#zif

Historic Hanukkah Sling Stone Discovered in South Hebron Hills, Israel

The 3 cm. projectile carries the name of Diodotus Tryphon, a Greek king who reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 142-138 BC.

A lead projectile dating back to the times of the Maccabees was discovered by the Civil Administration’s Archaeological Department on Sunday.

A symbol representing Zeus, the ancient Greek religion's king of the gods, is also etched onto the projectile.

The projectile was discovered at Zif, an archaeological site in South Hebron Hills.

Tryphon is known for the assassination of Jonathan, one of Mattathias' sons, Judah Maccabee's successor as leader of the Maccabees and High Priest of Judea.

Jonathan was the younger brother of Judah Maccabee, who led the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in 167-160 BC after King Antiochus IV Epiphanes issued decrees forbidding Jewish religious practice.

After restoring Jewish worship at the Second Holy Temple in Jerusalem, leading to its rededication — Which is celebrated on Hanukkah — Judah Maccabee appointed Jonathan as High Priest. He eventually became Maccabee's army commander following the death of Judah.

And I thought to myself “..Can I add anouther lightsource?”

Das wissenschaftliche Open Access-Journal der Allensbach Hochschule Konstanz versammelt eine Vielzahl relevanter Beiträge aus der gesamten Wirtschaftswissenschaft und Wirtschaftspädagogik. Die Ausgabe 2024 ist Mitte Dezember erschienen. Die „Zeitschrift für Interdisziplinäre Ökonomische Forschung“ (ZIF) der Allensbach Hochschule Konstanz ist Beiträgen gewidmet, die akademische Forschung mit in…

Infocom's Planetfall for the PC-9800

Reviewing Infocom's "Planetfall" from a philosophical perspective involves an exploration beyond its surface as a pioneering interactive fiction game, delving into its narrative structure, thematic elements, and the broader existential, ethical, and sociopolitical implications it presents.

1. Isolation, Existentialism, and the Human Condition: "Planetfall" places the player in the role of a low-ranking space fleet ensign who crash-lands on an alien planet. The ensuing narrative of survival and exploration in an isolated environment can be interpreted through the lens of existential philosophy. The game echoes themes of existentialism, particularly the notion of confronting the absurdity of existence. The player's struggle for survival and sense of isolation on an alien planet resonates with the existentialist idea of individuals facing an indifferent universe, where they must create their own meaning and purpose.

2. Bureaucracy, Authority, and Individual Agency: The game begins with the protagonist serving on a spaceship under a hierarchical, bureaucratic system, often engaging in menial tasks. This setting can be viewed as a critique of bureaucratic systems and their dehumanizing effect, reminiscent of Kafkaesque themes. The protagonist's eventual crash and subsequent autonomy on the alien planet can symbolize a break from oppressive structures, inviting philosophical contemplation on the nature of authority, the individual's role within larger systems, and the quest for personal agency.

3. Environmentalism and Responsibility Towards Other Lifeforms: As the player navigates the alien planet, interacting with its ecosystem and non-human entities, the game subtly addresses themes of environmentalism and ethical responsibility towards other forms of life. The player's actions towards the planet's environment and inhabitants raise questions about humanity's relationship with nature and the moral obligations we hold towards non-human entities and ecosystems.

4. The Role of Technology and Human Reliance on Machines: "Planetfall" features a notable character, a robot named Floyd, who assists the player. This relationship highlights the interdependence between humans and technology, prompting reflection on the philosophical implications of our reliance on machines. It raises questions about the bond between humans and artificial entities, the potential emotional connections with non-human companions, and the ethical considerations of creating sentient machines.

5. Discovery, Curiosity, and the Pursuit of Knowledge: The game's emphasis on exploration and discovery taps into the philosophical theme of human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. The player's journey on the alien planet, filled with unknowns and mysteries to uncover, mirrors the human quest for understanding and the desire to make sense of the unknown, a fundamental aspect of the human condition.

6. Solitude and the Search for Companionship: Throughout "Planetfall," the player experiences solitude, with Floyd as the only companion. This solitude can be interpreted as a reflection on the human need for social interaction and companionship. The game invites players to explore the emotional and psychological impact of isolation and the value of companionship, even when it comes from non-human sources.