Slovakia before the Austro-Hungarian Empire

 Before becoming part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the territory that is now Slovakia was historically part of various kingdoms and empires. Here’s an overview of Slovakia’s history before the Austro-Hungarian Empire:

Early History: The region of present-day Slovakia has been inhabited since ancient times. It was settled by Celtic tribes, followed by Germanic, Slavic, and later Hungarian peoples. The Slavic tribes that settled in the area eventually formed the foundation of what would become the Slovak nation.

Great Moravian Empire (9th-10th Century): In the 9th century, the territory of present-day Slovakia was part of the Great Moravian Empire, a Slavic state that played a crucial role in the history of the region. Great Moravia was a significant power in Central Europe and had a strong cultural and religious influence, especially through the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who introduced Christianity and the Old Church Slavonic language.

Kingdom of Hungary (11th Century): In the late 10th and early 11th centuries, the Kingdom of Hungary emerged and gradually extended its control over the territory of present-day Slovakia. The Hungarians, also known as Magyars, established their rule and exerted influence over the region for several centuries.

Part of the Hungarian Kingdom: Throughout the medieval period, Slovakia remained part of the Hungarian Kingdom. It was administered as part of the Kingdom’s counties, with Hungarian nobility and feudal structures dominating political and economic life.

Part of the Habsburg Monarchy (16th-17th Century): Slovakia came under Habsburg (Austrian) rule during the early modern period. The Habsburgs gradually expanded their influence over Hungary and its territories, including Slovakia. The region experienced conflicts and upheavals, including the Ottoman wars and Reformation movements.

Habsburg Rule and Integration: By the 18th century, the Habsburg Monarchy consolidated control over Hungary and its territories, including Slovakia. The region became an integral part of the Habsburg Empire, which later transformed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867.

Industrialization and Modernization: During the 19th century, Slovakia underwent industrialization and economic development within the framework of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The economy shifted from predominantly agricultural to industrial, with mining and manufacturing becoming important sectors.

It’s important to note that the history of Slovakia is intertwined with that of neighboring regions and kingdoms, especially Hungary and the Czech lands. The transition from the medieval period to modern times saw significant political, cultural, and economic changes that shaped the identity of the Slovak people and their place within larger European contexts.

Like most galaxies, the Milky Way harbors a supermassive Quasars, Stars remnants, and Missing Red Giants

Stellar remnants, and Missing Red Giants in the galactic center are fascinating and dynamic events. In the space, which is densely populated with stars, the gravitational forces are incredibly strong, leading to close encounters and occasional explosion of stars.

Massive stars in the galactic center are particularly prone the intense gravitational forces they experience. When these massive stars collide, the result can be the formation of even more massive stars, or sometimes, the formation of exotic objects such as Quasars or neutron stars.

One intriguing aspect of stellar collisions in the galactic center is the production of collision remnants. These remnants can include unusual stellar objects like blue stragglers, which are stars that appear younger and bluer than their surroundings due to the merger of two or more stars , as massive stars can produce exotic phenomena such as X-ray binaries. The X-rays are produced by matter falling from one component, called the donor (usually a relatively normal star), where a compact object like a neutron star matter from a companion star.

One puzzling observation in the galactic center is the apparent absence of red giants. Red giants are typically abundant in older stellar populations, but their numbers seem to be significantly lower in the galactic center. One possible explanation for this discrepancy is that red giants in the galactic center may be disrupted or destroyed by interactions with other stars, such as close encounters or collisions.

Studying stellar remnants in the galactic center can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of dense stellar environments, the formation and evolution of massive stars, and the properties of exotic objects like neutron stars. It’s an research that continues to uncover new mysteries about the universe’s most extreme environments.

Donald Trump ensures total control of the Republican Party

The resignation of the party president will allow the former president to appoint someone of his trust to the position.

After securing victory in the South Carolina primaries and inching closer to clinching the Republican nomination for the White House, Donald Trump has checked off a crucial item from his to-do list: regaining full control of the Republican Party. The chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), announced her decision to step down next week, paving the way for Trump to appoint a trusted ally to the position. This strategic move comes in an election year when Trump needs unwavering support from all levels of the party, particularly for fundraising efforts.

In her statement,  The chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), expressed her intention to honor the tradition of change within the RNC once a nominee is selected. She emphasized her commitment to winning back the White House and electing Republicans in the upcoming elections. This decision follows Trump’s resounding victory in South Carolina, where he defeated Haley, his sole remaining rival among the 14 initial contenders. Despite Haley’s South Carolina roots and previous tenure as the state’s governor, Trump secured a commanding 20-point lead

Additionally, Americans for Prosperity Action, an organization backed by a famous billionaire, announced that it will cease supporting Haley after her defeat in her home state. Koch, a powerful figure in American conservatism, had previously made headlines for supporting Haley. However, her loss prompted a shift in their backing, further bolstering Trump’s position.

As Trump continues to exert influence over the GOP, he solidifies his grip on the party through a mix of demagoguery, policy expediency, and anti-liberal sentiment. His control surpasses that of most past presidents, even as he challenges traditional free-market orthodoxy, If chosen as the Republican nominee, Trump will face off against incumbent President Joe Biden in a rematch of the 2020 election.

In this high-stakes political landscape, Trump’s maneuvers underscore his pursuit of complete and total control, leaving little room for dissent within the party. The battle for dominance continues, with the fate of the Republican Party hanging in the balance.

COP23 was originally scheduled for Brazil in 2023

COP23 was originally scheduled for Brazil in 2023 but was relocated to Dubai amid concerns over Brazil’s deforestation rates under its current leadership. The UAE accepted to host on short notice.

The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) took place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Here is a more literal translation:

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) took place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

– Observers will watch key emitters like China and India to see if they strengthen 2030 emissions targets pledged in their Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs, as the 1.5C target hangs in the balance.

– Questions also surround how COP23 discussions can accelerate climate funding and help vulnerable nations adapt, as global warming increases extreme weather costs globally.

– Interest is high given Dubai’s position as a business/tourism hub and the opportunity for climate discussions to intersect with energy, finance, and industry leaders in the region.

– Civil society groups aim to keep up pressure on governments to match climate rhetoric with substantial new policy and investment commitments next month.

Tonynetone leading up to and throughout the conference proceedings.

“The Atlantis Enigma: Decoding Fact from Fiction”

Plato in his dialogues “Timaeus” and “Critias,” this mysterious civilization

In the annals of ancient lore, few tales have captured the collective imagination as intensely as the story of Atlantis. Immortalized by Plato in his dialogues “Timaeus” and “Critias,” this mysterious civilization has ignited debates for centuries. While some staunchly advocate for its existence as a real, advanced continent, the truth remains a blend of speculation, intrigue, and the complexities of historical interpretation.

Plato, the luminary philosopher of antiquity, masterfully wove the Atlantis narrative into his philosophical works. Describing Atlantis as an “absolutely true” account, the character Critias recounts a remarkable civilization that thrived nearly 9,000 years before Plato’s era. This utopian society, armed with advanced technology and great wealth, radiated power and brilliance. But like a tragic crescendo, Atlantis met its downfall due to its own moral decay.

Yet, as we embark on a journey to unveil the hidden truths within this narrative, a nuanced perspective emerges. Scholars and experts, while acknowledging the vividness of Plato’s descriptions, question the veracity of the Atlantis account as a historical record. The dialogue itself hints at the narrative’s allegorical nature, raising doubts about its literal authenticity.

The absence of corroborating historical and archaeological evidence further deepens the mystery. No primary sources from that epoch, no artifacts, no inscriptions lend credence to the existence of this advanced civilization. While Plato’s writings often serve as invaluable insights into ancient thought, they also reveal his propensity for using fiction to illustrate philosophical principles.

Delving into the temporal chasm between the purported Atlantean era and Plato’s time, a sense of caution arises. Oral traditions are susceptible to embellishments and alterations over generations. The allure of Atlantis might have inspired storytellers to create an alluring tale that grew more vivid with each retelling.

As we stand at the crossroads of myth and history, it’s essential to approach the Atlantis narrative with a balanced perspective. While proponents argue for its actual existence, the majority of scholars view Atlantis as a literary invention—an ingenious embodiment of Plato’s philosophical inquiries. Rather than a factual event, Atlantis serves as a canvas upon which Plato painted his ideas about power, morality, and the rise and fall of civilizations.

In the end, the allure of Atlantis persists not solely because of its alleged technological marvels, but due to its role as a timeless riddle that beckons us to explore the boundaries of fact and imagination. Whether Atlantis was a factual entity or a masterstroke of philosophical fiction, its legacy endures, reminding us that the interplay between truth and narrative is an eternal dance that shapes our understanding of the past.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and Webb Telescope Discovers

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft shared the wonders of Saturn

Saturn’s ring system. The Moon referred to here is likely Saturn’s moon Enceladus, which has been observed to have geysers or plumes erupting from its surface. These plumes consist of water vapor, ice particles, and other volatile compounds.

Enceladus’ plumes primarily interact with its own environment. The plumes originate from subsurface liquid water oceans that exist beneath the moon’s icy crust. When the plumes are ejected into space, they form a diffuse cloud around Enceladus. This cloud affects the moon’s immediate vicinity and has been studied extensively by the Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn

Saturn’s rings are composed of countless icy particles ranging in size from micrometers to meters. The rings orbit Saturn independently of its moons. While the plumes from Enceladus might be in proximity to Saturn’s rings, there is no substantial evidence to suggest a direct interaction between the two.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided new insights into the interaction between the plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus and the planet’s ring system. Enceladus, a small icy moon, harbors a global ocean beneath its icy crust. Geysers erupt from the moon’s surface, spewing jets of water vapor, ice particles, and organic chemicals. Webb’s observations have revealed a massive water vapor plume extending over 6,000 miles, more than 20 times the size of the moon itself. The telescope’s sensitivity has allowed scientists to observe how this plume feeds the water supply for Saturn and its rings. Webb’s unique vantage point from the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 2, one million miles from Earth, has provided a new perspective on the interaction between the plumes and the Saturnian system. The observations demonstrate that about 30% of the water remains within a torus, co-located with Saturn’s outermost and widest ring, while the remaining 70% escapes to supply water to the rest of the Saturnian system. Webb’s ongoing observations of Enceladus will continue to deepen our understanding of this intriguing moon and inform future missions to explore its subsurface ocean and icy crust.

Please note

It’s important to note that scientific knowledge is constantly advancing, and new discoveries can be made beyond actally knowledge cutoff. So, it’s always worth checking for the latest research and updates from reliable sources to stay informed about any developments in our understanding of celestial bodies.

23 January 1368 CE. Zhu Yuanzhang

The 23 January 1368 CE. Zhu Yuanzhang ascends to the throne of China as the Hongwu Emperor, initiating Ming Dynasty rule over China that would last for three centuries. In 1368 rebel armies—led by Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398)—overthrew the Yuan, and Zhu established a dynasty he named Da Ming (“Great Brightness”). The only emperor in China’s long history to have been born to a peasant family, Míng Dynasty that ruled China for nearly three hundred years. Born to a family of poor peasant farmers and orphaned at the age of 14, Zhu eventually became leader of a rebel army, and began to make plans for the overthrow of the Mongol (Yuan) dynasty. In 1363, Zhu defeated his rival Ch’en Yu-liang in the Battle of Lake Poyang (鄱陽湖之戰), one of the largest naval battles in world history. Zhu and the rebel forces advanced on Peking, forced the flight of the Mongol emperor, and proclaimed the Ming Dynasty in 1368. The reign of the Hongwu Emperor is notable for his unprecedented political reforms. The emperor abolished the position of chancellor, drastically reduced the role of court eunuchs, and adopted Draconian measures to address corruption.

Diana protector of wild

Diana is an Italic, Latin and Roman goddess, lady of the woods, protector of wild animals, guardian of springs and streams, protector of women, to whom she ensured painless parts, and dispenser of sovereignty. Often this Roman goddess makes herself correspond to the goddess Artemis of Greek mythology, but according to some scholars the fusion between the two figures happened only at a later time. [ Artemis-Diana, goddess of hunting, virginity, archery, woods and the Moon.

The root is found in the Latin term dius (“of the light”, from dies, “[the light of the] day”), archaic divios for which the original name would have been Diviana. The light to which the name refers would be that which filters from the branches of the trees in the forest clearings, while that of the Moon is rejected because this association with the goddess was very late.

Something in its aftermath

Something in its aftermath.
Tycho supernova remnant from Chanda shows a pattern of bright clumps and fainter holes in the X-ray data.

In 1572, Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe was among those who noticed a new bright object in the constellation Cassiopeia. Adding fuel to the intellectual fire that Copernicus started, Tycho showed this “new star” was far beyond the Moon, and that it was possible for the Universe beyond the Sun and planets to change. Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) was a nobleman from Denmark who made astronomy his life’s work because he was so impressed , the Tycho supernova remnant and the very bright star, and open cluster of stars, King 1, first catalogued by Ivan King, in 1572, it was so bright that it was visible during the day. And though he wasn’t the first or only person to observe this stellar spectacle, the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe wrote a book about his extensive observations of the event, gaining the honor of it being named after him. In modern times, astronomers have observed the debris field from this explosion – what is now known as Tycho’s supernova remnant – using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. Tycho Brahe was walking home from his laboratory on November 11, 1572 when his attention was attracted by the star in the constellation of Cassiopeia which was as bright as Jupiter and had not been visible before. Tycho wrote the following description (from Burnham’s Celestial Handbook):

“On the 11th day of November in the evening after sunset, I was contemplating the stars in a clear sky. I noticed that a new and unusual star, surpassing the other stars in brilliancy, was shining almost directly above my head; and since I had, from boyhood, known all the stars of the heavens perfectly, it was quite evident to me that there had never been any star in that place of the sky, even the smallest, to say nothing of a star so conspicuous and bright as this. I was so astonished of this sight that I was not ashamed to doubt the trustworthiness of my own eyes. Most people assume that because the supernova of 1604 was named after Kepler, that he must have been the first to see it. However, historical reports indicate that the supernova was first seen in northern Italy on the evening of October 9, 1604, and by the Chinese and Koreans during the next few days. In Prague, an independent sighting was made on October 10th through a break in the clouds, by J. Brunowski, who reported the sighting to Kepler. Cloudy weather in Prague prevented Kepler from observing the object until the evening of October 17th. Kepler observed the newly visible star over the course of a year, and in 1606 published a detailed account in his book – De Stella Nova.

A lightning bolt strikes Acropolis of Athens

A lightning bolt strikes Acropolis of Athens

A lightning bolt strikes Acropolis of Athens A lightning bolt struck Athen’s famous Acropolis on April 17, 2019, injuring two guards. Culture minister spokeswoman told AFP the Acropolis itself suffered no damage, adding the site was closed for the rest of the day. When in 1645 Acropolis served as a fortress during the Ottoman Turkish so event caused a massive explosion and extensively damaged the building. Ottoman Empire, empire created by Turkish tribes in Anatolia (Asia Minor) that grew to be one of the most powerful states in the world during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Ottoman period spanned more than 600 years and came to an end only in 1922.

Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire, which survived for a thousand years after the western half had crumbled into various feudal kingdoms and which finally fell to Ottoman Turkish onslaughts in 1453.

Saint-Denis resource