Severance

Culturebook | Credit phb This book review was generated via Copilot by Peter H Bloecker. I am reading the German Translation. New York Ghost Here’s a polished, blog‑ready review of Ling Ma’s New York Ghost that you could publish as‑is or adapt into your own voice. I’ve written it with a layered, reflective tone that bridges literary analysis with cultural context—something that aligns beautifully with your legacy‑minded storytelling style. Ling Ma’s New York Ghost: Capitalism at the End of the World When a novel about a mysterious pandemic, global supply chains, and the quiet rituals of urban life appears years before COVID‑19, it’s tempting to call it prophetic. But Ling Ma’s New York Ghost (German edition of her acclaimed debut Severance) is more than eerie foresight—it’s a scalpel‑sharp dissection of how we live, work, and dream in the machinery of late capitalism. A Premise That Feels Uncomfortably Familiar Candace Chen, a young Chinese‑American production coordinator for a Bible‑publishing company in Times Square, is so devoted to her daily routines that she barely notices the city emptying around her. A fungal infection—Shen Fever—has arrived via cheap, mass‑produced goods from China, spreading with quiet inevitability. Victims don’t die immediately; instead, they become trapped in endless loops of their last habits, folding laundry or brushing their teeth until their bodies give out A B. The image is grotesque and tender at once: a zombie…

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Sorry

What is a word you feel that too many people use?words A word once spoken, cannot be called back. So my first choice would be sorry. However the context and situation are most important. Why? In some countries, the word sorry has become part of the culture. The effect is, people say sorry not to apologize or fix a problem or relationship, it is just a word to get away with what they did or what happened. Just an unimportant incident, that would not need a sorry in other cultures / countries at all. In some relationships the word sorry does not exist! The hardest word for some men. (Elton John) In short: The cultural use of sorry in NZ and Australia is generally said an act of being polite, instead of rude. Which countries - in your mind - stand more for being rude, not polite? What happens, when education fails? When adequate behaviour is not learnt? More here soon to come! #culture #gaps https://videopress.com/v/oA3AEs4a?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Line Dance Country | Credit phb From Candlelight to Boot‑Scoot: Two Rooms, One Rhythm of Belonging I. Jena, Winter 1799Snow fretted the panes of Caroline Schlegel’s home, muffling the town beyond. Inside, the room was an orchestration of voices — Goethe’s measured cadences, Novalis’ luminous musings, Caroline’s deft interjections that kept the air alive. Around the table, thought moved like a dance: philosophy circling poetry,…

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Choices

Left or right? Hot or cold? Mercedes or BYD? Old or young? #Hegel #Marx Are you seeking security or adventure? There are pathways and there are trails. Language skills means code switching skills. Are we here into HTML or rather Youtube? Codes and Elon Musk. Media or attention seeking? Searching stars? Gazing at stars? Searching for Rainbows? There are questions and stupid questions. Above is a rather stupid question or prompt! My answer here, though stupid prompt: Logo Peter H Bloecker or in German Blöcker Star Gazer | Looking for Adventure Gunther von Hagens Copyright protected, sorry! Am looking for adventures all the time, as like a curious child I am exploring my backyards. Security first, 4 sure … Transport: Walking, cycling, wondering, Susuki 1000cc, planes and boats. OTW and in the water. Body Language seen in Brisbane Exhibition | Credit #phb Plasti - Fi - Cation Science and Fiction Reading plus Writing Skills Think first, then speak. Silence is Golden. Music is the Languge. Enough is enough. Linked Updated Sun 13 Jul 2025. #phb

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Ocean Vuong

Wayne Sorensen Photography Miami QLD | World Champs Surfing Burleigh Heads 2025 | Credit Wayne Sorensen | Screenshot phb Ocean Vuong | Vietnam and the USA Ocean Vuong | #Novalis A Voice of Elegance and Urgency The name is derived from Grace Amazing Grace #Lyrics #Music #Voices Ocean Vuong's latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness, was released in May 2025 and has been selected as Oprah Winfrey’s latest book club pick A. The novel follows Hai, a college dropout and recovering addict, who contemplates suicide but ultimately forms an unexpected bond with Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia B. Set in the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut, the story explores themes of survival, human connection, and resilience C. Vuong’s poetic prose shines through as he examines the lives of those on the fringes of society with tenderness and depth D. Ocean Vuong Ocean Vuong, a Vietnamese American poet and novelist, has carved a distinct space in contemporary literature with his lyrical prose and evocative poetry. Born in Ho Chi Minh City in 1988, Vuong immigrated to the United States as a child, and his works often explore themes of war, trauma, queerness, and the immigrant experience A. His debut poetry collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds (2016), won the T.S. Eliot Prize and established him as a formidable literary voice B. Vuong’s first novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous (2019),…

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Aussie Slang

AI generated with Copilot | Credit phb The Author of this post is Kel Richards, known in OZ as the Wordsmith. What are Swifties? Generation Z? Generation 0.00? OZWORD OF THE DAY: Swifties As a Baby Boomer all I know about Taylor Swift is what I read in the newspapers. To the best of my knowledge, I have never heard a Taylor Swift song—although I suppose as I walk though Coles that background music they pipe in might contain a bit of Taylor Swift (not that I would have recognised it).  So, all I know is that her ‘Eras’ tour attracted millions of people and made billions of dollars (well, a lot anyway) and that she is the leading pop star of this era (the Elvis and Beatles of today).  Taylor Swift is, it appears, a songwriter as well as a singer and performer. And it’s her songwriting that might be interesting. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary people tell me that there are words being looked up by young people just because they appear in Taylor Swift song lyrics.  And the words she is introducing the kids to are slightly out-of-the-way words that would baffle the average 13 or 14-year-old. Here is a sample (you’ll know all these, but look at them from the kids’ point of view):  Clandestine— “And that’s the thing about illicit affairs / And clandestine meetings and longing stares”; meaning done…

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Carinho

Film Review: “I Am Still Here” and Its Historical Context “I Am Still Here” is a powerful Brazilian drama directed by Walter Salles, featuring …Carinho

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Hope Dies Last

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world? My Blog is about Higher Education and Life Skills. Take responsibility for your words and actions. Family First. To know and not to know … Shakespeare and Goethe and Schiller and Humboldt and Schlegel. Noblesse Oblige. Why? The Mother of all questions … Cui Bono! Updated by Author & Blogger #phb on Thu 8 Aug 2024. Ex High School Teacher in the true North of Germany. Africa & Australia The Place To Be. Ort & Zeit.

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Hashashin

The Hashashin, also known as the Assassins, were a secretive and formidable group of Nizari Ismaili Muslims active from the late 11th to the late 13th centuries in Persia and Syria¹². They were founded by Hasan-i Sabbah, a charismatic leader who established their headquarters at Alamut Castle in the Alborz mountains of Persia¹². The Hashashin were known for their strategic use of targeted killings to eliminate political and military opponents. Their preferred methods included stealthy dagger attacks, often carried out in public to maximize psychological impact². They posed a significant threat to various ruling powers, including the Fatimid, Abbasid, and Seljuk authorities, as well as Crusader leaders¹². One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hashashin was their network of mountain fortresses, which provided them with secure bases from which to operate. These fortresses, including Alamut and Masyaf, were nearly impregnable and allowed the Hashashin to maintain their influence over a wide region¹². The group's name, "Hashashin," is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "hashish," reflecting the belief that they used hashish to induce a state of euphoria and fearlessness before their missions². However, some historians suggest that this etymology might have been a later invention, possibly to discredit them². The Hashashin's influence waned in the mid-13th century when the Mongols, led by Hulagu Khan, launched a series of campaigns against them, eventually capturing and destroying many of their…

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KI und USA

In a disturbing appeal, 25 renowned scientists warn of the advancing self-intelligence of artificial intelligence. This could soon act autonomously and pursue its own goals, manipulate algorithms and direct biological weapons, according to the journal "Science" (background information here). On Tuesday, the EU passed a law for more transparency in the use of artificial intelligence (via dpa). Experts believe that without effective control of AI, the world could soon spiral irreversibly out of control. However, this is also to be feared with the human intelligence currently in use. And soon means the day after tomorrow … The development of drones is an example of what war robots will look like - This is only the Beginning … For sure! Science fiction has already depicted all this very vividly: Novels and film - SOMA like Netflix and Amazon and more … ====++++==== German Version (Original Posting) |Screenshot| Created with Meta Instagram | Vivid Sydney 2024 | prompted by phb Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the image I generated. I was aiming to create a vibrant and dynamic piece that captures the essence of the "Humanity" theme. The explosion of light represents the boundless potential and creativity that arises when we come together as humans, and the colors symbolize diversity, inclusivity, and the beauty of our collective experiences. Thank you for your kind words, and I'm happy to have been…

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USA und Trump | Die ZEIT

Quelle: Die ZEIT Die zweite Maxime der Doktrin, die Nichteinmischung der Vereinigten Staaten in europäische Konflikte, erschien bis vor Kurzem nur noch als historische Reminiszenz. Im 19. Jahrhundert hatten die europäischen Mächte sie gar nicht ernst genommen, im 20. Jahrhundert war ihnen die »Einmischung« der USA im Kampf gegen den Kaiser, Hitlerdeutschland und die sowjetische Bedrohung dann hochwillkommen. Bis heute beruht die Sicherheit Europas auf der Beistandsgarantie Washingtons. Aber mit der Renaissance des »America first«-Isolationismus unter Donald Trump könnte sich dies ändern. »Europa den Europäern!« würde für diese ein böses Erwachen bedeuten. Im Kreml dagegen wäre man gewiss zufrieden. Bing dazu: The Monroe Doctrine was a foreign policy statement made by President James Monroe in 1823. It declared that the United States would not tolerate any European intervention in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere, and that any such intervention would be considered a hostile act against the United States1. The doctrine was intended to protect the newly independent Latin American countries from European colonialism and to establish the United States as the dominant power in the region1. In recent years, the Monroe Doctrine has been invoked by the Trump administration as a warning to China and Russia2. However, the doctrine has been criticized for being outdated and irrelevant in the modern world1. Critics argue that the doctrine is a relic of the past and that it is no longer applicable to the current geopolitical landscape1. They also argue…

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Blue Bayou and more …

With kind greetings from the Gold Coast in QLD Australia. Where Life Is Good! Yours phb Credit phb | Found via NYTimes Linda Ronstadt's life and success have left an indelible mark on the music industry. With her exceptional vocal talents and diverse range of musical styles, she captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Ronstadt's commitment to artistic integrity, her influential collaborations, and her ability to transcend genre boundaries have solidified her place as one of the greatest voices in popular music. Despite health challenges that led to her retirement, Linda Ronstadt's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with music lovers across generations. Credit phb | My Screenshot from LinkedIn | Italy

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Ernest Hemingway

One of the best writers, ever... His Nick Adams Stories are World Literature, plus his early novels like The Sun Also Rises. Nobel Laureate as well ... The Old Man And The Sea. Thank you, Hem! Best wishes yours Peter H Bloecker phb More about Ernest Hemingway via Wikipedia.com Link

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