Dr Han Fastolfe and Roj Nemennuh Sarton
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good morning, today I am obsessed with salvor in 2x03 describing what happened when they induced gaal’s vision in 2x02 as “[hari] almost suffocated you and you encouraged it” because that is…not really what happened at all? like, technically, yes, he was the one controlling the ship’s systems, but it was gaal’s idea and he didn’t start until she indicated that he should. he was following her lead! this wasn’t “hari almost killed gaal and she allowed/encouraged it”, it was “gaal almost killed herself and hari enabled her”. which, sure, is arguably still not the healthiest dynamic, and it’s not unreasonable for salvor to be put off or concerned, but attributing all the agency and power in that scene (or in their relationship more generally) to him is not accurate.
gaal: the visions are unconscious, okay? I’ve always been asleep, or under stress. I—
[she breaks off, realizing something, and heads for a locker on the wall]
salvor: what?
gaal: [taking a mask from the locker and handing it to salvor, then climbing onto the central console to sit] in old synnaxian, the word for “prophecy” means “water takes them”. seers would submerge themselves. when they couldn’t breathe, their inner eyes opened.
[gaal takes a deep breath, looks at hari, and nods]
salvor: wait, gaal—
[hari nods back; the ship’s alarms start going off and the doors to the room seal]
computer: warning. fire suppression activated.
salvor: wait, what?
computer: venting all oxygen.
salvor: what are you doing?
hari: she needs to drown, salvor.
like, what happens here is that gaal has an a-ha moment, and she barely has to explain before hari has picked up what she’s putting down and jumped to help her (and she’s mostly even explaining for salvor’s benefit, I think; throughout the bit where she’s getting the mask and giving it to her, hari is in the background nodding along, and seems to have already grasped where she’s going with this). this is not “gaal is so devoted to hari that she’ll risk or sacrifice her life for him and his plans with a smile”, this is “gaal and hari are so in sync that he immediately understands what she’s planning and doesn’t hesitate to help her”. this is “even now, when they both feel deeply betrayed and hurt by and angry at each other, they still understand one another on a profound level and implicitly trust each other: he trusts her to know what she’s doing and what she needs/can handle, and she trusts him to help her do it without killing her”.
(or, put another way, it is “they match each other’s freak to a degree that is dangerous to themselves and each other”, which 1. is still not the same thing as “gaal is unquestioningly obedient to hari to the point where she will cheerfully allow him to kill her” and 2. is very sexy of them.)
I think it’s especially notable because literally the episode prior, when gaal and salvor were trying to figure out how to raise the beggar, this happened:
salvor: it’s about twelve meters to the hull, maybe another thirty to the bridge, another minute once I’m there for the reboot…and I am dead. I can’t hold my breath for that long.
gaal: you can if I’m down there with you. look, I don’t know how to reboot a ship, but I do know how to hold my breath. I can give you some of mine when we reach the bridge.
salvor: some of yours? what if you drown?
gaal: brain damage doesn’t set in for at least four minutes. you’ll have time.
so by 2x02 salvor has already seen gaal take a fairly cavalier attitude toward the prospect of drowning! there is precedent! and pretty recent precedent, at that—it’s not totally clear how far apart the two things are supposed to take place, but it feels like several hours, maybe? it’s been long enough that everything on the ship has dried out and seems to have been put into order/cleaned up after decades underwater, but it doesn’t seem like there’s been a lot more happening since then, and hari didn’t seem inclined to wait very long before finally hashing things out with gaal; I’d guess maybe half a day, at most? the point is, the two incidents are close enough together that it feels like a really deliberate choice to have salvor characterize the vision induction as something different and more sinister: not as another example of gaal being impulsive/acting on instinct even when it means risking her own life, but as hari being willing to risk gaal’s life and gaal being too naive or blinded by loyalty to see it.
idk I just find it so interesting (and lol if you think this post is overlong and rambly now, you should see everything I cut out of it). rewatching I am unsurprisingly very focused on the way that gaal and hari’s relationship and the balance of power between them changes from s1 to s2, and the way that so much of s2 really is both of them realizing how much their dynamic has shifted and learning to relate to one another as equals (especially gaal; I actually think hari recognizes and accepts this shift even before she does, which is perhaps not shocking given that she just threw everything off-course, tortured him—albeit unintentionally—for more than a century, and for the first 2.5 episodes of the season he’s dependent on her to go anywhere outside the ship). and meanwhile other people are just looking at them and seeing gaal as this innocent, powerless dupe hari is manipulating and exploiting. like, more and more I do think that “you have more agency here, gaal, than you realize” is kind of a thesis statement for their whole relationship arc.
(not least because lmao yeah, she also has more agency than you realize, old man, have fun finding that out the hard way <3)
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Foundation by Isaac Asimov.
7.5/10
I wouldn’t recommend this book to my friends.
I wouldn’t reread this book.
This is my first sci-fi book and although it’s been very philosophical and fun to read, I also was like NERDDD this book is for nerds. I’m too cool for this book omg. The editors are nerds.
Learning everything about a topic that’s already known being stagnation or deterioration got me. No new ideas.
I agree with Hardin’s words but like don’t agree with his philosophy. So what? Everything you say sounds right but it’s not going to change anything and nothing can be changed. We just move onwards. There are no answers to the problems. you just gotta live. There’s always going to be something wrong and always an amount of knowledge that can be improved upon.
I totally see this whole psych engineers thing. Magic is science to me.
Analyzing convos is so interesting.
Democracy being pro and anti is new to me.
Arguing with Seldon that the empire has existed this long so why would it end is such a dumb argument over someone arguing with math.
I can’t believe we have all these worlds at our hands and we still aren’t content with how much land we have.
Memorable Quotes:
“He wondered if he would get used to immensity.”
“no life other than man.”
“Legalistically”
“Effort had to be organized.”
“Hardin had the nightmarelike sensation of running at top speed and getting nowhere.”
“belonged in the limbo to which all Good Old Days go.”
“He felt alone in the face of universal hostility.”
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“So how…”
“…does the rest work?”
I’ve spent FAR too much time thinking about the Imperial aura and how it functions. To a point it’s clearly a Dune-esque body shield (“the slow blade” penetrates… or at least the slow concubine’s fingers!) but it seems to have some kind of built-in intelligence as well, because XIII clearly doesn’t “mute” anything here (as XVI does in the flashback in S2 with Rue) but the effect definitely - uh - stops for the duration of the scene.
[[MORE]]So in no particular order, my hypotheses/headcanons/observations:
- by default only very slow/gentle touches below a certain energy threshold are allowed through - in theory if you could smuggle a feather into the throne room and had a light hand, you could tickle a Cleon of your choice right behind the ears (assuming you didn’t get shot first for getting that close of course)
- there’s a smart detection mechanism that lets them e.g. shower without the water getting repelled, or use the hibernation netting on a jump ship (and allows spacers to put the monitors on too, presumably) but would presumably prevent them from being e.g. sprayed with liquid acid or put into a sensory shroud
- once a contact has been allowed through (or maybe if the wearer makes contact first?), the aura in some way recognises the body that it belongs to and adds it to a kind of kinetic energy threshold whitelist (probably only for some fixed period of time) so the ol’ Gossamer Court can do their thang
- the auras are pre-set to permit free contact from a very small list of other people - Dawn, Dusk and Day can all touch each other freely for example (which explains the throne room slap-fight, amongst other things!) and Demerzel is of course always able to give them a hug or a neck breakage or, uh, whatever else, depending on the requirements of the moment
- the aura can be “muted” (we know this from the S2 flashback) which I would guess is a step down from fully deactivating, maybe upping the energy threshold or something like that (to permit, for example, receiving a hickey but not a stab wound)
- the aura can be bypassed if you know (or are told!) the “frequency” (or other scifi techobabble term of choice) which allows free use at least of energy particle style weapons (see the S2 assassination attempt, and frankly one of the moments in the series that always makes me laugh out loud)
- taking the aura bracelet/cuff off fully deactivates the effect (the Spiral, and also duh)
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All England win, foundation of my coaching path: Pullela Gopichand | Badminton News - The Times of India
The story of the All England is very important, as it has definitely been a life-changing one for me. The victory gave me recognition, but crucially, it was the foundation on which I could become the coach I am and help build an ecosystem for badminton in the country.In fact, the preparations that helped me win the All England were actually towards the 2000 Sydney Olympics.Go Beyond The Boundary…
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sprinting through seasons 1 and 2 of foundation to get to 3 and whattt a showw
screaming into the future and crying into the past while the present slips through your fingers. being a solitary point, a trinity, a circle forever, a chain unending - together forever, alone always. begging for a child to live, to love, a parent to see you, to hold you. history and the projection of it into destiny and it’s all full of ghosts. you threaten me with a nightmare of slavery, of rape, of darkness, but we’re awake and it is here.
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‘By casting suspicion on speaker, you weaken our democratic foundation’: Amit Shah tears into Oppn in LS - Top Quotes
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 11 March launched a sharp attack on the Opposition in the Lok Sabha over the no-confidence motion moved against Speaker Om Birla. Shah accused the Opposition of undermining parliamentary traditions and casting unwarranted doubts on the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Chair.
Shah said the move was unprecedented in recent decades and reflected poorly on parliamentary…
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Thai Foundation
Thailand’s philanthropic landscape offers meaningful opportunities for individuals and organizations seeking to contribute to social causes, from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Establishing a foundation in this Southeast Asian nation allows donors to create lasting impact while potentially enhancing their corporate social responsibility profile and fostering goodwill among local communities . However, navigating Thailand’s intricate legal framework for non-governmental organizations requires thorough preparation and understanding of regulatory requirements.
Understanding Foundations Under Thai Law
Under Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code (CCC), specifically Sections 110 to 136, a foundation is legally defined as “property specially appropriated to public charity, religious, art, scientific, education or other purposes for the public benefit and not for sharing profit” that has been registered under the provisions of the CCC . This definition establishes several fundamental characteristics that distinguish foundations from other organizational structures.
A foundation is a juristic person, meaning it can independently enter into contracts, employ staff, lease premises, and issue receipts to donors . The property of a foundation must be managed exclusively for implementing its objectives and cannot be used for seeking personal interest . This asset dedication requirement ensures that foundations genuinely serve public benefit rather than private gain.
Key Differences Between Foundations and Associations
Many prospective philanthropists confuse foundations with associations, but Thai law draws clear distinctions between these entities. An association is a membership-based organization where members share common goals and participate in decision-making processes, including voting and electing leadership . Associations typically have at least ten members who pay subscription fees, and their financial resources often support operational and service-oriented activities for members .
Foundations, conversely, do not have members. Instead, they operate under a board of directors that governs operations based on donated assets . Donors contribute funds without acquiring membership rights. The funding structure also differs—foundations typically maintain an endowment or significant assets used to fund charitable activities, with income derived from donations, investments, and grants .
Tax implications vary between these structures. Registered foundations can offer tax benefits for donations under Thai tax laws, while associations may not provide the same advantages since they primarily serve member interests rather than public charitable purposes .
Registration Requirements and Process
Establishing a foundation in Thailand involves submitting an application to the Registrar’s office in the district where the foundation’s principal office will be located . The registration process requires comprehensive documentation, all prepared in Thai:
The application must include the foundation’s Articles of Association (regulations) drafted in accordance with CCC requirements, which must specify the foundation’s name, objectives, office addresses, property at creation, committee governance rules, and management procedures . Founders must provide a list of all directors (minimum three persons) with their names, addresses, and occupations, along with copies of Thai ID cards or passports .
Additional requirements include an itemized list of assets allocated to the foundation, documents promising asset donation, minutes from the establishment meeting, a map of the principal office, written consent from the building owner, and copies of title deeds and house registration documents .
Regarding foundation naming, special requirements apply when using phrases like “…of Thailand.” Such names require that the foundation represents the entire country, conducts nationwide activities, has objectives benefiting the general public, and receives certification from relevant Thai government agencies .
After submission, district authorities review documents and inspect the foundation’s office location. The application then proceeds to the provincial office and ultimately to the Ministry of Interior for official approval. If objectives relate to other government departments, additional review may occur. The entire process typically takes six months to one year, depending on administrative workflows .
Capital Requirements
Foundations must meet minimum capital requirements to demonstrate financial viability. The standard initial capital requirement is 500,000 THB, with at least 250,000 THB held in cash . However, foundations with objectives focused on social work, education, sports, religion, or healthcare-related purposes may qualify for reduced requirements of 250,000 THB total with 100,000 THB in cash .
Some sources indicate a lower minimum of 200,000 THB may be acceptable , but prospective founders should verify current requirements with local registrars. Founders must provide bank statements confirming the required funds are held in the foundation’s bank account .
Board of Directors and Governance
Thai law requires foundations to have a board of at least three directors, typically comprising a Director, Assistant Director, and Secretary/Treasurer . Directors may hold multiple positions, such as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, provided these roles are outlined in the Articles of Association .
While Thai law does not mandate Thai nationality for directors , practical experience suggests having at least one Thai director significantly facilitates registration. Thai directors serve as primary contacts for government officers seeking additional information and avoid the security interview process required for foreign directors .
Foreign nationals serving as directors must submit additional documentation, including citizenship proof and criminal record clearance from their home country’s National Intelligence Agency or embassy. They must also undergo an interview with government officers for national security purposes before obtaining work permits and visas .
Directors must disclose personal assets, residential addresses, educational qualifications, and work experience. Their qualifications, roles, responsibilities, and term limits must be clearly defined in the foundation’s regulations . The board may appoint sub-committees for specific projects as needed .
The Registrar maintains authority to inspect foundation activities and review records at any time . In cases of director negligence or misconduct, Thai courts may intervene and dismiss responsible individuals . Directors who vacate office must continue performing functions until new directors are registered, unless dismissed by court order .
Tax Obligations and Financial Reporting
After receiving registration approval, foundations must apply for a tax identification number from the provincial Revenue Department office within 60 days . Foundations must maintain accurate financial records, report income and expenses, and withhold tax when making payments to other parties .
Financial statements must be audited by a certified public accountant and reflect the foundation’s income, expenses, and assets . These statements must be submitted annually to the Ministry of Interior or provincial governor’s office, along with detailed activity reports describing activities conducted, fund usage, and progress toward objectives .
For tax purposes, foundations generally calculate corporate income tax on all revenues before deducting expenses, filing returns within 150 days of the accounting period’s end . Taxable income includes operational revenues from activities like rent or sales, as well as interest and dividends .
However, foundations may qualify for tax exemptions. Income from member registration fees and donations received is typically exempt . Income from private schools established by foundations following private school laws is also exempt, excluding commercial activities . If revenue exceeds expenses, foundations may face tax rates of 2% or 10%, depending on income nature .
Recent tax incentives encourage donations to qualifying foundations. Royal Decree No. 795, effective through December 2027, allows companies and juristic partnerships an additional 100% corporate income tax deduction (total 200%) for qualifying donations made through the e-Donation system to the Thai Red Cross Society and 26 approved medical and public health foundations . Deductions cannot exceed 10% of net profits .
Individual donors receive double deductions from assessable income for cash donations, capped at 10% of assessable income . The decree also exempts income tax, VAT, specific business tax, and stamp duty on income relating to asset transfers or goods sales regarding donations . Donors may rely on e-Donation system records as supporting evidence without presenting additional proof to tax officials .
Donations of assets or inventory require specific valuation methods. For purchased assets, documented purchase evidence determines value. For assets from fixed asset registers, net book value applies. For inventory, verifiable cost value applies, not exceeding normal market price .
Ongoing Compliance and Dissolution
Foundations must maintain comprehensive records and submit annual financial statements and activity reports to authorities . The Registrar may inspect operations at any time to verify foundations remain active and operating according to objectives .
Regulations may be amended by the committee, subject to Section 127 restrictions—amendments must enable objective implementation or respond to circumstances making original objectives impossible or less beneficial, with amended objectives remaining close to original purposes . All amendments require registration within 30 days .
Dissolution may occur under specific conditions: reaching the intended purpose, insolvency, court order due to legal non-compliance, or as specified in foundation regulations . Importantly, the committee cannot independently dissolve the foundation—dissolution must follow legal procedures .
Upon dissolution, remaining assets cannot be distributed to directors or founders. Instead, assets must be transferred to organizations with similar objectives or become state property . This strict asset distribution rule reinforces that foundation assets permanently serve public benefit.
Alternative Structures for Non-Profit Activities
Founders should consider alternative legal structures depending on their specific needs. Associations may suit membership-based organizations with at least ten members pursuing common goals . Foreign non-governmental organizations may obtain a “Permission to Operate in Thailand for Foreign Private Organizations” (FPO), which grants faster approval without establishing a Thai juristic person, though initially limited to one-year periods .
For activities involving profit generation alongside social goals, Social Enterprises offer hybrid structures where profits primarily fund social activities. Social enterprises enjoy tax exemptions on net profits and provide tax benefits for investors .
Establishing a foundation in Thailand represents a significant commitment requiring careful legal preparation, adequate capitalization, and ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements. Working with experienced local legal advisors proves essential for navigating the complex registration process and ensuring long-term operational success .
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Tru2Day2528
Think of your personality as a house. You can easily paint the walls with humor, charisma, and confidence to make it look amazing. But your morals? That’s the concrete foundation. Without a solid foundation, even the coolest house eventually crumbles.
