I’ll be honest, if it wasn’t for the war on hip hop that B.Dot’s controversial end of year list caused, I may have never heard this album. Per usual, his selection of artists naturally created cultural discord leaving many steadfast in disagreement. As I witnessed the contention on various social channels, and the numerous opinions of its sequence, this album regardless of its placement, was undoubtedly included.
By the title, I was interested, and taken after the first listen. Immediately, the biblical mockery at its commencement was more than enough to occupy my attention. I could not believe what I was hearing. This wasn’t the usual inclusion of an artist's personal faith walk in music, but rather the tone of a self appointed godhead taking his sovereign position. It was his passion, and his candid incivility towards the church's consecration. Rolls Royce Break Lights, and it’s exuberant production acting as the album’s prelude, setting the atmosphere for Cook’s word.
“I’m the truth, I’m the light, I’m the way”
Bread of Life was a swift change in tone, settling the congregation in their seats while Cook’s reasoned his wise tales. This song was delivered with the posture of an expert, detailing his past in a way that tantalized those who’ve never walked in his shoes, finding the treasure that he did. He had glory and knew it, and in his unapologetic jovial tone, made sure we knew as well. This was an episodical account of events that placed him in such a position of opulence. I listened closely.
“Out of all these rap niggas, I’m the goldest, 24 karat glow, my soul lit”
It was beautifully irreverent, the robe of a street priest and the honesty of his unabashed life experiences proving to be more potent than any scriptural teachings. A master at his craft, rap and otherwise making his hustle a joyous, celebratory occasion. A pronounced success separate from one found in the lust of the music business. In the album, Cooks, regardless of whether he ever released music, was already successful. This was his version of the American dream, manifested in a way that supersedes the road more traveled, and the prerogative that way affords you.
By Crosses, he was loud and clear as the dark, ominous production ensured that we understood him. In it was a vulnerable frustration, standing firm in his belief, and the inevitable position he would take in hip hop. He wasn’t looking for acceptance, or a welcoming of any kind. Nor was this an attempt to alert the culture of his plan to capture the coveted crown; he had one already. His position was unlike any other, blatantly disrupting the culture’s comfort zone and deriding its slumber to his advantage.
As I replayed this track, I heard something different every time. More passion, and also to my surprise, his lyrics working in concert with scripture. Personally, I find religion a travesty, and regardless if that conclusion stems from my own experiences or not, it is a dangerous falsehood usually consumed by those left void by life’s noncompliance. However, similar to Matthew 7:13, Cooks sermonizes the inevitable ruin associated with the sacrifice of fame, even if that notability is found in street life. In the mood of Crosses was Cook's inveterate position firmly planted on his own conquests.
“Face it, Feds gave us a pop quiz and we aced it, don’t let ‘em tangle up your laces”
Aside from the greatness of the album’s entirety, this song was a magnum opus of its own. A detailed account of his rising, the culmination and even the lucre of his choices; however, so richly nestled in ascendancy. Do I think he’s suggesting his listeners partake in street life? I doubt it, but rather to run your own course, at your pace, all while being mindful of its enmity. I think in the manner of Cook’s story telling more highlights the self determination esteemed to those of personal triumph. That even in drug related subject matter, his message balances the consequence of his ways of life, but also its predestined victory.
“I’m thinkin’ when this shit over, what happened to your soul”
Another well favored track, Gloria Blemente and it’s flirtatious tone. Cook’s skillful, endearing honesty made it one I’m sure the ladies of his fan base relished as much as I did. This was the sincerity of the one that makes you smile though you’re upset with him. The one whose lifestyle scares you, though not enough to leave. The hustler, or king of the city reigning in the splendor that often blinds your better judgment. This was dope boy romance, in the scintilla of charm he can afford while his guard remains high. Overall, as the consequences of his decisions loom, you stay because he means well. We’ve all been there, and despite the circumstance, he brings a new woman out of you, and you like it.
For every song, a highly cinematic thread binding them together and this was no different. A gentleman to his sound, lively yet relaxed in the delivery knowing his own knighthood. A craftsman that has used the dignified autonomy of his life for justifiable self righteousness. Who could stop him, or for a second, attempt to discredit his past being the fuel to his freedom; the freedom he deemed necessary. Enamored with his confidence, I couldn't help but ponder the genesis of such personal sovereignty. This wasn't the incipient album of a new artist with apparent trepidation. This was a master class, a sermon of godship carefully crafted to the internal betterment of its hearers. Also, a candor contrary to his seemingly enigmatic nature. Not much social media, hardly a collection of interviews, but the roots of the culture allowing the constitution of his word to live on its own. The perfect literary conveyance complementing the legendary production of Roc Marciano; all the makings of an artist ahead of his time. This album, a bar of excellence unable to be contained by any list, but rather a well sequenced screenplay perfected in lyrical audacity. The story of destiny's obstacle course he conquered with ease at every turn. Today's Illmatic.
Like many of us, he could clearly see the deficit in the culture, not only by the name of the album, but also its content. This time, it was his decision, not that of the industry to extend an invitation. This was his principle, and in the savor of this album came a cosmic shift in rap and life that, like the word of God, teaches to find joy in indignation. This was a law of personal liberty found in those who have persevered despite their circumstance, and the celebration of it. Isn't this what we all strive for? Shouldn't this be our dream? That self sufficiency reigns, and in friction we find our way with a fuck you as comely as Cooks forthright character. Him audaciously choosing a self belief rather than the force fed pious concept of a savior; Cooks being his own. I appreciate that, as many are deceived by the manipulative ways of the church, neglecting the detriment to the believers. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed Cooks disposition and not so much the religious undertones of other albums. In life, we often decide so ignorantly to believe in the numinous ways of a divine being, and that somehow those teachings will abate our own inherent experiences. What about those unafraid to apply the word until we see the gravity of it in our predestination? Maybe until we reign and our word, or our law drives the course of our fortune. Isn’t that true faith? If so, that faith is exemplified in this album regardless of anyone’s consent. What if beauty for ashes truly comes when you construct it? What if we are wholly “free indeed” when we’ve run through the ribbon at the place we marked?
“Why you think they call this shit a race cause it’s a fuckin race bitch, and they made you believe that you ain’t even racin”
What if our firmest victory arrives when we can feed our families without lack after the suffering of perpetual poverty? Isn’t that joy in the morning? In life, there is no instruction manual and many of us bear adversity despite good doing. Out of that is often born a frustration that fuels us to circumvent the supposed road of truth until we find our own. That’s what I hear in this album. I’m unaware of Cook’s personal reasons for his jarring, highly derisive religious context but I understand my own. Reasonable Drought was evidentiary support to the subjective matter of success. The real drought in my opinion, is the deficiency of those bold enough to speak like him, and win how they see fit.
I commend Cooks for his valor, for his own way, and his refusal of conformity. This album was sexy defiance, the sonic display of power, finding the source of it in self; like we all should. As the film played in my mind and the soundtrack in my ears, I thought of what I'd say to him if we ever crossed paths. I'd ask him of the origin of the church's mockery, then tell him of my own, and how I fancy it. Also, how his candid example was not only enjoyable, but a requisite in my own life. Reasonable Drought was a word of law and life, a reminder to stand tall in our own podium and swiftly part with those who oppose our gospel. This was a master's truth, the sanctimonious cape of an expert that had studied the genres entrance and exit points to be had at his convenience.
"Don't mention me with with them, they irrelevant, let me settle this"
Overall, I enjoyed this album thoroughly, but more so, the underlying principles I found in it. This was the tutelage of a maestro, the guardianship for a people who need the acquired taste of achievement. Whether you take his path or not, the one you select will only be conquered by the same fortitude and determination Cook’s displays in his distinguished literary masterpiece. Maybe you didn’t take away what I did, that’s arbitrary, but I encourage any listener to extrapolate the ingenuity in this amazing body of work whether you agree with it or not.
By my third listen, I made a small change making Cocaine Cologne the last song. It was the benediction, the climax to his life symphony, and the orchestra as the curtains close. At the time of this writing, Cook's latest singles Run It Up and That's the Game play simultaneously on heavy repeat, and like his album, I'm once again charmed by his elegant, well poised delivery. Another movie, the one with the entrancing villain we're all rooting for, with a lyrical prowess over more phenomenal production. In the opulence of Cook's charismatic music is hope. A resetting of the roots of hip hop, and adding to the bulldog annexation of upstate New York's position in the culture. In his music, Cook's personal ascension is evident and well celebrated. This album was the relatable gospel to be only digested by those willing to risk it all in their own permissive pursuits. His story is one to believe, the plan to get to the money, or whatever your lust, and the celebration of self in every meantime. Personally, with my own futile religious experiences, and Cook's discourteous backdrop of it, the music was introspective self enjoyment. His versatility, originality, along with his ability to play with melody while keeping the integrity of the culture intact. A legend indeed.
"You gotta visualize it moving when the shit won't, and let the non-believers that jumped off the bitch go. Then you flex floatin by em in the big boat, screaming better kick your legs harder nigga big strokes"
-Bread of Life, Reasonable Drought Soundview

Just putting out a feeler for brands, websites.. etc. I have two young gargs that are in grow out tubs at the moment that give them plenty of space. Looking to see what enclosures folks recommend. Planning fully bioactive with a fair amount of custom work done so I want to get these enclosures sooner than later so I can plant and set them up.

Date: 5/26/24
Location: Buffalo, NY
Time: 3:19:01
My Strava for More Information. Give me a follow if you feel so inclined :)
Sorry to be be dramatic with the title. I promise I'm not posting this SOLELY for internet sympathy. I realize I might seem ungrateful but I just feel like I left a large amount of time out on the course and I'm not entirely sure how I would correct my performance if I could. I'm a newer marathon runner who has made a lot of progress in the last year by training super hard, cross training, cleaning up my diet, recovering, etc... . I want to learn as much as I can from this experience. I could use the perspective of some more experience runners.

Goal	Description	Completed
A	3:05 BQ	no
B	3:07	no
C	3:10	no

Background:
This was my 2nd Marathon. My first marathon was a 3:28:30 at Wine Glass in Corning, NY, 6 months ago (10/1/23). My marathon training follows my weight loss story, starting in November 2022; 230 lbs (104 kg) down to 183 lbs (83 kg) today. For reference, I am a 6'-2" male. I ran a few half marathons prior to 2022 but my training has been on and off for the last 5 years and never more than 25 miles per week.
My training leading up to my first marathon followed a fairly long MAF intensity build (30 mpw at the end) leading into Advanced Marathoning - Pfitz 18/55 with the "Long Run" & "Medium Long Run" done at MAF effort. I knew I was compromising on speed by doing this however, the mileage seemed intimidating at the time. I later committed to follow the Pfitz pace instruction for these runs for my Buffalo block (10%-20% Marathon pace for the last 5-10 miles)
Following my first marathon, I was lucky to have a very experienced friend (2:37 marathoner) coach me though another Pfitz block. I decided to set the goal of running under 3 hours in 2024. My goal time for Buffalo was initially 3:15 to get me half way there. As you will read, that quickly changed...
Training:
Pre Pfitz Block - 1 month mostly off running after Wine Glass. 10 weeks running build prior to Pfitz 18/55. In this 10 weeks, I focused heavily on zwift indoor cycling (zwift academy, rapha 500, alp du zwift >60, etc) and was running 30-35 mpw using the 80:20 rule. The last 3-4 weeks I just did the first 2 weeks of the pfitz plan over and over again. I think the cross training severed me very well to lose weight and strengthen my overall fitness
Pfitz 18/55 - First 9 Weeks - I feel like I made a lot of progress in the first half of this training plan with the following race times reflecting my gains; Wk. 4 Lake Effect Half Marathon 1:37:17, Wk. 9 Syracuse Half Marathon 1:31:51 (a very hilly course covered in ice.) These races gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I did not taper for them at all. I used the VDOT 02 predictor for marathon and saw 3:22 and 3:11 equivalent Marathon times and got very excited.
Pfitz 18/55 - Last 9 Weeks - Using my new predicted marathon time of 3:10 , I started really pushing my long runs and found that I could sustain 7:40 pace consistently on my final 10 miles of my long runs. I was also pushing the first part of these long runs to stay under 8 min / mile. I felt like I had alot of success initially pushing the pace during these workouts. I ran several non-tapered tune-up races: Wk. 14 10k 40:58, Wk. 16 10k 40:35. These results gave me the confidence to go for a 3:05 marathon. On Wk. 13, I did a 18 mi run w/ 14 miles at marathon pace and my heart rate was very high and I struggled to stay at 7:05. I chalked this up to training fatigue but in retrospect this should have been a red flag?
Pre-race:
I regret doing a bit of dieting prior to my carb load at the beginning of my taper, knowing I would gain some weight lbs in the week before the race. During the last 3 days of the taper, I ate too much bread and pasta and felt overly full up until the night before the race. My typical diet of 80% whole food plant based really fell out of sorts. I'm not a vegetarian or anything, but I find this helps me keep my weight down. Hydration and electrolytes were OK.
Race:
The strategy was to go out at 7:08/mi through 16 miles and make a decision to negative split to 6:57/mi for the last 10, or try to hang-on for a 3:07.
The day ranged from 55 degrees to the low 70s but very humid. The course was very hazy at times. I did not feel burdened by the weather but I'm sure it had some effect.
I had a maurten non-caf gel every 4-5 miles. I stopped at most water stations.
Miles 1-10 - I was surprised by the ease of my goal pace, even banking some time on a few down-hill miles. I regret this.
Miles 10-13 felt like I needed to push a small amount to keep pace but I let me self slow down 5-10 seconds per mile to minimize fatigue.
Miles 13-15 definitely required some effort to maintain pace. This effort reminded me of the early miles of the 10% marathon pace for the long runs. I did not feel like I was about to bonk at this time.
Miles 16 - I felt confident enough to speed up and test a sub 7 minute pace which I achieved for the first mile. The next 7 miles were incredible hard for me with the lactate really building up in my muscles. I progressively slowing to a 9:21/ mi pace a mile 24. I feel like I had done an OK job creating an environment during training where I needed to push through pain however, this level of muscle fatigue did not feel like it could be overcome with grit. I found my self periodically walking for 10 seconds to regain my composure. This part of the race left me with a lot of doubt about my fitness level.
Mile 25 - I saw the 3:20 pacer and decided to beat him with a very difficult last mile given the down-hill nature of the last mile.
Conclusions:
My lack of experience at this distance leaves me with more questions and than answers unfortunately. Part of me thinks I had no business shooting for a 3:05 to begin with, and that I should have read the signs and the difficulty of my predicted marathon pace during my long runs. I certainly hope to be testing this more in the future before setting a goal time. I would like to think that I may have had a chance at going under 3:10 or 3:15 if I had paced the race better and did not mess with my diet as much. Typically, when I have bonked before my heart-rate skyrockets. Here, I can only attribute my fatigue to lactic acid since my heart-rate was mostly in control and my breathing did not feel like the limiting factor.
I would love to hear advice and thoughts on this race as I recover and start training for Wineglass Marathon again in the fall marathon.
Thanks in Advance(d) for your advice,
Ken

Mile	Pace	Elev (ft)	Heart Rate (Max 190)
1	7:08	63	148
2	6:53	-15	161
3	6:56	-44	160
4	7:06	23	164
5	7:04	28	165
6	6:57	-37	164
7	6:54	-18	165
8	7:13	-15	163
9	7:14	7	164
10	7:12	-15	159
11	7:09	-1	165
12	7:07	0	171
13	7:13	26	169
14	7:17	28	167
15	7:34	26	167
16	7:15	-34	167
17	6:53	-24	168
18	7:10	24	171
19	7:42	3	165
20	7:51	-13	166
21	8:28	-11	156
22	8:08	1	160
23	8:59	20	154
24	9:20	8	151
25	9:02	37	155
26	7:54	-62	155

I planned on taking my nursing school's class for perioperative nursing because I loved my OR rotation, but literally 2 days before the class applications opened COVID hit and they didn't have the class until after I graduated. Now I have 3 years of "nursing" (psych nursing where I'm a glorified pill pusher) and am really looking into a change of scenery. There are a bunch of Operating Nurse positions open in my area, but I know I don't have the knowledge or skill-base to get a job (much less succeed if I get a job by some miracle). None of the hospitals in my area offer fellowships or transition programs for nurses changing specialties, so I feel very trapped. Will there be adequate on-the-job training or a sort of pre-job training that I will hopefully have to attend? The job descriptions state "Certification Specialty preferred", so there's no "requirement" perse.

Myrnova asked for us to join her back at her shop until the feast, since she wanted to do some repairs and start getting things sorted for our departure. we joined her back at the shop and helped her get stuff sorted out around the shop before departure. she asked if there was anything else we needed to get repaired besides what we already left here earlier, to with i said "i may have a few things". i pulled out my storage device and started empty out all the weapons, armor, and ores i had into two piles, one small pile for repair and another large pile to be broken down for materials. Myrnova asked if I'd be able to help her carry her gear and such with my device, with i was going to offer anyway. she said it might take a few days to get everything repaired, broken down, reforged, and stored, to with we offered to help in whatever way we could. after we finished talking and closing up the shop for the day, we rejoined the people of the realm in a feast to celebrate our victory against the invaders. we told the people that we would be around for a few more days to resupply and help Myrnova get things sorted out before we all head out to our next destination. the next few days flew by as we rested up, visited the surrounding isles while helping with patrols, did some training to hone our skills, and various other things until Myrnova finished up in the shop. she not only repaired, but upgraded our equipment and even made a few new weapons, including a weapon for me that changes modes between a twisted blade sword to a duel bladed scythe. we gathered up all that remained and stored it away before going around and saying our goodbyes to the people of the realm. we gathered on the edge of the isle and i told the group to save their energy for when we need it, so I'll carry us to were the space between realms is with Xeyu's directions. i begin a draw energy in for the transformation as the rest of the group waved goodbye once more to the one seeing us off. i didn't think I'd have enough room to transform where we stood, so i stepped off the isle and transformed in mid-air, shortly followed by the rest of the group jumping down and landing on my back. Xeyu pointed me in the direction we needed to go and off we went toward our new destination.
we were ready to see what was to come next and full of hope that we could continue to save one world after another. after we had been flying for some time, Xeyu seem to be perplexed, asking if we could stop for a moment. Xeyu was having trouble locking down where the space between the realms leading to the next crest bearer, going by the theory that there may have been a shift when we sealed up the tear. for now we will have to go through another realm's rift get access to the one we seek. after some discussion, we decided this shouldn't be a real problem, since our goal is to stop the invading forces across all the realms, so we'll start with a few before we can get to our next member. Xeyu refocused in on the closest spot to access to another realm and guided me to the location. Xeyu explained to us that even though there is an access point we can rift through, we still don't know what awaited us on the other side, so we should be ready for anything. i asked if I'd have to change back before we go through, but Xeyu explained that since it's not a rift between a collapsed realm, we'd be going straight through. Xeyu focused in and formed a crack in space large enough for me to fly through to the other side and made sure we were ready before pulling open the crack to form the rift and had me fly through, quickly closing it up behind us. as we looked upon the world we entered, we were stunned, seeing the world had already started a full blown war against the demonic invading forces. we had no time to lose, as i told everybody to hold on while i went into a nose drive toward a large group of demons. when we were close to striking distance i told them to release, at the same time transforming back into my normal form and drawing out my new weapon. enemy forces flew back from the impact of our landings, as we each instantly leaped into battle. we battle on for hours, wiping out the invaders by the thousands, but still saw no end in sight to the forces before us. Myrnova and Xeyu noticed something strange in the distance as they fought off flying forces. we turned all our attention toward what they saw, as i cleared a path the best i could at that moment with a dragon fire blast. when we got over to that location, we noticed a familiar sight but worse, 3 tears in space where the forces were coming out. Xeyu quickly asked us each to block a tear, as they try to seal them up, one at a time. we each took a position at a tear, fighting off not only the enemies coming out of the tears, but also the forces coming in from behind. one by one, Xeyu sealed up each tear, getting more skilled with each time, while gaining better understanding of the space around them. even after sealing those tears in space up, more demons kept flowing in from behind us. we took to the air in search of more tears in space, in which we found several. we followed a similar plan as the others, guard and seal, until we eventually had them all sealed up and the forces before us until we cleared the battlefield. we were rather confused though by the fact there were no residential forces to be seen anywhere, as i questioned if they might have passed away or are held up somewhere. for the time it did not matter, we needed to keep moving toward and after a quick rest, Xeyu found us our next rift. we kept in mind that this may be a long journey before we reach our next goal, at which point we walked through the rift to the next world.
for several more realms we went through similar events, talking to the people, fighting for our common cause, few place siding with the other side. as we worked our way through these worlds, we collected and studied numerous things from each, adapting with what we learned along the way. we managed to get several storage devices similar to mine made on one of the worlds to make it easier for each of us. each time we sealed up a tear in a world, our path toward our goal shifted in location. we encountered more empty worlds and started to concluded that these may be use by the enemy for mass deployment. we had a few near death encounters along the why, as we fought against gods of some realms, but in the end we were still victorious. we got blessing from beings that we freed from corruption, weather that was by cleansing or death. at some point during this journey we lost track of how many worlds we went through and started to question how many more are to come. Xeyu skills by this point had increased to point where they developed a mental map of where each realm we've gone through, including access shifts from sealing tears, but we were still having problems getting to where we wanted to go. finally we landed on a world that didn't have us entering into a battle, well at least with evil forces, as we were surrounded mere moments after arriving here. we told them we meant no harm and only wish to help those of this world fight off the evil in these world. it was at this moment they informed us that there was no evil in this world and they wanted to know how we got here. we voluntarily went with them back to their fortress, along the way answering various questions and getting answers to some of ours. as we approached the fortress, Xeyu started to act a little strange before asking a question that concerned them "is there a gate here?", to with they responded "how do you know that?". we arrived at the fortress and got escorted straight to their leader, at which point we talked back and forth for hours, resting up and eating a proper meal for the first time in a while. Xeyu explained somethings about their ability and in exchange the leader showed us to the gateway. they explained that until we arrived, this was the only way in or out of their world, which is why it's so heavy guarded. they told us that this gate lends to the cosmic mountain crossroads, so we may be able to find a way to where we wanted to go. we thanked them as we explained that we were looking for that exact location, mentioning our crests again, to with they mentioned an enchanter of sorts having a mark that looked similar. with this we had our way, a few clues to follow when we got there and with this we stepped through the gate to cosmic mountain crossroads.

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The idea that humans in large numbers lack competency, and so therefore a conspiracy would be practically impossible completely misses the point. Actually, the fact that humans are insanely incompetent and low-information is why conspiracies are everywhere and almost never go noticed. In fact, people DO speak up often and whistleblow and NO ONE LISTENS.
Part of the issue here is epistemological. We think we know about the world. Why do we think that? First of all, human brains are built to conceive of about 150 people around them. Urbanization breaks our brains, and because we're not built for it, we consistently process our impression of society wrong.
School and media are huge and very simply blunt instruments to provide us with a better impression of the massive urban society around us. Most of what we think we know comes from here. Yes, it's true that false information can be contradicted and humans actually can be quite logical with plain, clear facts. However, we have other social instincts which prevent this from happening.
We humans mostly tend to intuitively perceive what kinds of beliefs others have and give massive weight to that while filtering possibly complex or confusing facts in our heads. While some of us and some cultures are much more sophisticated and cynical about media, there are TONS of demographics (i.e.: young women) who psychologically interpret literally anything the media presents as representative of the actual tastes and preferences of that abstract 150 people the brain is built to perceive. Simply because the media exists and promotes one point of view, it means that this must be the position of those in the tribe with power.
Experienced, educated professionals will constantly filter inconvenient information in favor of adjusting to what the group believes. Smarter, 110-130 IQ "midwits" will actually recognize something is wrong, but will rationalize the emotional inconvenience and build explanations or narratives so they can cope. <110IQ people can't construct these rationalizations, and if they're low-IQ enough they can't even understand them, so this is why dumb people often perceive conspiracies that highly intelligent people observe, because the layer of rationalization doesn't appear to them. >140 IQ literally cannot use these rationalizations because their brains see right through them and you have to be a psychopath to ignore what you see. 110-130 IQ people ACTUALLY BELIEVE these rationalizations, that's the point. They ego invest in them and will fight their own kin to squash anyone noticing malicious behavior systemic to institutions. This is partly because, these midwits as the supreme managerial class, so effectively rationalize, they can operate in corrupt environments without being aware of the corruption. Thus they are rewarded immensely, given titles or big salaries, and become personally invested in the fraud while also consciously believing there's no fraud.
As an adult who has noticed all this from experience in the military, ecclesiastical, academic, corporate (never medical sadly) sectors, these patterns seem universal. You know the store manager who has the keys to lock up? Well, when they open up to their buddies and drink a little of the merchandise and throw a little party or whatever, if corporate can't tell, then why wouldn't they? Not everyone who has power will abuse it, but anywhere power is held, someone will abuse it. Abuse of power is a very casual thing, and at a minimum, some percentage of human personality types will always do it. The go-getters and doers especially trend toward a willingness to abuse power, and that's part of the problem. Other humans have specific instincts to submit to the powerful and almost take pleasure when they are on the good side of a psychopath who is abusing a third party.
Here you might say, "Gee, you have a cynical view of humanity." Sorry, the day a college kid can stand up and assert a point of view that's not social consensus, and have even 10% of the class change their minds and support him merely from considering the argument, then maybe I'll be more optimistic. No, people are cowards who are constantly trying to fit in, mostly most people are pretty dumb, and actually most people disdain those who refuse to fit in and don't care at all about the group's corruption. See, kids who are instinctively socially breaking from their parents will oppose the society of their parents. But kids will never oppose, not ever, not at scale, the social momentum of other kids unless there are other kids of clear divisions like racial or religious.
Therefore, I would propose that not only is society full of conspiracies at every level, but actually society functions on the basis of conspiracy. Small group loyalties and hierarchies form nodes around which institutional structure can build larger organizations. I was in the military which is full of formal authority, laws and rules. The reality of it is all that was a distraction to make people put up with a system that is more about little cliques among officers and so forth that sort everything out behind closed doors. Sure, norms, laws, rules, training smooth things out, allow interchangeability, but real decisions are made selfishly by some leader and they have quidproquo with colleagues and that bubbles up to the top. So whatever stupid beliefs they have about their organization or its values, they take with them to the top where someone like a general wields real power. Yet, such a person is sort of "endowed" with that position by his clique-community, and so they must fight for that community's values in the confines of that community's worldview, which might be totally inaccurate.
With this in mind, here is your final graduation thought experiment.
I've tried to understand the Ukraine war.
Right now Russia is playing on its former Soviet era diplomatic network so it's leaning into "white neocolonialists who think they have superior values exploit brown people because of theft and racism." But they're also simultaneously playing the newer, libertarian narrative of a progressive managerial elite which has hijacked the Western bureaucracy. It's sort of insane how they do this. Like how they exalt Orthodox religion but also insist Stalin did nothing wrong, which not even the post-Stalin USSR believed.
The anti-neocolonialist narrative says that rich whites want to steal resources from poor browns. This is factually what's happening, but the tragic irony is that many third world countries probably couldn't develop or benefit from these resources without first world help. So, there's both an argument against neo-colonialism, but also an argument that it's not like this big scam so much as a natural consequence. What it boils down to for me is where war, jackal economics or espionage is used. That's clearly wrong, and I think a lot of poor countries would be doing a lot better without these interventions, although I don't think they'd be rich and developed.
Well, the West actually is anti-neocolonialist too. Globalists want smart cities, AI economy, UBI, CBDC. They want rural white Americans to be the same level of poor as rural Africans, and for the gains of exploiting natural resources to be concentrated among a global elite, which although unfair, is not exclusive to borders. The geopolitical unfairness of neocolonialism will be addressed by Globalism. And its elite will be very small compared to the global proletariat they intend to have.
This is all very ironic since the globalist machine is playing the Euro-chauvinism card to appeal to Euro elites, and also the American exceptionalism card to appeal to American nationalists. They're playing whatever cards they have, like Russia.
So this is all I know: the West is lying to some of its lesser elites by paying lip service to their values. Russia is playing its old USSR geopolitics card while also playing a trad Orthodox card, while also playing an anti-globalist card.
I KNOW that the West is globalist, the leadership that is. So NATO must lose, because the globalists will certainly win if NATO wins. However, I fear the other side might also be globalists and the whole conflict is an anti-white, anti-Western charade meant to displace the old Euro elites and American nationalists.
That's the irony. Globalists control the West, but have to constantly deal with these older elite factions, so they could be using the war as a purge in a way.
It's hard to explain why the globalist-American leadership needed this conflict so bad. Probably it's all a shitshow gone wrong. This is where my explanation of how conspiracies function comes into play.
Neocons thought the would reinvigorate interest in the military but it hasn't. Like a new patriotism and interest in military power and funding.
Ukrainian Jews might have thought they could purge the Slavs and make a second Jewish homeland but that's probably off the table due to the failed counter offensive.
Russia's hopes of exercising their historical and cultural hegemony to settle the conflict have failed, when Ukrainian deep state operatives assured them they were still on the same old team.
Stupid nationalists who are somehow blind to the globalists and think the American economy is "doing great" probably thought this could be a knockout blow to Russia's meddling in certain geostrategic resource deals that affected American hegemony over Europe. This is a legacy of the British "can't let Europe become a world power" prerogative. The kind of dumb monkey legacy deep state geopolitical prerogatives that these idiots cling to while ignoring the other players around them.
So there are members of the British and American diplomatic-military-intelligence communities who are seemingly oblivious to what globalism is, or the imminent collapse of the Anglo-American financial hegemony. They actually believe the financial journalism. They are playing out a specific strategy from their class or clique or culture's history which is about keeping Europe down. So they are acting from that vantage and are acting as a conspiracy.
There are Euro elites acting from the vantage of actual vestigial colonialist attitudes where they actually think that Europe of all places is a bastion of Western values. While this class is completely morally degenerate, what they really mean is there is a class of elites in Europe that actually thinks the whole world outside of white Europe are actually just dumb monkeys. Not metaphorical. They are committed to all this, as a conspiracy that exercises influence as a conspiracy, because of this idiotic, low-information attitude.
Then there's the globalists who have all kinds of plans, and have even got Russia and China and India to adopt some of their financial technologies in preparation for their Great Reset. And this is done because of their massive influence over global business. As a conspiracy. And yet, while massively influential, they don't outright control Russia or China and their plants are constantly falling short. I'd say the globalists are trying to act as a conventional "illuminati" style conspiracy.
But the point is what I said in the beginning. Even these powerful, highly competent cliques have huge blind spots and huge power gaps because humans are in fact highly incompetent in large numbers.
I get a clique trying very hard to influence things and just falling short of being able to do it, but what boggles my mind is that a lot of these conspiracies who KNOW they are conspiracies who KNOW the world is a stage for the common sheep and KNOW the basic nature of deep state and intelligence games that are played. Even these people will not see past their own biases or egos, and fail to see lies in front of their own faces.
Because conspiracy is natural to humans. We do it naturally, so we engage in illicit collusion and cliquishness, but we don't necessarily see or realize where it's happening outside of our brain's 150 person social perception. Which to me is the oddest thing.

I had been rejected or waitlisted from most of all the colleges I had applied to so I had decided that I would go to a state school and get some general education done through chemistry and then transfer to Cal Poly to go into Biochemical Engineering after 2 years so I could save money. And by me staying g where I live, I can accumulate some money for when I go to where I don’t live and have no connections to. I’d like to have some money and I want to train for a bike race and the Boston marathon which I can do in Fresno (where I live). A few days ago I was accepted into the University of Tennessee but I have already registered and made a plan to save money and go into the college I want to go into most (Cal Poly). However, my parents are pretty mad at me because they would rather I go to Tennessee and just do all my years there versus “gamble” on a transfer. They don’t really see a CSU school as prestigious and would be super mad if I went to community. I have some family near Knoxville so I wouldn’t be completely destitute but I’d have no friends, connections, job, girlfriend nearby, and I couldn’t train cycling like I do now. I’m not sure if saving money via CSU is the best choice now and I still have time to decide. I want to know if maybe a relationship is blinding me from a great opportunity or if my plan is fiscally responsible and transferring is a good idea.

The VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) is a pivotal tool in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), particularly for assessing and planning interventions for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Developed by Dr. Mark Sundberg, the VB-MAPP offers a structured approach to evaluating language and social skills, guiding therapists and educators in creating effective, individualized intervention plans. However, the unauthorized distribution and use of VB-MAPP PDFs present significant risks and problems, impacting legal, ethical, and practical aspects of professional practice.

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My friends and I are going to Portugal for essentially eleven days in June! We get in early morning in Lisbon on the first day and leave early morning from Lisbon on the twelfth day.
We are young 20s if this makes any difference in what you recommend. We are okay with walking, would love to see whatever we can of the culture and nature that is doable with our timeframe. We want to see the architecture, nature, and if you have any food recommendations or places to go out to (bars/clubs) please let us know.
Our loose plan was to spend a few days in Lisbon, and make a day trip to Sintra and Cascais. Then, at the end a few days in Porto with a day trip to the Duoro Valley. In between, we are wondering where we should go! Mata Nacional de Leiria, algarve, costa verde, or any other places to really see/experience the beautiful nature. Or Evora, Coimbra, Cabo da Roca, etc? Also, do you recommend taking any guided tours in any of these places (Duoro Valley, Sintra, etc.) that would be better to see with a tour guide vs on our own?
We likely will not rent a car for sake of money and so it would also be great for these places to be close to Lisbon or Porto. So, what places should we add or cut out? How long do you recommend staying in each of the places? We are traveling on a budget and plan on traveling by train/bus and staying in airbnbs. We appreciate any advice we can get.

Cover Art!
Just because you’re transported to another world, doesn’t mean you’ll escape from your pain.
Abused by her parents, thirteen-year-old Frances only wants to be safe and for her life not to hurt so much. And when she and her class are transported to the magical world of Durannon to fight the monsters invading the human kingdoms and defeat the self-titled Demon King, Frances is presented with a golden opportunity. If she succeeds, Frances will have the home she never had. If she fails, Frances will be summoned back to the home she escaped.
Yet, despite her newfound magic and friends, Frances finds that trauma is not so easily lost. She is dogged by her abuse and its physical and invisible scars. Not only does she have to learn magic, she has to survive the nightmares of her past, and wrestle with her feelings of doubt and self-loathing.
If she can heal from her trauma, though, she might be able to defeat the Demon King and maybe, just maybe, she can find a home for herself.
[The Beginning] [<=Chapter 217] [Chapter Index and Blurb] [Chapter 219 June 11 or see the next chapter now on Patreon]
The Fractured Song Index
Discord Channel Just let me know when you arrive in the server that you’re a Patreon so you can access your special channel.
***
Ginger makes an offer to Lakadara. The rest of Telkandra's remaining brood discuss the fate of their allies.
“Not good?” Sara asked as Helias strode into the tent and made his way straight to the bottle of wine.
“Not good,” Helias muttered.
Sara nodded woodenly. “Privacy spell?
The tauroll waved his sheathed Fangroar and after pouring himself and his wife a drink, sat down. “We’re safe. Oh Galena, this is really not good.”
“How dead are we?” Sara asked, her tone light.
“We’re not dead. We’re just in a lot of danger and even if we somehow force the humans to retreat, we’ve lost this war,” said Helias.
“Explain.”
Helias drank deep, noting that Sara was also drinking deep as well. “Thorgoth is going after the humans. That part of the plan is as good as it gets. We’ll be attacking them, and using the dragons, whilst our forces hold off Titania. Our objectives are also well-chosen.” Helias buried his head into his hands and let out a deep groan. “But winning this doesn’t change anything.”
“If we can defeat the humans, why won’t that change anything?” Sara bit her lip. “Unless it renders us unable to beat Titania?”
“Yes. Even on the chance we beat the humans we won’t be able to invade them, we won’t be able to defeat Titania. We’d be at a stalemate and both armies would have to withdraw.” His hands dropping to the table, Helias stared at his wife. “And we don’t have any reserves left. We’re going to lose the war, even if Thorgoth lives.”
“If we defeat the humans—”
The general shook his head. “By defeat, I mean we’ll hurt them but we can’t prevent them from withdrawing. We might kill a few of their leaders, their important mages and Otherworlders, but they will still have soldiers. After coming so close, they won’t surrender. They’ll keep attacking until they kill enough of Thorgoth and Berengaria’s supporters that nobody will help them, or until both of them die.”
“Alright so, what do we do?” Sara asked. Helias looked at his wife, noting how still she sat. Her wings were clamped tight to her back and her lips were drawn tight.
“Sara, I don’t have good answers.”
Sara steepled her trembling fingers as best she could. “They’re going to be better than mine. I don’t know anything about war.”
“Right. Well, you need to surrender to the humans if you are captured. Present yourself as a non-combatant. Cry, scream, anything to declare that you don’t mean any harm,” Helias said.
“Why not Titania?” Sara asked.
“She has every incentive to kill you off and far less compunction about doing so. Killing our family off would allow her to have more land to give away to her loyalists. In contrast, the humans have Erlenberg troops fighting with them along with those of the Lightning Battalion. They’re going to be far more friendly to Alavari civilians,” Helias said.
Soft hands, grabbed onto Helias’s waist with a surprisingly firm grip. “What about you? I can get away, but how are you going to survive this?”
“I don’t know. I—”
“Don’t you dare! Our daughter needs her father and I need my husband!”
The general stared at his wife. “Sara, I can’t surrender to the humans if we win. They want me dead.”
Sara refilled Helias’s glass. “Then you need to help Thorgoth defeat them.”
“Then what? We’re never winning this war. Thorgoth is going to be invaded and—”
Cutting him off with the clink of her goblet against the table, Sara hissed, “And what? Why think that far? We can plan for that after this battle, so long as you are still here and with me.”
Letting out a breath Helias pushed his hair back and allowed himself a sigh. Reaching across the table, he took his wife’s hand.
“Sara, you’re right, but you know you can escape this if Thorgoth is defeated.”
The harorc placed her other hand on top of his. “We’re partners. I need you. We need you. So promise me that you’ll do your damndest to live.”
Helias closed his eyes and nodded. “I promise. First things first, before we turn in we need to talk to the dragons.”
***
Fennokra stalked slowly toward the camp. This wasn’t the collapsed side-passage where she and Yolandra had some privacy. This was the main camp where Thorgoth and their army were preparing for what had to be the final battle.
It was also where her siblings were swallowing the last of what seemed to be a side of salted pork.
“Velkandra, Makentra, we need to talk.”
Their second-eldest sister licked her lips, her neck rising to Fennokra’s level. “I am assuming you mean in private?”
“Of course.” Fennokra could see Velkandra’s haunches tensing to raise herself higher. Her sister was trying to look down on her. Allowing her head to dip, she held her height.
“Alright.” Velkandra flicked her tail and Makentra, licking his lips, followed them.
Since their enemies had set up their siege camp behind them, the Alavari camp had been reduced in size. Still, there was the alcove of the collapsed tunnel. Whilst couriers and soldiers crossed across this natural cavern to the defenses on the other side, they kept a good distance away.
Yolandra was waiting for them, scratching something into the cave wall. Fennokra let out a rumble in her throat and her sister turned from the wall suddenly, shaking her head.
“Velkandra, Mankentra—”
Velkandra puffed a cloud of smoke out. “What’s this all about?” she hissed, lips drawn back to show teeth.
Fennokra took a step away from her sister to take Yolandra’s side, her eyes narrowed. “Are you joking? Do you not think we should at least discuss what is going on?”
“And what would be the point? It is a bit late to be having this discussion. The course of the winds have been chosen,” said Velkandra.
Yolandra rose to her full height on her four legs, but even so she was still shorter than the silent Makendra. “The winds can be fickle, Velkandra, and where we are is proof.”
Velkandra pursed her lips, eyes for the first time, looking toward the ground. “The survival of our family is tied to that of Thorgoth. To abandon him would be death by the hand of the Stormcaller and her allies or by his hand.”
“Besides, if we were to abandon Thorgoth’s cause, that would be dishonorable. We promised to assist him,” said Makendra.
Fennokra blinked at her brother’s tone. It was quiet and yet there was a touch of a deep growl to his voice. His claws were ever so slightly digging into the ground.
“We are dragons. We can think and make decisions for ourselves. We are allowed to consider other options, are we not?” Fennokra asked.
Velkandra’s tail flicked violently side to side as her neck turned to her younger sibling. “Then why does it sound as if you wish to follow in the wingbeats of our elder sister?”
“Who we killed. I was there. I lost a claw striking her down!” Fennokra raised one clawed hand, flexing the remaining digits.
“On that, why did we have to kill Lakadara?”
All golden eyes fixed on Yolandra, who held the gaze of her siblings with a contemptuous scowl.
“Lakadara betrayed us,” said Velkandra, almost growling.
“I’ve been thinking over what happened. Lakadara said nothing about betraying our mother. She merely was questioning if Thorgoth was trustworthy,” Yolandra said.
A scowl flaring his nostrils, Makentra growled. “He fed us, trained us in how the humans and their allies fought. Hid us from their eyes—”
“And now Caldra is dead!” Yolandra exclaimed.
“Which is why we must kill the Stormcaller and her friends! So we can avenge him and our mother!” Velkandra almost completely unfurled her wings. Only the tips slapping the stone forced her to pull them back.
“Then what?” Yolandra asked.
Velkandra frowned. “Then what? We’d have our revenge—”
Yolandra’s tail cracked against the ground. “Then what? You all must have heard of what Thorgoth is capable of. What he’s done to others.”
Makentra rolled his eyes. “Sara’s story is just a story. She might have been just trying to turn you.”
“She was honest and she is not the only tale I’ve heard. You must have heard rumors of what Thorgoth did to his own son, Teutobal,” said Fennokra.
“Propaganda,” Velkandra hissed through her gritted teeth, while smoke wafted through the gaps. “In any case, we have no other option. We fight or we die.”
Fennokra, her claws grinding against the floor, had had enough.
“Velkandra, Makentra, have you ever considered that Thorgoth is perhaps using us for his own goals? We have not even considered what he might do to us after we’ve destroyed the humans and their allies. How do we know the Stormcaller and her allies might treat us better? Besides in the first place, she never intended to kill our mother—”
Fennokra blinked. She was flying backwards, something hard was bearing her into the wall. Dizzy as if struck by one of the Stormcaller’s spells, she realized that the force was the foreclaws of her elder sister. Mad rage lit those golden eyes that were the exact same shade as hers. Horrified, Fennokra tried to throw Velkandra off, but her sister was larger and heavier than her.
“Say that again. I dare you to say that again—ARGH!”
Velkandra rolled off, forced off of Fennokra by the Yolandra shoving into her side. As the elder dragon recovered, the smallest of Telkandra’s brood hissed, “It’s the truth! You are a fool to deny it!”
An ugly sneer on her lips, wings quivering with fury, Velkandra snorted. “The truth? Oh right so we are speaking the truth then. Well here’s the truth. Our kind is doomed!”
Makentra blinked. “Sister?”
“Of course Thorgoth is going to get rid of us or try to after this campaign. He has to, but right now he needs us and that’s what we need to rely on until we gain more strength. Of course, whether he wins or the Stormcaller’s allies win, how can we expect to survive in a world dominated by these lesser species hm? How could they ever not see us as a threat?”
Velkandra stalked toward the wide-eyed Fennokra and Yoandra. Her head turned side to side as she fixed her sisters with wild wide eyes.
“Well? Tell me Fennokra. Speak the truth Yolandra. Or are you both too afraid to admit that our kind are doomed and the only thing is to live as long as we can and hopefully avenge those that hurt us as we do so.”
“You’d have us fly to our deaths?” Makentra asked.
The stammering voice brought Velkandra around. Extending a wing, she touched its tip to her brother’s. “I would at least have us fly together.”
Fennokra shook her head. “We’d knowingly fly with a murderer of children and someone who would want to kill us after we’ve stopped being helpful to him.”
“And we have no other options,” said Makentra. Letting out a breath, he rose to his claws and walked away. “I’ll see you tomorrow, sisters.”
Velkandra, without another word, turned for the exit. “You know it’s true, Fennokra, Yolandra.”
Fennokra closed her eyes. Yolandra, though, narrowed hers. “Doesn’t change that Lakadra’s blood is on our claws.”
Velkandra flinched and left. She strode away so quickly she nearly stepped on Helias and Sara as they came to the cave. She gave the pair no acknowledgement other than a growl.
“See you tomorrow, General,” said Makentra, his tone curt. “We will talk to King Thorgoth ourselves for the plan’s details.”
“Of course,” said Helias. He bowed as the pair left before turning to Yolandra and Fennokra. “I believe we missed something important?”
“Be honest, General Helias. Even if we succeed tomorrow, your king has no use for us after we help him kill the Stormcaller, am I correct?” Fennokra asked.
Sara and Helias didn’t say anything. Their slight move to stand closer so they could hold hands was enough.
“I thought so,” said Fennokra. She let out a sigh and glanced at Yolandra, who nodded. “We will be on the battlefield tomorrow. Where are we going?”
“You’re going with me. We’re attacking the forces sallying from Kairon-Aoun. The plan is that you dragons breathe flame over their army to soften them before we attack.
“Understood. Any questions Fennokra?” Yolandra asked.
Fennokra shook her head. What could be asked anyway?”
Yolandra flashed the pair a joyless smile. “For what it is worth, you two have been good caretakers to us. Even if it was to preserve your own lives.”
Helias didn’t bow. Instead he extended a hand. Yolandra stared at him, but Fennokra, recognizing the gesture, extended a single talon.
“May you always be able to see the sun.” At the dragon’s blink, Helias smiled. “It’s an Alavari saying. It may come from when we used to be enslaved by the Goblin Empire. It means good luck.”
Yolandra nodded and Fennokra found herself smiling.
“Our mother taught us a saying as well. May you never fly alone. I wish that for you both,” said Fennokra.
“Thank you,” said Sara in a quiet voice. She curtsied and the two dragons dipped their heads. They watched Helias and Sara leave with placid smiles.
Then, when nobody was looking, they turned from the entrance to hide their bulks as best they could. The gloomy light of the alcove their only curtain of privacy.
***
Frances slowed slightly as they approached Lakadara’s enclosure. However, Ginger did not slow down.
“Hold on, Ginger, what’s the plan?” Frances asked.
Adjusting her new crown mid-stride, Ginger said, “I’ll show you. I’m certain it’ll work, though.”
Frances’ eyebrows rose. “Is that crown getting to your head already?”
The new Queen of Erisdale flashed a slightly nervous grin over her shoulder. “Yes actually, but I think that’s a good thing in some way. Don’t you?”
Frances found herself nodding. It was strange to see her friend even more confident than usual and so comfortable in the regal crown that she wore atop of a standard Lightning Battalion light blue uniform. Yet she rather enjoyed the new gait that Ginger had.
“I do.” Frances smirked. “Your Majesty.”
Ginger rolled her eyes. “Fuck you.”
Giggling, Frances stopped herself as they drew even closer to Lakadara. The dragon was drawing herself up, placing her massive foreclaws over each other.
“Lakadara. I am Ginger, the new Queen of Erisdale. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
The dragon coughed, blowing out a puff of smoke. “Greetings Ginger, Queen of Erisdale. I’m sorry for your predecessor’s demise.” Lakadara’s golden eyes narrowed. “Why are you here?”
Ginger dipped her head. “Thank you and as to why I’m here. I have a proposition. If you accept it, I will grant you and your kin, the domain of the Erisdalian mountains marked by the Kwent River Valley, Freeburg and Athelda-Aoun as your home in perpetuity, so long as you do not attack humans unless in self-defense.”
“I am unfamiliar with human geography. From the Stormcaller’s expression, I assume that is a lot.”
Frances swallowed and closed her mouth, but she didn’t question her friend. Ginger, still smiling slyly, nudged her. “It is. Frances, can you lend me a hand here?”
Nodding, Frances closed her eyes and imagined a rough map of Erisdale and its territories. With a wave of Ivy’s Sting she created an image of Erisdale, highlighting in red the expanse of the mountains that bordered Alavaria and Erisdale. The area that Ginger had described sketched a rough red triangle between the three points. It was a fairly sizeable area with a low and Alavari human population.
“My husband is in negotiations with Queen Titania and I’ll have to talk to Frances and Prince Timur, but we are quite certain that Athelda-Aoun will also be included in this area,” Ginger said.
Lakadara’s golden eyes were flickering as she examined the land. Suddenly, she turned, long neck arching toward the Erisdalian Queen. “And what must I do? Fight on your kingdom’s behalf?”
Ginger shook her head. “No.”
“No?”
“Nope. If you would like to do so we can renegotiate the agreement, but my husband and I fully intend to grant you this land.”
The dragon’s tail lifted up as her eyes narrowed. “Explain yourself and the favor you seek. This is far too generous.”
“Let me explain myself first. If what I’m told by my experts is correct, you can lay eggs by yourself without a mate, but it takes time right? A few decades?”
“Yes. Still, that doesn’t explain—”
“Here me out. This war is going to end. We may lose, but if we win, banishing you to the north is making you Queen Titania’s problem and she’ll have more than enough problems to deal with. You might just end up coming south again and we know how that ended. I’d prefer to avoid that so that means we need to make an agreement. You need a new home and I need peace for Erisdale. If the kingdom has to give up some poor agricultural land then I’m all for it.”
The dragon nodded. “I see, but why so much land? Why not just give me a cave? Or request my service as Thorgoth did?”
“And how will you eat? Hunt? Where will your grown children go? I’m making an agreement that will last for decades, not just a few years. As for service? I was tempted, but you wouldn’t agree to that anyway and why should you? We haven’t given you any reason to agree.” Ginger gave Frances a wave to dispel the map. “Maybe in the future we can work something out, especially if the dragon population increases. Your service in return for more food, but again, I want to start us off on the right path, not the left path.”
“Left path?” Lakadara asked.
“Erisdalian expression. It means the wrong path,” Frances said helpfully.
Lakadara nodded slowly. “You still ask for a boon, though.”
Ginger nodded. “Yes. I want you to speak to your siblings. Before the upcoming battle starts, tell them of my deal with you. So long as they choose to accept that deal and defect, then I will have it so our forces will not hurt them. After that, you may leave. I will not request you to fight with us.”
“You want me to show myself to Thorgoth? To the siblings that tried to kill me?” Lakadara asked, mouth agape.
Ginger stepped closer to the dragon, who lifted her head away from the queen. “I want you to save your siblings. I want you to save yourself from becoming the last purple dragon in existence. I would rather you not be alone, stewing in hatred for my kingdom and our allies who brought down your family, even if we had just cause. I want peace. What do you want?”
“How do I know I can trust you?” The dragon suddenly grimaced. “Ah, right, you want a lasting peace. You have every reason to want peace.”
Ginger, arms crossed tapped her foot. Frances could see how stiff her friend was, but the action was also comforting. That her magic-less friend had such control over the situation, despite being faced with the dragon was rather…badass.
Letting out a puff of smoke that slowly drifted into the cavern, the dragon pondered the queen’s proposal. Frances held her breath and yet the dragon remained silent, only her tail moving from side to side.
Ginger waited, still content to wait for the dragon’s answer. Frances couldn’t. The tension coiled in her chest, waiting to explode.
“Lakadara, what do you want for your future?” Frances asked.
The dragon glanced at Frances, golden eyes wide. She turned back to Ginger, who continued to stand tall, awaiting Lakadara’s answer patiently.
“I accept your offer, and your promise for the future,” said Lakadara, dipping her head.
“We are glad that you wish the same as we do,” said Ginger. She extended her hand and Lakadara, took her claw and put the tip of it on the queen’s palm.
*Author’s Note: Queenly Ginger was really neat to write 😀 *

I’m working on a reference genome for a non-model plant and need some advice.
I annotated the genome using Braker3, my inputs were a Viridiplantae protein db fasta and a lot of CCS RNA-seq reads from leaves and flowers.
After running, I ended up with about 28k mRNAs and 25k genes. BUSCO is 96% complete.
When I read genome papers, they usually report 30k+ genes and use homology based methods (like GeMoMa) + ab initio (like Braker). Sometimes they’ll add transcriptome assisted stuff with Trinity and filter transcripts through PASA to predict gene models. Personally, I don’t think this last step is necessary when you’re using Braker? If I’m wrong please correct me.
Do my gene statistics seem too low? I’m running GeMoMa right now using four species to provide homology based predictions. 3 are in the same order and have 24k, 33k, 28k genes in order of decreasing evolutionary distance to my species.
Should I run GeMoMa and combine the Braker gtf with the GeMoMa gff? It’s so hard to know what the best thing to do is. I plan on doing a lot of orthogroup comparisons across species so I want my analyses on gene duplications and stuff to be as accurate as possible, but it’s just tough when you can’t really know the absolute truth in genomics.
Anyway, any advice or thoughts would be much appreciated!
EDIT: added that my CCS reads were from some RNA-seq I did, not genomic DNA lol

Reminder that the Red Line will be closing from Takoma to Glenmont starting on the 1st.
https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/plans/2024-red-line-construction/
There will be shuttles as above. Takoma will reopen in 4 weeks. Everything else will be closed through Aug 31!
Why do they need to shut down?
In short to build a new entrance on the North End of the platform that will connect to the Purple Line station more directly (and MARC). Secondarily they need to close the line to demolish the Spring Street bridge.
A lot of work will be done this summer in Silver Spring. In addition to these two big projects, they will be putting in a lot of track and doing a lot of work on Wayne Ave. They will be working a lot on Sligo Creek's bridge and the yard in Lyttonsville.
The Talbot Ave Bridge is finally open again.
In the newest report to the legislature the opening date for the CCT has been changed from 2027 to 2026, basically when major construction is finished on the line.
In 2024-2025 you can expect to see most of the line and tracks go in. The system may look finished by the end of 2025, but the final track signals, centenary hanging and similar will take much of a year. Expect trains to run regularly in 2026. They will start to run in Glenridge this year but they won't start to test the entire rail line until 2026.
Next year there will likely be a shutdown at Bethesda which will be more disruptive than this one to the region but less to Silver Spring. It may be more localized though to just Bethesda with a bus bridge around it. TBD. They are working on the entrance underground now.

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It's been ... 9 months since my mom got into life altering car accident . And we all lost our only car forever. I have no means of reliable public transportation near me anymore as I used to (I live in Puerto Rico) and getting a job near me is nearly impossible to do. My neighborhood is not walkable and most of the hiring places are near the metropolitan areas far far away from where I currently live in. Applying to remote jobs is also a dead end. I don't wanna be in anymore debt with school so I'm trying to avoid studying another things that I hate so I don't feel the need to pressure myself to like it. I just wanna have a car to move around and get a job and move out of my abusive grandmothers house for once. I'm sick and tired of living like this. I also stopped talking to my fp due to him being flaky and unwilling to let me go since he didn't want anything to do with me romantically anymore but sometimes we'd both still be sexually attracted to one another. I can't just be friends with someone who doesn't love me anymore, I told him this a thousand times and he didn't want to listen to me and leave me alone until another huge argument about an offensive racist joke he made just because I sent him a song to listen to and it was made by a South Korean dj on YouTube and I just split on him again. And even tho my anger was justified I still feel like crap. I still love him. I know he doesn't deserve me. But I feel like I'm not an easy person to love either. I don't know what to do. I feel like I keep trying to have friends and new love interests but I'm not made for casual ones nowadays. I'm intense. I love love and I love caring about others and helping people and being of service to anybody because if I don't feel like I'm helping anyone I feel I have no purpose in my life and I hate that because I know I'm just as important to look after myself but I wanna be part of caring community for once in my life, I want it to be permanent. I'm tired of temporary people and things. I have a big mouth. I don't just stay quiet and pretty for everyone to look at only. I'm not just a doll everyone can use and abuse. I'm a real person. I have feelings. I have every given right to live my life as unapologetically me. But I'm so tired of being alone and misunderstood unprovoked. I have no close friends anymore and the only person I had considered close revealed they were a pedo preying on a child years ago. I feel so angry cuz it doesn't matter how much time I spent with people they will somehow always disappoint me and boy do I have such simple boundaries with friendships (such as not being an awful person to me and others) which is incredibly hard for many to do. I can't stand living on my own anymore. Just the other day my mom and brother ganged up verbally on me and I just had a brief flashback on how they did the same when my moms ex did that to me with him putting my own family against me. All because he hated me standing up for myself against his racist behavior. I've had enough of this. I'm trying and trying to find a job a solution to get myself out of this and to make sure my family are safe and healthy. But when everyone and everythings against me it's when I don't even feel safe in my own room. There's always something. Don't even get me started with the state of the world right now. I'm already depressed as is due to COVID/Birdflu/etccxx spreading around and about Palestine, Sudan, DRC and many other nations are in a crisis right now and we're just supposed to keep living like this forever? I don't WANT THIS ANYMORE. Why do any of us have to deal with this? Jesus Christ I just wanna live normally. I don't ask for much and yet that's apparently a lot to ask for. I'm tired. I'm restless. Everyday !!!! ITS EVERYDAY!!!!! I don't feel safe in my own home, neighborhood, town, island or anywhere actually!!!! I don't wanna be a doomer. I want good things. I want a good life, and I want to be happy. But there's so much misery. I'm trying so hard to look at the bigger picture but I cannot ignore myself and others dismay over everything that's been happening over the last 5 years. How do I even do this without losing myself and my love for life? I've done everything and yet I'm still horrified I may not be able to live long enough to enjoy the seeds I've planted and have plans to plant more. This is unfair.
I’m deleting this soon but for now I feel way better letting this out of my system after a culmination of 5+ years of this ruminating in me.

My family is planning to visit relatives in Spain in October. My wife (non US citizen) and I will visit as well, but then do a honeymoon which we were never able to due to COVID with this plan:
Spain (stay 4-5 days)
Fly to Switzerland (Stay 2-3 days)
Train to France (Stay 2-3 days) then return to the US
It's a rushed trip, but we're taking what we can get due to both starting new jobs.
The Visa application wants a clear itinerary w/ plane tickets + hotel booking, but this seems like a steep financial commitment, and then if the application gets rejected?
Do we apply for a visa for Spain since that is our entry country and just a letter of invitation from my family? We will book the other accommodations after.

Does anyone know when the next crop season starts and what we think we will have? I think 6/1 but not 100% on that. Trying to start planning what to do with the plants, bags, etc I have now.