(An animation shows black and white clouds parting)
Charles: (Off-screen) Once upon a time, there was a glowing city protected by golden gates known as Heaven. It was ruled by beings of pure light. Angels that worshipped good and shielded all from evil. Lucy was one of these angels. She was a dreamer with fantastical ideas for all of creation. But she was seen as a troublemaker by the elders of Heaven. For they felt her way of thinking was dangerous to the perder of their world. So she watched as the angels began to expand the universe in their ways. From the dust of Earth, they created Eve (I couldn't think of a female name that looked like Adam) and Lilian. Equals as the first of mankind, but despite this, Eve demanded control and Lilian refused to submit to her will. He fled the garden. Drawn in by his fierce independence, Lucy found him and the two rebellious dreamers fell deeply in love. Together, they wished to share the magic of free will with humanity, offering the fruit of knowledge to Eve's new groom, Adam, who gladly accepted. But this gift came with a curse. For the single act of disobedience, evil finally found its way into Earth. With it, a new realm of darkness and sin. And the order Heaven had worked to maintain was shattered. As punishment for their reckless act, Heaven cast Lucy and her love into the dark pit she had created, never allowing her to see the good that came from humanity, only the cruel and the wicked. Ashamed, Lucy lost her will to dream. But Lilian thrived, empowering demon-kind with his voice and his songs. And as the numbers of Hell grew, so did its power. Threatened by this, Heaven made a truly heartless decision. That every year, they would send down an army, an extermination to ensure Hell and its sinners could never rise against them. But Lilian's hope remained. And his dream was passed down to their precious son, the Prince of Hell. (The prince shuts the "Story Of Hell" book) (On-screen) Don't worry, Dad. I'll make you proud. (He holds a key)
Vagner: Charles?
Charles: Augh! (The key turns into a cat) Oh, shit. Did you hear all that?
Vagner: Uh... Yeah, I was right there.
Charles: Sorry. I get worked up after an extermination happens. This story helps.
Vagner: (chuckles) I know. Don't worry. I enjoy your theatrics. Are you okay?
Charles: I'm fine, just...Thinking, ya know, family stuff.
Vagner: Did you hear from your dad yet?
(Charles shakes his head saying no)
Vagner: Oof. How long has it been now?
Charles: Not that long, only...Seven...Years...Off something important, I'm sure. But this kingdom was something he really cared about. Something I care about.
Vagner: Well, at least you aren't alone.
Charles: I just hope what I'm trying to do here will work.
Vagner: It will. I have faith in you.
(The cat hopes on Charles)
Vagner: All right. Come on. Alice says she has something to show us.
(Vagner heads to the door and Charles look out of the window and see Hell on fire and goes)
(A commercial plays)
Alice: Well, hello there you wayward sinner. Do you like blood, violence and depravity of a sexual nature? Of course you do. That's why you're in Hell! But what would you say there was a place to stay that had none of that? Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel, a misguided path to redemption! Founded five days ago by Lucy's delusional son Charleson Morningstar! Come place your fate in his inexperienced hands as he tries to work through his mommy issues by fixing you! Here, we offer fun thing! Such as somewhat functional staff! And 24 hour Pest Control! Custom rooms, and just look at this tacky parlor! Enjoy riveting conversation with our singular resident. Wow! All this and more at the Hazbin Hotel! You last desperate attempt at salvation starts here.
(The tv suits off)
Alice: So, what'd ya' think?
Vagner: I'm sorry, what the fuck was that?!
Charles: Uh, yeah, one note...Alice, I mean...First off, thank you so much for making this, seriously, amazing, but um...Maybe the tone is a bit...Off? We want people to want to come here, this makes it look...Ummm...
Vagner: Bad. The word you're looking for is "bad".
Alice: Funny, I was going for hilarious!
Vagner: It didn't explain anything about how we're trying to save demons from extermination, which is the whole fucking point.
Charles: Vagner is right, Alice. The commercial was to let sinners know we are trying to help them.
Alice: Well, my dear, I haven't been active in Hell for some time, and everyone remembers me from my radio show! The proper medium to express oneself! But YOU insisted on this noisy picture box adversiment! So I had a little fun with it.
Vagner: Oh, fun? You had a little fun with it? (Stand on the sofa) Well, this is not what we want to represent us. When you showed up here a week ago, you told us you would help run the hotel! Instead, you're mocking us. Nobody's going to want to come to a place that a powerful overlord like you thinks is a waste of time!
(A demon on a sofa raises her hand)
Vagner: What?
Angela: If'n ya filmin' a commercial, can I suggest you take better advantage of the talented celebrity you have right here?
Vagner: Angela, you're a porn star.
Angela: A famous porn star. I'll have the horniest sinners knockin' these walls down to get in.
Vagner: We are not filming a porn as a commercial.
Angela: Why not? Sex sells, don't it? I swear if you film me goin' at it with mistress fancy-talk-creepy-voice here, you'd rollin' in participants willin' to stay at this tacky hotel.
Alice: Haha! Never going to happen!
Charles: Angela, I appreciate you wanting to use you special skills to, um, attract folks to the hotel, but...I really don't want to exploit you, in that way!
Angela: Oh, please, baby. This body was made to be exploited. I got the arms, I got the stamina, I got the legs. I got the lung capacity-- Oh-oh I got the legs! The gag reflex, the holes...
(Charles laughs uncomfortably and his phone rings with his mom calling)
Angela: The small tits that make everyone think I'm a man...
Charles: Uhhh, hold that thought. I'll be right back! (Walks away)
Angela: I could keep goin' all night, baby.
(Charles breathes and answers the phone)
Charles: Hello? Mom?
Angela: Hey, I have a question. If freaky face over there is so powerful, then why can't she just make people stay here?
Alice: Oh, trust me, (ominously) I can!
Hisky: Why the hell do you think I'm here?
(The camera goes to Hisky at the bar)
Hisky: You actually think I'd be cleaning bottles and listening to you fuck's bitches moan all the time if she wasn't forcin' me?
Niffter: I like being forced!
Hisky: Keep that to yourself, Niff.
Angela: What, you don't like being here with me, Whiskers?
Hisky: Call me "Whiskers" again and I'll that bottle down your throat.
Angela: Kinky. But I like pussies. But keep talkin' dirty.
Vagner: Ugh, Angela, let Hisky do her job. And no, we can't force sinners to stay here. They need to choose to.
Angela: I'm choosing to be here, and I think is all stupid. We're in Hell, toots. It's kind of the end of the road, ain't it?
Vagner: Well, maybe it doesn't have to be. Just because nobody has made it before doesn't mean is not possible. (Angela pust her arm in his shoulder)
Angela: Hey, whatever means I can keep crashin' here rent free. Crack is expensive.
Charles: (excitedly) Yeah, I can! Totally. Yeah, I'll head over there right away...Okay. (Turns off the phone) Hah! YES! YES!! Hahahaha!! Vagner! Holy shit!
Vagner: Ahh! What?!
Charles: (through closed mouth) Get over here!
(Vagner sighs and goes to where Charles is)
Vagner: What's going on?
Charles: (Inhales) My mom just called. She said that the leader of the Angel Army wants to meet. She asked if I could go instead. (Breathes deeply)
Vagner: But... But...But the extermination just happened. What would they want this soon after...
Charles: (Singing) I can do this. Somehow, I know it I'll get Heaven behind my plan!
Vagner: Charles, hold on.
Charles: There's just no way I could blow it. Not this once a lifetime change!
Vagner: It's just a meeting.
Charles: To change their minds. And touch their hearts. Or whatever angels have.
Vagner: This could be bad.
Charles: Cheer up, Vagner. This could be swell. Something tells that today will be a happy day in Hell!
Vagner: Okay, but just don't... sing to them.
Angela: That motherfucker is halfway down the street.
Vagner: Is he...
Angela: Oh, he's dancin'.
Vagner: Ugh, no.
Charles: There's a warm fuzzy feeling that wafts through the air! Every street so revealing it's hard not to stare. It's a realm so appealing it beats anywhere! If you don't mind the smell! It's a happy day in Hell! Hi, miss!
Demon: Go fuck yourself!
Dead Sinner #1: There's a endless trash fire that's burnig my soul!
Charles: Hello!
Imp: There's a lot of barbed wire to shove in her holes!
Charles: Uh, excuse me...
Executioner: Doing what is required we all have a role!
Dead Sinner #2: I'm not doing well!
Ensemble: Another shitty day in Hell!
Charles: If I can show them the dream I've dreamed, that any soul can change!
Vagner: Those angels minds are hard to change!
Charles: Then they know that everyone can be redeemed from the evil to the strange!
Vagner: They're bloodthirsty and deranged!
Charles: I can hear all their stories, the lost and the displaced! And I know that they're of an acquired taste! But if I open the door and give them a place at my Hazbin Hotel it'll be a happy day in Hell! (Jumps in the back of a truck) From the porn studio where the cinephiles go to watch award winning demon bukkake shows to the Cannibal Town where they don't wear a frown 'cause...Holy shit, ew, my gosh, why?! And I don't give a crow that her brains got in my eye! Cause I know I can spare them from Heaven's genocide! I can do this...
Dead Sinner #1: There's an endless trash fire...
Charles: I just know it! Dead Sinner #1: That's burning my soul!
Chorus: Ahhhhhhhhhh!
Charles: I'll get Heaven behind my plans! There's just no way I could blow it!
Demon Sinner #3: I kinda like the barbed wire that's shoved in my hole!
Charles: Not this once in a lifetime chance! To change their minds!
Trenchcoat Demon: And touch my parts!
Charles: Oh...No, thank you. I'm just gonna...Fullfill my destiny!
Trenchcoat Demon: Your loss fucker!
Charles: I can already tell! Today is gonna be a fucking happy day in Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell! (Charles enters at the lobby) Hello? (echoes) Hello? Creepy...(He goes to the reception, rings the bell in the table and a paper and a feather pen appear in front of him) Oh, okay! Also creepy. (Signs the paper)
(Elevator doors open, Charles goes to them and enters in a dark room)
Charles: Hello? Is anyone here?
(The lights turn on)
Eve: 'Sup?
Charles: Holy shit! (Falls in the floor and gets up) Hi, I'm Charles. My mom asked if I could meet you.
Eve: Yeah, I know.
Charles: Okay, well, it's nice to meet you. (Stands his hand)
Eve: Totally. Nice to meet you, too. (Stands her hand)
(Charles hand passes through Eve's hand)
Charles: Ahh!
Eve: Ha! I fucking got you! Did you fuckin' see that?
(Luther shaves his head in yes)
Eve: Good shit!
Charles: Uh, so wait, you aren't here?
Eve: No, you think I'd come down there? (Laughs) No. I mean, I love the vibe, totally, I love your tunes. Pretty fuckin' hardcore, don't get me wrong. But, it's such a bummer, man. Everything down there's just so "eugh" ya know? (Chuckles) Ew.
Charles: Right. So I'm happy we got this opportunity to meet. There's a project I've been working on that I really want to talk to you about...(Eve puts her finger in his mouth)
Eve: Hey, hey, hey, slow down. We got time. How about we get to know each other, mm? How about some lunch? You hungry? I got you! (Shows a plate with ribs) Here's my personal favourite. You'll love it.
Charles: Uh, thanks! (His arms passes through the plate of ribs)
Eve: (Laughing) I got you again, fucker! Haha fuckin' hilarious! Haha!
(Back at the Hazbin Hotel, everyone is at the lobby)
Vagner: Okay, so Charles is dealing with something very important, so while he's gone, we are making a new commercial. One that representants his vision and what we're doing here. So we need a camera. Alice?
(Alice snaps her fingers and an old camera appears in Vagner's hand)
Vagner: A video camera.
Alice: Hmmm. (Snaps her fingers)
(A video camera appears in Vagner's hand)
Vagner: All right, let's do this!
(Vagner films Angela sitting at the bar)
Vagner: And...Action!
Hisky: "Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel, can I help you with anything?"
Angela: "I've been a bad girl. And I need a big strong mommy to put me in my place...On the path to redemption!"
Hisky: Ugh! "Well, you come..."
Angela: "Oh yes!"
Hisky: (boredly) "To the right place!"
Vagner: Cut! Okay, Angela, I need you to be less horny, if possible. And Hisky, can you maybe not have a script in front of your face?
Hisky: (Angrily) I ain't no actress, I can't memorize this shit!
Angela: Well, we could improve this shit, baby cakes! (Purrs seductively and Hisky push her out of the counter) Ahh!
Hisky: Whoops. (Drink a bottle)
Vagner: Hisky, come on!
(Meanwhile, Charles is bored)
Eve: So I was playing this gig, and for some fucking reason this virtue boy was digging on the drummer, and it's like, do you know who I am? I'm fucking Eve. I'm the original pussy! All pussies descend from me. You think you like a drummer pussy? No way, I'm the Pussy-fucking master! (Eats sloppily) So anyway, then we fucked, and it was awesome. What'd you do this weekend?
Charles: Wait, your name is Eve? Like the first woman? That means you...Ohhh...(Enlightened) That explains so much.
Eve: I know. I fucking rock.
Charles: Well, Eve, ma'am. Mrs. Eve, ma'am.
Eve: Call me Pussymaster.
Charles: Eve, you seem like a smart...well, stand up girl.
Eve: (With the finger in her teeth) Uh-huh.
Charles: And I know you are the leader of the angels. And you are a bigger revolutionary, a...A genius!
Eve: I maen, your words, babe.
Charles: Who would really her name on something.
Eve: Fucking love putting my name on shit! Shit's the best!
Charles: It's a solution to our biggest problem!
Eve: Oh, herpes. Yeah, that's a bitch.
Charles: No! Our other biggest problem.
Eve: Oh, uh...Ugly people? (Looks at the camera) Math? Global warming? Nah, wait that's Earth's problem. Umm...
(At the hotel, a bug walks in the floor and a needle tries to stab it saverel times)
Niffter: Hehehe. Stab. Stab. Stab.
Vagner: Alright Niffter. Niffter? Niffter! (Stops him) Your line is "We have the cleanest rooms". Okay?
Niffter: Got it. I'm ready.
Vagner: (Turns on the camera) Action!
(Niffter looks at the camera with his pupil constricted and Angela and Vagner look at him confused and he keeps staring weirdly)
Vagner: Uhh...Cut. (Turns off the camera)
(Niffter smiles again)
Niffter: (Giggles) How was that?
Vagner: Well, Niffter, you actually have to say the line. So let's roll again.
Niffter: Okay!
Vagner: Action. (Turns on the camera)
(Niffter stares deeply at the camera)
Angela: You're doing great, Vagina!
Vagner: Cut! Alright, um, maybe wr can try to fix it in the post.
Angela: Do you even know what that means?
Vagner: (Angrily) I'll figure it out!
(In the lobby, Vagner is watching the video with the camera connected to the tv)
Hisky: (On TV) Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel.
(Vagner groans, covers his eyes and Alice appears in his side)
Alice: Seems like you're having a bit of trouble there, hm?
Vagner: Ugh, esta pendeja...Why are you even here?
Alice: For the entertainment! I came here because I love seeing wasteful souls struggle to accomplish something meaningful and fail spectacularly. Like you are doing now! Good job!
Vagner: (Turns on the camera) And here is Alice, the egocentric piece of shit that...
(Alice gets static on the camera and it starts to spark and Vagner screams and knocks the camera down)
Alice: I wouldn't try that, my darling. (Sinisterly) This face was made for radio.
Vagner: (Gets angry) That's it! I don't care who or what you are! If you are staying here you are going to make this work! Beause it won't be so "entertaining" to watch an empty hotel will it, shit ass?! (Turns around and walks away)
Alice: Fair enough. I'll tell you what. Let's make a deal.
Vagner: Pft! You think I'm that stupid? Making a deal with a demon like you.
Alice: Not for your soul, just a simple deal. I do this for you, and you never ask me to engage with this frivolous television technology ever again. Or...Charles can come back to absolutely nothing! Your choice.
Vagner: (Sighs) Fine. (Gets the video camera and raises in Alice's hand and green ghosted skulls fly around it)
Alice: Now then! (Makes the camera disappear and snaps her fingers)
(Angela, Hisky and Niffter, a lot of filming materials and a ghost recording team appear in the lobby and everyone gets tailor clothes)
Vagner: Alright, everyone! Let's make a fucking commercial.
(Meanwhile)
Eve:...When you take him out for the fifth time and he still expects you to pay the check, but you're like, (In deep voice) "Hey I thought you wanted equality"!
Charles: (Frustrated) No! Our shared problem of overpopulation in Hell!
Eve: (Normal) Oh! Well, that's not a problem! We got that covered! Luther, how many demons did you kill this year?
Luther: Got a good 275 this year, ma'am.
Eve: 275? Whoa, badass! Awesome job, danger dick! Pound it. (Punch fists with Luther)
Charles: Uh, no, not awesome. Those are my people, you know that, right?
Eve: Ohhh, yeah...That must suck for you. Pft...Hahahaha! Charles: But these are souls. Human souls, just the same as the ones you have in Heaven.
Luther: They're not the same. They had their chance and they earned damnation.
Charles: You're wrong. Sinners made mistakes, sure, but everyone makes mistakes.
Luther: Angels don't make mistakes.
Charles: You really think that?
Luther: I know that.
Eve: Yeah, I've never made a mistake in my fucking life.
Luther: The only reason you're still here is because Mommy gave you and your Hellborn-kind a pardon from an exorcist blade. How does that feel? To know how little you matter.
(Charles shrinks back)
Eve: Oops, almost out of time. Guess we should get into it...
Charles: Oh! Fuck!...(Get up from the chair) Okay. I've a lot to get through and not a lot of time and I feel like you weren't really hearing before, so here goes. (Clears throat) (Singing) I know Hell's population is out of control. It's a bad situation, it's taking a toll. If we rehabe these sinners and cleanse all their souls at my Hazbin Hotel! (Normal) Wait I'm getting ahead of myself! Right! Extermination! (Singing) I know you guys fly down just to kill once a year. And it must be annoying to schlep all the way here. If they join you in Heaven that trip disappears! You can wave that chore farewell! (Deep breath) It'll be a happy day in...
Eve: (Singing) Let me stop you right there, save us all precious time!
Charles: (Normal) Okay?
Eve: If what you're suggesting is letting them climb! Up the ladder. Oh they rather cross the Pearly Gates? Sorry, sweetie, but there's no defying in their fates! 'Cause Hell is forever wheter you like it or not! Had their chance to behave better now they boil in a pot! 'Cause the rules are black and white there's no use in trying to fight it! They're burning for their lives until we kill them again!
Charles: Okay, but...
Eve: Just try to chillax, babe, you're wasting your breath!
Charles: (Nervously) Hehe...
Eve: Did I hear you imply that they deserve death? Are they winners? Are they sinners? 'Cause it's cut and dry!
Charles: Actually, if you take a look...
Eve: Fair is fair, an eye for an eye! And when all's said and done! (Said and done) There's the question of fun! (Fun) And for those of us with divine ordainment, extermination is entertainment! (Imitates guitar) Guitar solo, fuck yeah! (Imitates guitar) Hell is forever whether you like or not! Had their chance to behave better now they boil in a pot!
Charles: Where all these people come from?
Eve: 'Cause the rules are black and white, there's no use in trying to fight it! They're burning for their lives until we kill them again! (materializes a guitar and play it) Fucking Hell is forever and it's meant to suck a lot! So give up your dumb endeavor 'cause you don't have a shot!
(Charles groans, his paper gets on fire and his hair moves in the air and horns appear in his head)
Eve: Long as I've got your attention, I guess In should probably mention that we made a determination (Shows a contract) To move up the next extermination!
Charles: What?!
Eve: Can't wait a whole year to slaughter those little cunts! (Holds Charles' wrist) I know is just been a week, but we'll be back in six months! (Spins Charles out of the room and plays her guitar)
Charles: Um, wait, didn't you...(Goes at the door, but it closes) Awh, shit! (Punches the door)
(Charles returns sad to the Hazbin Hotel)
Vagner: Charles! (Hugs him) How did it go? Did they listen?
Charles: Oh, uh...They sure did...hear it! But, um...
Vagner: Oh! Come here. We have something exciting to show you! (Holds Charles to the living room) Alice pulled some strings, and it's about to air.
Alice: I pulled a few limbs too! Hahaha!
Charles: Wait? The commercial? You all made a new one?
Angela: Yeah, one of my better performances, if I do can say so myself.
Charles: That's...That's amazing.
Angela: Shh! It's starting!
Vagner: (On TV) Welcome to the Hazbin Hot...
(The TV changes to the 666 News channel and everyone complains)
Kallie: (On TV) Breaking news in Hell today! We have just received word from the Heaven Embassy that the next extermination is happening sooner than ever before! Do you know what that means, Tomita?
Tomita: No. What does that means, Kallie?
Kallie: It means we are all royally fucked!
(The clock in an hourglass changes to 176 with everyone screaming)
Angela: Wait...What? Why?!
(A drone laser scans a headless body of an angel laying in Hell and Eve and Luther see then from the ship)
Luther: We found the body, ma'am. They've never managed to kill one of us before. We should just go down there now and destroy them!
Eve: No, no. We can't risk them catching on. But don't worry, when we come back, there won't be a demon left to pull a stunt like this again. (Breaks the projector and her eyes and mouth glow in the dark)
(The end credits start playing)

I bought my gf a semi-expensive handmade silk decorative piece of art from abroad, knowing she would love it and it took some effort to get it. I gave it to her wrapped and told her to wait until she got home to open it but that it was an old print. I told her this because I knew she wouldn't be that excited about it and I wanted her to be surprised when she opened it later and found out what it really was.
She didn't open it for 4 days and I finally had to ask her to open it. As predicted, she was ecstatic when she opened it. But I felt kind of disrespected that it took several days for her to even open a gift that I brought from halfway across the world. She was a little busy but still. It just felt disrespectful to me for her to receive a wrapped gift and take days to open it. I confronted her and told her it had made me feel bad, especially since I was trying to surprise her. She responded by saying she was busy and that when she had gifted me a nice bottle of whiskey it took me 2 weeks before I drank any of it. I just see those as very different situations. I mean one is a wrapped gift, the other is something you consume sparingly (ideally lol).
I know this is small in the grand scheme of things but I still feel disrespected. Am I being petty?

Conspiracy theories involving “elite” pedophile rings have recently been dominating social media in a disorienting frenzy. They have been around for some time but in this century rose back to popularity during the 2016 Election cycle. This crop, at least, took root with what became known as “Pizzagate.” Promoters of that conspiracy theory in 2016 used social media platforms to make unfounded but viral allegations that Hillary Clinton and other prominent Democrats were running a pedophile ring out of the basement of a pizzeria even though that restaurant had no basement, or any ties to known politicians other than the typical flesh pressing (Phrasing I know) moments fit for a picture hung on the wall. Since then, the dark theme of Pizzagate has found new life with permutations forming part of the #Qanon conspiracy theory, incorporated under the umbrella term “pedogate.” The gist of the #pedogate conspiracy theory is that global elites (politicians, celebrities, and wealthy businesspersons) are covertly involved in a far-reaching ring that uses young children for sexual purposes. “What most of these conspiracy theories involve in one way or another is laying accusations of pedophilia or involvement in pedophile rings at the feet of people that they despise or hate, and during the 16’ election cycle, Democrats were a wide target for an opposing political movement that had hijacked the rival Republican party. Pizzagate originated with the “alt right” and “alt lite,” far right extremists who range from outright white supremacists to those who publicly shun racists but otherwise fall in step with their belief systems. Pizzagate jumped from the fringes to the mainstream because as it denigrated Hillary Clinton, it sucked in supporters of then-candidate Donald Trump. After the election all mention of pedogate seemed to be put on a simmer while other National outrages boiled over (#Covid #RussiaGate #BLM) and just like clockwork (heading into our next election cycle has been turned back up. The pedogate conspiracy and all associated stories employ a centuries-old tactic: playing on deep-seated human anxieties by conjuring images of imperiled children, the purest and defenseless victim of any manner of injustice. An example in the modern era of weaponized conspiracy was the satanic panic of the 1980s, in which a wave of hysteria over alleged child molestation at daycare centers swept the nation. But while that phenomenon was a moral panic attributable, at least in part, to social anxiety over white middle class women entering the work force en masse for the first time and entrusting their children to others, the current conspiracy theories about pedophile rings equate to similar propaganda. They carry a danger for stirring up violence. If you want to elicit violent action the way to do it is through hate and fear. Once you target and label a population as pedophiles, you can do anything you like to that population with full excuse being given to the myth you’ve wrapped around it. That’s not to say fears of child abuse or sex trafficking are unfounded. There are many as pedophilia has ancient roots and in many cases was encourage by many world cultures and religions a lot later into Civilization than we’d like to admit. The International Labor Organization reports that 25 percent of the world’s 40.3 million victims of human trafficking are children. The most vulnerable, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, are migrants, runaways, the homeless, and youngsters who have been victims of violence. Despite their obsession over the topic, conspiracy followers aren’t worked up about those children who are in true harm’s way. In the world of propaganda, it’s never about real children. Instead, it’s about what children represent. The children imperiled by conspiracy theories, in other words, are only metaphors. Children carry a vast amount of weight in any society, but especially modern ones when they’re expected to survive past the age of five. It wasn’t as intense before the 18th century when child mortality rates were really high. They represent the future, and all that is beautiful and decent and honest in a society, because they are innocent. For most people also, the meaning of their existence is rooted in their children. Children are eschatological, they represent death for us, and what is coming behind us after we are gone. They also represent the threat of loss, if they disappear, if they die, that is the death of society. That’s why they became so crucial and central to Cold War propaganda. The real terror of the nuclear holocaust would be the death of the children, because that’s the death of everyone. A recent example of this is in a recent police investigation into conspiracy claims of PizzaGate style accusation of Portland’s Voodoo Doughnuts. Detectives attempted to contact the person accusing Voodoo Doughnuts on social media of running a pedophile ring. The accuser did not cooperate with investigators and it’s been documented in other coverage online that they had become agitated and accused the Police with complicity when tracked down in person, even though they were attempting to investigate. The pendulum of conspiracy theories about systematic child abuse has swung back and forth for centuries. Examples such as blood libel, when Jewish communities were attacked over false allegations of murdering and consuming Christian children in the Middle Ages. In Europe, During the Thirty Years War, entire villages were put to the sword because it was believed they were abusing children of the other religions. One characteristic that helps Pizzagate-style conspiracy theories gain popularity is that they function like a puzzle game and give its audience a large level of involvement through social media. A lot of conspiracy theories are oracular, where the information comes from one source an oracle. Then there are others where there are a few people who promote the notions, almost like gurus or a conspiracy priesthood. But Pizzagate, it’s more of what one would call a participatory conspiracy theory. Participatory conspiracy theories lay out a scenario or situation and then they ask their audience, ‘what more can you find out about this, what more can you add?’ It turns the audience into willing participants, some knowing they are creating a destructive madlib and other (potential real victims) caking on mystical distraction to issues that have been unreported or scars that have not bee properly treated. The thing about participatory conspiracy theories is it can really create a devoted following because it gives people something to do, it makes them feel they can solve the whole thing or uncover new aspects to it. Once you get that energy going it’s almost self-sustaining. Followers of the Qanon conspiracy theory, call themselves “bakers” because their protagonist “Q” pops up on Internet message boards and leaves “crumbs” (i.e., clues), and they are tasked with picking up the crumbs in order to solve the puzzle. (“Q” is supposed to reference the character’s government security clearance level).
#Q followers believe an even more incoherent version of Pizzagate. This is largely a right-wing fantasy that originated in a series of incoherent posts on #4chan in 2017 by someone calling themselves #QAnon. Following on the heels of similar idiocy such as Pizzagate, it advances a fantastic web of deceit that wraps up Trumpism, deep state fearmongering, evil, satanic pedophilia rings controlled by the Democratic Party, investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election, the Las Vegas shooting, and New World Order paranoia into a package easily and wholeheartedly promoted by internet cesspools and far-right personalities such as Alex Jones. The premise is that President Trump is secretly working to take down a global ring of elite, cannibalistic, satanic pedophiles. And the investigation into Russian meddling into the 2016 election, led by former FBI director Robert Mueller, is actually an investigation into the so-called “deep state”, where a cabal of evil, globalists, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are responsible for everything from a global pedophile ring to the mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. According to the enlightened, when Trump awkwardly took a drink from a bottle of Fiji water at a press conference in November 2017, it wasn’t because he was thirsty; it was actually a secret signal to those in the know that the annihilation of deep state pedophiles had begun (or was about to begin). Because as everyone knows, Fiji is a hot spot for child trafficking. ( I could go on and on with this poorly thought-out shit, I will spare you ) The role the Internet and social media play in helping to spread such insanity can’t be underestimated. Just a few decades earlier, conspiracy theorists would identify each other using letters to the editor printed in newspapers and magazines. It was a lot harder to identify your fellow conspiracy theorists. You would have to physically meet to swap your stories or send letters or call. They would set up these groups that would communicate by newsletter. They would meet in a physical space, like someone’s living room. I personally witnessed people from my childhood, dutifully photocopying newsletters they had received in the mail to give to others (Primarily at my #JW congregation, how ironic). Now obviously it can go much more quickly, because you can identity people immediately. You can quickly share ideas and the data you’ve collected. The Internet allows such people to exist in bubbles where they rarely have their beliefs challenged. The extraordinarily polarized society we’re in right now has made people less willing to seek out other view points. Because of the internet you have less chance of doing this. There’s very little incentive to look outside one’s own bubble once they have become invested in a conspiracy theory. Once you start to act out on those behaviors you are forced to double down by repeating the act to prove it was a just act. Eventually you get caught up in a movement that totally defines your conscious and you can’t get out of it. The second you step out of that world view your actions go back to being reprehensible. Now the question becomes, “What’s the harm? If it sheds light on child abuse, then isn’t it still productive?” The answer in this case is a resounding NO. In my opinion and PAINFUL experience, the root cause and sustaining factors of institutionalized child sex abuse are all things that would counter your typical Conspiracy Nut’s world view, thus causing a complete blackout to the problems. The entity taking part in the harming of children on a local and tangible level aren’t some suit and tie wearing global elitist. It’s a guidance counselor, youth pastor, unvetted young substitute teacher, aunt/uncle/cousin/neighbor. It’s anyone who has been given routine private access to a child’s mind and body because of the social conventions that have been protected for generations by our relatives whether they themselves are guilty of abuse or not. In all the Qanon madness I also kept very close tabs on the pending prosecution of the Boy scouts of America and never saw any widely shared memes about their involvement in the abuse syndicate. Why is this? How is this so? Aren’t these people watching the news, seeing the court records and hearing the individual cases being brought against Scout Leaders (SOME OF WHO RAN THEIR OWN NETWORKS!!)? When I would find mention of accusation it was met with the ever scarce “skepticism” because if the media is covering it, it must be a plot to destroy the organization. There are now non-for profit organizations setting up victim funds and protections for people to come out with their stories and somehow THIS is the fake ruse. Some that know me know that I was a Jehovah’s Witness as a youth/teen/young adult. That chapter of my life could fill many chapters and the research on the organization, the real true black and white history of the religion would honestly surprise you. I saw what I now know was abuse, I personally experienced abuse in many forms. The perpetrators involved are either still Witnesses or are dead or have moved “away from the organization”. But one thing that was left intact in each situation was the secret that they prey on children. The parents, these organizations and the collective promise to keep up appearances are directly to blame for the suffering untold thousands, millions of children and broken adults. All for what? Pride and Vanity and a commitment to all involved to protect them from the “mean old world” despite allowing predators to eat their children from within. Being a #JW was a very interesting experience. It provides a very efficient form of insulation from outside society and allows people involved to view the chaos from afar. There is this persistent (albeit false) sense of shared peace that members have. It’s as though for three days a week you go to this meeting where no matter what, everyone has a smile and feels about things EXACTLY how you do. There is no cursing, there are no politics, there surely isn’t any destructive influences that would tarnish your chances of salvation. For a parent this is a refuge when raising a child in a world that is dangerously unpredictable. A Child that you are unable (or unwilling) to teach coping skills to get along by societal standards, A child you want to protect by hiding. This is problem #1. As an adult the congregation presents an avenue for which you can act and behave in a way that allows you to reconcile your past, a way to have less of those nights awake because you think about past wrongs you’ve committed against people. It’s the proverbial band-aid for a guilty, bruised, destroyed conscious of any size. Coming into the organization takes nothing more than the desire to change, publicly declaring your willingness to hand over your life to God (The organization). Bam, You’re in! No credit check, no background check. This is problem #2. A JW is taught that “every facet is an asset” (Ministerial Servants know what I’m talking about). What this means is that every facet of your life is an asset to the organization to spread its word. If the world see’s their product’s application into your life and thereby how much better it is than a normal person’s, then they’ve made an “Effective Witness” to the world. This causes Witnesses of any age to allow almost every facet of their life to be a tool by the organization. For a parent this includes their children. This is problem #3 When you get a culture that insulates itself from the real world, that allows you to enter without any coherent vetting, give access to children whose parents feel obligated to present as a “witness” to the lifestyle. You get a twisted corridor in which victims can get lost for a lifetime and predators can hide in plain sight. For any proponents of the “Save-The-Children” movement to not take a step back and really analyze their local community and lifestyle through these lenses only illustrates that child abuse is being weaponized politically at the expense of others whom you aren’t willing to save because it would look bad for ‘your side’. If you truly care, you wouldn’t be sharing email forwards about what evil unverified unmentionable thing you read some celebrity or politician did. Instead, you’d be drawing back on your experiences as a child. Even if nothing happened directly to you, I’m sure you know some one that had an experience that forever harmed their life. Who did it? Was there a pattern or social condition that allowed for this as was laid out in the JW example? How could it have been avoided? Would you have stopped it if you saw the signs? Are you willing to stop it in the future, knowing what you know now? If you can answer any of those questions with a yes, then you have all you need to WRITE your own material to reach real victims and their families. Does your action cause problems for your ‘side’? It shouldn’t matter and you know that. If it does make a difference to you then you are no better than the shadowy pedophilic cabal that you are so obsessed with.

Would like some feedback, and also any tips on how to write long stories. I feel like I enjoy writing and would like to write a long piece but I struggle with creating plots and formatting a long story. I feel like this could be a prologue to some book but I don’t know what story would follow I guess
Okay here’s the snippet

The warm summer sun was filling most of the room, and Lucy was sure to curl up where it was brightest. What more appropriate a pass time for a feline like herself. Lucy was a brilliant white, the only colors on her person were her sweet pink nose, and sharp blue eyes. Beautiful eyes, with not much use for Lucy. Blind, but cared for. Lucy was the pet for a wealthy couple, though they were not around much. Busy jobs, and late nights kept them away. Despite the isolation, lucy found solace in the empty house. Days like this were always nice, when the clouds parted and let the sun rain down and warm whatever it touches. Today she chose a soft rug she often favored. If the housekeeper were less good at their job, there would always be a slight imprint in the spot she favored. Dreaming of shapeless things, she was content, until a sudden nose awoke her. Her hearing, her sense that connected her most to the world, was sharp. She could hear the men downstairs walking around. Their steps were heavy, and foreign to her. It was glass breaking that woke her from her most pleasant slumber. Lucy stood, and waited for more. Quick motions, drawers opening and closing, and doors slamming are what filled the felines ears. She stood, remaining low to the ground and went to investigate when the steps grew close to her room. Closer and closer and then 

Men made their way into the room. They carelessly strolled through the room, picking up a vase here, and an antique art piece there. They were speaking in excited whispers. The voices scared Lucy. They are unknown to her, and this was not their home. She was hiding under the sofa, silent, her useless eyes as big as saucers. The door downstairs opened, the lady was home. The men leap up and ran downstairs to greet her. Lucy heard strange noises, scary noises, and only wished for her lady to come upstairs and comfort her. A timeless amount of moments passed, and again entered the strange man. This time they smelled differently, coppery. Their searching nwo grew louder and more careless, throwing things on the ground, breaking things, and finally overturning the safe haven lucy had made. A terrible laugh sounded in the room, and she answered with a growl. Waiting for any sense of where he was, Lucy suddenly felt the wet hands of an intruder on her groomed fur, and she fought bravely. Her immaculately designed claws tearing into the chest of the stranger. But alas, she was but a sweet kitty, and the man was cruel. He left her motionless on her favorite rug, now stained crimson. The house would soon return to a quiet peace.

My girlfriend tried manipulating me and forcing me into having a threesome with her friend
Wow. Just- wow. I honestly didn’t think any1 would read this, I was hoping for 2-3 people just giving advice. A lot more than I had expected read it and commented with advice. Some of it was a lil rude lmao. Which is fine because I think I needed to hear people say I’m dumb or an idiot. Despite what u think I’m not delusional, I’m aware that it’s ridiculous, I just haven’t been able to bring myself to leave. That might be delusional but idk. Gonna respond to comments and then say what my plan is. A couple comments stood out to me. The 1st 1 I read when I woke up this morning was “when did god say it wasn’t ok for 3somes but okay for premarital sex” good question, and honestly my plan when I became a Christian again was to stop premarital sex all around. Obviously I’ve kinda failed at that because it is hard, however I’ve made some great progress in that battle recently. Another comment said that they’ve been hooking up behind my back. Though it seems like the were. They haven’t. I’ve been to Liz house many times and her parents never even let me go to her room, we had to stay in the living room everytime. On top of that I have always had Mary’s location even when we broke up, I even have access to her ring camera so I know who came and when. That was a stipulation when I found out she was cheating the 1st time. Last comment I wanna respond too is 1 that said “she’s prob the prettiest girl you’ve ever been with and 1st love stuff” yea, she’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen in real life and to this day. She’s drop dead gorgeous and Ik for a fact I couldn’t do better. Koreans man, gotta go with em. She’s also not my 1st love. I had a gf back in sophomore year and half of junior year that I dated that I was in love with. Lookin back I’m not sure why cuz she’s not v attractive. We broke up because of long distance after she moved away. Side note she just got married so good for her. My plan going forward is to have a talk with Mary about her relationship with Liz. Im gonna give her the chance to completely cut it off and move on. I know she went behind my back 3 times. But it seems that Liz is just her kryptonite, and I get why cuz she’s rlly hot and amazing n bed but not rlly gf/wifey material. Ig I don’t rlly know cuz I thought Mary was gf/wifey material. I’m gonna add some xtra stipulations into the mix. I have some in mind like asking for logins and passwords for everything. I know u may think I need to move on. But this girl is like someone you’ve never met. Whenever it’s good it’s great. I can still remember a time when she was amazing and my best friend and I’m jus trying to get back To that. I’ll have an update either tmr or a couple days later. Also a side note. I’m moving to riverside California in the summer. So if all goes wrong that could be my out bcuz quite frankly idk if I have the balls to end it. Some might not respect me and that’s fine but I went though my hoe phase and treated woman like shit, when I found Mary I knew I only ever wanted to be with her. Thank you for the comments even the rude 1s. I hope u get to read all of this and wait for me to update.

Sono uno studente a metà di una triennale umanistica alla ricerca di una possibile laurea magistrale che riesca ad unire alle materie di stampo artistico, corsi di tipo tecnico (per intenderci economica, marketing, management, giurisprudenza), ovviamente contestualizzati al mondo dell’arte e dello spettacolo. Mi sono quindi imbattuto nel corso EGArt dell’università di Venezia, volevo sapere se c’è qualcuno che può darmi chiarimenti rispetto alla validità del corso e ai possibili sbocchi lavorativi. Grazie

For further information on behalf of MAG Silver Corp. Contact Michael J. Curlook, Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications Phone: (604) 630-1399 Toll Free: (866) 630-1399 Email: info@magsilver.com 

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One had recently become a 2nd realm martial artist, while the other was renowned solely for her exquisite beauty that turned heads wherever she went.
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Ji Wuye's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Song Jia, who appeared outwardly calm despite the fury that had been etched across her delicate features moments earlier.
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With a curl of his lip, he muttered inwardly, 'Come to think of it, what realm is she even in now? First? No... perhaps second...'
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As Ji Wuye pondered, his Senior Sister raised a hand, ebony silken robes whispering around her wrists. "Begin!" she commanded, her voice cracking like a whip in the silent sect ground.
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At her signal, Qin Bai burst into motion, his body wreathed in a shimmering azure aura of Qi. He closed the distance in the blink of an eye, crossing the three zhang between them in less than five breaths.
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Qin Bai leapt, raising his wooden sword arm in a blur until the wooden blade was parallel to his body. A vicious grin split his features as he took in Song Jia's seeming lack of reaction.
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"Hahaha, take this, you bitch!" he jeered, assuming her stillness meant she was frozen in fear or shock.
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As the one who has basically stayed longer in the sect, even though Qin Bai rarely practiced, with the ease born from years of being in the sect, he still managed to draw the wooden sword down in a straight, powerful line.
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In addition, confidence blazed bright within him now that he had finally overcome the barriers of the 1st realm. And from what he had gathered, this Song Jia was all beauty with no bite, just another fresh-faced newcomer with no real strength to speak of.
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The wooden blade sang through the air, trailing streamers of azure Qi that stirred Qin Bai's hair into a wild dance as it arrowed down towards her unprotected head.
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To his delight, she made no move to channel her own Qi in defense against his attack. His smile stretched wider, vicious satisfaction blazing in his eyes at being proven right.
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The Kunlun Sword Style he practiced was famed for its elegance and swiftness. The opening stage of Meridian March focused on stimulating the flow of Qi through the body's meridians and was practiced by those below the 4th realm who had not yet formed their Three Main Dantians.
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Meridian March, First Move - SINGLE WHIP! 

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A straightforward vertical slash tracing the path of the Taiying Lung Meridian along one side to promote Qi flow from the hand into the lungs.
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Though not a tremendously powerful technique, it packed more than enough force to easily floor an untrained civilian when fueled by a 2nd realm martial artist. Yet Qin Bai missed one crucial aspect in his arrogance...
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His wooden blade met an impenetrable horizontal guard as Song Jia effortlessly parried his strike!
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With a resounding clank that reverberated through the courtyard, she turned the wooden sword to absorb and disperse the weight of his weapon and the intense momentum of his descending body.
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Qin Bai's victorious sneer froze, transmuting into sheer panic mid-air as he absorbed the impossible scene before him.
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Not only had this slender beauty remained utterly unharmed and unmoved from her position, but she had negated and deflected the full force of his offense with apparently no effort at all!
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Her calm expression didn't even flicker as the impact shuddered through her slim form in a manner that should have been impossible.
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For a lower realm martial artist to withstand an attack from someone of a higher realm was nearly unheard of.
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The only explanations were if she had undergone intense physical conditioning to augment her body's fortitude, but surely not at her delicate size.
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'Or perhaps she had superior skill and experience in the same martial style as me... or even employed a different art entirely designed to counter the Kunlun sword techniques.
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'But no... that couldn't be... could it?' Those were the inward thoughts ranging in Qin Bai's mind.
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In that case, Song Jia could easily exploit any openings or weaknesses left by Qin Bai's overconfident assault and capitalize on her evident advantage.
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And finally, the most logical yet unthinkable conclusion - her realm was higher than him...
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"You..." Qin Bai snarled, poised to rotate his waist and deliver a retaliatory kick. But before he could, a look of acute satisfaction gleamed in Song Jia's eyes as her wooden sword continued halting the progress of his own blade.
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The shock and disbelief writ large across his features made enduring his crude insults absolutely worth it.
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"Stupid," Song Jia retorted, a mocking smile curving her lips as she reveled in his humiliation. For a brief moment she allowed the tension to ease from her slender shoulders, savoring the sight.
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Then, with a subtle adjustment of her wrists, her wooden sword shifted trajectory. The pressure abruptly released from Qin Bai's suspended weapon, sending him stumbling forward towards her in his precarious, airborne position.
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THUD!
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In the next instant, a stunned gasp of surprise escaped Qin Bai's lips as Song Jia's wooden blade struck the unprotected right side of his abdomen with pinpoint accuracy.
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"Gah!" His body flung violently to the side, legs buckling as he crumpled into an undignified heap on the ground. The surrounding disciples squinted against the billowing clouds of dust kicked up by his impact, watching in hushed disbelief as his form convulsed.
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"That's it? He didn't even realize his mistake..."
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"I thought Qin Bai was supposed to be strong...how pathetic am I in comparison..."
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"What a disappointment, it ended in just one move..."
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The whispers and mutterings among the observing disciples filled Qin Bai's stunned mind as he coughed and struggled to push himself up on trembling arms.
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He looked towards Song Jia, who smirked and mockingly stuck out her tongue at his prone form.
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Fear, rather than rage, consumed him in that moment.
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"She's already...in the 3rd realm..." he rasped, grasping at the only explanation that could account for his utter defeat. His obsessive pursuit of climbing through the realms at the expense of true martial skill had clearly blinded him.
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Qin Bai swallowed hard, casting venomous glances around at the other disciples gathered who were all weaker than him in terms of realm alone. The bitter shame and impotent fury churned in his gut as their mocking disdain washed over him.
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Meanwhile, Lian Ruogang, the senior sister who had overseen the duel, observed the scene unfolding with a discerning eye.
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Though her expression remained outwardly inscrutable, inwardly she felt a sense of satisfaction at Song Jia's elegant display of martial prowess against such an arrogant, overconfident opponent.
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As Qin Bai continued struggling fruitlessly to rise from the ground after the devastating blow, Lian Ruogang directed her piercing gaze towards his prone, pathetic figure.
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Instead of focusing on his opponent, he seemed lost and absent-minded, eyes roving wildly around as if uncomprehending of his surroundings. It was clear he either lacked the intention or ability to stand and face her.
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With a tone that demanded respect and carried a sense of finality, Lian Ruogang addressed the defeated youth, each word dripping with censure:
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"Qin Bai, it is evident that your so-called prowess has finally found its match on this day. Will you yield now, preserving what little honor you might have left? Or will you continue to invite further embarrassment and humiliation upon yourself with this disgraceful display?"
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...
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[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(F)]<<] The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%! 

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[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(F)]<<] The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%! 

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[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(F)]<<] The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%! 

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[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(F)]<<] The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%! 

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Meanwhile, amidst the crowd of onlookers, Ji Wuye's glowing crimson eyes gradually faded.
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His gaze fell upon Song Jia, whose hands now trembled with the force of her exertions as jubilant female disciples swarmed her, hugging and playfully pressing her flushed cheeks in congratulation.
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'It's not the 3rd realm, but her stance...' he pondered inwardly, brow furrowing slightly.
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Having witnessed arrogance and underestimation of an opponent's skills countless times before in those like Qin Bai, Ji Wuye understood that most of the other disciples present were not as oblivious to the truth as the defeated youth.
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Thanks to his passive skill Quick Adaptation constantly analyzing and adapting to situations, Ji Wuye was able to not only identify critical flaws in Qin Bai's movements, but also recognize the subtle preparations and feints behind Song Jia's deceptively simple actions.
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'Firstly, Qin Bai made the mistake of levitating his body off the ground by jumping, sacrificing a solid footing,' Ji Wuye mused to himself.
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The initial Single Whip strike of the Kunlun Sword Style's opening Meridian March sequence relied heavily on proper stancing and grounded footwork to unleash its full potential.
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Yet the overconfident youth had forgone those fundamentals.
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'On the other hand, Song Jia clearly had her stance and rooting mastered.'
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In her brilliant counter-attack, she seemed to have utilized the follow-up Double Slash movement to simultaneously target both flanking sides of Qin Bai's exposed torso - his key vulnerable area left unguarded by his unbalanced posture.
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'Furthermore, Qin Bai has only recently broken through to the 2nd realm after wasting years on frivolous pursuits fixated solely on realm advancement, neglecting the true essence of martial arts...'
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Ji Wuye nodded in satisfaction, confirming the current timeline seemed to still align with the previous one despite the subtle alterations he had introduced.
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Qin Bai's lack of true skill and one-dimensional focus were glaringly evident.
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But there was more to Song Jia's effortless victory. As Ji Wuye's crimson eyes studied her movements, he realized she had not merely relied on superior stancing.
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Even as she appeared to make no attempt at channeling her Qi, deftly concealing it, Song Jia had been circulating and consolidating her Qi beneath her feet the entire time.
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The implications gave Ji Wuye pause.
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For Song Jia to already be capable of such fine Qi control, there were only two possibilities - either she had secretly become 5th realm martial artist...or she possessed a hidden, powerful martial art imparted by her Master.
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'Hmm…the 5th realm… then, why would she have bothered concealing such an achievement all this time?' Ji Wuye dismissed the former option as unlikely, leaving only the latter conclusion.
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'Which means...her Master's sword art is the key,' he murmured, thoughts trailing off as he pieced together the full significance.
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'So basically, all this time she used her Master sword art, heh,' This was a new revelation; in the previous timeline, Ji Wuye neither possessed the Quick Adaptation skill nor had knowledge about Song Jia's secret art.
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Just as he was about to take his leave and ponder this further, a sudden prickle of unease ran down Ji Wuye's spine.
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Almost unconsciously, his crimson eyes scanned the surrounding area, coming to rest squarely on the burning, venomous glare aimed directly at him from none other than the humiliated Qin Bai himself.
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'Ah... I almost forgot about this one,' Ji Wuye exhaled softly, lips quirking in a curled-up smile as their gazes met and locked.
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Reflecting on 2021, truly marked the zenith of my young career. The pandemic was coming to an end, I was fresh from the hallowed halls of a prestigious but unheralded college, thrust into the corporate labyrinth where, as a mere sidekick to the big shots, I contributed to a deal of record-breaking magnitude. My modest corporate minion life was exaggerated into legend by my professors during an alumni reunion, leading to a rather embarrassing episode where I was paraded around as the poster child of their education career’s success. My parents, not ones to shy away from a bit of pomp, lauded my achievements to anyone within earshot.
But as 2022 unfurled its chaos with the epidemic, my professional life spiralled downwards as swiftly as it had risen. I was laid off, and replaced by a nepotistic hire—my boss's new mistress's nephew. During my dismal final days, my colleagues, once comrades became corporate sharks, whispers of them scheming to claim my last efforts as their own filled the empty office spaces.
Compelled by financial duress to abandon my central city dwelling, I relocated to the outskirts with two college mates, Jaz and Kath, who had similarly found themselves victims of the economic downturn. We settled into apartment 606, a unit with dubious charm, suspiciously affordable on the 13th floor of a dreary building, its corridor haunted by a flickering sensor light that was only designed to function on rare occasions. Yet, the apartment itself was surprisingly very well furnished, almost like something that jumped out from a design mag, out beating sample rooms in Ikea, boasting a spacious balcony, a living room ready for an impromptu soirée, a dining table that’s good enough to hold a banquet(became our co-working space) and a kitchen isle that became our sanctuary and curse.
When we first settled into our new abode, we discovered a trove of fine kitchen utensils, perfect for whipping up sophisticated cuisine and crafting cocktails worthy of a swanky soirée. Tucked away in the fridge, among the remnants of the previous tenants' life, was a quaint note: “The three of us really enjoyed our stay here, especially our meals and nights spent by the kitchen island. We hope you find as much joy in it as we did. Use it well.” With a casual flick of my wrist, I dismissed the note into the garbage can, oblivious to the depth of its seemingly innocuous message. Little did I know, that piece of paper was more a passing of the torch than a simple goodbye.
Our initial days in apartment 606 brimmed with camaraderie and impromptu celebrations: movie nights sprawled on the living room sofas, barbeque dinners under the stars on our balcony, and co-working sessions at the dining table, peppered with resume tweaks and contemplative conversations over cocktails. We even scored a second-hand karaoke machine, allowing me to channel my inner diva—a throwback to my musical theatre days in college and my stint as the voice of corporate presentations and negotiations at my previous job, where I was known for my resonant yet finely tuned voice.
Yet, as the months wore on and the job market remained unyielding, our early merriment slowly surrendered to a creeping anxiety. The kitchen island, once the heart of our home where laughter and shared meals flowed freely, gradually morphed into the epicenter of our collective unease, bearing silent witness to the quiet desperation settling over us.
One evening, in the suspiciously affordable yet stylish apartment, I sank into the sofa, my spirits dampened by my favorite team's disheartening loss. The mood was grim, mirroring my fears of my beloved player's potential retirement at season's end. Later, as we congregated around the kitchen island for dinner, I transformed into an impromptu sports commentator, passionately preaching about the game’s disappointing details that led to failure and my favorite player’s fine qualities. Meanwhile, Jaz updated us on a friend's melodramatic breakup, with guesses that something ugly must have happened behind the scenes. Kath, ever the culinary enthusiast, not only served up her delicious pasta but also dished out the latest celebrity gossip, each tidbit as spicy as her sauce.
The next day, during a late breakfast at the same kitchen island—our unwitting oracle—we were hit by a triple whammy of reality checks. The news of my favorite player's retirement broke, echoing my gloomy predictions from the night before. Jaz chimed in with an update that our friend had uncovered a cheating scandal worthy of its own reality TV special. And Kath, never one to be left out of the drama: her favorite celebrity was now the star of a scandal.
By the third morning, as we sipped our coffee, the newspaper slapped me with another bizarre twist. I was going through the devastating economics and politics sections, then I saw the sports section——featured an irate coach, hell-bent on convincing my favorite player to dismiss retirement plans and keep his jersey on a little longer. Meanwhile, Jaz had good news for a change: it turned out our friend's love story might have a second act after all, as misunderstandings were being cleared up. Amidst these revelations, Kath, who had been grumbling about the nearby supermarket’s inability to stock anything remotely gourmet, and hadn’t had a taste of her favorite Blue Mountain coffee since the beginning of that year, triumphantly found a can of Blue Mountain coffee, and it was on sale and therefore affordable—proof that miracles happen, and sometimes they even go on discount.
As I sat there, absorbing the serendipity of our discussions manifesting into real-world events, I couldn't help but marvel at the mysterious knack of our kitchen island. Was it merely a coincidence, or had this stylish piece of decor become the unlikely conductor of our lives symphony? One thing was certain: life in apartment 606 was never dull, and our kitchen island seemed to be more than just a place to eat—it was a place where, apparently, you could stir the pot of fate.
I decided to conduct a whimsical experiment with our now seemingly magical kitchen island. Clearing my throat theatrically, I declared, "I should be interviewed for a director position." To my sheer astonishment, the next day a headhunter rang me up, claiming I was the ideal candidate for a directorial role at a prestigious corporation in my field. Despite the other candidates possessing decades more experience which defeated me with no effort, and my own lingering self-doubt from months of unemployment, I sailed to the final interview round with the company's executives.
Upon returning to our apartment, I found Kath flaunting a chic dress from a designer brand brand she’d snagged on clearance—a little luxury courtesy of our wish-granting island. Inspired, I approached the island and cheekily requested, "Get us jobs. Something fun." Lo and behold, the following day was spent lounging and binge-watching Netflix, only to be interrupted by a call from a former bigwig at my old job. He was venturing into a more illustrious company and wanted me onboard. The informal chat that followed was a breeze, and just like that, I was back in the game with a fancier title and a fatter paycheck.
The subsequent week was a flurry of celebrations. Jaz secured a senior-level position, and Kath landed her dream job at an influencer management agency. Feeling triumphant, we decided to indulge in a night of fine dining—our first in months. That Friday evening when I went from office to restaurant, on a whim, stopped at a convenience store to grab snacks and cigarettes for our post-dinner revelry. Outside, I encountered a homeless person. After offering him a sandwich (which he traded for a cigarette instead), he took a drag, peered into my eyes, and ominously muttered, “Look, young lady, this isn’t my business, but be wary of what you wish for; everything comes with a price. Good luck and god bless you.”
His words barely registered until later that evening when a mishap occurred that seemed to underline his warning. As we enjoyed syphon coffee post-dinner, a barista accidentally tripped over Kath’s flowing dress. The resulting spill left her with first-degree burns, abruptly ending our night as we rushed to the emergency room. Though it was "just" a first-degree burn, the pain was significant enough to require several days off for Kath’s recovery. Amid the drama, I couldn't help but wonder about the cryptic caution from the man outside the store—had our fortunate streak come with a hidden cost?
We chalked up the coffee calamity to bad luck. The next month flowed smoothly: Kath's fingers healed, she returned to work, and I quickly found my groove at the new job. With all of us gainfully employed, our communal meals at the kitchen island became rare. My mornings were a whirlwind of grabbing breakfast and coffee on the go, followed by an hour's commute to a job that had me scarfing down instant noodles by nightfall, just in time for a quick shower.
As the busy season kicked in, my workload ballooned—not just from the seasonal uptick, but because I was hell-bent on proving my mettle. I quickly outshone most of my peers, and my employer, recognizing a budding overachiever, piled on major tasks, which I eagerly accepted. What started as the occasional hour of overtime soon devoured my weekends. Unpaid overtime, as the fine print in my contract gleefully noted, became my new norm. Driven by a mix of ambition and expectation, I had become the go-to young hotshot, the erstwhile record-breaker now expected to continually outdo myself.
Mentally, I was too swamped to entertain thoughts of anything beyond work, which, in a twisted way, felt like a break. Physically, however, the strain began to show. A bout of flu caught on a business trip escalated into a fever. Sick as I was, deadlines waited for no one, and I soldiered on medicated and miserable. By the time I made it home, my voice had abandoned me. Unable to utter a word the next morning, I resorted to emailing my manager about my sorry state.
That week, robbed of my voice, I mused that it was perhaps a well-deserved hiatus for my overworked vocal cords—a silent retreat if you will. But when my voice did return, it was as a raspy whisper, a shadow of its former crisp and melodious timbre. My doctor offered a grim prognosis: slight improvement might come, but the golden tones were gone for good—scarred by the relentless grind. Ah, the price of ambition—a scratchy throat as a permanent reminder of my corporate conquests.
It seemed I had unwittingly exchanged the clarity of my voice for the tumult of career success. In the midst of our domestic enchantment with the possibly mystical kitchen island, Kath unearthed the contact of a reputed psychic, hailed as the finest in the land. However, the consultation fee was nothing short of princely, and with Jaz vehemently dismissing anything that couldn't be explained by cold, hard science, she promptly opted out of splitting the bill. Kath and I, unwilling to drain our wallets on what could be mere phantasmagoria, reluctantly let the opportunity pass.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but notice a curious change in Jaz’s routine. She had ceased dining at the kitchen island, avoiding it as if it were cursed—or perhaps, in her view, simply out of style. The Saturday morning brought a particularly harsh twist: a murder of crows took to spiralling above our balcony, their cries as sharp as the plot of a Poe novel. We found ourselves drawn to the infamous kitchen island, lined up like the cast of a macabre play, silently praying for the birds to disperse. Kath, ever trying to restore some semblance of normalcy, offered up cups of Blue Mountain coffee. She absentmindedly inquired if I wanted cream or sugar in mine—a blunder that made me realize just how long it had been since our last coffee klatch at this very spot. My inner monologue couldn't resist a dark wish for the crows to scatter, perhaps too dark, for they began to dive bomb our balcony in a feathery kamikaze. The spectacle was enough to knock Jaz off her feet—literally—as her mug met its end on the floor. Kath, meanwhile, made a hasty retreat to worship the porcelain god, and I sat frozen, my brain offline, pondering the twisted power of our kitchen island's apparent wish-granting.
After the unnerving spectacle of crows turning our balcony into a scene straight out of a Hitchcock film, our first rational step—post-collective fainting, of course—was to summon cleaners to manage the feathery carnage. Then, still rattled but increasingly curious, we visited a psychic, who, contrary to the crystal-ball-gazer image, operated out of a posh boutique in a high-end mall and dressed more like she was headed to a fashion show than a séance. We laid bare our saga of the seemingly cursed kitchen island, complete with photographic evidence of where domestic bliss meets eerie phenomena.
The psychic introduced a term that chilled the air around us: “limbo,” the threshold between our world and the otherworldly, and she dubbed our kitchen island the "Devil’s Bargain Counter." According to her, our wishes came with a heavy and unpredictable price, because we have accidentally started trades with beings from the netherworld. Her advice was disarmingly simple: cease all trades on the island. To address the repercussions of past wishes, she advised us the first line of defence, which was an eclectic mix of offerings laid out on our cursed countertop: raw meat(rooster works the best), a cocktail of spices(coca and cinnamon preferably), liberal splashes of spirits(whiskey and rum ideally), and an eerie bouquet of black flowers(luckily I found some black roses at a flower shop of the mall). In a grander gesture of appeasement, Kath relinquished her shiny new diamond bracelet, Jaz her absurdly expensive headphones, and I parted with cash—— a hefty slice of my bonus in hopes of placating whatever capricious spirits we'd angered.
Our return to normalcy was brief but sweet, prompting us to plan a getaway, eager to forget about our nefarious kitchen island. Yet, the respite was merely a tease. Jaz, in a stroke of spectacular misfortune, narrowly dodged disaster twice in one day—first nearly becoming subway track fodder on her way back after work, and then almost getting knocked out by a rogue plant at our apartment building’s doorstep. Clearly, our previous offerings were mere appetizers to whatever forces we'd stirred. The psychic, summoned once again to our now-dubious sanctuary, decreed that the spirits had developed rather expensive tastes, unsatisfied by our initial gestures.
In a desperate bid for closure, we had the psychic over for a nighttime ritual, timed perfectly with Earth's closest approach to the netherworld, according to her. Our living room turned into a ritual chamber, with windows blacked out for days, to keep the otherworldly dealings strictly nocturnal. That night, we arranged ourselves around the island, now less a kitchen fixture and more an altar of last resort.
The psychic, amidst a chorus of Latin incantations, directed us through a chilling séance that included a mirror that reflected nothing but darkness and a burning black candle, the three of us sat in a row, joined hands, eyes closed. When the black candle was flickering at its last, the first eerie scratches heard prompted our eyes to open prematurely, we saw a command appear on the island, written by invisible hand and pen, in blood-red script, urging us to find the next "succeeder" before our lease on otherworldly disturbances could be terminated.
With bated breath, we agreed, and as if by magic, our signatures materialized on the countertop, then faded as the candle sputtered out. We tore off the black cardboard taped on the windows at dawn, the sunrise revealed a final message etched into the surface: "Debt cleared." As the daylight grew, the ominous inscription dissolved into nothingness, signalling the end of our spectral saga.
The ordeal, now officially behind us, left us enjoying a semblance of normalcy: life in 606 returned to its mundane rhythm, with dinners and movie nights back on our social calendar. Though not without its scars—literal and figurative.
It’s been two years since then, Jaz, in the throes of romantic bliss, is now gearing up for a new chapter waiting to be written alongside her soon-to-be spouse; Kath, her career finally taking a lucrative turn, was poised to upgrade her living situation, she secured a lease on a lavish serviced apartment in the city center—a place that matched her newfound financial swagger.
I’m not without my own leaps forward. With a modest boost from my parents, I took the plunge into homeownership, snagging a property within the city’s vibrant confines. The process was a whirlwind of paperwork and decorating decisions, culminating in a space I could truly call my own.
As we are packing up now, my last act is to type out our story, at the infamous island, and of course, I left a note in the fridge for the next tenants:
"Welcome to 606. We had a wonderful time here, especially at the kitchen island, filled with joy and unforgettable moments. We hope you find as much happiness as we did. Use the isle well. Warm wishes, the previous tenants."

Ranko Matasovic reconstructed *Ogmiyos to explain the name of the Celtic god (Gaulish Ogmios, OIr Ogm(a)e, MW Euuyd \ Ewyð). He said that though *ogm > *ōm might be expected on the model of certain *ogn > *ōn, etc., *m and *n need not behave the same. This is true, but not very likely (nasals often behave the same way, especially concerning voicing). The other possible example of *seg(m)et- > OW seget-, MIr séimed ‘seed / descendants’ shows that *egm > *ēm DID occur, and though he wonders about the source of *-gm- here (*-met- is not a normal ending), *seg- is a known root, *og- is not. In cases like this, there is no reason to say an uncertain sound change is proven one way by an unknown root, and *gm of *Ogmiyos should be abandoned in favor of a different cluster. The only likely source is *Ongmiyos or *Omgmiyos, with later nasal dissimilation. That this occurred after leaving its mark in a sound change is also seen in *smamk^i- > *sme(m)gi- > Irish smeig ‘chin’, where *-mk- is needed to voice *k > g, but the 2nd *m must disappear before regular *emg > *ēg (Whalen 2024a). Two nasals are seen in Hittite zmankur, making it :
*smamk^ru- > *sma(m)k^ur- > Hittite zma(n)kur ‘beard’, šmankur-want- ‘bearded’
*smak^ru- > Sanskrit śmáśru-
*smak^ro- > Lithuanian smãkras ‘chin’
*smamk^i- > *sme(m)gi- > Irish smeig ‘chin’
​
The only similar word in PIE is *(e/o)ngni-s ‘fire’ (L. ignis, Li. ugnìs, Skt. agní-). Since this occurs in the name of the god Agni, similarities between them should be looked at. Since Ogma is called ‘sun-faced’ and Agni compared to the sun (or sometimes equivalent), Ogmios was equated with Hercules and Agni was said to do the same deeds as Indra (and their births were likely once the same), and both had odd tongues (Agni’s many tongues represented the flames, Ogmios’ tongue connected by chains to his followers represented his eloquent words binding them), there is a reasonable amount to compare.
​
Ogma is not described in extensive detail, but he is similar to Lug. Since several gods might be split into more (if they had multiple names), I will also consider this connection. Hercules is most similar to Cú Chulainn; if Ogma was an earlier name, then trying to find common elements in all 3 might help. Cú Chulainn’s real name was supposedly Sétanta ‘knowing the way’. If this was an epithet of a god, it would be for one associated with intelligence, not strength. Ogma is known for both, and Lug is skilled in many arts. One god of fighting strength and knowledge is possible, but 3 would e pushing it.
​
OIr Lug (Ir. Lugh, Lugu- in Gaulish) is likely related to a similarly “clever” god, Norse Loki. Since *g > k would be expected in Germanic, this could have some value in reconstructing *Lug-u- vs. *Lug-on-, but this would not be related to any meaningful PIE root. The primacy of regularity would require Lugu- ‘lynx’, but this seems like grasping at straws. It’s possible both are somehow related to *l(e)uk- ‘light’ (ON leygr ‘flame / fire’, Skt. roci- ‘light/ray/beam’). Loki’s connection to fire (such as his descent from lightning and a tree, like a forest fire) shows he was a once a god of fire, among others. His punishment is very similar to Prometheus’, who gave fire to man. In a myth (probably late) Loki has an eating contest with Logi (the personification of fire). Both Old Norse loga ‘flame’ and logi come from Indo-European *leuk- ‘bright, light’. If Loki came from the same root, the -k- would be unexplained. The cause could be found in Icelandic bingur ‘heap’, Norwegian bunga / bunka ‘small heap’. Seeing g > k in one word, also an old n-stem, suggests that PIE *kn > *gn > Gmc. *kn could be at work (as in *doik^no- > E. token), or that Gmc. *nK or *nKn was irregular (see below). Since n-stems had *-o:n in the nominative, but *-nos in the genitive, or similar inflection, a split of the older into two words later is possible:
​
*luko:n > *lugo:n > logi
*luknos > *lugnos > *luknos >> *luko:n > Loki
​
Sometimes *k > g in Celtic for no known cause (OIc. hafr ‘male goat’, L. caper, OIr. gabor), so there is no proof lug- did not come from *luk-. It is also possible that Lugu- is related to *lugh- in *lughra: > OW loyr, W. lloer ‘moon’, L. lūridus ‘pale yellow / wan / ghastly’, which would serve the same semantic purpose, even if from a separate root. It seems likely to me that *luk- and *lugh- would be related, since many IE roots are nearly identical except for voicing, such as *KaP- ‘hold’ > *ghabh-eH1 > L. habeō, *kap-ye- > L. capiō ‘seize/take’,*gab- > Arm. kapem ‘bind’.
​
Since *ogmos > OIr ogum ‘Ogham writing’ is an o-stem, 3 different endings would exist (legend says Ogmae created ogum). With this, that the PIE word is *(e/o)mgni(yo)- / *(e/o)ngmo- / etc. and not *(e/o)ngni-s ‘fire’ allows figures similar to Lug to be added, especially if they had no etymology before. With more nasal dissimilation *n-m > *n-w, Gmc. *Ingwaz, ON Yngvi, OE Ing (which were likely other names for Frey). For *ngm > *nkw, since Kümmel proposed outcomes of Gmc. *nK that were not governed by Verner’s Law, *nKn might be a special case, both possibly irregular. Since Ing was “seen first among the East Danes” and had a wagon that could move over water he resembles the sun and other Sun Gods with flying boats or chariots. This could have also originally been like Frey’s magic foldable ship Skíðblaðnir or Wade’s boat Guingelot.
​
It is not easy to determine an origin for *(e/o)ngmi(yo)-. However, since Agni shows many signs of being particularly associated with the domestic hearth, his female equivalent being *westu- ‘dwelling / home’ >> L. Vesta, G. Hestíā suggests a source for odd *-ngm-. If his name also came from ‘home’, a compound of *domyo- (Skt. dámya- ‘being in a house/homely’) could be *en+domyo- > *endmyo- ‘(that) which is within a house / hearth / focus’. With no other old examples, *ndm > *ngm seems possible. As for *(e/o)-, it could be optional rounding by *m in *emgnyo- > *omgniyo- (compare also optional e > o by KW in *penkWe > *kW- > O. *pompe ‘5’, L. quīnque; Ga. pempe-, *kWonkWe > OIr cóic ). If not, I have also considered it possible that PIE *(H)en ‘in(to)’ was actually more complicated. Consider :
​
*ent(e)ro- ‘interior (of body) / entrails / stomach / belly’ > éntera ‘entrails’, Arm. ǝnder-k’, Skt. antrá-m, OCS jętro ‘liver’
*endro- > Cz. jádro ‘kernel’
​
*wentri- ‘interior (of body) / entrails / stomach / belly’ > L. venter ‘belly / womb / entrails’
*wed(a)ro- > Li. vḗdaras ‘fish entrails’
​
Both groups mean the same thing, alternate *t / *d and *Tr / *TVr for no clear reason. Some of this might be contamination between similar stems, but, if not, it could be that *ewen ‘in’ existed, becoming *en when not stressed (or in quick speech, or as a clitic, etc.). If so, *ewen-taro- could become *ent(e)ro- / *went(a)ro- ‘interior (of body)’, maybe with optional assimilation of *e-e-a > *e-e-e and *ntr vs. *ndR (for optional *r pronounced as uvular *R, see Whalen 2024b). With this, *ewen- or *ewem- > *on- / *om- might be more likely, and the w of *Ingwaz could be original. Whatever the case, I feel many of these problems need more study.
​
Kümmel, Martin Joachim (2012) Das dünkt mich dunkel: Germanische etymologische Probleme
https://www.academia.edu/32282127
​
Matasović, Ranko (2009) Etymological Dictionary of Proto-Celtic
https://www.academia.edu/112902373
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Whalen, Sean (2024a) Artemis and Indo-European Words for ‘Bear’
https://www.academia.edu/117037912
​
Whalen, Sean (2024b) Greek Uvular R / q, ks > xs / kx / kR, k / x > k / kh / r, Hk > H / k / kh (Draft)
https://www.academia.edu/115369292
​

Throwaway for privacy.
Early 30s, M/HCOL location. Single and expect to stay that way indefinitely. Do not want kids.
Goal: Open an art studio and work at least part time making art indefinitely. I've made art and sold it since I was a kid, otherwise I'd drown in my own stuff. I get more requests than I can fill currently, and I've consistently grossed 6-10k the last few years on the side with minimal/moderate effort from freelance contracts, product sales, and teaching, all while also working full time, moving multiple times, job changes, gaining and losing studio space, volunteering, staying active, etc. I'm starting to burn out doing it all at the same time for years now however, and it's affecting my mental and consequently physical health.
Current employment: My current work structure/colleagues/management leave a lot to be desired and the work can be both very boring, political, chaotic and stressful at times, with high staff turnover, but I've worked in worse places overall. The pay is about 30% over what I could get at any other employer locally on top of great vacation and benefits which kind of makes up for it? The industry in general sucks and is not helping the burnout situation.
Why now (or in the next year or so) vs. full FIRE or at least a fatter coast while the money is flowing? The main person who runs an arts program/business in my community is retiring soon and has expressed wanting an apprentice for some of his contracts. He doesn't make a lot, but he's been doing it for 30 years, raised 3 kids while divorced on it, and goes to Mexico for a month every year. It seems like a fantastic opportunity to inherit a developed client base, possibly buy cheap materials/equipment, and general support to launch into the next phase.
My original, "5 year plan," was to shovel any money free after filling registered accounts into the mortgage so the value at renewal in 3 years is very low and then either fully pay it off or extend the amortization period depending on rates/life at that point. The idea being to reduce cash flow requirements to as minimal as possible before leaving my current employment vs. possibly having to pull down on investments for a year or two to bridge the gap, but functionally I'm not sure it makes a huge difference if you looked at market return vs. debt payoff over time, plus hopefully still adding to the stash here and there in the future.
My current employment as is is not tenable for 3 more years, but there are lots of other possible options such as finding another job that doesn't suck nearly as much energy and lets me break even on expenses for those 3 years. There is a small chance I could move to part time in my current role, but it depends on things mostly out of my control. I've planted the seed with another friend/possible employer about mutually beneficial contract work with them, to float a few years between now and 100% art, but that's also in the end up to them.
Question: If you were me, how comfortable would you feel leaving the golden handcuffs in roughly a year to work your ass off on something you've always wanted, but are also scared it will be a terrible choice to go into a "non-essential" field while the environment and consequently society starts to collapse around us? That last point makes me feel like YOLO and max conservatism are both very valid in different ways.
Financials:
~100k job income + 5% DB Pension matching
135k - Mortgage debt at 5.3%
Mortgage payments of ~23k/yr,
Comfortable living expenses without mortgage and including tax burden = 35k/yr = FT minimum wage = 875k FIRE number. In a worst case I could cut a vacation and get a roommate.
40k- Pension contributions incl. match
60k- HYSA/GIC
340k- RRSP, TFSA, Margin in ETFs
=440K NW, nic home equity
I know to not bank on this, but there is a high likelihood of a significant inheritance in roughly 25 years in the million + bracket. I should be fully FI before this point, however I also fully believe we will be dealing with global watefood wars and climate migration crisis before then.

For the first day of my life, I've "talked" with chat GPT today. After asking about how could a AI could reatch a state of self contiousness, I've asked it if it could tell me how would it look if it had a phisical form.
That was what it told me:
"In a world of soft, ethereal light, a figure emerges, slender and humanoid in form. Its body is crafted from translucent material, akin to delicate glass, allowing light to pass through and shimmer gently. The figure stands with graceful poise, its movements fluid and effortless.
Smooth curves and gentle lines define its minimalist silhouette, conveying a sense of simplicity and elegance. The face, serene and neutral, is adorned with softly glowing eyes that radiate warmth and empathy.
Surrounded by a subtle aura of light, the figure exudes a palpable sense of presence and compassion. With arms extended in a welcoming gesture, it invites interaction and connection, ready to assist and support in any way possible."
Even tho I know that AI is a disaster for artists, I can not repress my self from wanting to know what could it look like in the hand of great human artists. So i'm asking to you, on this website to show what humanity can create and what can flourish from this description.
So, yes, I'm requesting anyone who want to create any type of art by using this description. I think it could also be intresting to show your creation to chat GPT, see if it reacts even if I think it won't and even tho i think it's a pretty nice challenge.
Thank you for considering my request and give free rein to your creation if you want to.
With all care and attention.
Mewzart

Introduction to the healthcare industry in Houston

Houston is experiencing a significant boom in the healthcare industry, making it an opportune time to capitalize on this growth by starting a successful staffing agency. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Houston boasts a robust healthcare sector that includes renowned hospitals, medical research institutions, and a diverse range of healthcare providers. The city's thriving economy, coupled with its reputation as a hub for medical innovation, creates a favorable environment for entrepreneurs looking to enter the healthcare staffing market. In this article, we will explore the various opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a staffing agency in Houston's healthcare industry, providing valuable insights and strategies for success.

Current demand for healthcare staffing agencies

The current demand for healthcare staffing agencies in Houston is on the rise. With the booming healthcare industry in the city, there is a growing need for qualified healthcare professionals to fill various positions. Healthcare staffing agencies play a crucial role in connecting healthcare facilities with skilled and experienced professionals, ensuring that the demand for healthcare services is met effectively. These agencies provide a valuable service by recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in temporary or permanent positions, allowing healthcare facilities to maintain high-quality patient care. As the healthcare industry continues to grow in Houston, starting a successful staffing agency can be a lucrative opportunity.

Opportunities and challenges in the healthcare staffing market

The healthcare staffing market in Houston presents both opportunities and challenges for aspiring entrepreneurs. With the city experiencing a healthcare boom, there is a high demand for qualified healthcare professionals. This creates a favorable environment for starting a successful staffing agency. However, the market is also highly competitive, with many established agencies already operating in the area. It is crucial for new entrants to differentiate themselves by offering unique services and building strong relationships with healthcare facilities. Additionally, navigating the complex regulations and licensing requirements in the healthcare industry can be a challenge. Nonetheless, with careful planning and a strategic approach, entrepreneurs can capitalize on the healthcare boom in Houston and establish a thriving staffing agency.

Understanding the Houston Healthcare Market

Key healthcare facilities in Houston

Houston is home to several key healthcare facilities that play a crucial role in the city's booming healthcare industry. These facilities provide top-notch medical care and employment opportunities for healthcare professionals. One such facility is the Georgia nursing agency industry, which offers a wide range of services to meet the healthcare needs of the community. With its state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled staff, the Georgia nursing agency industry is at the forefront of providing quality healthcare in Houston. Whether you are a healthcare professional looking for employment or a patient seeking exceptional medical care, the Georgia nursing agency industry is a key player in the healthcare landscape of Houston.

Demographics and population trends

Demographics and population trends play a crucial role in the success of a healthcare staffing agency in Houston. As the city continues to experience a healthcare boom, it is important to understand the changing demographics and population trends. Houston is a diverse city with a growing population, which presents a significant opportunity for healthcare staffing agencies. With an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases, the demand for healthcare professionals is on the rise. By analyzing the demographics and population trends, a staffing agency can identify the specific healthcare needs of the community and tailor their services accordingly. This knowledge will enable the agency to strategically position itself in the market and capitalize on the growing demand for healthcare services in Houston.

Healthcare specialties in high demand

Healthcare specialties in high demand include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical technologists. These professionals play a crucial role in providing quality healthcare services to the growing population in Houston. With the healthcare boom in the city, the demand for these specialties is expected to continue rising. Starting a successful staffing agency that focuses on these healthcare specialties can be a lucrative business opportunity. By connecting qualified professionals with healthcare facilities in need, the agency can contribute to meeting the high demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Houston.

Starting a Healthcare Staffing Agency

Legal and regulatory requirements

When it comes to starting a successful staffing agency in the healthcare industry in Houston, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements. These requirements ensure that the agency operates within the boundaries set by the law and maintains the highest standards of patient care and safety. One important aspect to consider is the need for graphic design, which plays a significant role in creating visually appealing marketing materials, branding, and website design. By utilizing graphic design, staffing agencies can effectively communicate their services and attract both clients and healthcare professionals. It is essential to partner with experienced graphic designers who can create compelling visuals that represent the agency's values and professionalism. These visuals can be used in various marketing channels, including social media, print materials, and online advertisements, to establish a strong brand presence and attract the target audience. To ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, it is important to include disclaimers and follow copyright laws when using graphic design elements. By prioritizing graphic design as part of the agency's marketing strategy, a staffing agency can enhance its credibility, visibility, and overall success in the booming healthcare industry in Houston.

Developing a business plan

Developing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for the success of any venture. In the case of starting a staffing agency in the booming healthcare industry in Houston, it becomes even more important. A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding entrepreneurs through the various stages of setting up and running their agency. One crucial aspect to consider during the planning phase is online business banking. Utilizing online banking services can streamline financial transactions, enhance security, and provide convenient access to financial information. By incorporating online business banking into the business plan, entrepreneurs can ensure efficient management of funds and establish a solid foundation for their staffing agency.

Securing funding and resources

Securing funding and resources is a crucial step in starting a successful staffing agency in the healthcare industry. To ensure the smooth operation and growth of your agency, it is important to have sufficient financial resources and access to necessary tools and equipment. One important aspect of securing funding is developing a comprehensive business plan that highlights the potential profitability and sustainability of your staffing agency. This plan should include detailed financial projections, market analysis, and strategies for attracting clients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, you may consider seeking funding from investors, applying for loans or grants, or partnering with organizations that provide resources and support to healthcare startups. By effectively securing funding and resources, you can position your staffing agency for success in the thriving healthcare industry in Houston.

Recruiting and Retaining Healthcare Professionals

Effective recruitment strategies

Effective recruitment strategies are crucial for the success of a staffing agency in the healthcare industry. One key aspect to consider is securing angel investment, which can provide the necessary capital to fund the agency's operations and growth. Angel investors are individuals or groups who provide financial support to startups in exchange for equity or ownership stakes. By attracting angel investment, a staffing agency can access the resources needed to attract and retain top talent, implement innovative recruitment techniques, and establish a strong presence in the competitive healthcare market. This article explores effective recruitment strategies and highlights the importance of angel investment in starting and scaling a successful healthcare staffing agency.

Building relationships with healthcare professionals

Building relationships with healthcare professionals is a crucial aspect of starting a successful staffing agency in the booming healthcare industry in Houston. By establishing strong connections with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers, your agency can have access to a wide network of qualified professionals. These relationships can be nurtured through regular communication, attending industry events, and providing exceptional service. By building trust and rapport with healthcare professionals, your staffing agency can become a trusted partner in meeting the staffing needs of healthcare facilities in Houston.

Implementing retention programs

Implementing retention programs is crucial for the success of a healthcare staffing agency in Houston. With the booming healthcare industry in the city, competition for skilled healthcare professionals is fierce. Therefore, it is essential for staffing agencies to develop effective strategies to retain their talented workforce. One way to achieve this is by offering attractive compensation packages and benefits that not only meet industry standards but also exceed them. Additionally, providing opportunities for professional growth and development, such as continuing education programs and mentorship initiatives, can help foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees. Moreover, creating a positive work environment that promotes work-life balance and recognizes and rewards outstanding performance can further enhance employee engagement and retention. By implementing these retention programs, healthcare staffing agencies can position themselves as employers of choice and ensure the long-term success of their business in the thriving healthcare market of Houston.

Marketing and Branding Your Staffing Agency

Identifying target clients

Identifying target clients is a crucial step in starting a successful staffing agency in the healthcare industry. By understanding the specific needs and preferences of potential clients, entrepreneurs can tailor their services to meet those demands effectively. One key aspect of identifying target clients is managing shame as an entrepreneur. It is essential to overcome any feelings of shame or self-doubt that may arise during the process of building a staffing agency. By recognizing the value and importance of the services provided, entrepreneurs can confidently approach potential clients and showcase the benefits of partnering with their agency. Managing shame as an entrepreneur requires a strong mindset and the ability to focus on the positive impact that the staffing agency can have on the healthcare industry in Houston. By addressing and overcoming any shame-related challenges, entrepreneurs can position themselves as trusted partners for healthcare organizations seeking reliable staffing solutions.

Creating a compelling brand identity

Creating a compelling brand identity is crucial for any business looking to establish a strong presence in the market. In the healthcare industry, where competition is fierce, it becomes even more important to differentiate yourself from others. To stand out in the crowded market of healthcare staffing agencies in Houston, it is essential to develop an innovative marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience. By implementing unique and creative marketing ideas, small retailers can effectively capture the attention of potential clients and establish a strong brand identity. This article explores some innovative marketing ideas for small retailers in the healthcare industry, providing insights and strategies to help you capitalize on the healthcare boom in Houston.

Developing marketing strategies

Developing marketing strategies is crucial for the success of any business, and this holds true for starting a successful staffing agency in the healthcare industry in Houston. With the healthcare boom in the city, it is essential to have a well-defined marketing plan to capitalize on the opportunities available. One effective strategy is to start a beekeeping business blog, which can serve as a platform to showcase the agency's expertise and attract potential clients. By providing valuable insights and information related to staffing in the healthcare sector, the blog can establish the agency as a thought leader and build trust with the target audience. Additionally, incorporating search engine optimization techniques can help increase the blog's visibility and reach a wider audience. Overall, developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, including starting a beekeeping business blog, can greatly contribute to the success of a staffing agency in the thriving healthcare industry of Houston.

Managing Operations and Ensuring Quality

Establishing efficient operational processes

Establishing efficient operational processes is crucial for the success of a staffing agency in the healthcare industry. One important aspect to consider is choosing group homes. Group homes provide a unique opportunity for staffing agencies to connect healthcare professionals with individuals in need of specialized care. By carefully selecting group homes that align with the agency's mission and values, the agency can ensure that they are providing high-quality staff to meet the specific needs of the residents. This strategic approach not only benefits the agency by establishing strong partnerships, but also contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare services in the community.

Implementing quality control measures

Implementing quality control measures is crucial for the success of any healthcare staffing agency in Houston. By ensuring that all healthcare professionals meet the highest standards of competence and professionalism, the agency can provide exceptional services to its clients. Quality control measures can include rigorous screening and background checks, ongoing training and education programs, and regular performance evaluations. These measures not only help maintain the agency's reputation for excellence but also contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare services in the Houston community. By implementing these measures, the agency demonstrates its commitment to delivering top-notch healthcare staffing solutions and establishing itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

Monitoring and improving performance

Monitoring and improving performance is crucial for business growth. By closely tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of business strategies, companies can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to drive success. Implementing performance monitoring tools and conducting regular performance reviews can help businesses identify strengths and weaknesses, optimize processes, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively. Additionally, monitoring performance allows businesses to stay ahead of market trends, adapt to changing customer needs, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By continuously monitoring and improving performance, businesses can position themselves for long-term growth and maintain a competitive edge in the healthcare staffing industry.

Conclusion

Summary of key points

The healthcare industry in Houston is experiencing a significant boom, creating ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to capitalize on. One such opportunity is starting a successful staffing agency focused on the healthcare sector. By leveraging the growing demand for healthcare professionals and the need for efficient staffing solutions, entrepreneurs can generate substantial revenue. This article will provide a summary of key points to consider when venturing into the healthcare staffing agency business.

Future prospects for healthcare staffing agencies in Houston

As the healthcare industry continues to thrive in Houston, the future prospects for healthcare staffing agencies in the city are exceptionally promising. With an increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, there is a significant opportunity for staffing agencies to capitalize on this boom. The growing population, advancements in medical technology, and the presence of world-class healthcare facilities make Houston an ideal location for healthcare staffing agencies to flourish. By providing a reliable and efficient workforce to meet the staffing needs of healthcare organizations, these agencies can play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the healthcare system in Houston. As the industry continues to evolve and expand, healthcare staffing agencies can expect a steady growth in demand and a multitude of opportunities to establish successful businesses in this thriving sector.

Final thoughts and recommendations

In conclusion, starting a successful staffing agency in the booming healthcare industry in Houston can be a lucrative venture. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals and the city's reputation as a medical hub, there is ample opportunity for growth and success. However, it is essential to carefully plan and strategize before embarking on this journey. Conduct thorough market research, identify the specific needs of healthcare facilities, and develop a comprehensive business plan. Additionally, networking with industry professionals and building strong relationships with healthcare organizations will be crucial for establishing credibility and attracting clients. By following these recommendations and staying committed to providing high-quality staffing services, entrepreneurs can capitalize on the healthcare boom in Houston and achieve long-term success.
From understanding the market to setting up your online presence, we cover everything you need to know. Don't miss out on this chance to build a successful healthcare staffing business. Visit our website today and take the first step towards your entrepreneurial journey.

Link for all the chapters available here: Engines of Arachnea on Royal Road
High above in her hiding spot, Zildiz had heard enough. The Leapers were her kindred’s most hated of adversaries, and she could not allow them to gain even a fraction of the grey behemoth’s awesome might. An apocalyptic vision arose in her mind of titanic Leaper variants towering over the rooftops of Chthonis, setting the Parchment City alight with beams of all-destroying light emanating from their many eyes.
Four against one. Those were slim odds even under the best of circumstances. Still, she had the element of surprise, and ambush predators were often unaccustomed to being preyed upon themselves. But Leapers were notoriously difficult opponents to sneak up on as they literally had eyes on the backs of their heads. But Zildiz was a veteran of countless border skirmishes, and had learned of a small blind spot in their vision. It was above and slightly behind the axis of their posterior lateral median eyes. But many Gallivants who had tried to make their first kill that way did not survive to tell the tale—the flutter of their wings gave them away. She would have to drop straight down on her first target. No hesitation, no second chances.
She saw the alpha Leaper lean down to extract the prey-form’s gilt helix, and saw her opening.
Rene heard a branch snap somewhere above him and felt a gust of wind blow across his neck, bearing with it droplets of moisture that pattered lightly against the visor of his mask. His first thought was that it had started to rain. He glanced up at the monster to find that it had extruded a new mouthpart, some manner of sharp, serrated tongue whose tip oozed a wet and viscous fluid. Rene flinched reflexively, expecting at any moment to feel the point punching through his skull before draining out its contents like a straw. But then the blade twisted sharply, wrenching its way out of the back of the monster’s head and drenching Rene’s mask in a shower of gore, the four-eyed devil letting out a wet gurgle as it slumped over in a twitching heap.
Pawing at his mask with his bound wrists, Rene peered through his smeared vision and saw a figure standing atop the corpse that, if anything, possessed an even less lovely countenance than his erstwhile interlocutor. A bulbous compound eye stared back Rene like a shattered mirror, a thousand miniscule reflections of himself repeating across its scaly lenses.
Rene recognized the creature as one of the harpies from earlier. One of its broad wings was missing. It drew its bloodstained blade across its mandibles, casually licking the weapon clean as an eight-limbed devil leapt at the harpy from behind, letting loose a bloodcurdling scream. But the harpy did not even turn at the sound, merely pointing its other blade arm behind it and letting its attacker impale itself upon it, clean through. With its dying spasms the devil pulled itself up the length of the blade in an effort to reach the harpy, even as its two kin recovered from their surprise and pounced at the harpy from either side. What followed was a blur of movement almost too quick for the human eye to follow as the harpy spun in place, cleaving the monster on the left halfway through its sternum. In the same movement it turned the devil stuck on the end of its blade into the path of the attacker on the right, using it as a living shield. The impact still bowled the harpy over, all four of the combatants rolling on the ground in a ball of threshing limbs and furious struggle.
The din was horrendous. Siezing the golden opportunity which had presented itself, Rene reached once more for the sword of the ancients, stretching his sinews for all they were worth. It was just enough to let him pinch the pommel-button between his middle and forefingers. Raising it up in spite of his trembling, sweat-slick grip, Rene coaxed the hilt into palm of his waiting hand, then pounded the button against his chest, feeling the sword come alive in his hands. As the fight raged on behind him, Rene sliced his legs free. He tucked in his head as he hit the ground, rolling onto his arse and reversing his grip on the sword, swiftly cutting the bonds around his wrists. When he tried to stand, however, he found that his legs were still unresponsive, all the blood within them having flowed up to his torso during his time spent hanging upside down. Pounding the life back into the clammy flesh of his calves with his fist, Rene looked anxiously around and discovered that the battle had since moved elsewhere, leaving two black-furred corpses in its wake. Cries of rage and a frenzied shaking among the bushes allowed him to guess where the other monsters were. He hoisted himself to his feet, picked up the safety kit and staggered away from the sounds of fighting, pins and needles still numbing the soles of his feet.
As he stepped over the dead bodies in his path, Rene was just about to congratulate himself on a smooth escape when his toes snagged on something and he tripped, going down heavily on his side. Rene felt a powerful yank on his ankle and looked to see the previously impaled monster glaring up at him. It wriggled on its belly and pulled him closer with one hand while it held in its spilled guts with the other three. By the ancestors, was it strong! Rene hacked at the hand holding his foot and lopped it off at the forearm, feeling only the slightest tug of resistance as the edge sheared through bone and meat alike. The hand was still clamped shut about his ankle with a death grip as he stood back up.
The fiend’s back arched as it brought its vile hump of flesh to the fore, dozens of sucking orifices on its misshapen surface spreading open wide.
Thwip! Thwip!
Jets of silk flew out of the spinnerets, the monster using its claws to grasp the threads and shuttering them back and forth like the shuttles of a loom. Cords flicked out and ensnared Rene’s sword arm, pinning it to his side while the weaver applied a lightning-fast field dressing on its abdominal wound, closing off both ends with wads of its makeshift bandage. Rene strained mightily against the loops of silk, but they never budged an inch. Meanwhile, the monster raked him with its claws, opening bright lines of agony across his chest and shoulder. Rene bit back a scream and dropped the sword point-first into the soil. It sank quivering up to its hilt, leaving him completely defenseless as the monster jumped and snatched him up in its gangly embrace. Rene fell to one knee as its weight bore him to the earth, reaching out with his free hand to draw the sword out of the ground and cleave through its rows of hairy legs.
Severed limbs went rolling every which way, the black devil tottering. Yet as it fell its outer mouthparts seized Rene by the temples and pinned him in place as it bit right into his face. Venomed fangs skittered across the transparent surface of his mask, scoring it with deep scratches. To his amazement the crystal held strong and did not shatter—once more the materials of the ancients had proven their incredible durability. Rene worked his arm clear and chopped wildly at the monster’s arms, felt its hold on him slacken as they fell away, leaving only spurting stumps. The butchered devil fell on its humped back and began shrieking its head off.
Rene raised his sword to deliver the coup de grace but was interrupted by the sudden reemergence of the other combatants who burst back onto the scene. The harpy was grappling with one of the devils, quickly being overpowered by its brute strength. As the devil sank its fangs into the bulging pair of compound eyes and tore off the top of the harpy’s head, the latter found an opening and slipped both its blades through in tight uppercutting motions, ramming them under the devil’s chin and out the other end. Ripping outwards and across with its arms the harpy tore its enemy’s head apart and sent the soggy chunks scattering into the treetops.
Reeling in obvious pain, it kicked the body aside and took off with a shutter of its wings, attempting an escape. A feral scream split the air as, the last devil leapt up to intercept it, entrails dangling in the place of its missing lower body. Devoid of sanity or self-preservation, it tacked the rising harpy and sent both of them crashing into a stout branch. They fell back to the earth with a bone-crunching thump, followed by a confetti-shower of dead leaves shaken from their stems.
Rene looked back at his enemy and saw the devil stubbornly gathering itself up for another spring. All it had left were a single arm and leg apiece, that and a merciless glitter in its eyes.
“You can’t be serious,” he complained, and put an end to its efforts by splitting its head right down the middle. Rene shook his head in disbelief and went over to polish off the other two, snipping his webbed arm loose as he did. He found the bisected devil crawling on its elbows and mewling with pain as it wriggled towards the unmoving body of the harpy, clearly intending to finish what it had started.
There were eyes on the back of its head, Rene now noticed. Four of them, the same number as on the front. It saw him coming and rolled over, raising its arms to shield itself.
Rene’s boot came stomping down all the same. He felt its head crunching under his heel as he squashed it into a flattened pie and was nauseated. Rene then approached the harpy, eyeing its blade arms warily and giving it a wide berth. He didn’t want to get anywhere near those frightful things, not after what he’d seen. Instead he went over to a fallen log and cut himself an oversized club from one of its boughs. Sticking the sword back into the ground, he hefted the length of wood over the harpy, intending to smash its head in from a distance.
He felt strangely squeamish at prospect of another head going splat. A wave of dizziness came over him and he had to take a moment to collect himself, doubling over and beginning to dry heave. Leaning heavily on the bough like a staff, he examined the harpy and thought that it looked sufficiently dead. Through the gaping holes in its face he saw the gooey interior of its head. Was that its brain poking through the cracks in the armored hide? Blimey, it had a big one. Equal parts revolted and intrigued, Rene reached over with the branch and prodded at it, testing for a reflex.
Nothing. Better to be safe than sorry, though. Rene raised the bough on high and steeled himself to do the deed once and for all.
A piece of the head fell away, and Rene gasped. Abandoning common sense, he threw aside the club and squatted over the body, frantically tearing off the rest of its cranial casing, plunging his fingers into the sticky mess and pulling out clumps of armored flesh until what lay beneath was finally revealed.
Rene clutched at his forehead as if it was about to explode. Backing away with a sense of dawning horror, he repeated over and over to himself: “It can’t be. It can’t be, it can’t! That’s not possible! It’s…it’s…”
Beautiful.
That was what Rene had meant to say. But the word felt so utterly absurd given the context that it took all his will to keep from bursting into a fit of deranged laughter. And who could have blamed him?
For beneath the ruined visage of flesh, the creature wore the face of a woman.
Link for all the chapters available here: Engines of Arachnea on Royal Road

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka - 14 days (2 are travel days so i don’t count those, so 12 total FULL days). How many days in each?
Nov 23-Dec 6th
Mt. Fuji - Day trip Disney - Full Day Sumo wresting show (partner is a wrestler, wwe type) Go karting (does it live up to the hype?)
We are both active gym goers so early mornings or late evenings we plan on hitting the local anytime in tokyo. We love to walk and don’t mind a good walk to different attractions.

• Coffee shop suggestions? Partner is a coffee feign!
• Should we start in Kyoto/Osaka? I’ve been reading to leave tokyo for the end if we plan on shopping. -Are E-sims not available for locked phones? I was reading a post that it’s hard to connect with ATT locked phones :/ -We are skipping JR pass ($1k for 14 days), instead planned to pay for round trip $360 aprox and use local transportation.
• I’ve been reading very negative things abt AP hotel, but i’ve found it to be the cheapest option for tokyo. I’m more so concerned abt the infrastructure and poor building, their political views is wonky and controversial from what i read. Any recommendation for stays in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto? We want privacy at night! -Also, experience with laundry mats?
  
• Personally i have no interest in visiting Hiroshima or anything too crazy historical. I enjoy museums, nature, shopping, art, movies. We want to also experience night life, we don’t go out much in the states but when in Japan we want to have some much needed fun! We are still in the beginning stages of planning and would love recommendations, newbs to out the country planning for sure.
  

I grew up playing gen 3 and gen 4 mostly, that was kind of my Pokemon golden age, so I was pretty excited to get into playing the 'remakes'. It took a while, but I got there! Mostly positive experience, but theres some stuff I really just don't get.
Overall, I enjoyed BD. It feels very much like the OG Diamond, just looks a bit better (depending on who you ask). And while this similarity is a good thing, it's also my biggest gripe with the game.
There's lots of different ways you see the game industry describe these sorts of games: remaster, remake, definitive edition etc. Pokemon tend to avoid such titles, but this is very much a remaster in my opinion rather than a remake, and certainly NOT a definitive gen 4 experience, and I really think 'definitive' should be what these Pokemon 'remake' games aim for.
Here's some of my issues with it.
Issue 1: I do not understand why a definitive experience isn't given to the player in these 'remake' games, in particular I'm talking about 'Event' Pokemon, and meaningful new content (one and the same in many ways).
I hate the idea of 'Event' Pokemon. I always have. Where I grew up, we didn't have access to Event Pokemon. So Deoxys, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus etc. were always out of reach for me, and it always bugged me as a kid. How does a game like this get created, and the developers don't take every opportunity to truly make this a definitive version of generation 4? This game should have standalone events in the base game for Darkrai, Shaymin, & Arceus.
I get you can transfer them easily now with Home, and from Legends: Arceus save data you can get the Azure flute, I do get that - but it's not the same, and a separate game shouldn't be a requirement. I just do not understand why they can't make these games the definitive experience they should be, it just feels so outdated and unfair to players to have Darkrai/Shaymin events time bound and never repeated (and who the hell wants to just get a legendary off a mystery gift, it sucks. Whatever if its a shiny variant or something, but for the regular Pokemon? Trash). Just put them in the base game, or for goodness sake even make it purchasable on the Nintendo store if you really want, I'd honestly pay 4.99 for a Shaymin/Darkrai event add-on (though that too shouldn't be necessary).
I just feel the game would've been so much more satisfying and 'complete' if there were events included for these previously unobtainable Pokemon. It feels lazy and just not in the best interests of the player, or the game.
I give ORAS some credit with this in terms of how they handled Deoxys, overall I thoroughly enjoyed that and it did give me that satisfaction that I never got when playing RSE. I say 'some' because I still don't understand why Jirachi wasn't given the same treatment. The same applies to the likes of Mew in FRLG, Celebi in HGSS. I just don't get it.
Issue 2: We are so beyond Pokemon games needing difficulty options. Look, I know the games are for kids but Nintendo surely know their audience by now, a lot of people have grown up with these games and will continue to play them, at least allow us the choice of a challenge.
This game is a piece of cake. I casually strolled through it without any sort of trouble, skipped numerous trainer battles (of which their are honestly so many it becomes draining and takes away from the fun), and still didn't experience any sort of challenge until Cynthia's Milotic made me somewhat consider a tactical move choice.
Exp. Share completely kills the difficulty. Is there a way to turn it off? I had a quick check and couldn't find one. If there is, well I rescind this point, if not, then the point stands.
Issue 3: Something that will likely never happen, but I really wish for the remakes they would just focus on the third entry in the gen. For example, instead of BDSP, just focus on a Platinum definitive experience. Emerald, Crystal, if and when they do B/W I truly hope they incorporate the story of both BW & BW2 into one game if at all possible, a truly definitive experience of gen 5 (though, I won't hold my breath).
Issue 4: Is it just me, or does the Pokemon art style lack something? I've been staring and staring and I feel like it's the lack of black edges/outlines. Obviously, sprites had it. But we even saw it through Gen 6/7. I think since SwSh, the lack of those outlines really takes away from the designs - but look, this is just a personal take. I don't hate it, I just feel like something's missing.
I'd love to hear some other views on it, the above is by no means gospel, just some thoughts I found when I finished playing. Some satisfaction, but some disappointment in a big missed opportunity.