Hello everyone reading this,
I work at a small up in coming chain restaurant that is fast casual. I started working there some time last summer and it has been a consistent bumpy road. The main issue is, the restaurant only needs a few employees to run it so if you don't click with your fellow co-workers than you don't click. I'm sure to your complete surprise (/s) I didn't click.
One co-worker in particular hated me when I first started working there and they've admitted it to me on a number of different occasions. The reason for their dislike of me will be written below. Things eventually simmered down, "X" and I are usually decent when it's just the 2 of us working together, but every Friday when more of us are scheduled to work things change. I feel like "X" and the other co-workers listen to me less if at all, I feel like I become the object of teasing and poking. When I reach the point of annoyance and confront them on it or snap back I get to hear, "I was just TeAsInG", "you're the oldest you're suppose to be mature." "Why can't you handle people teasing you?" "It's just because I do a better job than you."
It drives me nuts but I don't feel like I can say anything cause I am the oldest, besides my manager. (And the cooks) I work with a bunch of highschoolers and I'm 21.
Recently our store has just traded managers, the new manager is sweet and all but they haven't seen the months of teasing and bad blood between me and "X". Tonight me and "X" really got into it cause I was trying to do "Position 1" and "X" wanted to do it. I wouldn't it give it up and it turned into bad bantering between me and him which lasted through the night, then got topped of with teasing that quickly became redundant and annoying. It wouldn't have been so bad if me and "X" were on better terms, but stuff like this has happened ever since last summer. Sometimes the way they choose to tease me kinda hurts and I'm not the greatest with comebacks. I can hold my own when it's one on one, but when it's multiple co-workers I feel less able. It doesn't stop until I reach a point of leaving the situation for a moment. (Which is immature, I know) Once I'm back then "X" usually stops. The manager left long before I took a minute to breath but she saw the squabble go down and didn't seem too impressed with how I was acting, kinda makes me think I'm not going to make it onto her favorable list.
I'm moving out of state at the end of July, so I'm torn between just sticking it out or handing in my two weeks and moving on. The job pays really well and is great with scheduling (they agree to not let me work weekends) but that's were the highlights end. Any advice?
Reason why X hated me: from what I know, when I first started working both I and "X" wanted to be managers. "X" thought I was going to replace him and that's what, I think, fueled his hatred. . . .There's a lot of background things I could write about but I'm pretty exhausted from everything that's been going on, so unfortunately a choppy reddit post is all I have in me rn.

Hello everyone reading this,
I work at a small up in coming chain restaurant that is fast casual. I started working there some time last summer and it has been a consistent bumpy road. The main issue is, the restaurant only needs a few employees to run it so if you don't click with your fellow co-workers than you don't click. I'm sure to your complete surprise (/s) I didn't click.
One co-worker in particular hated me when I first started working there and they've admitted it to me on a number of different occasions. The reason for their dislike of me will be written below. Things eventually simmered down, "X" and I are usually decent when it's just the 2 of us working together, but every Friday when more of us are scheduled to work things change. I feel like "X" and the other co-workers listen to me less if at all, I feel like I become the object of teasing and poking. When I reach the point of annoyance and confront them on it or snap back I get to hear, "I was just TeAsInG", "you're the oldest you're suppose to be mature." "Why can't you handle people teasing you?" "It's just because I do a better job than you."
It drives me nuts but I don't feel like I can say anything cause I am the oldest, besides my manager. (And the cooks) I work with a bunch of highschoolers and I'm 21.
Recently our store has just traded managers, the new manager is sweet and all but they haven't seen the months of teasing and bad blood between me and "X". Tonight me and "X" really got into it cause I was trying to do "Position 1" and "X" wanted to do it. I wouldn't it give it up and it turned into bad bantering between me and him which lasted through the night, then got topped of with teasing that quickly became redundant and annoying. It wouldn't have been so bad if me and "X" were on better terms, but stuff like this has happened ever since last summer. Sometimes the way they choose to tease me kinda hurts and I'm not the greatest with comebacks. I can hold my own when it's one on one, but when it's multiple co-workers I feel less able. It doesn't stop until I reach a point of leaving the situation for a moment. (Which is immature, I know) Once I'm back then "X" usually stops. The manager left long before I took a minute to breath but she saw the squabble go down and didn't seem too impressed with how I was acting, kinda makes me think I'm not going to make it onto her favorable list.
I'm moving out of state at the end of July, so I'm torn between just sticking it out or handing in my two weeks and moving on. The job pays really well and is great with scheduling (they agree to not let me work weekends) but that's were the highlights end. Any advice?
Reason why X hated me: from what I know, when I first started working both I and "X" wanted to be managers. "X" thought I was going to replace him and that's what, I think, fueled his hatred. . . .There's a lot of background things I could write about but I'm pretty exhausted from everything that's been going on, so unfortunately a choppy reddit post is all I have in me rn.

Hello everyone reading this,
I work at a small up in coming chain restaurant that is fast casual. I started working there some time last summer and it has been a consistent bumpy road. The main issue is, the restaurant only needs a few employees to run it so if you don't click with your fellow co-workers than you don't click. I'm sure to your complete surprise (/s) I didn't click.
One co-worker in particular hated me when I first started working there and they've admitted it to me on a number of different occasions. The reason for their dislike of me will be written below. Things eventually simmered down, "X" and I are usually decent when it's just the 2 of us working together, but every Friday when more of us are scheduled to work things change. I feel like "X" and the other co-workers listen to me less if at all, I feel like I become the object of teasing and poking. When I reach the point of annoyance and confront them on it or snap back I get to hear, "I was just TeAsInG", "you're the oldest you're suppose to be mature." "Why can't you handle people teasing you?" "It's just because I do a better job than you."
It drives me nuts but I don't feel like I can say anything cause I am the oldest, besides my manager. (And the cooks) I work with a bunch of highschoolers and I'm 21.
Recently our store has just traded managers, the new manager is sweet and all but they haven't seen the months of teasing and bad blood between me and "X". Tonight me and "X" really got into it cause I was trying to do "Position 1" and "X" wanted to do it. I wouldn't it give it up and it turned into bad bantering between me and him which lasted through the night, then got topped of with teasing that quickly became redundant and annoying. It wouldn't have been so bad if me and "X" were on better terms, but stuff like this has happened ever since last summer. Sometimes the way they choose to tease me kinda hurts and I'm not the greatest with comebacks. I can hold my own when it's one on one, but when it's multiple co-workers I feel less able. It doesn't stop until I reach a point of leaving the situation for a moment. (Which is immature, I know) Once I'm back then "X" usually stops. The manager left long before I took a minute to breath but she saw the squabble go down and didn't seem too impressed with how I was acting, kinda makes me think I'm not going to make it onto her favorable list.
I'm moving out of state at the end of July, so I'm torn between just sticking it out or handing in my two weeks and moving on. The job pays really well and is great with scheduling (they agree to not let me work weekends) but that's were the highlights end. Any advice?
Reason why X hated me: from what I know, when I first started working both I and "X" wanted to be managers. "X" thought I was going to replace him and that's what, I think, fueled his hatred. . . .There's a lot of background things I could write about but I'm pretty exhausted from everything that's been going on, so unfortunately a choppy reddit post is all I have in me rn.

Julia Holdom New Zealand Tertiary College

Practitioner Research： Vol 5, No 3 - May 2018

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A personal reflection

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Figure 1: Children at Little Einstein’s Educare in Cambridge lead the design, planning, and execution of the construction of a hut made out of tree branches after recent stormy weather.
When introduced to the acronym STEM (which stood for science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning in early childhood education (ECE), I was immediately intrigued. Having been a kaiako (teacher) in rural New Zealand and growing up on a dairy farm, natural, hands-on, child-lead, and inquiry-based learning was my passion. It always sat well with me that Te Whāriki: He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early Childhood Curriculum (Te Whāriki) (Ministry of Education [MoE], 2017) backed by decades of research and literature supports a play-based approach to learning in the early years in New Zealand. It did not come as a surprise to me then that STEM learning, a term for the learning areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, a buzz phrase making its way around the international academic world, was something I recognised as intrinsically woven throughout early childhood curriculum and programs in Aotearoa/New Zealand. As a result, I presented on STEM learning in ECE with Fiona Woodgate, at the 2017 New Zealand Tertiary College symposium and have since been speaking with kaiako from different regions in New Zealand to get a broader idea of how STEM learning is integrated into their ECE programs.
Due to a rapidly evolving, complex and technologically advancing society, it is now well recognised that future societies are going to need to be equipped with a range of problem solving and creative thinking dispositions, rather than specific skill sets (Allen, 2016; Smith, 2016; Rodriguez, 2016; Wise Lindeman & McKendry Anderson, 2015). The young children of today need to be involved in real world, contextually relevant learning, in order to support their communities, preparing them for educational opportunities in the future, as well as a wide range of careers that may not currently exist (Allen, 2016; Draper & Wood, 2017). This realisation has resulted in a strong international focus on the concept of STEM learning in today’s varying education settings. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), whilst a relatively new term in the early childhood education sector in New Zealand, is not a new concept. Its focus is to support children in learning problem solving, creative thinking, investigation skills and design, through multi-content curricula (Sharapan, 2012; Boston Children’s Museum, n.d.; Gartrell, 2016).
This reflective article begins to explore the concept of STEM through the lens of Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017). The world renowned curriculum document is well known for its focus on dispositional, play-based learning, and the weaving of multiple curriculum content areas throughout daily and ongoing learning experiences. Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017) not only focuses on skill acquisition, but on dispositions and attitudes that support learning throughout a lifetime. This article presents an explanation of how teachers can support STEM concepts and experiences from ECE settings inAotearoa/New Zealand are shared to provoke thinking and reflection.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – An introduction

In ECE, recognising individual aspects of STEM learning can be relatively simple. Children are naturally curious, and begin to explore the world around them from infancy, developing their own working theories about how the world works through the people, places and things that they interact with (MoE, 2017). In this sense, they are natural born scientists, investigating, questioning, exploring, and experimenting. As they explore, they are often confronted with simple scientific and mathematical concepts, such as learning about gravity, force and motion, quantity, number, weight, space, and time through play (Boston Children’s Museum, n.d.; Sharapan, 2012; Hamlin & Wisneski, 2012; Bosse, Jacobs & Anderson, 2009).
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Figure 2: Building a relationship with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) is seen as an essential aspect of early childhood in Aotearoa/New Zealand, which can lead to increased environmentalism and sustainability in years to come. Children are encouraged to be involved in the care of the natural environment, and here, they are engaged with centre family members in exploring the garden, utilising and leaning valuable STEM concepts in the process.
Working theories are the evolving ideas and understandings that children develop as they use their existing knowledge to try to make sense of new experiences. Children are most likely to generate and refine working theories in learning environments where uncertainty is valued, inquiry is modelled, and making meaning is the goal” (MoE, 2017, p. 23).
Often within children’s play arises the opportunity to use varying tools to support their learning. Utilising tools with a purpose for design or problem solving can be understood as technology (Dietze & Kashin, 2012; Young & Elliot, 2003). Technology in ECE is often viewed by kaiako as digital technology, and the use of information communication technology (ICT) (Wise Lindeman & McKendry Anderson, 2015), however it is imperative to recognise that technology is anything that has been designed for and is used for a purpose, generally being to make a task easier, quicker, or more productive (Young & Elliot, 2003; Fleer & Jane, 2011). In my experience, engineering is perhaps the more challenging notion to identify as part of young children’s learning and development, in part due to some teachers’ lack of content knowledge in this area, but also the complexities of this concept for children in the early years. Much of the literature on STEM learning focuses on engineering for children from preschool age onwards (3+) without mentioning the infant and toddler years. Perhaps this is due to the perception of what design and engineering is for differing ages. Is a toddler not engineering when they are constructing with sand in the sandpit? Is an infant not designing when creating art with finger paints or food on different surfaces during experiences every day?
“The day-to-day programme and environment are organised in such a way that children can initiate purposeful, problem-solving activities and devise and solve problems to their own satisfaction using a variety of materials and equipment” (MoE, 2017, p. 49).
Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations (MoE, 2007, p. 26).Technology is intervention by design: the use of practical and intellectual resources to develop products and systems (technological outcomes) that expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising opportunities. Adaptation and innovation are at the heart of technological practice. Quality outcomes result from thinking and practices that are informed, critical, and creative.... Technology is never static. It is influenced by and in turn impacts on the cultural, ethical, environmental, political, and economic conditions of the day (MoE, 2007, p. 26).Engineers design technology using a combination of science and math (Pantoya, Aguirre-Munoz & Hunt, 2015, p. 61). Engineering is solving problems, using a variety of materials, designing and creating, and building things that work (Boston Children’s Museum, 2013, p. 3).Mathematics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in quantities, space, and time. Statistics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in data. These two disciplines are related but different ways of thinking and of solving problems. Both equip students with effective means for investigating, interpreting, explaining, and making sense of the world in which they live (MoE, 2007, p. 26).
Whilst internationally, the concept of STEM focuses on inquiry and project-based learning, often planned for, facilitated and led by adults, I see this concept being represented in a range of educational settings, woven through a range of pedagogical approaches and philosophies of teaching in New Zealand. In line with the vision of Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017), STEM learning occurs naturally in children’s play, need not be teacher-led or project focused (Gartrell, 2016; Draper & Wood, 2017) and can effectively be supported in a socioculturally relevant context for individual learners and their learning communities (Hamlin & Wisneski, 2012; Moomaw & Davis, 2010; Neill, 2009).
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning is important for all children, individually, and within social groups of learners. The common theme within the four STEM concepts, is that they are all content areas that occur naturally through play. When children are natural learners, curious in nature, they do not require adults to give them answers to questions, and do not benefit greatly from this method of teaching (Allen, 2016; Sharapan, 2012). Instead, children develop life-long dispositions of inquiry, curiosity and independent thinking by having inquiry skills scaffolded or modelled to them. Often children embrace the opportunity to investigate for themselves, experimenting, exploring, making mistakes, and using trial and error. In this sense, STEM learning is a way of being, a way of playing and a way of learning (Boston Children’s Museum, n.d.). So where do kaiako fit into STEM learning?
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Figure 3: Through their natural urges, infants and toddlers explore mathematic and scientific concepts through play with the support of their kaiako, as well as through environmental prompts, provocations and play invitations.

The science, technology, engineering and mathematics environment

There are a number of areas worth considering when planning for and facilitating learning in diverse and unique education settings. One of the most obvious in play-based, child-led settings is the physical environment. Those familiar with the Reggio Emilio approach will have heard of the notion of the environment as the third teacher (Delany, 2011) and providing opportunities for child-led learning through the design of and resources available in the child’s physical learning environment. It is imperative that the environment supports STEM learning so that children may engage in STEM learning experiences both independently, as well as with peers and kaiako (Hamlin & Wisneski, 2012). Long gone are the days of including a science, mathematics or technology corner in your classroom or setting (Neill, 2009; Delany, 2011), instead the emphasis is on saturating the environment in resources that encourage authentic, real-world, familiar and culturally relevant ways of exploring. These resources do not need to be expensive and single purpose, and can easily be found in our natural environments. As New Zealand makes more of a move towards environmental sustainability, and eco-schools become more popular (Vincent-Snow, 2017; Enviroschools, n.d.), reusing and recycling materials becomes an exciting way to make the most of what we have available to us, and supports children’s creativity.
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Figure 4: Uninterrupted play allows these tamariki time to work together to create, design, problem solve, and imagine. Here, children in the Tui room of Little Einstein’s Educare have created a structure to protect themselves from the ‘Lava’ beneath.
Another popular move in recent years appears to be the inclination to get out into nature to support real life, hands on learning. Emphasis has been made on preventing a generation of children with Nature Deficit Disorder, a term coined by Richard Louv (2005) in his book Last Child in the Woods. Kaiako and children are venturing out into whatever natural environments they have available to them, such as local parks, reserves or forests to make the most of natural learning that occurs when children are empowered to explore, question, and discover. science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning could not be more evident in these opportunities to explore and build a relationship with Papatūānuku.
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Figure 5: Nature Days are becoming increasingly popular in ECE settings that can accommodate such expeditions. Children are empowered to use a variety of tools to explore, create and design, and developing working theories through the relationship they are building with the natural world around them.

Reflective Prompts

Consider the ECE settings and environments you are familiar with.Does your environment invite exploration? Are there spaces, in which children can taste, touch, smell, listen and look?Are there gardens and natural spaces for children to independently explore nature science, earth science and opportunities for children to play with different matter to build working theories about the natural and physical world?Are there loose parts provided both inside and out for children to construct, build, design, create and begin to develop theories around science and mathematics through size, weight, height, gravity, momentum, trajectory and more?Do you have pen, paper, clipboards, scissors, cameras and other technological tools available to children in different areas that they can easily access and use to document, plan, take notes and draw about their learning and discoveries – inviting engagement in the concept of engineering?
“Children have opportunities to explore how things move and how they can be moved by, for example, blowing, throwing, pushing, pulling, rolling, swinging and sinking. Children have access to technology that enables them to explore movement, for example, wheels, pulleys, magnets and swings. Children have opportunities to develop spatial understandings by fitting things together and taking things apart, rearranging and reshaping objects and materials, seeing things from different spatial viewpoints and using a magnifying glass” (MoE, 2017, p. 49).

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics books

Books are an essential resource for any STEM learning environment (Bosse, Jacobs & Anderson, 2009; Boston Children’s Museum, n.d.). Not only is it important for children to access reference books with correct images and names of items, something Fred Rogers found instrumental in supporting children’s language acquisition and development (Sharapan, 2012), but also fictional and non-fiction story books about people and characters whom are investigators, explorers, inventors, designers and problem solvers themselves (Pantoya, Aguirre-Munoz & Hunt, 2015). Children’s scientific and engineering identities are supported as they explore literature that introduces concepts, dispositions and attitudes children recognise within themselves, and they are able to develop deeper understanding of STEM concepts as they explore these in context through stories, characters and the arts (McLean, Jones & Schaper, 2015; Sackes, Trundle & Flevares, 2009).
In addition to this, Kathy Trundle’s work on inquiry-based learning emphasises the opportunities that arise through purposeful interactions between kaiako, children and books to scaffold children’s inquiry skills.
Fictional children’s books to support STEM learning and identity in the early years:Inventor McGregor by Kathleen T. PelleyThe Grandma McGarvey series by Jenny HessellOh the Things they Invented by Dr SeussRosie Revere, Engineer; and Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beatty and David RobertsAnything is Possible by Giulia Belloni

Risk taking

Wise Lindeman and McKendry Anderson (2015) emphasise that children need real-world experience and real-world problems in order to have a chance at developing solutions to these. Pawlina and Stanford ( as cited in Wise Lindeman & McKendry Anderson, 2015) add that educators must view mistakes as opportunities to grow children’s brains. Here, teachers must consider both physical risk taking, as well as emotional and mental risk taking. In today’s society, maintaining the physical health and safety of the children in our care settings seems to have counterbalanced the human need to take risks in order to learn. Kaiako are finding themselves challenged beyond comfort when it comes to children’s safety, and the balance between safe and calculated risks, children learning from experience, and adults protecting children from physical injury is out of sync. However, research shows that children need these experiences to learn for themselves, and that without these risk-taking experiences, children will not be adequately prepared for challenges they will face in the future, both physically and mentally (Brynes-Swiatek, 2017; Curtis, 2010; Gramling, 2010; Warden, 2010). When it comes to emotional and mental risk taking, we must consider how we are supporting children to try new things, supporting them to push themselves out of their comfort zones, and risk making mistakes and being wrong, all whilst remaining confident that their holistic wellbeing needs are being met to maintain a safe learning environment.
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Figure 6: When the tolerance for risk is zero, children don’t really risk loss of life or limb, but more often than not, they risk losing valuable experiences with the world they inhabit. (Gramling, 2010, p. 51).
Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017) supports this through its sociocultural approach to learning, outlining the need for children to learn in culturally and socially relevant contexts. In addition to this, aspects of dispositional learning such as perseverance, persisting with difficulty, and facing challenges or uncertainty (MoE, 2017), are outlined as important for life-long learning. Risk taking is highlighted as a desirable learning outcome throughout the Exploration strand of Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017), particularly for toddlers and young children. Risk taking, mistakes, failure, trial and error are all significantly important in STEM learning and developing perseverance, inquiry skills, attitudes towards exploration and creative thinking.

Reflective Questions

Does your learning environment, both material and otherwise, provide opportunities for children to take risks physically, cognitively and emotionally?Are children encouraged and supported to experiment, to trial, to make mistakes, to fail or succeed, and to revisit their learning?Do your environments allow for independent and group creative thinking and problem solving?

Time

Providing children with not only the space and resources needed for exploration and enquiry learning, but the time to discover at their own pace, and the opportunity to document or revisit their learning is crucial. Gifting children the time to figure things out for themselves, without interrupting their learning with a quick answer, supports an attitude and disposition towards creative thinking and problem solving. Dr. Emmi Pikler (as cited in Christie, 2012) emphasised the importance of slowing down one’s practice and interactions to deeply engage with the children during interactions. Toni Christie (2012) states that the practice of taking adequate time deepens teachers’ awareness and knowledge of each child. The same concept can be applied to children’s interactions with the world around them. Can giving children the time to explore, think and discover deepen their awareness and knowledge of the world around them, teaching them more about science, mathematics, engineering and technology in real-world, contextually relevant and authentic ways?
“The learning outcomes in each strand are broad statements that encompass valued knowledge, skills, attitudes and dispositions that children develop over time” (MoE, 2017, p. 22).
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Figure 7: Hands on Science in action! Many New Zealand ECE settings are making a move to embrace children’s natural inclination to get messy during their exploratory play. Science occurs in many forms, why not through mud and water play?
In addition to giving children the time needed to learn, do teachers support children to stay on task and be focused on the interest they have taken, or do they interrupt this learning with routines? In Carr and Lee’s (2011) research on children’s learning wisdom, they highlight the importance of teachers adopting strategies to support children to revisit their learning. One strategy suggested is that “Teachers can document the changes in children’s understanding” (Fleer, 2008 as cited in Hamlin & Wisneski, 2012, p. 85). This allows children to deepen their engagement, and develop an openness to experiences and a capacity to reflect, in order to make sense of their learning.
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Figure 8: Working together as a team to solve problems, think creatively and develop theories about how things work. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics all evident through child initiated play experiences.
Reflective Questions:Are children gifted the time needed to explore, design, create and learn in uninterrupted environments?Do the routines of the day disrupt this learning or do they support busy learners to continue their work?Are children given the tools and strategies required to support them to document and revisit their learning? Are kaiako skilled in the art of observation, knowing when to step in, and when to step back?Are kaiako gifted the time to support children’s learning in this way, or are they too busy with the organisational tasks of the day?Do teacher - child ratios support quality STEM interactions?

Purposeful, intentional teaching

Once we have decided as kaiako whether we should step back to observe, or step in to add value to the child’s learning experience, the responses we provide must consist of high quality, purposeful, thoughtful interactions with children (MoE, 2017). In these moments, teachers need to be highly sensitive and aware of what the child needs from them – more often than not, it is not an answer they need, but stimulating investigation habits and behaviours being modelled to them (Sharapan, 2012). Kaiako must embrace opportunities to model moments of wonder, using questions that may prompt curiosity within children, and the opportunity to co-construct ideas and working theories in collaborative settings (Allen, 2016; Boston Children’s Museum, n.d.; Sharapan, 2012).
The key to these experiences is not to make the mistake of answering children’s questions with an answer, but to provide intentional, open-ended questions and comments that get the children thinking (Boston Children’s Museum, n.d.; Sharapan, 2012). Equally as important, is the need to model and introduce the use of varying tools to support their enquiry, so that they may seek their own answers independently in future.
Modelling STEM language is crucial to a child’s ability to learn STEM enquiry and thinking themselves. In addition to questions, modelling scientific, mathematical and investigative language is important to support children’s inclination to develop their own working theories. Supporting children by modelling language, describing using scientific, mathematical and technological words will give them the tools to use to do the same in future experiences. This will also normalise STEM concepts and learning for children (Sharapan, 2012).
It is important to support children’s scientific enquiry in new ways too – perhaps in ways they had not thought of themselves. This is where we are scaffolding their learning, in that they are learning new ideas and knowledge in a social situation from others. Part of STEM learning is how children understand investigative thinking and processes. Imperative to science, engineering and design are STEM process skills (Neill, 2009). The Ministry of Education supports this by adding that children should have opportunities to demonstrate “curiosity and the ability to enquire into, research, explore, generate and modify working theories about the natural, social, physical, spiritual and man-made worlds… [and the] ability to represent [these] discoveries using expressive media, including digital media” (2017, p. 47).
“Kaiako are the key resource in any ECE service. Their primary responsibility is to facilitate children’s learning and development through thoughtful and intentional pedagogy. This means they require a wide range of capabilities [including being] knowledgeable about play-based curriculum and pedagogy and able to conceptualise, plan and enact curriculum that is motivating, enjoyable and accessible for all children, [and] able to integrate domain knowledge (for example science and arts knowledge) into the curriculum” (MoE, 2017, p. 59).

Conclusion

The rapidly changing world that we live in, is providing us with many new and exciting technologies that make our lives easier, more enjoyable, and enable quick access to new information at a rate never seen before. However, with these new and exciting changes, also come challenges for children’s natural, enquiry learning. More and more ECE centres, particularly in city environments are designing spaces with little-to-no large open natural spaces for children in the outdoors, and are resorting to man-made environments of turf, concrete and other year-round, all-weather materials to support indoooutdoor play. Does this mean that these children miss out on the opportunity to learn natural science? Or can nature be woven through the environment and program in other ways? Children are also more inclined to want to be engaged with digital media, as their parents and society are modelling the use of these in everyday interactions. Is this cause for concern in the ECE setting, or can children be empowered to use technology in constructive ways? Are kaiako equipped with the understanding of STEM learning and child development that they need to support life-long learning dispositions of enquiry, problem solving, risk taking and perseverance, or are current pedagogies failing tamariki (children)? As learning and information consumption grows exponentially to the highest it has even been, it is now more than ever that children need teachers to be the facilitators of learning, the models of curiosity, the inspiration to learn, explore, discover, think, design and to be leaders of the future. Dispositions, rather than skills, are what tamariki need to succeed in the future. A final question for reflection therefore asks are educators preparing tamariki adequately for life-long success?

Acknowledgement

Special thanks to Jo, Jade and the entire learning community at Little Einstein’s Educare Ltd in Cambridge for giving permission to publish their inspirational photographs, and shared understanding of STEM learning in action. Special thanks also to Catherine at Hobsonville Point ELC, and Jen at Changepoint ELC, Tauranga for your wisdom and input on STEM learning in your ECE learning communities.

This is my third post about forgiveness and redemption in She-ra, (first, second)
This one is mostly about Catra.
As she is in a focus of the show her "redemption arc" gets a lot more scrutiny. As both an abuser and an abuse victim, as well as someone responsible for a lot of suffering many people feel like she gets a "free pass" for what she did. As was stated by the creators, Catra's story was meant, among other things, to help those with abusive tendencies to find a way out of it, to show that they can be really loved and accepted when they fight their abusive side. And at least from my perspective the show was quite decent at that. I had what I currently recognize as abusive behaviour myself in the past and I was able to leave that behind and form much healthier relationships. And my inner strife against it was not unlike what we see in Catra. So Catra's story resonated so much with me.
Her abuse was a product of her insecurities, of her fears of abandonment, of disrespect. But only by her own choice to act on it by forcing others to her will, by verbally or physically assaulting them until they submit did she become a monster we saw in seasons 1-4. And she could overcome this only by directing the same fears and insecurities into selflessly caring for people she wanted love and respect from. This is a key change in "Corridors" when she decides that she wants to help Adora even if Adora doesn't want her. To see her past actions as counterproductive to her actual needs. It's obvious that hurting people you love won't make them want to be with you, but it's not something that one can easily accept when they don't know better. But once that understanding is there, once Catra sees her past behaviour as harmful, she is on a road to really love and be loved.
All through the season 5 she had the same fears and insecurities that made her into a terrible person, but she acts on them very differently. When she saves Glimmer it's not the clones or Prime's anger that's on her mind. It's the feeling that it's her last conversation with Adora and the only thing she can do is apologize and try to save her. She never expects to see her again and it's much more important to her than her own probable imminent death. In a "Failsafe" she protects Adora, to save her from herself again. And later when she is overwhelmed by her fears when she's sure that "Adora doesn't want me" she does not try to make Adora want her, to "prove" that she deserves her love. She leaves. And it's bad, but is infinitely better that what pre-Destiny Catra done with the same emotions.
This is the most important part of her story to me and I feel that the creators managed to really show a realistic way out of an abusive behaviour here.
Adora on her part doesn't really forgive Catra all that easily and unconditionally as well. When Catra lashes out at Adora after she wakes on Darla, Adora is ready to let Catra go, to distance herself from Catra, as much as she doesn't want to. And that helps Catra once again to channel her emotions away from abuse and towards love and care. She already knows how to do it, but needs to work on it. It's not smooth and not easy. And this is an important moment. For all her love and shared history with Catra, Adora doesn't want to be in an abusive relationship with her.
It's also important to see how other characters accept Catra after the cat is saved. Adora stopped trying to get Catra back after "Portal" but she never lost hope for her and we hear it in "Corridors" in her voice when she hears Catra. She is the one who drags Catra back from (almost) death. Catra initially doesn't see herself as deserving Adora's or Entrapta's forgiveness and wants and almost agrees to leave. But stays. And after that Glimmer and Bow start to accept her in their lives. And while she did a lot of bad things in the past, they did not know her as a person back then. And now, after she saved Glimmer and was broken and brought back from death she doesn't feel to them anything like an old Catra, so they cautiously at first begin to form friendship with her. But I believe that if not for Adora nor they would really want to stick with Catra nor she with them. They took her in more on that they trusted Adora and she stayed for Adora.
Later on Etheria it was very clear that Catra didn't really join the Rebellion. She was there because of Adora and it was the only thing that mattered. And other princesses treat her as an ally, not as a friend in general. So Catra in a personal sense by the end of Heart is only forgiven by Adora, Bow, Glimmer, and Scorpia.
Adora has enough of history with Catra to understand that she is more than what she did in the Horde and cherishes Catra's improved mental state. Scorpia always had a soft spot for Catra to the point of being an enabler to her abuse, so just an attempt at apology, combined with the elation from the victory and liberation from Prime's control is enough for her to forgive Catra.
Entrapta while she did forgave Catra, didn't really form any relationship with her. In the Horde she stuck with Catra due to Catra's manipulation and circumstances but she drifted away from Catra when she started working with Hordak. And while for a someone else stunning and sending to Beast Island would be more traumatic experience, for Entrapta it was not that big of a deal, apparently. And as someone who doesn't form relationships easily, she just lets Catra go and drifts away.
Glimmer had the most personal hatred for Catra before Destiny, from her kidnapping at Princess Prom all the way to Portal that killed Angela. And in the "Destiny" she came for Catra, but saw her devastated and powerless. And as Glimmer is good enough person she lost interest in Catra at that point as Catra stopped being a threat. Then in the Prime's captivity she had some personal time with her, again understanding Catra more as a person and starting to form a relationship. Another thing that goes through Glimmer's mind at the time is certainly how she, Glimmer with the Heart of Etheria did about as bad as Catra with the portal (and as a side note with the similar motivation of proving Adora wrong). Glimmer brought forth about as much destruction as Catra despite being warned of the danger. She can relate to some of the terrible things Catra did, so when Catra saves her and Glimmer helps to save Catra, they do have enough in common to accept each other.
Bow had enough time to see the reformed Catra and see that she is indeed a very different person and accepts her as a part of the team. Again, he sees Catra for who she really is now, as a victim of her own past and someone who needs healthy friendship to tug her away from her own abusive side.
And other Princesses accept her as an ally, as a part of BFS, but she's not their friend in any meaningful way, by the end of the show.
So, to summarize, Catra doesn't get a "free pass" for what she's done. She destroys her own life, then sacrifices herself to help others, and then works hard to become a better person and leave her abusive past behind. We all would like there to be more episodes, fleshing this all this out but we are given enough to understand her and her relationships. And once we drop the notion of revenge and punishment, the way other characters deal with her is mostly healthy and believable.
I think I have one more post in me on this theme that I need to let out.

Eli I think is an honest young man doing his best especially by his little girl. I am posting the link to his latest Q & A purely because of the very beginning of it where he states Bexley wont be on camera because he won't exploit his child. He mentions reddit so perhaps this isn't falling on deaf ears. It may not be a video full of drama and bells and whistles and clickbait thumbnails but thank the gods for that. What this video is, is HONEST. CM and especially CP need to take a leaf out of this young man's book. Job well done!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bbqAZF1A0Q

Our relationship about 2-3 years ago when we started dating in late Nov. 2021. I was attracted to my fiancee at the time because she was physically attractive, and she had a great personality.
In the beginning, we had plenty of great sex and spent a lot of times together. We do road trips. Often times, when we do these road trips, we would eat out a lot. Unknowingly throughout the years we both gained weight.
But I loved her, I introduced her to my family and vice versa. After seeing her get a long with my family and being so comfortable with her, I finally proposed after a year being with her.
Shortly after, we moved in together and decided within 2024 we were going to get married. But things started going down hill. The first time she started raging at people driving when she's not even driving, it turns me off. I try telling her about it, she said it was a southern people thing.
When we went to my friend's party and played party games, she would share stories of her sex life. I didn't like it. She shared stories of how she used to date this guy at this age, and she talked about her ex constantly. She told everyone at the party that she likes rough and kinky sex, and she said all Asian guy sex was boring, they were plain vanilla. Mind you I'm Asian, and she's white.
I didn't have this issues when I was in my previous relationship, this was a first. So, I confronted her and we try to talk about it, and things turned into an argument. After the argument, we agree that both of us have different kind of sexual kinks, we just kinda accepted it. After that, our sex lives decrease.
After moving and living together for a period of time, she wanted to make friends. I told her I didn't mind her making friends as long it's not a guy, I don't mind her making friends with girls. We argued when I was trying to set boundaries, but she ended up downloading some sort of app and make friend with some Asian dude in Florida.
I didn't like it, she told me she prefers guy friends because she was raised up around boys. It didn't make sense to me and I didn't even bother trying to talk to the dude when my fiancee told me that he was gay. Next day, when she learned he was acting "gay", he had a wife. Everything at this point was suspicious. The following day,, she went back to her family in a different state (3 hours drive) for a death of a family member still friend with that dude.
At the point, I wanted to end everything, but I didn't. I was frustrated in my relationship. I didn't like the fact my fiancee was talking to some dude, and when I tried to talk to her about it, it's like I can't even set my boundaries. So I downloaded a friend app to find female friends during the time she was out of state.
I made a few friends, so I sent my IG to one of the girls. When we were talking on IG, the girl I chatted with wanted to surprise me with something. At this point I was curious, and she sent two videos of her touching her boobs. Then she asked me, if I like it or love it. I couldn't say I love it, so I told her I liked it to show my disinterested. I didn't send nothing on my end. She asked again if I loved it and interested. I told her again I liked it, and sure she could send more videos if she wants to. Then, she deleted her profile there was no trace of her and I kept the msg there on IG and see what my fiancee at the time think of it. The reason why I left the msg on my IG was to check and confirm on the fact that my fiancee had been snooping around on my phone and deleting my friends on social media.
Days when she gets back, we had a lovely day together. That night when I woke up from a nap and went downstairs to fix myself a meal, she went upstairs. I deleted the msg, and after 5-10 mins, she went back downstairs with an evil look on her eyes. At first I didn't think nothing of it, until she asked me to check my IG and check my msg, I had already deleted it.
She was furious and sad, and asked me why I did it. Well, there was a lot of reasons. 1. The whole sex thing, during party telling my friends I was boring in bed. 2. Downloading friend app and make friend with a random dude on an app while she was out of town. It was the main reason why I downloaded the friend app. 3.Whenever she watched TikTok of these shirtless Asian guy dancing barely naked, she made moan sound. When I confronted her about this, she said everytime she watched it she thinks of me. I know for a fact that this is bullshit bcuz she like Asian dudes with long hair, and I have short hair close to baldness. It's fucking sad seeing someone you love moaning to some dudes on TikTok when that person is not you.
To her what I did messaging some girl on IG is cheating, but when I confronted her about the problem she has, she tries to find ways to dodge it, like she didn't even emotionally cheated herself.
So we talked, after letting out most of our grievances, she felt like it was my fault because I didn't give her enough attention. She gave me an ultimatum, she would pack her bags and leave or I have to change and work on our future together. I felt a sense of fault partially I shouldn't have engaged in the msg with the girl on IG. I try to look at the positive thing and put the future on the line and I didn't want her to leave, which I regret it.
Sex is now even worst. We moved to a different place and found better location to work, but I'm mentality drain before our wedding. I don't know if I'm mentality ready for it. We're supposed to lose weight together, but it's just me. Since last year, I worked on busting myself losing weight and she hasn't putting effort in it. As much as she wants me to put more into the relationship, I don't think I can. She expects more from me, and now she wants to buy a house together and open a joint bank account. I don't know if I'm ready for any of this, especially the wedding. Should I just be honest and tell I'm not interested in her anymore?

This is my first alternative history work, please tolerate my inexperience. I'm open to all kinds of feedbacks
In the final hours of 1999, on the brink of a new millennium, a shocking event sets the stage for a radically different future. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, and the richest man in the world, is found dead at his sprawling estate in Medina, Washington. The man behind this unthinkable act is his trusted butler who, in an apparent murder-suicide, leaves behind a chilling message: "Repent and donate all that you own, or die in shame. We are the unseen, the unheard, the forgotten. We will not be silenced." The public reels from the shock, and the police scramble to uncover the anarchists' network. But their efforts yield no results. The identity and motives of this anarchist group remain a mystery.
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Microsoft, under the leadership of Steve Ballmer, pledges to carry on Gates' legacy and forges ahead, despite a temporary slump in the market. The company reaffirms its commitment to its products and customers. This move stabilizes Microsoft but inadvertently gives a boost to open source platforms and Linux, as some companies and governments, fearing an over-reliance on one company's technology, promote open-source solutions to diversify their options.
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In 2000, the world is held in the grip of fear. The secret anarchist group responsible for Gates' death remains elusive, as law enforcement agencies worldwide scramble to unmask them. Heightened security measures are put into place, especially for high-net-worth individuals. Global discourse around wealth inequality and the responsibilities of the wealthy intensifies.
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The September 11th attacks occur as they did in our timeline, causing a further global shift towards security and surveillance. The focus on the anarchist group temporarily fades in the wake of this massive terrorist act.
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In 2004, another seismic event rocks the world. Warren Buffett, the investment guru, and the second richest man globally, dies in a horrific car crash. The culprit is none other than his personal driver, who planned the crash to end both their lives. The message left behind echoes the sentiment of the first: "Wealth is not a shield. Charity is not a facade. Share or perish." The untraceable nature of these attacks and the cryptic, threatening messages underline the deadly intent of this anarchist group.
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In response to these assassinations, several of the world's billionaires, led by tech tycoons Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Larry Ellison, Michael Bloomberg and Carlos Slim form the Global Equity Foundation. They pledge to donate a significant portion of their wealth to combat global poverty and inequality. This massive philanthropic endeavor is geared towards global health and education initiatives. Yet, it seems more like a desperate act of self-preservation than genuine philanthropy.
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Simultaneously, a group of ultra-wealthy individuals, led by Richard Branson, take a different approach. They purchase Necker Island, an island in the Caribbean, establishing an independent micro-nation free from the political complexities of their home countries. The island, referred to as "Eden," is fortified with state-of-the-art security systems designed to protect them from the anarchists.
This safe haven, populated by some of the wealthiest people on the planet, offers refuge from the growing threat of the anarchists.
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By the end of 2006, society is gripped with a sense of unease. The line between the wealthy and the less fortunate has become a tense battleground. The world waits with bated breath for the anarchists' next move.
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In the first week of 2007,Necker Island, owned by Richard Branson in our timeline - is struck by a missile, obliterating everything and everyone on it. The world mourns the loss of several leading business figures and philanthropists. Initial suspicions fall on the anarchist group that killed Gates and Buffet.
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As investigators sift through the wreckage, information leaks revealing the true culprits: a secret Russian military unit aiming to destabilize the US economy. The revelation sends shockwaves across the globe, stoking old Cold War fears and bringing the world to the brink of war. The US, under President George W. Bush, declares war on Russia, and the world watches in apprehension as military mobilizations begin for what looks to be the third World War.
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Before any attacks are launched, news breaks out of Russia that President Vladimir Putin and three influential Russian oligarchs have been assassinated. Prostitutes, apparently planted by the anarchist group, are identified as the killers. Security guards kill them almost immediately after the assassinations.
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In a cryptic message, the anarchists chastise the world powers for accelerating their plans, reasserting control over the narrative and reminding the world of their pervasive influence.
"Do not confuse our roles. We kill, you die. Do not hurry us up. Wait and your turn will come". Another part of the message states
"We do not wish for war, only justice. The innocents of Eden serving the rich were not our targets, but casualties of your greed. We are sorry for their loss, but this is but a dip in the ocean of the damage you are causing."
The message also includes a litany of detailed accusations against prominent global figures, exposing a wealth of crimes and unethical behaviors that were previously hidden or ignored. Among the accused is Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, whose alleged misdeeds are laid bare for the world to see.
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As 2007 progresses, the world is left in a state of uncertainty and fear. The anarchists seem to be everywhere and nowhere, with the power to target anyone. The impending war is temporarily halted as the world grapples with the revelations from the anarchists' message and the power vacuum in Russia. With the threat of the anarchists hanging over their heads, the powerful and wealthy are forced to reconsider their actions, while the less fortunate find a grim sense of satisfaction in their comeuppance.
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But the world doesn't remain a silent observer. As news of the assassinations and the extravagant actions of the rich spread, public sentiment starts to shift. There's a growing call for justice, transparency, and equity. Movements demanding wealth redistribution gain traction, the loudest among them being Italy's Five Star Movement. With the charismatic comedian Beppe Grillo at its helm, the movement benefits immensely from the public outrage against the wealthy, especially following the revelations about Silvio Berlusconi's illicit activities.
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In 2008, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch is poisoned, his death leaving a power vacuum in the media industry. The anarchists, in their now customary fashion, claim responsibility for the assassination in a chilling message. They condemn Murdoch's media empire as a tool of manipulation and inequality, and demand that his wealth be donated to nature reserves in Africa and non-profit organizations fighting against illegal and harmful fishing practices in South America. Such wealth is so tainted, they argue, that it should no longer be used to benefit humanity.
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The anarchists' message also takes aim at the Global Equity Foundation, the massive philanthropic endeavor established by some of the world's wealthiest individuals. The message accuses several members of the Foundation of continuing to amass wealth instead of fully committing to philanthropy. This marks a clear warning to the global elite - no one is safe, and insincere philanthropy will not protect them.
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This alternate timeline presents a world in turmoil. The ultra-rich are no longer invincible, and society begins to question the long-accepted power structures. The narrative also sparks a profound cultural shift. Discussions about wealth inequality, power, and justice dominate public discourse. As the world grapples with the radical changes and anticipates the anarchists' next move, an unsettling question looms large - who's next on the anarchists' list?
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In Japan, there is a cultural emphasis on harmony and group success over individual prosperity. While wealth is certainly respected, overt displays of wealth are often frowned upon. In this alternate timeline, Japanese society might view the chaos unfolding in the West with a mix of trepidation and schadenfreude. The government might enforce stricter financial regulations to avoid a similar crisis domestically.
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With one of the fastest-growing economies and a huge wealth disparity, India's reaction would be mixed. India's rising tech billionaires and traditional wealthy class might feel threatened and take drastic measures for their safety. Meanwhile, the masses grappling with poverty might feel vindicated and empowered by the anarchists' message.
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With its wealth stemming mainly from royal family members and oil magnates, Saudi Arabia reaction would be quite different. The royal family might further consolidate their power and use the ongoing global chaos as a reason to suppress dissent. There could be increased unrest among the populace, and movements for democracy and wealth redistribution might gain momentum.
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Scandinavian Countries are known for their strong welfare states and relative income equality. They might respond to these events by further emphasizing their commitment to egalitarian principles, possibly leading to increased taxes on the wealthy and more support for public services. The public discourse might focus on the ethics of wealth accumulation and the responsibilities of the wealthy to society.
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With its stark wealth inequality and history of social unrest, Brazil's reaction could be volatile. There could be increased protests and movements calling for wealth redistribution and social reform. At the same time, the wealthy class might double down on their efforts to maintain their power and wealth, leading to greater societal tension.
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The years following the assassination of Rupert Murdoch see a sharp turn towards radical socio-political change.
Italy, under the leadership of comedian-turned-activist Beppe Grillo and his Five Star Movement, introduces a novel form of governance, deemed as the 'Economic Equity Referendum.'
This new system allows Italian citizens to vote annually on the forced appropriation of assets belonging to five selected wealthy individuals.
Moreover, citizens are allowed to nominate five additional individuals, with the most nominated names appearing in the following year's referendum.
The move is controversial but reflects the significant shift in public sentiment against extreme wealth accumulation, catalyzed by the anarchist group's actions.
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By 2009, Spain, still recovering from the global financial crisis and inspired by Italy's novel approach, decides to implement a similar system. Spain's version of the 'Economic Equity Referendum' aims to redistribute wealth, hoping to bolster its struggling economy.
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However, these new policies are met with mixed reactions on the global stage. Some praise these actions as a progressive move towards economic justice, while others view them as an infringement on personal property rights, sparking fierce debates on wealth distribution, economic justice, and individual liberties.
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By 2010, the economic landscape has significantly changed. Wealthy individuals and corporations are increasingly cautious, devising new strategies to safeguard their wealth or diverting their investments to countries with more favorable policies. Some begin extensive philanthropic efforts to win public favor, hoping to avoid becoming targets of the economic referendums or worse, the anarchists.
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Despite no further assassinations, the fear instilled by the anarchist group still lingers. This, coupled with the disruptive socio-economic changes, fuels widespread uncertainty and tension. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens grapple with these new realities, some welcoming the disruption to the status quo, while others yearn for the stability of the past.
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Across the globe, nations observe Italy and Spain's experiments, grappling with the rising demands for wealth equality from their citizens. The actions of the anarchist group and the drastic measures taken by Italy and Spain have set the stage for an era of unprecedented change. The world enters the new decade with apprehension, knowing that the struggle between wealth, power, and justice is far from over.
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In 2011, an unimaginable twist in takes place. An international investigation finally uncovers the truth behind the string of high-profile assassinations that have been hitting the globe: all of it was a plot orchestrated by none other than Bill Gates and Vladimir Putin. It's an outrageous revelation that sends shockwaves through the world.
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Documents, videos, and testimonies are unearthed, providing irrefutable proof of their involvement. It emerges that Gates and Putin, recognizing the vast inequities and imbalances in the world, believed that a revolution was necessary for true change. But they knew that the world's wealthy and powerful elites would quash any such attempt and simply kill them if they were to seriusly try. Thus, they devised a scheme to subvert the established order.
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From 1990 to 1999, they secretly funneled resources into creating and training a clandestine group of individuals. The duo meticulously planned each assassination, devising the perfect circumstances, recruiting the needed personnel, even penning the anarchic messages themselves. They even managed to convince Murdoch's cook and Buffett's driver to join their cause. In essence, Gates and Putin willingly orchestrated their own deaths to catalyze a global transformation.
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The discovery of the secret hideouts and the apprehension of several group members corroborate this stunning revelation. The anarchists were, in reality, pawns in a grand design concocted by Gates and Putin.
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The revelation sparks a global uproar. Public opinion is polarized. Some view Gates and Putin as martyrs who sacrificed themselves for a noble cause. Others see them as manipulative puppet masters who plunged the world into chaos to fulfill their vision. In either case, the world is left to grapple with the consequences of their actions.
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As the shocking news spreads, nations across the globe face a common question: how to move forward in the wake of this revelation? The chaos initiated by Gates and Putin has already triggered a cascade of socio-economic transformations. Now, it's up to the world to decide whether to carry forward this radical change or attempt to restore the old order. But one thing is clear: the world as we know it will never be the same again.
User
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The years following the revelation of Gates and Putin's orchestrated upheaval unravel a tapestry of international responses, further accentuating the economic, social, and political diversities worldwide.
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In the United States, the shockwave from the revelation instigates an intense national debate on wealth and power dynamics. The US sees a surge in progressive movements pushing for economic justice and wealth redistribution. A strong response from the wealthier class culminates in an aggressive lobby for protection of assets and personal freedoms. By 2015, the US Congress introduces the 'Wealth Protection Act', aiming to protect the rights and assets of individuals. The act has a polarizing effect, leading to widespread protests and, in some cases, riots.
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Meanwhile, in Europe, reactions differ considerably between nations. Germany responds by tightening regulations on wealth accumulation and increasing transparency in financial transactions. The UK, however, initially resists change. By 2013, the pressure for reform, both domestically and internationally, leads to the introduction of the 'Fair Wealth Act', which aims to address wealth inequality through tax reforms and increased public spending.
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China sees this as an opportunity to exert its influence on the world stage. Emphasizing stability and prosperity, the Chinese government undertakes an extensive international diplomatic campaign. It advocates for a balanced approach to wealth management and presents its model of state-controlled capitalism as an alternative. By 2017, China becomes a more dominant player in global economics.
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In contrast, several countries in Africa and South America seize the opportunity to address endemic issues of inequality. Nations such as South Africa and Brazil begin implementing strict wealth regulation laws. In many cases, these are coupled with substantial investments in education, healthcare, and social services, aimed at reducing poverty and improving quality of life.
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Australia and Canada, known for their relatively high levels of social equity, undertake balanced measures. They introduce policies to moderate wealth accumulation, while also ensuring protections for personal freedoms and property rights.
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By 2018, the world is markedly different. The years following the revelation of Gates and Putin's plot witness an unprecedented global shift in attitudes towards wealth and power. It's a world that is trying to find a balance between economic justice and individual freedom, between stability and change, and most importantly, between the visions of two men who sacrificed themselves to spark a revolution, and the reality of the complex, diverse world they left behind.

"One girl I knew, who was a good person, got lured into SGI, and was really into it. She ended up getting sick, and refused a lot of early medical treatment, as she thought she could get healed by Chanting. Didn't work, she got worse and worse. Then she finally got into medical treatments, too late, and literally had hundreds of people Chanting for her to heal. She died, and left behind her kids. They don't tell those anecdotes, those who have hundreds of SGI followers Chanting for them, and die a pretty horrible death in a few months."
Well that has been the way of things for years! - and when things go wrong and people lose out, lose their lives, livelihoods, homes and even their sanity that ain't going to get reported cos anything that might make it appear that SGI bubble of faith and Daimoku to gain anything, to have any prayer answered, and to have all earthly desires fulfilled... might burst, well that might have people thinking and questioning and leaving in droves. I recall Dick Causton saying that folks should remember that all prayers will be answered and that the answer will sometimes be NO! It's funny how common sense goes out the window when folks are told to chant and seem to end up in the world of rapture and can't see anything other than Fluffy Bunny Buddhism, forgetting that In Rapture the bubble bursts ever so quickly and can drop you on your ass!
I have seen exactly this pattern of denial of ill health and subsequent death with loads of folks chanting for a miracle many times! It's like the SGI Italy members setting up Gohonzons next to TV sets so that they could chant and watch the soccer world cup final in 1994 and chant for Roberto Baggio to score the winning goal for Italy and QED prove that Nichiren Buddhism had some form on Mystical Power over the result. Some may recall that the final went to a penalty shoot out and Italy Lost with Baggio missing his penalty and loosing Italy the world Cup! In Italy I also saw Benefit Junkies organizing Daimoku Tozos to chant to have a miracle when some one was found to be in end stage cancer after they had refused to consult doctors and just sat home chanting. The mass search for Benefits was staggering with literally tens of thousands of folks in concerted tozos all demanding proof from someone who had already set up their own death.... and after they died many being very callous and stating that they died because they lacked faith and in any case all that daimoku was going to be of great benefit and they were just waiting for their personal payout in the shares and from their investment in Daimoku Inc!
It's sad that supposed leaders (in reality folks who have been told that they are "Leaders" with no quality control and then make it up as they go along ) go about telling folks that they just need to chant whilst their leg is half cut off and they are bleeding to death. Some will find such actions and ideas impossible to accept as occurring within SGI but to those who have seen them they are unforgettable. Even leaders have not been immune from such aberrant attitudes and behaviors and as a result have died - with some referring to it as Suicide by Daimoku!
I recall one set of events where some leaders (who I repeatedly referred to as "Persons With A Responsibility - Formally referred to as Leaders") went well beyond the limits and caused havoc for a number of people. A New Member showed Up who was quite a wealthy Business Woman - She had a number of businesses some of which she wanted to sell. This Woman started to hawk these businesses about to SGI members and the local leadership first allowed it and then encouraged it. Certain members who were having major personal problems with everything from marriage to debt were encouraged to buy businesses from her, which some foolishly did. Anyone who spoke out about this was immediately labelled as a breaker of unity and totally against Nichiren and the SGI.
Folks went out and borrowed money, put their houses up as collateral and bought into the Leaders ongoing views that all that had to be done was chant more and more and evidently as this woman was selling businesses to SGI members whilst she herself was becoming a member the whole thing was perfect and universally ordained.
One family asked me for advice about buying a Food Outlet - It appeared to me a gold mine as it was within about 100 metres of a new shopping complex that was under construction. The Only Down side was it was on the wrong side of the road, a very busy road and there were vacant shop units better placed to provide the service on the other side of the road. The family was advised to get a commercial lawyer to draft a full contract including clauses that prevented the woman from starting a similar business within 1000 meters of the original business for 5 years, that full disclosure of accounts were to be made and that specific contracts as to the building, it's contents, and maintenance would also be made as the woman was selling the business but retaining ownership of the building. All of the advice was ignored and they just went ahead and bought the business, lease on the building, and started to sell food as hard as possible. When they were asked why they had not undertaken the most basic of actions and set up the most basic of protections for a commercial venture they explained that when they had raised these issues with leaders they had been told that such actions would simply show that they lacked faith and they were better off chanting and having faith than consulting a lawyer or spending time and money on legally enforceable contracts.
A few weeks after they were tied in with their house on the line the woman opened a new food outlet across the road and the customer numbers dropped to virtually Zero. They objected and were told there was nothing they could do.. and then they went bankrupt and lost the business, their home and just about everything they had. Throughout, the leaders were 100% supporting this woman in disposing of business to SGI members and of the members buying these businesses and yet these leaders had zero knowledge or experience in commercial trading, contracts and business management. When this was raised as an issue that should bar them from being involved in any way with anyone who was entering into a business situation they responded that they did not need anything other than Daimoku and Faith. They were also a little pissed off when they were asked to explain why they had not taken up one of these business opportunities if all that was required was Daimoku and Faith and they were unable to answer.
I also recall working on an exhibition in Italy between SGI and The Italian Committee for Refugees. The Exhibition dealt with Yugoslavia and the breakup and Genocide. I had been asked to design and build the exhibition so that it could tour Italy. The First place on the tour was Venice and the transport co-ordinator could not understand that we were obliged to hire a boat to transport the exhibition from mainland Italy to then venue in the heart of Venice. Their view was that all of the parts of the exhibition, some over two metres long and very heavy would be carried on foot across a causeway and through Venice and this was great opportunity for members to be involved in activities. When it was pointed out that first it was illegal to do this, second dangerous to have literally hundreds of people handling unfamiliar equipment and that it was also highly likely that the exhibition itself would be damaged - well that was met with incredulity at the idea that hundreds of SGI members chanting and holding Tozos for the exhibition would not protect it and even not be needed or welcome. It was odd that they just could not get it that legally it was not possible and that it had to be done in line with the law of the land. Oddly when the leader of this aberration was questioned as to whether they had car insurance or if they just chanted to not need it they were shocked and stated of course I have car insurance - That's the law! It would seem that when folks decide that they are to do something so that they can get their quota of benefits they hate having it pointed out to them that they can't just ignore reality and hope for the best!
That so much odd behavior makes it appear that SGI is a Cult - or at best filled with individuals who seem programmed to exhibit cult Like behavior - one has to wonder why SGI in all it's forms does not advise against such aberration and even protect people from it internally!
For some they will simply invent Nichiren Buddhism in their own image, to service their own needs and to fill massive gaps that exist in their own minds and lives. What I have seen when this occurs is evil. Having reported the situations and what is occurring to national leaders/employees of SGI, I was not too surprised that the aberrations verging on mental instability are supported. Anyone questioning one with the title of leader is seen as evil and shunned! It would seem that SGI is an organization that is programmed to self destruct under the mental aberrations of its employees and top leaders. It would also seem that their dogma will eventually be run over by their karma and one has to wonder how they will react when this happens - will they seek first aid and medical attention or simply lie on their backs and chant as they discorporate." -- Robert

THE Ring General

In the build-up to Money in the Bank, located in London, Gunther's title is immediately by the up-and-coming talent: JD McDonagh. Eager to set himself up for greatness the recently-debuted JD wants to end Gunther's reign, which is accepted, IMPERIUM stating he'll regret it. At the PLE, JD surprisingly holds up well, but is ultimately obliterated in the end, though his performance, especially in the Isles, should showcase and impress audiences.
MITB: Gunther(c) def. JD McDonagh [IC]
NEXT, the road to Summerslam, and this is the part where WWE start noting that at this time, Gunther draws ever-so closer to breaking Honky Tonk's legendary record... On July 24th's Raw, IMPERIUM cut a promo in the ring, celebrating Gunther's accomplishment of beating Savage's reign, announcing that soon, he will be the longest-reigning IC champion in history, and that there will be nobody in wrestling who'll be able to stop him. Until Johnny Gargano comes out of course and challenges Gunther to a one-on-one for the belt. It immediately gets booked and Johnny pulls out the moves, but just can't handle Gunther's strength, and after taking a loss, Gargano gets beat down after for making a fool of himself by challenging... and that's when Ciampa comes out.
Gargano's frenemy makes his shock return rushing down the ring and manages to beat IMPERIUM out, helps up Gargano, and it seems like Gunther has another challenger his way. Ciampa announces he can't wait to get back into action, teaming with his old friend Gargano, and more importantly, going for the gold. After a fun DIY/IMPERIUM tag, we build up to Ciampa/Gunther heading into Summerslam, where we see the two clash in action, but yet again, despite Gargano fending off IMPERIUM at ringside, Ciampa was no match for the Ring General. The reign continues...
Summerslam: Gunther(c) def. Tommasso Ciampa [IC]
On the next Raw, we get a little bonus a bit later with the feud continuing into a Triple Threat, Ciampa/GuntheGargano, but once more Gunther successfully defends against the odds. In the passing time, we finally get to hear the big news: Gunther has officially broken the longest reign in the championship's history. IMPERIUM holds a celebration on Raw, going over the past great IC champions, such as Randy Savage, Chris Jericho... Honky Tonky Man... but NONE of them were, nor ever stood a chance, to be as powerful and legendary as THE RING GENERAL... GUNTHER!
And that's when Drew comes out. McIntyre pops in and disrupts the party by stating that Gunther is a dominant champion, but that's about to end soon enough. While they had crossed paths before at Wrestlemania earlier this year, he wants ONE MORE shot to put Gunther down a pedestal and win the coveted Intercontinental Championship. Gunther takes the mic himself and announces that he'll accept McIntyre's challenge: IF he puts up his career. He says someone like McIntyre has no place in the WWE, that his time has passed, and how destroying someone's career would only make his title reign even greater than it is. Gritting his teeth, Drew accepts the challenge heading into Survivor Series...
With tease of what exactly is going to happen with Drew and Gunther's reign seeming to stay for a little while longer, we go into Survivor Series where the BIG. BOYS. CLASH. Heavy strikes between the two men as one is fighting for his championship legacy and the other for his career's. In the end though, with a beet-red chest Drew McIntyre comes out as the victor, holding up the Intercontinental Championship, ending Gunther's reign after a mighty year and a half.
Survivor Series: Drew McIntyre def. Gunther(c) [IC]
Though the mighty has fallen, Gunther disappears from the scene after his loss until his eventual return at the Royal Rumble. Not in the match itself, but someone else's... In the World Heavyweight Championship match, it's Seth Rollins defending his title against the one and only: Brock Lesnar. However during the match, Lesnar picks Seth up and goes for an F-5, but is countered into a Curb Stomp, being pinned for the loss. After Seth leaves, Brock grabs a mic, stands in the ring, and looks to the crowd, stating that maybe there's nothing left in the company to do. He's announcing his retirement... but then IMPERIUM appear. They show up as Kaiser and Giovanni beat him down but get pushed back, only for Gunther to storm and take down the beast himself.
On the road to Mania, IMPERIUM state that they're back and that Gunther has been seeking out his next plan, and while the big gold is what comes naturally, Gunther realized he has something to settle. Last year's Rumble, him and Lesnar stood toe-to-toe in the ring, yet nothing came of it, and suddenly, Lesnar wants to retire? No, IMPERIUM instead proclaim that Lesnar is a coward and wishes to end his career lightly, running away from the TRUE Next Big Thing... GUNTHER. This prompts Brock to appear and state he's not a coward, and that he'll fight the Ring General at Wrestlemania, one-on-one.
So the event rolls around and the match happens. Lesnar pulls off the MMA arsenal and strikes Gunther like Hell, while the latter retaliates and gives him a fight like nothing he had before. No interference, no cheap shots or upper hands, just pure one-on-one with something to prove. Through slaps, powerbombs, F-5's and Kimuras, it is Gunther who stands tall in the end, putting the Beast Incarnate away with a Super Last Symphony off the top rope, settling the score. As IMPERIUM celebrate, they walk away the ring, leaving Lesnar alone, who then gives the final wave goodbye to the crowd, silently retiring, never to wrestle again. As for Gunther, this means a MAJOR push for him once more, gunning to become a dominant, fear-inducing and brutal World Champion, but that's for another time...
Wrestlemania: Gunther def. Brock Lesnar

Introduction:
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Gurgaon has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, driven by the presence of numerous multinational corporations, tech companies, and thriving industries. The city's strong economy, coupled with its close proximity to the national capital, Delhi, makes it an attractive destination for businesses. Investing in commercial property in Gurgaon allows entrepreneurs to tap into this vibrant economy and benefit from its growth potential.
Excellent Connectivity:
Gurgaon boasts excellent connectivity, with well-developed road networks, metro rail services, and proximity to the Delhi International Airport. The city is connected to major highways and expressways, facilitating smooth transportation and logistics for businesses. This connectivity advantage enhances the accessibility of commercial property in gurgaon and ensures easy connectivity for customers, clients, and employees.
Thriving Commercial Infrastructure:
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Amenities and Features:
Elan Developers' commercial projects in Gurgaon offer a host of amenities and features designed to meet the needs of businesses. These projects include plush food courts, premium dining options, double-height retail shops for maximum visibility, and modern architectural designs that create an inviting ambiance. The amenities provided by Elan Developers enhance the overall experience for customers, creating a welcoming environment for businesses to thrive.
Rental Income Potential:
Investing in commercial property in Gurgaon can provide a reliable source of rental income. The city's growing demand for commercial property for sale in gurgaon ensures a steady stream of tenants, offering an opportunity for long-term rental returns. With Elan Developers' reputation for delivering high-quality commercial projects in gurgaon, investors can benefit from professional management and maximize their rental income potential.
This Article is also published on medium.com
https://medium.com/@pranilshah053/the-future-of-commercial-real-estate-in-gurgaon-elan-groups-projects-leading-the-way-41aec600275c

WAYS TO REACH AULI

Airplane – Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, roughly 300 kilometres from Auli, is the closest airport. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is a domestic airport located around 20 kilometres from the city centre.
By train, there are railway stations in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Rishikesh is the closest railhead to Auli (250 km approx). Auli may be reached via bus or taxi from Rishikesh.
By Road – Joshimath is 16 kilometres apart by road from Auli. Between Joshimath and Rishikesh, state transport buses run often (253 km). Between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km), Dehradun (298 km), and Delhi (298 km), Local Transport Union buses and State Transport buses run (500 km). Auli may be reached via ropeway, bus, or cab from Joshimath.

Is it easy to get refund of road tax if you change state? For e.g. Karnataka to Haryana.

So, I’m writing this on my phone because I figured I should share my experiences. I’ve shared one already but I figured I should share more as I have had quite the run-ins with some odd things in the woods of the Pacific Northwest.
I live in Oregon, but I do tend to travel on my off time in the wilderness, despite my run ins I love the forest, nature, and all I just tend to be much more careful now.
This first story takes place in my home state. I have a buddy who is a park ranger and he shared me a story of his own. He works at Crater Lake National Park and was patrolling one of the trails that was reported by hikers who said they heard a bear in the area. He went out with a tranquilizer to move the bear out of an area that was close to a campground. He was walking as usual when he felt eyes on him…he began to hear movement in the woods, and he shouted out “anybody out there?”
No response.
He got his tranquilizer ready and proceeded toward the noise. But as he approached, he heard another noise behind him.
Now he was thinking, “Oh no there’s more than one out here.”
Not sure what to do he prepared for the worst but then to his relief it was two deer. He sighed in relief thanking God that he wasn’t going to be mauled that day. But suddenly he noticed blood on one of the deer’s antlers and next to it behind the bushes it came out of was the carcass of a black bear. The two deer just stared at him and returned to feasting on the bear. He wasn’t sure what to do, tranquilize them or risk being a victim? He decided it was best to take the shot and hit both. They didn’t even budge and just walked off into the forest.
He reported the dead carcass of the bear and just had a team remove the remains. Still gives him the Chills thinking back to that day.
The next story was when I went on a fishing trip with a friend in Washington.
We had set out to fish along this river that was calm that day.
We caught a few fish and even some crawdads. I love seafood so I wanted us to stay out longer to catch a few more fish. My friend ended up taking a nap while I continued to fish. All was well but I suddenly noticed something in the distance, something dark moving along the river. I thought it was some sort of log that was stuck and got free and was floating along the river, but its movements didn’t appear normal. It would move back and forth getting closer and closer. I began to get nervous; I can’t really explain why it just felt like I needed to get away from whatever this thing was.
I turned to my friend who was still asleep and heard a splash.
I looked back and the thing was just gone. I looked around wondering where it went, and I saw it. Perched on top of a tree, I thought it was a cougar, I grabbed my binoculars for a closer look, and it was crouched but was tall, lanky and had milky white eyes but covered in black feathers and wearing some sort of animal pelt. I felt a sudden sense of dread and fear I never felt before. I looked back to my friend to wake him but before I could I heard another splash and saw it was back in the water now headed to the boat. I said “F this “and then turned on the motor and hauled ass out of there. My friend woke up yelling at me and asked, “What the hell are you doing?” but I didn’t respond. When we got to the loading dock, I anchored the boat and told him to get in the truck and he protested about leaving the boat and I said, “We will get it later get in now!”
The car ride back I explained everything, and I saw how pale he got. He’s part Native American and explained to me that what I saw was a Skinwalker.
This next story takes place in the Canadian Wilderness. I was on a hunting trip with my buddy who has a cabin in Canada deep in the wilderness, off-grid type of deal. It was the beginning of winter so the snow wasn’t so bad to where you just couldn’t move. He had this goal to get a mountain lion. So, we headed out to a ridge where you could see out to a clearing where he said he saw this specific mountain lion every year. It always came to the same spot, maybe its home was nearby I don’t know. So, its nighttime, and we had a small fire going, I went to go take a piss when I noticed something or somethings… 3 humanoid figures were in the clearing, I quickly put the fire out, and my friend told me “Dude why did you do that?” I told him to shush, and we observed the 3 beings. The thing was this was way out in the middle of the wilderness, there’s absolutely no way that anybody else knew about this spot. Also, the 3 figures looked human, but I could tell they were much taller than normal and their arms, skinny and just moved unnaturally. They were circling something, but I couldn’t tell what exactly. Then one of the figures stopped and looked directly at us. We rushed to cover and didn’t really know what to do. So, we decided to not sleep that night and have our rifles ready just in case. The following morning, we went down to the clearing to see what those figures were circling and sure enough we saw footprints much larger than a normal human and the beheaded mountain lion that my friend wanted mounted in his cabin so badly but now not so much…
This story still comes across my mind to this day. Me and my buddy from our hiking club were going on a hike one day, it was a beautiful hike along a river, and we were looking for places to set up camp. We saw a campground with food and trash everywhere and at first, I was upset that someone just left this much of a mess here. But the longer I looked around the weirder things got…Their trash bag was still hoisted up on a tree branch but ripped open, the food was still there and if a bear or another animal got to the food, they would of ate everything. Also, there tents were still set up, but ripped as if from the inside, clothes still around and even 2 pairs of boots. The whole campground looked as if whoever was there was immediately in a rush to get out of there and just left all their belongings, not even bothering to take their shoes. The hairs on my neck stood up and both my buddy and I decided that we should call it a day and just hike back to the car. I reported the incident to the forest rangers, but they said they weren’t aware of anybody camping in the area and did not receive any reports from the area. Still freaks me out thinking what could have spooked these people so bad they left their tents, not even bothering to use the zipper and leaving their clothes and shoes behind.
This next one comes from a solo hike. I was doing a 3-day solo trip somewhere in Washington near the Canadian border. I was literally way out there no facilities or normal campground. I was just hiking along, and dusk was approaching, my campsite was already set but I just went for a stroll when I thought I heard a child’s voice calling for help. I thought it was my imagination, but I heard it again. I began to follow it and then I saw the child. He looked dirty; clothes still intact but his back was facing me. I called out to this kid, and he turned around but before he could speak, he was pulled by someone or something down on the other side of this hill. Then I heard a loud crash as if a metal down shut. I ran to where I saw the kid and saw nothing but the same clothes, he was wearing neatly folded and his shoes right next to them. After a few minutes to no avail, I made my way back to the campsite gathered all my things and headed back. I went to the forest ranger station and told them about what I saw. Never found out if they found that kid or not.
Now this story comes from my close friend in Oregon, but this happened in Washington. So, I was hanging out with my friend who has pretty much grew up in the outdoors all his life and I asked him what his most creepy experience in the woods was. He told me he didn’t have a lot of experiences like that aside from hearing weird things at night when he went camping. But, this one time he was out hiking with his dog, they usually are a pair for hiking with friends but this time he was out hiking with just his dog in the deep woods of Washington on a trail that had very little traffic, like you wouldn’t expect to run into anybody. So, his dog is off leash, roaming a little in front of him and as they come to a corner the dog just stopped and his hair stood on the back of his neck, did a single bark moved up one step and then just ran behind my friend, not behind his legs but down the trail behind my friend, about 25 yards behind him. My friend pulled out his firearm and aimed forward, considering this was an area where black bears are he thought maybe his dog saw a bear but after a few minutes he didn’t find anything, no animals, nothing. His dog refused to go near him even after he kept calling for his dog. He eventually left the trail with his dog and got back home in one piece. But he said he never saw his dog act like that, his dog and he have hiked plenty, and his dog has been spooked before, but he never acted that way and he would always come back to my friend even when spooked.
This last story I have for now occurred when I was hunting with my buddy in Washington. The area still had trees but was on the dryer side with us being closer to the desert.
We had a deer blind set up near a clearing and scanned the area for some deer when we noticed a big elk with a couple of doe. They were grazing and we just watched since we didn’t want this deer.
What was odd though was the weather began to get rainy and fog rolled in as evening was approaching. We noticed that the elk began to showcase defensive behavior, going back and forth making grunting noises and huffing as it began to set up a defensive area around the doe who were now cowering in a small area. Kind of like “Back up these are mine” This elk was staring at the tree line, and we thought, “oh shit maybe it’s a bear”. But to our surprise it wasn’t, it was another elk. We got a little excited thinking we were about to see these two elk go at it to see who gets to take the herd of doe home, but I stopped once I put it together. Why did the doe seem so afraid then?
Then I saw another elk and another and another all just staring at the protective elk.
But then to our shock all the elks began to stand. On two legs.
Now sometimes deer will do this as a protective or displaying behavior of superiority, but these elk were not.
The protective elk began to show more aggression attempting to scare them off.
My friend whispered to me. “What the hell is this, I’ve never seen this before in my life.”
My friend has been hunting for over 15 years from Alaska all the way to Colorado and parts in the East coast. A seasoned man who didn’t scare easily but I could tell this freaked him out.
The group of bipedal elk just stood there and then they all bolted towards the Elk and the elk charged them at the same time. Managing to impale two of the elks but he was outnumbered, and the elks didn’t use their antlers but began to bite the elk with what looked like jagged sharp fangs.
It was horrible. They then they circled the elk and just looked up to the moon and made these god-awful gurgling noises
It looked like some sort of F’d up ritual.
We decided that we should leave and began to grab our things to leave. I’m positive that we were too far for anyone to hear but I sweat as soon as we moved one of the deer stopped and looked right at us.
And that’s when we nopped out of there, we ran all the way to the truck hoping we didn’t run into those elks or whatever the hell those things were. I have seen deer display hostile behavior but never like that.
We were rushing to throw our stuff and sped out onto the dirt road. We got about 1/4 a mile away when we noticed a giant log blocking our path that wasn’t there before.
My friend said: “dammit we have to move it”
Luckily, we had a chainsaw in the back, and he cut some of the log away so we could move it. But God those logs were heavy, when we got to the last of the log my friend said, “help me move it!” I joined in, and we both lifted the last of the log out of the way out we noticed something on the road. It was one of those deer. Just standing looking at us. We backed up towards the truck my friend not even caring to grab the chainsaw and I swear it opened its mouth and said “hhe hhe-hel-help me moo-move iiiit”
It was distorted but sounded exactly like my friend.
We just ran to the truck from there and we hit the gas and this deer just ran towards the truck and hopped on the front and then the top of the truck and I’m just shitting bricks at this point and attempt to grab the shotgun from under the seat when my friend says “hang on” and just hits the brakes hard and this deer just goes flying off the truck and he quickly speeds around it .
We stayed at a hotel after driving 2 hours straight back to civilization.
Honestly, I believe deer just have some messed up ways, but I really don’t know what they were but I’m positive they weren’t deer, I don’t know what they were.
Part 2
I figured I’d mention this since I didn’t add it to my previous post.
These experiences I had forever changed my perspective on the woods and I questioned whether I should ever step foot in the woods again. I don’t know why I attract these experiences but part of it motivates me to keep going to share what I see.
This other story was a time I went out with a friend to explore. We were in the backcountry just exploring and I suddenly saw this weird structure. My friend decided we should check it out and we saw this stone-like structure covered in moss and it must have been there for decades. What was weird though it had this rectangular structure that had a door, the door was perfectly preserved as if someone just installed it. No rust on the door handle or any weather damage, it’s like it came fresh out of the store.
I went to get a closer look and I was about to try to open the door when my internal gut feeling was screaming to me that something was wrong and we should not be here, and extreme sense of fear flooded my entire being and my hair on the back of my neck stood up.
My friend told me “What’s wrong?”
I told him “Maybe we should just go”
And he said “we can’t just leave now let’s at least see what’s inside”
Just as I fought my fear off and went for the handle the door began to creak open and I felt something was just VERY wrong, and I think my friend just instinctively knew we had to run, and we just got the hell out of dodge.
We returned with more people and armed to the teeth to try the door again.
But we couldn’t find the structure anywhere despite me marking this area on my map before we even attempted the door.
I always wondered what would have happened had I opened that door….
This next one I was camping with my old roommate, and we were enjoying the night and headed to bed soon after our fire was put out.
Around 3 am I had to piss so I went to the tree at the edge of our campsite
I heard movement after I finished and thought it was my friend having to do the same as me. A few feet away I gave him the okay hand sign and he gave it back
But the way his fingers moved just looked …wrong
I thought maybe I was just tired and headed back to my tent.
The following morning, we made breakfast and I mentioned to him how I drank too much the night before and don’t like having to piss at night but at least I wasn’t the only one who had to go.
My friend looked confused by that last part and said “what do you mean only one? “
I told him: “you don’t remember? We went to pee at the same time.” Then I showed him the okay gesture that I gave him last night to jog his memory and he just told me: “dude I didn’t get up at all last night…”
A chill ran up my spine and I just played it off that I was dreaming.
I don’t know who or what that was last night, we never saw anybody out there and I checked around the campsite after breakfast for footprints, saw mine but nobody’s where I thought I saw my friend the night before.
This next one is like the previous one, but I was camping with my girlfriend at the time. We had a great night doing you know couple of things and then in the middle of the night I had to piss. Did my business at a nearby tree, and then I heard my girlfriend calling my name, in the woods. I figured she had to go to and just wanted to have some privacy. Maybe she needed toilet paper and forgot, as I went to the tent to grab a roll, I heard her call my name again then said help me.
I thought about going over to her but went to grab the roll anyway because I didn’t want to go out there then she tells me she needs the toilet paper. As I opened the tent, I just stood there surprised, my girlfriend was sound asleep still. So, who was calling my name?... I heard my name again but louder and my girlfriend's voice saying “COME HERE NOW”
I just decided to go in the tent, and just laid there silent, not sure what to do. I didn’t hear anything for the rest of the night and passed out after the surge of adrenaline just put me out.
I didn’t tell my girlfriend about it, and just told her we had to cut the trip short because I forgot I have a paper to write.
This Last one happened in 2019. I took a drive on a forest road about 45 mins in. Parked near this trailhead and took off to the trail.
I was admiring the flora and fauna and just going on a normal hike when I noticed my vision completely changed as if I was looking through prescription glasses that weren’t mine. The vegetation changed and it was daylight when I was hiking but now it was dark as if sunset just passed.
This happens almost instantly. It was like I was in a completely new environment.
I then felt something graze my shoulder, it was a hairy arm, like the one you’d see from an ape or Bigfoot, and it was about to grab me, but I managed to take a step back, and I just see the hand grab where my neck would have been. I felt this sudden sense of dread and just began to backpedal and after a couple of steps, my vision went back to normal. The sunlight returned as well as the flora and fauna. I just saw a fuzzy-like outline in a circular shape in front of me from where I just stepped out of, and it eventually disappeared the more steps back I took.
I just stood there completely shocked about what just happened and came to my senses as my internal red flags were going off and I just turned around and ran to my truck and got out of the area. I never had this happen to me before and it thankfully hasn’t happened since. Since this happened, I have never gone hiking alone again.
To end this off, I just want to add that I enjoy the woods and nature it is full of beauty and wonder. But there are things out there…things even the natives knew to stay away from. There are things out there, that don’t care about you, or that you have families, or loved ones. I still go out to the woods, but after that last experience, it took me a long time to get the courage to go out there again. I never go out for solo hikes anymore, and if I can’t go with someone, I always take my dog. Thanks for hearing my stories and I’ll be sure to share any future experiences I have.