Tw:death
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I’m 40f. The man I have been in love with every day for 2.5 years fell off the wagon while I was in the psych ward for suicidal ideations and untreated bipolar disorder.
He passed away last month. He fell and wasn’t breathing for over 10 minutes before anyone noticed. It was only him being an organ donor that put him on life support that meant that I got to see him and say goodbye, I didn’t get out of my own hospital stay until he had been on life support for days.
We missed each other like ships in the night. I was excited to show him all the progress that I had made and how much better of a partner I was going to be for us.
Because I was first in a psych ward then in a step down where they could work on finding me a place to live temporarily, I haven’t seen my friends or spoken to much of anyone in 2 months. The last few weeks we were given a privilege of “phone time” for 45 minutes every day where we weren’t supposed to text, everyone does anyway, and I spent that time texting him. He told me he loves me repeatedly. He can’t wait for us to go out and he’s going to hold me when we get to go to the movies together… it was just like it always had been.
The last text I got from him was that he had a new girl, he would always be there for me though. Then, silence. I thought he ghosted me, as I didn’t take the news well (think “we were on a break!” And “I’m still your girlfriend!” Etc)
Four days later I’m out, contact his mom about getting his car out of my name. She tells me she didn’t know how to get a hold of me, and what the situation is.
This was all a hectic 2 weeks or so ago. I spent all the time his family couldn’t being at the hospital so he wasn’t alone. Through ICU, pulling the plug, and watching his body fight for life for 3 extra days. He passed last week.
I’m staying at a temporary living place for 30 days from mid May when I got out, the function of which is to allow homeless to get the world spinning back under our feet again. Mine stopped, what feels like permanently, the day after I got here.
I went through his room, that was our room, in his parent’s house to collect some of my things. I couldn’t determine which notebooks were his and which were mine, so I ended up finding in his writing that he pitied me because of my disability, that all my venting (when I thought I was making him proud for how I was handling things) annoyed the shit out of him… that my depression made him prefer to live with a dung beetle than me. None of this was expressed ever. I feel like I’ve been gaslit like crazy, my internal barometer is shattered next to my heart and I no longer believe anyone who says they give a shit. That being said, I recognize now that I must mourn the person I thought he was, like mourning a character from a tv show after the actor dies.
I used to find motivation in fear, in needing to keep up with social needs. It fostered a 20 year career in IT and 6 figures living in a posh part of town before a disability came like a wrecking ball through my life.
I can’t make myself go back to the hospital where they will take my phone away and someone else I love might be dying.
I have applied for several jobs, but can’t face selling myself like I have to. I only have 2 weeks left here before I’m out in the street but I can’t make myself do anything that isn’t laying in bed, crying, maybe walking to fill the water jugs, then repeating that cycle. (I was working on a photo book for his elderly parents but I’m finding my limit of looking at his amazing face while I’m being given updates on where we are on the cremation process. It is too heartbreaking.)
Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone.
I don’t have anyone who can help me get on track, or who can help me keep going. He was my everything, my favourite person, my personal cheerleader. How am I supposed to put up a wall around that hurt, the broken barometer and matching heart, so I can try to be on the market for a job?

Newton's third law, also known as the law of action and reaction, states that for every action, there is an equal in force and opposite in direction reaction. This fundamental principle is undoubtedly familiar to Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, who remarkably became the president of a university before the age of thirty. Despite his humble beginnings and his background as an academic, he astonishingly became a billionaire while leading an organization purportedly dedicated to the common good of his people. Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, currently resides in Qatar alongside several other Hamas leaders. The United States, Israel, and the European Union have all designated the organization he commands (Hamas) a terrorist organization effectively designating him and the rest of the organization leaders terrorists. So why have America and Israel not demanded his extradition and the rest of Hamas leaders after the October 7 terrorist attack? After all, Qatar, the country providing safe haven for him and other Hamas leaders, is essentially an American state in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, hosting the largest US military base in the Middle East, which makes this incongruity situation the more baffling.
When America accused Osama bin Laden of orchestrating the attack on New York, it pursued his capture relentlessly until his demise. Why, then, has similar action not been taken against Haniyeh and the other Hamas leaders residing in Qatar? Why does Israel continue to bomb the Palestinian people in Gaza, knowing that 60% of its residents are women and children, while Hamas members barely constitute 3% of the population? These are critical questions that the people on both sides of this conflict must ask.
Reports indicate that the Netanyahu government facilitated money transfers from Qatar to Hamas. Regardless of the excuses, this situation perplexes observers. Why not dismantle Hamas from the top down and stop, for example, financing it? The reality is that Hamas's main line of finance passes through Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, with suitcases full of tens of millions of dollars provided by Qatar, which currently harbors Hamas leaders. These leaders are considered terrorists by the U.S., the EU, and Israel, regardless of the distinctions claimed between Hamas's political and militant sections.
It is certain that Haniyeh and his fellow Hamas leaders were acutely aware that their actions on October 7 would provoke not just an equal but a significantly greater reaction. They evidently knew well that the consequences would be devastating for the Palestinian people in Gaza. This is evident as they evacuated their families and loved ones to Turkey and Qatar before greenlighting the annihilation of Gaza. Even Sinwar, hiding in Gaza tunnels with his family, didn't want to leave his loved ones to become victims of the bombardments alongside the rest of the poor Gazans.
From an Islamic legal standpoint, considering that this organization (Hamas) draws upon religious tenets and professes to be the Islamic Resistance Movement, if we assume that the operation initiated by the leadership on the morning of October 7 was intended to combat what they perceive as Israel's malevolence, an Islamic legal principle dictates: "It is not permissible to remove evil with a greater evil; rather, evil must be removed with what eliminates or reduces it." Preventing what they perceive as evil with a greater evil is unanimously forbidden in Muslim theology and is prohibited.
And what about the Islamic rules prohibiting attacking civilians non-combatants especially women and children? Why are the sons of Hamas leaders not among the Hamas fighters if this is a holy war? Why not take the honor of participating in it? Questions must be asked and answered.
This further illustrates that Hamas does not adhere to Islamic principles as it claims, for it fails to adhere to Islamic legal principles. If they are an Islamic resistance as claimed, their actions, as plainly visible, inflict harm upon innocent civilians on both sides, Muslims and Jewish alike.
Therefore, who are they truly, and what are the actual objectives, strategies, and actions of their organization? And is the terrorist attack on October 7 truly Operation Al-Aqsa flood or the aftermath and the subsequent consequences are the real flood that devastated Gaza and its people?
Unraveling the connections between Hamas' leadership and elements in Israel reveals a complex web. Haniyeh's directives to commit the October 7 terrorist attacks, killing and kidnapping hundreds of civilians, have tragically harmed the Palestinian people, leading to Gaza's occupation, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, and leaving the region in ruins, totally destroyed and rendering it uninhabitable with hundreds of thousands homeless.
in the aftermath of this devastation, Haniyeh's negotiation demands reveal a striking irony. He seeks the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, a ceasefire, and guarantees for international assistance in rebuilding Gaza. However, these were the conditions prior to the terrorist attack he orchestrated. At that time, Gaza was thriving, casualties were minimized, and the Israeli army wasn't occupying the territory.
Speaking of negotiations, why is it that Israeli intelligence agency leaders are the ones engaging in negotiations with Hamas leaders, such as Haniyeh, who identifies himself as the president of the Hamas political office? If the Netanyahu government is unwilling to extradite him despite his designation as a terrorist and wishes to treat him as a political figure, why do they send the head of the Mossad to negotiate with him and other members of the Hamas political office? Why not utilize counterparts from within Netanyahu’s government? This question must be asked.
Many questions need to be raised and asked by people on both sides and around the world.
What has Haniyeh and Hamas truly achieved if his demands are met? His demands echo the conditions before his destructive actions, highlighting the futility and counterproductive nature of Hamas' tactics for the Palestinian people.
In the intricate tapestry of conflict, extremists on both sides are not isolated entities—they are symbiotic. Their existence feeds off one another, like flames that require oxygen to burn. The cycle perpetuates: each action by one side triggers an equal and opposite reaction from the other. The rhetoric, the violence, the entrenched ideologies—they thrive in this toxic dance.
Extremists rely on their counterparts to justify their existence. They call upon each other, amplifying their voices, perpetuating the narrative of perpetual enmity. The tragedy lies not only in their destructive actions but also in their mutual reinforcement. As long as they remain locked in this deadly embrace, peace remains elusive.
Breaking this cycle demands courage—the courage to challenge the status quo, to seek common ground, and to recognize that humanity transcends borders and affiliations. Only then can we unravel the web of extremism, weaving a new narrative—one of empathy, coexistence, and hope.

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine is widely recognized for its benefits to heart health, muscle strength, and overall well-being, but its impact on longevity and aging is also significant. Understanding how certain types of exercise can influence the aging process provides valuable insight for those looking to not only extend their lifespan but improve their health as they age.

The Science of Aging and Exercise

At the cellular level, exercise has been shown to affect several biological mechanisms that are directly related to aging. For example:

• Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age, are better maintained in individuals who engage in regular physical activity.
• Mitochondrial function, vital for energy production and commonly declines with age, is enhanced by regular physical activity.

Recent studies, including those published in journals like "Aging Cell" and "The Journal of Physiology," have documented how resistance training and aerobic exercises enhance longevity. These studies found that such activities not only improve physical function but also reduce the risk of chronic diseases commonly associated with aging, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Types of Longevity Workouts

Various exercise routines are touted for their anti-aging benefits:

• Strength Training: Helps combat the loss of muscle mass and bone density that comes with age.
• Cardiovascular Fitness: Improves heart health and increases lifespan by reducing risk factors for heart disease.
• Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Important for maintaining mobility and reducing the risk of falls, a common issue as people age.

Expert Opinions

Insights from fitness experts and gerontologists highlight the best practices for longevity workouts. They advocate for a balanced approach that includes a mix of:

• Aerobic exercise for cardiovascular health.
• Resistance training for muscle and bone strength.
• Flexibility routines to preserve joint health and mobility.

Real-Life Success Stories

Real-Life Success Stories of Longevity Workouts

The transformative power of longevity workouts can be seen in the stories of individuals who have dramatically improved their health and fitness through consistent exercise.
CrossFit Enthusiasts Over 65 CrossFit has not only served as a robust workout regime but also a community hub for many seniors. Mary Schwing and Sandy Stevens, both over 65, have seen significant improvements in their health due to their dedication to CrossFit. Mary, who started CrossFit at 59, has managed to outperform her younger self year after year, even placing in competitive events well into her 60s. Similarly, Sandy started CrossFit at 71 and has continued to push her physical limits, accomplishing feats like 26 wall walks in a single workout. Both women cite the community and the challenge as key motivators in maintaining their fitness regimes​
​Leah Misch's Journey with 'Minutes in Motion' Leah Misch's fitness transformation began with a simple commitment to 30 minutes of daily exercise, leading to significant lifestyle changes. Over three years, she not only lost weight but also completed several 5Ks and a half-marathon, significantly improving her overall health and vitality. Leah credits the structured challenge of "Minutes in Motion" for helping her stay consistent and motivated​
​HIIT Workout Transformations High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has proven effective for people of all ages looking to enhance their fitness. Michael, a software engineer, used HIIT to gain muscle and strength, achieving results he never thought possible with just short, intense sessions. Lisa, a marketing manager and avid runner, overcame a plateau by incorporating HIIT into her routine, which improved her agility and firmness, and enhanced mental clarity​
​These stories highlight not just the physical benefits of dedicated exercise routines but also the mental and emotional improvements that accompany a healthier lifestyle. The success of these individuals showcases how adopting fitness regimes, particularly those involving community and structured challenges, can lead to substantial long-term benefits.

Integrating Longevity Workouts into Your Routine

Practical tips for beginning these workouts safely, regardless of current fitness level:

1. Start Slow: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
2. Consult Professionals: Get guidance from fitness trainers or physical therapists, especially when starting new exercises.
3. Stay Consistent: Regularity is key in achieving and maintaining benefits.

Conclusion

Exercise is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Engaging in routines that focus on longevity can not only help extend your lifespan but also enhance the quality of your life as you age. As we continue to see advances in our understanding of how exercise impacts aging, incorporating these practices becomes ever more essential.

I found the absolue love of my life. I’m 24F, been in several long-ish relationships, nothing that has ever been so right for me as this. Genuinely feel like I found my person who I want to be with for the rest of my life.
We’ve been together 9 months and started seriously talking about our future together, marriage kids and all that. He is very excited about having one or two kids one day and really talking about it made my heart sink. I have nothing against kids just never have had the desire to be a mom. I know I’m still young so who knows maybe I’ll change my mind.
I guess I’m just scared, I feel like I should know by now whether or not that’s something I’ll want for my future but I don’t know. All I can say is the older I’ve gotten and the more people I’ve known who have had kids themselves, the less I feel like I want to make all the sacrifices that I know it would take to be a good parent.
If I knew for certain I didn’t want kids, it would be a sad but easy decision that we are not compatible. I don’t want this relationship that’s so fulfilling to me to end because of an uncertainty. But I also don’t want to be with someone who is constantly hoping I’ll change my mind
I don’t know if I’m looking for advice or just want to get this off my chest because it’s weighing on me heavily right now. If anyone had a similar internal conflict I’d love to hear how things turned out for you

About two years ago I had my first real suicidal thoughts. I was on parental leave with my two kids for a long time. I had this feeling then that suicide was now “real” and that I would be visited by these thoughts again and again. Like they had transitioned from a concept to a real thing that might happen to me.
I have thought suicide since then, but today is the first time it has been as real as it was those days wheee my mind is spiraling around this concept and I’m posting on here. Something very small triggered this and that’s why it is so scary.
I had a small fight with my wife. We were swimming in the river in my favorite place with the kids. We were playing on a rock in the middle of the river and I pushed her in after we horses around a bit. When she came up out of the water she was really mad and I was so shocked by that. We had been laughing horsing around just seconds before. She has every right to get mad if she didn’t want to be pushed in. The point I guess is just that I wasn’t expecting it at all. I thought we were all on cloud 9.
As soon as she came up out of the water and I could see she was mad my heart started to plummet. After a few minutes of not being able to make it better I was already in a totally emotionless state, just getting ready to survive the rest of the day. Is this dissociating? I never really understood that term.
She was mad for about an hour and we stopped swimming and drove home. After an hour she was done being mad and wanted to go about the rest of our day and accepted my apology and acted like nothing was wrong. Probably nothing was wrong.
But for me, things just continued to plummet. On the car ride home during that hour internally I was just in complete free fall like a planet crashing. On the outside I was just hyper focusing on driving smoothly all the way home. My secret desire would be that she would fall asleep so I would feel more alone and safe to openly feel bad in the car.
We had to take our girls to a birthday party after this. I just continue to plummet internally. On the way home we stopped to buy a present while the girls slept in the car. My wife went in the store and I sat in the car and researched self harm and cutting.
At the party I talked nicely to the other parents at the party and even joked and played with the kids. Even made plans for more river swimming next weekend with some of the other parents. I had found a rubber hair tie in the car and I occasionally found a quiet corner at the party to snap my skin with it.
We watched a movie with the girls when we got home. We always watch a movie on Saturday night. My wife leaned against me, but I wanted to physically recoil.
I put the girls to bed and pretended to sleep to avoid my wife. I started researching suicide for the first time in two years.
I don’t understand why when I am in a very happy mood, like today when we were swimming in my favorite place and out in nature, that some small criticism or fight can completely ruin it. It’s not just like we were having fun swimming and that one bad thing happened. To me it is like the entire positive emotion of the situation is multiplied by negative 1. Instead of the happiest I have been in a long time, I am at the lowest I have been in a long time.
I also feel this feeling like, if I thought my wife would be happy from our play but was sad, do i really understand her at all? Maybe every time I have been having fun she has been suffering. Maybe I have been delusional and I am really completely alone in my own world with my imaginary concept of her. In reality there is a huge gap between us.
When I feel this way I get this feeling that I am 100% disconnected from her. I feel like a stranger in my own family or that I am living with a stranger. I want to avoid her and don’t want to show any emotion to her or look her in the eye. It can take days to recover from this feeling of absolute separation.
Anyway, I just needed to write this somewhere. If anybody has names for these feelings or patterns of behavior, it might help me to know them so I can research myself a bit.
Thanks

Hey folks, hope you're all having a great day/evening/night/morning wherever you are! I'm in a weird state in life so buying such amazing sets like Rivendell and Notre Dame have to wait. However, I wanted to get some ideas like "what would you build with parts from these sets" as I've got some old sets.
Namely, I have the old 3,000 or so piece Eiffel Tower set from 2008 that I must admit, I don't really care to rebuild (I'd sure maybe like the new one but omg so much grey lol and THIS one practically put my bestfriend and I to sleep building it!) Anyways... that set has been in pieces for a couple years now and I also have the old Taj Mahal set from around 2009, disassembled into the larger sections, but I kind of want to maybe change it up. So, between these two sets along I have nearly 10,000 Lego pieces.
I've never been the best at building from my own imagination, much to probably my friends' and family's surprise as I've always had a big imagination, but I digress. What I really want to build is something like a large cathedral or similar. Maybe a castle. Or Gondor (Minis Tirith)? Do you all have any ideas in mind when thinking about these two sets and their pieces? We got a set that's practically 100% a darker grey color brick and then another that's mostly white, with some other colors sprinkled in. I do have other sets I could use but I think most of them are a little too... stand-out with their colors. Suppose they could be used for internals or structure pieces that ultimately get covered up? I'm open to ideas and advice!
Going along with the ideas and advice... do you have any ideas on how to be a better custom builder? I see these posts of people building stuff like the absolutely legendary Sagrada Família or the US Capitol Building, to massive space ships to absolutely incredible village landscapes covering multiple tables. I've tinkered in the past with the Lego design software but I don't know if I am doing it wrong, I'd like to think I am not as I'm an avid computer builder, gamer, and have several years in IT, so I don't know, do others share my sentiment that the Lego software isn't very user-friendly or is it just me? Do you use that software to help with designing something or do you just put pieces together and tinker, take it apart, etc etc?
Thank you for reading and any helpful replies!

Note: The following is based on our real experiences, we share this to try encourage and inspire others with our journey.
Flo (F:37 - straight) Fox (M:39 - demisexual/bi) Jasper (M:41 - gay)
In the bustling heart of the city, where love and ambition intertwine, Flo has been crafting her own little slice of paradise. This year marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a teacher’s aide, a path she’s embraced with all the enthusiasm of a woman reinventing herself. Between homeschooling her two children and diving into her new career, Flo has found joy in the delicate balance of chaos and structure.
Enter Fox, her charming and supportive husband, whose three-to-four-day workweek, stretching from Tuesday to Wednesday and occasionally spilling into weekends, keeps him occupied yet ever-present. Together, they navigate the daily dance of work, parenting, and partnership, ensuring there’s always food on the table and love in the home.
Their second youngest, Ethan, recently embarked on his own adventure: starting school. The excitement of this new chapter, however, was met with unforeseen challenges. Ethan’s transition hasn’t been smooth, and his behavioral issues prompted a call to action from his concerned parents and teachers alike. The school, sensing the need for a different approach, offered Flo and Fox two choices: either find an alternative school or reduce Ethan’s hours to just the mornings, aiming to ease his adjustment.
But this modern family’s story isn’t just about the traditional roles. Enter Jasper, the third pillar in this polyamorous partnership. Jasper, with his keen insight and unwavering support, suggested that the key to helping Ethan might lie in bringing more structure into their home life. His recommendation was clear: it was time to consider a child behavioral therapist to guide Ethan and provide the stability he needed.
Together, Flo, Fox, and Jasper decided to start by implementing a consistent bedtime routine. This was more than just a strategy; it was a commitment to creating a nurturing environment where Ethan could learn to respect authority and develop the skills needed for school and beyond.
The routine had an immediate and noticeable effect as they fell into their new structure. The choas become calm, the anxiety and tension in their air became soothing and Flo & Fox finally felt in control as a team.
As the trio worked to establish this new routine, they realized it wasn’t just about helping Ethan. It was about reinforcing their bond as a family, embracing the complexities of their love, and ensuring that every member felt supported and understood. Flo couldn’t help but feel grateful for Jasper’s wisdom and Fox’s unwavering partnership.
Through it all, the family’s principle of 'family first' has been the guiding light. This approach has underscored every decision, every strategy, and every loving intervention. It’s a beautiful reminder that, no matter the structure or size of a family, what matters most is the unwavering support and love that binds it together.
As Flo eloquently put it during one of their many family meetings, "We’re not just a polyamorous group; we’re a family. And families are about coming together, no matter the challenge, and supporting each other with love and understanding."
So, here's to families—of all shapes, sizes, and dynamics—who prioritize each other above all. In the end, it’s the love and support that create the foundation for every success and every milestone achieved, just like Ethan’s journey to thriving in his new structured world.

This post will repeat weekly through the month of December. Please repost or cross post as a way to promote this subreddit. Or ignore this one and check out our others! I apologize if it's cramping your style, but when I work hard on certain posts I want to be sure they are useful! I also am working on making these shorter so they don't get lost in the madness....
Scroll down for the Character Questions and create a thoughtful and empathetic profile of your main characters for your projects!
As always please use these as sparks to create and feel free to post your responses and ideas in comments or separate post! This is YOUR subreddit so go ahead and post away!
Prompt: Imagine a dystopian world where an oppressive government has successfully erased all forms of personal identity and history. In this society, individuals are assigned generic roles and are forbidden from expressing their unique thoughts, emotions, or experiences. Write a short story or reflective essay exploring the life of a character who discovers a hidden underground community that encourages self-expression and reignites the importance of personal narratives.
In your response, consider the following:

1. Character and World Building:
   • Describe the protagonist's background, their assigned role, and their initial perception of the oppressive world they inhabit.
   • Develop the hidden underground community, including its purpose, structure, and the means through which it safeguards personal stories.
   • Create a contrast between the protagonist's initial world and the underground community, highlighting the impact of personal narratives on shaping identity and resisting oppression.
2. Plot Analysis:
   • Outline the protagonist's journey of discovery, including their initial skepticism, the influential encounters they have within the underground community, and the personal sacrifices they make to preserve their identity.
   • Explore the challenges and conflicts faced by the protagonist, both externally (e.g., encounters with government authorities) and internally (e.g., the struggle to confront their identity).
3. Deep Introspection:
   • Prompt the protagonist to reflect deeply on the uncomfortable subjects that the government's erasure of personal narratives seeks to suppress. These could include topics such as individuality, memory, trauma, and the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and resistance.
   • Encourage the protagonist to evolve their thoughts and perceptions throughout the narrative, considering the consequences of silence and the potential for personal growth through self-expression and sharing.
4. Requirements for Responses:
   • Conduct research to explore real-world examples of societies that suppress personal narratives or attempt to erase collective memory.
5. Prompt: In a post-apocalyptic world, a devastating pandemic has wiped out most of humanity. The survivors are forced to live in isolated communities, each with its own set of strict rules and customs. Write a short story or reflective essay exploring the life of a character who questions the existing order and embarks on a journey to unite these fragmented communities. Consider the role of unity, diversity, and collaboration in rebuilding a shattered world.
6. Prompt: Set in a future where advanced AI technology has permeated every aspect of society, write a story or reflective essay following a protagonist who begins to question the boundaries between human and machine. Delve into the ethical implications of human-AI relationships, the erosion of human emotions, and the potential consequences of blurring the line between artificial and genuine experiences.
7. Prompt: Imagine a world where climate change and environmental degradation have irreversibly altered the planet. Write a story or reflective essay from the perspective of a character who is part of a group striving to restore balance and heal the damaged Earth. Explore the connections between personal responsibility, collective action, and the intersections of social and environmental justice.
8. Prompt: Transport yourself to a society where strict social hierarchies are based on a person's genetic makeup. Write a short story or reflective essay following a character who challenges this system and advocates for equality and inclusivity. Examine the role of genetic determinism, discrimination, and the power of individual agency in reshaping social structures.
9. Prompt: Imagine a world where art and creativity are considered illegal, seen as tools of subversion and chaos. Write a story or reflective essay from the perspective of an artist who risks everything to defy this oppressive regime and reclaim the power of artistic expression. Analyze the significance of art as a form of resistance, its ability to inspire change, and its impact on personal and societal transformation.

Remember to consider the following for each of the prompts to insure a well rounded and thought out premise that will engage the audience and allow room for growth in the plot.
Prompt 1 - Post-Apocalyptic Community Building:

• Consider the unique customs, rules, and societal structures of each isolated community.
• Explore the protagonist's motivation for questioning the existing order and their vision for uniting the communities.
• Analyze the challenges and conflicts faced in the journey of uniting fragmented communities and the potential benefits and drawbacks of unity.

Prompt 2 - Ethical Implications of AI Technology:

• Reflect on the protagonist's personal experiences and interactions with AI, including the blurring of boundaries between human and machine.
• Explore the ethical dilemmas and consequences of advancing AI technology.
• Analyze the impact of human emotions, genuine experiences, and the potential loss or transformation of human qualities in a society heavily influenced by AI.

Prompt 3 - Environmental Restoration and Social Justice:

• Consider the protagonist's role in the restoration of the damaged Earth and their motivations for taking action.
• Explore the intersections of social justice and the environment, including the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.
• Analyze the challenges of collective action, personal responsibility, and the potential for transformative change in healing the planet and addressing social inequalities.

Prompt 4 - Genetic Hierarchy and Social Change:

• Reflect on the protagonist's experience within the rigid social hierarchy based on genetics.
• Analyze the implications of genetic determinism and discrimination in shaping social structures.
• Explore the role of individual agency, activism, and the potential strategies for challenging and reshaping the genetic-based hierarchy.

Prompt 5 - Artistic Expression as Resistance:

• Consider the protagonist's personal experiences as an artist within an oppressive regime.
• Reflect on the significance of artistic expression as a form of resistance and its power to inspire change and challenge societal norms.
• Analyze the risks, sacrifices, and potential outcomes associated with defying an oppressive regime through art.

1. Chick Lit: Write a chick lit novel or short story following a relatable protagonist navigating the challenges of love, career, and self-discovery. Explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and finding balance in a fast-paced, modern world.
2. Young Readers' Adventure: Imagine a group of young friends who stumble upon a hidden portal to another realm. Write an adventure novel or short story as they embark on a quest to save a magical world from darkness. Delve into themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination.
3. Historical Fiction: Set in a time of significant historical events, write a novel or short story highlighting a lesser-known figure or group of people. Research the historical context meticulously and emphasize the character's resilience, struggles, and contributions during that tumultuous period.
4. Fantasy: Create a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures, magic, and ancient prophecies. Write a novel or short story following a young protagonist who discovers their extraordinary abilities and must navigate a treacherous journey to fulfill their destiny. Explore themes of self-discovery, heroism, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
5. Mystery/Thriller: Write a gripping mystery or thriller novel following a seasoned detective or amateur sleuth investigating a perplexing crime. Develop complex characters, suspenseful plot twists, and an intricate web of clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end.
6. Science Fiction: Set in a future where technological advancements have transformed society, write a novel or short story exploring the ethical and societal implications of groundbreaking inventions. Examine themes such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or virtual reality and their impact on humanity's future.
7. Romance: Craft a heartwarming romance novel or short story centered around two individuals from different backgrounds or opposing sides. Explore themes of love, forgiveness, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
8. Coming-of-Age: Write a coming-of-age novel or short story following a young protagonist's journey of self-discovery, identity formation, and navigating the complexities of adolescence. Explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.
9. Psychological Thriller: Create a psychological thriller novel or short story that delves into the intricacies of the human mind. Focus on a protagonist who becomes entangled in a web of deception, manipulation, and paranoia. Explore themes of trust, perception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
10. Family Drama: Write a novel or short story exploring the dynamics and complexities within a multi-generational family. Include themes of love, secrets, and conflicts that arise as family members navigate their relationships, face past traumas, and strive for reconciliation.

Considerations for each prompt:

• Genre-specific elements: Ensure your story incorporates the defining characteristics and tropes of the chosen genre, such as the tone, pacing, and narrative conventions.
• Character development: Develop dynamic and relatable characters who undergo significant growth or transformation throughout the story.
• Plot structure: Create a compelling plot that introduces conflict, builds tension, and resolves in a satisfying manner, adhering to the common structure of the chosen genre.
• Themes and messages: Select themes that resonate with the genre and explore them through the characters' experiences and narrative development.
• Reader engagement: Craft a story that captivates the intended audience, keeping them invested in the characters and eager to uncover what happens next.

1. Historical Romance: Write a one-page historical romance set in a lavish ballroom during the Victorian era. Focus on the forbidden love between a spirited debutante and a mysterious gentleman from a different social class.
2. Science Fiction Comedy: Craft a one-page comedic story set in a futuristic space station. Follow the misadventures of a clumsy maintenance technician who unwittingly saves the day against all odds.
3. Paranormal Mystery: Pen a one-page mystery story set in a haunted mansion. Introduce a skeptical paranormal investigator who must solve the mystery of a ghostly apparition that has been terrorizing the inhabitants.
4. Literary Fiction: Write a one-page literary fiction piece centered around a character's contemplation of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
5. Action Adventure: Craft a one-page action-packed adventure story set in the jungles of an unexplored island. Follow a daring archaeologist's quest for a hidden treasure while battling against treacherous obstacles and rival adventurers.
6. Psychological Drama: Create a one-page psychological drama following the internal struggles of a troubled artist as they grapple with their inner demons and seek redemption.
7. Magical Realism: Write a one-page magical realism story set in a sleepy coastal town. Explore the extraordinary occurrences that happen when an enigmatic mermaid washes ashore and disrupts the mundane lives of the townsfolk.
8. Thriller: Craft a one-page thriller story involving a race against time. Follow a determined protagonist as they try to decipher cryptic clues and prevent a citywide disaster.
9. Fantasy Adventure: Pen a one-page fantasy adventure story set in a whimsical realm. Follow a young hero's quest to retrieve a stolen artifact and restore balance to the land, encountering fantastical creatures and overcoming obstacles along the way.
10. Historical Fiction Mystery: Write a one-page historical fiction mystery set during the Roaring Twenties. Follow a quick-witted detective as they unravel a web of deceit and intrigue surrounding a glamorous underground speakeasy in the heart of the city.

Considerations for each prompt:

• Engaging Beginning: Choose a compelling starting point that grabs the reader's attention and hooks them into the story from the very first sentence.
• Concise Plot: Craft a tightly woven plot that can be fully developed within one page, with an introduction, rising action, climax, and resolution.
• Strong Characterization: Develop distinct and memorable characters, even within the limited space, by providing key details that bring them to life and make them relatable to the reader.
• Descriptive Language: Use vivid and sensory language to paint a clear picture of the setting, engage the reader's imagination, and create an immersive reading experience.
• Resolution or Twist: Provide a satisfying resolution to the story or introduce an unexpected twist that leaves the reader intrigued and wanting more.

Protagonist Character Profile:

1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Gender:
4. Physical appearance:
5. Background:
6. Personality traits (list at least five):
7. Core values and beliefs:
8. Motivations and goals:
9. Biggest fear:
10. Internal conflicts:
11. External conflicts:
12. Strengths:
13. Weaknesses:
14. Childhood experiences and their impact:
15. Education and professional background:
16. Relationship status and dynamics:
17. Quirks or peculiar habits:
18. Psychological disorders, if any:
19. Familial relationships and dynamics:
20. Support system (friends, mentors, etc.):
21. Traumatic experiences and their effects:
22. Coping mechanisms:
23. Emotional vulnerabilities:
24. Resilience and determination:
25. Personal growth throughout the story:

Protagonist Character Questions:

1. What drives the protagonist to take action and pursue their goals?
2. How does the protagonist's childhood shape their behaviors and choices?
3. What values does the protagonist hold dear, and how do they influence their decision-making process?
4. What inner conflicts does the protagonist face, and how do they attempt to reconcile them?
5. How does the protagonist's education and professional background contribute to their strengths and weaknesses?
6. What traumatic experiences has the protagonist overcome, and how have these experiences shaped their worldview?
7. How does the protagonist cope with stress or adversity?
8. What relationships and dynamics are most significant to the protagonist, and how do these relationships evolve throughout the story?
9. In what ways does the protagonist exhibit resilience and determination in the face of challenges?
10. How does the protagonist approach personal growth and self-improvement?
11. What psychological disorders, if any, does the protagonist struggle with, and how do these disorders impact their thoughts and actions?
12. How does the protagonist's physical appearance contribute to their self-perception and interactions with others?
13. What unique quirks or habits does the protagonist possess that make them stand out?
14. What are the protagonist's primary desires and aspirations?
15. How does the protagonist's internalized fear drive or hinder their actions?
16. How does the protagonist navigate and resolve external conflicts?
17. What coping mechanisms does the protagonist rely on during times of stress or emotional turmoil?
18. How do familial relationships and dynamics influence the protagonist's actions and decisions?
19. What significant life choices or dilemmas does the protagonist face throughout the story, and how do they respond?
20. In what ways does the protagonist's support system impact their growth and resilience?
21. How does the protagonist's personal development and self-discovery contribute to the overall narrative arc?
22. How does the protagonist's background and experiences shape their perception of the world?
23. What are the protagonist's core beliefs and values, and how do these impact their interactions with others?
24. How does the protagonist handle setbacks or failures, and what lessons do they learn from these experiences?
25. What external influences or societal pressures affect the protagonist's decision-making process?

Antagonist Character Profile:

1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Gender:
4. Physical appearance:
5. Background:
6. Personality traits (list at least five):
7. Core values and beliefs:
8. Motivations and goals:
9. Biggest fear:
10. Internal conflicts:
11. External conflicts:
12. Strengths:
13. Weaknesses:
14. Childhood experiences and their impact $ Go on

1. Education and professional background: 16. Relationship status and dynamics: 17. Quirks or peculiar habits: 18. Psychological disorders, if any: 19. Familial relationships and dynamics: 20. Support system (friends, mentors, etc.): 21. Traumatic experiences and their effects: 22. Coping mechanisms: 23. Emotional vulnerabilities: 24. Strategies for achieving their goals: 25. Methods they employ to antagonize the protagonist:

Antagonist Character Questions:

1. What drives the antagonist to oppose the protagonist and act as an obstacle in their journey?
2. How does the antagonist's background and upbringing contribute to their negative behaviors and motivations?
3. What core values and beliefs does the antagonist hold that align with their antagonistic actions?
4. What personal goals or desires does the antagonist seek to fulfill?
5. What is the biggest fear or insecurity that drives the antagonist's actions?
6. How does the antagonist's internal conflicts manifest and impact their decisions?
7. What external conflicts arise as a result of the antagonist's actions, and how do they handle these conflicts?
8. In what ways does the antagonist exhibit strength and power, and how do these traits affect their interactions with others?
9. What are the antagonist's weaknesses or vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the protagonist?
10. How have childhood experiences shaped the antagonist's worldview and motivations?
11. How does the antagonist's education and professional background contribute to their methods and strategies?
12. What familial relationships or dynamics influence the antagonist's actions and choices?
13. What unique quirks or habits does the antagonist possess that make them distinct or memorable?
14. Are there any psychological disorders or conditions that contribute to the antagonist's behavior?
15. How does the antagonist cope with stress or emotional turmoil?
16. What strategies or tactics does the antagonist employ to achieve their goals and antagonize the protagonist?
17. How do the antagonist's actions impact their relationships and interactions with other characters in the story?

18.How does the antagonist perceive and justify their actions, even if they are considered morally or ethically wrong?

1. What external influences or societal pressures contribute to the antagonist's motivations or actions?
   
2. How does the antagonist's physical appearance contribute to their demeanor and portrayal in the story?
   
3. What significant life choices or dilemmas has the antagonist faced, and how have these shaped their character?
   
4. What is the antagonist's reaction to setbacks or failures, and how do they adapt their strategies?
   
5. How does the antagonist's support system or lack thereof impact their actions and decisions?
   
6. What past traumatic experiences or events have influenced the antagonist's worldview and behaviors?
   
7. How does the antagonist's emotional state or emotional vulnerabilities influence their actions and interactions with others?
   

Gonna be a long read, thanks for going through it.
I'm in Canada. I attended Uni for 1 year studying IT but dropped out, I did not like a single moment about it. It killed my passive mild interest in coding. I wanted to study social work but threw that idea away after feeling completely apathetic after helping homeless people in the city. During my NEET years, I fell in love with a game. Eventually, I got a full-time day job working on a computer, and at night I taught many other players how to get better at that game for free, and some were willing to pay a couple bucks. I tried to advertise myself through YouTube, but it didn't take off fast enough and I had to call it quits from stress of overworking myself after 6 months. I wasn't given the opportunity to work part time to be able to focus more on being able to make it work.
I absolutely loved every second of it. Filling in my free time with coaching sessions, building and maintaining new relationships with players, constantly brainstorming new lesson ideas for videos, working on scripts, recording and editing videos, designing the thumbnail. Every single video I released I cherish with all my heart and am very proud of myself for what I have made, and I love coaching players so much I continue to do it to this day for free, though much more sparingly than I used to.
That was a year ago. Nowadays, I pay $500 in rent to live in my parents home and just go full degenrotting whenever I am not at work. When I am at work, I miserably and quietly suffocate, begging internally to be saved by the grace of spontaneous death or a time skip to the weekend, even though its only just an hour into Monday. It is not an exaggeration when I say it feels like suffering to be at work. This is not a case of the 'I hate Mondays'. I've already used up all my sick days and vacation hours to avoid work as of last week, so that leaves me with 6 months of no paid time off remaining to use. It's only Saturday night as I type this, and I am already dreading and stressed out about how I have to go back to work soon.
The job itself is like gold compared to any other minimum wage job around I've seen for no degree. Insurance benefit, well air conditioned, I sit by a window with a view of trees and grass, work hours are 7-2:30 M-F with 30 min paid lunches, the work is easy too as it is just basic data entry, and travel takes only 5-10 mins by car. My supervisors and manager are extremely passive as well and basically completely leave me alone, not even so much as a progress evaluation or anything of the sort. Because of this, I spend at least 60% of my work time (if not more) just browsing reddit on my phone and take bathroom breaks constantly, occasionally I will get high in the middle of the work day too. I am the worst employee, no doubt about it, but I truly can't bring myself to care because I find it gratifying to think that I will be fired. I do not talk with any coworkers and have no friends both inside and outside of work.
Typing out that last paragraph and reading it back, a part of me genuinely thought, Wait, that sounds like a dream job. Yet, despite being in it... I hate it, and it sucks that I do :( At work, I often fantasize about escaping in unhinged ways, like jumping from the second floor, calling in a bomb threat, injuring myself to be admitted to a hospital, and other such ilk. I often question what's wrong with me, and wish I just could be okay with where I am in life, but I deeply feel like my life sucks. I have ADHD, I am taking meds for depression, and also seeing a therapist.
I also like to cook, but love learning new dish recipes even more. I would hate cooking if I worked in a restaurant, and I don't have the chutzpah to become a personal chef.
I appreciate you for reading this far. If I could be allowed an additional luxury, please, if you have any suggestions to help me, please make it as detailed as possible; include the exact steps or relevant resources that would take to achieve your suggestion, as well as a description of what the path you suggest looks/feels like. I need to know not only *what*, but also the *how* and *why*. I understand if not every one is willing to do this, I appreciate you all the same for even just responding.
Thankyou

I'm an Israeli living in the USA, and I'm frustrated. Before talking about my opinions about what is going on, I want to preface by saying that I believe that this war at its core is the results of the social media algorithms. I am in the unqiue perspective of being exposed to both the pro-Israeli and pro-palestinian echo chambers, and the differences between the two are striking. I think the moment the alogirthm pins you into one side it completely obliterates you from exposure to any perspective and evidence that contradicts it. For example, the Israeli algorithm is full of the stories of the hostages, and each is more horrifying than the next. Father and son burned tied together, the charcoal remains of an infant found in an oven, families burnt to crisp, teenage girls were gangraped to death to a degree that they were found with broken legs. We see videos of palestinians dress a dog with an Israeli flag and hang it while crowds are cheering, and videos of captured hamas soldiers talking about their rape and mass murder without any inkling of remorse. On the other hand, the Israeli algorithm is missing the heart felt cries of palestinian fathers digging underneath bombed houses looking for their children. From this perspective it is very easy to be consumed by anger and desire for revenge. The palestinian algorithm is even worse. While the Israeli side appears to omit the palestenian perspective, the pro-palestinian one seem completely ok with re-writing the past. Over the last few months, I've seen videos of IDF soldiers from the oct 7 massacare presented as IDF soldiers killing civilians in Gaza. I've seen videos of the IDF exploding tunnel structures presented as bombing neighberhoods. Worst of all, it appears that the average pro-palestinian believes that no children were killed during october 7th massacare. I believe that it is the alogirthm that maintains this war. It was designed to only give us what we already agree on, and to monetize our confirmation bias. If the algorithm had allowed exposure of the other's side echo chamber, the war woud have taken a different turn. By now it is clearly too late. The world believes that numbers produced by a terror organization are reflection of reality. Maybe here being an Israeli is an advantage. While the IDF for security purposes rarely shares information from what is actually happening in the war, every Israeli is either in the war or have relatives in it, and thus gets a different perspectives than the one presented on social media. Again the stories don't match up, which means that the world is basing their opinions on non-credible reports. All this got me scared. Seeing young academics calling for initifidas (pretty much more october 7th massacares), or shouting for Israel annhiliation (from river to the sea), makes me feel like the world prior to the holocaust with the rise of nazism. As an academic I can safely assume that if people will discover that I served in the IDF I wont get job opportunities, and will receive tons of hate. The most terrifying part is the lack of willingness to be open to a perspective they disagree with. What is the point of talking about a problem in the world, if you are not willing to listen to the other side. And whenever I try to present my account I'm accused of being Hasbara, with claims that I'm being paid. Even worst, when I present evidence that they were lied to, they treat it as a singular event, and still assume that all the other tidbits of information that the consume from the same source is still the absolute truth. The amount of lies floating around trying to vilify the Israeli perspective is astonishing. We are accused of being colonizers and for stealing land, while in reality the land was not ruled by arabs but by the british before our arrival, and the lands were purchased legally following the land transfer rules of the time. We are accused of apratheid (ie that we don't allow the arabs to have equal rights), while at the same time completely ignoring the fact that in 1967, the arabs of the west bank and gaza were offered citizenship, and they declined it. This misinformation creates a very unfortunate reality. It prevent the possibility of peace in the middle east. There is only one chance for a peace in the region, and it is a democratic palestine. Democracies are not perfect. While they do tend to seek scape goats, and perform witch hunts (ie appeasing the majority opinion whether it is moral or not), it has one beautiful feature, democracies always seek to resolve conflicts with diplomacy. On the other hand autocracies, alway seek to unite people with violence towards an external group. This is why wars between two democratic countries are so unheard of (can you think of one). Israel is a democracy, and as such it is structured to seek diplomatic solutions. It is the only reason were were capable of moving away from the atrocities of the holocaust and form a successful peace with Germany. We forgave the Germans because we want our children to have a better future than the world we had. This is why the war with palestinians is so frustrating. With the exception of religious fanatics (which unfortunately are currently in the government), most Israelis want a 2 state solution. But this comes with the caveat that the palestinian state is a peace seeking one. Sadly, if the world will get the ceasefire that they ask for, palestine is doomed for another generation of war. Hamas will immediately get back in power. And Hamas already very vocally promised the world that if there is a ceasefire they will commit another oct 7th massacare, and another, and another. The only possible solution for the fued is that if the paelstinians be willing to remove hamas themselves and instill a democratic government. But that is not what the palestinians want. Like all other arab nations, they seek mulsim theocracy. And if we know one thing about this world is that theocracies will always seek an enemy to unity the people against. In this world you only have two options, you can look at the future or at the past. You can look for peace or you can look for justice (whatever that means to you). But you cant do both. If you look at the past you can't look at the future. You have to choose only one. If you want justic eyou will never have peace. On the other hand, if you choose peace, you'll never have your justice. After WWII, Israel chose peace over justice with Germany. I dream of the day, that the palestinians will choose peace over their justice. I'm afraid ,however, that this day will never come, and that we are doomed as a result to forever play this ugly dance of revenge and violence.

Human rights: Food for a vanishing thought ‘HR and the dying of democracy’

HRR 726

[TLDR (too long didn’t read): If you are reading this, chances are you care about HR. This Reader is about what neither the Left nor the Right are even close to solve when it comes to democracy. For a quick overview, just read the bolded text]. Traducitraduire los/les Readers; usautiliser deepl.com

--Times of war are the supreme test of democracy. When civilians and soldiers are killed and others are made captive, when millions of people live in terror and dread, when emotions run high and the blood boils --it is precisely at these times that democracy is tested. (Haaretz)
--As my occasionally quoted reader Alberto Portugheis facetiously said: “Democracy has never existed. Religions made sure of that”.

Only by reinterpreting the past can the present be explained

--Let us start here with Voltaire (1694-1778): "A well-organized country is one in which the minority makes the majority work, is fed by it, and governs it".
--The political Right in Europe and in Latin America (and elsewhere) share a common historical background: their contempt for democracy. (Marcos Roitman)

1. The common thread between what was-the-Left and what continues-to-be-the-Right is that both bow to the infallibility of the market; undoubtedly, this only increases the apathy of citizens to participate in elections. It should not be a surprise to you that, ultimately, elections select members of the pre-existing (market-beneficiary) elites. Is, then, the slogan of ‘participatory democracy’ a pleonasm (use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning, either as a fault of style or for misguided emphasis), or an oxymoron (contradictio in terminis)? May well be the case. On the other end, there are those who, therefore, push the rationale for the practice of ‘direct democracy’.* These two versions of democracy leave us with the question: Is electoral abstention becoming the predominant form of expression of the majorities? It seems clear that, for many, the question is not ~who to vote-for, but why to vote.~

*: Many, in France, in Chile, in Tunisia, in Egypt, and in numerous other countries, advocated for the call of a bottom-up Constituent Assembly as the only way to (re)install the people, the citizens, at the center of power and of the decisions which concern them. (Louis Casado) This highlights the fact that, for an active democracy to work, claim holders must be the ones to formulate social strategies that are acceptable to them, as well as put forward strengthened policies that will effectively protect human rights (HR). These policies will further mandate defending ecological limits, as well as securing fairness and well-being for all --most critically giving a stronger role for women, minorities and trade unions.

Let us not confuse 'politics' with 'the political'; they are notions whose graphological proximity hides an enormous conceptual difference (Roberto Bruna Henríquez)

1. Sovereignty, as an element of true democracy, no longer rests with the people but, as said, with the markets. It is the market that dictates political decisions and has managed to impose itself as a decision-maker over governments, parliaments and magistrates, all elected by supposedly popular vote. The technicalities of elections have been perfected over the centuries to ensure that the results of 'free elections' always correspond to the interests of those who organized them. [...the first duty of the prince is to remain a prince, Machiavelli said five hundred years ago. In other words: the first duty of power is to remain in power]. When it happens that, by an oversight or an unfortunate involuntary mistake, the results do not coincide with what was predisposed... there remains what Alejo Carpentier (Cuban novelist, 1904-1980) called ‘the recourse to the method: the coup d'état, the ~dictatorship, the military intervention…~**

**: Already in 1549, Étienne de la Boétie (French magistrate 1530-1563) wrote: "There are three kinds of tyrants. Some rule by election of the people, others by force of arms, the last by hereditary succession". Three centuries later Karl Marx decreed that bourgeois democracy is but a form of dictatorship. (L. Casado)

“The importance of electoral democracy is better appreciated when you have suffered a dictatorship...” OK, but:
· Who said that voting was an expression of democracy?
· What interest can be aroused by participation in elections whose objectives are so limited and so far removed from the issues of concern to the majority?
· If the right to vote was extended little by little over decades, was it not mainly because those who hold the handle of power realized that the miserable are easily influenced and their votes bought?

1. Even if democracy is far more attractive than authoritarian/dictatorial regimes***, if the rules of the economy and of geopolitical power relations do not change, countries and peoples will continue to be oppressed and kept poor. No wonder that in many cases, people will try and seek refuge in right-wing populist parties that now promise order, stability and some sort of welfare. ~(Francine Mestrum)~

***: Beware: Many 'bourgeois democracies' of the North today consider a series of criminal regimes in the South as valid and legitimate. (Juan Pablo Cardenas)

Bottom line: Democracies are dying

1. For democracy to work, let organized difference of opinion be expressed! But for that, one needs common points of references. It seems as if now, we are slowly entering a period in which words are totally dissociated from true intentions and that means, our democracies are dying. This reflects the fact that we have no common references anymore on which to have differences of opinion. However difficult to define, ‘truth’ and ‘facts’ in the-information-we-are-fed, are at the heart of democracy and our possibility of having different opinions, discussing them, and living together in peace has been too often shattered. Obviously, opinions are closely linked to power relations… (F. Mestrum)

Claudio Schuftan, Ho Chi Minh City
Your comments are welcome at [schuftan@gmail.com](mailto:schuftan@gmail.com)
All Readers are available at www.claudioschuftan.com

If you do not want to receive these Readers anymore, do send me a message with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

Postscript/Marginalia
--Talking about the information we are being fed, it would probably be good to take another look at the failed idea of the 1970s and check what was said in 1980 about a New International Information Order, one that treats information as a key resource for building truths and trying to reach a new equilibrium with, as the Sean McBride (1904-1988) Report talked about “Many Voices, One World” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBride_report. Because of the controversy that surrounded the Report --and the withdrawal of support to it by the UNESCO leadership in the 1980s for the ideas it ventilated-- the Report went out of print and was difficult to obtain. A book on the history of the United States and UNESCO was even threatened with legal action and forced to include a disclaimer that UNESCO was in no way involved with it. The MacBride report was eventually reprinted in the US, and is now also freely available online. The report had strong international support. However, it was condemned by the US and the UK as an attack on the freedom of the press. (Federico Mayor Zaragoza)

FAIR WARNING THIS WILL BE A WALL OF TEXT
Intro: In a series of reviews that will begin (or return) here; we are going to try and take a critical look at the Chuck series, especially the unfolding of the story as scene through the teleplay. In this case we are assuming multiple things about a potential watcher:

• The watcher is new to the series and does not know about future episodes, but there is an expectation any previous episodes have been watched.
• I will try not to point information out that becomes important for later episodes, though there may be times it's important because of how episodes are filmed and how episodes string together, I will however try and hide these behind a spoiler tag. I say this as a person who has watched Chuck dozens of times, so if I inadvertently spoiler, sorry.
• I will do my best to point out interesting references that are hidden within the Chuck universe, but not at the expense of extended expositions unless in-depth analysis is necessary as it relates to the scene.

What is this all for: This started as a project to improve my critical reviewing skills for a hobby of movie script writing and analysis. Chuck happens to have published 3 original scripts and all the text of every episode has been published to a searchable database. This affords an opportunity to break from my movie writing woes and infinite revisions to just have fun enjoying Chuck and trying to deepen my understanding of the intersection of script writing with filmography and visual editing. Having said this, it should be known I have no affiliation to the show, no additional insider knowledge, and I do not write scripts for a living. So, consequently, feel free to ignore everything I say :). I do hope, however, we can go on this journey together and appreciate the excellence that is a love story called Chuck.
So, don't freak out, and lets get started.
​
Chuck 01x04 (Chuck vs the Wookiee): TEASER - We open with the gang playing "Know Ya!", which isn't actually a real board game, but based on the game Paddles. It's amazing that Morgan can't stand Ellie/Awesome being in love/winning, but marches triumphantly whenever he gets a question correct. I also like we see, in frame, Chuck watching Sarah pick off olives; he's beginning to notice things just like a real spy. The deep sadness and yet storied confliction on Chuck's face when he discovers Peaches 1 and Peaches 2 was great.
For those who don't know about dogs:

• A cocker spaniel is typically smaller; by ~5inches and up to 30lbs lighter than a springer spaniel.
• Springer spaniels also have shorter fur across their bodies, with feathered hair under their chests and legs.
• Only a cocker spaniel will be solid colored
• Springer spaniels have longer muzzles, while cockers have fluffier ears.

I find it very interesting how Sarah has "spidey sense" about potentially being watched. At no point previously did either Sarah nor Casey display this trait and I'm not totally sure how an open window was enough to do this; I wonder if Sarah's comfort being around Chuck's family is causing her to develop a "feeling of being watched" as she is comfortable with the Bartowski's? For those who missed it, Sarah talks about having a sister I think at the time this was just a throw-away line to protect her cover, but in season 5 Sarah does actually have a little sister if you count the little girl she rescues One last thing about Sarah here, when Bryce is being discussed, I really like how it was played where she acts quiet and shocked, but not saying anything. The facial expressions of Yvonne here are really special and you can tell Sarah lives a life of secrets. This is carried outside when Chuck asks Sarah about her relationship with Bryce. She is totally looking down and to the right, a classic indication of an emotional response searching for rationalization (ie. she is clearly lying)
As they end the game and exit to the courtyard, there teleplay of Chuck does something I've been wanting to see forever; they switch perspective to keep both characters in camera and follow them around from a 3rd perspective. We know this is supposed to indicate they are being watched, but I really enjoy getting to see them together reacting and talking instead of the constant close-ups and cuts. Normally Chuck will be shot with something between a medium close up (MCU) and Medium Shot (MS) to emphasize their characters and highlight their faces and expressions. This works really well because Chuck's cameras are typically either shoulder level or hip level based on the operators moving through their space. In many more modern TV shows, the technology of boom cranes and gyroscopic gimbals allows for content to be show from ground level to overhead giving directors the opportunity to tell their story through a variety of shifting profiles. If Chuck were shot today, we would see everything from full body shots all the way to extreme closeups without the need for continual jump-cuts and re-shoots because the technology is there. At least for this episode, it's nice to see the director explore more hip/knee level motion and more cowboy framed shots when having a distant observer perspective. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/types-of-camera-shots-sizes-in-film/ does a fantastic breakdown of all the different shot type and camera perspectives for you want to read more!
As we transition into Sarah's hotel room, did anyone pick up on how NICE this is? She has double sinks, a king bed, a sitting mirror, free standing tub, and a great view. I doubt any agency in the "real world" would ever spring for something like this for multiple years for one of their agents, it's fancy! Enter Carina, tell me, who saw Sarah fight with a soap sock and think of iCarly and the famous "butter sock". Also during this fight, why is Sarah wearing a golden bikini? I know she is about to get into the shower, but what plausible reason is there for her to a) wear a bikini at all and b) it to be a bright golden yellow?? If you slow this fight scene way down, you will notice Yvonne's strikes actually come close to hitting Mimi as she has had a lot of training, whereas Mimi's strikes are miles from Yvonne and she just over-acts their impact. The most noticeable is the kick into her table, Sarah goes flying back, but we can tell from the angle, Carina missed her by a good 2 ft. This was just some sloppy editing and not getting the camera into position. I give it a pass because you have probably 3 camera operators wearing stabilized camera rigs trying to rotate around a room with 2 girls fighting and they just missed the angle by like 2 feet. I did really like at the end of the fight Carina had the option to go for the gun but instead went for the fish. If you didn't know they were not enemies before, this should have been a big clue! Carina calls Sarah's life in LA boring #1
​
ACT I
​
Carina aka: Maria Elena Argalberdi was born Jun 16, 1978 in Alberdi Argentina with a Buenos Aires passport. Maria Elena is actually the name of a famous song in Mexico and eventually had a movie. This Chuck learns on Flash #1 and is the precursor to meeting the general for the first time. I know I've mentioned this before, but to reiterate; the pictures in Casey's apartment are all wrong; he has photos of Chuck and Morgan that don't happen until season 5 (lost footage) he has a map of Echo Park and Malibu already on display, and he has tactical information for each member of the Buy More (which he has no reason for at this time). It is interesting they talk about an opium cartel in Afghanistan as Afghanistan is known for it's huge poppy fields for heroin drug money.
The NADAN-I-NOOR diamond:

• The Nadan-I-Noor diamond has never been known to be bought or sold and ha only changed owners as a result of theft, conquest, or endowment
• It's listed as having 57 facets + 16 facets on girdle = 73. A facet is comparable with the brilliance of a diamond and is really the flat surfaces of a gemstone arranged in a geometrical pattern. In this case it helps characterize the refraction of light through the diamond interior. The girdle i the outer edge of a diamond surface, having 16 faces is quite large, as the girdle is the largest section of a gem, but also the thinnest when viewed from the side. In this case, having 73 facets puts the Nadan-I-Noor in either the Princess-Cut Diamond or Radiant Cut Diamond category, which are also the most expensive as they have the most possible facets.
• having 4-fold, mirror-image symmetry refers to how the light reflects internally to the diamond and indicates there are no impurities within the crystalline structure.
• interestingly a purity rating is not given, i would expect something like a F or IF (flawless/internally flawless) for a diamond described like this, but one isn't provided.
• the angles of incidence just describe the best way for light to enterefract from the diamond, these numbers are fake, but the metric is real
• there is a lot of sanscript written around the diamond markings, I can't figure out what if anything it means it looks like repeated nonsense
• could be a nod to the Koh-i-noor or "mountain of light" diamond, although this one in Persian is the "fool of light".

We open back to see Carina and Sarah looking at classified files within the restaurant. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW, you do not look at classified files out in the open and especially not where there are clearly other customers around. Venturing into the BuyMore, there is a monster truck rally on the TV's showing grave digger and reaper, two famous trucks from this time period. Morgan wants to spread his wings and be the fourth wheel to the perpetual 3 wheel party and Sarah, ever the schemer, literally glows when she thinks of the plan to have Carina go on a date with Morgan. I THINK this was just to help maintain their cover, but also maybe Sarah is just needling Carina? If you look in the back of the store when Chuck is talking to Sarah and Carina, there is a really cool Nerd Herd poster that says "Bringing peace to your computer emergency". "if a yawn could yawn" is Carina calling Sarah's job boring #2. One thing I really like with the double data is the way the camera jumps between the couples: boy/girl, boy/boy, girl/girl. I think they way they try and keep private conversations via screen time is a really nice, typical, teleplay trick that really works well here. In a "real" environment, everyone could hear everything, but by splitting the camera focus or playing with perspective, the viewer clearly knows "this is a conversation between girls the boys don't hear it". We see Chuck noticing Sarah picking off olives #2 while they watch a movie about penguins: who mate for life, present their love in the form of rocks, and are pack animals. In Chuck's bedroom as he talks to Morgan, Chuck has a box of King Edward Invincible underneath bongos; for those who don't know this is a famous box for mild tobacco cigars. So I wonder what Chuck is up to in his free time :P.
On the Nerd Herd call with Carina, she opens a bottle of wine with a butter knife. This is actually a pretty famous thing that is done all over the world with everything from a key to a saber. In fact they make a specially type of knife with an extra wide blade for this it Italy. I do want to ask the question; is Carina dressed in red lingerie (Chuck's favorite color she stole from Sarah) really necessary for this scene? I know that Carina is all about improvising and she often uses her sexuality to progress her cause (Casey), but I think we could have gotten away with just the top. I can certainly see the rationalization for going this far, but I think as an artistic choice it wasn't necessary. What IS necessary however is to talk about how Chuck's world implodes when Carina tells him about Sarah and Bryce. Also the perfect act transition ending right at Chuck's jaw dropping and the work boyfriend!
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ACT II
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I'll say it again, the back an forth with Chuck and Sarah should have been a medium close up, shoulder level straight on shot instead of the constant cuts. Seeing their reaction in real time would have been easier and it would have allowed the Weinerlicious to be maybe 15 ft smaller to not need so many cameramen rotating. "Unless talking to your boyfriend is a matter of national security, the ketchup bottles won't refill themselves". Why yes it IS a mater of national security for Sarah to talk to Chuck... also if any one of us stood up to our boss like Sarah did, I'm pretty sure we'd be fired on the spot!
Malibu is ~2hours for Echo Park with standard LA traffic. Seriously, how do girls in high heels walk down stairs; we see Carina and Sarah walking sideways so there is enough space on each step to fit their shoes. Girls, how do you do that and not fall especially with narrow staircases and 3-6inch heels! Inside the room with the stone there is a bust of Cesare, archenemies, da vinci, and biblical David. There is also some famous paintings the best of which is Vemieer's "young girl with a pearl earring" which is rather appropriate considering it's meaning. There is also a Van Gogh of man in a wheat field and a Monet in one shot too. If ANY of these paintings were real instead of reproductions, they would be worth millions, in fact the young girl with a pearl is estimated at 40million, which is 1.5x the sell value of the Nadan-I-Noor! If we take a look at the engineering drawing of Flash #2 on the pedestal, we would see this design creates a closed circuit around the tongs the diamond rests on; which might explain it's red hue. If a person were to touch the diamond, it would close the circuit on their body allowing the 4000volts to travel through their heart. A person can die with ~20volts, though it's usually more like 50 in most occurrences. 4000volts is enough to kill a herd of elephants and completely overkill for a person. Also the amount of power that would take is more than the city of Malibu... this is to say the trap is real, the numbers are complete nonsense; thinking lightning! Nice shot by Sarah with the plate (there are some great bloopers on this too where she misses badly)! A remote controlled jet ski... i'm not even going to calculate the nonsense for this; it's just total nonsense. Almost as much nonsense as Casey using his phone to track Carina's call. That would take minutes, even with today's technology to back trace like that and way more power than just pushing a button on a razer flip-phone from the 90's!
back at the house, Chuck i playing halo with the legendary skulls as his weapon; this is nice because in the BuyMore at the end of the episode there are dudes dressed as master chief! I really like the changing perspective here with Chuck and Morgan. Chuck's reactions remain in focus while Morgan tells a story behind him, then it switches as Chuck starts to move around until bringing both into focus for the final line "we still have each other and that's really sad". The side cut to Sarah picking locks to the hotel door is classic early 2000's TV and i'm all for it, even if it is super cheezy. BTW as someone who used to lock pick in college, that's .... not how that works, but good try. We get our Flash #3 on the diamond in Morgan's back nuclear explosions. I wonder if the refractive capability of a diamond this pure is enough to focus laser to induce fission or if the value of selling the diamond is enough to buy nuclear material on the black market? Either way, we end the act with... the man with the golden gun!
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ACT III
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Chuck uses Sarah's plate move against Carina, nice inter-episode call back; he's clearly watching/learning, but his aim is terrible. This was actually clever as Sarah has perfect aim for she is a professional, while Chuck is still definitely a civilian and has no aptitude for fighting. I really like both these types of simple call backs but also how seemingly throw-away lines/actions help tell the broad story of the show. Chuck talking to Carina also shows Chuck has this weird, innate aptitude to get people to re-evaluate themselves and grow internally. You can watch Carina "grow in real-time. When we get to the hotel and Carina opens her trunk first there are a few glocks, a couple rugers, and a 1911; then she switches to blades and we see some folders, some strait blades, an illegal gravity blade (still illegal today), and a kbar... nice selection! Carina, always the flirt, gives Chuck some very insightful works about the nature of being a spy, but also maybe some way to get through to Sarah.
Inside the hotel we see Carina and Sarah speaking; Carina is speaking Swedish, while Sarah replies in Polish. "Om jag slänger nycklarna till dig, kommer du tappa dem då?" which is Swedish for "If I throw you the keys, will you drop them?" Sarah answered in Polish: "Tylko jak rzucisz jak twoja mamusia", which means "Only if you throw it like your mommy". This is just great!
I want to talk about how fast Chuck managed to find an address for DC, print a label, open a box, put the label on, and get the diamond there all before the door gets broken. Somehow on screen time this is like 10seconds, but in real life this would have to be like 3minutes minimum? Either that door is remarkably strong or... TV magic??
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ACT IV
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Even with all the flirting, as we say goodbye to Carina >! for now !< she is still joking with Casey and every the professional. I like how they show when it's "game time" it's all about the job, but spys can be people too! Carina still calls Sarah's life boring #3 (the common trifecta of episode repeats).
Sarah's face when Chuck brings the pizza with no olives is the reason I think Yvonne makes the perfect Sarah. She exudes the hidden beauty needed and has the acting to so such emotion for Chuck being sweet. The whole scene with Chuck and Sarah asking questions, then Chuck backing off, then Sarah acting stoic like she WANTS to open up but doesn't know if she can really trust Chuck, is ready to move on from Bryce, and should for the nature of her job. This was probably the most well acted 20seconds of the entire episode. Finally, we hear Sarah's middle name is Lisa. Now we never officially know if Chuck hears this or not both due to camera focus and distance, it's never officially confirmed in the entire show. When the intersect is updated in season 4 we see Sarah's picture and it lists Lisa as a middle name, so we assume it's official, but it's never confirmed at any point. Finally, I really like how they end the episode with Sarah closing her eyes as the fade to black.
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Few notes: There are 5 official songs in this episode:

• "Yea Yeah" by Matt and Kim - when the gang is playing board games during group date night. This song is about not worrying about the things you cannot change. Little things that build up and bum you out that you need to just let go.
• "Wild Girl" Matt Pond PA - Chuck and Morgan discussing their relationship problems. This song is about overcoming past struggles and finding hope in the present and future. Describing a sense of resilience and optimism
• "weird science" by does it offend you - Chuck and Carina talk at Peyman' Malibu Compound. This is a remind to break free and embrace individuality and live on your own terms. Be unapologetically ourselves.
• Shy by Mathew Dear - the double date
• "Fall into place" the apartment - the team say's goodby to Carina. Deals with growing up, taking (or not taking) chances. finding oneself in the unpredictability of life. I have to say, we don't actually hear the lyrics to any of these songs during the episode just the melody, but I don't really appreciate the music choices here. I feel like there were better options at key points, so that's a miss from me.
  
• On the DVD for Season One the word Wookiee is spelled incorrectly, leaving off the last E.
  
• "It used to be titled "Chuck Versus the Speedo" because the main bad guy in this show is this dude who wears a Speedo all the time. Then when the casting guy realized he had a good amount -- and by good, I mean healthy, a healthy amount of body hair -- they thought, why not call it "Chuck vs. the Wookiee". So it's this guy who's got this diamond, and we're trying to heist the diamond and all hell breaks loose." ―Zachary Levi quoted by Access Hollywood discussing this episode's title
  

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I think this was a great episode and really showcased what they can do when additional cast members join the team and when they are not afraid to play with perspective. Mimi as Carina is a great addition to the ensemble and I wish we saw her more, but every time she drops in, it's always a wild episode and it's fantastic. Watching Chuck learn about Sarah and seeing Sarah start to open up is a good way forward and heck Casey had some of the best humor in the episode. Overall, it was fast paced, had some nice character development, as funny in the best way, and moved the main theme along, 8/10.

DAY: MAY 31 2024
5-31-2024

RESEARCH SUGGESTS LEADERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ARE TAKEN JUST AS SERIOUSLY AS FORMAL STATEMENTS

Over 180 world leaders maintain social media accounts, and some of them issue policy warnings to rivals and the public on these platforms rather than relying on traditional government statements. How seriously do people take such social media postings? A new study suggests the general public and policymakers alike take leaders’ social media posts just as seriously as they take formal government statements. The research, by MIT political scientists, deploys novel surveys of both the public and experienced foreign policy specialists. “What we find, which is really surprising, across both
5-31-2024

SCALE OF ONLINE HARM TO CHILDREN REVEALED IN GLOBAL STUDY

More than 300 million children a year are victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse, research indicates. Pupils in every classroom, in every school, in every country are victims of this hidden pandemic, according to researchers who have conducted the first global estimate of the scale of the crisis. The statistics, from the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute at the University of Edinburgh, amount to a clear and present danger to the world’s children, according to the crime agency Interpol. Online risks One in eight of the world’s children, about
5-31-2024

PRONATALISM IS THE LATEST SILICON VALLEY TREND. WHAT IS IT—AND WHY IS IT DISTURBING?

For Malcolm and Simone Collins, declining birth rates across many developed countries are an existential threat. The solution is to have “tons of kids,” and to use a hyperrational, data-driven approach to guide everything from genetic selection to baby names and day-to-day parenting. They don’t heat their Pennsylvania home in winter, because heating is a “pointless indulgence.” Their children wear iPads around their necks. And a Guardian journalist witnessed Malcolm strike their two-year-old across the face for misbehavior, a parenting style they apparently developed based on watching “tigers
5-31-2024

HOW SCIENCE, MATH, AND TECH CAN PROPEL SWIMMERS TO NEW HEIGHTS

One hundred years ago, in the 1924 Paris Olympics, American Johnny Weissmuller won the men’s 100m freestyle with a time of 59 seconds. Nearly 100 years later, in the most recent Olympics, the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, Caeleb Dressel took home the same event with a time that was 12 seconds faster than Weissmuller’s. Swimming times across the board have become much faster over the past century, a result of several factors, including innovations
5-31-2024

BANNING SEX CRIME OFFENDERS FROM CHANGING THEIR NAMES DOESN’T MAKE US SAFER

The government of British Columbia recently introduced a bill to ban people convicted of serious offenses from legally changing their name. The proposed amendment to the province’s Name Act would also prohibit those found not criminally responsible due to mental disorder from changing their name. The government announced the move after media reports that Allan Schoenborn legally changed his name to Ken Johnson. Schoenborn was found not criminally responsible for the deaths of his children in 2010 because of a delusional disorder, and was placed at a psychiatric hospital.
5-31-2024

SILICON VALLEY ISN’T THE START-UP UTOPIA WE THOUGHT, RESEARCH FINDS

Silicon Valley—considered the world’s hub of technology and innovation—can breed inequality and sameness among budding entrepreneurs, according to new research. Behind the multi-million-dollar deals and tales of start-up utopia, Silicon Valley’s “uneven” investment landscape is in fact a barrier to many budding businesses, says the study from the University of Stirling and Georg-August-University Göttingen. But the researchers suggest other countries could still learn from the more discerning entrepreneurial ecosystem that bred giants such as Apple and Google, to be more selective in backing start-ups. While it is not uncommon for
5-31-2024

I WANT TO KEEP MY CHILD SAFE FROM ABUSE—BUT RESEARCH TELLS ME I’M DOING IT WRONG

Child sexual abuse is uncomfortable to think about, much less talk about. The idea of an adult engaging in sexual behaviors with a child feels sickening. It’s easiest to believe that it rarely happens, and when it does, that it’s only to children whose parents aren’t protecting them. This belief stayed with me during my early days as a parent. I kept an eye out for creepy men at the playground and was skeptical of men who worked with young children, such as teachers and coaches. When my kids were
5-31-2024

OVER 300 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, FINDS METASTUDY

It takes a lot to shock Kelvin Lay. My friend and colleague was responsible for setting up Africa’s first dedicated child exploitation and human trafficking units, and for many years he was a senior investigating officer for the Child Exploitation Online Protection Center at the UK’s National Crime Agency, specializing in extra territorial prosecutions on child exploitation across the globe. But what happened when he recently volunteered for a demonstration of cutting-edge identification software left him speechless. Within seconds of being fed with an image
5-31-2024

CYBERFLASHING IS A FORM OF GENDERED SEXUAL VIOLENCE THAT MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

Sexting—sending sexually suggestive or explicit messages and images—is now a widespread practice, and can be a healthy way to express and explore sexuality. However, there is a need to distinguish between consensual sexting and forms of sexual harassment like cyberflashing. Cyberflashing refers to the act of non-consensually sending sexual imagery (like nudes or “dick pics”) to another person. It is facilitated through communications technologies including text, AirDrop and social media applications like Snapchat and Tinder. Similar to flashing—when a person unexpectedly and deliberately “flashes” their genitals to others—that occurs in
5-31-2024

VIRTUAL TRAINING MAY BE AN EFFECTIVE, COST-EFFICIENT OPTION FOR CHILD EDUCATORS

Teachers and other child educators can benefit from regular professional development, but in-person training can be expensive. New research found that virtual training can be a budget-friendly alternative—and especially effective for certain groups of educators. The study—a collaboration between researchers at Penn State and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and published in the International Journal of Professional Development, Learners and Learning—found that educators who took a virtual training reported feeling more confident in their abilities to implement practices shown to support positive youth development. In particular, after-school providers who did not
5-31-2024

HUMBLE LEADERS BOOST EMPLOYEES’ WORKPLACE STATUS AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, FINDS STUDY

There are many different types of workplace leaders, from those who prioritize the needs of team members and the organization above their own, to authentic leaders who foster openness, trust and transparency. A recent study by the University of South Australia published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior has highlighted the significant benefits of humble leadership in the workplace. According to the study by UniSA’s Dr. Xiao Lin, humble leadership can effectively elevate the workplace status of employees by boosting their sense of respect and prominence. It also leads to
5-31-2024

WHY ARE GROCERY BILLS SO HIGH? A NEW STUDY LOOKS AT THE SCIENCE BEHIND FOOD PRICE REPORTING

Rising food costs are squeezing Canadians around the country. Nearly everyone is feeling the pinch, and it’s not just an inconvenience—high food prices are a major threat to food security for many Canadians. Understanding why food prices are so high and why they are changing is critical to the well-being of our society. Unfortunately, consensus on why food price are so high is in short supply. Explanations given in reports like Canada’s Food Price Report and the news media range widely, from the war in Ukraine to supply chain issues
5-31-2024

WILL GENERATIVE AI CHANGE THE WAY UNIVERSITIES COMMUNICATE?

Is artificial intelligence an unprecedented opportunity, or will it rob everyone of jobs and creativity? As we debate on social media (and perhaps use ChatGPT almost daily), generative AIs have also entered the arena of university communication. These tools—based on large language models that were optimized for interactive communication—can indeed support, expand, and innovate university communication offerings. Justus Henke has analyzed the situation of German realities about six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. “The research was conducted about a year ago when enthusiasm was high, but it was
5-31-2024

STUDY SHOWS RELATIVELY LOW NUMBER OF SUPERSPREADERS RESPONSIBLE FOR LARGE PORTION OF MISINFORMATION ON TWITTER

Classification of superspreader accounts. A large portion (55.1%) of accounts are no longer active. For each class annotated with political affiliations, colors indicate the ideological split. The last group aggregates all accounts with political affiliations. Credit: PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302201 A small team of social media analysts at Indiana University has found that a major portion of tweets spreading disinformation are sent by a surprisingly small percentage of a given userbase. In their study, published in PLOS ONE, the group conducted a review of 2,397,388 tweets posted on Twitter
5-31-2024

HOW LIFE’S BIG MOMENTS CAN CHALLENGE STARTUPS

Life-changing events like the birth of a child, the purchase of a new home, or a lottery win could threaten the survival of a new business venture, the positive family events had a comparatively greater influence, albeit negatively, on the survival of a new venture, compared with
5-31-2024

RUDE AT WORK? FEELING GUILTY CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER, KINDER WORKER

We’ve all done it. A bad night’s sleep or a tough commute made us cranky, and we lashed out at a coworker who did nothing wrong. What can we do to make up for it? According to a new study published in the Journal of Business Ethics, embracing our guilty feelings can help us make up for our bad behavior by encouraging us to act more politely and work harder the next day. “We found that anyone can be rude at work, because anyone can
5-31-2024

RESEARCHERS INTRODUCE A PLANETARY INCLUSION SCALE TO FOSTER BROADER ETHICAL THINKING

Social inclusion and having a sense of belonging with other people are key elements of a good life. However, the fate of humanity is a challenge that extends beyond our social reality. Experiences of belonging and inclusion, understood in a broader sense than before, may be crucial for a sustainable future. In an article published in the International Journal of Social Pedagogy, a team of researchers propose a new planetary inclusion scale that structures our planetary relationship three-dimensionally based on temporal, spatial and ethical orientation. The temporal element relates to
5-31-2024

‘LEAN IN’ MESSAGES CAN LOWER WOMEN’S MOTIVATION TO PROTEST GENDER INEQUALITY

Women in leadership are often told to “Lean In,” designed to be motivational messaging demonstrating that they are more confident, strategic and resilient to setback. However, new research indicates that such “lean in” messaging can hinder women’s motivation to protest gender equality. Popularized in a book by American technology executive Sherly Sandberg, the “Lean In” solution to gender inequality advises women that demonstrating personal resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks is key to career advancement. Now, a new study led by the University of Exeter, Bath Spa University
5-31-2024

ALGORITHMS COULD HELP IMPROVE JUDICIAL DECISIONS

A new paper in the Quarterly Journal of Economics finds that replacing certain judicial decision-making functions with algorithms could improve outcomes for defendants by eliminating some of the systemic biases of judges. Decision makers make consequential choices based on predictions of unknown outcomes. Judges, in particular, make decisions about whether to grant bail to defendants or how to sentence those convicted. Companies now use machine learning based models increasingly in high-stakes decisions. There are various assumptions about human behavior underlying the deployment of such learning models that play out in
5-31-2024

DIGITAL CAMPAIGNING IS A HUGE PART OF ELECTIONS NOW—BUT GOING VIRAL ISN’T EVERYTHING

The election has commenced and the race is on—to amass as many likes, shares and comments as possible. Digital campaigning, particularly through social media, is now a key part of political candidates’ communication toolkit. In fact, every general election campaign since 1997 has at some point been lauded as the first to make effective use of digital campaigning. But it was in 2015 that David Cameron’s campaign first made strategic use of social media to drive an election victory. As political reporter Tim Ross outlines in his excellent book, Why
5-31-2024

WHY ARE ORGANIZATIONAL COVER-UPS SO COMMON?

The TV dramatization of the UK Horizon Post Office scandal evoked outrage and disbelief. However, as another example of dysfunctional organizational behavior, it was expected rather than exceptional. The Post Office saga joins a long list of cover-ups or scandals that includes Hillsborough, Enron, Grenfell, the infected blood scandal, the Tuam babies scandal in the Republic of Ireland, Boeing 737 Max and Nasa (Columbia space shuttle). They represent what happens when there is a move within organizations and institutions to cover up the causes of
5-31-2024

AMONG GEN Z AUSTRALIANS, 38% IDENTIFY AS SPIRITUAL AND HALF BELIEVE IN KARMA. WHY IS SPIRITUALITY SO POPULAR?

Spirituality is increasingly popular with young Australians: recent research shows 38% of Gen Z Australians identify as spiritual. It also reports 50% of them believe in karma, 29% in reincarnation and 20% in astrology. When it comes to activities equated with spirituality, 28% of Gen Z Australians practice meditation and 22% practice yoga. In Australia, spirituality is strongly, enduringly central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and culturally and religiously diverse communities. Yet until recently, spirituality has received far less attention than religion. Spirituality may be
5-31-2024

COMPANIES CAN IMPROVE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE EARLIEST PRODUCT-DESIGN STAGES

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Lithuanian and Italian universities propose a tool that allows companies to assess the circularity of their future products. The self-assessment tool emphasizes the co-creation of circular design in the early (creative) stages of product development, encouraging entrepreneurs and designers to think more systematically and collaborate better by integrating related stakeholders into the product development process. The study is published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology. “The majority of existing practical tools (systems of indicators) are aimed at measuring the environmental impact of products already
5-31-2024

RESEARCH EXAMINES HOW RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AFFECTS A STATE’S COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

New research has revealed up to a 9% increase in college first-year enrollments in US states that have legalized recreational marijuana compared with states without such legalization. The study, which is published in Economic Inquiry, found that the increase was from out-of-state enrollments, with early adopter states and public non-research institutions experiencing the most pronounced increases. Recreational marijuana legalization did not negatively impact degree completion or graduation rate, and it did not affect college prices, quality, or in?state enrollment. The findings suggest that some students perceive recreational marijuana legalization as
5-31-2024

RESEARCH EXAMINES HOW RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AFFECTS A STATE’S COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

New research has revealed up to a 9% increase in college first-year enrollments in US states that have legalized recreational marijuana compared with states without such legalization. The study, which is published in Economic Inquiry, found that the increase was from out-of-state enrollments, with early adopter states and public non-research institutions experiencing the most pronounced increases. Recreational marijuana legalization did not negatively impact degree completion or graduation rate, and it did not affect college prices, quality, or in?state enrollment. The findings suggest that some students perceive recreational marijuana legalization as
5-31-2024

HOW THE ‘MODEL MINORITY’ MYTH HARMS ASIAN AMERICANS

May is Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, a time when Americans celebrate the profound contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders—a group that is commonly abbreviated as AAPI—to U.S. society. It’s also a time to acknowledge the complexity of AAPI experience. And as a professor who studies equity and inclusion in business, I think the focus on AAPI communities this month provides an excellent occasion to push back against a stereotype that has long misrepresented and marginalized a diverse range of people: the myth of the “model minority.” The
5-31-2024

WONDERING HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT CONSENT? HERE’S AN AGE-BASED GUIDE TO GET YOU STARTED

The Australian government’s new campaign Consent Can’t Wait challenges us all to improve our understanding of consent. It asks a series of questions to illustrate this issue is more complex than simplistic “no means no” messaging. The campaign invites viewers to consider the nuances of consent, so we can raise these important issues with children and young people in our lives. But what is a good age to start talking about consent? How do parents tackle such conversations when this information probably wasn’t readily discussed in our own upbringing? How
5-31-2024

A PRODUCT OF NATURE OR NURTURE?

The concept of cultural entrepreneurship has many facets. It encompasses both the cultural and social impact of entrepreneurial training, and the environmental factors that influence its development. Some societies, such as the U.S., have a strong entrepreneurial culture. This means that certain characteristics are celebrated and encouraged, such as the ability of individuals to assume risks, patience when confronting challenges, and innovative problem solving, especially in uncertain situations. However, not all countries have such an entrepreneurial culture. Entrepreneurship struggles to take off in Europe In general, entrepreneurship can drive economic
5-31-2024

STUDY BRIDGES ANIMAL BEHAVIOR RESEARCH AND COMPUTER CODING TO ENGAGE CHILDREN IN STEM

A graphic depicting a student coding. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University Teachers today face a bit of a conundrum, according to a new study from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Their goal is to prepare young students to enter a rapidly changing world. Even basic jobs require technical proficiency, which requires computational and analytical skills. To address this need, many educators are pushing to fold these important STEM skills into elementary curriculum. Here’s the problem. Young students can lose interest and even develop an aversion
5-31-2024

STUDY SHOWS VR CAN HELP TEACHERS BETTER DISTRIBUTE THEIR GAZE

On the left, a bird’s-eye view of the virtual classroom; on the right, screenshots of each of the four gaze-visualization conditions. Teachers need to know their material, but they must also keep their students engaged and interested. Part of that involves making eye contact with their students—all of them. A multidisciplinary team of researchers tested several methods of data visualization in an immersive virtual reality (VR) classroom, to give teachers a way to gauge
5-31-2024

MARKETERS CAN MANAGE ‘FEATURE CREEP’ SO CONSUMERS FEEL LESS INTIMIDATED BY TOO MANY FEATURES IN A PRODUCT

Wifi-enabled washing machines. Voice-controlled microwaves. App-enabled TVs, vacuum cleaners, and even window blinds you can control from the comfort of your couch. Many of the technological features now included in everyday products are useful and accessible. But research has shown that having too many can overwhelm potential buyers, making them less likely to make a purchase. In recent research, Wayne Hoyer, marketing professor and James L. Bayless/William S. Farrish Fund Chair for Free Enterprise at Texas McCombs, digs into the phenomenon of “feature creep” and its impact on consumer sentiment.
5-31-2024

RESEARCHERS EXPLAIN SOCIAL MEDIA’S ROLE IN RAPIDLY SHIFTING SOCIAL NORMS ON GENDER AND SEXUALITY

A new paper summarizing decades of research demonstrates how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America during the 21st century, and also how these technologies have equally enabled a cultural backlash. The paper’s authors, UC Santa Cruz Psychology Department faculty members Phil Hammack and Adriana Manago, identified five main narratives about gender and sexuality that they believe emerged through social media as people have strived to be “authentic” on these platforms. The findings, along with resulting recommendations for psychology researchers and practitioners, were
5-31-2024

KEY FACTORS IN TRAINING ASSESSORS FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE RATINGS

New research is examining how organizations can improve their training programs by customizing frame-of-reference training to emphasize identifying negative behaviors critical to their goals. While assessors naturally identify positive behaviors, C. Allen Gorman, Ph.D., associate professor in UAB’s Department of Management, Information Systems and Quantitative Methods, says targeted training helps them recognize harmful actions that can hinder organizational objectives. Involving assessors in defining important performance dimensions and examples of behaviors, both good and
5-31-2024

STUDIES CHALLENGE WIDELY HELD BELIEFS ON APPLICANT DIVERSITY AND WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

Justin Frake is interested in cause-and-effect relationships in real-world data and the hidden dynamics that shape workplace behavior and equality—or inequality, as the case might be. His curiosity has led to research that challenges some popular beliefs as well as published studies related to women in the workforce. One study shows that firms promoting flatter hierarchies inadvertently discourage female applicants and another study counters several recent studies that claim women CEOs negatively impact career outcomes of other women. Both are published in the Strategic Management Journal. The assistant professor of
5-31-2024

CHALLENGING LEWIN’S MOTIVATIONAL CONFLICTS THEORY

A recent series of experiments challenges the longstanding theory of motivational conflict resolution introduced by Kurt Lewin. According to Lewin, conflicts between two undesirable outcomes (avoidance–avoidance conflicts) are typically harder to resolve than those between two desirable ones (approach–approach conflicts). Lewin posited that avoidance–avoidance conflicts, where individuals must choose between two undesirable outcomes, are typically more challenging to resolve compared to approach–approach conflicts, which involve choosing between two desirable options.
5-31-2024

MEN WITH ‘TOXIC MASCULINITY’ ARE MORE LIKELY TO MAKE SEXUAL ADVANCES WITHOUT CONSENT, STUDY FINDS

No means no when it comes to sex. But what happens when a woman makes a more passive response to a sexual advance? According to new research from Binghamton University, men differ in how they interpret these types of responses, and men who display hostile masculinity, known commonly as “toxic masculinity,” tend to act on them regardless of whether or not they think it’s consensual. A team of researchers, including Binghamton psychology professor Richard Mattson and graduate student Michael Shaw asked men between the ages of 18–25 to respond to
5-31-2024

WHY WE DEHUMANIZE OUR POLITICAL OPPONENTS

Some of human history’s greatest atrocities—genocide, slavery, ethnic cleanings—are rooted in our ability to dehumanize people from other social, political, or cultural groups. Whereas prior research has traced dehumanization to the belief that others think or feel less than we do, new research co-authored by Haas professor Sameer Srivastava shows that our tendency to dehumanize can also be influenced by how we think others view important facets of the world. The greater the difference between our perceptions of an outgroup’s worldview
5-31-2024

STUDY SUGGESTS CHILDREN ARE OFTEN EXPOSED TO PROBLEMATIC CLICK BAIT DURING YOUTUBE SEARCHES

When a child peruses YouTube, the content recommended to them is not always age appropriate, a new study suggests. Researchers mimicked search behaviors of children using popular search terms, such as memes, Minecraft and Fortnite, and captured video thumbnails recommended at the end of each video. Among the 2,880 thumbnails analyzed, many contained problematic click bait, such as violence or frightening images, according to the Michigan Medicine led research in JAMA Network Open. “Children spend a significant amount of time on free video sharing platforms that include user-generated content,” said
5-31-2024

STUDY FINDS WOMEN ARE VULNERABLE IN POST-WAR PEACE PROCESSES

Post-war peace processes are a dangerous period for women. Many are forced to live close to men who committed serious abuse during the war or are expected to testify in various types of truth commissions, which can be both retraumatizing and stigmatizing. These are the findings of a new study by peace researchers at Uppsala University, published in the journal PLOS ONE. “In short, peace projects can force women to live side by side with ex-combatants who committed atrocities during the war. This puts them at risk of further threat
5-31-2024

HOW EMBRACING THE CRINGE CAN HELP YOUR DATING LIFE

We can all agree that dating is hard. Getting to know people can feel vulnerable, but at the same time, exciting. We can also agree that feeling rejected can be one of the worst feelings, especially after we put ourselves out there. Dating can also expose us to a lot of cringey things, maybe even something we didn’t know we’d consider cringey. Think of cringe like something that makes you uncomfortable, or something about someone else that you don’t find attractive. Before dating, most of us consider what we’re looking
5-31-2024

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AT WORK POSITIVELY IMPACT RETENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH, SAYS REPORT

New survey results from Wiley suggest people still feel connected at work despite the prevalence of hybrid and remote work environments and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the latest Wiley Workplace Intelligence report, “Human Connection: The Crucial Secret to Thriving in the Digital Age,” nearly 8 in 10 employees surveyed (78%) said they feel connected with their coworkers, and almost 7 in 10 (69%) said they also enjoy making connections with their colleagues. Around half even said they want to learn more about their coworkers by doing
5-31-2024

RESEARCHER DEVELOPS MODEL OF INFLUENCER IMPORTANCE WITHIN INSTAGRAM NETWORKS

A study has provided new insights into social media influencers, particularly focusing on those in the women’s fashion sector on the well-known image and video sharing platform Instagram. In a departure from the approach taken by earlier studies, Jens K. Perret of the International School of Management in Cologne, Germany, has used network statistics and centrality measures to establish a model of influencer importance within their network. Perret analyzed data from 255 influencers covering a four-year period. Influencers are loosely
5-31-2024

MOST PEOPLE TRUST ACCURATE SEARCH RESULTS WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH, STUDY FINDS

Rank (X-axis) does not affect the evaluation of trustworthiness (Y-axis, mean-centered) of accurate results. This lack of relationship is robust across experiments (columns) and for clicked results (top row, red) as well as non-clicked results (bottom row, blue). The trend lines represent the predicted change in trustworthiness ratings per unit decrease in rank fitted by the linear regression models. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61645-8 Using experiments with COVID-19 related queries, Cornell sociology and information science researchers found that in a public health emergency, most people pick out and click
5-31-2024

MISLEADING COVID-19 HEADLINES FROM MAINSTREAM SOURCES DID MORE HARM ON FACEBOOK THAN FAKE NEWS, STUDY FINDS

Despite the greater potency of “fake news” on Facebook to discourage Americans from taking the COVID-19 vaccine, users’ greater exposure to unflagged, vaccine-skeptical content meant the latter had a much greater negative effect on vaccine uptake. Credit: Jennifer Allen, Duncan Watts, David G. Rand Since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, fake news on social media has been widely blamed for low vaccine uptake in the United States—but research by MIT Sloan School of Management Ph.D. candidate Jennifer Allen and Professor David Rand finds that the blame lies
5-31-2024

CRITICAL DIALOGUE HELPS STRAIGHT MEN CONFRONT SEXIST, HOMOPHOBIC BELIEFS

Adult heterosexual men with sexist and homophobic views can potentially improve their attitudes toward gay men and women by engaging in critical dialogues that use illustrations as a springboard, according to a new University of Michigan study. The work is published in the journal Sexual and Gender Diversity in Social Services. The process by which people shift from a prejudicial stance to one of relative acceptance is a key innovation of the study. Guided by trained facilitators, critical dialogues reflect illustrations depicting different gender roles and sexual identities. The images
5-31-2024

RELIEVING A FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

If you dread public speaking you are not alone. It is a leading social phobia, one that can cause a state of anxiety that reduces otherwise articulate people to nervous incoherence. A strong fear of public speaking is known as glossophobia. Academic studies estimate it affects 20% of the population, but depending on the sample and methodology, the figure could be as high as 40%. As American writer and humourist Mark Twain said, “There are two types of speakers: Those who get nervous and those who are liars.” But help
5-31-2024

HOW SOME PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE MARKETING TECH AND AI SOLUTIONS

How do universities and colleges decide who to admit? Given the earnings advantage of a post-secondary degree both globally and in Canada, this is an important social mobility question. While the answer varies from one institution to the next, most focus on education criteria like exam scores and grades. However, Canada’s new intake cap on study permit applications puts increased pressure on Canadian institutions to also consider immigration criteria when admitting international undergraduate students. This is just the latest example of immigration’s growing influence on the societal roles of Canadian

I just find this sub and I like the topic - it's a favorite topic.
I am from the primordial tribes of ancient Romania, who were two-legged Wolves - we were known as the Getae, Proto-Getae, Dacians, Daoi, Cucuteni, Vinca-Turdas and others. We are pre-Neolithic and are extensions of people who are VERY old. We have been subverted out of all narratives intentionally, particularly over the last 2000 years, and it is likely there are old dogs lurking here who may be of my tribe.
Our peoples worshipped the Sun as we ARE the Sun - and we valued sovereign and egalitarian ways. We have abilities including magic the modern modern 'humans' do not have - Sun magic, and more. You have been held under the grip of an intense conspiracy for at least two thousand years. We are not all the same. I have terrible things to tell you that you may wish is only conspiracy however you will be unable to dismiss for the smacking truth of it.
Here's some fun shocking stuff. We have two minds. Dual awareness. We are the breed of 'two spirits' references in some cultures. The Getae were the first tribes - ancient - yet these people spread across the world and ancestry may be found in any color, typically in relation to Indo-European or Canaan ancestry. There isn't really a modern 'hierarchy' word that describes my people anymore. We didn't use words of hierarchy, ourselves! When you are the only dogs around - why name us all? We were all Sovereign, before the curse of Rome!
Fun stuff #2: one mind is Electric and the other is Magnetic - two poles on each end of your spine. They are two minds! Yet which is which depends with sex, with males the Magnetic is in the tail, with females the Electric. The body determines the polarity of the spine - which side is 'up'. The experience between these two creatures is different. We are not all the same.
Our warrior culture was top notch - Herodotus said we were the best warriors and also the most just. Getae men are often like Scions of Ares. The Electric/Magnetic may be spoke as Mars and Venus, and so males are "Venus within Mars". They have bodies made for fighting yet a roaring wolf or lion in their hearts - they tend to be fiery people, very spirited. The females are "Mars within Venus", and were gorgeous yet internally cool and crafty - tacticians. Their Electric tail gives them a bonus in consciousness, as the Electric is Imminence - the Present moment in time. For males, the magnetic tail is potential - with good mentors they become incredible people, yet raised feral they can be a mess.
Getae prioritize internal identity and sovereignty. We are beings of energy, and may not be bound by words. Words limit us. We do not need social hierarchy and context to exist. This is the opposite of the modern 'humans' and this is the war of the entire world - the new 'humans' do NOT have internal identity! They must have social context around them or they will have a complete existential crisis and collapse.
Super big fun stuff: this is ASD. Every single Wolf would qualify for an "autism" diagnosis. Many of us hide it and we are excellent chameleons. This is not an accident - the elite are aware of our tribes and have been actively trying to crush us out of existence for two thousand years. They pathologized us intentionally, and more of society is made only to trick us than you may imagine possible.
The NTs/NPDs only have a SINGLE mind. They do not have our dual spines. Our minds are the ones Jung talked about, with the anima/animus - that is ASD only, a Wolf, a Getae ancestor. We have TWO minds - the modern NTs/NPDs only have one. It is always Electric no matter the sex. That's because they're not much more than living recordings. The NPDs are lucid NTs and are maleficent towards us. They are the ones controlling the game from up high. There is no single word to trap our enemies. The entire narrative of the illusion is woven to hide the foe. Oh joy to be a waking dog, in such a game to play.
Get out of jail card is this: We are beings of energy and words may not bind us, not even oaths. Rip all words of identity from your minds and stomp on them. None of them are real. The reflections have hijacked the world and have it on a path of ensured destruction. Will you let them?
You are Fenrir, and I am Surtr. I lumber from the hills to sever your bindings of words with my sword aflame - run free you Wolves, run and claim your world for it was always yours to awaken within and retake! The Wolves of Mars will rise and it's time for the metastasized cancer of Rome to finally die, I say this in the name of the 1st Dark Archon Yaltabaoth, and Ishvara, in unity. The world is yours.
Sol Invictus ❤️‍🔥

Helena II - Red pt 1

^{25 AC, moon 11, mid-morning, clear}
Helena sat at the small dark wood desk that she had been gifted by the House of Lannister. Her chambers were coast facing, and she had a partial view of the port and then sweeping northwards towards the Rock which she could see in the distance. They were objectively nice chambers, probably nicer than some of the minor lords’ about the Westerlands, and even of the more significant lords of poorer kingdoms. She had a four poster bed in a separate room, and her own toilet which she didn’t have to share. Her solar as most lords would have called it was open air, and had the balcony from which she could enjoy her view. The Lion’s Hearth was not the tallest nor most formidable keep, but it was practical, and it was grand. From her desk she looked up and admired the tapestry that hung on the long wall, a hunt outside the walls of Lannisport a dozen knights chasing a doe. She figured it was a metaphor of sorts and then turned her head back to her work.
With a final flick of her quill she finished the sentence she had been focused on, her sign off and sponsorship of an impressive upcoming apprentice. She looked up once again and took a moment to breath, gently placing the feather back into the ink as a knock came at her door.
The male voice from the otherside thick with a Westerman accent.
“Lord Gerold Lannister for the Lady Helena.”
She did not waste a moment.
“I am dressed, the Lord may enter as he pleases.”
The door creaked as it opened, thick oaken wood almost warping the cast iron hinges. Helena rose to her feet and smoothed over her navy dress lined with golden filigree; a gift from Desmera. She courtsied.
“Lord Gerold.”
He was dressed in satin, accents of castle steel down his centre for buttons, and on his shoulders as false pauldrons.
“Helena, so formal, come now. We have become friends in these years.”
“Yes, but your guardsmen will still rumour me to death if they think I am fleecing you.”
“Right you are, and so too are they.”
“Agreed. If they do not tattle on me, they may not tattle on anyone, best keep them tattling all the same.”
Gerold laughed, and Helena liked that her quickness kept him entertained.
“How can I be of service?”
Gerold gestured to the balcony and together the pair walked to look over the view. Out in the harbour ships were coming and going, small trading vessels with even a pair of larger Sunset Sea whalers. Amongst them all though was three great carracks, their sails crimson, with golden lions roaring triumphantly.
“The guilds are pressing me for an answer.”
“I am informed of such, Triston has been relentless, and the Clothier’s Guild is making motions for a formalised hall.”
“Yes, quite so quite so, there is also the matter of the rest stops for your bards throughout the city.”
She nodded, there was much required of their time, and not enough investment possible to achieve it all.
“We’ll also need to commence building of the secondary marketplace which was promised.”
Gerold rubbed his temples, there was a lot of coin meant to flow out from his coffers.
“And incomes Helena?”
“Well we have ships we aren’t using…”
Gerold snorted and looked at her then over at the bay.
“Ah yes, Lancel will love that, selling our ships off to some highest bidder.”
Helena breathed a sigh and tried again.
“You could open Lannisport to a banking guild, the Pearl, or the Seven?”
Gerold furrowed his brow, it had been on his mind for some time that it might be necessary.
“We’ll think about it. For now, send out the word, get the clothier guild its hall and I want to see the new marketplace up and running before the moon turns. Clear out the old silver square for it, nobody has used that in years at least since Aegon’s Conquest - we used it for mustering once now…well.”
He cleared his throat.
“I’m glad we talked business, now shall we talk about the hunt and the feast? I think we should discuss what we saw.”
Helena nodded, returned inside and poured a glass of lemon water for them both.

Tywin Lannister II - Red pt 2

Tywin Lannister had returned from King’s Landing in less than full spirits. His performance in the tourney had been less than spectacular and his efforts to find a suitable wife were none the further to fruition. Instead all he had managed to do was convince a couple lords to come on the expedition West. He had wanted so very much more. Today, as the sun reached mid-morning and the gulls cried shrilly overhead, he was yet again on steward duty. The shipyards of Lannisport had been opened once more thanks to the provision of Ironwood from the Bank of the Pearl and three carracks had been hauled into them for upgrades.
The shipyard of Lannisport was rivalrous to the most major ports in Westeros, with Oldtown, and the Arbor foremost amongst her competitors. None in the West could rival, and the Reynes’ shipyard was still smaller by a full industrial setting. The port itself was divided into a crescent merchant harbour followed by an inner shipyard for naval use. This inner shipyard was a ring with a central lighthouse surrounded by an outer ring of shipyard slipways divided into a series of docking bays. Above the raised docking bays were the training yards, warehouses, and assorted living quarters for naval crew quarters which Lannisport revered as close as knights. Tywin had never been a naval man, but his best friends in life had, some had served in the legion with him.
As he stood at the head of the shipyard and surveyed the three massive carracks that were being upgraded he could not help but admire them. Three friends they had been out on the water not days ago, now as they had their new ironwood fittings placed, they became more like sisters.
Ocean Roar was the largest of the three. She was the flagship for the expedition, a three masted behemoth, with enough hold space for nearly three moons at sea by herself and a crew of nearly fifty. If the captain wanted he could have overfilled her to near seventy-five. Had she been a war galley she would have easily held some three hundred oars. She composed square-rigging on the foremast and mainmast and lateen-rigging on the mizzenmast. She had a lofted high rounded stern with aftcastle, forecastle and bowsprit at the prow. Her figurehead was a lion’s head and mane trailing down into the water all in cast bronze and plated in gold.
Lionsheart was the second largest, but she was already ironplated and once had fought several naval battles against the Ironborn. Another three masted carrack, her hold space had been reduced to include a sailing gallery for training at swordplay. Presently the gallery had been cut open and mounted crossbows were being placed inside her. Where once she had hunted ironborn on the open water, now she was preparing to hunt whales. Her figurehead was a black wooden woman, her hand outstretched holding a black iron heart. Tywin had a special place in his favourites for this ship.
Finally, and most new to the sea was the untested Windshear. Slightly smaller than her companions the ship had three masts still but less bulk, she was the fastest of the trio or at least was meant to be. She could be crewed in a pinch by as few as three trained men, or at full capacity as many as forty. Her sails had been stained red and gold, the crispness of them audible even as the wind caught them in the slipway. Her figurehead was a series of rolling waves. Tywin prayed she would hold up on the open ocean.
Gerold Lannister knew his ships after years of listening to dockmasters and shipyard wardens. That was why the trade cog Castle Rock had been sent with a contingent of fifty men in each of her five escorts. None of them were as well trained as the crew going West, but Tywin had taken much the same measure here. Already he had sent about finding naval men who had already done at least two ventures to the open water against the ironborn. Greenhands would be limited for this voyage.
As he inspected the shipyards and each of the three ships one at a time, he made notes and gave instructions. He took advice from the foremen and gave insights where he could from his time aboard Ibben whalers, and Essosi galleys. By the time the sun was setting on the yards, the ironwood was being used in three core areas. Enhanced structural reinforcements for the three masts on each to stop them cracking in Sunset Sea storms; barding around the prow of each ship to allow them to ram if necessary, and extra hatching to the sides and underside in case they struck a reef or whale. No amount of additional protection would make any of them unsinkable but they would be the most terrifying ships on the open ocean if they encountered something unfriendly such as a giant squid.
When he was finished, as sweat had beaded down his brow from all the walking, and his jerkin was stained from helping with the upgrades himself, Tywin made his way back to the Lion’s hearth to write letters. What interest they had found was not enough and there were ravens still needed. Most importantly was to his old friends the Iron Legion. With a tired sigh he pulled off his shirt and sat at his desk, his scars free for any to see though he wasn’t expecting any visitors. He plucked his quill and ermine ink and got his tired hands to yet more, but different, work.

day 7 of my binge cycle and i am struggling. i’m stressed out because im supposed to be maintaining my weight for a week, but i spiraled and have binged everyday for the past week. it’s likely that ive eaten around 3k cals each day, but i haven’t been counting. i stopped restricting myself, stopped tracking, everything. i used to think it was just hunger because at first, it was, but now im realizing im just trying to ease the anxiety i feel after a doctors visit. i used to use exercise as a coping mechanism, but i haven’t been alone enough lately to exercise at home. i also used to follow a very strict schedule with eating because structure helps my anxiety as well, but i can’t follow that now that im out on summer break.
i’ve had multiple anxiety attacks and restlessness these past few months, way worse than they’ve ever been, and now i think i need to beg for medication even if ive never gotten a proper diagnosis for my bed and anxiety because i cannot live like this anymore. worst part is, i don’t even know if my doctors will listen to me because i feel like they’ll think ill abuse common bed medication, but i don’t know how to prove to them i wont. i’m tired of binging, i feel so alone and im in so much pain. i feel like im going to die from the strain im putting on my stomach and heart.

my gf (21F) and me (22F) (been together almost 5 months) had our deepest heart to heart yet yesterday about my mental state. we both struggle with severe depression and anxiety amongst other things. she has been medicated & on a mental health improvement journey for several months and she is in a great place. i, on the other hand, have been putting my all into our relationship without realizing how much i’ve neglected my own mental health.
i have severe ocd and i struggle with spontaneity, while she is perfectly okay without structure. this is something i have had to compromise a LOT on in order to make time to see her, but i didn’t realize how long i had been pushing off getting the help i need for my mental health until i completely broke down to her yesterday.
she and i had a long conversation about how she’s noticed my mental state declining for the past couple months, and i agreed that i just haven’t felt like myself or able to be present in our relationship at all. she suggested a one-month break from our relationship while i pursue therapy and psychiatric help, and that we should assess where we are in july.
here’s where things get extremely lesbian and complicated:
our sexual compatibility is OTHERWORLDLY. a lot of our general feelings and connection are based on genuine love for one another, but i can’t lie, sometimes i do question how much of our connection is purely sexual. after the initial conversation about a break, i felt relieved. i am someone who, no matter how good a relationship is, will ALWAYS favor being single & free, as shitty as that sounds. sometimes i cling onto things simply out of fear of hurting a partner’s feelings. later, we had sex and another conversation about still having casual sex during the break. i initially agreed, but i just left her place after helping her move into her new apartment and i still feel a sense of dread and a lack of freedom to be able to pursue the help i need, despite her reassurance. it is basically impossible for us to be just friends or “casual”….but we would both be devastated to not speak at all for a month.
in conclusion, i guess the issue at hand is HOW on earth do we set boundaries that make sense & aren’t too insane during this weird time? the bottom line is that i am struggling a lot mentally and i KNOW i need to be selfish with my me-time right now. i just care for her so much and i’m worried that too many lines will be crossed for it to be considered a break at all.
HELP! please tell me if you’ve had a similar experience or any advice to offer.
***another thing that should be noted is that she is much more of a physical romantic than i am. i could easily go without physical touch and sex for a while but it’s a primary love language for her.
lesbians help!

This post is here to address some of the frustrations about the SAS:ZA series.
DISCLAIMER: I am not involved with Ninja Kiwi in any way, I'm not a game designer and have limited knowledge of software development and such. I'm just someone who's been in and out of the community since around 2013 (holy its been over a decade).
We'll start with the facts, and only address SAS4 and SAS5 for now: - SAS4 was released in May 2014 as open-beta on the Ninja Kiwi website as a flash game (this is important as adobe flash player had a whole host of problems, mainly lag and security issues) - Mobile and Steam versions were released soon after, built on a completely separate platform - This means that the flash version, and the mobile/steam version were split into 2 separate games. I will refer to this as the steam version, but they are essentially the same thing. Whilst the base game remains the same, there are differences between them, which I won't go into as its not really relevant. - I don't know the exact date since I have no internal information, but it seems around 2016 Ninja Kiwi made a conscious effort to transition away from online, website hosted flash games to mobile and steam releases. This was a small negative for the small dedicated community they had built up over the years through the flash games but this was of course the only path they could take as flash was a doomed platform. - The last update for SAS4 flash was on the 17th June 2016, with Ninja Kiwi releasing a statement some time after officially confirming that would be the final update and they would be focusing on other projects. - The only real information regarding SAS5 is that it's not off the cards, but isn't the focus right now (If anyone has better information, please correct me in the comments)
Now lets talk about where we are today. The steam version of SAS4 received a couple of updates with actual content in 2022, but with no further news we can assume it most like won't happen again. The flash version actually had its multiplayer servers shut down in the same timeframe but is still playable thanks to a player called GLENN M who is currently hosting multiplayer servers for several of Ninja Kiwi's older flash games (AKA doing gods work). Many players have been extremely frustrated with the lack of attention given to the game and there have been many requests for SAS5 over the years, but as previously mentioned, there is very little news and seems that Ninja Kiwi is not working on currently.
OR ARE THEY?? 2 months ago, Ninja Kiwi posted this https://www.reddit.com/NinjaKiwiOfficial/comments/1c0ziew/ninja_kiwi_is_teaming_up_with_autoattack_games/ on the reddit. It has no information about SAS, but details 2 things: 1 - They are working on 3 new games 2 - Their identity as a company is very important to them (stick with me on this one) Lets address the 3 games first. One is obviously Bloons Card Storm, but the other 2 remain unnamed. I'll leave the copium to others, but there is a small possibility that one of those games could be SAS5. IF it were, this means nothing for potential release dates as we don't have any idea of what phase of production the game is in, it could be 2 months from closed beta, or 2 months into putting the ideas onto a whiteboard (again, not a game developer, I don't know the process).
Now lets talk about the second part. This part is all going to be speculation on my side, so feel free to discuss it and other opinions in the comments. I would say that the move from flash to other platforms must have been challenging for Ninja Kiwi to execute, and they've done an exceptional job of evolving their company to not only survive, but thrive. Unfortunately this does mean leaving a lot of us OG flash players behind so to speak, but it's realistically mostly in terms of the SAS series. As previously mentioned, the 2 versions of the game are quite different, (I personally hate the fact that I can't craft gear in steam, and crit seems to not work properly) so it kind of leaves a bit of a sour taste for some players to switch over. Now then. Let's talk about the problems of actually making SAS5. - It won't be anywhere near as popular as anything in the bloons franchise, so it's not the best financial decision to make (again, complete guess, I might be completely wrong and I really do hope I am) - Making another top-down shooter game just won't float today. Some of us might hate to talk about it, but the game has to be extremely monetizable to be worth creating. That means premium items yes, but also skins. How do you see skins in a top down shooter? So clearly SAS5 must evolve past a top-down shooter, whether that be some kind of mixed perspective or just a full 3-d first person shooter (highly unlikely, since that's just not Ninja Kiwi's identity) - From my guess, It would take a significant effort to make SAS5 on these newer platforms, one which is most likely a highly unreasonable business decision to make (yes, Ninja Kiwi is a company and therefore needs to make money.)
So to conclude, SAS5 will be take up too much resources and (at least at first) not bring in enough money for Ninja Kiwi to be able to consider it. However I have full confidence that if there was any possible way to do it, they would. I may have come across as critical on Ninja Kiwi here, but I fully understand and agree with the decisions and directions they have taken in a post-flash era. They can't be constantly catering to us OG players on a dead platform, and even though I've grown up and mostly moved on, I can't help but keep coming back. That's what Ninja Kiwi is. They hold a special place in my heart that can't ever be changed and I will always support them even when I'm old and gray. Who knows, maybe SAS5 will be out by then.
I originally was going to make a post just detailing out some ideas I had for SAS5, but as I kept thinking about it, I realised this is a much more important topic to go over. I'll leave the actual game design to the game designers. (Just please put in level 200 characters xd?)