Free Latifa: A Choose-Your-Own-Problems Tale

By Matthew Vandenberg

As the Australian ambassador to Amériçaisia (formally the United States), you decide to take a break in Dubai. But there's no escaping your intriguing title.

Meanwhile, a princess is in distress; an obstetrician needs some relief from her stressful occupation; an emir is ruthless; a blind man is switching gears; and who wants you dead for pushing the emancipation of women?

You just want to buy an island off the shore of Dubai, but you have CHOICES to make. You have MANY CHOICES to make.

You choose your path, dear reader. There are only a few ways that you'll make it out alive. Happy travels.

And feel free to skip italicized homonymal paragraphs, as they are convoluted and non-essential.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Jun 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685834418

Book preview

Piece #2: Smothered #1

I'm still strolling south-west alongside Al Mina Road, yet to reach Jumeirah, and I can't see the islands I'm yet to even lay my eyes on. I can see the sea of course. This gets me thinking: the sea's even more open than I want the housing on an island to be to women. Goods can be by sea, and people at sea or by the sea, and so land can easily be overlooked, especially if it's sinking [1.].

How close to them are the significant people overlooking women moving hands like fingers of land rolling into the sea? Will everyone be able to see Australia? One day there may be artificial Dubai Waterfronts [1.] that are shelter from choppy seas [1.], sure, but what if too many scenic overlooks are on them? Will powerful men spy on their exes? I'll own ONE island of Australia but will THEY own The Universe [1.]; or the star and crescent [1.]? Who controls whom? How threatening are waves when seas truly rise [1.]? Will you want to drown instead of being close to the wrong island? Have I properly thought about the water between it and surrounding islands when buying the island I will have my eye on?

Hardly. Life really began suddenly - without waters properly breaking -, like a lecture, when I read an email aloud to myself and then downloaded an app called BOTIM [3.], drawing life from digital bits alone like they were seas. It crossed my mind that I was admitting myself to a mental asylum. Then, I think, the cordiality of the people waiting for me will surely catch me off guard as they greet me [2.] and express their gratitude to me [2.]. They'll tell me everything I need to know about where I'll be residing permanently [2.], and exactly what I'm allowed to have on the island that technically will not be forbidden [2.]. I'll be told what I can do there [2.], whether it will be a private or public island, and about publicity but only if my words are not to be censored. They won't mention the insignificance - in their minds - of the state I'll be in, instead emphasizing it's size [2.]. The price of my success may be the price on my head of $13 million to $25 million: the same as the islands [2.], with the amount dependent upon my actions in the near future. But first they'll need to know exactly what I plan to do on the island [2.], what I want built there [2.], and what I've purchased before now [2.]. They'll want to see me [2.], talk to me [2.], and stay in touch at all times [2.] like I'll be in a cell - and they'll need my cell number [2.] of course. They'll need to know where to find me [2.] forever. And they'll definitely need my BOTIM ID [2.]. But I already read the email they sent me. I'm now taking the next step maybe onto Australian soil.

But maybe I'm crazy. Is this my strong point? How can I step out of Dubai IN Dubai? How can a woman? Can I make a strong point or does it have to be sands only? The sands of time?

I look up at the night sky and see myself in a room with a property developer.

'And just where do you think you'll go?' the developer asks.

'I know a place,' I say, nervously.

'You have NO money,' the developer stresses. 'You'll get nowhere without me!' - He slams his fist down on the table. The shadow of this shows where I'm to stay - 'These are the plans. My plans are long-term, and for reception after reception. I plan for countless guests. Where do you expect to go when they work for ME?! Everyone works for me. I regularly submit my plans to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for approval, and YOU must submit! How dare you think otherwise! Look at me when I'm talking you through what you will do!' - I nod and make eye contact with the sinister figure. - 'I hear some absurd nonsense about a refuge. No one will build such a structure here because it is not necessary and people are forbidden to enter one! You will not mix with people whom advocate such a refuge! They are dissidents and will be punished accordingly! Do we see eye to eye on this matter or must we do something as an eye for an eye? Perhaps you are blind and need one to see!'

'I yield to a friend,' I say.

'You have no friends to relinquish the floor to,' the developer states. 'The floor is yours alone and you are on your own. No one is listening. No one will speak up for you. That is your independence. You want more? Then you keep asking and you will get more. More and more floors that are yours and yours alone!'

Still staring up at the night sky I see that the figurative walls around my figure are so large and thick, like my own abdominal walls I could never break by banging my head against. I'm trapped in a body but if I break free it's like I'm not in a body when complaining to someone, like having an out-of-body-experience with my head in the clouds.

Some body's walking toward me.

They've spotted me.

Walls are ever-thickening, thick like abdominal, and what first appears to be a brick - a person with a heart of gold - is soon a wall formed by a significant body.

I've tried to go somewhere I'm not supposed to.

They're surrounding me like walls. Al Mina Road becomes a block before my eyes that I can't walk around. My island's not just around the block but overseas. I can't find my way there now in the dead of night, almost like a stationary block myself: the object of scorn.

I'm suddenly surrounded by sounds.

'Qf! قف!'

'قف!'

******

- Lindsay Lohan - Rumors (Official Music Video)

https://youtu.be/Aa4EHiIKGZM

[3.] BOTIM (app)

botim.me

[2.] Personal correspondence with Nimra Zahid of Sarmad Real Estate, Dubai

- Greetings from Sarmad Investments

- About us

- Regarding your inquiry

- Prices:

[...thank you for contacting us...]

[We can provide you all [sic] information and technical details...]

[Island, [sic] usage, size and price varies between [sic] one Island to another Island....We required [sic] more information for the purpose of Purchase (Development Plan) and Buyer (Investment) portfolio]

[Prices of the Island can start from $13,000,000 (13 million dollars) up to $ 25,000,000 (25 million dollars)[.] I’ll be more than happy to arrange a conference meeting by Skype between yourself and our management to discuss further information...;

...forward your contact details, mobile number and BOTIM ID.]

[1.] Why Dubai's Man-Made Islands Are Still Empty

https://youtu.be/riETCR7FnZE

[...The World was planned to be supplemented by another even bigger project: The Universe. - @neo_channel_;

...formed like a star and crescent, an important symbol in Islam....The shape [of the artificial Dubai Waterfront] should also serve as a shelter to protect Palm Jebel Ali from erosion. - @neo_channel_;

"...the rising sea levels are a growing danger for a project like this.' - @neo_channel_]

Piece #3: Apprehension #1

I'm at the intersection of 53 B Street and Al Mina Road, not too far from a restaurant called Around The Block.

One of many men approaches me like a needle and I fear he's like a vaccine [1.] and arms are all others can get him into. Why is he approaching me so early in the morning? I'm sure he knows how to use arms and legs - like he's getting up like the sea, wind, or an audience, like there's need for some alarm and we're in need of help - and I haven't had a chance to think about people running me in and how that will feel. I knew I wouldn't get to my island right away and that it's very early in the day yet, but I didn't know that it was THIS early. I feel like I'm the first person to ever be approached like this. I thought I'D be the one approaching people but I knew I'd have to be careful making approaches to a floor (or approaching a floor) as a producer. They're directors, and they'll need to look at everything I produce, like vaccines, according to customs. Whom do I answer to?

They're naturally weary of hearing about some foreign matter of importance, and so am I. So I represent foreign powers, and so do they. I'm representing a nation and ideals so they may not know whether I'm a lawyer or an agent. So I too wonder whether THEY are here to support me or a higher power. I can't blame them if they think I may want to walk on water if they suspect I'm heading to Australia. I don't really know how well I am of importance here. So I inch forward in trepidation like I don't know whether or not confidence is a sin. If their apprehension about changes is expressed will that simply foreshadow MY apprehension, and if I walk faster is it a form of expression?

I stop dead in my tracks.

I've got papers but they'll look false because Australia isn't an official state yet. Like, the island nation I mean. Like, an emirate that's an island in Australia. Now I sound like an Emir of Australia and that may not be a good title. Should I throw my papers away before they book me for a bad appearance? I'm apprehensive. Will they like what I have to say? They could think I'm selfish because of what I have to say for myself. If I'm not diplomatic enough then I'll be diplomatically isolated. But if I'm a diplomatic official am I to be given diplomatic immunity? And if I'm given immunity is it by a vaccination they're not sure just ANYONE should be given?

If they know that I've stated that the bad breath or natural scent of women is a drug then could I be accused of drug trafficking for simply drawing female Emiratis' attention to this? Will they appreciate the inside of their arms more when they're not wearing perfume, and when they've been vaccinated against COVID-20 [1.] so that they're not scared of breath? Will they look at their bodies like they're pregnant and it's because of me?

So if I'm a tad fearful and anxious it could be because men are approaching me, rather than their wives. If they know who I am then I could be in trouble. If they don't then I could be asked for my papers and then they will. It's too early to catch a flight to my island, and I only want to fight misogyny and diseases, and so I can't meet their request with much of a response (fight or flight). I also don't speak Arabic. If I did then that would help me build rapport with them. Perhaps they speak English but then they probably know who I am? Why am I so presumptuous? Ha.

But sleepy curious confused jealous male regal alert alarmed holy Emiratis with political axes to grind and ties to emirs may be on my tail because they think I'm an animal. Papers are thin. Publicity is a curse like I'm Eminem performing as I stay put. I can say nothing in my defense but utter words from the Koran I can't recall. All I can say is in English. All I can give away is myself.

It's like I'm stopping dead in tracks on my arm.

Will they call me 'high'? Or - worse yet - a dirty dealer?

'Hi,' the man says.

Uh oh.

******

- Eminem - Guts Over Fear ft. Sia (Official Video)

https://youtu.be/0AqnCSdkjQ0

[1.] Covid-19: why vaccine mistrust is growing | The Economist

https://youtu.be/3EK4VRmG3yM

[...worrying rise in mistrust of vaccines threatens its effectiveness.]

Piece #4: Hopelessness #1

‘You’re a tourist,' the man says, nodding.

'Um . . . yeah,' I say, rather relieved. A tourist is someone I can happily play. But if he's playing me with me then he could be playing with me, but that's unlikely. He's not pretending to be a tourist too.

'You're lost,' the man says. He takes out a pamphlet. 'This is where you wanna go. You'll love it. Not now. Tomorrow. Show them this when you go there, so they see my name.' - He hands the pamphlet to me then offers me his hand. - 'My name is Majid.'

I hand the pamphlet to myself so that my right winning open fingers are free. 'I'm Matthew,' I say, shaking his hand. 'Nice to meet you.'

I release his hand and glance at the pamphlet: X Line Dubai Marina [2.].

'You're Australian?'

'Yeah,' I say.

'You call it a flying fox, then,' the man says. 'This is the best in the world. You'll start on the 42nd floor [3.] of an Amwaj Tower [2.], 170 meters above the ground [2.], then go over the marina [2.] and land on the mall [2.]. You'll love it.'

'Oh,' I say, nodding. 'All right then. Yeah. I'll give it a go.'

'You haven't seen Dubai until you fly over it,' Majid says.

He clearly doesn't know who I am, so I guess talk about the islands won't be amiss.

'Do you know anything about Australia?' I ask.

'Land of kangaroos and koalas,' Majid says.

I smile.

'Not that Australia,' I say. 'The artificial island.'

I point to the right like I know what I'm doing.

'Oh,' Majid says. 'Ahhhh. Oh, you won't be able to get there. That, Matthew, is a private island. Nothing there yet, I think. It's just maybe a million tons of sand [4.].'

I nod.

'I see,' I state. 'No flying fox.'

I laugh.

'Ha ha,' Majid says. 'Oh no.'

'Nice meeting you Majid,' I say, offering my hand.

We shake hands again.

'You too my brother,' Majid says. 'X Line [2.] tomorrow, yeah?'

'For sure,' I say, nodding, before continuing on my way down the footpath alongside Al Mina Road.

It's his job to sell someone pushing me into the sky. But it's my job to buy solid ground. That said, I'll go over the buildings some time, sure.

But the island my interests are over is still sand, and the idea of traveling there doesn't really interest anyone, even spruikers.

It's like a site in northern Lusaka, Zambia [1.] where valuable waste is hard to find [1.] because everyone else is picking it up before it even ends up there [1.] because they don't want to end up penniless themselves [1.]. They're more brilliantly organized [1.], like tours, labor, workers, campaigns, religion, departments, rooms, and perhaps protests and modern states.

Like business is bad but they're picking the pieces up like they're women, while YOU are all alone on a deserted island. Who can even reach it? I can't even see it from where I'm walking now. Even if I could, it's not easy to tie funding to calm, and this is settled over the island, like women at home in Dubai and supposedly their lives, tied to men, and I can't even feel ties with faraway towns, let alone make even closer ones. The calm's just not exciting enough. My job ties me to a tiny island. My behavior isn't even tied up with anything happening here. Strengthening family ties with women seems only possible by first strengthening them with their husbands. There won't be too many ties with others if I'm competing with THEM, weak as I am. I can't tie them. Nor can I make their family ties weaker by simply moving away myself. A single person's calm is not enough to tie anyone to the island. My lines tie in with barely any facts. Men certainly can't tie some knot in Dubai. This is a tangled tale, like contracts, and I don't see any zipline.

******

[1.] The Economist

International

Dec 19th 2020 edition >

Down in the dumps

Covid-19 has posed new challenges to the world’s waste-pickers

https://www.economist.com/international/2020/12/19/covid-19-has-posed-new-challenges-to-the-worlds-waste-pickers

[... northern edge of Lusaka, in Zambia...;

Those who are better organised have prospered more;

Worsening poverty in the city means both that more people are scavenging at the landfill and that fewer valuable scraps make it there in the first place.]

[2.] XLine Dubai Marina

Dubai

X Line

- Fly Through the Dubai Marina Skyline

- Enjoy the Ride!

http://xline.xdubai.com/

[Take a zipline ride from a 170m-high platform]

[...from one of the Amwaj Towers across the marina to the Dubai Marina Mall.]

[3.] Personal experience.

[4.] Why Dubai's Man-Made Islands Are Still Empty

https://youtu.be/riETCR7FnZE

[Piling up hundreds of thousands of tons of sand... - @neo_channel_]

Piece #5: Optimism #1

I near the intersection of Al Mina Road and Al Safa Street. The Nature's Life Pharmacy [2.] to my left is always open. I'm surrounded by malls that are not yet. It's here where and now when a woman asked to meet me. She's not an Emirati but French. Her name's Laetitia. We met on Dubai Chat [3.], and that's probably an illegal app since we're in the UAE [4.]. Anyway, she was evicted from her unit. She's French, so what did she expect? NOT to be evicted. Only 1 out of every 25,000 of them are [1.], at least in France [1.]. But on the other side of the North Atlantic Ocean the difference between what people earn and what they pay for rent is increasing over time [1.] and between 2000 and 2016 in South Carolina [1.] 41,099 tenants [1.] - or 8.87% of all [1.] - were evicted [1.]. That's more than in any other state [1.]. And if a woman doesn't have a job then the difference between what she earns and some rent is obviously even greater.

Being evicted is like being ostracized. If you're single then it's even worse, and almost like divorcing someone. So you could say that a way of divorcing someone is outlined in clause (a) [5.] of chapter 1 [5.] of article 25 [5.] of an updated [5.] Dubai Tenancy Law [5.]. If you can't pay the rent then you have to get out of the unit [5.]. Definite articles, and clauses, are perhaps like definite features of faces of companies and hard to forget about. THE rent is THE security. I guess that landlords pick the best definite dates. Then THEY may come to me, and more and more over time. Clauses needn't be all bad. A firm commitment is not so bad.

She's standing in front of Life [2.].

'Laetitia?' I ask, walking up to her.

'Shhhhh,' Laetitia says, looking up. 'Don't say my name like you are asking a question. Are you crazy? Not here [4.]. You may as well touch my hand too [4.].'

I almost hold out my hand but then stop myself.

'Sorry,' I say.

'Don't apologize,' Laetitia says. 'Act like you are just partnering with management and we will be okay.'

'You're my manager?'

'Again with the questions,' Laetitia says, shaking her head.

'Whoops,' I say. 'My bad. So where would you like to go?'

Laetitia smiles. 'I will pretend I did not hear that. You decide.'

'Well, I was just walking alongside Al Mina Road,' I say. 'I was hoping to get to Jumeirah Beach by dawn.'

'That is odd,' Laetitia says. 'But it is a plan. We should walk.'

I nod and we walk and hit the edge of the road. It sounds like we're going down, falling head over heels in love until we're on our knees begging for forgiveness, but the way things stand tonight, there's no telling who's a key player.

The ball's in her court.

'It said on your profile that you like it when a woman dribbles along your body,' Laetitia says. 'Are you serious? Does that mean you like saliva or balls?'

'I would have written and not but I didn't want a jealous husband to break it with one of his balls,' I state.

Laetitia laughs.

'You are serious though?' Laetitia asks. 'You like saliva?'

I nod.

'You're okay talking about this here?' I ask.

'We are walking. It is fine. But I cannot suck your nose yet. My voice is too dry.'

'Well, I'm sure I'll love your opinions,' I say.

'Opinions?' Laetitia asks.

'Dry answers, like humor, states, and work,' I say. 'So what do you do anyway?'

'I'm an obstetrician,' Laetitia answers.

'Oh wow,' I say, truly surprised. 'You're a doctor?'

Laetitia nods.

'And do you know exactly what an obstetrician is?' Laetitia asks.

'Yeah,' I say. 'You deliver babies.'

'But I am not just a post woman. I take care of pregnant women also.'

'That's really good work,' I say.

'You really think so, or are you just being nice?'

'I really do,' I say. 'So do you work at a hospital?'

'Belhoul European Hospital [6.],' Laetitia says. 'You would have almost passed it if you've been walking for hours alongside this road.'

'I see,' I say. 'And you enjoy this work?'

'I have good and bad days, but it is a very rewarding occupation. So, tell me, what do YOU do?'

Do I tell her?

~~~~~~

- Yes: Read on.

- No: Go to piece number 7.

******

[1.] Millions of Americans can't pay rent | 2020 Election

https://youtu.be/F07yTI0J3Qk

[...have been evicted at some point...1 in 25,000 in France.;

Infographic:

"...spanning the years 2000 to 2016....

South Carolina

USA

Eviction Rate

8.87%

Evictions

41,099" [Largest number in the nation];

Infographic:

Changes in rent and household income:

[The difference between rent and household income is increasing over time.]

[2.] Life

https://www.lifepharmacy.com/

[3.] Google Play

Dubai Dating & Chat Nearby [App]

[4.] E: Expatica

UAE

Dating in the United Arab Emirates

Expats looking to date or find a relationship have a few options in the United Arab Emirates.

- Dating in the United Arab Emirates

How to meet people in the United Arab Emirates

- Online dating

https://www.expatica.com/ae/living/love/dating-in-the-united-arab-emirates-70941/

[...it is strongly advisable that you are very discreet when it comes to public displays of affection or public dating.]

[...in the UAE, and many dating sites are actually banned.]

[5.] Khaleej Times

Legal View

Home » Legal View

On unpaid leave and can't pay rent. Can my landlord evict me?

Answer:

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/legalview/unpaid-leave-and-cant-pay-rent-can-my-landlord-evict-me-

[In the event of non-payment of rent by the tenant, the landlord may seek to evict the tenant in accordance with Article 25(1)(a) of the Amended Dubai Tenancy Law...]

[6.] Belhoul European Hospital (LLC)

Live life to the full

Clinics & Doctors >>

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

http://www.belhouleuropean.com/department/17

Piece #6: Frustration #1

‘Can you keep a secret?’ I ask.

Laetitia shrugs.

'Try me,' she prompts.

I scratch my head.

'I'm buying an island,' I say.

'Huh?'

'One of the islands that form the shape of Australia in the World Islands,' I state. 'There will be an island women's refuge there for women whom want to run away from their partners. I'm the Australian Ambassador to Amériçaisia, so I can pull strings to get people to work for me.'

'To work for you?' Laetitia asks. 'Who exactly? In India very young [1.] women [1.] are forced [5.] to tend cotton plants [1.] because some say that they have the best fingers to use to move pollen from one plant to another [1.], and remove anthers [4.] [1.] from the plants so that self-pollination does not occur [4.], and get paid just 2 Euros fifty daily [1.], something I certainly could not live on. But people care more about the plants being free of diseases [3.] and various [3.] than the girls tending them being free. So what exactly do you want the women - if they ARE even women - to be doing on your private island?'

This was not the reaction to my words that I expected. What if my proposals receive an equally poor reaction when people here hear about them? I don't wanna be the nut that causes this kind of reaction. Any artistic images should be a reaction AGAINST abuse. Perhaps self-pollination is like self-promotion but then people get CROSS. What do you see inside a train [2.]? What can [2.] you? You can't look around yourself much with your husband around, maybe. So the only people who'll see my advertisements may be men. Or Laetitia.

'The women won't be working for me,' I stress. 'And I'll pay workers a lot.'

'Only men then?' Laetitia asks. 'Sexist, no? I finger people whom hoard money, like they are vegetables. Especially foreign fingers-of-land-hoppers like yourself. Now you will just be making more men rich.'

'This island doesn't have a rich history,' I say. 'This one is different. And women will work for me only if they want to. I'll need them.'

'Like nimble fingers?'

'No,' I say. 'My OWN fingers are nimble enough. I'll need them to be doing what they WANT to do.'

'What if any good company you have attracts predatory attention?'

'I don't know,' I say. 'I really hope they don't.'

'You are rich,' Laetitia says. 'Bad people are going to want to talk to you all the time. Is this what you are going to say to them when they ask for something? ?, rather than ? You seem like a pushover. Psychopaths will love you.'

'How can your words, expression, and looks be so dark just before dawn?' I ask.

'You are the one who asked if I could keep a secret,' Laetitia says.

'That's quite the opposite of ,' I state.

'And you have a problem with the way I look now? I am too dark? And you are not fond of the way I express myself verbally? Are you not going to be a champion of my right to do so? You are just full of excuses. And coming here and after some darkness (the manner of your faith that you will say just fell like rain) to do things behind closed doors.'

'After what darkness?' I ask. 'And my manner is more sad than archaically evil.'

'What did you do to become the Australian Ambassador to Amériçaisia in the Trump era?' Laetitia asks. 'Hmmmm? What are you after, besides low expectations of parents?'

'It's the dawn of the West era,' I say. 'But I'm independent anyway. Those are more dark words if you don't mind.' - I place a finger to my lips.

'Now our whole conversation is dark,' Laetitia states. 'You should have never mentioned your intentions to me*.'

'I didn't want you to be in the dark about your future,' I say. 'I was actually hoping to offer you a job.'

'Like I want to waste my time on your uninhabited island waiting for women to come,' Laetitia says, shaking her head. 'I really help people in a REAL hospital. You really think you can give women a hand by fingering their overprotective husbands? And telling the women too as well? Yours will surely be chopped off before they do such a thing with theirs. What you are asking women to do is trust you more than Allah. Do you understand me?'

Sadly, I nod. Her points are numerous and my argument yet to be formed like a government or research my job.

'Your island is a sandbar,' Laetitia continues. 'It is not heaven. It is not a hospital. It is not a refuge. You are a leader of a cult, an Antichrist. You want women to spit on you but it will more likely be men. Do you have anything to say before I tell people that young children will see your advertisements I'm sure you will want displayed in prominent locations? Or will THEY be walking advertisements themselves, their hands hard because they have been busy building cotton cloud nines for higher-ups? And if they want to return to the mainland you will tell them that only evil men are there and urge them not to.'

'I really will not be getting children to build anything,' I state. 'I can assure you.'

'But what if they ask to? They see your advertisements and they come and ask to work for you? Are you not going to do this in India also? I am sure you will. I think you should leave our country now, you fuckin' tycoon!'

'Laetitia,' I start.

I instinctively reach out for her shoulder.

'Get the fuck away from me,' Laetitia says, sternly. 'One move, I yell, and you go to prison.'

I nod and back away.

She leaves me.

~~~~~~

- Go to piece number 8.

******

*Okay then. Piece 7! There's no travel like time.

- JoJo - Leave (Get Out) Official Music Video [2004]

https://youtu.be/ggWyUEuGcWY

- Darren Hayes - Darkness

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OY7K4uBV4Wc

[1.] Uzbekistan and the privatization of cotton cultivation - VisualPolitik En

International Labour Organization

- Technical requirements

https://youtu.be/uFQxPeY1d1A

[The 'nimble fingers' myth is particularly relevant to cottonseed production, where employers claim that the tasks of cross-pollination, emasculation and hand-pollination are best undertaken by pre-pubescent, female children, as is the case in India [52, reference in original text].]

[...on the other hand, independent contracted workers do not have enviable conditions either at the moment. The going rate for a cotton picker is two and a half euros a day.]

[2.] Personal correspondence with Hugo Hansen of Torch Media.

Email

[Please find your train internals package attached as well as some example imagery.]

[3.] Diffen

Cross Pollination vs. Self Pollination

Diffen › Science › Biology › Botany

Comparison chart

Cross Pollination

- Results

Self Pollination

- Results

https://www.diffen.com/difference/Cross_Pollination_vs_Self_Pollination

[More variety in species.]

[Allows plant to be less resistant as a whole to disease.]

[4.] Science Direct

Cross Pollination

Methods of Cross-Breeding☆

(Laurent Crespel, Jacques Mouchotte, in Reference Module in Life Sciences, 2017)

Pollen and Pollination

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cross-pollination

[To prevent self-pollination of the selected seed parent, the anthers (pollen sacs) must be removed...]

[5.] Equal Times

News

Child labour and exploitation in India’s cotton fields

https://www.equaltimes.org/child-labour-and-exploitation-in?lang=en#.YAHuMahxWDY

[They are unwilling recruits of a massive forgotten army of child labourers...]

Piece #7: Relief #1

'Can you keep a secret?' I ask.

Laetitia shrugs.

'Try me,' she prompts.

I scratch my head.

I think about what I USED to do, even before I was a contestant on Big Brother, not to mention Australian Ambassador to Amériçaisia.

'I work in retail,' I say. 'At a store called DAISO. They're everywhere: here and in Australia. It's a Japanese supermarket.'

'I know what DAISO is,' Laetitia says, nodding. 'That would be an interesting job.'

'It is,' I say. 'I love building rapport with customers. That's the perk of the job: being able to talk to people without having to pay for it.'

'So you work in Australia?'

'Yeah,' I say, nodding.

'Is management paying you to check out other DAISOs, like the world is a DAISO warehouse where you can look at and buy individual stores?'

'Ha ha,' I say. 'I wish.'

'They should be,' Laetitia says. 'Actually, they should give you some of their stock. Is management going to float DAISO?'

'Not that I know of,' I reply.

'Did you hear about how Jack Ma was going to float Ant Group's stock [1.] at the highest initial price ever [1.] last November [1.] but Chinese regulators wouldn't let him [1.] just two days before the company was going to go public [1.]?' Laetitia asks. 'They basically want almost a third [1.] of the money the company loans to people to actually initially be the company's finances [1.]. But Jack Ma told regulators that they were stupid [2.] and should do things differently [2.] and was pushing for a revolution [2.] in lending money [2.]. But now Jack Ma has been private for months [2.], much like Ant Group [2.]. Meanwhile, citizens need money, from the government if not Ant Group.'

'And I was just thinking about selling dirty floats with good bacteria in them,' I say.

'I guess when regulators are in control then a lot of transactions can take place in a dirty float,' Laetitia says. 'Do you like deep-float diving? Regardless, you should be given money to research jobs and what people need in Dubai.'

'What can people do in a dirty float?' I ask.

'Those most in need need some relief but I just need to relieve myself,' Laetitia says, before skipping, but not Dubai or off.

'When talking should I be skipping from some subject to another to always keep up with competitors?' I ask.

Laetitia gives a skip of desperation.

'Skip to urge incontinence [3.],' Laetitia says. 'I thought I heard water [3.] and now I think I need to pee. Sorry. You mentioned .'

'Don't be sorry,' I say. 'We all need to pee at times.'

'Wow, you totally understand me,' Laetitia says. 'I almost thought I wouldn't be able to tell you that I need to pee all the time: that I would have to suddenly skip off or something.'

'Don't go anywhere else,' I say. 'Just pee now. I won't mind at all.'

Laetitia giggles.

'Matthew, are you serious?' she asks.

'So serious,' I say. 'I'll buy you new clothes later. I promise. I'll stay with you. Just keep walking and we'll keep talking about Ant Group like we just have unfinished business to discuss and I'm just settling business with you: because remember that we can't be dating here. But if I can smell you a personal space away then I'll be blissed out. Sorry, I'm a little selfish.'

'You are not,' Laetitia says. 'Keep talking. I will do it if you promise me that you are serious.'

'So much,' I say, taking a deep breath.

'Whoa,' Laetitia says. 'Okay. We just walk and we talk.'

'What if half the shares in Ant Group that buyers receive are shares in companies that Ant Group loans money to?' I ask. 'YOU could easily start your own business if many ordinary people are buying YOUR company's shares.'

Laetitia sighs.

'I am wet Matthew,' Laetitia whispers.

I smile.

'I can smell it,' I say, inhaling through my nose. 'I love it.'

'You are so weird,' Laetitia says. 'But I feel so at ease with you. And I can start my own business?'

'Dirty floats,' I reply. 'The ice cream made from breast milk [5.]. It's better for growing people, right?'

Laetitia pees some more.

'You are right,' she answers. 'Well, it is crucial to the health of a baby at least [4.].'

'You're full of fluids,' I say. 'And they're remarkable. Everyone wants a little bit of relief, like shares in some good company. We know that because we've all experienced relief at some point, and we love it time and time again, even more than material goods. Like when you speak and are ejaculating eloquently now. Your voice is so special too. And people will listen to you when you have something to say as they can relate to what you're saying and you're doing what they do too as you simply do what comes naturally to you and your audience.'

'Matthew, I am drenched,' Laetitia says, before exhaling.

'Call me Mat,' I say.

She thinks about this for a minute and then chuckles.

'Relief is not being alone,' I say. 'And together we can make a difference so that more people love the world we live in.'

'Do they sell pants in DAISO?'

'Not yet,' I reply.

Then it dawns like the day that I'll actually be going back to DAISO. Why wouldn't I put one on Australia? Why wouldn't I run it to the sky like issues that will no doubt need to be discussed?

Al Urouba Street is to our left, and that would lead us to the Persian Gulf and Open Beach. Australia is not too far away. But I don't know if I can tell Laetitia about the island I'll be buying. It would be like asking her to move in with me on a first date. Maybe I don't need to go there just now. Maybe I need to simply stop and smell the pants and the person whom wears them. It would be that easy to fall in love, but I know deep down that this is simply my lust for some power in some company. And I'm relieved. It's that damn easy for me to be what I feel I am: a healthy underdog exerting a merely manageable influence over others.

~~~~~~

- Go to piece number 9.

******

[1.] The Economist

Finance & economics

Jan 2nd 2021 edition >

Free exchange

Is China right to tame Ant?

https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2021/01/02/is-china-right-to-tame-ant

[The fintech giant was less than 48 hours away from the world’s biggest initial public offering when regulators halted it in November...;

China’s response includes a draft rule that would require Ant to fund 30% of its loans...]

[2.] NPR

Business

Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Has Fallen Off The Radar. Here Are Some Clues Why

Interview Highlights

- What did he say in October?

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954046428/alibaba-founder-jack-ma-has-fallen-off-the-radar-here-are-some-clues-why

[...the man who so often spoke in public has not appeared in months.]

[...he thought they were out of touch and that, you know, there was a new revolution coming. It was actually almost a call for revolution in terms of the finance sector.]

[3.] Web MD®

Incontinence & Overactive Bladder

Reference

Managing Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence

What are the different kinds of urinary incontinence?

2. Urge incontinence

https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/everything-managing-incontinence

[2. Urge incontinence....Or you may feel the urge to go when you touch or hear running water.]

[4.] Johns Hopkins Medicine

Health

Health Home Conditions and Diseases Breastfeeding Your Baby

Breast Milk Is Best

Benefits of breastmilk

Preventing other conditions

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breastfeeding-your-baby/breast-milk-is-the-best-milk%3famp=true

[Breastfeeding helps protects babies from many serious health problems.]

[5.] Independent

Indy/Life

Breast Milk Ice Cream Is Back - and Its Profits Will Go To a Breastfeeding Charity

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/breast-milk-ice-cream-back-and-its-profits-will-go-breastfeeding-charity-10202560.html

Piece #8: Emptiness/Desolation #1

Perhaps my pride was wounded when Laetitia left me all those seconds ago, but I'm not looking at any granulation tissue, let alone blood. Still I feel empty, like a slim package covered in blue tissue. What if all people see when they look at me is Candida auris [1.]: foreign fungal spores, objectified by attitudes, and beneath contempt? Maybe I need to feel empty to not be thinking that people may take in what I'm saying and then feel uneasy. They may feel that they should not have listened to me and think that superbugs [1.] are now living in their ears [2.], bloodstream [2.], and wounds [2.]. There is no freely available drug to induce amnesia. Also, 9 out of 10 [1.] times C. auris infects part of a person's body [1.] there's no drug that person can take that can be used to treat the infection [1.].

I continue down Al Mina Road. I have my island to go rather than nowhere else. But a feeling of emptiness is definitely weighing me down. How many people here, like Laetitia, will say that my glass is half empty? I knew I could peer across desolation by gazing at the Emirati desert, but maybe I'll be doing this when I look at my island also. It's hard to give people directions to a place that's no different to many others. I thought that my direction in life was something good to be under. How could anyone be hopeful about coming to the island from different directions to myself on over(ly )familiar ground? A hospital where fungi live [1.]? People might tell me what to do again and again. They might come from a lot of different places. But they will not want to feel as empty and desolate as I do. They'll want to feel different to how they've felt before, but not too different at once. What emotions can my work fill them with so that they don't immediately feel desolate? Because, here and now, why wouldn't they?

There will be bugs. Even in the softest -ware in the nicest hospitals. What if they're even on cells? So maybe I don't actually know just where to go next. Maybe I am lost. Alone. Who can teach me how to navigate my company through particular periods? And what company? I can't see anyone right now, like they're microorganisms.

What's inside me that the people here need? There must be something. Laetitia didn't find me interesting, and so she sees nothing but a barren wasteland in my bugged-out eyes. Is there nothing but human waste inside me? And I'm nothing but an island bug. Super? But only if I can still be enthusiastic. If I'm just one, and one alone, then maybe I'm unique enough to be more interesting than feared.

I've almost reached Al Urouba Street. I'll be turning right into it like a mat. Get it? Never mind. I need to stop thinking about myself and start thinking about other people. On the island now may be nothing but void spaces, but they're arguably better than having human waste there. I just don't want to be staring into it for too long.

~~~~~~

- Go to piece number 10.

******

Justin Bieber & benny blanco - Lonely (Official Music Video)

https://youtu.be/xQOO2xGQ1Pc

[1.] New Scientist

The other superbugs: Killer fungi are the threat we need to act on now

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24833140-600-the-other-superbugs-killer-fungi-are-the-threat-we-need-to-act-on-now/

[There have been outbreaks at hospitals around the world. Worryingly, 90 per cent of infections caused by the main culprit, Candida auris, are now resistant to one of our mainstay antifungal drugs.]

[2.] Better Health Channel

Candida auris (C. auris)

Infections

Infections - A-Z of infectious diseases

Summary

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Candida-auris

[Candida auris (C. auris) is an uncommon fungus that can cause serious bloodstream, wound and ear infections.]

Piece #9: Eagerness #1

'The Galleria Mall will not be open until 10,' Laetitia says, shaking her head.

I guess I can mention Open Beach without mentioning Australia.

'How are trips to the beaches here?' I ask.

'Do you want to take me to Open Beach?' Laetitia asks. 'Is that a date?'

'Well, we love fluids, right?' I say.

Laetitia giggles.

We turn into Al Urouba Street.

'All I will have to do is walk into the water and walk back onto the sand and then I will be dry again in no time,' Laetitia says. 'It is always so hot here. I did not want to come here, you know.'

'To Dubai?' I ask.

'Yeah,' Laetitia replies. 'I was going to go to London. But after Brexit I think that not as many French people [2.] will be working in Britain [2.] [1.]. That is unfortunate [1.] because I could be helping people there a lot right now. But they need me here now [3.] anyway. And maybe there will be more Europeans coming here to work [3.] soon.'

'Interesting,' I say.

'Do not get too excited,' Laetitia says. 'We will not all pee our pants and walk with you.'

I laugh.

'But maybe after Brexit people won't be acting like the Queen as much?' I joke.

'That is true,' Laetitia says. 'Maybe Dubai can be New London. Brits will be coming here too I am sure. I want to help more Brits and Europeans birth children. How do I get more to come here?'

It's my intention to help Emirati women after they've left their husbands. But I love that Laetitia is so eager to help other people in some way. How can Dubai be New London? People may ask for structural reforms to a safety net. Are they eager to get to a bed even if they slip through? There must be more. Can she be a structural engineer and practice mimic building floors: like soccer teams as strong as buildings? Maybe she secretly wants the United Kingdom island. Or maybe she's practical enough to not waste money on sand. But is this sand a waste of money? It's a block of land. Aren't people eager to settle down? When deciding where perhaps decisions can be almost instinctual. Maybe parts of islands can even be birthrights. Can living next to a free house be a birthright? They will have so many rights. Is this freedom from want? You see, dear reader, I doubt that a free full (satisfied?) complete European house would remain indoors. Or will they? They'll run a long way inside (being long or sweaty). Good work! Good services! And the United Kingdom island is so close to the European ones. Will closeness be more claustrophobic or geographical? But perhaps it's good if stuffy close rooms are free. Find many! That way they can certainly be close in Dubai. Unlike in old Europe. Europeans are interesting. And some close study, but not gates. There has to be a line drawn somewhere. Explore!

And the beach we're heading to is Open, right? Will I see an eager and wave in the direction of it? I want to dive into Laetitia's oceans of fluids. Is that a little eager? Don't just pass (the/some) water. Bottles of water needn't simply pass around a table.

'To come here?' I ask.

Laetitia nods.

'Your breath and water,' I say. I stick out my tongue.

'You are crazy Mat,' Laetitia says, shoving me playfully. 'Do you like my own perfume?'

I smile.

~~~~~~

- Go to piece number 11.

******

- The Corrs - Runaway [Official Video]

https://youtu.be/0fMUYU8DC1U

[1.] The Economist

Europe

Jan 2nd 2021 edition >

How was it for EU?

For Europe, the Brexit deal makes the best of a bad business

https://www.economist.com/europe/2021/01/02/for-europe-the-brexit-deal-makes-the-best-of-a-bad-business

[...Britain worse off than membership]

[...left Britain with worse trading access than the status quo...]

[2.] Quartz

Deal With It

The Brexit deal is done but the damage to the UK economy is just getting started

Britain has punched itself in the face

https://www.google.com/amp/s/qz.com/1950179/a-brexit-deal-is-done-but-the-uk-economic-impact-is-just-starting/amp/

[...the movement of services and people have both been lost.]

[3.] ArabianBusiness Global

Brexit offers 'tremendous opportunities' for the UAE, says ambassador to the UK

https://www.arabianbusiness.com/454908-brexit-offers-tremendous-opportunities-for-uae-says-ambassador-to-the-uk

[...Brexit will allow the UK and UAE to expand their existing trading partnership]

Piece #10: Tiredness #1

I'm walking along Al Urouba Street, toward Jumeirah Beach Road. I'm tired in a way that nobody really made me, just tired. But who makes me tired like a joke or excuse? An authoritarian [1.]? A sexist [1.]? A corrupt [1.] official? Someone always above me [1.] rather than lying next to me, like a camera from here to Australia? Perhaps I just need to find a FEMALE Confucius, because there are too many people trying to be like male ones around [1.].

If I keep closing my eyes and walking around in dreams and having a recurrent dream about fulfilling a childhood dream then am I not dreaming about simply doing exactly what I'm doing now at some point every time I have a dream? Is it possible for people to see more than I'm tired and maybe even the confident women I'm dreaming about? How long can and should they be seeing them? And as leaders? What if people could read my mind when I'm dreaming? And everyone everyone else's? Then there could be so many completely lucid moments in dreams. How many people might then be angry at me?

If women say something, and men listen, and no money changes hands, does anybody have any problems or is this a solution? Perpetual tiredness is a symptom of depression [2.], like honesty. I'm so tired of patriarchs. But people here might say I'm mentally ill.

It's hard to keep my eyes open as I continue to stroll along the street just now. So did I stroll down the street before?

I need sleep.

Every grain, enough of them to make an island.

If South Korean women are told what to do [1.] and where to work [1.] by corrupt [1.] patriarchs then they also need sleep.

There's so much I want to say to people. Will I sound like someone in a dream if I talk too much? Maybe I won't make sense.

Lucid dreams I'm thoughtful in are very thoughtful. I can think therefore I'm lucidly dreaming of asking women to take the reins. I wish I had someone to ask. But all they may see is my tired old face. Not who makes me tired in an old light. So I may be just like every other white man? I'm too tired to argue. I need sleep.

Are women too tired to argue?

They need sleep.

How can I drag women away from parties if there's no doubt to drag materialism? I'm not strong enough. How can I drag women into conversations with other women? Talk about them? There are too many glass-ceiling males about. I'm so tired. A woman's tired (and naked) lip is so sexy. She should always tell me what's on her mind. Many are so tired. All in?

Drool at the thought of some lip on soft pillows.

Some drool isn't bad when you're sleepy.

I wish the water were . . .

Where is it?

I still can't see the waves. How can I make what I can't see?

It's hard to keep my eyes open.

I have no team to put in front.

I'm not in front of an audience.

The humidity is as sleepy as the town.

I throw one foot in front of the other so that one is now out in front of something . . .

I can't think.

Take a nap, like my clothes: it's so smooth, like the road ahead. The fibers feel good. I can almost feel some inside me.

What will I eat tomorrow? Today?

Do they sell Weet-Bix [3.] in Dubai? Do they sell Vegemite [4.]? I'll probably go to Gordon Ramsey's Bread Street Kitchen and Bar [5.]. Will it be open? What day is it tomorrow? I like the food there. Do I like him? He's a patriarch though.

I throw the other foot in front of the first one so that one is now out in front of something . . .

~~~~~~

- An oncoming vehicle: Go to piece number 12.

- The other [6.]: Go to piece number 13.

******

[6.] Walk The Moon - One Foot (Official Video)

https://youtu.be/05v4nfUmBYI

[One foot in front of the other. - Nicholas Petricca]

[1.] The Economist

Asia

Jan 2nd 2021 edition

Banyan

Confucianism has become a political punchbag in South Korea

https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/01/02/confucianism-has-become-a-political-punchbag-in-south-korea

[The ideas of the Chinese sage are blamed for everything from sexism to corporate corruption]

[...blaming Confucianism for all manner of latter-day blights, including authoritarianism, sexism, stifling workplace hierarchies and entrenched corruption in industrial conglomerates.]

[2.] Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue Support Service

Support. Advice. Action

1300 22 4636

The facts

Depression

Signs and symptoms

Physical

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/signs-and-symptoms

[- tired all the time]

[3.] Sanitarium

The Health Food Company

Weet-Bix

https://www.weetbix.com.au

[4.] Vegemite

Vegemite - Tastes Like Australia https://vegemite.com.au

[5.] Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Dubai | Gordon Ramsay Restaurants https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/bread-street-kitchen-and-bar-dubai/

Piece #11: Inspired #1

Laetitia and I continue down Al Urouba Street.

'Do you think powerful Chinese people are going to buy the islands here, all of them?' Laetitia asks, out of the blue like they're poking.

'What islands?' I ask, feigning ignorance.

'You know: the islands shaped like the countries,' Laetitia says. 'The Chinese are now trading a lot more with Europeans [1.] so I would not be surprised if they decide to buy the islands here shaped like Europe. Ha ha. Only the largest European corporations [2.] will be allowed to build anything on the pricey islands. And they will be cooperating with Chinese ones [1.] no doubt, and not competing with them [1.] or confronting Chinese authorities [1.].'

'Oh, THOSE islands,' I say, nodding. 'I think the Chinese people are interested in more land than that. Chinese workers have been busy turning CHINA's atolls [3.] and reefs [3.] into islands since 2015 [3.]. They don't need Dubai's.'

'But think about what will happen if there are too many Chinese restaurateurs to compete with and you cannot confront them and tell them to stop pushing meat,' Laetitia states. 'You are a vegetarian, right?'

'I am,' I say, nodding.

'I read your dating profile,' Laetitia says, picking up on my surprise. 'And you are not vegan, because you would consume breast milk. And, just so you know, you probably will not find THAT in any Chinese restaurant. Not unless we actually get to talk to these restaurateurs. Really talk to them.'

'You're inspired with suspicion?' I ask.

'That is an interesting way to put it,' Laetitia states.

'But I love a suspicion of soy sauce in breath,' I say. 'And I also love inspired breath.'

'Yes, I know,' Laetitia says. 'You want to smell the breath of Chinese women. But ordinary Chinese women, right? Not authoritarian ones with unyielding attitudes.'

I smile.

The truth is that they're all inspirational. As are confrontations. It can be hard to talk to people at times. I'm just smiling right now instead of doing this. Maybe I have to be careful what I say because I don't want her leaving me if she thinks I'm cheating on her with an authoritarian Chinese matriarch. I'm weary of certain confrontations that are no doubt inspirational and personally significant because whether they'll be negatively or positively consequential is debatable.

I'm fervently aware that the country of the United Arab Emirates is traditionally religiously observant, but is their eye on NEW islands? Will they want someone with a public or private eye for islands? I'm hoping public, and that the islands will indeed be inspirational. But restaurants will need to be there, and I'm sure any Chinese ones can be vegetarian. It's not like there will be grazing there anyway. The kitchens' island branches of restauranteur families can be in close proximity to one another. They can run World restaurants by copying traditional dishes from the wider world but using no meat. When regional menus offer meat, the restauranteurs can copy them, and help crack nuts (the best nuts whom need help), so that menus offer better meat (like any edible nut, and most walnuts are grown in China [4.] by the way): new inspirational, worthy, and vital ideas. No bats (or viruses like Sars-CoV-2 [5.]) will be in any belfries but our new sound will have a ring to it. There will be new and entertaining games to play: some people's meat, so to speak.

'But right now you're the inspiration to me,' I say, looking at Laetitia.

'Cute,' Laetitia says. 'I am like competition then. Maybe I am like two people, or many, and my philosophy can inspire a revolution.'

Just as Laetitia finishes saying this a Mercedes E-Class speeds past us like there's no tomorrow. We jump with surprise like it's a dining car and we're hungry. We're lucky we're not dead meat. I don't know if Laetitia feels it but the shiver that runs through my spine is such a bolt that I feel like I could race the car to Open Beach.

'Fuck!' I yell.

'Fuckin' rich prick!' Laetitia yells. 'They are everywhere here. I fuckin' hate them. THEY are what is wrong with Dubai. Anyone who has so much fuckin' money and does not know what to do with it. I hope that he fuckin' crashes!'

Note to self: do not divulge your net worth to Laetitia.

'It's disgusting,' I agree, then sharply exhale.

'If I was not already wet then I would have wet myself,' Laetitia says. She smiles.

'I can't smell you anymore,' I say.

Laetitia giggles and playfully shoves me.

'Adaptation to the scent,' Laetitia states. 'I am pretty sure that I still stink.' - She grabs my hand. - 'Hold me close.'

I do so.

We're face to face and she exhales. The surprise enhances the arousal and the adrenaline rush figuratively shoots me into space like a rocket the Mercedes can't touch. My heart's beating like fast and loud clockwork's being beaten: monotony is dead. The strong scent of milky and morning breath is paired with the rising sun. Dawn's breaking now and it can't be fixed.

Her breath is flooding my senses and as I press my body to hers it feels like our beating hearts power a breath-conditioning system. The drug is perfectly refined, positively intoxicating, and so heavy and hard.

Laetitia reaches into my pants.

But this is Dubai.

Dawn has broken.

I know I should stop her.

Just as one of her fingers touches the tip of my erect penis and a smile her lips I . . .

~~~~~~

- Push her away: Go to piece number 14.

- Inhale and kiss her: Go to piece number 15.

******

- Milky Chance - Stolen Dance (Album Version)

https://youtu.be/iX-QaNzd-0Y

[1.] The Economist

Economist Radio

Podcasts

Money Talks

Is bitcoin winning over the establishment? https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2021/01/05/is-bitcoin-winning-over-the-establishment

[...a new EU-China investment deal fails to balance competition, cooperation and confrontation.]

[2.] CNBC

Politics

China’s investment deal with the EU has raised 3 big concerns in Europe

What's in the deal? https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/01/06/china-eu-trade-deal-what-it-is-and-why-it-might-fail.html

[...to what degree this deal increases access for all European companies — not just a handful of large corporations.]

[3.] Business Insider

Military & Defense Contributors

China's manmade islands in the South China Sea are vulnerable to attack and may not be worth much in a war

South China Morning Post.  https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-manmade-south-china-sea-islands-vulnerable-in-a-war-2020-12?amp=&r=AU&IR=T

[China has been transforming the reefs and atolls it occupies on the disputed Spratly Islands since 2015, turning them into artificial islands.]

[4.] Atlas Big

Top Walnut Producing Countries

List of Countries by Walnut Production

https://www.atlasbig.com/en-in/countries-by-walnut-production

[China is the largest walnut producer in the world...]

[5.] The Guardian

Coronavirus

Wuhan virologist says more bat coronaviruses capable of crossing over

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/04/wuhan-virologist-warns-more-bat-coronaviruses-capable-of-crossing-over-covid-beyond-china

[The natural reservoir for Sars-CoV-2 is thought to be bats...]

Piece #12: Fear #1

Psychologically, it doesn't hit me straight away.

I know nothing.

I could be a young Indian with no school to go to.

I want to fly miles but I think I can't, even WITH all the money in the world that's already flying; to fly for my life, but how do I learn to fly so quickly? Then suddenly I'm flying by no one. So am I still popular? Successful? There's no ground now for flying these meters I'm covering in incredibly little time. Am I seriously disturbed? What are these new heights I'm reaching when I can't even move my arms?

Somehow I can see that I have no one to turn to. Where is the public, like schools? This experience is a real private education but too much so. Where will I end up [1.]? There are no teachers watching me, like 25 per cent [1.] of Indian public school ones in 2010 [1.] if I were ANY student at such a school. I would gladly pay so many people five bucks [1.] each for them to relay information about what's going on to me for a month [1.], like being educated at a private school in Mumbai [1.] where making a single such payment should be sufficient [1.]. Or am I a teacher and over half [1.] the Indian kids aged 10