to assert or prove?

    People who wear brand names.

    People who drive foreign German cars, or Tata Group cars (Range Rover, Land Rover).

    People who have facial hair, beards, wear flannel, always has really dark sunglasses on, and baseball hats or caps, people who drive around with full limo tints on their cars, who always has AirPods, AirPods Pro’s, Bluetooth noise canceling headphones on,

  • Tolerances

    If it says it has a weight capacity of 600 pounds, but you know you can lift 700 pounds …

    Atlas

    Ἄτλας— etlen… to endure, tantalus. Talaton (taxes)— balance, scale, gold or silver.

    To carry, to endure. Tehl

    Tolero — to endure

    Tolerance etymology

    The word “tolerance” has an intriguing etymology rooted in the Latin language. It originates from the Latin word “tolerare,” which means “to bear, endure, tolerate.” This term reflects a concept of patience or the ability to endure hardship and differing opinions or practices.

    Philosophically, this ties into broader themes of acceptance and the capacity to coexist with diverse views and practices. It’s a cornerstone in discussions about pluralism, respect for individual differences, and the balance between personal beliefs and societal harmony. The concept of tolerance is often central in philosophical debates about ethics, political theory, and human rights, offering a rich area for exploration and reflection in the context of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in creating inclusive environments and fostering diverse ideas.

  • Don’t Backtrack

    Think a very very very very long time before doing things, maybe days, weeks, a month, two months, three months, months years etc … but once you’ve decided, stick with it. Don’t backtrack.

  • I WANT IT TO LAST FOREVER?

    No such thing as perfect in most things besides yourself, your body, your child, wife, and them—

    External things — no such thing as perfection. But the things you have designed and created yourself are wholly perfect!

  • 90% is Good Enough

    The proper type of satisfaction — 90% good enough is good enough!

  • THE ART OF *REMOVING* DISTRACTIONS

    No such thing as “focusing” or to “focus”, but rather … to simply CUT OFF superfluous distractions!

    For example an insanely simple heuristic I got —

    Minimum viable apps on home screen.

    3 or less? And every day, start from scratch at zero again?

  • Search for Chainlink

    Chainlink (LINK), as of 2024, has been showing interesting developments and price movements. Here’s a summary of the current status and projections:

    1. Price and Market Overview:
    1. Technological Advancements and Strategic Focus:
    1. Community and Market Sentiment:
    • Despite these advancements, Chainlink’s native token, LINK, has experienced volatility, reaching a 19-month high of $17.25 in December 2023 before falling back to $15.14. Despite this volatility, LINK remains one of the better-performing altcoins with potential for significant movement in the bull market oai_citation:7,Chainlink Sets Focus on Real-World Asset Tokenization in 2024.

    Chainlink’s focus on integrating digital and traditional asset markets, its technological advancements, and the attention from institutional investors suggest a potentially promising future. However, the cryptocurrency market’s inherent volatility means that these projections are subject to change based on market dynamics and broader economic factors.

  • Virtue & Faith

    Galiani

    to separate oneself from the many is
    not always a sure path to truth, have wished to deter­ mine for myself whether the introduction of money is
    truly harmful, or whether it constitutes a Perfect example of those laws of civil society which have led usontothepathofagoodlife.

    Ihave,onreflection, concluded that money is, indeed, a great and most use­
    fulinvention.

    Trade

    The necessity of trade for sustaining life and achieving happiness on earth is well known, for trade isrelatedtothemutualneedsofmen. Itcanbede­ finedas: theexchangeamongmenoftheirrespective laborsforthesatisfactionofmutualneeds.

    Communal is happier

    I have wondered whether this inconvenience might not be eliminated by communal living. For example, we know from experience, that small communal societies,
    such as religious orders, live better communally and generally more happily than others. Why wouldn*t even large bodies, such as cities, or even whole kingdoms, also live blissfully communally?

    The spur of gain

  • You can’t fake a Bitcoin

    Dollar cost to produce one dollar worth bitcoin

    The cost to produce one Bitcoin varies significantly across different countries, mainly due to differences in electricity costs. As of 2024, in the United States, the cost to mine one Bitcoin is at least $17,000 oai_citation:1,Mineflation: Cost to mine 1 Bitcoin in the US rises from $5K to $17K in …. However, JPMorgan has reported that the cost has dropped to about $13,000 oai_citation:2,Bitcoin Production Cost Has Dropped to About $13K, JPMorgan Says – CoinDesk. This variation indicates the dynamic nature of Bitcoin mining costs, influenced by factors like the price of electricity, the efficiency of mining equipment, and the overall difficulty of the Bitcoin network.

    Globally, the costs vary even more dramatically. The average cost to mine one Bitcoin across 198 countries was about $35,404.03, significantly higher than its value at a point in time oai_citation:3,The Cost of Mining Bitcoin in 198 Different Countries. In countries like Kuwait, the cost is as low as $1,393.95 due to cheaper electricity, while in Venezuela, it skyrockets to $246,530.74 due to extremely high energy costs oai_citation:4,The Cost of Mining Bitcoin in 198 Different Countries oai_citation:5,The Cost of Mining Bitcoin in 198 Different Countries.

    These figures highlight the significant impact of geographical location and local energy prices on the economics of Bitcoin mining. It’s a highly dynamic field, with costs fluctuating in response to changes in electricity prices, mining technology efficiency, and adjustments in the Bitcoin network’s difficulty.

    The cost to produce one Bitcoin, not just a dollar’s worth, can vary greatly depending on several factors. These include the cost of electricity in the miner’s location, the efficiency of the mining hardware, and the current difficulty of the Bitcoin network.

    Electricity costs are a major factor. Miners in areas with cheaper electricity will have lower costs. The efficiency of mining hardware also plays a role; more efficient hardware consumes less electricity for the same mining power.

    The difficulty of the Bitcoin network adjusts approximately every two weeks. As more miners join the network or as they employ more powerful hardware, the difficulty increases, meaning more computational work is required to mine a single Bitcoin.

    As of my last update in April 2023, the average cost to mine one Bitcoin was several thousand dollars, but this figure can fluctuate widely. For a dollar’s worth of Bitcoin, the cost would be a fraction of this, but still subject to the same variables. Keep in mind that these costs are dynamic and change with market conditions and technology advancements.

  • Gold?

    people cannot for long use only representative money.

    Combine … you can combine two pieces of gold, but not with diamonds.

    You can combine two pieces of Bitcoin!

  • Gold silver

    Having explained all uses of money, I turn now to
    a discussion of the nature of the metals, principally cold and silver.***^ The metals are the heaviest bodies
    innature. Theyareliquefiedwithfireandlaterr^ converted into durable solids by cooling.

    Malleable, fusable –

    Their utility is not related to their weight when used as money, but only to their malleable and
    fusible character.

    It follows from this that gold is not subject to
    rust because sea water, which is not volatile, contains
    neither air nor dirt.

    Gold doesn’t rust!

    Bitcoin is durable

  • PHYSICAL PERFECTION

    SENECA PHYSICAL PERFECTION

  • Rosetta Stone

    Hidden link between Egypt, Moses, the “Jewish” religion, later Christianity which is essentially Judaism 2.0:

    Rosetta Stone gist

    Finances and Taxes

    The Rosetta Stone, while primarily a religious and political document, does include specific references to financial and tax-related measures taken by Ptolemy V. These measures are indicative of the king’s efforts to stabilize and boost the economy of Egypt, as well as to gain favor with the priesthood and the populace. Here are the main financial and tax-related points mentioned in the decree:

    1. Cancellation of Debts: The decree mentions that King Ptolemy V cancelled arrears and debts owed to the crown by the temples and by many individuals. This would have been a significant economic relief for those who owed money to the royal treasury.
    2. Return of Confiscated Properties: Properties that had been confiscated from the temples and other individuals were to be returned. This restoration of property rights would have been an important step in stabilizing the economic and social order.
    3. Exemption from Certain Taxes: The decree includes exemptions from various taxes for the temples. This exemption not only relieved the temples of financial burdens but also enhanced their status and role in society.
    4. Financial Gifts to Temples: The text speaks of financial gifts given to the temples, which would have helped in the maintenance and operation of these religious centers. This gesture would have been seen as an act of piety and generosity.
    5. Support for Religious Festivals: The decree mentions the king’s support for religious festivals, including providing resources for their celebration. Funding religious festivals would have been an important way to maintain public morale and religious tradition.

    These financial measures were likely intended to solidify Ptolemy V’s relationship with the religious institutions and to reinforce his image as a benevolent ruler. By alleviating economic burdens and supporting religious practices, he could strengthen his political position and ensure the loyalty of key social groups.

    The Rosetta Stone’s focus on these financial and tax measures reflects the intricate relationship between economic policy, religious practice, and royal authority in Ptolemaic Egypt. Such decrees were a common way for rulers to communicate their policies and assert their legitimacy throughout their realms.

    Providing a line-by-line translation of the full text of the Rosetta Stone would be quite extensive, as the text is long and detailed. However, I can certainly summarize the key sections of the decree, which is structured in a similar way in all three scripts (hieroglyphic, Demotic, and Greek):

    1. Praise and Background of King Ptolemy V: The text begins with a detailed praise of King Ptolemy V, mentioning his lineage, his divine status, and his good deeds for Egypt. It describes his legitimacy as a ruler and his victories over his enemies, emphasizing his benevolence and piety.
    2. Religious Observances and Honors: The decree specifies religious observances to honor Ptolemy V. This includes establishing a cult for the king, erecting statues of him in the temples, and linking him to the gods in religious ceremonies.
    3. Tax Relief and Financial Benefits: The text details tax relief measures implemented by Ptolemy V, including the cancellation of some taxes and the return of confiscated property. It also mentions the king’s financial contributions to the temples and his support for religious festivals.
    4. Provisions for the Decree’s Display: The decree was to be displayed in a prominent place in every temple throughout Egypt. This section underscores the importance of making the decree known to all, which is why it was inscribed in the three different scripts.
    5. Conclusion and Ratification: The text concludes with a formal ratification of the decree by various priests and officials. It emphasizes the unity and support of these religious leaders for Ptolemy V’s reign.

    Each section of the decree is carefully crafted to reinforce the authority and legitimacy of Ptolemy V, both as a ruler and as a religious figure. The Rosetta Stone’s significance lies less in the content of its text, which is a fairly typical example of a Ptolemaic decree, and more in its role as a linguistic key that unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian writing and civilization.

    For a complete, line-by-line translation, you would typically need to refer to specialized books or academic resources that deal with ancient Egyptian texts and translations.

    (more…)
  • Professor Israel Knohl Theory Moses

    Moses,,, was actually originally an Egyptian?

    Professor Israel Knohl, an Israeli biblical scholar and historian, has presented an intriguing theory about Moses and the early history of the Israelite religion. His theory, which reexamines traditional understandings of the biblical narrative, includes the following key points:

    1. The Enigma of Moses’ Egyptian Background: Knohl emphasizes the Egyptian elements in Moses’ story, particularly his upbringing in Pharaoh’s court. He suggests that Moses might have been influenced by Egyptian religious ideas, which could have played a role in the development of early Israelite monotheism.
    2. Hyksos Influence: Knohl explores the possibility that the Israelites’ monotheism was influenced by the religious beliefs of the Hyksos, a Semitic people who ruled parts of Egypt before being expelled. This connection is based on the proximity of the Hyksos’ expulsion to the traditional timeline of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
    3. The Figure of Akhenaten: One of Knohl’s more speculative suggestions is a link between Moses and the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, known for his attempt to establish a monotheistic worship of the sun god Aten. Knohl proposes that Akhenaten’s religious revolution might have influenced Moses’ conception of monotheism.
    4. The Evolution of Monotheism: Knohl argues that Israelite monotheism developed gradually rather than appearing suddenly with Moses. He suggests that early Israelite religion was henotheistic (worshiping one god without denying the existence of others) and only later evolved into strict monotheism.
    5. Archaeological and Textual Analysis: Knohl’s theories are often grounded in a detailed analysis of archaeological findings, ancient inscriptions, and a critical study of the biblical text.

    Knohl’s work is part of a broader scholarly effort to understand the origins and development of ancient Israelite religion and its relationship to surrounding cultures. His theories, while not universally accepted, contribute to the ongoing debate and exploration in biblical scholarship and the study of ancient Near Eastern history. As with many theories concerning ancient history and religious development, Knohl’s ideas are subject to interpretation and debate among scholars.

  • WHO WAS MOSES?

    From the Egyptians:

    Oraseph changed his name to Moses?

    Prof. Knohl dates the Exodus to the second year of the kingship of Pharaoh Setnakhte, around 1186 BC. He explains that Moses’ parents belonged to the descendants of Jacob, who came to Egypt during the famine. Moses grew up in the court under the protection of queen Twosret, who had no children of her own, and is possible the biblical Pharaoh’s daughter who adopted and raised Moses. After her death, Moses saw himself worthy for kingship and used the support of his people, the children of Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypy, for his conquest moves. He then brought additional backup from abroad – the shepherds from Canaan. In the struggle between the two forces, Moses and his men lost, deported from Egypt and went towards Canaan.

    According to the theory of Prof. Knohl, Irsu mentioned in the above sources, the one who despised the Egyptian religion and brought mercenaries from Canaan, was in fact our Moses. He supports his assumption by the fact that the queen who ruled before Setnakhte was Twosret, wife of the second Sethi who died in 1196 BC. The documents stated that her rule only lasted two or three years, after which a mysterious enigmatic event took place. An inner struggle broke in Egypt, that ended the 19th dynasty and brought to power a new one, founded by Setnakhte . This brings Knohl to conclude that the struggle was in fact the taking over by Moses and the lepers, joined by the shepherds on the Delta area.

    Manetho’s text, which determines that the shepherds were the ancestors of the Jews, goes on and conveys yet another story. Centuries after the Hyksos were expelled from Egypt, the Egyptian ruler, Pharaoh Amenhotep, wished to seek the advice of the gods. His consultants told him the only way to approach the gods was to cleanse Egypt from the lepers that were living by the border. Amenhotep gathered all the lepers under his territory, and concentrated them in the abandoned city of Avaris, formerly capital of the Hyksos. The lepers upraised and rebelled against him, led by a leper priest called Osarseph, who founded for them a new, hostile religion, of which the main principles were denial of polytheism and the faith in a single god. According to some researchers, Osarseph drew his monotheistic ideas from Pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled over Egypt in prior centuries.

    Manetho reports that Osarseph sent messengers abroad in order to establish a military aid force, requesting also the help of the descendants of the Hyksos, the Judean shepherds, who came in masses to support him and the lepers. Together they formed a strong new force that took over Egypt. The new ruler Osarseph, leader of the lepers, then became king, who collected taxes, and preached against the Egyptian gods. So who was Osarseph? According to Manetho, after joining the Hyksos, Osarseph changed his name to Moses. Though he does refer to Moses as a fanatic hater and isolationist, Manetho also talks of Moses’ unique wisdom, courage, and what the Egyptians called a divine presence, a description that complies with Moses’ biblical description in Exodus, 11, 3: “the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.”

  • Noah lineage to moses

    Moses; true historical figure according to Tacitus Histories;

    So Noah had a son, Japheth:


    Stuff gets weird

    Noah’s drunkenness?

    Uncovering someone’s nakedness means to have sex with them?

    According to Hebrew;

    9 For whatsoever man there be that curseth his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.
    ×™  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִנְאַף אֶת-אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִנְאַף, אֶת-אֵשֶׁת רֵעֵהוּ–מוֹת-יוּמַת הַנֹּאֵף, וְהַנֹּאָפֶת.10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
    יא  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אֶת-אֵשֶׁת אָבִיו–עֶרְוַת אָבִיו, גִּלָּה; מוֹת-יוּמְתוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם, דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם.11 And the man that lieth with his father’s wife–he hath uncovered his father’s nakedness–both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
    יב  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אֶת-כַּלָּתוֹ–מוֹת יוּמְתוּ, שְׁנֵיהֶם:  תֶּבֶל עָשׂוּ, דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם.12 And if a man lie with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have wrought corruption; their blood shall be upon them.
    ×™×’  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אֶת-זָכָר מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה–תּוֹעֵבָה עָשׂוּ, שְׁנֵיהֶם; מוֹת יוּמָתוּ, דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם.13 And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
    יד  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר ×™Ö´×§Ö·Ö¼×— אֶת-אִשָּׁה וְאֶת-אִמָּהּ–זִמָּה הִוא; בָּאֵשׁ יִשְׂרְפוּ אֹתוֹ, וְאֶתְהֶן, וְלֹא-תִהְיֶה זִמָּה, בְּתוֹכְכֶם.14 And if a man take with his wife also her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.
    טו  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִתֵּן שְׁכָבְתּוֹ בִּבְהֵמָה–מוֹת יוּמָת; וְאֶת-הַבְּהֵמָה, תַּהֲרֹגוּ.15 And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death; and ye shall slay the beast.
    טז  ×•ְאִשָּׁה, אֲשֶׁר תִּקְרַב אֶל-כָּל-בְּהֵמָה לְרִבְעָה אֹתָהּ–וְהָרַגְתָּ אֶת-הָאִשָּׁה, וְאֶת-הַבְּהֵמָה; מוֹת יוּמָתוּ, דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם.16 And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
    ×™×–  ×•ְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר-×™Ö´×§Ö·Ö¼×— אֶת-אֲחֹתוֹ בַּת-אָבִיו אוֹ בַת-אִמּוֹ וְרָאָה אֶת-עֶרְוָתָהּ וְהִיא-תִרְאֶה אֶת-עֶרְוָתוֹ, חֶסֶד הוּא–וְנִכְרְתוּ, לְעֵינֵי בְּנֵי עַמָּם; עֶרְוַת אֲחֹתוֹ גִּלָּה, עֲוֺנוֹ יִשָּׂא.17 And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness: it is a shameful thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.
    ×™×—  ×•ְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר-יִשְׁכַּב אֶת-אִשָּׁה דָּוָה, וְגִלָּה אֶת-עֶרְוָתָהּ אֶת-מְקֹרָהּ הֶעֱרָה, וְהִוא, גִּלְּתָה אֶת-מְקוֹר דָּמֶיהָ–וְנִכְרְתוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם, מִקֶּרֶב עַמָּם.18 And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness–he hath made naked her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood–both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
    יט  ×•ְעֶרְוַת אֲחוֹת אִמְּךָ וַאֲחוֹת אָבִיךָ, לֹא תְגַלֵּה:  ×›Ö´Ö¼×™ אֶת-שְׁאֵרוֹ הֶעֱרָה, עֲוֺנָם יִשָּׂאוּ.19 And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister; for he hath made naked his near kin; they shall bear their iniquity.
    ×›  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אֶת-דֹּדָתוֹ–עֶרְוַת דֹּדוֹ, גִּלָּה; חֶטְאָם יִשָּׂאוּ, עֲרִירִים יָמֻתוּ.20 And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife–he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness–they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
    כא  ×•ְאִישׁ, אֲשֶׁר ×™Ö´×§Ö·Ö¼×— אֶת-אֵשֶׁת אָחִיו–נִדָּה הִוא; עֶרְוַת אָחִיו גִּלָּה, עֲרִירִים יִהְיוּ.21 And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.
    כב  ×•ּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת-כָּל-חֻקֹּתַי וְאֶת-כָּל-מִשְׁפָּטַי, וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם; וְלֹא-תָקִיא אֶתְכֶם, הָאָרֶץ, אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מֵבִיא אֶתְכֶם שָׁמָּה, לָשֶׁבֶת בָּהּ.22 Ye shall therefore keep all My statutes, and all Mine ordinances, and do them, that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, vomit you not out.
    ×›×’  ×•ְלֹא תֵלְכוּ בְּחֻקֹּת הַגּוֹי, אֲשֶׁר-אֲנִי מְשַׁלֵּחַ מִפְּנֵיכֶם:  ×›Ö´Ö¼×™ אֶת-כָּל-אֵלֶּה עָשׂוּ, וָאָקֻץ בָּם.23 And ye shall not walk in the customs of the nation, which I am casting out before you; for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
    כד  ×•ָאֹמַר לָכֶם, אַתֶּם תִּירְשׁוּ אֶת-אַדְמָתָם, וַאֲנִי אֶתְּנֶנָּה לָכֶם לָרֶשֶׁת אֹתָהּ, אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ:  אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, אֲשֶׁר-הִבְדַּלְתִּי אֶתְכֶם מִן-הָעַמִּים.24 But I have said unto you: ‘Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the LORD your God, who have set you apart from the peoples.

    Other commentaries mention that “uncovering someone’s nakedness” could mean having sexual intercourse with that person or that person’s spouse, as quoted in Leviticus 18:7–8[25] and 20.[26] From this interpretation comes the speculation that Ham was guilty of engaging in incest and raping Noah[27] or his own mother. The latter interpretation would clarify why Canaan, as the product of this illicit union, was cursed by Noah.[20] Alternatively, Canaan could be the perpetrator himself as the Bible describes the illicit deed being committed by Noah’s “youngest son”, with Ham being consistently described as the middle son in other verses.[28]

    The lineage from Noah to Moses in the Hebrew Bible spans several generations and includes some key figures in the Biblical narrative. Here’s a simplified overview:

    1. Noah: Noah, known for the Ark and the Great Flood, had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
    2. Shem: Shem, one of Noah’s sons, is considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples. The lineage from Shem leads to Abraham.
    3. Abraham: Abraham, originally Abram, is a key patriarch in the Hebrew Bible. God’s covenant with Abraham marks a significant moment in Biblical history.
    4. Isaac: Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is another important patriarch. He is the father of Jacob.
    5. Jacob: Jacob, also named Israel, had twelve sons who became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. One of his sons, Levi, is the forebear of the Levite tribe.
    6. Levi: Levi’s descendants, the Levites, had a special role in religious duties. Levi himself is not a direct ancestor of Moses, but his lineage leads to Moses.
    7. Amram: Amram, a few generations down from Levi, is the father of Moses. He married Jochebed, who is also from the tribe of Levi.
    8. Moses: Moses is the son of Amram and Jochebed. He is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, leading the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.

    This lineage is more than just a genealogy; it’s a framework for the unfolding narrative of the Hebrew Bible, linking the early story of humanity (Noah) to the formation of the Israelite nation (Moses). Each figure plays a significant role in the development of the Biblical themes of covenant, faith, and deliverance.

  • Etymology of “Ashkenazi”

    Descendants of Noah?

    what does ashkenaz mean

    conspiracy theory ashkenazi Jewish people

    ashk’náz) 

    ashk+naz


    Japhetic (not comparable)

    1. (obsoleteethnography) Of or pertaining to the supposed descendants of Japheth, one of the three sons of Noah in the Bible.
    2. (obsolete) Of or pertaining to the supposed languages spoken by the descendants of Japheth.

    Hebrew vs Yiddish?

    Japheth

    Japheth

    1. (biblical) The third son of Noah, brother to Shem and Ham, who received a blessing from God with Shem, considered to be the ancestor of the Japheticpeople(s) (associated approx. with Indo-Europeans). quotations â–²
      • 1856, Sir John Stoddart, The student’s handbook of ancient history: from the earliest records to the fall of the western empire, page 6:To the sons of JaphethSpainFranceGreeceGermanyAsia MinorCircassia, and Europe in general…Gomer: his numerous descendants spread themselves over a considerable part of Asia Minor, and the north of Europe.
      • 1897, Jonathan Perkins Weethee, The Eastern Question, in Its Various Phases: Egyptian, British, Russian, Ottoman, Hebrew, American, and Messianic, page 164:The name Japheth (Yahpheth) the extender, or fair, has also been given by one who knows the character from the beginning. Japheth’s posterity was to be fair, and spread over the world. Two derivations are given to the name…
      • 2004, Charles Kannengiesser, Handbook of patristic exegesis: the Bible in ancient Christianity, â†’ISBN:The Septuagint (LXX) Greek was considered by the rabbis as the only language capable of serving as a translation of the Hebrew…In rabbinic interpretation, Japheth represented the Greeks, Shem the Hebrews.
      • 2010, Paul Robert Magocsi, A History of Ukraine: The Land and Its Peoples, Second Edition, University of Toronto Press, â†’ISBN, page 202:Now, in 1620, the Orthodox group took advantage of a visit by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophanes, who in October of that year [said] of the Cossacks: “We all know about the Cossacks, that these chivalrous men are of our race, are of our kin, and are true Orthodox Christians…They are the descendants of the glorious Rus‘, of the seed of Japheth who fought Byzantine Greece on land and on sea.”

    אַשְׁכְּנַז‎ (‘ashk’náz) +‎ ־י‎ (-i)

    Hebrew

    Hebrew Wikipedia has an article on:

    אשכנז‎

    Proper noun

    אַשְׁכְּנַז â€¢ (ashk’náz) m

    1. (biblical) Ashkenaz (a Japhetic patriarch in the Bible) quotations â–²
      • Genesis 10:3, with translation of the Jewish Publication Society:‏וּבְנֵי גֹּמֶר ×Ö·×©Ö°××›Ö²Ö¼× Ö·×– ×•ְרִיפַת וְתֹגַרְמָה׃‎‎U-vnei Gómer Ashk’náz v-Rifat v-Togarmá.And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
    2. (Medieval Hebrew) A region centered on the Rhineland in modern Germany.

    The term “Ashkenaz” has its origins in the Hebrew Bible, where it first appears as the name of one of Noah’s grandsons, mentioned in the Book of Genesis. This name, over time, took on a geographic connotation. In the Hebrew Bible, “Ashkenaz” was associated with the descendants of Japheth, one of Noah’s sons, and was thought to refer to a region or people in what is now modern-day Turkey or Armenia.

    In later Jewish tradition and medieval rabbinic literature, however, the term “Ashkenaz” shifted to refer specifically to the region of Northern Europe, particularly the areas corresponding to modern-day Germany and France. This shift reflects the migration and settlement patterns of Jewish communities during the Middle Ages.

    Thus, “Ashkenaz” in the context of Jewish history and culture came to denote not just a geographic area but also a distinct group of Jewish communities known as the Ashkenazi Jews. These communities developed their own unique religious practices, customs, and a language known as Yiddish (a High German-derived language written in the Hebrew alphabet and incorporating elements of Hebrew and Slavic languages).

    In summary, while “Ashkenaz” originally referred to a Biblical figure and then a region near the Black Sea, it evolved in Jewish tradition to specifically denote the Jewish communities of Northern and Eastern Europe. The term “Ashkenazi” today is used to describe the descendants of these communities, who have a rich cultural and religious heritage that has played a significant role in Jewish and general world history.

    Conspiracy theories targeting Ashkenazi Jews, or any ethnic or religious group, are often based on misinformation, prejudice, and a lack of understanding of history and culture. These theories can range from baseless claims about political and financial control to harmful stereotypes and myths. It’s crucial to approach such theories critically and with a sense of historical and factual accuracy.

    Historically, Jewish communities, including Ashkenazim, have faced numerous false accusations and conspiracy theories. These have been driven by various factors, such as religious intolerance, xenophobia, and socio-political scapegoating. One of the most infamous examples is the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” a fabricated document from the early 20th century that falsely claimed a Jewish plan for global domination. Despite being debunked repeatedly, it contributed to anti-Semitic attitudes and violence.

    In contemporary times, conspiracy theories often emerge in politically or socially charged contexts, sometimes intertwined with genuine concerns about global events or trends. However, they tend to oversimplify complex issues, attributing undue influence or malign intent to Ashkenazi Jews or other Jewish groups without evidence.

    It’s important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of individual actions or policies (regardless of the ethnicity or religion of those involved) and baseless conspiracy theories that unfairly target an entire group. Engaging with diverse sources, verifying information, and understanding historical contexts are key to challenging and debunking such harmful theories.

    Promoting an atmosphere of open, informed dialogue and resisting the spread of unverified, prejudiced narratives is crucial in countering these conspiracy theories. This approach aligns with values like critical thinking and rational analysis, which are essential in both philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of truth.

    The term “Ashkenazi” has an intriguing etymology rooted in both geography and cultural identity. It originates from the Hebrew word “Ashkenaz,” first mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as one of Noah’s grandsons. Over time, “Ashkenaz” came to be associated with the region of Scythia, which roughly corresponds to parts of modern-day Eastern Europe and Russia.

    However, in medieval rabbinic literature, “Ashkenaz” began to denote the area of Northern Europe, particularly Germany and France. This shift in meaning reflects the migration patterns of Jewish communities. The Jews who settled in these regions came to be known as “Ashkenazim,” distinguishing them from the “Sephardim,” Jews who settled in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).

    This geographical distinction was not just a matter of where these groups lived; it also influenced their customs, liturgical practices, and even the development of distinct dialects, such as Yiddish for Ashkenazim, which blended Middle High German with Hebrew and other languages.

    In a broader sense, the term “Ashkenazi” has become a descriptor for a major subgroup within Jewish culture, representing a rich tapestry of history, language, and tradition that evolved over centuries as these communities interacted with their host cultures in Europe. The Ashkenazi heritage, therefore, is a blend of ancient Biblical roots, medieval European culture, and the unique contributions of these Jewish communities to the regions where they settled.

  • Are Jewish people white

    Simpler

    Why European

    Why

    What ashkenazi mean

    “Ashkenazi” refers to Jews whose ancestors lived in Central and Eastern Europe. The term originally denoted Jews who settled along the Rhine River, in Western Germany and Northern France, during the Middle Ages. Over time, these Jewish communities spread into Eastern Europe, notably to countries like Poland, Lithuania, Russia, and Ukraine. The word “Ashkenazi” comes from the Hebrew word for Germany. Ashkenazi Jews developed their own distinct religious practices, Yiddish language (a blend of medieval German and Hebrew), and cultural traditions, differentiating them from other Jewish groups.

    Ashkenazi Jews are considered white primarily because they originated from Central and Eastern Europe, regions inhabited predominantly by Caucasian populations. Over time, through processes like intermarriage and cultural assimilation, Ashkenazi Jews adopted similar physical characteristics and cultural elements to their non-Jewish European neighbors, aligning them more closely with the white European identity. This historical and geographical context is why they are often classified as white, particularly in Western societies.

    Yes, some Jewish people are considered white, particularly those of European descent.

    European Jews, known as Ashkenazi Jews, are considered white because they trace their ancestry to Central and Eastern Europe, where the populations are predominantly of European (Caucasian) descent. Over centuries, Ashkenazi Jews largely assimilated the physical characteristics and cultural aspects of these European regions, leading to their categorization as white in many societies.

    Some Jewish people are considered white, particularly those of European (Ashkenazi) descent, while others, like Sephardic, Mizrahi, or Ethiopian Jews, may not be, reflecting the ethnic and racial diversity within the Jewish community.

    The question of whether Jewish people are considered white is complex and depends on various factors, including geography, history, and individual self-identification. Here are some key points to consider:

    1. Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds: The Jewish population is ethnically diverse, including Ashkenazi Jews from Europe, Sephardic Jews from the Mediterranean and North Africa, Mizrahi Jews from the Middle East, and other groups from places like Ethiopia and India. This diversity means that some Jews are white, while others are people of color.
    2. Ashkenazi Jews and Whiteness: In many Western contexts, particularly in the United States and Europe, Ashkenazi Jews, who are of European descent, are often considered white. This categorization is based on their European ancestry and physical characteristics.
    3. Historical Context: The perception of Jewish people as white or not has varied over time and place. For instance, during certain periods in Europe and America, Jews were not considered part of the white majority due to religious, cultural, and racial discrimination.
    4. Self-Identification: Individual Jewish people may self-identify differently in terms of race. Some Ashkenazi Jews might identify as white, while others, aware of their history of persecution and marginalization, might not fully embrace this identity.
    5. Intersection of Religion and Ethnicity: Judaism is unique in being both a religion and an ethno-cultural identity. This intersection complicates how Jewish people are perceived in terms of race and ethnicity.
    6. Societal and Cultural Factors: In some societies, racial categorizations are more rigid, while in others, they are more fluid. This affects how Jewish people are perceived in terms of race.

    In summary, some Jewish people are considered white, particularly those of Ashkenazi descent in Western societies, while others are not. The categorization can vary based on historical, cultural, and individual factors.

  • Are Jewish people people of “color”?

    Isn’t “white” also a color? Even though Caucasian is the better term.

    But… are Turkish people (from the Caucasus region) “white”? Or “caucasian”?

    How are there so many types

    The diversity within the Jewish community arises from a complex interplay of historical migration, cultural assimilation, and religious practices spanning thousands of years. Here’s a brief overview of how these factors contributed to the formation of different Jewish groups:

    1. Historical Migrations: The Jewish diaspora began with historical events like the Babylonian Exile and the Roman conquests, which dispersed Jewish populations from ancient Israel to various parts of the world. Over centuries, these dispersed communities settled in different regions, from Europe to Africa and Asia.
    2. Cultural Assimilation and Isolation: In their new homes, Jewish communities often retained their religious and cultural practices but also assimilated certain elements from local cultures. In some cases, they remained relatively isolated, preserving distinct traditions and even developing unique languages, like Yiddish among Ashkenazi Jews or Ladino among Sephardic Jews.
    3. Intermarriage and Conversion: Over time, intermarriage with local populations and the conversion of locals to Judaism in various regions led to a blending of genetic and cultural characteristics. This process further diversified the physical and cultural traits of Jewish populations.
    4. Religious and Social Practices: Despite the geographic dispersion, the retention of religious practices, including dietary laws (Kashrut), Sabbath observance, and study of the Torah, helped maintain a sense of Jewish identity. However, the interpretation and practice of these traditions can vary significantly among different communities.
    5. Political and Social Changes: Historical events like the Spanish Inquisition, the Ottoman Empire’s policies, and European colonialism also played roles in shaping the Jewish diaspora. These events sometimes forced Jewish communities to relocate, further contributing to their geographic and cultural diversity.
    6. Modern Migration and Israel’s Establishment: In the 20th century, events like the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel led to new migrations and the mixing of various Jewish communities. This brought together Jews from diverse backgrounds, leading to further cultural exchange and amalgamation.

    This rich tapestry of history and cultural interaction explains the wide variety of Jewish groups existing today, each with its own unique heritage and identity.

    Certainly, let’s consider a few examples to illustrate the diversity within the Jewish community:

    1. Ashkenazi Jews: Originating from Central and Eastern Europe, Ashkenazi Jews are often considered white in Western societies. They typically have European ancestry and might not be categorized as people of color.
    2. Sephardic Jews: With historical roots in Spain, Portugal, and later the Mediterranean region including countries like Morocco, Greece, and Turkey, Sephardic Jews might be considered as people of color, especially in a Western context. Their cultural and sometimes physical characteristics may reflect a blend of European and Middle Eastern or North African heritage.
    3. Mizrahi Jews: Originating from the Middle East and parts of Central Asia, Mizrahi Jews often have physical features and cultural backgrounds that align more closely with the broader Middle Eastern or Central Asian populations. In many Western societies, they are likely to be considered as people of color.
    4. Ethiopian Jews: Known as Beta Israel, Ethiopian Jews are of Sub-Saharan African origin. They are typically considered people of color due to their African heritage and physical characteristics that are distinct from European features.
    5. Indian Jews: There are small Jewish communities in India, like the Bene Israel, Cochin Jews, and Baghdadi Jews. They are typically considered people of color, reflecting the South Asian ethnic characteristics predominant in the Indian subcontinent.

    These examples show how Jewish identity encompasses a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, leading to varied perceptions and self-identifications regarding being people of color.

    The term “people of color” is generally used to describe individuals who are not of European descent and who have historically experienced discrimination based on their non-white racial or ethnic background. Jewish people, as a religious and cultural group, include individuals of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. This means that some Jewish people may be considered people of color if they are of Middle Eastern, African, Asian, or other non-European descent.

    However, the categorization can be complex. Many Jewish people, particularly those from European (Ashkenazi) backgrounds, are often considered white in a Western context. On the other hand, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, who trace their roots to the Middle East, North Africa, and other regions, may identify or be identified as people of color.

    It’s important to recognize that such categorizations are often influenced by historical, cultural, and social contexts, and can vary from one region to another. The perception and self-identification of individuals within the Jewish community regarding race and ethnicity can be diverse and nuanced.

  • CREATIVE DOUBLE DIPPING

    Your kid as your ultimate art production, and making artistic photos of your kid — the ultimate creative double dipping, double hyper threading?

  • New prince of LA

    Can we get much higher?

  • What *NOT* to Do

    Never do nothing or don’t do stuff because you’re trying to please others.

    Also never hide anything…

  • BUILD PICKS

    New new new new:

  • If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.

    The way I have always broken stuff that worked 90% fine!

    Better to have something work 90% good reliably all the time, than the critical “fix” in which you break it and it becomes 100% unusable.

  • shoes, foam padding on your feet is like condoms for your feet

    Would you want to have sex with a 3 inch padded condom? The logic behind thin sold vibram five finger shoes.

  • AI SLAVES

    The best way to think about things; AI, artificial intelligence is our new modern day slave.

    For example, if I told you that you could just buy a new modern day slave, only $20 a month, which is less than $.80 a day, for your own personal slave who never complains, and will obey you every command… isn’t this the ultimate?

  • THE BEST TESLA TO BUY

    Essentially a super super super super super base level Tesla model 3, no options except full self driving capability enabled. This is really the number one and only reason to get a Tesla! This means choose the smallest range, the standard color which is currently silver midnight, the standard aero rims which actually think look good, interior. The only thing to upgrade is a full self driving which is only $12,000! Just think, if you could pay $12,000 for a personal human drivers slave, that’s cheap!

  • What does it mean to “trust” a brand?

    so technically at this point, everything is made in China, Vietnam, etc. So when we think about quality or trust in a brand, what do we really mean to say?

    First, the types of materials employed, and for clothing, stitching?

  • Just make it or build it yourself?

    Passion, what is your passion? Assuming that you’re a billionaire, how do you want to use your time and your life?

    a simple thought is I think what we strive for and towards is what we want is to just be an artist, to think artistically, to create artistically… that ultimately, anything and everything that we do is simply an art project, an art concept.

    For example, I look at my 2010 Prius, and I love it! To me, maybe the fun thing is this: I see it as a fun creative constraint?

  • The dirty secret of Google and content marketing

    I am now officially an OG. I’ve been online, on Google ever since I was maybe… 2009, my junior year of college, I was born in 1988. I had my website blog and started, doing my own website stuff ever since I was maybe 16, 17 years old?

    So this is the best way to study the Internet etc.: first and foremost, 99% of revenue that is produced on the Internet, can be attributed to simple things: google adsense, which are those super annoying advertisements that you see on practically all websites blogs and new sources on the Internet.

    The reason why advertising is such a big issue on the Internet is that it promotes sensationalism, violence, anger and hatred etc. People always point the finger at “social media“ which is Facebook, meta-, Instagram, Twitter… But the true culprit here might be Google and YouTube.

    Nobody’s really at fault here; the issue is that nobody has been clever enough or smart enough or innovative enough to figure out how to monetize the Internet without stupid display advertising. Just ask yourself, do you know anyone who likes ads? Even kids, they learn how to skip the ads on YouTube super early.

    Essentially, Google, Google AdSense runs the Internet. All of this news, all this fake news real news whatever… Everyone is monetizing purely off of google adsense.

    There is this insanely lame excuse “everyone has to make a living”. I find this to be a very lame response.

    Essentially the moral the stories this: don’t trust Google no more, only ChatGPT, ChatGPT 4 paid premium. Also specifically speaking, no more YouTube. YouTube is bad.

  • Long Microsoft, Short Google?

    The simple ChatGPT rule; just chatgpt otherwise what you would Google.

    For example searching the window wiper blades for a 2010 Prius, it told me immediately that it was 26 inches and 19 inches. No more fucking Google content marketing bullshit and advertising.

  • Only poor people use Google?

    Now that ChatGPT, paid premium ChatGPT4 is out… I rate it at least 10,000 times better than Google. It is generative fun and creative, it is essentially the Google killer. Short Google, Long Microsoft? Considering that Microsoft did a big investment into open AI; ChatGPT, perhaps the best way to think about things is that essentially ChatGPT 4, DALL-E is a Microsoft product?

  • Who owns Home Depot?

    The Home Depot is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among its numerous shareholders. The largest shareholders typically include institutional investors like mutual funds and pension funds, and individual investors. The company’s founders, Bernard Marcus and Arthur Blank, are no longer major shareholders, as they have reduced their holdings over time. It’s also worth noting that public companies are overseen by a board of directors, which is elected by the shareholders to represent their interests.

  • Aesthetic Tyrants?

    The funny thing… What people don’t understand is that Kanye West is 1 trillion times more influential than people understand or realize or no. For example, the whole all black everything murdered out black look or met black cars whatever… It was all popularized by Kanye West.

    Kanye West is the one who made Lamborghini cool, he is the one who made this weird Balenciaga homeless person cyborg alien look popular, he is the one who made Adidas cool, essentially Kanye West makes everything cool.

    For example all these lemmings who suddenly jumped onto the Adidas bandwagon when Kanye was with Adidas… A bunch of lemmings. Don’t trust nobody who uses or wears Adidas equipment, ultra boost or whatever… Bunch of wannabes.

    For example, I think a lot about my old teenage self, before I was corrupted by the outside world. For example, one thing that I was thinking a lot about was this in regards to cars; at what point did Lamborghini become cool, and at what point did all black everything cars, or Matt Black murdered out cars become popular?

    For example as a kid growing up, nobody really wanted a black car. It was not seen as interesting. At least within my age group and friend group and generation, when I was in high school middle school whatever… I was born in 1988, but everybody actually wanted was the integra type R, two-door coupe, red, the white rims .

    Also, being Asian Asian American… Nobody wanted a muscle car, it was seen as a bizarre thing; being Asian, Asian American, green American… The ideal was to have some sort of four-cylinder engine car, ideally rear wheel drive, with some sort of turbo charger. Growing up, my friends and everyone I knew thought that Ford cars were bad cars,