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blackroseguzzi · 1 year

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Otherworldly : Part 3

Summery: Sex. Love. And pinky power.

Warnings: So much sex, wow, I felt naughty writing this 😈, language, sexy stuff, and Kai (he’ll always be a red flag Id gladly ignore)

I really hope you late night Kai smut lovers enjoy this one!

You loved to stay up late. The mixture of Adderall and energy drinks throughout the day gave you the perfect most exhilarating high at around 130am. Kai had gotten you addicted a few months back, and you had no idea how you ever lived without the little blue pills. They were tantalizing, just as he was.

Tonight, you stayed in the basement while Kai was out with Meadow. It didn’t bother you that he was out fucking another woman, you knew he was doing it to make the world a safer place. Kai was the cult’s charismatic leader who provided his followers with acceptance, and security. For poor little Meadow, she needed a good fucking to think she was important. You felt sad for her in a way. She married a man who was clearly attracted to the opposite sex, and she had a mountain of debt from her time off work due to a bout with skin cancer. You didn’t know her well just that she was a fantastic artist, and she was head over heels for your Kai Anderson- her Devine ruler. Yes, Kai was a leader to her, but you were the one leading him towards her pussy. He protested your request at first, saying that your body was the only temple he wanted to worship. You told him that Meadow wasn’t going to give her life for someone who just patted her on the back when she did a good job, and he had nodded slowly when it clicked. Meadow needed that good old dose of Oxytocin, and if Kai gave that to her she was the perfect person to lie down her life for him- she was a commitment kind of girl. It was depressing really, but also extremely arousing to you that a female could be so pledged after quick sex with your man.You couldn’t help but smile to yourself at the thought of Kai making another woman orgasm. You wanted to reach into your sweatpants as you thought about it, but you knew you’d just have to wait for Kai to get home from his mission to please you.

It was around 3am when Kai walked into his quiet home. He slowly took off his jacket and hung it on the rack next to yours. He massaged his neck with his hands and closed his eyes for a moment. He was sore from the workout with Harrison yesterday, and now having Meadow hanging off of it while he fucked her had really done a number on him. He had just wanted to get home to you.

He quietly made his way to the basement, he opened the door and descended leisurely down the steps. The light next to your shared bed was on, and he smirked as he saw your naked body curled in the sheets, your hand still on the ‘Warfare between Science & Religion’ book you had been reading. Kai unbuttoned his black shirt and shrugged it off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor, then did the same to his pants and boxers. He gently slid beside you under the covers. You felt so warm like the morning sun shining against him. His heart did a little funny jump every time he laid eyes on you after being apart for some time. He hoped you knew that everything he ever did was for the two of you to live in ultimate peace. He wanted to watch you swell with his seed one day- and be the one to help you birth his messiah. He knew you’d be the mother of all mothers. He knew that he’d want at least 4 children with you, maybe 5 if you were up to it. If he could have it his way, he would have all boys- making sure they would all grow to protect their utterly impeccable giver of life.

Kai watched your eyes flutter open, your dark pupils adjusted to the light. When you saw Kai there, wrapped around you naked, you snuck him a sweet smile and he immediately felt his penis build a tent in the sheets.

“I was so lost without you here with me,” You kissed his lips and he moaned in delight at the taste of your honey kiss.

“Well, I found you.” He slithered closer to you and pressed his lips feverishly onto yours.

“I see you need a polite request for my time?” You laughed. When Kai would come home from his short trips with Meadow- he would devour you in some way. It was like he was banking memories of your sex life to remember in times he needed them to block the fact he was with another woman. You never asked him about what they did in bed, but you sure as hell wanted him to know that whatever she had to offer was never going to come within millimeters of what you had to give. Nobody could search your soul the way Kai could, and you knew that he felt the same way.

“There is nothing polite about what I’m going to do with you my sweet Tesoro.” He moved his body so that he was now positioned on top of your naked body. The way that your bodies felt against each other was magnetic. Kai kneed your legs apart and you felt his dick touch your wet pussy.

“You’re always soaked for me,” Kai whispered against your lips. You let him slip himself into you and you bit his lip and dug your fingernails into his back enough that he started pounding faster inside you.

“I want to hear your heart beat, baby.” Your words hit him like a wave, and he slowed his hips. His moves were deliberate, and soft. He could feel your fingertips drawing what felt like perfect love notes over his shoulders and back. Kai lifted himself from you enough that he could stare into your eyes. It was like looking into the gates of heaven mixed with the most beautiful sea of every happy memory he ever had with you. With every thrust into you he felt his head grow lighter and your wet vagina swallowed him up in existential bliss.

“I love you,” Kai kisses your forehead and you moaned in response. Kai watched as your sweet face turned dark. You grabbed a handful of hair on the side of Kai’s head, pulling him down beside you. He watched as you slithered your body on top of him, he opened his mouth to direct you but you pressed a slender finger to his lips. You could feel his smile underneath it and it turned you to mush knowing how much he loved when you didn’t play nice.

“Don’t say a word, just make love to me,” You hissed. You slid your body onto him and rocked your hips against him.

“You feel so fucking goo-.” SMACK. You palm made a noise as it connected with his face. You had just slapped him. Kai brought his hand up to his red cheek. It stung, but he felt like he was on the verge of cumming at the same time. He let out a chuckle and looked to you with both lust a surprise.

“I said not to talk.”

Kai relaxed and watched your body in the warm light. Your curves perfectly shaped and skin like safari desert sand. He watched a bead of sweat slowly drip in between your plump breasts and down your torso. He watched as you grabbed his hands, placing them on your hips. He was biting his lip so hard he thought he tasted a bit of blood. God, you moved so perfectly on him and he knew that his orgasm was going to send his soul outside his body. Hw grabbed your hips until he was sure he made marks.

“I need you to fuck me on the table.” Kai watched you pull yourself from his sweaty warm cock and you took his hand in yours and you both slipped out of the sticky sheets towards the table in the basement.

“I think I’m addicted to you,” Your words swarmed his ears and he grabbed you and placed your naked body onto the long table. He climbed on top of it as well, and spread your legs yet again. He took his fingers and stuffed them into your entrance and you let out the most erotic noises Kai had ever heard. He had watched a lot of porn in his days, but he never heard sounds quite like the ones you could make.

“Please Kai, I need you inside of me,” You pleaded as he stroke your clit with his wet fingers.

“Tell me something you’d never tell anyone else?” Kai laid himself upon you once again and his dark eyes burned into you. You felt your body go weak, and you slowly linked pinkies with Kai.

“Nobody has ever…ever loved me…until I met you.” He held your linked pinky to his chest while he bent down to kiss you once more-his tongue touring the inside of your mouth. God, he would pay rent to have his tongue just live in there. He never got bored of the way you tasted.

“Tell me something you’re afraid of.” He whispered in your ear as your orgasm grew closer and closer with each deep slow plunge inside you.

“Vulnerability,” you chocked out as his last forceful jolt sent your orgasm explode from within you. Your whole body was sent into a tingling galaxy of euphoria.  Kai slowed as your body relaxed, the high dying down.

Kai got up, running his hands up and down your thighs before pulling you up from your lying position on the table.

“I’m always going to be here to protect you from all your fears little lamb.” Kai grabbed your body, pulling you to the edge of the table. He places himself inside you once again, this time you were extremely sensitive from your orgasm. He delicately moves inside of you, careful not to overstimulate you. He brushes the hair behind your ears and plants kisses all over your face.

He was the only person in the world to ever love you. He was the only one to ever make you feel like you were someone worth loving.

“I love you too,” You finally whispered your response into his ear as he stroked the small of your back with his thumb as he gently moved back and forth.

The words always seemed to make him explode instantly. You could feel his cum disseminate inside of your womb.

You both sat breathless and sweaty before pulling your bodies apart. You slipped off the table and felt tears fill your eyes. Your childhood was so foul, and so had your whole life honestly. Until you had met Kai.

You snuck back to bed, sitting on the edge, waiting for Kai to join in postcoital cuddling.

Kai walked over to you, sitting naked next to you on the bed. He turned you towards him and held out his pinky.

You instantly linked yours with his. Kai sighed happily. He always felt more whole when he was connected to you in some way.

“Ask me anything you want,” Kai proposed. He never stopped eye contact. You licked your lips in thought. You felt like you already knew as much as you needed to, but you decided to ask not what he feared, but what motived him instead.

“What is the purpose of your life?” You narrowed your eyes at Kai, waiting to hear his response. He broke into a wide smile and looked off in the distance as if replaying memories in his head.

He squeezed your pinky with his and then leaned in so his cute freckled nose was almost touching yours. His eyes again- fiery and intensely locked with yours. He had to speak nothing but the truth when you had your pinkies linked. He opened his mouth and gave you his one word response in a low sexy whisper.

“You.”

#evan peters imagine #evan peters fanfic #evan peters #kai anderson imagine #kai anderson x you #kai anderson #kai anderson messiah #kai anderson smut #kai ahs #kai anderson fanfiction #kai anderson ahs #ahs cult #evan peters x y/n #evan peters x you #kai anderson x reader

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bingejesus · 3 months

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The Chosen Spoiler Review S4 Episode 2

So again, another spoiler review….proceed with caution—

Ok so Episode 2 starts off with Jesus having a dream of standing in a field and John the Baptist walks up in chains, then rips them off, making Jesus cry/smile. John gestures to the path beyond them as if saying, “The way is prepared.”

We get a fantastic scene with Andrew and Jesus where they discuss grief and how it is different for everyone. They even make jokes and laugh, saying that John’s memory will still be honored. Jesus makes the point that sitting shiva is usually done in the deceased’s home, but since John’s home was the open road, he gets the group together and they head out—only Jesus knowing where they are going.

We get a scene where Judas and Zee are washing clothes, and Judas complains that they should be out there doing ministry, gathering people, being efficient, especially since they are running out of money and should be taking collections. Zee tells him the mundane things are important too, and they shouldn’t feel too important to do mundane tasks Jesus asks them to do. It’s a neat scene that starts to really show Judas’ perspective and plant the seeds of his eventual betrayal.

Meanwhile, now that Ramah has returned, she and Thomas discuss getting married, which her father has refused to give his blessing. However, they figure out a loophole that allows for special circumstances (and following Jesus is a special circumstance). And while on the road, they ask John (Zebedee’s John) to be one witness for Thomas and there is a very sweet moment where Ramah asks Jesus to give her away as her spiritual father. She says that she has left her father, and endured his harsh words for it but she obviously doesn’t regret it. Jesus seems hesitant, and takes the moment to tell the group that he has not come to bring peace, but a sword (division), that you must “hate” father and mother to follow him. He does however, say that after the mourning period is over they will discuss the marriage matter further.

Atticus storms into Quintus’ office while he is having a bust made of him. Atticus warns him that Jesus is starting something—maybe even a war and he needs to do something. Quintus comments that he seems spooked, and Atticus just says again that he needs to do something. Oh and earlier, Quintus had given orders to Gaius that the Tent City needed to be cleared out and it’s obvious that Gaius is extremely hesitant and actually doesn’t do much to make life difficult for them.

Jesus and co make it to Caesarea Philippi where there is a pagan Temple known as the gates of hell (as said by Philip). And this is where Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?”

John says that some think he’s Elijah, James says that some think he is the prophet Jeremiah, and Philip says some think he is actually John the Baptist, but then comments that’s obviously not true. So Jesus asks again and Simon speaks up and says, “You are the Christ, son of the living God.” And Jesus gives him the name Peter, saying “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Later on, while they are going to settle down for the night, Peter is quiet and staying off to the side in deep thought about what Jesus said while everyone else (particularly James and John) argue about what it means and why he gets the supposed position of authority. Matthew goes over to Jesus and he asks the same question. They talk about Peter’s obvious hatred for Matthew, and Jesus helps him realize that while he is not pleased with Peter’s behavior at all, Matthew did hurt him and has not apologized. I think this moment is amazing because it actually speaks a lot to how I experience Jesus’ lessons a lot of times. He doesn’t yell or condemn or tell me how wrong and evil and awful I am—he gently guided me into realization that a lot of times, I cause much of my own problems. He also says that you don’t ask forgiveness to be forgiven, but to repent. Forgiveness is a gift given by the other person.

The next day, while making their way back, Andrew and Peter discuss everything, and it’s super fun. Matthew does apologize and Peter doesn’t know how to respond, obviously still angry. There is a cool moment where Matthew and Tamar talk and she tells him that he must feel honored to be the scribe for Jesus. Matthew says that he knows when to write things down when Jesus gives him a certain “look”.

James and John continue to seethe about not being given authority and new names. Peter asks Jesus what he should do about Matthew and he says he should forgive 70x7 times, or completely and always. And he reminds Peter that even though Matthew did evil to him, if he hadn’t, he would have never met Jesus. Reiterating this idea of God’s sovereignty even in the bad times, which will definitely be relevant later. The next morning we see the group together working when Peter, having spent the night sleepless, comes up and hugs Matthew and tells him he forgives him. Matthew hugs him back as everyone stares in amazement. I cried because it was so beautiful to see.

Amazing episode with a lot of quiet and introspective moments and conversations. I really enjoyed this”calm before the storm” so to speak. As usual writing was amazing, visually beautiful, and spiritually fulfilling. I loved this episode that really brought home the reality and humanity of not only the disciples but Jesus. Jesus truly is comply divine as well as human, and I think this episode showed it in a subtle way that I loved.

Episode 3 review coming next! And WOO BOY 😭

#the chosen season 4 spoilers

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greypetrel · 1 year

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14 for Aisling and Cullen, 22 for whomever 💗

Hello! 💜

Thanks for the prompts! I’ll post this and Number 22 later on with a tag,

Arbor Wilds? Arbor Wilds.

Finally introducing George the Red Templar! He glitched out in the middle of the Temple of Mythal when I played the quest. So you see I had to include him. He decided the war was stupid, yielded and retired in the Temple. Grew on the elves like moss. Strawberry flavoured moss because his specialty is strawberry daiquiri he prepares for everyone around.

Oh, also: I really like the mission buuuut I have opinions. For once, I retcon that the map isn’t available anymore. So imagine that Aisling just… Pestered Morrigan enough that she opened the Eluvians again and got her and her party back to the Temple (the mirror didn’t break). Quarrelled HARD with Cassandra for that one line she says about the Temple being build out of Superstition. Quarrelled with Cullen as well because he didn’t have a ready answer for her and she -and everyone- took it as “I agree with Cassandra”.

If you want some soundtrack for VIBES…

Tis the prompt list

Casual touch to elbow/shoulder/hand while telling a story

The Temple of Mythal was peaceful in its quiet sacrality. And yet, while Chantries tended to inspire a sense of repentance, put you against your sins to face them, this was… Welcoming, in a sense. In the same way that Skyhold was even if in a much bigger scale.

The works to repair the damages that the Red Templars did were going on steadily, or as steadily as the few people that had come there with the Inquisitor allowed. The elves were a quiet presence, not hostile anymore and easier with the foreigners as days goes by and they all showed they were there in good intentions and willing to help for help’s sake, growing curious about them even. The situation was relaxed, if one didn’t think they were all on borrowed time and mere days away from being forced to go out and march back to Skyhold with the big bunch of the army, it almost looked like a holiday.

The day after the battle, the Inquisitor, Radha and Solas were joined in the Temple by Dorian -of course, it didn’t surprise anyone to see the Tevinter pack his things and just… March inside the Temple as if camping in ruins was his favourite thing in the world. The Iron Bull, weirdly enough, followed suit a couple of days later, with Dalish and Grim, leaving the rest of the Chargers to Krem -who was in and out himself. And Cole, of course. Cullen too had followed, after a week, delegating the rest of the work as the important allies scattered, tentatively and expecting to be kicked out of it in less than five minutes by a still angry Aisling.

But… She hadn’t kick him out. He sought her out, talked to her, explained himself. They got on a truce, and promised each other to work out on things, since none of them was ok in just… Pretending like nothing happened. It wouldn’t have been fair, for none of them. It was something, even if Aisling said she needed some space. Maybe being not that cheerful and upbeat all the time, always smiling, laughing and prodding him to talk was really more of her than not the other way around. She was acting normal, just… Less prone to just have it always his ways, and testing shily limits and boundaries. Using magic more, for once, even if she always looked at him when she started, if he was around, to instinctively checking he was ok before going on with her spells. He always nodded and smiled at her, spurring her on to raise some stones with magic -it was extremely useful, it would have taken him, Bull and Grim the whole afternoon to clear that pile of rubble she removed in one minute. It still didn’t feel fully all right, still left him with some sort of uneasiness, but… It was her. He trusted she wouldn’t have hurt him and just… Endured it. Got further away when it became too much. Told her it wasn’t her fault, but his in very clear terms, and that she shouldn’t stop.

They were, in substance, working things out for real, out of the honeymoon phase and out of Aisling sweeping her doubts and problems under the carpet and making things easier for him… And Cullen not noticing that she was doing all the work.

They sat together at dinner, lunches she was often in some secluded corner trying to decipher inscriptions or slip in a half crumbled room, or tagging Abelas here and there and asking him questions (it was fun to watch, the ancient elf treating her with patience, like an old dog with an unruly puppy). He spotted her, once, high up on a wall, sitting there while she ate, a leg dwindling down. How she got up there scared him to no limits, the idea of her falling scared him even more… But, this was important to her, and if she found some ancient carvings up there, he trusted her to be on her best behaviour. At least it wasn’t a galloping horse.

Things were going fine.

It was evening, dinner had ended and everyone was slowly retiring to their tends, some still dwindling around the fire in the petitioner’s room that the elves had allowed them to camp into. There were rooms designed to house guests, but the mattresses were long gone, some had no roof anymore, and so they treated the central room like a small camp, around the firepit in the middle.

He bid Dorian good night, pretending not to see how he followed the Qunari in his tend. As everyone around was pretending not to see ever since he came there. And he believed, even before.

The night was peaceful and balmy, the stars twinkled in the sky outside the big windows, between impossibly small and delicate twisted columns and the canopy of trees, swaying gently in the breeze. It reminded Cullen of other summer evenings, back in his childhood, when there was still peace and life was simple. Maybe life could be simple again. Take a war away, just leave this. Working, no planning, see a thing that needs to be repaired, do it. Eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired, enjoy the simple things. Joke with friends, have friends to call such outside work. Simple problems, solvable ones, without the constant knowledge of having the world on your shoulders.

He was happy of the Inquisition, happy of what they were doing. But-

“A penny for your thoughts?”

Came a familiar, dear voice to bring him out of his reverie. He opened eyes he had apparently closed, and smiled at Aisling, standing over him with a couple of mugs in her hands. Fancy mugs with two tiny paper umbrellas balancing on the lid. He smiled, scuttling a little to make her space against the wall he was propped against, right below the window, and patting the floor beside him. She didn’t need words to understand, and just handled him the drinks, before sitting down at his side, sighing in contentment as she stretched her legs before her and her back, arching it like a cat and stretching her arms up.

“Tired?”

“A little sore. You?”

“Same.”

“How’s your ankle?”

“It’s fine, thank you. Solas patched it up for good, see?” She demonstrated, lifting the leg and rolling her foot around the ankle easily, one side before and the other lately. It cracked minutely tho, making her grimace.

“Easy, tiger. Don’t hurt yourself more.”

“It’s fine… Nothing some alcohol can’t help, anyway.”

“Glutton.”

“You love it.”

She bantered back, instinctively, and froze. They had reassured each other that love was still on the plate, of course, but… No other words have come on that, and surely none in joking terms. Just a promise to work it out and put more effort into coming to compromises, and… They got back to slowly and tentatively dancing around the other, both careful not to overstep in the other’s boundaries. But, as much as it was evident Aisling was thinking she just did, lowering her gaze and frowning, this really wasn’t it.

“Yes, I do.” Cullen reassured her, placing a hand on hers, closed on her thigh, as with the other he handled her one of the mugs, careful not to shake it so much that the umbrella would have fallen.

She looked back up, smiling shily at him, cheeks turning pinker. “Me too.”

They clinked the mugs together and took a sip at the same time. It was… Sweet. Tasting strongly like strawberries and lemon before the heat of the liquor came. Needless to say, it was too sweet for Cullen, and made Aisling’s eyes shine in delight, the way she always lit up when she ate something good. Usually, cakes or desserts.

“Too sweet for you?” She asked.

“A little, yes. But not bad.”

“Well, someone will finish it if you don’t want it all, don’t worry…” She sipped another time, sighing. “Aaaaw, it’s just like eating cake!”

“I think George listened to you, yesterday.” He chuckled observing the other Templar near the firepit, sitting and chatting as it was the most normal thing in the world with a puzzled Solas, another couple of ancient elves that looked at the human with curiosity, and a Radha that was having allegedly too much fun from the situation, looking at the exchange around her.

Nobody paid much mind to the redness of his eyes or how pronounced were his eyebags, or the fact that his hands trembled. Cullen frowned, recognising all too well the signs of what was to come. He didn’t know if Red Lyrium was anything different, but…

“He’s gonna be all right. They’ll take care of him.” Aisling placed a hand on his elbow, squeezing reassuringly, before raising her voice. “Hey, George!”

She called, and the Templar perked up, turning towards her with interest. The Inquisitor raised her mug, in greeting.

“It’s delicious! Best one yet!” She complimented him, cheerfully and with a big smile on her face.

“Thank you, milady!” He thanked her, brighting up instantly.

The man sure was enthusiast and adapting to the new environment quickly. So quickly that the elves were all taken aback. So taken aback that they just… Vibed with him. Accepted his cocktails and his food. Assigned him the one closed room that was in good conditions, when he asked them politely if he could stay there.

Done with that, every group took back to their own, Solas complaining affectionately that it was not the best one yet, Lavellan just liked stuff that rotted your teeth instantly, and the conversation took back, leaving Aisling and Cullen back to their own corner, sipping slowly and enjoying the silence.

Except, Cullen for once didn’t want silence. The last days has been instructive and full of new informations… And made him realise that he knew next to nothing about Elves and Dalish beliefs. Sure, she told him of Ghilan’nain when he asked about her tattoos, spoke to him about her role in her clan and introduced him briefly to the Creators. But…

“Can you tell me about Mythal?” He asked her, slouching a little on the wall and getting more comfortable, one leg propped up, bent at the knee, and the other feet crossing the opposite ankle.

She turned to look at him, mildly surprised.

“Really?”

“Sure. We’re in her Temple, with her priests, and I realised I know little about her.”

“Morrigan’s the priest now, technically. But… Ok. What do you want to know?”

She asked, turning towards him and slouching down more herself.

“You told me she was the Mother goddess, of love and judgement.”

“Mh. And the sea.”

“The sea?”

“Yes.” She smiled, making herself comfortable before starting to speak.

She told him of Elgar’nan defeating his father the Sun for destroying what his mother, the Earth had created. But, without the Sun, nothing green could grow back, and no matter how hard the God tried, how complex his spell grew and how much power he spun into them: no root could stick, no leaf could grow in a world full of darkness, and the land was thus left barren and void. The Earth cried so much that her tears filled oceans, and then, when all hope seemed lost, from the sea walked out Mythal. She alone could reach Elgar’nan and calm his rage, placing her hand on his brow-

“- like this.” Aisling placed a hand on Cullen’s brow, palm cooled by the drink, touch delicate. He bent his head forward, planting a stray kiss on her wrist just because it was there and he could, and he had missed her. She giggled, ruffling his hair some, and lowering the hand, resting it on his shoulder, casually. She left it there, as she continued.

Humbled and finally free of his rage, regretting what he had done, Elgar’nan travelled to the place he had imprisoned the Sun, and spoke to him. When the Sun, equally remorseful for the destruction he brought, promised he would not have burned forests again, he was freed and allowed to his course in the sky. Elgar’nan and Mythal, thus, put their best efforts in recreating what the Sun had destroyed, filling the world with all things green and luscious, helped by the Sun and the Earth. And the world grew and thrived. That same night, when the Sun was asleep, Mythal collected the glowing earth around her bed and shaped it in a sphere, which she hung in the sky to illuminate the night.

“The moon?”

“The moon, yes.” Aisling sighed, bending her head over her hand on his shoulder. “And ever since that day, people came to ask Mythal for judgement, which she delivers like a mother, just and loving and compassionate. But terrible in her ire. And her children, which she had with Elgar’nan, helped them in shaping the world as we know it today.”

The fire crackled, and the breeze seemed to rustle the leaves above something more, as if the world was answering to what was being told. Cullen saw her using magic by now, weaving lightning and thunder with pin-point precision -she saved him a couple of time but ten days ago with that, and she was terrible and beautiful, one of the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. But, there was magic in her words, apparently, or it was the Temple around responding to her words. With more knowledge that it wasn’t just a story, it was a theogony and something that people believed in, it almost looked like…

He leaned his head on hers, closing his eyes and resting his hand on her thigh, leaning against his.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Mh? Not wild and savage?”

“No. Not at all, it’s… A world born out of love and forgiveness. It’s… Soothing.”

“What would the old Chantry Mother say, you rascal! Expressing appreciation for old heathen tales.”

She giggled, mocking him with affection as she nuzzled even closer than she already was, leaving her mug on the ground to come and hug his arm, sighing in contentment as she did so. He planted a kiss on her head.

“Oh, she would have a stroke seeing me, no doubt.”

“Would she.”

“Definitely. Sprawled on the floor of an elvhen Temple, legs all over, very unproperly sitting and with an Apostate perched on my shoulder?”

“Very compromising. Pesky heathen witches dragging good chantry boys on the road to perdition!”

“Wait until she knows you’re also the Inquisitor. We’re in deep trouble, you see.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll save you.”

“I’m sure you’ll do.”

“ìI will zap her butt. Maybe turn her into a toad, who knows. We’ll live here drinking fancy cocktails that taste like cake.”

“You’ll go annoy Abelas, I’ll stay helping George fishing. We’ll tell each other what did we learn in the evening. Yes.”

“I don’t annoy him!”

“I heard him sighing five times, today.”

“It’s not-”

“-before breakfast.”

He chuckled, turning to kiss the top of her head as she huffed in a mock protest -he knew she was pouting even without looking. And then he snaked his arm away from her to circle her shoulders and bring her close. She shifted, following his movement, collecting her legs and tucking herself in his side, hugging his waist. He let the moment past, considering and caressing the idea more seriously than was needed. He knew it was a joke, but the more he thought about it… The more he realised that yes. It wouldn’t be half bed, if he could allow, for one minute, to think past duty, past the work and obligations. It felt even more illicit than considering Mythal’s tale and thinking that it wouldn’t be half bad believing that the world was created out of an act of forgiveness.

Aisling sighed deeply, her weight on his shoulder becoming slowly heavier the closer she got to sleep. He stayed there, drawing circles on her arm with his thumb, absent-mindedly, the overly sweet alcoholics, the last days of relaxation and easy, direct work after a real victory, one with no sacrifices involved, all of this emboldening him and coating his ideas in hopes.

“I think I’d really like that, you know?” He whispered, softly as it was a secret. He didn’t trust himself to stay with that little, one wish. But maybe, he could trust her with it.

“Mmmh.” She mumbled, half asleep.

He didn’t know if it was a question or an affirmative, if she heard it or not. He didn’t express the thought any further. Not now, not right away. One day. One day when duty didn’t call them back, when they would have been tired of politics and of fighting windmills. One day he would have told her. But for now, he just stayed awake, cosy and warm and with his favourite person in his arm, just existing and considering the idea that maybe even him could wish for something. That maybe the world could indeed have been created by one single act of forgiveness.

#dragon age #dragon age fic #cullavellan #cullen x lavellan #inquisitor lavellan #dalish inquisitor #cullen rutherford #aisling lavellan #writing petrel #the Arbor Wild map is a good one ok and I really really really like the Temple and the banter!#BUT. That line of Cassandra in particular needed to be addressed by a Lavellan inquisitor #Picture Cullen and Dorian waiting in front of the doors like dogs waiting for the owner to come back #and then BAM #doors open and there's Aisling and Cassandra trying to eat each other's face #and this is the reason why in the fic I didn't let Cassandra be gay #Cullen has reasons to have doubts about at least the Chantry #his whole arc is becoming less and less attached to old prejudices #and if there's one person whom the Chantry has fucked up it's him #Cassandra is still... too attached and too convinced #ok I'll stop ranting about this mission ooooops #it's WORDY again hope you'll like it BYEEEE

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daimonclub · 4 months

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Aphorisms and quotes about the mother

Quotes and aphorisms on mom Quotes and aphorisms about the mother, ideas and thoughts by different and famous authors on the mom and the great importance of her presence in everyone's life. After the end of time, mother, we will find ourselves in the reality that does not exist, in a fictional and mythical world; we will be happy, serene, at peace, and finally we will be able to enjoy what we are not. Carl William Brown Where there is a mother in the home, matters go well. Amos Bronson Alcott What do girls do who haven't any mothers to help them through their troubles? Louisa May Alcott Children and mothers never truly part; bound in the beating of each other’s heart. Charlotte Gray A mother who is really a mother is never free. Honore De Balzac My wife is the kind of girl who will not go anywhere without her mother, and her mother will go anywhere. John Barrymore The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. Henry Ward Beecher Be kind to your mother-in-law, but pay for her board at some good hotel. Josh Billings From now on I want to imagine death as a tender and affectionate mother who with extreme love, smiling and holding me at her breast for all eternity, instead of giving me life will take it away forever. Carl William Brown The best thing that could happen to motherhood already has. Fewer women are going into it. Victoria Billings The Holy Virgin is the universal essence of woman, she is the divine symbol of the mother par excellence, she is the spirit of life and love who endures and resists pain, suffering and death, to make the memory of her children immortal. Carl William Brown You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. Albert Einstein There are so many times you will feel you have failed, but in the eyes, heart and mind of your child, you are supermom. Stephanie Precourt A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary. Dorothy Canfield Fisher When a woman is twenty, a child deforms her; when she is thirty, he preserves her; and when forty, he makes her young again. Leon Blum Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons. Napoleon Bonaparte

My Mom Innocenza Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words. Elizabeth Barrett Browning Some are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same - and most mothers kiss and scold together. Pearl S. Buck The kind of power mothers have is enormous. Angela Carter There are lots of things that you can brush under the carpet about yourself until you're faced with somebody whose needs won't be put off. Angela Carter For Eliot, April is the cruelest month, and I agreed, in fact my father died in April, but then my mother passed away in October, so now the cruelest months are certainly two. Carl William Brown The chain of wedlock is so heavy that it takes two to carry it - and sometimes three. Alexandre (the Younger) Dumas For that's what a woman, a mother wants - to teach her children to take an interest in life. She knows it's safer for them to be interested in other people's happiness than to believe in their own. Marguerite Duras As my mom always said, ‘You’d rather have smile lines than frown lines.’ Cindy Crawford Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together. Pearl S. Buck No culture on earth outside of mid-century suburban America has ever deployed one woman per child without simultaneously assigning her such major productive activities as weaving, farming, gathering, temple maintenance, and tent-building. The reason is that full-time, one-on-one child-raising is not good for women or children. Barbara Ehrenreich Take motherhood: nobody ever thought of putting it on a moral pedestal until some brash feminists pointed out, about a century ago, that the pay is lousy and the career ladder nonexistent. Barbara Ehrenreich A mother's yearning feels the presence of the cherished child even in the degraded man. George Eliot But the mother's yearning, that completest type of the life in another life which is the essence of real human love, feels the presence of the cherished child even in the debased, degraded man. George Eliot The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint. James Fenton See also It's not over when you lose, but when you end it. Unknown The mother as a social servant instead of a home servant will not lack in true mother duty. From her work, loved and honored though it is, she will return to her home life, the child life, with an eager, ceaseless pleasure, cleansed of all the fret and fraction and weariness that so mar it now. Charlotte P. Gillman

Quotes on mom Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are. Cheryl Lacey Donovan A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s. Princess Diana Morality and its victim, the mother - what a terrible picture! Is there indeed anything more terrible, more criminal, than our glorified sacred function of motherhood? Emma Goldman The patience of a mother might be likened to a tube of toothpaste – it’s never quite all gone. Author Unknown Death freed my father and mother from their evils and imprisoned me even more in mine. Carl William Brown When I was a child, my mother said to me, ‘If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general. If you become a monk you’ll end up as the pope.’ Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso. Pablo Picasso Only after losing your mother forever can you understand the essence of true love and the excruciating pain of life passing away. Carl William Brown A mother is the one who is still there when everyone else has deserted you. Author Unknown You realize that you habitually thought of Mom when something in your life was not going well, because when you thought of her it was as though something got back on track, and you felt re-energized. Shin Kyung Sook No influence is so powerful as that of the mother. Sarah Josepha Hale A man’s work is from sun to sun, but a mother’s work is never done. Author Unknown Every man must define his identity against his mother. If he does not, he just falls back into her and is swallowed up. Camille Paglia He that would the daughter win must with the mother first begin. English Proverb A mother understands what a child does not say. Jewish Proverb God couldn't be everywhere, so he created mothers Jewish Proverb Men are what their mothers made them. Ralph Waldo Emerson

My mom when she was 20 All that remains to the mother in modern consumer society is the role of scapegoat; psychoanalysis uses huge amounts of money and time to persuade analysis and to foist their problems on to the absent mother, who has no opportunity to utter a word in her own defense. Hostility to the mother in our societies is an index of mental health. Germaine Greer The moments of happiness... We have had the experience of them, but the meaning has escaped us, as Eliot said. Or rather, we didn't realize it, so life passed by and in the end all I was left with was the pain of losing my dearest person, my mother. Carl William Brown Woman is the salvation or the destruction of the family. She carries its destiny in the folds of her mantle. Henri Frederic Amiel A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them. Victor Hugo If at first you don’t succeed, do it the way your mother told you to. Author Unknown One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters. George Herbert The tie which links mother and child is of such pure and immaculate strength as to be never violated. Washington Irving A mother’s love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking. Helen Rice A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know he sees it. William Dean Howells Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face. George Eliot Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy. Tina Fey Behind every successful man is a proud wife and a surprised mother-in-law. Hubert H. Humphrey Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world a mother's love is not. James Joyce The watchful mother tarries nigh, though sleep has closed her infants eyes. John Keble Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother. Yutang, Lin All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. Abraham Lincoln

Quotes and aphorisms on mothers My father and my mother are no longer with us, but their spirit lives in me, and therefore is still alive, except that I am already dead. Carl William Brown It seems to me that the nursing mother of most false opinions - both public and private - is the excessively high opinion one places on oneself. Michel Eyquem De Montaigne Anyone who doesn't miss the past never had a mother. Gregory Nunn Maternity is on the face of it an unsociable experience. The selfishness that a woman has learned to stifle or to dissemble where she alone is concerned, blooms freely and unashamed on behalf of her offspring. Emily James Putnam There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one. Jill Churchill Whenever I’m with my mother, I feel as though I have to spend the whole time avoiding land mines. Amy Tan, The Kitchen God’s Wife Few misfortunes can befall a boy which bring worse consequences than to have a really affectionate mother. W. Somerset Maugham The Enemy, who wears her mother's usual face and confidential tone, has access; doubtless stares into her writing case and listens on the phone. Phyllis McGinley It seems to me that the nursing mother of most false opinions - both public and private - is the excessively high opinion one places on oneself. Michel Eyquem De Montaigne When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself. Nancy Friday Women’s natural role is to be a pillar of the family. Grace Kelly I know how to do anything – I’m a mom. Rosanne Barr A busy mother makes slothful daughters. Portuguese Proverb An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. Spanish Proverb If Freud had had my mother's dreams at his disposal, he would have become even greater than he was. Carl William Brown Think of your mother and smile for all of the good precious moments.” Ana Monnar

Aphorisms and quotes on the mother A mother understands what a child does not say. Jewish proverb Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are. Cheryl Lacey Donovan A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved. Kate Samperi As her sons have seen her: the mother in patriarchy: controlling, erotic, castrating, heart-suffering, guilt-ridden, and guilt-provoking; a marble brow, a huge breast, an avid cave; between her legs snakes, swamp-grass, or teeth; on her lap a helpless infant or a martyred son. She exists for one purpose: to bear and nourish the son. Adrienne Rich The worker can unionize, go out on strike; mothers are divided from each other in homes, tied to their children by compassionate bonds; our wildcat strikes have most often taken the form of physical or mental breakdown. Adrienne Rich Mother – that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. T. DeWitt Talmage A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, “where mother is.” Keith L. Brooks I never knew how much love my heart could hold until someone called me “mommy.” Author Unknown Mother’s love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved. Erich Fromm Mothers are all slightly insane. J.D. Salinger That best academy, a mother’s knee. James Russell Lowell Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age. William Feather Education commences at the mother’s knee, and every word spoken within hearsay of little children tends toward the formation of character. Hosea Ballou In a child’s eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe. N. K. Jemisin I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine — she helps me grow, prosper and reach great heights. Terri Guillemets A mother’s love liberates. Maya Angelou Biological possibility and desire are not the same as biological need. Women have childbearing equipment. For them to choose not to use the equipment is no more blocking what is instinctive than it is for a man who, muscles or no, chooses not to be a weightlifter. Betty Rollin Only in America do these peasants, our mothers, get their hair dyed platinum at the age of sixty, and walk up and down Collins Avenue in Florida in pedal pushers and mink stoles - and with opinions on every subject under the sun. It isn't their fault they were given a gift like speech - look, if cows could talk, they would say things just as idiotic. Philip Roth Apart from my mother, women have always encouraged me to deepen my knowledge of the profound illogicality of existence. Carl William Brown A mother holds her children’s hands for a while…their hearts forever. Author Unknown

Quotes and ideas on mothers There was never a great man who had not a great mother. Olive Schreiner Mothers are the most instinctive philosophers. Harriet Beecher Stowe Mother is the name for God on the lips and in the hearts of little children. William M. Thackeray My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. Mark Twain A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother. Author Unknown There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one. Jill Churchill Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mom taught me. Lady Gaga Most mothers are instinctive philosophers. Harriet Beecher Stowe My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it. Buddy Hackett My mother always said I was beautiful and I finally believed her at some point. Lupita Nyong’o A mother's heart is always with her children. Author Unknown Mother weaves her loving art and leaves her magic in our hearts. Author Unknown Mother-in-law: A woman who destroys her son-in-law's peace of mind by giving him a piece of hers. Author Unknown Men never think, at least seldom think, what a hard task it is for us women to go through this very often. God's will be done, and if He decrees that we are to have a great number of children why we must try to bring them up as useful and exemplary members of society. Queen Victoria How simple a thing it seems to me that to know ourselves as we are, we must know our mother's names. Alice Walker My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind. Michael Jordan Mothers work, not upon canvas that shall perish, nor marble that crumbles into dust, but upon mind, upon spirit, which is to last forever, and which is to bear, for good or evil, throughout its duration, the impress of a mother's plastic hand. George Washington The best place to cry is on a mother’s arms. Jodi Picoult It is not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding. Erma Bombeck Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. Marion C. Garretty See also Without Courage, wisdom bears no fruit. Baltasar Gracian My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her. George Washington Young women especially have something invested in being nice people, and it's only when you have children that you realize you're not a nice person at all, but generally a selfish bully. Fay Weldon To a child’s ear, ‘Mother’ is magic in any language. Arlene Benedict What is a mom? But the sunshine of our days and the North star of our nights. Robert Brault

Mother quotes and aphorisms There is no velvet so soft as a mother’s lap, no rose as lovely as her smile, no path so flowery as that imprinted with her footsteps. Archibald Thompson Mother’s hug… the drug that works every time, costs nothing and has no side effects. Hassaan Ali Motherhood is the strangest thing, it can be like being one's own Trojan horse. Rebecca West No matter how old a mother is, she watches her middle-aged children for signs of improvement. Florida Scott-Maxwell If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Ferrell Sims When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. Read the full article

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tea-and-la · 3 years

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Here’s my sentiments...

I was inspired by this post to write this semi-salty meta that i’ve been sitting on for a while.

So... extremely hot take: I don't think Z/ukka fits the enemies-to-lovers trope. ...Hear me out though.

I often see Z/ukkas make the unfair comparison of who forgave Zuko first as “evidence” of the better ship. And not only does that statement become invalid due to the fact that both Katara and Sokka are his friends at the end of the show, it ignores the intentional set-up and meaningful resolve of conflict between Katara and Zuko. It also overestimates how soon Sokka actually forgave him. I’ve seen people say Sokka was the first one who accepted him (canonically disproven by the fact that it was Toph.) Not even to mention that the majority of harsh comments about Zuko in The Western Air Temple can be quoted from Sokka himself. Sokka is very pragmatic. He doesn’t immediately warm up to Zuko because of a perceived goodness or because he’s dying to be buddies with him. He accepts that Zuko is joining because of what it means for the war:

Sokka: "Hey, all I want is to defeat the Fire Lord. If you think this is the way to do it, then, I'm all for it.”

If we’re really going to be technical, Sokka doesn’t forgive or trust him until The Boiling Rock. Zuko pointed out that sneaking off on Appa isn’t very feasible, and suggested his war balloon (which only he can operate.) So in a practical sense, Sokka agreed to let him tag along because it improves the probability of the mission’s success.

When he talks to Hakoda about Zuko:

Sokka: Actually, he's on our side now. [Cut to Hakoda, who gives his son a suspicious look.] I know. I had the same reaction. After all he's done, it was hard to trust him. But he's really proven himself, and I never would've found you without his help.

In bold that is Sokka canonically saying he had the same reaction (suspicion) when Zuko first joined. So again, Sokka’s trust wasn’t immediate.

But back to the Enemies-to-Lovers trope, the narrative just doesn’t place much weight on developing Zuko and Sokka’s relationship in an implied romantic or even friend-like way. Contrasted to Zuko and Katara, whose relationship progression had very subtle build up from the first season onward, with thematically significant scenes (most significantly, them fighting in every season finale together. S1 and S2 were against each other, but S3 they fought together, as allies.)

It’s like this quote I found:

Enemies

to hurtful betrayal

to slow reconciliation with a greater understanding of each other

to strange but solid friendship

THAT’S Zutara.

Z/ukka can be a fun dynamic, but outside of The Boiling Rock, there isn’t any focus into deepening their bond, even after TBR.

Compared to, for example:

Katara: Get over here Zuko! Being Part of the group also means being part of the group hugs. (this line could’ve easily been said by any other member of the group)

Or this scene:

Actor!Zuko: [Pushes Actor Iroh over and walks to Actress Azula.] I hate you, Uncle! You smell, and I hate you for all time!

Katara: “You didn’t really say that, did you?” (again, any character could’ve had this line and reached out to him) This also speaks to how far their bond has come, that now, Katara can even imagine him saying something that horrible (or see him in that light.)

And how that scene leads up to this one is SO important:

(Again, anyone could’ve walked over and talked with Zuko, but it is Katara who actually does.)

She is the one that ultimately ends up convincing him that Iroh will forgive him and that he’s deserving of it. That’s particularly meaningful because she is the person whose forgiveness he worked the hardest to earn, the person who previously made him believe that his actions were unforgivable. It’s narratively relevant that she is there, when he is faced with a similar doubt, and it is her support that gives him the courage to enter the tent.

My point is that the enemies-to-lovers trope has narrative conflict and it has compelling angst and betrayals. It shows the progression of a bond, how the characters’ opinion of one another change from animosity to mutual trust and respect. It is seeing the other person at their best and their worst and not thinking any less of them because you see them as their whole self.

To me, the only ship that fits this criteria is Zutara.

#zutara #meta #anti zukka #anti zukka shippers #i used to not mind the ship #i liked the art #but the supremacy shippers gave me bad vibes #and their near constant need to delegitimize zutara's canonical bond #like i'm sorry but there is not more narrative emphasis on z/ukka than zutara #also maybe i won't get called homophobic for this post?#bc i'm bisexual soooo..#i don't mind people shipping what makes them happy #but let's not pretend that zuko and katara aren't really close

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blrinjapan · 3 years

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Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!

New Years in Japan is an absolutely magical time of year, when the whole country shuts down and enters a period of reflection and celebration as one year ends and a new one begins. Businesses close, people travel to their hometowns to spend time with their parents and extended family, and family traditions bridge the Japanese culture of today back across the generations.

On New Years Eve, the celebrations begin. Many Japanese families will stay up until midnight, eating New Years Soba (toshikoshi soba) and mikan oranges, while watching annual competition shows such as the Red and White Song Battle! (Kouhaku Uta Gassen) or the annual Punishment Game comedy show (batsu game). Shortly before midnight, however, the shows conclude, and NHK presents footage of shrines and temples all over Japan, waiting for the midnight ceremonies. At Buddhist temples, the large temple bell is rung 108 times, once for each of the worldly desires central to Buddhism.

[pictured below: the inner courtyard of a Buddhist temple. A tree in the center is still showing the oranges and reds of autumn, and traditional Japanese buildings surround the tree.]

On New Years Day, families celebrate by eating traditional symbolic foods, much like they do in the rest of the world. In Virginia, for example, my family eats black eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, and ham, and each item has a specific symbolism for the new year. Japan is much the same-- each item of the New Year’s Meal (Osechi Ryouri) is symbolic of things like longevity, luck, good relationships, and prosperity.

The house is decorated with traditional plant decorations meant to bring good luck, harmony, and safety over the coming year. Often included are items like pine and bamboo (kadomatsu), straw ropes (shimenawa and shimekazari), and special sacred rice cakes (kagamimochi). These decorations are placed around the home, with rituals that define when and where they are placed, as well as when and how they are removed.

[pictured below: A small kagamimochi decoration, consisting of two stacked mochi rice cakes and a small figure of a cow on top symbolizing 2021, year of the ox]

Afterwards, usually on New Years Day (but often on the 2nd or 3rd of January), the traditional first shrine visit (hatsumode) is performed. These three days are some of the busiest days of the year for the Shinto Shrines in Japan, as visitors come to pray for the new year, return their old charms and amulets (omamori) from the prior year for disposal, and receive their fortunes for the oncoming year.

[pictured below: The entrance to a Shinto shrine. A torii gate stands in the center with snowy stone lanterns at its base, and snow-covered stone steps rising behind it, a bamboo forest on both sides. A family climbs the steps in the background.]

For my own hatsumode visit, a Japanese friend and I went to Hanyu Gokoku Hachimangu in Oyabe. After climbing approximately eight million stairs, we went to the main shrine building, where I tossed a coin into the offering box and paid my respects to the kami. Then, we moved to the outdoor tents, where I purchased my omamori for 2021. Since my theme for the year is “belonging” (I want to focus on putting in the effort to make a home for myself in Japan), I chose a Sakura blossom charm that will attract good luck and happiness.

[pictured below: two examples of omamori amulets. The amulet on the left is made to look like a miniature pink backpack of the sort that Japanese elemetary school students carry, and is a charm for success in studies and safety in traffic. The amulet on the right is a bedazzled pink sakura blossom, and is a charm for good luck and happiness.]

After purchasing my omamori, I visited the omikuji tent to learn my fortune for 2021. Omikuji fortunes are available year-round, but are a very important New Years tradition, providing guidance for the year ahead. They are pre-printed and piled in a large box, where the recipient draws their fortune from the pile after droppng a donation into the coin box.

[pictured below: an unopened omikuji fortune]

The contents of an omikuji, of course, cannot be determined before the fortune is opened. Generally, however, the overall fortunes range from extremely bad luck to extremely good luck, with at least twelve degrees of luckiness in between. In addition to your overall fortune, an omikuji will also include your luck pertaining to various categories of life, such as career, love, health, finances, major life events, babies, and more.

[pictured below: An opened omikuji. This one includes, from left to right, a section of a traditional poem, overall advice, the main fortune (this one is ‘blessing’, which is so-so but not bad luck), then fortunes and advice for different categories of life.]

Once you have read your omikuji, the traditional next step is to tie the fortune at the shrine, to prevent your bad luck from following you home, and to leave your good luck in the hands of the gods. This particular shrine provided a bamboo sapling to tie omikuji onto, which will later be burned along with all of the attached omikuji, to burn away the bad luck and allow the visitors’ wishes to reach the gods. After tying up our omikuji, we headed out of the tent, and on to our next stop.

[pictured below: a branch of bamboo held up in a red stand, with folded omikuji tied in nearly every available spot.]

We were nearly ready to leave the shrine when I spotted a tent of street food. I am always, always down for almost anything if it is on a stick, so we bought ourselves an order of Mitarashi Dango-- grilled mochi balls slathered in soy sauce, and impaled on sticks. This traditional street food is very popular year-round, and was an excellent pick-me-up after climbing (and then descending) all of those steps!

[pictured below: a tray of Mitarashi dango]

Finally, we wrapped up hatsumode and headed home, the new year rituals complete. Now it is time for contemplation and preparation, before the world starts up again on Monday-- and my heated table (kotatsu) is calling my name.

#japan #japanese #japanese new year #new year #happy new year #japanese culture #japanese food #shinto #shinto shrine #traditional japan #buddhist temple #new years tradition

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bright-eyes-strawberry-lies · 4 years

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I recently read The Camp Half-Blood Confidential for the first time and while most of it made me cringe, there was one story in particular that really made me cringe: Space Could Be An Issue.

For those of you who haven’t read it, the premise of Space Could Be An Issue is this: Annabeth is in charge of designing and building the cabins for the children of minor gods/goddesses but it appears that there’s no space for all of them!

What is an architect to do?

Annabeth suggests treehouses or houseboats and both are shot down by Chiron, who says the nature spirits would never allow it. Good thing that there’s no spirit of grass or open field, otherwise they’d never be able to build anywhere, right? Annabeth suggests caves; because why not just dump all those extras in a cave. Chiron shoots her down again; there’s only one cave and it belongs to the Oracle. Damn. Well what about stacking the cabins on top of each other? Parents associated with the sky can be on top and parents associated with the ground can be at the bottom. What? That seems a little bit...classist? No. Of course not. The real reason that won’t work is because demigods can’t cohabitate. You heard it from Chiron! All of your ships are invalid because demigods of different “families” can’t live together in peace.

Never fear! For Annabeth is here to save the day! Her latest idea is for small and low profile tiny houses. Her words, not mine. (I was going to make a sarcastic comment here about how, after fighting a war for equality, it’s a good idea to put the “lesser” demigods in places that are small and low profile...until I realized that Annabeth wasn’t fighting a war for equality, she was fighting for the continued reign of the Gods and therefore inequality because she ultimately privileges from the system no matter how often she cries mommy issues).

Anyway...The tiny houses are two stories; with a living area that sleeps two, a bedroom loft that sleeps two, and a bathroom. So four demigods per tiny house. Somehow there’s storage beneath the beds in the living area, which are the kind that pull out of the couch. Not sure how that works since normally the bed goes in the “storage area” when it’s in couch mode. And there’s a single closet beneath the stairs for more storage. The bathroom is the coolest part of the whole thing but it’s never mentioned if there’s a shower in those bathrooms or just a toilet and sink.

If you put four of these tiny houses together, they’re the size of one major demigod cabin. Isn’t that so funny. How you need four tiny houses for demigods but can’t build a regular sized cabin. Ha! Hilarious!

Which brings up a question. How big are the original twelve cabins anyway? The Hermes Cabin is so over crowded that kids need to sleep on the floor. Poseidon’s Cabin has nothing but six bunk beds (and later a small saltwater fountain) in it. Meanwhile, the Athena Cabin has multiple smart boards, work desks, a library, and a small armory on top of the beds. They’re clearly not all made equal (and that’s not even getting into the fact that the Hermes Cabin is literally falling apart).

Why does the size of the Athena Cabin matter, though? It matters because none of the other cabins are used for anything other than sleeping and chilling when there aren’t activities. The Athena cabin is so disproportionately huge and ironically high tech compared to the other cabins (WHY DOES RICK HATE THE HERMES CABIN?!). Okay, but they’re using it as a school. Why would you use a cabin as a school room?! Because those kids are supposed to be “geniuses?” So they don’t have anywhere in camp to just relax? It’s always work, work, work for the Athena kids, huh?

Where would you put the school? Oh I don’t know. Maybe the Big House, which only ever has two people living in it despite being three stories tall and super wide and easily the biggest building on the property. Ah, the Big House, where the occupants are always outside on the porch and the only interior mentioned is a living space with a ping pong table, Chiron’s office, and the attic used to stash the Oracle and other useless shit no one wants to look at. Why in Hades would you put a school room there? Think of the ping pong table! Relax! It was just an idea.

Hang on, we’ll come back to this. Now I want to bring up the decorating of cabins. The tiny houses also have the ability to be decorated however the occupants want, with only a single touch, which means that maybe the demigods of Nemesis want neon green walls despite Nemesis having nothing to do with neon green. Or the children of Iris are going through a Goth phase and decide all the walls should be black. Why does that matter? Because all of the other cabins are decorated according to godly parent. The demigods who live in the major cabins are extremely limited in what they can do with decorating because of “tradition and respect.” In fact, Percy and Tyson only add two decorations to their cabin: the aforementioned saltwater fountain and hippocampus figures on the ceiling. Which are both related to Poseidon. Despite some of the major cabins having been rebuilt, they were rebuilt to be exactly the same as before.

Which leads us to two points:

1.) The cabins aren’t shrines to the gods. These cabins aren’t sacred temples to the gods. The gods don’t care what happens in them or to them. They don’t care if they’re broken or overcrowded. They don’t care if the kids are fucking in them or if they’re digging tunnels underneath them or putting curses on them. The gods already have statues of themselves everywhere and most of them have a separate place in Camp that could be considered to be “their” place (Hephaestus and the forges, anyone?).

2.) Hera and Artemis’ cabins should both be nixed completely. Hera, as a goddess who will never have demigod children, doesn’t need a cabin on principle. She only has a cabin out of politeness, not necessity. And I can hear your protests already but no, Artemis shouldn’t have a cabin either. Her hunters have magical tents that they live in every other day of the year except for the one day out of the summer that they stop by Camp Half-Blood. That’s two cabins that regularly stand empty - one 100% of the time and one 99% of the time - and take up valuable space for people who actually need it.

Speaking of cabins that are usually empty: Poseidon and Zeus dont have more than one or two kids at a time (despite Zeus being a slut) so their cabins don’t actually need to be as big as the other cabins. Percy mentions that upon arriving at Camp Half-Blood, there are a couple hundred kids. More than half of them “disappear” during the first winter. Some die over the course of the series. Then the camp gets a huge influx of demigods; both the ones that came from Kronos’ army because they were pardoned and the previously unclaimed demigods.

Annabeth suggested stacking cabins on top of each other, which is a stupid idea for so many reasons (only one of which is pointed out to her and I listed another one), but she was actually on to something.

Except instead of making each floor for a different group of Godlings, what if, hear me out now, you bulldoze every single Cabin. (You get a tent! You get a tent! No, just kidding about the tents unless you’re a hunter of Artemis.)

Bulldoze the existing Cabins so that you’re starting from scratch (Annabeth, take some damn notes). Rebuild without Hera and Artemis’ Cabins. You never know when Zeus and Poseidon are going to get horny now that they’re technically allowed to reproduce again, so make their Cabins the same size as all the others (if you must). Rebuild the Cabins so that they’re a smidge narrower and a lot taller. That’s right! Slap two or three floors on top of those suckers! Make! Everyone! Fit! Give! Them! Space! No! More! Sleeping! On! The! Floor!

But what about the disabled - THERE ARE NO DISABLED DEMIGODS. Not even a single one! Everyone can climb stairs! Everyone! All the time!

Well that’s...true (and ableist) but what about Chiron? Shouldn’t he be able to get into the cabins? Chiron already can’t get into the cabins. He couldn’t get into the original twelve, he can’t get into any of the new ones.

Which brings me to the final, and possibly most important point. GIVE THESE KIDS PRIVATE BATHROOMS FOR FUCKS SAKE! If everyone thinks it’s a good idea for the tiny houses to have “personal” bathrooms, then give them to all of the cabins. No more communal showers! No more hazing other campers in the public toilets! No more getting eaten by harpies because you had to pee after curfew!

This way everyone is equal. No one has a better space or more space than anyone else. Everyone gets to decorate how they want. No one is going to die on the way to the bathroom. Because even though the war was ultimately about maintaining the status quo, Percy and Luke both said “no, this isn’t right and too many are suffering because of it and things need to change.” One traded his life for it, the other traded immortality for it.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

#percy jackson #percy jackson series #riordanverse #annabeth chase #camp half blood #long post #text post

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rachirdsims · 5 years

Text

A Guide to the Super Sim Challenge

First thing first, I did not create this challenge! There is a similar challenge called “The Perfect Sim Challenge”, see the challenge rules here, but there is also the Super Sim Challenge done by The Sims Supply on YouTube, which can be found here.

In this guide, I will go over basic questions and explain the order that I believe is the easiest and makes the most sense timeline and gameplay wise. I tweaked the rules a bit for my gameplay, so this is all open to interpretation. Make it your own and have fun!

Do I need all the packs to play the Super Sim Challenge?

The short answer is no, you do not need all the packs to play the challenge, but they do help. I answered an ask here that goes into detail of why each of these packs are helpful for the challenge, but I do recommend having these packs: Get to Work, Get Together, City Living, Cats and Dogs, Seasons, Get Famous, Outdoor Retreat, Spa Day, Vampires, Parenthood, Jungle Adventure, Strangerville, and Bowling Night Stuff.

Do I need to start as a YA or can I do it from toddler+?

I started playing my challenge as a YA, but that was before Parenthood came out. I advise starting as a toddler because there are traits that you can get as a toddler, child, and teen, that help you complete the challenge.

What exactly is the Super Sim Challenge?

The Super Sim Challenge is basically having one sim complete all aspirations and skills, and acquire all the traits, whether they be from the reward store, career-based, or aspiration based. In my gameplay, I have chosen to also complete all the collections.

How do you keep your Super Sim young?

Some people play the challenge generational, but I enjoy having one sim complete them all, so I use the “Potion of Youth” that can be bought in the reward store. You could also play as a vampire if you wanted to ^^

I’m going to put a read more below that goes into depth of the order that I completed or would complete the aspirations, skills, and collections.

There are two different ways that you can start this challenge, so if you do not want to start as a toddler then skip ahead to the “City Native” aspiration.

Something that I wish I had done was start my challenge as a toddler! There are a lot of traits you can achieve as a growing sim, and they keep adding more, so I recommend starting your challenge as a “family.”

Create your Super Sim as a YA and then age them down to a toddler and make their parents accordingly. Play as the parents and shape your SS to achieve either of these toddler traits:

Happy Toddler (level 3 of all skills)

Top Notch Toddler (max all toddler skills)

When your child ages up there are four traits you get for completing all four of the child aspirations, and these traits help you gain certain skills faster, and they are:

Creatively Gifted

Mentally Gifted

Physically Gifted

Socially Gifted

Now with this is where the Parenthood game pack comes in handy. With the character value system, there are a total of 10 new traits, but you can only achieve 5 of them. Which traits you want your sim to have is all up to you! They can have all 5 negative traits, all 5 positive, or a mix and match between the two, but achieve a trait from each of the categories:

Responsible

Irresponsible

Good Manners

Bad Manners

Emotional Control

Uncontrolled Emotions

Mediator

Argumentative

Compassionate

Insensitive

As of May 4th, 2019, there is only one more trait to acquire as a child/teen, and that is by being a level 5 scout, and the trait is called Scouting Aptitude, which boosts your progression of earning skills.

There are certain aspirations that will take you longer because they really require you to play through the entire pack, but the two that you should automatically start off doing are: City Native and Outdoor Enthusiast.

Some tips and pointers for the City Native aspiration:

Start with the Politics career! There is part of the aspiration that requires you to join in on a protest, and this will be really helpful for you.

So you do not get sick of going to festivals, do not go to the festival unless you are on that tier of the aspiration! Sometimes it takes a while for the festivals to come around, so instead of just going to all the festivals, do other aspirations in between.

Make sure to eat at food stalls at the festivals and eat the spicier foods to get: Spice Hound and Chopstick Savvy hidden traits.

Some tips and pointers for the Outdoor Enthusiast aspiration:

First and foremost, GO ON VACATION ALONE. The aspiration requires a lot of “skill grinding” that will just be easier with one sim.

You will most likely have to do the aspiration in two vacations, so try to get the first three tiers of the aspiration done in the first one, and then the last tier in the second one.

This is the one aspiration that will be really hard as a vampire because you have to sleep in a tent, overnight, for AT LEAST 6 hours, for five nights.

I would do this one pretty early on with your Super Sim so they don’t have other reward and aspiration traits that can hinder sleep time.

There are a select number of aspirations that you will be able to complete in-between these and there is no order to complete them. You can wait until you want to start the fame/popularity aspirations or you can disperse them between the others, and these aspirations are:

Painter Extraordinaire

Musical Genius

Bestselling Author

Bodybuilder

Nerd Brain

Serial Romantic

Freelance Botanist

The Curator

Angling Ace

If you have Get Famous, some of those aspirations will really help you gain fame, so you could even work the World Famous Celebrity into this list.

There are quite a few aspirations and traits that require you to get to a certain job level and the most important of them is the Renaissance Sim aspiration. You will have to come back to this one multiple times while you are working in different jobs. There are two careers that give you traits, and I honestly think you should get these done pretty early also because of the grind you have to do, and these are:

The Doctor Career gives you Sickness Resistance and this career is a mess and super buggy, BUT I will say it is worth it, and after you get past all the bugs, the Get to Work careers are fun.

The Arts Critic branch in the Critic career gives you Critically Connected, it’s not that great but if you buy a lot of art in the buy mode then I guess?

The other aspirations that require you to get to a certain level or branch of a career are:

Master Actor/Actress: You have to progress to the top of career because you have to be in movies.

Public Enemy: You have to be in either branch of the Criminal career

Master Chef & Master Mixologist: Both of these aspirations require you to join the Culinary career, but the Master Mixologist, requires you be in the mixology branch of the career. I would do these simultaneously.

Computer Whiz: It requires you to get up to level 5 of the Tech Guru career.

Joke Star: This aspiration requires you to join the Entertainment career and advance into the Comedian branch.

Now that we have gone into the nitty gritty of the aspirations, let’s talk about the order of doing them! There isn’t a required order, so tweak it for your playstyle, but this is the order that I would complete it with how the packs have been released.

Start with the City Native aspiration, and in-between completing the tiers, I would focus on the Painter Extraordinaire, Musical Genius, Best Selling Author, Bodybuilder, and Serial Romantic aspirations.

Move out of the city onto a lot that has room for a garden and start these aspirations: Freelance Botanist, Angling Ace, and Curator. While you live on a small lot, this is when I would go on vacation and start the Outdoor Enthusiast aspiration. After you go on vacation, you should have most of the other Nature aspirations completed, so you can either come home, finish the aspirations, and then go back, or extend your stay until you have finished the Outdoor Enthusiast aspiration.

While doing these nature and idle aspirations, I would also encourage you to build your Flower Arranging Skill.

This is where you can tweak it to your play style. While you are playing through these aspirations, you can join any career you want. I joined the political career to help me with City native, but it is not required so you can start the Doctor and Critic careers to get the two career traits. After these are completed, move onto the Popularity aspirations.

If you have Get Famous, move to Del Sol Valley and buy a lot that has enough space to buy a rocket ship so you can idly work on the Nerd Brain and World Famous Celebrity aspirations while you work on the other Popularity aspirations.

All the Popularity aspirations can be done alongside each other, but I would start with Joke Star. Work on mastering the comedy skill, do comedy shows and work on leveling your fame.

After you complete Joke Star, join the acting career and start the Master Actor/Actress aspiration. While doing this career and aspiration you can easily complete the Friend of the World and Party Animal aspirations. The more you introduce yourself to sims and host parties, the higher your fame will get.

Join a club! Your fame will be extremely helpful with the Leader of The Pack aspiration that comes with Get Together.

At this point, you should have completed 16 aspirations and maxed quite a bit of skills, or at least have gotten close to maxing them. This is when I encourage people to do the Jungle Adventure aspirations. It gives you a break and the skills you have maxed will be really helpful in the jungle.

You won’t be able to complete both aspirations in one trip unless you extend your stay, but you will be able to max both skills and complete the Archaeology Scholar aspiration.

You can extend your stay or come back to the jungle with your family and gradually complete the Jungle Explorer aspiration. You’ll get close to finishing it, but it requires you to get multiple temple treasures so it will need to reset in order to get them.

You are living the lifestyle of the rich and famous (Good Charlotte reference anyone?) so buy yourself a nice big lot and start a family!

While you build or buy yourself a new lot, you will most likely complete the Fabulously Wealthy and Mansion Baron aspirations, if not, they are incredibly easy to complete when you are rich.

Start the Soulmate aspiration, and then start a family, and work on the Successful Lineage, Big Happy Family, and Super Parent aspirations.

This is also a great time to start the Master Chef and Master Mixologist aspirations, and probably also complete the Renaissance Sim aspiration.

At this point, there are only 8 aspirations left, three of which require you to be a vampire, two require you to be mischievous, and one requires a lot of grilled cheese.

Become a vampire and start all of these aspirations simultaneously: Public Enemy, Chief of Mischief, Master Vampire, and Vampire Family.

After those are completed, finish the Good Vampire aspiration. You can cure your vampirism if you want, but it’s all up to you.

To get the Grilled Cheese aspiration, you have to eat lots and lots and lots of grilled cheese one after the other. This doesn’t have to be near the end, but it doesn’t really fit in with the others so do it at your own pace. All that is left is the Friend of Animals and Strangerville Mystery aspirations.

Move to Strangerville, adopt some happy pets, and wait until the next pack release to continue your quest to be a Super Sim!

#Super Sim Questions #rs #ts4 challenge #s4 challenge

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thornstocutyouwith · 6 years

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Basics:

Character’s Name: Setirasuri

Character’s Nickname(s): Seti, Suri, Little Prince, Brat

Name pronunciation: It’s not that hard to say.

Origin of name: I love the Egyptian god Set, so I looked up the closest Egyptian name to it, and combined it with Ra, I don’t know where the Suri came from. I think it’s just something I tacked on at the end because it sounded nice with the other two names, not that it is a name all on it’s own. lol

Age: 19

Ethnicity: Egyptian

Sex/Gender: Male

Sexual orientation: Primarily Bisexual(Male Preference)

Hair color: A light brown, with a reddish brown tent (Another homage to the god Set~)

Eye color: Green

Height: No taller than 5′10″

Weight: 105

Scars: Several on his neck, his chest, his arms, his hands, his back, and his legs.

Tattoos: None so far.

Birthmarks: A few here and there

Piercings: Several on his ears

Right/left handed/ambidextrous: Right handed

Glasses/contacts: Neither

Apparel:

Clothing preferences: Seti in his Main Verse will usually wear next to nothing, or thin, airy soft fabrics. In a verse set in Modern times he would wear all sorts of colors, t-shirts, hoodies, jeans, he would be adventurous.

Accessories: Seti likes to wear stuff, jewelry can pretty much be found on most of his body parts, in his main verse. In a modern verse he wouldn’t wear too much like he would in his main, he would wear all sorts of bracelets, necklaces and some rings though. They wouldn’t be as flashy as in main, more earthy or Hippie like.

Style: In his main verse he could be viewed as extremely flashy at time, mostly pointing out his princely, royal, status. Though he is more so treated like an object and a lot of things are also just given to him. In a modern verse it’s all more down played, casual clothing.

Trinkets: Probably a few magical items he’s come across. Some of them look like normal jewels, and such.

Favorite possession: A lot of the things he wears, the artifact, The ring Sean gave him.

Equipment: Seti carries around a bag that he has his trinkets in and extra jewelry. Some scrolls, some with spells, or just for reading. A lot of things with text.

Grooming habits: Usually oils, which he massages himself with often. He bathes a lot as well, mostly for enjoyment, and not so much for grooming.

Family and Relationships:

Parents: Seti and his mother and father got along very well. Seti was more of a momma’s boy, though.

Siblings: Seti has several siblings. Husani, the eldest, but not first born of his siblings, is the current pharaoh and treats Seti like a pet or personal object to do with as he pleases. Which causes a lot of tension between them. Despite Husani’s abusive tendency’s toward Seti, Seti still tries to care about his brother. Seti’s elder sister, Isis, is a lot nicer than Husani, but is still a very cunning and powerful woman. She took on parenting Seti after their mother died when he was still very young. Making Seti’s relationship with her a good and strong one.

Grandparents: N/A

Marital Status: Married to Sean

Significant Other: Sean O’Hare

Children: 4 [Julian, Phoebe, Pfieffer, Phoenix]

Pets: A ton of cats at the abandoned temple to keep him company, especially when Husani chains Seti there.

Friends: Seti has some friends here and there who help him when he travels to the kingdoms.

Enemies: He has a lot lol

Close relatives: Quite a lot

Non-close relatives: Unknown

Ancestors: Mekh, Narmar, Akhenaten, Seti I and Tutankhamen bloodlines

Religion:

The religion they follow (if any): Egyptian polytheistic

Beliefs: In Egyptian gods, ritualistic things.

Superstitions: A lot.

Virtues: Unknown

Location:

Country of Birth: Egypt

Place of Birth (State, city, etc): Memphis, Ta-Mehu (Land of papyrus, Lower Egypt)

First Language: Egyptian(Coptic form)

Cultures: Unknown

Traditions: Unknown

Schooling:

Highest Education: Minimal

Degrees: None

Home-schooled/public school/private school: Home schooled

Favorite subject: Anything to do with reading

Favorite teacher: Science Teacher

Least favorite subject: Math

Least favorite teacher: Math Teacher

Average grade: B-

Study habits: None

Special education: Unknown

Graduating year: Never

Work:

Occupation: Nothing

Salary: A lot of monies

Employment history: None

Work space: No where

Mode of Transportation: Walking

Total income: Lots of monies

Boss: Husani

Hours: Life

Experience: Life

Co-worker relationships: Threatening

Rank: Scapegoat

Work ethic: None

Home:

Rent or Own: I guess he own’s it, he’s made it his own ahah

House, apartment, etc: Apartment in the Palace, Home under the Temple

Mode of transportation: Walking

Living space: Quite spacious

Address: In the middle of no where mostly, At the palace

Hometown: Memphis, Ancient Egypt, Lower Egypt

Inner Workings Of Your Character:

Secrets: He was framed for the murder of his father. He has been abused by several people, mainly his brother Husani. Husani’s wife has in the passed forced Seti to have sex with her, in order to make her husband happy when she ends up pregnant with a child, that thankfully have almost all have been Husani’s, the living ones anyway. Can be easily manipulated into having sex with someone when drunk. Has, in the past more so then presently, sold his body merely to spice things up in his sex life. Has also had sex forced on him, whether drunk or not.

Fears: Being crowded, or put in traumatic situations

Worries: Things getting bloody, hurting someone, having a panic attack and losing control over his powers.

Eating Habits: Seti eats in a polite way, usually. Keeping his mouth shut, not trying to talk, if possible as he is chewing. But sometimes he will toy with his food a bit.

Food preferences: Seti prefers sweets and meats. But he is okay with veggies and fruits too. He’s not very picky.

Sleep preferences: Usually prefers to be as comfy and cozy as possible. Though he doesn’t like to feel suffocated, so if he’s sleeping with others it could be a little problematic.

Work preferences: He has none, he doesn’t work.

Book preferences: Anything stimulating for him in the fiction section is pretty good.

Music preferences: Stuff that makes him feel independent or just speaks to him. Other than that he would probably have no other preferences.

Introverted/extroverted: Probably an ambrivert

Optimist/pessimist: He’s more on the optimistic side

Hobbies: Exploring, Table games, Dancing,

Pet peeves: Being stuck in awkward situations. Giving up easily. Referring to any government agency as "the Fed". Characters that have just met each other in movies arrange dates without exchanging any contact or meet information. When you're invited to a party (or any event) with people you have never met, and the host doesn't introduce you to anyone. People who blame anything but themselves for THEIR failure.

Skilled at: Lockpicking, Monster Handler, Cartography, Swords, Bow and Arrows/other ranged weapons, Fire Building, Riding, Hunting, Desert Survival, Deduction, Persuasion, Botany, Hiding, Parry,

Unskilled at: Hand to Hand, Playing Brass Instruments, Tailoring, Survival Arctic, Firearms, Aura Perception,

Attitude: Positive

Obsessions: Snacks, Sleeping in, Sex, Partying,

Stresses: Being in tight spaces, Blood, Being put into situations out of his control,

Addictions: Fruit, Sex, Staying up late,

Handicaps (physical): None

Handicaps (emotional/psychological): Emotionally scarred due to his brothers actions, and recent events.

Allergies: Unknown, so far.

Medical history: Suffers random bouts of sickness, due to weakened immune system and rough life conditions.

IQ: 104

Temperament: Phlegmatic

Perception and outlook on life: Positive, for the most part.

Habits:

Verbal quirks: For the most part, Seti’s speech is clear and he will mostly speak English. Outside of that, sometimes he will carry an accent when in high stress situations. Or mix up words/ slip in some things from his native language.

Physical quirks: Thrives in hot weather, hates cold weather, Has a noticeable scar from a weapon, Plays with hair, Shifts from foot to foot,

Sleeping habits: Wakes up after noon,

Annoying/Irritating habits: Drinks alcohol excessively when around others,uses drugs recreationally,

Eating habits: Is strongly susceptible to “brain freeze”,

Healthy habits: None

Unhealthy habits: Sometimes overeats, Sometimes sleeps too much

Objects Kept In - And Why:

Their closet: Technically he doesn’t have a closet, but wherever he keeps his clothes, they are all fairly well made, considering where he lives. And the time in which he lives in. Thin breathable fabrics that at the bare minimum would cover up from the hip to the knee.

Their bedroom: Styled appropriately, with an abundance of pillows and blankets.

Their purse/bag: Survival items.

Their fridge: No.

Their car: No.

Their desk: No.

Their pockets: Probably small little trinkets, rocks, pieces of jewelry.

Their junk drawer: No

Their glove compartment: No

Their backpack: No

Their locker: No

Their car trunk: No

Their wallet: No

Their suitcase: No

Favorites:

Favorite book: The Journey To The West

Favorite movie: I, Robot

Favorite hobby: Astronomy

Favorite animal: Cats/ Snapping Turtle

Favorite color: Emerald Green

Favorite season: Doesn't matter, it’s perpetually too hot. Spring?

Favorite food: Rice

Favorite drink: Wine

Favorite time of day: Noon

Least Favorite:

Least favorite book: Harry Potter

Least favorite movie: Black Panther

Least favorite hobby: Car Racing

Least favorite animal: Birds

Least favorite color: Grey

Least favorite season: Winter

Least favorite food: Passion Fruit

Least favorite drink: Water

Least favorite time of day: Morning

Other:

Talents: Tanning (furrier), Play Percussion Instruments, Trade, Speak (language), Leadership, Herbalist, Closed Fist, Archery,

Political preference: It’s not important.

Strengths: Curiosity, Judgment, Bravery, Perseverance, Fairness, Forgiveness, Self Regulation, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Logical, Friendly, Open,

Flaws: Blunt, Moody, Indifferent, Intolerant, Naive, Lazy, Strict, Bold, Fierce, Proud, Smartass, Unpredictable,

Social class: Royalty

Blood type: AB

Posture: Bird like, elegant, sometimes hands on his sides, or at his sides.

Speech impediments: None

Spending habits: I’m sure he has some.

#SetiInformation

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theboatbuilderswife · 6 years

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IMPORTANT CANON DIVERGENT PSA

( The list is now entirely up-to-date again so I thought this deserved a repost, because yes, in my canon Helga is still very much alive ❤ please keep in mind that I will use my canon divergent for EVERY interaction/thread taking place in s4/5 or any of the seasons that are still to come. STEAL or dare to claim any of these hcs as your own and I know where to find you. Seriously, they’re not yours. )

Why have you chosen to do this?

Truth be told, Angrboða‘s unnecessary death was more enough for me to go canon divergent almost immediately. A lot of things just felt extremely ooc regarding Floki and Helga’s s4b timeline, and especially the whole Tanaruz thing left me feeling unusually uncomfortable, because that was not the Helga I’d grown to love so much. In my eyes her death was pointless, like so many other deaths on the show, which is why we both have decided to go fully canon divergent when it comes to these seasons.

So can you tell us a little more about your canon divergent?

The most important thing I want you to know is that in this canon divergent Floki IS the God Loki. This has always made most sense to us and it was actually canon in the first comics and extremely hinted at in the first scripts ever written for the show. However, keep in mind that no one knows about this except for Helga and their children, unless Floki tells it them himself; even Helga didn’t know about this till Floki told her about his true identity after the events at the seer in 4x04! Angrboða did not die from her fever, and Helga gave birth to a blind son, Váli, not long after Floki got released from the caves. ( more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. I would really appreciate it if you read it when we interact in a s4/5 setting. )

What if I am not interested in your canon divergent?

I can understand that some people might think the whole Loki thing is a bit too much ( even though there is a 95% chance your muse is not aware of this, and really the only thing that changes is your muse’s knowledge regarding their children ). I will make no exceptions however, simply because I refuse to acknowledge the direction in which Hirst has taken this series regarding Helga and Floki. If you keep ignoring my use of my canon divergent in our threads that take place in s4 or s5 I will simply drop our thread. Please note that s1-s3 are still totally canon, since Helga only got pregnant with Váli at the end of s3 and she wasn’t aware of Floki’s real identity at that time. You are always welcome to come plot something during these timelines if you prefer that, and of course I also have numerous AUs and other verses I’m more than happy to use ❤

So what does change in your canon divergent?

more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. Please read if our muses (will) interact in a s4/5 setting. also please keep in mind that everything shown in the series still happened as it did unless anything different is told here or discussed beforehand.

4x01 - 4x03.

Helga learned she was pregnant with a second child during the first raid to Paris (at the end of s3), this was also the reason why she ‘forgave’ Floki after avoiding him for so long. Back in Kattegat it became obvious very quickly that Floki was targeted, but with Helga already 7 months pregnant they really couldn’t do much. Helga and Angrboða were allowed to take a small home next to the hall and Angie was nursed back to health by the other healers when she fell ill. Helga still gave up much and joined Floki in the cave to take care of him, despite his pleas not to. Both were severely hurt and weakened when they got released and stayed at the healers for a couple of days. The healers told Helga the baby probably hadn’t survived as they couldn’t feel anything move anymore. Helga refused to believe this and begged Floki to take her back home together with Angie. Even though hurt, Floki agreed and they went home a few weeks before the yule celebrations would start. Helga’s condition grew worse, and at some point even begged Floki to get the child out of her, slowly realising the healers must have been right. Despite all Helga did gave birth. Váli was born too early, blind and very weak just like his mother, but alive. It was then that Floki’s mortality began to weaken at the sight of his dying wife and son and Loki started to awaken; having spend so much time amongst mortals that he was slowly losing his true self. Unknown to her Floki healed Helga.

4x04 - 4x05.

Convincing Helga, who is now in better health, to return to Kattegat to see the seer the small family moved back to the home Helga and Angie stayed in before. After Floki’s visit to the old one he realises that he can’t keep it a secret any longer and tells Helga about his true identity. Helga of course doesn’t believe him, thinking he truly has gone insane after his punishment and again secludes herself from him, taking their children. Floki gives her space and time, but also tries to show her that he speaks the truth, showing her small things, even shapeshifting to keep and eye on her and his kids. Eventually he even shows her his true form (which is pretty much still his own look, only his height changes to 8′ and his lipscars become visible. He will only take his true form when they are alone, fearing to be discovered). Helga slowly gives in, knowing there is no denying what she sees in front of her and their relationship slowly, carefully starts to flourish again to what it once was. Both agree to travel with Harald and Halfdan when the second raid to Paris is announced, only this time they take both children, not able to leave them behind.

4x06 - 4x10.

Arriving in Paris Floki sets up a tent just outside camp, making sure he could be with his family in private whenever he needed. During the attack on camp Helga made sure Angrboða took Váli and followed the Ragnarssons into safety before she got attacked. After Floki found her their children also rejoined them. Floki tried healing Helga, but after Helga woke up she tried to convince him not to make it too obvious, and still leave most of the healing up to herself.

during the timeskip.

To us the timeskip took 8 years. In this time only a few things happened. Based on the comics Uppsala got burned down just before Ragnar left. Floki swore revenge against this blasphemy, and helped building the temple back to its former glory. Helga indeed got sick after a couple of years as was hinted in s4b, and this was the reason for Floki to decide to leave this world for a short while in search for Iðunn and her apples, practically begging the goddess to give him one in order to save Helga and allow her to stop ageing, but therefore also revealing his location to the other Gods if the Goddess would reveal his secret. Helga had to think this over for a while, but accepted nonetheless, knowing she would never be able to let death take her away from her family.

4x11 - 4x15.

Nothing much changed here, only of course that the children were present during Ragnar’s visit and during their stay in Kattegat. They also decided that they would come to the Mediterranean, staying with them while confronting Rollo in Frankia. Still being children they were not as treated as brutally as Floki and Helga however.

4x16 - 4x17

Helga might have mentioned wanting another child to Floki on the ships, but he would just have grinned, only doubting about wanting to put another child on this world when everything around them is changing as he already fears Christianity slowly taking over their lands. He would definitely not have disregarded it however. Arriving in Spain Floki never would have let his family out of sight, and never got distracted by the mosque, maybe only by the gold glistering of its roof. Helga took pity on the girl after her mother was killed by Harald, but only made sure she was brought to safety and was not amongst the women captured before returning to her family. Once back in Kattegat they stay in the small home they usually stay in when their family resides in the village for a longer period of time. Both welcome Ivar, but it is Váli who panics when he is able to feel the hostile vibe still lingering around the other boy, knowing he has harm in mind, even though it is not directed towards their family.

4x18 - 4x20

It is clear Floki will be going back to England to avenge his old friend Ragnar. He wishes for Helga to stay behind, but his dreams are plaguing him, dreams of other lands. It becomes clear to him that it is time to leave Kattegat, knowing people would soon get suspicious with Helga not ageing. He does not wish for his family to come to England, but Helga insists. It is then that he tells her of his plans. Helga is confused, hesitant, but she too knows that her time in the village will soon come to an end. During the attack on Aella Helga stays with the children at camp, only visiting Ragnar’s ‘resting place’ later together with her husband, both saying their last goodbyes. After all that Floki and Helga speak again of leaving, finally coming up with a plan that will allow them to without others even dare questioning them; Helga will fake her death. They try to keep it hidden from both their children, but Váli notices, and runs away at some point, still able to feel his mother’s pain from when she gave birth to him and not wanting to see her get hurt. Floki finds him, and assures him everything will be fine and that Helga doesn’t really get hurt, at least not something he could not heal. Helga follows him to the village, having left Váli in the care of his big sister, staying close to the boats, unseen. A song is the sign that she is ready, luring Floki towards Helga as he is able to hear it from afar. He helps her cutting her throat, just above her collar and enough to make it look convincing enough that she was attacked. He carries her around, even changing her clothes, making sure people would see her face before he heals her again in secrecy, replacing her body with that of a dead saxon woman. Helga flees, covered in robes, but still watches from the shadows how Floki buries the woman, knowing Björn is watching from afar. It is terribly painful to see him like this, and Helga waits by the grave till her husband returns to her, knowing he has spoken to Björn, and that word will spread that he is leaving with his children; to everyone Helga seems dead.

5x01 - 5x03

Floki builds them a new boat fairly quickly while Helga keeps herself hidden from everyone, hardly ever daring to show herself in public unless entirely covered so she would not be recognised. It pains them all to leave, and Helga even cries when Floki tell her about Ivar’s plea for the man to stay. She is hidden under a few blankets when the boat leaves, but even she can feel the power Floki feels when old friends chant his name; a strong worship he had not felt in years. Their journey across the sea is a difficult one, especially for Helga. She feels grief for everything and everything they had to leave behind, and even their children feel it at some point. Food and drinks are scarce, something that weakens the family greatly, and especially Helga starts to distance herself again in her sorrowful mood. They reach new land, but Helga refuses to move. Her body is still too weak, and she longs to return home. Their children too feel the effects of their long journey, but Floki can’t force himself to sit still and do nothing. He is irritated, tired, hungry, but still he begs his wife and children to stay with the ship while he searches for food and explores this new found land. He finds the waterfall and shares a vision with Váli, knowing this is indeed the land he had seen in his dreams. Before he can return to his family he is struck by another vision, or so he thinks. It is Hel who he sees in the waterfall, knowing she is trying to make her presence known to her father with her rather macabre visual tricks. Exhaustion from their long travels almost takes over at that point, but he is delighted by what he saw because his family is with him.

5x04-5x10

A few days pass and the family slowly regains their strength. Realising they are the only ones on this massive island Floki knows that they can not keep this all to themselves. He knows there are plenty of people who wish for a more quiet life, and that is exactly what he wishes for this island; to be one without a king or queen, for people to farm, and live in peace with the Gods’ names still on their lips. His boat rebuild they sail back to the mainland where first they decide to visit Uppsala one last time before they continue their journey to their old home where Helga and their children hide while Floki returns to Kattegat to find people willing to journey back with them. He is saddened to see what has become of the old village, and with Lagertha’s foolish attempt to stop him. Nonetheless he finds families worthy of following the God’s path, and builds new boats with the promise of new land. With pain in their heart they destroy their old home before they leave, and bury all their valuable belongings they can’t take with them in hope to one day return again in another lifetime. Once reaching the island the family is quick to seclude themselves again, though Floki keeps an eye on the settlement, eager to watch it grow with his guidance while he builds a home for his own family, a large farm where Helga can plant her gardens anew, and their children can keep plenty of animals. Helga and both Angie and Váli are quick to make friends amongst the settlers, helping to solve useless quarrels, and to maintain the peace on the newly discovered island. The family finds happiness again, and solitude spending their time as simple farmers, though their old professions are not forgotten, and practised plenty to assist in the development of the settlement.

#vikings rp #vikings roleplay #vikings #floki #indie rp #✿ .VERSE; canon divergent | ‘ myth is after all a neverending story ’#// yeah s5 is not much. but let's be real here. that whole storyline was crap. we did our best haha #// and as always any questions are always welcomed c:

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johnaavenaaaa · 4 years

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MATERIAL EXPLORATION/RESEARCH

When you’re deciding on what materials to use, it is best to also look into the durability of the material and for how long it will last. A strong understanding of materials is essential because the right selection of material enables us, designers, to successfully build our product/ design. Different materials have different functional properties but I picked and researched five best and long-lasting building materials. (I will do an in-depth exploration of the material/s once I’ve chosen one to focus on and use for my design)

WOOD- This could be used as the main building material or blended with other building materials. It is good for supporting structure (e.g joist to support floors) or a decorative element. It is also lightweight and can be cut to length easily and will become stronger once it's been seasoned to remove moisture. But it does have its downside.... It decays eventually, and it's vulnerable to moisture damage like dry rot and predation by insects (termites). Fire is a big problem but even with these vulnerabilities, wood can still last for a very long time.

*The oldest wooden architecture in existence is the Horyu-ji temple in Japan, which dates to the 8th century. The wood used comes from the Japanese Cypress tree.

BRICK- The bricks now are more uniform bricks that could be stacked easily for smooth walls with clean corners. Whereas the bricks in the earlier days were rough, plain and uneven. Bricks are usually made in clay and are very stable in dry climates. But too much rain and the walls of your painstakingly built hut turn to mud. That's solved with the application of high heat. These bricks are durable, weather-resistant, fire-resistant, easy to make and convenient to work with.

*has been used in many ancient structures like the Great Wall of China.

STONE- Stone can be extremely strong and useful natural material but it's challenging to quarry, and heavy to move, and it has tension and stress limitations. Unlike brick, it can support heavy vertical loads and can be stacked without mortar( a mixture of lime with cement, sand, and water). Stone resists deforming, weathers the elements well, withstands fire and helps maintain stable interior environments.

*Stone has probably been around since the first Stone Age settlers reached for a few rocks to hold down their tent flaps, and as a decorative element in human design, it's bound to be a part of our structures for a long time.

CONCRETE- is a combination of a number of materials like stones and sand that are mixed with a binder like cement and water. The mixture is then left to dry and harden. It's a flexible material that can be formed on the spot or poured into molds, hardened and then transported. Reinforced concrete can be formed into many shapes with a supporting structure of narrow steel rods embedded right in the concrete when it's poured. Rebar reinforcement makes concrete an ideal material for walls, beams, slabs, foundations, frames, and many other applications. The use of metal rods and mesh, together with a relatively inexpensive concrete medium, make reinforced concrete a flexible, reliable and economical building choice.

*Even though it had been around for hundreds of years, it wasn't until 1860, when someone realized that concrete could be reinforced to increase its tensile strength (the amount of force or stress it could withstand), that concrete started gaining wide acceptance.

IRON and STEEL- This material is good with supporting taller structures. Tall buildings place a lot of weight on load-bearing walls; some sort of support framework was needed to carry the load. Steel has a dual role in our builder's toolkit. It can be embedded in concrete to provide support or become a foundation in itself. Steel can easily be prefabricated to make for a fast and easy installation. It can be welded, bolted or riveted in place. It can be up to 100 percent recyclable, too, which is important with newer green building practices.

More from material exploration during class time ~~

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shannrussell-blog1 · 5 years

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Taking on a cycle tour seems intimidating for beginners. As you prepare for such a journey, you will consume limitless information on routes, bicycle equipment, travel advice, what to see and what to miss, plus lots more.

Prior to starting our long cycle tour, we had many fantasies of what it would be like on the road. Now, with a year of riding under our belt, we have learnt a lot about what it is to be a cycle tourist. Here are just a few things we didn’t expect about cycle touring.

We had many assumptions before we started our journey.

1. The lack of downtime

Prior to beginning our long-term cycle tour, we had fanciful dreams of using the endless spare hours in the day for personal development and relaxation. We expected to be able to read books, write, study languages and complete our online University courses.

However, reality set in quickly as we discovered the whole day was filled with riding for 6 to 8 hours, cooking or finding food, locating a camp spot, looking for fresh streams to wash in and setting up/dissembling our campsite. On top of that, we had our daily mapping of routes and visa applications.

There are only a few hours at the end of the day in which to crawl into your tent, take a long breath and do some stretching to help calm down, before crashing miraculously into a deep sleep.

Daytime nap after eating our fill.

2. Extraordinary hospitality

Along our journey, we’ve had many discussions with other travellers about cycle touring compared to other forms of travel. It was obvious that the main benefit is the intense interactions cycle tourists have with the local communities they encounter. Before departing for our trip, we had heard that some hospitality would be shown to us whilst travelling. However, what surprised us was the extent and excessiveness of peoples’ hospitality.

Staying in a Yurt in western China.

We remember a particular day in Thailand where the sun was producing blistering heat and extreme humidity. Towards the mid-afternoon, we could feel a small increase in the wind and an eeriness crept up behind us as the weather began to change dramatically. Just before the clouds tumbled over us, we saw a small temple over the bridge to our right. We attempted to cycle there against a sudden raging headwind causing us to have to walk our bikes over the small bridge.

A one-eyed monk in his glorious orange robes saw us coming and without even having to say a word he gestured to us to stay the night. As soon as we entered the temple, a ferocious thunderstorm shook the buildings, terrifying all the local street dogs and a pounding rain filled the yard in half-a-metre of water in under 10 minutes!

A Kazak family took us into their home for 3 days.

3. How many of us are out there

Cycle touring is really a popular way of travelling, and there are many more cycle tourists than you would think! Within our first two months on the road, we met over 25 fellow cycle tourists. There are hundreds if not thousands of cycle tourists pedalling their little legs across the globe.

It’s also a great community where you can talk to experienced cycle tourists through social media or international messaging services like WhatsApp which have many groups dedicated to cycle touring.

We met three cyclists on the road in the middle of nowhere in Kazakhstan.

4. How gear can make or break

Things like a tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag and 100% waterproof panniers are essential for long tours. All equipment needs to be lightweight, durable and packable. Unfortunately, you don’t always get it right, like us, when we purchased front panniers that are not suitable for monsoon rains of south-east Asia. Research is paramount and Snowys has a good range to begin the search. You should also check out this guide for further advice.

It’s important to camp with the right gear.

5. You’re going to be an endless pit of hunger

After a few days of cycling, I guarantee you’ll be a black hole where food disappears into. You will be devoid of etiquette as you make it your personal challenge to disprove every “all you can eat” buffet sign you see. The advantages of your out of control appetite mean trying an array of local delicious foods and you’ll never have to worry about gaining weight!

You will have a huge appetite when cycling every day.

6. Where you’ll feel the safest

We originally thought that we would be most scared in the wilderness where ferocious animals or psychopaths might be waiting for the unfortunate lone cyclist to camp in their hunting ground. We now know that the most dangerous situations are in cities where cars and people are a serious risk to your safety.

After a while, you begin to gain confidence, forgetting the dangers of camping. Also, when you’re wrecked from cycling, you tend to set up camp anywhere that is remotely suitable. Once, we were camping on a dry river bed on the border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. We had set up camp late, close to Tajik and Afgan settlements, thinking that there was no chance of being caught this close to dusk. Unfortunately, at 8 pm we could hear and see the lights of people walking towards our tent. Luckily, they were friendly Tajik soldiers who mimed to us that we were too close to the Afghanistan border and we need to move our tents or risk being shot at in the middle of the night.

We aren’t sure whether this was true, but we were quickly shuffled closer to the Tajik side of the river bed. For us, we love being completely in the wilderness. The silence is peaceful and knowing you won’t be disturbed during the night is heaven for an exhausted cycle tourist.

Camping in the desert in Kazakhstan.

7. The vast world and small humanity

The world is massive in terms of distances. When looking at the kilometres you have travelled or still must travel, it can be daunting. However, the world is small in relation to cohesion between cultures and the basic needs and wants of people.

People in China were making the same jokes as the people in Iran. Not to say there aren’t differences but there are many core principles that make us human, and we’ve experienced these everywhere we’ve visited. Additionally, we have noticed that western culture has impacted every country we have visited across the world whether it be movies, catchphrases, music or big brands.

It was incredible to see how western culture has impacted the world.

What else to expect

This is only the start of what you might encounter while cycle touring. There are personal realisations, surreal adventures and incredible people to meet which is only possible through this type of travel. There is much more to discover, so jump on your bike and start your cycle journey!

Is overseas cycle touring on your bucket list of adventures?

The post 7 Things We Didn’t Expect About Cycle Touring appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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vincentcheungteam · 3 years

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The Ching Ming Festival

What is the Bible’s stance on “respecting” the dead? In particular, I am considering how a Christian should behave toward the Ching Ming Festival.

On the day of this Chinese festival, multitudes of people visit the graves of their relatives to perform acts of cleaning and worship. The worship might include bowing at the tombstones and praying to the deceased. They also offer gifts to the dead by leaving food and flowers, and by burning incense, money for the dead, and paper models of objects such as cars and houses. They believe that these items are transported to the afterlife where the deceased would receive them.

When thinking about how a Christian should regard the Ching Ming Festival, we should first summarize a few relevant doctrines.

The Bible teaches that a man consists of soul and body. The soul is the “inward” and incorporeal part, and the body is the “outward” and corporeal part. The human person is identified with the soul and not the body.

Some Christian theologians insist that the Bible consistently refers to man as a unity, or as one unit. From this, they derive the false doctrine that we should not make a sharp distinction between the soul and the body, or to identify the soul as the “person.” For example, in one lecture, Greg Bahnsen opposes a sharp distinction between the soul and the body, and declares that the human person is “not a ghost in a machine.”

However, at death the soul is separated from the body, but if a “person” must consist of both the soul and the body as one unit, then how is the identity of the “person” maintained after death, when the soul is separated from the body? According to this heretical theory, it would seem that the person ceases to exists, or that whatever still exists, it is no longer a human person.

By implication, the false doctrine aims to destroy the heart of the Christian faith, because God said, “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” even after these patriarchs had died and their bodies had returned to dust. Jesus declared that God is the God of the living, and not of the dead, so that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continued to exist as living souls without their bodies.

Bahnsen’s doctrine could not accommodate this, and so when he mentions the obvious question of how one’s identity is maintained between death and resurrection, he shrugs it off as a “mystery.” This cowardly evasion is popular with Christians, and it is a favorite of Reformed theologians, as a license to affirm false beliefs that they cannot defend. When the Bible clearly teaches something, it is not a mystery but a revelation, but anything will appear incomprehensible when men suppress it in wickedness, by their false assumptions and religious traditions.

The doctrine that makes a sharp distinction between the soul and the body, to identify the soul as the person, and to consider the soul as superior or more important than the body, is often castigated as the Gnostic or the “Greek” view. However, it is often foolish to label something as “Greek,” since the Greeks held all sorts of positions that contradict one another. Perhaps a position could be called Plato’s view, Aristotle’s view, and so on, but unless there is a context that narrows down the meaning, it is misleading and irresponsible to just call something “Greek.”

In any case, these theologians oppose the view, which we will call the “Gnostic” position for the sake of convenience, that regards matter as evil, or that evil comes from matter and not spirit. Therefore, when the soul leaves the body at death, the soul is liberated from the fleshly prison. This view is indeed unbiblical, but it is not the necessary result of a sharp distinction between the soul and the body. One can even affirm that the soul is superior to the body, and still not end up with the Gnostic view, because one good thing can be superior to another good thing, and so both the soul and the body can be regarded as good.

It is true that many passages in the Bible address the human person as a single unit, but this contributes nothing to the discussion. One can examine the context of these passages and see that the Bible is not discussing the constitution of the human person in these instances. In ordinary language usage, when we are merely mentioning an object and not discussing its constitution, we would usually refer to it as a single unit even when it consists of multiple parts.

Even theologians might not say, “Here comes Tommy and his pants,” even when Tommy is wearing pants, and even when they believe that there is a sharp distinction between Tommy and his pants. They would say, “Here comes Tommy.” But when the occasion calls for it, they would acknowledge the distinction, and say, “Tommy lost his pants.” He took them off because he was trying to prove to the stupid theologians that he could still be Tommy without his pants. Likewise, when the Bible addresses the constitution of man, or when it draws attention to the constitution of man in order to make some other point, it speaks of the human person as consisting of two parts — the incorporeal (mind, spirit, heart, etc.) and the corporeal (body, flesh, etc.). Although Bahnsen intends to deride the biblical doctrine with the expression, man is indeed “a ghost in a machine” — he is a spirit living in an organic contraption. In fact, the analogy of Tommy’s pants is entirely appropriate. Paul refers to the body as a tent, as clothing that he can take off, and a building that the man lives in (2 Corinthians 4:16–5:10).

Samuel, after his death, appeared as himself to Saul, and Moses also appeared as himself to Christ. This demonstrates that the identity of a person is associated with the incorporeal soul without a necessary connection to the body. Then, Jesus said that we should not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. This demonstrates that the two are different and separate, and that the soul is more important (see Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:4–5, 1 Corinthians 5:3, 7:34, and James 2:26). Anyone who teaches otherwise positions himself directly against the Lord Jesus Christ and the Christian faith.

The Bible requires us to insist that there is a sharp distinction between the soul and the body, that personal identity is associated with the soul, and that the soul is superior and more important than the body. At the same time, we do not slip into the Gnostic position, because we also insist that the body is important. For the Christian, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and it is the same body that will be resurrected and transformed (1 Corinthians 15:35–58). “Therefore,” Paul writes, “honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

In fact, we ask God to perform miracles to heal the bodies of men and women as a regular part of Christian ministry. On the other hand, religious hypocrites make a big deal about how man should be regarded as a single unit, and how God deals with the whole man, but when the sick call for help, they rush them to the non-Christian doctors. The Bible teaches that the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. God regards the body and the soul as different, and he will heal both the body and the soul.

The false doctrine is unnecessary to secure respect for the body, and the theologians who affirm it apply God to the body only when it is convenient for them and when it justifies their lifestyle. If they have so much respect for the body, and if they truly believe that the gospel applies to the whole man, then they should all the more lay hands on the sick for God to heal their bodies just as readily as he forgives their sins. The truth is that these hypocrites favor their doctrine because they wish to unspiritualize the Christian faith, and even secularize and politicize it. As Jesus said, they mind the things of men instead of the things of God. The doctrine is an attempt to legitimize their carnal-mindedness.

Without embracing the heretical doctrine that man is a single unit, there are biblical reasons for treating a person’s body with respect after his soul has departed from it. Given what the Bible teaches about the present and future roles of the body, we do not just throw a dead man’s body into a dumpster or feed it to animals, which might seem more convenient and practical. Instead, we treat it in a way that is consistent with the body’s importance in the present life, and with our anticipation of the future resurrection and judgment. God can produce a body at the resurrection even if it has been cremated, so the intention is not to make it easier for him to raise the dead. The proper treatment of the body serves only an expression of faith.

It is possible to respect the body, care for the grave, and mourn for the dead out of faith instead of idolatry and superstition. We can do these things in memory of the person and in true worship toward God, without violating the teachings of the Bible. However, it remains that we must take care to avoid unbiblical thinking and behavior. Errors in this area can quickly spiral into the idolatrous and the demonic.

For example, there is a vast difference between speaking fondly of the deceased person and speaking fondly to the deceased person — it is the difference between holy conversation and necromancy. While we mourn for the dead, we must not directly address the deceased person, or speak as if the deceased can hear us. And we must not direct to the deceased any semblance of worship, such as bowing at the grave, or offering gifts, incense, and sacrifices.

It follows that the Catholic veneration of Mary and the saints is necromancy. The Catholic is a necromancer, and abomination must be condemned in the most extreme terms. Consider also the practice of requesting forgiveness from or granting forgiveness to the dead as a psychological exercise. This is recommended even by some Christian counselors as a way to address “unresolved issues” with the deceased for the psychological benefit of the counselee. But it is also necromancy. Perhaps it is a milder form of necromancy, without immediate demonic displays and effects, but the principle is the same. A Christian must never talk to the dead, but he should address unresolved issues with God.

By now most questions on the Ching Ming Festival have been answered. It remains for us to consider some applications.

We must not behave in any way that implies our agreement with idolatrous, superstitious, and unbiblical beliefs. The issue is not always about what you think and do, but also about the impression that you give, and the inference that you allow people to make (1 Corinthians 8:4–13; 10:19–33). It seems impossible to participate in Ching Ming and avoid giving the wrong impression at the same time. The only way is to constantly declare your opposition to all unbiblical beliefs and actions throughout the day.

You must not help carry the idolatrous items to the grave, or help light the fire for burning the sacrifices. You must not stand beside others as they offer worship and speak to the dead in order to avoid the appearance of approval. You must, in fact, constantly berate them throughout the day and testify against their sins. This would incite offense, and probably retaliation.

To illustrate, you must never behave around a statue of Buddha as if you have respect for it or as if you believe in its reality and power, such as taking off your shoes or bowing down to it. Likewise, you must not attend to someone’s grave in a way that implies an agreement with non-Christian beliefs. However, consistent with the biblical doctrines that we have mentioned, in itself there is nothing wrong with attending to someone’s grave, such as pulling weeds around it and cleaning the tombstone. But if you do this on Ching Ming, it would appear that you are performing more than a practical procedure. Therefore, unless you are prepared to maintain a constant opposition throughout the day, and in the process publicly offend and embarrass your family — I would heartily approve of this — it is best to abstain from all participation.

It is a noble thing to criticize one’s relatives for their abominable beliefs. As a Christian, you are authorized to denounce their sins, and to cut them off if they refuse to listen. You are in a position to do this especially if you have moved away from your parents and have become the head of your own household. Many men cower before their parents and inlaws even when it comes to religious matters that affect their wives and children. Cowards! As the head of the house, you have authority to establish a Christian home and to keep out every abomination. Your parents and in-laws must now interact with your family on your terms — that is, on biblical terms — and if they refuse, cut them off. Do not whine and grumble when relatives and friends vex your soul, oppress your wife, and mislead your children. You can stop all of that — TODAY.

Vincent Cheung. Doctrine and Obedience (2012), p. 29–33.

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bountyofbeads · 5 years

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The victims of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre are martyrs

By Danya Ruttenberg | Published October 28 at 7:00 AM ET | Washington Post | Posted October 28, 2019 |

Eleven people woke up Saturday morning and got dressed, drank their coffee or chatted with their spouses or read another chapter of that novel, and then made the decision to spend Shabbat — the Jewish Sabbath, our holy day of rest and community and connection and service to the divine — in synagogue.

Some were there to celebrate a brit milah — to welcome a new baby boy into the community. Perhaps some of them went primarily to be with friends, or to pour out their hearts in prayer. Maybe some were there for a combination of reasons. But they were all together in a sacred space, in holy time, when a gunman opened fire.

President Trump referred to the killing of those 11 people as “evil,” and he is correct. But it is not an evil devoid of context. We cannot understand this massacre when we try to treat it as an isolated incident. Like most tragedies, it has a lot of contexts.

This slaughter lives in the context of more than a thousand years of scapegoating Jews for the stresses and trials of society. The trope of the powerful Jew (which itself was born out of Christian oppression) has been deployed time and time again throughout history. It continues up to and through Trump’s ongoing attacks on George Soros and frequent use of the word “globalist,” — a well-known anti-Semitic dog-whistle — even Saturday, just after the slaughter at Tree of Life synagogue.

As educator April Rosenblum once noted, anti-Semitism is effective — and often invisible — because “it allows Jews success … because the point of anti-Jewish oppression is to keep a Jewish face in front, so that Jews, instead of ruling classes, become the target for peoples’ rage, it works even more smoothly when Jews are allowed some success, and can be perceived as the ones ‘in charge’ by other oppressed groups.” Anti-Semitism, in this way, functions differently from other forms of oppression. Although through most of history, Jews have had neither power or privilege in the societies in which they lived; the times and places when we have had success have served as both cause for hatred and proof, to the anti-Semitic mind, that the conspiracy theories are correct.

Indeed, suspect Robert D. Bowers, who reportedly shouted “All Jews must die!” as he allegedly opened fire in the synagogue, appears to have singled out HIAS, an important refugee resettlement and advocacy group, for bringing in “hostile invaders,” as though Jews have some sort of power over the patterns of migration that bring asylum seekers to America’s southern border. There, he was echoing the idea circulating fairly openly among right-wing media that Soros or some other nefarious hidden power is funding the caravan of asylum seekers walking its way through Mexico to the U.S. border. Bowers, reportedly, believes that Jewish influence is keeping Trump’s administration from going far enough in pursuit of draconian immigration policies.

As it happens, the Torah portion read on Saturday morning, in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, included the story of Sodom being destroyed. It was destroyed, the rabbis of the Talmud tell us, because of a lack of hospitality. The same portion shows Abraham welcoming strangers to his tent, serving as the model of hospitality. We care for strangers, the Torah tells us. We are implored to look after the immigrant, the refugee. It is our sacred obligation to work to protect the vulnerable — as HIAS indeed does.

But this atrocity is not only situated in a Jewish context. Tree of Life is now forever linked to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., the Sikh Temple in Wisconsin, all the way back to and beyond to the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. — all attacks on houses of worship. Hate crimes in this country are not new. But they are on the rise: One recent study found that “hate crime totals for the 10 largest cities rose for four straight years to the highest level in a decade,” and another noted that online hate and harassment have amplified as well.

This attack is also situated in the context of mass shootings in America, linking Tree of Life to Pulse nightclub, to Las Vegas, to Parkland, to Sutherland Springs, to Sandy Hook, to every last one of recent mass shootings in the United States. It lives in the context of Congress’s refusal to pass comprehensive gun control — which could and should include rigorous background checks, an assault weapons ban, waiting periods, training and licensure, public health funding, and research. (Trump, of course, said Saturday that the real problem was that there weren’t enough guns in the synagogue.) The Jews gunned down in the midst of the Shabbat liturgy and Torah reading already had plenty of their own thoughts and prayers. What they actually needed was legislative action, and the political will to prioritize their lives and safety over the interests of the National Rifle Association.

Four times a year, Jews recite a memorial service that includes a prayer to remember all those who were “killed, exterminated, slaughtered, burned, drowned and asphyxiated for the sanctification of God’s name” — those who died as martyrs in the Crusades, in the Inquisition, in pogroms, in so many other slaughters over the centuries. Those who were butchered this Shabbat, too, sanctified God’s name. They chose to come to a Jewish space in a time of increasing anti-Jewish hatred, to mark Shabbat as a holy time when they could have made other choices. They are martyrs no less.

In Judaism, when someone dies, we often say, “May their memory be for a blessing.” This time, it is all of our obligation to make it so. We must mourn and lament and grieve for the lives stolen from the world. We must rage at the baseless hatred and reckless lack of protections that made these senseless killings possible in the first place. And we must honor the memories of those who were murdered by fighting for a world that values every life — refugee and citizen, of every race and religion — and that creates cultures and policies that reflect those values.

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One year after the Tree of Life attack, anti-Semitism is still on the rise — and social media isn’t helping

By Jonathan Greenblatt | Published October 27 at 8:00 AM ET | Washington Post | Posted October 28, 2019 |

Jonathan A. Greenblatt is chief executive and national director of the Anti-Defamation League.

One year ago this week, a white supremacist stormed into the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and gunned down 11 worshipers. It was the single deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the history of the United States, a violent climax of months of anti-Semitic, racist and other hate incidents that had been building all around the nation.

I had hoped that this would be a turning point, a moment when the anti-Semitic fever broke and leaders from all sectors of society moved to condemn this ancient scourge and make clear that it — and other bigotry and hatreds — would not be tolerated in America.

But one year after Pittsburgh, that is not the case. From charging that Jewish money controls Washington to saying Jews aren’t truly loyal to America, the use of anti-Semitic slurs has continued across the political spectrum. Anti-Semitic incidents have not abated — nor have other incidents of virulent racism, a fact that is not unrelated.

Data released this week from the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism shows that the United States continues to experience record numbers of anti-Semitic incidents; preliminary reporting shows 780 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in the first six months of 2019, almost mirroring the 785 incidents reported during the same period in 2018.

These acts are not just the work of right-wing extremists, nor are they limited to murderous occurrences. They include anti-Semitic taunts and graffiti, and harassment and assaults directed at religious Jews. In the first half of this year, there were 200 such incidents in New York City alone. They form an arc of extremism that is accelerating as hate is normalized and as individuals are radicalized with alarming ease, due in part to the growth and design of social media.

While platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have fostered global connections and reshaped society, they can also be a magnifier of and catalyst for anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of hate and discrimination. Spread and sustained by social media, white supremacy has mutated into a global epidemic. That’s why it is incumbent upon the companies that run these platforms to act now.

Twitter, Facebook and many of these businesses already have taken some steps, but with limited effect. Social media companies often attribute this to free speech and problems of scale. The latter is a fair point: There are hundreds of millions of posts worldwide every day, so even if the companies’ policies were 99.9 percent effective, that would still leave millions of posts and people impacted by them.

But the platform companies are not addressing how their business models allow bigotry to thrive. Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey, for example, has admitted that the company needs to do a better job removing hate on its platform, but has also inexplicably given a green light to some of the most hateful actors in the world, including Hamas and Hezbollah. And Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg refused to take action to stop politicians from spreading clear falsehoods on that platform, writing in an op-ed, “I don’t think it’s right for a private company to censor politicians or the news in a democracy.”

The tech chiefs also fail to acknowledge that private companies decide what content gets magnified or minimized through their actions and algorithms — thus essentially shaping the public conversation for billions of people. With this unprecedented scale, disinformation or other content incites bigotry, instability and violence.

But this can be stopped. Private companies are not government entities and are not constrained by the First Amendment. If you went into a cafe and started yelling “Die, Jews” or “Go back to Mexico” at the patrons, the owners would throw you out. Why should the online world be any different?

Facebook, Twitter, Google and bad actors such as Gab and 8chan should do the same if someone breaks their rules and spews hatred. What’s more, perpetrators of online hate often engage in completely unprotected activity: making criminal threats, stalking, harassment. Platforms can and should adopt policies that significantly decrease virulent and toxic hatred.

Of course, making these determinations when you have hundreds of millions of users is not easy; there is no quick fix. Still, these companies need to recognize their responsibility. They should make modifications to their core products complemented by regular, external audits. Transparency is vital to ensure the proper accountability that any entity operating at this scale with this much power must have.

Anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry predate the Internet. Cracking down on social media will not cure society of this hatred, nor will it end violence against Jews or other vulnerable communities. However, social media companies need to recognize how their extraordinary creations are emboldening extremists. They need to act far more responsibly than they have to date.

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Pittsburgh Marks a Massacre’s Anniversary With Prayers and Projects

One year after an anti-Semitic gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue, the city’s Jews and their neighbors commemorated the day with service and calls for change.

By Campbell Robertson | Published

October 27, 2019 | New York Times | Posted October 29, 2019 |

PITTSBURGH — It was a scene that would have infuriated the man who set off a whole year of pain and sorrow. Men and women, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, crowded elbow to elbow around tables at the Jewish Family and Community Services building, making blankets for refugees and packing bags of crayons and coloring books for the young and undocumented.

“We are here and we are not scared,” declared Laura Horowitz, a member of Dor Hadash, one of the three Jewish congregations that were attacked on Oct. 27, 2018, by an anti-Semitic gunman enraged about their welcoming of refugees.

Ms. Horowitz tied another knot in the fringe of a blanket, and then qualified her declaration. “Maybe we are scared,” she said. “But we’re here anyway.”

On Sunday, Pittsburgh marked one year since 11 worshipers of three congregations were killed at the Tree of Life-Or L’Simcha synagogue. It was a citywide commemoration, beginning with community service projects all around town, continuing in Torah study sessions at the city’s largest synagogue, and culminating with a solemn service at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, the site of a packed commemoration the day after the attack.

“I stood here one year ago still in shock over the brutal massacre in my synagogue, Tree of Life, not knowing what to say,” said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers in remarks on Sunday night.

The evening program was full of psalms and prayers, candle-lighting and poetry. A video was played showing family members of the 11 deceased, now known by name across the city: 97-year-old Rose Mallinger; the beloved Rosenthal brothers, David and Cecil; Richard Gottfried, a pillar of the New Light congregation. The governor and the mayor spoke briefly, but most of the time was given to leaders of the three congregations.

“Xenophobia is as ancient as humanity; anti-Semitic hatred is also nothing new,” said Anne-Marie Mizel Nelson, a daughter of founding members of Dor Hadash. “It has not defeated us yet. And it will not defeat us now.”

Since almost immediately after the attack, a discussion about how best to move forward has never been far removed from the grief of what was lost. It was not far on Sunday, either.

Apparently alluding to those who have urged a focus on policy changes like gun control in response to the attack, Rabbi Myers acknowledged that people had chided him “that my efforts would be better spent on more achievable goals.” He continued: “My tradition teaches us the following: It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but you are not absolved from trying.”

Immediately following him, Rabbi Jonathan Perlman of New Light Congregation drew a long standing ovation when he specifically called on politicians to pass gun control measures. He followed that with a criticism of the government for pushing toward a capital trial for the synagogue attacker rather than accepting a guilty plea for life in prison. A trial, the rabbi said, would “retraumatize our families.”

“Please,” he said. “Please, let us treat each other with great warmth and sympathy.”

Many in the three congregations had not especially been looking forward to Sunday, having already spent a year in grief. Some of those who had lost relatives in the attack simply left town. The day’s agenda, though, was created by family members, as well as others in the congregations and a host of Jewish service agencies across the city.

The morning’s community service projects were scattered all over the city, at the J.F.C.S. building, at food pantries, libraries and blood drives, and, with saws and clippers, at the vine-choked Shaare Torah cemetery in the city’s South Hills.

“People have asked me this year, ‘How do you move on?’” said Rabbi Daniel Wasserman at the cemetery, his work-gloved hands on his hips. “We’re not moving on,” he said sermonically. “We’re moving forward. There is a difference.”

Hacking through the brush on the hill in front of him were a couple of dozen volunteers, including two women who had driven that morning all the way from Baltimore and a 74-year-old Pittsburgh man who had just come across the grave of his great-grandfather.

As at all the volunteer events, some of the participants had close connections with the congregations that were attacked, and some had no ties at all. There was much talk about the need to do something to mark the day, of the particularly Jewish imperative of doing good in the world, and of how this was an essentially Pittsburgh impulse as well.

“Maybe it’s the influence of Mr. Rogers,” said Noah Jordan, 32, who had grown up in the Tree of Life congregation and on Sunday morning was among the volunteers making bags for immigrants. In the earliest hours after the shooting, he said, he thought of it as an attack on the Jewish community. “But then, everyone in Pittsburgh saw this as an attack on all of us.”

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One-year commemoration of synagogue shooting marked

By Associated Press | Published October 27 at 10:34 PM ET | AP | Posted October 28, 2019 |

PITTSBURGH — The first anniversary of the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history was being marked around the world Sunday with community service projects, music and an online remembrance.

The shooting on Oct. 27, 2018, killed 11 worshippers and wounded seven at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, where a steady stream of people stopped by Sunday. Lining the fence outside the closed Tree of Life building were 11 flowerpots, each one bearing the name of one of those killed. People also piled bouquets and crocheted hearts at the site and hung signs on the fence saying the city was “stronger than hate” and calling diversity its strength.

“Today we remember those we lost and come together as a commonwealth to stand united as neighbors,” said a Twitter message from Governor Tom Wolf, who attended a memorial service in Pittsburgh on Sunday evening.

Pittsburgh’s sports teams joined other organizations in honoring the victims. Steelers president Art Rooney II said Sunday that fans will be asked at Monday night’s game to stand for a moment of silence for the victims and their families. The Pittsburgh Penguins said “Hatred and discrimination have no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else,” and the Pittsburgh Pirates echoed that sentiment, saying the memory of the victims “will always be a reminder that hatred has no place in our world.”

The synagogue’s three congregations now worship at two nearby synagogues. Last week, Tree of Life leaders unveiled their vision for the damaged building: a rebuilt space for places of worship; memorial, education and social events; and classrooms and exhibitions.

The commemoration’s theme was “Remember. Repair. Together.” It included a private Jewish service, studying the portion of the Torah that was read when the shooting happened, opportunities to do community service, and a public memorial service.

Several hundred people had registered to volunteer at various community organizations on Sunday. In Germany, the Clarion Quartet, comprised of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians, was to perform at a special event in Berlin.

Thousands were expected to participate in Sunday’s remembrance through Pause With Pittsburgh, a virtual memorial event created by the Jewish Federations of North America.

Authorities charged Robert Bowers, 47, a truck driver from Baldwin, Pennsylvania, in the massacre. Investigators say he used an AR-15 rifle and other weapons, and posted criticism of an immigrant aid society on social media before the attack, claiming the Jewish charity “likes to bring invaders that kill our people.”

Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

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Want to fight anti-Semitism, a year after Pittsburgh? Here’s one easy way.

By April Rosenblum | Published October 27 at 6:00 AM ET | Washington Post | Posted October 28, 2019 |

One year ago, a gunman spouting anti-Semitic rhetoric walked into a sacred Jewish space, Tree of Life synagogue, and took the lives of 11 treasured members of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.

In the weeks that followed, a tremor passed through Jewish organizations, homes, dorm rooms and Facebook feeds. American Jews were in a state of collective shock and mourning, and it wasn’t just for the compassionate men and women who were taken that day in Pittsburgh. For many of us, Pittsburgh marked the end of an assumption that had comforted our families for generations: that in America, Jews were safe.

For me, the event landed a bit differently: I felt all mourning and no shock. That’s because in 2005, fresh out of college, I took on a research project that changed my life. I was a student activist facing what felt like an insurmountable task — to offer a mirror to leftist social justice movements about the tricky, highly sensitive question of how to recognize and respond to anti-Semitism in our ranks.

When I started my research, charges of anti-Semitism were already so politicized in campus debates over Israel and Palestine that leftist activists tended to suspect the sincerity of anyone who raised it. To complicate matters, they tended to have a clearer understanding of oppression that limited people’s opportunities, like racism and classism. From this perspective, anti-Semitism, as terrible as it was, seemed like a thing of the past. If so many Jews in the United States today were white and financially stable, could they really be a group that needed advocacy? Hoping to help the left integrate a better understanding of anti-Semitism, I set out to understand it better myself: not just how it played out in history, but also what it looked like in the present, here and abroad, and across the political spectrum.

What I learned left me sobered. Anti-Semitism thrives under conditions of social discontent and instability. It paints an imagined picture of Jews — whether it’s the Jewish people as a whole, a nefarious Jewish figure, a shadowy cabal or the Jewish state — as holding unique power, able to influence world events more than normal people can. Although modern anti-Semitism as we know it today grew out of right-wing movements, it has a knack for flexibility. Because it looks less like victim-blaming than like a critique of power, it can make its way into unexpected conversations and coalitions, and out of the mouths of well-meaning people.

Anti-Semitism finds a niche across the political spectrum because of the explanatory power it carries. In periods of social upheaval — when inequality no longer feels tolerable, or when groups of people who once felt safe from inequality worry that they are losing their grip — people ask what is causing their problems. Anti-Semitism offers an answer: It’s the Jews.

For the accused shooter in Pittsburgh, this apparently took the form of one particular conspiracy theory: the one in which the Jews are conspiring to undermine white society. Tree of Life members had spent a recent Shabbat promoting compassion for refugees. Anti-Semitism meant their killer couldn’t picture Jews as regular people — people who remembered the powerlessness of being refugees and wanted no one else to have to suffer that way. Instead, the accused shooter was sure Jews were plotting behind the scenes, subverting borders and using immigrants to pose a genocidal threat to white people.

Over the years, this particular variant of anti-Semitism has taken many forms, like the idea that the civil rights movement was secretly directed by Jews — an idea that, of course, depends on deeply rooted denial of black intellect and resistance. But it’s only one of many conspiracies attributed to Jews. Whether it’s controlling banks, wars or the media, the core of modern anti-Semitism is the conspiracy itself.

This customizable conspiracy theory makes anti-Semitism useful for propping up unjust power structures. After all, when “the Jews” explain any lack of power that ordinary people feel, those people are less likely to unite to change the power structure itself. While the first reason that social justice movements should stand up against anti-Semitism is that Jews deserve to live free of fear, the second reason is this: As long as there’s a decoy explanation for what ails society, any social movement will have a hard time organizing to win real change.

* * *

During the 2016 presidential campaign, I wasn’t one of those who saw a Hillary Clinton win as a safe bet. White voters on the right were expressing clear anxiety about challenges to their traditional position of power. The thing about whiteness that makes losing it so unbearable is that it has insulated white people from the full brunt of inequality. In our world, very few people’s lives count for as much as profit does. But whiteness has helped white people — including many Jewish people in the postwar United States — to avoid facing that reality. Whiteness doesn’t just give people physical protection from the daily violence and exploitation against black, brown and indigenous people; it gives white people a way to believe that they have value, even in an economy where that is less and less true.

As I watched white voters gear up for 2016, I didn’t like the odds of what was coming. I feared for the physical safety of my black, Muslim and immigrant friends, and I was pretty sure that Jews would also become a target. My research had prepared me for the rise in brutal anti-Semitic rhetoric that the campaign and election unleashed and for the violence I knew would follow. With a heavy heart, I had been expecting an event like Pittsburgh long before it finally came.

Today, white nationalist violence is speeding up toward so many of us. Like black communities in Charleston and Jeffersontown, Muslims in Quebec City and Christchurch, and Mexican Americans in El Paso, Jews are grappling with how to achieve safety. What would legislation look like? How can we safeguard our spaces — as Jews in Halle, Germany, had to — without turning to security forces that could put Jews and allies of color at risk?

Two things are clear to me. First, we can only get through this together. Jews can only survive this with our many allies from other targeted groups fighting at our sides — and we need to realize that anyone who targets our allies is no real friend of ours. Second, no top-down solution will be enough to fix this. Anti-Semitism is a decentralized ideology, freely available online to all. So are untraceable guns and the online communities where recruits learn to point them at us.

Luckily, one of the best ways to fight anti-Semitism is also free and accessible to all. It’s one of the simplest tools we have, and it can preempt attacks: We need to talk openly about how inequality works.

Anti-Semitism has staying power because it offers an explanation of why the world is so broken. It says the roots of inequality are hidden, and suggests they can be found. This is so attractive because a lot of inequality doesn’t get spoken about. Sometimes that’s by design — like when tax havens cover up massive private wealth, depriving our societies of more robust social services. Sometimes that’s out of social convention, since many of us, especially people with wealth, are raised to think of money and how we get it as a personal subject, impolite to discuss.

That’s why some of the best tools I’ve seen to fight anti-Semitism weren’t about Jews at all. They were movies, podcasts and face-to-face conversations that brought these questions out in the open. They spoke in simple terms about how our economy and other systems of inequality really work — which meant listeners who felt frustrated, angry or without power didn’t have to go looking for a secret cause.

I know that many of my gentile friends have asked themselves, “Would I have spoken up during the Holocaust?” — just as Jews like me have grown up looking at gentile friends in our lives and asking ourselves, “Would they have hidden me?”

Speaking up inside a fascist state carries unthinkable risk. We are more fortunate. We live in a time when all of us can stand in the way of anti-Semitism, just by educating ourselves about economics and power, and by taking the time, patience and humility to share what we learn with people in our families and communities.

On the day of the Tree of Life killings, my first feeling was wildly irrational. Because I had been expecting the worst for some time, I felt a gratitude no human being should ever have to feel: that the men and women whose lives were cut short at Tree of Life had been able to live relatively long, full years; that they had had a chance, if too short, to experience joys which many of our people throughout history did not survive to experience. When reports circulated that the shooting had interrupted a baby naming, I imagined a baby shielded by Jewish elders, being gifted with a possibility to live on and make it to a future where things like this don’t happen anymore. These are thoughts no person should have to have; mental silver linings to which the mind could only contort in an obscenely tarnished world.

Pittsburgh leaves us all thinking about how we can oppose anti-Semitism. But anti-Semitism doesn’t just come from hatred or ignorance — it’s a predictable effect of structural inequality. If we want to save lives, we need to stop pretending that this teetering structure can keep balancing like this forever. For all of our safety, let’s start having real conversations about what’s broken, and what it will take to make the world whole.

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#u.s. news #hate speech #hate crimes #hate groups #anti semitism #anti semitic #republican politics #politics and government #us politics #politics #news #top news #top stories google news #gun violence #gun control #white supermacists

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WomensWear in Nevada LAS VEGAS—The major trade shows for apparel, accessories and footwear held every February in Las Vegas saw a big shift with the shows being held a week earlier than normal.

At the same time, two of the shows announced they would move. Informa Exhibitions said it would consolidate all of its MAGIC shows into the Las Vegas Convention Center next August while Womenswear In Nevada said that in 2020 it would move its event from the Rio Hotel & Convention Center to the Caesars Forum Conference Center on the Las Vegas Strip.

The announcements address a major problem for the twice-a-year shows held in February and August, when exhibitors display their clothing and shoe collections and other goods. Buyers have been challenged getting to the MAGIC shows located at the Mandalay BayConvention Center and the Las Vegas Convention Center while the WWIN show is across the freeway at the Rio.

Hats made in China are displayed at Sourcing at MAGIC.

“Logistically, the move to a single campus means a shift from two venues to one,” said Mark Temple-Smith, managing director of Informa Exhibitions’ fashion business. “Fundamentally, though, it’s a new perspective and a sharpened commitment to building a singular, powerful experience for our entire industry.”

Informa has not revealed the new exhibit layouts and locations at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but it did say the Las Vegas Convention Center is making $540 million in renovations to the current space and is working on an $860-million expansion that should be completed by 2021.

Also, Informa, which purchased MAGIC owner UBM last June, is planning to invest $15 million over the next three years in the shows to promote growth. The next edition of the shows will take place Aug. 12–14 with Sourcing at MAGIC beginning on Aug. 11.

WomensWear in Nevada

OffPrice

Womenswear In Nevada has been at the Rio since 2000 but found it was hard to expand because all the ballroom spaces were filled. The show’s new organizers, Clarion UX, said this move will make it possible to expand in a state-of-the-art facility. The move will be made when the WWIN show is held Aug. 17–20, 2020. The next WWIN show will be held Aug. 12–15.

“The incredible Caesars Forum venue opens up so many opportunities for WWIN,” said Desiree Hanson, vice president of fashion events, Clarion UX. “The stunning new venue provides the perfect backdrop for the innovations and enhancements we have planned for WWIN.”

WWIN debuted at the Tropicana Hotel in 1998 when Roland Timney and Jeff Yunis founded the show. It moved to the Rio two years later. The show was sold in 2015 to Urban Expositions, which is now called Clarion UX.

Show dates alter

This year, the various trade shows started on Feb. 2 with the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Groupopening at the Embassy Suites for four days followed by a bevy of MAGIC shows starting on Feb. 5 and ending Feb. 7. WWIN launched on Feb. 4 and wrapped up on Feb. 7.

Normally, the February shows begin the second week of February, but this year the dates were pushed up by one week.

The earlier date was not the best for the Sourcing at MAGIC show, which started on Feb. 4 and ended on Feb. 7 because Chinese New Year began on Feb. 5. Normally, more than half the exhibitors at the Sourcing show are from China and Hong Kong.

Chinese New Year and the current U.S. trade war with China didn’t help Chinese attendance. “It was a killer, but China is still here,” said Chris Bryer, director of sales for Sourcing at MAGIC. Organizers estimated that about 600 of the 1,100 booths at the show were from China. India brought about 100 companies. Egypt had a pavilion filled with almost 20 companies, and Portugal had a large pavilion at the front of the show with 16 companies.

The WWIN show began on Monday, one day before the majority of the MAGIC shows opened, which proved a big draw for buyers. The show floor was abuzz with activity. Suzanne Pruitt, a WWIN spokesperson, said there were about 400 companies exhibiting at the show.

On the Curve Las Vegas floor

A photo opportunity at Project Womens

The new Agenda location

Inside Liberty Fairs

One of those companies was April Cornell, a more than 35-year-old apparel and home décor company based in Burlington, Vt. “We’ve been busy,” said Leticia Brewer, April Cornell’s wholesale manager for Canada, who was at the show with Anna Krause, the wholesale coordinator for the United States. “It has been great. It’s a great place to meet new people.”

Also starting before the bevy of MAGIC shows was OffPrice, a discount clothing event that kicked off Feb. 3 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. But starting on Super Bowl Sunday proved to be a one-day business killer.

“It was just not a great day on Sunday,” said Mitch Rubenfeld of Ultimate Apparel, which sells discounted clothing for men, women and children. “They had a little party here on Sunday and that cut into our time.”

Many MAGIC shows

The Mandalay Bay Convention Center was a busy place for the seven shows organized there from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7 by Informa Exhibitions.

During Project Womens, exhibitors were introduced to the new Conscious Fashion Campaign, a partnership with the United Nations. Certain exhibitors registered as a Conscious Collection to showcase their fashions.

At It Is Well L.A., a made–in–Los Angeles basics brand, the company saw buyers who were visiting from many regions within the United States. “Buyers are looking for staples,” said Susanna Kwon, operating associate for the company. “Trends come and go—and they’re great—but our buyers want something that is more wearable year-round.”

Variety was found at Stitch @ Project Womens. Stash Style, which sells U.S.-made home goods, T-shirts and bags, also creates new apparel through screen-printing and repurposing denim, military jackets and flannels updated using a reverse dye process. Apparel wholesales from $5.50 to $45. “You can make your store pretty eclectic depending on what you’re looking for,” said Lauren Goik, wholesale account manager at the Rocky River, Ohio–based brand.

At the Curve Las Vegas show, fresh brands were excited about introducing their pieces to a new market in the lingerie and swimwear segment.

For Me Seduce, a brand that traveled to Las Vegas from Poland, sales representative Justyna Szefczyk met with buyers from Puerto Rico, Ohio, Utah, Texas, California, Florida and New York. The brand has a provocative approach to lingerie but also offers styles for a more conservative consumer.

“Our range appealed to them [buyers] because we have different styles,” she said. “Especially in Las Vegas, they are more attracted to the sexy styles, but, surprisingly, they also liked the more feminine and softer pieces.”

At the independent design-focused Pooltradeshow, buyers were placing orders for Brooklyn, New York–based Rubyzaar’s shawls, maxi dresses, caftans and shirtdresses with a heavy tie-dye focus.

“I’ve been writing all morning,” said co-owner Molly Rubin, who runs the company with her sister, Sarah Rubin. “I recommend this show for buyers and wholesalers. It’s a great little market.”

WWDMAGIC kicked off at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Feb. 5 and was extremely busy the first day as retailers poured into the show and its ornately decorated booths. “I had 25 orders the first day,” said Raj Kapoor, the founder of Raj Imports in Los Angeles.

Over at the Embassy Suites, the nonprofit, member-owned International Fashion Jewelry and Accessory Group offered buyers the opportunity to meet U.S.-based companies.

At the Bella & Company suite, General Manager Joshua Lee felt the show was better than last year because of the better quality of buyers in attendance. “The smaller retailers are struggling because the big chain stores are taking over, but even those big stores are also struggling,” he said. “Their online business might have been a second thought. There are some online companies like Fashion Nova that are good at focusing on Instagramand online business.”

Moving to downtown Las Vegas

From Feb. 5 to 7, Agenda and Liberty Fairs made their inaugural runs at the World Market Center near downtown Las Vegas, a more than 15-minute drive north of the Las Vegas Strip. But next August, Agenda and Liberty Fairs will be at a different location.

Vendors and show directors at streetwear-focused Agenda and contemporary-inspired Liberty said that traffic at their shows did not suffer from their location change from the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

However, vendors and show directors at Project, a rival trade show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, begged to differ. Jason Peskin, a brand director of men’s fashion at Project, said that 80 brands from Agenda and Liberty joined Project because they did not want to make the move off of the Strip.

Agenda veteran brand Staple was one of the vendors making the jump to Project. “I love what Agenda does,” said Jeff Staple, founder of Staple. “But that old retail adage is true. ‘It’s location, location, location.’ When people come to Vegas, they want to stay on the Strip.”

But Tony Shellman, an Agenda event director, said that retail traffic was good at Agenda’s new space. Also, the show continued to serve its mission of providing a venue for prominent brands such as Mitchell & Ness as well as new and emerging brands such as Carton.

“We decided to change and do something different,” Shellman said. “A lot of brands believed in us and made the change with us.”

At the adjacent tent housing the Liberty Fairs show, Robin Chretien of the Robin’s Jeanbrand also said that buyer traffic had not suffered at Liberty’s new space. “Traffic was very good,” he said. When buyers come to Liberty, they look for fashion.”

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