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Dawn of Disease is a German Melodic Death Metal band from Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, Germany and was formed in 2003, despite selling out an EP they recorded and touring with some popular and big bands in metal, line up issues caused the band to break up in 2007, however vocalist Tomasz Wisniewski would reform the band in 2009 with long time drummer Mathias Blässe on drums and new members Oliver Kirchner and Lukas Kerk on guitars, their current bassit Christian Wösten joining in 2016. Since 2009 the band has released one EP, one demo and four studio albums.
This band has been very busy in the last few years, releasing 'Worship the Grave' in 2016 and then touring relentlessly around Europe with bands such as Amon Amarth and Gran Magus and playing festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Summer Breeze, and then releasing 'Ascension Gate' in 2017, so does it continue the trend of melodic death metal mastery or not?
The first track I want to dig into is 'Passage' which is also the first track on the album, and I want to talk about this song because as far as intros go its one of the best I have heard in recent years for a melodeath band. Starts off slow with some heavily distorted and atmospheric guitar work that slowly holds notes and builds the song up slowly and then around the 1 minute mark the drums and bass sort a creep in, again working to build the song up and then finally at the 1 minute 40 mark, the guitars kick up a notch and there's a dance on the fret board as we are treated to a very harmonic guitar solo. There's not much for vocals in this song but there's enough to make the song really good despite being a mere 2 and a bit minutes long, and a great way to start the album off.
'Leprous Thoughts' kicks into high gear straight away, no messing around it assaults you with fast paced guitars that are complimented with melodic and harmonic guitars that blend together perfectly and along with very intense and brutal drums, the bass on this song really adds quite a doomy, thunderous sort a sound to it and it all comes together nicely, Tomasz's vocals kick in quickly too and the chorus "We are the lost, We are the blind, We bring infection, to your mind. We are the lost, We are the damned, With Leprous Thoughts, We deliver the end" is catchy and definitely something that will have you roaring along to. If I had to describe what this song reminds me of I would have to say its kinda like At the Gates and Death had a baby and this song was the product of it.
'Akephalos' is another song that stood out to me on the album, starts again with a fast paced guitar riff, heavy drumming and blast beats and the vocals are a straight up punch in the face, very outstanding song that doesn't disappoint. My only draw back with the album is that some of the songs do kinda go on a little longer than they need to, there are few parts in some songs where they could have stopped but carried on, but it doesn't take away from the album overall and not once was I bored in the dozens of times I gave this album a spin.
Without a doubt this was one of my favourite albums from 2017, I was quite sad that more people haven't heard the album or the band which is why I decided to do a review of this a year after its release. A great Melodic Death Metal album that draws influence on bands like At the Gates, old In Flames, Unleashed and Dismember and brings their own twist into it with deadly and dark riffs that don't let up their assault on your ears. An amazing album from a very consistent band that is always improving with each release. I can't wait for the next one.
Release Date: August 2017
Label: Napalm Records
Band Website: www.dawnofdisease.com
Buy Album : shop.napalmrecords.com


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I would like to say thank you to everyone who commented on or emailed me about my last post, and to those who voted for the name you like. You girls have made me SO happy-- much happier than when I was contacted by Elle. It feels great to be recognized by an editor, but for me it just means much more to be loved by my customers and blog readers. I would rather make jewelry that people love and want to wear than jewelry that gets appreciated only by fashion critics. It feels great to know people love my jewelry, but it feels even better to know people love the pieces I love.
Since Gardenia Blossom received outstanding votes, I suppose that will be the name for my beloved ring.Thank you to Eleen, Meghann and Laure, who gave me suggestions for the name!
It was a very beautiful day today.It's the kind of spring sunny day when the breeze smells like the sun and plants and one has to try extremely hard not to think about going out. (So I did. Ha!) I was in such a good mood that I finally picked up my camera and set up some background for Gardenia Blossom.I hope you find these new pictures prettier than those from my last post. I have always known this is what I need to do for certain pieces of my jewelry, but, boy, it is time consuming just to arrange the layout and think about the proportion of the colors. Besides, it seriously is not my style of photography. My visual concepts are very simple and I am not very imaginative (tell me why I am making jewelry--I really don't know why) the only thing I can say is I do feel I have decent taste about colors.Here are three sets of photos that I have done, each set featuring a different theme.
The first set is green, pink and black for a casual and refreshing setting.The paper came from a local Hobby store.It's just some stock paper with pretty patterns on it.I made sure the pattern was not too overwhelming because of the complexity of the ring.--
Here's your size reference picture, with me(US size 6-7) modeling the ring
Front shot gives you an idea what the whole ring looks like.This is the most boring angle, but I always like to do a front shot to make sure the customer knows what the ring "really" looks like.
Bridgette a.k.a. Earmark reminded me this is a perfect bridal ring, so I decided to do a romantic bridal set with lace.Here is a close-up of the ring with the edge slightly covered by the lace. Doesn't it sort of look like a shy bride under the veil?
A spacial and hopeful shot with the ring facing the pink space.Lots of pink.
Just lace(another size reference shot) --
The last set I did was much easier.This is just my hand, the ring, and the wall.It is meant to look like a very simple and modern studio shot.Notice how these three pictures show you what the ring looks like in different angles when being worn. I also like this setting because it's realistic and customers can easily imagine what the ring may look like on their finger.
I would like to add a few words before finishing this post. A few readers contacted me, wanting to know if Gardenia Blossom will be listed in my Etsy shop. The answer is yes. I don't just make jewelry -- I sell it. I have been holding onto it because I want to make sure it's *perfect* when listed, so it will be another few days before you see it in my Etsy shop. The price for this ring is $88 plus shipping($3 to continental US).
A few details about Gardenia Blossom:
the ring is made with slid sterling silver wire and high quality designer keishi freshwater pearls.The pearls are wire wrapped onto the band and no glue is used. It has an adjustable band that will fit up to US size 8 comfortably. A larger size can be made upon request. Please let me know your approximate ring size so I can shape the band for you.
This is a copyrighted design and is available only at Mu-Yin Jewelry.
I hope you enjoy this post and have have a beautiful weekend :)
xo mollie

subset: commoncrawl


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My blog has now moved to http://midbaryehuda.wordpress.com
See you there!
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Algeria: Trade Policy Update
February 9, 2018
On January 7, 2018, the Algerian Government issued a decree temporarily suspending 851 products, of which 576 are agricultural. This decree is one of many new measures taken by the government of Algeria to control government spending and offset the fall in energy earnings. This decree overrides last year's import licensing system. Algerian press reports and communication from the Ministry of Commerce report that this ban will be revised periodically. Post will continue to monitor and report on changes to these measures.


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The Citi Village Run 5K will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Large Pavilion @ Ogden Botanical Gardens located 1750 Monroe Blvd in Ogden.
Join us for the Citi Village Run 5K! The Citi Team Mission is inspired by the spirit and message of The Christmas Box, a book that emphasizes the beauty and importance of love for children.
The Citi Cards Roy Site is coordinating this fun run, along with a number of corporate sponsors and local community members. All proceeds will be donated to The Christmas Box House in Weber County and will benefit children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Come support CBI's motto, "Every child deserves a childhood."
Registration is only $20 for the 5K when you pre-register and includes a t-shirt, or $25 on day of race. Group of 10 or more can register for only $10 per person (does not include t-shirt)!
Online registration will close on Thursday, September 5 at midnight.
Packet pick-up and same-day registration are from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m.
A free 1 mile kids run will also take place at 9:00 am.
7-7:30 am Registration and Packet Pick-up
8:00 am 5K Start
9:00 am Free 1 Mile Kids Run


text: Valley Formed by cascade creek, and many moderate to steep hills, the development is mostly focused on the north west side of the park, it contains 6 lighted tennis courts, playground with slides and swings, bike path. Soccer field is located by the low land area near the creek. this park has lots of running and playing area with enough to still have that quite picnic, amphitheater located close to the playground. The Jazz Festival is also hosted at the north east side of the park. lots of trees, benches, shade and this park contains a labyrinth.


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Location: Thrill World
May 13th, 2004, 11:54 AM
Diebold getting their due criticism
I hope the furor over these machines continues to grow. For a while, I was deeply concerned that no one was raising a fuss over a machine that leaves you with no proof of how you voted. That's not even addressing the fact that the company building the machines donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to President Bush. One would think people would automatically be suspicious of such a development, but apparently the collective intelligence of the American public has dipped significantly in the last four years. But, there is still time, and opposition is still growing, so I remain cautiously optimistic.
Voting machine business stormy for Diebold
Thursday, May 13, 2004 Posted: 11:05 AM EDT (1505 GMT)
NORTH CANTON, Ohio (AP) -- After the Florida punch-card debacle hurt the credibility of the last presidential election, ATM maker Diebold Inc. decided it should expand into electronic voting.
"In November of 2000, I was embarrassed for this country," said Walden W. O'Dell, Diebold's chairman and chief executive.
The Florida fiasco also inspired Congress, which appropriated $3.9 billion for an overhaul of the nation's voting systems -- one that was to be fueled by technology promised by the likes of Diebold.
But Diebold has yet to realize large rewards for its shift into electronic voting.
Instead, it has reaped a storm of criticism and even a call for a criminal investigation by California's top election official, who banned the company's newest touchscreen voting computers April 30, citing concerns about security and reliability.
The Diebold ballot appears on a portable screen that voters touch and confirm, and votes are stored on memory cards. But because the machines do not produce a paper record for each vote, critics say proper recounts are impossible.
Computer security experts say the Diebold machines -- and those of rivals -- have been carelessly developed and are too vulnerable to tampering and malfunction. Other critics have questioned the close ties that O'Dell and other company executives have with Republicans.
The onslaught has slowed sales and forced the company to lower financial expectations for Diebold Election Systems, the subsidiary that makes the touchscreens.
Machine malfunctions
North Canton-based Diebold supplied 55,600 touchscreen voting stations for the March 2 "Super Tuesday" primaries, mostly in Maryland, Georgia and California. A competitor, Election Systems & Software of Omaha, Nebraska, has installed about 36,000 screens.
Diebold's e-voting system was first stung by criticism last year when an unidentified hacker managed to obtain the company's software blueprints, known as source code, along with e-mails and other documents. That gave computer scientists a chance to evaluate the code and question its integrity.
And during the primaries, vote counts in Maryland were delayed because of modem glitches, and machines in much of California's San Diego County malfunctioned, potentially disenfranchising hundreds of voters.
Diebold argues that the security concerns are unfounded and blames human and mechanical errors.
"People forget we are a small part of a big process," said Bob Urosevich, chief executive of Diebold Election Systems. "Elections are conducted by state and local officials, not by individual vendors, and that seems to get lost."
Some county election officials agree.
"There are some security issues that were identified, and in many cases they have been fixed," said Jeff Matthews, director of the Stark County Board of Elections in Ohio. "To imply that insiders can change the outcome of an election is incorrect. It implies that election officials across the state are incompetent or corrupt and neither of those statements are true."
Political controversy
That hasn't stopped detractors from taking aim at Diebold's political preferences.
Diebold or people affiliated with the company made more than $325,000 in political contributions since 2000, mainly to President Bush or Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, according to the independent Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in politics.
In August, O'Dell said in a fund-raising letter for the Ohio Republican Party that he was "committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes" to Bush.
The letter was sent just as Ohio's top elections official, a Republican, was about to qualify Diebold as one of three companies eligible to sell electronic voting machines in the state.
"The issue won't go away. I feel very badly about it," O'Dell said told The Associated Press. "I made a misstep with that letter."
O'Dell, who has been a guest of the president in Texas, said that since September he has sworn off politics.
At Diebold's annual shareholders meeting last month, O'Dell said he decided to turn the $2.1 billion company's attention to voting machines because he believed it could help modernize elections.
While the election subsidiary has struggled financially, the rest of Diebold, mainly ATMs and safes, has thrived. Election systems was the only Diebold unit to post lower sales last year than in 2002.
Although Diebold's stock price appears hardly to have been affected, some analysts wonder whether Diebold will have the fortitude to remain much longer in the election tech market, which represents only 5 percent of its overall business.
"Election systems is a small part of the business, but it's getting 90 percent of the publicity," said Kartik Mehta, an analyst for FTN Midwest Research.
But O'Dell told shareholders that Diebold has no intention of quitting and "will ultimately produce the solutions that this country wants in a very fair and open way."
Drumbeat of criticism
Diebold had expected its election systems revenue to grow to as much as $170 million in 2004, from about $100 million last year, based largely on revenue from Ohio's conversion from punch cards. The company now expects election systems revenue in the $80 million to $95 million range.
In an annual report filed in March with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Diebold said technical and security questions are likely to increase costs and may hurt sales because of delays in implementing the machines.
Meanwhile, the drumbeat of criticism is getting louder, with Ohio officials joining counterparts from other states in questioning whether Diebold systems are secure.
Ohio delayed for months releasing $127 million in federal money for new voting machines while lawmakers studied security issues; six of the state's 88 counties now have touchscreens.
On Friday, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft signed a bill authorizing up to 31 counties to switch to electronic machines for the November election. The state released only a portion of the money, $38 million, to pay for the machines this year and to educate voters and poll workers.
Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell still would have to figure out how to keep votes secure.
"Every time there is an independent test, security flaws have been identified," said state Sen. Teresa Fedor, a Democrat on the state's review committee. "It's an indication we need to slow down the process."
Diebold has "not shown they know how to build really secure systems, and to me election security is national security," said David Jefferson, a computer scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
"I don't think there is much likelihood of someone hacking into voting systems," Jefferson added, "but we do know with Diebold's system there can be some mischief."
Originally Posted by
David Jefferson
Diebold has "not shown they know how to build really secure systems, and to me election security is national security," said David Jefferson, a computer scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
The Daily Show played a clip of a security expert, who explained how he was able to hack into the system, change people's votes, get back out, and leave no trace, in under five minutes. I'd say that's a sizable flaw. Fuck Diebold.
"Sometimes life leaves a hundred-dollar bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it fucked you."
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May 13th, 2004, 02:17 PM
Yeah, but it's not like anybody would tamper with votes. Not in Florida.
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We are switching it up a bit to focus on grassroots conservation projects. I hope you like it.
Ocean Talk Friday is usually about two people (myself and Nathan Johnson) talking about 4 to 5 articles covering Ocean News that we think you should know about; however, Nathan was a bit busy this week and I decided to switch things up. I wanted to continue covering the theme of grassroots marine conservation since I think it is going to become one of the focuses on Speak Up For Blue.
Here are 3 American Grassroots Conservation Projects I covered in this episode (I will cover more international projects as I find them: please email me if you have a project in mind – firstname.lastname@example.com).
1) Save Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge;
2) How you can ensure Climate Change remains a priority for the new US federal administration; and,
3) Stop Killing Fish by stop fertilizing so much!
Enjoy the podcast!
Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health.
Email me today, email@example.com to find out how you can transform your health.
Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Today we discussed the following:
- The state of Florida is attempting to close down the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge near Palm Beach. The Refuge was created to stop the sugar industry dumping dirty water. The U.S. Department of Justice has enforced water quality laws and ordered sugar industries to clean up their act.
- When implementing the Paris Agreement, the biggest obstacle to success is the U.S. Congress. The Ocean River Institute is uniquely capable of surmounting the obstinacy in DC because we have built relationships and are known for bringing the voices of constituents from all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands to the attention of Congressional Representatives.
- In Falmouth Massachusetts, 16 striped bass were found dead from an algal bloom (pictured above). The town responded with a lawn care ordinance to spread fertilizer once in the spring and not the state standard of five times. They went from 5 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet on healthy lawns two year ago. Today, the lawns of Falmouth are just as green as lawns of adjacent towns. With your help we can do better.
Thanks for Listening!
You can become a passion player for Ocean Conservation too! If you like what we're doing, click on any of the links below to help support our Conservation efforts for yourself, our children and the planet!
Review us on iTunes!
Support the Podcast on Patreon!
Join the Arbonne Blue Team
Instagram: @speakupforblue
Shop for the Ocean and score some Ocean swag to show your pride!
How YOU can help: 10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean
Show Notes
Enjoy The Podcast!


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The very attributes that make Invisalign® a great way to improve your smile, make the clear, flexible trays vulnerable to mistreatment. Here are tips for taking good care of your Invisalign trays.
Has a car crash or other traumatic accident knocked out most of your teeth? Has your dentist told you that most or all of your teeth will need to be extracted due to advanced periodontal disease? It is distressing to lose multiple teeth. Adding insult to injury, many dentists will likely tell you that you'll have to wait months to get a new set of teeth. But there's a better solution.
"With All on Six same-day implants, my patients can leave my office with a full smile in just one day," says Dr. David Blaustein, a cosmetic dentist located in Chelsea. "All on Six implants eliminate the need for extensive surgery, reduces the recovery time, and cuts down on the total number of office visits-all of which contribute to the convenience of this option. Plus, patients enjoy the confidence that comes from a full, healthy smile," adds Dr. Blaustein.
If you're missing a full arch of teeth (either the lower or upper jaw, or both), then you may have been told that you should get dentures or that you will need a dental implant for each missing tooth. But in fact, there's no need to resort to uncomfortable, poorly fitting dentures or multiple, extensive surgical procedures.
All on Six dental implants is particularly ideal for patients who have previously been told that they aren't good candidates for implants because they do not have sufficient jawbone mass to anchor the posts. Instead, your dentist will strategically place just six implants along the jaw. Your dentist can tilt the implants at an angle to make the best use of your remaining jawbone mass and to avoid potential damage to the nerve along the lower jaw or the sinus cavity above the upper jaw.
Because these same-day implant techniques make good use of the remaining jawbone mass, there's no need to undergo a bone graft. A bone graft would have required an additional surgery and about 12 to 18 months of additional time to let the bone heal.
Your dentist will take x-rays and perform an examination to make sure that dental implants are right for you. When you're ready for the surgery, any lingering damaged or diseased teeth, or parts of teeth will be removed before six titanium posts are inserted into the bone. The dentist then places abutments on the posts and caps them with a temporary set of teeth.
You'll enjoy your temporary teeth for a few months to allow the bone to fuse to the implants. At this point, you'll return to the dentist's office to have your temporary teeth removed and your permanent teeth placed.
Dr. David Blaustein of Chelsea Dental Aesthetics is now scheduling consults for All on Six same-day dental implants in his NYC practice. Call our office today at 347.973.7527 and let us know how we can restore function and beauty to your smile. During your one-on-one consultation, we'll determine if you're a good candidate for same-day implants, explain the details of the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and discuss the variety of financing and payment options we accept.
American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Alternative Techniques, http://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implant-options/alternative-techniques/
Fox News, Dental Procedure Gives Patients Implants in One Day, http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/21/dental-procedure-gives-patients-implants-in-one-day.html
You Might Also Enjoy...
The very attributes that make Invisalign® a great way to improve your smile, make the clear, flexible trays vulnerable to mistreatment. Here are tips for taking good care of your Invisalign trays.
If you're missing a tooth, don't let it slide. There are real health-related concerns to consider with missing teeth, but a number of replacement options can restore your smile and keep your mouth healthy.
Periodontal disease is a serious problem, and it could even potentially lead to some other severe illnesses, if new research is any indication. Let us help you learn how to keep periodontal problems at bay.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have their first checkup with an orthodontist by no later than age 7. The earlier potential issues are identified, the better, even if treatment won't begin for a while.
Are you unknowingly keeping your partner from getting a fitful night's sleep with your loud snoring and gasping for air? You could have sleep apnea and not even know it. Learn the symptoms and how oral appliance therapy easily alleviates the problem.
If you want to fix crooked or chipped teeth, both dental bonding and veneers are effective at improving your smile. Learn more about the differences between the two so you can make the best choice.


text: .make life fun. December 20, 2011 My new little, "hello." necklace is made of sterling silver and hangs on a delicate gold fill chain. So excited for this new chain. It's perfect... but this speech bubble kinda has me wishing. I almost wish everyone walked around with a speech bubble of a certain word capacity. Maybe then people would focus on saying what's important... or maybe, in this day and age, they'd waste it on an "lol." Probably.


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Published on NowUC on the 8th of May, 2010.
Read on NowUC
THE ACT's 46 homelessness services will be streamlined through one central system by the end of the year, according to the Minister for Housing, Joy Burch.
Ms Burch said the Central Intake System (CIS) will provide a more efficient service for people in need of emergency accommodation and ensure they only need to contact one agency to gain access to all services across Canberra.
The CIS is part of the Australian Government's plan to halve homelessness in Australia by 2020.
Travis Gilbert, from Homelessness Australia, said there was an accommodation shortage in the ACT and more than half of those in need are turned away.
"55% of people that seek accommodation are turned away each night," Mr Gilbert said. "That was what last year's data showed."
Ms Burch said it was hard to rely on the data as it may show that someone was turned away from one refuge when they were able to find crisis accommodation with another service. She said the CIS will provide more accurate data.
Ms Burch said the ACT Government was also addressing long-term accommodation, with $93.5 million being invested into public housing.
Mr Gilbert welcomed the Government's decision to address long-term housing solutions.
"It's focused on medium and long-term affordable housing outcomes for people who are homeless," Mr Gilbert said. "So it's different to the response that has been in the past, which has been to provide temporary accommodation. It's looking at medium and long-term solutions that are housing based, so that will hopefully have an impact in the next few years."
Ms Burch said the Government was also addressing issues such as mental illness and domestic violence.
"Homelessness is broader than just a roof over head," Ms Burch said. "We need to look at the causes." Mr Gilbert said the main cause of homelessness was domestic violence.
"I think we need a greater emphasis on mental health and addressing the causes and the drivers of homelessness," Mr Gilbert said. "A greater focus on domestic and family violence would be good."
There were 1364 people experiencing homelessness in the ACT on census night in 2006 and more than half of them were aged under 25.
"Very few of them were actually found to be sleeping on the street," Mr Gilbert said. "It was only 78 people out of that amount, half of them were with friends and relatives and about a quarter were in homelessness services."


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The pneumatic proximity sensor is often referred to as a pneumatic reed switch. It is a magnetically operated 3/2 valve originally designed to fit to pneumatic cylinders as a position sensor. The underside of the body is profiled for round cylinders 8mm - 100mm diameter.
Connect using 3mm i/d (5x1) tubing. When "on" the blue indicator button pops up.
The proximity switch senses magnetic pistons or FE (iron), it has many other applications including end-rod sensing, float sensing, general proximity etc etc.
|Pneumatic Proximity Switch
Part number 33.21.326 (0.499.300) available with mounting strap (33.006). Push on tube fittings. Use as cylinder sensor or proximity sensor.
How do I mount it?
Use a standard strap 33.006 for round cylinders 8 - 100mm. For other applications such as tie-rod or profile cylinders use the M4 through body threading as a mounting point.
Air Supply
Oil Free. 5 micron. 2 - 6 bar. Note that 6 bar is the absolute maximum pressure. We recommend system pressures below 5 bar to avoid dangerous pressure surges from step-up effects etc.
Biggest Operating Problems
Installation Hints


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Sorry I'm a little late in this one lol, but here are some of my hobbies.
I am a huge geek. I'm saying it right now. I love Supernatural, Doctor Who, Sherlock, Star Trek, and other nerdy TV shows. I absolutely love horror movies and shows. Like American Horror Story, The Descent, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and others like it. I'm also a huge Marvel Comic fan, as well as Homestuck.
I feed on music xD. I listen to it for hours every day, as well as play it. I play violin, viola, and piano. I am planning to learn cello and base soon. I like all kinds of music. Dupstep, electronic, classic, rock, metal, rap, hip hop, the only kind of music I usaly don't like, thought there is occasionally an acception, is country.
I want to be a writer when I graduate college. I want to write for either ANA or National Geographic. I love writing and history so I could go either way. I use to write stories in high school when I was bored. I had over 300 hand written pages. front and back. Sadly it got stolen or something cause it disappeared after that. Oh well those are some of my hobbies.


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Part I: "Light Your Life on Fire" Workshop, 10am to 3pm, Date TBD
per item
Our workshop will cover the Enneagram, the oldest personality typing in the world, which will give you your birth gifts/talents to find your Path of Passion. The work we will do will be based on getting to know the authentic, intuitive self which encourages each of us to take more chances to experience the things that we are passionate about and are on our "bucket list".
Workbooks and all materials will be provided. Please bring a lunch, drinks and dessert will be provided. Sign-up by Monday, January, 14.


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Friday, March 9 - End the War in Yemen / Gubernatorial Candidate Panel
Actions You Can Take Today
Action 1: Tell our Senators to end the unauthorized war in Yemen
Senator Duckworth | DC: 202-224-2854 | Chicago 312-886-3506
Senator Durbin | DC: 202-224-2152 | Chicago 312-353-4952
Action 2: Attend a gubernatorial candidate panel and immigration/DACA discussion on Monday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Amundsen High School (5110 N Damen Ave.)
Action 1: Tell Senators to End Our Unauthorized War in Yemen
This doesn't happen very often—the Senate will soon debate and vote on an American war. Specifically, it will take up a bipartisan resolution (S.J.Res. 54) to end U.S. participation in the Yemen civil war.
This is a big deal. The United States' role in the Yemen war is complicated and controversial. Importantly, it also hasn't been authorized by Congress.
For too long, Congress has ceded its war powers to the executive branch. That's always been a dangerous trend—but it's especially perilous now that Donald Trump is the commander-in-chief. Learn more about the situation in Yemen and how we got here.
This joint resolution, led by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Mike Lee (R-UT), uses a procedure to force a vote on the Senate floor within ten days. If passed by both chambers of Congress, the resolution would declare the U.S. participation in the Yemen war unauthorized, and would end American support for Saudi war crimes. It only needs a simple majority to pass. Essentially, a small handful of Democrats will decide the fate of this resolution.
Although, this resolution has a nearly impossible path toward becoming law, passing this in the Senate would set vital precedent for Congress to do this again in other contexts in the future—perhaps to stop a war with North Korea. As progressives, this is something we must demand from Congress.
Call Senator Duckworth | DC: 202-224-2854 | Chicago 312-886-3506
Call Senator Durbin | DC: 202-224-2152 | Chicago 312-353-4952
Find your House rep's contact info
Script: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a Chicago constituent from [zip code] and member of Indivisible.I'm calling about the joint resolution introduced by Senators Lee and Sanders to end our unauthorized war in Yemen. It is essential for Senator [name] to support this resolution when it comes to the floor for a vote. Congress has never authorized this war, and evidence shows that the airstrikes the U.S. is supporting are causing a humanitarian crisis and may amount to war crimes. The chaos has allowed terror groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliates to gain more power and land. It's time for Senator [name] to exercise Congress' constitutional power and end this unauthorized war.
Action 2: Gubernatorial Panel on Immigration and DACA on MONDAY
As the March 20 primaries approach, the question arises, "How will our locally elected officials support undocumented residents in Illinois?" Join us on Monday, March 12 to hear the candidates for governor speak about local solutions to offer protection to our undocumented communities. Co-sponsored by Indivisible Chicago and other organizations, including Voto Latino and Women's March: Illinois, the event will consist of two 45-minute panels:
The initial 45-minute panel is comprised of IL Gubernatorial candidates. The candidates will share their plans and ideas regarding policies to protect undocumented community members.
The second 45-minute panel will allow directly-impacted folks to share their stories and offer solutions to the DACA issue and share some ways in which our locally elected officials can offer some protection.
Both panels will be moderated by Protection for All Movement members and directly-impacted folks.
Candidates Confirmed: Daniel Biss, Tio Hardiman, Bob Daiber, and Dr. Robert Marshall
Candidates Invited: J.B. Pritzker, Chris Kennedy, Bruce Rauner, and Jeanne Ives
When: Monday, March 12, 6-8 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Amundsen High School (5110 N Damen Ave.)
Get your free ticket here
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Want to do more to help Indivisible Chicago? Make a donation or shop our merchandise to support our organizing and direct actions.


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In the Indian tradition, what you do on the first day of the year sets the tone for the year ahead. So what better way to greet 2016 than by practising yoga? We will join together to offer our practice in gratitude with a very active and flowing class, surrendering what has been and gaining some clarity of what to bring in before embedding this with a yoga nidra (guided relaxation) and short meditation.
At the end of the class, you are invited to join Emma in a "New Year Ceremony" to cast a spell of luminous potency for 2016 as you write down your intention(s) for 2016 and seal this in an envelope which Emma will retain and send to you at the end of 2016 – there is power and magic in clear intention!
10-11.30am at St Martin's Community Centre (downstairs), £10 drop-in or usual voucher system applies, all welcome. Please bring along a blanket.


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Art programmes
City art programme Baltic Circle 2018
City art programme Baltic Circle 2018
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Carnaval Juhlasesonki
Maija Hirvanen
7 - 20 May, Helsinki
Carnaval Juhlasesonki is a two-week season for celebration and a social performance taking place in Kaarela, Helsinki. The programme consists of three extraordinary parties that are organized in collaboration with local residents, in the direction of choreographer Maija Hirvanen.
"Parties are rituals through which we perceive time and social relationships. By celebrating, we remind ourselves of what's important and create meaningful moments together. During Carnaval Juhlasesonki, people who might not meet otherwise get to spend time together. There will be self-renewal, recycling opinions, celebrating by dancing, holding speeches of gratitude – and, of course, surprises", says Hirvanen.
The visually striking van customized for Carnaval project, equipped with an amazing soundsystem and a miniature black box theatre, serves both as a party stage and a hangout. The parties are composed together with each participant, utilizing Maija Hirvanen's artistic methods. During the process, both the organisers and the guests get the ideas and tools for their future events.
Carnaval Juhlasesonki Programme:
Uudistumisjuhlat – Celebrating renewal
Saturday 12 May at Asukastalo Renki in Malminkartano District
A party in collaboration with local residents
The ability to change and transform is one our most precious qualities. At this party, the participants get to renew themselves in a playful way.
Ilon ja kiitoksen juhlat – Celebrating joy and gratitude
Friday 18 May in Kannelmäki
Hosted by Briitta Koskilehto.
At this party, we gather together to thank and to boost our gratitude. The guests are local people whom the host wishes to thank. Each guest is asked to bring with them someone they are grateful to.
VannetanssiPiknik – Picnic and hooping
Saturday 19 May at Leikkipuisto Kannelmäki
In collaboration with Valosirkus Spektri
Supported by
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Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles
Blister Bugs (entomological classification: Coleoptera Meloidae) are a type of Arachnids. They are slightly larger than Warrior Bugs and similar in shape and colour to the closely related species of Blaster Bugs. Blisters have a huge gaping maw from which they can spew a powerful, corrosive green liquid which can be used to attack directly or dissolve walls and equipment. Though it is fairly short ranged, even Marauder armour can evaporate under its attacks.
The Blister Bug must first produce the bio-corrosive acid in its abdomen that it spits forth from its maw to ranges of 30 feet (about 9 meters), or more. The Blister is a four-legged bug, the rearmost pairs of legs are longer than the two front forelegs. The Blister's body is light brown with a shade of green, the bug has orange-coloured eyes with black pupils. It has three tan coloured crosswise stripes on top of the body, the legs are also tan with a shade of green, the abdomen is redish.
The upper mandible has three fangs, the lower mandible has two bigger fangs. Like the Warrior, the Blister Bug has two small claws. Blisters are not as fast as Warriors, but they can also climb. Unlike its cousin the Blaster Bug, Blister Bugs generally attack individually or in smaller swarms supported by Warrior Bugs, whereas Blaster Bugs attack in massed swarms for maximum effect.


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After water damage, you have to think about immediate restoration. Whether you are dealing with the problem at home or at the workplace, any water damage situation in Utah can lead to a health hazard. This is especially true if you are dealing with wet walls and ceilings, says AAA Restoration.
Wet furniture can be dried out in the sun. What can you do to ensure the walls are not harboring moisture that might give rise to a mold infestation? Let expert insights quell your fears. Here are some of the key elements of drying and restoring wet walls after a flooding or a storm.
Removing Water and Wet Matter
Severe storm can inundate an area for hours leading to flooding of a few feet high. Contaminated water is not the only danger associated with water damage. You have to be prepared to remove not just standing water, which may cause illness due to the microorganisms they contain, but sections of walls and ceilings, too. Thoroughly wet structures may also pose a hazard to health if they are not dried out completely. Saturated walls and ceilings may not be salvageable anymore. If it is impossible to restore, then rid your home or workplace of the wall. Remove insulation that is not usable anymore as well. In addition, check laminated floors and expose potential areas of saturation underneath.
Drying Out Hacks
You do not have to remove a wall that is still functional and salvageable. You only have to dry it out completely. When time is off the essence, open the doors and windows to improve ventilation indoors. Use fans and dehumidifiers to move air around. To accelerate the drying process, remove all the attachments on the wall. Dry wall hangings out in the sun.
Lastly, remember that moisture may be trapped at the baseboards, so deal with them adequately. Moldings may harbor pockets of water as well, so pay attention. You may attend to these matters yourself, but you can always call on professionals to give you a hand.


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or make 4 interest-free payments of $17.50 AUD fortnightly with More info
Flow series abstract paintings are snapshots of moments in time, created without always having the final outcome in mind. Chalie has used different materials and tools to achieve unpredictable elements in these pieces.
All of Chalie's designs are custom printed on fine art, matt paper, 210gsm or 300gsm.
Dimensions are inclusive of white boarder.
Purchase is for print only, no accessories or frames are included.
All designs are printed to order. Please allow up to 2 weeks turnaround, plus postage time.
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Original artwork by Melbourne artist Chalie MacRae. 79cm H x 79cm W Framed in raw oak.
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Original artwork by Melbourne artist Chalie MacRae. 79cm H x 79cm W Framed in raw oak.
'A split second' is an original artwork by Melbourne artist Fern Siebler. 42cm x 59cm. Alcohol ink on yupo synthetic paperUnframed and A2 in size. Sealed with artist quality UV...
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Use your mobile phone's number pad to make calculations. No apps, no widgets.
Seoul, South Korea, July 8, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Okyunsun Idea Group (okyunsun.modoo.at), a design and tech company located in South Korea and whose core competencies are idea development and invention, has announced a new calculator technology that does not necessitate any special control from the cell phone keyboard.
Unlike existing calculator applications that are launched using a separate application, this patented technology can be used without the need for any additional controls from a mobile phone keyboard.
The application uses the phone's number pad to enter in digits and utilizes the touchscreen's swipe recognition features to draw out '+, -, *, /, =' to complete the calculations.
For example, '86-23' would be entered by pressing '8', '6', swipe over '4,5,6' to create the '-' (minus) symbol, '2', '3', and then swipe over '4,5,6' and then '7,8,9' to complete the '=' (equals) sign. (see video for a demonstration).
All 5 of the equation symbols are generated by using swipe features over the number pad and provides an added convenience and simplified way of doing quick equations.
Okyunsun Idea Group is planning on discussing this technology with domestic and foreign smart phone manufacturers and application related companies.
Okyunsun Idea Group specializes in the creation and invention of ideas and continuously generates new ideas in technical development and design.


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I'm not going to change my behaviour to conform when a free person;— Chrys Muirhead (@ChrysMuirhead) August 19, 2018
it was different when they coercively drugged me & made me conform when a psychiatric inpatient for then I had no choice https://t.co/pnIfVT8d5i
Started writing this blog post when I got up and at the same time was writing Emails to a friend, recounting stories and it took me on to memories of my Mother, how she survived abusive psychiatric treatment, courses of ECT and incarceration, for experiencing psychosis or nervous breakdowns as they were called in the 1950's and 1960's.
she was an example to us all of how to live with a psychiatric diagnosis, to live well, to survive psychiatric abuse, to be productive, to stand with her family, to put up with their pain, for as long as possible, 68 long years; I'm very proud of my lovely Mother 🥰 https://t.co/wBpEYECE46— Chrys Muirhead (@ChrysMuirhead) August 19, 2018
And so I decided to check on my Mother's grave to see how the plants were doing, taking the 12 bus on the 64 route, now run by Moffat & Williamson, a Strata low floor 22 seater bus which is a noisy and uncomfortable vehicle, particularly on speed bumps, the seats less cushioned than any bus I've been on, making the 3ml journey into Cupar unpleasant especially since I've got a sore left leg and hip just now. Have been raising complaints about it.
Gladioli from beside gravestone looking very bonnie! 😊 had fallen over so cut it & put in water. Only one this year.— Chrys Muirhead (@ChrysMuirhead) August 19, 2018
Begonias still ok. pic.twitter.com/XhmQuehIh5
It's now late evening and BBC Proms is on TV in the background as I struggle to remember what it was I wanted to say first thing this morning. Which was about being congruent, open, telling the truth as much as possible, being true to myself, speaking out when necessary and standing with others who may not have a voice. I care about others who are becoming isolated due to health issues, bereavement and old age. It's an extension of my mother heart.
On experiencing another psychosis in 2015 secret agents were in my imaginings, strangers in the street, and I reasoned them as looking out for my welfare, making them part of my story. One of the times I was meeting someone for lunch in Edinburgh and it was a difficult meeting which is probably why I had the feeling of being watched. This person didn't treat me with respect on that day, beforehand and subsequently, whereas I showed them compassion. I did well to come through the psychosis and the long engagement, mostly virtual, with my confidence intact. It has been strengthening and a learning experience, grist to the mill as a writer.


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At about 35 weeks I wasn't sure if I wanted to have this baby in a hospital anymore. After meeting with my doula and seeing the movie "The Business of Being Born" I realized I had other options. I didn't have much time, though, and finding a midwife was tricky. Luckily I found Meredith & Christy. They were very warm & receptive and I felt instantly at ease with them.My labor started at night and I tried to sleep through the contractions. At about 6am I felt a funny popping in my lower abdomen and then a slow trickle between my legs. My husband Tod & I then started timing the contractions. They were about eight minutes apart. I called Meredith to let her know, she said to try and eat some breakfast and call back when they got a little closer. I decided to hop in the shower first. After standing up for about five minutes the contractions suddenly seemed like they were coming closer and stronger. I had Tod call Meredith back and let her know.
Meredith, Christy and Ally, my doula, all arrived within forty five minutes. Tod and I were both relieved to see them, partly because we knew he wouldn't be delivering the baby in the bathtub. The most comfortable position for me at this time was lying down on the bed. The contractions were further apart and less intense like this. Christy gently reminded me that we want the contractions because that's what helps the baby come out. So at that I decided to stand up and walk around. Yes that did help! After the birthing pool was set up I got into it and it felt so nice. The warm water really helped. Christy recommended different positions for me to try and Meredith would check the baby's heart rate regularly. The contractions were intense and close together but I breathed through each one. I listened intently and tried to execute the directions given by Meredith and Christy knowing that my cooperation would speed up this process and I could soon meet my baby. Meredith gave me a soothing lower back massage with some scented oil. I remember Christy saying " That's it you're done with that contraction you'll never have to do that one again" That really helped me to get through each one. At one point I felt a light stinging in my lower abdomen. Meredith said the baby was coming and she could see my bag in the water. I couldn't' believe how fast everything was going. I got out of the pool and tried squatting on a birthing stool but I was too tired and just wanted to lie down on the bed. The contractions changed to a bearing down type feeling that made me want to push. The pushing felt good. It didn't seem like it took that long either. The next thing I knew I had a beautiful, dark haired, lil' man on my belly. My husband and I cried and cried. All I kept saying was thank you, thank you, thank you to Meredith & Christy for all they had done to help me deliver this beautiful baby in the comfort of our home. It was a magical, miraculous, euphoric, wonderful moment I'll never forget and I'm so glad they were a part of it.


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The Sabbat
Whereas Esbats are determined by the Moon, Sabbats recognize the shifting of the seasons. They're connected with old European planting and harvesting rites and ancient hunting ceremonies, as well as with the solstices and equinoxes.
These are sometimes known as "days of power," or "high days." And though daytime rituals would seem to be preferred for solar festivals, most Sabbats are held at night.
For covens these are times to gather and work their rites, a time to be reminded of the passing of the seasons and the changes at work within the Earth, which is especially important for city-dwellers. Again, Wiccans don't worship the Sun, but see it as a symbol of the God.
All religions have specific reasons for scheduling rituals. For Wiccans, the seasonal cycle determines the positioning of rituals.
In essence, the Sabbats tell a story of the God and the Goddess. In festival form they reveal a seasonal and agricultural Wiccan legend. Wiccan traditions vary a great deal in their myths. Much of this variance is due to the specific cultural context of the tradition, such as Celtic, Feminist, and so on. However, a generalization of the meanings of the eight Sabbats can be formed.
Many Wiccans begin their year with Samhain (October 31st). On this night they revere their friends and loved ones who have passed on to the other life. Because Wiccans accept the doctrine of reincarnation, this isn't a completely somber festival but a quiet recognition of the inevitable outcome of life. Many Wiccans also mark the symbolic death of the God on this night. Samhain is linked with the coming of winter and ancient hunting rituals.
This date will be recognized in the United States as Hallowe'en or Hallows Eve, a night on which adults and children dress in costume and attend parties, and newspapers blazon stories about Witches, curses, and ghosts across heir pages. These are folk memories of the old European customs that were played out at this time of the year. Wiccans usually ignore such occurrences, for this is a sacred night.
Yule (circa December 21st; the exact dates of the Solstices and equinoxes change every year) celebrates the rebirth of the God through the agency of the Goddess. Some might note the date and believe this to be a mockery of Christianity. Actually, that isn't quite the case.
Early Biblical scholars tried to place a date for the birth of Jesus. Coming up empty-handed, they adopted the Winter Solstice. This date was changed to December 25th so that it wouldn't vary year to year. Yule was probably chosen for this purpose because it is an ancient Pagan religious day-Mithras, for example, was thought to have been born then. Early Christians were noted for superimposing their religious symbolism and theology onto that of earlier religions, thereby attempting to speed conversion.
So Wiccans celebrate Yule as the date of the rebirth of the God (symbolically seen as the Sun). The Winter Solstice marks the depths of winter. From this night on, the hours of daylight grow longer until midsummer.
Imbolc (February 1st or 2nd) is the time when Wiccans celebrate the recovery of the Goddess from giving birth to the God. It is a festival of purification and of reverence for the renewing fertility of the Earth. Bonfires may be lit.
Ostara (circa March 21st), the Spring Solstice, marks the first day of true spring. It is a time of the awakening of the Earth (the Goddess in her terrestrial aspect), as the Sun grows in warmth and power.
Pagan rituals of spring, such as colored eggs, have survived to this time by being transferred to Easter celebrations.
April 30th is known as Beltane. At this festival the young God ventures into manhood. He and the Goddess (His mother/lover) join and produce the bounty of nature.
And before anyone thinks-aha! Their gods practice incest!-remember that this is nature symbolism. In Wiccan thought the Goddess and God are united, one-twin halves of a whole. They are dual reflections of the power behind the universe that can never be truly separated.
May Day is still a time of flowers, maypoles (once an openly sexual symbol), and chains of clover, even among those who don't practice Wicca.
Midsummer (circa June 21st) is the point at which the powers of nature (created by the union of the Sun and the Earth) are at their peak. Wiccans gather to celebrate and to practice magic. Huge bonfires may be lit in honor of the Sun. This night and its magic was honored in one of Shakespeare's plays.
Lughnasadh (August 1st) is the beginning of harvest. The God weakens as the first grains and fruits are cut. Lughnasadh is a ritual of Thanksgiving. Indeed, the American holiday of Thanksgiving is an echo of Pagan European harvest festivals. If the Pilgrims had planted their crops on time, Thanksgiving would more closely correspond to the date of Lughnasadh.
Mabon (circa September 21st) is the second harvest. The God prepares to leave His life behind Him as the last fruits are gathered to nourish the peoples of the Earth. The warmth is lessening day by day.
Samhain follows Mabon, and so the cycle of rituals is completed.
Remember, this is the barest outline of the Sabbats. Individual traditions possess rich lore concerning each day. Intricate, symbolic rituals are enacted on the Sabbats in honor of the God and Goddess, as reflected in seasonal changes.
Foods symbolic of each day are often placed on the altar and eaten during the sacred meal, sometimes known as "Cakes and Wine," which follows most Sabbats. Specific crafts may be worked which link with the symbolism.
Magical rituals may also take place, though many Wiccans reserve the Sabbats as times for worship only.
Samhain and Yule and all the others are, to Wiccans, what Christmas and Easter are to Christians. They are holidays (holy days) that Wiccans set aside each year to commune with the Goddess and God.
The Sabbats and Esbats can be seen on three levels. First, they're times of religious worship in which Wiccans meet with the Goddess and God-times of renewing contacts with the Deities in a structured ritual setting.
Second, these days of power are also specific times for working magic to help, heal, comfort, and protect Wiccans and their friends and loved ones. This is done with the assistance of the Deities.
Finally, these are also celebrations-times for laughter, shop talk, and feasting. When the religious and magical workings (if any) are over, and after the circle has been dispersed, the Sabbats and Esbats become parties.
These Wiccan rituals aren't parodies of other religions' most sacred ceremonies. In fact, the Sabbats are rooted in the earliest expressions of religion among humans, which predate Christianity by thousands of years.
If anything, they're based on rites far older than those of any other religion.
Chapter 14 - Wiccan Magic
Wiccans, in common with folk magicians, rouse, program, release and direct personal power to manifest needed changes. In other words, they practice magic. Though Wiccan magic follows the same rationale as folk magic, the techniques used may be quite different.
Folk magicians burn candles, manipulate quartz crystals, or use herbs and oils and other tools to effect magical changes. Wiccan covens usually perform group-oriented rites involving the raising of energy, and they use few or no physical tools save for the most potent of all-the human body.
The magic outlined in this chapter primarily refers to that practiced by covens and groups of Wiccans. Solitary Wiccans may utilize similar rituals or practice folk magic while calling upon the Goddess and God to assist them.
The goals of Wiccan magic are often similar to those of the folk magicians. Healing is perhaps the most common objective. Wiccan magical goals may also be concerned with love, finances, employment, protection, and many other goals. And despite popular ,misconceptions, Wiccans don't curse or hex. It simply isn't practiced or taught.
Wiccan magic may also tackle larger problems, such as world peace. Many covens began working toward this goal in the late 1960s, when it was common for covens to literally join forces in sending energy to halt the Vietnam War.
Wiccans also work magic to arrest exploitation of the Earth, to conserve its natural resources, and to send back to our planet in order to ensure its continuing ability to maintain life.
Wiccan magic is also used to create the sphere of power (magic circle) in which rituals are performed, as well as to purify and charge tools used in religious and magical ceremonies.
Wiccan methods of rasing energy were long kept secret, revealed only to coven members after initiation. Today, many of these have been openly published in one form or another. Some are peculiar to Wicca.
The most common form is known simply as the dance. Physical activity, as we've seen, generates personal power. Because the body is a storehouse of life-energy, muscular contraction produces power readily available for use in magic. Wiccans have long known this, and have used specific movements to build up energy during rites of magic.
After the religious rites have ended, the High Priestess, High Priest or some other coven leader discusses the goal of the magical rite to be performed by the group. In some covens each member works toward her or his own magical goal. Thus, eight or ten or thirteen Wiccans generate power simultaneously to send it toward their own personal needs. Most commonly, however, a group goal is utilized.
In any case, the desired outcome is clearly visualized in each Wiccan's mind. A symbol of it may be placed on the altar or written onto small pieces of paper, which are then burned. After this the magic begins.
The Wiccans join hands and move clockwise around the altar, maintaining the visualization. This is called the dance, simply because the coven circles the altar with linked hands-not because they're actually dancing to choreographed steps. During the Witch trials, many Witches were accused of performing the infamous "back-to-back" dances; however, these dances aren't performed.
The coven circles faster and faster until it becomes a blur to anyone who watches. During this time the Wiccans are steadily increasing their energy. At the appropriate time, when the coven's power has risen to its peak, the group leader signals the members to release their energy, and through visualization, send it toward the goal. In some groups each member projects personal power to the leader, who then directs the power outward to the Goddess and God or to its final destination.
After the dance, the magical rite is over. The Wiccans may feel temporarily exhausted, for this is an expenditure of power. But soon everyone returns to normal, often helped by a ritual meal.
If a folk magician can raise a sufficient amount of energy to effect magical changes, it follows that a group of persons working toward the same goal can produce a tremendous amount of power. Group magical workings, whether Wiccan or not, can be spectacularly effective.
Perhaps a few words should be said here concerning clockwise (deosil) movement. In Wicca, clockwise motion is thought to generate energy with positive qualities. Conversely, counter-clockwise (widdershins) motion draws energy with negative qualities. Some say this is simply symbolism, but others claim it to be more than this.
The term "clockwise" refers not to the motion of the hour, minute, and second hands of a modern clock, but recalls an earlier timekeeping device.
Sundials have been used for untold millennia. These consist of a base marked with numbers at appropriate angles around its rim. A thin shaft rises from the center of the sundial. As the Sun moves across the shy each day, this pointer's shadow moves in an arc from left to right, denoting the hour. Thus clockwise originally referred to the motions of this shadow.
Now, if the Sun casts a shadow in this way, and the Sun is related to all that is good and bright and nourishing on our planet, if follows that motions in the opposite direction are its anthesis.
Thus through the centuries, counterclockwise movements have been used in negative magical workings. This has been called the "left-hand path." Most Wiccans avoid widdershins movements during their rituals.
This is why the Wiccans dance around the altar is a clockwise direction. Some Wiccans south of the equator-particularly in Australia, which has a thriving Wiccan population- reverse these directions. That is, of course, their prerogative.
Back to Wiccan magic. The dance is but one form. There are others, but most are similar. In one, the coven is arranged in a circle around the altar. The members may stand still, link arms, and chant or hum, while visualizing the magical goal and raising personal energy. As before, the leader determines when the available power is at its greatest concentration, and again informs the coven to release its energy.
Or a symbol denoting the magical goal may be marked onto a piece of paper or wood and placed on the altar. Gathered around it, the coven raises personal energy, and through their athames, projects it into the symbol. This is finally burned or buried to release the power to go to work.
Other Wiccan groups utilize variations on the above forms-or may even practice a type of ceremonial magic to achieve their goals. No matter what type of coven magic is used, it is usually effective.
Folk magic, as we have seen, is governed by one basic dictum: harm none. As a religion embracing magic, Wicca follows the same rule, though it is often differently worded:
"An it harm none, do what you will."
(The an used here is an archaic form of if, not a variant of and.)
This phrase is almost universally known to English-speaking Wiccans. Its origins remain shadowy. Many feel that it was put into these words in the 1940s or 50s, and was based on the magical motto of ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law; love under will."
While the origins of this phrase are misty, its message is quite clear. Wiccans don't practice negative magic. They don't break up marriages, force persons to fall in love, or harm others through their rituals. Sure, Wiccans get angry. They may get into fist fights or toss a drink in an obnoxious man's face. But they'd rather cut off their right arm before "hexing" or "cursing" another human being.
In the popular mind, magical power seems to be equated with the lack of morality. This is as absurd as thinking that the possession of a knife inclines its owner to stab everyone she or he meets. At best, true mastery of magical power only occurs within individuals who subscribe to "An it harm none, do what you will."
The possibility of misuse of Wiccan magical techniques was one of the rationales for secrecy in the past. "Don't reveal magical methods to the untrained," some Wiccans said. "They may misuse them." While there may have once been some logic behind this idea, it is no longer valid. Wiccan magical techniques have been openly published. Anyone with ten dollars (or a library card) can read most of these "secrets."
I'm sure that there have been some groups who called themselves Wiccan and practiced negative magic. But to call these groups Wiccan or use them to judge the majority of Wiccans would be as incorrect as calling those unfortunate souls who perform satirical masses and desecrate the host "true Catholics"-or Wiccans.
Wiccan magic is performed for positive ends. It is engaged in for coven members, for friends and relatives, for the Earth, and for all its peoples. It is a positive, participatory aspect of the religion of Wicca.
Chapter 15 - Nudity, Sex, And Wicca
These are hot topics-in more ways than one. In the first draft of The Truth About Witchcraft, the booklet that preceded this work, I excluded the section on sex and Witchcraft. I added it to a later draft and it appeared on pages 21-22.
When it came time to write this book, I hesitated to include this chapter. I was unwilling to add fuel to the arguments of narrow-minded outsiders who gleefully claim that Wicca consists of nothing more than orgies. However, common sense told me that to ignore these aspects of Wicca might led some to believe that nudity and sex are more prevalent within Wicca than is the case.
Hence this chapter.
Let's get right down to the point here: nudity doesn't always lead to sexual activity. And indeed, complete nudity isn't even necessary for sex (as evidenced by centuries of Asian erotic art). While the two can be, and certainly are, complementary to each other, doffing one's clothing isn't necessarily a prelude to sex.
The state in which I live, California, led the fight for legally recognized clothing-optional beaches in the early 1970s. Police reports show that the number of occurrences of sexual activity on the infamous Black's Beach (a once-legal nude recreation area) was actually lower than that of other conventional beaches. What does this seem to say?
Just this: that to persons who are comfortable with social nudity, who have no hang-ups regarding the naked human form, nudity is a truly social-not sexual-state.
What does this have to do with Wicca? One aspect of the religion that has been most attacked is the fairly common use of ritual nudity. That is, religious rituals performed without clothing. This is the antitheses of wearing your Sunday best, a doing away with the elaborate ritual attire often worn in other religions.
Many Wiccans-perhaps the majority-wear robes during ritual. Some even enter the magic circle in street clothing. Others wear nothing.
Outsiders, on hearing of Wiccan ritual nudity, sneer and say, "See? They're naked during their rituals. That Proves that they have orgies!"
This belief is the product of a prejudiced, unnatural state of mind. What could be more natural than the unclothed human body? As has been pointed out numerous times in the past, none of us are born wearing clothing.
Sociological studies of peoples around the world affirm that the use or non-use of clothing is a matter of local customs. What we (or any society) judge to be a decent coverage of the human body may be thought of as outrageously indecent in some other society.
The idea of practicing ritual nudity certainly isn't strictly Wiccan. AmerIndians, Polynesians, Amazonian Indians, Europeans, certain ethnic groups that settled in the United States, and many other peoples of various cultures have removed clothing for religious purposes. To this day in India, the saddhus are allowed to walk the streets naked as a symbol of their sanctity. It seems that our Western minds are quite closed when it comes to the sight of our own bodies.
Why is this? Pre-Christian cultures such as those of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome accepted social nudity. When Christianity came along, its early leaders equated nudity with earlier (Pagan) religions. Thus nudity-even while bathing-was firmly linked with the enemy of this religion and was roundly forbidden. At some times, even individuals in the privacy of their own homes weren't allowed to remove their clothing.
When social nudity disappeared as a common practice in the West, twisted ideas concerning it festered in the popular mind. Nudity is dirty, filthy. Nudity is evil. Nudity leads to sex. Sex is bad.
The false, unnatural belief that nudity is evil and inevitably leads to sex is the product of 1500 years of prudery, and it is fostered by a new religion determined to erase all teraces of Paganism.
But any rational, well-adjusted person who has visited a nude beach, a clothing-optional resort or nudist camp realizes that nudity soon loses its novelty. When persons are naked for reasons other than sex, the arousal quotient of such a state quickly vanishes.
Some Wiccans claim that all their rituals in the past were conducted without clothing. This simply isn't true. Though there is much precedent for ritual nudity, most of Europe was far too cold for such practices.
Some Wiccans perform nude rituals because they see this as a natural state, the closest they can be to the Goddess and God. Others don't take off their clothing because they prefer not to. Far from ritual nudity being a requirement in Wicca, many Wiccans vehemently condemn the practice. When it is used, ritual nudity is engaged in for specific purposes, not for the titillation that rolls around in the minds of outsiders.
Wicca, as has been frequently mentioned, is a religion of individuals.
Now to the more explosive of these two issues-sex. Any mention of the word Witchcraft usually brings to mind orgies. Sex and Witchcraft, outsiders believe, are inextricably linked. As with many myths, this one simply isn't true.
A few-not many, but a few-Wiccan traditions do utilize sex for its mystical and magical properties and to alter consciousness.
But such rites-as rare as they are-are only performed in private between two consenting adults. Ritual sex is never engaged in before other Wiccans or anyone else. Coven orgies are nonexistent. Wicca is not a swing club; Sabbats and Esbats aren't excuses to have sex.
After all, most of us have enough excuses along these lines. Wiccans certainly don't need to hide behind their religion to make whoopee.
Those Wiccans (and they are in the minority, believe me!) That utilize sex have no apologies for doing so. They see Wicca as a fertility religion, and so deem sex a natural component of its rituals. Centuries of Christian sexual repression, they say, is responsible for the public's horror of ritual sex, as well as sex itself in any of its variant forms.
Our morals are thrust upon us by the society in which we live. Our society is dominated by the idea that sex should be engaged in only by married couples and solely for procreative purposes. Therefore, sex for any other reason is deemed sinful, even by married couples. In the public's mind, combining sex with religion is an abomination.
Wiccans could argue that it's really none of their business, but that wouldn't get anyone too far.
What most people don't understand is that there are sexual elements in every religion, even in Christianity. The Bible is filled with rapes and ritual intercourse. The very word "testament" derives from a practice that was quite common in Biblical times. When one man was swearing an oath to another he grasped his testicles. Most of the sexual aspects of Christianity have, of course, been covered up with confusing translations, or have been conveniently left out of the authorized versions of the Bible. But they are there.
So a few Wiccans may utilize sex as a joyous, energy-raising experience during ritual. But they do so only with their partner-generally within an established emotional relationship, such as that existing between husband and wife. Wicca is not a sex religion, and most Wiccans don't integrate sex into their rituals.
But what is sex really? Strip off those old bugaboos and prejudices and look at it: Sex is a union with self, with another individual, with the human race as a whole, and with the Deity or Deities that created us. One variety of sex is the first step toward the creation of human life. When viewed with an open mind, uncluttered by artificial morality, sexual rituals are indeed religious and sacred in the old pre-Christian sense of these words.
Wiccans don't believe that the pleasures and wonders of sex are unnatural or evil. They don't believe that the God and Goddess created sexuality as a test of the goodness of humans, and they truly can't conceive of such a thing. They see sex as a joyous part of life, and so some Wiccans celebrate this in ritual.
Wicca is a unique religion, one with great variety. The fact that sex (and ritual nudity)
plays a role in some Wiccan covens and traditions doesn't mean that all Wiccans give it the same ritual importance.
Those that do see it as an act of love, power, and spirituality.
Chapter 16 - Dangers and Troubles
Every human being should have the right to practice any religion that he or she wishes. Though laws upholding the freedom of religion have been enacted in many nations, many others continue to persecute those with certain religious beliefs. And indeed, legislation doesn't change popular opinion, as evidenced in the intervening years since the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Religious persecution has been with us as long as there has been religion. Wars are still raging due to (at least in part) doctrinal differences. Many persons hide behind religion, using it as an excuse for greed, racism, sexism, bigotry, prejudice, and of course, murder. What should be a spiritually uplifting force has often been perverted and twisted to suit personal needs.
Religion is used as a weapon against other religions. This becomes clear as we view what has happened to Wicca in the last twenty years or so.
In Chapter One we looked at the reasons why many of the old Pagan traditions died out in Europe, as well as the uproar among orthodox religions when occultism experienced an upsurge of interest in the late 1960s. Even now, in he late 1980s, this controversy is still raging, often with increasingly violent effects.
As we've seen, Wiccans don't kill humans. They don't mutilate or kill animals. They don't sign pacts with Satan-in blood or in ink. They don't call up evil demons, and they're certainly not out to rule the world. All they desire is the freedom to practice their own religion.
In many cases, Wiccans are denied this simple, basic right. Stories originating from all parts of the country attest to the fact that when Wiccans are publicly known, they often suffer.
The reason for this, of course, is ignorance. The mass media delights in spreading misinformation concerning Wicca. Wiccans give interviews to the press and are symbolically burned at the stake for speaking of their religion. Articles about Wicca are rarely carried in the religious section of newspapers, and quotes from priests and ministers are often included in an attempt to malign the religion.
Would they end an article about an upcoming Jewish holiday with, say, a born-again Christian's diatribe against this religion?
Like many other Wiccans, I've been verbally assaulted while on television by snickering talk-show hosts and hostile audiences. We've suffered through hours of televison specials portraying Wiccans as mentally deranged, twisted, Satanic murders. One hour-long show aired recently on a major network attempted to link a positive Wiccan group with murder.
Despite the media's bigotry, certain Wiccan traditions have been recognized by the I.R.S Department of Army Pamphlet No. 165-13, entitled "Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups-A Handbook for Chaplains" notify Army personnel that Wiccans are as much entitled to religious rights as followers of any other religion. Many prisons also allow inmates to practice Wicca.
But such recognition is slow in coming. Though many televangelist have fallen from grace lately, those still in business often preach about the dangers of "Witches." A woman who had "infiltrated" a Wiccan coven appeared on such a show I watched a few years ago. She had attended rituals, read the books and periodicals, and had in every way been exposed to Wiccan philosophy and spirituality.
And yet she spent the entire show saying over and over again that Wiccans-she used that word-worship the Devil and are out to conquer the world.
Such blind faith, or conscious twisting of facts, has led to dangerous situations. A Wiccan coven in California decided to perform one of their rituals in a public park. This is a fairly common occurrence in urban areas. Well in advance of the ritual they had obtained the required meeting permit to avoid any unpleasant situations. The day arrived and the coven, wearing robes, set up their altar in full daylight and began their simple rite.
They cast a circle and invoked the Goddess and God. Halfway through the ritual, somebody saw them, sized up the situation from their point of view and called the police.
"Satanists!" the informer said in an agitated voice. "Human sacrifice. They're-they're killing babies in the park!"
Not long afterward several patrol cars pulled up, and law enforcement officers poured out. They rudely broke up the ritual and disturbed the tools on the altar while the astonished Wiccans helplessly looked on. Then the interrogations began. It could have been a scene out of the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, not California in the 1980s.
By the time the rightfully outraged Wiccans showed the officers the permit and convinced then that they were simply conducting a religious rite, and not a murder, the ritual area was a shambles. All thoughts of proceeding with the ritual or even of beginning again, were quickly forgotten.
One person's willful, intentional lies had violently ended a Wiccan ritual. Because the call was anonymous, she or he was never charged with the crime of disturbing a religious ceremony.
Another variation on this theme occurred in the Midwest. A Wiccan group began hosting Esbats on their land in the countryside. Soon after news of their religious meetings spread, a staunch churchgoer decided that these persons were Satanists. People interviewed by local newspapers informed reporters that they were keeping their children inside on the nights of the Full Moon so that they wouldn't be killed by the Witches. Slanderous allegations spread through the rural community for several weeks, all directed against a nature-loving, life-affirming group that was legally recognized as a religious organization.
Such incidents are far from isolated. The persecution continues out of ignorance and deceit.
As we've seen, Wicca was once a secret religion. Its rituals were performed far from prying eyes, certainly not in public parks. Interested persons were sworn to secrecy, initiated, and trained.
Some of the reasons for this secrecy are clear, taking into account the above stories. Ignorant persons can wreak havoc for contemporary Wiccans. Four hundred years ago these groups would have been legally executed, an act that would have sent a warm glow of satisfaction through the populace. Even today, public disclosure of Wiccan membership can result in tragedy.
At least one Wiccan ended his life after his religion became publicly known through the actions of an unscrupulous outsider. This wasn't from shame but from the emotional, psychological, and financial persecution that resulted from this undesired and vicious revelation.
Being a Wiccan in this world isn't easy. Wiccans have been punched in the mouth and beaten on city streets for wearing pentagrams. They have been assaulted by rock-throwing "Christians."2 Wiccans have been burned out of their homes. They've lost jobs, housing, husbands, and wives. Their children have been abducted by mates who misunderstood their religion.
Fundamentalist Christians picket outside Wiccan gatherings, and bomb threats are made. Occasionally Wiccans are even murdered for their religious beliefs. And over and over again they're accused of murder, Satan worship, cattle mutilation, child molestation, orgies, and even influencing the lyrics to rock and roll music.
Many outsiders say that Wiccan secrecy covers up what they're really doing. Again, old misconceptions die hard. In the light of the real dangers awaiting publicly known Wiccans, there seems to be only one solution to the problem-education.
2 I put quotes around this word because such persons certainly aren't following the teachings of Jesus.
Tell the non-Wiccans what Wicca is about, many Wiccans are saying. Assure them that Wiccans are normal, everyday citizens who just happen to practice a different religion. Let them know the truth about Wicca.
Thus many Wiccans are emerging from the shadows. They write books about their religion, appear on television, and speak to the public about Wicca. Frankly, some of them enjoy the attention that is directed to them. After all, they're only human.
Many of them have been persecuted for their trouble. All have been rewarded by a slow but growing understanding of Wicca among the masses. Perhaps Wicca hasn't been accepted in the United States as a viable, alternative religion. Neither has Shintoism or Buddhism or many other ways unfamiliar to the West. But the groundwork has been laid, and is already providing positive results. The very fact that this book could be published and distributed is proof of that.
The Wiccans are speaking.
Chapter 17 - A Wiccan Ritual
Because rituals constitute the outward expression of religions, it might be illuminating to look at a basic Wiccan ritual. The following example is, once again, an excerpt from Wiccan: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner.
Wiccan rituals are varied. Particular Wiccan traditions have specific rituals that are often adhered to rigidly. Other non-traditional Wiccans may create new rituals for each occasion. And some groups (or individuals) perform spontaneous rites-chanting or moving or speaking as they feel compelled to do, using a few objects symbolic of the season.
Most Wiccans rituals follow the pattern outlined in the next few paragraphs. There are many variations; these are generalized only.
Prior to the ritual, the celebrant may bathe to cleanse the physical body as the spiritual. The area to be used is often purified with incense, salt, or some other tool.
The ritual itself begins with the creation of sacred space- the magic circle. Next, the Goddess and God are invoked to witness the rites. How they're invoked is up to the group or individual involved. Most rely on words; others may chant, sing, make music, or dance. The form isn't important. What is important is that the invocations are successful in attuning the Wiccans with the Goddess and God.
Once they have been invoked, the actual workings begin. If the meeting is a Sabbat, a seasonal rite (such as the one below) is enacted. This may involve spoken passages, sacred plays, or dramatic demonstrations of the season's attributes.
If the ritual is an Esbat, an invocation is spoken, sung, or chanted to the Goddess in Her lunar aspect. A meditation may occur next, following by the magical workings. Scrying (the act of gazing into a crystal sphere, pool of water, candle flame) may follow. In a coven new initiates may be taught basic Wiccan techniques.
On Sabbats the seasonal rites precede the magic, if it is done at all. Afterward, some Wiccans practice various forms of divination. Samhain is one Sabbat at which this is traditional. Through divination, Wiccans seek glimpses of the coming winter months.
Following this is a simple ritual meal, sometimes known as Cakes and Wine or Cakes and Ale; in the below ritual it is termed The Simple Feast. The meal usually consists of wine, ale, or fruit juice, and crescent-shaped cakes. The cakes (usually cookies) are more commonly found at Esbats. Bread may also be substituted.
Far from mocking Christian communion, Wiccans are following the forms of ancient Middle Eastern and Greek rituals in which such meals-including the crescent cakes-were enjoyed. The ritual meal also echoes the wild feasts once held during agricultural rituals in rural Europe two or three hundred years ago.
It is widely known that Christianity borrowed ritual practices of earlier traditions when it was being organized. Ask any theologian about the veracity of this statement.
After the meal the magic sphere is "broken" or "opened." This is the ceremonial dispersing of the power that created it. When a coven gathers for a Sabbat, a feast often occurs after the ritual.
Here, then, is the Standing Stones Tradition's Mabon Sabbat ritual. It is celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, the exact date of which varies from around the 19th to the 23rd of September each year. It is symbolic of the second harvest, when winter is settling in, and the fertility of the Earth diminishes with each sunset. The God, echoing the waning of the growing season, prepares for death.
Here is the ritual in full, with comments in parentheses when necessary:
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Ate your heart out
Between your burning hell and my frozen kingdom
Iron shield
Flowers undearneath
Open your mind, it's beautiful inside
The joker
Palestinian stitch
Held on so tight
Gems await
You are the universe itself
And all the things that I have not said
Broken Heart
Words cut
Mystical creature
I have galaxies growing inside of me
Words shatter
Tears of blood
Unlearn what you've learned


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In a recent interview with Posture Magazine, a queer-run publication based out of Brooklyn, New York, genderqueer activist and MSNBC Correspondent Jacob Tobia spoke on TLGBTQ+ visibility in media. "Do not equate visibility with power," Tobia said. "Many visible people have very little power. And more often, invisible people have tons of power."
Does more representation/visibility equate to better lives for those previously "invisible?" What does it mean to be visible, and how can minorities get helpful rather than harmful representation?
In discussing the merits of visibility and representation in 21st century consumerist media culture, it's imperative to distinguish the multiple meanings of visibility and invisibility. When Tobia says power often lies with those who are invisible, they're not referring to historically disenfranchised minorities but to men like Harvey Weinstein who control entire industries but have remained removed from the scrutiny of mainstream media until very recently under the auspices of movements like #MeToo.
Social scrutiny of the invisibly empowered warrants acclaim, but institutional pressures surrounding increasing visibility for the disempowered warrants skepticism.
In a 2015 manifesto entitled "Beyond Trans Visibility," gender non-conforming performance artist and writer Alok Vaid-Menon enumerated five central points regarding the ahistorical and often violent effects of the push for greater minority representation.
"Invisibility is not the problem, transmisogyny is the problem," they write. "Trans people are harassed precisely because we ARE visible. Mandating visibility increases violence against the most vulnerable among us. The same system that will require trans people to be visible will not give institutional support to us when we are harassed precisely because we are visible."
Representation can often be beneficial however. For the most part, predominant progressive ideals propel representation as a prerequisite for community organizing. Anti-visibility is not anti-organizing/representation; representation can be and is often a central part of organizing. On campus, QTPOCC (Queer Trans People of Color Coalition) and sibling organizations like it empower through representation the voices of minorities inspiring dialogue and protest on a local level. On a more national level, the HuffPost has reported on the preventative powers of representation against symbolic annihilation, a sociological process in which minorities bereft of media representation effectively deem themselves marginal and therefore somehow unimportant (in reference to broader society).
But the problem surrounding the paradigm of TLGBTQ+ visibility in media still stands: does it harm more than it helps? In a 2015 article in The Guardian, Vaid-Menon notes that celebrity trans visibility hasn't made it easier for them to exist as a nonbinary person in modern society. "At moments when I'm facing aggression or contempt from strangers, I recognize that putting trans celebrities on pedestals doesn't translate into safety for those of us who are visibly gender nonconforming," they write. Visibility and the representation concomitant has been adopted as somehow unanimously beneficial (exclusionary) missions without the nuanced approach necessary in connotatively violent sociopolitical interactions.
Vaid-Menon further questions the need for visibility in their manifesto by asking, "Why do we have to become visible in order to be taken seriously? Non-trans people will congratulate themselves for our visibility but will not mention how they are the ones responsible for erasing us in the first place."
Tobia in their interview echoes Vaid-Menon's ire at the ahistorical celebration of the visible minority. "I also feel like there's a degree to which, whenever a queer person is the first to do anything, or is the darling of the moment, they're always celebrated ahistorically," they said. "I wish people would have a deeper sense of context when consuming queer media, because the hype is dangerous. It's way easier to talk about the nonbinary community as a new trend. But it's not new. This has literally been around forever in every culture in human history."
Weighing whether the helpful aspects of visibility dominate the harmful ones is an impossible, although essential task. An easier inquiry might be to ask if visibility is faulty or not. And yes, it is. Representation is undoubtedly helpful when it's done right, but even then, the path to helpful depictions of minorities is too often littered with harmful examples of stereotyping. Continuing to question the pros and cons of convention, even conventions with good intentions, lessens the possibility of violence in complicated issues involving multiple group identities.
The views and opinions expressed in the Editorial section are those of the authors of the articles. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors. The Chronicle reserves the right to not publish any piece that does not meet our editorial standards.


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