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The Finite Lens: How a Fragile Life Gives Shape to an Infinite Universe
The question arrives early and stays late: what does it mean to live a finite, fragile life inside an infinite, eternal universe? Every serious person encounters this problem, usually around the age when the body first betrays its limits, and no one resolves it cleanly. Theology dissolves the question by denying its premise. Science measures the mismatch with such precision that the human side of the equation vanishes into decimal places. And the popular existentialist answers, the ones printed on coffee mugs and quoted in commencement speeches, have been sanded down so thoroughly that they function as anesthesia rather than analysis.
The question deserves better than any of these treatments. It deserves to be held open, examined under pressure, and allowed to remain uncomfortable.
The Asymmetry
Start from the direction of the universe and the human life looks like a rounding error. Our cosmos is approximately 13.8 billion years old. The average human lifespan, even in the most medically privileged nations, occupies roughly 80 years of that span. Express the ratio and you arrive at a number so small it resists intuition. You are, measured against the full temporal scale, less than a flicker. Less than a photon’s transit across a single atom, proportionally speaking.
Now reverse the direction. Start from the body, from the specific locus of a single nervous system processing sensory data in a particular room on a particular afternoon, and the universe becomes the abstraction. The cosmos has never experienced a Wednesday. It has never tasted copper on the back of its tongue during a nosebleed. It has never recognized a face in a crowd or understood, with the specific sinking weight that only a conscious being can generate, that this will end. The universe is infinite and eternal and has no experience of either condition. Panpsychist arguments might attribute proto-consciousness to matter itself, but even those frameworks require integration and boundary to produce anything resembling experience, which returns us to the same point: experience needs a finite frame. You are finite and fragile and experience both conditions constantly.
This asymmetry is the entire problem, and it is also the entire answer. Most attempts to address the question fail because they try to resolve the asymmetry rather than examine what it produces.
The Consolation Error
The first failure mode is consolation. Nearly every major religious tradition offers some version of the same move: the finite life is not actually finite. It continues, elsewhere, in another form, on another plane, in another body. The soul persists. Consciousness transfers. The drop returns to the ocean. Specific metaphors vary by culture and century, but the structural logic is identical in every case. Anxiety produced by finitude is managed by reclassifying finitude as an illusion.
What this move never does is confront the question it claims to answer. If the life is not actually finite, then the original tension between finite life and infinite universe does not exist, and there is nothing to explain. The consolation retreats from the paradox rather than resolving it. And the retreat has consequences. A person who believes that consciousness continues after biological death is making a different set of calculations about how to spend Tuesday afternoon than a person who believes Tuesday afternoon is drawn from a non-renewable account. The consolation changes behavior by changing the perceived stakes, and the changed stakes may or may not produce a life that the person, looking back from any vantage point, would endorse.
Religious belief can survive this observation intact. The target here is narrower: using religious belief as an escape hatch from a question that operates independently of any theological commitment. Even if consciousness does persist after death, the specific form of experience available to a human body in a human lifespan, the form that includes embodiment, limitation, sensory saturation, and the constant negotiation with a decaying physical substrate, that form ends. The question is about that form, and no afterlife addresses it.
The Absurdist Shortcut
The second failure mode is absurdism, and it gets closer to honesty before veering away. Camus, writing in the middle of the twentieth century with the wreckage of two world wars still smoking in the background, argued that the confrontation between a meaning-seeking human and a meaningless universe produces the absurd. His prescribed response was defiance: acknowledge the mismatch, refuse both suicide and consolation, and keep pushing the boulder. We must imagine Sisyphus happy, he wrote, and the sentence has been quoted so frequently that it now functions as a kind of secular prayer, recited for comfort rather than analyzed for content.
Camus, though, converts the absurd into an aesthetic posture. Sisyphus becomes admirable, even heroic, and the absurdity of his situation becomes a stage on which he performs dignity. The appeal is immediate, and so is the evasion. Performing dignity in the face of meaninglessness is itself a meaning-making act, which means Camus has smuggled purpose back into a framework that was supposed to exclude it. If Sisyphus is happy because his defiance constitutes a form of self-authorship, then the universe has become a venue for self-authorship, which is a meaning. Camus would call this “revolt” and argue that revolt is the whole point, that the absurd generates its own ethic. Fair enough; but then the position has migrated from an epistemological claim about the absence of meaning to an ethical claim about the creation of meaning through resistance, and those are different propositions with different burdens of proof. Rigorously applied, the absurdist position should be unlivable. That Camus makes it livable suggests he has abandoned it somewhere between the premise and the conclusion.
Sartre made a parallel move from the existentialist side, arguing that existence precedes essence and that human beings are “condemned to be free.” The condemnation framing is rhetorically effective, but it too becomes a kind of aesthetic stance: the anguish of radical freedom is performed rather than endured. By the time Sartre reaches his prescriptions for engagement and commitment, he has left the raw confrontation with finitude behind and entered a system of ethics that, however admirable, no longer sits with the original vertigo.
What Finitude Actually Produces
Strip away the consolation and the aesthetic postures and what remains is a structural observation. Finitude functions as the precondition for consciousness to operate at all, the architecture that makes experience possible.
Consider what infinity would mean for experience. An infinite being could not experience sequence, because sequence requires that one moment end before the next begins, and in an infinite frame, no moment is privileged over any other. Loss would be equally unavailable, because loss requires that something once possessed become permanently unavailable, and permanent unavailability is a concept that has no purchase in an infinite system where everything recurs or persists. Anticipation would vanish as well, because anticipation requires uncertainty about what comes next, and an infinite being either contains all possible futures simultaneously or extends through all of them serially, neither of which permits the specific tension of not knowing.
Heidegger understood this when he argued that Dasein’s being-toward-death is the structural precondition for any moment to register as significant. This is a philosophical observation about conditions, not a psychological guarantee about outcomes. Plenty of people are crushed by the awareness of their own finitude; anxiety disorders, existential paralysis, and the entire pharmaceutical architecture of modern life testify to finitude’s capacity to destroy as readily as it generates. The structural point holds regardless: even the terror is available only to a finite being. An infinite consciousness could not experience dread, because dread requires a future that might contain annihilation, and an infinite being faces no such future. Remove the horizon and the landscape flattens. A life without an endpoint is a life without shape, and a life without shape cannot generate meaning, because meaning requires selection, and selection requires that most possibilities will go unrealized. You chose this sentence over the infinite set of sentences you might have written. That choice cost you time, and the time came from a finite supply. The cost is what makes the choice real.
Here is a practical example. You write a book. That book exists because you arranged specific words in a specific order and excluded all other possible arrangements. The infinite universe contains, in some abstract combinatorial sense, every possible book: every arrangement of every symbol in every language, including arrangements that are gibberish and arrangements that are masterpieces no human will ever compose. Not one of those hypothetical books means anything. Yours does, because it cost you years you will not recover, attention you cannot redistribute, and effort drawn from an account that accepts no deposits. The finitude generates the value, acting as the mechanism that makes the creative expenditure register. A book that cost nothing to produce, that emerged from an infinite supply of time and attention, would carry no weight. Weight requires gravity, and gravity requires mass, and in this analogy, mass is limitation.
Fragility as Intensifier
Finitude alone would be sufficient to generate meaning, but the human situation includes a second constraint that sharpens the first. The life is finite and, on top of that, fragile. The span can be cut short at any moment by accident, disease, violence, or cascading systemic failure. You are running out of time in the long actuarial sense, and you also cannot guarantee the next hour.
This fragility adds pressure to every act of attention. Montaigne understood this and built his entire literary project on the foundation of that understanding. The essay form, provisional and exploratory, matched the condition of a mind that knew it might be interrupted at any moment. Treatises imply completion and systematic coverage; Montaigne chose instead to write attempts, which is what the French word “essai” means: trials, tests, experiments conducted by a consciousness that cannot promise to be present for the conclusion. The fragility clarified his priorities rather than freezing them. When you cannot guarantee the future, the present tense becomes the only reliable site of action, and the quality of attention you bring to the present becomes the only variable fully under your control.
Simone Weil made a related argument from a different angle when she described attention as the rarest form of generosity. She was writing about prayer, but the observation holds in secular contexts. Attention, the deliberate focusing of a finite mind on a specific object, is expensive precisely because the mind is mortal. Every moment of concentration is drawn from a supply that is both limited and vulnerable to sudden termination. You pay for attention with life, and you pay at a rate you cannot negotiate.
The Poverty of Infinity
The reciprocal observation is less frequently made but equally important. If finitude is the condition that produces meaning, then infinity is the condition that prevents it. The infinite universe has no priorities. It cannot. Priority requires preference, preference requires perspective, and perspective requires a located, bounded observer who can distinguish between here and there, now and then, this and that. The universe is everywhere and everywhen simultaneously, which means it is, in experiential terms, nowhere and never. Its infinity is a form of poverty. It contains everything and experiences nothing.
This is counterintuitive because human beings tend to associate infinity with richness and finitude with deprivation. We speak of “limited” lifespans as though the limitation were a loss, as though somewhere there exists a full-length version of a human life from which ours has been cut short. The framing is backwards. The infinite version would be the impoverished one: a life that included everything would be a life that selected nothing, and a life that selected nothing would be indistinguishable, in experiential terms, from a life that never occurred.
Jorge Luis Borges explored this in “The Library of Babel,” his story about an infinite library containing every possible book. The library is simultaneously the greatest imaginable repository of knowledge and a total waste, because the books that contain truth are buried among an effectively infinite number of books that contain nonsense, and no finite reader can distinguish between them. The library’s infinity makes it useless. Only a finite reader, approaching the library with limited time and specific questions, could extract value from any single volume. The finitude of the reader is what makes the library legible.
The Lens
So what does it mean to live a finite, fragile life in an infinite, eternal universe? You are the part of the universe that knows the universe is there. Your finitude is the specific structural feature that allows the cosmos to become legible. You are the lens through which infinity briefly achieves focus, and the focus holds only because the lens will break.
The breaking constitutes the design itself. A lens that never broke would be a lens that never focused, because focusing requires boundaries, and boundaries are what fragile things possess. The universe needs your limits more than you need its expanse. Without a finite observer, the infinite has no witness. Without a fragile consciousness, the eternal has no moment. The relationship lacks symmetry, and symmetry would add nothing to it. The comparison between your scale and the universe’s scale misidentifies the relevant metric entirely. You and the universe are performing different functions, and yours is the one that requires courage.
The honest response to this situation is seriousness. That word needs to be distinguished from solemnity, which is an aesthetic posture, and from gravity, which is a mood. Seriousness, in this context, means treating each act of attention as consequential because it is drawn from a non-renewable supply. Refuse the consolation that would make the supply seem infinite; refuse equally the ironic detachment that would make the expenditure seem meaningless. Live as though the account is real, the balance is declining, and the only question that matters is what you purchase with what remains.
The universe does not need to be watching. The account does not need to balance against some cosmic ledger. Recognition alone suffices: the asymmetry between your finitude and the universe’s infinity is the condition that makes you the one asking the question, while the universe, for all its reach and duration, has never once thought to ask.
#absurdist #camus #error #finitude #heidegger #history #life #meaning #religion #sartre #science #sisyphus #tech -
CW: NZ School Classrooms
"Teachers and school leaders across the country are dealing daily with the impact of poverty, trauma, inequity, inadequate resourcing for diverse learners, and the pressures on families brought by the cost-of-living crisis. ... To reduce the complexity of education in this country to whether a classroom has a door or not, is not only simplistic but also misleading."
#NZPol #NZMedia #Aotearoa #Education
https://aecnz.substack.com/p/what-paddy-gowers-show-got-wrong
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And, of course, at the first wiff of a tax on gas exports, wouldn’t you know it, the #GasGrifters are predicting the sky will fall.
“…the gas industry’s peak representative body, Australian Energy Producers, said a 25% levy against its exports would come at the “worst possible time for Australia’s economy and energy security … Imposing higher taxes on Australian gas producers would stop investment in new gas supply, leading to gas shortfalls, higher energy prices, and the closure of Australian industries that rely on reliable and affordable gas,” AEP’s chief executive officer Samantha McCulloch said.”
What utter BS. Once again, just for those who aren’t listening: There Is No Shortage Of Gas In Australia! And, yes, AUstralians are paying export prices for their domestic gas supplies (which translates into increased cost for many thing, including electricity). And NO, we don’t need more investments into new wells, we’ve Got Too Many for just domestic consumtion anyway.
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/20/gas-windfall-gains-tax-australian-economy#PRRT #SuperProfitTax #GasExport #GasGrifters #FossilFuelLobby #AusPol #GreedFlation #TaxTheRich #antifa
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And, of course, at the first wiff of a tax on gas exports, wouldn’t you know it, the #GasGrifters are predicting the sky will fall.
“…the gas industry’s peak representative body, Australian Energy Producers, said a 25% levy against its exports would come at the “worst possible time for Australia’s economy and energy security … Imposing higher taxes on Australian gas producers would stop investment in new gas supply, leading to gas shortfalls, higher energy prices, and the closure of Australian industries that rely on reliable and affordable gas,” AEP’s chief executive officer Samantha McCulloch said.”
What utter BS. Once again, just for those who aren’t listening: There Is No Shortage Of Gas In Australia! And, yes, AUstralians are paying export prices for their domestic gas supplies (which translates into increased cost for many thing, including electricity). And NO, we don’t need more investments into new wells, we’ve Got Too Many for just domestic consumtion anyway.
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/20/gas-windfall-gains-tax-australian-economy#PRRT #SuperProfitTax #GasExport #GasGrifters #FossilFuelLobby #AusPol #GreedFlation #TaxTheRich #antifa
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And, of course, at the first wiff of a tax on gas exports, wouldn’t you know it, the #GasGrifters are predicting the sky will fall.
“…the gas industry’s peak representative body, Australian Energy Producers, said a 25% levy against its exports would come at the “worst possible time for Australia’s economy and energy security … Imposing higher taxes on Australian gas producers would stop investment in new gas supply, leading to gas shortfalls, higher energy prices, and the closure of Australian industries that rely on reliable and affordable gas,” AEP’s chief executive officer Samantha McCulloch said.”
What utter BS. Once again, just for those who aren’t listening: There Is No Shortage Of Gas In Australia! And, yes, AUstralians are paying export prices for their domestic gas supplies (which translates into increased cost for many thing, including electricity). And NO, we don’t need more investments into new wells, we’ve Got Too Many for just domestic consumtion anyway.
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/20/gas-windfall-gains-tax-australian-economy#PRRT #SuperProfitTax #GasExport #GasGrifters #FossilFuelLobby #AusPol #GreedFlation #TaxTheRich #antifa
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And, of course, at the first wiff of a tax on gas exports, wouldn’t you know it, the #GasGrifters are predicting the sky will fall.
“…the gas industry’s peak representative body, Australian Energy Producers, said a 25% levy against its exports would come at the “worst possible time for Australia’s economy and energy security … Imposing higher taxes on Australian gas producers would stop investment in new gas supply, leading to gas shortfalls, higher energy prices, and the closure of Australian industries that rely on reliable and affordable gas,” AEP’s chief executive officer Samantha McCulloch said.”
What utter BS. Once again, just for those who aren’t listening: There Is No Shortage Of Gas In Australia! And, yes, AUstralians are paying export prices for their domestic gas supplies (which translates into increased cost for many thing, including electricity). And NO, we don’t need more investments into new wells, we’ve Got Too Many for just domestic consumtion anyway.
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/20/gas-windfall-gains-tax-australian-economy#PRRT #SuperProfitTax #GasExport #GasGrifters #FossilFuelLobby #AusPol #GreedFlation #TaxTheRich #antifa
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And, of course, at the first wiff of a tax on gas exports, wouldn’t you know it, the #GasGrifters are predicting the sky will fall.
“…the gas industry’s peak representative body, Australian Energy Producers, said a 25% levy against its exports would come at the “worst possible time for Australia’s economy and energy security … Imposing higher taxes on Australian gas producers would stop investment in new gas supply, leading to gas shortfalls, higher energy prices, and the closure of Australian industries that rely on reliable and affordable gas,” AEP’s chief executive officer Samantha McCulloch said.”
What utter BS. Once again, just for those who aren’t listening: There Is No Shortage Of Gas In Australia! And, yes, AUstralians are paying export prices for their domestic gas supplies (which translates into increased cost for many thing, including electricity). And NO, we don’t need more investments into new wells, we’ve Got Too Many for just domestic consumtion anyway.
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/20/gas-windfall-gains-tax-australian-economy#PRRT #SuperProfitTax #GasExport #GasGrifters #FossilFuelLobby #AusPol #GreedFlation #TaxTheRich #antifa
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Three fads from yesteryear… Weekly Recap 5/4/2026
Why is childhood marked with fads? Maybe it’s a new game, a clothing style, or a collectible item—something catches the attention of kids (perhaps a few adults, too) and they all become obsessed with it.
Labubu… Pop-Its… Funko Pops… fidget toys of all kinds… I can now safely say I’ve been immune. And at this point, the only reaction they get from me is a slow blink or a raised eyebrow.
I struggle to see the appeal. Does everyone liking or having something make it inherently more desirable? I think not.
But this was not always the case. No… no… I fell victim to many fads as a child.
And from the multitude, I have selected three.
Pogs
Cardboard circles with graphics printed on them. Stack them up and throw the metal “slammer” at the pile to… I don’t know… were you supposed to flip them over? Nobody ever explained the rules to me. I had a couple of plastic tubes full of these things—for some reason, it gave me satisfaction to just look at them.
At one point or another, it was explained to me that some people “played for keeps.” I was also told that *this was a form of gambling* and, therefore, I was not allowed to participate. I could own pogs, but not play pogs.
Crazy Bones
This was a trend I tried to participate in, but never really understood. Lumps of hard plastic shaped into strange characters. To this day, I have no idea what you were supposed to do with them. Did you throw them? Bounce them? Flip them? Surely there was some sort of game to play. In fact, I can faintly remember instructions being printed on the package, but it never made sense to me.
I can remember taking my hard-earned monies to the toy store, buying packs of Crazy Bones, opening them, and then thinking: “huh?” I wanted to get on board, but I think the train left without me. Over a few months, I continued to buy packs—perhaps thinking one of them would hold the answer of why they were popular. I ended up throwing them all in a drawer one day and then forgot about them.
Pokemon Cards
If ever there was something I was really “die hard” for… it was Pokemon. The video games, the trading cards, the merchandise… I even went to a few conventions.
I never actually learned the official rules of the card game, so I developed my own way of playing. Of course, I never had anyone to play against, so it was just me with a bunch of cards spread out on the floor pretending to battle an opponent. Wait, wait… I know that sounds really pathetic, so before you judge… let me tell you the bright side: I never lost.
Somewhere, there is a bright red box full of about 1000 Pokemon cards, including the entire base set and a bunch of first editions. It was in a closet at my parents’ house… I’m pretty sure it’s worth money now. Maybe I should go find it.
Okay, yes. This fad never left me. Selene and I spent years playing Pokemon Go. And a few months ago, I replayed through one of the Gameboy games.
I will always be a Pokemon Master. No one can take that away from me.
What was your childhood fad?
Daily writing prompt What’s a thing you were completely obsessed with as a kid? View all responsesGood morning and happy Monday, friends.
Happy Beltane! Happy start of May!
- New Article: A Year in Review: 2025 – 2026
- New M3 Episode: Amber Rae, Conservation Art, and the Floridian Mythos
Well, I got some fun content out this past week. If you’d like to see a highlight of my accomplishments over the last year, then please join me for my “A Year in Review” post. It’s tradition! If you’d like to catch a brand new episode of M3, then go watch my chat with Amber Rae. Both are conveniently linked above.
The good news first! I’m now completely done with my Spring semester. I just finished up a very, very dull research paper. Grades haven’t been finalized yet, but I know I’ll be pleased with my performance.
Of course, there is one thing left: a course evaluation. I was trying to give the professor the benefit of the doubt, but since they’ve basically ghosted me, I fully intend to tell them what I really think. My dissatisfaction is about to take the form of a dozen small circles with ratings between “5 (Strongly Agree)” and “1 (Strongly Disagree)”—you can bet I’ll be strongly disagreeing with a lot.
In other news, I was sent a delightful review of my book from Lady Serpent of The Keeper’s Path.
You can go and read the full review or… buy the book for yourself and write your own.
I’ve got some speaking engagements coming up soon, so I’m sure you’ll hear more about that in the near future.
Now for the bad news: No fun food pics or anything to show off this week. We had to pop over to the west coast of Florida for the weekend and just returned last night.
Okay, okay… I hear you. Here’s a picture of Loki to tide you over until next time.
I have about 2 weeks until the start of my Summer semester. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some cool stuff done before then.
Stay tuned for more soon!
#1990 #90s #childhood #crazyBones #dailyprompt #dailyprompt2758 #fad #loki #pogs #pokemon #pokemonCards #trends #updates -
September 2025 Was The Most Eventful Month For Poland Since The End Of Communism
September 2025 Was The Most Eventful Month For Poland Since The End Of Communism
The common denominator between these developments is the progress being made on reviving Poland’s long-lost status as a Great Power as proven by its increasingly central role in the region.
Poland is no stranger to dramatic developments, which includes being the scene where World War II in Europe officially began and the one where the Iron Curtain finally started to crumble, both in the last century. September 2025 wasn’t anywhere near as eventful as the ones in which those examples occurred, but it was certainly the most eventful since the end of communism. What follows is a list of everything that coincidentally transpired during President Karol Nawrocki’s first full month in office:
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Trump Committed To Keeping US Troops In Poland & Suggested Sending More
Nawrocki’s first foreign trip was to the US, Poland’s most important ally, to meet with Trump. His American counterpart not only committed to keeping US troops in Poland amidst rumours earlier this year that he was considering reducing them but even said “we’ll put more there if they want.” This signals the US’ appreciation of the role that Poland can play in containing Russia in Europe through the “Three Seas Initiative” that it leads after the Ukrainian Conflict ends and the US “Pivots (back) to (East) Asia”.
Poland’s Former President Revealed That Zelensky Tried To Spark A Polish-Russian War
Nawrocki’s predecessor Andrzej Duda belatedly admitted that Zelensky’s lies about Russian responsibility for November 2022’s Przewodow incident, which was later revealed to have been a Ukrainian air defence missile that crossed into Poland and killed two Poles, were meant to spark another Polish-Russian War. He eschewed any negative judgement of his counterpart, but the significance is that he revealed that Zelensky employed narrative subterfuge in the past to this end, thus raising suspicions of his motives.
Nawrocki Declared Polish Responsibility For The Entirety Of Central Europe
Building upon the last point, Nawrocki declared in an interview with Lithuanian media during his trip there after visiting the US, Italy, and the Vatican that “We as Poles, and I as the President of Poland, are aware that we are responsible for the entire region of Central Europe, including the Baltic States and Lithuania.” His words confirm that Poland envisages restoring its long-lost status as a Great Power through the abovementioned means and that its pursuit of this goal will shape the region’s future.
He Also Reaffirmed His Opposition To Deploying Polish Troops To Ukraine
After Lithuania, Nawrocki then flew to Finland, where he reaffirmed his opposition to deploying Polish troops to Ukraine. This aligns with the pledge that he signed ahead of the second round of elections earlier this year. His visit to Finland was also important in its own right since the “EU Defence Line”, which refers to the “Baltic Defence Line” and Poland’s “East Shield”, could prospectively expand to that new NATO member for creating a new “Iron Curtain” along the bloc’s borders with Russia and Belarus.
Some Alleged Russian Drones Then Veered Into Polish Airspace Right Afterwards
Right after the event above, some alleged Russian drones veered into Polish airspace, which Russia denied in totality while Poland insisted it was a deliberate provocation. Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed in late September that the incident was actually orchestrated by Ukraine. This analysis here takes a middle ground between these narrative extremes by arguing that it was an accident due to NATO jamming ahead of the then-upcoming Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2025 drills in Belarus.
The Polish Foreign Minister Proposed A No-Fly Zone Over Ukraine In Response
Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, who represents Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s liberal-globalist government that’s at odds with conservative-nationalist Nawrocki, proposed after this suspicious drone incident that Poland impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Nawrocki didn’t go along with that since it would risk another Polish-Russian War, thus contradicting the spirit of his earlier mentioned pledge about not deploying troops to Ukraine, but it still shows that some deep state forces have a different agenda.
The Polish Deep State Tried To Manipulate Nawrocki Into War With Russia
It soon thereafter turned out that the damage which a home incurred during this incident was due to a Polish missile, not a Russian drone like Tusk’s government told the UNSC during an emergency meeting, but neither Nawrocki nor his National Security Bureau found out about this till that media leak. As explained here, “The Polish Deep State Tried To Manipulate The President Into War With Russia”, but he refused to be drawn into this trap by authorizing the no-fly zone that Sikorski proposed in response.
Poland Decided To Participate In NATO’s “Operation Eastern Sentry” Instead
Nawrocki couldn’t ignore what just happened regardless of whoever was really behind it and irrespective of their reasons so he decided to have Poland participate in NATO’s “Operation Eastern Sentry” instead. This ongoing operation is aimed at strengthening the bloc’s eastern air defences against drones and jets. While seemingly innocuous, it could possibly be exploited by subversive deep state elements to provoke a crisis with Russia if its aerial assets are shot at on the pretext of them violating the bloc’s airspace.
Tusk & Nawrocki Agreed On The Need To Intercept Russian Aerial Assets Over Poland
Despite being rivals, Tusk and Nawrocki agreed on the need to intercept Russian aerial assets over Poland, but there was nuance to their words. The first spoke about them in general but advised caution when the legal situation is less clear while the second responded about drones when asked about whether he’d authorize this for jets. If Tusk’s coalition amends the law to allow Poland to shoot without prior NATO or EU approval, then his deep state allies might provoke a crisis behind Nawrocki’s back.
Poland Also Clinched A Drone Warfare Cooperation Agreement With Ukraine
The other tangible outcome of the alleged Russian drone incident was that Poland clinched a drone warfare cooperation agreement with Ukraine that’ll indirectly expand the EU’s “drone wall” to that country’s easternmost frontier with all that entails for associated NATO influence there as well. The consequence is that Russia might now be even more reluctant to reach a compromise with Ukraine than before since it now knows that its foes’ military-technical influence will extend up to its new borders.
Its Industrial Development Agency Wants A Railway To Odessa & A Port There Too
Earlier in the month but lost amidst the drama brought about by the alleged Russian drone incident, the new chief of Poland’s Industrial Development Agency disclosed that his planned international department will consider financing a railway to Odessa and leasing a port there too. It was assessed here that any progress on those plans would advance Poland’s envisaged revival of its long-lost Great Power status but also dangerously revive the historical Polish-Russian rivalry in Ukraine as well.
Poland Briefly Closed Its Border With Belarus At The Cost Of EU-Chinese Trade
The earlier-mentioned Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2025 drills served as the pretext for Poland to briefly close its border with Belarus across which €25 billion (or 3.7%) of EU-Chinese trade is conducted. While this might not seem all that significant, especially since the decision was reversely shortly afterwards (reportedly at China’s and the EU’s requests), it highlights how Poland will act unilaterally, including at its partners’ expense. This policy could have very serious implications for NATO-Russian tensions.
Nawrocki Proposed That Germany Partially Fund Poland’s Rapid Militarization
Poland already has NATO’s third-largest army and spends more of its GDP on defence than any other member, the US included, yet Nawrocki proposed during his trip to Germany that it fund his country’s militarization as a form of reparations for World War II. What matters at this point isn’t whether or not Germany will comply, which it would probably do if their shared US ally demands this, but that Poland wants to militarize even more than it already has and wants the EU’s leader to foot some of the bill.
He Also Wants To Host French Nukes & Possibly Develop Poland’s Own One Day
Nawrocki also visited France during the same trip as his one to Germany and reaffirmed to local media that Poland not only wants to host French nukes but possibly develop its own one day. His country is far away from following in Iran’s reported footsteps, but it could much sooner host French nukes, though that depends on President Emmanuel Macron’s strategic calculations. In any case, Nawrocki’s statements of intent shouldn’t be ignored, and it’s certain that they spiked Russia’s threat perception of Poland.
Poland & Sweden Held Their First-Ever Joint Military Exercise In The Baltic
The military pact that Poland and Sweden signed at the start of September quickly turned into their first-ever joint military exercise in the Baltic. Neither boasts a big navy but they could still increase theirs in the future and cooperate more closely together to further their shared goal of containing Russia there. This also represents the de facto expansion of Poland’s “Three Seas Initiative”-centric sphere of influence deeper into Scandinavia per the foreign policy vision that Nawrocki declared in his inaugural speech.
Reports Swirled That Ukraine Is Plotting A False Flag Drone Provocation Against Poland
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova amplified Hungarian media reports at the end of the month alleging that Ukraine is plotting a false flag drone provocation against logistics hubs in Poland for the purpose of dragging the country into war with Russia. Its alleged motives ominously mirror what Duda revealed about Zelensky’s as far back as November 2022’s Przewodow incident so these reports should be taken very seriously by Nawrocki.
SVR Then Claimed That Ukraine & Poland Are Cooking Up A Ground Provocation In Poland
The aforementioned reports were then given weight by SVR’s subsequent one alleging that Ukraine is cooking up a ground provocation in Poland in collusion with the latter’s intelligence services. That claim was constructively critiqued here, which assessed that it’s unrealistic to imagine that Nawrocki would be in on it given how resistant he’s proven to be to mission creep, but it can’t be ruled out that subversive deep state elements could be involved in a desperate attempt to manipulate him into war with Russia.
Nawrocki Declared That He’s Ready To Talk With Putin If Poland’s Security Requires It
While describing Trump as “the only leader of the free world who can engage with Vladimir Putin”, Nawrocki still didn’t rule out talking with Putin if Poland’s security requires it when asked by a journalist about this scenario. It doesn’t mean that he has any such plans, but it still speaks to his comparative pragmatism vis-à-vis the Central, Eastern, and nowadays even Northern European countries over which Poland envisages expanding its influence in the future through the “Three Seas Initiative”.
———-
As can be seen from the nearly 20 dramatic developments described above, September 2025 was by far Poland’s most eventful month since the end of communism. The common denominator is the progress being made on reviving Poland’s long-lost status as a Great Power as proven by its increasingly central role in the region. This suggests that the resultant revival of the Polish-Russian rivalry will unfold across Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe as opposed to remaining concentrated in Ukraine like before.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Voice of East.
7 Courses in 1 – Diploma in Business Management
#CentralAndEasternEurope #EU #Europe #Geopolitics #NATO #Poland #Russia #SVR #Ukraine
-
💾 Western Digital
We are sold out
WTF!??
Why?
• LLM's demolished the server HDD stock.
Western Digital has run out of HDD capacity for 2026!
Disaster for consumers small professionals & even large professionals!
CEO Irving Tan has confirmed the company is running on fumes
• Purchase orders from major customers & longterm agreements are reaching well into 2K27 & even 2K28!• Three years of desert level drought is close for consumers regarding WD HDD's
Who is buying the HDD stock?
Datacenters
• LLM companies (what a set of ^&^#$&^)
• Cloud & Hyperscale Data Centers
•• many don't even have their datacenters built
• These entities now give WD 90% of its revenue.
• Consumer drives are just 10%.Enterprise demand is decimating supply
• LLM training
• inference logs
• scraped STOLEN web data
• backups
•• these need many Petabytes of storageEven though GPUs get the headlines (whining gamers), HDDs are the crucial backbone of LLM boom
•• They’re still the most cost-effective way to store Peta and Exabytes of data.Results
• Consumer HDD supplies shrink
• Enterprise long term agreements {LTA} are locking in multi-year volume + pricing
• Price pressure is already happening (I feel them already)
•• A puny 8TiB Western Digital consumer grade HDD was 108USD two years ago all they way to my country of SR / SA
•• That same 8TiB HDD is now 196 USD to my country if and WHEN I can find it
••• I now find other brands easier but due to the higher quality they naturally cost more to begin with
••• Toshiba 7 Fujitsu are a few of those brands
••• I'd be better off getting a box of 24TiB server grade HDD's
••• In bulk ammounts, these cost less per TiB & they have many more IOPs that consumer HDDsDRAM and NAND
We are all suffering from DRAM and NAND prices seeking amazingly horrific heights
• Try to get a 64GiB to 512GiB microSD card for a normal price (feb 2K25 level)
• While you are at it do the same with 64GiB to 256GiB USB sticks
• You won't find them (needles in haystacks aer a snap to find in comparison)
•• Large microSD cards are for now fairly normally priced (20% more) but I need small ones for my SBC computer(s) which need many OS distro's to boot from, to perform different functions with differen HATsSince septenmber 2K25 my beloved consumer HDDs are getting much more expensive also
The LLM cycle of tsunami like destruction is not just 6nm IC's
It’s about everything datacenter wise
What is needed in a datacenter?
• H2O O2 N2 CU
•• you need water and those gasses to keep the natural flow of air running in your massive building which looks more like an Amazon storage facility than a computer server building.
• sand / grounds / realistate
• steel and iron
•• without those your facility can't even be build• AC \ DC {not our beloved metal band ;)}
•• you need to power the servers, JBOD enclosures & HDDs, SSD enclosures to cache the HDDs, fibre optic backbones, CU cabling & rails, circuit breakers, switches
• AC regulation
•• AC regulation is a whole seperate topic which I'll touch briefly
••• I setup matrix UPS systems which take the AC from the grid, convert it to DC then make their own super stable PFC corrected AC for the server racks
••• This guarantees stable power on all rails in the datacenter
• AC is also generated on our own AC generator matrix
•• Some generators (in FIFO sequence) run concurrently with AC
•• When AC grid failures occur these generators give power within a few seconds to the UPS matrix, which keep feeding the rails in the buildings
•• The other generators spool up and stabilize fast keeping the datacenter running smoothly on power1/2
#LLM #HDD #SSD #DRAM #NAND #AI #microSD #USB #stick #hardware #technology #backup #datacenter #UPS #PFC #AC #DC #capacitor #components #computer #server #crises #boom #bubble #burst #DDR4 #DDR5
#Love #calm #resolve -
💾 Western Digital
We are sold out
WTF!??
Why?
• LLM's demolished the server HDD stock.
Western Digital has run out of HDD capacity for 2026!
Disaster for consumers small professionals & even large professionals!
CEO Irving Tan has confirmed the company is running on fumes
• Purchase orders from major customers & longterm agreements are reaching well into 2K27 & even 2K28!• Three years of desert level drought is close for consumers regarding WD HDD's
Who is buying the HDD stock?
Datacenters
• LLM companies (what a set of ^&^#$&^)
• Cloud & Hyperscale Data Centers
•• many don't even have their datacenters built
• These entities now give WD 90% of its revenue.
• Consumer drives are just 10%.Enterprise demand is decumating supply
• LLM training
• inference logs
• scraped STOLEN web data
• backups
•• these need many Petabytes of storageEven though GPUs get the headlines (whining gamers), HDDs are the crucial backbone of LLM boom
•• They’re still the most cost-effective way to store Peta and Exabytes of data.Results
• Consumer HDD supplies shrink
• Enterprise long term agreements {LTA} are locking in multi-year volume + pricing
• Price pressure is already happening (I feel them already)
•• A puny 8TiB Western Digital consumer grade HDD was 108USD two years ago all they way to my country of SR / SA
•• That same 8TiB HDD is now 196 USD to my country if and WHEN I can find it
••• I now find other brands easier but due to the higher quality they naturally cost more to begin with
••• Toshiba 7 Fujitsu are a few of those brands
••• I'd be better off getting a box of 24TiB server grade HDD's
••• In bulk ammounts, these cost less per TiB & they have many more IOPs that consumer HDDsDRAM and NAND
We are all suffering from DRAM and NAND prices seeking amazingly horrific heights
• Try to get a 64GiB to 512GiB microSD card for a normal price (feb 2K25 level)
• While you are at it do the same with 64GiB to 256GiB USB sticks
• You won't find them (needles in haystacks aer a snap to find in comparison)
•• Large microSD cards are for now fairly normally priced (20% more) but I need small ones for my SBC computer(s) which need many OS distro's to boot from, to perform different functions with differen HATsSince septenmber 2K25 my beloved consumer HDDs are getting much more expensive also
The LLM cycle of tsunami like destruction is not just 6nm IC's
It’s about everything datacenter wise
What is needed in a datacenter?
• H2O O2 N2 CU
•• you need water and those gasses to keep the natural flow of air running in your massive building which looks more like an Amazon storage facility than a computer server building.
• sand / grounds / realistate
• steel and iron
•• without those your facility can't even be build• AC \ DC {not our beloved metal band ;)}
•• you need to power the servers, JBOD enclosures & HDDs, SSD enclosures to cache the HDDs, fibre optic backbones, CU cabling & rails, circuit breakers, switches
• AC regulation
•• AC regulation is a whole seperate topic which I'll touch briefly
••• I setup matrix UPS systems which take the AC from the grid, convert it to DC then make their own super stable PFC corrected AC for the server racks
••• This guarantees stable power on all rails in the datacenter
• AC is also generated on our own AC generator matrix
•• Some generators (in FIFO sequence) run concurrently with AC
•• When AC grid failures occur these generators give power within a few seconds to the UPS matrix, which keep feeding the rails in the buildings
•• The other generators spool up and stabilize fast keeping the datacenter running smoothly on power1/2
#LLM #HDD #SSD #DRAM #NAND #AI #microSD #USB #stick #hardware #technology #backup #datacenter #UPS #PFC #AC #DC #capacitor #components #computer #server #crises #boom #bubble #burst #DDR4 #DDR5
#Love #calm #resolve -
💾 Western Digital
We are sold out
WTF!??
Why?
• LLM's demolished the server HDD stock.
Western Digital has run out of HDD capacity for 2026!
Disaster for consumers small professionals & even large professionals!
CEO Irving Tan has confirmed the company is running on fumes
• Purchase orders from major customers & longterm agreements are reaching well into 2K27 & even 2K28!• Three years of desert level drought is close for consumers regarding WD HDD's
Who is buying the HDD stock?
Datacenters
• LLM companies (what a set of ^&^#$&^)
• Cloud & Hyperscale Data Centers
•• many don't even have their datacenters built
• These entities now give WD 90% of its revenue.
• Consumer drives are just 10%.Enterprise demand is decumating supply
• LLM training
• inference logs
• scraped STOLEN web data
• backups
•• these need many Petabytes of storageEven though GPUs get the headlines (whining gamers), HDDs are the crucial backbone of LLM boom
•• They’re still the most cost-effective way to store Peta and Exabytes of data.Results
• Consumer HDD supplies shrink
• Enterprise long term agreements {LTA} are locking in multi-year volume + pricing
• Price pressure is already happening (I feel them already)
•• A puny 8TiB Western Digital consumer grade HDD was 108USD two years ago all they way to my country of SR / SA
•• That same 8TiB HDD is now 196 USD to my country if and WHEN I can find it
••• I now find other brands easier but due to the higher quality they naturally cost more to begin with
••• Toshiba 7 Fujitsu are a few of those brands
••• I'd be better off getting a box of 24TiB server grade HDD's
••• In bulk ammounts, these cost less per TiB & they have many more IOPs that consumer HDDsDRAM and NAND
We are all suffering from DRAM and NAND prices seeking amazingly horrific heights
• Try to get a 64GiB to 512GiB microSD card for a normal price (feb 2K25 level)
• While you are at it do the same with 64GiB to 256GiB USB sticks
• You won't find them (needles in haystacks aer a snap to find in comparison)
•• Large microSD cards are for now fairly normally priced (20% more) but I need small ones for my SBC computer(s) which need many OS distro's to boot from, to perform different functions with differen HATsSince septenmber 2K25 my beloved consumer HDDs are getting much more expensive also
The LLM cycle of tsunami like destruction is not just 6nm IC's
It’s about everything datacenter wise
What is needed in a datacenter?
• H2O O2 N2 CU
•• you need water and those gasses to keep the natural flow of air running in your massive building which looks more like an Amazon storage facility than a computer server building.
• sand / grounds / realistate
• steel and iron
•• without those your facility can't even be build• AC \ DC {not our beloved metal band ;)}
•• you need to power the servers, JBOD enclosures & HDDs, SSD enclosures to cache the HDDs, fibre optic backbones, CU cabling & rails, circuit breakers, switches
• AC regulation
•• AC regulation is a whole seperate topic which I'll touch briefly
••• I setup matrix UPS systems which take the AC from the grid, convert it to DC then make their own super stable PFC corrected AC for the server racks
••• This guarantees stable power on all rails in the datacenter
• AC is also generated on our own AC generator matrix
•• Some generators (in FIFO sequence) run concurrently with AC
•• When AC grid failures occur these generators give power within a few seconds to the UPS matrix, which keep feeding the rails in the buildings
•• The other generators spool up and stabilize fast keeping the datacenter running smoothly on power1/2
#LLM #HDD #SSD #DRAM #NAND #AI #microSD #USB #stick #hardware #technology #backup #datacenter #UPS #PFC #AC #DC #capacitor #components #computer #server #crises #boom #bubble #burst #DDR4 #DDR5
#Love #calm #resolve -
💾 Western Digital
We are sold out
WTF!??
Why?
• LLM's demolished the server HDD stock.
Western Digital has run out of HDD capacity for 2026!
Disaster for consumers small professionals & even large professionals!
CEO Irving Tan has confirmed the company is running on fumes
• Purchase orders from major customers & longterm agreements are reaching well into 2K27 & even 2K28!• Three years of desert level drought is close for consumers regarding WD HDD's
Who is buying the HDD stock?
Datacenters
• LLM companies (what a set of ^&^#$&^)
• Cloud & Hyperscale Data Centers
•• many don't even have their datacenters built
• These entities now give WD 90% of its revenue.
• Consumer drives are just 10%.Enterprise demand is decumating supply
• LLM training
• inference logs
• scraped STOLEN web data
• backups
•• these need many Petabytes of storageEven though GPUs get the headlines (whining gamers), HDDs are the crucial backbone of LLM boom
•• They’re still the most cost-effective way to store Peta and Exabytes of data.Results
• Consumer HDD supplies shrink
• Enterprise long term agreements {LTA} are locking in multi-year volume + pricing
• Price pressure is already happening (I feel them already)
•• A puny 8TiB Western Digital consumer grade HDD was 108USD two years ago all they way to my country of SR / SA
•• That same 8TiB HDD is now 196 USD to my country if and WHEN I can find it
••• I now find other brands easier but due to the higher quality they naturally cost more to begin with
••• Toshiba 7 Fujitsu are a few of those brands
••• I'd be better off getting a box of 24TiB server grade HDD's
••• In bulk ammounts, these cost less per TiB & they have many more IOPs that consumer HDDsDRAM and NAND
We are all suffering from DRAM and NAND prices seeking amazingly horrific heights
• Try to get a 64GiB to 512GiB microSD card for a normal price (feb 2K25 level)
• While you are at it do the same with 64GiB to 256GiB USB sticks
• You won't find them (needles in haystacks aer a snap to find in comparison)
•• Large microSD cards are for now fairly normally priced (20% more) but I need small ones for my SBC computer(s) which need many OS distro's to boot from, to perform different functions with differen HATsSince septenmber 2K25 my beloved consumer HDDs are getting much more expensive also
The LLM cycle of tsunami like destruction is not just 6nm IC's
It’s about everything datacenter wise
What is needed in a datacenter?
• H2O O2 N2 CU
•• you need water and those gasses to keep the natural flow of air running in your massive building which looks more like an Amazon storage facility than a computer server building.
• sand / grounds / realistate
• steel and iron
•• without those your facility can't even be build• AC \ DC {not our beloved metal band ;)}
•• you need to power the servers, JBOD enclosures & HDDs, SSD enclosures to cache the HDDs, fibre optic backbones, CU cabling & rails, circuit breakers, switches
• AC regulation
•• AC regulation is a whole seperate topic which I'll touch briefly
••• I setup matrix UPS systems which take the AC from the grid, convert it to DC then make their own super stable PFC corrected AC for the server racks
••• This guarantees stable power on all rails in the datacenter
• AC is also generated on our own AC generator matrix
•• Some generators (in FIFO sequence) run concurrently with AC
•• When AC grid failures occur these generators give power within a few seconds to the UPS matrix, which keep feeding the rails in the buildings
•• The other generators spool up and stabilize fast keeping the datacenter running smoothly on power1/2
#LLM #HDD #SSD #DRAM #NAND #AI #microSD #USB #stick #hardware #technology #backup #datacenter #UPS #PFC #AC #DC #capacitor #components #computer #server #crises #boom #bubble #burst #DDR4 #DDR5
#Love #calm #resolve -
💾 Western Digital
We are sold out
WTF!??
Why?
• LLM's demolished the server HDD stock.
Western Digital has run out of HDD capacity for 2026!
Disaster for consumers small professionals & even large professionals!
CEO Irving Tan has confirmed the company is running on fumes
• Purchase orders from major customers & longterm agreements are reaching well into 2K27 & even 2K28!• Three years of desert level drought is close for consumers regarding WD HDD's
Who is buying the HDD stock?
Datacenters
• LLM companies (what a set of ^&^#$&^)
• Cloud & Hyperscale Data Centers
•• many don't even have their datacenters built
• These entities now give WD 90% of its revenue.
• Consumer drives are just 10%.Enterprise demand is decimating supply
• LLM training
• inference logs
• scraped STOLEN web data
• backups
•• these need many Petabytes of storageEven though GPUs get the headlines (whining gamers), HDDs are the crucial backbone of LLM boom
•• They’re still the most cost-effective way to store Peta and Exabytes of data.Results
• Consumer HDD supplies shrink
• Enterprise long term agreements {LTA} are locking in multi-year volume + pricing
• Price pressure is already happening (I feel them already)
•• A puny 8TiB Western Digital consumer grade HDD was 108USD two years ago all they way to my country of SR / SA
•• That same 8TiB HDD is now 196 USD to my country if and WHEN I can find it
••• I now find other brands easier but due to the higher quality they naturally cost more to begin with
••• Toshiba 7 Fujitsu are a few of those brands
••• I'd be better off getting a box of 24TiB server grade HDD's
••• In bulk ammounts, these cost less per TiB & they have many more IOPs that consumer HDDsDRAM and NAND
We are all suffering from DRAM and NAND prices seeking amazingly horrific heights
• Try to get a 64GiB to 512GiB microSD card for a normal price (feb 2K25 level)
• While you are at it do the same with 64GiB to 256GiB USB sticks
• You won't find them (needles in haystacks aer a snap to find in comparison)
•• Large microSD cards are for now fairly normally priced (20% more) but I need small ones for my SBC computer(s) which need many OS distro's to boot from, to perform different functions with differen HATsSince septenmber 2K25 my beloved consumer HDDs are getting much more expensive also
The LLM cycle of tsunami like destruction is not just 6nm IC's
It’s about everything datacenter wise
What is needed in a datacenter?
• H2O O2 N2 CU
•• you need water and those gasses to keep the natural flow of air running in your massive building which looks more like an Amazon storage facility than a computer server building.
• sand / grounds / realistate
• steel and iron
•• without those your facility can't even be build• AC \ DC {not our beloved metal band ;)}
•• you need to power the servers, JBOD enclosures & HDDs, SSD enclosures to cache the HDDs, fibre optic backbones, CU cabling & rails, circuit breakers, switches
• AC regulation
•• AC regulation is a whole seperate topic which I'll touch briefly
••• I setup matrix UPS systems which take the AC from the grid, convert it to DC then make their own super stable PFC corrected AC for the server racks
••• This guarantees stable power on all rails in the datacenter
• AC is also generated on our own AC generator matrix
•• Some generators (in FIFO sequence) run concurrently with AC
•• When AC grid failures occur these generators give power within a few seconds to the UPS matrix, which keep feeding the rails in the buildings
•• The other generators spool up and stabilize fast keeping the datacenter running smoothly on power1/2
#LLM #HDD #SSD #DRAM #NAND #AI #microSD #USB #stick #hardware #technology #backup #datacenter #UPS #PFC #AC #DC #capacitor #components #computer #server #crises #boom #bubble #burst #DDR4 #DDR5
#Love #calm #resolve -
RAPPLER | Philippine & World News | Investigative Journalism | Data | Civic Engagement | Public Interest [Unofficial] @[email protected] ·Higher airfares? How much fuel surcharges may cost from April 1 to 15
-
RAPPLER | Philippine & World News | Investigative Journalism | Data | Civic Engagement | Public Interest [Unofficial] @[email protected] ·Higher airfares? How much fuel surcharges may cost from April 1 to 15
-
RAPPLER | Philippine & World News | Investigative Journalism | Data | Civic Engagement | Public Interest [Unofficial] @[email protected] ·Higher airfares? How much fuel surcharges may cost from April 1 to 15
-
RAPPLER | Philippine & World News | Investigative Journalism | Data | Civic Engagement | Public Interest [Unofficial] @[email protected] ·Higher airfares? How much fuel surcharges may cost from April 1 to 15
-
Misterio Shader Brushes for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity, and Procreate
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps us run this site. Thanks for your support!
Pixelbuddha’s latest release challenges everything designers think they know about digital shading. The Misterio shader brushes arrive at a moment when most digital artists still wrestle with flat, lifeless gradients. Meanwhile, the demand for tactile, authentic texture has never been higher. These 18 brushes don’t just add noise to your artwork. Instead, they introduce what we’ll call Cryptographic Shading — a methodology where each stroke reveals information gradually, building atmospheric depth through calculated randomness.
Download the brushes from Creative MarketWhat Makes Misterio Shader Brushes Different From Traditional Digital Brushes?
Most brush packs throw tools at designers without philosophy. Consequently, artists accumulate hundreds of brushes they never use. The Misterio collection operates differently. It presents a curated system built on a principle we can define as Textural Intentionality — the idea that every mark should contribute to narrative depth rather than decorative noise.
The collection splits into two distinct families. First, fifteen noise brushes form the foundation. These tools manipulate light-shadow interplay through controlled chaos. Second, three pressure brushes respond to stylus dynamics with remarkable sensitivity. However, Adobe Illustrator users should note that pressure brushes remain incompatible with that platform.
This division isn’t arbitrary. Furthermore, it reflects a deeper understanding of how designers actually work. Noise brushes establish an atmospheric foundation. Pressure brushes add gestural authenticity. Together, they create what we term Layered Authenticity — the visual quality that separates professional work from amateur attempts.
Pixelbuddha’s Misterio Shader Brushes for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, and Procreate Download the brushes from Creative MarketThe Science Behind Shader Brush Technology
Traditional digital shading relies on algorithmic gradients. These produce mathematically perfect transitions that paradoxically feel artificial. The human eye evolved to read natural light scattering. Consequently, perfectly smooth gradients trigger subtle cognitive dissonance.
Misterio brushes solve this through strategic imperfection. Each noise brush contains carefully calibrated irregularity patterns. Moreover, these patterns simulate how light actually behaves in physical media. Paint absorbs into paper fibers unevenly. Graphite catches on the tooth texture randomly. Digital tools typically erase these “flaws.” The Misterio approach embraces them.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Why Universal Tools Matter Now
The shader brushes work across four major platforms: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (CC and CS6), Affinity (both vector and raster modes), and Procreate. This compatibility matters more than specifications suggest.
Modern creative workflows rarely stay within a single application. A logo starts in Illustrator. Therefore, textures get added in Photoshop. Final touches happen in Procreate during client meetings. Designers who maintain consistent tools across platforms save cognitive energy. They develop muscle memory once, rather than learning different brushes for each program.
Additionally, cross-platform tools future-proof your workflow. Software changes constantly. However, a brush set that works everywhere reduces platform dependency. You’re investing in capability rather than software-specific tricks.
Understanding the Fifteen Noise Brushes
The noise brush collection deserves closer examination. These aren’t random texture generators. Instead, each brush embodies specific materiality concepts.
Some replicate paper grain interaction. Others simulate charcoal dust distribution. Several mimic watercolor bloom patterns. The variety enables what we call Material Code-Switching — the ability to shift between different physical media references within purely digital work.
This matters because contemporary design increasingly values hybrid aesthetics. Clients want digital efficiency with analog warmth. They expect quick turnarounds without sacrificing tactile quality. Noise brushes bridge this contradiction effectively.
Furthermore, these brushes enhance depth perception through subtle texture variation. Flat color areas feel closer to viewers. Textured regions recede visually. By controlling texture density, designers manipulate spatial relationships without traditional perspective techniques.
The Three Pressure Brushes: Gestural Intelligence
Pressure sensitivity transforms digital brushes from stamps into instruments. The three pressure brushes in Misterio respond to stylus pressure with sophisticated nuance. Light touches create delicate marks. Heavy pressure produces bold, dense strokes. This range enables genuine gestural expression.
Many designers underestimate pressure brushes. They assume any pressure-sensitive tool works similarly. Actually, implementation quality varies dramatically. Poor pressure curves feel mushy or abrupt. Well-designed curves feel like natural extensions of hand movement.
Misterio’s pressure brushes demonstrate refined curve design. The response feels intuitive rather than requiring mental adjustment. Consequently, designers can focus on artistic decisions instead of tool management. This psychological shift proves more valuable than technical specifications suggest.
Introducing the Veil Technique: A New Shader Methodology
Through extensive testing, a particular working method emerged. We call it the Veil Technique. This approach layers noise brushes at varying opacities to build cumulative atmospheric effects.
Traditional shading adds highlights and shadows directly. The Veil Technique instead builds translucent texture layers. Each layer subtly modifies underlying tones. After several passes, complex tonal relationships emerge organically. The result resembles traditional media more closely than standard digital rendering.
Here’s how it works practically. Start with base colors blocked in flatly. Next, select a noise brush and reduce opacity to 15-20%. Then, build up texture gradually through multiple strokes. Finally, use pressure brushes for accent marks and focal emphasis.
This methodology encourages patient layering over instant results. Moreover, it produces work that withstands close inspection. Zooming reveals texture detail rather than exposing digital flatness.
Why Adobe Illustrator Users Face Limitations
The pressure brush incompatibility with Illustrator deserves explanation. Illustrator operates fundamentally differently from raster-based programs. It calculates vector mathematics rather than manipulating pixel grids. Pressure sensitivity requires raster-based rendering that Illustrator doesn’t natively support for brushes.
This limitation doesn’t diminish the collection’s value for Illustrator users. The fifteen noise brushes still function perfectly. They add crucial texture to vector work. However, designers seeking full gestural control should work in Photoshop, Affinity Designer’s raster mode, or Procreate for those elements.
Interestingly, this restriction encourages beneficial workflow segmentation. Keep vector work clean and geometric in Illustrator. Add organic texture in raster programs. This separation often produces stronger final results than trying to accomplish everything in one application.
Affinity Designer: The Overlooked Advantage
Affinity Designer’s dual vector-raster capability creates unique opportunities. Designers can switch between modes without changing applications. Therefore, Misterio brushes gain special utility in Affinity workflows.
Work vectorially for structure and scalability. Then, switch to raster mode for texture application. This approach combines both worlds efficiently. Furthermore, Affinity’s performance often exceeds Adobe alternatives on identical hardware.
The shader brushes perform identically across Affinity’s modes. This consistency eliminates the common problem of brushes behaving differently between programs. Designers develop confident muscle memory faster.
Procreate Integration: Mobile Workflow Revolution
Procreate transformed iPad illustration from a novelty to a professional tool. The Misterio shader brushes extend this capability further. Mobile design work no longer means compromising on texture quality.
Many designers now start projects on iPad during commutes or travel. Consequently, having identical brushes across desktop and mobile platforms maintains workflow consistency. Sketches begun in Procreate transfer seamlessly to Photoshop for refinement.
Additionally, Procreate’s brush engine handles the Misterio collection exceptionally well. Pressure response feels natural. Noise patterns display accurately even on smaller screens. This reliable performance encourages genuine mobile productivity rather than mere sketching.
The Mystery Metaphor: Philosophy Meets Function
Pixelbuddha named this collection deliberately. Mystery implies gradual revelation. Each brush stroke reveals partial information. Full understanding emerges through accumulated marks. This metaphor extends beyond marketing into actual usage patterns.
Working with these brushes encourages exploratory experimentation. Designers discover unexpected texture combinations. Random variations produce happy accidents. The tools reward curiosity over rigid planning.
Moreover, the mystery theme acknowledges creative truth. Great work often surprises its creator. Rigid control produces predictable results. Controlled chaos enables discovery. The Misterio brushes facilitate this productive uncertainty.
Predicting Future Shader Brush Evolution
Looking forward, several trends seem inevitable. First, AI will increasingly generate base imagery. However, human-applied texture will remain valuable for adding authenticity signals. Consequently, high-quality shader brushes become more important rather than obsolete.
Second, cross-platform compatibility will grow more critical. Designers will expect tools that work everywhere without friction. Collections like Misterio establish this standard for competitors to match.
Third, brushes will incorporate more sophisticated pressure curves and tilt responsiveness. Current tools only scratch the surface of stylus capability. Future iterations will likely offer deeper customization while maintaining intuitive defaults.
Practical Application: Logo Design Case Study
Consider logo design workflows. Traditional approaches keep logos purely vector for scalability. However, many contemporary brands embrace subtle texture. This creates presentation challenges.
Using Misterio brushes, designers can create textured logo variations efficiently. Design the core mark in Illustrator. Then, export to Photoshop and apply noise brushes selectively. The texture adds warmth without compromising the vector original.
Furthermore, this approach enables context-appropriate variations. Digital applications use clean vectors. Print materials incorporate texture for tactile appeal. The shader brushes make creating these variations quick rather than laborious.
Editorial Illustration: Where Shaders Shine
Editorial illustration demands rapid turnaround without sacrificing quality. Misterio brushes excel in this environment. They add professional polish quickly.
Illustrators can establish mood through texture choices. Gritty noise patterns suit dystopian themes. Subtle grain adds vintage sophistication. The fifteen-brush variety provides enough range without overwhelming decision-making.
Additionally, the brushes help meet tight deadlines. Instead of laboriously building texture manually, designers apply sophisticated shading in minutes. This efficiency matters when publications demand same-day revisions.
The Economics of Premium Brush Collections
Quality tools require investment. However, premium brush collections often deliver better value than free alternatives. Free brushes typically lack consistency and refinement. They require extensive testing to find usable options.
Premium collections like Misterio offer curated quality. Every brush serves a specific purpose. Consequently, designers save time on experimentation. Time savings quickly offset financial costs for working professionals.
Moreover, consistent quality across a collection enables reliable workflow development. Designers can create repeatable processes using known tools. This predictability proves invaluable when managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Community Response and Professional Adoption
Early adopters report significant workflow improvements. Many designers note reduced time spent achieving professional texture quality. Others appreciate the cross-platform consistency, enabling flexible working arrangements.
Professional illustrators particularly value the pressure brush responsiveness. These tools enable genuine gestural expression that cheaper alternatives fail to match. Consequently, the finished work exhibits more authentic mark-making qualities.
Download the brushes from Creative MarketThe design community increasingly recognizes that tool quality matters. Software subscriptions cost hundreds annually. Investing in premium brushes that enhance capabilities across all projects makes financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Are Misterio shader brushes compatible with older Photoshop versions?
The brushes work with recent Photoshop versions. However, very old versions may experience compatibility issues. Adobe CC users should encounter no problems.
Can beginners use these brushes effectively?
Absolutely. Moreover, quality tools often help beginners learn faster. The brushes produce professional results with basic application. This encourages continued experimentation and skill development.
Do the noise brushes slow down program performance?
Not significantly. Modern computers handle these brushes easily. However, extremely large canvas sizes with many layers might experience a slight slowdown on older hardware.
Why are pressure brushes incompatible with Illustrator?
Illustrator’s vector-based architecture doesn’t support the raster-based calculations required for pressure-sensitive brushes. This represents fundamental software design rather than brush collection limitations.
How do Misterio brushes compare to Photoshop’s default texture brushes?
Default brushes provide basic functionality. Misterio offers significantly more refined texture quality and better pressure response. The difference becomes obvious in finished work.
Can these brushes replace all other texture tools?
No single collection handles every situation. However, Misterio covers the majority of common shading needs. Most designers find them sufficient for everyday projects.
What file formats do the brushes use?
The collection includes appropriate formats for each supported platform. Photoshop receives .ABR files, Illustrator gets .AI brush files, and so forth. Installation follows standard procedures for each application.
Do updates or new brushes get added over time?
Pixelbuddha’s update policy varies by product. Check their website for specific information about the Misterio collection’s long-term support plans.
Don’t hesitate to find other professional design templates here at WE AND THE COLOR.
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Adobe Illustrator Event Poster Layout: A Masterclass in Modern Geometric Design
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps us run this site. Thanks for your support!
What Makes This Adobe Illustrator Event Poster Layout So Effective?
Visual impact defines successful marketing campaigns in our crowded digital landscape. This specific Adobe Illustrator event poster layout grabs attention immediately through bold choices. It abandons subtle gradients for flat, assertive colors. Furthermore, the design balances chaos and order perfectly. Viewers crave structure, yet they also desire visual excitement. Consequently, this artwork delivers both by mixing rigid geometry with playful curves. GrafVishenka, the Adobe Stock contributor, crafted a template that feels timeless yet current. It serves as a prime example of how vector graphic design templates should function.
Download the template from Adobe StockPlease note that this template requires professional graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, installed on your computer. You can get the latest version from the Adobe Creative Cloud website. Just have a look here.
Adobe Illustrator Event Poster Layout by GrafVishenka Download the template from Adobe StockThe Power of Geometric Abstraction
You might wonder why simple shapes hold such power. The answer lies in cognitive processing. The human brain recognizes simple forms faster than complex imagery. Therefore, this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout communicates efficiently. The abstract shapes—circles, arches, and sharp angles—create a dynamic flow. Your eye travels naturally from the top graphic down to the typography. Additionally, the color palette plays a crucial role. Deep navy anchors the design, while lime green and sunny yellow add energy. This high-contrast approach ensures the poster remains visible from a distance.
Typography That Demands Attention
Text often becomes an afterthought in template designs. However, this layout treats type as a visual element. The “Local Festival” headline utilizes a chunky, retro-inspired serif font. It carries a heavy visual weight that rivals the graphic elements. This choice reflects current creative typography trends for 2025. It feels nostalgic but avoids looking dated. Moreover, the hierarchy remains crystal clear. The headline dominates, followed by the location and date. This structure ensures the audience absorbs the critical information instantly.
Technical Excellence in Print Design
A pretty picture provides little value if it fails in production. Fortunately, this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout meets professional technical standards. GrafVishenka designed the file in the A3 format. This size works perfectly for standard bulletin boards and shop windows. Because it utilizes vector graphics, you can scale the artwork without quality loss. You could theoretically print this on a billboard, and the lines would remain crisp. Furthermore, the file uses the CMYK color mode. This ensures that the colors you see on screen match the final printed product.
How to Leverage Customizable Event Flyer Templates
Designers often face tight deadlines. Consequently, starting from scratch isn’t always an option. Using a high-quality Adobe Illustrator event poster layout solves this logistical problem. You simply open the file and access the fully editable layers. Every shape, text block, and background element sits on its own layer. Thus, customization becomes a quick, intuitive process. You can change the “Local Festival” text to your specific event name in seconds. Also, changing the color palette to match brand guidelines takes minimal effort.
Why This Style Resonates Now
We currently see a resurgence of the Swiss Style and Bauhaus influences. This template fits squarely within that movement. It champions function and clarity. However, it adds a layer of warmth that strict modernism often lacks. The cream-colored background softens the harshness of the geometric forms. This combination creates an inviting atmosphere. It suggests that the event will be fun, organized, and stylish. Therefore, using such an Adobe Illustrator event poster layout signals professionalism to your potential attendees.
Best Practices for Using This Template
To get the best results, keep your edits clean. Avoid overcrowding the negative space with too much text. The design relies on breathing room to maintain its elegance. Additionally, stick to the font hierarchy established by the creator. If you change the fonts, choose typefaces that match the geometric weight of the original. Finally, always check your color contrasts. The success of this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout relies on the interplay between dark and light values.
The Role of Vector Assets in Branding
Investing in vector-based assets pays off long-term. Unlike raster images, vectors offer infinite flexibility. You can repurpose elements from this poster for social media headers, tickets, or merchandise. For instance, the abstract graphic at the top could easily become a logo mark. This versatility increases the value of the template significantly. It transforms a single Adobe Illustrator event poster layout into a comprehensive branding kit.
Download the template from Adobe StockThe Bottom Line: Elevating Your Event Identity
Great design does more than inform; it inspires. This artwork by GrafVishenka offers a perfect blend of form and function. It stands out because it dares to be bold. By utilizing this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout, you elevate the perceived quality of your event. You show your audience that you care about aesthetics and detail. Ultimately, that perception drives ticket sales and attendance. Download this template, customize it, and watch your event promotion stand out.
Check out other amazing graphic design templates here at WE AND THE COLOR.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
By continuing, you accept the privacy policy#adobeIllustrator #AdobeStock #design #eventPoster #graphicDesign #graphicPoster #poster #posterDesign #posterLayout #posterTemplate
-
Adobe Illustrator Event Poster Layout: A Masterclass in Modern Geometric Design
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps us run this site. Thanks for your support!
What Makes This Adobe Illustrator Event Poster Layout So Effective?
Visual impact defines successful marketing campaigns in our crowded digital landscape. This specific Adobe Illustrator event poster layout grabs attention immediately through bold choices. It abandons subtle gradients for flat, assertive colors. Furthermore, the design balances chaos and order perfectly. Viewers crave structure, yet they also desire visual excitement. Consequently, this artwork delivers both by mixing rigid geometry with playful curves. GrafVishenka, the Adobe Stock contributor, crafted a template that feels timeless yet current. It serves as a prime example of how vector graphic design templates should function.
Download the template from Adobe StockPlease note that this template requires professional graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, installed on your computer. You can get the latest version from the Adobe Creative Cloud website. Just have a look here.
Adobe Illustrator Event Poster Layout by GrafVishenka Download the template from Adobe StockThe Power of Geometric Abstraction
You might wonder why simple shapes hold such power. The answer lies in cognitive processing. The human brain recognizes simple forms faster than complex imagery. Therefore, this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout communicates efficiently. The abstract shapes—circles, arches, and sharp angles—create a dynamic flow. Your eye travels naturally from the top graphic down to the typography. Additionally, the color palette plays a crucial role. Deep navy anchors the design, while lime green and sunny yellow add energy. This high-contrast approach ensures the poster remains visible from a distance.
Typography That Demands Attention
Text often becomes an afterthought in template designs. However, this layout treats type as a visual element. The “Local Festival” headline utilizes a chunky, retro-inspired serif font. It carries a heavy visual weight that rivals the graphic elements. This choice reflects current creative typography trends for 2025. It feels nostalgic but avoids looking dated. Moreover, the hierarchy remains crystal clear. The headline dominates, followed by the location and date. This structure ensures the audience absorbs the critical information instantly.
Technical Excellence in Print Design
A pretty picture provides little value if it fails in production. Fortunately, this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout meets professional technical standards. GrafVishenka designed the file in the A3 format. This size works perfectly for standard bulletin boards and shop windows. Because it utilizes vector graphics, you can scale the artwork without quality loss. You could theoretically print this on a billboard, and the lines would remain crisp. Furthermore, the file uses the CMYK color mode. This ensures that the colors you see on screen match the final printed product.
How to Leverage Customizable Event Flyer Templates
Designers often face tight deadlines. Consequently, starting from scratch isn’t always an option. Using a high-quality Adobe Illustrator event poster layout solves this logistical problem. You simply open the file and access the fully editable layers. Every shape, text block, and background element sits on its own layer. Thus, customization becomes a quick, intuitive process. You can change the “Local Festival” text to your specific event name in seconds. Also, changing the color palette to match brand guidelines takes minimal effort.
Why This Style Resonates Now
We currently see a resurgence of the Swiss Style and Bauhaus influences. This template fits squarely within that movement. It champions function and clarity. However, it adds a layer of warmth that strict modernism often lacks. The cream-colored background softens the harshness of the geometric forms. This combination creates an inviting atmosphere. It suggests that the event will be fun, organized, and stylish. Therefore, using such an Adobe Illustrator event poster layout signals professionalism to your potential attendees.
Best Practices for Using This Template
To get the best results, keep your edits clean. Avoid overcrowding the negative space with too much text. The design relies on breathing room to maintain its elegance. Additionally, stick to the font hierarchy established by the creator. If you change the fonts, choose typefaces that match the geometric weight of the original. Finally, always check your color contrasts. The success of this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout relies on the interplay between dark and light values.
The Role of Vector Assets in Branding
Investing in vector-based assets pays off long-term. Unlike raster images, vectors offer infinite flexibility. You can repurpose elements from this poster for social media headers, tickets, or merchandise. For instance, the abstract graphic at the top could easily become a logo mark. This versatility increases the value of the template significantly. It transforms a single Adobe Illustrator event poster layout into a comprehensive branding kit.
Download the template from Adobe StockThe Bottom Line: Elevating Your Event Identity
Great design does more than inform; it inspires. This artwork by GrafVishenka offers a perfect blend of form and function. It stands out because it dares to be bold. By utilizing this Adobe Illustrator event poster layout, you elevate the perceived quality of your event. You show your audience that you care about aesthetics and detail. Ultimately, that perception drives ticket sales and attendance. Download this template, customize it, and watch your event promotion stand out.
Check out other amazing graphic design templates here at WE AND THE COLOR.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
By continuing, you accept the privacy policy #adobeIllustrator #AdobeStock #design #eventPoster #graphicDesign #graphicPoster #poster #posterDesign #posterLayout #posterTemplate -
The Ultimate Minimalist Poster Design Template: Where Structure Meets Chaos
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps us run this site. Thanks for your support!
Modern design often screams for attention. However, a different power lies in quiet complexity. Consider the resurgence of minimalist, abstract art in graphic design. This is not about being plain; it is about conveying deep ideas through simple forms. A fantastic minimalist poster design template by Blackcatstudio for Adobe Illustrator perfectly captures this spirit. It offers a visual language where structured patterns beautifully break down into noise and color. This template is more than just a layout; it is a starting point for creating visually stunning and thought-provoking art. It challenges us to see the beauty in organized disruption.
Download from Adobe StockPlease note that these templates require professional graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, installed on your computer. You can get the latest version from the Adobe Creative Cloud website. Just have a look here.
Minimalist Poster Design Template with Graphic Pattern by Blackcatstudio for Adobe Illustrator Download from Adobe StockUnpacking the Abstract Graphic Pattern
This poster design template comes thoughtfully equipped for any creative project. Blackcatstudio provides two distinct design variations. You get both A4 and US Letter sizes, making it versatile for international and domestic use. The template is print-ready, configured in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction. This thoughtful preparation saves designers valuable time. You can move directly from customization to printing without technical headaches. What do you value most in a design template?
The Power of Editable Vector Graphics
The entire design is built with fully editable vector graphics. This is a crucial feature. It means you have complete control within Adobe Illustrator. You can scale every element without losing quality. Want to change the color palette? It is simple. Need to adjust the line thickness or rearrange the patterns? You can do it with ease. This level of flexibility makes the poster design template a truly powerful tool. It allows for endless creative exploration.
Why This Minimalist Poster Design Works
Minimalism is not about emptiness. It is about intentionality. This design uses a clean layout to draw focus to its complex graphic pattern. The first poster, titled “Parallel Flux,” uses a palette of muted beige, red, teal, and black. Horizontal bars create a sense of motion and distortion. The accompanying text, “A. STRUCTURE BREAKS INTO NOISE” and “B. ORDER MELTS INTO COLOR,” perfectly describes the visual experience. The design itself tells a story.
The second option, “Fragments,” uses a darker theme with a deep green background, blue, and black. Here, the text reads “A. PATTERNS COLLIDE IN SPACE” and “B. GEOMETRY TURNS INTO VIBRATION.” Again, the visuals and words are in perfect harmony. This is the strength of a great poster design template. It provides a framework for powerful visual storytelling. It makes you think about how abstract shapes can communicate such specific, kinetic ideas.
How to Create Your Own Abstract Poster
Getting started with this template is incredibly straightforward. Once you open the file in Adobe Illustrator, you can begin to make it your own. Think about the mood you want to create. Your color choices will have a significant impact.
Customizing Your Vector Art Poster
First, experiment with the color palette. Adobe Illustrator’s global color feature makes this easy. A single change can update the entire design. Consider how different colors might alter the meaning. Could a vibrant, neon palette make it feel more energetic? Or would a monochrome scheme create a more serious tone?
Next, play with the text. The template uses a clean, sans-serif font that complements the minimalist aesthetic. You can change the titles, the descriptive text, and even the “PRO” numbers to fit your own project. Perhaps you are creating a series of event posters or a unique art print. The possibilities are limitless when you have a well-designed poster design template as your foundation. You could even manipulate the vector patterns themselves, stretching, rotating, or rearranging them to create a completely new composition. This is your chance to turn a template into a bespoke piece of art.
Download from Adobe StockCheck out other mind-blowing graphic design templates here at WE AND THE COLOR.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
By continuing, you accept the privacy policy#adobeIllustrator #AdobeStock #design #graphicDesign #poster #posterDesign #PosterDesignTemplate #posterTemplate #posters
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The Ultimate Minimalist Poster Design Template: Where Structure Meets Chaos
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps us run this site. Thanks for your support!
Modern design often screams for attention. However, a different power lies in quiet complexity. Consider the resurgence of minimalist, abstract art in graphic design. This is not about being plain; it is about conveying deep ideas through simple forms. A fantastic minimalist poster design template by Blackcatstudio for Adobe Illustrator perfectly captures this spirit. It offers a visual language where structured patterns beautifully break down into noise and color. This template is more than just a layout; it is a starting point for creating visually stunning and thought-provoking art. It challenges us to see the beauty in organized disruption.
Download from Adobe StockPlease note that these templates require professional graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, installed on your computer. You can get the latest version from the Adobe Creative Cloud website. Just have a look here.
Minimalist Poster Design Template with Graphic Pattern by Blackcatstudio for Adobe Illustrator Download from Adobe StockUnpacking the Abstract Graphic Pattern
This poster design template comes thoughtfully equipped for any creative project. Blackcatstudio provides two distinct design variations. You get both A4 and US Letter sizes, making it versatile for international and domestic use. The template is print-ready, configured in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction. This thoughtful preparation saves designers valuable time. You can move directly from customization to printing without technical headaches. What do you value most in a design template?
The Power of Editable Vector Graphics
The entire design is built with fully editable vector graphics. This is a crucial feature. It means you have complete control within Adobe Illustrator. You can scale every element without losing quality. Want to change the color palette? It is simple. Need to adjust the line thickness or rearrange the patterns? You can do it with ease. This level of flexibility makes the poster design template a truly powerful tool. It allows for endless creative exploration.
Why This Minimalist Poster Design Works
Minimalism is not about emptiness. It is about intentionality. This design uses a clean layout to draw focus to its complex graphic pattern. The first poster, titled “Parallel Flux,” uses a palette of muted beige, red, teal, and black. Horizontal bars create a sense of motion and distortion. The accompanying text, “A. STRUCTURE BREAKS INTO NOISE” and “B. ORDER MELTS INTO COLOR,” perfectly describes the visual experience. The design itself tells a story.
The second option, “Fragments,” uses a darker theme with a deep green background, blue, and black. Here, the text reads “A. PATTERNS COLLIDE IN SPACE” and “B. GEOMETRY TURNS INTO VIBRATION.” Again, the visuals and words are in perfect harmony. This is the strength of a great poster design template. It provides a framework for powerful visual storytelling. It makes you think about how abstract shapes can communicate such specific, kinetic ideas.
How to Create Your Own Abstract Poster
Getting started with this template is incredibly straightforward. Once you open the file in Adobe Illustrator, you can begin to make it your own. Think about the mood you want to create. Your color choices will have a significant impact.
Customizing Your Vector Art Poster
First, experiment with the color palette. Adobe Illustrator’s global color feature makes this easy. A single change can update the entire design. Consider how different colors might alter the meaning. Could a vibrant, neon palette make it feel more energetic? Or would a monochrome scheme create a more serious tone?
Next, play with the text. The template uses a clean, sans-serif font that complements the minimalist aesthetic. You can change the titles, the descriptive text, and even the “PRO” numbers to fit your own project. Perhaps you are creating a series of event posters or a unique art print. The possibilities are limitless when you have a well-designed poster design template as your foundation. You could even manipulate the vector patterns themselves, stretching, rotating, or rearranging them to create a completely new composition. This is your chance to turn a template into a bespoke piece of art.
Download from Adobe StockCheck out other mind-blowing graphic design templates here at WE AND THE COLOR.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
By continuing, you accept the privacy policy #adobeIllustrator #AdobeStock #design #graphicDesign #poster #posterDesign #PosterDesignTemplate #posterTemplate #posters -
A day of firsts; the thread about the start of the air war over Britain above the Firth of Forth
This thread was originally written and published in July 2023.
On September 3rd 1939, the United Kingdom declared war on Germany, drawing the country into what would become the Second World War. This early period of the war is sometimes called the “Phoney War”, on account of the relatively limited military activity between France, Germany and Britain on the Western Front. However on Monday 16th October 1939, the air war over Britain commenced over the Firth of Forth as German bombers made their first air raid on the country of the war and the RAF squadrons defending Edinburgh went immediately to war.
Pilots of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron in England during the Battle of Britain in 1940, posing for a propaganda photo with a new Spitfire aircraft paid for by public subscriptions in Persia. © IWM HU 88793603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron – an auxiliary squadron defending its home city from RAF Turnhouse – claimed the first German aircraft to be shot down by an RAF fighter over British territory in WW2 on that very day. At about 14:45, Red Section under Flt. Lt. “Patsy” Gifford fatally damaged a Ju-88 bomber near Cockenzie. The German aircraft, from squadron KG30, crashed into the Forth 4 miles offshore. The Cockenzie fishing boat Dayspring, skippered by John Dickson, rescued the crew. They admitted that they were reluctant at first to do so, but they were sailors foremost and overcame their misgivings to help those in peril on the sea.
Flt. Lt. Pat “Patsy” Gifford on landing at Turnhouse after shooting down the Ju-88. His Spitfire was called “Stickleback”. He was back up in the air within minutes after refuelling and reloading.Rear gunner OGefr. Kramer had been killed before the plane crashed and was never found, but pilot OLt. Hans Storp and crewmen Hugo Rohnke and Hans Georg Heilscher were saved and sent to the military hospital at Edinburgh Castle, the first German military prisoners in Britain of WW2. The grateful Storp gave his gold ring to John Dickson in thanks for his life.
Left to Right, Storp, Rohnke, Helischer in Edinburgh Castle.Earlier that morning, at 09:30, the “Chain Home” radar station at Drone Hill in Berwick shire had identified two enemy aircraft approaching over the North Sea. At 10:21, Flt. Lt. George Pinkerton of 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron became the first RAF fighter pilot to attack a German aircraft over Britain when his Spitfire engaged and damaged a He-111 bomber over the Isle of May. This aircraft – one of two from squadron KG26 – had been on a reconnaissance flight to photograph the naval dockyard at Rosyth and was chased east out to sea where it evaded its pursuers, returning safely home. 602 Squadron had been redeployed eastwards to defend Edinburgh and the Forth and had been based out of RAF Drem in East Lothian for just 3 days.
George Pinkerton, later Group Captain, OBE, DFC.A confused game of cat and mouse now commenced between the RAF and Luftwaffe all along the East Coast of Scotland for much of the morning and early afternoon as attempts were made to intercept sporadic German incursions. The radar sets failed to work properly and broke down, phantom raiders were reported by the public and the ground controllers got their calculations back to front and sent the defending fighters in the wrong directions.
602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron mechanics prepare a Spitfire for flight at RAF Drem under the watchful eye of the pilot. Notice the non-regulation mess room chair being used as a stepladder. © IWM HU 106303That afternoon the weather was good – clear skies with only broken cloud. At 14:20, the Royal Observer Corps, trained ground spotters whose job was to identify and report enemy aircraft over land, confirmed the presence of Ju-88 bombers in East Lothian. These were 12 aircraft commanded by Haupt. Helmuth Pohle of squadron KG30 and had been sent on a mission to attack the Royal Navy at Rosyth, based on the reports from the morning reconnaissance flight that George Pinkerton and 602 Squadron had intercepted. Once again, those Spitfires were scrambled to meet the raiders. At 14:27, the anti aircraft battery at Dalmeny reported the bombers flying up the Forth. The attackers had been forbidden to attack the Dockyard itself for fear of civilian casualties, so aimed for the ships anchored in the Firth. While the gunners frantically phoned for permission to open fire, the bombs began to fall.
The German bombs begin to fall over the Forth Bridge from The Illustrated London News, 28th October 1939The first wave of attackers targeted the cruiser HMS Southampton. At 14:35, the 500kg bombs fell around the ship but missed; however two of her boats that had been anchored alongside, including the Admiral’s personal barge, were sunk. At 14:38 – three minutes after the start of the attack – the orders for the defenders to open fire were given and every anti-aircraft gun on land and on ships that could be brought to bare opened up. At the same time, the next wave of attackers, those led by OLt. Hans Storp, arrived. They approached from the south over Threipmuir Reservoir and commenced their bombing run.
Atmospheric but sensationalised reporting of the attack on HMS Southampton (with HMS Edinburgh behind her) from The Illustrated London News, 28th October 1939By now, both 602 (City of Glasgow) and 603 (City of Edinburgh) squadrons were in the air. Yellow Section of 603 attacked Storp and put his port engine out of action. The plane limped towards East Lothian out to sea, in a futile attempt to escape, which was where Red Section under Patsy Gifford brought it down. The victorious 603 were now ordered to return to Turnhouse to re-arm and re-fuel, leaving the defence in the hands of 602 Squadron. Blue Section, under George Pinkerton, spotted the aircraft of Helmuth Pohle over Inverkeithing and gave chase through the broken cloud. Pinkerton and his wing-man Archie McKellar attacked, killing two of the German machine’s crew and incapacitating both its engines. It headed for the sea near Crail and ditched three miles off of Fife Ness. The time was somewhere between 14:45 and 14:55, the Observer Corps putting the crash at the latter time, but McKellar and Pinkerton are credited with gaining the “first kill” before Patsy Gifford in some chronologies.
Archie McKellar, from Cuthbert Orde – Pilots of Fighter Command, book, 1942The events of October 16th had not yet concluded however. About 25 minutes after Pohle’s machine crashed, another Ju-88 bomber appeared over the outer reaches of the Forth. It had escaped interception up to this point as the ground observers had initially thought it to be a friendly Bristol Blenheim (an easy mistake, as the two were somewhat similar and the Ju-88 was a brand new aircraft and almost totally unseen by British eyes this early in the war). It found the destroyer HMS Mohawk off of the fishing village of Elie & Earlsferry and attacked; dropping its bombs and firing its machine guns at the ship.
HMS Mohawk under attack, from The Illustrated London News, 28th October 1939By the time it was chased off by one of 602 Squadron’s Spitfires, 13 men including First Lieutenant E. J. Shea had been killed. Her captain, Commander Richard Jolly, was fatally wounded but refused to abandon his post and brought his ship safely back to Rosyth before dying a few hours later. In total 16 men from the Mohawk would lose their lives that day.
“Commander R. F. Jolly in uniform”, by Hubert Andrew Freeth. © IWM ART LD 157The last of the raiders that day appeared in ones and twos across the Lothians around 16:00 and were chased across the Forth, RAF Turnhouse, Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello by the Spitfires of 603 Squadron, but to no avail. Minor injuries were caused across the city from broken glass as bullets fired in the sky came down to earth and painter Joe McLuskie, working on a house in Abercorn Terrace, Portobello, was hit in the stomach and had to undergo emergency surgery in Leith Hospital. The raid had also claimed its first animal victim of the air war over Britain when Lady, a spaniel belonging to Mrs Mercer of Alma Street in Inverkeithing, was struck by shrapnel from falling “friendly” anti-aircraft shells and had to be put down as a result. The noise of the bombs and guns had panicked the animal and it had run off into the street.
Off of Crail, a fishing boat hauled four ditched German airmen from the sea. Crewmen Kurt Seydel and August Schleicher were already dead, Kurt Naake was mortally wounded and would not survive, leaving pilot Helmuth Pohle – nursing a broken jaw – as the sole survivor. He was sent to the naval hospital in Port Edgar. The bodies of Seydel and Schleicher lay in state at St. Phillip’s Church in Portobello, their coffins draped in Swastika flags, and were buried with military honours observed by a respectful turnout of locals at Portobello Cemetery. The proceedings were led by Henry Steel, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and many men from both 602 and 603 Squadrons were in attendance with the pipe band of 603 providing a musical lament. The pair were re-interred in a German military cemetery in England after the war.
The funeral cortège of Seydel and Schleicher proceeds along Brunstane RoadBoth Patsy Gifford and George Pinkerton would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross award for their efforts that day. Gifford, a reservist who was in peacetime a lawyer and town councillor from Castle Douglas, was sent to command 3 Squadron RAF in November 1939. He was shot down and killed over Belgium in May 1940.
Commemorative plaque dedicated to Pat Douglas in 2010. Photo by Paul Goodwin, from IWM collection 69507Gifford and Pinkerton both have claims to their “first”. However neither claimed either the first British or first RAF aerial victories of the war. On September 26th 1939, Lt. Cdr. Bruce S. McEwen of 803 Squadron Fleet Air Arm and flying from HMS Ark Royal (therefore a Royal Navy aviator and not in the RAF) shot down a German Do-18 flying boat over the North Sea off Norway, the first British aerial victory of the way. The below photo was taken by the destroyer HMS Somali when they rescued its crew.
German Do-18 aircraft as the crew scramble into the liferaft before being rescued by HMS Somali.Another Do-18 would become the first German aircraft brought down by an RAF aircraft flying from the British mainland, was claimed by a Lockheed Hudson patrol aircraft of 224 Squadron Coastal Command out of RAF Leuchars on 8th October. The Hudson, actually a modified American airliner and intended to be a bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, proved to have a surprising capability as a long range fighter in the early part of the war.
A damaged Lockheed Hudson of 224 Squadron on its return to Wick from a sortie over Norway. © IWM CH 46And two weeks after 602 Squadron’s Pinkerton and McKellar brought Helmuth Pohle’s war to a premature end off of Crail, Archie McKellar shot down an He-111 bomber of squadron KG26, flown by Uffz. Kurt Lehmkuhl over East Lothian. This was the first RAF victory that brought down a plane over land, the machine making a crash landing in the Lammermuir hills near Humbie.
Heinkel He-111 of KG26, flown by Lehmkuhl, after it crashed near HumbieHeinkel He-111 of KG26, flown by Lehmkuhl, after it crashed near HumbieAnother He-111 was shot down by 602 Squadron out of RAF Drem on February 9th 1940, with Squadron Leader Douglas Farquar bringing it down in a field just outside North Berwick.
He-111 “1H + EN” crashed in a field outside North BerwickThis was the first chance for British intelligence to get a close up look of such a machine in a flyable condition and it was therefore partially dismantled and towed away for onwards transport to the Boffins down south. The plane was put back together, repaired, and commissioned into the RAF as part of the “Rafwaffe” of captured machines. Here it is seen going down Dirleton Avenue in North Berwick to the bemusement of onlookers.
The North Berwick Heinkel being towed down Dirleton AvenueRemarkably, there’s a colour cine film of it going down Musselburgh High Street, exciting much local interest, on its way to RAF Turnhouse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwhXwLhWDEc
Hans Storp’s Ju-88 would suffer the misfortune of being the first pilot and aircraft to be shot down twice in the war, when in December 1939 a re-enactment of his last flight took place for the propaganda film “Squadron 992“. An RAF Bristol Blenheim (which the observers had confused with the German Ju-88 back in October) stood in for the German machine on this occasion. The Cockenzie fisherman John Dickson, his crew, and their boat the Dayspring reprised their roles from that day and played themselves for the cameras.
The crew of the Dayspring “rescuing” the German airmen. Still from Squadron 992You can watch the film Squadron 992 on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XycuXAtLyo4
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Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Retired Horticulturalist Mel Lumby: In Her Own Words
The beautiful begonias of Borneo and beyond deserve our love and protection
Bio: Mel Lumby
Hello, I’m Melody Lumby from the US state of Oregon. Throughout my career and life (over 50 years) I have been a passionate devotee of plants and a horticulturalist. Prior to retiring, I was a horticultural buyer for a retail nursery business and a lab technician in a horticultural laboratory, testing soil amendments and soil media for quality assurance.
I have always loved Begonias. I have loved them since falling for them at age 16 when I joined the American Begonia Society in Portland, Oregon – I am still a member!
When I first joined, it was me and a bevvy of sweet grannies and together we gathered to discuss and marvel over these plants.
Now after 50 years of living with, working with and loving begonias – I’m the one with the grey hair!
I’ve seen begonias go in and out of fashion over this time.
“Oh, yes. Begonias are a little old lady plant,” they used to say….now look at them!
Begonias are no longer citizens of Dorkville. They are coveted and collected by the hip and ‘planty’
Begonias are greatly coveted by hobbyists and are shown off on social media by hip and ‘planty’ enthusiasts.
I used to pay around $3.99 USD for certain begonias. Now? Some folks will pay $399 USD for unusual and desirable species of Begonia. Sometimes it can be even more expensive than that.
Begonias have been with me through the decades, a lovely silent friend to come home to after work, during life’s trials and joys, a beautiful accompaniment to a happy life.
~ Mel Lumby
Hidden in the jungles of SE Asia, scientists estimate that there are undiscovered begonia species to the tune of three to five hundred new species on Papua New Guinea. They occupy shady forest floors and limestone cliffs, without any name given by human kind. Horticultural commerce hasn’t had a glimpse of them yet.
On Borneo, it is estimated that 400 possibly even more species of Begonia exist – primarily in the under surveyed Kalimantan district.
Begonias, along with orangutans and many other rainforest inhabitants are in danger now. Will these precious jewels of the jungle be located by scientists, described, eventually named and shared, so that people can love and marvel at their incredible beauty? Or will the bulldozer get there first, destroying where they live, making way to plant oil palm plantations for cheap palm oil?
[Pictured] Begonia Rex, National Gallery of Canada (1868)Come on an enchanting and curious journey into of the world’s most beautiful, medicinal and endangered plants of the rainforest: #Begonias with retired horticulturalist Mel Lumby @Norska11 #Boycott4Wildlife #Boycottpalmoil
Will exquisite #begonias become historical relics…no longer found in real life #rainforests? Not if Begonia lover Mel Lumby @Norska11 has anything to do with it! Help her fight for rare plants #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Download image Download printable PDF View interactive HTMLBeautiful #begonias are the unsung heroes of #rainforests. Their supreme beauty dazzles us. Their medicine protects us. Yet #corporate greed threatens them. By Horticulturalist Mel Lumby @Norska11 #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
We buy inexpensive products that contain palm oil now. It is a cheap, useful, oil that manufacturers like to use. Cookies, crackers, frozen pizza, shampoo, face lotion.
We buy these products without realising that we are contributing to rainforest destruction. Those rainforest shady places where beautiful Begonias grow are vulnerable to deforestation for palmoil.
“We are destroying swathes of rainforest containing beautiful, jewel-like, treasures. I cannot sit by quietly, while our beautiful earth burns. I must act!”
Mel Lumby on Instagram: More begonias being carefully, lovingly grownMel Lumby’s Begonia moysesii in bloom Mel Lumby’s Instagram: Evey Big Buff and Eloise Little Miss, two of my buddies hanging out in the garden bed.“I thought that I would quietly retire at the beach, grow a flower garden and happily live out my days with my chickens. I have done this. But I cannot be silent. I am now adding my voice to many others who are trying to save the animals and plants we love from mass extinction. I am only one person, but I can do something.”
Mel lumby
Photos: Mel Lumby on Instagram @spock_like_object
“I am able to help fight against the greed of palm oil. This feels so good!”
Palm Oil and Pollution by Jo FrederiksThis issue has been on my mind for quite some time now.
It really bothers me that there are beautiful undiscovered begonias that took millions of years to evolve.
We won’t even get to know about them because of dumb old palm oil!
Nobody even asked for this in our food, etc. The Palm Oil Detectives gal is really a cool person – it is an honour to try to help her.
~ Mel Lumby
Deforestation for agriculture is a clear and present threat to tropical rainforests. Especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, economic growth has come at an enormous cost to its unique plants, wild animals and indigenous peoples.
In Indonesia, 10 million hectares of primary forest was lost over the past two decades. A 2019 study identified palm oil plantations to be responsible for 23% (the single largest proportion) of the deforestation in Indonesia between 2001 and 2016.
Over 3 million hectares of the forest estate in 2019 were allocated to palm oil production, which was in strict violation of national forestry law.
It is gut-wrenching and soul-destroying to see. Now palm oil threatens plants, animals and indigenous peoples in South America, India, Papua and Africa as well.
Learn how to helpFast facts about Borneo & plant diversity
Borneo is home to more than 15,000 plant species
A diversity that rivals the African continent. This may be the highest number of plants of any region on Earth.
- There are 931 Begonia species in Southeast Asia
- Currently, there are 216 species and one subspecies of Begonia in Borneo.
- In Sarawak alone there are 96 species, with an average of at least 10 species described per year over the past 7 years.
- In Borneo, there are also 3,000 species of trees, 1,700 species of orchids and 50 carnivorous pitcher plant species.
The natural habitat of begonias is cool, moist forests and tropical rainforests, but some begonias are adapted to drier climates
[Pictured] Begonia socotrana grows in between the shady cracks in rock formations on the arid island of Socotra, Yemen.
Fast facts about the family Begoniaceae
They grow in the deeply shaded forest understory from the lowlands to mountain tops and on all rock types including granite, limestone, sandstone and ultramafic rocks.
A Guide to Begonias of Borneo by Ruth Kiew et. al.
- The Begonia was named after a French botanist in the 17th century.
- There are over 2,000 known species of family Begoniaceae – one of the largest genera of flowering plants. New species are being discovered almost on a monthly basis.
- They are mostly terrestrial and are either herbs or undershrubs, but occasionally may be grown from air (ephiphytic).
- They thrive in moist tropical and subtropical climates of South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia.
- Their leaves are often large, vividly marked and are they are assymetrical and unequal-sided, giving each plant unique beauty.
- They are popular ornamental plants for conservatories. Currently, begonias are incredibly trendy and are coveted and admired by house plant lovers all over the world.
[Pictured] Begonia Rex, National Gallery of Canada (1868)
The world’s tiniest begonia was recently discovered Begonia elachista.
They exist at the mouth of a limestone cave in central Peru and nowhere else in the world.
Then there is a newly described giant begonia from Tibet, tall enough to tower over a person: Begonia giganticaulis.
The pretty Florist’s Reiger Begonia comes in a fantastic array of colours including pinks, peaches, oranges, reds, yellows, white.
We cannot forget the lovely tuberous begonias that we plant in the shady reaches of our yards.
To plant large flowerbeds full of Wax begonias in summertime is a sheer delight.
During drought periods, Begonia socotrana drop their pretty, round, leaves and survive as a tuber.
Many years ago, Begonia socotrana was used as one of the parent plants to eventually create Florist’s Reiger Begonia mentioned above.
Mel Lumby
Exceptionally beautiful begonia paintings from history
Those lovely plants are there, for now, surrounded by tropical bird call and orangutan hoots. They often live in very small stretches of area, sometimes only existing on one hillside and nowhere else in the world. Plants can’t run away if that bulldozer comes, they are sessile, fixed in one place.
If a bulldozer razes everything and scrapes that Begonia inhabited hillside bare, that’s it – that particular begonia will be lost, gone forever from our earth in the wild. Millions of years of evolution, gone. All that beauty, gone.
Mel Lumby
[Pictured] ‘Diversity of Species in the Rainforest by Oro Verde – the Rainforest Foundation (2009).
Scientists are constantly discovering new Begonia species in Indonesia
Indonesia has one of the largest concentrations of of begonia species diversity, especially in Southeast Asia with 243 species. In 2022 alone, at least a dozen new species were discovered, here in this article below, seven are mentioned.
- Hoya batutikarensis
- Hoya buntokensis
- Dendrobium dedeksantosoi
- Rigiolepis argentii
- Begonia robii
- Begonia willemii
- Etlingera comosa
Read the full story: ‘Indonesian researchers discover seven new species of ornamental plants,’ Indonesian Window.
Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of approximately 17,508 islands and is covered by tropical rain forest, seasonal forest, mountain vegetation, subalpine shrub vegetation, swamp and coastal vegetation. With its reflective mixture of Asian and Australian native species,
Indonesia is said to possess the second largest biodiversity
in the world, with around 40,000 endemic plant species
including 6,000 medicinal plantsNugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X110060124
We may be losing plants with medicinal purposes and cures as yet unknown which will help humankind
If we bulldoze Borneo, plow down Papua New Guinea, annihilate the Amazon, we wipe out incredibly beautiful plants that haven’t yet been discovered!
It isn’t just Begonias. It’s orchids and all sorts of fascinating tropical plant species. Nepenthes, the pitcher plant species. Aroids – the wonderful Philodendron relatives of Begonias that are also popular now.
Mel Lumby
Newly discovered Begonia medicinalis has cancer-fighting properties
Begonia medicinalis was discovered only recently in 2019 by scientists. This incredible species of begonia native to Sulawesi has been used as a medicinal plant by Indigenous peoples for 1000’s of years. Now this plant has been shown to have the potential to fight cancer!
Begonia medicinalis is known as benalu batu in Bahasa Indonesia is a herbal plant that is locally used for traditional medicines. The secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids have been reported to be found in these plant extracts. The content of flavonoids can lead to anti-cancer abilities while heat-sensitive flavonoid compounds can be extracted by the Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE) method.
In this study, the anticancer potential of B. medicinalis extracts from the leaves (leaves extract/LE) and stem (stem extract/SE) in three cell lines (Hela, MDA-MB, HT-29) have been performed.
The anticancer potential was obtained from cytotoxic measurements by the MTT method on 3 types of cancer cells incubated with the extract for 24 hours. The value of total flavonoid content (TFC) in the LE was higher than that of SE extracts. Both extracts have the potential as a remedy for the treatment of cancer.
Prihardina & S Fatmawati; (2021); ‘Cytotoxicity of Begonia medicinalis aqueous extract in three cancer cell line,’: IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 913 012084. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/913/1/012084/pdf
Begonia isoptera is used by indigenous peoples in Borneo and has profoundly important medicinal properties
This Begonia species found in Borneo has been used by indigenous peoples for aeons for medicinal purposes. A study from 2011 has found that this begonia species has positive antimicrobial and antibacterial effects on the human body.
[Pictured] Begonia Isoptera in Hiroshima Botanical Gardens 2008
Read more: Nugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X110060124
Indonesia’s native plants: A medicine cabinet of powerful drugs growing in the rainforest
Indigenous peoples in Indonesia have been using native medicinal plants from their medicine cabinet – the rainforest for 1000’s of years. These medicines are influenced by Indian Ayurveda since Hinduism spread from India to Asia.
[Pictured]: Dyak/Dayak peoples in Borneo have a rich knowledge of ancient plant medicine that is recognised by western science. Images from PxFuel, creative commons.
Indigenous treatments using plants involve a combination of physical and spiritual aspects to form a holistic approach to healing.
The inclusion of indigenous medicinal plants not found in India enhanced Indigenous Indonesian medication. This was further enriched by the influence of Chinese and Arabian traders to the islands.
Dayak indigenous peoples of Borneo are knowledge-keepers of ancient indigenous medicine and treatment from plants. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Now western medicine is realising just how important it is to keep these plants from going extinct. Research shows that these plants may hold the key to unlocking fatal diseases like dementia and cancer, as well as being useful for treating common illnesses and injuries.
Dayak Indigenous Ethnographer Dr Setia Budhi: In His Own WordsMost of this indigenous knowledge of medicine is not recorded. It is passed down verbally in stories from generation to generation and healer to healer.
Interview with Dr Budhi Short story by Dr Budhi“For Dayak peoples in Borneo, the land is mother, where they plant fruit, vegetables and grains for their families. The soil is mother where trees grow and develop.
“From these trees they harvest an abundance of creeping rattan for medicine, food and crafts.
“The forest has a ritual function, a medicinal function and a family protection function.”
Dr Setia Budhi, Dayak Ethnographer.
Historically, Dutch colonialists of Indonesia incorporated elements of indigenous medicine into their treatments, due to lack of availability of western medicine from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Medical texts from this period show that physicians found traditional medicines to be legitimate and effective in treating common illnesses. These publications include:
- De medicina Indorum by Bontius in 1642
- The Ambonese herbal by Rumphius in 1741
- Materia Indica by van der Burg in 1885
- De nuttige planten van Nederlansch Indie by Heyne in 1927
- Select Indonesian medicinal plants by Steenis Kruseman in 1953
- The Medical Journal of the Dutch East-Indies (1894- 1925)
[Pictured] Dutch colonialists overseeing the local workers in a warehouse in Deli Medan North Sumatra, 1897. www.nationaalarchief.nl
Since the 1970’s, the use of lab-based equipment, technology and computational modelling has revealed the remarkable properties of Indonesian rainforest plants, which have anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents within them.
Read more
The wonder drugs of the rainforest: Nugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications.
Professor Budiman Minasny; ‘The dark history of slavery and racism in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period’ (2020), University of Sydney, The Conversation.
This is what stands to be lost if more rainforests are destroyed for timber and palm oil in SE Asia, Papua, Africa and South America
“I can’t only be a begonia collector/grower anymore. Boycotts work to shift brands to act when governments fail to act” ~ Mel Lumby
Please join me and a growing number of people around the world who love nature, rainforests, animals and plants and who make an effort daily to push back against the corrupt and greedy people funded by the palm oil industry to spread greenwashing misinformation about “sustainable” palm oil.
Together we can use our wallets as weapons, #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife” ~ Mel Lumby
Join the #Boycott4WildlifeBegonias in blossom by Freepix
Borneo is in great danger of being destroyed by deforestation to plant palm oil plantations.
Other places as well: Papua New Guinea, The Amazon, African countries like Guinea. You have seen the news. Our world is in trouble.
There are places with undiscovered endemic plant species with very limited habitats being bulldozed, burned and cut down. Science hasn’t even found these plants! We chop down their only habitat before they get discovered!
Amazing new Begonia species are being discovered all the time in Borneo: Begonia baik, Begonia darthvaderiana, Begonia nothobarimensis. And on and on. Scientists are still finding new and wonderful species there.
It’s super easy to get into a nihilist mindset these days
“It is a struggle and depressing when one realises how everything in the natural world is set up to be used, abused and destroyed – simply for profit!
“We have all been through ‘some things’ these last few years, that’s for sure! I just focus, concentrate and keep going. When it all gets too much, I take a couple of days to chill. Then I begin again with campaigning against tropical deforestation and against palm oil.”
Mel Lumby
The regal and rare Begonia rajah
Begonia rajah is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Peninsular Malaysia. They typically have striking bronze leaves and contrasting green veins, and are best suited for terrariums.
Watercolour painting of Begonia rajah of an original wild-collected plant grown in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore via Singapore Botanic Gardens.Begonia coriacea is a species native to Indonesia
Begonia coriacea – Hooker – Curtis Botanical Magazine Bot. Mag. 78 t. 4676 (1852)Stinky meat flowers of Borneo: Rafflesia arnoldii & Rafflesia pricei
Rafflesia pricei by Rimbawan on Getty Images Rafflesia arnoldsii by Boris 25 on Getty ImagesBorneo is also home to the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia arnoldii. They along with their relatives, are parasites, living their entire lives inside of tropical vines. These amazing plants only ever emerge when it is time to flower and flower they do! Their superficial resemblance to a rotting carcass goes much deeper than looks alone. These flowers give off a fetid odour of rotting flesh that is proportional to their size, but not to their visual beauty. This aroma has earned them the nickname “carrion flowers.”
12 new species of begonia were found on Sarawak in 2022
Different species of Begonia by Botanicus http://www.botanicus.orgTwelve new species and one new record of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Sarawak, Malaysia, are described. All species belong to Begonia sect. Petermannia. Three species are recorded from Totally Protected Areas, one species occurs both within and outside Totally Protected Areas, and eight species occur only outside Totally Protected Areas.
Edinburgh Journal of Botany, Begonia special issue, Article 410: 1–46 (2022). https://doi.org/10.24823/EJB.2022.410.
“Polka-dotted. Striped. Furry. Shiny. Bumpy. Ferny. Maple-shaped. Elm-shaped. Grass-shaped. Black, silver, pink, mossy green and bright apple green leaf colors. Reds and oranges, too. Some will shine in the deep forest, with a beautiful blue sheen. The variety of Begonias is incredible!”
Mel Lumby
If you can successfully grow a Darth Vader Begonia – consider yourself a badass
Begonia darthvaderiana
- Discovered in 2013 by C.W. Lin, S.W. Chung and C.I. Peng and found in Sarawak, Borneo and found in shaded valleys, streams and slopes.
- Not a beginners begonia, this one is challenging to grow. They need a humid terrarium environment. Even then, their leaves are prone to ‘melting’ if temperatures, humidity waver too much from what they like.
- This beautiful species has a cane-like habit, olive black leaves and red colouring underneath, with a white to lime green edging.
[Pictured] Begonia Darthvaderiana By Lya Solis Blog
Begonia amphioxus: Polka-dotted princess
- Begonia amphioxus was discovered in 1984 growing on a limestone hill of Batu Punggul in Sabah, Borneo.
- Their red polka dots, bizarre and narrow leaves and pointed at both ends give this species an unusual look.
- This delicate looking begonia not only has aesthetic appeal but also commercial value and are highly collectable by plant hobbyists.
- They love high humidity and require a terrarium to grow. Once happy they will produce tiny white flowers.
- Threats in the wild include timber logging, palm oil, mining and quarrying for limestone and marble. Fires, droughts and extreme weather due to climate change along with tourist activities.
[Pictured] Begonia amphioxus by Lya Solis Blog
Every animal species in Borneo relies on native plants, including humans! So it’s about time we look after Borneo’s plants – because they look after us all!
Without direct intervention in Borneo’s national parks to protect plants and animals: Everyone from orchids and orangutans, begonias and binturongs will go extinct!
[Pictured] A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan by Craig Jones Wildlife Photography
When wildlife photographer and photojournalist Craig Jones visited Sumatra, Indonesia he found protected rainforests being destroyed by multinational palm oil companies – under the greenwashing guise of “sustainable” RSPO palm oil.
Craig Jones in his own words Eyewitness: Orangutans are rescued from an RSPO plantationHere are some other ways you can help by using your wallet as a weapon and joining the #Boycott4Wildlife
Why join the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Greenwashing Tactic #4: Fake Labels
The Counterpunch: Consumer Solutions To Fight Extinction
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Palm Oil Detectives is 100% self-funded
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Say thanks on Ko-FiPhotography: Craig Jones Wildlife Photography, Wikipedia, Getty Images, PXFuel.
Words: Mel Lumby, Palm Oil Detectives, Dr Setia Budhi, Craig Jones.
Did you enjoy visiting this website?
Palm Oil Detectives is 100% self-funded
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Say thanks on Ko-Fi#Borneo #Botany #conservation #CreativesForCoolCreatures #Dayak #deforestation #endangeredPlants #flora #indigenousMedicine #indigenousRights #investigativeJournalism #journalism #Malaysia #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #plants #wildlife #wildlifeActivism
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Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Retired Horticulturalist Mel Lumby: In Her Own Words
The beautiful begonias of Borneo and beyond deserve our love and protection
Bio: Mel Lumby
Hello, I’m Melody Lumby from the US state of Oregon. Throughout my career and life (over 50 years) I have been a passionate devotee of plants and a horticulturalist. Prior to retiring, I was a horticultural buyer for a retail nursery business and a lab technician in a horticultural laboratory, testing soil amendments and soil media for quality assurance.
I have always loved Begonias. I have loved them since falling for them at age 16 when I joined the American Begonia Society in Portland, Oregon – I am still a member!
When I first joined, it was me and a bevvy of sweet grannies and together we gathered to discuss and marvel over these plants.
Now after 50 years of living with, working with and loving begonias – I’m the one with the grey hair!
I’ve seen begonias go in and out of fashion over this time.
“Oh, yes. Begonias are a little old lady plant,” they used to say….now look at them!
Begonias are no longer citizens of Dorkville. They are coveted and collected by the hip and ‘planty’
Begonias are greatly coveted by hobbyists and are shown off on social media by hip and ‘planty’ enthusiasts.
I used to pay around $3.99 USD for certain begonias. Now? Some folks will pay $399 USD for unusual and desirable species of Begonia. Sometimes it can be even more expensive than that.
Begonias have been with me through the decades, a lovely silent friend to come home to after work, during life’s trials and joys, a beautiful accompaniment to a happy life.
~ Mel Lumby
Hidden in the jungles of SE Asia, scientists estimate that there are undiscovered begonia species to the tune of three to five hundred new species on Papua New Guinea. They occupy shady forest floors and limestone cliffs, without any name given by human kind. Horticultural commerce hasn’t had a glimpse of them yet.
On Borneo, it is estimated that 400 possibly even more species of Begonia exist – primarily in the under surveyed Kalimantan district.
Begonias, along with orangutans and many other rainforest inhabitants are in danger now. Will these precious jewels of the jungle be located by scientists, described, eventually named and shared, so that people can love and marvel at their incredible beauty? Or will the bulldozer get there first, destroying where they live, making way to plant oil palm plantations for cheap palm oil?
[Pictured] Begonia Rex, National Gallery of Canada (1868)Come on an enchanting and curious journey into of the world’s most beautiful, medicinal and endangered plants of the rainforest: #Begonias with retired horticulturalist Mel Lumby @Norska11 #Boycott4Wildlife #Boycottpalmoil
Will exquisite #begonias become historical relics…no longer found in real life #rainforests? Not if Begonia lover Mel Lumby @Norska11 has anything to do with it! Help her fight for rare plants #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Download image Download printable PDF View interactive HTMLBeautiful #begonias are the unsung heroes of #rainforests. Their supreme beauty dazzles us. Their medicine protects us. Yet #corporate greed threatens them. By Horticulturalist Mel Lumby @Norska11 #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
We buy inexpensive products that contain palm oil now. It is a cheap, useful, oil that manufacturers like to use. Cookies, crackers, frozen pizza, shampoo, face lotion.
We buy these products without realising that we are contributing to rainforest destruction. Those rainforest shady places where beautiful Begonias grow are vulnerable to deforestation for palmoil.
“We are destroying swathes of rainforest containing beautiful, jewel-like, treasures. I cannot sit by quietly, while our beautiful earth burns. I must act!”
Mel Lumby on Instagram: More begonias being carefully, lovingly grownMel Lumby’s Begonia moysesii in bloom Mel Lumby’s Instagram: Evey Big Buff and Eloise Little Miss, two of my buddies hanging out in the garden bed.“I thought that I would quietly retire at the beach, grow a flower garden and happily live out my days with my chickens. I have done this. But I cannot be silent. I am now adding my voice to many others who are trying to save the animals and plants we love from mass extinction. I am only one person, but I can do something.”
Mel lumby
Photos: Mel Lumby on Instagram @spock_like_object
“I am able to help fight against the greed of palm oil. This feels so good!”
Palm Oil and Pollution by Jo FrederiksThis issue has been on my mind for quite some time now.
It really bothers me that there are beautiful undiscovered begonias that took millions of years to evolve.
We won’t even get to know about them because of dumb old palm oil!
Nobody even asked for this in our food, etc. The Palm Oil Detectives gal is really a cool person – it is an honour to try to help her.
~ Mel Lumby
Deforestation for agriculture is a clear and present threat to tropical rainforests. Especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, economic growth has come at an enormous cost to its unique plants, wild animals and indigenous peoples.
In Indonesia, 10 million hectares of primary forest was lost over the past two decades. A 2019 study identified palm oil plantations to be responsible for 23% (the single largest proportion) of the deforestation in Indonesia between 2001 and 2016.
Over 3 million hectares of the forest estate in 2019 were allocated to palm oil production, which was in strict violation of national forestry law.
It is gut-wrenching and soul-destroying to see. Now palm oil threatens plants, animals and indigenous peoples in South America, India, Papua and Africa as well.
Learn how to helpFast facts about Borneo & plant diversity
Borneo is home to more than 15,000 plant species
A diversity that rivals the African continent. This may be the highest number of plants of any region on Earth.
- There are 931 Begonia species in Southeast Asia
- Currently, there are 216 species and one subspecies of Begonia in Borneo.
- In Sarawak alone there are 96 species, with an average of at least 10 species described per year over the past 7 years.
- In Borneo, there are also 3,000 species of trees, 1,700 species of orchids and 50 carnivorous pitcher plant species.
The natural habitat of begonias is cool, moist forests and tropical rainforests, but some begonias are adapted to drier climates
[Pictured] Begonia socotrana grows in between the shady cracks in rock formations on the arid island of Socotra, Yemen.
Fast facts about the family Begoniaceae
They grow in the deeply shaded forest understory from the lowlands to mountain tops and on all rock types including granite, limestone, sandstone and ultramafic rocks.
A Guide to Begonias of Borneo by Ruth Kiew et. al.
- The Begonia was named after a French botanist in the 17th century.
- There are over 2,000 known species of family Begoniaceae – one of the largest genera of flowering plants. New species are being discovered almost on a monthly basis.
- They are mostly terrestrial and are either herbs or undershrubs, but occasionally may be grown from air (ephiphytic).
- They thrive in moist tropical and subtropical climates of South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia.
- Their leaves are often large, vividly marked and are they are assymetrical and unequal-sided, giving each plant unique beauty.
- They are popular ornamental plants for conservatories. Currently, begonias are incredibly trendy and are coveted and admired by house plant lovers all over the world.
[Pictured] Begonia Rex, National Gallery of Canada (1868)
The world’s tiniest begonia was recently discovered Begonia elachista.
They exist at the mouth of a limestone cave in central Peru and nowhere else in the world.
Then there is a newly described giant begonia from Tibet, tall enough to tower over a person: Begonia giganticaulis.
The pretty Florist’s Reiger Begonia comes in a fantastic array of colours including pinks, peaches, oranges, reds, yellows, white.
We cannot forget the lovely tuberous begonias that we plant in the shady reaches of our yards.
To plant large flowerbeds full of Wax begonias in summertime is a sheer delight.
During drought periods, Begonia socotrana drop their pretty, round, leaves and survive as a tuber.
Many years ago, Begonia socotrana was used as one of the parent plants to eventually create Florist’s Reiger Begonia mentioned above.
Mel Lumby
Exceptionally beautiful begonia paintings from history
Those lovely plants are there, for now, surrounded by tropical bird call and orangutan hoots. They often live in very small stretches of area, sometimes only existing on one hillside and nowhere else in the world. Plants can’t run away if that bulldozer comes, they are sessile, fixed in one place.
If a bulldozer razes everything and scrapes that Begonia inhabited hillside bare, that’s it – that particular begonia will be lost, gone forever from our earth in the wild. Millions of years of evolution, gone. All that beauty, gone.
Mel Lumby
[Pictured] ‘Diversity of Species in the Rainforest by Oro Verde – the Rainforest Foundation (2009).
Scientists are constantly discovering new Begonia species in Indonesia
Indonesia has one of the largest concentrations of of begonia species diversity, especially in Southeast Asia with 243 species. In 2022 alone, at least a dozen new species were discovered, here in this article below, seven are mentioned.
- Hoya batutikarensis
- Hoya buntokensis
- Dendrobium dedeksantosoi
- Rigiolepis argentii
- Begonia robii
- Begonia willemii
- Etlingera comosa
Read the full story: ‘Indonesian researchers discover seven new species of ornamental plants,’ Indonesian Window.
Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of approximately 17,508 islands and is covered by tropical rain forest, seasonal forest, mountain vegetation, subalpine shrub vegetation, swamp and coastal vegetation. With its reflective mixture of Asian and Australian native species,
Indonesia is said to possess the second largest biodiversity
in the world, with around 40,000 endemic plant species
including 6,000 medicinal plantsNugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X110060124
We may be losing plants with medicinal purposes and cures as yet unknown which will help humankind
If we bulldoze Borneo, plow down Papua New Guinea, annihilate the Amazon, we wipe out incredibly beautiful plants that haven’t yet been discovered!
It isn’t just Begonias. It’s orchids and all sorts of fascinating tropical plant species. Nepenthes, the pitcher plant species. Aroids – the wonderful Philodendron relatives of Begonias that are also popular now.
Mel Lumby
Newly discovered Begonia medicinalis has cancer-fighting properties
Begonia medicinalis was discovered only recently in 2019 by scientists. This incredible species of begonia native to Sulawesi has been used as a medicinal plant by Indigenous peoples for 1000’s of years. Now this plant has been shown to have the potential to fight cancer!
Begonia medicinalis is known as benalu batu in Bahasa Indonesia is a herbal plant that is locally used for traditional medicines. The secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids have been reported to be found in these plant extracts. The content of flavonoids can lead to anti-cancer abilities while heat-sensitive flavonoid compounds can be extracted by the Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE) method.
In this study, the anticancer potential of B. medicinalis extracts from the leaves (leaves extract/LE) and stem (stem extract/SE) in three cell lines (Hela, MDA-MB, HT-29) have been performed.
The anticancer potential was obtained from cytotoxic measurements by the MTT method on 3 types of cancer cells incubated with the extract for 24 hours. The value of total flavonoid content (TFC) in the LE was higher than that of SE extracts. Both extracts have the potential as a remedy for the treatment of cancer.
Prihardina & S Fatmawati; (2021); ‘Cytotoxicity of Begonia medicinalis aqueous extract in three cancer cell line,’: IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 913 012084. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/913/1/012084/pdf
Begonia isoptera is used by indigenous peoples in Borneo and has profoundly important medicinal properties
This Begonia species found in Borneo has been used by indigenous peoples for aeons for medicinal purposes. A study from 2011 has found that this begonia species has positive antimicrobial and antibacterial effects on the human body.
[Pictured] Begonia Isoptera in Hiroshima Botanical Gardens 2008
Read more: Nugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X110060124
Indonesia’s native plants: A medicine cabinet of powerful drugs growing in the rainforest
Indigenous peoples in Indonesia have been using native medicinal plants from their medicine cabinet – the rainforest for 1000’s of years. These medicines are influenced by Indian Ayurveda since Hinduism spread from India to Asia.
[Pictured]: Dyak/Dayak peoples in Borneo have a rich knowledge of ancient plant medicine that is recognised by western science. Images from PxFuel, creative commons.
Indigenous treatments using plants involve a combination of physical and spiritual aspects to form a holistic approach to healing.
The inclusion of indigenous medicinal plants not found in India enhanced Indigenous Indonesian medication. This was further enriched by the influence of Chinese and Arabian traders to the islands.
Dayak indigenous peoples of Borneo are knowledge-keepers of ancient indigenous medicine and treatment from plants. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Now western medicine is realising just how important it is to keep these plants from going extinct. Research shows that these plants may hold the key to unlocking fatal diseases like dementia and cancer, as well as being useful for treating common illnesses and injuries.
Dayak Indigenous Ethnographer Dr Setia Budhi: In His Own WordsMost of this indigenous knowledge of medicine is not recorded. It is passed down verbally in stories from generation to generation and healer to healer.
Interview with Dr Budhi Short story by Dr Budhi“For Dayak peoples in Borneo, the land is mother, where they plant fruit, vegetables and grains for their families. The soil is mother where trees grow and develop.
“From these trees they harvest an abundance of creeping rattan for medicine, food and crafts.
“The forest has a ritual function, a medicinal function and a family protection function.”
Dr Setia Budhi, Dayak Ethnographer.
Historically, Dutch colonialists of Indonesia incorporated elements of indigenous medicine into their treatments, due to lack of availability of western medicine from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Medical texts from this period show that physicians found traditional medicines to be legitimate and effective in treating common illnesses. These publications include:
- De medicina Indorum by Bontius in 1642
- The Ambonese herbal by Rumphius in 1741
- Materia Indica by van der Burg in 1885
- De nuttige planten van Nederlansch Indie by Heyne in 1927
- Select Indonesian medicinal plants by Steenis Kruseman in 1953
- The Medical Journal of the Dutch East-Indies (1894- 1925)
[Pictured] Dutch colonialists overseeing the local workers in a warehouse in Deli Medan North Sumatra, 1897. www.nationaalarchief.nl
Since the 1970’s, the use of lab-based equipment, technology and computational modelling has revealed the remarkable properties of Indonesian rainforest plants, which have anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents within them.
Read more
The wonder drugs of the rainforest: Nugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications.
Professor Budiman Minasny; ‘The dark history of slavery and racism in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period’ (2020), University of Sydney, The Conversation.
This is what stands to be lost if more rainforests are destroyed for timber and palm oil in SE Asia, Papua, Africa and South America
“I can’t only be a begonia collector/grower anymore. Boycotts work to shift brands to act when governments fail to act” ~ Mel Lumby
Please join me and a growing number of people around the world who love nature, rainforests, animals and plants and who make an effort daily to push back against the corrupt and greedy people funded by the palm oil industry to spread greenwashing misinformation about “sustainable” palm oil.
Together we can use our wallets as weapons, #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife” ~ Mel Lumby
Join the #Boycott4WildlifeBegonias in blossom by Freepix
Borneo is in great danger of being destroyed by deforestation to plant palm oil plantations.
Other places as well: Papua New Guinea, The Amazon, African countries like Guinea. You have seen the news. Our world is in trouble.
There are places with undiscovered endemic plant species with very limited habitats being bulldozed, burned and cut down. Science hasn’t even found these plants! We chop down their only habitat before they get discovered!
Amazing new Begonia species are being discovered all the time in Borneo: Begonia baik, Begonia darthvaderiana, Begonia nothobarimensis. And on and on. Scientists are still finding new and wonderful species there.
It’s super easy to get into a nihilist mindset these days
“It is a struggle and depressing when one realises how everything in the natural world is set up to be used, abused and destroyed – simply for profit!
“We have all been through ‘some things’ these last few years, that’s for sure! I just focus, concentrate and keep going. When it all gets too much, I take a couple of days to chill. Then I begin again with campaigning against tropical deforestation and against palm oil.”
Mel Lumby
The regal and rare Begonia rajah
Begonia rajah is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Peninsular Malaysia. They typically have striking bronze leaves and contrasting green veins, and are best suited for terrariums.
Watercolour painting of Begonia rajah of an original wild-collected plant grown in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore via Singapore Botanic Gardens.Begonia coriacea is a species native to Indonesia
Begonia coriacea – Hooker – Curtis Botanical Magazine Bot. Mag. 78 t. 4676 (1852)Stinky meat flowers of Borneo: Rafflesia arnoldii & Rafflesia pricei
Rafflesia pricei by Rimbawan on Getty Images Rafflesia arnoldsii by Boris 25 on Getty ImagesBorneo is also home to the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia arnoldii. They along with their relatives, are parasites, living their entire lives inside of tropical vines. These amazing plants only ever emerge when it is time to flower and flower they do! Their superficial resemblance to a rotting carcass goes much deeper than looks alone. These flowers give off a fetid odour of rotting flesh that is proportional to their size, but not to their visual beauty. This aroma has earned them the nickname “carrion flowers.”
12 new species of begonia were found on Sarawak in 2022
Different species of Begonia by Botanicus http://www.botanicus.orgTwelve new species and one new record of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Sarawak, Malaysia, are described. All species belong to Begonia sect. Petermannia. Three species are recorded from Totally Protected Areas, one species occurs both within and outside Totally Protected Areas, and eight species occur only outside Totally Protected Areas.
Edinburgh Journal of Botany, Begonia special issue, Article 410: 1–46 (2022). https://doi.org/10.24823/EJB.2022.410.
“Polka-dotted. Striped. Furry. Shiny. Bumpy. Ferny. Maple-shaped. Elm-shaped. Grass-shaped. Black, silver, pink, mossy green and bright apple green leaf colors. Reds and oranges, too. Some will shine in the deep forest, with a beautiful blue sheen. The variety of Begonias is incredible!”
Mel Lumby
If you can successfully grow a Darth Vader Begonia – consider yourself a badass
Begonia darthvaderiana
- Discovered in 2013 by C.W. Lin, S.W. Chung and C.I. Peng and found in Sarawak, Borneo and found in shaded valleys, streams and slopes.
- Not a beginners begonia, this one is challenging to grow. They need a humid terrarium environment. Even then, their leaves are prone to ‘melting’ if temperatures, humidity waver too much from what they like.
- This beautiful species has a cane-like habit, olive black leaves and red colouring underneath, with a white to lime green edging.
[Pictured] Begonia Darthvaderiana By Lya Solis Blog
Begonia amphioxus: Polka-dotted princess
- Begonia amphioxus was discovered in 1984 growing on a limestone hill of Batu Punggul in Sabah, Borneo.
- Their red polka dots, bizarre and narrow leaves and pointed at both ends give this species an unusual look.
- This delicate looking begonia not only has aesthetic appeal but also commercial value and are highly collectable by plant hobbyists.
- They love high humidity and require a terrarium to grow. Once happy they will produce tiny white flowers.
- Threats in the wild include timber logging, palm oil, mining and quarrying for limestone and marble. Fires, droughts and extreme weather due to climate change along with tourist activities.
[Pictured] Begonia amphioxus by Lya Solis Blog
Every animal species in Borneo relies on native plants, including humans! So it’s about time we look after Borneo’s plants – because they look after us all!
Without direct intervention in Borneo’s national parks to protect plants and animals: Everyone from orchids and orangutans, begonias and binturongs will go extinct!
[Pictured] A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan by Craig Jones Wildlife Photography
When wildlife photographer and photojournalist Craig Jones visited Sumatra, Indonesia he found protected rainforests being destroyed by multinational palm oil companies – under the greenwashing guise of “sustainable” RSPO palm oil.
Craig Jones in his own words Eyewitness: Orangutans are rescued from an RSPO plantationHere are some other ways you can help by using your wallet as a weapon and joining the #Boycott4Wildlife
Why join the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Greenwashing Tactic #4: Fake Labels
The Counterpunch: Consumer Solutions To Fight Extinction
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Palm Oil Detectives is 100% self-funded
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Say thanks on Ko-FiPhotography: Craig Jones Wildlife Photography, Wikipedia, Getty Images, PXFuel.
Words: Mel Lumby, Palm Oil Detectives, Dr Setia Budhi, Craig Jones.
Did you enjoy visiting this website?
Palm Oil Detectives is 100% self-funded
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Say thanks on Ko-Fi#Borneo #Botany #conservation #CreativesForCoolCreatures #Dayak #deforestation #endangeredPlants #flora #indigenousMedicine #indigenousRights #investigativeJournalism #journalism #Malaysia #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #plants #wildlife #wildlifeActivism
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Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Retired Horticulturalist Mel Lumby: In Her Own Words
The beautiful begonias of Borneo and beyond deserve our love and protection
Bio: Mel Lumby
Hello, I’m Melody Lumby from the US state of Oregon. Throughout my career and life (over 50 years) I have been a passionate devotee of plants and a horticulturalist. Prior to retiring, I was a horticultural buyer for a retail nursery business and a lab technician in a horticultural laboratory, testing soil amendments and soil media for quality assurance.
I have always loved Begonias. I have loved them since falling for them at age 16 when I joined the American Begonia Society in Portland, Oregon – I am still a member!
When I first joined, it was me and a bevvy of sweet grannies and together we gathered to discuss and marvel over these plants.
Now after 50 years of living with, working with and loving begonias – I’m the one with the grey hair!
I’ve seen begonias go in and out of fashion over this time.
“Oh, yes. Begonias are a little old lady plant,” they used to say….now look at them!
Begonias are no longer citizens of Dorkville. They are coveted and collected by the hip and ‘planty’
Begonias are greatly coveted by hobbyists and are shown off on social media by hip and ‘planty’ enthusiasts.
I used to pay around $3.99 USD for certain begonias. Now? Some folks will pay $399 USD for unusual and desirable species of Begonia. Sometimes it can be even more expensive than that.
Begonias have been with me through the decades, a lovely silent friend to come home to after work, during life’s trials and joys, a beautiful accompaniment to a happy life.
~ Mel Lumby
Hidden in the jungles of SE Asia, scientists estimate that there are undiscovered begonia species to the tune of three to five hundred new species on Papua New Guinea. They occupy shady forest floors and limestone cliffs, without any name given by human kind. Horticultural commerce hasn’t had a glimpse of them yet.
On Borneo, it is estimated that 400 possibly even more species of Begonia exist – primarily in the under surveyed Kalimantan district.
Begonias, along with orangutans and many other rainforest inhabitants are in danger now. Will these precious jewels of the jungle be located by scientists, described, eventually named and shared, so that people can love and marvel at their incredible beauty? Or will the bulldozer get there first, destroying where they live, making way to plant oil palm plantations for cheap palm oil?
[Pictured] Begonia Rex, National Gallery of Canada (1868)Come on an enchanting and curious journey into of the world’s most beautiful, medicinal and endangered plants of the rainforest: #Begonias with retired horticulturalist Mel Lumby @Norska11 #Boycott4Wildlife #Boycottpalmoil
Will exquisite #begonias become historical relics…no longer found in real life #rainforests? Not if Begonia lover Mel Lumby @Norska11 has anything to do with it! Help her fight for rare plants #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Download image Download printable PDF View interactive HTMLBeautiful #begonias are the unsung heroes of #rainforests. Their supreme beauty dazzles us. Their medicine protects us. Yet #corporate greed threatens them. By Horticulturalist Mel Lumby @Norska11 #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
We buy inexpensive products that contain palm oil now. It is a cheap, useful, oil that manufacturers like to use. Cookies, crackers, frozen pizza, shampoo, face lotion.
We buy these products without realising that we are contributing to rainforest destruction. Those rainforest shady places where beautiful Begonias grow are vulnerable to deforestation for palmoil.
“We are destroying swathes of rainforest containing beautiful, jewel-like, treasures. I cannot sit by quietly, while our beautiful earth burns. I must act!”
Mel Lumby on Instagram: More begonias being carefully, lovingly grownMel Lumby’s Begonia moysesii in bloom Mel Lumby’s Instagram: Evey Big Buff and Eloise Little Miss, two of my buddies hanging out in the garden bed.“I thought that I would quietly retire at the beach, grow a flower garden and happily live out my days with my chickens. I have done this. But I cannot be silent. I am now adding my voice to many others who are trying to save the animals and plants we love from mass extinction. I am only one person, but I can do something.”
Mel lumby
Photos: Mel Lumby on Instagram @spock_like_object
“I am able to help fight against the greed of palm oil. This feels so good!”
Palm Oil and Pollution by Jo FrederiksThis issue has been on my mind for quite some time now.
It really bothers me that there are beautiful undiscovered begonias that took millions of years to evolve.
We won’t even get to know about them because of dumb old palm oil!
Nobody even asked for this in our food, etc. The Palm Oil Detectives gal is really a cool person – it is an honour to try to help her.
~ Mel Lumby
Deforestation for agriculture is a clear and present threat to tropical rainforests. Especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, economic growth has come at an enormous cost to its unique plants, wild animals and indigenous peoples.
In Indonesia, 10 million hectares of primary forest was lost over the past two decades. A 2019 study identified palm oil plantations to be responsible for 23% (the single largest proportion) of the deforestation in Indonesia between 2001 and 2016.
Over 3 million hectares of the forest estate in 2019 were allocated to palm oil production, which was in strict violation of national forestry law.
It is gut-wrenching and soul-destroying to see. Now palm oil threatens plants, animals and indigenous peoples in South America, India, Papua and Africa as well.
Learn how to helpFast facts about Borneo & plant diversity
Borneo is home to more than 15,000 plant species
A diversity that rivals the African continent. This may be the highest number of plants of any region on Earth.
- There are 931 Begonia species in Southeast Asia
- Currently, there are 216 species and one subspecies of Begonia in Borneo.
- In Sarawak alone there are 96 species, with an average of at least 10 species described per year over the past 7 years.
- In Borneo, there are also 3,000 species of trees, 1,700 species of orchids and 50 carnivorous pitcher plant species.
The natural habitat of begonias is cool, moist forests and tropical rainforests, but some begonias are adapted to drier climates
[Pictured] Begonia socotrana grows in between the shady cracks in rock formations on the arid island of Socotra, Yemen.
Fast facts about the family Begoniaceae
They grow in the deeply shaded forest understory from the lowlands to mountain tops and on all rock types including granite, limestone, sandstone and ultramafic rocks.
A Guide to Begonias of Borneo by Ruth Kiew et. al.
- The Begonia was named after a French botanist in the 17th century.
- There are over 2,000 known species of family Begoniaceae – one of the largest genera of flowering plants. New species are being discovered almost on a monthly basis.
- They are mostly terrestrial and are either herbs or undershrubs, but occasionally may be grown from air (ephiphytic).
- They thrive in moist tropical and subtropical climates of South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia.
- Their leaves are often large, vividly marked and are they are assymetrical and unequal-sided, giving each plant unique beauty.
- They are popular ornamental plants for conservatories. Currently, begonias are incredibly trendy and are coveted and admired by house plant lovers all over the world.
[Pictured] Begonia Rex, National Gallery of Canada (1868)
The world’s tiniest begonia was recently discovered Begonia elachista.
They exist at the mouth of a limestone cave in central Peru and nowhere else in the world.
Then there is a newly described giant begonia from Tibet, tall enough to tower over a person: Begonia giganticaulis.
The pretty Florist’s Reiger Begonia comes in a fantastic array of colours including pinks, peaches, oranges, reds, yellows, white.
We cannot forget the lovely tuberous begonias that we plant in the shady reaches of our yards.
To plant large flowerbeds full of Wax begonias in summertime is a sheer delight.
During drought periods, Begonia socotrana drop their pretty, round, leaves and survive as a tuber.
Many years ago, Begonia socotrana was used as one of the parent plants to eventually create Florist’s Reiger Begonia mentioned above.
Mel Lumby
Exceptionally beautiful begonia paintings from history
Those lovely plants are there, for now, surrounded by tropical bird call and orangutan hoots. They often live in very small stretches of area, sometimes only existing on one hillside and nowhere else in the world. Plants can’t run away if that bulldozer comes, they are sessile, fixed in one place.
If a bulldozer razes everything and scrapes that Begonia inhabited hillside bare, that’s it – that particular begonia will be lost, gone forever from our earth in the wild. Millions of years of evolution, gone. All that beauty, gone.
Mel Lumby
[Pictured] ‘Diversity of Species in the Rainforest by Oro Verde – the Rainforest Foundation (2009).
Scientists are constantly discovering new Begonia species in Indonesia
Indonesia has one of the largest concentrations of of begonia species diversity, especially in Southeast Asia with 243 species. In 2022 alone, at least a dozen new species were discovered, here in this article below, seven are mentioned.
- Hoya batutikarensis
- Hoya buntokensis
- Dendrobium dedeksantosoi
- Rigiolepis argentii
- Begonia robii
- Begonia willemii
- Etlingera comosa
Read the full story: ‘Indonesian researchers discover seven new species of ornamental plants,’ Indonesian Window.
Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of approximately 17,508 islands and is covered by tropical rain forest, seasonal forest, mountain vegetation, subalpine shrub vegetation, swamp and coastal vegetation. With its reflective mixture of Asian and Australian native species,
Indonesia is said to possess the second largest biodiversity
in the world, with around 40,000 endemic plant species
including 6,000 medicinal plantsNugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X110060124
We may be losing plants with medicinal purposes and cures as yet unknown which will help humankind
If we bulldoze Borneo, plow down Papua New Guinea, annihilate the Amazon, we wipe out incredibly beautiful plants that haven’t yet been discovered!
It isn’t just Begonias. It’s orchids and all sorts of fascinating tropical plant species. Nepenthes, the pitcher plant species. Aroids – the wonderful Philodendron relatives of Begonias that are also popular now.
Mel Lumby
Newly discovered Begonia medicinalis has cancer-fighting properties
Begonia medicinalis was discovered only recently in 2019 by scientists. This incredible species of begonia native to Sulawesi has been used as a medicinal plant by Indigenous peoples for 1000’s of years. Now this plant has been shown to have the potential to fight cancer!
Begonia medicinalis is known as benalu batu in Bahasa Indonesia is a herbal plant that is locally used for traditional medicines. The secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids have been reported to be found in these plant extracts. The content of flavonoids can lead to anti-cancer abilities while heat-sensitive flavonoid compounds can be extracted by the Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE) method.
In this study, the anticancer potential of B. medicinalis extracts from the leaves (leaves extract/LE) and stem (stem extract/SE) in three cell lines (Hela, MDA-MB, HT-29) have been performed.
The anticancer potential was obtained from cytotoxic measurements by the MTT method on 3 types of cancer cells incubated with the extract for 24 hours. The value of total flavonoid content (TFC) in the LE was higher than that of SE extracts. Both extracts have the potential as a remedy for the treatment of cancer.
Prihardina & S Fatmawati; (2021); ‘Cytotoxicity of Begonia medicinalis aqueous extract in three cancer cell line,’: IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 913 012084. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/913/1/012084/pdf
Begonia isoptera is used by indigenous peoples in Borneo and has profoundly important medicinal properties
This Begonia species found in Borneo has been used by indigenous peoples for aeons for medicinal purposes. A study from 2011 has found that this begonia species has positive antimicrobial and antibacterial effects on the human body.
[Pictured] Begonia Isoptera in Hiroshima Botanical Gardens 2008
Read more: Nugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X110060124
Indonesia’s native plants: A medicine cabinet of powerful drugs growing in the rainforest
Indigenous peoples in Indonesia have been using native medicinal plants from their medicine cabinet – the rainforest for 1000’s of years. These medicines are influenced by Indian Ayurveda since Hinduism spread from India to Asia.
[Pictured]: Dyak/Dayak peoples in Borneo have a rich knowledge of ancient plant medicine that is recognised by western science. Images from PxFuel, creative commons.
Indigenous treatments using plants involve a combination of physical and spiritual aspects to form a holistic approach to healing.
The inclusion of indigenous medicinal plants not found in India enhanced Indigenous Indonesian medication. This was further enriched by the influence of Chinese and Arabian traders to the islands.
Dayak indigenous peoples of Borneo are knowledge-keepers of ancient indigenous medicine and treatment from plants. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Now western medicine is realising just how important it is to keep these plants from going extinct. Research shows that these plants may hold the key to unlocking fatal diseases like dementia and cancer, as well as being useful for treating common illnesses and injuries.
Dayak Indigenous Ethnographer Dr Setia Budhi: In His Own WordsMost of this indigenous knowledge of medicine is not recorded. It is passed down verbally in stories from generation to generation and healer to healer.
Interview with Dr Budhi Short story by Dr Budhi“For Dayak peoples in Borneo, the land is mother, where they plant fruit, vegetables and grains for their families. The soil is mother where trees grow and develop.
“From these trees they harvest an abundance of creeping rattan for medicine, food and crafts.
“The forest has a ritual function, a medicinal function and a family protection function.”
Dr Setia Budhi, Dayak Ethnographer.
Historically, Dutch colonialists of Indonesia incorporated elements of indigenous medicine into their treatments, due to lack of availability of western medicine from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Medical texts from this period show that physicians found traditional medicines to be legitimate and effective in treating common illnesses. These publications include:
- De medicina Indorum by Bontius in 1642
- The Ambonese herbal by Rumphius in 1741
- Materia Indica by van der Burg in 1885
- De nuttige planten van Nederlansch Indie by Heyne in 1927
- Select Indonesian medicinal plants by Steenis Kruseman in 1953
- The Medical Journal of the Dutch East-Indies (1894- 1925)
[Pictured] Dutch colonialists overseeing the local workers in a warehouse in Deli Medan North Sumatra, 1897. www.nationaalarchief.nl
Since the 1970’s, the use of lab-based equipment, technology and computational modelling has revealed the remarkable properties of Indonesian rainforest plants, which have anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents within them.
Read more
The wonder drugs of the rainforest: Nugraha, Ari S, et. al (2011) . ‘Revealing Indigenous Indonesian Traditional Medicine: Anti-infective Agents’, Natural Product Communications.
Professor Budiman Minasny; ‘The dark history of slavery and racism in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period’ (2020), University of Sydney, The Conversation.
This is what stands to be lost if more rainforests are destroyed for timber and palm oil in SE Asia, Papua, Africa and South America
“I can’t only be a begonia collector/grower anymore. Boycotts work to shift brands to act when governments fail to act” ~ Mel Lumby
Please join me and a growing number of people around the world who love nature, rainforests, animals and plants and who make an effort daily to push back against the corrupt and greedy people funded by the palm oil industry to spread greenwashing misinformation about “sustainable” palm oil.
Together we can use our wallets as weapons, #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife” ~ Mel Lumby
Join the #Boycott4WildlifeBegonias in blossom by Freepix
Borneo is in great danger of being destroyed by deforestation to plant palm oil plantations.
Other places as well: Papua New Guinea, The Amazon, African countries like Guinea. You have seen the news. Our world is in trouble.
There are places with undiscovered endemic plant species with very limited habitats being bulldozed, burned and cut down. Science hasn’t even found these plants! We chop down their only habitat before they get discovered!
Amazing new Begonia species are being discovered all the time in Borneo: Begonia baik, Begonia darthvaderiana, Begonia nothobarimensis. And on and on. Scientists are still finding new and wonderful species there.
It’s super easy to get into a nihilist mindset these days
“It is a struggle and depressing when one realises how everything in the natural world is set up to be used, abused and destroyed – simply for profit!
“We have all been through ‘some things’ these last few years, that’s for sure! I just focus, concentrate and keep going. When it all gets too much, I take a couple of days to chill. Then I begin again with campaigning against tropical deforestation and against palm oil.”
Mel Lumby
The regal and rare Begonia rajah
Begonia rajah is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Peninsular Malaysia. They typically have striking bronze leaves and contrasting green veins, and are best suited for terrariums.
Watercolour painting of Begonia rajah of an original wild-collected plant grown in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore via Singapore Botanic Gardens.Begonia coriacea is a species native to Indonesia
Begonia coriacea – Hooker – Curtis Botanical Magazine Bot. Mag. 78 t. 4676 (1852)Stinky meat flowers of Borneo: Rafflesia arnoldii & Rafflesia pricei
Rafflesia pricei by Rimbawan on Getty Images Rafflesia arnoldsii by Boris 25 on Getty ImagesBorneo is also home to the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia arnoldii. They along with their relatives, are parasites, living their entire lives inside of tropical vines. These amazing plants only ever emerge when it is time to flower and flower they do! Their superficial resemblance to a rotting carcass goes much deeper than looks alone. These flowers give off a fetid odour of rotting flesh that is proportional to their size, but not to their visual beauty. This aroma has earned them the nickname “carrion flowers.”
12 new species of begonia were found on Sarawak in 2022
Different species of Begonia by Botanicus http://www.botanicus.orgTwelve new species and one new record of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Sarawak, Malaysia, are described. All species belong to Begonia sect. Petermannia. Three species are recorded from Totally Protected Areas, one species occurs both within and outside Totally Protected Areas, and eight species occur only outside Totally Protected Areas.
Edinburgh Journal of Botany, Begonia special issue, Article 410: 1–46 (2022). https://doi.org/10.24823/EJB.2022.410.
“Polka-dotted. Striped. Furry. Shiny. Bumpy. Ferny. Maple-shaped. Elm-shaped. Grass-shaped. Black, silver, pink, mossy green and bright apple green leaf colors. Reds and oranges, too. Some will shine in the deep forest, with a beautiful blue sheen. The variety of Begonias is incredible!”
Mel Lumby
If you can successfully grow a Darth Vader Begonia – consider yourself a badass
Begonia darthvaderiana
- Discovered in 2013 by C.W. Lin, S.W. Chung and C.I. Peng and found in Sarawak, Borneo and found in shaded valleys, streams and slopes.
- Not a beginners begonia, this one is challenging to grow. They need a humid terrarium environment. Even then, their leaves are prone to ‘melting’ if temperatures, humidity waver too much from what they like.
- This beautiful species has a cane-like habit, olive black leaves and red colouring underneath, with a white to lime green edging.
[Pictured] Begonia Darthvaderiana By Lya Solis Blog
Begonia amphioxus: Polka-dotted princess
- Begonia amphioxus was discovered in 1984 growing on a limestone hill of Batu Punggul in Sabah, Borneo.
- Their red polka dots, bizarre and narrow leaves and pointed at both ends give this species an unusual look.
- This delicate looking begonia not only has aesthetic appeal but also commercial value and are highly collectable by plant hobbyists.
- They love high humidity and require a terrarium to grow. Once happy they will produce tiny white flowers.
- Threats in the wild include timber logging, palm oil, mining and quarrying for limestone and marble. Fires, droughts and extreme weather due to climate change along with tourist activities.
[Pictured] Begonia amphioxus by Lya Solis Blog
Every animal species in Borneo relies on native plants, including humans! So it’s about time we look after Borneo’s plants – because they look after us all!
Without direct intervention in Borneo’s national parks to protect plants and animals: Everyone from orchids and orangutans, begonias and binturongs will go extinct!
[Pictured] A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan by Craig Jones Wildlife Photography
When wildlife photographer and photojournalist Craig Jones visited Sumatra, Indonesia he found protected rainforests being destroyed by multinational palm oil companies – under the greenwashing guise of “sustainable” RSPO palm oil.
Craig Jones in his own words Eyewitness: Orangutans are rescued from an RSPO plantationHere are some other ways you can help by using your wallet as a weapon and joining the #Boycott4Wildlife
Why join the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Greenwashing Tactic #4: Fake Labels
The Counterpunch: Consumer Solutions To Fight Extinction
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Palm Oil Detectives is 100% self-funded
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Say thanks on Ko-FiPhotography: Craig Jones Wildlife Photography, Wikipedia, Getty Images, PXFuel.
Words: Mel Lumby, Palm Oil Detectives, Dr Setia Budhi, Craig Jones.
Did you enjoy visiting this website?
Palm Oil Detectives is 100% self-funded
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Say thanks on Ko-Fi#Borneo #Botany #conservation #CreativesForCoolCreatures #Dayak #deforestation #endangeredPlants #flora #indigenousMedicine #indigenousRights #investigativeJournalism #journalism #Malaysia #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #plants #wildlife #wildlifeActivism
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Aerobatic engine mounts for the RV-8, a plane Vans explicitly calls out as being capable of Sportsman IAC competitions, are unavailable from Vans and cost $975 each - you need four. And you'll get them next May. At least AEK Technology will let me order them! #rv8
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Progress on the coast - Cronulla, NSW
Construction cranes rise while the waves keep rolling in.
Shot this on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, with the Sydney skyline framed just right in the distance.
City, surf, and scaffolding — all in one frame.#Cronulla #SydneySkyline #UrbanCoastline #ConstructionView #DJIMavic4Pro #DronePerspective #AerialPhotography #CoastalUrban #CityInTheDistance #BeachAndBuild #DroneView #SeeAustralia #VisitNSW #CoastalDevelopment #CronullaBeach #DroneOfTheDay #ModernAustralia
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Dfiance Review: A Unique Tactical Card Game Experience
Disclaimer
I was sent some free in-game currency to review Dfiance for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Shameless Self-Promotion
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What is Dfiance?
Dfiance is a free-to-play pvp tactical cardgame out now on steam.
Choose one of three unique factions as you command a battlefield of powerful allies in your quest for conquest. Dominate your enemies by strategically placing your enemies your enemies in a way that gives you the advantage. What faction will you choose? How far up the ladder can you climb?
Gameplay
Dfiance reminds me of Gwent, with a few extra steps. Players build a deck based on their favorite faction and try to build synergy through their interactions. All players start with the same three starter decks and can use currency they earn by playing the game to buy more cards. There is a ranked and casual mode for pvp and an AI mode for those who want to practice.
The game itself requires some unique strategy. I recommend looking up videos on YouTube after finishing the tutorial because there are some mechanics and nuances that aren’t very intuitive, especially when it comes to the upgrade system. I recommend checking out the game’s official YouTube page. Players essentially take turns placing units on the battlefield. The battlefield is split into four sections, two flanks, a frontline, and a backline. Each card has a cost, and players must navigate the game’s unique mana system efficiently to earn the most points before the end of the game. Some cards have effects that create unique interactions with other cards on the board, (their own or the opponents). Its a unique game that makes more sense the more you play it.
Review
Dfiance game that you need to stick with past the initial slump. The game does not have enough of a player base for consistent fair matchmaking, so new players will have a hard time with all the loses. Others will take issue with how different the gameplay loop is, especially when compared when coming from one of the big three TCGs. It took me a couple of hours before the gameplay was able to click and I was able to enjoy the game. So what do I think? Let me start with the good.
The game will draw players with its flavor and art. The game looks fantastic! The battlefield gave me the impression that I was commanding a powerful army, even though I lacked the skill to do so. The art on the cards is beautiful, especially if you are fan of fantasy. I love how each faction looks and feels different. I enjoyed looking through each card and appreciate the amount of flavor that went into each faction.
The game itself runs great. I never encountered noticeable performance issues. The game is in a good place, but it needs more players. A lot of my matches did feel unfair. There is some skill issue that needs to be factored into this as well, but I was at a clear disadvantage trying to climb the ladder with the starter decks. The starter decks are fine for teaching players the fundamentals, but they’re missing a few key mechanics that will win you games. Again, this could be a skill issue.
Players can upgrade their decks or their existing cards by buying packs., but it does feel like a grind to do so. I don’t know how I feel about game’s monetization. On one hand, it is nice that there seems to be a limit to keep the whales from running away from the game, on the other, the free-to-play grind feels a little steep. Again, this could be a skill issue, but it didn’t feel very casual. This could be because I was always losing.
Another issue I have with the grind is that packs don’t give enough cards. Players can buy into their favorite faction which is nice, but only have two options: a starter pack for 100g and a regular pack for 600g. For 100 gold, players can open 5 card packs without a chance at a legendary. This is a good way to build a collection for a faction, but lacks a bit of key power. For 600g, players get that chance at higher rarities, but that price just seems too high. I got enough currency for two normal packs and feel like I wasted my money and that is bad for the player who spends money, and worse for the player who grinds for it. When everyone feels like they have a better deck on the ladder, not getting enough cards for a proper upgrade is going to turn off some players. Packs should have more cards.
Buying into a faction you like is cool, but finding what that is another story. The starter decks give players a proper preview of each faction’s unique mechanics. Not being able to find a fair match makes it hard to choose a faction. Players can practice against the game’s AI or thug it out in casual PvP to find a solution, but choosing wrong feels bad when the card packs are so expensive. This is an issue that will fix itself with more players, the problem is, will players stick around long enough for that to happen?
Honestly, the game is a unique take on the genre that more players need to try. The game has very cool flavor with very neat interactions. At the moment, the only issue I have with the game is that the new player experience isn’t great, especially if you’ve never played card games before. With a healthier playerbase, a lot of the issues I have with the game won’t be as bad.It just needs more players. If you are a new player, try to stick with it until you get past the hump before deciding to step away. Watch videos to ensure you aren’t wasting valuable resources. I personally don’t like the loop, but it is a game that will carve out its niche.
Go check Dfiance out on Steam. It is free-to-play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJJ7klVZFPA&ab_channel=Dfiance
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