No	Article	Section	No
0	Meet the Crew	Opening	All Members
1	The Cuisine Art of of Mexico	Article	Yodar
2	The Mothers of USDF	Article	.Smashley
3	The Wonders of the Universe	Article	KreepKap
4	National Endangered Species Day	Article	Emobabykittycat
5	Armed Forces Day 2023	Article	Yodar
6	Commonwealth Day	Article	Yodar
7	Day of Darkness	Article	Maxite
8	Cinco de Mayo	Article	The Cuisine Art of of Mexico

Meet the Crew

by All Crew

Team Leadership
AbbieGator110
Hi, I’m Abbie, I was the Assistant Director Oversight for this month’s Libertarian! I’m a trans woman from Australia, a massive tech nerd, a wired queen, and a programmer. In my spare time, I’m playing games of some description or traveling at the moment it feels like. Ohh and running queer projects from time to time as well.

.:Hoodini:.
Hello there! My name is James, I was the Team Leader of this month’s article on the Libertarian! I’m a 19-year-old from the UK who has been playing Habbo since late 2016. In my spare time, I tend to watch anime, play games or do a bit of reading here and there. Near enough all day, every day I am listening to music, most consisting of heavy metal. However, my playlist is quite varied as a whole. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s article, and thank you!

Reignoff
Hello hello! My name is Shantall, Shan for short, I was the Assistant Team Leader of this month’s Libertarian. I’m 25 years old, from the Dominican Republic. I’ve been playing Habbo since 2018. I love music, books, anime, tv, and movies, and am a very addicted gamer to many many games. My favorite music bands are Paramore and All Time Low I can genuinely say that I adore every song and every album, as I find myself related to many of their songs and find comfort in them when I’m at my lowest. Hope you love this month’s Libertarian Issue!

Writers
Yodar
Greetings everyone! My name is Yodar, and I am a passionate foodie who takes delight in exploring various culinary delights and savoring new flavors. I enjoy my time at OPA because it is a fun-filled office where creativity and camaraderie thrive. I have a keen interest in gaming, immersing myself in virtual worlds and conquering exciting challenges. #JoinOPA

.Smashley
Name is Ashley, mother to all USDF, expert in mothering. – OPA command team, giving .Smashley a bio.

Hi everyone! My name is Ashley and I am the cult leader of the best portfolio in USDF! I like the color pink, red wine, and Taylor Swift. I spend all of my Habbo time being the best troll that could ever exist. 😉 I like the beach and am a mom to potentially the coolest kid in the universe.

Emobabykittycat
Hi my names is Emo, or known as Sophie to some. I’m 25, from the UK, and work in education. Although I have no children of my own, my bearded dragon Jango is the closest thing to my son anytime soon. I love gaming, reading, anime, horror movies, theme parks, and anything animal related. My favorite part about OPA is broadcasting and seeing the newsletter come together with all of our creative ideas!

Maxite
Some call me Max. Some call me Ite. My friends though, they call me stupid. I embrace and live chaos, and enjoy providing a weirder flavor to whatever project I’m working on. Still surprised that I keep being invited back to work on the Libertarian.

Manuel.Vazquez4
Hello, my name is Manuel, and I’m from Mexico. I’ve been in the USDF for almost 2 years, and proudly a member of OPA. I am a University student, and I enjoy playing on my XBOX and spending time with my family. Nice to meet you! #JoinOpa

KreepKap
“Hello readers! I am CW4 KreepKap, otherwise known as Saad. I am a member of the best office, OPA! I’ve been in and out of USDF since 2021. IRL, I am currently a high school student. As for my interests, I like doing new things and uhhh, idk tbh. Well, thats all about me. Enjoy this month’s Libertarian!!

Graphics
NotActuallyHim
Hello! I’m NotActuallyHim, one of the people responsible for this month’s graphics! I mostly enjoy music (I listen to quite a few genres!) as well as gaming (mostly League of Legends)! Nice to meet you all! 😀

Persol
hello! my name is rachel 🙂 i love reading and watching movies (thriller/horror)!

Mimi109Lovely
Hey hey, I’m Mimi or also known as Zuh by some! My hobbies consist of making video edits and graphics, and playing games! I also have a calico cat called Tofu, which I use as an in-game name for most games that I play, because she’s my baby <3 I love seeing projects come to life, so I’m excited for this newsletter! I hope you all enjoy reading this month’s Libertarian as much as everyone enjoyed putting it together! ^_^

Anna.Marie97
My name is Anna.Marie97, but most just call me Anna. I am the CO PO for OPA, and I love every minute of it. I love making graphics, building / wiring, video games, and makeup. We hope you guys enjoy this edition of The Libertarian❤️

armando498
My name is Armando and I serve as your DPA, I have lived in 6 different countries, currently in Spain, I can say that I am a veteran of USDF and OPA, having been in USDF for almost 3 years of active service and 1 year and a half serving in OPA command. Hope that everyone feels welcome and as a family here!

Andrealphus
Hi I’m Andrealphus (Alex) I like video games and programming and I’m working on a habbo fan site I hope you enjoy this month’s libertarian!

The Cuisine Art of Mexico

by Yodar

Birria Meat and Sauce:

3 lb beef chuck roast
4 bone-in beef short ribs
8 dried guajillo chile peppers
3 dried pasilla chile peppers
2-3 dried arbol chile peppers
5 roma tomatoes, quartered (about 1.5lbs)
1 white onion, roughly chopped
1 head garlic (10-12 cloves)
1 Tablespoon EACH whole black peppercorns, whole cumin seed, dried oregano, dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seed
4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
1-inch piece Mexican cinnamon stick OR ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 Tablespoon kosher salt

Tacos:

15 white or yellow corn tortillas
2 1/2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or use mozzarella or Monterey jack
1/2 of a white onion, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes cut into small wedges

Prepare meat and dried chiles:

Remove any large pieces of fat from the chuck roast. Cut it into a few large pieces and season with salt.
Rinse the chiles (use gloves if desired), then use scissors to remove the stem and make a slit along the side to open them and remove the seeds.

The arbol chiles are the hottest, so for less heat, remove the seeds, or omit these chiles completely. If you like extra spice, leave them whole.

Make sauce:

Add tomatoes and onion to a large stock pot (at least 5.5 qt pot or bigger) over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes, stirring.
Add whole garlic cloves, chile peppers, and all of the spices except the bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add vinegar and 4 cups of water. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, uncovered.

Blend sauce:

Add mixture to a blender and blend as smooth as possible. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer, back into the pot.
Add 4 cups of water to the blender and swirl it around to clean the excess sauce from the blender, then add it to the pot.

Add meat and simmer:

Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
Add short ribs, chuck roast, and 3 bay leaves.
Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 2 ½ hours.

Shred meat:

Check meat to make sure it’s tender. Remove meat to a plate and chop or shred it into pieces.
Discard bones and bay leaves.

Dip tortillas in broth:

Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat. Coat the pan with a small amount of oil.
Dip a corn tortilla into the birria sauce and lay the tortilla on a hot pan.

Add taco toppings:

Quickly top with a spoonful of shredded meat, a sprinkle of cheese, and a little chopped onion and cilantro.

Pan fry:

Fold the tortilla over, in half. Fry for several minutes, until crispy and browned on the bottom.
Flip and cook until crispy and browned on the other side. Remove to a plate, for serving.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the remaining chopped white onion and cilantro on top of the tacos.
Serve with a cup of warm consommé broth, for dipping.

Chef Notes

Chile Peppers and Spice Level: Guajillo and Pasilla peppers have mild heat. Guajillo chiles are required for this recipe, but pasilla could be substituted with mulato chiles, or use 1-2 extra guajillo chiles. Arbol chiles are spicy, so for very mild heat you can leave them out, or for medium heat, remove the seeds.

Cinnamon Stick: Mexican cinnamon sticks are softer than cassia cinnamon sticks, so be sure to use Mexican cinnamon sticks so they blend well, or substitute ground cinnamon.

Slow Cooker Birria Tacos: Prepare and blend sauce. Add sauce and meat to slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, until meat is tender.

Chicken Birria Tacos: Add bone-in, skinless chicken thighs to the sauce, instead of beef, and cook for about 30 minutes, or just until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove to a plate and shred. Assemble tacos as instructed, and serve with sauce.

To Make Ahead: The meat and sauce can be cooked a few days in advance, and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

To Freeze: freeze meat and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rewarming, to make tacos. Cook another small chuck roast in it to make birria tacos for another meal.

Hot Salsa, for serving:

2 chiles pasilla
5 arbol chiles
10 tomatillo
3 cloves garlic
Small piece onion
Salt and pepper

Cover chiles and tomatillos with water and boil for 3 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove everything chiles and tomatillos from the liquid and add to a blender.
Add ½ cup of the water from the saucepan, garlic cloves, onion, and season with salt and pepper.
Blend until smooth.

chiles en nogada

Chiles

6 large poblano chiles, about 6″ long

Filling

10 ozs. beef
10 ozs. pork
1 medium carrot
1 medium white onion
1 medium waxy potato
1 medium zucchini squash
3 plum tomatoes Roma tomatoes
½ cup peas
8 ozs. biznaga or candied fruit or dried fruit
½ cup raisins
½ cup almonds
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt + salt to taste

Nogada

1 ¼ cup Mexican cream (do not use sour cream)
½ cup shelled walnuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tbsp brown sugar

Garnish

2 small pomegranates or 1 large
1 small bunch of parsley

Precook the meat

Place the meat in a pan and just cover with water.
Bring to a simmer and cook the meat until just cooked through (about 20 minutes) turning once.
When the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool to the touch.
Reserve the cooking liquid.

Chop the Ingredients

Chop the meat into cubes first, then chop finely.
Chop the onion, carrot, zucchini, potato, and candied fruit into ¼” cubes.
Chop the almonds very finely.

Prepare the tomato base

Slice the tomatoes in half and add them to your blender with ½ cup of the cooking liquid from the meat.
Blend until smooth but not liquefied.

Cook the filling

Fry the onions in 3 tablespoons of oil for 2 minutes.
Add the potatoes, stir, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped meat and stir.
Add the pureed tomato.
Add the carrots, zucchini, and raisins and cook for 5 minutes until the tomato puree is starting to reduce.
Add the peas, biznaga or candied fruit, and almonds. stir well.
Cook for 15 minutes until all of the vegetables are fully cooked and tender and the liquid is reduced.

If the filling starts to get too dry before all of the ingredients are fully cooked, add the cooking liquid from the meat a few tablespoons at a time as needed.

Roast and clean the poblano chiles

Place the chiles over the open flame on the burner on your stove.

Do not leave chiles unattended, they will cook quickly and can burn if left unattended.

Blacken and blister the skin on all sides.
When you have roasted all of the chiles, place them in a plastic bag to sweat them.
Scrape the skin of the chiles with the blade of a knife.
Using a small knife, gently split the chile down the side without cutting all the way through the tip of the chile.
Remove the seeds inside the chile with your fingers without tearing the chile.

Prepare the nogada

Place the cream, walnuts, and cinnamon in your blender.
Blend until the walnuts are completely incorporated into the sauce and the sauce is smooth.

Prepare the garnishes

Slice the pomegranates in half.
Remove the seeds from your pomegranates.
Chop the parsley very finely, reserving a few leaves to use as decoration.

Serve the chiles en nogada

Fill each poblano chile with enough filling so that it will just close. Use toothpicks to keep each chile closed if needed.
Place 1 stuffed chile on each plate.
Spoon nogada over the stuffed chile until the chile is completely covered.
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley over the chile covered in nogada.
Decorate with 1 or 2 parsley leaves.

The Mothers of USDF

by .Smashley

“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” – Dorothy C. Fischer

What is a mother?
If you ask me, it’s the ability to be a role model for those who need one the most. Those who are still growing, with ever-changing minds and rationales. A mother is someone who spends their time nurturing, disciplining, and educating those they love. A mother is everything all at once – a chauffeur, a friend, a personal assistant, a teacher, a janitor, a chef, and so much more. Being a mother is a full-time job – one that cannot be retired or quit. Being a mother is different than any other duty in life. It is the greatest joy and the greatest challenge one can hold. And don’t get it twisted – a mother doesn’t have to be biological. Some of the most dedicated and loving moms are not blood-related to their children.

USDF is lucky enough to have mothers within our community. They are at every rank and in all types of positions. Some talk openly about their time as a parent, others keep the details of their personal lives private. All of them have one of the hardest jobs in the world. Below are statements about motherhood from some of USDF’s mothers. All are anonymous, but all points of view are important.

“Being a mom is the most difficult thing I have ever done. I sleep less, eat less, and get less time to myself. But my son is the best part of my life, and I wouldn’t trade a single second of it.”

“It’s so great having a built-in best friend! Even if they are six years old.”

“I’m expecting my first child this summer and I’m so nervous, but I’m ready. It’s going to be hard, but bringing life into this world is beautiful.”

“My kid is a pain, but I love her. At this point, I just do my best every day, but she tells me I’m the best momma ever.”

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms of USDF, those who mother USDF, and all of those who make a difference to those in USDF!

The Wonders of the Universe

by KreepKap

Our universe is a beautiful place, the scale of which has no limits. Just like the oceans of Earth, it is mainly an unventured region, waiting to be discovered. Mankind has been able to step foot on the moon, which in itself is an astonishing achievement. To think that people have ventured 384,400 km away from home and walked on uncharted land. To me, everything about space is fascinating and intriguing. In this article, I shall mention some places and objects in the cosmos that are known to us.
Nebulae: A Nebula is basically a vast cloud of gas and dust in space, which is often the birthplace of stars. If you haven’t seen a Nebula before, google it now. You will be in absolute awe at its structure and appearance. The combination of colors that a Nebula possesses is breathtaking and makes one wonder if these regions really do exist. Some especially beautiful Nebulae are the Eagle Nebula, Crab Nebula, and Oyster Nebula. Each of these Nebulae is equally beautiful and fascinating.

Nebulae: A Nebula is basically a vast cloud of gas and dust in space, which is often the birthplace of stars. If you haven’t seen a Nebula before, google it now. You will be in absolute awe at its structure and appearance. The combination of colors that a Nebula possesses is breathtaking and makes one wonder if these regions really do exist. Some especially beautiful Nebulae are the Eagle Nebula, Crab Nebula, and Oyster Nebula. Each of these Nebulae is equally beautiful and fascinating.

Mars’ Olympus Mons: Olympus Mons is a shield volcano located on Mars. It has a height of approximately 13.6 miles, making it nearly THREE times taller than Mount Everest. This volcano is 200 million years old, and compared to other Martian features, it is young. This volcano is as wide as the state of Arizona! Due to Mars’s gravity, the Olympus Mons has a gentle slope. It has a big hole known as a caldera at its top. The scale of this volcano is so big that it actually affects the atmosphere in the area! These features alone make this an absolute awe-inspiring landform. Supernovas: Supernovas are massive explosions that mark the end of a star. They release a great amount of energy, briefly outshining entire galaxies! These explosions scatter heavy elements into space and can result in the formation of a black hole. These are grand events and are quite a spectacle if visible. I will mention the star Betelgeuse (pronounced Beetlejuice), which astronomers are currently studying. This star is close to dying, which means it will soon go supernova. Given its distance from Earth, it is not a danger to Earth but can still be observed by us if it does go Supernova. Though it is unlikely to happen for another 10,000 years. Which again puts into perspective the age of stars and the universe. Then again, stars are very unpredictable so it is not completely impossible to witness a Supernova in our lifetime.

National Endangered Species Day

by Emobabykittycat

Introduction

There are currently over 41,000 species in the world that are under the threat of becoming extinct. Although we can not cover every animal, today we will be looking at five of the top animals, what is causing their lives to be endangered and what you can do at USDF to help them!

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Javan Rhinos: These beautiful creatures live mainly in southeast Asia. These rhinos have an average life expectancy varying from 30-40 years. Unfortunately, there are multiple factors that are leading to the decline of the Javan rhino in its natural Habitat. Javan rhinos are often hunted for their horns, which carry great value on the black market. These creatures have faced a staggering decline due to their natural habitat being lost. There are currently less than 75 of these creatures left in the world. Some factors contributing to this include natural catastrophes, disease, poaching, and potential inbreeding due to the small number of rhinos left to breed.

Amur leopard: These beautiful creatures have a short life expectancy of an average of 10-15 years. Situated in the regions of far east Russia, as well as a few areas of northeast China, the Amur leopard has been classed as endangered since 1996. The Amur leopard is said to have only around 100 of this species left in the wild due to factors such as habitat loss, fragmentation, lack of food, and infrastructure running through the areas such as roads. Although 75% of their natural habitat is currently under protection, leading to a steady increase in the population. Slowly, these creatures are also being moved to different sanctuaries to further help with breeding and conservation.

Sunda Island tiger: The Sunda Island tiger is known worldwide as the smallest species of tiger. These creatures generally weigh up to 140 kg. Due to the size of these cats, their population is steadily declining due to the fact that the other subspecies that live with them can weigh twice as much. According to the WWF, there are reported to be only 600 of these subspecies left in the world. Only found on the island of Sumatra, their habitat is slowly declining due to the ever-expanding population in southeast Asia. This has led to more human encounters, leading to poaching and human-tiger conflicts.

Hawaiian yellow-faced bees: The yellow-faced bees are one of the most endangered variations of bees. They are found all over the Hawaiian islands and can be identified by their black bodies and yellow faces. This species is currently declining in population due to a variety of reasons, such as the increasing amount of invasive ants and range reductions due to fewer areas to pollinate. This group is under threat due to other species in the same area competing for nesting and floral resources, many of which are much bigger and stronger than the small yellow-faced bee. These invasive species are also common in carrying novel pathogens, leading to a declining population due to disease.

There are a variety of different ways you can help! Here are a few ideas below that can cost nothing but can have a big impact…

1. Educate others: One thing we can all do that does not cost a penny is education! By researching your local wildlife, birds, Fish, and plants, you can learn which of these are endangered in your area and why they are important to the ecosystem. Through learning about the endangered species in your area, you can take this information, pass it on to family and friends and make a difference, such as planting specific flowers to help endangered species and making more eco-conscious choices around the home.

2: Visit a national wildlife refuge, park, or other open spaces: These areas are very important in providing a safe environment for many Native wildlife, birds, fish, and some plants that may struggle to survive in harsh climates. It is important to ensure the endangered species’ places they live are protected just as much as the actual animal. A Lot of local centers and refugees look for volunteers to help with the conservation efforts. Wildlife-related recreation creates millions of jobs and supports local businesses. It is important to support these businesses so they can continue the amazing work they do. Another idea could involve bird watching. Visit your local park and see what you can see. This can give you an idea of what species are around and how you can adapt your garden/ community areas to support these.

3: Make your home wildlife friendly: There are a variety of different things you can do, even if you do not have a garden! One thing you can do is make sure your outdoor shelters are securely locked. Some animals can find their way into the smallest spaces, especially wildlife looking for shelter. You could also make some shelters specifically for small animals to hide in. It is also important to educate those on the amount of water that is used. Ensure nothing that should not be flushed such as wipes, chemicals, and small objects as these could impact the animals that live near the local water resources. A Lot of birds carry diseases. It is important to clean bird baths frequently with a pet-safe disinfectant to reduce the chance of these diseases spreading. Windows are also a large cause of death. Placing decals on windows helps some birds differentiate what is a solid surface. If you have a garden, it could be beneficial to plant certain flowers that are important to local wildlife, place bug hotels, provide stones and logs for coverage, keep wild grass areas weather than cutting everything and watch what chemicals are used outside.

Below are a few pictures of endangered animals for you to print out and copy! Coloring books can have a variety of benefits, such as relaxing your brain, improving fine motor skills, improving sleep, helping you to focus more, reducing anxiety, and dealing with stress. Coloring is for all ages! Feel free to have a go

Armed Forces Day 2023

by Yodar

Armed Forces Day is a national observance in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, among others. It is a day to honor and show appreciation for the men and women who serve or have served in the armed forces.

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May each year. The day was established in 1949 by the Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days and to unify the celebration of all branches of the military. The purpose of Armed Forces Day is to pay tribute to the active duty personnel, reserves, and veterans of the U.S. military.

On this day, various events and activities are organized to recognize and thank military members for their service and sacrifices. These may include military parades, air shows, open houses at military bases, exhibitions of military equipment, flag-raising ceremonies, and special speeches or presentations. It is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the armed forces and to express their gratitude to those who protect and defend the nation.

The United Kingdom also celebrates Armed Forces Day, usually on the last Saturday in June. It is a chance for people across the country to show their support for the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families. The day is marked with parades, ceremonies, and other events to recognize and honor the contributions of the military.

South Korea celebrates Armed Forces Day on October 1st each year. It is a public holiday that commemorates the founding of the South Korean military in 1948. The day is marked by military demonstrations, ceremonies, and cultural events to showcase the capabilities and readiness of the armed forces.

Overall, Armed Forces Day is a significant occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication, bravery, and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the armed forces, defending their countries and ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.

Why don’t you take some time to help out your military? There are several ways to do so.

Volunteer: Many organizations and military support groups offer volunteer opportunities to assist service members and their families. You can volunteer at military hospitals, veterans’ organizations, or programs that provide support to military families. Contact local military bases or veterans’ organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Care Packages and Letters: Send care packages or letters of appreciation to deployed service members. Organizations such as Operation Gratitude facilitate sending care packages to deployed troops. Include personal messages of gratitude and items that can boost morale, such as snacks, toiletries, and entertainment items.

Commonwealth Day

by Yodar

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 54 member states, most of which were formerly territories of the British Empire. The origins of Commonwealth Day can be traced back to the late 19th century.

The idea for a day to celebrate the Commonwealth dates back to 1884 when Lord Meath, a philanthropist, and promoter of the British Empire, suggested the establishment of a “Greater Britain Day” to foster closer ties among the various territories of the empire. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the idea gained more traction.

In 1903, the Colonial Office in Britain started to promote Empire Day, which was first celebrated on May 24th, Queen Victoria’s birthday. Empire Day aimed to instill a sense of unity and patriotism among the British colonies and dominions. Over time, Empire Day evolved and began to include celebrations and activities that highlighted the shared values and common interests of the empire.

In 1958, following the decolonization process and the formation of the modern Commonwealth, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day. The new name reflected the changing nature of the association from a primarily imperial relationship to a more equal partnership of independent nations.

Since then, Commonwealth Day has been celebrated on the second Monday in March each year. It serves as an opportunity for member states to promote understanding, cooperation, and the values of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development that underpin the Commonwealth.

The theme for Commonwealth Day varies each year and is chosen to reflect the contemporary priorities and values of the Commonwealth. The day is marked by various activities, events, and programs organized by governments, community groups, and educational institutions across member nations.

One of the significant events associated with Commonwealth Day is the Commonwealth Day service, which takes place at Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom. This service brings together representatives from member countries, including the British royal family and high commissioners or ambassadors. The ceremony features readings, prayers, music performances, and speeches emphasizing the Commonwealth’s principles and achievements.

Furthermore, the Commonwealth Secretary-General delivers a message on this occasion, emphasizing the shared values and goals of the member countries and encouraging collaboration and cooperation among them.

In addition to the Commonwealth Day service, many member nations organize their own events, such as parades, cultural performances, seminars, and discussions, to celebrate the day. These activities promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the Commonwealth’s diverse cultures, traditions, and achievements.

Commonwealth Day serves as a reminder of the bonds that tie the member countries together, promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding among nations with varied backgrounds and experiences. It reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and the promotion of peace and prosperity for all its member nations.

The Unexplained Vision

by Maxite

“Margaret, I just don’t get these new uniforms.” Sgt. Perri looks out across her sentry desk. Ever since OSP&C updated the uniform regulations a few months ago, the headquarters had become an even more strange place. Feathers, frilled boas, and all sorts of odds were now common sights, with few personnel adopting the more traditional garb. The regular uniforms still existed, but were used for more semi-formal occasions.

“Perri, don’t even get me started. Have you seen what the new officers are wearing? Turquoise!” GySgt Margaret yells back from the other sentry booth. “It just doesn’t work at all. Too bright.” Her all black attire and frilled hat contrasted heavily with her pale complexion; looking vaguely reminiscent of a black silhouette against a full moon.

“Hey Margaret, I’ll be a sec. Got someone coming to my line.” A young Private fresh from IRDT enters Perri’s line. Not only is he green with experience, but he’s wearing a sickening shade of Army green that makes Perri queasy. “What’s your name, Private?”

“Uh… Bateman.” the Private says quietly.

“Yea, you’re clear.” Perri pushes a lever which opens the door. A flood of bats also drops from the ceiling, smashing into the Private. “Don’t mind the bats, they’re harmless.” Perri laughs.

“Did you really need to subject that Private to your bat therapy?” Margaret asks.

“It helps with the complexion. Did you see how white he turned?”

“Whatever, but don’t come to me when OJSIG pulls you into one of their offices. You’ll look like a spotlight beamed on their wall.” Margaret says. Perri’s uniform is also black toned, but with a corset and a bit more lace and taller boots. Her normal complexion is masked by excessive use of makeup to lighten it, and her normally red hair is dyed a rich black with only the roots betraying the actual color.

“OJSIG wouldn’t stand a chance against us.” Perri makes a hissing noise to mock the idea. “They think they’re the rulers of the dark, but we’re the queens of darkness.”

“Yea, sure. They’ll totally see the light when you show them your bone maracas.”

“Those are handmade, and they’re a metaphor for how even in death we can still …”

“They’re a metaphor for recycling Halloween props.” Margaret interrupts Perri.

“Doesn’t matter. Still a metaphor. If my soul is black, my stuff should reflect that.”

“Says the girl who shops at Hot Topic on a Wednesday.”

“But they have such good sales.” Perri whispers, a tinge of guilt in her voice.

“Right, well my shift is up. Can’t enjoy this day of darkness inside this stuffed up sentry booth. Ta ta, Perri.”

Cinco de Mayo

by Manuel.Vazquez4

Every May 5th, Mexico commemorates its victory over France in the Puebla Battle of 1862. A century and a half later, the celebration has crossed the border and become a holiday in the United States as well. Everyone has a free day on May 5th, therefore neither schoolchildren nor employees are expected to report to work. (With the exception of some essential jobs like those at banks, supermarkets, etc.). But what do we know about this day? What is the story behind it? Why is this day so important in Mexico?

Every May 5th, people commemorate the “Batalla of Puebla,” which took place nearby in the year 1862. It was a battle between the Mexican army under Ignacio Zaragoza’s command and the Second French Empire under Charles Ferdinand Latrille.

In April 1862, French forces sailed from Veracruz port on a military campaign that was headed for the country’s centre. The battle, also known as the “Battle of the Fifth of May,” took place on Loreto’s hilltop, where a chapel was built as a stronghold to protect Puebla City. Ignacio Zaragoza became a national hero after leading a force of about 2000 soldiers and 2700 farmers to victory over a French army that was armed with pistols, carbines, bayonets, and spears.

But Mexico’s first triumph was short-lived. A year later, the French troops made a second appearance in the conflict, this time bringing 35,000 Frenchmen. They were able to overthrow the Mexican army, take control of Mexico City, and open the door for Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Carlota to become the new rulers. But that’s another story.

With the exception of the 16th of September, the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla is the most important day on the Mexican political calendar because it marks one of the few victories over an invading foreign army. Additionally, May 5th in the United States is celebrated as “Dia de la Herencia Latina,” honouring Latino immigration from Mexico. Erroneously believing that Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on May 5th has been planted by him.

Which of the following ways does society celebrate May 5th?

In Mexico, the festival is observed in Puebla with historical recreations of the Puebla Battle, desfiles, mariachis, disfraces, and artificial fires. According to José Alamillo, who was then a professor of ethnic studies at the University of State in Washington, El Cinco de Mayo first became famous in the United States between the years of 1950 and 1960, in part because of a fraternal love explosion.

“The reason it became more popular was partly due to the Buen Vecino policy,” he said, alluding to an effort made at the time by the government of the United States to reach out to neighbouring countries.

According to Alamillo, the celebration’s popularity increased significantly in the 1960s when Chicano or Mexican American activists adopted it as a means of fostering pride among Mexican Americans.

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