To be read as a direct continuation of Part 9; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening_26.html
Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Moro).
This section introduced us to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Emblem. Named "Ichimatsu Moro" or "Harmonised Chequered."
Like all objet d' art or; "Object of Art." This has no real meaning. Or it has every meaning that you wish to project onto it.
However there do seem to be some key elements to the design.
Its general shape is reminiscent of a folding hand fan. The type usually made up of thin strips (blades) of Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) wood. Covered with paper.
Known as; "Sensu" this type of folding fan is a Japanese invention.
Or as June Carter-Cash put it; "A Jay-pan fan." In the song she did with her husband Johnny Cash; "Jackson."
As all visitors have discovered. Japan is a very hot and humid country. So fans have always played a large part in its culture.
They were once even used on the battlefield to convey messages. Rather like how flags and Semaphore was used by European militaries.
Fans really found their place with the Imperial Japanese Court. Particularly from the Heian Period (794-1185) onwards.
Amongst the Imperial Courtiers or "Kuge" fans became an important way of communicating one's status. Such as through the size of the fan. Or the number of wooden blades.
Due to their role as status symbols fans quickly became a tool for flirting. With available young women using them to entice or deter potential suitors.
The fans, along with the tradition of flirting, spread to Royal Courts the world over.
Perhaps most recognisably to the French Royal Court of Versailles (1682-1789). From where it has been picked up by modern western Drag Culture.
Within Japan the use of fans as a tool of flirting became so elaborate. That it developed into a specific style of dance. "Jinta mai."
This style of dance has been adopted by many western women over the years. Who often refer to it as; "Japanese Fan Dance."
Although we're not sure if they realise it was invented by prostitutes. To attract customers and advertise their wares.
The Tokyo 2020 emblem also makes use of the colour Purple.
Within Japan this colour is known as; "Kaimurasaki" (Imperial Purple). Since the Asuka Period (538-794 A.D) it could only be worn by the Emperor and the most senior members of his Court (Kuge).
Under the "Twelve Level Cap And Rank System" there was actually a hierarchy amongst those who were allowed to wear what shade of what colour.
At the very top there was the Emperor. He alone was allowed to wear the most magnificent shade of purple.
Beneath the Emperor there were his officials. Divided into ranks according to; "The Six Confucian Virtues."
Virtue: The; "Daitoku" (Greater Virtue) who could wear a deep, but lesser shade, of purple. The; "Shotoku" (Lesser Virtue) who could wear a lighter shade of purple.
Benevolence: The; "Daijin" (Greater Benevolence) who could wear deep blue. The; "Shojin" (Lesser Benevolence) who could wear a lighter shape of blue.
Propriety: The; "Dairei" (Greater Propriety) who could wear deep red. The; "Shorei" (Lesser Propriety) who could wear light red.
Sincerity: The; "Daishin" (Greater Sincerity) who could wear deep yellow. The; "Shoshin" (Lesser Sincerity) who could wear light yellow.
Justice: The; "Daigi" (Greater Justice) who could wear deep white. The; "Shogi" (Lesser Justice) who could wear pale white.
Knowledge: The; "Daichi (Greater Knowledge) who could wear dark black. The; "Shochi" (Lesser Knowledge) who could wear light black.
This association between Purple and Royalty is something that exists not just within Japan.
It is shared by many different cultures, across the World throughout history.
Within Judaism Purple is the colour of Kings. The carriage of early Jewish King Solomon was said to have been upholstered in purple fabric.
As an off-shoot of Judaism Christianity considers purple to be the colour of Christ the King.
It is worn by, particularly Catholic, Priests during funerals. In which the deceased is being welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven.
In Ancient Greece and Rome purple was also reserved those of the highest social status. Roman Emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus both decreed that only they could wear the colour.
Emperor Nero went even further. Sentencing anyone who dared to posses, let alone wear, the colour to death.
At around 16:30 on 28/9/21 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up tomorrow.
Edited at around 17:25 on 3/10/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;
The earlier, "Strength From Within" section of the Opening Ceremony.
Looked at something else that is shared across many different cultures.
The
concept that the heart is where emotions such as love are located.
Those emotions can be manipulated by the strings connected to the heart.
The; "Heartstrings."
That idea comes from the work of Plato and his student Aristotle.
It became universal because their work was written down. Allowing it to be shared the World over.
Amongst other scholars who would repeat Aristotle's experiments. Confirming his theories.
The global association between the colour purple and Royalty is different though.
It seems to have sprung up spontaneously in many different cultures. Which seem to have nothing connecting them.
They did though have one thing in common. Planet Earth and the natural environment it provides.
The
purple dye used by King Solomon and the Roman Emperors comes from a Sea
Snail that lives in the Mediterranean Sea.
Specifically from a poison
called Purpurin. Which they use to hunt their prey.
A similar,
but different type of Mollusc also exists in the seas around Japan. The
poison extracted from these Akanishi-kai is also used to make purple
dye.
Both the Mediterranean Sea Snail and the Japanese Akanishi-kai live underwater. Making them hard for humans to get to.
They are also very small, relative to humans. So contain very tiny amounts of Purpurin.
Meaning that to dye a garment the size of an adult t-shirt. You would need to harvest something like 15,000 of these molluscs.
The
massive amount of labour needed to collect all those Molluscs and turn
them into a dye. Make for an extremely expensive product.
Meaning it could only be afforded by the richest in society. Who tended to be Emperors or Monarchs.
Under the Twelve Level Rank And Cap System. It was only the Emperor who was able to wear purple produced with Akanishi-kai dye.
Even his son Prince Shotoku, who invented the system. Along with the Daitoku and Shotoku.
Had
to make do with purple produced with a dye made from Purple Gromwell. A
shrub, which although still rare. Is, at least, landbased.
Purple is also at the very edge of the colours that humans can see. The Visible Light part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
It is something else that seems common to all humans. Regardless of where they have lived in the World, or in history.
This concept that when people die. They move on from this dimension onto another plane of existence.
Probably
the most simplistic version comes for Christianity. Where good people
go to Heaven and bad people go to Hell. For all of eternity.
Within most Asian Animist religions this other dimension is based around the Buddhist concept of; "Naraka."
Although they can be there for a very long time, billions of years. Naraka is not a final resting place for the dead.
So much as a land their ghosts must travel through. In order to return to this dimension. Reincarnation.
Followers
of these religions mourn their loved ones by leaving gifts for them at
shrines. These gifts are supposed to help aid and sustain them on the
journey through Naraka.
Food and water are the most common gifts. There is no worse fate than being a; "Hungry Ghost."
Other
things that ghosts may need on their journey through Naraka are offered
in paper sculpture form. Which is then set on fire.
Money has always been popular. But, apparently, demand for Covid vaccines now extends into Naraka and spirit world too.
Perhaps the most famous example of preparing for the journey through Naraka was that of Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Whose supporters buried him with an 8,000 strong Terracotta Army. To conquer the afterlife.
What
is perhaps less well known is that Emperor Qin's Terracotta Army also
includes battalions of musicians, strongman and acrobats. To entertain
the afterlife.
Along with thousands of bureaucrats. With which to administer the afterlife.
Particularly in Japan it is believed that each year ghosts are given a couple of days holiday from Naraka. The; "Obon Festival."
In
which they're able to return to this dimension, albeit still in spirit
form. To visit their relatives and thank them for all the gifts they've
given them.
Chinese people celebrate the same festival. Only knowing is as the; "Ghost Festival."
At the end of both festivals. Relatives light paper lanterns to guide the ghosts back to Naraka.
A tradition that seems to have caught on in the west. Even if no-one seems to understand its origins.
Although they may not have understood it. I think humans have always known that light can be divided into different colours.
Certainly since the first Rainbow appeared.
It
was the Ancient Greeks who first wrote down their attempts to explore
the phenomenon. Known as; "Refraction." Using prisms of glass to create
their own rainbows.
It was Ptolemy, a Persian Muslim Mathematician
living in Egypt.
Who discovered that Refraction was caused by light
being slowed down by the medium as it passed through. Be that medium
glass or water.
Ptolemy's work was built upon by Ibrahim Sahl.
Another Persian Muslim Mathematician, living in Iraq.
Who was first able
to devise an equation. Allowing you to quantify Refraction, how much the
light was being slowed down.
Rather appallingly Ibrahim Sahl's
discovery is now known as; "Snell's Law."
After the Dutch European
Colonial Astronomer Willebrord Snellius. Who pretty much just stole
Ibrahim Sahl's work and passed it off as his own.
It was the
German Physicist Heinrich Hertz who proved that visible light was made
up of Electromagnetic Radiation. The magnetism created by an electrical
current.
This radiation repeats in the form of Waves.
Electromagnetic Waves.
It is the medium, glass or water, lengthening or
shortening of these Wavelengths, relative to time. Which causes
Refraction.
Heinrich Hertz worked in the 19th Century. At this
same time other scientists was discovering and exploring the existence
of another form of matter. Which they termed; "Particles."
It was
the French Chemist Louis Pasteur who proved that sickness and illness is
caused by these Particles. Which he termed; "Germs." These Germs were
later divided into Bacteria and Virus.
Social Distancing was actually the experimental method that Louis Pasteur used. To prove that Germs, such as COVID-19, exist.
So we're all still waiting on the Mask-Nutters. To explain why they think Social Distancing will stop the spread of COVID-19.
Ernest
Rutherford and Paul Villard, British and French Physicists, were
interested in a different type of particle. Alpha and Beta Particles.
Although
too small for humans to see Rutherford and Villard proved the existence
of these particles.
Showing how they were able to pass an electrical
(ionic) charge onto other particles. Creating what looked like a smoke
trail in a cloud chamber.
It was the French Physicist Louis de
Brogile. Who, in 1924, demonstrated that Electromagnetism existed as both Particles and Waves.
It could transfer between those two known planes of existence. A phenomenon known as; "Wave/Particle Duality."
Shortly
after Louis de Brogile. The very famous German Physicist Albert
Einstein demonstrated a Duality between two other known planes of
existence. Energy and Matter.
Einstein was even able to devise the
equation E=MC². Allowing you to calculate how Energy transferred into
Matter, relative to the Speed of Light (C).
A simple, common-or-garden example of E=MC² is a compost heap. As organic Matter decays it partially turns into (heat) Energy.
Although
relatively rare. Particularly in a country as damp as Britain. Garden
compost heaps can spontaneously catch fire and explode.
It also happens in nature. Where decaying organic matter creates heat which turns into wildfires.
Something which is very important to remember. As we struggle to deal with increased wildfires due to Climate Change.
After
the Great Fire of 1910 the US seemed to forget that wildfires are a
natural occurrence. So introduced a Zero Fires policy.
By
suppressing natural fires they've simply been building up more organic
matter or: "Fuel" for when unnatural fires occur. Making them much more
destructive and harder to contain.
Within UN Climate Change negotiations there are entire workstreams dedicated to just this topic.
Einstein's
proof that it is possible to transfer between planes of existence. May
be why it seems to have been common to all humans, throughout history.
The belief that when people die they merely move onto a different plane
of existence.
It's true. A sort of fundamental truth that we've all always known. Yet somehow forgotten.
Yet another example of Conventional science finally starting to catch up of these ancient Animist religions.
Due
to it sitting between the realm of which humans can perceive, Visible
Light, and a realm of which humans cannot.
The colour Purple is also
very heavily associated with magic and witchcraft.
As you move through the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The Wavelengths shorten, becoming more dense.
Thanks to the Duality you can think of these Waves as Particles being affected by Gravity. Meaning they become heavier.
Beyond the colour Purple you have Ultraviolet Light (UV). Which, I think we all know, can burn human skin. Sunburn.
Beyond
UV Light you have X-Rays and Gamma-Rays.
Both of which can pass such an
intense ionic charge onto human cells they kill them. There's only so
many human cells that can die before you start running out of human.
So while X-Rays may allow you to see your bones. They're not doing your bones any good.
As a result Purple is considered the heaviest and the strongest colour.
Colour is very important within Anarchist politics.
Inspired
by military signals Anarchists have the Black Flag as their main
emblem. This conveys the message to keep fighting until the job is done.
The
exact opposite of the White Flag. Which was originally an order for
your own troops to stop fighting and allow themselves to be captured.
Anarchists
also often combine the black with another colour. Specifying a specific
cause. A sort of communication of Tactic\Objective.
Within Anarchist politics Purple is used to signify the cause of Gay Rights.
The main emblem of Gay Rights is the Rainbow Flag. Specifically with Purple as the bottom band.
It's
certainly a good story. To say this is to signify the Anarchists as the
strongest, heaviest part of the Gay Rights movement.
The bit that will
still be there. After the rest of the flag has been shot to pieces.
Rather like that famous photograph of World War Two US Marines raising the American Flag. On the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.
At around 17:45 on 3/10/21 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up. Hopefully tomorrow, rather than in a week.
Edited at around 18:30 on 5/10/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;
As has been a recurring theme of these Olympics. Ceremonies and all. I've enjoyed a long relationship with Japan.
This
began in 1999. When a Delusional Schizophrenic used Samurai swords to
attack my local Church.
I was not in the Church at the time. But my
parents were.
As far as anyone can tell. He decided to do this
because he genuinely believed he was living in an episode of; "Buffy The
Vampire Slayer." A US TV show that was popular at the time.
This
actually triggered something of a short-lived western obsession with
Japan and Japanese culture.
It also forced some poor person in Japanese Intelligence. To go through Buffy the Vampire Slayer in microscopic
detail.
I only got around to watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer in
2020.
However I'm now convinced the attack on the Church was staged. As
an attack on the TV show.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer really helped rescue the career of Eliza Dushku who played the "Faith" character.
After
she found herself shunned by the industry. For daring to complain about being
sexually assaulted on the set of the 1994 movie "True Lies."
Not
only did the show give Eliza Dushku work. It also seemed to go to war
with the industry on her behalf. Over the issue of rape and sexual
abuse.
Season 4 of the TV shows the characters battle the main villain;
"Adam." A sort of half-human Cyborg. Very much like Arnold
Schwarzenegger's famous; "Terminator" character.
Buffy the Vampire
Slayer also introduced one of the first openly gay characters seen on
US network TV. "Willow Rosenberg" played by Alyson Hannigan.
Not
only did it introduce Willow as a gay character. It also showed her to
go onto to have a normal relationship with another woman. "Tara Maclay"
played by Amber Benson.
Well. As normal as you can in a show with the words; "Vampire Slayer" in the title.
From the very start the show made it clear
that it intended to have Willow as a gay character.
She would often
wear a backpack with Rainbow straps. Or dress in the Anarchist
combination of Black\Purple.
However the network blocked the show from introducing Willow as a gay character. For a host of reasons.
They
were concerned about the homophobic backlash it would trigger.
Particularly from Evangelical Christians. Who were already upset by the
shows portrayal of Demons, Vampires and magic.
That was alongside
some more valid reasons.
Mainly stemming from the fact that when Willow
was first introduced. Both the character and Alyson Hannigan were about
15 years old. Below the age of sexual consent.
It is obviously one
thing for a 15 year old to explore their own sexuality, at home. While watching a
TV show.
It is another for a middle-aged man to force a 15 year old to
explore their sexuality in the making of a TV show.
Something which was rather central. To the show's war with the industry, on behalf of Eliza Dushku.
Also while I think the homophobic backlash is wrong. I would hesitate to throw a 15 year old into the middle of it.
This
huge battle between the show and the network. Over the Willow
character's gayness.
Was something that was played out on screen.
Throughout the first three seasons.
At the time there was a US band called; "Lit."
When the network were blocking the Willow character. Red Lit stickers would appear in the background.
When
the network were beginning to open up to the idea of Willow as a gay
character. Yellow or, Amber Lit stickers would appear in the background.
We
knew that Willow's gayness would be revealed and her girlfriend would
be introduced. From all the Green Lit stickers that appeared.
This
battle over Willow's gayness became a huge Cause Celebre for the gay
community within Hollywood. With them all piling on demanding that
Willow be turned gay.
This seemed to make the show uncomfortable.
The enthusiasm with which middle-aged gay men and women. Were desperate to impose their sexuality onto a 15 year old.
As with the Lit stickers. This apparent Duality between Hollywood Paedophilia and Homosexuality was also played out on screen.
Particularly
in the Season 4 Episode 8 "Pangs." This centres around a long buried
Colonial Mission being uncovered. Releasing a vengeful Chumash, Native
American, spirit.
In an early scene. A definitely gay-looking,
middle-aged, female Archaeology professor is seen speaking down a phone. Saying
things like;
"Yes. We're all very excited. I can't wait to go down their myself."
Later
in the same episode the "Anya Jenkins" character, played by Emma
Caulfield, is shown. Having just visited the home of the, presumably,
much older Dean of the University. Saying something like;
"His wife was very welcoming. She kept trying to feed me her pie."
Both lesbian themed sexual innuendos. So lacking in subtly they must be obvious even to non-English speakers.
The apparent Duality between Hollywood paedophilia and homosexuality was the really explored in Season 4, Episode 10 "Hush."
This saw a trio of very gay-looking men (ghouls) stalking the University dorms. Looking for young men to horribly abuse.
No-one was allowed scream. Or to speak out against it.
So in the production of Season 4, 1999-2000. The characters in the show were doing battle with the Adam character.
While
the show itself was doing battle with powerful Hollywood figures. Such
as Arnold Schwarzengger, who went onto the be the Governor of
California.
The show was also facing something of a backlash from
the Hollywood gay community. For daring to question their obsession with
trying to touch children.
The show was also becoming very famous.
With
Alyson Hannigan and the lead actress, Sarah Michelle Gellar starting to
be offered big movie roles. They could easily sink the show by their
leaving.
Into this Britain started blaming the show for a sword attack on a Church.
An attack which was primarily designed as a generalised warning. About the threat of Islamist terrorism from Afghanistan.
First from the theft of Serbia's southern Kosovo Province. Then, in 2001, from this group called; "Al Qaeda."
All while the show was still getting blamed by Evangelical Christians for things like the April 1999 Columbine Shooting.
It should be obvious to see why Britain got so angry. At a TV show.
As was discussed at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. At quite some length.
Britain just could not cope with an earlier episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Season 3, Episode 11 "Gingerbread."
This
sees the town gripped by a moral panic, very much like the Salem Witch
Trials. It ends with two main, and one ancillary, characters being burned
at the stake.
This was the show telling the story. Of the moral
panic that it had unleashed amongst Evangelical Christians. With its
portrayal of Demons, Vampires and magic.
Britain, however, got it very wrong. Assuming it all to be a metaphor for homosexuality.
After all. Homosexuality seems to be their answer for everything. It is their magic power.
This inability to cope. With even the most basic of things.
Seems to have been a major driving factor. Behind Britain's, curious, 2006 decision. To just completely withdraw from reality.
As an ally. It would be remiss of Japan not to join in the deafening chorus.
Calling on Britain to at try to reconnect with reality.
At around 18:40 on 5/10/21 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up when I can.
Edited at around 18:35 on 12/10/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;
Then there is the pattern itself. A simple repetition of Purple Square, White Square, Purple Square, White Square.
As
with the notion of Heartstrings. The association between the colour
Purple and Royalty. The belief that when people die they move to another
plane of existence.
This pattern is another example of
something which seems common to all humans. Regardless of where they
have lived, throughout history.
It was said to have been used in
King Solomon's Temple. From where the Freemasons adopted it. Using it as
a symbol of the Duality between Good and Evil.
The Balinese know it as; "Saput Poleng." Where, like the Taoist "Ying, Yang," it is considered to represent the balance in the Universe. Good, Evil. Light, Dark.
Initially in Japan it was known as the; "Stone Pavement Pattern" (Ishidatami Moyo). As it resembled paving stones.
During
the Edo Period it was adopted by the hugely famous Kabuki Theatre actor
Ichimatsu Sanogawa. As his signature stage look.
Leading it to become
known as; "Ichimatsu Moyo" (The Pattern of Ichimatsu)."
These days I think it is most commonly known, globally, as the "Checkerboard Pattern."
This Checkerboard pattern is an example of a Geometric Progression. It alternates and continues indefinitely.
This continuous growth means that it is considered a symbol of prosperity in Japan. Along with many other Asian societies.
The Indonesian island of Buton actually used checkered fabric as its currency. Up until, about, 1955.
This
association with money also occurred in Medieval Europe. Where a
checkerboard sheet or table top was used as a sort of calculator. An;
"Exchequer."
Britain's Chief Finance Minister continues to be formally titled; "The Chancellor of the Exchequer."
One
of the earliest recorded uses of the checkerboard pattern is in a Chess
Board.
Chess was first invented in what is now India. In around the 5th Century
B.C. Around the time King Solomon was building his Temple.
The pandemic has rather forced us all to become interested in one specific type of Geometric Progression.
With all the talk of "Flattening the Curve" and "Exponential Growth." From people who, clearly, do not understand the terms.
There is actually an ancient Persian story that explains Geometric Progression and Exponential Growth using the Chess Board.
A
King is so impressed by this new game and wants to learn how to play
it. So he summons a knowledgeable peasant to explain it to him.
The
peasant agrees. But only if the King pays him.
With one grain of rice
for the first square on the board. Then double the number of grains of
rice for each subsequent square.
The King thinks that one or two grains of rice seems a perfectly reasonable payment. So agrees.
Not realising that by the time they'll reach the 64th square. He will owe the peasant all the rice in the kingdom.
That is exponential growth. If we assume that each square is a separate, set frame of time.
Within the world of theoretical mathematics it's believed that Geometric Progressions will go on indefinitely.
However
the American Astronomer Carl Sagan once quipped that's not possible. As
eventually they'll run out of things to consume.
Although I think he was having a theoretical debate over whether the Universe is finite or infinite.
Sagan's point does though have some relevance to the fight against Climate Change and Environmentalism more generally.
The eternal conflict between an economic model that requires continuous growth and consumption and finite natural resources.
This conflict was first properly explored, in writing, by Thomas
Malthus. An 18th Century Church of England Protestant Christian
Minister.
Malthus that the ultimate goal of the human population was happiness. The main source of that happiness was population growth.
Not an unreasonable opinion. Given how populations have, traditionally, gone about growing.
The
problem was that the supply of food could not increase to keep pace
with this population growth. Inevitably leading to a correction. A mass
die-off event. A famine.
Even before Malthus had begun to write down his thoughts. Human innovation was providing a solution.
In the form of the Second Agricultural Revolution. The first being the invention of agriculture during the Neolithic Period.
The Second Agricultural Revolution was the result of the complex interaction of numerous factors.
Covering it fully is a doctoral thesis in itself. In fact it has been the basis for many doctoral theses over the years.
However it can really be summed up in one word; "Industrialisation."
At
the Second Agricultural Revolution's start farming was for subsistence.
Each family would work a little piece of land, borrowed from a feudal
Lord, to feed themselves.
From about the 15th Century onwards the
feudal Lords began enclosing their properties. Stopping the peasants
from using it for subsistence farming.
Instead the Lords employed
the peasants as workers. On much larger farms which were not intended to
feed them. But to produce products for sale.
With part of the profits being paid to the peasants. Who could use the money to buy products with which to feed themselves.
This new model of production was accompanied by a host of scientific and technological advances.
Such
as the invention of a new type of, more efficient, plough. The Dutch
& Rotherham Swing. Along with the discovery of fertilisers, new
types of crops and better ways to grow them. Crop Rotation.
This
meant that between the 15th and 19th Centuries food production grew much
faster than the population. Despite Malthus' pessimism.
In the
1960's, at the height of the Cold War.
The US looked at poverty and
hunger in the Third World. Along within First World countries which may
be tempted to join the Communist Second World.
They saw an
opportunity to shore up and increase their global power. By attempting
to recreate the Second Agricultural Revolution globally.
US allies
would be rewarded with a Marshall Plan style program of technology and
knowledge transfer. A program the US dubbed; "The Green Revolution."
In launching it in 1968 the US Agency for International Development (USAID) actually went to pains to stress.
That
this was not the violent Red Revolution of Communism.
Nor the Colonial
White Revolution.Where the US tried to impose a puppet regime on Iran.
Again. Fully covering the Green Revolution is a doctoral thesis in its own right.
However,
as with the Second Agricultural Revolution. Its main focus was the
industrialisation of farming. Moving from subsistence farming to
commercial farming.
It also focused heavily on prompting the use
of new technologies. Particularly irrigation and water management. Along
with the latest synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.
The
selective breeding of livestock was really invented during the Second
Agricultural Revolution. Scientific advancement allowed the Green
Revolution to expand selective breeding to crops.
Leading the
creation of new strains of crops. Such as IR8 Rice. Which allows five
times as much food to be produced from the same amount of land.
The
Green Revolution was massively successful. So much so that it forced
China to compete. Both to tackle hunger within China and to avoid losing
influence to America.
March 2021 actually saw the death of Yuan Longping. A
hugely respected Chinese scientist.
Who is really considered the; "Father of Hybrid Rice"
and; "The Man Who Fed The World." Despite competing claims from America.
The Green Revolution though was not without its problems.
I
think we could all have done without the synthetic pesticide DDT.
Which
was so damaging it really sparked to modern Environmental movement.
Having been highlighted by Rachel Carson in her book; "Silent Spring."
Also considered to be inventions rather than natural occurances. These new crop varieties such as IR8 Rice are covered by
International Intellectual Property Rights (IIPR/Copyright).
Which can
turn them into a mechanism of Neo-Colonial dependency.
Rather than
harvesting the rice and using some of the seeds to plant the next crop.
Farmers are now being forced to buy the next batch of seeds.
Woe betide any farmer who has the misfortune. Of having some of Monsanto's Intellectual Property blow into their fields on the wind.
The
Green Revolution has also exacerbated the problem of John Locke's
Labour Theory of Property. That no-one can be paid for simply not
cutting down a tree.
So in countries like Brazil people are forced to cut down huge swathes of Rainforest. To make way for commercial farms.
Fortunately, as with the Malthus problem. Human innovation finally seems to have found a way to overcome the Locke problem.
In the form of Carbon Credits. Allowing nations to receive payment for the vital work that Rainforests do for us.
Unfortunately the regime of Obama and Biden has forbidden us from using that solution.
Through
the imposition of the Paris Agreement horror show.
The
Rice and Chess Board story was first written down in 1256 by Ibrahim
Khallikan. A Persian Buddhist who was working as the Chief Judge or
Egypt at the time.
Along with Ptolemy and Ibrahim Sahl. Ibrahim
Khallikan is the third significant Persian figure in Mathematics that
I've discussed in just this section alone.
That allows for another little dig at Black Lives Matter. Particularly their idiotic Critical Race Theory.
Followers
of Critical Race Theory wish to ban the teaching of Mathematics in
American schools. On the grounds that it is; "White Supremacist."
Not only isn't Mathematics White Supremacist. It isn't even particularly White.
It is predominately Middle-Eastern, Persian/Arab. With a little bit of influence from Asia. Thanks to the Silk Road.
In
the wake of the 9/11 Attacks a joke went round amongst critics of then
President George W. Bush.
Claiming that after declaring war on Al Qaeda
(The Base). Next he wanted to declare war on Algebra.
The joke was really on them though.
The
Mathematical system of Algebra was first developed by Muhammad
al-Khwarizmi. Another Persian Muslim Mathematician, living in Iraq.
"Al
Gebra" is an Arabic phrase meaning; "Bringing together the pieces."
So it would make rather a good name for an Al Qaeda like terror group. If it wasn't already taken.
Obviously there is case in the teaching of Snell's Law. To point out that it is actually Ibrahim Sahl's Law.
However I think that, particularly at High School. Maths class should really focus on teaching Maths.
For
people in UK Commonwealth countries. Along with residents of the US
cities of Chicago and Pittsburgh. This checkerboard pattern is
synonymous with the Police.
In that context it is known as;
"Sillitoe Tartan." After Sir Percy Sillitoe. The Chief Constable of
Police in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Who introduced it in 1932. As a way to
make his officers more visible in the dark.
Although Sillitoe
never served in it himself. Policing across the, then, British Empire
was heavily influenced in the; "Shanghai International Settlement."
Located in what is, broadly, the Chinese city of Shanghai.
The
Shanghai International Settlement was established by the 1843 Treaty of
Nanking. At the end of the First Opium War (1839-1842).
This
wasn't quite a British Colony. In the way that Hong Kong was established
as a British Colony. Instead it was a more unique arrangement.
It
saw Chinese people and Westerners living together.
However the Chinese
people were bound by Chinese law. While the Westerners were exempt for
Chinese law. Theoretically being bound by laws enforced by the British
Municipal Council.
This created something of a gangster's
paradise. The sort of hedonistic place where people would go to
disappear.
As you would expect. From a place created by a war fought to
make the consumption of Opiates, more or less, compulsory.
The
Shanghai Municipal Police attracted, shall we say; 'unconventional'
officers from police forces from across the British Empire.
Such as the
British South African Police or the North Rhodesian Police. Both of
which Sillitoe served in.
The Shanghai Municipal Police was
particularly attractive amongst members of the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Particularly after it was disbanded. Following Britain's defeat in the
Irish War of Independence (1919-1921).
Marking its centenary year this year. The Irish War of Independence was really the first Guerrilla war.
I appreciate that military history is rarely consider mainstream history. Nor do I think it ever should be.
However Guerrilla
warfare has been the main type of warfare since the end of the Second World War.
Such as in the 20 year Vietnam War. Or the 20 year war in Afghanistan.
So the invention of that type of warfare. During the Irish War of Independence. Is certainly historically significant.
At around 18:50 on 12/10/21 (UK date) I'm very obviously not finished with this section.
Edited at around 14:40 on 13/10/21 (UK date) to fill in the Malthus, Green Revolution placeholder.
At around 14:55 on 13/10/21 (UK date) I'll try and get back on track.
Edited at around 16:25 on 14/10/21 (UK date) to tidy up a bit and copy & paste;
One particular veteran of the Irish War of Independence. Who went on
to find work with the Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP) stands out.
William Fairbairn.
Much of Fairburn's career with the SMP seemed
to involve brutal street fights. He's said to have enjoyed more than 600
in a 20 year career.
This gave him an opportunity to compare his
British Queensbury Rules Boxing. With that fancy 'Chinese Boxing' (a Mix
of Martial Arts).
This allowed him to invent a new style of fighting. Which he named; "Defendu."
In Shanghai Fairbairn also pioneered a number of knife-fighting and gun-fighting techniques.
You may be familiar with the phrase; "Shoot from the hip." Fairbairn invented it.
The
art of drawing a pistol from a concealed holster. Then quickly dropping
your target, one handed. Without using the pistol sights.
It turns out
the bullets just go where you point it.
In May 1925 the SMP opened fire on a protest calling for an end to Imperial Rule. The; "May 13th Movement."
In
response Fairbairn established the SMP's Special Reserve Unit.
Initially this was intended as an anti-Riot Squad. The first in the
World.
However the SMP's Special Reserve developed into taking on
Hard Target Arrest and Hostage Rescue roles. Making it the precursor to
modern police Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) units.
In the US TV show; "S.W.A.T" they drive around in an Armoured Vehicle (MRAP) which they nickname; "Black Betty."
The
SMP's Special Reserve pioneered the use of Armoured Vehicles with
their; "Red Maria." Essentially whatever was the 1925 equivalent of a
panel van. With armour plating and a heavy machine gun turret.
Serving alongside Fairbairn in the SMP's Special Reserve was a sharpshooter by the name of Eric Sykes.
With the outbreak of the Second World War both Fairbairn and Sykes returned to Britain. Joining the British Army.
There
they used their experience of Guerrilla warfare from Ireland. Along
with the irregular fighting skills they'd developed in the SMP's Special
Reserve.
To invent a new type of military force. The Commando force.
One
of the first of these Commando Forces was the First Special Service
Force. The so-called; "Devil's Brigade." Who are recognised as the first
Special Operations Force (SOF).
To equip these new
Commandoes Fairbairn and Sykes invented a new type of fighting knife.
The Fairbairn-Sykes (F5) Fighting Knife.
The F5 Fighting Knife
continues to be used by SOF forces. The last recorded kill comes from
Britain's Special Boat Service (SBS). In Afghanistan in 2019.
The F5 Fighting Knife also continues to be used as the emblem of the British Royal Marine Commando Force.
As
it is used as the emblems of the Belgian Commando Corp. The Dutch
Commando Corp. The 1st and 2nd Australian Commando Regiments. Along with
the US Army Rangers.
Fairbairn and Sykes then went onto to found and train the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
The
SOE is often, commonly, referred to as; "The French Resistance."
Although they were responsible for anti-Nazi resistance movements across
Occupied Europe.
Fairbairn and Sykes then went onto help America
form the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Which, at the end of the
Second World War, became the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The Shanghai Municipal Police also pioneered the use of intelligence-led political policing. What
used to be known throughout the British Empire/Commonwealth as;
"Special Branch."
Although, globally, then now tend to be referred to
as; "Counter-Terrorism Command."
The SMP's Special Branch had
some notable successes. Such as the arrests of Jakob Rudnik and Richard
Sorge. Members of the Third International. A Soviet organisation
dedicated to spreading Communism globally.
The SMP also helped the
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) smash the base of the Chinese Communist
Party (CCP) in the Shanghai Municipal Settlement. Although I think we
all know how that ended, eventually.
Sir Percy Sillitoe went on to head Britain's domestic intelligence Security Service MI5.
Sillitoe's
MI5 career was ended though by the Cambridge Five scandal. In which the
Soviet Union managed to place a network of spies at the highest levels
of Britain's government and intelligence services.
The Cambridge Five scandal is considered to be the worst failure by British Intelligence.
Well. It used to be.
In
adopting the Checkerboard Pattern into the uniform of his officers.
Percy Sillitoe seemed particularly interested in making them more
visible to motorists. A growing scourge in 1930's Glasgow.
This
visibility is why the Checkerboard Pattern Flag was adopting in the
world of motor-racing. Used to signify the end of the race.
British Teenagers were invented by Lonnie Donegan. In 1952.
They
immediately started racing about on motorcycles and motor-scooters.
The; "Mods & Rockers" made famous by the 1979 movie; "Quadrophenia."
Particularly
the Mods quickly also adopted the Sillitoe Tartan. Presumably as a way
to mock the police officers who were trying and failing to flag them
down.
I think this is why Sillitoe Tartan was adopted by British
Ska record label "2 Tone" in 1979. Although I suspect they're probably
not sure themselves.
Probably the most famous band signed to 2
Tone were The Specials. They eventually split up into two bands. The
Special Beat and Specials AKA (Also Known As).
I publish under the name; "Sovereign." Except where it isn't available. In which case I publish under the name; "Sovereignaka."
A little reference to The Specials and 2 Tone.
Although
that, perhaps, risks overstating the amount of thought that went into
it. There were a lot of fast warrants flying about after 9/11.
Shakira invoked by the Ska sound and 2 Tone Checkerboard Pattern imagery in her 2014 song; "Can't Remember To Forget You."
An effort to firmly shove a Chris Brown dating Rihanna in my direction.
I really don't like going on about this. It sounds like I'm claiming Rihanna's achievements since then as my own.
I'm really not. Those are most definitely Rihanna's achievements.
I
didn't really have much to do with Rihanna between 2014 and 2021. It
was actually a bit strange. Trying to catch up where we left off.
However
I like to think I helped a bit. In allowing Rihanna to reach her full
potential.
Just as Shakira helped a bit. Just as Katy Perry helped a bit.
The point is that my actions tell a very different story.
To
the, frankly, lies the US and Britain have been trying to tell.
Portraying me as some sort of Wayne Couzens/Brian Laundrie type
character.
At the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest the 2 Tone
Checkerboard Pattern was used extensively. In an effort to repeat the
trick. By firmly shoving Miley Cyrus in my direction.
However the Ichimatsu Mori emblem was unveiled back in 2016. So I don't think that was their primary intention.
Although, that said.
Miley Cyrus came round my house in 2013. We've sort of been stalking around each other ever since.
That's
why I chose this year to face up to her.
With everything being quiet
with the pandemic it seemed a good opportunity. To get whatever it is
out of our systems.
If only so we can finally be rid of each other.
To be continued in Part 11.
17:10 on 14/10/21 (UK date).
