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As Private Prison Stocks Soar, Immigrant Rights Activists Vow to Fight Trump's Mass Deportation Plans

Incoming President Trump’s vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants when he starts his term has sent private prison stocks soaring. Immigrant rights advocates, including our guest, the executive director of Detention Watch Network, Silky Shah, are preparing for the Trump administration’s threats of mass deportation, a central tenet of his presidential campaign. “The first Trump campaign was defined by the border wall, and this one is really defined by mass deportations,” says Shah. If the Biden administration wants to protect immigrants’ rights before Trump takes office, she adds, it must begin reducing detention capacity by “shutting down facilities now.”




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"American Coup: Wilmington 1898": PBS Film Examines Massacre When Racists Overthrew Multiracial Gov't

American Coup: Wilmington 1898 premieres tonight on PBS and investigates the only successful insurrection conducted against a U.S. government, when self-described white supremacist residents stoked fears of “Negro Rule” and carried out a deadly massacre in Wilmington, North Carolina. Their aim was to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow the city’s democratically elected, Reconstruction-era multiracial government, paving the way for the implementation of Jim Crow law just two years later. We feature excerpts from the documentary and speak to co-director Yoruba Richen, who explains how the insurrection was planned and carried out, and how the filmmakers worked to track down the descendants of both perpetrators and victims, whose voices are featured in the film.





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Technical Consultancy for Project Development and Management Support Services to MJP are taxable under GST at the rate of 18%

The AAR Maharashtra, in the case of M/s. The Nisarga Consultancy, In Re [Order No. GST-ARA-21 of 2023-24/2024-25/B-55 dated July 31, 2024] ruled that no tax will be leviable on work allotted by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikar ("MJP") as per of Jal Jeevan Mission ("JJM") which is a mission of Government




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Madras HC directs Department to hear appeal on merits filed beyond condonable period

The Hon'ble Madras High Court, in the case of M/s Sri Shanmuga Motors v. State Tax Officer [Writ Petition No. 11737 of 2024 dated June 03, 2024] had set aside the Appellate Order and directed the Department to hear the appeal on merits which has been filed beyond the condonable period for filing of




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Affordable Smart Home Devices in India: Enhance Convenience and Efficiency for All

Smart home technology is no longer a luxury reserved for the affluent. With advancements in technology, affordable smart home devices are now within reach for tech enthusiasts in India. These gadgets offer convenience and efficiency without straining your budget. Smart lighting




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Amazon’s New Smart Glasses for Drivers Could Revolutionize On-the-Road Efficiency

Amazon is developing smart eyeglasses aimed at enhancing the efficiency of its delivery drivers during the final stage of package deliveries. These glasses, still under development, will feature a small screen to provide turn-by-turn navigation. This innovation is intended to guide




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Reliance Jio's True 5G Network Promises Longer Smartphone Battery Life: What You Need to Know

Reliance Jio's ambitious rollout of its True 5G network across India is not just about faster internet speeds or improved connectivity. One of the less talked about, yet significant benefits is the potential enhancement of smartphone battery life. During the company's




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November 4, 2024: One-Page Bulge Second Edition Kickstarter Ending Soon!

Imagine, if you will: an entire wargame, with strategic depth and intriguing possibilities . . . and the rules fit on one page.

If you're a long-time fan of Steve Jackson Games (or you saw the Daily Illuminator post from a couple of weeks ago), you know where we're going with this. One-Page Bulge – originally released in 1980 – did exactly what its title suggests, with Steve Jackson flexing his inimitable game-design skills to deliver a Battle of the Bulge wargame where the rules fit on one sheet of 8.5" × 11" double-sided paper.

This classic game is back with a new edition: One-Page Bulge Second Edition – in time for the 80th anniversary of the pivotal battle itself!

Thanks to Kickstarter (and fans like you), this updated version funded in 40 minutes! In honor of that success, we're providing a few more details about what makes it worth checking out.

One-Page Bulge Second Edition is being updated by Steve Jackson and wargame designer Dana Lombardy – two Hall of Fame designers working together to bring this classic game to a modern era. Find their behind-the-scenes insight about the new version on YouTube!

Some highlights of this edition include:

  • New Random Event cards, with exciting events to represent unexpected battlefield surprises.
  • A full-color mounted map.
  • High-quality components, with two styles of counter sets to choose from (or get them both!).
An illustrated historical guide is also part of this project, bringing this landmark moment to life.

Suitable for solo gaming or two players, One-Page Bulge Second Edition is history in the making. But hurry! The Kickstarter ends in 10 days, on November 14!

Steven Marsh

Warehouse 23 News: So Real, And Yet So Not

Not everything that's impossible is magical; sometimes it's just really impractical. GURPS Fantasy-Tech 1: The Edge of Reality is an assortment of pre-modern tech that never existed (probably), but might have, or was believed to exist, or was close to working but didn't. Grab a gun-sword, peruse Leonardo da Vinci's sketches, and download the impossible today from Warehouse 23!




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November 7, 2024: Desert Bus For Hope 2024 Starts Friday!

The best annual livestream about the worst video game ever made is back for 2024! 

Desert Bus For Hope is an annual livestream that raises money for Child's Play, an organization dedicated to getting games to kids in hospitals and using play to help patients cope with the physical and psychological rigors of treatment. Steve Jackson Games participated last year by donating items for the DBFH giveaway, and it was so much fun that we decided to come back this year!
 
Desert Bus For Hope is a livestream in which participants play Desert Bus 24/7. This game is notorious for being one of the most boring (yet also most challenging) video games ever made, but you won't just be watching someone virtually drive from Tuscon to Las Vegas at 40 mph in real time. DBFH participants are on hand around the clock to provide a wide range of entertainment, including coffee pong, calisthenics lessons, dance parties, Lego build-alongs, and lively discussions about Magic the Gathering; Warhammer 40,000; TV; movies; and more. The hilarity factor increases as time goes on, and the positive vibes from all involved make for some truly feel-good viewing.
 
Desert Bus For Hope runs from Friday, November 8. at 6:00 pm Eastern until . . . whenever the donations stop rolling in. (More on that here under "How donation/hours work.") Our giveaway package this year is a signed games collection that features the following items:
  • Munchkin Gift Pack
  • Knightmare Chess
  • Munchkin Starfinder: I Want It All!
  • The Awful Green Things From Outer Space
  • GURPS Girl Genius Sourcebook & Roleplaying Game
Want to bid? Create an account at desertbus.org, then tune in to the stream on Twitch, YouTube, or their website on Wednesday, November 13, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Eastern. Bid responsibly, and thanks in advance for supporting a great cause!


Katie Duffy

 

Warehouse 23 News: Mind Over Matter

Unleash the power of the brain at your GURPS game, with GURPS Psionic Powers. This supplement presents a complete power framework, making it easy to outfit heroes (or villains!) with abilities such as telekinesis, psychic vampirism, telepathy, and more. Add this awesome insight into the mind with a download from Warehouse 23!




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GST Refund in Inverted Duty Structure

whether it is compulsory to submit CA Certificate for refund claim exceeding Rs 200000 /- in case of GST refund due to inverted duty structure ??




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Income Tax Department Cracks Down on Bogus Refund Claims, Sends Notices to Taxpayers

The Income Tax Department has intensified scrutiny on dubious tax refund claims for the assessment years 2021-22 and 2022-23, issuing notices to multiple taxpayers across the country. ...




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New IMS on GST Portal Aims to Curb ITC Discrepancy Notices and Reduce Litigation

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) portal's recently launched Invoice Management System (IMS) is set to significantly decrease the number of notices issued over Input Tax Credit (ITC) discrepancies...




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Breakfast - the most important meal of the day




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That's Gotta Hurt




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Heathcliff is rather perturbed with a family member.




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FTR Trucking Conditions Index shows solid sequential improvement, to start 2023

For January, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI came in at -1.71, a significant improvement over December’s -6.1 and November’s -7.94. That was preceded by October’s -11.25, its lowest level since the April 2020 all-time low, at -28.66. The September TCI reading came in at -2.35.




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POLA and POLB report February volume declines

The Port of Los Angeles reported that February volume—at 487,846 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units)—were down 43% compared to February 2022. The Port of Long Beach reported that total February volume—at 543,675 TEU—dropped 31.7% annually




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National diesel average falls 6.2 cents, to $4.185, reports EIA

The national average decreased 6.2 cents, to $4.185, following a 3.5-cent decline, to $4.247, for the week of March 13.




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More than 150 companies participate in the 2023 MHI Innovation Awards

Four finalists were chosen as the most innovative products in each of their respective categories: Best New Innovation, Best Innovation of an Existing Product, and Best IT Innovation based on concept, value, and impact.




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ATA reports February truck tonnage increase

The ATA’s advanced Seasonally Adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, for February, came in at 118.4 (2015=100), for a 1.2% increase, over January’s 117 reading.




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Medication Abortion Using Telehealth Is As Safe As In-Person Care, Study Finds

Researchers find that medication abortion provided at home with a Zoom or text link to a medical provider is extremely safe and effective




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Unprecedented Fire Season Has Raged Through One of Earth's Biodiversity Hotspots

More than 500 fires have burned across Colombia, including in its delicate and unique highland wetlands, one of the fastest evolving ecosystems on Earth




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Virtual Bar Scenes Are a New Tool to Study Why People Commit Crimes in the Heat of the Moment

Virtual-reality could assist researchers in decoding how emotions spur a decision to commit a crime




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Sculptures about to Land on the Moon Join a Long History of Lunar Art

A lunar lander nicknamed Odie carries 125 small moon sculptures by artist Jeff Koons that could become the first authorized artwork on the moon



  • Arts
  • Space & Physics

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Flimsy Antiabortion Studies Cited in Case to Ban Mifepristone Are Retracted

Outside experts found that two studies cited in a federal case on medication abortion had serious design problems and that their authors had undisclosed conflicts of interest




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JWST Is Tracking Down the Cosmic Origins of Earth's Water

New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope are exposing the pathways that water takes to reach terrestrial planets








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Long ago and before hearts

When Ron Lehocky asked me several years ago who made this dotted square pin that I was wearing, I replied confidently, “Dayle Doroshow.” He corrected me. “I made that,” he said. This is a Ron Lehocky collector’s item! Long ago and far away when Ron first started dipping into polymer, he made pins that weren’t […] Read more




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Wavy wandering hearts from Christi Friesen

I’ve almost forgotten how to post! But really, who can miss Valentine’s Day? Christi Friesen has been tucking these languorous beauties in orders all month. Her hearts are encrusted with flowers and pearls and bits of love from Hawaii. They have a perfect beachy buzz. Check out all her fun events and online mischief.




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Thor’s Pain Schedule Reports

As a man of business, Thor needs to get all his reports in on time so that he can evaluate the most profitable way forward for him and the whole Avengers team. He needs to know how much pain he can handle, as a god, before he has to take some time to relax. So he has everyone fill out Thor's Pain Schedule reports. These TPS reports log every hour and every minute that Thor has experienced pain. Thor does not like filling them out. He feels like he has to fill more of them out than anyone else. And he's not the best at typing. Fat fingers, and all. This T-shirt immortalizes this Avengers office fantasy perfectly. $18 | URL | Paypal Credit | S - 5XL ')}

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  • Comic T-shirts
  • Funny T-shirts
  • Novelty T-shirts
  • Pop Culture T-shirts
  • Quirky T-shirts
  • Superhero T-shirts

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Today in Middle-earth, October 25

The following event took place in Middle-earth on October 25:
  • The Dwarves venture into the Mountain (1341)
  • The Elvenking's host leave Mirkwood for Erebor (1341)
  • The Council of Elrond (1418)
  • The Council of Hobbits... and a Wizard.
  • [Join us on the Discussion Boards here]

October 25, 2941 (S.R. 1341)

1. The Dwarves venture into the Mountain.

(determined from text)

"Now do be careful!" whispered the hobbit, "and as quiet as you can be!  There may be no Smaug at the bottom, but then again there may be..."

(Tolkien, 1966 Ballantine, p. 224-228 TH)

October 25, 2941 (S.R. 1341) 2. The Elvenking's host leave Mirkwood for Erebor. (determined from text) "...the Elvenking rode forth...  ...marching with many spearmen and bowmen..." (Tolkien, 1966 Ballantine, p. 224-228 TH)

October 25, 3018 (S.R. 1418)

1. Council of Elrond.

(from the appendices)

"Suddenly as they were talking a single clear bell rang out.  'That is the warning bell for the Council of Elrond,' cried Gandalf.  'Come along now! Both you and Bilbo are wanted.'"

(Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 314-354 FotR)

2. Council of Hobbits... and a Wizard. (from the appendices) "Later that day the hobbits held a meeting of their own in Bilbo's room." (Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 356 FotR)




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Today in Middle-earth, November 3

The following event(s) took place in Middle-earth on November 3,

  • Battle of Bywater, and Passing of Saruman. End of the War of the Ring (1419)
  • [Join us on the Discussion Boards here]
  • .

 November 3, 3019 (S.R. 1419)

1. Battle of Bywater, and Passing of Saruman. End of the War of the Ring.

(from the appendices)

"...a messenger from the Tookland rode in. He was in high spirits. 'The Thain has raised all our country,' he said, 'and the news is going like fire all ways.…"

(Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 363-371 RotK)




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Free early The War of the Rohirrim screening in North Hollywood this weekend for kids and parents

The Regal North Hollywood is holding a showing of the new feature-length anime The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim from 1.00pm on this Saturday (November 9) open to children aged nine to 14, and their parents. It's not entirely clear whether adult-without-kids can also attend, but I took a few moments to run through their pre-booking survey and it does seem that you get screened out if you state you're attending without kids.

T&Cs also state that no-one under the age of nine will be admitted (presumably because of MPAA ratings).

If this tickles your fancy (and you have kids 9 to 14), you can reserve (free!) your tickets here.

If you're unaware of the story, The War of the Rohirrim is set many years before the events of The Lord of the Rings and follows a historic event described by J.R.R. Tolkien in Appendix A of the book. As the filmmakers describe it, "...a sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg."

The anime debuts worldwide (in most locations) on December 13.

Early free screening details

Saturday, November 9th, 2024
Regal North Hollywood
6150 Laurel Canyon Blvd # 200, North Hollywood, CA 91606

1:00 pm. Open to children 9-14 and their parents
No one under 9 will be admitted.
Check-in will begin 60 minutes before the start of the show.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS




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No green thumb? Start your hobbit garden the easy way!

Have you always wanted to delight hobbit passerby with a beautiful springtime flower display but don't feel confident in your green thumb? Then you're in luck! Kili is here to show you just how easy it is to plant and grow bulbs! Watch the new episode and read her tips below.

https://youtu.be/EfTKXG9ndSs

Bulb planting tips:

  • Plant bulbs in the autumn so that they have time to chill over winter.
  • Choose a spot with partial to full sun
  • Bulbs need soil that drains well (so they don't turn to mush after prolonged exposure to moisture), so amend clay soil with perlite or other substances to aid drainage
  • As a general rule, dig a hole twice as deep as the bulb is tall.
  • Plant bulbs in the autumn so that they have time to chill over winter.
  • After the flowers have finished, don't prune them off! Allow the plant to continue its lifecycle. The leaves will continue to create and store energy that the bulb will use the following spring! The will die away on their own in mid-to-late summer.

Happy Hobbit has brought Middle-earth to its viewers' daily lives since 2012! Learn more hobbity recipes, crafts, and more by watching new episodes and/or perusing the 10+ years worth of videos on their YouTube channel. ???? New episodes debut every other Saturday, so be sure you are subscribed to Happy Hobbit so that you don't miss out!

Get even more slow-living hobbit content by following Happy Hobbit on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok! If watching the show has left you with an appetite for more, know that Kili (Kellie) has a podcast where Tolkien is often mentioned called Forests, Folklore & Fantasy




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Meet some of the Tolkien Artists at NYCC!

New York Comic Con was a wonderful place to be for Tolkien fans! Other than the excellent coverage by staffer greendragon who interviewed several of the creatives behind the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (look out for the videos on TORn's YouTube and socials), Kili from Happy Hobbit got to chat with some amazing Tolkien-inspired artists on the showroom floor. You can hear their stories below and be sure to check out the links to their amazing creations! Watch the episode.

Featured Artists:

GeekifyInc

Geek Orthodox

Najarian Art

Happy Hobbit has brought Middle-earth to its viewers' daily lives since 2012! Learn hobbity recipes, crafts, and more by watching new episodes and/or perusing the 10+ years worth of videos on their YouTube channel. ???? New episodes debut every other Saturday, so be sure you are subscribed to Happy Hobbit so that you don't miss out!

Get even more slow-living hobbit content by following Happy Hobbit on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok! If watching the show has left you with an appetite for more, know that Kili (Kellie) has a podcast where Tolkien is often mentioned called Forests, Folklore & Fantasy.







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What the US election will mean for AI, climate action and abortion

The upcoming US presidential election will determine how the country regulates tech, combats the climate crisis and decides on access to abortion




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Can sensor technology stop a wildfire before it starts?

The US Department of Homeland Security is trialling chemical sensors that detect the first whiff of smoke in the air and alert fire crews while a potential blaze is still smouldering




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Neuroscientist finds her brain shrinks while taking birth control

A researcher who underwent dozens of brain scans discovered that the volume of her cerebral cortex was 1 per cent lower when she took hormonal contraceptives




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Stone Age network reveals ancient Paris was an artisanal trading hub

Ancient stone goods found across France may have been made by skilled craftspeople in what is now Paris, who traded along vast networks




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Earth is now gaining less heat than it has for several years

The recent surge in warming led to fears that climate change may be accelerating beyond model projections, but a fall in how much heat Earth is gaining makes this less likely




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The world is falling far short of its goal to halt biodiversity loss

In 2022, countries pledged to halt biodiversity loss by protecting 30 per cent of the planet by 2030, but progress has been too slow thus far




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We've seen particles that are massless only when moving one direction

Inside a hunk of a material called a semimetal, scientists have uncovered signatures of bizarre particles that sometimes move like they have no mass, but at other times move just like a very massive particle




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Heat can flow backwards in a gas so thin its particles never touch

A surprising reversal of our usual understanding of the second law of thermodynamics shows that it may be possible for heat to move in the “wrong” direction, flowing from a cold area to a warm one