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coder4u · 1 year

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What is the difference between coding and programming ?

It took me a long time to find out what programming and coding actually meant and what each discipline involved. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who, when I was new to technology, felt perplexed by those two concepts.

It took me some time to understand that there are differences between the two "worlds," since for a long time I mistakenly believed they were the same thing.

In this essay, I’ll outline the key distinctions between coding and programming as well as how the two disciplines collaborate to create apps and websites.

So let’s first examine these terms’ definitions before looking at how professionals utilize them.

What is Coding ?

Why is this term being stressed even though you may have seen courses, training, or blogs that are all about coding?

This is so we can accomplish all the awesome things we do every day, which is made possible by the actual act of coding. It enables us to access websites like the one you’re reading this on, use mobile apps, and operate a variety of software and operating systems. All of this is made possible by coding.

Coding is essentially the process of converting human language into machine language. Given that it serves as the basis for programming, it may also be referred to as a subset of programming. A programmer must be bilingual and write code in many programming languages, including Java, C, Python, and R, depending on the task at hand. You are giving the computer information and instructions by using codes.

Common Components Of Most Of The Programming Languages :

When writing a code, there are certain principles and syntax that must be followed.

A compiler for transforming programmes into the appropriate machine code, running the code and displaying the outcomes.

What Is Programming ?

I’m a coder, you’ve probably also heard people say. And while some of those who use this term are aware of its meaning, others are not. Let’s try to clarify programming for those who are unclear about what it implies by learning what programming is all about.

When we discuss programming, picture a remote control for your TV that waits for you to give it commands by hitting various buttons, which then instructs the TV to carry out a particular action (like changing the channel, increasing the volume, and so on). This is how computer programmers train a computer to perform various tasks.

You can practically accomplish anything with programming, including creating domestic helper robots and even creating self-driving Tesla vehicles.

The following actions must be taken by a programmer before they may create a program to implement their idea :

1.Creating the app’s structure in advance (with the help of Trello)

2.Creating it (by using tools like Figma)

3.Creating it (by using their programming language of choice)

4.A feature test of it

5.Installing it (free or paid hosting services)

6.Maintaining it once it has been completed.

As you can see, programming is a broad field that includes much more than just creating code. Additionally, it entails working with Data Structures, Algorithms, and the broader context of designing and developing complex systems.

what is the difference between computer programming and coding ?

Although they initially appear to be the same thing, programming and coding are very different. Coding is the process of writing codes from one language to another, whereas programming is the process of giving a machine a set of instructions to follow.

A programmer must do more than just write codes; their job is to translate logic into machine-understandable language. To obtain a better understanding, let’s look at some of the differences between these two topics:

The following points clear your confusion on is there a difference between programming and coding :

The Tools That Is Used

Your text editor will be one of your most important tools when it comes to coding (like Notepad, or something more complex and feature-rich like Visual Studio Code, Sublime, Atom, or Vim).

On the other side, you’ll need some more tools when discussing programming. As a programmer, you’ll analyze documents, plan extensively, consider design, and do a variety of other things.

You’ll utilize tools like more sophisticated code editors, analysis tools, debuggers, modelling frameworks, assemblers, modelling algorithms, and more to assist you with these tasks.

You will need to have a lot of expertise using these tools as a programmer and more exposure to the techniques employed by developers when creating applications and other products.

Basic Differences Between Them

The fact that coding is a component of programming and that programming is the process of developing a programme is a key distinction between coders and programmers. The process of translating machine-readable verbal commands into binary directives is known as coding. The act of programming entails the creation of a programme that accomplishes a certain goal while adhering to predetermined standards.

Coding is a section of programming and is therefore a subset of programming. A programme is made up of lines of code, much like a book is made up of words, characters, and sentences. Coding consists of authoring the individual chapters that make up the book, whereas programming is all about creating an outline.

Skills That You Must Have

The coder’s responsibility is to write code in accordance with the programmer’s technical specifications and make sure the result is what was intended.

We all have the same confusion: is coding the same as computer programming ? The answer is Programming requires a greater level of thought than coding, which is another distinction between the two. Programming involves making analytical decisions, modifying code depending on recent updates, coming up with abstract solutions, and anticipating issues before they arise. All of these call for more complex cognitive processes. Translating the actions into code is a requirement of coding.

How does coding and programming work together ?

Now, you have the answers on –“is coding and programming the same thing ?”Now you know how they work together.

You now have a clear understanding of the distinctions between programming and coding thanks to the explanation above. Let’s use a real-world example where both parties are required to collaborate in order to create a usable app to better understand how they function together.

Consider the necessity to create an app that can track your everyday activities or expenditures. Utilizing the fundamental ideas of coding and programming aids in its development. You’ll need a programmer who can outline the app’s structure (using tools like Trello), make a list of the app’s major features, determine the target demographic, and create the app’s unique appearance (using tools like Adobe xd or Figma).

The coder’s involvement enters the picture once these processes have been completed. They accept the concepts the programmer creates and translate them into a computer format by creating the code necessary to carry out the desired task. The role of the coder is then involved. Now that everything is tested and working as it should, the programmer checks the code for faults and makes sure everything is correct. They also make sure that the code produces the desired result. The application is prepared for deployment and maintenance if all of these requirements are met.

By being conscious of their main distinctions, you can utilize both of these factors to your advantage and achieve your goals. The distinction between a programmer and a coder is important to keep in mind. Programming and coding skills can be combined in the same person.

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thefallennightmare · 3 years

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Hard to Love [21/21]

Pairings: Chris Evans x Reader

Words: 1621

Warnings: this story will have mentions of abuse, mental and physical so please read at your own risk. Some swearing, angst, and a good amount of fluff. Maybe some smut if I'm feeling frisky.

Summary: After moving to a new town all on her own, Reader would do anything for a stable job and income. Even if that means housekeeping for one of Boston's eligible bachelors. What she didn't expect was finding herself falling in love with him and finding him out about the past that she was running from.

A/N: I cannot believe the ending is here. I also cannot thank you enough for all the love that you guys have gave this series. I really do appreciate it and love seeing all the comments! Your words of encouragement are what kept me going for this story. I’m so so sad it’s done.

Lets finish this story with a happy ending!

Tags: @kelbabyblue @patzammit @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss @jennmurawski13 @divadinag @cosmicbreathe @thevelvetseries @capstopavenger @chris-butt @denisemarieangelina @im-a-stranger-thing @jennamarieee623 @introvertedmouse @lharrietg @thejemersoninferno @breezykpop @instantbasementtimetravel @rodgersteves @michaelscotfield-blog1 @40srogcrs @wonderingshawn @bellaireland1981 @katelyneannxo @lady-x-red @sare-bare93-blog @annmariek8 @raabrakha @stxvercgersslut

ONE YEAR LATER

“Where’s my cutie pie?!” I shouted, entering the home.

Four feet trotted down the long hallway from the kitchen to the living room where I stood, hanging up my jacket and bag. Bending at the knees, I allowed all of the kisses and whines of happiness, scratching the furry ears.

“How’s Dodger doing today?” I cooed.

He followed me into the kitchen as I searched the fridge for something to ease my stomach. Munching on a piece of cheese, I checked my phone and saw a new message from Chris.

I’ll be home in a few hours. I’m sorry baby, I didn’t think these interviews would take so long.

Don’t be sorry! I’ll wait up for you xx.

The last year, I had grown incredibly; putting everything that happened to me in the past, locking it away. The scars still remained on my body but I never let it affect me. Chris would always make sure he showed extra love to them, telling me that he loved the way I look.

The first time Chris had to leave for work was a couple of months after everything and it was hard to get adjusted to sleeping in the bed alone but Dodger was the best replacement, keeping me safe every night. Chris tried to turn down movie roles but I quickly shot that down. I wouldn’t let him lose out on a possible great job because I missed him.

I ended up seeing the live video he posted when I was missing and the amount of outpouring coming from his friends and fans also helped me heal. There were a good amount of people who at first weren’t happy that Chris was in a loving relationship but eventually, when he kept posting pictures of us on Instagram, they got used to it.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I saw a new message appear from Chris.

Our weekend starts in less that two hours. I can’t wait to be alone with you.

I smiled fondly at the message.

The past couple weeks were filled with either him working almost every day or me continuing my schooling. We had his family and friends over a few times last week as well so we were practically begging the Gods above for some alone time.

Which is why this weekend we had zero plans, just the two of us in our home.

And Dodger.

“OH COME ON!” Chris yelled at the T.V.

A giggle erupted from my throat from my spot on the couch, my feet placed in his lap, as we watched the football game.

Our weekend together was coming to an end, school for me and another press conference for Chris’ upcoming movie tomorrow, meant that reality was about twelve hours away. We spent the weekend in multiple different rooms of the house, our moans vibrating off the walls.

I’ve had sex more in this weekend than I had in my entire adult life.

Now, we were exhausted, so we decided to spend the rest of our Sunday in our lazy clothes on the couch; Chris wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweats and I ended up stealing his shirt and a pair of his boxers.

Even though his eyes were transfixed on the game, he still made an effort to show me attention by rubbing the soles of my feet. I couldn’t stop myself from staring at this man in front of me. He let his beard grow this weekend, too lazy to shave it, which I didn’t complain one bit. The red marks on my thighs from earlier were an indication of that. His hair was short because he decided that he needed to buzz it last night; he was sick of it getting in his face.

I marveled at the way the muscle in his jaw tightened when I rubbed my feet into his lap, purposely pressing into his soft cock.

“If you keep that up, I’ll miss the last half of the game,” he threatened in a low voice.

“But I’m horny!” I whined, lifting my shirt up and over my head. “Please?”

I pinched my hard nipple between my fingers, hoping that would be enough to get him on top of me.

It was.

I yelped when Chris pulled my ankle towards him, his body on top of mine in seconds. His gold chain was dangling in front of my face as I looked up to him, our chest rising with heavy breaths.

“So naughty,” he muttered against the crook of my neck.

“Enough small talk and fuck me already, Evans,” I purred into his ear, fingernails digging into his bare back.

I couldn’t help but gnaw nervously on my bottom lip, tasting a bit of blood, while I paced the floor of our bedroom. Chris was out running errands but with the text I sent him, I knew that he would be on his way home asap.

Can you come home please? I have to talk to you.

My hands shook with nerves, feeling my cardigan being weighed down with the pressure that was in the pocket. I couldn’t help but worry about what Chris’ reaction would be. We never talked about this and I didn’t know if this would be what broke our relationship.

“Y/N?”

Hearing his voice, I made my way down the stairs and into the living room where he sat with Dodger on the couch.

“Hey, everything alright?” He asked.

I nodded and sat across from him. “Yeah, I think so.”

He knew in the way my knee bounced and sucked in my bottom lip that whatever I had to talk to him about made me nervous as hell. Placing a hand on my knee, he gave me a warm smile.

“Tell me,” he begged gently.

Words were so foreign to me, not knowing exactly how to say it, so instead I handed him what was in my pocket.

“I know we haven’t talked about it much but I couldn't not tell you. I mean you deserve to know. If you’re angry I understand. I’m confused too on how this happened,” I rambled.

Chris didn’t hear a word I had spouted, his eyes trained hard on the stick in his hand with the two solid pink lines.

“You’re pregnant?” His mouth twitched.

I nodded and handed him my phone that held an email from the doctors office, confirming the pregnancy. Yesterday morning while Chris was out with his mom, I secretly had an appointment.

“The doctor says I’m about six weeks,” I spoke softly.

I was unsure of what his reaction would be, his gaze still stuck on the pregnancy test in his hand.

Dodger knew something was different, sniffing the test in Chris’ hand.

Finally after what felt like forever, Chris looked into my eyes and his mouth curved into a smile.

“We’re having a baby?”

The smile he had was a giant one, where you could almost count all of his teeth as he smiled down towards Dodger, showing him the sonogram on my phone as if Dodger could tell what he was looking at.

The joy in his voice brought tears to my eyes.

“You’re happy?” I asked.

His hands snaked around my waist, pulling me into his lap. “I’m fucking ecstatic.”

Our lips met in a rushed kiss, his hand finding its place on my stomach. His forehead rested against mine and his eyes shone with so much love that my heart leaped into my throat, knowing that his reaction was the complete opposite of what I was prepared for.

“Stay here,” He mumbled against my lips in another kiss.

I waited patiently as he rummaged for something in the desk of his office and he returned, hand behind his back.

“I was saving this for when we went away next month but I don’t think I can wait.” He spoke before handing me a small box.

A small velvet box.

I gasped, watching him get down on one knee, and pried open the box. Inside was a gorgeous oval cut diamond on a plain gold band. The sunlight from outside had caught the ring in a warm glow of light.

“This isn’t the most romantic idea of a proposal but I don’t want to wait any longer to ask you this. I first met you in this room when you came to work for me and in that moment I knew I wanted you; I needed you in my life. Y/N, you know I love you so fucking much. You have changed my life in so many ways and now we’re having a baby. You’re having my baby and somehow I love you even more. Y/N, will you marry me?” The tears welled in his eyes and he blew out a shaky breath.

“Fuck yes!” I cried, hormones causing my eyes to pour tears down my cheeks.

After he slid the ring on my finger, he picked me up with ease as he walked us towards our bedroom so we could celebrate the rest of our lives.

I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed in two years since I first drove up to this house, nervous about what the job was that I had an interview for. I never imagined that I would face my past again, not letting it define who I was anymore. And I definitely never thought I would find someone who would love me with his whole entire heart and soul, knowing how hard to love I was. But he did; Chris vowed to me that night in hushed moans that he loved me then and forever.

Along with the baby I was growing in my stomach; our baby.

AND FIN!

#chris evans #chris evans and reader #chris evans x reader #chris evans and yn #chris evans x yn #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans smut #chris evans fluff #chris evans angst #chris evans reader insert #hard to love

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dawnrider · 4 years

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yeeeeeeeessssss . fluff 12: “Am I your lockscreen?” “You weren’t supposed to see that.”

Soooooo.... A million and a half years later, I’m finally getting to this prompt that @superpixie42 has now officially forgotten she sent me. 🎉

This hails from the Stocking Stuffers Universe which also included Dinner and Dancing. A nice fluffy “how they met” type story. It also happens to coincide with @inukag-week‘s prompt for the day of Acceptance. Enjoy, Lovelies!

The grassy knoll at the bottom of the biggest hill on campus was the best spot for a break between classes. Kagome made a point to meet up with friends there at least once a week, but often stopped alone to sit under the large maple that remained its central focus. There was a large retaining wall higher up the hill that was a frequent spot for the architecture students to sit, sketching the buildings around them, analyzing the lines… usually horsing around. Kagome favored a book in her spare time, since she did so much studying at home, but today she had a test to finish reviewing for in her next class.

A chorus of laughter caught her attention, drawing her eyes up to the wall. There were several male students and a lone female student, sitting with a sprawl of meal bags and large sketch pads. One young man, with dark hair pulled in a low tail, was playfully elbowing another in the ribs. With silver hair that nearly glinted in the sunlight and a look on his face that promised retribution, the other young man fairly vibrated with irritation.

Until it burst.

"Fucking...fine!" he shouted, vaulting off the wall with amazing grace and landing as though it were nothing. Which Kagome realized had to mean he was at least part youkai, because that wall was high. She read in the campus paper a month or so before that a human student had broken a leg and arm trying to impress friends by jumping down and miscalculating the height. And the fact that there was a hill at the bottom.

Kagome went back to her textbook, paging to her next sticky referencing the basilar membrane and set in for a very technical read.

"Um…"

Blinking, Kagome looked up and found the silver haired guy standing near enough to obviously be addressing her without getting too close. "Hi?” His eyes widened at her soft greeting and she could see that they were golden in color. “Can I help you with something?”

“Uh. Well… I…” He clearly hadn’t thought that they would get this far into the conversation. Still not sure what his goal was, Kagome slowly sat up and set her book aside. “My friend has been giving me a hard time and…”

“I noticed. I’m Kagome, by the way,” she cut in when he was struggling to continue.

“I-Inuyasha.” She smiled at his light blush. “See, he thinks that you’re probably a freshman, but I thought you were older.” His eyes widened when her eyebrow went up at his choice of words. “Not that you look old or… Shit.”

Kagome grinned, resting her chin in her hand while looking up at him, nearly sweating under the collar with anxiety now and ready to abandon his mission. “Sit down a sec. You look like you need a break.” He complied without a second thought, plopping into the grass beside her. They both pretended not to hear the jeering calls from the wall. “Is this a bet? ‘Cause you won. I’m a junior.” Inuyasha’s golden eyes flashed triumphantly, then he winced. “I’m guessing you lot are younger?”

“No. I’m a senior. Miroku, my friend, he’s a senior on a victory lap. Maybe a second one… I can’t remember now.” Kagome giggled. “We’re architecture.”

“I figured. I see you guys up there a lot.” She noticed the intrigued look in his eyes just before she noticed the pair of fluffy ears that seemed to appear on top of his head. She let out a little delighted gasp, which caused them to lay back again and his face to shutter. “Saw that landing too. Nice. Way to not break anything.”

Inuyasha froze, then slowly relaxed. He obviously sensed the acceptance in her demeanor. “Yea, well that kid was human and didn’t know how to roll into the impact.” They chatted for a few minutes about the incident, then fell into a faintly uncomfortable silence. “What are you studying?”

“Oh! I have a test on the cochlea in a bit. Reviewing the basilar membrane functions…” Inuyasha stared at her with no indication of understanding. “It’s part of the inner ear. It moves when sound waves impact the…” She paused again. “It’s pretty boring, really,” she murmured shyly.

“So you’re like, in pre med?”

“No. Audiology. Or I will be. Have to do grad school for that. Right now I’m Speech and Hearing Sciences.”

“That’s cool. You study ears and hearing.” Kagome wasn’t sure he realized that he was wiggling his very prominent ears at her in his excitement. She grinned and nodded. “Wow. Do they have anything on… on canine hearing in there?” he wondered.

Kagome laughed. “Not really. This book focuses on human hearing, but I have another textbook at home that compares human to non-human hearing. I could… Well… if you wanted...”

“Will you be here tomorrow?” he jumped in. She nodded. “Keh. Bring it then.” A light flush lit her cheeks. “I-If that’s alright?”

“Yea. It’s alright.”

The pair continued to meet in the grassy knoll almost every day for a week, only the intense rain one afternoon keeping them from seeing each other. Kagome realized after the storm that she had no way to contact him. They could have chosen one of the libraries to meet instead! The next afternoon, she put on her brave face and sucked up her nervous feelings so she could ask for his number.

“Oh! Yea! I mean,” he paused, clearing his throat, “that would be cool. Or whatever.”

He crouched beside her, starting to put in his password. So focused on the pattern, Inuyasha didn't notice Kagome glancing over his shoulder. He yelped when she grabbed the handset out of his long fingers, studying the screen intently for a moment before looking at him with a faint frown. “Am I your lockscreen?”

She could see the proverbial "oh shit" in his eyes before he snatched the phone back. Kagome waited for him to respond but found that he was speechless. It was a candid shot, obviously taken from the wall, with her casually laying on her stomach, reading a book. The distance and zoom made it a little blurry, but it was definitely her.

“You weren’t supposed to see that,” he finally squeaked out. Kagome could see by how flat his ears lay against his head that he was about to panic. She had picked up on some of his tells in the last week, as well as done a little research about canine youkai.

What she had also picked up on in her brief search was that hanyou, like Inuyasha, were in an odd place in society. She had never really met anyone with mixed heritage before, so she wasn’t aware of the stigma. Inuyasha was likely made very aware of it, regularly and from an early age.

“You didn’t get a very good angle,” she said lightly, pulling up her own phone and flipping the camera so they could see themselves on the screen. Inuyasha still looked confused and terrified. Kagome smiled brightly and caught one shot that way, then nudged his shoulder. “You gonna smile or what?”

It took him a moment to process what she was doing, how she was reacting to him. That she was… accepting him. When he finally understood all of that, he relaxed, gaze softening, ears returning to their normal position and a faint grin lifting the corner of his lips.

“That’s better.” Kagome snapped another couple of shots to make sure they got a good one. “Here. Give me your number and I’ll send them to you so you can use one of those instead. Much better angle.”

Inuyasha chuckled even as he took out his phone again. “That was pretty slick, you know that? I wouldn’t have guessed you had that in you.”

Kagome grinned as she put his number into a text and shot off the pictures with a heart emoji. “I think there’s a lot of things you’ll find out about me that you wouldn’t have guessed.”

Inuyasha matched her smirk with one of his own. “I accept that.”

@lemonlushff , @fantastiqueparfait , @heavenin–hell, @clearwillow , @mamabearcat , @thunderpo , @keichanz , @meggz0rz , @disgruntledbeast , @sarah-writes-stories , @zelink-inukag , @rikareena , @cammysansstuff , @mcornilliac , @redflamesofpassion , @superpixie42 , @underwater0phelia , @cstorm86 , @noviceotakus-blog , @lavendertwilight89 , @hinezumi , @wenchster , @hnnwnchstr , @lady-dark-69 , @itzatakahashi , @juliatheanimelover7 , @kazeinori , @theinuyashareader , @inupotter , @eternalnight8806-3 , @smmahamazing , @willowandfog , @gaysonthefloor , @sistasecbhere , @jennybean91

#Fluff Prompt #Stocking Stuffers #Inukag-Week #Acceptance #Dawnrider Fanfiction #superpixie42

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imnotwolverine · 4 years

Text

The marriage pact - London bits

Henry Cavill x OC Alice - multi-chapter

< Part 14 | Part 15 London bits | Part 16 >

Disclaimer: some strong language

Author’s note: It was so much fun to do some actual research on Jersey’s history - even though it is only mentioned very briefly in this chapter.

Word count: 1.265

(Link to my Masterlist)

Dear readers,

One can find and do many things on our Jersey island, its rich soil housing some 107.000 inhabitants. But as it appears, the world has more to offer than multi-horned sheep, lovely beaches and close knitted communities. Today I’m once more writing from the metropolitan city of London, my journey taking me to meet some ex-inhabitants of our beloved Jersey.

In this “Old Faces goes London”, I’ll be visiting a baker who decided to bring his infamous Jersey-rolls to the great City of London, a linguist who strives to keep Jèrriais (our territories unique Norman dialect) alive and I’ll be having a cup of tea with an exporter of Jersey’s very own apple cider. Yum!

And, as time is ticking I will now bid you all adieu. Or, to keep it in the Jèrriais realms;

À bétôt!

Ali

‘Morning.’ Henry pressed a kiss on my cheek while he brushed past me, his hands busy with making toast while I prepped some lunch boxes. It was 6 AM on a Tuesday and, though I was far from awake, I did admit that I felt quite happy being here, in Henry’s Mews kitchen.

In the far corner I could hear Kal hogging down some food after an even more ungodly early doggy walk - from which I thankfully had been spared - and before long the kitchen was filled with lovely scents and we were all enjoying our breakfast.

‘Sleep well?’ I said, keeping my voice down as the walls were rather thin. Henry nodded, cup of coffee hovering beneath his nose, cheeks dimpling with a tender smile. ‘Sure did. Though looks like you are STILL sleeping.’ He laughed. ‘Mmm... I’m very much enjoying this dream, thank you very much. So please, allow me.’

‘Then so I will. So what are you up to today?’ He took a hesitant sip of the far too hot drink, scrunching his nose as he nearly burned his tongue, then decided to put it down, his hands instead moving to cut into the toast, his egg all gooey perfection as it oozed out onto the plate. I could see Kal push his head on Henry’s lap, hoping that his puppy eyes were enough of a persuader to earn himself some bacon. But apparently it was just another part of their morning routine, Henry’s hand near automatically running through the Akita’s fur before returning to his breakfast, no bacon bits shared in the process.

Sweet bears.

‘Going to have an interview with that baker in a little over an hour, then visiting that publisher followed by some work calls. You?’

‘No baker interviews unfortunately,’ He smiled. ‘Just meetings. Meetings, meetings, meetings.’ Henry shrugged, obviously not looking forward to it. ‘Oh..What do you want to do for dinner by the way?’ He inquired.

‘Eh…eat food?’ I grinned, earning an exasperated look from him. ‘Hahah..sorry..but eh..let’s just cook something at home. Shall I cook or..?’

‘Cooking as home is good, sure. And, Ali, honestly..I’m not THAT traditional. Maybe let’s just say that the first person who gets home, cooks? That seems to be more fair.’ He said simply, hogging down onto another huge bite.

‘Very well then, my fair feminist knight.’ I winked, also cutting into my toast, my nose sniffing happily as the savoury scents drifted into my nostrils. Gosh, how nice it was to be with a man that could cook!

—

Still somewhat catching my breath from hurrying from meeting to meeting, I sat before one man called Charles Dunham, his golden nameplate shining proudly on his paper-filled mahogany desk. From the moment I had gotten into his office, it became clear that the old, fat cheeked man was most eager to get me on board; a good cup of coffee and some cookies were moved onto the last remaining bit of his space on his overcrowded desk and before I could even take my first sip of the welcome drink, the offer was already on the table.

‘Simply said; we adore your stories. And from a business point of view we see great potential. You have a solid fan base, and we recently released a similar storybook for adults that sold like hot buns on the Sunday market,’ He grinned happily, throwing three cubes of sugar in his coffee and mixing it with a freakishly small spoon. ‘So we are more than glad to develop this project with you.’

I blinked over the rim of the cup of coffee, hot steam raising up from the porcelain. HOLY DAMN! I let out a soft giggle and smiled. ‘My…alright then. I had expected to have to give you my sales pitch and perhaps a kidney or two. I mean, I even made a whole presentation, but this is far better. Thank you so much for your trust and enthusiasm Mr. Dunham, it truly means the world!’

Mr. Dunham chuckled. ‘And the world better be ready. How about we start editing a first version in the next few months, fine-tune a few things? Oh, and I did have one small question; are these based on actual people?’

‘Some are inspired by a mix of people I know, though all characters are definitely fictional in nature.’

‘Well, perhaps you COULD add a slight reference to Superman, since he’s from the Islands as well. Our readers would surely love that.’

I felt my stomach somersault again. Oh Mr. Dunham..if only you knew.

‘Haha..well. We might have to look into copyrights there, but it sure is true that we, I, adore our homeland hero.’ I winked.

—

Oh the homeland hero. I did adore him, indeed. In fact I craved him really.

The moment I had gotten back to Jersey I felt like I had left a piece of myself back with Henry. Suddenly the air was bleak and my parents house was not my home anymore, the large but comfortable house feeling like but a shell of what it had been just days earlier. And it got even weirder when I was laying in bed.

Here I was, alone, my hand outstretched to the spot where he would lay if we would sleep together. I even tried to sniff the pillow he had slept on, to see if any of his scent perhaps lingered there.

It didn’t.

It had been a strangely eventful day today. First the very early flight, a sleepy Henry - quite unique to find in the mornings - driving me to the airport. And then the near desperate hugs and kisses we shared, followed by a restless flight. And then I had to quickly drop off my stuff before heading to another doctors appointment. This time for one of a more invasive nature; a number of physical tests had to be performed so I could enlist for a sperm donor. My plan B. Just in case everything failed with Henry.

But, in all honesty, it felt more and more like a doom scenario I was increasingly less comfortable with. Did I want to become a single parent, if all of this failed? Was that really my dream? Or was a child just a result of something greater I truly wanted, something I had pushed away and hidden from my still beating heart. Did I actually want something quite different?

Did I want..eh..love, actually?

As I lay there looking at the ceiling, small glow-in-the-dark stars speckling the otherwise dark surface, I came to the bitter tasting realisation that I had not really taken into account that there was suddenly this extra person who had come into the equation. This person I had wild make-out sessions with on my parents couch, as well finding in him the person who offers a listening ear and who would consolidate me and be there during a doctors appointment.

He cared and was obviously not really wanting to leave. And I, to be even more honest with myself, well, I didn’t want him to leave either. I needed to keep him close and listen to him if I wanted this to last.

Rolling on my side I picked up my phone. 11.30 PM. He’d probably be sleeping now. I bit my lip and decided to text him, even if he’d only read it in the morning.

“I just tried to sniff the pillow but your scent is gone. I miss you😢”

Quite immediately a message returned. A selfie, taken with a flash in the starkness of a dark bedroom. Henry’s face sulkily grabbing onto a pillow. “That makes two. I miss you three!”

I giggled, silly bear, then imitated his picture, taking one myself, his pillow squeezed tightly in my arm, head resting on top. “Sweet dreams bear. I’ll keep your pillow safe.”

And then a little voice chat message came in, his silky deep voice filling my heart with joy; ‘Sweet dreams Ali.’

Oh sweet were my dreams indeed.

If only..if only he were here to share them with me.

General tagsquad: @harrysthiccthighss @tumblnewby @magdelen69 @thereisa8ella @mary-ann84 @darkbooksarwin @summersong69

Fluff lovers squad: @star017 @perhaps2remember @pterodactylterrace @witchersqueen @desperate-and-broken @toomanyfandomsshreya @deliciouslysassyarcade @pamacs-macs @cavilladdict @scorpionchild81 @lebguardians @sofiebstar @amberbabem @mis-lil-red @aestheticqueenb @misslalaland-blog-blog @ilieherecharmed-fics2readnrec @michelehansel @henryfanfics101

Want to be added to or removed from the tag list? Shoot me a message!

#henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill fluff #henry cavill x OC #henry cavill x author #fluff #romcom #london #busy life #jerriais #london bites #the marriage pact

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glenrocklibraryteens · 3 years

Text

Google Keep: Useful Tool for Students

Blog post by MB

Google Keep is a productivity app that has helped me tremendously this past year, especially since Glen Rock students did not receive agendas at the beginning of the school year. It aids in keeping track of assignments and making sure things are done, while working on building your independence as a student.

Personally, I use it to keep track of my homework assignments and extracurricular activities on a daily basis. I have separate “notes” for day-to-day assignments and for tests and quizzes that I have coming up (more on that later). In this post I will be going over the advantages and disadvantages of using the app as well as tips and tricks for setting it up.

Advantages:

1. It’s available as a website, mobile app, and is accessible in other Google software.

Because Keep is linked to your Google account (any students in the Glen Rock district will have access to it with their school email), it is always synced across devices.

Here’s what it looks like on a desktop:

Here’s what it looks like on a mobile device:

Because it’s been created by Google, it’s also accessible on any other Google platform (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).

Here’s an example:

If you can’t find it, there’s a little toggle on the bottom right part of the document where you can access it.

Then, click on this icon:

Using this method you can also create notes specifically linked to certain documents. I personally have used this feature to remind myself to include certain sources on research papers or to fix my introduction paragraph.

2. It has the same sharing capabilities as other Google platforms.

You can share notes with other people in the same way you can share a Google Doc. You can work on them with multiple people and multiple people can check things off. It’s really useful if you have a group project or assignment that has several requirements you don’t want to miss.

3. You can set reminders for certain times.

Another really useful feature in Google Keep is the reminder function. You can create reminders for yourself and set times for certain activities. It will send a notification to your phone if you are signed in there. As a student, I don’t use this much for homework-related things, but I have definitely used it for extracurriculars.

To set a reminder:

Notes with reminders on them have a special tab dedicated to them:

4. The checklist feature is satisfying enough to motivate you to complete your work.

If you use the checklist feature, it’s really satisfying to check off each item. It’s a surprisingly motivating tool to try to get things done on time.

5. The interface is really easy to use

One of the biggest advantages to using Google Keep is that it is very easy to use and navigate. The tabs are clearly marked and it’s simple enough that using and updating it daily is not a chore.

Disadvantages:

1. You have to be disciplined enough to type everything in yourself

Unlike Schoology, which is what the Glen Rock School District uses, Google Keep requires you to keep up with everything yourself. You’ll have to make the effort to type in all your assignments and such, but it will definitely help with learning to be independent with your work.

2. You have to be connected to the internet for it to work

This is possibly the biggest downfall of Google Keep: you have to be connected to the internet in order for it to work. However, I have found that this is not too much of an impediment on its use because it is available on mobile phones, and in the rare instance that the WiFi cuts out, I can use data to access it.

Tips and tricks:

1. Setting up checklists or plain-text notes

There are two types of notes that you can take: plain-text and checklist. To create a plain-text note, simply start typing where it says “Take a note…”

To create a checklist, click on the checkbox and then start typing.

2. Color coding

One of the best ways to organize your notes is to color code. To do so, click on the palette on the bottom part of the note and select a color from these options:

3. Pinning notes

The best way to separate your most important notes from the rest is to “pin” them. Pinned notes are always shown first and on the desktop view have a special section at the top.

To pin a note, simply click on the little thumbtack at the top corner of the note:

You can also rearrange notes once they’ve been made.

4. Archiving Notes

Once you’re done with your note, you can either delete it or archive it. Deleting it removes it forever whereas archiving it removes it from your main screen but it can still be recovered. I recommend archiving notes rather than deleting them so you have a record of the things you did on any given day, but that’s up to the individual.

To archive a note, click on the small icon in the bottom part of the note:

All archived notes appear on a separate tab:

5. Organization

Here are some of the organizational things I’ve done that may help you customize your Google Keep page if you choose to use it:

1- Color code

2- Create notes for daily assignments and one note for upcoming due dates

3- All caps for activities and regular writing for assignments

Ex: “PIANO”; “Submit math homework”

4- Make notes ahead of time and pin them when the day arrives (saves a lot of time)

5- Make a note with all zoom links - I find this to be particularly helpful because not all teachers provide passwords for their zoom links, which are needed to enter into classes directly from the Zoom program. It is also good to have when Schoology crashes or when other technological issues arise. PLEASE NOTE: this only works for classes with recurring zoom links.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Google Keep to any student who wants to keep track of their own work, as it is easy to use and all-around convenient.

#google #google keep #organization #school #glen rock nj #glen rock teens

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eli-kittim · 4 years

Text

How Can Good Exegesis Make Bad Theology?

By Author Eli Kittim

——-

The Canonical Context

This principle suggests that we should read the Books of the Bible not as distinct, individual compositions but rather as parts of a larger *canonical context*, that is, as part of the “canon” of Scripture. In other words, instead of evaluating each book separately in terms of its particular historical, literary, and editorial development, this principle focuses instead on its final canonical format that was legitimized by the various communities of faith. The idea is that since the redacted version or “final cut,” as it were, is considered “authoritative” by the different communities of faith, then this format should hold precedence over all previous versions or drafts.

Moreover, this concept holds that despite the fact that the Biblical Books were written by a number of different authors, at different times, in different places, using different languages, nevertheless the “canonical context” emphasizes the need to read these Books in dialogue with one another, as if they are part of a larger whole. So, the hermeneutical focus is not on the historical but rather on the canonical context. The hermeneutical guidelines of the canon therefore suggest that we might gain a better understanding of the larger message of Scripture by reading these Books as if they were interrelated with all the others, rather than as separate, diverse, and distinct sources. The premise is that the use of this type of context leads to sound Biblical theology.

——-

Theology

Theology is primarily concerned with the synthesis of the diverse voices within Scripture in order to grasp the overarching message of the complete Biblical revelation. It deals with Biblical epistemology and belief, either through systematic analysis and development of passages (systematic theology) or through the running themes of the entire Bible (Biblical theology). It addresses eternity and the transcendent, metaphysical or supernatural world. And it balances individual Scriptural interpretations by placing them within a larger theoretical framework. The premise is that there is a broader theological context in which each and every detailed exegesis coalesces to form a coherent whole! It’s as if the Bible is a single Book that contains a complete and wide-ranging revelation! It is under the auspices of theology, then, that the canonical context comes into play.

——-

Exegesis

The critical interpretation of Scriptural texts is known as “exegesis.” Its task is to use various methods of interpretation so as to arrive at a definitive explanation of Scripture! Exegesis provides the temporal, linguistic, grammatical, and syntactic context, analysis, and meaning of a text. It furnishes us with a critical understanding of the authorial intent, but only in relation to the specific and limited context of the particular text in question. It is the task of theology to further assess it in terms of its relation and compatibility to the overall Biblical revelation! One of the things that exegesis tries to establish is the composition’s historical setting or context, also known as “historical criticism.” This approach inquires about the author and his audience, the occasion and dating of the composition, the unique terms and concepts therein, the meaning of the overall message, and, last but not least, the *style* in which the message is written, otherwise known as the “genre.” While the author’s other writings on the topic are pivotal to understanding what he means, nothing is more important than the *genre* or the form in which his writing is presented.

——-

The Analogy of Scripture

One of the most important hermeneutical principles of exegesis is called “the analogy of Scripture” (Lat. ‘analogia Scripturae’). In short, it means that Scripture should interpret Scripture. This principle requires that the implicit must be explained by the explicit. In other words, the exegesis of unclear or ambiguous parts of Scripture must be explained by clear and didactic ones that address the exact same topic. That means that one Biblical Book could very well explain another. For example, the New Testament (NT) Book of Ephesians 1.9-10 seems to demystify Galatians 4.4. This principle is based on the “revealed” inspiration (Gk. θεόπνευστος) of Scripture:

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful

for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and

for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3.16

NRSV).

As for those scholars who refuse to take the NT’s alleged “pseudepigrapha” seriously because of their *apparent* false attribution, let me remind them that the most renowned textual scholars of the 20th century, Bruce M. Metzger and Bart D. Ehrman, acknowledged that even alleged “forged” works could still be “inspired!” It’s important to realize that just because these works may be written by unknown authors who may have attempted to gain a readership by tacking on the name of famous Biblical characters doesn’t mean that the subject-matter is equally false. The addition of amanuenses (secretaries) further complicates the issue.

So, returning to our subject, the analogy of Scripture allows the Bible to define its own terms, symbols, and phrases. It is via the analogy of Scripture, which defines the many and varied parts, that the broader canonical context is established, namely, the principle that the various Biblical Books form a coherent whole from which a larger theological system can emerge.

And, of course, interdisciplinary studies——such as archaeology, anthropology, psychology, sociology, epistemology, and philosophy——contribute to both systematic and Biblical theology by presenting their particular findings, concepts, and theoretical ideas.

——-

Testing the Legitimacy of these Principles

In explaining how these principles work in tandem, I’d like to put my personal and unique theology to the test. I have raised the following question: “What if the crucifixion of Christ is a future event?” The immediate reaction of Christian apologetics or heresiology would be to revert to “dogmatic theology” (i.e., the dogmas or articles of faith) and the scholarly consensus, which state that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius. Really? Let’s consider some historical facts. There are no eyewitnesses! And there are no first-hand accounts! Although the following references were once thought to be multiple attestations or proofs of Jesus’ existence, nevertheless both the Tacitus and Josephus accounts are now considered to be either complete or partial forgeries, and therefore do not shed any light on Jesus’ historicity. One of the staunch proponents of the historical Jesus position is the textual scholar Bart Ehrman, who, surprisingly, said this on his blog:

. . . Paul says almost *NOTHING* about the

events of Jesus’ lifetime. That seems weird

to people, but just read all of his letters.,

Paul never mentions Jesus healing anyone,

casting out a demon, doing any other

miracle, arguing with Pharisees or other

leaders, teaching the multitudes, even

speaking a parable, being baptized, being

transfigured, going to Jerusalem, being

arrested, put on trial, found guilty of

blasphemy, appearing before Pontius Pilate

on charges of calling himself the King of the

Jews, being flogged, etc. etc. etc. It’s a

very, very long list of what he doesn’t tell us

about.

Therefore, there appears to be a literary discrepancy regarding the historicity of Jesus in the canonical context between the gospels and the epistles. And, as I will show in due time, there are many, many passages in the epistles that seem to contradict dogmatic theology’s belief in the historiographical nature of the gospels. So, if they want to have a sound theology, exegetes should give equal attention to the epistles. Why?

First, the epistles precede the gospels by several decades. In fact, they comprise the earliest recorded writings of the NT that circulated among the Christian churches (cf. Col. 4.16).

Second, unlike the gospels——which are essentially *theological* narratives that are largely borrowed from the Old Testament (OT)——the epistles are *expositional* writings that offer real, didactic and practical solutions and discuss spiritual principles and applications within an actual, historical, or eschatological context.

Third, according to Biblical scholarship, the gospels are not historiographical accounts or biographies, even though historical places and figures are sometimes mentioned. That is to say, the gospels are not giving us history proper. For example, the feeding of the 5,000 is a narrative that is borrowed from 2 Kings 4.40-44. The parallels and verbal agreements are virtually identical. And this is a typical example of the rest of the narratives. For instance, when Jesus speaks of the damned and says that “their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched” (Mark 9.48), few people know that this saying is actually derived from Isaiah 66.24. In other words, the gospels demonstrate a literary dependence on the OT that is called, “intertextuality.”

Fourth, the gospels are like watching a Broadway play. They are full of plots, subplots, theatrical devices (e.g. Aristotelian rhetoric; Homeric parallels), literary embellishments, dialogues, characters, and the like. Conversely, the epistles have none of these elements. They are straightforward and matter of fact. That’s why Biblical interpreters are expected to interpret the implicit by the explicit and the narrative by the didactic. In practical terms, the NT epistles——which are the more explicit and didactic portions of Scripture——must clarify the implicit meaning of the gospel literature. As you will see, the epistles are the primary keys to unlocking the actual timeline of Christ’s *one-and-only* visitation!

Fifth, whereas the gospels’ literary genre is mainly •theological•——that is to say, “pseudo-historical”——the genre of the epistolary literature of the NT is chiefly •expositional.• So, the question arises, which of the two genres is giving us the real deal: is it the “theological narrative” or the “expository writing”?

In order to answer this question, we first need to consider some of the differences in both genres. For example, although equally “inspired,” the gospels include certain narratives that are unanimously rejected as “unhistorical” by both Biblical scholars and historians alike. Stories like the slaughter of the innocents, the Magi, the Star of Bethlehem, and so on, are not considered to be historical. By contrast, the epistles never once mention the aforesaid stories, nor is there any mention of the Nativity, the virgin birth, the flight to Egypt, and the like. Why? Because the Epistles are NOT “theological.” They’re expository writings whose intention is to give us the “facts” as they really are!

Bottom line, the epistles give us a far more accurate picture of Jesus’ *visitation* than the gospels.

In conclusion, it appears that the gospels conceal Jesus far more effectively than they reveal him.

——-

Proof-text and Coherence Fallacies

The “proof-text fallacy” comprises the idea of putting together a number of out-of-context passages in order to validate a particular theological point that’s often disparagingly called “a private interpretation.” But, for argument’s sake, let’s turn these principles on their head. Classical Christianity typically determines heresy by assessing the latter’s overall view. If it doesn’t fit within the existing theological schema it is said to be heretical. Thus, dogmatic theology sets the theological standard against which all other theories are measured. They would argue that good exegesis doesn’t necessarily guarantee good theology, and can lead to a “coherence fallacy.” In other words, even if the exegesis of a string of proof-texts is accurate, the conclusion may not be compatible with the overall existing theology. This would be equivalent to a coherence fallacy, that is to say, the illusion of Biblical coherence.

By the same token, I can argue that traditional, historical-Jesus exegesis of certain proof-texts might be accurate but it may not fit the theology of an eschatological Christ, as we find in the epistles (e.g., Heb. 9.26b; 1 Pet. 1.20; Rev. 12.5). That would equally constitute a coherence fallacy. So, these guidelines tend to discourage independent proof-texting apart from a systematic coherency of Scripture. But what if the supposed canonical context is wrong? What if the underlying theological assumption is off? What then? So, the $64,000 question is, who can accurately determine the big picture? And who gets to decide?

For example, I think that we have confused Biblical literature with history, and turned prophecy into biography. In my view, the theological purpose of the gospels is to provide a fitting introduction to the messianic story *beforehand* so that it can be passed down from generation to generation until the time of its fulfillment. It is as though NT history is *written in advance* (cf. מַגִּ֤יד מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֙ אַחֲרִ֔ית [declaring the end from the beginning], Isa. 46.9-10; προεπηγγείλατο [promised beforehand], Rom. 1.2; προγνώσει [foreknowledge], Acts 2.22-23; προκεχειροτονημένοις [to appoint beforehand], Acts 10.40-41; ερχόμενα [things to come], Jn 16.13)!

So, if we exchange the theology of the gospels for that of the epistles we’ll find a completely different theology altogether, one in which the coherence of Scripture revolves around the *end-times*! For example, in 2 Pet. 1.16–21, all the explanations in vv. 16-18 are referring to the future. That’s why verse 19 concludes: “So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed” (cf. 1 Pet. 1.10-11; 1 Jn 2.28).

In response, Dogmatic Theology would probably say that such a conclusion is at odds with the canonical context and that it seems to be based on autonomous proof-texting that is obviously out of touch with the broader theological teaching of Scripture. Really? So the so-called “teaching” of Scripture that Jesus died in Antiquity is a nonnegotiable, foregone conclusion? What if the basis upon which this gospel teaching rests is itself a proof-text fallacy that is out of touch with the teaching of the *epistles*? For example, there are numerous passages in the epistles that place the timeline of Jesus’ life (i.e., his birth, death, and resurrection) in *eschatological* categories (e.g., 2 Thess. 2.1-3; Heb. 1.1-2; 9.26b; 1 Pet. 1.10-11, 20; Rev. 12.5; 19.10d; 22.7). The epistolary authors deviate from the gospel writers in their understanding of the overall importance of •eschatology• in the chronology of Jesus. For them, Scripture comprises revelations and “prophetic writings” (see Rom. 16.25-26; 2 Pet. 1.19-21; Rev. 22.18-19). Therefore, according to the *epistolary literature*, Jesus is not a historical but rather an “eschatological” figure! Given that the NT epistles are part of the Biblical *canon,* their overall message holds equal value with that of the NT gospels, since they, too, are an integral part of the canonical context! To that extent, even the gospels concede that the Son of Man has not yet been revealed (see Lk. 17.30; cf. 1 Cor. 1.7; 1 Pet. 1.7)!

What is more, if the canonical context demands that we coalesce the different Biblical texts as if we’re reading a single Book, then the overall “prophetic” message of Revelation must certainly play an important role therein. The Book of Revelation places not only the timeline (12.5) but also the testimony to Jesus (19.10b) in “prophetic” categories:

I warn everyone who hears the words of the

prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to

them, God will add to that person the

plagues described in this book; if anyone

takes away from the words of the book of

this prophecy, God will take away that

person’s share in the tree of life and in the

holy city, which are described in this book

(Rev. 22.18-19 NRSV).

Incidentally, the Book of Revelation is considered to be an epistle. Thus, it represents, confirms, and validates the overarching *prophetic theme* or eschatological “theology” of the epistolary literature. That is not to say that the •theology• of the epistles stands alone and apart from that of the OT canon. Far from it! Even the *theology* of the OT confirms the earthy, end-time Messiah of the epistles (cf. Job 19.25; Isa. 2.19; Dan. 12.1-2; Zeph. 1.7-9, 15-18; Zech. 12.9-10)! As a matter of fact, mine is the *only* view that appropriately combines the end-time messianic expectations of the Jews with Christian Scripture!

Does this sound like a proof-text or coherence fallacy? If it does, it’s because you’re evaluating it from the theology of the gospels. If, on the other hand, you assess it using the theology of the epistles, it will seem to be in-context or in-sync with it. So, the theological focus and coherency of Scripture will change depending on which angle you view it from.

——-

Visions of the Resurrection

There are quite a few scholars that view the so-called resurrection of Christ not as a historical phenomenon but rather as a visionary experience. And this seems to be the theological message of the NT as well (cf. 2 Tim. 2.17-18; 2 Thess. 2.1-3). For example, Lk. 24.23 explicitly states that the women “had indeed seen a vision.” Lk. 24.31 reads: “he [Jesus] vanished from their sight.” And Lk. 24.37 admits they “thought that they were seeing a ghost.” Here are some of the statements that scholars have made about the resurrection, which do not necessarily disqualify them as believers:

The resurrection itself is not an event of

past history. All that historical criticism can

establish is that the first disciples came to

believe the resurrection (Rudolph

Bultmann, ‘The New Testament and

Mythology,’ in Kerygma and Myth: A

Theological Debate, ed. Hans Werner

Bartsch, trans. Reginald H. Fuller [London:

S.P.C.K, 1953-62], 38, 42).

When the evangelists spoke about the

resurrection of Jesus, they told stories

about apparitions or visions (John Dominic

Crossan, ‘A Long Way from Tipperary: A

Memoir’ [San Francisco:

HarperSanFransisco, 2000], 164-165).

At the heart of the Christian religion lies a

vision described in Greek by Paul as

ophehe—-“he was seen.” And Paul himself,

who claims to have witnessed an

appearance asserted repeatedly “I have

seen the Lord.” So Paul is the main source

of the thesis that a vision is the origin of the

belief in resurrection ... (Gerd Lüdemann,

‘The Resurrection of Jesus: History,

Experience, Theology.’ Translated by John

Bowden. [London: SCM, 1994], 97,

100).

It is undisputable that some of the followers

of Jesus came to think that he had been

raised from the dead, and that something

had to have happened to make them think

so. Our earliest records are consistent on

this point, and I think they provide us with

the historically reliable information in one

key aspect: the disciples’ belief in the

resurrection was based on visionary

experiences. I should stress it was visions,

and nothing else, that led to the first

disciples to believe in the resurrection (Bart

D. Ehrman, ‘How Jesus Became God: The

Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from

Galilee’ [New York: Harper One, 2014],

183-184).

Ehrman sides with the *visionary language* that Luke, Bultmann, Crossan, and Lüdemann use. In the words of NT textual critic Kurt Aland:

It almost then appears as if Jesus were a

mere PHANTOM . . .

——-

Exegetical Application

I deliberately stay away from theology when I exegete Scripture precisely because it will taint the evidence with presuppositions, assumptions, and speculations that are not in the text. Thus, instead of focusing on the authorial intent hermeneutic, it will inevitably superimpose out-of-context meanings and create an eisegesis. All this, of course, is courtesy of confirmation bias.

So, I think one of the reasons why we’ve done so poorly in understanding, for example, the story of Jesus is because we have mixed-up exegesis with theology. When theology drives the exegesis, then the exegesis becomes blind and erroneous.

My method of exegesis is very simple. I see EXACTLY what the text *says,* EXACTLY *how* it says it. I don’t add or subtract anything, and I don’t speculate, guess, or theorize based on existing philosophies or theologies. The minute we go outside *the analogy of scripture,* that’s when we start to speculate. And that’s how we err. In short, let the Scriptures tell you what it means. Thus, the best interpretation is no interpretation at all!

——-

Conclusion

To find the truth, we must consider all the evidence objectively. Evangelicals, for instance, would be biased if they didn’t consider the academic standpoint even if, at times, it seems to be guided by liberal theology. In this way, they will be in a better position to consider objectively all the possibilities and probabilities regarding the correct interpretation of Scripture. That’s because the truth usually touches all points of view . . .

One of the exegetical stumbling blocks is our inability to view the gospels as “inspired metaphors.” Given their literary dependence on the OT, it appears as if the gospels themselves are “inspired parables.”

So, if the epistolary literature, which is both expositional and explicit, seems to contradict these so-called “theological parables,” then it becomes quite obvious that the “theology” of the gospels fails to meet scholarly and academic parameters. And, therefore, the epistolary literature must be given more serious attention and consideration!

Our exegetical shortcomings often stem from forced or anachronistic interpretations that are based on *theological speculation* and conjecture rather than on detailed exegesis. Even the Biblical translations themselves are not immune to the interpretative process, whether they be of dynamic or formal equivalence.

That’s why I have developed an exegetical system and have demonstrated the effectiveness of its approach to the study of the Biblical Christ. Accordingly, I argue that the epistles are the primary *keys* to unlocking the future timeline of Christ’s ***ONLY*** visitation! Hence, I leave you with one final rhetorical question:

What if the crucifixion of Christ is a future

event?

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its8simplejulesblog · 4 years

Text

It’s Been 17 Days

Since I’ve written anything on here..I’m sorry. I think I just got caught up in the monotony of quarantine (and also I did a lot of tanning/ subsequent falling asleep on my porch outside) that took up a lot of my time. However, the pessimistic side of me says that no one really reads this anyway, so maybe the timing isn’t as important as I thought, and this really is just for me. No matter, I find that I can’t force my writing. I really only do it when there is something pressing on my mind and there definitely is tonight.

(idk why the only gifs on tumblr are anime girls, but honestly I’m not that surprised)

Quarantine has tested me a lot in terms of how I deal with my view of myself. I’m sure that’s true for everyone. When I have absolutely nothing to do I’ll sit on my bed and think about what my values are. I know that first and foremost, knowing my worth is something I value a lot. Sometimes I have to peel myself off of tik tok because even though I feel the best I ever have, it’s still impossible to not be disheartened by the appearances of some of the girls on that app. It’s so sad too because you can clearly see the affects that that kind of content has on its audiences.

I think that something I’ve come to notice as well is that modeling was a really healthy thing in my life before the pandemic started. That seems really backwards, but I think that it boosted my spirits so much. I think it’s because I never went into it with the mindset of “I want everyone to feel like shit looking at a good picture of me,” but moreso, “I’m actually really happy with myself right now and I want to capture that feeling.” Working with Dom has been a highlight as well, because even though we’re promoting her business, it’s just fun for us. We put on Disney music and laugh and she makes me feel like I should be proud of myself. And, the beautiful thing about it is that everyone has something that makes them feel like that: whether it’s singing or dancing or acting or programming or mechanical engineering or drawing etc etc.

Another thing I’ve noticed on tik tok: everyone..and I mean EVERYONE is obsessed with love. For obvious reasons, haha, but the level of toxicity is crazy. It’s almost like no one knows how they really should be treated and the bare minimum is a shock. The amount of tik toks that are about girls getting texts from their crush or being left on read or their body counts or makeup to impress him is exhausting. Honestly, I feel fatigued :) And it is nearly always followed by tik toks of girls crying and their makeup is running and they’re saying they hate men or they’re screaming about how their ex is a piece of shit and “look at me now.”

I get it, I understand everything they’re saying. Getting left on read sucks, and it hurts, and you overthink it and think you did something wrong. But, at the end of the day, do you SEE yourself? You look ridiculous. One of my biggest lessons in quarantine is quite simply to let that shit go. Did I cry to my mom at 4am because I guy stopped talking to me for a day? Yes, but did I reflect on it and recognize that that was probably a waste of time (and sleep) also yes.

In all of my blog posts the central message ends up being essentially the same, perspective. Recently I’ve chosen to see the world in as positive a light as I possibly can. It’s SO hard to do, especially in these times, but I’m holding out for good. Good attracts good. I like to think. If you sink yourself as low as you can, and believe the worst in people, then that’s what you’ll attract, and you’ll end up hurt. It happens everyone time. I know that a lot of stuff I write sounds so cringey, but it is truly stuff I have come to believe during quarantine. You almost feel lighter when you treat life like a gift instead of a curse.

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about my future. Not in an unhealthy way, because I like to be as mindful to what is in front of me as possible, but as something to get excited about. I can’t wait to (possibly) go to grad school. I can’t wait to travel and do good for others. I can’t wait to learn as much as I can about as many people as I can. I can’t wait to meet my best friend and get married and blah blah I’m just excited. I just wish more people would embrace the uncertainty of the things to come instead of back away from it (disclaimer that I recognize that this is a privilege I have as I notice that there are many factors that lend to my opportunities in this weird world we live in)

So, when things don’t go my way in the present, I’m not going to say it’s not hard. Being an empath, I get close and attached to people really quickly and when it’s not reciprocated in the same way it really really stings. The key is not taking that to heart though. I know what I’m worth and while I always give people the benefit of the doubt, I also need to recognize that it’s just a fact that not everything will work out in my favor. And if someone is not jumping at the chance to talk to you or be with you or make you feel like you’re not worth their time then you need to recognize that that’s not a reflection of your value.

I always knew that :) That was nothing new. Putting it into practice is harder though, but every night I feel better. (I also say this every time) but the people you surround yourself with tend to be a reflection of how you feel about yourself and I’m happy to say that that is true for me.

Of course, there are times when some things just make no sense and you take it out on yourself; but let me be the first to urge you not to do that. You never ever know what is going on in someone’s life or mind. We’re all innately, primally, selfish, so of course we would think that we did something to provoke someone or make them hate us. Chances are though, it doesn’t involve you. The more I grow up the more selective I am in the battles I choose. Most of the times, playing games with people is not the move. If you’re upset, please god be upfront about it. You don’t want to spend your time on someone or something that doesn’t make you better.

The second, and more important part of that though: leave it alone. This is something I struggle with. If I’m upset with someone I’m usually not “mean,” I’ll just make a lot of passive aggressive jokes about them. Again, not my finest moments. It’s something I’m working on leaving in the past. There’s no use bringing someone else down. I’m not a hypocrite.

Anyway, in conclusion, I know that quarantine can be pretty lonely. I think I’m more lonely now than I was before solely because people are starting to go out and hang out with friends now (which is something that my family has definitely been more cautious about). At the end of it all though, I think I made the best friend I’ve ever had during quarantine (it’s myself, if that wasn’t clear)

It’s so difficult to sit with yourself and be content. I’m definitely not there, but I’m a lot closer than I was. And even though I most definitely fo not talk to my friends 24/7, I know they’re still there. That trust is something I really value. And, while I appreciate it, I’m excited to carry my own weight a little bit better when this is all over.

You’re all Valuable (Yes I mean ALL of you)

-Julia

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news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog · 5 years

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How SparkNotes' social media accounts mastered the art of meme-ing literature

Most millennials know SparkNotes as the ultimate no-nonsense study buddy, but today’s students not only receive help with schoolwork from the website, they get high-quality entertainment, too.

SparkNotes remains a crucial tool for text comprehension — full of study guides and supplemental resources on english literature, philosophy, poetry, and more. But over the past two years it’s also become a source of some of the internet’s most quick-witted, thought-provoking, and ambitious memes.

SparkNotes' Twitter and Instagram accounts have carved a unique niche for themselves online by posting literary memes that find perfect parallels between classic works like Macbeth, The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, and Frankenstein, and present-day pop culture favorites like The Office, Parks and Rec, and more.

It may come as a surprise to those who once frequented the site for the sole purpose of better understanding Shakespeare plays before a final exam or catching up on assigned chapters of The Catcher in the Rye before the bell rang, but SparkNotes is cool now, and absolutely killing the social media game.

SEE ALSO: The magic of Book Fairies

As someone who spends the majority of her workday on the internet and splits her leisure time almost exclusively between reading books and re-watching episodes of The Office, I fell in love with the account's near-perfect meme execution after mere minutes of scrolling through posts.

In a world with so many bad brand tweets and tone-deaf memes, I felt compelled to seek out the well-read meme masters behind SparkNotes' social media to learn how it is they manage to make each and every post so good.

How SparkNotes' social media became LIT ✨📚

Chelsea Aaron, a 31-year-old senior editor for SparkNotes, is a huge part of the success. She started managing the site's Instagram in September 2017, and her meme approach has helped the account grow from 5,000 to 134,000 followers.

"When I first started managing the account, I tried a bunch of different things," Aaron explained in an email. "I ran illustrations and original content from our blog, and I also borrowed memes from our Twitter ... The memes seemed to get the most likes, so I started making and posting those on a regular basis, and now I try to do four to five per week."

Image: screengrab / Instagram

Aaron discovered the account's recipe for success by not only making memes about some of SparkNotes' most popular, highly searched guides — which include Shakespeare's plays, The Great Gatsby, and Pride and Prejudice — but by mashing them together with a few modern television shows that she's personally passionate about, such as The Office, Parks and Rec, Arrested Development, and John Mulaney's comedy specials. She's also known for hilariously retelling entire works (SparkNotes style, so, abridged versions) using the account's Highlight feature.

Image: screengrab / instagram

The brilliantly sharp, comical posts seem effortless, but Aaron explained the process takes some serious concentration. Essentially, she stares at a large collection of collected screenshots "in a state of panic" until an idea strikes. "It's wildly inefficient and incredibly stressful, but I haven't figured out another way to do it," she admitted.

Luckily, Aaron always has the SparkNotes Twitter account to turn to for inspiration, which is managed by Courtney Gorter, a 26-year-old consulting writer for SparkNotes who Aaron calls "a comedic genius."

Gorter has been managing the Twitter account for about a year and a half now, and joined the SparkNotes team because she utilized its resources growing up and wanted to help "make classic literature feel accessible" to others.

"I wanted this stuff to seem slightly more fun (or, at the very least, less intimidating) to the average stressed-out student who's just trying to read fifty pages by tomorrow and also has a quiz on Friday," she said. The memes definitely help her achieve that goal.

Scrolling through the SparkNotes Instagram account, you notice it generally uses a recurring but reliably satisfying meme format. Most of the posts consist of a white block filled with introductory text and a screenshot from a television show, like so.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SparkNotes Official (@sparknotes_) on Apr 16, 2019 at 10:25am PDT

Gorter, on the other hand, ensures the Twitter account showcases a far more widespread representation of the internet. She posts everything from out-of-context screenshots, GIFs, and videos, to altered headlines from The Onion and trending meme formats of the moment, like "in this house" memes, "nobody vs me" memes, and more. The account is full of variety and gloriously unpredictable.

Hades: Orpheus I’ll let you bring your wife back from the Underworld, but if you turn and look behind you she’ll be lost to you forever. Orpheus: pic.twitter.com/FWD9P2nO0m

— SparkNotes (@SparkNotes) April 16, 2019

Normal heart rate: /\⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ /\ _ / \ __/\__ / \ _ \/⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ \/ The old man you just killed, whose heart lies hidden beneath the floorboards yet continues to beat: ⠀/\⠀ /\⠀ /\ _/ \ /\_/ \ /\_/ \ /\_ ⠀ \/⠀⠀ \/⠀⠀ \/

— SparkNotes (@SparkNotes) April 12, 2019

Gorter, who describes herself as "constantly on the internet" feels a lot of her ideas are the result of "cultural osmosis ... our collective tendency to consume references and jokes without realizing it just by being on the internet a lot."

"Sometimes I’ll be reading a book, and I’ll remember a joke I saw earlier that fits. Sometimes a new meme format will crop up over the weekend, and I’ll think, 'That could work for Macbeth,'" she said.

Though the two accounts are clearly distinct from one another, they both give off the same hip English teacher energy and running them has become a truly collaborative effort. "I constantly send her [Gorter] emails asking stuff like, 'Can I still say 'big mood' or is that over?' and 'What's the deal with this whole 'wired vs tired' thing?'" Aaron said.

Together, the two women spend their days discussing iconic works of literature, making pop culture references, and keeping up with the latest memes. (A dream job.) Their separate styles fuse together to make each other's posts the best they can be.

The meme approach works wonders

One might not initially think that Boo Radley and John Mulaney have much in common, or that Michael Scott could effortlessly embody Romeo, Julius Caesar, and Holden Caulfield if you simply alter your perspective. I certainly did not.

But Aaron and Gorter's work will convince you. Once you start merging the worlds of classic literature and modern television series, you won't want to stop.

The SparkNotes instagram is my favorite thing pic.twitter.com/FCc6sXjJly

— Jessie Martin (@jessie_martin97) March 29, 2019

Fun fact, the official Sparknotes Instagram account is probably the best one: pic.twitter.com/sIR6tsw7ZP

— Tommy (@tommy_jacobs92) February 28, 2019

When describing why the posts work so well, Aaron explained that Hamlet, Mr. Darcy, and Gatsby — three of her favorite characters to meme — have super relatable personalities, which makes the process so simple.

"They're dramatic, and awkward, and obsessive, which makes them identical to about 97% of the people on The Office," she said. "I've learned that you can use Michael Scott as a stand-in for pretty much any classic lit character, and it isn't even hard. (That's what she said)."

What wow the @SparkNotes Twitter is extremely good???? It all appears to be this good!!! https://t.co/PyEqTdQ3Ly

— Rachel Kelly 🥛 (@wholemilk) May 2, 2019

Why is @SparkNotes's Twitter so good it has no right to be this good https://t.co/eFBQpLMpe3

— Kelsey [Version 2019.05] (@flusteredkels) May 2, 2019

Gorter thinks the accounts are so appealing because they create a deep sense of community — an online space that isn't so isolating, rather a place where where bibliophiles, television enthusiasts, and meme lovers can all come together and geek the hell out. There's really something for everyone.

"When Steve Rogers said, 'I understood that reference,' I felt that deeply. I think people enjoy being in on a joke, especially when the source material (classic literature, for instance) isn’t particularly hilarious," Gorter said. "There’s a delicious juxtaposition there. I know that I personally get a secret little thrill when I understand something as contextually layered as a really niche meme, and a slight sense of frustration when I don’t."

Engaging followers and changing with the times

SparkNotes as a whole has come a long way since it was launched as TheSpark.com by a group of Harvard students in 1999.

What started out as a budding web-based dating service quickly transformed into a trusted library of online study materials, and over the years, as the publishing industry, technology, and the internet evolved, so did SparkNotes.

Like the social media accounts, SparkNotes' SparkLife blog — full of quizzes, artwork, rankings, advice, and trendy posts like "How To Break Up With Someone, According To Shakespeare" and "Snapchats From Every Literary Movement" — perfectly encapsulates the site's commitment to catering to its audience.

Whoever runs the Sparknotes twitter and Instagram pages deserves a raise

— louise🌻 (@_Fallxn_) February 21, 2019

SparkNotes does a remarkable job of shifting with the times to stay relevant and interesting in the eyes of its readers — and the quest to balance fun and education really seems to be paying off. Recently, the Instagram account tested out a post that called upon students and teachers to request custom-made memes by reaching out via email with the title of a book or subject they want meme'd, along with a message for the intended recipient.

"The response was amazing!" Aaron said. "We got almost 250 emails, and it's so great to see the genuine affection and admiration that teachers have for their students, and vice versa."

Thanks to the social media accounts, SparkNotes is not only helping students learn, but helping entire classrooms bond with their teachers. (And hopefully teaching educators who follow a thing or two about good memes.)

Print isn't dead, it's just getting some help from the internet

Aaron and Gorter are having a blast running the accounts, but ultimately, they hope their lighthearted posts will inspire people to pick up a book and read.

"I hope what our followers take away from this is that classic literature doesn’t have to be totally dry," Gorter said. "If our memes encourage our followers to engage with classic literature and be excited about reading, that's so rewarding," Aaron added.

The present-day approach to selling classic literature is undeniably unconventional, and the crossovers are absurdly ambitious, but they work so damn well. What's great about the memes is they're created in a way that doesn't diminish the literature plots, because in reality, one would have to have such a comprehensive understanding of the text to make such good jokes.

The memes are actually pretty high-brow when you think about it, sure to delight intellectuals with great taste in pop culture. I have no idea how the legendary writers would feel about their greatest works getting the meme treatment, but people online are definitely loving it.

It's refreshing to see a brand account succeed at such a genuinely funny level, but perhaps even nicer to see it thriving off of wholesome content that doesn't drag other accounts or get its laughs at the expense of tearing others down, as we've seen accounts do in the past.

SparkNotes social media accounts are genuinely just nice corners of the internet dedicated to making people laugh and hopefully igniting a love of literature.

WATCH: Steve Carell to reunite with 'The Office' creator for Netflix's 'Space Force'

#_uuid:9b22ebd8-ea58-31ce-9978-8521a7e4e858 #_category:yct:001000002 #_author:Nicole Gallucci #_lmsid:a0Vd000000DTrEpEAL #_revsp:news.mashable

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my-computer-tuition · 3 years

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How to Do Affiliate Marketing

It could be written “How can I tell folk about this new product or service and earn money doing it”

Remember back in school, when you delivered the morning paper to the neighbourhood, sometimes there would be a flyer from the local takeaway inserted in the paper. Or, as happened to me, the circus came to town and someone from the show turned up at my TV shop one morning , He offered me a few free tickets if I would hand out the circus flyers to all my customers and put a circus poster in the window.

How many times have you noticed some new product that your neighbour bought and you asked about where you can get one, or maybe the other way around – “hey, nice sneakers, where did you buy those?”

These are all examples , that are or could be used to gain a commission or “kick back” for increasing sales. All of the above of course are done “Off line” . With the internet came the opportunity to sell to the whole world , getting huge audiences to look at your products.

So Online you first look for an affiliate program. Many big shops like Wallmart, B&Q, Amazon have affiliate programs that are free to join. Some of them outsource the affiliate program admin to Affiliate Specialists like Affiliate Window or CJ Affiliates. Usually if you Google “affiliate program” + name of the store, you’ll be able to find it easily.

Once you are a member, they will give you your own Affiliate Link . You simply promote, including this link in your articles and Adverts some product or service belonging to the owner in exchange for a commission, once you successfully make a sale.

To make the process better, promote your article and test versions of the Ads until you find the best one.

Actually there is another simpler form of Affiliate marketing, called CPA (cost per action) where you only have to provide LEADS, not even make the sale! Very easy, can be very lucrative. More on this later

Examples of Affiliate Marketing

These are easy to find all over the web. Ever seen those boxes at the end of a magazine blog article?

At first glance they look like articles, but of course these are ads, more exactly they are Native Ads. They don’t stand out as Ads, plus the headlines are usually extraordinary, making them highly clickable. Advertisers are getting really sneaky. They can check your IP address and include some relevant content, lets say you are in Kentucky USA, this can be made to trigger a Headline “ Kentucky Woman First to Win Over $4,000,000 in lottery” or “ How Kentucky Woman makes $4000 a day doing this…”

I wouldn’t advocate such things, but just notice them next time you’re reading online, you will be amazed how often it happens.

Whats the Purpose of an Advert?

The answer most people give is “ to sell stuff” . No I would argue the purpose is simply to get your attention. The selling is done on the bridge page and Sellers own product page or VSL ( video sales letter) which is a very popular method at the moment. One of the most successful marketers today Gerry Crammer makes simple images like hand drawn faces or anything out-of-the-ordinary a giant squid on a beach for example and is responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in sales.

What Kind of Ad Works Best?

Just do what is already working. Pioneers are great, but you only hear about the few that are successful, not the majority, who lost a ton of money trying a new method , then gave up.

What kind of Product is Best to Promote?

Sell what is selling NOW. Here we will have to do some research. Google trends is a good tool to check for product popularity. One fairly easy strategy is to follow the native ads, in the example click through to the end, find out which products are being sold. There is one simple truth here, no one pays for ads, continuously, unless they are making money.

Next, find the products home page. Look up the amount of traffic ( web visitors ) that page is getting, one great , free resource to use is similarweb.com, for which you can sign up for a free account. Type in your product page address and see how much traffic they are getting, where it is being referred from ( eg Facebook ads, Bing Ads….) and what country are these visitors from. You now have all that is required to start a successful ad campaign going.

How Does Affiliate Marketing Actually Work?

This is one example scenario, our user is on Facebook, sees an ad for some products he is interested in, he clicks the ad and is taken to an Affiliate bridge Page where there are more details, like price, size, color etc finally he clicks to buy and is taken to Amazon on a link which has our Affiliate ID on it, so Amazon recognises our sale and rewards us with a commission. There are simpler ways and more sophisticated ways to make an affiliate link, but this is the basic model that most marketers use.

Direct Linking

Why bother going to a bridge page I hear you ask. Why not go straight to the Offer-Page from the Ad? Well in most advertising scenarios, the ads are seen on big platforms like Facebook, Google, YouTube etc. They all have their own Terms and Conditions one of which is usually No Affiliate Links. In most cases it would be ok, if you are promoting your own book, for instance. But promoting slimming pills – definitely would not, in fact Facebook has become very intolerant of any such links and is very likely to ban your ad account permanently! Anything to do with weight loss, any images even slightly hinting at too much exposed skin is also likely to be banned. Facebooks ad industry is huge and they are top dog…. at the moment and they wield a powerful sword over their advertisers. Advertisers love FB because they have so much demographic information available to laser target the potential customers.

I note that This month saw Australia put a limitation on Facebook as regards ads , so this might be an indicator of the way things will go in the future.

So that is basically why we should use a bridge page. The linking to the product then takes place OFF Facebooks page, so your account is safe again. The bridge page should be totally congruent with the subject , so a slimming product could be linked from within a Bridge Page about “How to Maintain good health when on a diet” for example. This avoids direct mention of anything medical or Weight loss oriented.

Whats in a link?

The links take our visitor to the next place, so part of the link is an HTML ‘anchor’ which has the web address in it. The rest is usually unique and has our Affiliate ID, this is sometimes disguised, just in case someone tampers with the link to divert the sale commission. Eg.

Here the offer vendor is Clickbank and our ID is hidden along with the product code in the bit before “.hop.” This link has an extra tracking section ( tid ) on the end, used to distinguish this offer from other offers. We can make use of this when setting up our tracking software.

Affiliate Disclosure

The FTC Federal Trade Commission requires that you disclose the fact that you make a commission with each sale on your site, so make sure it is there. As everyone is obliged to do this, its no longer a disadvantage to see this on a website.

Which Platform is Best for Promoting my Products

This depends on your own preference in most cases, although videos on YouTube are superb for anything visual or explaining “how to do…..” if it’s a practical matter like component assembly. However, videos can be included in a blog easily, so you get the benefit of the visitor being able to skip through to the part that he or she is interested in , quickly and include a lot of detail in graphs, lists, links to other sites, images, coding, downloads and many other things.

YouTube’s algorithm is simpler than Google’s. YouTube videos will rank more easily if you include the right tags, tags are a big help and the main way YouTube searches work. If you are going to use YouTube as your platform, install Tube Buddy or Vid IQ in your browser. Either of these will allow you to find out which tags are in all your competitors videos.

Although YouTube videos rank quicker, at the moment Google is still putting blogs in the majority of the top 10 for each search result (serp) . It is well worth the effort of writing many articles, which will rank for many search terms and you will appear in multiple sets of serps for your search term or keyword.

Relevance is the key. If you want to sell tents, write about all sorts of tents, tents for high temperature, low temperature, windy conditions, waterproof materials used in tents, price points on your selection of tents, durability of tents , cover the subject thoroughly.

These 3 links give you the easiest way to make an insertable text link, Image link or both. Write your article reviewing the item an insert the Text+Image link at the end

This is the html code, the image is served by Amazon’s own server together with the correct price.

You can see, similar to the previous example, the affiliate ID xyzmarketing and the product code ( asin) = B083V589M5

Even if you don’t use Amazon directly, many affiliates have stopped since the recent downturn in commissions from Amazon, at the height of the first Covid lockdown, Amazons profits rose tremendously and they decided they did not need so many affiliates. Amazon does provide us with amazing research tools though. Their products are arranged so you can easily compare similar ones and then promote them direct through the manufacturers own affiliate programs . Amazons Best Selling category, is so useful to pick good products to promote. Amazons reviews often tell of particularly good or bad lines.

How to start Affiliate Marketing without investment using Free Traffic

Is that a real thing? Yes, but for long term products. All of this article so far has relied on paid Advertising- which works instantly and you get the results instantly.

It takes so long to get a website ranking well enough – in the top 10 on page one, for a search term. That is will only work for long term things. One exception to this is Pinterest traffic. It IS possible to build up a Pinterest account fast, so you’re getting that traffic flowing. But it only works in certain niches , great for USA traffic and feminine type products , although this too is changing slowly. I wrote an article outlining a Pinterest strategy on this blog.

My own first success was with Halogen Ovens. I built up a website with a page per review plus comparison tables and other pages devoted to maintenance and recipes. It became very popular with several number one positions for various search terms. All the products were from Amazon making research very easy and quick. I even expanded the site to cover UK and US products. One month of solid work on the site, gave me a good few years of income, it still earns a little even now 6 years on.

So – don’t expect anything other than evergreen products like kitchen appliances, household cleaners and maybe financial products to last long enough to make it worthwhile building up a blog.

Free traffic is marvellous. For beginners in IM it is usually the chosen route, as mistakes with anyone inexperienced with Ad accounts can be very costly. Also the results with free traffic from Google will last a long time ; But with a lot of products changing rapidly, ads are really the only way to get your affiliate funnel up and running fast enough to make a good return. The reason many big Aff marketers use funnel builders, rather than the basic wordpress editor, is because they need the pages up very quickly to take advantage of new offers.

Does Affiliate Marketing Still Work

Yes, absolutely. Many marketers are very successful once they find their own favourite niches and have some experience. Four, Five and even Six figure per year profits from Aff Mktg is totally possible

#affiliatemarketing internetmarketing earnaffiliatecommissions

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charlieharry1 · 4 years

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Web Design – A Quick Guide for Beginners

So you're pondering getting more into the entire website composition schtick? All things considered, it's very worth Digital Marketing Agencies Sheffield reconsidering a portion of the nuts and bolts before you choose to make a plunge. Have no dread, in any case, in light of the fact that in this blog entry I will translate all the fundamental necessities you have to remember when planning your site.

Arrangement, Margins and Rules

So how about we bounce straight in. In the event that you've at any point done any website architecture work whatsoever, at that point you'll know wireframes are an absolute necessity. They help you portray where the substance goes and how the general site structure will look. Well that is all okay, yet is there anything to consider if it's simply wireframes? That is to say, there's not actually much as far as configuration is there?

Be that as it may, while making a site, having a solid arrangement is essential. Why? Indeed, that is on the grounds that it makes content simpler for individuals to peruse and makes more harmony among substance and blank area.

So how would I do that? Indeed, I'm happy you inquired. It's in every case great to set some type of rules set up to guarantee all your substance is kept spotless, organized, and attractive. In the mockup beneath, you can see the network lines used to help recognize the edge of the site.

wireframes

Presently, it is not necessarily the case that everything ought to consistently be kept in the edges. This is even more a format to help make your structure look neater. Things, for example, foundation shapes, pictures, and pennants can be somewhat overlooked as these components are a greater amount of an emphasize to the plan, not an auxiliary component. There are different aides you can download for both Sketch and Photoshop which I assurance will support any learner. Here are a couple of rule bundles:

Void area

I'm beginning this area by expressing the self-evident. Void area doesn't really mean a space which is white.

Blank area is something that can be genuinely emotional. Some may state you can never have enough blank area, while others state it makes your site look plain. All things considered, I for one trust you can never have excessively. Long story short, blank area is a decent method of inciting more thoughtfulness regarding your picked component and making more significance to it. Investigate this model from Squarespace.

white spaceThis screen capture gives a solid, away from of how whitespace can be utilized to cause to notice the picked segment and propose more significance to it. Here are a couple of other genuine instances of blank area utilization.

Substance, and How To Keep Things Simple

Since we've secured the blank area, it's presumably worth referencing duplicate. Duplicate is essentially another term for the substance composed on the page. Furthermore, in spite of the fact that it might appear as though that has nothing to do with the architect, it really does.

Having an excess of duplicate in one region can make the page look jumbled and indistinguishable. On the off chance that you need your area to stick out, it's important that a little passage of text can fill precisely the same need as a large portion of a book of text.

Investigate the screen capture from Squarespace once more. Notice how there are just three lines of passage text spent? That is on the grounds that they need to incite a message through a fast, straightforward section so the client essentially doesn't get exhausted. So long story short, keep your substance little.

Stages – Expectations versus Reality

Right, how about we proceed onward to a portion of the limitations you may confront. Presently, in case you're a planner as of now and you've had the advantage of utilizing WordPress, or some other CMS so far as that is concerned, at that point you most likely know there are a reasonable not many limitations. Notwithstanding, for those uncultured in the CMS world, it's important that not all that you need to remember for your plan is really conceivable.

WordPress, for instance, is an incredible stage to use for building any site. It offers a crazy number of various highlights, subjects, modules, and substantially more. Be that as it may, it's not generally as exact as you might want it to be. Things like foundation components and site structure can shift contingent upon the subject you're utilizing, so I enthusiastically suggest taking a gander at what framework you will use before you jump into the plan work.

I've really composed a blog entry about utilizing WordPress for amateurs on the off chance that you need to look at it.

The good to this story is to consistently check what subject you will use before you plunge into the structure segment. The quantity of issues you could confront when attempting to execute unthinkable highlights on a site is going to cause you much more work, significantly more pressure, and significantly additional time. So be accommodating.

As a matter of fact, while we're on the point, here are two or three sweet subjects for WordPress that are entirely acceptable with regards to customisation. In any case, as usual, on the off chance that you need quality, it includes some major disadvantages.

Photoshop and Sketch – Which Design Software to Use?

Sketch

How about we start with the newcomer. Sketch is generally new in the structure business. As indicated by Sketch's site, the main update of Sketch was discharged fourteenth April 2014, yet different sources state it was discharged seventh September 2010. Be that as it may, don't be tricked by its age, it's still genuinely pressing some punch.

Sketch is ideal for introducing structures. With the capacity to see in HTML position, you can see a live see of the webpage in a program window, permitting you to see to a greater extent a continuous look of the site.

Furthermore, Sketch can likewise be considered as a speedier stage for structure as it permits you to make custom formats for your site. So as opposed to replicating your "Header-1" record from report to archive as you do in Photoshop, you can essentially add a custom layout to drop into any artboard you please.

So what else does Sketch bring to the table? All things considered, in case you're a first-time fashioner, view yourself as favored. The (UI) is very easy to utilize. I can hand on heart state it took me around two days to feel sure with it. Just as this, you can likewise discover moving from Photoshop to Sketch incredibly simple as both UIs have a ton of similitudes, which is a saucy little reward.

Notwithstanding, this product has one colossal disadvantage that all you Apple haters won't be excessively satisfied about, and at this point I can envision you definitely recognize what it is. That's right, it's for Mac OS as it were. No Windows, no Linux, just Mac OS.

As per Sketch themselves, they expressed they aren't anticipating supporting some other working framework separated from Mac OS due to the "advances and structures restrictive to OS X". Along these lines, just clients with an Apple figuring item can download the application, which is presumably the greatest downside for any product ever. Yet, hello, such is reality.

Photoshop

Presently, how about we view the granddad of plan. Since the get-go itself (1990), one programming has consistently been available (not so much). Photoshop. This product has been utilized for as long as 28 years in the plan business. Also, it's quite evident why. Truly anything should be possible in Photoshop. Website architecture, application plan, banner structure, marking, photograph altering, everything.

So let me know, why use something else to Photoshop? All things considered, that is altogether down to you. On the off chance that you like Photoshop and you're glad utilizing it, at that point carry on as you seem to be. Photoshop is an awesome stage for configuration, offering components including different changing strategies and 3D creation instruments that you most likely didn't have any acquaintance with it had.

As far as highlights, Photoshop commands the market by storm. Since this product is an inside and out plan stage, you can make essentially anything in it. This makes it ideal for website architecture as it offers all that you requirement for a strong plan, to say the very least. You can make the ideal structure of your site, sprinkle it with typography, include some photograph altering, and slap a spoonful of illustrations you drew up on there and blast, new web composition.

Presently, there's nothing saying you can't do precisely the same thing with Sketch, yet toward the day's end, the stage is absolutely down to client inclination. I'll by and by be adhering to PhotoShop (on the grounds that I have windows yeehaw), yet we additionally use Sketch at Bowler Hat, so there's no genuine set in stone with this one.

Marking Guidelines

OK, so now the entirety of that is off the beaten path, we should concentrate on marking rules. Any business will have some type of marking or brand rules. You may have been sent from God him/herself, and have just a couple of marking hues. Bangin'.

Then again, you may have numerous brand hues and concluding how you will consolidate each of the 612 distinct varieties of pink and red into your structure will be a test (simply remember that these ought to be highlight hues).

Fundamentally, don't go slapping a splendid pink foundation on your site with lime green accents completely through. Keep things straightforward. Have a white foundation and set one as a feature shading and the different as an emphasize. We utilize different hues quite well at Bowler Hat to help recognize each assistance, so in the event that you need motivation, simply fly over to our landing page.

Read Also:- “Domain name scam”, what is it, and how it works?

End

Right, how about we have a speedy recap: arrangement is vital, blank area is vital, keep your duplicate basic, recollect what CMS you're utilizing (in the event that you are utilizing one), choose what stage you're planning on, follow brand rules, and, for the good of god, don't utilize Comic Sans (I'm imploring you). One thing to consistently remember, in any case, is that your structure is never going to be ideal the first run through around and changing the entire plan after some time is totally typical for any planner.

Ideally, this blog gave you some understanding into the entire website composition thing, however for more assistance, download our site arranging guide for a more intensive glance at Digital Marketing Company in Sheffield all that you have to consider when arranging a site, or connect today to get familiar with our web architecture administrations and let us do the hard structure work for you.

#Digital Marketing Agencies Sheffield

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westphotolukedas · 4 years

Text

Production Journal - GQ

060320

The final presentation of my photographs for this project should be appropriate for a men’s lifestyle magazine. GQ is a publication that would print an editorial shoot of this nature and I shall use it as a case study. The magazine’s focus is fashion, style, culture, fitness, music, travel, sports and technology for a male market. An article by photographer Matt Martin is the basis for my project and I will consider the requirements of print and digital platforms.

Gentlemen's Quarterly (GQ), formerly Apparel Arts, started as a men’s fashion magazine for wholesale buyers and retailers. It was launched in 1931 in the US for a limited run; however, its popularity promoted the advent of Esquire Magazine and other publications that built upon its success. Apparel Arts was rebranded as Gentleman’s Quarterly in 1958. The acronym GQ followed in 1967. It was later acquired by Condé Nast, who added articles beyond fashion. Various editors have influenced the reader base over the years - Nonnie Moore as fashion editor dressed up the pages to make the content approachable yet aspirational then Jim Nelson attracted younger and more casual readers. Finally, the term ‘metrosexuality’ was coined in response to the lifestyle that GQ promoted - ownership of an impulse to shop for high fashion. It is thought to trace back to a Mark Simpson piece for The Independent via his book Male Impersonators (1994), ‘The promotion of metrosexuality was left to the men's style press, magazines such as The Face, GQ, Esquire, Arena and FHM, the new media which took off in the Eighties and is still growing. They filled their magazines with images of narcissistic young men sporting fashionable clothes and accessories. And they persuaded other young men to study them with a mixture of envy and desire.’ (Condé Nast, 2020)

Matt Martin is a New York-based photo editor and photographer. At GQ Magazine he has held the positions of senior visuals editor and visuals editor from 2015 to 2019. As a former e-commerce and product photographer, there is characteristic precision to his style - colours are true to life with lighting that elevates the subject to appear pristine. In an editorial shoot with boxer Deontay Wilder, Martin worked as part of team involving a stylist, cinematographer and video editor. As a showman and undisputed champion in his weight class, Wilder has many visual traits that are the subject of tropes - a gold studded mask, crown, jewellery and boxing gloves. The styling of the shoot reflects his passion for luxury and he wears Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace. In the video footage, the sitter is playful yet physical. Poses are clearly those of a boxer as he flaunts his form. The lighting is low-key with a background that falls into darkness. A soft key light, absent fill light and carefully placed back light emphasise the broadness of his shoulders and angular musculature. Metallic-based textiles and a black skin tone complement these creative choices. Cropping is bold in the video footage and high key still images. There are some full length and profile shots; however, cropping at the chin to frame his golden chain and presenting a lone tattooed fist are signifiers that are all unmistakably Wilder. (GQ, 2019)

Matt Martin, Deontay Wilder, 2019

Summary

The list of photographers and cinematographers that I have blogged about for this project is extensive - Smith, Andrew, Refn, Sigel, Norwood and Kander. Martin is being added for his clean-cut editorial approach. The opening sequence of my series will aim to recreate his low-key Deontay Wilder lighting that I have described. It champions the look that GQ has come to represent. Back lighting exaggerates the masculinity of a subject because angular features become more pronounced. Reflective textiles in this shoot were successful and Ben’s red jacket should create a similar outcome. Acting in combination with the lighting, a sense of the luxury will be inferred. The innovative cropping is effective for Wilder as he has characteristics specific to him as a boxing personality. Ben and I shall search for framing that defines him. Furthermore, there needs to be some dominant statement expressed with his drumsticks.

Production Notes

I have worked as a portrait photographer for the past eight years. Studio Photo Gallery is my preference of studio space. It is compact and well equipped for photographers on a budget. The owner provides Elinchrom heads with a variety of modifiers. Ben arrived with his clothing, drumsticks and hair product to prepare for the shoot. I set up the lighting as shown in the diagram. It refashions Martin’s design almost directly. There was a head with a soft box camera left and black polyboards either side of it. This prevented flare into the lens and flagged light from the background. A head with a snoot was placed camera right at an angle. Again like Martin, a hard back light enhanced Ben’s masculine characteristics. Finally, the black paper background was a few metres behind him. This imposed several stops difference between the subject and background, ensuring a pure black aesthetic.

My professional studio settings are f8.0, 1/125s and 100 ISO. I feel that this gives me the optimal performance of my lens and camera - Nikon D750 and 50mm lens. It is natural for me to work with people and empower them to present their personality. Ben had several ideas for poses. We started casually with his arms by his side and at an angle to me. There are variations between him looking at the camera and away. The way that he held the drumsticks came from him. Making a cross was aggressive and purposeful. We felt that worked well. Reaching with a single stick straight into the lens was another successful composition. I rejected poses that seemed forced, although I did not communicate this at the time. My final images have been retouched on Photoshop. His hair was reshaped and trimmed to remove any fly aways. His skin is free of most blemishes; however, I left some to maintain a rugged appearance. Otherwise there is relatively little post-production and the look I was attempting was captured as practical effects.

In a second phase of the shoot, I began to take more risks and to work outside of my comfort zone. I mounted my Nikon D750 and 50mm lens on a tripod and attempted long exposure motion blur. After many test shots the most efficacious combination was f8.0, 4s and ISO 200. If the shutter speed was too long then forms clumped together. If it was too short then there was no trace of a blur. Since my Mamiya 645 with 80mm lens is analogue, I had to wait until the film was processed to see if I was successful. The Kodak Professional Ektar 100 that I loaded performed admirably. It was pushed a stop to 200 ISO to reproduce the digital test shots. My lighting design was comparably simple. The head with a snoot was switched off and the head with a softbox had a range of gels taped to it. It was used as a constant light with the flash unit off and the modelling light switched on. Finally, a domestic table lamp with an open bulb was positioned under it. This had a contrasting gel taped to it. Red and blue was my preferred choice of gels. When it came to the movement, I asked Ben to be seated and to drum on his thighs to give the impression that there was a drum kit present. Music was played loudly and it was interesting to watch the movements that he would make. In the end, we selected several heavy metal tracks for him to drum to. Head banging added an extra dimensionality to the action. This definitively condensed the spirit of his music into a selective range of shots. It was Ben who suggested spinning the sticks in his hands and cropping him out. With practice he could hold still for 2s and then spin for the remaining 2s on the same exposure. This is how the solid outline of his hand was created with cyclical distortion appearing to emanate from it.

Using Photoshop, I pulled the saturation and vibrancy down on scans of these negatives. The grain gives the images a warmer and more vintage feel than a digital alternative. There was some clone tool used to remove excess blur, otherwise I felt it was necessary to preserve their rawness. A mock up magazine spread was created in the same vein as GQ. I kept the graphic design motifs minimal and made suggestions for where text could potentially appear. Each photograph is a different size to be indicative of the frenzied nature of drumming - back and forth, round and round. Ben is identified as a hand with a drumstick and two blurred profile images. I selected these latter shots because they were still identifiable as him amongst the chaotic blurriness.

Bibliography

Condé Nast (2020). GQ. Condé Nast. Available from www.condenast.co.uk/gq [Accessed 10/04/2020]

Martin, M. (2020). Deontay Wilder Always Prefers the Knockout. GQ. Available from www.gq.com/story/deontay-wilder-tunnel-style-profile [Accessed 10/04/2020]

Lighting Diagram

Digital Shoot, f/8, 1/125s, ISO 100

Contact Sheet 01

Contact Sheet 02

Analogue Shoot, f/8, 4s, ISO 200

Mock Up

#theconstructedphotograph #westphoto #mattmartin

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t-baba · 4 years

Photo

Web Developer Workflow Tools: A Beginner’s Guide

Here's a primer for the tools all web developers should get to know, from basic Bash commands to web browser add-ons that will debug your web apps and automate navigation tests, plus continuous integrations pipelines.

Keep in mind this article is intended to cover the tools that the largest number of web developers will share a need to learn, not a comprehensive listing. So don't get too mad if your favorite tool isn't here! (For example, I intentionally left out WYSIWYG website builders 😉.)

Command Line

The command line is an interface that allows you to interact with the operating system through a console, and it can go a very long way to facilitate and even automate tedious and routine tasks.

You shouldn't be afraid of getting your hands dirty with the console. The time you'll spend learning some basic scripting will most definitely pay off.

Bash Tools (Linux, macOS)

Bash is the most popular shell for the "Unix-like" operating systems such as Linux and macOS.

Your mastery — or at the very minimum, a basic knowledge — of the Bash shell can save you a lot of time. Things like locating and renaming files, finding and replacing text strings, can literally take just a few seconds with commands like locate and grep with sed, respectively.

Become proficient in Bash by reading the Bash Quick Start Guide.

PowerShell (Windows)

PowerShell is the "bash-like" task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft. It comes with a command-line similar to that of the [Command Prompt](https://ift.tt/1GmS2n8 (CMD)), but it also includes modules and a proper scripting language. But keep in mind that scripting is PowerShell in nothing like scripting in Bash. Except for a few exceptions, the commands have entirely different names, meaning that you'll need to learn these separately.

PowerShell 7 (under development) is intended as a successor to PowerShell Core 6, which was introduced as a successor to PowerShell 5. Who knows, folks at Microsoft might figure the naming thing out by version 8 or 9. 🤷‍♂️

Cygwin (also Windows)

You missed the Bash on Windows? Miss it no more! For those of you used to the power of the Bash shell but working regularly on a Windows environment, there's an alternative.

Cygwin is a POSIX-compatible environment that runs natively on Microsoft Windows, where the installation directory behaves like the root and follows a similar directory layout to that found in Unix-like systems.

Code Editors

You almost certainly know what a source-code editor is, but you might not know about some of their power features, such git integration.

There are integrated development environments (IDEs) such as NetBeans and Eclipse — but they're bloated with features we mostly won't care about anyway.

As web developers, we're more inclined towards cross-platform tools. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Atom

Not surprisingly, as it's developed by GitHub, Atom has the finest embedded Git control of any text editor, specifically aimed for GitHub repositories.

But that's not all. The "hackable text editor for the 21st Century" is incredibly easy to customize (see the docs), and a rich packages and themes ecosystem has flourished around it. Be sure to check out the blog and discussion forums to see what's been cooking, as there are plenty of regular updates.

Sublime Text

Sublime Text is the oldest product in this list (it's been around since 2008), and the only one that's not free. It's still very popular, and was the first editor to introduce many of the features we considered a given today in any decent code editor, such as "goto anything", "goto definition", and "multiple selections", among others.

It also has a companion Git client with a very sleek interface, Sublime Merge, introduced in 2018.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (not to be confused with Visual Studio is another very popular code editor right now, which includes power features such as:

IntelliSense, which provides smart completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules.

Inline debugging to analyze coding issues right from within the editor.

Version control with Git commands built-in (learn how to use version control).

Extensions and customization which run in separate processes, ensuring they won't slow down the editor (learn more about extensions).

Cloud integration with Microsoft Azure to deploy and host sites, store and query relational and document based data, and scale with serverless computing.

Read our Visual Studio Code power user's guide to become a VS Code pro, and dive even deeper with the book Visual Studio Code: End-to-End Editing and Debugging Tools for Web Developers.

The Runners Up

Although not so popular, Brackets is worth mentioning, as it’s primarily focused on web development, with a very interesting feature called Live Preview, which gives real-time connection to your browser to instantly visualize changes to CSS and HTML on screen.

Notepad++ is a drop-in replacement for Windows Notepad, very minimalist and lacking some power features we mentioned such as Git integration, but it's still a powerful, lightweight application to edit code.

Command Line–Based

As for commaind line–based editors, you've got Emacs and Vim … and endless flame wars about which one is better!

Browser Tools — Debugging, Debugging, Debugging

The web development tools shipped by some browsers aren’t quite website builders or IDEs, as they neither assist in the direct creation of a web page nor are a replacement for a code editor. Rather, they help to test the user interface (UI) of the project you're working on.

Back in the day, you’d need a number of extensions to make for a decent debugging environment, but nowadays most browsers have great built-in tools to help web developers.

Some tools you can expect to find:

A DOM inspector to edit HTML and CSS code directly on the document object model (DOM), view event listeners, and set DOM mutation breakpoints.

A console to view and filter log messages, inspect JavaScript objects and DOM nodes, and run JavaScript code in the context of the active window or frame.

A debugger to control the execution flow stepping through code, and set watches and breakpoints.

A network monitor to inspect requests and responses from the network and browser cache, including asynchronous XMLHttpRequest (XHR) — all of which can be very useful to identify bottlenecks.

An accessibility inspector to access the page's accessibility (a11y) tree, allowing you to check what's missing or otherwise what needs attention to make your site available to as many people as possible.

Performance measurement to profile execution time and system resources required by the site and walk JavaScript call stacks.

Memory measurement to track memory consumption and compare heap snapshots at different stages of the code execution.

A storage manager to handle cached data, cookies, web storage, and even IndexedDB structured data.

A service worker manager to handle and debug service workers with updates, unregisters, and start/stop of individual workers.

An emulator to test for different screen resolutions, and even different location coordinates.

Chrome DevTools

Google Chrome comes with a comprehensive and incredibly well-documented set called DevTools.

In fact, it's a good idea to visit Google's Tools for Web Developers, as you’ll find plenty of useful resources.

Firefox Developer Tools

Firefox first introduced the DOM inspector in version 3, and ever since then its Developer Tools are a state-of-the-art set that comes with extra goodies such as Eyedropper, taking screenshots, and rulers, to name a few.

Likewise, the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) is a mandatory resource for web developers.

Safari Developer Tools

Because of its lack of features and poor support to web developers, Apple Safari is a pain to work with, and, like Internet Explorer back in the day, it would be nice not to have to deal with it. But you just have to.

It does ship Web Development Tools that aren't nearly as comprehensive as the aforementioned ones, and all the documentation you'll get is what someone may have written over a lunch break. (Yes, that's all there is.)

Others

Even Microsoft Edge, the successor of infamous Internet Explorer, has a decent set of Developer Tools!

And if you fancy good old Opera, check this Stack Exchange answer to see how you open its developer tools.

Learn the Chrome and Firefox DevTools with Browser Devtool Secrets.

JavaScript Tools

Since the arrival of Node.js (the runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside the web browser), JavaScript has been used not only to enhance user interfaces but to write command-line tools and for server-side scripting programs, effectively establishing the "JavaScript everywhere" paradigm.

Consequently a whole ecosystem has emerged around it, and here are some tools you need to know.

npm

The Node package manager (npm) claims to be "the world’s largest software registry", and it’s an essential tool as it is the main way to distribute JavaScript code these days.

As listed on its website, you can use npm to:

The post Web Developer Workflow Tools: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on SitePoint.

by Lucero del Alba via SitePoint https://ift.tt/2xDn8PA

#CSS3 #HTML5 Branding #HTML5 Weekly #HTMLl5 demos #Javascript Branding #Javascript Weekly #Mobile #Mo

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lunch-date · 7 years

Text

Childish Wars: Chapter 1

WORK BY: Admin Tea

DATE PUBLISHED: 03.26.17 [REVISED: 04.22.17]

WORD COUNT: 3,399 Words [REVISED: 6,686 Words]

Summary:

In which, high school love is emphasized as invigorating or simply shitty.

A buff sophomore has weekly crushes, a junior honour student just wants to graduate, one thinks he doesn’t have a jawline, and a taekwondo student is thinking about learning how to paint.

Meanwhile, a swimmer just wants to pursue her passion, one wants to be swallowed by her bed, another is tired of doing chores, and the freshman just thought she could finally be blessed with a good love-life.

[The following notes below are found in both Tumblr and AO3 where the author has decided to post the story]

Disclaimer:

If you are viewing this story, this means that you know that this is a fan-made story— it has never happened nor will it ever happen; unless fate decides to play its cards graciously.

Since it is a fan-made story, it consists of characters that are actually based off real people. Characters are based off a group named SEVENTEEN who are idols working under PLEDIS entertainment of South Korea and some supporting characters are based off other idols/groups/actors from South Korea and Japan respectively. Some of course (a few antagonists for example) are legitimately made out of thin air.

Meanwhile, some characters are based off real fans (some with altered names or aliases) that the author personally knows.

Author’s Notes:

Setting is not in South Korea despite most characters coming from that country— in fact, it is placed in Japan. The author chose to set it in such since she did not want the readers to complain of her lack of knowledge of South Korea— considering she has never been to Korea and is only knowledgeable in Japan’s setting and history and whatnot.

Instead of using Korean Honorifics that the Kpop fans are used to (hyung, noona, etc.), Japanese Honorifics are used— the decision was done through a votation and evaluation from the author’s friends (some friends are Korean and Japanese) of which honorifics sound better with random or foreign names.

If you are to continue reading the story as it updates, please take note that there will be no trigger warnings for scenes that will be released in the future (if you notice, the author is not tagging any of the SEVENTEEN boys into the posts on Tumblr to avoid catching the eyes of possible stupid bashing predators)— which means that she trusts you can take/tolerate whatever content that may appear.

The author would also like you to take note that the start of the story will be a bit dreary and slow. She doesn’t want to rush anything at all especially since her writing is a bit rusty from the past hiatuses.

Swearing in the story is slightly inevitable.

Please be warned if you are to bash (like send hate mail to our blog or the author’s posts on AO3 and say that character like this should die or anything immature) any of the characters (or if you find their base-offs in real life and bash them) in the story, you will get not just a piece of the author’s my mind, but her fist and code breaking skills.

If you are not comfortable with anything written above, you are free to leave the site

This is the past

Or a sound effect THUD

“I am speaking in Japanese.” (the language they use throughout the story)

“I am speaking in another language.” Or “I am speaking in another language which is why it’s italicized in the middle of a sentence maybe (even just simple emphasizing something) but its Japanese again since it’s normal text again.”

‘I am thinking.’

And no when ‘Iyaa’ or ‘Aiyaa’ is typed, the author does not mean ‘Iie’ (no in Japanese), it is an expression most Japanese do, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything.

Chapter 1

Déjà vu

(Noun)

Tedious familiarity

A feeling of having already experienced a situation happening at present

“Hi,” Her eyes darted from one student to another.

She didn’t think it would be this bad— the classroom was practically eighty percent male.

“I’m Avilla Tara. I’m a dancer—“cue a long and low whistle.

She stiffened.

“—a-a swimmer, and an artist…”

A few snickered.

“You think she can draw dicks?”

Her gaze landed on the teacher up front, whose eyes glared daggers at the student seated behind her; ready to scold him.

Ready to retort before the teacher could rebuke the offender, Tara—

THUD

“Fuck—!“

The classroom fell silent.

Tara’s head snapped to the shout of distress. The student who sat two seats behind her held his head and lowered it on his desk, clearly in pain.

When did she get in?

Several heads were already turned towards the source of commotion, eyeing a small girl who turned her head slightly towards the student’s direction. She blinked slowly, her finger pretending to scratch on her messy short hair.

“Whoops.”

The girl pulled the loose strap of her bag back up, making sure it was securely hanging on her shoulder.

“My strap slipped,” she shrugged. “Sorry for being late sensei.”

She continued walking to the back of the room, ignoring the whispers that came from the male populace. The homeroom teacher merely shook her head, her small smile of hilarity going unnoticed by the class. Another girl seated at the back pushed her glasses back up before yanking her bag that she had placed on her neighbouring seat before the girl who had just arrived promptly situated herself in the desk saved for her.

A cough.

And the room fell silent once again.

“All right, thank you Tara, you may be seated. Next please.”

Little-by-little, the students’ attention diverted to the next student assigned to introduce himself, their whispers dying down. However, as Tara sat down, she couldn’t help but smile at the girls who were laughing quietly to themselves at their previous act.

“I think I just died…” Alth mutters to no one in particular as she bends her head backwards and shuts her eyes.

It was only the second day since her high school life started and she already felt completely drained. Truthfully, nothing much had even happened during the first day; just batch, homeroom, and club orientations.

But today?

Her class had just finished their third diagnostic test.

“I entered high school to learn more— not to have my elementary days tested.” Alth shut her eyes tighter, seeing flashes of white occupy the darkness in her vision.

It was that time of the school year where you had to socialize and form groups; whatever groups you would form would most probably be the group you would stick with till the end of the year. Usually Alth would take this time to befriend and get-to-know the people in a class she enters to steadily fit-in and feel like she belonged in a group of peers— temporary or not. She wouldn’t want to feel left out if there were projects that allowed the students to form their groups by friends.

“Hey.”

Though it was tough.

“Heeeey.”

It wasn’t like there was an equal number of girls in the classroom; in fact, there were only 10 girls in the room. Normally, you’d befriend someone of the same gender, right?

“Hey!”

Startled, her body jerks forward onto her desk, nearly toppling it over if it weren’t for her hands tightly grasping on the corners of her table.

“Oh, sorry!” Alth’s head whips backwards at the apology given to her.

“Uhh,” He pauses, his mouth slightly open. “My paper.” He gives it to her. “Sorry.”

Alth takes it, her gaze on him unwavering. When he started writing on his notebook, Alth blinks slowly and faces the board once again, asking the student in front of her to pass the paper that had been left behind.

“Hey.”

She looks over her shoulder again at the sound of his voice and her mouth was trying its best not to ask if he was that kid she saw during enrollment who sported an absurd haircut.

“Y-Yeah?” Way to seem nervous or extremely stiff.

“There was one number in the test… Part two, vocabulary…”

He was definitely the kid— she would never forget the face of someone who had their hair cut like some hatched egg or whatever it may have been.

“What about it?”

Now that she thought about it, his hair back then looked like a duck’s butt with some of the hair sticking out oddly at the back.

“I think it was number thirteen: a group or system in which positions of power are ranked; usually from lowest to highest,” he stops, and Alth felt her lungs take a break— he talked too fast.

Not that his hair was any better now.

“The answer’s ‘higher key’ right?”

It was a shocking colour of orange, not to mentioned it wasn’t tamed, standing tall like some grass on a lawn.

“What.” She fully turns her chair to him, ignoring the fact that the teacher was still up front— it wasn’t like he was lecturing anyway.

“I answered ‘higher key’ what about you?”

Alth had to recall for a moment what the test type was.

“Y…eah. Same.”

The boy suddenly beamed and she was taken aback for just a moment with her heart skipping a beat.

“Great! Hopefully I get a passing score at least.” He sighs, sinking into his seat as he leans back. “My name’s Chan by the way. Lee Chan.”

“Ah,” her hand twitches, almost extending to him, a bad habit she kept in her old school filled with westerners. She nods slightly, her lips forming a smile. “I’m Althea, Althea Lora.”

“Nice meeting you~” Chan nods vigorously, “You think you did well during the test? It was pretty hard, I even heard you grumbling a bit.”

She felt her cheeks flush, “ah, I think I did? It’s my first language after all.”

“Yaa, you’re lucky then,” he pouts a bit. “It’s just my third language so I’m still having a hard time coping.” He clenches his teeth and shakes his head a bit furiously.

“I could help you during English Class if you want.”

“Thanks! The next teacher’s here.” He smiles once more after whispering, then gets up from his seat, greeting the teacher who had just arrived.

Alth did the same, turning her back at him and sitting back down with the rest of the class afterwards.

Alth realized…

when Chan said ‘higher key’, she hoped he meant ‘hierarchy’.

The test type was an identification type after all.

RIIIING

“Jihoon!”

Without looking up, Jihoon mutters a quiet “Ahh?”. He closes his notebook, takes his pen and keeps it in his case.

The rest of the class do the same or merely leave their belongings scruffily on their tables as they exit the classroom, heading out for their morning break.

“I forgot to tell you. There’s a new convenience store, it’s on block 7’s lot.”

Jihoon stops writing on his memo for a moment. He watches Jeonghan who takes a seat to his right, thanking their classmate who allowed him to sit.

“…What about it?”

“I got a flyer that talks about its ice cream and smoothie promos. Wanna pass by sometime?”

“It’s not open yet, is it?”

“Nope, it’s going to open in a month.” Jeonghan’s eyes linger behind his friend. “Maybe in less than a month now actually. I got the flyer last week before class started.”

“Ahh.”

“Aubs, it’s lunch already.”

Jihoon stops his writing once more at the sound of shuffling behind him. The girl behind him groggily moves her head from her folded arms. She takes a peek to her left, and Jeonghan who had been staring at her this whole time, averts his attention back to Jihoon who resumed his writing again.

Bree—who didn’t actually notice Jeonghan’s stare due to her blurred vision—takes a peek to her right this time. Tara stands beside her table (coming from a crouch after picking her friend’s bentou bag from the floor), her own bentou bag hanging by her shoulder and her small sketchpad tucked in her arm.

“… I fell asleep?”

“I saw you purposely lie your head down; you don’t even have your notebook out.”

Bree hums at the statement and Tara sighs.

“I wouldn’t be able to anyway. The teacher didn’t use visuals.”

“It’s okay; I’ll lend you my notes.”

“Thank you.” Bree mutters and finally pulls her head up.

The two girls took their leave, muttering to themselves, and Jeonghan pulls the chair he sat on closer to Jihoon’s seat.

“You poor thing.” Jeonghan chuckles at Jihoon who raises a brow at him. “You just had to be assigned to sit in front of the dragon lady.”

“She’s just a seatmate.”

“Yeah but we’re stuck with her till next year.”

“Is the implementation for real?”

“Yup.”

“I was hoping to be classmates with Joshua and Wonwoo again..”

Jeonghan whines, resting his elbows on Jihoon’s table, “yaa; don’t you like being my classmate?”

“I’ve never been your classmate; so, I’m not entirely sure yet.”

Jeonghan pouted this time.

“Meanie~”

“It hasn’t even been a week of school yet.”

“I’m a pretty clever guy too Mister Honours.” Jihoon scoffs at this.

He remembered having to find a loophole out of Jeonghan’s case in the student council’s office when he had been caught cheating during a quiz.

But really, who files a complain about cheating in high school? Everyone practically finds a way to cheat in anything just to pass now and Jihoon didn’t have anything against it really.

“But anyway,” Jeonghan started. “Quinn’s a decent classmate.”

“You’ve been classmates before?” Jihoon recalled him muttering something about ‘forgetting she had a loud voice’.

“Yeah, freshmen year with Avilla and Ramsey.”

“Ramsey’s in Joshua’s room.”

“Whatever, to put, they were a group, like us and stuff.”

“So what about them?”

Jeonghan pulls himself back from Jihoon’s desk when he took out his snacks for Jeonghan.

Jeonghan takes the rice crackers.

“Avilla was our second semester rep; she’s good.”

“She became our class representative for our first semester last year.” Jihoon recalls.

When Avilla had been appointed as their representative, Jihoon remembered vaguely the worried look that flashed across her face. She insisted continuously that she was a bad choice, but votation from a few old classmates of hers proved otherwise.

The first semester for them had gone out evenly with Avilla’s leadership, most especially since the male representative had been hospitalized after a competition. People didn’t want to take her off of the position the second semester, but the teachers insisted that their class needed to give other students a chance.

“I don’t think they’ll make her a representative anymore.”

“Why not?” Jeonghan bites the first cracker, offering another piece to Jihoon who immediately refuses.

“There’s a new rule now that a student is only allowed to be elected once in class for their whole stay in high school.”

“Aww. That’s a bummer.”

“Hn.”

“Anyway,” Jeonghan shrugs. “Quinn…” Jeonghan trails off. “She’s decent since she actually has good notes even if you barely see her awake in class.”

“Oh?”

Jihoon wasn’t extremely familiar with Quinn unlike with Avilla and Ramsey. Ramsey had been his classmate together with Avilla the previous year, and he knew the girl was capable in the field of arts and technology. She was even a strict critique and deadly debater when required. Other than those though, Jihoon knew Ramsey for being chill and jaunty, and a slight perfectionist if he had to admit.

However, this was the only year he had encountered Quinn (aside from seeing her around the corridor and mostly with a group of girs). All he knew from his batchmates were that Quinn wouldn’t speak to the male population at school unless circumstances brought her to the point of having to speak up.

Hence the first day of class during orientation.

“Yeah, like there are even small doodles of the lesson or side notes— mostly random doodles around her notebook though.” Jeonghan laughs suddenly and Jihoon got a bit curious as to why.

“One time, the teacher asked her to photocopy her notes for those who were absent during the stomach flu season. Everyone wouldn’t stop talking about this cute frog evolution she drew for biology.”

“At least she’s useful.” Jihoon comments, trying his best to hint how nonchalant he was.

He was the type to have a few messy pages from time-to-time when the teacher taught too fast, so he would need some back up to fix his notebooks.

It wouldn’t hurt to try talking to Quinn if it meant saving his grades.

“Yeah, and good in English. Like, way better than you.”

Jihoon twitched.

“It’s 1:30 already.”

“Oh yeah,” Tara wipes the corner of her lip with a thumb, “Wendy-senpai said there’s a meeting later.”

Bree looks up from her notebook and lets go of the pen she had been biting, “what for?”

“She said something about welcoming the female freshmen again. Their population’s bigger than the Sophomores.” Vee replies, sliding the tray of left-over beef curry beside her bentou.

“That just means this school is getting more girl power!” Tara cheers before plopping a piece of broccoli in her mouth.

“We are slowly leading a good generation in our revolution,” Bree nods in approval, her voice a bit whole and her posture straight as if she were a politician. Tara could really imagine her friend dressed in a formal attire. “The school will be more balanced this way. Next step is to get rid of the manipulative assholes here in school.” Bree stabs a potato before bringing it to her mouth.

Vee eyed the poor remnants of the potato.

“Do you have any people in mind?”

“To be honest,” Bree chews, covering her mouth while speaking. “I heard some nasty news from the Sophomores about one of their batch representatives, but I need to hear or see stuff for myself.”

“Speak of the Sophomores, just yesterday I saw the Sophomore’s batch beadle scowling at you during the orientation.”

Bree’s eyebrows narrow at this. “He’s actually one of the ‘news’ I was talking about— the one with Bieber like hair?” Tara nods at this, “I’ll look into him later.”

“How do you even get all of these information? You suck at being updated during grade school.” Vee gestures to Bree’s ballpen, reminding her to continue her notes.

Bree smiles a bit, Vee took note of how sad it seemed. “I guess this is the effect of being surrounded by a lethal environment.”

“Well, it helps though. Look at us, fixing things up.” Tara points out, looking at the brighter side of things.

Bree nods, replacing her chopstick with her pen once more, “yeah..”

Hopefully, things do fix up and everything runs smoothly.

Thud

“What happened?” Bree immediately picks the bottle of water that fell from the tray (and onto the bench they sat on) Ann deliberately dumped on the table. Tara and Vee put up the remaining items upright and Ann sits down beside Bree, irritably applying her lip balm.

“Nothing,” Ann pauses. She breathes heavily before taking her spoon and wiping it with a piece of tissue. “As usual, we’re just surrounded by rude people.”

“Don’t rush eating, we’ll be pulled out for the next period. I’m sure Seulgi-senpai wouldn’t mind you eating during the meeting.”

Ann could only nod as she tore off the seal of her yoghurt cup.

“I totally understand how the mcs of otome games feel when it comes to assholes.”

1: 15PM

There were two general types of people in high school.

One: the people who don’t give two damns about what you do or who you are, unless you become their project-mate or partner in anything school related at all. Two: the bullies or manipulative people who like to ruin other people’s lives for no reason.

She had 30 minutes to eat, and she still needed to nap.

‘Why is it taking so long..?’ Ann thought to herself as she tilts her head, checking the line in front of her.

Maybe it wouldn’t have been this tedious if she actually didn’t tell her friends that it was fine to leave her already in line. She could’ve even told Bree about the route she was taking in the games they were playing. But no, she just had to say ‘it’s all right’ when Tara had asked if she was sure.

No regrets.

“Why is it even so hot?” She mumbles to herself. Apparently, it wasn’t even quiet enough to be considered as a mumble because a student behind her just chuckled and apologized to his friend. He even joked about leaving so that the cafeteria would ‘cool up’ a bit.

Ann did her best not to roll her eyes.

“Next.” The second cashier calls out.

The next person in line walks up to the second cashier, his friend waiting just behind him in queue. When the student noticed that the person on the first cashier was ready to leave, Ann saw that he was about ready to run up to the cashier, only for the cashier lady to place the ‘closed’ sign on the counter.

Both Ann and the students in line sighed.

Normally it didn’t take too long for the cashier ladies to take orders in the stalls. Even last year as a new student, Ann took note that the perks of being in the weird academy was that the cafeteria staff were quick in selling and cooking, and even with their hasty work, kept everything neat and orderly.

So, was it because it was the first week of class and there were new and more food being sold in the cafeteria?

Ann scans the display of food and the menu— no, nothing was new, same food as last year.

So what was causing the traffic?

1:20PM

‘Finally,’ she rejoices inwardly as she takes a step forward. She was the second to the first in line, prepared to order the food she wanted. ‘All of this for just yoghurt. I’m glad I ate bit of rice earlier.’ She gave herself a pat on the back silently.

“Yaa, you took too long.”

“Sorry, got caught up in a conversation.”

“Sure you didn’t get clogged by the new girls in the corridor?”

“I actually took the long way.” The student who had just arrived, sniggered.

He better not be—

The student who had originally stood in front of her in the queue left his spot after being called by the lady behind the counter. Meanwhile, his friend who had just came, casually took his friend’s place, readying his wallet and counting his bills.

He was.

“Excuse me.” Ann speaks up. She was about to tap on the boy’s arm if it weren’t for him whipping his head towards her and practically slapping her with his long hair.

‘Fuck’ Ann had her eyes shut at the brunt of his hair.

It was so damn coarse and hefty.

“Yeah?”

She gradually opened her eyes that met with half-lidded ones. The boy who looked down on her, blinked at her expression that was building bit by bit negatively.

How insolent, coming from the Prince of the school.

“You’re cutting in line.” She says, deadpan.

The boy blinked, “I’m not. My friend was here and I just came late.”

“Regardless, you cut in line.” Ann bit back. She usually wouldn’t start a fight but really, this was too much. The least he could really do was ask his friend to buy whatever he needed instead of taking everyone’s time, everyone who had been waiting in line for the past grave thirty plus minutes. Ann would have even forgiven him more if he had arrived earlier and cut-in-line with his friend if they weren’t right in front already.

Still, he didn’t seem to care at all. He didn’t move the slightest on his spot on the very front of the line.

“I’m sorry?”

Ann wanted to cut his tongue and his hair.

“Oi Jeong, your turn.”

“Yeah.”

The boy walks to the front of the cashier, and Ann didn’t know if he was taking pleasure in literally hair-slapping her each time he turned his head.

‘This isn’t worth my anger. This isn’t worth my time. This isn’t worth my anger. This isn’t worth my time.’ Ann takes a few hefty breaths as she clutches her purse to herself tightly while glaring at the back of the tall boy who took her spot in being the next to taking her order.

So much for prince charming.

“Sorry I’m late. Seriously; I don’t know what our substitute teacher has against me.”

Tara laughs quietly to herself at the sense of déjà vu.

The head seniors of the girl division’s eyes were on Bree for just a moment with a small smile at her rattled entrance, before resuming to make eye contact with the newcomers. “We prepared a small project and we hope that you all participate even if it may be a bit troublesome,” one of the hosts declares. A few subtle whines and sighs didn’t go overheard, Seulgi clears her throat at this.

“This project has been used for the past years since BoysBe had started accepting female applicants. We have received great feedback for continuing this project because it helps the small population of us female students get to know each other more—“

Bree stood awkwardly alongside the chair she sat on. Tara could well-nigh sense her friend’s aura unconsciously tapping on her shoulder.

She was anxious.

Bree was the only one standing up in the sea of seats after all. What’s worse was the fact that the venue looked too big for the small populace of students. Tara’s nose scrunches a little; she thought they had prepared enough chairs for the event, for both newcomers and program members.

“Do you want to sit down? We could switch and—“

“No it’s okay,” Bree instantly replies. “I’m okay.”

Tara looks up at her and as if Bree caught on, she tries to smile at her, just to reassure her.

Yup, Tara knew she wasn’t.

“So the project goes like this—“

Tara sighs. Knowing Bree, she declined because she didn’t want to put Tara in her situation or merely lived up to her mistake of running late. Tara sat too far from Vee, so she wouldn’t be able to signal for any vacant chairs— she wasn’t allowed to bring out her mobile device either since there were some admin around. Nevertheless, Tara wanted to find some way to—

“Aubs.”

“Mm?”

“There’s a seat at that corner—“

“—it’s okay,” she answers, but her attention was on the seat right where Tara pointed. “I could stay like this the whole program, I’ve been sitting too—“

“Aubs, we were tasked to be partners with a new student remember?”

She shut up

Score for Tara.

“Ahh… right,” Bree sighs as if it was too troublesome to walk all the way to the other side of the room. Though Tara knew it took a bit of nervousness out of her system. “Okay, talk to you later.”

Alth believed she would have a heart attack if she didn’t realise that the dark shadow she had seen through her peripheral vision had just been another student who hastily moved by the narrow paths of the venue.

The girl walked without making a single noise — the venue appeared too silent in spite of the instrumentals that played at the background during the flow of the program— and the fact that the girl just popped out of the mass of colourful heads (that were the same height as her even if she were already standing) scared her shitless.

The petite girl continued to walk — all too silently for Alth’s poor heart— until she reached the back of the venue where Alth had been ushered to.

Alth did her best not to look at her the closer she got to her seat.

“Excuse me,” her voice had a high pitch, something that was too common among tiny girls.

“Y-Yeah?” God— Alth almost gave herself a whiplash when she turned her head to the girl— when would she be able to control that stuttering.

She points with a tiny finger towards the empty chair to her left, “is this seat taken?”

What was with her and calling everything small about this girl.

“Ah, no it’s not.”

The girl nods her head a bit brashly before dropping herself onto the seat as if her life depended on it.

Not that Alth really knew she was edgy.

Alth covers her mouth to suppress a gasp that nearly came out from her mouth— although the girl who just took her seat beside her gave her a sideway glance— it’s the first time a female student actually spoke to her before she initiated it in the academy.

Seems petty? Please don’t mind her then.

Alth inwardly gulped, before cautiously peering back at her.

It was perhaps, such an absurd or overexcited thought, but she felt her heart bloat at the idea that she didn’t have to go over extreme measures of pressuring her heart and angst to speak to someone new.

This was a good start right?

“— please find a partner you think you’d like to be with during the project.”

Alth snaps from her daze. A number of students started to get up from their chairs, some shyly approaching each other, while the rest, for some reason, had claimed each other as partners as if they already knew each other.

This was her chance.

“Hey, uhm—“ Alth turns to the girl earlier only to find a few students surrounding her chair already if not lined up.

“Senpai, can you be my partner?”

A couple of more girls start to approach and crowd both of their chairs. Alth shrinks to herself at the amount of people who wanted to be partners with the only person she had in mind. She didn’t know who else to approach, nor did she have any same-gendered friends yet in school.

Alth enviously looked over at the girl who sat beside her before staring at her hands on her lap.

She wanted to feel like that— wanted, accepted, by everyone. She had back then, in her old school (by her friends at least) but now she could hardly find the courage to even talk to her female classmates and the week was about to end and she could imagine herself alone for the rest of her high school life and—

“Sorry,” she bows slightly as she adjusts herself in her seat, “but Althea’s my partner.”

At the mention of her name, the chair beside her squeaks at the weight that came off and the students gathering the table began to find a partner elsewhere.

Alth blinks rapidly, very positive that the girl beside her never planned with her about being partners with her— not that she minded at all.

The girl drags her chair close to her— all Alth could do was stare at her with a bewildered expression— and when all the other girls had really left their spot, the girl stopped just as she was about to sit.

“You don’t have a partner, do you?”

“N-No.” Alth responded nervously.

“Sorry that was.. yeah.. would it be fine if I am?”

“Of course!” Alth nodded pleasantly, scooting her chair nearer to the girl. “And uhm…”

“Mm?”

“How’d you know my name?”

Alth is taken aback for a moment when the girl gives her such a wide smile— her expressions change quite rapidly— before pointing to her chest.

“Your nametag.”

“Oh.”

‘Shit, shit, shit…!’ Tara slides (slams) the door to their classroom open.

Since the program earlier had commenced, Tara may have been too engrossed in her conversation with the freshmen she decided to pair with for their project.

Tara had chosen the girl who was located right in front, and right at the center of their program’s venue. Tara couldn’t place any reason as to why she chose the girl, in fact— aside from how she had stood out so much because of her enormous height compared to her rowmates— it was as if her own feet just dragged her all the way to the front of the venue, to speak to that head that had been blocking her view of her senpai she adored so much.

“I packed your bags already,” someone calls out to her as she runs to her seat that was unfortunately assigned at the other side of the classroom.

However, Tara did not regret approaching the said freshman. The first question Tara had asked (aside from her name and cause of transferring) was how she had coped during the first day of class; this lead to tale of how the freshman had mistaken one of the ushers during the orientation as a female student due to his long hair when she had been trying to find her class.

She realises a tad too late that her bag was transferred to the desk closest to the door. Tara backtracks fast unzips it to check if everything was indeed inside.

Tara was absolutely sure that her new friend was talking about her classmate whose hair rivaled the female population’s own.

“Your canvases are leaning on the wall by the way,” Tara turns to Bree who had been talking to her the whole time, telling her everything she organised in her bag. “You know what, never mind. Lemme just…”

“Thanks Aubs.”

“No problem. I took those off your table. I figured some people might think it as something they needed to store away during cleaning time.” Bree pokes a paper she had folded into a lily flower into her bag’s pocket and resumes to pick her canvases, handing it to her instead of watching her struggling friend in a rush. “Are you sure you don’t want my help— those seem pretty heavy and—”

“—No— it’s fine— d-don’t you have a club to run though?”

“Club’s not until next week, don’t worry.”

“What? Why?”

“Our coach is still on a trip abroad—“

“Oh, okay, okay— Thank you! I’m so sorry about this.”

Bree waves a hand, “it’s okay! You seem to be in a rush so,” and pushes the sliding door with the heel of her foot to assist her friend in exiting. “Now go, shoo, shoo; run!”

Just as she was told, Tara takes off, into the corridors, nearly tripping on her own foot.

Bree holds the sliding door in its place as she watches her friend scuffle to overtake a few students. Irritated with how everyone was practically blocking the way, Bree enters their classroom again, leaning against the back of the door and inhaling noisily.

“Excuse me— excuse me!” Tara did her best to minimize the volume of her voice as soon as she realized that the halls were made differently from their building— why the hell was she barely seeing any windows in this side of the school? She could nearly see her words bouncing off the walls of the hallway.

Tara didn’t want to leave a horrible first impression with her new club mates. Giving her legs a bit of boost, Tara forgets how strained her limbs were from running and carrying the canvases that were required on the first meeting.

Despite wanting to keep her healthy figure, she knew her aikido was enough work out— and with the amount of work that was bound to be thrown at them for their junior year, Tara didn’t know if she would be able to balance her swimming training for competitions and aikido with the possible additions. She thought about her decision over the summer and concluded that she would most likely overwork herself and lose a good amount of sleep (not that she hadn’t) if she pushed through with her old routines and the supplementary amount of schoolwork for junior year. So the best solution would to let go of swimming as her club and find another source of outlet that won’t require having to compete outside school.

Health over achievements, her friends reminded her.

Painting was a brilliant choice, her mother had mentioned. Unlike clubs under the sports category, those under the visual arts category are given the opportunity to decline competitions offered to them. The most the club would ask for is a year-ends exhibit or a workshop for younger children inside and outside school. Not only did it only lessen the tasks Tara would handle, but her mother pointed out that she could now continue her old hobby without having to worry about stopping midway works due to exhaustion, training, or schoolwork.

Remembering how her mother had dragged her off to the mall to buy some materials in the middle of her organizing her room made her smile unconsciously.

“Thank you so much for lending your projector!”

Hearing the roar of an enthusiastic student in front of her, Tara’s train of thought is interrupted. Before she could think of dodging the boy who she had noticed (at the last minute) stepped out of a room, the canvases that she had stacked on her arms fell over as she ran into him.

Clank!

“Ah!”

Tara didn’t know whether the sound of distress came from her or the boy in front of her.

The topmost canvas fell to the floor and even if Tara attempted to save the rest of the pile by adjusting to the direction of its fall, the canvases proceeded to topple over onto the white floors of the hall.

Left with one canvas in her arms and her bag hanging severely on the pit of her elbow, Tara’s mouth is left ajar at the mess by her feet.

“I’m so sorry!” She cries out as she bows repeatedly before crouching down to place the only canvas she had successfully saved on the floor. Muttering how she regrets rejecting her best friend’s last offer to help, she reaches out to restacking the canvases that were scattered across the hall.

“Iyaa, it’s okay!” Tara hears him reply before hearing the shuffling of his feet.

Sensing that he may be departing and wanting to curse him internally for being uncouth, Tara looks up only to find him bending over a few steps away from her, picking up her round canvas that had rolled off farther than the rest.

He stands upright again— she averts her eyes immediately—before shuffling back to her with a sheepish smile. “Sorry by the way uhh—“ He bows before crouching down in front of her to help her restack her items.

“No no no no— I’m sorry, I was in a hurry since I might be late for club time—“

“Iyaa, I’m the one who came out of nowhere and…” he trails off.

Noticing him turn quiet, Tara hesitantly looks back at him and catches him eying her ribbon.

“—anyway senpai,“ Taken aback by his loud voice and credit of her higher status, Tara avoids his gaze and takes a hold of the base of the pile. The boy does the same though, which forces Tara to look back at his smiling face. “Let me help you with these!”

For some reason, he reminded her of a hamster.

She shakes her head, “no it’s okay! This is enough help, thank you so—“

“Senpai, come on, it’s okay!”

“But—!“

“Please?” Suddenly, his eyes are more visible now. Something in his eyes seemed to plead for her to bring him along, maybe guilt? “I’ll explain to your instructor why you’re tardy, you know… just in case?”

“O-Okay..” Tara nods uneasily.

The previous expression in his eyes faded as soon as he beamed again. Tara watches as the boy takes a better grip on the pile before jumping up to stand and taking a step beside her before letting her lead the way.

“Thank you so much, you really didn’t have to do this though,” she turns her head to him and his smile just turns brighter.

“No really, it’s all right! I don’t want to be the cause of you getting in trouble— I mean sure the teachers are nice here, but they get pretty harsh when you’re in a higher level.”

“I see..” Was all Tara could mutter.

In silence (aside from the occasional squeak of his shoes on the floor) they reached the end of the hall. She prayed inwardly and heard the boy whisper ‘I honestly wish there wasn’t a teacher inside yet. I hear artsy people come too early or too late’. She took a peek by the door’s small window before sighing in relief at the emptiness of the room.

“Your face tells me, you’re the early kind and that the teacher isn’t in yet.”

Tara laughs softly before sliding. the door open. She steps aside and allowed the boy to enter the room before following suit.

The boy surveys the room as he places her canvases on the nearest table. “Good thing no one’s here yet huh?”

The room wasn’t even set up yet aside from the first row of desks and chairs being prepared.

“Yeah.” She hangs her bag by the side of the table’s hook before looking around, “but it’s already ten minutes past three… I wonder if I got the schedule wrong.”

“Huh? Senpai, it’s just quarter to three.”

Tara glances at him and he points at something behind her.

“What—“her eyes widen at the sight of the clock and she runs a hand through her hair, “so my watch—“ she studies the said device for a moment before realising that the second hand this whole time hadn’t been moving.

“I was kind of wondering why you were in such a rush.” The boy admits, blinking at her. “Club doesn’t start till three right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

No wonder she saw a bunch of senior painters roaming near the cafeteria when she had sprinted from the farther building.

The boy had left after helping her set the rest of the desks in the room. He had also taken the initiative of carrying the teacher’s table by the platform and board before the instructor had arrived. He then excused himself, telling her that he promised to treat a best friend out after class. Vexed that he kept his best friend waiting and insist that he need not concern himself with the excess of the room’s mess, she had lightly sent him off.

“Starting next week, I will no longer supervising you again, but you can visit me in the faculty during break time or before I leave the school for any matter,” the teacher bows before smiling. “You are dismissed.”

The whole club stands to bow and acknowledge their dismissal before gathering their belongings or talking amongst themselves. Meanwhile, Tara sighs at her name written on the board.

Club Secretary: Avilla, Tara

“Tara-senpai.”

Said leader turns to her seatmate with a smile, “yeah?” masking her grief.

At least she wasn’t the club president.

“Uhh, I’m not sure but I think your phone has been buzzing in your bag.”

Briskly, Tara shoves her hand into her bag, swiping her phone with her thumb, not bothering to check the name of her caller.

“Hello—“

“Tara-senpai!”

“Ack—!!” She pulls her phone away from her ear before pulling back, “uh, h-hello?” She bows self-consciously at her club mates that glanced at her worriedly.

“Ne, senpai, how are you— where are you?!”

“Oh, I’m—“

“You broke your promise!!”

She got cut off again. For some reason, her brain was reacting slowly— ‘Get it together Tara!!’

She could hear her heart beating in her eardrums.

“Huh? What promise—“

“I waited for you by the shoe cubbies of the freshmen!”

“Ah!” Tara gasps in horror just as her foot unconsciously stomps on the floor “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry—“

“Yaa, senpaaai you hurt my feelings!! I got lost this morning!!”

She was upset with herself too.

“I’m so sorry Mingyu!”

#Childish Wars AU

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red-pillgrimage · 7 years

Text

Debunking bullshit, partie trois.

This is part of the on-going critique of a particular anti-feminist/MRA wall-of-test/links that has been going around and needs some particular attention.

Rape Culture

Statistics doesn’t back up Rape culture(1) RAINN debunks Rape culture(2) “97% of rapists never see a day in jail” is a myth (3) Lesbian on Lesbian Rape (4) Inflation of anti-human trafficking statistics (5) Men who are falsely accused of rape can have their names published and their lives ruined even if they are not convicted or charged - their accuser is protected and is likely to face no punishment, or a light one. (6) Under a recent federal directive, men are convicted of rape in university campuses if the investigating board finds that the chances they committed the rape are at 50.00001% or greater. (7) The DOE policy in practice: Caleb Warner was accused of rape and expelled from the University of North Dakota, then his accuser was charged with filing a false report. He remains expelled as of June 2011 (8) Woman rapes boy, woman becomes pregnant, boy must paid child support. 40% of rapists are female (8) 1 (9) Definition of rape, erases victims of rape who are forced to penetrate, generally men who are forced to have sex with women. (10) Men are raped in the military (11) Men Outnumber Women Among American Rape Victims (12) Male statutory rape victims forced to pay child support (13) 59% of the rapists had been heterosexually molested. (14) Female Pedophiles Cause Children More Harm, According to Research by University of Bergen, Norway (15) males and females carried out sexual violence at strikingly similar rates after the age of 18 (16) Female-on-male sexual assault is under reported (17)

1. Yikes, once again OP doesn’t bother to do their homework and read the sources and their sources. Or maybe OP doesn’t care to understand what is being said and by who. In this U.S.News newspaper article, we’re presented with another story of a reportedly falsely accused man on a U.S. campus. This newspaper would like us to believe that sexual assault rates aren’t a big deal because according to their non-expert opinion, stats are just inflated by loose language but only in the studies which support their own views. The 1 in 5 women on campuses who are raped (or sexually assaulted, but the article doesn’t mention this distinction from the actual study) is presented as some feminist-driven propaganda because

Surveyors employed such a broad definition that "'forced kissing" and even "attempted forced kissing" qualified as sexual assault.

While this already sounds like sexual assault the journalist didn’t bother to read their “counter” study, which if you bother to also read, will give a very similar definition of sexual assault

Sexual assault is defined across a wide range of victimizations, separate from rape or attempted rape. These crimes include attacks or attempted attacks generally involving unwanted sexual contact between a victim and offender. Sexual assault may or may not involve force and includes grabbing or fondling. Sexual assault also includes verbal threats.

So no, sorry to break it to you, it’s not a definition problem between stated rates of sexual assault. And lets make it clear for those people in the back, yes if someone forces themselves on you to kiss you it is sexual assault.

If not definitions, is it maybe who and how they were asked?

The study which examined 2 specific universities in the U.S. found that 20% of women would experience sexual assault or rape during their senior undergraduate academic year based on a ~2500 student sample. When the data is broken down, it’s 1 in 7 women experienced unwanted penetration, rape, in these two universities.

The “second”/”counter” study to “disprove” the former claim states that there’s so few cases of sexual assault or rape of men that it can’t be validly measured through their data and that’s why it’s called “female victims of...” So I mean, if this is the kind of back-bone you want for your MRA/anti-feminist ideology about men being victims as well, I guess I can roll with it. But I guess these “facts” won’t match the “facts” we see later about the victimization of men.

So what us readers should know, because this man was found guilty and later found not guilty, that rape culture is not a thing. Because this man was falsely accused of a sexual crime, expressions like “they got raped” aren’t casual gamer-speaker. Because this man was falsely accused, “hatefuck” isn’t an expression used by anyone. Because this man was falsely accused, men are sexually assaulted or raped so rarely that it doesn’t even deserve particular mention or interest in national surveys. I’m sure glad countries who don’t believe in rape culture don’t promote rape or let rapists walk among them.

2. I mean, come on, OP. are you even trying

One out of every six women and one out of every 33 men are victims of sexual assault – 20 million Americans in all. Those of college age are more likely to be victimized than any other age group.

And alarmingly, the Department of Justice (DOJ) estimates that just 12% of college victims report their assault to law enforcement officials.ii This is far below the rate of the general population, where about 40% of all sexual attacks are reported to police, according to DOJ.

Rape is all too often a crime without consequences. In America, out of every 100 rapes, only 40 are reported to police, and only three rapists will ever spend a day behind bars.

When these crimes aren’t reported, ... serial criminals are left unpunished and free to strike again. And the message this sends to the broader community and future offenders? You can rape with impunity; that’s just what happens in college.

The FBI, for purposes of its Uniform Crime Reports, has a hierarchy of crimes — a ranking of violent crimes in order of seriousness. Murder, of course, ranks first. Second is rape. It would never occur to anyone to leave the adjudication of a murder in the hands of a school’s internal judicial process. Why, then, is it not only common, but expected, for them to do so when it comes to sexual assault? We need to get to a point where it seems just as inappropriate to treat rape so lightly.

I don’t exactly see where “rape culture” is “debunked” by these folks. Do you?

3. this is literally a 20 years old crime trend analysis. this was published in 1997. the crime trends it measures are from 1980s-1995. this is so irrelevant it’s absurd.

4. So this is an article about woman-woman sexual assaults/rape... Which is meant to accomplish what? I really don’t know, but here’s some nice stuff out of it

White and SFWAR take the approach that when a person is raped “your power has been taken away from you. We like to provide people with a lot of different options. There are no ‘shoulds’ in response to being raped. Every woman needs to know that. First off everybody needs to choose their own healing path.” SFWAR tries to present specific and individuated plans to help rape victims find that healing path–including victims of rape by women. White explains that these can include “filing a police report, seeking medical attention, looking for community-based responses to get the healing that you need and healing from a community as well.”

White explained that women who experience female/female sexual assault are less likely to seek help than women who are raped by men and have other fears associated with dealing with police and the court system as well as their own LGBT communities.

According to the SFRCC, the primary barriers to confronting same-sex sexual assault are disbelief and denial, with a giant dose of homophobia—external and internalized—thrown into the mix.

SFRCC notes that, “Many people do not want to believe or are unaware that same-sex rape happens. If it is acknowledged, often it is thought to be ‘not as bad’ as male-female rape.” Much like Whoopi Goldberg’s declaration that Roman Polanski’s rape of a 13-year-old was not “rape-rape.”

It really sucks that people who have been victimized are forced to deal with social gender stereotypes in both their peers but also institutions like the police and courts.

5. This has absolutely nothing to do with rape culture. This is about sex work. Neither “rape” nor “sexual assault” appear anywhere in the text.

6. So because I don’t have “Bloomberg Professional Service” I can’t say I’ve read this article but I know from the URL that it’s about the Duke Lacross players who had been falsely accused and they were railroaded by a soon-to-be disbarred state attorney. Long story short, if some asshole lawyer didn’t want to advance his career by breaking laws, taking over a police investigation and breaching procedure numerous times then lying about it, those students wouldn’t have faced their situation.

7. Huffington Post blog article sums up what (2) had to say: rape/sexual assault is a serious fucking crime and college review boards were made to oversee plagiarism, not felonies.

8. Broken link. :( but also it’s the same shit as mentioned in (1) and (7)

9. Wow, another old as fuck page. This one from 1996. The 1990s didn’t see men as being able to be victimized by women? Sounds like patriarchal gender norms have been harming men too =o

10. broken

11. broken

12. broken

13. According to this news article, people in the military are sexually assaulted by their peers, superiors. What this has to do with denying rape-culture, I don’t know. But if we recall from the previous installment that regions with higher rates of patriarchal values experienced higher rates of violence?

The VA denied her claim nevertheless, “Because they said I couldn’t prove it … since I had not brought it up when it happened and also because I had not shown any deviant behavior while in the service. I was outraged and felt compelled to talk about what happened.”

While it will go to any length to maintain public silence over the issue, the military machine has no such qualms within its own corridors. Guzman discloses, “Through the gossip mill we would hear of women who had reported being raped. No confidentiality was maintained nor any protection given to victims. The boys’ club culture is strong and the competition exclusive. That forces many not to report rape, because it is a blemish and can ruin your career.”

The department of defence reported that in fiscal year 2009, there were 3,230 reports of sexual assault, an increase of 11 percent over the prior year.

However, as high as the military’s own figures are of rape and sexual assault, victims and advocates Al Jazeera spoke with believe the real figures are sure to be higher.

The report attributes the huge increase to better reporting of incidents due to increased training and education about sexual assault and harassment.

Is THAT why 25 year old stats are useless? =o

14. “Men get raped in prison and so there’s so men victim of rape” = rape culture isn’t...? So if men are a bigger portion of sexual assaults or rape due to incarceration sexual violence, will you keep making “drop the soap” jokes? Will you laugh when the police arrest men of colour without due cause or justice? Will you give a shit about rape any other time than when women are talking about their own problems?

15. Fucking OP, trying to play another one on us! This is the same link as (9)

16. broken.

17. Thanks for the Swedish page on google translation. Real, uh. Something.

"The media is a female teacher who becomes pregnant by a 15-year-old boy described as a" tragedy ". But if a male teacher had done something similar, it will be spoken of as "grotesque".

Inge Nordhaug believes that men more often described as demons but other emotions and words are used when women abusers. "They become 'victims', while the man is the 'perpetrator' - one who is guilty.

So Swedish media has a pattern of portraying men as offenders and women as victim? Sounds like age-old sexism to me. So what’s the problem again for MRA/anti-feminist?

18.

Males were significantly more likely than females to report coercive sex or attempted rape, with similar but nonsignificant results observed for completed rape. White youths were more likely than nonwhite youths to report perpetrating coercive sex, and Hispanic youths were less likely than non-Hispanic youths to report perpetrating coercive sex. Similar, nonsignificant patterns were noted for youths reporting completed rape. Youths living in low-income households were less likely than youths living in higher-income households to report attempted rape.

“ Youths who begin perpetrating at younger ages are overwhelmingly male. It is not until age 18 years that female perpetrators emerge at notable rates.

Challenging Bias When Researching Sexual Perpetration

It is not uncommon to believe that a man cannot be raped by a woman.45,46 Gender stereotypes can make it difficult to imagine a dominant woman coercing or forcing an unwilling man to have sex.47 Accordingly, male victims of female perpetrators are judged more harshly than male victims of male perpetrators.48 Moreover, the same behaviors perceived to be sexually aggressive when committed by a male can be perceived as romantic or promiscuous when committed by a female.47,49 Nonetheless, physiological data suggest that men can be raped; an erection does not necessarily mean sexual arousal50 and can be reflexogenic.51 Adolescent health care professionals need to assess the potential for their own gender biases in this area so that they can be more effective in identifying and treating female perpetrators and male victims when they present.

19. CNN rehashes what we’ve already talked about in (2), (4), (13).

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