Spain: The Center of the World 1519-1682 by Robert Goodwin

Robert Goodwin's Spain: The Center of the World 1519-1682 is a comprehensive and engaging history of Spain's rise to power as a global empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Goodwin begins by tracing the origins of Spain's empire to the marriage of Isabel de Castilla and Fernando de Aragón in 1469. This union created a powerful new kingdom that would soon begin to expand across Europe, the Americas, and the Philippines.

Goodwin then goes on to discuss the reigns of Charles V, Philip II, and Philip IV. These three monarchs were all instrumental in Spain's rise to power. Charles V, who was also Holy Roman Emperor, was a brilliant and ambitious ruler who expanded Spain's empire to its greatest extent. Philip II was a devout Catholic who used Spain's power to defend the Catholic Church against the Protestant Reformation. Philip IV was a cultured and sophisticated ruler who presided over a golden age of Spanish art and literature.

The book then goes on to discuss the reigns of Charles V's son, Philip II, and Philip II's grandson, Philip IV. During these reigns, Spain continued to expand its empire and became a major power in Europe.

However, Spain's golden age was not to last forever. The book also discusses the challenges that Spain faced during this period, such as the Dutch Revolt, the Thirty Years' War, the War of the Spanish Succession and also addresses how difficult it was to get the representatives of the crown in the New World to respect the freedom and property of the natives. These conflicts drained Spain's resources from her and led to the decline of her empire from her.

The book concludes with the death of Charles II in 1700. Charles II was the last Habsburg king of Spain, and his death marked the end of Spain's golden age.

Overall, this book is a well-written and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of Spain's rise and fall as a global empire. The book is well-researched and draws on a wide range of sources, including primary documents, secondary sources, and archaeological evidence. It is an excellent book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Spain or the history of the world.

The book is also well-organized and easy to read. Goodwin does an excellent job of weaving together complex historical events into a coherent narrative. The book is also full of interesting anecdotes and insights that make it a pleasure to read.

The Greater Union by Ron Horsley

The Greater Union is a science fiction novel by Ron Horsley, published in 2021. The novel tells the story of Hector Contreras, a man who is fighting to save humanity from an alien invasion.

The novel is set in a future where Earth has been conquered by aliens known as the Lorians. The Lorians have enslaved humanity and forced them to work in labor camps. Hector is one of the few humans who have managed to escape the Lorians' control. He joins a resistance movement that is fighting to free humanity from the Lorian's tyranny.

The novel follows Hector and the resistance movement as they fight against the Lorians. The resistance movement is outnumbered and outgunned, but they are determined to win their freedom. The novel is full of action, adventure, and suspense. It is a story about hope, courage, and the power of the human spirit.

The Greater Union is a well-written and exciting novel. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and action-adventure stories.

The crew for Artemis II

Artemis 2, crewed mission by NASA, currently scheduled for launch in 2024. The mission is part of the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024.

The Artemis 2 crew consist of four astronauts who will launch on board the Orion spacecraft, which will be launched on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The crew will perform a flyby of the Moon, which will be the first time humans have travelled to the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

The crew for Artemis 2

The crew consists of NASA Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

Learn more about the crew and their mission: www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis-ii

Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari

 Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow is a book by Yuval Noah Harari, a historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The book was first published in Hebrew in 2015 and in English in 2016.

In the book, Harari argues that humans are on the verge of a new era, in which they will become gods. He argues that humans have already achieved god-like powers in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and technology. He also argues that humans are now developing new technologies that will allow them to control their own biology and even their own minds.

Harari argues that this new era will be a time of great opportunity and great danger. He argues that humans have the potential to create a utopia, but he also argues that they have the potential to create a dystopia. He argues that the choices that humans make in the coming years will determine the future of humanity.

Homo Deus has been praised by critics for its ambitious scope and its thought-provoking ideas. However, the book has also been criticized for its lack of evidence and its speculative nature.

Overall, Homo Deus is a thought-provoking book that raises important questions about the future of humanity. I disagree with much of his conclusions, but The book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of technology and the future of humanity.

Meet Zhelrer the Ancient

Zhelrer the Ancient

Dracthyr of the Horde — Specialization: Devastation

Rebuild the legacy, unite the factions, honor the past

Character Overview

Zhelrer awoke not in fury or confusion, but with serene clarity. His title of Ancient is not one of age, but of wisdom: it represents the link between what was and what can be. While other evokers rush into combat or exploration, Zhelrer walks the Dragon Isles with purpose, helping to rebuild its ruins, restore its alliances, and heal its wounds. His loyalty to the Horde is steadfast, but his vision is broader: restoration requires unity.

Specialization: Augmentation

- Black Dragonflight: Earthbound strength, rebuilding from the ashes

- Bronze Dragonflight: Sight of time, diplomacy between ages

- Role: Ally enhancer, event facilitator, bond restorer

- Playstyle: Ideal for world quests, daily events, and reputation progression

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Purpose in Game

Zhelrer is dedicated to:

- Completing all story chains on the Dragon Isles

- Participating in daily and weekly events such as the Great Hunt, the Feast of Iskaara, and the Siege of Dragonslayer Hold

- Collecting artifacts and relics** for the Dragonslayer Expedition

- Building reputation with the four major factions:

- Dragonslayer Expedition

- Iskaara Tuskarr

- Maruuk Centaurs

- Valdrakken Accord

Professions

- Inscription: Zhelrer records stories, creates reputation contracts, and magical documents that strengthen alliances.

- Herbalism: Gathers ancient plants for rituals, potions, and offerings.

- Ritual Cooking (secondary): Prepares banquets for community events, such as the Feast of Iskaara, with dishes that celebrate unity and memory.

Reconstruction Cuisine

- Dragonflight Root Stew: a dish that symbolizes the union of the five dragonflights

- Obsidian Stone Bread: a recipe that honors the Outcasts and their fight to reclaim their home

- Chronoflower Infusion: a beverage that calms tensions and facilitates dialogue between factions

- Feast of the Silent Flame: a ceremonial feast that marks the beginning of a new alliance

Favorite Mounts

Zhelrer prefers ceremonial land mounts, which reflect his role as a restorer and diplomat:

- Horde War Kodo: a symbol of strength and tradition

- Ancient Sands Raptor: swift, durable, connected to the origins of the dragonflights

- Great Expedition Yak: ideal for transporting artifacts and supplies

- Highland Stallion: a gift from the Alliance after a successful diplomatic mission

Ancestor Philosophy

"It is not enough to discover. It must be rebuilt. It is not enough to remember. It must be reconciled. The Dragon Isles have no need." Lonely heroes. They need hands that heal, voices that unite, steps that respect.”

— Zhelrer, Ancestor's Diary, Entry I

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Man and His Symbols is a book by Carl Jung

Man and His Symbols is a book by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and four of his colleagues: Marie-Louise von Franz, Joseph L. Henderson, Aniela Jaffé, and Jolande Jacobi. The book was first published in 1964, and it is a popular introduction to Jung's theories of the unconscious mind and archetypes.

The book is divided into five parts:

    Approaching the Unconscious by Jung
    Primitive Myths and Modern Man by Henderson
    The Process of Individuation by von Franz
    Symbolism in the Plastic Arts by Jaffé
    Symbols within an Individual Analysis by Jacobi

In his chapter, Jung discusses the unconscious mind and the archetypes. He argues that the unconscious mind is a vast and complex realm that contains all of our memories, thoughts, and emotions, both conscious and unconscious. He also argues that archetypes are universal patterns of human experience that are found in myths, dreams, and symbols from all cultures around the world.

In their chapters, Henderson, von Franz, Jaffé, and Jacobi explore the role of the unconscious mind in different areas of human life, such as art, religion, and psychology. They also discuss the importance of symbols and their role in helping us to understand ourselves and the world around us.

Man and His Symbols is a classic work of Jungian psychology, and it is still widely read and studied today. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the unconscious mind, the archetypes, and the role of symbols in human life.

I introduce you to ldrel the Seeker

 Eldrel the Seeker

Dracthyr of the Alliance — Specialisation: Augmentation

Essence Charmer, Memory Jeweller, Ritual Cook

Character Overview

Awakened after centuries of slumber, Eldrel seeks neither revenge nor glory. His title of Seeker defines him: he is a traveller between ages, a catalyst of harmony who travels Azeroth not to master it, but to understand it. He channels the power of the black dragonflight with humility, and that of the bronze dragonflight with wisdom. His humanoid form, ever-present outside of combat, reflects his desire to connect with the peoples of the world. But when battle calls, his crimson armor and draconic essence reveal the ancient power within.

Specialization: Augmentation

- Black Dragonflight: Earthly strength, legacy of redeemed shadows

- Bronze Dragonflight: Temporal wisdom, vision of balance

- Role: Ally buff, protector of the flow of combat

- Playstyle: Strategic, collaborative, one-of-a-kind

Professions

- Enchanting: Eldrel infuses objects with fragments of time, memory, and draconic essence. Each enchantment is a blessing, a story, a promise.

- Jewelcrafting: The gems she carves don't just sparkle: they resonate. They are fragments of places, moments, and emotions she has collected on her journey.

- Ritual Cooking (Secondary): Eldrel prepares dishes that restore body and soul. Her recipes are acts of communion with the earth, time, and the dragonflights.

Regenerative and Ritual Cooking

- Tortolla's Wisdom Soup: for visions and reflection

- Rock Basilisk Stew: for stamina and strength

- Chronofruit Cake: for manipulating time in combat

- Dragonflight Salad: a symbol of unity and harmony

Favorite Mounts

Eldrel prefers land mounts, as a symbol of her connection to Azeroth. Each one represents a stage of your journey:

- Midnight Eternal Reins: legacy of Karazhan, reflection of the unseen

- Prestigious Bloodforged Courser: crimson armor, commanding presence

- Black Qiraji Battle Tank: relic of Silithus, echo of the Old Gods

- Black Nightsaber: stealth, elegance, respect for nature

Seeker's Philosophy

"I was not born to conquer, but to understand. Every stone, every creature, every story is a fragment of the great fabric. I am the thread that binds them together."

— Eldrel, Seeker's Journal, Entry I