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violetmuses · 2 years

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Phantom || Takeshi Kovacs (Drabble 2)

TITLE: “Phantom” || Takeshi Kovacs (Drabble 2)

POINT OF VIEW: Third Person

FANDOM: “Altered Carbon” (Netflix Adaptation)

CHARACTER: Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman, Season 1 Portrayal)

PAIRING: OC Kira “Finch” Murphy + Takeshi Kavocs

MAIN STORYLINE: In an alternate universe, Takeshi finds himself solving another cold case. According to history, Kira Murphy wasn’t supposed to exist. The question is why?

MAIN WARNINGS: Violence, gore, adult themes, dark content, strong language, etc.

J Krew: @nerdysuperchick @a-reader-and-a-writer @babblydrabbly @lacontroller1991 @shadowkittybucky @loverhymeswith @justin-hammers @weallhaveadestiny @xoxabs88xox @katjnordstrom96

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2384

“Where’s that book?” Kovacs questioned Ortega weeks later, breaking ongoing silence that had long-since occurred between them

“The journal?” Ortega clarified, standing between shadows.

“What else could I be talking about?” Kovacs narrowed both eyes, quietly frustrated despite their discussion.

“Here. Are you finally deciding to look at the Finch case?” Ortega opened this satchel and revealed the leather-bound journal in question, relieved despite her leveled demeanor.

“Is that what it’s called on record?” Kovacs shook his head, still agitated because Ortega had immediately walked off.

“Yes, but are you looking into it or not?” Ortega asked, squinted between flits of light that casted all around.

“If it means you’ll leave me the hell alone, then yes.” Kovacs defended himself once more, holding the journal between calloused but nimble fingers.

“Deal. Take as long as you need and keep me updated, Kovacs.” Ortega affirmed, wanting to keep herself around in the case of trouble or chaos.

“Either I go ahead by myself, or there’s no deal.” Kovacs volleyed back and asserted solo work once again.

“What if…” Ortega was forced to trail off her own words.

“I can deal with it alone, Ortega. Leave me alone or I’ll drop the case.” Kovacs set hsi booted foot down and walked off, already leaving Ortega in the dark.

“Dammit.” Ortega whispered, shying away from standing here any longer.

_____

Low lighting filled almost every space as Kovacs settled and genuinely looked over that journal. Kovacs turned the pages slightly, but he attempted to learn pieces of its handwritten notes. Years topped the corners, scrawled with possible tales that he had never seen before. Even manifestos paled in comparison.

2384 - 1:00 AM

Experts said it was impossible: I shouldn’t be alive. Resleeving should’ve killed me.

And yet, I’m still here, waiting to be found.

“Shit, the book isn’t historical. Most entries are current.” Kovacs whispered to himself, slamming the journal closed before almost clamoring his footfalls downstairs towards the lobby.

_______

“Mr. Kovacs, what is the problem?” Poe questioned Kovacs right behind the reception desk, puzzled.

“I need a name.” Kovacs leveled his voice, somehow calmed for the first time in minutes.

“Yes, Sir. I will check the log now.”

“Murphy.” Kovacs offered the last name, hoping that Poe would speed up the search process in one way or another.

“My sincerest apologies, but the last name Murphy has yet logged into any database for The Raven, Sir.” Poe regrettably answered, momentarily sad to disappoint Kovacs.

“Shit! I’ll be back.” Kovacs nearly sprinted outward, heading into another darkened night in Bay City.

***

Only minutes later, one blood-curdling scream soon piqued Kovac’s attention once he lurked towards another darkened alley located blocks from The Raven. Armed, he thumbed his concealed weapon, prepared to shoot if needed for self-defense.

Just across the street, patrons bolted out the nearest bar, trailed by the piercing sound of incoming gunshots.

“What the hell are you doing? Run!” One patron yelled out loud, bravely tugging Kovac by his right arm. By now, Takeshi was nearly racing down the block with own footsteps moving right behind the woman

“What happened in there?” Kovacs probs, cornering himself to block view of the woman who guided him away from that crossfire.

“Card game gone wrong. Some asshole pulled his Squeeze Gun after losing and just went off the rails.” The woman continued, almost leveled between words despite circumstances now.

“Was BCPD called in yet?” Kovacs asked, his face slightly illuminated by neon lighting that casted from the beaming storefronts and club zoning streams.

“Yeah, but it’s useless. By the time they show up, nobody’s gonna talk. Either too spooked or too slimy themselves to speak with officers.” The woman kept speaking, glancing between Kovcas and the street line of chaos.

“It’s clear. Let’s keep going until we get to The Raven. Go on three: one, two, three!” In whispers, Kovacs instructed, observing as the woman nodded momentarily and went along without showing her nerves up front.

Odd. He thought to himself. Civilians he knew in the past would’ve definitely quivered through this entire ordeal, no matter how terribly residents might have lived in this city or elsewhere.

“You an Envoy?” Kovacs went for the jugular, knowing that this woman’s answer would solve everything.

“Hell no.” The woman answered, turning down another corner, moving closer and closer with Takeshi to The Raven once more.

“Name?” Kovacs paused underneath this corner of streetlamps, watching as the woman folded both arms and narrowed her eyes.

“None of your business.” The woman defended herself.

Wait, this could be my only chance. Takeshi remembered.

“Do you know anyone with the nickname Finch?” Kovacs offered, despite ongoing tension.

Even if knew something about Finch, why does it matter? Last I heard, she’s been dead for a while.” The woman lowered her voice.

“Listen. I’ve already gone through this line of questioning before, so are you sure that she’s dead?” Kovacs stepped closer, almost towering over the woman by this point.

“By now, the truth doesn’t even matter, Kovacs.” The woman revealed Takeshi’s last name, giving out more than she had put on much earlier.

“What are you saying?” Kovacs narrowed both eyes, staring down this woman as she faced him once more.

“If you don’t think Finch is dead, then she’s not dead.” That woman left Kovacs behind, traveling her booted footsteps through the Raven’s entrance.

#tw: guns #dark tw #dark themes #death mention #gunshots tw #altered carbon #joel kinnaman #black oc #canon x oc #oc x canon #netflix altered carbon #takeshi kovacs

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gracieryder · 3 years

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I see so many posts about how to access academic journal articles and whatnot that are behind paywalls, and if you're in America at least, I honestly can't stress how much you should just get a library card.

Perks?

It's free.

Check out all the books!

They don't have the book you need? They can get it from another library system! Interlibrary Loan is your friend!

Check out DVDs and whatnot as well!

Sounds too old school, you say? What about those articles, you ask? Netflix exists, you say?

There's also The Digital Library.

Ooo!! Ahh!!

Guess what! Your library card often gives you access to dozens if not hundreds of online databases! Including major databases such as EBSCO! Which -- you guessed it! Is a giant archive with almost every research journal you can think of! And that's not all it has either!

There are lawyers who pay through the nose for access to the Westlaw database. Literally thousands of dollars per year. With my library card? Free.

Different library systems have contracts with different databases. So there's no guarantee you'll have the exact same databases no matter where you are, but you should see what's available. And check surrounding systems too! You don't always have to live in an area to get a card. We can literally get a form filled out at our library and get cards in a dozen surrounding counties/boroughs/parishes.

Woo!! More free stuff!!

And The Digital Library isn't just research you know! There's Overdrive/Libby. Check out e-books for free with your card! Check out audiobooks online for free! Check out movies to stream for free!

Online databases like Hoopla are basically a streaming service you get for free with your library card.

For the love of God, go to your library's website and dig around. See just how much they offer. I am barely scraping the surface right now, okay?

Get a god damn library card.

#y'all are killing me!#libraries aren't just little brick buildings with books anymore!#resources #libraries #mist speaks

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zoobus · 4 years

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Online Socializing and Distraction Masterpost

You're bored, you're lonely, you’re an extrovert and social distancing sounds like hell on earth, you're not sure you can handle what feels like endless isolation - I get it and I want to help. This list is broken into two sections: Free for your own use and Free if your library offers it. I am not posting anything that requires money to use (excluding the cost of streaming services for those programs), so you will not see any of the endless extended free trials companies have been throwing out - If you're interested in such a list, go here, here, and here. And Comixology. Free to Use: -twoseven.xyz - RIP Rabbit 😢 Now that that’s out of the way, I know some of you gave up on a replacement - Kast sucked, half the replacements were broken, no one filled the gap. However, after several months of tv watching with friends, I can say twoseven is the most expansive and functional tv sharing site I’ve found. Everyone can pause, play, rewind, etc without it getting out of sync (unless your interenet is really bad) All your friends will need to install the app, it gets funky when using Netflix and Hulu, and I’ve occassionally had issues using it with Firefox, but otherwise it works. -Netflix Party - If Netflix is your main, this is your app. Unlike Twoseven, you can set up audio chat, if that’s something you want. HOWEVER, unlike twoseven, you all need a Netflix account. No free riders here :( *At the time of this post, it’s currently having issues with the latest version, with plans to drop a fixed release by Tuesday. -Disboard and Discord.me - You’re probably already aware of Discord, have an account, maybe a couple servers you’re active in. It can be difficult finding a quality server with both good members and subject you’re interested in - these two are better at finding such servers than Discord’s Discovery feature or hoping one of your mutuals reads your desperate telepathic pleas to give an invite. -Discord - Again, you all likely know of Discord as a socializing platform. It’s been gradually improving its video chat and video share features, letting you and your friends talk while you show off your game/movie/hentai/whatever. It’s at the bottom of the list because I found it to be the spottiest of all the media group share software. -Roll20 - Maybe you’ve always been curious about tabletop games, maybe all your interested friends are in different timezones. VERY useful if you have zero interest in keeping track of numbers or doing the math yourself. Recommend playing using with Discord’s voice chat.

-Facetime, Houseparty, Hangouts, Duo, WhatsApp - None of these are linked since there’s various platforms you can download them on, but basically if you want to video chat - especially with multiple people - these are the most popular. I do not like video chatting so I cannot/will not vouch for any. Make on-nomi a thing and have a drinking party. -Exercise Playlist - Gyms are closed and going outside is currently being discouraged. Don’t give up!

Free to Use IF Your Library Holds a Subscription Your library probably offers a lot of online services outside of ebooks. Their list can likely be found on their website or by searching “[your local/county library] eCollection”or “[your local/county library] online resources.” These are a few yours might subscribe to, but if they don’t you can always make a request:

-Libby and Overdrive - Libby is the app for OverDrive. Read ebooks and listen to audiobooks from your library’s OverDrive collection on mobile using Libby. -RBDigital - Primarily provides a wide variety of magazines in a few languages, but offers some ebooks and audiobooks as well. -PressReader - All the newspapers you can read. If you’re constantly frustrated by paywalls, check whether this is available to you. -Kanopy - On-demand streaming video platform for public libraries and universities that offers films and documentaries, plus a kids’ section. Hey, guess which site has Moonlight, Midsommar, and m’big brain stuff showing, that’s right, Kanopy

-Hoopla - Another public library database - movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows. Its selection is smaller than Libby/Overdrive, but there’s no holds and no waiting, just read that book. -Lynda - Yeah yeah, learn a skill. More importantly, play around and find an interest. Maybe you’ll like Unity, maybe you’re curious if any marketing tips could apply to your ao3 fic. -Freegal - Unlimited music streaming, download 5 DRM-free songs per week. -Mango Languages - Online learning program for over 70 languages and growing. Do it if you’re tired of being threatened by the duolingo bird. -Bookflix - Scholastic made their book fair online. For the kids. -Consumer Reports - An American nonprofit organization dedicated to unbiased product testing, investigative journalism, consumer-oriented research, public education, and consumer advocacy. Useful for making big purchases, though not as high profile as it used to be.

And that’s all I’ve got! Hope at least one person finds it useful.

#social distancing #discord #free stuff #reference #long post

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nelllraiser · 3 years

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the kids are alright | adam, ariana, athena, blanche, connor, nell, orion, & winston

TIMING: a few days before the full moon. LOCATION: connor’s beach house. PARTIES: @walker-journal, @letsbenditlikebennett, @athenaquinn, @harlowhaunted, @connorspiracy, @nelllraiser, @3starsquinn, @danetobelieve SUMMARY: just a truly wholesome and youthful time.

Connor didn’t know what everyone liked, so he tried to get a little of everything; chips, dip, beers, spirits (no pun intended), and a few takeout menus scattered around in case they wanted to order. The house wasn’t huge by any means, but one thing he prided himself on was having a bloody good entertainment system, complete with several consoles and a massive telly. They’d have some fun. Watch some shit movies, play some Mario Party, forget that the world outside was shit, at least for a few hours. As the first knock at the door came, he headed over to answer it. “Hey, welcome. Come on in. Make yourself at home. Telly and consoles are obviously in here, but we have this bit of beach as well if we decide we want to take it outside.”

While Ariana wasn’t sure of who all would be in attendance tonight, she knew she hadn’t wanted to leave Athena back at the apartment. Especially with everything that had happened recently, she knew they could both use a fun evening. When she knocked on the door, she smiled brightly as Connor greeted them and introduced him to Athena. “I think I’ll skip testing my luck with the beach, I’m more interested in seeing how I can build a new entertainment system for ya anyway,” she turned to Athena and said, “This is my friend Athena. Athena, this is Connor. You may have seen some of his YouTube videos.” She held up a bag and added, “We brought some extra snacks, too.”

She wasn’t entirely sure that she was up for a party, but she also knew that she didn’t want to be all by herself with her thoughts. So when Ariana had offered to bring her along to the party, Athena had quickly agreed. “Hi.” She waved to Connor from where she was standing behind Ariana. “I don’t watch a lot of YouTube outside of some videos about baking, or science, or one of my sorority sisters has a vlog channel, so I’m subscribed to that… but still! Nice to meet you.” She grinned, and it still didn’t feel entirely comfortable, but she knew that she had to get back to the usual routine to some degree sooner or later. She nodded over at the bag Ariana was holding up, using that time to look around the house. Her fingers, bare except for one with a golden ring that Amanda had gotten her for her birthday, found her cross necklace and she twisted it around, a bit out of a nervous habit. “Thanks for letting me come, it looks like you have a really nice place.”

“Always love a good snack,” Connor teased. “That’s why Adam’s coming.” Pity that boy was so painfully heterosexual. “Hi, love,” he greeted as Ariana introduced Athena. “Nice to meet you. Nobody else is here yet, but come on in, have a drink, let Ariana check out my furniture…” He gave a little chuckle, helping himself to a beer.

Nell and Blanche had arrived in tandem, sporting their matching ‘burn your bra’ crop tops in a yin and yang color scheme with Nell in black, and one of her best friends in white. As she walked through the open front door, an amused grin cracked her lips as she saw Blanche and her hadn’t been the only ones to have a similar idea. “Well I’m glad we all got the memo,” she said with a nod towards Athena and Ariana’s complimentary jerseys, knowing full well there had been no such thing. Then she was raising a hand to wave a group greeting towards everyone, and presenting the plate she’d brought. “I brought these- they’re brownies obviously, but the kind that might make you astral project a couple planes over.” Probably stuffed with enough homegrown pot to get an elephant high, they were a staple when it came to party favors.

Orion had been to Connor’s on quite a few occasions now. Since the two had first met up at the old haunted house that Rio had grown up learning about, the two had hung fairly often while Rio helped film and edit videos every now and again. He was still clearly a beginner, but either Connor was desperate for the help or just enjoyed Rio’s company. He came hand in hand with Winston, overly excited for the night. Ever since his birthday, people seemed to walk on pins and needles around him and he didn’t know how to convince him that he was completely fine without potentially coming across as a sociopath. “Connor’s place is nice! He has a really cool set up for editing videos. Maybe you two can geek out about computer stuff together?” Rio grinned as the two made towards the front door.

Connor took a look at everyone’s outfits. “Well, if you brought bras to burn, I already mentioned we’ve got the beach for a little campfire,” he teased. “And Nell, maybe we let people settle in for a bit before getting high on brownies, yeah?” He gave her a playful grin. “But I like the way you think.” There was another ring from the doorbell, and he momentarily excused himself to go answer. It was Rio and his roommate. Holding hands. Cool. “Hey, you made it,” he greeted, smiling over at Rio. “Did you know we were supposed to coordinate? Everyone else has come dressed in pairs,” he teased, then looked to Winston. “Hi. Nice to meet ya. I’m Connor. Come on in.” He led them inside to the rest of the group. Now that almost everyone had arrived, he made sure everyone had a drink and knew where the snacks were, and where the bathroom was. “Just waiting for Adam then. For movies we’ve got pretty much anything that’s on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or anything I can illegally download.”

Glancing around the room, Winston shot Nell and Blanche a knowing smile before keeping their hands tightly interlaced with Orion’s. Things seemed to have relatively blown over with Athena, the fact that she was here with Ariana was a separate matter. “Thanks for the invite, if I’d known we were supposed to coordinate I’d have joined in but I guess we’re always the last to hear about these fun facts…” Winston gave a gentle smile before continuing into the house. They were about to mention that they were pretty sure they could connect Connor’s place up to the database in their home, but they weren’t sure that they wanted to potentially share any info that was not entirely secure. “Adam’s coming too? This really is going to be a party.” Winston just hoped he wasn’t armed with assault rifles and grenades this time.

“Hey guys,” Blanche gave a wave. She hadn't expected Athena to be here, but then again, she also hadn't expected Rio either, especially after… everything. But she wasn't one to judge when people needed to blow off steam. “I would highly recommend the brownies. Once, you know, we’ve all settled in.” She nudged Nell playfully. “I have a 12 pack of beer too if anyone wants a drink.” She set it down on an end table, before curiously eyeing the TV. “Alright then, why don't we focus on picking a movie while we wait for Adam -” would he roll in with kegs like he did at Nic’s party? She fought back a snide internal comment, reminding herself that she promised to rewind for the evening, and honestly… she was so tired of being angry. Not just at Adam, but with everyone. “What genre are we feeling? Horror?” she asked, hopefully.

It seemed like she and Athena hadn’t been the only ones who showed up matching. Ariana waved to Blanche and Nell appreciating their crop tops. She stood up to grab some drinks for her and Athena though she was pretty sure she’d be skipping out on the brownies. She’d never tried them before and wasn’t sure a big group of people was the place to start. “I’ll take you up on one of those beers. Did you want one, Athena?” At the mention of horror movies, Ariana shrugged. “Sounds a little close to real life, but I’m down.”

She figured that her brother was going to be here. Athena gave a small, half-wave to Rio, though she didn’t look over at him for too long. They hadn’t been together since everything and she still wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do. The idea of the brownies wasn’t especially appealing, even if part of her wondered if Nell’s addition to it was a bit more magical than most. “Uh, sure.” She said, looking at Ariana. “If there’s cider I’d prefer that but beer can do.” She waved at Nell and Blanche. “Nice matching.” It didn’t hurt to at least appear pleasant, and she could only do so much to calm down her nerves - getting into an argument wasn’t going to help with any of that. “What horror films? I can’t say I’m super expert on that genre.” Ironically enough.

There was the sound of a large truck pulling up and a loud bawdy conversation on the street about someone being manscaped with a weedwacker, only for said someone to shout back an incoherent taunt about some physically impossible things Adam’s mother engaged in last night. More voices joined in the from the truck until it was unclear where mothers, weedwhackers, body hair, contortionist sex positions, chocolate fudge, and lighter fluid all fit into this. However all involved seemed to part even more cheerful than before and the car departed.

Sporting a letterman jacket and a red baseball cap with faint stains of a deeper scarlet, Adam burst in smelling faintly of lock-room soap and the lingering grass scent of the football field.

Still flush with post-practice endorphins, Adam vaulted over the back of the nearest free couch as if it were a track hurdle and crashed down into the open seat.

“Sup my bodacious bastards?”

"Horror is good by me. Blair Witch or something? Could always go with Scream. Classic slasher." Connor grabbed a cider for himself. He had bought enough so that nobody needed to bring their own, but it was a nice gesture. It wasn't long before Adam turned up. You really couldn't miss him. "Life of the party, I see," Connor greeted. "The loud-mouthed jock of my dreams,” he teased, his grin flashing all the way up to his eyes. “Want a beer mate? We were just deciding on a movie."

Nell abandoned her pot filled brownies on the coffee table, grabbing a few drinks after waving a welcome to Winston and Orion, and first offering one to Blanche with a “For you” before taking another. Then she plopped herself down on the same couch before also handing one to Adam should he want it. “And here you go, ‘bodacious’;” she said with a slight snort. Nell couldn’t pretend that she wasn’t a bit worried to have the two of them in the same place after Winn’s death, but maybe alcohol was another key factor in glossing all of that over for the moment being. She popped open the top of her own bottle with a household spell, realizing she’d forgotten a bottle opener before taking a swig of it. “I’m right here,” she joked at the mention of Blair Witch, even if she knew it was less about witches and more about general spookiness.

Swallowing a mouthful of beer, Winston watched Adam enter the room. This was not your classic set up, hunters, werewolves, exorcists, spellcasters and god knew what else. But they were their friends and Winston was doing their best to be more normal in their endeavours and their life. “Not everything is about you Nell sweetie,” Winston reached down and plucked a brownie from the plate, tentatively nibbling on it and smiling. Thank God they weren’t driving tonight. “I’ve heard that Midsommar is meant to be really good, Heritage too. Not sure if any of those appeal to you. They’re meant to be more nordic or something? I don’t know. I read something about them a while back.”

The place was full of familiar faces, and maybe for the first time Orion found himself at what could basically be considered a party surrounded completely by people that he considered friends. Or at least, friends plus one very odd addition in the first of his twin sister. She stuck close with Ariana. The pair still baffled Rio, seeing them together and matching was even more jarring. Coupled with Blanche and Nell wearing the same thing maybe Rio and the others really had missed some sort of memo. Athena’s small wave was maybe a step, but not much of one. Rio returned the wave, both of them turning their backs to each other as Rio made his way to the kitchen, pondering whether or not he was going to drink. He decided to go for it after a long moment’s hesitation and picked a cider, “It’s someone’s job to make sure I don’t get drunk. I have an embarrassingly small tolerance.” He said aloud to no one in particular, only sort of joking and then found his way to the couch where Adam had just leapt over, “A cult movie may be hitting a bit close to home, don’t you think?” Rio laughed, but shrugged the concern away, “It looks pretty though. I’m down for anything.”

Connor was pretty indifferent to any drama that might have existed between anyone in the group, so he didn’t pay any mind to Blanche’s reaction to Adam. "Yes, Nell, you're our White Crest witch, very different," Connor teased. Since everyone was here, it wouldn't do any harm to grab a brownie. He'd just have to pace himself. "Oh shit, if we're talking 'high brow' horror," he made little air quotes around the words, "Hereditary and Midsommar would be sick. Get Out, too. I just figured we'd probably want something we can get pissed and stoned to and not pay that much attention," he snickered. "Oh, there's also Happy Death Day and The Babysitter if we want newer Netflix shit." He shrugged, sipping his drink. “I’m not fussed though. Whatever anyone else wants to watch.”

It was good to see Adam in seemingly better spirits than the last time she saw him. Ariana still felt a twinge of guilt that her trust in others had nearly led to his death, but he was here now and they were all going to have a good time. “Hey, Adam,” she greeted with a wave as he swung over the couch. She looked back to Athena with a small smile and said, “Cider it is.” She made her way to the kitchen and chimed in, “I’m not sure Winston, I’m pretty sure Nell took a DNA test and she’s 100% that witch.” She grabbed a beer for herself and a cider for Athena. It dawned on her that she hadn’t seen any of the movies mentioned but she laughed a bit over the cult part. “I’ve seen like none of those, so I’m good with whatever.” She slid back into her seat by Athena and handed her a cider. “Here you go,” she said brightly. She knew Athena was still down over everything that happened and she wanted this to be a nice night for both of them. Hell, she was pretty sure everyone in this room needed a break from White Crest being White Crest and she wanted that for all of them.

She gave a small wave to Adam as he arrived. At least he seemed to be in relatively good spirits, which was something. “How’s it going Adam?” She raised an eyebrow. “This feels a little different than our usual sort of party, doesn’t it?” Athena nodded at Ariana’s comment, watching as she went over to grab the drinks. “One of my sisters is a sociology and film double major and wrote a paper about Get Out - she had us all watch it so I actually have seen that, but I can’t say I’m too familiar with the others.” She did know that if anything was too full of jump scares she might react poorly, but that was what fiddling with the hem of her shirt was for, wasn’t it? She accepted the cider from Ariana and took a sip. “Whatever everyone else wants to go with.” She couldn’t help but sigh when she noticed that her brother had the same drink as her, though only a small smile covered her lips.

Connor had a big grin on his face as they drank and chatted. It had been a while since he'd had a proper group of friends like this. He had friends, of course, but high school and college he'd still been coming into his own as a medium and starting up his YouTube channel. People thought he was kind of weird. In White Crest, he wasn't weird at all. He was probably one of the most normal. "Okay, we're gonna have to take votes on the movie," he snickered, smoking his vape. "Probably something on the less serious side of things, yeah? We've got enough shit going on. Happy Death Day or The Babysitter are both on Netflix." He got a feeling there was a little more going on with the ‘serious’ side of things than he knew about, but he didn’t want to stick his nose into other people’s business. This night was about relaxing, not rehashing the bad shit.

Adam had once been taught that he’d been born to stand apart from humanity, amongst but not a part of it. The preservation of mankind’s destiny required forsaking anything that’d inhibit neutrality or cause a Hunter to become entangled in disputes between human beings. Thus Adam had grown up play-acting, his life during the day just a pleasant cover identity for who he really was.

Now it was all he was.

This reversal tugged at Adam as he watched his friends banter and meander on the way to actually choosing a movie. All his life Adam had been told to focus, remain vigilant against the inevitable return of the old gods. Was that why he lost his powers? Focusing too much on enjoying humanity’s company instead of protecting it?

These and other thoughts whirled behind Adam’s grin as he accepted the beer. “Glad my beach body lives rent free in your head Con,” Adam replied with a wink to Connor at the mention of being the jock of his dreams.

“Dunno about Happy Death Day, I’ve had about enough dead chick drama for a while.”

Adam ‘thought’ for a moment, which is to say he took a few glugs of beer like a man dying of thirst in the desert and went with the first idea that popped up in his brain when the alcohol hit his system.

“Let’s do truth or dare while we decide? Bet that should be a trip with well...us”

Blanche had a hold on the remote, somewhat zoning out while people debated the choice in movie. She was doing that more, lately, but she had always been easily distracted. That was more because ghosts though. Only at the mention of Truth or Dare did Blanche snap out of it. Leaning against the armrest, she took a sip of her beer, glancing over at Adam. Considering it a moment, she put the remote down. “I'm down for a game of Truth or Dare,” she said, glancing around. Was this what all parties were like? She looked over at Nell, almost a little unsure for a second. “Sounds like fun?”

In all honesty, Nell much preferred the concept of Truth or Dare in comparison to a movie. At this rate with all the strangeness that made its home in White Crest, horror flicks were nearly laughable at times. Besides- Truth or Dare was probably something that demanded more attention, which was a welcome distraction from current stressors. And that was the whole point of this get together, wasn’t it? Giving Blanche a reassuring nod, Nell sat straighter on the couch as if readying herself for the game. “Let’s do it.” She took another draw of her drink before looking around the circle with a new and challenging glint in her eyes. “Who wants to go first?”

“Truth or Dare? That’s on Netflix as well,” Connor said, flicking through the horror suggestions until he found it. Only a few clicks in did he realise that wasn’t what Adam had been referring to. “Oh, did you mean the actual game?” He laughed, just switching to a music playlist in the background and folding his feet under him while he made himself comfy on the sofa. “Wait a minute, I’m down and everything, but someone’s gonna have to explain what rules we’re playing by. Everyone does ‘em different.”

Truth or dare sounded like the worst idea possible. Orion did not consider himself to be a very daring person by nature. But at the rate life had been going the last month, he wasn’t exactly keen on the idea of answering any truths either. Not that he was far bound to answer truthfully anyways... unless that was a thing in White Crest. Regardless, the result terrified him. But the Rio here tonight wanted to be the okay version of Rio. The one not bogged down by the death of his parents. So he took a long drink from the cider and wiped at his mouth, making the gesture overly dramatic to try to hide the soured look he gave from the taste of alcohol. “Me. I’ll go first. Dare me.” This was absolutely a bad idea, but Rio had gotten pretty good at those. “Oh. Rules?” Rio heard what Connor questioned, but had never played the game before. “Cool. Well explain the rules and then dare me.”

This was just about the last game that Athena wanted to play. Even if she chose truth, which she wasn’t planning to, she could still omit certain aspects of it. It came along with her training and she didn’t trust most people here enough to reveal any deep secrets. So dares it would be - and it seemed like her brother was following the same path. “I mean, different versions are different but you get asked truth or dare - if it’s truth, someone can ask you any question about anything,” she raised an eyebrow at him, “and if it’s dare then you have to do whatever they ask. There’s sometimes consequences for not completing either.” She took a sip of her drink. “But dare? Since you’re new at this, we can start easy. I dare you to drink the rest of your cider in under a minute.” She crossed her legs. “Whoever’s up next, I also choose dare.”

Orion was surprised that Athena had been the first one to dare him. She had even been pretty lenient, daring him to just finish his drink. Easier said than done to a complete lightweight who had no experience drinking, but as far as the things he could have been dared to do this felt like he was getting off easily. “Done.” He had seen the movies before, so Rio kneeled down on one knee and tipped the bottle against his mouth, chugging as fast as he could. The drink instantly turned bitter against his tongue and he thought it would never end. But if he could survive his birthday he could finish a cider. He finally finished the thing off with an explosive coughing followed by him falling back on his butt. “I’m totally not going to puke.” He wasn’t sure if he was telling everyone that or trying to convince himself not to.

Adam stood up from the couch and strode to the far side of the room, gingerly stepping over and around people so as to not crunch knees or beers. He took an empty solo cup and placed it on a piece of furniture. The footballer knelt next to the door and produced a small grip-exercise ball. He offered the little squishy ball to Athena with a grin..

“I dare you to close your eyes and try to throw this call in the cup. Take a shot each time you miss.”

Adam performed another one-handed vault over the back of the into his seat, but the alcohol and post-practice endorphins in his system caused the Hunter to land far more ignominiously in a heap of sinewy limbs and cushions.

“Truth”

“Easy-peasy.” Athena smirked, before standing up. She handed her cider to Ariana and grabbed the ball from Adam. “I’ve got this no problem.” She took the ball and closed her eyes, concentrating on the location of the solo cup before rolling her shoulders and giving a small toss, eyes flickering open as she heard it hit the inside. She turned around, walking by Adam before bending over to whisper in his ear. “I do have excellent reflexes, just to remind you.” She found her space back by Ariana again. “Feeling rather successful right now, I think.”

”Wow, nice!” Connor enthused as Athena hit the shot. “I’ve got a truth,” he blurted out, feeling the effects of his drink and Nell’s magic brownies, a pleasant tingling sensation overtaking his body. “Have you never done anything even the slightest bit gay? Because honestly, only the most heterosexual guy ever could have not understood those sword crossing comments,” he laughed at the memory. Ah, simpler times, when he didn’t know that half these people were murderers and there weren’t freshly resurrected evil spirits out to get them. Then again, Connor was starting to get the impression that stuff was common in White Crest. Best not get too comfortable. “And you can truth or dare me all you want. I’m not bothered, mate.”

Ariana watched somewhat in awe as Athena performed her dare. It was definitely impressive to watch and she couldn’t help the small grin on her face as Athena came back over to take her seat by her. “That was awesome,” she said as she gave Athena a small pat on the back. There was another dare to be dished out so she quickly chimed in, “Connor, I dare you to do a dance challenge as your next YouTube video. I’m thinking the In My Feelings Challenge.” She realized that meant it was her turn, so she added, “I pick dare for myself.”

“A Dance Challenge?” Connor snorted, waving his hand, affectionately dismissive. “That’s not my style, babe. Oh, I could definitely do it on TikTok though. You didn’t say which platform it had to be on.” He whipped out his phone, looking up a couple. “I can probably film it right now, since I’m tipsy, but you’ll have to hold my phone.” He looked up a few examples then got up, only a little wobbly on his feet. “I have no fucking idea how to do this shit,” he laughed, looking over to Ariana and handing her his phone. He’d watched a few versions of the thing he was trying to recreate. “Ready?”

Adam hadn’t been raised with particularly strong feelings on different sexualities other than that they existed. Really, Dad had been far more concerned that his sons knew the proper masculine values of honor, wilderness survival, coordinated squad tactics, and the domestic arts of building explosives from homemade materials rather than getting hung up on what dangly bits were going where.

“Uh,” Adam thought about Conner’s question. “Was never really wired that way, but after I pledged I was curious bout what I was missing,” the footballer acknowledged with a shameless ease. “Talked to some frat brothers who were all about that life, and they uh…showed me around…in the showers.”

“Was kinna funnish-awkward,” he admitted with a shrug, “but not really my speed…. not sure that lgeit counts as gay though. It was just educational, y’know?”

Nell saw her opportunity as it became Ariana’s turn for a dare, and leaned forward on the couch to set down her now empty bottle on the table, feeling a nice, warm buzz as the alcohol began to do its work. She hummed for a moment, as if taking her time to come up with a suitable enough dare for the girl. Ariana knew how to go big or go home— which admittedly was something the two of them had in common. “I dare you to....” Then the idea came to her. What was the most horrendous thing that White Crest had to offer? “Match with a mime on Tinder. Match with the mime- and have at least five back and forths of texts.” Then Nell sat back, satisfied with her work to say, “And I’ll take a dare.”

“Educational and gay,” Connor nodded. “Sorry I missed it.” He made sure Ariana was ready to record and then going into the routine. He pretty much nailed it. Although he was a little drunk, it was evident that the experience and intent behind the moves was there. “Did I forget to mention I did ballet and theatre for years?” He winked into the camera before grabbing it for Ari so he could edit and laugh. “Aw, that was sick. Sorry, what was that?” His expression changed when he heard what Nell’s dare was. “There are mimes on tinder?”

Ariana whooped and cheered into the camera as Connor finished showing off his moves. She tilted her head surprised by his revelation. “That explains the moves,” she said with a laugh, “Gotta respect a guy who knows ballet, right?” As Nell took the chance to dare her, she looked to her with a raised brow that was practically challenging her to do her worst. She burst out laughing at the thought of mimes on Tinder. “Oh god,” she said through laughs, “Blanche get over here and help me mime-ify my Tinder.” It was only a few back and forth messages. Hopefully, the profile update wouldn’t ruin future matches, but she found she was losing interest in it anyhow, especially with her current roommate. “I’m thinking more dramatic and artsy to go with the mime vibe?”

“Nell!” Blanche said, “That's cruel!” But she was laughing. She pushed herself to her feet, though, and carefully made her way to grab Ariana’s phone. “Artsy, got it.” A Connoisseur of Mime. Don't talk to me if you don't mime. And if you do mime… you know what to do ;-----). Blanche read over what she wrote, before she grinned, hanging the phone back to Ariana. “Happy swiping!” Which meant… Blanche turned to Nell, a mischievous smile on her face. “In order to get revenge for poor Ariana… I dare you to call the Stripe Club to inquire about employment opportunities and if you get an interview, you gotta go.” Blanche said proudly.

She paused, considering her own options. “Truth. For me, I mean.”

“There are definitely mimes on Tinder,” Nell confirmed with a grin, having seen some of them for herself during perusals of the app. “Maybe Ari will find her true love with a mime, who knows?” It was disturbing to say the least, though sometimes she’d match with a mime just to troll them for a while. After all— every mime was guilty by association. She should have expected the mimery to be turned back on her, but still pulled a revolted face at the thought of going anywhere near a mime establishment. “If I die- it’s your fault,” she pointed an accusing finger towards Blanche all while googling the number for the Stripe Club. She wasn’t sure who exactly it was that asked Blanche her truth while Nell began her job search at a mime strip club and Ariana commenced her swiping. Someone was leaning over to watch the dance video Connor had made, and another person was getting up to grab another drink from the fridge. The air was warm and bright as the night stretched onwards, and it seemed that against all odds the youth of White Crest had finally managed to find a single evening where they were allowed to exist only as themselves, and not the people the world forced them to be.

#wickedswriting #chatzy #the kids are alright #ch:adam #ch:ariana #ch:athena #ch:blanche #ch:connor #ch:orion #ch:winston

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luninosity · 4 years

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Hello! Hope you and awesome husband are doing well in this trying time! What are you guys doing to pass the time? I was wondering how the professor end of college is going, is your work load okay? Hoping to hear more life, work, and writing updates from you in this time of uncertainty!

It’s been...interesting!

In some ways, not a lot has changed - Awesome Husband had been working from home three days a week anyway, and I only had to be on campus for teaching/office hours/Writing Center hours/department meetings, so it’s not like either of us had a massive schedule change, which is good. And he has a separate office, with a door that shuts (he needs it for video conferences), so we’re not constantly in the same shared space...

The part that’s taking some adjustment is that we’re both here all the time now - like, there’s never any time when one of us isn’t here! And I at least have always needed some space that’s *mine* - space to be weird, sit in weird positions, say lines out loud, get annoyed at student essays and get up and make tea, sleep in later (my preferred sleep schedule is, honestly, like 2am to 9 or 10am, and I always take a while to fall asleep) without feeling judged by someone who’s up at 7am...Awesome Husband also a) takes a real lunch break, and b) would be perfectly happy eating peanut butter sandwiches every day forever, whereas I tend to take mini-breaks after finishing tasks (and then wince whenever he walks by and it looks like I’m not doing work) but I just eat lunch while grading quizzes or something, and I also get bored after 3-4 days in a row of the same food! We usually compromise okay when our schedules intersect just a couple of days a week, that’s fine, but now it’s every day... *laughs*

Teaching...it’s so hard to judge. I feel like I’m not doing enough - but then again I imagine we all feel like that! We’ve moved all their reading questions, discussion posts, quizzes, etc, online, and most of my kids seem to be doing okay - we can’t do some of the projects I really love doing, like having them perform a scene from a play in class (it’s usually great; they mock-behead each other, stab “Vikings,” etc), but I’ve tried to give them creative options to post to the course website - like, make a piece of art to illustrate a scene, or write a journal entry from the POV of a character, or link us to a theme song/piece of music you’d choose for this character and explain why - and there’ve been some really cool responses, some wonderfully creative art and writing, from some of my students who’re actually quieter in person, so maybe this is good for them! The part I’m worried about is their research paper projects; we have massive online databases and academic journals, of course, but they won’t have access to the books of the campus library, for instance, and if some of them have limited internet/computer access (sharing a laptop with a sibling, or slow internet at home, or something else along those lines) then purely online research will be difficult. So we’ll see how that goes. Still thinking about ways to make this easier, without, y’know, losing the research element that is part of this class...

As far as passing the time, for me and Awesome Husband, we’ve been a) doing a lot of jigsaw puzzles, because we’re basically old people (and it’s fun!); b) some tabletop gaming (on Sunday we finished - and won, thank you! - the cooperative Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle deckbuilder; we’ll do Forbidden Sky next, which we’ve actually had for a while but hadn’t opened); c) embarking on a Smallville sort-of rewatch - it turns out we both had stopped watching around seasons 7-8, the first time, so neither of us ever saw the last few seasons, but it’s been long enough that we figured we should just start from the beginning! We’re into season 5 now. I’d forgotten how purely weird this show could get. The medievalist in me wants to do something with the whole witches-and-possession story arc...

And then individually I write things, and he plays games - he was having a bout of Castlevania nostalgia after the latest Netflix season, so he went and found the old games - and we both read! He’s working on American Gods, and I read all the things, both for work and for fun. (Book rec, if you like m/m romance with glorious pining and the ultimate long-distance falling-in-love: Kay Simone’s One Giant Leap, featuring a cocky bisexual astronaut and his (new and inexperienced but shoved into the role by Plot Circumstances) ground controller, late-night chats, and a truly amazing amount of I-love-him-but-he-can’t-possibly-feel-the-same emotions. Spoiler alert: of course he feels the same!) And, speaking of romance and Awesome Husband, there’s the sex, of course. :D :D

Oh! And of course I have a book release, er, April 11! My merman story - Cadence and the Pearl! Though really it’s about a lot more - ocean magic, and 17th-century light opera, and the Northern Isles, and coming home, and an attractive local schoolteacher with a secret...so that’s happening!

I hope you’re staying safe, and everything’s okay for you! And for everyone. It’s a weird world, at the moment...

#anon #replies #the state of things #thank you for asking!#me #awesome husband is awesome #book recs #cadence and the pearl #my fic

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sirwillem · 4 years

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Blog Response to Course Readings #1

In a response to this week’s shared reading assignments, I am going to focus primarily on the National Writing Project’s, “Introduction: Why Digital Writing Matters.” This will be the primary focus because I feel it asks the most thought-provoking questions that need to be raised in an ever-changing world of literacy. The National Writing Project interviewed a select few digital writers and multimedia artists to find out how they would define digital writing. JodiAnn Stevenson simplified her definition to, “any writing that requires a computer to access it.” Whereas Tim Wright gave a much more in-depth definition:

A collaborative/participatory writing, hypertext writing, improvisatory ‘real time’ writing, new media writing (i.e. multimedia authorship), code poetry and programmatic writing, online role playing, journal writing/ blogging, international community building, E-learning, game playing.

As a result of these personal designations and through much consideration, I am sure, the National Writing Project concluded the definition of digital writing, “as compositions created with, and oftentimes for reading or viewing on, a computer or other device that is connected to the Internet.” So, what are the main takeaways from the NWP’s sculpted conception of digital writing? One of the most important elements to make note of is the fact that the term, “writing,” is not embedded in the organization’s description. The term they used was, “compositions.” A composition could be a work of literature that, according to the NWP, is meant to be read on a device connected to the digital web of the world. The importance of why this all matters stems from an understanding of the immediate paradigm shift the world is experiencing in terms of literature. People often fear change, especially when it forces them out of their comfort zone.

Rapid change is happening whether people like it or not; though, this rapid change does not have to be seen as a negative impact on society. In a 2017 Forbes article, “Top Six Digital Transformation Trends in Media and Entertainment,” Daniel Newman discusses six transformation trends that are happening right in front of us, created by consumers themselves. With the emergence of streaming applications such as Netflix and Hulu, cord-cutting has forced premium satellite television companies to adapt. HBO Max is a fantastic example of this as they now have their own platform offering all content from WarnerMedia. Because streaming platforms have overpowered cable television, market advertising has undergone a dramatic transformation as well.

Newman also mentions in his article that content is becoming more curated, artificial intelligence is progressively getting better, and viewers have multi-channel experiences. These streaming platforms incentivize their viewers to watch certain shows and movies based on their viewing history and cross examine their interests with other consumers who have viewed similar shows; this offers advertisers a chance to focus their efforts on other mediums in order to reach a larger network of consumers. Newman discusses how studies have shown that viewers are on their phones or other devices while watching shows, whether it is tweeting about a current show or browsing other social media platforms; these multi-channel experiences allow for a larger database of information to be accessed by artificial intelligence. AI is now able to formulate the data given by consumers to hone in on what appeals to market audiences.

This seems to be a lot of information going in different directions, but digital writing is the underlying foundation of this paradigm shift the world is experiencing. Circling back to the NWP’s introduction to “Why Digital Writing Matters,” society must not only continue to ask the questions of how digital writing will shape out future, but start taking action in order to adapt to the rapid changing digital world we live in. Implementing such concepts in the education system and our daily lives is imperative to staying afloat in the world flooded with digital narratives.

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idontgiveaflyinggrayson69 · 5 years

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Stay organized!!!

Start planning/organizing the big projects/papers as soon as you can. I mean like the week they are assigned.

Do not leave anything to the last minute. Not only will this stress you out, but your grade will be reflective of your last minute effort.

Constantly check due dates.

Get a calendar and hang it on your wall. Write all of your due dates down on the calendar using a colour coded system for classes (ie. Blue for astronomy and green for history).

If you’re in English or the Humanities, you have to know how to write a bomb ass paper.

[Nat’s guide to essay writing].

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get clarification.

Learn how to use your library’s databases and tricks to find journal articles you need for your projects!!!

People might tell you not to take back to back classes, or that it’s a bad idea to take back to back classes, don’t listen to them. I recommend constantly having back to back classes.

DON’T TAKE 8AM CLASSES!!!! I mean this. You might think “I’ve gotten up at 5/6/7am for high school, I can take the 8am” YOU ARE WRONG!!!

Don’t eat loud food in lectures. Snacks are fine, but nothing loud. Bring a coffee and a muffin or a cookie or a granola bar. But nothing like chips.

People will always tell you to go to class, but you don’t have to. Some professors exclusively teach out of a book or post their lecture notes online. You don’t have to go to them if you don’t think you need to. It won’t impact your grade.

That being said, never miss seminar. Your grade will be impacted a lot if you do.

If you need a science credit, do yourself a favour and take astronomy. It will be the easiest.

Take good notes!!!

You will learn more writing out your notes by hand rather than typing them.

Use two notebooks for each class. One for lecture where you write down as much of the information as you can as messily as you need, and one for when you get home and you go through your lecture notes and recopy them as neatly and organized as possible.

Make notes off of your course readings.

Buy your textbooks as soon as they become available.

Highlight, underline, write, use sticky notes, etc. in your textbooks.

You don’t need to do all of your reading!!! Skimming them is your friend!!!

You’re going to have to realize that not every assignment is worth the same so you can’t treat them the same. Do not give the 5% assignment the same effort as the 35% assignment. You will burn yourself out. You can’t put 100% effort into everything, people who tell you that you can are lying.

If you have a group project, use google docs so people can see each other’s work. This way you won’t run into some very large problems within hours of the due date.

Start to study at least two weeks before the exam, and don’t over study.

Make a Quizlet/flashcards for studying. Just re-reading the material won’t help you.

Don’t listen to music while studying!!!

Attend guest lectures. They’re fun and a way to let your brain learn something knew without the stress of having to be tested on it.

If it isn’t too much, add a minor (or another major) to your program.

You can change majors. It doesn’t matter what year you are. If you realize that your program isn’t what you want to do, change majors.

Be-friend, email and talk to your Professors and TAs!!! And go to their office hours!!!

Don’t be afraid to challenge your grade if you think it as unfair (and don’t get angry if the professor denies you. Listen to their explanation and try to do better next time).

Have “me time.” Time when your brain (and body) can rest. This can just be watching YouTube or Netflix in bed and that’s okay.

Bring headphones with you wherever you go.

Sometimes you’re going to have long nights, but you’ll get through it, I promise.

It’s going to be stressful at times and if you want to cry, that’s 100% okay.

If you fail or miss a due date, it’s okay and it’s not the end of the world.

Taking a fifth (or sixth) year is okay!!! Taking four courses a year is okay!!! Taking more than twenty courses in total is okay!!!

Tagging @butcanijustnot because I know she wanted to know some post-secondary tips. xx

#mine #tips #university #university tips #college tips #college #studying #study tips #essay #essay tips #how to write an essay #how to write a paper #life advice #advice

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kevinscottgardens · 2 years

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24 au 30 janvier 2022

Another week off work. Apologies for the lack of photos this week. I met with M., Mme. and James Monday morning to discuss a few things including the new meadow area. Karen came over for apéros, a nice long chat and dinner. We enjoyed leftovers from Sunday, pork and potatoes-gratin with a fresh green salad, followed by cheese and then dessert and a nice bottle of wine.

Lucien departed Tuesday. I’m chasing up the flowers I tried to send to Stéphane for his 50th at the beginning of the month. My trottinette is on its way back (or perhaps it will be a new one) and is scheduled to be delivered Thursday. I’ve resumed working on Arabella’s database.

I spent all day Wednesday reading. I finished two books: Living Well is the Best Revenge, Alentejo Blue and one journal Hortus no. 139. I still want to finish Jesus-Christ buvait de la bière, before book club on Monday night.

Thursday, my trottinette arrived in the same box I sent it to be fixed, good recycling. I hope they actually fixed the electrical problem.

My doctor visit went as I imagined, I’ll be off work two more weeks. A lot will depend on what the physiotherapist says Monday. I went to see Marc for a massage and he paid special attention to my arms. They felt a lot better afterwards. Then I meandered over to have dinner with Dee and Kim.

Friday I had ultrasound on my right shoulder and elbow. I received an email stating that my request to swap my UK driving licence for a French permis de conduire is still in process. I’m doing a lot on Duolingo this week. I am feeling quite lethargic and unmotivated, I really need to kick that so I can do a lot of reading and learning French over the next two weeks.

Saturday I didn’t leave the house. No exercise for me at all. I finished binge-watching Sex Education on Netflix. I’m head of the leader board in the diamond league for the first time on Duolingo. I read a bit in French too. I also did a small puzzle.

Sunday I attempted to make crèpes. The batter wasn’t very smooth. I checked on my mutual funds... they are all tanking... I should go up and water the Pelargoniums I have growing in pots in the glasshouse. I discovered one of my two cymbidiums has two buds. I repotted them about a year ago. I sent Bala (RGB Kew) a photo. We’re going to have a catch up next week.

I eventually made my way up to the glasshouse and I’m glad I did, everything really needed a drink. They should be good for another week now.

Sarah-Jane rang and we went out for a drink and to let her vent a bit. I started watching Plan Cœur (Hookup Plan) on Netflix; it’s really helping with my modern spoken French.

Cours de français hebdomadaire

jeux de cartes - card games

paquet de cartes - deck of cards

As - ace

Roi - king

Dame - queen

Valet - jack (knight)

enseignes ( couleurs ) - suits

trèfle - club

carreau - diamond

cœur - heart

pique - spade

Plant of the week

Asteraceae Senecio seminiveus J.M.Wood & M.S.Evans

common name(s) - yellow halfwhite groundsel; Zulu : khotolia-ea-noka synonym(s) - none conservation rating - none native to - South Africa location - Domaine de l’Orangerie leaves - finely divided greyish-hairy foliage; peculiar white-woolly leaf buds contrasting with the glabrous mature foliage flowers - heads radiate, one to three in terminal corymbs; involucral bracts ± 12, ± equalling disc florets, glandular-pilose, base often cobwebby; flowers: ray florets ± 13; ray and disc florets bright canary-yellow fruit - achenes c. 3mm long, cylindric, ribbed, glabrous habit - evergreen perennial, compact, well-branched, to 300mm tall and 500mm wide habitat - mesic grassland, montane, rocky areas; in rounded clumps on cliff faces or sprawled over rock sheets or in the crevices of rock sheets; between c. 2,130m and 3,170m above sea level pests - generally pest-free disease - generally disease-free hardiness - to -5ºC (H3) soil - well-drained sun - full sun propagation - seed, cuttings, layering pruning - just to keep compact nomenclature - Asteraceae - star; Senecio - old man, senex, senis, the name in Pliny refers to the grey hairiness as soon as fruiting commences; seminiveus - no information found

References :

Denver Botanic Gardens [online] http://navigate.botanicgardens.org/weboi/oecgi2.exe/INET_ECM_DispPl?NAMENUM=19220&startpage=1 [23 Jan 22]

Gledhill, David, (2008) “The Names of Plants”, fourth edition; Cambridge University Press; ISBN: 978-0-52168-553-5

IUCN [online] http://www.iucnredlist.org/search [23 Jan 22]

John Grimshaw’s Garden Diary [online] http://johngrimshawsgardendiary.blogspot.com/2010/11/senecio-seminiveus.html [23 Jan 22]

Plants of the World [online] https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:247545-1 [23 Jan 22]

SANBI [online] http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=3152-419 [23 Jan 22]

SARS-CoVid-2 update (incidence rate per 100,000)

#Senecio seminiveus

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brotherseph · 4 years

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Life is like a VAT

“Life is like a VAT.” Why I suddenly say this kind of phrase? It’s because it's truly a REALITY. Reality that happen in our daily lives as a person. Since from the day you existed here on this earth & until the time you die, still there’s a tax. Even at your own grave, your remaining family would experience agony on paying an estate tax and other burial expenses. Still, there's a tax.

By the way, what is VAT? Actually, VAT means “Value Added Tax". It is a kind of consumption tax that is levied on a product repeatedly at every point of sale at which value has been added. Here in the Philippines, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the government agency that takes in charge of collecting revenues and taxes. One example of a Value Added Tax (VAT) is, every time you purchase goods or even you have a plan to buy something from a mall or department store then after you pay it, you’ll see in your official receipt an additional charge of 12% of VAT on which it includes as a charge on the goods or items that you’ve purchased. Another example of VAT is if you pay your electric or water bills, eat in a luxurious restaurant or fast food, book a ticket for air and sea travel, travel by land and even going to hotels, & resorts in order to have some fun & leisure together with your family and loved-ones, still there’s a VAT. Every where you go, every where you buy something, every where you see these things, still there’s a VAT. VAT is the most common law imposed by the government everywhere in the world in order to gain & earn more taxes and revenues in order to boost its economic growth for a certain country. One way of being a responsible citizen living in a country like the Philippines is we should respond and abide by the law in terms of paying taxes and revenues at the right time.

Recently on the news, the House Committee on Ways and Means approved a measure imposing a 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions in the country aimed at raising P10 billion new revenues for the government’s fight against COVID-19. These digital transactions include on imposing a 12% VAT are online licensing of software, updates, and add-ons, website filters and firewalls; mobile applications, video games, and online games; webcast and webinars; provision of digital content such as music, files, images, text and information; advertisement platform such as provision of online advertising space on intangible media platform; online platform such as electronic marketplaces or networks for the sale, display, and comparison of prices of trade products for services; search engine services; social networks; database and hosting such as website hosting, online data warehousing, file sharing and Cloud storage services; internet-based telecommunication; online training such as provision of distance teaching e-learning, online courses and webinars, online newspapers, and journal subscription; and payment processing services.

Rep. Joey Salceda, a 2nd District representative from Albay is one of the solons who passed this kind of bill imposing tax on the digital economy.

AAMBIS-OWA partylist Rep. Sharon Garin, chairman of the technical working group (TWG) that consolidated the bills and resolution, said the substitute measure covers the digital advertising services, such as those on search engines and social media platforms; subscription-based services, including music and video streaming subscriptions; and services rendered electronically; and transactions made through an information technology infrastructure, such as the internet.

She clarified that the bill is not targeting the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small-time online sellers, but the “service providers from outside” which include Netflix, Spotify, Facebook, Google, and other global internet companies that conduct business in the country.

So in short, VAT has already conquered the digital world. Every time you subscribe a movie on Netflix, buy something goods thru e-commerce sites like Amazon, Lazada, Shopee or even Zalora, even paying your bills via online, there’s already a 12% VAT charge that to be included if you purchased an item from them (shipping fee is not included). Indeed, the VAT is everywhere.

As a law-abiding citizen living in this country, one thing that I should ask this kind of question: “Do you think those people working in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs pay the right taxes and income?”, “Do you think our government is really charging this kind of business for the right taxes?”.Yes or No? If not, I can really say that life’s so very unfair. Really really unfair.

I do not object to this bill but in my personal opinion as an ordinary citizen I also feel a deep concern for our Filipino compatriots that their only source of income now is online selling. What will happen if VAT charges and imposes all goods and services sold to consumers, how much will be left over from their income? If this kind of bill is passed into law, something I would like to ask for the congressmen who pushed this bill, I hope it will NOT be used in a bad way, politically and in their own personal interest. If this is the only way that our legislators answer in order to meet the needs of the people to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m looking forward and expect that these funds to be collected by the government will be used in a good way for our Filipino people & must properly enforced in accordance with the law.

#jjgspeaks

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icallhimthesun-blog · 5 years

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Can I Use Vitamins for Weight Loss?

Weight reduction isn't simple

On the off chance that weight reduction was as simple as popping an enhancement, we'd all be slight as reeds. We could settle on the love seat and watch Netflix, while the enhancement did basically everything.

As a general rule, thinning down isn't that straightforward. Realize what the specialists need to state about nutrients and weight reduction.

Huge cases, thin proof

When you filter the enhancement racks at your neighborhood drugstore, you may see weight reduction touted as an advantage of numerous items. For instance, a few people guarantee that nutrient B-12, calcium, omega-3 unsaturated fats, and green tea enhancements can enable you to shed pounds.

The implied advantages extend from "revving up your digestion" and "flipping a switch in your body" to "flagging your cells to consume fat."

Nonetheless, researchers have discovered little proof to reinforce these weight reduction claims.

Nutrient B-12

Regardless of whether you pop it in pill structure or get an expensive infusion, don't expect a nutrient B-12 supplement to help your digestion and consume with extreme heat fat. As indicated by the Mayo Clinic, there's no proof that it will advance weight reduction.

Your body needs nutrient B-12 to help the capacity of your nerves and platelets, and to create DNA. To get your every day portion, as suggested by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), incorporate sustenances that contain nutrient B-12 in your eating routine.

For instance, eat invigorated entire grain oat for breakfast, a fish plate of mixed greens sandwich for lunch, and an egg frittata for supper. Meat liver and shellfishes are likewise rich wellsprings of this nutrient.

You may require more B-12 in case you're a substantial consumer, have a background marked by sickliness, are a severe veggie lover, or have had bariatric medical procedure.

Nutrient D

Your body needs nutrient D to ingest calcium and keep your bones solid. In any case, specialists aren't persuaded that it will enable you to get thinner.

One investigation distributed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that overweight postmenopausal ladies who took nutrient D supplements and accomplished sound or "packed" dimensions of this supplement lost more weight than ladies who didn't achieve these dimensions.

In any case, more research is expected to test these outcomes and figure out how nutrient D enhancements may influence other individuals who are overweight.

Until we know more, you can presumably get your ODS-prescribed portion of nutrient D by going after low-fat dairy items, juices, and grains that have been sustained with this supplement.

Greasy fish, for example, herring, mackerel, and fish, additionally convey unobtrusive portions of nutrient D. Your body produces it when you open your skin to daylight.

Consider going for normal strolls around your neighborhood to get some daylight and exercise as well. Be that as it may, recall, an excessive amount of sun presentation can raise your danger of sunburn and skin malignant growth.

Omega-3 unsaturated fats

A few investigations propose that omega-3 unsaturated fats bolster weight reduction — yet it's too early to make determinations, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

All things considered, omega-3 unsaturated fats are an extraordinary expansion to your eating regimen. As indicated by the American Heart Association, they may shield your heart and veins from harm and sickness. Salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and fish are rich wellsprings of this supplement.

Consider eating these fish two or three times each week, as a major aspect of your good dieting arrangement. Take a stab at barbecuing, searing, or preparing, as opposed to browning them.

Calcium

Will calcium enhancements help you get in shape? Most proof focuses to "no." Some advocates guarantee that calcium expands the breakdown of fat in your cells. Others recommend that it might meddle with your body's capacity to retain fat from the sustenance you eat.

In any case, as per the ODS, most clinical preliminaries have discovered no connection between calcium utilization and weight reduction.

Your body needs calcium to help the soundness of your bones, muscles, nerves, and veins.

To meet the ODS-suggested target, eat calcium-rich nourishments, for example, low-fat dairy items, dim verdant greens, and tofu. These nourishments are low in fat however high in supplements, making them a brilliant expansion to your weight reduction system.

Green tea

As enticing as it might be to twist up with a decent book and cup of green tea — or green tea supplements — an energetic walk or bicycle ride will accomplish more to liquefy the fat from your center.

Green tea contains cancer prevention agents that may help ensure your heart. In any case, as per research revealed in the Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsTrusted Source, the weight reduction advancing capability of green tea enhancements is by all accounts little and measurably nonsignificant.

Spend your cash carefully

Spending cash for nutrients or different enhancements that guarantee to help weight reduction ordinarily lessens the size of your wallet, as opposed to your waistline.

Instead of purchasing these items, think about putting resources into an exercise center enrollment, another arrangement of climbing boots, or a lot of planting apparatuses. Planting is great exercise. You can consume calories while planting, weeding, and watering a plot loaded with supplement rich veggies.

At the point when supper time arrives, serve your homegrown abundance nearby lean protein sources and entire grains. Practicing more and eating nourishments that are low in calories yet wealthy in supplements is an extraordinary method to accomplish your weight reduction objectives.

We have gathered together the Best Energy Pills to help you pick the right ones and enhance your daily performance

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beckykingba2a · 5 years

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Background Research on Interactive Films and Choice Based Gaming

This is purely research and from websites, it is not my own writing but a compilation of topical broad research on my topic of choice.

Definitions

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/14429/interactivity

“Interactivity is the communication process that takes place between humans and computer software.

The most constant form of interactivity is typically found in games, which need a continuous form of interactivity with the gamer. Database applications and other financial, engineering and trading applications are also typically very interactive.”

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/immerse

“To immerse is to become completely involved in something.”

Interactive Films and Choice Based Gaming

https://www.cracked.com/article_26250_netflixs-making-more-choose-your-own-adventure-style-movies.html

“Despite many, many reviewers deriding interactive movies like Bandersnatch being mere short-term gimmicks, this could indeed be the future. Cinematic history is rife with fads, from hypnotism to smell-o-vision to even a previous brief go at interactive storytelling with the 1995 short Mr. Payback. Like Bandersnatch, all of these were experiments to promote audience engagement (two words that count as foreplay to marketers) but were just too fiddly, flashy, or expensive to be worth the hassle after the novelty wore off.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_film

“The first example of interactive cinema was Kinoautomat (1967). This film was produced before the invention of the laserdisc or similar technology, so a live moderator appeared on stage at certain points to ask the audience to choose between two scenes. The chosen scene would play following an audience vote.

With advances in computer technology, interactive films waned as more developers used fully digitized characters and scenes. This format was popularized by Telltale Games, achieving success in The Walking Dead series of adventure games. These have sometimes been called interactive movies, as while the player can make choices that affect the game's overall narrative, they do not have direct control over characters, making the experience comparable to watching a sequence of cut scenes.”

“By 2016, Netflix had started experimenting with interactive works aimed at children, including an animated version of Puss in Boots and an adaption of Telltale's Minecraft: Story Mode. Netflix's first major interactive film with live-action scenes was Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a film in the Black Mirror anthology series and released in December 2018. Netflix worked with Black Mirror's creator Charlie Brooker to develop a narrative that took advantage of the interactive format while developing their own tools to improve caching of scenes and management of the film's progression to use on future projects.”

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2001/apr/05/onlinesupplement5

“1953: A children's television program called Winky Dink and You, begins the move towards interactive TV. Kids in the US buy a special transparent sheet to place over the screen and, using ordinary crayons, help the show's characters draw things like pathways or tools. The series is discontinued because children begin drawing directly on the TV screen.

1959: First use of telephone call-ins during NBC's Today Show.”

https://www.factinate.com/editorial/choosing-your-own-adventure-the-history-of-interactive-movies/

“So far, in the 50-year history of what we could call interactive movies, there hasn’t really been a ground-breaking success that has changed the way we consume film. The problem seems to be twofold. First, thus far, there have always been limitations to the technology. Second, is that people go to the movies to be absorbed by a story—and when you’re directing the action, it’s impossible to reach that level of complete captivation that creates the ideal movie-going experience.

The integration of 3D technology for movies took a long time—over 50 years for it to become regularly used for theatrical releases. As for interactive films, it’s already taken that long, and so far, no film seems to have ironed out the fundamental issues that plague the medium. Maybe Black Mirror: Bandersnatch will be the first in what we’ll come to know in the future as the interactive movie revolution

Filmmakers have periodically attempted to add interactive elements to their work, long before the Choose Your Own Adventure craze of the 80s. The first example of this was screened at the Expo 67 World’s Fair in Montreal. The film, called Kinoautomat, was directed by Raduz Cincera, and it was presented at the Fair’s Czechoslovak Pavilion. Throughout the film, the action stops, and the viewer is presented with a set of options nine different times. However, regardless of what they choose, the conclusion (shown in a flash-forward scene at the start of the film) is always the same—the main character ends up with his apartment on fire. The director intended the film to satirize the illusion of choice in a democracy.”

https://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/dim-future-for-interactive-film

“The key difference between interactive movies and interactive games is that the games operate on a one-on-one basis, while the movies theoretically would have to involve an audience and the rule of the majority. Also, the new kinds of games are intuitive; you click here or there on the screen, discovering what will happen, while with an interactive movie would have to be some sort of menu of choices or plot lines

My feeling is that the two art forms really have little in common, except perhaps for the invitations they issue for us to enter their worlds. When we go to the movies, we enter into the experience of the characters. In some way, we become them. When we play an interactive game, we are the central character, and we determine our own experience.”

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1207/S1532785XMEP0304_03?needAccess=true

“Does Entertainment Suffer From Interactivity? The Impact of Watching an Interactive TV Movie on Viewers' Experience of Entertainment

Peter Vorderer, Silvia Knobloch &Holger Schramm

To investigate whether interactivity enhances entertainment in interdependence with individual factors, an experiment with a 3 × 2 between subject design was conducted. 427 participants aged between 14 and 49 were randomly assigned to a 30_minute TV movie with three different interactivity levels and two different introductions that should diversify feelings of sympathy toward the protagonist.

The results indicate that individuals with lesser cognitive capacity feel more entertained, that is, they feel more empathic toward the protagonist, feel more suspense, and evaluate the movie more positively when they watch it without any interactivity, in the traditional passive manner. For individuals with greater cognitive capacity, it is just the opposite: They can use interactivity to their advantage. An increase in their entertainment experience was observed as a direct consequence of their being able to influence the plot of the movie.”

https://screenrant.com/black-mirror-bandersnatch-creator-critics-response/

“There’s also some people that are like ‘I don’t wanna make decisions’, ‘I don’t want to do any of it’... well fuck off, then. Do something else! And then there’s some people who think ‘oh, it’s too simple as a game’ or ‘games have done this before’ – well this isn’t on a gaming platform, it’s on Netflix. I’m well aware of what a computer game is, thanks." – Charlie Brooker, creator of Black Mirror

Netflix ought not to forget that its true power rests in its ability to reach subscribers in the comfort of their own homes, and the popularity of Bandersnatch, irregular format and all, perfectly exemplifies this. Without its interactivity, Bandersnatch would likely have never been propelled into the spotlight it enjoys now, but the very thought of a theater audience frequently brandishing their too-bright smartphones on public wifi at a theatrical screening of the film should be enough to send a shiver up any moviegoer's spine.”

https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/library/interactive-titles-on-netflix/

“Not all devices support interactive titles. Chromecasts are the most notable devices not support it as well as most of the Apple devices too.”

https://www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/More-Interactive-Movies-Netflix-45666858

“Bloomberg was the first to report Netflix's plans for interactive programming back in October 2018. The reports at the time identified Black Mirror as likely the first big project to test the interactive waters, but they also included indications that this would only be the first of multiple projects with a similar approach. "[Netflix] has closed a deal for at least one more live-action project and is negotiating the rights to others," claimed a pair of anonymous sources in the Bloomberg article.

Even the Netflix app is getting on board, expanding for the capabilities to handle the different technical requirements of streaming a program with multiple options. Per Variety, the app was restructured to pre-cache two possibilities at once, rather than just one linear item, to ensure smooth streaming throughout the process.

All of these facts seem to point toward a future where Netflix does produce more interactive programming. The company's vice president of product, Todd Yellin, seemed to think as much when speaking to Variety, alluding to plans to experiment with other genres (such as romances, comedies, and horror movies) in the interactive space. "[Black Mirror] just happens to be a great audience for the first one. . . . We think we are onto something that could be really exciting," he said.

The rumors that Netflix was heading into the interactive programming niche first started circling early in 2018, thanks to a partnership with Telltale Games, a video game company. Although word spread quickly that Netflix might be trying to adapt the choose-your-own-path style of video games to television programming, the questions quickly hit a bump in the road when Telltale went defunct in the Fall of 2018. Its interactive adventure Minecraft: Story Mode (also a collaboration with Netflix) was the final project from the company.”

https://variety.com/2019/digital/asia/netflix-doubling-down-on-interactive-series-bandersnatch-success-1203161088/

Netflix is doubling down on interactive series after the global success of “Black Mirror” spinoff “Bandersnatch,” the streaming giant’s VP of product, Todd Yellin, said in Mumbai on Tuesday. Yellin was delivering a keynote presentation at the 20th edition of media and entertainment conference FICCI-Frames.

“It’s a huge hit here in India, it’s a huge hit around the world, and we realized, wow, interactive storytelling is something we want to bet more on,” Yellin said. “We’re doubling down on that. So expect over the next year or two to see more interactive storytelling. And it won’t necessarily be science fiction, or it won’t necessarily be dark. It could be a wacky comedy. It could be a romance, where the audience gets to choose – should she go out with him or him.”

#report

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jocialinfluencer · 4 years

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How to Launch a Killer Influencer Marketing Campaign

A couple of weeks past, I started debating'cutting the cord' with wire and also moving with an streaming tv support. I traveling alot, and also to tell the truth, it will not sound right to maintain spending money on an agency that I really don't work with. There Are Plenty of choices -- Appletv, Amazon Hearth Adhere, Roku, and Chrome Cast, Amongst Others. I enjoy doing analysis, and so that I stumbled in. It's true, it really is interesting for me personally. Several of the merchandise reviews totaled another. Since you are able to observe, you will find significantly more than 3 3 million hunt success. Discuss information overload. Glued Picture 0 4-18 Thus, what exactly can I do as an alternative? I began looking at reviews on Amazon and requesting my buddies and family members. Hearth Adhere is cheap in $39.99 and provides entry to Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube, Amazon Online Video. There Are a Number of reports that are negative: Glued Picture 0 422 I recalled that the buddy had raved about his appletv, and so that I questioned him . I then discovered it is suitable for my computer system, see phone. It's an program for Hulu, and also an program for Amazon is currently in evolution. Dependent on the Tips of individuals I trust and know, I Purchased that the Appletv. The specific scenario works out to countless of obtain decisions daily. Shoppers anticipate entrepreneurs to revolve around the favorable, and that they turn into individuals they hope. Using the growth of social networking, the group of men and women we hope today comprises our favourite industry pros, actors, athletes, and athletes. That really is influencer advertising. You have probable heard that the word thrown about a whole lot the past couple of decades. It creates psychological graphics of YouTube celebrities boosting vitality drinks along with Insta-gram stars fretting about fat reduction pills. Kardashians, anybody? Glued Picture 0 439 It is sexy, it is hot, and also the trendy brands do this. However, can it benefit the brand and much what's more, just how would you really do it effortlessly? This is precisely what I would like to discuss now. But , let us start out in the start. What's influencer advertising? Influencer promotion may be the approach in which brand names leverage renowned characters who've sway above their focus on markets to market their manufacturers. It will not signify that you want in order to have the funds for to cover jordan to encourage your brand new athletic-wear lineup. Actually, lots of of one of the absolute most prosperous influencer entrepreneurs aren't exceptionally renowned. Simply take, as an Example, Murad and also Nataly Osmann. That Is a High Probability you understand the Manner of these photographs: Glued Picture 0 421 One easy photo of Nataly directing her boy friend with the hands has transitioned to a gigantic online after -- and also a franchising empire. Based on Adweek,"They are dealing together with high entrepreneurs such as Macy's and Napa Valley Beringer Vineyards to generate persuasive advertisements, plus they truly are starting a stage to coincide with brands together with bloggers. The #Followmeto job also has slipped in to television and publication prices. The bunch broadcasts a 20-minute traveling television series on Channel 1 Russia which takes audiences from the scenes in their own internet photos" Occasionally, the very best influencers are not people in any way. Toasta renowned canine, works by using her Web recognition to advertise various brand names, for example java, bottled drinking water, and sometimes even thigh chafing sticks. Glued Picture 0 427 Insta-gram is not the only real position you may discover influencers. Lance Stewart, a renowned influencer, has significantly more than 9 million followers on Face-book lonely: Glued Picture 0 425 He can also be busy in Snap Chat, Insta-gram, also Twitter. Locating influencers is not about choosing probably the most renowned individual. Rather, it really is all about getting a man your crowd expects and minding which sway to publicize your manufacturer new. Influencer examination identifies an influencer being an ordinary man who keeps relations with networking outlets along with different community entities and that utilizes those links to assist brands encourage their goods and solutions. Additional only, an influencer can be somebody who might or might well not utilize your merchandise and with got your audience's interest. They've spent some time establishing a partnership using a particular market. Influencer advertising and marketing attempts to leverage this connection to publicize your new in a real method. Private anecdotes a side, does influencer advertising and marketing work? Definitely. As per a written report by TapInfluence and Influitive, 92 percent of shoppers return into those that they understand to get referrals previously mentioned every additional supply. And also this is simply not confined by intimate relatives and friends . Shiny nearby accounts that 88 percent of folks expect online testimonials compiled by additional users just as far while they anticipate testimonials out of personalized contacts. Shoppers in fact expect complete strangers than that they anticipate advertisements directly in makes. Here really is actually the energy of influencer advertising. Therefore how can you begin? To begin with, you have to stipulate your ends. Summarize the aims of One's influencer effort I have noticed that influencer advertising and marketing is useful for makes which do not possess a lot of next. You are minding somebody else's system on the gain. But until you make the articles, until you uncover an influencer, also until you do something else, then you want to stipulate the aims of one's influencer effort. Why? It is straightforward: Each decision that you create will be advised by your objective. The stage you opt for that the influencer you associate, the kind of material that they make -- most these factors get involved once you put your objective. Let us perform from a good illustration to get it more straightforward to attest. Say you are dealing together with a consumer inside the gambling marketplace -- exclusively from the smart-phone program gambling market. Cellular gambling is really a somewhat competitive trade. I-tunes delivers 18 kinds of matches along with countless of puzzle games that are popular. The business is operating for 5 decades and also has a good portfolio of matches of moderate success, for example a tremendously popular game which has been downloaded 25 million times. They've a fresh mystery game popping outside, plus so they wish to leverage influencer advertising and marketing to receive lots of downloads and make buzz round the newest launching. Hopefully, this buzz could expand with their own new brand and also provide their whole video game portfolio a fantastic enhance. Just how do you help them obtain the best from influencer advertising? Initial, let us summarize the objective. The target needs to possess about three areas -- that the influencer's demographic info, exactly what exactly the influencer may assist you to perform, and also by what method a influencer may allow you to achieve it. "This effort will spouse having a , exceptionally joined influencer using this techsavvy millennial bunch. Preferably, they are going to be to tech and also utilize an i-phone due to the fact downloads out of your Apple retailer transcend individuals on Android. By means of this effort, we'll transcend the downloading amounts of the very last match by 45 percent at the initial 1 month. The effort will probably comprise least 1 video of thirty + minutes to show the way the match is performed and also two or even three additional societal posts on Insta-gram and also Snap Chat at which our market is active" This specific aim is detail by detail. It has special platforms and numbers. That was a possibility that a number of those facets will alter. By way of instance, you may figure out this YouTube can be a much better platform on the own video game organization touse for influencer advertising. Your influencer could discuss that video clips of sixty + moments to get longer involvement. Shifting the facts of your own objective is nice, however, also the outline needs to function as a startingpoint for several of one additional conclusions. This template Can Help You outline your target: Influencer Promoting effort target Program Who's that the influencer? Identify: Age array: Well-known about which programs? Marketing campaign ending aim: Quantity of articles: Which stage: Particular concerns: Today you have your aim summarized, it is the right time for you to proceed ahead into obtaining your influencer. The best way to Discover successful influencers to the new brand Choosing the most appropriate influencer is crucial for the achievements of the killer influencer promoting effort, however, it's not even close to uncomplicated. Ryan Schneider, the primary brand director of InsomniacGames,'' says, " [A] large amount of leg job goes to locating the most suitable influencer...When I was a PR man, also I personally had been attempting to come across the most suitable reporter in The Wall Street Journal, I really could accomplish this... probprobably,hin a Google hunt or 2 clicks. Targeting that the ideal influencers are sometimes described as a whole lot more complicated" As stated by Harness Effect, you can find four chief methods by that you may come across influencers: hunting , with databases, either tapping programs, or even researching market places. Guide hunting: This system necessitates running different hunts, scanning sites such as advice, then incorporating the info into your spreadsheet. It truly is exceptionally frustrating and not too powerful. Start with developing a recorder from Google Docs or Excel, subsequently develop a column for just about every portion of advice that you wish to pull around every personal influencer. Column titles Will Probably contain: Identify Marketplace of sway, for Instance, Particular market (for Instance, If a gambling influencer's audience Is Chiefly feminine, or beneath the Time of 16) Full followers (mix of Face-book, Insta-gram, Twitter, along with Snap Chat, or even the very best platforms that your crowd utilizes ) Face-book connection Insta-gram Connection Twitter Connection Snap Chat Connection Experts Downsides Email/contact information Particular notes: Would you have a romance with these, or how do they routinely article about issues closely associated with a own brand? Insert any additional information that you need to add up right here. Up coming, hunt Google and applicable societal programs such as key words, mentmentionyour brand name, and relevant Hash-tags. You'll locate plenty of advice to sort through. For your cellular gaming customer, I changed to Google Photos to search especially for societal websites: Glued Picture 0 436 The informative article by Izea Looks promising: Glued Picture 0 419 At an extremely competitive sector for example mobile gambling, those high-tier influencers are that I'd opt to make certain the maximum reach potential. I'd check out most of 25 and insert influencers who look just such as a fantastic suit to your own spreadsheet. The very next thing to do will be to look for the very widely used platform to our audience. Inside this instance, I go to YouTube. The best plan is always to take a look in videos together with all the maximum involvement, possibly out of my my competitions', then look at that who engaged with all those articles. Out that point, I'd have the ability to locate the most notable influencers. I'm with a false case, therefore that I can not hunt to our new. Because we're in portable gambling, '' I will hunt for just two Dotsa favorite puzzle game. Predicated on the Fast look of this name, '' I visit just two potential influencers: Glued Picture 0 428 The very best video clip is older, and also ghostlyintl chiefly shares video clips of music by different musicians. This wont be considered a fantastic fit to our gambling website. The next movie is out of the true new Dots. It is likewise perhaps not just a fantastic match. The next, edgedepotght symbolize a fantastic match. The video clip can be really a walk through of both Dots match, edgedepot'snnel is busy, and also the station gets significantly more than 100,000 followers. Sounds promising! Glued Picture 0 431 That I wI would them into the dictionary and continue planning. Remember, this research obtained me one potential influencer to aim. Guide re-search is also incredibly labour intensive. But for more compact brands trying to find quite specialized niche influencers, that will be probably the optimal/optimally option. Data bases: All these are programs which is going to perform the site-scraping for-you personally by pulling out freely available information. These are able to be very good areas to start out, however pruning just about every influencer can prove to be quite time-consuming. Ostensibly, in the place of by hand carrying out the hunts, data bases perform the heavy lifting. They truly are significantly less costlier than searching and more economical compared to alternatives. Illustrations Incorporate Very Little Fowl and Inpowered. Inpowered includes a listing of customers it's functioned in Earlier times including Casestudies: Glued Picture 0 438 For the cellular gambling corporation, that will not appear to really be quite a fantastic match. Even a far more conventional brand could discover this database of use. Networks: This way of linking together with influencers stays directly between data bases along with market places. A system includes assembled connections with influencers, nevertheless, you need to proceed as a result of their profiles to accomplish out. Networks have a tendency to center on distinct genres, such as as Dad writers, life style influencers, or even meals lovers. Cases of hot influencer networks comprise Hell O modern society, Activate, and Fitfluential. Following only a bit of study, I come along with a fantastic match for the cellular gaming corporation: MatchMade. They create it super easy to hunt for the kind of influencer I'd like, for example letting me form my own options predicated on get to, spot, readers, along with involvement. Glued Picture 0 434 Still another good thing about programs is they regularly offer far more analytics and tracking. Matchmade Supplies a more Complete dash: Glued Picture 0 426 Additionally, there are lots of experts to deciding on a system -- you also can pick the sort of influencer you would like predicated on several diverse elements. Monitoring is contained, which makes it straightforward to understand whether you're attaining your targets. But this tends to be absolutely the costliest alternative. Market places: A market-place gives the most useful qualities of the database by simply dragging real-time info, however, it also enables you in order to avert middmiddlemanrketplaces have a tendency to supply more observation, nevertheless they're even less expensive. Cases of marketplace areas comprise Tribe, HYPR, and Brand Name Snob. Just like internet dating internet sites, market places permit one to take a look at countless of profiles of distinct influencers. This is a Instance of an influencer Account Tribe: Glued Picture 0 424 I will readily view her attain and also an instance of her job. That really is a lot simpler than sorting through tens of thousands of Google research benefits. Pick the optimal/optimally way for discovering an influencer that suits your preferences could be intricate. Fundamentally, you're searching for somebody, and also like every venture, you ought to don't rush and contemplate all of these selections. The last determination is very likely planning to be more centered on exactly what resource that you wish to invest time or money. Obtaining the maximum from your own influencer effort You've summarized your own objectives, plumped for an influencer, and began to create a romantic relationship together. Today now is the time and energy to produce your real effort. Below are some hints for finding the best from your own killer influencer promoting effort. Very first, be true. The rationale conventional adverts are not as helpful now is people crave connections that are authentic. though you're paying to your influencer to speak about your new brand, you have to maintain credibility at heart to work. Jay Baer of both Convince and also Convert claims that it best:"In case an influencer does not in shape a new ethos, then the validity variable will plummet." Deciding on the most suitable influencer may be the initial rung on the ladder in maintaining credibility" Secondly, pick the stage that you employ attentively. Take notice not to in which your viewers is the most busy but additionally which kind of content material works well on just about every stage. Require, by Way of Example, this movie Made by Harry's Razors: About face-book, the online video captured three million viewpoints. About Insta-gram, HarrHarryse to place some Screen Shot of the Exact Same movie: Although Insta-gram supports online video, they have a tendency to work far better on face book. Based on Murray Newlands,"Di, “erent platforms are all utilised to accomplish various demographics and audiences, and also exactly the exact same is true for that which goods or services you are advertising and marketing: exquisite pics of one's product rely to Insta-gram, whereas eye-popping movies will probably do superior on face book." Afford the opportunity and energy to assemble a true relationship with all the influencer. This provides you and also the influencer a opportunity to determine whether you're a fantastic healthy and boosts credibility. Angel A Stringfellow of all CODA Concept S claims,"commence slowly and gradually by pursuing these on societal networking, sharing their own articles, emphasizing in the weblogs and participating them into relevant talks whenever potential. Placing a partnership of mutual confidence would be the secret to efficiently participating your audience's idea leaders since new urges." Enable your influencer throughout access and information to a new brand, however tend not to require control. Preferably, you have plumped for an influencer who's already participated together with your own brand new. Otherwise make sure that they truly comprehend your brand name's voice and exactly what you mean. Invite visitors for the officesand provide tickets for your occasions, and also reveal interesting tales on your own new and also individuals that you aid. However, bear in mind they are very popular with your intended crowd because of this. To maintain conversation true, you want to exude control. Summary Influencer marketing and advertising could look like another buzz word made with a production enthusiastic about tablets. Nevertheless, the clinic isn't not anything fresh. Quite only, folks expect people over that they anticipate brand names. Influencer promotion enables one to leverage that confidence to make good will to your own brand new. The measures that I summarized previously can assist you to locate the optimal/optimally influencer and receive the absolute most from one's own partnership. Perhaps you have ever implemented an influencer promoting effort? Exactly what exactly were the benefits?

More Information: Influencer Marketing Platform

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ladystylestores · 4 years

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Your Wednesday Briefing – The New York Times

Moscow lifts lockdown despite virus spread

The Russian capital’s strict lockdown ended abruptly on Tuesday, while officials there continued to report more than 1,000 daily new coronavirus cases.

Barbershops, beauty parlors, veterinary clinics and photography studios were allowed to reopen, and the city’s intricate system of digital permits for leaving one’s house stopped operating. Other businesses will reopen in phases, including gyms by the end of June.

The easing of restrictions came as a nationwide vote on extending President Vladimir Putin’s rule loomed. And a grand military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II is scheduled for the week prior. Analysts said ending the lockdown could help drum up much-needed enthusiasm.

Here are the latest updates and maps of where the virus has spread.

In other virus news:

The president of the United Nations General Assembly said Monday that world leaders would not come to New York for their annual gathering in September, a first in the U.N.’s 75-year history.

The Hong Kong government is bailing out Cathay Pacific Airways by injecting about $5 billion and taking a direct stake in its operations.

The Salzburg Festival, classical music and opera’s most important annual event, will go forward in August in modified form. Audiences of up to 1,000 — about half the capacity of the main theater — will be allowed, and there will be 90 performances over 30 days, down from the original plan of more than 200 performances over 44 days.

The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.

Inside China’s Twitter campaign

As the U.S. and China spar over the coronavirus outbreak, Beijing’s top officials are using Twitter to come out on top.

A swarm of sympathetic accounts has emerged to repost and cheer on government messaging. But in addition to genuine supporters, many of them appear to be part of a coordinated Twitter campaign, our reporters found.

It is far from clear that the Chinese government is behind the mass tweets supporting President Xi Jinping’s agenda, but The Times’s findings add to other recent evidence of Twitter being used to amplify it.

Findings: Of the roughly 4,600 accounts that reposted China’s leading official voices during a recent week, one in six tweeted with extremely high frequency despite having few followers. Nearly one in seven tweeted almost nothing of their own, instead reposting official Chinese accounts and others.

A final goodbye to George Floyd

The funeral for George Floyd, whose killing in police custody gave rise to an international movement, drew hundreds of mourners in Houston on Tuesday.

The event came after more than two weeks of protests demanding change in policing and systemic racism, and capped five days of public memorials in Minneapolis, North Carolina and Houston. Mr. Floyd, 46, will be buried next to his mother.

His words — “I can’t breathe,” which he said 16 times as an officer pressed his knee into his neck — have become a rallying cry. Mr. Floyd was remembered as a father and star student-athlete with big dreams for his life and his community.

In a video played at the funeral, former Vice President Joe Biden offered his condolences to the family.

If you have 6 minutes, this is worth it

Afghan radio names the dead, but few still listen

Through decades of coups, invasions and endless war, Afghans have tuned in to Radio Afghanistan twice a day to hear the names of the newly dead. The death notices were a ritual, an honor and sometimes a sign of status. For a time, the broadcast filled double its hourlong slot. Above, its senior anchor, Mohamad Agha Zaki.

Now, that all is gone. It is not that people are not dying, but many now turn to Facebook and other social media to disseminate the news. But the man at the helm says that people in rural areas are still tuning in: “This is the language of the nation.”

Here’s what else is happening

North Korea: The government cut off all communications to South Korea, vowing to treat the country as an “enemy,” in a sign of chilling relations. North Korea refused to pick up the phone on Tuesday morning when the South made its routine daily call on the military hotline between the two countries.

U.S. presidential campaign: A wave of new polls shows former Vice President Joe Biden with a significant lead over President Donald Trump, placing him in a stronger position to oust an incumbent president than any challenger since Bill Clinton in the summer of 1992.

Snapshot: Above, the statue of King Leopold II, who oversaw the brutal colonization of Congo in the 19th century, was removed in Antwerp after protesters daubed it with red paint. Protesters calling on countries to confront their racist histories have also toppled a statue of a slave trader in Britain.

What we’re reading: This Money magazine article about some of the explorers who dedicated their lives to finding Forrest Fenn’s hidden treasure (which was finally discovered over the weekend). It’s riveting and will make you smile.

Now, a break from the news

Cook: This crispy sour cream and onion chicken can we showered with fresh chives and lemon juice, or, if you crave something creamy for dunking, pair it with a dip of sour cream, lemon juice and chives.

Watch: The new documentary “Born in Evin” follows the director, Maryam Zaree, as she interviews family, friends, sociologists and psychologists to try to demystify the circumstances of her birth in Iran’s notorious Evin prison for political dissidents.

Read: Joyce Carol Oates’s new novel “Night. Sleep. Death. The Stars.” takes on racism and grief, and is squarely in conversation with this moment of pandemic and protest, writes our book reviewer. Also, here are five new and noteworthy poetry books.

Do: The designer Todd Snyder shows you how to add patches to your jeans, using an old bandanna or shirt you are ready to rag.

We may be venturing outside, but with the virus still spreading, we’re still safest inside. At Home can help make that tolerable, even fun, with ideas on what to read, cook, watch and do.

And now for the Back Story on …

Facial recognition technology

There has been intense debate about the use of facial recognition technology in the public and private sectors.

Law enforcement agencies and some companies use it to identify suspects and victims by matching photos or video with databases like driver’s license records. But civil liberties groups warn that facial recognition erodes privacy, reinforces bias against black people and can be misused.

Timnit Gebru, a leader of Google’s ethical artificial intelligence team, explained why she thinks the police shouldn’t use facial recognition. Below is an excerpt from her conversation with Shira Ovide for the latest On Tech newsletter.

Shira: What are your concerns about facial recognition?

Timnit: I collaborated with Joy Buolamwini at the M.I.T. Media Lab on an analysis that found very high disparities in error rates [in facial identification systems] especially between lighter-skinned men and darker-skinned women. In melanoma screenings, imagine there’s a detection technology that doesn’t work for people with darker skin.

I also realized even perfect facial recognition can be misused. I’m a black woman living in the U.S. who has dealt with serious consequences of racism. Facial recognition is being used against the black community.

But a police officer or eyewitness could also look at surveillance footage and mug shots and misidentify someone as Jim Smith. Is software more accurate or less biased than humans?

That depends. Our analysis showed that for us, facial recognition was way less accurate than humans.

Do you see a way to use facial recognition for law enforcement and security responsibly?

My gut reaction is that a lot of people in technology have the urge to jump on a tech solution without listening to people who have been working with community leaders, police and others proposing solutions to reform the police.

It should be banned at the moment. I don’t know about the future.

That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.

— Melina

Thank you To Theodore Kim and Jahaan Singh for the rest of the break from the news. You can reach the team at [email protected].

P.S. • We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is on the case for defunding the U.S. police force. • Here’s our Mini Crossword, and a clue: Netflix selection (four letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • A Times investigation by Michael Keller, Gabriel Dance and Nellie Bowles into online child sexual abuse was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Journalism Award.

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kansascityhappenings · 5 years

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Pembroke Hill junior hoping to improve cancer treatment through research with St. Luke’s

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — At 16 years old, one metro teen is working to change the world through cancer research.

She’s been working with doctors at St. Luke’s Medical Center hoping to uncover new data in immunotherapy cancer treatments. Now, the Pembroke Hill junior is about to head to Spain to present her findings.

Katrina Case is unlike many teenagers. Instead of dreaming about how she might change the world when she’s older, she’s hoping to do it as soon as she can through cancer research.

“It’s such a tragic field, that there still needs to be learned about cancer in particular and how to help patients across the world,” Case said.

She’s always wanted to be a doctor just like her dad. Case started reading research papers when she was seven years old and started focusing on oncology about six years ago.

“I just started reading about it,” Case said. “I would print off articles about oncology, and I would just start highlighting each and every single one of those words I did not understand to try and get a better understanding of the oncology field.”

So the Pembroke Hill junior started working on an immunotherapy research project with a group of doctors at St. Luke’s Medical Center. She had to learn a lot very quickly. Not just medical terms, but how data is gathered, digested and reviewed.

Dr. Janakaraman Subramanian, a medical oncologist at the hospital, worked with her directly on the project.

“She had the patience, and the willingness to do all the hard work,” Subramanian said. “Go to full time school and all her other extra curricular activities, and then she’ll show up right on time after school in my office, show me what she’s done so far, where the problems are where she couldn’t understand what’s happening and then we’ll work through that.”

She started a database with publicly accessible cancer patients information through the Cancer Genome Atlas.

From that data she was able to run a number of specific searches that showed what worked and what didn’t for specific kinds of cell mutations.

“I looked at how many mutations there are, and what kind of mutations they are, and how they’re seen by the immune system, and if this could be a prediction of the success of immunotherapy,” Case said.

The preliminary findings are possibly uncovering links that could lead to more successful treatments for patients down the road. See more on her research here.

“I see the talent in her, and I think she an do a lot of good things, particularly when it comes to cancer research,” Subramanian said.

“I hope that my research gives everyone the best chance at fighting a horrible disease such as cancer,” Case said.

On Wednesday, Case and her family are heading to present her findings in Spain at the European Society of Medical Oncology. She won the local BioNexus Health Challenge for her research in immunotherapy.

She’s also presented at the One Health Conference, the only high school or college student to do so.

Subramanian said they plan to keep working with her to uncover more findings to get her work published in a medical journal.

Over the summer Case traveled to Moldova in a State Department program, the National Security Language Initiative for Youth. It helps to accelerate and promote language development vital to national security.

She earned an eight week scholarship through the program to learn Russian at an all day program and lived as an exchange student with a Russian family.

Case also enjoys playing basketball, lacrosse and watching “The Office” on Netflix.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2019/09/24/pembroke-hill-junior-hoping-to-improve-cancer-treatment-through-research-with-st-lukes/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2019/09/24/pembroke-hill-junior-hoping-to-improve-cancer-treatment-through-research-with-st-lukes/

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thomasedward236-blog · 5 years

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Know the risks and benefits of keto diet

To say that the keto diet has become one of the most popular diets of recent years is a complete understatement. Case in point: There are more than one million searches on Google every month for the keto diet. It’s unique because the fad diet has captured the interest of people who want to lose weight — and there’s no shortage of reported success stories to be found.

But researchers have taken a greater interest in it as a medical diet, too. In 2015, there were 159 studies listed in the database PubMed (which is run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health). In 2018, that number doubled, with 322 published studies.

The Keto Diet, Defined: A Brief Primer

So what is the keto diet?

The diet calls for consuming high amounts of fat, a moderate amount of protein, and a very limited amount of carbs. It’s usually broken down to 75, 20, and 5 percent of your daily calories, respectively, says Pamela Nisevich Bede, RD, a dietitian with Abbott’s EAS Sports Nutrition in Columbus, Ohio. Compare that with the typical American diet — which is usually 50 to 65 percent carbs — and it’s safe to say this is a completely different way of eating, Nisevich Bede says. After you follow the diet for a few days, your body enters ketosis, which means it has started to use fat for energy. Newbies on the diet find it helpful to track whether they’re in ketosis with a urine ketone strip or a blood-prick meter, but Nisevich Bede says you’ll eventually learn what ketosis feels like and will know whether you’re in it. A Glance at What Eating on the Keto Diet Looks Like The keto diet is all about increasing calories from fat and going very low carb. That means following a restrictive, keto-friendly food list.

More fat on keto

Keto-Friendly Foods

Here are some of the foods you may eat on keto: • Oils (like olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil) • Avocado • Heavy cream • Butter • Cream cheese • Cheese • Coconut (unsweetened) • Nuts (almonds, macadamia) and seeds (chia seeds, flaxseed, sunflower seeds) • Leafy green vegetables (romaine, spinach, kale, collards) • Nonstarchy vegetables, including zucchini, asparagus, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers • Meats (chicken, beef, pork, lamb) • Eggs • Fish (particularly fatty fish like salmon and sardines)

What You Can’t Eat (or Drink) on the Keto Diet

Foods and drinks that you’ll avoid on the keto diet include many whole fruits (though some fruits are keto-friendly), dried fruits, whole grains, cold cuts, chicken nuggets, milk, ice cream, alcohol, and desserts.

What a Day of Eating Looks Like on a Keto Meal Plan

Breakfast Two fried eggs, tomato slices, coffee with heavy cream Snack Full-fat cottage cheese topped with pine nuts Lunch Spinach salad with a grass-fed burger on top, cheese and avocado

Snack Roasted, salted almonds

Dinner Grilled salmon with a side of broccoli topped with butter The Proven Health Benefit of Keto: Treating Epilepsy in Children The keto diet has a massive fan base that has grown at least in part due to the popular Netflix documentary The Magic Pill, which touts a trove of promising keto health benefits. But the fact of the matter is that most of the studies on the keto diet are premature. Meaning: They’re in small populations of humans, or they’re in rats. (And you are very different from a rat.)

The only clear and proven health benefit of the keto diet is reducing epileptic seizures in children. In fact, doctors have been using keto therapeutically for this purpose since the 1920s.