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princeofheartclasspects · 2 years

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Could I have a session analysis? If there's too many players I understand if you don't want to! These are the players: Seer of Space, Heir of Time, Knight of Hope, Witch of Rage, Mage of Light, Thief of Void, Bard of Blood, Prince of Breath, Maid of Heart, Sylph of Doom, Page of Life, and Rogue of Mind.

Sorry that this took much longer than I thought, this was a TON of fun though! Also ended up being extremely long haha.

Oooh this is quite the session! Lots of fun classpects here. Plus having a Time and Space player means victory is at least a possibility. A big thing I notice though, is I feel like a lot of these players might be very “I’m going to go off and do my own thing” kind of sort.

PRINCE OF BREATH:

Right off the bat, an over embracing Prince of Breath is terrifying. An over embracing Prince is one with no limit or consideration for their destruction. There is no control in their destruction and, without even really realizing it, destroy blindly. They have no limitation or restriction behind it, they totally and utterly destroy Breath. Ghosting the worst qualities of Blood and destroying Freedom is the embodiment of a cruel and tyrannical leader, chaining and dragging everyone down so to speak.

On the other hand, there is the under embracing Prince. Too far in the other direction and they are afraid to destroy anything, stagnating and making a futile effort to understand Breath. This Prince yearns for Breath but is so indecisive and wracked with fear that they simply end up doing nothing. Ruled by contradictions, this Prince flounders and ultimately fails.

But those are the bad outcomes. If this Prince can rise to the challenge and temper their destruction, this Prince can be the reason why everyone comes together as a group, they’d easily be best candidate for leader. Destroying that what is making people flighty and distracted, making them focus on their responsibilities. This Prince chooses to destroy their own personal freedom to stick by their friends and allies, stubbornly remaining by their side and doing everything they can to strengthen their bonds. Overall, an amazing ally to have – this player could end up being the stabilizing pillar who unifies the group and smoothly breezing their way through the game. Or, worst case… being the unbeatable final boss, ruling over everything with an iron fist.

BARD OF BLOOD:

Bards tend to be wildcards and are quite hard to pin down: the Bard of Blood especially so.This Bard is indifferent, aloof, and independent. Bards heavily ghost their opposite early on, so they act much more like a Breath player as opposed to Blood. This Bard does not have a sense of personal responsibility and likely doesn’t have anyone extremely close to them, and if has gone on long enough, they’ll be avoidant and uncomfortable around Blood. Without meaning to, they come across as somewhat callous, irresponsible, or unreliable.

Eventually, when their bardic split hits them, they’ll snap out of this superficial and unsatisfying ghosting. Something happens to the Bard in which something that is tied to Blood (connection/bond/unity/commitment/responsibility) becomes something that the Bard wholly throws themself into. Anything is possible, so long as it is something that embodies Blood, something that can’t be detached from, ignored, or independent from. They realize just how much they hate being alone and might try to remedy this with blind devotion or clinging to someone, grasping for any semblance of a bond or a connection. It’s essentially a total 180 to how this Bard was before, they are now leaning wholly into Blood and away from their previous Breath persona.

The line needs to be toed carefully however, they need to not lose themselves to the whims of Blood and be controlled by it, but they can’t just go back to ghosting Breath either. Blindly throwing themselves into Blood or continuing to ghost Breath are both severe hindrances to their growth and their goal. If they can manage that, then with their special and unique understanding of Blood, they will be able to trim its excess and balance it. Being responsible but not forcibly trying to solve other people’s problems, having bonds but not being suffocating or dependent… etc. They could end up vying for position of leader or even be the one who usurps the (possible) tyrannical Prince. They could certainly end up being a core unifier of the group when their revelation and healthy balance strikes!

HEIR OF TIME:

The Heir of Time is an interesting classpect. Time’s close link to death and destruction gives some unique possibility to what changing it for others means, but Time is also familiarity and rhythm. It’s the momentum that propels you forward, continuing to push ahead no matter what. They probably think they have all the Time in the world to do what they want, so not exactly the most reliable in the moment but they’d get it done when they step up. This Heir might face difficulty in getting stuck in the loop of doing the same thing over and over, either due to it just being familiar or for convivence’s sake.

If there’s anyone to spit in the face of inevitability, it is going to be this Heir and this one is likely going to be quite stubborn about it. Just being an Heir is going to give them extremely exact and precise moments of Time that they jump through, and they naturally will remedy situations probably without realizing they needed to. Becoming ending is interesting, perhaps controlling the timeline and changing things to the extent the very outcome changes as well?

No matter what though, the Heir needs to be careful in not being consumed by Time, they are going to behind some MASSIVE changes and manipulating the Timeline to do what’s next. They are extremely action-focused, but someone needs to remind the Heir that patience is a virtue, and they need to pause and stop what they’re doing instead of constantly being swept away by the flow of Time. If not, then they will be caught and consumed by the timeline, doomed, or consumed by constant strife, or even losing themself to Time because of the amount dedicated to fixing things. If they can limit the amount of influence and take hold of it before they are changed entirely or consumed by it, the Heir will be an extremely powerful and versatile ally!

THIEF OF VOID:

The inner machinations of this Thief’s mind are an enigma indeed, as they are a master of being obscured and unseen. Very secretive and mysterious, they are more of a background and behind-the-scenes kind of player, getting things done in stealth and leaving no trace of their presence. This Thief is good as coming across as insignificant and harmless but don’t be fooled – they are extremely talented at misdirection and lying. They are a highly private person, and I doubt anyone would know too much about them, while the Thief would know all about the things a person hides.

Their talent in infiltration and stealth is truly unparalleled, they are the very definition of a traditional Thief! By feigning ignorance, confusion, or casting doubt upon information, this Thief will never be caught. And, even if worst comes to worst, blackmail is always a possible option. They can even steal the mystery or obfuscation of a thing or person, making it obvious and noticeable so it can be taken advantage of.

This Thief’s struggle lies in their perceived lack of Void. Being unknowable, the sense of mystery, in control of secrets… this is all very empowering and desirable for this Thief – that is why they steal. But Thieves need to learn to leave their aspect for others, and that means this Thief cannot be hoarding everyone’s secrets and shrouding entirely behind a veil of mystery. If this Thief can work past their own self-doubt and focus more on using their ability to steal in a more-rounded way, there is no better person suited better to espionage and stealth!

SEER OF SPACE:

This Seer is probably one of the most perceptive out of all the classpects and is going to be extremely passive and patient. They are observant, able to keep a broad view of the picture of things. Knowledge of what pertains to Space comes easily to them (though it doesn’t mean they like or are comfortable with it) Depending on what Space means to the Seer, it can mean things like destiny, change, and what the beginning of things are, is easily understood by the Seer.

Their power is extraordinary, being able to see ANYWHERE. They will be able to see everything that’s happening in a general location, picking and choosing who and what to survey. Although they wouldn’t be able to see what lies hidden behind Void (alas, the Thief is too elusive for even the omnipresent Seer to keep track of.) Maybe even due to Space’s creative ties, they might draw exactly what they see or draw guides/maps for their allies to use.

But before they can quite get to that point, they are going to be confused and paralyzed by just the sheer expanse of their foresight. They can see everywhere but when and where should they be looking? What exactly are they looking for? Who needs to be kept track of? They will be very overwhelmed by this, where do you look when you can see it all? They might try to look everywhere at once or even the opposite, avoid looking at all. They already probably had the tendency to have their head in the clouds, trying to remain grounded throughout this will be difficult. They might also be too preoccupied with the present instead of the future.

If they can manage their engagement with Space and not get pushed into devoting their entire being to it, they will be able to provide amazing guidance to their allies. They will be constantly checking in on their teammates and keeping track of where they are and warn them of dangers nearby. They’re like a sentient GPS hahaha, being extremely clear and concise on where exactly one needs to go and what to find. Maybe they can even trace where objects have been or where they will end up! An amazing support to have, and likely a fantastic tactician.

MAGE OF LIGHT:

Mages are fun, though unfortunately one of the more unexplored classes. They will also be extremely perceptive, though, not in the same way the Seer is. While the Seer might get stuck on seeing the big picture and not the finer details, it’s the opposite for the Mage. No detail, no matter how small, will slip past this Mage. Also, while the Seer cannot see through the Void that the ever so enigmatic Thief is hiding themselves in, the Mage might be able to. The Mage will be able to discern which course of action is most efficient and beneficial with ease. Measuring the value of not only things, but people as well, come naturally and easily for them.

Depending on what Light is to this Mage their focus shifts. If Light is fortune and luck, then they know the exact probabilities and no bet is too out there for them to make. They know how likely something is to happen, how likely it’ll be in their favor, and so plan accordingly. If it is knowledge, then, remember how Rose used her Seer powers to look into the cue ball? A Mage of Light likely wouldn’t need the aid, anything not hidden is easily discerned. This Mage has an extensive and impressive comprehension of tangible and information. This Mage wants to know everything but on their terms. They will be conducting their own experiments and research to draw their own conclusions, working tirelessly to experience new things and find new information. Mages are more instinctual and biased compared to Seers, so long as they don’t become disillusioned or too focused on the wrong thing this Mage can find out EVERYTHING.

WITCH OF RAGE:

This Witch is going to be a wild card, and one that’ll put an early Bard to shame with just how unpredictable and chaotic they’ll be. Rage has permeated their entire life, its in how they interact with things, what they like, even present in where they reside! Witches push and break the rules of their aspect, molding it to their will and using it as they want, completely rejecting the expectations of how it should be interacted with. Being stubborn is a common trait for a Witch as is, but mixed with the aspect of skepticism and refusal??? You likely won’t be able to tell them to do anything, they are rebellious and defiant to a fault.

But this rebellious and defiant nature isn’t necessarily the bane of the group, the Witch could do a lot of good with it. Actively changing negative emotion could be a great boon to their team, channeling the negativity into something beneficial. Empowering the negativity amongst their enemies to cause utter chaos in the ranks, this Witch will be one to be feared in combat. The Witch won’t ever give up, being able to enrage and pacify themself as they please to continue the fight. Changing negative emotion can cause utter chaos within enemy ranks, making victory swift and easy for those on the Witch’s side.

The Witch needs to keep these destructive urges in check though – they need to control and limit the sheer influence their aspect has over them. An over-embracing Witch of Rage is truly a terror, with them letting chaos reign and amplifying everyone’s fears to an extreme. If they can manage to keep the destruction under wraps and not be worn down, there is nothing holding the Witch back from making chaos reign amongst their foes.

SYLPH OF DOOM:

This is an intriguing combination for a Sylph. Like the Witch, their aspect has permeated their life – in this case, Doom. They’re going to probably be the most level-headed and responsible of the group, always being the voice of reason and being realistic about things. Being tied so deeply to limitations and rules, they might be a “goody two-shoes” so to speak, following rules and such very strictly and expecting others to do the same. Which… depending on their characterizations and motives, the Sylph and Witch could come into conflict quite a bit due to their differing views.

The Sylph will still be able to heal, it’ll just be a different kind of healing than what is traditional or what is expected. Providing comfort to allow those who have been hurt so they can move on and grow, ending that which is no longer needed, causing death and decay to fade away… They will also be able to create limits to prevent the others from pushing themselves to the brink. Doom can be used in many good ways! Making Doom for their foes is awesome too.

Overall, I feel like the Sylph is going to have a huge role in the group, for better or for worse. Conflict with the Witch is a likely possibility, and the Sylph is going to be very displeased with the Bard’s irresponsibility early on. Sylphs tend to be a bit meddlesome, but this Sylph needs to make sure they don’t cross into being downright invasive. Focusing on helping the Maid and Rogue will be excellent for their journeys but the Sylph will need to stay out of the Page’s. Care will need to be taken that this Sylph does not get burnt out, because they themself might get pushed to their own limit. The Sylph will be an incredibly important teammate, and if they are respected and allowed to shine, will keep everyone safe and protected.

KNIGHT OF HOPE:

The Knight is going to have their title cut out for them in this session. It is believed that Knights serve what there is little of in their session, in this case, Hope. Their teammates lack in optimism and harmony, maybe being full of negativity or overall limited in perspective and belief in possibilities. The Knight then must utilize their aspect to the maximum to make up for this, being a source of optimism, idealism, and positivity for their teammates. They will be the one to keep spirits high, and while they are happy to do so, that is also a lot of pressure to be under.

The Knight is probably an optimistic and just a happy person in general, having complete faith in themselves and their companions. Possibly due to being so open to new things, they may be easy to lead astray or take advantage of, maybe being a bit naïve. Likely a big dreamer or prone to flights of fancy, they believe anything is possible and may end up chasing after something simply impossible. It will hurt them deeply for them to experience it, but it can be turned into an opportunity of growth – being more critical, realistic, and dedicated.

Eventually though, the Knight will need to confront their struggle. Their façade cracks, their image is shattered, or they simply become disillusioned. What has once been something fantastical and amazing has merely become a means to an end. Their strong convictions have now wavered, and they are unsure of what they dreamed for and their own potential. They question everything they have ever believed, and this is going to be incredibly hard on the Knight. With how the Knight has given and done to help keep the team motivated and positive – stable! it is now time for them to support the Knight through their crisis. If they can do that, then the Knight will be able to readjust, reaffirm their beliefs and faith, and help bring victory to the team. Empowered and protected by the very belief of their allies, the Knight is going to be an unstoppable juggernaut.

MAID OF HEART:

The Maid will be reliant on their teammates for their aspect, maybe being pushed around or even treated like a doormat. With their aspect being Heart, their journey is going to be related to it. They’ll likely be relying on others to tell them who and what they should be like, molding themself in accordance with what others say. Maybe they let others dictate what they should be passionate about, care about, and maybe, who they are at their core. Perhaps their guardian is trying to force them to be a certain way, pressuring for them to pursue something, completely disregarding the Maid’s wants and personality.

For the Maid to grow in a healthy way, they’ll need to rely on themself for Heart. They’ll stop, realizing that others don’t control who they really are. Others do not define them. They can be whatever they want to be, they can find out what they love and hate, they’re the one in control! They have the power and the will to do what they want and be the person they really want to be. They’ll create their OWN sense of self and dedicate themself to their new passions. They’ll be more impulsive, instinctual, they will become their true self no matter what, letting nothing get in their way of their newfound sense of self.

Maids are already passionate about their aspect, so the Maid of Heart is doubly so. They are an incredibly emotional, caring, and truthful person. Making Heart can go a lot of ways, they could even be a vessel for more than one soul. Being able to create souls and mend them, the only limit to this Maid’s power is their imagination. Nothing is going to stand in the way of the Maid, not anymore.

ROGUE OF MIND:

Rogues are a fun sort! They tend to have difficulty coping with their aspect, thinking that they can’t handle it or that it is useless to anyone but themselves. They also tend to isolate themselves using their aspect or by trying to isolate themselves from it. The Rogue will likely start out being very uncomfortable and unsure of their capabilities, believing that their emotions override their judgement even when its not the case. They might doubt their own intelligence, dodging questions, and decisions, letting other people answer them instead.

But the Rogue needs to realize that their relationship to Mind is special. They need to moderate and understand their aspect for a healthier relationship with it! Most importantly, they need to share it with their allies. Their aspect is valuable, and they ARE talented and capable with it! By doing so they’ll make the choices that others struggle with, they are malleable – able to account everyone’s ideas and piece them together into a cohesive and workable plan, as well as being able to steal Mind to give to someone else. Telepathic thought sharing is one possibility of their power.

So long as the Rogue doesn’t get too isolated, you have a masterful strategist and someone who is forthright and has full trust in their judgement. They will need a little help in getting there though, as the Rogue is not going to have very high belief in themselves or their judgement. The Knight will be especially helpful in this journey, as they will prevent them from sinking too far into self-doubt and pessimism.

PAGE OF LIFE:

Ahh, the Page. With Pages have idealized personas and tending to shut themself behind it as well as having one of the most difficult challenges to mastery, the Page’s journey is a long and difficult one. With this false confidence they start with, the Page might believe they’re the hardest worker of them all and they never give up when… they’re not that determined. They never push past the roadblock in their way, everything is handed over to them on a silver platter, but they’re convinced it was all their doing in how they accomplish things. Their deficit of their aspect could show in several ways – maybe they’re sickly or frail, protected by their privileged, coddled by a wealthy family, or maybe even the opposite of those things – like being poor or having a low social standing. Either way, they overcompensate for the lack of Life.

The Page needs to accept the reality of their situation, hopefully the others will help them with this. The Bard and Sylph are well-intentioned but will accidentally cause a lot of damage and hindrance in their path of growth. Someone grounded and won’t coddle OR push the Page too hard would be best to assist them. They’ll have difficulty growing or changing, but once they see the consequences of their actions, the Page’s journey will begin.

Once they can admit their mistakes and refuse to give in, this is when the Page will experience an explosive growth unlike anyone else. If they can endure this difficult path and persevere, this Page will be capable of INCREDIBLE things. Nobody quite has the potential like a Page with the very aspect of growth. There’s little that will be out of reach for this Page, authority and nature bending to their will with ease.

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So, all in all, there’s a few things this group needs to watch for. I brought up the possibility of a lot of solo pathing going on but, in the end, only 3 of the group seem like a problem: The early Bard’s fickle and capriciousness, the Thief’s lone wolf tendencies, and the Witch’s rebelliousness can cause issues. Depending on if/when the bardic split occurs and whether they mature, the Bard won’t be an issue. I can’t really predict anything about the Witch, I can see them just deciding to go along with it or adamant refusal in equal measure. The Thief though, they may need some convincing. So long as one of the team members makes a genuine effort to assure the Thief and there is no general conflict over the Thief’s values/nature, then they will be a part of the team. Otherwise… it’s going to be borderline impossible to keep tabs on the Thief due to being shrouded in Void.

The Knight and Sylph are going to be under a mountain of pressure, the Knight desperately trying to keep the team from giving into despair and the Sylph having to act as a voice of reason as well as an appropriate level of meddling in helping the Seer, Rogue, and Maid. They’re both at risk of burning out, hopefully their teammates won’t be constantly pushing them to their limits, they’re pillars of stability for the group. If either one of them falls, then the foundation of the group will falter.

Without knowing more specific details – I’d say this session could go extremely well. There’s the matter of over-embracing, under-embracing, and being true, though. Not everyone reaches god-tier, fewer are realized and true. Regardless, I’d say this group has a good chance of thriving!

#session analysis #prince of breath #bard of blood #heir of time #thief of void #seer of space #mage of light #witch of rage #sylph of doom #knight of hope #maid of heart #rogue of mind #page of life

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whatifyoulivelikethat · 2 years

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anon apprehensive about change

Things are changing too quick. Last year i had a stable friend group where we all loved bts and the same shows, music, etc. I was living at home and felt safe because it was all i had known.

Now i have one friend left and she told me she is no longer into bts and kpop in general and has switched her personality and preferences 180°. It feels like i don't know her and that pains me to death because i'm starting to feel like sth is wrong with me. Every close friend that i've had has kinda gone through a really bad place where i have helped them and then once they switch we just fall apart. I've never changed though, i don't know if i should or i'm just destined to be the person that helps people through their hardships and nothing more. I've also recently noticed a lot of people losing interest in kpop which made me realize how important it actually is in my life. It's one of the only reasons i'm even on social media and even though i'm not as invested as before i am still interested and still just as in love.

I know we are supposed to change as we grow but i feel like i haven't moved in years. I'm still the same as i was 3 years ago, maybe just extremely insecure and terrified that a time has come when i have to start thinking of future goals and a career and the best possible money income in the future. I worry so much about things in the past, things in the future and just things in general. I can always find sth i don't like about me and i don't think i'll ever love myself because i'm a realist and therefore cannot accept that i'm imperfect. I cannot accept that i have flaws, i shouldn't have them or else people qon't like me.

This is very random and chaotic but i have absolutely no one to talk to and i need to let some steem off. Thank your for reading my ted bullshit.

Two things.

1) Expectations are disappointments in the making.

2) Don't try to mold others into who you want them to be. Let them be who they are and then periodically evaluate if you want that kind of energy around you.

All people are individuals who look out for themselves. Some people chose to do so at the expense of others and that sucks, but that's their choice. But most people don't think like that. They just pick and choose their friends based on the energy they want to be around at the time. It's not necessarily a reflection of who you are or the kind of person they perceive you to be (good or bad). Sometimes the reasons are arbitrary or personal to the individual.

Friendships are always fluctuating. That doesn't mean a friendship can't reconvene later in life. And maybe it won't and there is no real reason for it. That's life.

We're not supposed to change as we grow. We choose to change as we grow. Believe me, plenty of people choose to be stagnant and ignorant of their stagnation. There are plenty of childish adults. Hell, the great lie of adulthood is that you suddenly become a composed, responsible person simply due to age. (insert JK's In The SEOM laugh here) No, responsibility is a choice and it extends much further than simple household chores or going to work. You have to be responsible for yourself too - know that your choices have effects and consequences, be aware of and take care of your physical / mental health, and choose the people you want to be around.

Remember, most people aren't trained professionals. They're not going to know the "right" thing to say unless you tell them. They're not going to be able to "read" you or know how you feel unless you tell them. No one can vocalize your hardships except you. Noe one knows the words that will make you feel better except you. If you ask for help, people will either help you or not. Sure, some people might not do it because they want you to be miserable, but most people don't do it because they don't know how to help. So, understandably, they back off because they don't know what else to do.

If you want to change for your own sake, then look at the tangible things you can do for now. Take steps to be where you want to be. Let go of things you can't change. There is no such thing as a perfect person. Being liked doesn't mean that you don't have flaws. People like individuals who know who they are - earnest people, hardworking people, genuine people. Colorful, confident, and authentic personalities. idk, it could be a multitude of things, but rarely is it because they are "perfect" or "flawless".

also, plenty of people like shitty people for various reasons, that's how certain people became elected officials cough cough and don't forget Ted Bundy had a fanclub even after he was convicted. ehhhh????

And

There's lots of people who love K-pop.

That's why merch keeps selling out.

(Damnnit.)

When you're entering adulthood / early twenties, you need to search for friends in your areas of interests, but these people will be more likely to have a lasting passion for it because they also have looked for other like-minded people. You probably won't find someone who shares all of your interests but you can definitely find people who are just as passionate about specific things (such as K-pop).

Also, you can just enjoy things on your own.

For example, I enjoy metal and I don't really talk about it with anyone because most people who enjoy metal like to put down pop music in general and most people who enjoy kpop don't understand metal (arguably, metal has had a bigger impact on my life than kpop has) but did I eldritch screech when Slipknot surprise announced a new album coming out Sept 30? Yes. Yes I did.

Well, I lied. I talk about it but nobody cares, they just listen and laugh because they enjoy watching me get passionate about things I like LMAO

...

anyway

You may be at a strange point in your life right now, but I'd say this is a chance to refine and redefine what kind of friendships you want and what you need out of them. Then you can search for like-minded people on various social media groups or attend events that relate to your interests to meet new people. If you want to help people when they're having a hard time, then do. If they don't care about you later, that says more about them that it says about you. Always remember that they might just not know what to do. Just because you do what you do when a friend is in distress doesn't mean they know what to do when you're in distress. And just because you think you've helped them doesn't mean they attribute their improvements to your input. Maybe they talked to someone else. Maybe they turned to religion. Maybe they yelled into the abyss and the abyss responded.

Maybe they anonymously messaged a BTS smut writer with a yoonkook obsession and they got a wall of text and these:

he's pretty cute tho isn't he

ÒᴗÓ

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ipanergy-com · 1 year

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What kind of floor fan is recommended-ipanergy

What Are Floor Fans?

Floor fans, as the name suggests, refer to those fans that are placed on the floor of a room for cooling on the floor level. They are portable and can be located in any corner of your room that you find convenient. Along with ceiling fans, they are a very popular and efficient method of cooling rooms. However, they have an advantage over ceiling fans - they do not need permanent installation, and hence, they can be used for cooling outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces, and patio. Another advantage of floor fans is that they can reach even those corners of your room where the ceiling fan cannot. Floor fans are available in many types, shapes, and sizes. They are usually lightweight and come with a base for support. Floor fans are either made of metal (steel) or superior grade plastic. Most of them come with an oscillation feature - they can rotate side to side at a 180-degree angle, providing a wider coverage area of air circulation. Some fans are also height adjustable with tiltable heads, so you can tilt their frame and adjust their height and get the airflow at any level that is convenient for you. Their user-friendly and compact design makes them ideal for cooling small personal spaces and for those rooms that tend to get stuffy. Floor fans can create excellent ventilation in rooms. Power Consumption and the Type of Motor Used Almost all types of floor fans operate in DC. They use DC motors and hence, can work quite efficiently even while consuming less power. DC motors are known to be highly energy efficient, thus making floor fans also an energy efficient option for cooling your home. Regular floor fans consume up to 55-75 Watts on an average, while the energy efficient models consume even less. Thus, you are not only saving energy but also cutting down your electricity costs. Types Of Floor Fans Let us look at the types of floor fans.

Table Fan

Table fans are small, compact, and lightweight. They usually function as desktop fans and can be placed on desks, counters, and tabletops. They are ideal for cooling small spaces.

Pedestal Fan

These fans come with a height-adjustable feature. There is usually a knob that allows you to increase or decrease their height, so you can get the air circulation to the level that suits you. They are known as Pedestal fans or ‘Stand Fans.’ Most models of pedestal fans come with the oscillation feature.

Window Fans

Window Fans are placed near open windows or outlets. They draw out the stale air from the room and continuously replace it with fresh air from outside. They do not let the air stagnate within the room and are great for ventilation purpose. Window fans are an excellent choice for stuffy and humid rooms.

Tower Fans

Tower fans are tall and slender, much like a tower. These vertical fans oscillate on a base and blow out air at a 90-degree angle. Due to their compact and slim design, they do not take up much space and hence, can be placed anywhere in your room. These fans are powerful and very quiet.

Box Fans

This fan is extremely versatile in functionality, that is, it can be either mounted on an open window for ventilation or placed on the floor level for air circulation within the room. Like window fans, box fans also circulate the air and bring in fresh air from outside.

Bladeless Fans

Bladeless fans are one of a kind. Functioning on air-multiplier technology, they multiply the airflow up to 15 times. Bladeless fans emit the air from a ring-like hollow. They do not have any visible blades as their blades are hidden in the base of the fan. They are sturdy, safe, easy to clean, and extremely attractive. Benefits Of Floor Fans On hot summer days, floor fans can be a blessing. They are economical, user-friendly, easy to operate, and portable. These attributes make them a favorite household choice.

They provide air circulation on the floor level and also create excellent ventilation within the room by pushing the stale air out and drawing in fresh air.

They are great for cooling small personal spaces such as computer tables, kitchen counters, closets, tiny office spaces, etc., unlike ceiling fans.

Floor fans can enhance the efficiency of AC and thermostat. During summers, these fans can aid in mixing and spreading the cool air of the AC throughout the room. So, you can enjoy a great cooling effect even while keeping your AC at a low temperature. In the same manner, during winters, floor fans can attract the warm air gathered near the ceiling and bring it down to the floor level. Coupled with a thermostat, you can keep the room warm and snug even while maintaining the thermostat temperature low.

They are portable and can be used even outdoors with the help of an extension board. So, you can enjoy a cool breeze of air while out in your garden or balcony, and even your terrace.

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plutoswrath · 4 years

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The blessing in evil: harsh aspects

I decided to make this post, since I get a lot of messages of people being frustrated in some way or another with their challenging aspects. Astrology is neutral at its core and will forever consist of the positive and the genative, both live together in unison and always will. I think it goes without saying, that difficult aspects have (of course) their positive sides to them, and can be just as much of a blessing as naturally positive aspects: but how to deal with them and how to look at the challenge harsh aspects provide?

I decided to list the aspects I get asked about the most, as well as a few of my own selection that I’ve have seen people in real life struggle with a lot. Keep in mind, that the specific interpretation of the aspects can differ depending on the planets, signs and houses involved. This is a general post about them, but I’ll try to go as much as in depth as possible. Some of those aspects listed are still debatable in their interpretation, it seems to me.

The Opposition

This aspect has an orb allowance from approximately 10°, it is formed by two planets that are seperated by ca. 180°. The Opposition is self explaining, somehow. It’s the other side of the coin, two siblings starring at each other, so similar, yet unbelievably different and none tries to give in to the other. The cold sholder they think another rightfully deserves. Imagine it as two quirling siblings, that stand in front of their parent (you), explaining and justifying why they are in the right. You on the other hand have to find a middle ground and make your children understand that both of them are right and both of them are wrong. While every aspect is somehow in a way about balance and power dynamics as well as structures, this one is especially about balance and a dynamic balance only. Oppositions force you into extremes easily. One time you handle exactly like one energy, neglecting the other, then you go after the other energy, leaving the first energy out in order to satisfy both needs. This can ultimately lead to stagnation, being irritated to the point that you can go after any energy, identifying with both and yet with none. Key message behind the Opposition: Balance is dynamic, an never ending ungoing process, a status we have to create and that won’t last forever, once we realized our problem or thought about a solution. Both energies are right and need each other in order to find harmony, they ultimately have been born somehow on common ground, it’s a beautiful symbiosis, that lets you unravel and discover lifes lesson of regenerating the self, self healing and how to connect two dots to create the full picture (imagine it like coloring by numbers!). The Opposition is often about getting to know what one wants and needs, it’s undeniably equally important for one to figure it out in order to fully focus on ones destiny or at least to fully visualize all the opportunities and chances in ones life path. More than often, the Opposition takes time to figure out even when the answer seems to be clear and obvious - don’t pressure yourself, take your time and be kind.

The Square

The Square is an aspect that is created by a difference of 90° with an orb allowance of 7.5 degrees. The Square is different compared to the Opposition, here the energies seem to not even bloom from the same family or at least have little similarities. Now, the square is usually two different ideologies clashing, they create a melting pot of frustration and even agression, where the Square sits the native will find themself unconsciously falling back into difficult behavior, thoughts and situations. The square is about questioning what energy is rightfully here, demanding to be pleased and lived out and which is wrong. Of course, none of them is wrong, but really, the native might ask themself: how can they ever work together? Extreme neglect and totalities might be a consequence, wanting the problem to ‘vanish’ already, pleading for growth. It’s really about appreciating the total differences and using them for the best. The individual might feel like they can’t fully chose one ‘option’, but this constant ‘figuring out’ how to channel their energies and when to rely to them, as well as to accept them as strong and reliable forces, keeps the individual active and on the go. They are forced to be quick and clever in a way, to explore people and the self, to assert the self and to overcome an inner blockage. This blockage makes you either disarm yourself - unable to move on and to let yourself be washed away by the rough and wild sea - or you become the boat that wisely reads the sky and water and moves forward without sinking and so is able to see the wild unknown places that the world has to offer. Key message behind the Square: Master of the forces that seem to hold you in a tight grip, seeing the benefit in even the worst and constantly developing the self and setting an example as the master of self understanding and development.

The Inconjunction or Quincunx

The Inconjunction is an aspect of 150° and has an orb allowance of 2 degrees. This aspect feels unable to ‘balance out’ or to find common grounds, since modality and element are both not compatible. More often the Inconjunction can lead to acceptance. We don’t need to force desires and wishes together only for the sake of apparent constant harmony. Both these energies have their own area, both need to live their energies out and have the right to do so. In a negative way, an individual might develop an unhealthy behaviorism in order to satisfy both needs. When being true and honest with the self, the native will think about neutral/benefitting/healthy ways of secluding both areas of the planets energies and needs in their life. Key message behind the Inconjunction: Acceptance first, be honest with yourself and let go of the constant need to create a harmony that can not be reached. Be greatful for the differences and allow yourself find ways to enjoy both with a good will, heart and gratitude. Adjustment will come naturally then.

The Semi-Square

It is an aspect of 45° with an orb allowance of ca. 2 degrees. The Semi-Square is a harsh aspect that manifests as an emotional/inner blockage and inner pain that will manifest subconsciously as outer problems that reoccur, similar in its outcomes and how they happen. The Semi-Square can easily lead to losing the self, losing faith in the self or self-pity but whilst the native struggles with inner blockage and adjusting, the external events will put them in the position to actively take action: one can not not ignore the problem inside the self when it’s presented right in front of them, however if you choose to keep on hanging on to your frustration and desires, if you keep on pushing it aside, wanting to deal with it later or purely neglecting lifes offers for growth one might find themself left behind at times. Another problem might be a lack of discipline, holding on to old, bad behavior or attitude. Key message behind the Semi-Square: Don’t ignore your inner pain, even if it seems small at first. Be open and observant and willing to deal with problems. It’s normal that adjustment will take time, don’t decide where’s the limit when it comes to growth. Be open and content about changes to expand your mind, challenges by life that test you. Be persitant.

The Sesquiquadrate

The aspect in a degree of 135 with an orb allowance of 2-3. This is about holding the self accountable for our actions and problems, to not ignore them. It’s about inner control and to accept aid. The energies of the Sesquiquadrate are subtle, sometimes not noticed by the native. Usually it’s when we want to break free of negativity/a problem but know for a better that we are bound to something holding us back, hence losing our courage. It offers creativity, since this aspect is usually easier mastered by strong positive aspects in the natal chart, that strengthen your decisions and actions. If this challenging aspect is noticed, the feelings of being unable to do anything leads easily to ignoring the problem. Now, this is the point, that’ll potentially make it bigger emotional baggage than it has been before. There is a desire to act and it involves the self, to combine to sides inside of you, to stimulate two sides that have strong expectations. To break boundaries by combining them. Key message behind the Sesquiquadrate: Reflect on the self and acknowledge your flaws and problems. Be active about them, don’t pile emotional baggage up. Be open for guidance and be open to think constructively. Seek out outer guidance/help/opinions, it’s not a shame, at best they will only heighten your intuiton. Embrace oppositions.

#ah i did it #i was active and made a post #see you in six months!!!!#ahhhhhhhh ((this is bad i lack motivation eghh))#own #aspects #negative aspects #astrology #zodiac #opposition #square #inconjunction #quincunx #semi-square #sesquiquadrate #hard aspects #harsh aspects

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kyokkou · 3 years

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( // ok this is me being a curious, but I really want to know how your muses were like the 1960s! As in how did your muses react to the economic miracle, increase of consumption, and a post-war memory? ;v; )

I love receiving questions like this! Actually, I’ve been thinking about something along these lines a lot lately, not to the point of brainrot but pretty close... haha. I predict this being very long, so I’ll slap a readmore on it.

I want to start by saying Kiku was a bystander of sorts from 1945 until 1989. Though he doesn’t realize it at the time, he ends up being in a sort of spiritual limbo (this is something I’m still trying to put into coherent words for the most part, the why of it relating to being half-inugami but it’s still very vague right now and I apologize for that !! ) so he’s stuck watching life go on without him, and while he can go out and about, no one can interact with him.

Eventually, he just isolates on his own, since the situation seems so hopeless; he can’t communicate with Hikaru, and the only one who seems to see him is the personified fighter aircraft he favored. There is one other time where he had company throughout this, but the problem with Reiji is that he cannot speak. He couldn’t even tell Hikaru about all of this, so that’s why he just stays in and misses a good decade and a half from the 70s until 1989.

That said, for Kiku, things are completely different. He stagnates as a person and does not grow along with Japan / Hikaru, though he has little choice but to accept the changes as he watches them happen. He goes through a lot of emotions about things like Anpo and the resulting protests. At the time, he’s angry about it because he simply does not want Japan to befriend the US. He’s still angry about things from even before the war, even as far back as the Perry Expedition. He’s angry that Hikaru simply goes along with it because he wants to avoid conflict, even though just a decade prior he was pushed into allowing a self-defense force, with the remnants of Kiku’s army and navy.

On the other hand, he’s glad Hikaru isn’t starving. He isn’t unaware of what happened to his wartime allies, particularly the Soviet-occupied half of Germany, and Kiku has to admit that he’s relieved it’s only the Americans who are occupying Japan. Sometime in the final weeks of the war, the USSR did declare war on Imperial Japan (specifying this only because of the two of them being one and the other) and did take the Kuril Islands and south Sakhalin along with a partial occupation of N.Korea. So, they were always right around the corner, and since things had changed so much since the Russo-Japanese war, he obviously wasn’t too comfortable with that, either.

I’m digressing but anyway, Kiku’s experiences during the 60s were very different than Hikaru’s were, and he was stuck watching as Hikaru slowly started to adjust to being the main rep again. It was easy during the Edo period, until the end. He rarely had to deal with outsiders, but now, he constantly had to deal with the US occupying forces and all of the bases that are still in operation today. He had to be present for things, but he avoided anything having to do with the JSDF, as he still does today.

During this time, he isn’t swept up in the consumerism, because he’s still afraid of change and afraid to just go along with everything that the citizens are. He never picks sides; while he doesn’t particularly enjoy the fact that they had to enter a mutual defense treaty (it goes against Article 9, in his opinion) he also would rather not be left on his own if something did happen. As far as he knows, he is all alone, has no one to consult when he’s filled with self-doubt about the direction he’s going as a nation.

While he remains humble during all of this, he doesn’t completely shun the modern conveniences that begin to come about. The first shinkansen line came about in the early-mid 60s, and it is something close to his heart for two reasons. Not only was it the first high-speed rail line in Japan, but also the world... and the predecessor to this was something that was conceived in the 30s. The truth is, for as angry as he is (still, even 20 years after the fact) at Kiku for everything, he misses him. He has no one to really share these achievements with except the rest of the world, and he’s pretty sure they’re all still angry with him (which isn’t totally far off.)

Still, Hikaru has no reason to be too sad, because he also hosts the Summer Olympics the same year-- Japan is the first Asian nation to host the games. He’s learning that he doesn’t need someone to help him make decisions, and that he can be successful on his own, as the whole nation overall has been finding success in new ways and recovering from a devastating war. Hikaru finally feels at least somewhat confident during this time, a reflection of how well the economy is doing. Japan’s economy even manages to overtake West Germany’s economy in the late 60s.

In spite of being hesitant at the beginning of the decade, Hikaru is more inclined by the end of it to engage more with the consumer economy, he might or might not purchase things he doesn’t necessarily need, but wants to have to make life easier now that he leaves the house to work with the rest of the government on the daily. By the end of the decade, he stops being as dependent on the lifestyle he knows, and starts gravitating more toward how his citizens are living in their everyday lives. (This is going to be important for the 80s when there is more rampant consumerism and his attitude actually trends toward being somewhat snobbish and materialistic.)

He starts engaging more with western culture, where before he was reluctant out of fear that he would abandon his traditions, a fear that was instilled in him even more during the Imperial era, and this is likely when he becomes as fluent in English as a native speaker of the language. Honestly, this is probably the period of time in recent history in which Hikaru was the most open he’s ever been.

If asked, their memories of this time would be very different; Hikaru would remember how much he came out of his shell, but Kiku would remember how angry, depressed, and alone he was while serving his sentence in what I jokingly call Demon Jail™. He certainly deserved it, but his anger (as mentioned) comes from having to do a 180 and play nice with the US (and remember, he’s still pissed about things as far back as 1853-4... so this isn’t just about the war, haha.) He’s depressed about the rapid changes and how Hikaru doesn’t even need him around, so why am I still here like some sort of ghost? Why can’t I just disappear completely, then?

It isn’t that Hikaru is completely happy and healed from everything that happened, either. He’s simply too distracted by so many new and interesting things happening to him to think about it, and he’s more than busy with his new role, too.

This was really long as predicted, and I had to stop for dinner in between, but I hope it covered everything / answered your questions! If not, I’m more than happy to have another round. 笑

#bozii #✺ 「そんな風にも考えていたの。」 || answers;#✺ 「深い闇を俺は抜け出した。」 || headcanons;#[ cw occupation ? ]#[ content warning: occupation ? ]#[ just in case idk how sensitive people are to this but i don't want to take chances. also: ]#[ cw: war ]#[ content warning: war ]

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ais-n · 4 years

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How do you create your characters? (anon ask)

Another question from the same anon I mentioned in the other post:

In general, how do you create your characters, especially their psychology/thought process/ flaws?

haha I have two answers to this - and they depend on the level of ridiculous I’m being.

MORE THOROUGH - CHARACTER BIO TEMPLATE:

I actually have a character bio template I made so it was easier for me to track multiple aspects of characters in complex stories. You can download and adjust/use however you’d like - more info at http://aisylum.com/give-and-take/resources/ or download directly as .odt, .doc, or .rtf.

I made that for my fantasy series but you can just change whatever you want to fit better for your particular situation.

In the thorough cases like this, I will usually start with some sort of idea of the character, whatever that may be, put that into the character bio, and build out from there. Sometimes the vague idea is the gender and/or orientation, sometimes it’s their past, sometimes it’s just a snippet of dialogue I think of someone saying and I have to figure out who would say that thing in that way and why.

I also try to think about what leads to what.

Like, Boyd was starved of consistent love and stability as a child, so he came to fully believe he didn’t deserve it while also desperately and subconsciously seeking it out. But because he also had low self-esteem and other issues including a number of tragedies in his past, he became self-destructive at times in his quest for feeling loved or needed. He was willing to put the needs of others above the health of himself, if it meant he wouldn’t be abandoned. Which meant he would be reckless at times, and it meant his emotions would vary hugely when it came to relationships; he would do really stupid things out of fear of losing love or acceptance because he had wished so dearly for it for so long - but that can also backlash and lead to the very thing he feared because he was doing things at times for the wrong reasons or was too willing to compromise when it would be healthier for everyone to stand his ground.

Or, looking at my LGBTQIA+ sci-fi/fantasy/cop/murder mystery-type story Incarnations for other examples - Cypress is a type of Mage (magic-user) who is maligned by pretty much the whole world, especially by other Mages. His kind was all killed in a genocide centuries ago. For various reasons that also pertain to his past (and which would be a spoiler to dictate right now but come up later in the book), he has a huge distrust for other people, to the point at times of rage and hatred and violence. He has almost no one who has been on his side and stayed on his side from the start, except his twin brother. But that comes with its own set of fears, of what would happen if something happened to his brother?, and because he equates emotions to weakness, and he loathes weakness, he can be very aggressive and cynical and sarcastic when interacting with other people. But at the same time, precisely because he’s the type of Mage who gets hunted down and killed or detained by others, and because of how he grew up, he’s learned how to stay under the radar and how to blend in when needed. For all his rage inside, he’s very good at playing a part if he has to, and those two pieces of him may feel at direct odds to one another but they’re just two sides of the same coin. He has the rage because of who he is, and because of who he is he had to learn to not be seen. He is volatile at best when he’s being his own ‘normal’ and yet he can act totally ‘normal’ according to the rest of the world at the drop of a hat if needed. You could meet him in the middle of a grift and have no clue he’s anything other than a regular Joe Schmoe kind of dude who wouldn’t hurt a fly, when in fact he wouldn’t hesitate to brutally kill you if circumstances made it in his best interest.

Basically, I often try to think of what makes sense for how people would react to things they’ve been through (both good and bad), and then how that might affect their behavior going forward, and what would positively or negatively affect that.

One very short, truncated example I’ll give is Sloane, another Mage from Incarnations; because of an event in her past that she survived and others didn’t think she should have, she’s seen as a monster by much of the local community. She became inured to random death from a young age, so she doesn’t question things the way you might expect someone to in the same circumstances, but she also became resentful of others because of how she was treated. She was a troubled child who acted out a lot, but then she had one person who decided to keep reaching out to her, again and again, despite how often she lashed out. And that person became a sense of stability for her, that led to her doing a 180. She went from a kid who was constantly in juvie to being a cop (in this world’s equivalents). There’s a lot more to her story but that’s just a quick way of showing her past and the way people treated her affected her negatively until she had enough of a positive impact on her life from someone else that she ended up changing her trajectory.

I work through a lot of those sorts of things when filling out the character bio so I get a good idea of their past, their tendencies, their biases, etc. And then there’s a section that asks questions like what would build them up, what would bring them down, what is needed for them to progress, etc. I answer those questions as much as I can, and oftentimes get some revelations about the character along the way. And then I look at the plot of the story as a whole and see if it makes sense to include pieces along the way that will provide character progression (or regression) for the character.

That can be a good way of not only making sure characters don’t stagnate in a story, while also providing layers to the plot itself so that it’s not just about one single thing - there are multiple things happening along the way that provide something potentially interesting or fun or whatever as well.

I personally like to write stories where you can enjoy it as much or more on the second, fourth, tenth read as you did on the first... I want to try to add little things, if possible, that you may glance over the first time without enough context but later can go back and say OHHH when you know more. I find that doing that is particularly fun and enjoyable and easy when you have character progression or little character quirks you can include along the way, because it doesn’t have to be some big dramatic thing for the plot of the world or overall story. It can be something as simple as a character with long hair deciding to cut their hair off, or someone who always wears shoes and makes fun of another person who goes barefoot, now trying to go barefoot and thinking “oh crap, I get why they liked this all along.” It can be totally inconsequential things for the series as a whole that have some sort of meaning for the character or reader, big or small.

I get bored easily both as a reader and a writer so I guess to me that brings in a level of entertainment.

So essentially, I start with something that either I feel I know about the character or makes sense to me about the character, then I try to think about how they would view this thing, and then I try to think about logically what would follow based on their worldview. And that often will lead to flaws, psychology, thought processes, etc. You could think of it like “What would I do if I were them?” but try to not put your personal values in place of their own.

Like, I would never murder the fuck out of people so callously as Cypress does, but I want readers to understand why he does, and for that I need to understand too as the writer or else that’s asking way too much for the readers to understand something I don’t.

QUICKER, LESS RIDICULOUS WAY

I don’t always want to fill out a whole ass memoir/biography on a character to write or create them - sometimes I just want something simple.

In those cases, I don’t write everything down like that bio template, and I don’t go into such specific and detailed questions about every part of their past and their relationships and what they do or don’t need to get better or etc. Instead, I’ll just go with the vibe of someone - what’s the information that’s of import for them as a person and their particular story? Sometimes that’s gender, orientation, race, etc, or sometimes it’s things they like (like spooky things) or things they hate (like restrictive rules).

I try to do more of an overview of why they are how they are, and therefore how they may react to certain things, but I don’t worry myself about going deep into their thought process and psychology to know every detail of how and why. Because depending on the story, I don’t even need to know that information.

I tend to do more of a ‘surface-level’ view of characters for my short stories, because going super in depth would work against what I’m trying to do when I write those - which is develop SOME sense of brevity in my life. Somewhere lol

A good example of that mentality is probably my short story Five Star Review which is about a god and a spiritual being having a conversation in a closed restaurant. In that story, both main characters are they/them, because that’s the pronouns that worked, and they are very briefly described but barely at all. That story is more about philosophy and the way spirituality/religion interacts with humanity, so that’s what more of the focus is on. I didn’t need to know every single thing Deity (the god) has ever thought, because it’s irrelevant; I just needed to know how they would feel about the particular topics brought up in this particular story. And then, if the dialogue, plot, or otherwise leads to it, I could figure out their flaws or merits as needed, based on the sort of “person” they had already shown themself to be in the previous scene(s).

I don’t know if that helps or if all of that is more confusing. But I basically just start with something I feel I know about the character, then build on that in the context of the world or environment they would have developed in, and then just kind of follow the logic along.

Also, if that doesn’t lead to flaws or any depth of the character, I will go back and look at something central to them, and try to see if there is anything seemingly directly opposed that could be introduced as a flaw or aspect of them. Because I feel that humans are rarely one-sided, and oftentimes the complexity of us is because of juxtapositions within ourselves we have or haven’t come to terms with. So to make a character feel more “real,” I think it’s important for them to have at least two things about them that don’t, at first glance, seem like it makes sense - but it doesn when you think about them as a person growing up where they did, or how they did, or where they are now, or whatever other piece of them. Not only does that feel more nuanced as a character and more realistic, but it also introduces some internal conflict that can be used as character progression or, at the very least, something interesting to bring in when the plot is in a lull and you don’t know where to go next.

For me, the most important thing is being willing to change my presumption of the character as the writer, if the character naturally develops in a different direction. And therefore also being willing to change the plot to accommodate, instead of forcing the character to follow the plot.

Sorry this post was a million miles long..... hopefully it helps, like, at all, and isn’t just massively confusing.

#ask ais #icos #icosbooks #in the company of shadows #writing #incarnations #wildwood rising

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herotheshiro · 4 years

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today’s friday which y’all know is manhwa day aka most of the manhwas i care abt update today lmao. anyway i guess i should give one last update of my thoughts on bj alex bc the side story ended today and honestly catch me frisbee-ing my phone out of the window (from positive feelings). i’m glad this last chapter had them finally talking it out slash more like just chanwoo talking. i don’t have access to a full translation but i did read a chapter summary and it sounds like md apologized for the whole situation with pitting chanwoo against the other sub at least which like fine i’ll accept (i have low expectations for the semes ppl write ... like it’s pretty rare for them to own up to and apologize for shit they’ve done which is so unfortunate but whatever ... like when md was like ‘oh if you’d been honest with your feelings from the start, all of this wouldn’t have happened’ and sure i’ll admit the miscommunication was bad on both their parts but also i was like ok md please stop talking before you catch my virtual hands) ... i’m just glad chanwoo finally has a SO who will take care of him and they are at least happy with each other as who they are instead of the bullshit that happened with alex x dg (aka alex having to do a 180 which i’m not saying is bad bc he was a real ass before but the emotional damage dg had to take for all of that? and also them ignoring the CRAP alex put dg through before? i mean yeah i never really read bj alex and i don’t plan to but whew man. and yeah i can’t get through a bj alex post without dissing the original somehow lmao). like man i’m glad their relationship is positive vibes bc if i had to grind through bj alex 2.0 i would legit cry. go chanwoo. also i was like no way they’re gonna end w/o having a sex scene and indeed they had a sex scene that was in no way required to move the plot along so. good for y’all who wanted that

also bl motel, kind of surprised but not really that jaehwan fell so easily re: the conflict abt him dating dh (dongho? my korean memory is so bad). like i mean i get it there’s not much of a conflict in the story or between them other than their relationship so you kind of have to push it along or else it’s gonna stagnate with them beating around the bush forever (cough cough here u are, starting with a lie cough) ... but ok damn dh only had to play cool for like only 1 ch lol. is the story gonna be a basic copy of the main pairing where they fuck all the time or are they actually gonna go for an actual plot (trope) where jaehwan and dh go on dates and it’s awkward but they somehow make it work bc they like each other? like i mean we already know dh’s deal from the main story and then we got jh’s backstory already so like ... what else is there to talk about but then again i guess the whole thing abt them trying to get comfortable enough w each other to no longer have any doubts is enough of a plot. honestly in hindsight it might’ve been better to save the backstory until after they started going out bc then you would be able to see some of his behaviors towards dh as his boyfriend (which i’m going to assume are gonna be a lil awkward like he doesn’t want to be too clingy) and then boom revelation of why he’s so weird abt relationships. i mean i’ll see how the rest of the story goes, i don’t think we’re done with the main pairing yet either so ... (was the conflict with the boss having an ex (lol) resolved yet? i legit just skim when the main pairing comes up bc i don’t care abt them)

#reading

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zynnfae · 5 years

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End of Jan Zodiac 1/25 - 1/31

AQUARIUS ~ You may have been distant towards something or someone, but you have come back this week with manifestation in mind. You’re conflicted and unsure whether you want to take your time with something or rush in. You have experienced heartbreak in the past that has made you stingy in a way regarding romance and because of this you have been procrastinating on making a decision, but you are feeling discouraged which will cause you to continue to delay due to your insecurity. but this week you will make a recovery and approach your plan in a new way, you will have an awakening of sorts that will grant you the courage to get what you want. +Affirmation+ “Its time to go after your dreams!”

PISCES ~ A falling out happened due to not being able to make decisions without arguing made someone feel as if nothing is ever good enough. Because of this they were filled with resentment and decided on walking away because it was taking too much of their mental energy. It may have felt like a small victory but they walked away with no closure so it will cause defeat instead and may give them a sense of self doubt or insecurity that will cause indecision of where things are going by the end of the week. +Affirmation+ “Look to the future with hope and optimism.”

ARIES ~ You have been sad, maybe even a little depressed lately because you’ve been wanting more in your life. More prosperity even. you have been giving it a lot of thought, trying to gain clarity while reflecting on where you are in life regarding your financial status. You may even have stopped partying or hanging out with your friends because of it. This week you are going to be manifesting you ambition and desire like crazy. +Affirmation+ “Cautious but wise action.”

TAURUS ~ You have been a little too uptight with your work or responsibility. You chose to stay in this situation even thought its not the best one you would have picked. But you do want to move forward you just need the courage in doing so. Your plan to move forward may have failed in the past but this week you will satisfied because you’re going to be successful with decision to move forward. +Affirmation+ “Look to the space between the trees for answers”

GEMINI ~ You have been juggling with the different decisions you need to make. Its kinda been making your mind wander a lot because these decisions arent easy to make but for some reason you’re trying to work on this alone and its making you a little unbalanced. You are refusing to ask for help because your trying to control this situation quietly. You wont be satisfied enough though so something in your gut is going to make you act fast and you are gong to end up saying “Yes!” to every opportunity that comes your way this week. by the end of the week you are gonna feel bound by a heavy load of “yes’s” that you got yourself. +Affirmation+ “Set aside your concerns for now, you can make a decision later.”

CANCER ~ you probably have started working with new people recently and have shown them a side of you that isnt really you, You were being controlled by your emotions, rebellious and kinda Tyrannical in your behavior, but you are going to check yourself and realize “wait a minute, thats not me” So you are going to go into an isolation phase while you get your strength, this week you will emerge clear minded and your normal self again, you’re total 180 transformation is going to confuse your coworkers at first but they are definitely going to like the change. +Affirmation+ “Expect powerful Change”

LEO ~ You have been manifesting for a while and its starting to make you feel mean and snappy, what you’ve been wanting is something new with someone else and you have been waiting for them to come in, but for some reason they failed to do so which is why you;’ve been in an attitude of sorts. You have been confused as well and hoping someone would take action already and tell the truth. You are starting to daydream a lot as you begin to feel defeated but sometime this week your manifestation will show itself, they will come in and you will have your new beginning together. +affirmation+ “You should know where you stand either now, or very soon.”

VIRGO ~ You are ready to make a decision, You manifested something that caused you to move on from a situation, it made you a little insecure even though you got what you wanted, you gained the strength to beat your insecurity and this week you are going to have a Resurrection with the situation you had a falling out with, you are going to come together in a new beginning. +Affirmation+ “Believe in yourself!.”

LIBRA ~ You are stuck in a situation thats making you feel trapped. You may have decided on walking away due to being unsatisfied. You are working hard at repressing your grief by saying yes to everything and making accomplishments and having responsibilities. By th end of the week you’re going to be focused on the end results and getting back in control. +Affirmation+ “Its time to release negativity.”

SCORPIO ~ You may have been planning something in secret that you keep delaying for some reason. Instead you’re holding on because you are fearing change. You’re scared of being rejected because you’ve had people break promises. but sometime in the week you are going to finally go through with the decision you were planning and have a new beginning. +Affirmation+ “Spending time near water will bring you peace and answers.”

SAGITTARIUS ~ You’re going to be unsatisfied this week. You were stagnating and romanticizing the past that you had with someone. There was a situation where You lied, didnt give your all, and played the victim and You dont want to accept the fact that they arent going come back to you and sometime this week, you are going to feel defeated that you lost the person you love or have a crush on. +Affirmation+ “Take time to breathe out.”

CAPRICORN ~ You’re not really chasing your dreams at the moment, Capricorn You have been a little cynical maybe because you’ve had a bout of bad luck lately. You have been using logic to get over whatever grief you’ve gone through but its stopping you from making plans. You have been delaying and feeling discouraged but sometime this week its all going to turn around and you’re going to end up reflecting on the plans you need to make. +Affirmation+ “Your power comes from making a decision.”

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hajimailhinata · 5 years

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I honestly can’t talk about this with my friends without feeling stupid so here we go I guess (even though I’ve already sent like 4 messages in the past (,,꒪꒫꒪,,) hope I’m not bothering you). I always feel like my friends are growing up and moving on and doing things and I’m just being left in the dust. Nothing’s changing or improving for me, I’m just stagnating comparatively. I’m so stuck in my own routines that trying to escape makes me sick. It feels like I’m just right a battle I can’t win.

..But you’re not stagnating. Being able to think maturely and evaluate your life like this shows your mind is trying to rush forward ahead of the rest of you. There’s plenty of stuff going on for you if it’s causing you so much grief. Changes in your own mentality that you aren’t prepared to deal with, but have hoisted on to you nonetheless. It’s all a regular part of growing up.

You don’t need constant change to justify moving forward. Growing up is all about walking that path, not the rate you use or the things that shift along the way. You’re not your friends. You’re you. There are some things about you that won’t be changed, and you can’t force it onto things that will. Self improvement and stuff... that comes with time and patience. There’s no rush to it. There’s no battle to begin with, it’s just. A process.

I know what it’s like to feel left behind. My friends are super talented, too, and they can get a lot done on their owns. But that doesn’t mean I’m any less valuable, and neither are you. Your life is a lot bigger than its current chapter, there’s always going to be time to chase those changes you’re looking for. Don’t get scared of the people that develop independent of you. Don’t trick yourself into thinking it was any easier for them- I’ll call that bluff in a heartbeat. Nobody’s ever had an easy time growing up!

There’s nothing wrong with staying routine for a while. Getting your life together isn’t meant to be all constant order and productivity. Success was never part of the equation. It’s about being brave enough to confront the next day after tomorrow and so much further. Your friends didn’t just magically wake up and go do their own thing, they needed their own period of reflection to figure things out and take action accordingly. You’re going through just the same thing if you’re thinking about it so much, which is just further proof that you’re not exactly far behind.

Your life doesn’t have to do a total 180 for you to make something of it. It’s not a bad thing if nothing big or exciting is happening, and you’re not stagnating if your friends have things going on that you don’t. Everyone deals with things differently. Everyone’s lives are unique. If you go around expecting to do the same thing as everybody else, that’s true stagnation. Immediacy doesn’t make you all that impressive, it’s just a thing some people have and others don’t, same as something like your physical features.

Right now, things are slow, but you can’t compare your life to theirs. You and them are two completely different cases, because that’s what it means to be individuals. Naturally, progression is going to be different as well, but you’re mistaking an interesting narrative for meaning. Like it or not, you’re changing in your own smaller ways. If something more drastic is what you crave, rest assured, the world will find some way to throw it at you. That’s just life. Just like how life is sometimes muted and mundane, but neither of those words make it less significant. It doesn’t make you less significant.

It’s not a competition to do something fresh with yourself. Don’t hold yourself to that sort of expectation. If you used up all your plot points early on, wouldn’t that just mean the epilogue would bore you? I think you’re full of plenty of potential, just as much as your friends, and it’s perfectly alright if that’s not being expressed just yet. You’re not wasting away by following routine, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do things when they present themselves to you. Even if you can’t seem to find the change you want on your own, the universe thrives on it, and you’ll experience it one way or another. It’s impossible to live a stagnant life. Right now is just a matter of waiting.

Nothing new is no better or worse than eventfulness, but I know for a fact it’s not eternal either. So don’t worry about that. Don’t worry about what other people get up to. It’s guaranteed that you’ll stumble into something, too. That’s the nature of reality in all its volatility. So... it’s okay. I know what it’s like to yearn for something outside an average life, and I’m telling you, it’ll be okay. You don’t have to undergo human experimentation to shake things up. Change will present itself in due time, and you won’t regret the journey it took to get there once you’re experiencing the reward.

Who knows? Maybe routine will even become something peaceful once you’re at that point. But until then, hang on. Have patience. Don’t hurt yourself struggling to do something flashy with your life, just... live. That’s all you have to do. To find something cool, I mean. Not that you even really need it to stand by your friends- You’re worthy of their company because they picked you. But this is about your own goal, not theirs, and it’s not bad if you take a little longer getting there. That just means the pay-off will feel super good, so it’s alright. You’re alright, and nobody’s going anywhere without you.

Take things moment for moment. There’s no wrong way to go about it, just like there’s no real way to stand totally still. Whether it’s at a shuffle or a sprint, you’re moving, too. In every little thing that makes today different from yesterday, there was progression. Whether you try or not, tomorrow always comes, and you’ll always be a part of it.

#anonymous #ask

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lacktastrophe · 5 years

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When I started reading BCB, David was my favorite character and I patiently waited for when he'd get a spotlight. I thought he was one of the main characters because he hanged out with the cast all the time. Granted, by the end of Volume 1, I understood he was a minor character like Sue. After that though, I realized that he had a much smaller role on the story than Sue. He seems to be an afterthought for Taeshi at this point, and as a consequence, hasn't grown much.

On the other side of the coin, most of the characters who have been in the limelight haven’t grown as much either; Daisy is still much the same as she had been before freshman and Abbey, despite all the advice given to him from confident around him, he still has to put it in practice or basically ‘change’. Growth tends to be a slow agonising process. I tend to prefer it like this rather than a character doing this amazing 180 degree swap.

I gotta admit I’ve been having trouble really giving your ask an answer that nails everything here. I feel what’s been said about Taeshi is a bit presumptuous; David’s still being included in most of the recent chapters where I feel it could be possible to even replace him with Mike at this stage. Could’ve happened in Fair Game, given us some of that PauloxMike and MikexDaisy conflict. So I feel that there is still some significance in including David instead of what would save chapters if BCB was being urgently wrapped up. I have faith in Taeshi’s writing ability; BCB’s still going and the story has evolved as the years pass. There’s always a chance since Abbey’s arcs appear to be more or less complete for more ground could be reached with both Sue and David given Lucy and Paulo are in the spotlight.

On the other hand, it mightn’t; David tends to only hang around Paulo which could explain how he stagnates in a social setting. It might just be the sad fact that these characters are already well-grounded and they might just carry this onward into their senior year. Who’s to say?

#bittersweet candy bowl #bcb #thefoolatyourside

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newstfionline · 3 years

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Wednesday, April 21, 2021

There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing (NYT) At first, I didn’t recognize the symptoms that we all had in common. It wasn’t burnout—we still had energy. It wasn’t depression—we didn’t feel hopeless. We just felt somewhat joyless and aimless. It turns out there’s a name for that: languishing. Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield. And it might be the dominant emotion of 2021. Languishing is the neglected middle child of mental health. It’s the void between depression and flourishing—the absence of well-being. You don’t have symptoms of mental illness, but you’re not the picture of mental health either. You’re not functioning at full capacity. Languishing dulls your motivation, disrupts your ability to focus, and triples the odds that you’ll cut back on work. Part of the danger is that when you’re languishing, you might not notice the dulling of delight or the dwindling of drive. You don’t catch yourself slipping slowly into solitude; you’re indifferent to your indifference. When you can’t see your own suffering, you don’t seek help or even do much to help yourself.

Biden’s virtual climate summit: Diplomacy sans human touch (AP) There will be no hands to shake or backs to slap, no way to look a foreign leader in the eye. The small human moments that define statecraft will be reduced to images on a screen. President Joe Biden, a most hands-on politician, this week will host a major climate summit with dozens of world leaders—all of them stuck on Zoom. Streamed 100% live with no backroom give-and-take, the summit will be more geared to sending a message about America’s return to the climate fight and nudging the world toward a greener planet than about specific deals or action. Climate activists may hope for dramatic moments when countries like Japan, South Korea or even China are suddenly inspired by Biden and announce they will stop funding other nations’ coal power plants. But Henry “Jake” Jacoby, who cofounded the MIT Center for Global Change Science, just laughs at the idea: “On a Zoom call with 40 nations of the world watching? Yeah, not a chance.”

Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death (AP) Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that triggered worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S. Chauvin, 45, was immediately led away with his hands cuffed behind his back and could be sent to prison for decades. The verdict — guilty on all counts, in a clear-cut victory for Floyd’s supporters — set off jubilation tinged with sorrow around the city. Hundreds of people poured into the streets, some running through traffic with banners. Cars blared their horns.

Teen’s death puts focus on split-second police decisions (AP) It happened in less than a second. Thirteen-year-old Adam Toledo dropped the gun he’d been holding, turned and began raising his hands just as the officer had commanded. Then the cop fired a single shot, killing the boy in the dark Chicago alley. The graphic video that became the latest tragic touchstone in the nation’s reckoning with race and policing puts a microscope on those split-second decisions with far-reaching and grave consequences. It takes the brain about three-fourths of a second to react to a perceived threat, said Chris Burbank, a former police chief in Salt Lake City who is now with the Center for Policing Equity. Most police can then draw a gun and fire two accurate rounds in 1.5 seconds, so the pivotal portion of a confrontation can be over in less than three seconds.

Journalism problems (American Press Institute) The latest World Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders found that journalism was impeded or constrained in 73% of the 180 countries that the index evaluated. The report finds that the pandemic severely curbed journalists’ access to sources and reporting in the field. Meanwhile, the he2021 Edelman Trust barometer, which surveyed people in 28 countries, found that 58% of respondents said journalists deliberately misled the public by reporting information that they knew was false. The United States ranks 44th out 180 countries in press freedom and is rated “fairly good”; the top five countries when it comes to press freedom are Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Costa Rica.

Covid in Brazil: Hunger worsens in city slums (BBC) The queue snakes around the block and each day it gets longer: hungry residents of Heliopolis, São Paulo’s largest favela, waiting in line for the handout that will keep them going until the next morning. They are given a bowl of pasta with meat and a portion of rice, two packets of biscuits and a carton of milk, shared between a whole household and usually their only meal of the day. Before the pandemic, 300 people would queue up here. Now it is over 1,000, and the charity that runs it has 650 others across São Paulo. “The vast majority of people who live in the favelas work in the informal economy, as cleaners in homes or helping to bake cakes, so when businesses close or houses stop using them, they feel the impact,” says Marcivan Barreto, the local co-ordinator. “You see people queuing up at 03:00 for food. I’m very worried that as the pandemic continues, a hungry father will start looting supermarkets. When you’re starving, despair hits.”

Argentina’s Misery Deepens in the Pandemic (NYT) Before the pandemic, Carla Huanca and her family were making modest but meaningful improvements to their cramped apartment in the slums of Buenos Aires. She was working as a hairstylist. Her partner was tending bar at a nightclub. Together, they were bringing home about 25,000 pesos ($270) a week — enough to add a second story to their home, creating extra space for their three boys. They were about to plaster the walls. “Then, everything closed,” said Ms. Huanca, 33. “We were left with nothing.” The global economic devastation that has accompanied Covid-19 has been especially stark in Argentina, a country that entered the pandemic deep in crisis. Its economy shrank nearly 10 percent in 2020, the third straight year of recession. The pandemic has accelerated an exodus of foreign investment, which has pushed down the value of the Argentine peso. That has increased the costs of imports like food and fertilizer, and kept the inflation rate above 40 percent. More than four in 10 Argentines are mired in poverty. Hanging over national life is an inevitable renegotiation later this year with the International Monetary Fund, an institution that Argentines widely detest for having imposed crippling budget austerity as part of a rescue package two decades ago.

Britcoin (Foreign Policy) The Bank of England is exploring whether to follow the lead of China in developing its own digital currency. The proposal, dubbed “Britcoin” by U.K. Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, is in early stages: A task force between the U.K. Treasury and Bank of England has been formed to investigate the viability of such a move. The European Central Bank said last week that it was also looking at electronic cash, but that implementation was years away.

A Quiet Arms Race Is Rapidly Heating Up Between the Two Koreas (NYT) Pride and jealousy have driven North and South Korea to engage in propaganda shouting matches and compete over who could build a taller flagpole on their border. Now that one-upmanship is intensifying a much more dangerous side of their rivalry: the arms race. Earlier this month, South Korea’s dream of building its own supersonic fighter jet was realized when it unveiled the KF-21, developed at a cost of $7.8 billion. The country also recently revealed plans to acquire dozens of new American combat helicopters. When President Moon Jae-in visited the Defense Ministry’s Agency for Defense Development last year, he said South Korea had “developed a short-range ballistic missile with one of the largest warheads in the world.” Unlike North Korea, the South lacks nuclear weapons. But in recent years the country has revved up its military spending, procuring American stealth jets and building increasingly powerful conventional missiles capable of targeting North Korean missile facilities and war bunkers. The impoverished North has used those moves to justify expanding its own arsenal, and has threatened to tip its short-range missiles with nuclear warheads and make them harder to intercept. Experts warn that the ensuing arms race between the two countries is jeopardizing the delicate balance of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

China Plans a Communist Birthday Bash (NYT) Movie theaters in China are being ordered to screen patriotic films with titles like “The Sacrifice” and “The Red Sun.” Elementary students in some cities are being told to create paintings and calligraphy extolling the “Chinese dream.” Buses and subways are broadcasting nationalistic messages about revolutionary heroes. China’s Communist Party is gearing up for a patriotic extravaganza to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding on July 1. Officials are going into overdrive to make sure commemorations go off without a hitch—and hammer home the message that the party alone can restore China to what Beijing considers the country’s rightful place as a global power. While much of the focus will be on the past, the party’s centenary will have significant repercussions for China’s future. The celebrations will give China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, a forum to present himself as a transformative figure on par with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. “We need to educate and guide the whole party to vigorously carry forward the red tradition,” Mr. Xi said during a recent conference call with political leaders about the centenary, according to People’s Daily, an official newspaper. Chinese officials, using the slogan “Follow the Party Forever,” are keen to trumpet China’s strength in a pandemic-ravaged world and justify the party’s increasingly tight grip on daily life in China.

Beijing’s control over Hong Kong (Washington Post) For a place that has been stripped of its democratic rights during a pandemic, some days in Hong Kong still feel routine. April 15, however, was not. That occasion, the first “National Security Education Day” since China imposed a tough security law in June, was the most visible display of Hong Kong’s fall from a relatively free, boisterous territory to an Orwellian place that resembles the repressive mainland. Directed at children and designed to rehabilitate the image of the Hong Kong Police Force, last week’s campaign showed how the authorities are enforcing a single narrative of the protests—meddlesome foreign forces stirring up trouble—and how no expense will be spared to fully integrate the financial center into China’s authoritarian system. The day started with flag-raising ceremonies at most schools and the singing of the Chinese national anthem, the “March of the Volunteers.” Many schools also organized national security puzzle games and asked students to write “wish cards” pledging support for the new security law—the resulting works resembling the message-covered “Lennon Walls” synonymous with the democracy movement. Hong Kong’s best legal minds continually tell me the law is a vague catchall, creating broadly worded crimes that could land people in jail for playing a song or uttering a slogan. They call the law “one of the greatest threats to human rights and the rule of law” in Hong Kong since the handover; it has already driven out thousands of people and led some companies, most notably the New York Times, to move employees elsewhere. Now, it was being portrayed to youngsters as something universal and observant of human rights. One elementary school teacher said her 10-year-old pupils can’t comprehend this nuance—and so have become part of a “brainwashing” campaign.

Hugs, tears as Australia-New Zealand travel bubble opens (AFP) Emotions ran high Monday as excited passengers set off on the first flights to take advantage of a quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, allowing families split when borders closed almost 400 days ago to finally reunite. “(I’ll) yell, scream, cry, hug, kiss, (feel) happy—all of these emotions at once,” Denise O’Donoghue, 63, told AFP at Sydney airport as she prepared to board her flight. The arrangement means that for the first time since the pandemic closed borders worldwide, passengers can fly in either direction across the Tasman Sea without undergoing mandatory Covid-19 quarantine when they arrive. “It’s a very big day and exciting for families and friends,” said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who hailed the success of both countries in containing the virus as a key factor in allowing the travel corridor.

Fleeing a Modern War, Syrians Seek Refuge in Ancient Ruins (NYT) AL-KFEIR, Syria—As the sun set, children in dirty clothes and battered shoes herded sheep past the towering stone walls of a Byzantine settlement abandoned more than 1,000 years ago, leading them into an ancient cave nearby where the animals would spend the night. Abu Ramadan, 38, said he cared little for the site’s history as a trading and agricultural center, but appreciated the sturdy walls that blunted the wind and the abundance of cut stones that a family who had lost everything could salvage to piece together a new life. “We built these from the ruins,” he said, pointing to a chicken coop and wood-burning stove. “We, too, have become ruins.” As Syria’s 10-year civil war has displaced millions of people, families like Abu Ramadan’s have sought refuge from a modern war behind the walls of dozens of ancient villages sprinkled across the hills of the country’s northwest, a region still out of the control of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. Since their original owners left them between the eighth and 10th centuries, these ruins have remained in remarkably good condition for more than 1,000 years, their stone structures largely withstanding the passing of empires and battering by the wind and rain. And many Syrians, with noplace else to go, have taken refuge in them.

President of Chad Is Killed as Soldiers Clash With Rebels (NYT) Gunshots rang out in the capital of Chad Monday night into early Tuesday morning as supporters of the president, Idriss Déby, fired in the air celebrating the announcement that after three decades of iron-fisted rule, he had just won a sixth term. Meanwhile, Mr. Déby was dying on a battlefield north of the capital, Ndjamena, of wounds sustained while fighting rebels trying to overthrow his government, his military generals said. His death was announced on Tuesday. The death of Mr. Déby, who brooked no dissent and was feared by his own people, could spark a battle for succession and leave a gaping hole in a country heavily relied upon by the West in its wars against Islamist extremists in West and Central Africa. Chad is a desert nation three times the size of California, surrounded on all sides by countries facing serious instability, like Libya, to the north, and Nigeria to the south. Its military forces have been key to both the war in the Sahel, a vast stretch of territory to the south of the Sahara, and the fight against Boko Haram and its splinter groups in the Lake Chad region.

Home accidents (WSJ) The scars of 2020 are in some cases quite literal: A study published in Injury Epidemiology found that 26 percent of about 2,000 respondents surveyed between March and June 2020 reported a household injury, up from a 2017 version of the same survey where 14 percent reported one in the preceding three months. New hobbies, home improvement projects, at-home exercise routines, all the random things people did to divert their attention in the inaugural months of the pandemic in some cases came back to bite them. I, for one, learned a valuable lesson about the melting point of solder vs. the melting point of thumbs over the summer that I would not care to repeat.

#headlines #news

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chroniclerwabba · 7 years

Text

Your Favorite Character Tier List (featuring Warcraft)

A list I wrote up to place major Warcraft 3 characters into specific tiers based on how well their writing was handled in the transition from Warcraft 3 to World of Warcraft and its expanded universe. This list uses Warcraft as an example so even if you’re not a fan of the series, feel free to reblog and tag where your favorite character from any form of media fits into this tier list.

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Arthas Tier: From beginning to end, your favorite always kept you invested. Their story was neatly tied together and ended as it always should have, putting you through a flurry of emotions as you came to the end. Not only was your favorite character good all throughout their appearances, but they were vastly improved upon in the expanded universe. Their friendships/romantic subplots were emotionally investing and made you pray they all come out in one peace. Their character was made deeper and more intricate, making you appreciate their struggles and understand how they came to be the person they are today. The original storyline is unmodified and neatly expanded upon, allowing you to enjoy the media they first appeared in and understand it without needing to do prior research first. The absolute top tier and the gold standard that all others wish they could meet.

Akama Tier: Your favorite was a minor character that eventually grew to take a more prominent role in the series. The writers expanded upon them in both the expanded universe and the major installments, making them incredibly interesting and adding depth to the minor lore aspect they came from. The ultimate heaven for a minor character.

Kel’Thuzad Tier: Your favorite was a villain you absolutely loved seeing show up, their actions diabolical and their dialogue making you grin from how malevolent they were. The eventual reunion where the main characters fight to the death with them was long and built-up but so satisfying in its payoff. You’re hit with a rush of nostalgia and an appreciation for how far the story has progressed. Seeing them die is a bittersweet payoff. You’ll miss their presence, but they went out with a bang.

Rexxar/Chen Tier: Your favorite was a minor character that showed up later on in the series briefly. They didn’t have much to do and didn’t really develop in any meaningful way, making you wish they had more of an impact. But you’re glad to see them after so long and they make you smile with their brief appearance, so you let it slide.

Uther Tier: Your favorite died in their original appearance and has remained that way. They were briefly expanded upon in the expanded universe, but they have remained dead to preserve the dignity of the past installments and to have death be a meaningful and impactful consequence. You’re sad to see them gone, but you’re glad to have known them and adventured with them in your brief time together.

Muradin Tier: Your favorite died in their original appearance but ended up coming back years later. The explanation for their return has you raising your eyebrow at times, but there’s a suitable enough payoff at the end so you’re willing to accept it.

Medivh Tier: Your favorite had a huge involvement in the plot but operated in the background, maintaining this mystery about them. They disappear after their first appearance and aren’t seen again until years later, still as mysterious and mystifying as ever. Some of the expanded universe content they’re involved with fumbles the ball at times, but the writers knew not to shed any light on their cryptic actions and keep what they’ve been up to over the past several years a secret. Your favorite offers a good flair of mystery and speculation to your series, reminding you of what made it magical in the first place.

Anub’arak Tier: Your favorite was a villain that you enjoyed seeing, similar to Kel’Thuzad tier. The eventual reunion where they fight the main protagonists is exciting but ends a bit too abruptly, making you wish there was something a bit more to it. The writers’ response is to bring them back from the dead and have them fight the heroes again in a battle where the stakes are higher, but it just comes off as desperate and makes you wish they had just done this in the first place. It’s not that exciting, but you’re at least glad to put that plot element behind you.

Thrall Tier: Your favorite was loved greatly by the writers, as they continued having him make appearances in the series. However, at some point, they started showing up too many times, and you wished they would just go away for a while. The writers became more fixated on making them the center of attention rather than having them develop in long-lasting meaningful ways. A few friendship/romantic subplots were mishandled or went nowhere in their attempts to develop them. Eventually, the writers took a hint and decided to back off, letting others take the spotlight. They haven’t been completely written out, but they’re not in the action as prominently as others are. Not the worst outcome by any means. You still like them, and you’d like to see them return one day. But you hope it’s not any time soon.

Illidan Tier: Your favorite as had their backstory rewritten many times by different writers. You used to like them because they were a flawed anti-hero that made mistakes, but at some point, the writers rewrote the lore entirely to make them flawless beings who did nothing morally questionable or ambiguous whatsoever, completely forgetting what made them interesting in the first place. The major reason for their return was because of nostalgia, even if said return doesn’t make too much sense. You still like this character despite all that has happened, either because you accept whatever lore was written or you choose to remember and hold onto what made them great in the first place. Has a legion of fans that insist they never did anything wrong ever and refuse to acknowledge and criticize the many mistakes and flaws they possess. Then again, the writers do the exact thing, even if it contradicts previously established lore.

Jaina Tier: Your favorite was once beloved by all but has been frequently mishandled over the years, dividing their fanbase down the middle. Inconsistent and contradictory characterization haunts them, but you know that it’s not their fault. It’s clear the writers have different ideas on where to take them, but they don’t want to commit to anything too serious so your favorite is dragged all over the place and subjected to a lot of nonsense that ultimately ends up nowhere. Relationships established in the past flatline and are dropped. All the development they have gone through since their original appearance has now pulled a complete 180. The writers have spat in the face of everything they originally stood for. Will either become a villain later on in the series to be killed, abruptly apologize and never talked about what happened, or will become a dropped plot point never to be discussed. No matter what story arc they choose to go with, you know you’re not gonna be satisfied because of how poorly handled the prior development was, and you just want it to be over already so you can move on to something better. Writers are probably big fans of Nick Spencer. Like Illidan tier, has a ton of fans that insist they did nothing wrong ever and will use their tragic past as a shield to deflect any sort of criticisms of their flawed behavior and actions as though two wrongs make a right.

Sylvanas Tier: Your favorite is liked mostly because they’re hot, but you know they’re much deeper than what they’re criticized for. Like Jaina Tier, they were once great and interesting characters that were mishandled through inconsistent writing and have regressed since their original appearance. Also possesses a ton of fans that insist their actions were justified no matter how morally questionable or downright wrong. However, unlike Jaina Tier, they won’t be killed because they have a monopoly on a specific aspect of lore, and if they were to be killed, their lore would be absolutely dead in the water.

Kael’thas/Lady Vashj Tier: Your favorite was a heroic major presence in the series that was loved by fans, but the writers didn’t know what to do with them and just bring them back as a villain to be killed by the main characters. A bittersweet reunion that leaves a bad taste in your mouth years later.

Cairne Tier: Your favorite was a major presence in the series that was loved by fans but was unceremoniously killed off in the expanded universe with little to no explanation for why and how in the mainline series.

Vol’jin Tier: Your favorite had a minor role in their first appearance, eventually rising up the ranks to become a major character. Their progression is bolstered in both the mainline series and the expanded universe. You see just how much they grow and what they go through, and seeing them earn their spot as a major protagonist is utterly satisfying. But then the writers decide to completely drop that plot point for a few years, letting them stagnate and do nothing meaningful with them after so much progression. They eventually return only to be killed off in their first appearance in what is supposed to be a twist. All your time, investment, and excitement in seeing them climb up the ladder amounted to absolutely nothing, and there aren’t enough middle fingers in the world to justify your anger. Like Sylvanas tier, your favorite had a monopoly on a certain aspect of the lore. Now that they’re dead, there is little to no chance of seeing any development of that lore ever again.

Grom Tier: Your favorite was a flawed person that came to realize their mistakes and vowed to make up for them, even if it meant sacrificing their life. Their death has a major impact on the entire series even years after their original appearance. The writers then decide to bring them back as a villain via questionable means, negating all the meaningful progression they underwent originally. The writers try to save face from this criticism by forcing a redemption arc to capitalize on the nostalgia factor, but after seeing all the terrible things they did in the plot, the redemption aspect feels half-assed and undeserved.

Maiev Tier: Your favorite was someone that struggled all their life in the series and was consumed by a burning desire to obtain their goal in life. After they get what they want, they falter and feel the emptiness that comes from obsession. A harrowing moment that could’ve allowed the character to reflect upon their place in the world and what they should do with the future and skills. Instead, the writers choose to make them a villain briefly and have them commit terrible crimes before having them disappear for a few years, only to bring them back and thrust them into the role of hero. Like Grom tier, you’re expected to completely ignore the terrible things they did and just accept their newfound hero status despite how enormous a plothole it creates. Like Jaina tier, possesses a ton of fans that insist they never did anything wrong despite it being an incredibly prominent plot point in their expanded lore development, which ties directly into the mainline series.

Shandris/Rokhan Tier: Your favorite was a minor character that had an important role in their original appearance and was developed more in some expanded universe installments, but they never really went anywhere meaningful after their first appearance. Disappointing, but they didn’t really stand for much to begin with. Still, you can’t help but know they could advance some really interesting stories and grow exponentially if the writers gave them a chance.

Tyrande/Malfurion Tier: Your favorite was a major presence in the series that helped shape it into what it is today, but the writers barely do anything with them nowadays. Over the years, they make sporadic brief appearances that give you a fleeting sense of satisfaction, but after all is said and done and you’re given a chance to analyze what happened, they could’ve been removed entirely and nothing would’ve changed. You start to wonder why people even like these characters in the first place, and the only suitable answer you can find is nostalgia. They’ve been developed a bit in the expanded universe, but considering how small their appearances are in the mainline series, you’re not sure how meaningful that actually is.

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ipanergy-com · 2 years

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Floor Fan-ipanergy

What Are Floor Fans? Floor fans, as the name suggests, refer to those fans that are placed on the floor of a room for cooling on the floor level. They are portable and can be located in any corner of your room that you find convenient. Along with ceiling fans, they are a very popular and efficient method of cooling rooms. However, they have an advantage over ceiling fans - they do not need permanent installation, and hence, they can be used for cooling outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces, and patio. Another advantage of floor fans is that they can reach even those corners of your room where the ceiling fan cannot. Floor fans are available in many types, shapes, and sizes. They are usually lightweight and come with a base for support. Floor fans are either made of metal (steel) or superior grade plastic. Most of them come with an oscillation feature - they can rotate side to side at a 180-degree angle, providing a wider coverage area of air circulation. Some fans are also height adjustable with tiltable heads, so you can tilt their frame and adjust their height and get the airflow at any level that is convenient for you. Their user-friendly and compact design makes them ideal for cooling small personal spaces and for those rooms that tend to get stuffy. Floor fans can create excellent ventilation in rooms. Power Consumption and the Type of Motor Used Almost all types of floor fans operate in DC. They use DC motors and hence, can work quite efficiently even while consuming less power. DC motors are known to be highly energy efficient, thus making floor fans also an energy efficient option for cooling your home. Regular floor fans consume up to 55-75 Watts on an average, while the energy efficient models consume even less. Thus, you are not only saving energy but also cutting down your electricity costs. Types Of Floor Fans Let us look at the types of floor fans.

Table Fan

Table fans are small, compact, and lightweight. They usually function as desktop fans and can be placed on desks, counters, and tabletops. They are ideal for cooling small spaces.

Pedestal Fan

Window Fans

Tower Fans

Box Fans

Bladeless Fans

They provide air circulation on the floor level and also create excellent ventilation within the room by pushing the stale air out and drawing in fresh air.

They are great for cooling small personal spaces such as computer tables, kitchen counters, closets, tiny office spaces, etc., unlike ceiling fans.

They are portable and can be used even outdoors with the help of an extension board. So, you can enjoy a cool breeze of air while out in your garden or balcony, and even your terrace.

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iol247 · 4 years

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Corruption in South Africa – nobody cares

More than two-thirds of countries – along with many of the world’s most advanced economies – are stagnating or showing signs of backsliding in their anti-corruption efforts, according to the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International.

Countries in which elections and political party financing are open to undue influence from vested interests are less able to combat corruption, analysis of the results finds.

“Frustration with government corruption and lack of trust in institutions speaks to a need for greater political integrity,” said Delia Ferreira Rubio, chair of Transparency International. “Governments must urgently address the corrupting role of big money in political party financing and the undue influence it exerts on our political systems.”

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, drawing on 13 expert assessments and surveys of business executives. It uses a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

More than two-thirds of countries score below 50, with an average score of only 43. Since 2012, only 22 countries have significantly improved their scores, including Estonia, Greece and Guyana. Twenty-one have significantly declined, including Australia, Canada and Nicaragua.

The research shows several of the most advanced economies cannot afford to be complacent if they are to keep up their anti-corruption momentum. Four G7 countries score lower than last year: Canada (-4), France (-3), the UK (-3) and the US (-2). Germany and Japan have seen no improvement, while Italy gained one point.

Corruption and political integrity

Analysis shows that countries that perform well on the CPI also have stronger enforcement of campaign finance regulations and broader range of political consultation.

Countries where campaign finance regulations are comprehensive and systematically enforced have an average score of 70 on the CPI, whereas countries where such regulations either don’t exist or are poorly enforced score an average of just 34 and 35 respectively.

“The lack of real progress against corruption in most countries is disappointing and has profound negative effects on citizens around the world,” said Patricia Moreira, MD of Transparency International. “To have any chance of ending corruption and improving peoples’ lives, we must tackle the relationship between politics and big money. All citizens must be represented in decision making.”

Countries with broader and more open consultation processes score an average of 61 on the CPI. By contrast, where there is little to no consultation, the average score is just 32.

A vast majority of countries that significantly decreased their CPI scores since 2012 do not engage the most relevant political, social and business actors in political decision-making.

Results

The top countries are New Zealand and Denmark, with scores of 87 each, followed by Finland (86), Singapore (85), Sweden (85) and Switzerland (85).

The bottom countries are Somalia, South Sudan and Syria with scores of 9, 12 and 13, respectively. These countries are closely followed by Yemen (15), Venezuela (16), Sudan (16), Equatorial Guinea (16) and Afghanistan (16).

South Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is the lowest-ranked region on the CPI, with an average of 32, and its performance paints a grim picture of inaction against corruption.

With a score of 66, Seychelles obtained the highest score in the region, followed by Botswana (61), Cape Verde (58), Rwanda (53) and Mauritius (52). At the bottom of the index are Somalia (9), South Sudan (12), Sudan (16) and Equatorial Guinea (16).

South Africa is ranked 70th, with 44 points. The country has remained stable in the rankings over the several years, having accumulated 43 points in both 2017, and 2018, 45 points in 2016, and 44 points in 2015.

South Africa, like many other countries, have showed no progress or movement when it comes to dealing with corruption, despite almost two years of promises.

A year ago, president Cyril Ramaphosa promised to take action against against corruption having referred to the period under former president Jacob Zuma as “the lost decade”, marred by corruption allegations, nepotism, and ‘state capture’.

A State Capture Commission of Inquiry was set up in August 2018. To date, the commission has sat for more than 190 days and heard evidence from over 150 witnesses. The transcript of the evidence that has been led and recorded consists of more than 27,000 pages, with exhibits of more than 450,000 pages.

Similarly, a number of business in the private sector have taken enormous reputational knocks over allegations of corruption including Steinhoff, EOH, Tongaat Hulett, auditing firm, KPMG, consultancy McKinsey & Company, and German software giant SAP.

Ramaphosa said this week that the most pressing challenge for government, is the need to build a capable state.

The president on Monday (20 January), penned his weekly open letter to the public titled ‘From the desk of the President’. The letter is aimed at discussing some of the issues that interest and concern South Africans, and talking about the work government is doing to tackle these issues.

He said that a capable state starts with the people who work in it. He said that officials and managers must possess the right financial and technical skills and other expertise.

“We are committed to end the practice of poorly qualified individuals being parachuted into positions of authority through political patronage. There should be consequences for all those in the public service who do not do their work.”

To reduce corruption and restore trust in politics, Transparency International recommends that governments:

Reinforce checks and balances and promote separation of powers.

Tackle preferential treatment to ensure budgets and public services aren’t driven by personal connections or biased towards special interests;

Control political financing to prevent excessive money and influence in politics;

Manage conflicts of interest and address “revolving doors”;

Regulate lobbying activities by promoting open and meaningful access to decision-making;

Strengthen electoral integrity and prevent and sanction misinformation campaigns;

Empower citizens and protect activists, whistleblowers and journalists.

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linkspooky · 7 years

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About Touka, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on her unnatural selfless love and the foil with mutsuki. I was always thinking it was strange that her character developed so much off screen; do you think there is potential for more Touka character development? Also, what are your thoughts about her eventual death (will it get postponed at least for a while so her character develops more)?

What, who said anything about Touka dying?

A few characters developed a great deal offscreen between Tg and :Re. It happens in mostly believable ways, so I don’t think particularly even Touka’s example is surprising. Ayato went from this to this after all.

It’s not just Ayato, Hinami generally went from Naive and cheerful to more expeienced and melancholy. Tsukiyama went from ignorant and acting on pure instinct, to being much more moody but conscious of those around him. Takizawa had what at first appeared to be a complete 180 degree shift in personality. These were all characters we also caught up with in medias res, after the change had taken place and generally we were not shown the transition until much later.

Whether or not this choice to skip was a good one is kind of irrelevant to analyzing the content of the characters, but it is a really consistent and repeating way the pacing for handling the character arcs of the old characters that make a return in :re is told. Ayato to use the same example is generally conisdered to have one of the best character arcs in :Re but it happens mostly offscreen.

This moment, which is a major moment of reconciliation between two siblings who were on such opposite sides they were effectively cain and abel before this point, happens when their last technical encounter with one another was all the way back in chapter 72 of Tokyo Ghoul, which means this is almost 100 chapters later about. In other words perhaps two years in real world time, and definitely three years in story time.

That is the kind of story Tokyo Ghoul is though, it’s minimalist relies on a lot of implication and subtext. That being said though, I do think both the change she experienced between tg and :re and also the future change she may make are both hinted in her narrative already. The question is just, as always, when is something going to give?

This is the resolve Touka made at the end of Tokyo Ghoul, that she would have patience, and wait. It’s a bit clear that she might have blamed herself for saying those words “Trash like you doesn’t belong in Anteiku” might have played a role in him being lost on the way home.

In :Re she becomes just what she failed to be on the bridge when she lost her temper. Somebody who could wait patiently for him to come home, even if he was never going to come. That was the resolve that got her through the loss of Anteiku, it’s a coping mechanism of sorts. Of course, that kind of thing can’t last her forever.

Touka just simply isn’t that kind of person, the kind that would be able to sustain herself changing simply to suit the desires of somebody else for that long. She sees through people rather easily, and calls them out for it. When she pretended to be human in front of Yoriko and ate her food simply for the appearance of it, Touka got physically weaker and her body deterioriated to the point where she could not fight against Tsukiyama.

That’s part of why Touka offering Kaneki sex on the premise of a reason to keep him living, and then literally the next time their lives are put in danger and he’s reminded of his long dead friend they start having sex worries a bit.

Kaneki is talking about Hide here, but the thing is he could have just as easily been talking about Touka too. Somebody who he wanted to see badly, but he was so consumed by the desire to see them he wouldn’t be able to do anything else so he froze up. Kaneki says for the same reason, that why he kept Touka apart from him was not because he didn’t care, but because he cared far too much. Their entire relationship at the moment seems a bit too hinged on the fact that Kaneki desperately needs something to attach himself too, and Touka just as desperately wants to keep him around.

Then again that has always been a tragic element of their relationship. They are two people on a bridge from opposite sides, struggling to reach out to each other, and hold on. It’s okay for a relationship in it’s opening moemnts to start out with it’s flaws, and I genuinely do believe the narrative will address and resolve those flaws now that it seems to be committing to Touken as one of the main couples.

Thereofre I think the primary flaw to address would be that TOuka seems she has to act in a certain way to keep Kaneki around. I definitely do not think all of Touka’s actions are informed by this desire, but rather she makes an insecure kind of assumption that SHE is the reason people leave her in her life. In that case a mistaken priority can be placed upon Kaneki’s needs, and trying to keep him around rather than her own.

The Touka on the bridge yelled at Kaneki what she most likely wanted to yell at her father yes, it was clumsy and hurtful but it also probably reached a lot deeper and corrected a lot more of his behavior than her much lesser talk in Tokyo Ghoul: Re did which basically boils down to “I love you and want to be by your side.” At a time when Kaneki actually did need a talk about how he might be throwing himself into endless bullshit all over again just to give himself a purpose.

The thing is Kaneki hates confrontation and avoids it at all costs but he generally responds well to it.

Touka was blunt and possibly hurtful yes, but she left a lasting impression on him. It was the first time in over fifty or so chapters that Kaneki got even remotely close to considering changing his ways, and all it took was one confrontation to Touka.

The Bjork song referenced in the poem “The Rotting Womb” which is assumedly about Touka, is also about a similiar subject matter. Somebody who hides her feelings or changes herself on a daily basis in order to keep things peaceful with her lover. The Touka we know as an audience would probably grow tired and disatisfied with that kind of relationship. Kaneki too, likes the Touka who was strong willed, confronting him, and even admired the fact she ran ahead of him.

Not that I’m saying that Touka needs to return entirely to her old personality either but I think the most healthy change will be a happy medium between the two. A Touka who can act with patience or anger depending on whether the situation calls for it.

I have no doubt in my mind that Touka is going to change once she’s broken out of her current moon phase stagnation though. All of them will, the question is what is going to give. I was wrong about Yoriko, but my next guess is perhaps seeing Arata in captivity after the long foreshadowing that he will eventually be important will trigger something in her.

It has to be something though, something’s gotta give eventually. It’s good that Kaneki was able to comfort her in a crucial moment but not all of the answers are going to lie in deepening her relationship to him. Something’s gotta give. I feel like I say that a lot.

#metasks #touka kirishima #Anonymous

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