#(<- hoping that The Vibe will make up for zero effort in my modeling)

[layalu]

i made. boxes. 👍

[rockmiyabideusexmachina]

2021 Megaman Valentine’s Day Contest Results

Among the many things this past year or so has tested us with is delays, and I apologize that this year’s Valentine’s Day contest results are included in that. I certainly did not plan on this taking until March to get completed, and I am sincerely sorry to have kept you all waiting. But hopefully it is all worth the wait!!

Thanks once again to every single one of you who participated! I will be contacting the winners soon enough. Work will probably keep me from replying to everyone immediately, but I will send a message about prizes hopefully within 24 hours.

Also, my thanks to @subzeroiceskater​ for helping out with judging this year. Not to mention the promo pic above and other assorted bonuses that always bring me a big smile. I might say this seemingly every year, but you all made judging this VERY hard. It might have something to do with the themes as well, but I think both of us flipped and rearranged our rankings repeatedly, and even then, it was hard to decide on who would place. XD Each one of you did an amazing job!

After the break, you’ll see the winners for both categories, along with all of the entries. Raffle prize winners will be noted below by their alias, as well.

Category 1: Kiss From a Rosered (Talent)

For our talent category this year, the theme focused on your favorite Megaman characters giving roses to their special someone, along with incorporating the symbolism of specific rose colors within the piece. That rose color was also to be the predominant color within the piece, to the best of your ability.

A grand total of 9 entries were submitted for this category. You can see the full gallery of all entries at full-size [HERE]. Each entrant’s name will also link to their individual pieces at full-size.

1.) Sapphire: *$100 prize*

Subzeroiceskater said:

Oooooh, this is so cute and pink! Piiink~ Ehem. I love the depth, angle, and color grading of these—notice how Roll’s black linework is at the forefront of the pic but colors mixes with the lights and colors from the sun further along the pic. There’s a lot to admire about how everything easy to read with so many competing elements like the similar hues and bright lighting.

Pink roses usually mean a gentler sort of love but did you know that different shades of pink could signify different things as well? A darker shade may mean gratitude; medium shade could be about a first love or congratulations while a light shade may mean admiration. Tron holding a singular pink rose with varying shades of pink while literally tripping over herself and a Servbot could only mean—that this is hilarious.

Miyabi said:

From a technical standpoint, I think your piece clearly felt the most polished, crisp and virtually professional of the bunch. But more than that, I felt it also best gave off the vibe of the rose color dominating the piece, but in very subtle, beautiful ways. Where as the pink sunset causes many of the normally white areas, like Roll’s collar/sleeves, parts of Gustaff, and more, to ooze that pink lighting. Even with her klutziness, you still also portrayed the feeling of sweetness, admiration and appreciation that a pink rose conveys. Just so pretty, calming, and joyful to look at!

2.) Forceway: *$75 prize*

Subzeroiceskater said:

There is a sort of gentle irony with how Skull Man and Shade Man are both robots modeled after horror symbols—skulls and vampires—but are here surrounded by a soft sea of pink roses. The dark night is often depicted as a primal fear because it hides our deepest fears but here—illuminated by the bright shining moon—the night is transformed into a scene of love—perhaps devotion, with how Shade is gently cradling Skull, as well with the church bell in the background. This is a very tender piece mixing the shadows and the sweet.

Miyabi said:

I know most digital art programs have the brushes and shortcuts to make detailing things like roses a lot easier, but your bed of roses certainly look all done by hand on your own, and that alone impressed me a ton! Based off of the Ariga Megamix tale of Skull Man not feeling appreciated or having a family after Cossack stored him away, I felt the pink roses and Shade showing him that he is actually appreciated here was a fantastic conceptual choice. Purples in the sky and Shade’s body split the canvas and contrast with the pink well, including how you used the pink for some of the stars in the sky. Beautiful job!

3.) DigitallyFanged: *$50 prize*

Subzeroiceskater said:

Yellow is a bright color, often evoking the sun, warmth, light, joy and hope. With roses, its positive connotations continue with possible meanings of friendship, care and remembrance. Tabby’s piece seems to evoke the last one the strongest—with Zero, broken and forgotten in a lab—but, not entirely, because of a bond that is stronger than apparent death lives on—even if in this moment, it’s only a memory. Even the roses are not real—just projections of what was once alive. This is fantastic use contrast with the dark, moody blues against the vivid, almost defiant yellows; and the repeated little motifs such as X crying and the water drops falling all over Zero. It stands out from the rest of happy entries with how sad it is but it still manages to be hopeful.

Miyabi said:

Zero’s blonde locks certainly are an iconic part of his design, so playing off of that and focusing on yellow as your rose color fit perfectly. You definitely made this a very emotive piece considering technically, neither of these two are even alive and moving here! As mentioned above, the little details like the water droplets balancing against Cyber Elf X’s tears, the digital lines to make it appear like X has created the cyber-roses for Zero, and Zero’s battle damage caught my eye immediately. You certainly captured the yellow rose symbolism of remembrance and friendly affection beautifully!!

And the rest of the wonderful entries, in alphabetical order by alias:

AbilityField: [Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4]

*Raffle Prize Winner* Captain N Mega Man Cel

Subzeroiceskater said:

It’s so poetic about how this contest theme is about how the language of flowers is used to communicate feelings beyond just using words; and so, the comic is completely silent, relying on actions to convey its meaning. Yellow roses could mean friendship, care and affection; and it’s shown wonderfully with how Iris and Lan are so thoughtful with one another. It’s so cute how Iris missed Lan only because he was already out buying roses for her. Given how hard comics are to make and how this is fully colored, I really wanted to give this first place—however I felt the color usage of yellow could have been stronger, especially with the last page, where it would have had the most impact. I had to squint and zoom out to even see if the lighting had changed. Still, it’s such a very warm and lovely work.

Miyabi said:

I always appreciate the effort people put into making multiple-page comics for these contests, and this is no exception! Even without dialogue, you did a great job at conveying your story through your art in each panel and it was easily understandable. Another utilizing the yellow rose, I certainly felt the friendship and warmth in your tale. As Subzero mentioned, the only thing keeping it from placing was that the yellow colors weren’t as dominant in other areas of the pic, besides the panel by Sal. Still, your coloring was very crisp and vibrant throughout each page, and it was an awesome submission!

aw-colorcat:

Subzeroiceskater said:

With the red for Metal Man, orange for Cut Man and the explosion of yellow flowers, that’s the trifecta of warm colors. Yellow roses could mean delight and this pic is delightful in all ways. Cut looks so cute practically swimming in the sea of flowers and greenery, as does Metal’s adorable expression—which is a feat since he only shows his eyes. I also really like the juxtaposition and balance of this piece from: the rust-brown car against green-yellow nature running wild, and Metal holding a bouquet meanwhile Cut’s covered with plants. It makes me want to get some fresh air myself!

Miyabi said:

Cut Man looks grateful for being able to ride in that pickup bed of flowers, and I have a feeling the two of them had a wonderful time just snipping and sawing away at all the stems to gather them all. XD Love how the yellow and oranges play off of both character’s color schemes nicely. The subtlety of the yellow flowers in the foreground, along with the sun and tree in the background all play off each other well, too! Just an absolutely cute pic!

Dark-Dullahan: 

Subzeroiceskater said: 

What a fantastic composition. Dark-Dullahan does away with most color, leaving the colors of the mixed-bouquet roses as the main focal point. Classic red for romance, a gentler pink for affection, mixed yellow roses to signify caring and probably so much more—seems like Nana can’t contain her feelings for Massimo. I love how the close up of the bouquet doesn’t just form a kind of heart at the top but serves as the divider between the two, like a diptych. With such a wonderful offering, Massimo would surely accept her feelings.

Miyabi said: 

As you brought to my attention, your mixed bouquet had a few different meanings, such as the dark pink representing thanks to Massimo for saving Nana from Silver Horn, and the red tips on the yellow roses to symbolize falling in love. Certainly got those vibes from her shy demeanor, as she sheepishly tries to hand them to him. Also agree with Subzero that the line from the bouquet nicely works as a way to separate them uniquely with the background. Sorry you weren’t able to complete it as fully as you had hoped, but the concept behind it certainly was strong!

Donnie:

Donnie also sent in an alternate version made during the creative process, in a different artistic style, that I still feel needs to be shared, as well. Fun to see the contrast, yet still have the same feeling and mood to the piece. 

Subzeroiceskater said:

Oh, I adore this one. It reminds me of a movie poster with the tagline. I love the extra PINK flourishes of the letterings like with the Mega Man logo color change and cute pixelated font and heart. Both Rock and Roll’s expressions are so cute, too—with his more subdued smile contrasted with her exuberant grin. Much like how the pink rose could mean many things like thoughtfulness, cheer or as a show of appreciation, this piece is positively sparkling with affection, hearts and all. It’s clever how the sunset is giving the picture an overall pinkish-red hue while having the yellow light as an outline. A darling piece.

Miyabi said:

With pink roses again, I truly liked the additional hue adjustments where you can feel the warmth and see the lighter pink mixed into their skintone, or areas normally of white - from eyes to teeth to the Megaman logo - that have taken on the pink in it’s place. With the painterly watercolor style you used, it all blends in nicely. Even in your earlier version, I feel you brought a strong game with the hues, but toned down the red from that version to make it feel much stronger towards pink, with a tighter crop of your canvas. It was fun to see how it evolved, and strengthened your piece in doing so! Fabulous job!

DragonMarquise:

Subzeroiceskater said:

No better way to show how madly in love you are than a bouquet of roses that run the gamut of—I can’t call these warm colors because these passions are running hot. Orange seems to be the dominant color here—which in roses could symbolize a love that’s passionate, fierce and deep. It’s also expressed nicely with the two lovers embracing, engaged in mid kiss, their bodies also forming a subtle heart shape, to emphasize the flurry of hearts around them. The bouquet is not just orange roses, however, but a mixed bouquet of the classic romantic red and the more affectionate pink—it’s a piece that’s bursting with all degrees of love.

Miyabi said:

You also certainly mastered the limited color pallette challenge as you tackled this piece! Orange, the color of passion, is certainly felt in their deep kiss and embrace. I too caught the heart shape their heads essentially form, which is then further enforced with the heart of hearts behind them. I thought that concept was pulled off very well. Perfect for the fiery intensity of Match, this turned out to be a very hot pic!

Mattasaurs:

Subzeroiceskater said:

This one has a very clever framing (eh? EH?). The color white is often associated with purity, innocence and hope, and with white roses—weddings and marriage. Sonia dons the classic white wedding dress which has a très élégante design—and the little Lyra on her belt is very cute. The pink background is also very romantic and a nice way to tie in with her theme colors. I dig the lovey-dovey feel of Geo doing the classic bridal carry while clasping a single white rose...but seeing the thorns, I think he better watch his hand!

Miyabi said:

For a theme emphasizing color within the pic, I salute you for taking the biggest challenge in choosing white. In many ways, it could have been the hardest to keep as a predominant color, but still make the pic interesting and visually appealing. Choosing to have the petals all around the frame, with the bouquet nearby was a clever touch. With white often used for weddings and new beginnings, I think the concept of your piece worked just right, where it was subtle, but still incorporated enough other color to give the piece some life. 

Category 2: Kawaii-rimi (Humor)

For our humor category this year, the theme focused on your favorite Megaman character gifting the plush form of another Megaman character to their crush, instantly created by a ninja-like character, to play off of the Kawarimi concept from the EXE series. 

With just 3 entries in our humor category this time around, every entrant placed. You can see the full gallery of all entries at full-size [HERE].  Each entrant’s name will also link to their individual pieces at full-size.

1.) Mattasaurs: *$100 prize*

Subzeroiceskater said: 

Y’know how blocks of wood are sometimes used by ninjas when they do that whole body switching thing? I think it’s clever how this pic has Sal—Woodman.exe’s operator—conjuring the doll. Everything about the pic is so fun and colorful: from Sal’s mischievous grin of accomplishment, Miyu being completely shocked by her chibi doppelganger (check out that body language!) and Masa’s confused expression.

Miyabi said:

Yes, while to some, Sal might not be the first one they think of when they think ninja in the Megaman Universe, but I certainly thought she still fits the bill in her design. Usually we don’t see this much emotion or shock out of Miyu, so seeing her torque her body, taken aback at a doll of herself, is amusing in it’s own right. Meanwhile, nothing fazes Masa. And a bit of randomness: oh man, seeing Masa’s head in profile, with his bandana...wow, I never realized how much his head shape with the bandana looks like a fish’s. I can’t unsee it now. Anyways, I also agree that the color, polish, and fun vibe made this a worthy winner!

2.) ColeManX: *$75 prize*

*Raffle Prize Winner* Captain N Cutsman Cel

Subzeroiceskater said:

E-Eyes? What did you mean by that, Mr. RT-55J?  Although judging from the sparkle on those booblights… I understand, Cinnamon—if that happened to me, I’d be making asides to the camera, like I was in “The Office”, too. Cinnamon’s enthusiastic smile with this whole bizarre scene really sells it for me but shoutout to Marino’s smug satisfaction in the background.

Miyabi said:

🎵 I kind of liked it your way How you shyly placed your eyes on me Did you ever know That I had mine on you?🎵

RT says it only has eyes for Cinny right now, but it’s also known to be a little grabby hands, so I don’t know if I’d fully trust it...but good thing this is just a plush version. Time for the tables to be turned, and Cinnamon to get her claws and paws on it, instead. Very cute, although after the DiVE V-Day event, we all know this is a ruse and your pal boobeyes only belongs to the Ferham Fanclub. XD

3.) Ronin-Apprentice: *$50 prize*

Subzeroiceskater said: 

This whole comic is so sweet and fluffy, nya!  ~(=^‥^)ノ☆ It’s adorable how Proto brings up his gift first and the surprise is how Shadow handmade his gift. The little cat-eared Blues design is so darling--almost as cute as him fussing how totally NOT a cat he is. “Did you steal my cat.” had me snorting. Now I’m wondering where Tango went off to…

Miyabi said:

FU-SION-HA! 

Aside from getting his own Super Adaptor, this is probably the closest we’ve got to seeing Tango and Blues merged as one. LOL I’m sure that plush would have a ton of fans wishing it actually existed. The panels where Blues embarrassingly hides behind his scarf and gets pet like a cat had me laughing! Very cute and adorable comic, that certainly had the most depth in terms of the theme of this category!

[punkscowardschampions]

Mattie & Lulu

Mattie: [So my vibe for it, she just shows up without knowing because by this point it’s been like 2 years since attempted contact so you wouldn’t think to check like, where do they go to school, especially if Chloe swore the grandparents to secrecy vis-a-vis the teacher situation because she would, so you probably think they’re still in Switzerland, and then I think we should say that one of them is in her form and one of them has her as a teacher for either Physics or Computers and whoever we pick as the form one could see her first and if that was Dolly she could tell Lulu to try and get in with her]

Lulu: [That honestly feels the most legit to me too, I was gonna say maybe put Lulu in her form so they have to spend more time together lol but your idea makes the most sense in terms of like starting this convo, also love you not being the 1st to know since you spoke for them both in the last convo so]

Mattie: [And if you had her for both subjects, you’d still see her a lot so it’s fine, also lessons are longer than form time but you’re meant to like, talk to your form teacher if you need something so we can say that Dolly is without having to do it obvs, so then my vibe for today is she obviously took Dolly to one side and was like I don’t know how this happened but I’ll follow your lead like if you want to swap forms you can but also you can stay and we don’t have to make a big deal of it. Mattie would have to let the School know like they’re my half-sisters btw, didn’t know they were here, but we had kids who were taught by their literal mums so it’s not like she has to leave or they have to move classes, just as long as you aren’t hiding it ‘cos that’d be weird on her part, so maybe we can say Lulu didn’t have either lesson today so we can do this like Dolly has just told her but Mattie hasn’t had enough time or reason to come find her in person?]

Lulu: [That’s so clever boo, such an excellent way to get around having to RP with yourself and yeah she could totally be taught by her for both lessons so that is probably more time actually like you said]

Mattie: [Okay so our vibe for form is it’s about 30 mins at the start of the day, after breakfast for boarders and before lessons, and there are 4 girls from each year in the form (year 7-13) so the energy is very look after the little ones and go to the older kids for advice and help, as well as your form teacher being your go-to teacher for things you need that aren’t related to your subjects, you probably also have a matron-esque person for things related to boarding; Definitely doing houses also and you get points for good behaviour, academic achievement and clubs and sporting, can also be taken away for poor behaviour and performance, Dolly and Lulu are in the same house just not form. HOUSE TEA, after research it seems like forms and houses are separated by boarding and day students as well as sex, so only boarding girls in your form/house, you literally live with your house if you board, it’s about 60 girls, and there is the housemistress (and her whole fam and dog lmao) a matron, the tutors of the forms in said house and then head girl as well as 6th form girls being prefects, absolutely can think of what the housemistress, matron, head girl and other tutors who live in are like; MORE TEA, school starts 8:25, chapel, assembly or form time, four lessons before lunch, after lunch from about 4:00, 2 clubs a day, sports, drama, art etc until 6:00, final reg ‘til 6:15, then there’s the ‘cultural hour’ til 7:15, prep aka homework for AT LEAST an hour after dinner assumedly, Saturday is chapel, three lessons, lunch, then sports all afternoon depending how much sports you do, there are like 150 clubs so get at it]

Lulu: [NGL love this, I’d be fuming if my mum worked there and I had to live there too but like such a fun vibe for us and it makes sense that you’re gonna end up getting close to Mattie like it or not]

Lulu: [okay so Lulu studies Physics and Computer Science with Mattie and then Mathematics makes sense to go with that]

Mattie: [Dolly Drama & Theatre Studies, German & Religious Studies]

Lulu: [Okay so Lulu’s clubs cos you have to do a sport I’m gonna pick Tennis as a throwback to your old school, Drama as I’ve mentioned in this convo, Model UN likewise as a throwback, Chess cos we love it and that Curie Society thing where they just chat about scientific discoveries and D of E]

Mattie: [Dolly’s clubs are Drama, Archery, Running Club, Chapel Choir, Cross Country & Swimming, will do Creative & Literary Society when we are in a better place but not like right away]

Mattie: [I think we can start this convo now we have an idea]

Lulu: Dolly told me you’re her form tutor… that’s unexpected

Lulu: how long is your placement here?

Mattie: Yes, very

Mattie: I had zero idea you two weren’t still in Switzerland

Mattie: Believe me when I say if I planned to initiate contact between us again, I would have gone for a more direct, far less convoluted route to do so

Mattie: The placement is 8 weeks, I’ve had to let the head know and I was going to come find you to see how you wanted to proceed

Mattie: Dolly was happy enough to stay in my form and not make a big deal about it, her words, obviously this is a shock for us all and I’m not going to minimize that for my own gain

Mattie: But I am taking you for Physics and Computer Studies, so you would actually be seeing more of me than Dolly, so that’s… a thing

Mattie: There is another Computer Science class in your year but Physics is already a small class with just me… I could see if there’s a possibility for a Physics teacher from one of the other years to swap with me, if that’s what you would like

Lulu: Of course you wouldn’t be aware of our move, and of course Dolly doesn’t want to make a big deal of you being here now that we are, similarly I’m not going to make a fuss about you teaching me, that’s all you’re supposed to do, professionalism is also a… thing and 8 weeks is bound to absolutely fly by

Mattie: If you’re sure, Lulu, then that’s absolutely how I am happy to proceed too

Mattie: It really isn’t long, in the grand scheme of things

Mattie: You aren’t obligated to share any more than you would with any other teacher, but I have to ask why the move?

Mattie: You seemed to really love that place

Mattie: Even though it seems very impressive here too

Mattie: I just hope you’re okay, is really all I’m trying to say with that question

Lulu: There’s no big secret, it was just time for a change, which is how you jolly well may feel after you’ve spent 2 months here 😅

Mattie: Oh no, you aren’t enjoying it here? Or just a bit of a culture shock

Mattie: It was for me too, my last placement was an inner-city comp

Mattie: but it’s different being this side of the student-teacher divide regardless, that’s for sure

Lulu: I’m not a student you have to try to find common ground with, you aren’t my form tutor

Mattie: How are you getting on with yours? She’s the Drama teacher, right, funny how that worked out

Lulu: Marvellously, it’s been one of my extracurriculars since year 7

Mattie: That’s great, and you get to spend time with your sister, now you don’t have your lessons together

Lulu: Yeah, Religious Studies isn’t my thing

Mattie: I can’t say it’s mine either 😅

Mattie: Also the man who teaches that scares me a bit but 🤫 I’m sure he looks more off-putting than he actually is

Lulu: It’s his 🐛 brows but your first impression and instincts are spot on too, he’s v intense

Mattie: I’ll break the ice by asking him to come get them threaded, that’s a great idea

Lulu: I’m extremely clever and that was a elaborate ploy to prove every idea I have is A* to you as my new teacher and earn house points as I’m so devoted

Mattie: I sadly think I know how the head would feel about merit points for beauty reccs but admire the dedication, that’s definitely a core value they want to promote here so

Mattie: Not not worth some ++

Lulu: It’d be beastly not to pass the vibe check after all this time, the most relief ever that I’ve worked out this place’s core values

Mattie: I think I still have the introductory pamphlet, should you ever need a refresher

Mattie: Core values, Latin Motto, the lot…

Lulu: [Whatever the school Latin motto is cos I tried to make a sassy one up but was cockblocked] I’m fine, but thanks

Mattie: Impressive

Mattie: Okay, I will see you in class tomorrow

Mattie: Potentially around the house before then but I’ll do my best to give you both space

Lulu: It’s called making an effort, which you’ll see me do in class too

Lulu: okay but don’t give us a lot of space or everyone’ll think we’re in some huge bind over you and like Dolly and I have both said, it’s not that big of a deal

Mattie: Pleased to hear it

Mattie: Understood

Mattie: I more meant it as a warning that I too room there so you might see me around, but I won’t make a point of showing up in your dorm

Lulu: I don’t honestly know what makes you think I would need a warning but thanks again anyway

Mattie: I’m not trying to make your transition here any harder than it needs to be

Lulu: You’d have to be a horrific teacher to make that sizeable of an impact, we’re both settled, the newbie here is you

Mattie: Well that remains to be seen

Mattie: QTS will either be achieved by the end of this or not

Mattie: It’s a lot bigger than your last, your house has as many pupils as the entirety of Surval did, that’s a big change

Lulu: So was co-ed and day students, note my past tense though

Mattie: Right, and your subjects at A-Level are, sadly, pretty boy heavy

Mattie: You’ve got it all worked out though, I’ll be sure to ask for help if I get stuck

Lulu: Not something I expected to have to deal with, pre-fresh start, but I don’t have to teach them, only get on with my own work

Lulu: yeah, I could give an A* tour

Mattie: I’d call you lucky if I didn’t know personally that the workload is going to be intense

Mattie: but I’ve seen your grades so I’m not worried for you, you’ve got this

Mattie: I might take you up on that offer, though if you can secure one of the cute dogs I see running about, that turns might into a definite

Lulu: 😊

Lulu: Oh, this is the moment to let you know Skipper loves me

Mattie: I think Skipper nearly ran me down this morning

Mattie: assuming he’s the GIANT one that rarely listens to his owner 🤭

Lulu: He is 🥰💖 but he doesn’t realise 😆

Mattie: The best kind of dog 😌 It’s so cute

Lulu: My biggest soft spot is for little dogs who think they’re VIP as in v important humans, but we have one of those at home, for the best of both worlds

Mattie: Okay, yes, that’s a mood too

Mattie: What’s his name?

Mattie: Being currently without any pet I need all the surrogates, obviously

Lulu: Monty

Lulu: [show her a picture of him obvs]

Mattie: Oh, he’s a doll 😍

Mattie: a definite plus for being in England is you can go visit him more often

Lulu: Not really, I’m still boarding

Mattie: The 6-day schedule is intense

Mattie: I can see the benefits though, as long as the child is here because they want to learn, and not because their parent paid for an extra intensive education just because it’s the ‘best’

Lulu: Both can be true and mostly seem like they are here

Mattie: By your age, if it wasn’t suiting, you wouldn’t have made it, I don’t think

Mattie: At least you have Sundays

Lulu: You’ve seen my grades, who could fake making it that hard?

Mattie: I wasn’t accusing you of not being capable, not at all, sorry that wasn’t clear, just musing aloud that the people who aren’t suited to this model won’t make it past IGCSEs to A-levels

Mattie: but that kind of thing would fall under unprofessional, I imagine so let’s pretend I didn’t say anything

Lulu: It’d only be unprofessional if you shared who you think shouldn’t be here, which I’ll totally pretend you didn’t say after 🤭

Mattie: 😅😶 I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that and slip the list under your door when I’ve made it

Lulu: 🤫 to not turn you against an absolutely ridiculously high percentage of both your classes before you’ve taught them

Mattie: Definitely not the aim of my placement 😰

Mattie: Although someone has to be the teacher nobody likes, right?

Lulu: You could try that approach, but unless this tête-à-tête happening is what’s faked, I can’t see you making it work for 8 weeks

Mattie: Thanks, that’s almost encouraging 😌😜

Mattie: Over the initial shock, it’s good to see you both doing well here

Mattie: And if you do happen to need anything, you can let me know

Lulu: You’re almost my teacher, calling you a bitch wouldn’t get us off on the right foot

Mattie: I don’t think I can downgrade you for that, but no, I see that

Mattie: Professionalism works both ways, as it were

Lulu: And I could need an extension at any time, my lab partner is a perfect dunce who should be on your reject list 😓 I’d be pretty gassed if you would actually re-assign us, do you have that much power? 🤔

Mattie: It’s a possibility

Mattie: I like to switch it up anyway, you’re such a small group, it stops it getting clique-y, so you can all work together and swap around whilst I’m your teacher

Mattie: When you get a permanent teacher after I leave, they might see it differently but they’ve all been enthusiastic about my ideas thus far, though I just got here

Lulu: After you leave is after you leave, I feel seedy now and look like 💀 if you want to do anything about it

Mattie: What’s the problem with him, beside the dunce thing we’ve already covered?

Lulu: Isn’t that enough bad luck? I’m doing everything by myself while he’s high fiving his friends for getting partnered with me, like some incel

Mattie: Right

Mattie: Let me see it for myself and then perhaps I can do something about it, if it is that blatant

Mattie: You don’t need the teacher’s pet rep any more than I need accusations of baseless favouritism just because we’re related

Mattie: I believe you, but I’ll deal with it in class and in my capacity as your teacher and his, not like this, yeah

Lulu: I’m letting you know what I need, which is what you just told me to do

Mattie: Okay, I’ve heard you, I just want to make sure you understand that if you come to me with things related to class, then they’ll be dealt with in the proper channels

Lulu: 😬 sorry if you got the impression I’d come to you with anything unrelated to class, we’re not there

Mattie: You didn’t, I simply offered

Lulu: Grandma will be buzzing

Mattie: I’m not doing it to score points, or make a statement

Mattie: and undoubtedly you won’t come to me but I’m going to offer in case you need to, and because that’s what feels right to me to do, that’s it

Mattie: No hidden agenda

Lulu: Offer it to Dolly, that’s your job

Mattie: I have, Lulu

Mattie: Don’t worry

Lulu: Meaning?

Lulu: my sister is fine, I don’t have to worry about her

Mattie: Meaning just that

Mattie: I have a pastoral role as well as an educational

Mattie: If any pupil in my form needs help, they’ll receive it

Lulu: She doesn’t

Mattie: Glad to hear it

Lulu: You’ll have an easy time of it from both of us

Mattie: As long as you’re having a good time of it too, that works perfectly for me

Lulu: Il n’y a pas le feu au lac, as my previous mistresses were devoted to saying

Mattie: My French is limited to being able to order dinner with minimal side-eye from the waiters

Mattie: but I’ll take your very pretty words for it

Lulu: Whoops, I shouldn't have assumed, what language did you do?

Mattie: Mandarin, which was a huge plus on my application, with the college in Malaysia and the Mandarin course they do here

Lulu: Wow, how difficult is it? I’d love to have learned

Mattie: It is challenging, but a fun one I’d say

Mattie: It’s a shame they only have the one teacher, so they can’t make it a club too, they’d be run ragged

Mattie: I could teach you the 101 basics, I’m confident enough to do that much

Lulu: You didn’t want to be accused of favouritism and I don’t want to make an ass of myself

Lulu: I’ll have to move there and hope it’s not yonks before the immersion and fluency, I’ve only ever learnt a language that way, I don’t know if even the basics are doable otherwise 😟

Mattie: Well that’s certainly the best way to learn but not the only

Mattie: I wish I was here longer so I could commit to starting a club for the pupils like you who are interested but it wasn’t viable to pick as an A-Level

Lulu: I’ll download an app or something, delete it if it’s too embarrassing

Mattie: I’ll check in to see how you’re finding it

Mattie: You do have a wealth of extra-curriculars, you have zero reason to be embarrassed

Lulu: Only one of those is new and I get to talk in English on subjects I’m never out of my depth with, so yeah, that’s a reason

Lulu: I don’t have time to pick up Chinese Chess either 😭 maybe I can if I do move there

Mattie: The world is seriously going to be your oyster, you can do whatever you want to do, wherever you want to be

Lulu: Is that, like, your teacher catchphrase? 😅 totes inspirational

Mattie: I’ll get a poster made ASAP then 😏

Lulu: Do you need me to draw you a map to art first?

Mattie: Oh, absolutely

Lulu: [do draw her a little map of the key places in the school even though it’d obvs be really simple which might make it more confusing than the actual map cos we’re missing stuff out]

Mattie: [when you didn’t think she would and you’re lowkey touched lmao]

Mattie: That’s perfect, I should actually show up on time for our lesson tomorrow now, thanks for that

Lulu: I draw the line at teaching myself [a thing from both subjects she’s struggling with or doesn’t like lol] as well as Mandarin

Mattie: Now that we can 100% get down before my placement is up, that I can guarantee 😊

Lulu: so you’ve guaranteed yourself a thrilled student quote for the poster

Mattie: Everything’s coming up me 🙌🙌

Lulu: 🤞🏻 you keep that energy going tomorrow

Mattie: I’m not going to oversell it to you, but I do know what I’m doing, in terms of having me as your teacher, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed

Lulu: They wouldn’t have you here as a teacher if that was your vibe, overselling is honestly closer to what they’re about, you must be worthy of 🙌🏻

Mattie: Bragging is never my vibe but I got the placement here for a reason, and I’m glad I did, so I won’t be wasting the opportunity

Mattie: I went to a good school, but the boarding lifestyle is something I’ve never experienced

Lulu: And I’ve never not, how odd, but you won’t have to experience it that hard as a teacher, they don’t even make you share or suffer through the indignity of inspections

Mattie: My room is a mess of notes and first-day outfits currently so that is definitely a good thing 😬😅

Lulu: The second-day outfit is much less pressure, especially in a class that’s v boy heavy

Mattie: Is that a promise you won’t judge me? 😏

Lulu: I’d come off worse, this uniform is not a mood, they never are

Mattie: At least there’s no boater, the full fantasy

Lulu: It’d add some interest, at least, to how plain everything has to be

Mattie: Thank Goodness for Sundays, you can express yourself then

Lulu: Are you promising not to judge me back? Awww! We’ve got a pact happening

Mattie: As long as there are no sacrifices or blood oaths I’d say that’s above board

Lulu: Sunday’s the chapel’s busiest day and without an altar what are we doing? 😬 Bad luck

Mattie: I do keep forgetting we’re CoE, I’ll have to carve that into the nearest tree or whatever so I don’t arouse suspicion with any 🔮ness

Lulu: Or 🤔 you could use the ⛪️🙏🏻 time to mentally outfit plan for the week if you’re for real awfully nervous, null and voiding the demand for the pact and witch vibes at all

Mattie: You’re very sensible

Mattie: though lesson planning is ultimately the best use of my time, if the big man upstairs is cool with that

Lulu: I use mine for [idk whatever maths or physics shit she could do in her head] and I’m blessed to have not been struck down yet

Mattie: 😅 Well I approve even if the jury is out with the 😇😇s

Lulu: Thanks

Lulu: did Grandpa teach you to play chess too? I need to practice

Mattie: He did, clearly very serious about passing on his chess knowledge 😌

Lulu: Relatable honestly if he just got sick of telling Grandma how the horse and castle move over and over for years 🙄 I tried to teach this boy once and never again

Mattie: Poor Grandma 🤭🤦‍♀️ Is that a boy from home?

Lulu: Golly, if that was how I spent my hols 🙈 No, his mother was a music mistress at our old school

Lulu: he tried but didn’t manage to teach me guitar either

Mattie: Oh, that makes a lot more sense

Mattie: I know the sort

Mattie: Everyone here seems to have little kids or grown-up kids right now, some of the little ones are super cute

Lulu: What sort?

Mattie: The walking-talking Netflix teen heartthrob type

Lulu: Yeah, no, you don’t know him, or me

Mattie: I didn’t mean anything by it

Lulu: And I meant what I said, I’m being welcoming and chill as it’s your first day, but you don’t know me like that

Mattie: Okay, I apologize

Lulu: It’s fine, I’ll see you tonight, not to ruin the surprise but there are other welcoming first day dorm traditions I have to be there for

Mattie: Oh, okay, cool

Mattie: When you want to practice Chess, let me know, we can do it after prep time

Lulu: Okay ����🏻 for now

[babimochi]

14 Black Fashion Influencers You Need To Stop Sleeping On

By Brianna Yvette

In today’s age of Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter, beauty communities and influencers are taking over. It seems like every month 5 more cute instagram girlies appear and we can’t run from them, and I wouldn’t want to! Thankfully, a lot of these influencers are giving us new pieces to the pie of style and fashion that goes farther than Kylie Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens’ Coachella outfits. They’re bringing more high fashion and designer clothes to the forefront and they actually know how to style them. And.... of course, they’re black women. We’re always the trendsetters anyway. Enough rambling, here’s 15 Black Fashion Influencers who deserve so much more!! (photo: @sarahjoholder)

1. @VanessaRDaniels

Vanessa has a very chill, laid-back style which incorporates lots of sneakers, and comfy pants and tees. She’s definitely the person to go to for those casual looks that take no effort, but look like they did.

2. @SerraBellum 

Serra is a very elegant and chic stylist. She keeps her outfits simple with earthy tones and adds on the perfect accessories to finalize the look. I would say she has a business-chic style. I wish I could snag a few pieces from her wardrobe!

3. @FisaYolonge 

Ugh, look at her. She’s gorgeous! I love her sense of style and her usage of blazers and dress shirts in her casual-glam outfits. Fisayo is the personification of a “baddie”. She could take any clothing items, put them together, and make a masterpiece.

4. @MaceeLegree 

Macee is a not only a fashion enthusiast, but she’s a wonderful mother as well. Her style cannot be described. One minute she’s in a suit, and a bodysuit the next. I appreciate her fluidity in style, and she can pull off any look. Her daughter will definitely follow in her footsteps, she slays already!

5. @jtofashion  

Temi has a style in which I would describe as carefree. She always mixes and matches pieces and patterns, and can look perfect in casual, glam, business, or elegant clothes. Her outfits are very fun and inviting, and she definitely has looks everyone would love.

6. @samanthakashh

Samantha knows what looks good, and where. She makes simple clothing pop and standout effortlessly. She styles herself around her curvy figure wonderfully, and she gives every look a sexy, sophisticated vibe.

7. @romeosfashionfix 

Juliette casually dresses how I think I dress. You know that feeling you have when you put on a real bomb outfit? Yeah, she dresses just like how that feeling feels. She’s fierce, edgy, and trendy, all while keeping her own personal flavor within her style. Her skirts and dresses place attention onto her long legs and her ever-changing hairstyles act as an accessory to her looks. She’s a bad bitch. Like, for real, for real.

8. @rantiinreview  

Ranti looks like a princess in everything she wears. She has a lovely elegant-professional style which she pulls off with zero effort. I would say she has a minimalist style, but she adds a little spice with bright dresses and textures. She dresses like that one auntie who is always on vacation and brings you a souvenir from Milan. Everyone loves her and she always looks good.

9. @mercedesfbenson

Mercedes F. Benson has a style that I would say is very unique and casual. She does know how to switch it up, and never leaves you bored. From her more casual fits where shes clad in hoodies and leggings, to her sexy and chic dresses and suits, she is one of the most versatile and stylish influencers in my opinion. 

10. @musesuniform​

Nelly is an influencer that I always look to for style inspiration. She has such carefree and “avant-garde-esque” looks that easily reflect her beautiful and free-spirited lifestyle. She definitely reminds me of Solange and Kelela, with the way they infuse cultural elements into their style. I have to say, she always a favorite of mine.

11. @iamdodos_style

I couldn’t forget Dodos! She is an influencer that I’ve discovered more recently, and she documents her outfits, hair, and travel photos on her flawless Instagram feed. She has a style that I would describe as classic and elegant. She dresses in many essential patterns and fabrics, and keeps it simple, although stunning. Often wearing flowy and loose-fitting garments, she gives off a carefree vibe that I absolutely adore.

12. @sarahjoholder 

Sarah Jo Holder has my favorite style out of all of the beauties listed. It’s what I would consider flawless style. She’s never seen in anything tacky, unfitting, or just flat out ugly! I don’t know how she does it! She often incorporates blazers and blouses into her looks, pairing them with sneakers or a nice pair of high-waist jeans for a business-casual flair. Sarah knows exactly which colors to wear to compliment her aesthetic, mostly being nudes and basics, and it looks absolutely perfect each time. Definitely a style icon in the making!

13. @miss.cameroon

Venance Chiepodeu is a model and entrepreneur based in Washington, D.C. She, in my opinion, is a perfect mannequin. She is gorgeous and can rock any outfit put onto her beautiful frame. From casual to chic, streetwear to classic, this cameroonian beauty looks good in anything.

14. @mossonyi

Onyi, the fashion and travel influencer based in Manchester, has a unique way of showing off her style. She has a very one-of-a-kind style, that is very boho-chic and sharp, often dressed in suits and trendy dresses. She knows how to style many different colors and patterns into one look without making them clash or hit the eye in an unflattering manner. She’s very poise and stylish, with absolutely amazing and high-quality photographs. I definitely recommend following her.

That is all for my list of 14 Black Fashion Influencers you need to know! I hope you enjoyed reading about these lovely ladies and gained some inspiration as well. Who is your favorite black fashion influencer? - Bree

[sleepymarmot]

COUNTER/Weight liveblog, part 2

Episodes 23-40

Keith hasn't listened to the previous episode and Austin & Ali are cackling like “You got a big storm coming” lmao

…Look I understand the idea of making Tea an ally after the players and audience got to know her in the Kingdom game but the excuse is really thin

“A gift for his little brother” You guys are really bad at this gender neutrality thing huh

AuDy talking to Orth makes my head spin a bit now

Oh so Addax is the leader of the Angels? The person who has been watching the Chime from the shadows = the group that has been spying on them? Okay, I now feel dumb for not putting this together myself.

Wait I lost track again. Who were Jacq & Jill working for initially that gave them access to those immortality tanks? Iirc it was Odamas who had that technology and then gave Horizon access to it while imposing strict rules on them during the merge? So why does Jacqui get less fun assignments now if she was a part of the winning faction, not the losing one?

Oh cool, so Jamil wanted to hand over the virus to the Angels because they're both just from the Rapid Evening?

“A bard notices their enemy's heart isn't in the fight, so they stop fighting, fall in love” is such a specific thing. How the hell did it happen twice on the same show. Is this the new big gay trope now

Heeeey could you stop punching me in the stomach with intros

So, Jacqui was working for Horizon, which in turn was given this job by Petrichor? Still doesn't answer my question…

Do I have to mentally rewrite the entire holiday special so that in every scene on the Kingdom Come everyone is floating in zero gravity all the time?! I'm sorry but this makes no fucking sense!

The doppelganger thing started really creepy but now it just makes my head spin! Please stop it with the names, I'm too easily confused, especially with a show that has a record of passing characters back and forth between the GM and the players!

Re: that whole thing: aaaaAAAAA???

I don't understand what Austin and Jack are doing but it's pretty magical

God, the Aria/Jacqui scene is so… tender? Idk. Austin's gentle “PC's love interest” voice has murdered me again. I'm not sold on Jacqui by herself as a character but on the feelings between the two? Definitely. (Though I still wonder about Aria’s heroism vs Jacqui’s disregard for life. That’s a biiig value clash)

Okay, this was all very unsettling and I still understand so little

I really love that Sokrates' refusal to make that one nameless person take the fall, which seemed (at least to me) kinda stubborn and shortsighted, turned into a key moment, both because it demonstrates integrity, and now because that person becomes an actual NPC as an important asset in their faction

I love how the idea of moving Rigour to September comes up and everyone starts screaming and I do too! They sure love leaving horrifying surprises for the ground team to stumble upon lol

Is it too callous and unwise of me to react to Ibex overthrowing the Hands of Grace as “good riddance”?

Maryland's letter has strong Alyosha/Arrell vibes

I love the “reluctant alliance with an antagonist” trope and was hoping it'd happen with Ibex so I'm happy! Also in one of the early episodes Austin mentioned the Anders-Justice storyline and I'm glad to hear him finally deliver. (There was stuff about the pilot/Candidate->Divine influence with Order, but not about the other way around or fusion, like with Vengeance)

Okay thankfully things are clearer now (I'm reeeally glad I wasn't spoiled on this) but I still have so many questions. How were LD made in the first place? Why and how did they hide in/turn themselves into a simple robot? What are they – just software, like Righteousness, or is there some Divine hardware core inside the normal Automated Dynamics unit that nobody has noticed somehow, or is the hardware in a remote location they access through the mesh? Did Ibex know AuDy was LD the whole time – he didn't act very surprised? Why didn't Ibex rescue his brother, did he die really quickly? How will Mako be able to fog without Righteousness? Shouldn't AuDy be gamebreakingly powerful now? How and why do LD count as two Divines but have a single consciousness, are they like Garnet?

Lazer Ted feels like a fucking TAZ character lmao

The comic relief was welcome but at the same time I'm continuously like “What is AuDy thinking and feeling. Why are they acting like nothing happened. Where's the existential crisis. How do you realize you're a pair of ancient gods and just proceed with your life? Are they so impenetrable on purpose because they're a robot”. Like, it was chilling when they were suddenly chatting with Ibex like old friends, and now it's chilling that they're acting just in the early episodes.

I'm glad the robot incident made everyone realize it might be unwise to put the two charming extraverts in the same half of the party lol

Looks like they decided to permanently switch back to “he” for Cass… Probably for the best.

Jack keeps excitedly jumping at every opportunity for creepiness™. God, AuDy makes so much more sense as his character now after the Reveal

Is September just fucking Solaris now?

I think this is the first time I'm not excited to hear a faction game episode because I really didn't expect it at this point in the story. My reaction was “Wait what? Are you telling me everyone gets stuck on September waiting out that storm for a whole month?! I wanted to hear what that cliffhanger led to!” Idk, the September arc was generally kind of a let down after the intensity of the episodes leading up to it, and this further deflates the tension.

Speaking of tension and letdowns, I just have to complain… It's really disappointing when the show sets up really big dramatic hooks and then does practically nothing with them! I complained about Addax and Cass in the previous post and that point still stands. Case two: Mako and Righteousness/Voice. It's set up in a faction episode, and in the immediately following arc Mako indeed is in danger from something inside his own head, but it's a completely unrelated thing! At the end of the arc he finally finds out, but the threat immediately gets nullified with no consequences – no self-doubt or identity crisis, no diminished abilities in terms of game mechanics. Case three: Ibex himself. Out of the reasons the Kingdom game is what it is, the excuse for it happening in-universe was to give more details on Ibex, and at least half of it featured a collective effort to make him as central to the story and as threatening as possible. But as soon as that flashback ends, so, counterintuitively, does the role of Ibex as an active antagonist to the Chime -- the role which was literally just supposed to begin in earnest. So by this point I can barely recall why we were all so intimidated by this guy in the first place. I'm more like “This is a useful ally to have”. This is what I don't like about the world-ending threats like Rigor: all other interesting conflicts fade in their face.

Dang, I thought Isurus was a cooler name than Enhydra!

Sokrates, forced to shake Ibex's hand: *clenched fist meme*

Wait, I missed something, why is Rigor deep underground and has to dig itself out?

Okay, after the lore episode I'm also confused how Rigor ended up underground on Ionias after it was blown up 20000 years ago in a completely different place

I'm very distressed by the idea of Hieron as a future popular franchise!! No, it's supposed to be real when these people are talking about it!! Oh wait a fucking second, does this mean Jace's Panther was a deliberate reference in-universe?? Like you're fighting in a real serious terrible war and you model a giant war machine after, like, a thestral from the fucking Harry Potter and just call it “Thestral”??!

No, no, wait, do tell me who Cass and AuDy would cosplay!

Oh no, Rigour wants to talk to Voice(?), great

Hey Cass, your Hadrian is showing??

Speaking of Hadrian, I was caught off guard by description of Tower as a “hot young Hadrian”, for some reason Hadrian never struck me as a character who's supposed to be exceptionally attractive. But then again, I imagined him as very young until that letter to Hella, and then I imagined Cass as a young adult until I did the math, so I might just be bad at visualising Art's characters lol.

Austin is so generous and unsubtle about throwing hot gay NPCs right at the players. Too bad Mako doesn't sound as interested as Aria did.

I expected they'd find a room with one copy of everyone plugged into the mesh, that'd be even creepier. What's with the false memories though? This doesn't explain them.

So, how does this whole clone system work? How does time work? Why don't the real students like Tower or Maxine notice that there's a new guy who looks just like their friend, but doesn't know them – or, for that matter, why don't the other clones notice? Oh, maybe that's the purpose of the fake memory aura? So that Maritime-4 could continue right from where Maritime-3 left off?

When Cass saw Apokine's face I thought it meant that the humans had genetically engineered the Apostolosians and that's what “we made them look like us” meant, which would be two of my long-standing questions answering each other. And then it was just another giant mech.. :/

Wait, does Orth calling Cass “Apokine” mean that he pilots the mech now or that Sokrates died and Cass inherited his position?! I'm worried now…

I'm even more worried about Mako, because at first I of course reacted to the question about being in two places at once as “hah, Larry”, but it's probably the other thing, and on one hand that must mean that the rescue of clones was successful, but also that means that our Mako might be dead and the one in the intro is one of the clones… Considering that in the Winter post-mortem I caught Keith saying how emotional the C/w finale was for him before I started fast-forwarding in fear of spoilers, do I need to start mentally preparing to bury Mako already or what?

Speaking of spoilers… The farther I go, the less I understand the advice to skip Autumn. I thought that at least for C/w it wouldn't matter, given it's a whole different universe, but they keep referencing it, and then casually dropping major spoilers, and then referencing it again in a story-relevant way. (The Ordennan ships arrive on the screen as Rigor does, and the next episode is named “The Storm over September” and quotes Lem's poem in the description. That's really cool but I somehow feel vaguely irritated on behalf of my potential alternate self who skipped season 1.) I really hope they've grown more careful about this by now, because I'll probably not even begin Twilight Mirage by the time the next season starts, and I would really like to stay in the dark about the intense events they're all vague-tweeting about at the moment!

Why was AuDy alarmed by Voice's presence as “a” Divine accompanying Maxine? Shouldn't they be familiar with it already because of Mako? (And I don't want to even ask about the ontological difference/border between Righteousness and Voice. I'm tired and feel like a nitpicker. But just for the record, this still isn't clear.)

Well that's a sadder family reunion than I hoped for!

So AuDy does have a split personality to some degree?

Oh well. AuDy's got a fate worse than death: Liberty and Discovery, imprisoned indefinitely. Or devoured I guess, I didn't really get it. Great. Thanks. Fucking RIP I guess. Out of all ways I expected them to go, this wasn't one.

(By the way I still don't understand how the portal works. Where is this portal to? Why can't L&D fly out and take the slow way home, and why can't Rigor?)

There's still about ten minutes left in the episode and I don't understand how it isn't the finale. What's there to do for three more episodes now.

“With Rigor defeated so easily, so permanently, she thought” *Rigor screech*

Yeah, fuck Grace btw

Sounds like cultivating saplings is not a priority anymore for a certain someone… (Wait, btw, what happened to that patch/seed they left? Will it ever come back into play?)

“...Why they would put themselves into a body like yours? And I think, maybe, it's that they were curious about what it would be like for four years to feel like a long time” AAAAAA

Okay, things are better on September than it sounded initially, but still… Wtf's going to happen? Rigor repairs itself, takes over the survivors, takes off again? But what's the timeline on that? I genuinely have no idea wtf the finale is going to be about after this.

Oh, what happened to the clones btw? Did Larry manage to get them off the planet in time, despite the Minerva ships in orbit and, more importantly, Rigor? Or are they stuck on September, unable to continue reenacting the plot of Orphan Black?

From how it's been described in this episode, feels as if Liberty and Discovery are a candidate of AuDy… They didn't want a candidate but were curious to learn how it feels for the other side?

Paisley's dead-eyed, Tower's gone, and even Ibex, who is barely holding on himself, loses his ex… Everyone's love life takes a nosedive: the episode. At least Jacqui's okay… (And because of Jacqui, it was doubly sad and surprising to hear Aria still has feelings for Paisley…)

[stereksecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, @classy2shoes!

I tried to go in a million different directions but I finally decided on something rather light hearted. I hope you like it.

Read on AO3

***

First Impressions

Ten years ago Stiles Stilinski made a vision board for class that included high rise buildings, ivy league colleges, and an assortment of law enforcement badges. Four years ago Stiles found himself at the wrong end of a gun and a pair of teeth. Three and a half years ago Stiles made the very sound decision to run away and start living a minimalist life style while doing his damnedest to avoid the very law enforcement he’d once pinned to his vision board. At the very least his childhood had prepared him to recognize “the law” in its many forms with little effort.

Stiles currently found himself on the outskirts of a town called Beacon Hills. It was bustling enough that Stiles could lose himself in a crowd but close enough to nature that he could go off grid relatively easily. He’d gotten himself a nice little cabin at the edge of a nature preserve so that he could deal with his furry little problem. After that he’d established himself around town as a harmless, possibly Canadian, oddball that looked a little ruff but was ultimately harmless. The Winter of Patchy Beard had been kind and humiliating at equal turns. Now though his growth was even, his hair was a little longer, and he was starting to fill out his basket of flannels.

Now he just needed to get a handle on fishing. Stiles shifted from foot to foot and tucked his elbows closer to his sides. He’d cast at least a dozen times now and still hadn’t managed to hook anything. It was getting colder every day and it was looking like his plan to stock up on jarred fish was a bust. In the week he’d been doing this he’d only managed four fish total. The guys down at the bait shop had insisted that this was a great little spot. Stiles hadn’t heard a blip in their heartbeats either. He was considering that maybe his furry problem might be sending out serious predator vibes and scaring away the fish.

He was just about to pack it in when he picked up the sound of splashing. And not the rapid splashing of an animal sprinting through water. No, this sounded like a person wading through. He tensed instinctively and looked towards the sound only to see Beacon Hills’ own Derek Hale. Stiles tensed even further, his fingers nearly cramping around his pole. Hale was sopping wet, covered in mud, and entirely naked. His usually stern face was looking more severe than ever. Water trailed down his matted hair and over his filthy chest in a way that Stiles would normally drool over.

Today Hale didn’t look like he’d stepped off a photoshoot but rather out of a torture dungeon. He looked like the last survivor of a forest based slasher. He looked like he’d just survived a mob hit.

Just as the thought crossed his mind Hale looked up at him. Even at this distance he looked menacing. Stiles instinctively bowed his head and focused back on his fishing pole. He listened carefully to the sounds of Hale making his way to shore and then into the woods. Since moving to Beacon Hills Stiles had only seen Derek Hale twice. He’d heard about him plenty though. The Hale family was money. Old money. Money with a capital M. No one knew that much about them other than the fact that they owned about half the town, and a lot of property in New York.

They also owned the only other house on Preserve property. Stiles had seen it once in human form but had always given it wide berth while in his small fox body. Something about it had always screamed ‘CAUTION DO NOT PROCEED!’ and thus far his animal brain hadn’t steered him wrong. Human Stiles always assumed the Hales were a family of organized criminals. He’d yet to see any evidence to the contrary.

But they hadn’t kicked up a fuss about his little cabin or his daily strolls through the preserve so he’d firmly decided to let it go. As long as he didn’t see a murder he was one hundred percent willing to believe they were rich on oil or something. Stiles sighed and reeled in his line. He hadn’t caught anything today and he didn’t feel like leaving himself out in the open anymore. He packed up his pitiful bait box, flung his pole over his shoulder, and started the trek back to his cabin.

That night Stiles couldn’t get the Hale family out of his head. Specifically Derek and Stiles was man enough to admit it maybe had something to do with his resting bitch face and effortless model look. He was a big boy now and he could admit to petty attraction. Derek Hale was a prize of a man. In looks at least. The jury was out on whether or not he was a mob enforcer. He certainly had the muscle for it.

In the morning Stiles’ mind was still on Derek Hale. There was an annoying itch in the back of his head demanding he scope out the house in the woods. The more rational side of himself insisted this was a very bad idea and went to chop wood instead. It would hopefully tire him out and with the nights getting colder and colder Stiles didn’t see the harm in a surplus. Since the bite he’d found himself at odds with his brain. His standard ADHD seemed to have gone a little haywire. He was more prone to hyper-fixation then fits of mania. On the plus side he didn’t need to reread instructions twenty times anymore. He could follow through with most simple tasks by muscle memory alone. But God help him if he caught scent of something interesting.

He hoped desperately that chopping wood would keep him from running off to play detective. So he shuffled outside with a thermos of coffee and picked his ax up from his porch. The week before he’d taken down two trees. After chopping them into more manageable logs Stiles had called it. Now those pieces were piled messily around the back of his cabin and Stiles finds himself wishing he’d been a little less of a bum about it.

“Next winter. I’ll do it right next winter.” Stiles set his thermos a safe distance away and pulled up a few logs to get himself started. He kept a careful ear on the pile in case it fell apart but otherwise buried himself in the repetitive chopping motions. It was easy to zone of the rest of the world out this way. His focus narrowed down the swinging motion of his arms and the thunk and crack of each new log. Soon enough the cold drained out of him and he started to sweat through his flannel shirt.

He managed nearly the whole pile before his senses went haywire, something primal deep inside of him screaming 'PREDATOR’. He let his ax fall into the stump he was using as his base and took a calming breath, scenting the air. The hair of the back of his neck prickled and his body was thrumming on high alert aware of every little thing around him from the moist puffs of air he was breathing into his chest to the crinkling of leaves around him as the wind gently shuffled them around.

Stiles knew someone was behind him, standing at the edge of what he considered his lawn. He tightened his grip on the ax with one hand and tipped his head to better hear the stranger. “Can I help you?” He pulled the ax from the stump and turned to face Derek Hale. He was dressed this time, clean and wearing a stylish leather jacket. Stiles felt equally like he should be bearing sharp teeth and running fast and far. Fight or flight at its finest. Stiles couldn’t pin down why though. Sure the Hales might be criminals but he’d dealt with plenty of those as a desperate teen runaway. None of them made him fell like a spooked animal. What was Derek Hale hiding behind his pretty cheekbones?

“You never came to see us.”

“Huh?”

Derek tipped his head to the side gesturing in the direction of his property. “You never came to see my family.”

Stiles flexed his fingers on the handle of his ax. “Sorry? Was I suppose to? This cabin isn’t technically on the preserve. The realator says some old guy owns it; lives down in Miami now.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Stiles huffed out an annoyed breath and rolled his shoulders. “Then you’ll have to tell me what you mean because I’m confused.”

“It’s common courtesy to introduce yourself to the local pack if you plan on living this close. We left you alone because we thought you were passing through. But you’re not, are you?” Derek is staring him down like he’s a particularly dense dumbass and Stiles can’t bring himself to be offended. Pack. Derek Hale said pack.

“Are you…”, Stiles pointed at him with his ax, “are you guys…not human?” He almost whispers it, afraid of how it sounds out loud. Thus far Stiles hasn’t voiced anything about himself. Not since he had a conversation at gun point with a blond nutjob. He’d been too afraid to ask questions or look into finding others like him.

Derek takes a step forward. It feels aggressive and Stiles scrambles back in instinct. He’s back to gripping his ax like a weapon but he has no intention to fight. His brain is fully in run mode now. He’s rooted in place by sheer force of will. “Why are you here?”

“I live here. I moved into this cabin, like people do when there’s a reasonably priced place available.”

Derek starts stalking forward, scowl set firmly in place. He looks like a predator zeroing in on its kill. Stiles backs up until he hits his house and swings his ax up over his shoulder like he has a shot at cutting this man down. Derek yanks it out of his hands and tosses it aside. Then he leans in close, sniffing at Stiles’ neck and hairline.

“Dude…”

“You’re new.”

“Uh?” Against him Derek is still, obviously still smelling him but not making moves to do anything further. Stiles wiggles and shimmy’s until he’s able to step to the side and away from Derek. “I’ve been here almost a year now. I came up just after winter so…” Stiles lets the thought trail away.

Derek’s face pinches, he takes a deep breath and rolls his eyes up to the sky like he’s telling himself to be patient. “Newly bitten. You’re not born like me.”

“Oh…yeah. Four years ago about.” Stiles shrugs his shoulders like it’s no big deal but his heart is racing. If this guy is a shifter there’s no way he doesn’t hear it but Stiles can’t help himself. Until the bite feigning nonchalance was his go to.

Derek turns to him, steps back into his personal space. “And where’s your Alpha?”

“Alpha? The thing that bit me? Dead. A hunter was tracking it. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“And this hunter? He just let you go?” Derek raises a brow and the cocky look on his face tells Stiles this could go south fast.

“I knew his daughter. We were friends at school.” Stiles licked his lips and started jiggling his leg. He didn’t like to think about the Argents or about the dual life they obviously had. The implications use to keep him up at night. Stiles let out a breathy chuckle. “He uh…he made me breakfast once. Gave me rides home from school. We hugged once.” Stiles shrugs and grins at Derek. He ignores the tears stinging his eyes and stubbornly refuses to let them fall. There were times, early on, when Stiles wondered if Chris wasn’t crueler for letting him go.

The stare at each other for a few seconds. Stiles focuses on the sound of the leaves skittering arcross his lawn and the birds nesting on his roof. In front of him Derek is stoic. He’s staring Stiles down with an unreadable face. Stiles isn’t afraid anymore, not really. Derek is like him in a way. The first he’s ever met. Even if this doesn’t end well at least he knows he’s not alone. There’s hope.

Derek breaks their staring contest to look off into the woods, in the direction of his house. “Come to my house tomorrow. Around noon.” Derek shoves his hands in his pockets and starts walking away, narrowly missing bumping Stiles’ shoulder. “We’ll answer your questions then.”

Stiles listens to him leave until his steps are indistinguishable under the wind and general wildlife. Only then does he turn to look at his pile of split logs. They’re scattered everywhere as Stiles had just let them be where they fell rather than stack them up as he went. It would be smart to stack them now while there was a lot of day left. He stared down the mess he’d made for a while before chuffing and tossing the ax into the mess as well and heading inside.

The rest of his day is a waste really. Stiles’ mind is racing at the idea of another shifter being so close. A whole family of them, a pack. Chris had explained a few basics to him before yelling at him to run. Stiles had held on to every little tidbit of their brief conversation but refused to look online for anything else. He tried to stick to actual books in case someone was trying to track him. Sure, some nights he thought he was being way too paranoid but most nights he felt justified. He started out as an underage runaway with his DNA spread all over a gruesome crimescene. At the mercy of a very famous hunter.

He spent the day waffling back and forth about what he should do. Which meant he packed half his clothes and almost shaved three times. But he also cleaned up his canning jars and aired out a couple of Sherpa throws. He wanted to stay in Beacon Hills, he really did. His animal hind brain just wasn’t so sure. The back of his head kept buzzing, sending warning signals through his body 'PREDATOR, NOT SAFE. RUN. RUN. RUN.’

In the end he fell asleep on the couch under his little pile of throw blankets after eating ravioli’s straight from the pop can. It smelled even worse in the morning. Which drove him to make a good breakfast. The entire time he tended the bacon in its pan he thought to himself that this could be his last good meal in a while. Life on the run didn’t lend itself to good homecooked meals. Stiles piled his plate high with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fluffy misshapen pancakes. Just because he could, he covered his entire plate with syrup and put a splash in his coffee too instead of sugar.

Once he’s done he washes his dishes, drying them even, before putting them away. Stiles walks through his little cabin, running his fingers across every surface. The animal part of him is delighted to be leaving his scent in every inch of wood. The human part of him is sad, wistful. If the meeting with the Hale’s goes poorly he may never come back. And who knows when he’ll feel safe enough to settle down again?

Only when his home is thoroughly drenched in his scent does Stiles pull on a heavy coat and head outside. He stands at the edge of his porch and looks out into the woods to where he know’s the Hale house to be. Derek hadn’t given him the impression that this would be a painless visit. Were’s or not they still seemed like criminals. “Okay Stiles. You can do this. You’re just going to have lunch with the neighbors. The scary, half animal, possible mob boss neighbors. No big deal.” He takes a deep breath, rolls his shoulders, and steps off the porch.

For trips into town Stiles has a beat up brown crown royal. It’s a horrible car. The suspension sucks, the back seat is nearly torn to shreds, it whines like a dying animal if you go over 30 mph but it never got reported stolen. The owners were probably glad to be rid of it. Stiles had stolen it two states over and drove it like a saint to make sure he never got pulled over. He tried to use it sparingly though. So it stayed put and Stiles walked to the Hale’s. He felt like it was more appropriate this way, to meet other’s like him on foot and by himself.

When he makes it to the clearing in front of the Hale house his whole body is thrumming with tension. He can practically feel his fur standing up on end. He wants to shift and bare his pointy little teeth to say he won’t be messed with. Stiles tries to shrug off the sensation as he draws closer. The closer he gets the easier it is to hear that it won’t be a small lunch. The house is teeming with heartbeats. His own is going a mile a minute no matter how hard he tries to calm it down.

Taking a deep breath to center himself, Stiles knocks on the door. It’s a weird thing to feel, knowing that every living thing in that house is focused on the door. On him. He listens carefully to the footsteps coming closer. They sound different than Derek’s, more graceful. There’s a swoosh of fabric with each step.

A woman opens the door. She’s smiling and already holding her arms out for a hug. Stiles is taken aback. He’d been expecting a Black Widow type not a beautifully aging housewife. Before he can think to move she’s hugging him close, tipping his head against his shoulder like he’s a child. “Welcome to our home. Derek told me all about you.”

“Uh?” Stiles holds his hands stiffly in a very 'don’t shoot’ gesture. He’s not sure what the etiquette is on touching people in other packs. He’d rather not have his fingers chewed off.

The woman tuts at him and squeezes a little tighter.

“You shouldn’t be all alone. You poor thing you must be going crazy with questions.” She pulls back, just a touch, with her hands still holding his sides. She looks at him like a mother sizing up a child who’s been away at school. “We’ll talk about all that after we eat.” She steps back and gestures into her house. “Come inside, it’s all ready. You can sit with Derek.”

Stiles coughs into his hand so he doesn’t have to speak and gingerly steps inside. It’s warm and nothing like he expected. Instead of cold modern designs and weapons in plain sight it looks more like a Better Homes and Gardens spread, after a minor earthquake. The furniture is plush and covered in mismatched blankets. The coffee table is beautifully carved from cherrywood but it’s covered in stuffed animals and coloring books. The entertainment center is holding haphazard piles of games and DVD’s. From what Stiles can see of the stairs there’s a rich maroon runner that’s rucked up in places like a dog’s been tugging on it.

The pieces are all there, the bare bones of a gorgeous house, but it’s covered in stuff. Loads of stuff like a daycare center. Stiles jerks as a hand comes to the small of his back but the woman just laughs it off. “I’m sorry about the mess. We cleaned up this morning for you but…”, she rolls her eyes and waves her free hand, “children.”

“Uh yeah. No problem. It’s…I don’t mind.” Stiles shoves his hands into his pockets and lets himself be steered into the dining room. It’s much cleaner than the living room even though the table is groaning under the weight of the food laid out on it. Stiles stops short, leaning back into the woman’s hand. The whole pack is there staring at him like he’s about to take his place on one of the platters. There’s two empty seats, one at the head, and one next to Derek.

The woman gently guides him to his seat, scratching her nails through his hair and Derek’s as she heads to her own. “Stiles I’d like you to meet my pack. My name is Talia. I’m the Alpha and this is my family.” She takes her seat at the head and smiles fondly over the table, clearly happy to see them all sitting in one place. Stiles looks around the table, face slack. No one is giving off particularly hostile vibes. They seem interested, like he’s a shiny new toy, but some of them seem a little bored or embarrassed. The silence stretches on until Derek kicks him in the ankle.

Stiles jerks, nearly falling from his seat into the boy next to him but rights himself with a cough. “I’m Stiles. I don’t have a pack. I didn’t even know there was a pack here.” He looks down at his plate, suddenly uncomfortable with this many eyes on him. “I got bitten a little while ago and I’ve been looking for somewhere to stay.”

“Derek said a hunter let you go? He just let you run off?” It’s a young woman, she’s got dark hair and eyes. Probably Derek’s sister by the age of her. Stiles nods sharply.

“I knew him, his daughter. I didn’t know about werewolves or werefoxes. I was just out for a walk. I guess he felt sorry for me.”

“Or maybe he thought you’d slip up.” The man who speaks has sharp blue eyes and slicked back hair. He makes Stiles’ metaphorical hackles rise. “Maybe he was expecting a bit of a hunt.”

Stiles fights the urge to rise to the bait. The fox in his mind is snapping about like an angry puppy. “Maybe. I wouldn’t know because I took his advice and ran.” He’d like to think that Chris felt some remorse, that letting him go that night really was a mercy. An act of kindness to his daughter’s goofy friend. It quiets down after he speaks and Talia starts passing around plates to break up the tension. There are bowls of stripped and shredded meat passing every which way while everyone assembles their fajitas. Stiles helps himself to a heaping side of rice and seasoned black beans. He mixes it all together beside his folded tortilla while he waits for the chicken to get to him.

He happily takes the bowl of shredded meat from Derek, the smell of food momentarily over taking any lingering nerves. He scoops in a healthy amount then passes the bowl along. He takes two strips of steak from the next bowl just because but passes along the pork without looking. He hasn’t had food like this in a while. He tends to stick to quick, barely seasoned meals. Without a thought Stiles tucks in, taking a massive bite that has his cheeks bulging out like a chipmunks. He groans around the food and shimmy’s in his seat as he chews. It’s good. Way better than he thought he’d be getting.

He feels a little kick to his ankle and looks over at Derek. The look of shocked, borderline disgust has Stiles chewing a little slower. His face heats up as he casts a quick glance over the table. Almost everyone is staring at him. Stiles’ is suddenly aware of his heavy, scraggly beard and unruly hair. He knows he looks like a recently cleaned hobo. It makes it easier for him to distance himself from life before. But now it feels a little absurd. He really should have shaved. Stiles swallows the massive bite in his mouth and coughs to clear his throat.

“Sorry. It’s very good Mrs. Hale. I don’t cook like this anymore.” He looks down at his plate and doesn’t let his eyes wander. Beside him he feels Derek go back to eating so he does as well, this time at a slower pace. Around him conversations start here and there until it seems like it’s just noise. His ears perk here and there but he doesn’t join in. When his plate is nearly empty Derek bumps him with his elbow, then points to the bowl of chicken. “No thanks.” Derek shrugs and helps himself to some more rice.

“So Stiles, I’m sure you have questions. Why don’t you go upstairs and clean up. Then we can talk. I’ll try to answer as best I can. Alright?”

“Sure. Thank you Mrs. Hale.”

“Talia.”

“Uh…yeah, thank you Talia.” Stiles neatens up his plate and silverware to keep his hands busy until Derek gets up.

“I’ll take you.” It sounds genuine but his face is pinched like he has a particularly bad tooth ache. Stiles accepts the invitation regardless, if nothing else it gets him away from the table. Better the enemy you know and all that. The general look and feel of the house makes him feel like his mob boss idea was a little stupid. But the thick, heady scent of wolves keeps the fox inside of him skittish.

Derek leads him upstairs, stepping over the crumpled runner like it’s an everyday thing. It’s quieter upstairs and Stiles feels like he can breathe a little easier. He follows quietly behind Derek until they get to the bathroom. “You looked overwhelmed.” Stiles snorts. “A little.”

Derek lets out a deep breath through his nose and nods. “I’m sorry.” Stiles watches the clench of his jaw as he says it and the serious look in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Well, I did actually. I thought you were going to cause problems.” Derek steps closer to him, so close Stiles can make out the pretty flecks of color in his eyes. “I didn’t realize you were scared until I got close.” Derek runs his hand across the side of Stiles’ neck. His hand is warm and soft. The little fox thats been yapping and twitching all afternoon settles. Derek’s thumb comes up and brushes through his thick beard. Stiles blinks slowly.

“Can I shave?”

“What?” The moment’s broken. Derek steps back and frowns at him.

“I,” Stiles coughs and starts scratching his beard, “I wanted to know if I could borrow a razor?”

“Sure.” Derek heads into the bathroom and rummages under the sink until he pulls out a razor. He passes it over then digs out a small pair of scissors. “I’ll be downstairs.”

“Yeah.” Stiles holds the razor to his chest but doesn’t back away while Derek passes. His arm brushes across him and Stiles savors the passing warmth. He waits until he’s sure Derek is downstairs to start cutting away tufts of beard. Scent doesn’t cling to metal and plastic very well but Stiles can tell the trimmers are Derek’s. It sends a little thrill through him to be using it. Since he’s been on the run he hasn’t really allowed himself to think about guys. He hasn’t stopped masturbating but actually thinking about someone in particular? Not in a while. Derek is hot. And he has the added bonus of being a shifter too. No awkward glowy eyes to explain during sex.

When the hair is gone Stiles keeps his eyes on the sink, wetting washcloth and rubbing it across his face. Once the cloth cools down Stiles finally looks up at himself again. His hair is still long, curling gently around his ears. His eyes have bags under them. But he looks clean. He looks young. Stiles takes a deep breath and starts cleaning up his mess. It’s weird, stepping out of the bathroom. He knows everyone downstairs must have heard the razor and he can’t really explain why he needed to do it. He just felt ashamed maybe. Of himself and how different he is. He wrings his fingers together the whole time he heads down the stairs. To his relief no one watches him come down even though he knows they know. Everyone is scattered around in groups. The kids are at the table again, coloring. Stiles tips his head to listen for Talia or Derek because he can’t see either of them.

“This way Stiles.”

Stiles perks his ears and hears another 'this way’. He casts one last look over at the kids before turning past the stairs, down the hall, and into an office. There’s bookshelves built into the walls and stained wingback chairs scattered around. The desk hugs the wall in an L shape. Talia is sitting there in a soft, suede rolling chair. Derek is beside her in mustard yellow wingback.

“Have a seat. Just pick one. They’re clean I swear but my children never could keep food off furniture.” Talia casts a playful scowl at Derek who looks off into a corner like he’s been chastised for this a thousand times over. Stiles grabs a faded pink chair and drags it over. “You look better.”

“Thanks.” Stiles takes a deep breath and starts drumming his fingers on his knees. “I don’t really know where to start.”

“Just ask. The first thing that comes to mind.” Talia smiles and waves her hand encouragingly.

There’s a million things he wants to ask. Why is he a fox when Chris said he was a wolf? How do hunters operate? What’s a pack structure like? If there are born shifters what are the odds he’ll pass it on? Instead he asks this: “Why were you naked in the woods?”

Derek purses his lips and slouches down in his chair like he’ll be able to slide away from the look his mother is giving him. “Again? Derek we’ve talked about this.”

“There was no one around Mom.”

“Stiles was around.”

“I thought he knew.”

Talia sighs and pushes her hand onto the side of Derek’s face. He looks embarrassed so whatever it was wasn’t malicious. “Some werewolves can achieve a full shift. It’s usually a born werewolf. I can do it and my two oldest can as well. Derek,” she looks over him with a wry smile, “likes to shift and catch fish. Like the little pup he is.” She ends this sentence with a pinch to his cheek. He allows it even though his face is burning red.

Stiles can’t help but laugh. Once he starts he can’t seem to stop. There’s still a lot he needs to know. There’s still a lot of scary stuff out there and in his future but this is good. He can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief. He ran right into another pack of shifters. Good people who all lived together and sat at a table for meals. People who let their moms pinch their cheeks and liked to play around in the water. He laughs until he can’t breathe. The he sits back up and rubs his hands across his face until he can breathe properly again.

“Sorry. M'sorry. I just…”

Talia leans forward and places her hand on his knee. “I understand. We were born into this. The bite is a gift to us but for others…I know that things must have been really hard for you. I’ve only just met you but you’ve kept to yourself. You haven’t caused any problems and you seem to have excellent control. I’d be happy to welcome you into my home, and my pack, whenever you’d like.” She pats his knee again before sitting back in her chair. Beside her Derek’s face is still pink but he looks serious. Stiles finds himself staring at him, maybe for longer than appropriate.

Talia graciously doesn’t comment and they get down to the questions. Stiles starts slow because he doesn’t know where to start but soon enough his questions are running into one another until he’s not really getting full answers at all. Talia and Derek are taking it in stride, answering as quickly as they can and not getting frustrated when his mind jumps track in the middle. The next time he finds himself pausing Talia stands and rubs her hands across his shoulders. Stiles looks up at her and feels a pang of longing. She doesn’t look anything like Melissa but her expression is dead on.

“I think we’ll stop there for today. You can come back any time but I think you should process what we’ve talked about already before trying to absorb more.” She ruffles his hair for good measure and leaves. Then it’s just him and Derek.

“You looked like a failed mob hit.” As soon as it’s out of his mouth he regrets it. He scrunches up his face and slumps back in his chair. Of all the things to say.

“Really?” Derek snorts kicks lightly at Stiles’ foot. “I thought you were a serial killer.”

Stiles starts laughing again, softly at first, then full belly laughs as Derek joins in with him. It’s hard to reconsile this happy looking Derek with the severe looking man he’s seen around town. When the laughter tappers out Stiles leans forward, elbows on his knees, and starts rubbing his face again. It’s weird after so long. He feels like he’s making a fresh start.

“It suits you. The shave.” Derek is leaning forward too. Stiles can only descibe his eyes as intense. And pretty, very pretty. Here in this office, surrounded by the smell of happiness and flowers Stiles feels brave enough to flirt back.

“We can’t all grow them as good as you. I’ve gotta say, even with the resting bitch face I found myself intrigued.” He chuckles and licks his lips. He wanted to say something smooth, maybe segue into a date proposition. But he’s out of practice. Not that he was any good before. Derek doesn’t look overly impressed but he doesn’t look angry either. Stiles is willing to take that as a win. He doesn’t want to go home. Not just yet, not now that he’s got a chance to talk to Derek. He just doesn’t know what to say to keep the conversation going. It’s been a long time since he’s had to do more than give pleasantries.

“You were trying to fish? The other day at the creek.”

“Yeah, trying being the key word.” Stiles licked his lips again and shrugged. “I was given many talents. Fishing was not one of them.”

“I could teach you.”

“With a pole I hope.”

Derek clucks his tongue and tips his head back over the edge of the chair. His arms are crossed over his chest and Stiles savors the way his muscles bulge. He rakes his eyes over the long line of his throat and the sharp cut of his cheek.

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind seeing you run around on all fours. Tell me, are you a Twilight style werewolf or more like Harry Potter? I could get behind either I just want to know how seriously I’m going to take you afterwards.” Stiles laughs and shyly nudges his foot against Derek’s. He can see him rolling his eyes.

So it’s not a date. But Stiles isn’t ready for that. Honestly he’s not sure he’s ready for real human interaction. The past year has been good for keeping him sane but he hasn’t been social. And not even twenty-four hours ago he thought Derek was a criminal about to gut him alive. Still, it’s a start. Even if this whole thing crashes and burns at the very least Stiles can say he put himself out there.

“Let’s try with the pole first. I wouldn’t mind seeing how you handle that.” His smirk is challenging and Stiles feels a smug spark of hope. Looks like Derek’s putting himself out there too.

[magzoso-tech]

New Post has been published on https://magzoso.com/tech/camp-grounded-digital-detox-returns-after-founders-death/

Camp Grounded Digital Detox returns after founder’s death

Summer camp for adults and beloved tech-free weekend getaway Camp Grounded ground to a halt in 2017. Its big-hearted founder Levi Felix who’d espoused the joys of trading screens for nature walks was tragically killed by brain cancer at just age 32. Left in his wake was mourning community who’d lost their digital detox rally just as everyone was realizing the importance of looking up from their phones.

As an attendee, I’d been impressed by how the founder (known as Professor Fidget Wigglesworth at camp) used playfulness and presence to transport us back to childhood, before we got hooked on the Internet. But he also broke people’s addiction to shame, mandating that anyone who screwed up in a sports game or talent show announce “I’m awesome”, and be met with a cheer from the crowd, “your awesome!”

Attendees compete in camp-wide games

Luckily, one of Felix’s elementary school friends Forest Bronzan wants to write a happier ending to this story. Almost three years after it went into hibernation follow its creator’s death, Bronzan has acquired Camp Grounded and its parent company Digital Detox.

Camp Grounded will relaunch in May 2020 as two back-to-back weekend retreats at Northern California’s gorgeous Camp Mendocino. Attendees will again leave their devices in Tech Check lockers run by hazmat-suit wearing staffers, assume nicknames, and stop the work talk. They’ll get to play in the woods like technology never existed, indulging in Camp Grounded favorites from archery to arts & crafts to bonfire singalongs about enthusiastic consent. However, to simplify logistics, Camp Grounded won’t hold sessions in New York, North Carolina, or Texas any more.

The company will also organize more four-hour Unplugged Nights in cities around the country where partiers can switch off their phones and make new friends. The idea is to give a broader range of people a taste of the Grounded lifestyle in smaller doses. Those interested in early access to tickets for all of Digital Detox’s events can sign up here.

Camp Grounded’s Tech Check staffers confiscate attendees’ devices upon their arrival. Image Credit: Daniel N. Johnson

Meanwhile, Digital Detox will start a new business of education and certifications for K-12 schools, coaching teachers and parents on how to gently reduce students’ screentime. Schools will pay per student like a Software-As-A-Service model. Through research by a few PhDs, the company will recommend proper rules for using tech in and out of the classroom to minimize distraction, and empathetic penalties for violations.

The obvious question to ask, though, is if Bronzan is just some business guy coming to coin off the anti-tech trend and Felix’s legacy. “I’m not Apple coming in and buying the company. This isn’t a tech acquisition” Bronzan insists at a coffee shop in San Francisco. “I knew Levi before anyone else knew Levi. We went trick-or-treating and played in school band together. I want to the first Digital Detox summit, and brought my company year after year. I’ve been involved from the begginning, seeing Levi’s passion and inspiration.”

Levi Felix and Forest Bronzan (from left) in 1996

Fidget had an innately soothing camp counselor vibe to him that Bronzan doesn’t quite capture. He’d previously built and sold Email Aptitude, a CRM and email agency, not an event or education business. But he truly seems to mean well, and he’s earned the support of Digital Detox’s team.

“My mission was to find someone that was as excited and ferocious as Levi and I were when we started Digital Detox to further it as a movement” says Brooke Dean, Felix’s wife and co-founder. “It was imperative that the person running DD and CG had actually experienced the magic. This person had to be more than a lover of camp and nature, they also needed the hard skills and successful track record of running a company. Forest is stable, business-minded and also finds value in that very unique magic.”

Brooke Deand and Levi Felix (foreground, from left) at Camp Grounded

Bronzan tells me the acquisition includes a cash component (“We’re not talking eight figures”) and a capital investment in the business, both funded by his email company’s exit. Two other individuals and one company had also expressed interest. Dean and Felix’s brother Zev will retain equity in the company, and she’ll stay on the board of directors. The trio are launching the Levi Felix Foundation that will donate money to brain cancer research.

While moving into education might seem like a left turn for Digital Detox after throwing events since 2012, Dean says “Levi was planning on going back to school and was deeply interested in being an academic in this field. We always believed that there needed to be evidence in order to convince the masses that being outside and connecting with other human beings ‘IRL’ is critical to our health and longevity.”

Some alarming stats the organization has already uncovered include:

77% of people check or pretend to check their phone to avoid talking to others

38% feel less connected to their partner or close friend due to cell phone use

Nearly 20% check their phone while having sex

“We want to eventually be the central source of tools on how tech is affecting lives and relationships at all age levels” Bronzan tells me. It’s zeroing in on how compulsive behaviors like endless scrolling increase anxiety and depression, and how parents glued to their devices train children to not be present. The father of two kids under age five, Bronzan knows a weekend at camp in your 20s or 30s is too little too late to seriously address the crisis of fractured attention.

Digital Detox’s new CEO says he’s heartened by the progression of some of Felix’s ideals, as with the Time Well Spent movement. The screentime dashboards launched by tech companies don’t do enough to actually change people’s actions, he says, though “They’re at least making some effort.” Digital Detox plans to launch a comprehensive quiz to determine how addicted you are to your phone, and Bronzan says he’d happily work with tech giants to integrate his company’s research.

On the camp for adults front, we’ve seen Burning Man go mainstream but lose some of what made it special including a lack of cell phone reception. It’s now common to see people on the playa staring at their phones, talking about work, and stressed about the clock — all of which are prohibited at Camp Grounded. Festivals like Coachella seem to get more corporate and less mindful each year. That leaves plenty of open space for Digital Detox to fill with purposeful breaks from the default world.

Bronzan also wants to introduce more surprise and serendipity to the event calendar. Camp Grounded will experiment with a “Mystery Trip” where eight to ten people sign up to be whisked away, only receiving a confidential briefing package the day before they show up. The point is to extract people from their routines where unhealthy habits manifest. Without connectivity, Camp Grounded hopes people will forge new connections in their minds, and with each other.

[bikesandaccessories]

HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE DIAMONDBACK OVERDRIVE 29

I as of late composed an article called "Best Mountain Bikes Under $500", where I prescribed this bicycle. Time to put my cash where my mouth is. I just got one to put it through hell and give it a strong inside and out a survey. So here's my finished Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike Review.

Note – August twelfth, 2018: I initially composed this article back in April 2018 and needed to tell you that I rode this bicycle least once every week and up to 3 times each week for 4 months now. So I included an area underneath my unique survey to tell you how the bicycle performs over an all-inclusive period.

Simple Assembly

The Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike comes 'ride prepared' and 85% collected. So despite the fact that there are a couple of things to assemble, it's generally accomplished for you. Obviously, I am committed to disclosing to you that it's prudent to have an expert assembled it for wellbeing reasons. Albeit, regardless of whether you have insignificant experience taking a shot at bicycles, the gathering is truly attainable.

Overview  of Diamondback Overdrive 29er Assembly

Mount the handlebars: simply ensure the links are not tangled and furthermore ensure the forks are the correct route around. Every one of the links must keep running up before the casing and fork stem. Fix the handlebars into a situation with the 2 jolts at the front. Utilize the Allen wrench gave to do as such and guarantee the handlebars are fixed with the inside 'rough' area in the middle.

Fix the jolts in a rotating design. Which means, fix one until you feel a slight obstruction, at that point change to the next jolt and do likewise. Move back to the primary jolt and fix somewhat more. Apply a similar power to the subsequent jolt and keep substituting until the two jolts are adequately tight.

Diamondback Mountain Bike 29er Review Carefully remove all the rest of the pressing from the bicycle. Make an effort not to scratch the bicycle with the scissors, obviously.

Introduce the seat. This equitable effectively slides into position and simply needs you to fix the snappy discharge jolt with your fingers. When you've done that, push the brisk discharge switch down to fix further. Simply ensure the seat is superbly in accordance with the bicycle frame.

Presently turn the bicycle over so the bicycle is standing self-bolstered by the seat and handlebars on the ground.

Introduce the front wheel by evacuating the fork cushion that will be available. Discover the pivot inside the bundling and keep it close.

Spot front wheel in position, cautiously ensuring that the appended brake circle openings into situation between the brake cushions.

At that point string the pivot through the fork mounts and wheel. Simply guarantee that you have the springs mounted outside the forks, inside the external nuts with the bigger finishes calling attention to from the wheel.

Much the same as the sBikesandAccessories.Tumblr.Comeat, fix the speedy discharge wheel nuts till it's finger tight. At that point close down the fast discharge switch to completely fix.

Mount your pedals. Each pedal is named 'left' and 'right', so ensure they go on to the right side. The pedals simply screw in by hand yet you should complete them off with a device. That is it. I mean the might need to do minor alterations however that is basically it. This entire procedure took me around 10 minutes and I wasn't surging in any way.

First Ride Diamondback Mountain Bike 29er

When you have your bicycle collected, it's a great opportunity to take it out for a trial. This is to give you a decent vibe for the bicycle all in all. It will tell you what necessities tweaking and changing.

You may discover your brakes need modifying, or perhaps your handlebars aren't exactly straight. For my situation, I discovered one of my links was in an inappropriate position and was folded the incorrect path over my handlebar stem. Give close consideration to your front wheel as it might relax a bit of during your test ride. So on your test ride, ensure you bring a toolbox and don't take straight off onto the trail. Stick near your neighborhood. Close enough that you could walk home in 5 minutes.

On The Diamondback Mountain Bike Overdrive 29

After I did my test ride and was sure that the bicycle was a great idea to go, I took it out on the trail. This is the place I truly got the chance to perceive how the bicycle performs in the genuine work of mountain biking.

Initial introductions are great. Remember that I changed nothing and is manufacturing plant unique so suspension redesigns, no elective tires or whatever else. That being stated, the Diamondback Overdrive 29er as a stock, essential model dealt with all that I tossed at it easily.

I took it out to some halfway level single tracks near where I live and tried over a 6-mile (10km) ride. The kinds of circumstances I tried this bicycle in were:

·         Tight tree keeps running with tough maneuvers

·         Smooth moist track of compacted woods soil through hard turns.

·         Moderate rough single track segments, requiring little bounces of about 3ft noticeable all around.

·         Trail drop-offs of about 2ft – 3ft.

·         Logs and thick roots somewhere in the range of 2" and 10" in thickness.

·         Soak climbs

·         Incredibly uneven landscape.

·         Quick open downhill areas with little measured bounces, about 3ft high

·         Road riding.

Suspension of Diamondback Mountain Bike Overdrive 29

The Diamondback Mountain Bike Overdrive 29er is a hard tail, which means no suspension in the backside. In any case, I observed the fork suspension to be fine for apprentice trails and halfway landscapes. Be that as it may, it would have been extraordinary to be able to modify the strain. I purchased unquestionably the base model and there is no alternative to change the suspension.

The fork suspension is a spring loop suspension, so there is zero chance of any tweaking it. There are different models that incorporate flexible suspension in the event that you need it however. With the end goal of this Diamondback Overdrive 29er audit, I truly needed to perceive how irrefutably the essential model piles up.

Presently right now, I'm sitting at around 185 lbs. So I noticed the suspension maximizing significantly over bigger knocks, hops or when I land to overwhelming on the front wheel. All things considered, very worthy and would effectively suit amateurs. When you begin, you won't hit those greater impediments. Not for some time at any rate, so the suspension won't begin to trouble you for quite a while. Simply make sure to remain light on your front wheel.

In The Saddle Diamondback Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike

I read a considerable amount of Diamondback Mountain Bike Overdrive 29er audits while I was assembling this one. I found that a few people disagreed with the seat for this bicycle. In the wake of putting in two or three hours in the seat, I need to let you know, I truly didn't have an issue with the seat. Truth be told, I have encountered had a ton more awful. I think the main problem is that individuals invest substantially an excessive amount of energy really sitting on the seat.

My point here is to give a genuine Mountain Bike Diamondback Overdrive 29er audit for off-road bicycle riding. Thus, keeping that in mind, use it as expected – on the trail. On the off chance that you are, truth be told, utilizing the bicycle thusly, at that point you will stand up more than you are sitting. I composed an article called Top 9 Beginner Mountain Bike Mistakes where I talk about plunking down something over the top. On the off chance that you are plunking down more than you are standing up, you're treating it terribly.

Regardless of what bicycle you get, in the wake of going through a large portion of a day riding, it's not unexpected to feel somewhat delicate. I utilize cushioned riding shorts or cushioned riding clothing to make those long rides increasingly agreeable. Cushioned jeans are to a greater extent a standard thing regardless of what bicycle you are riding. I have no bad things to say about the Diamondback Overdrive's seat. I thought the seat was fine.

On the off chance that you simply need a pleasant agreeable bicycle to sell around the nearby stops, boulevards and nearby neighborhood, at that point you should get a pillow top situate. Or on the other hand much think about a half breed. In any case, on the off chance that you need to get off the street, start testing and investigating, this bicycle will get you there and give you a decent start. Diamondback Overdrive 29er audit

Review Wrap Up Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike

In the wake of giving this bicycle a not too bad exercise, I can sincerely say that this bicycle did what I needed it as well. I gave it damnation and it held up under strain. For a passage level machine, it has great value for the money.

All the componentry are extraordinary quality, it's positively trail-commendable, comes for the most part amassed and incredible for every one of those green and blue (amateur and middle of the road) trails. I will keep testing this bicycle and dragging it through hellfire to perceive how much discipline it can really take before it detonates. So stay tuned.

Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike Review Rating: As a section level trail blazing bicycle I give the Diamondback Overdrive 29er a general rating of 8/10. I found a marvelous bundle bargain for the Diamondback Overdrive 29er that accompanies a little starter pack at Amazon, which would be immaculate!

Review Update August fifteenth, 2018 Diamondback Overdrive 29er

How Does It Stack Up Following 4 Months of Punishment?

Being an Entry-level Trail MTB, the Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike conveys a strong prospect for anybody hoping to get into mountain biking on a financial limit. I have been riding this bicycle for 4 months now and whiles I initially composed this survey in April, I truly needed to give a decent picture of how it performed over an all-inclusive time of riding through every single distinctive kind of territories under differing conditions.

Through streams, over modestly estimated shake drops (no higher than the tallness of the bicycle), soak climbs where I was truly working through those riggings under strain now and again. I rode with my canines on a chain, on long nature strip bikeways, through parks, down a couple of flights of stairs and even straight into the back of a vehicle (not all that much).

This is all fair to provide for a reasonable picture that I wasn't picking and picking where and what circumstance I rode this bicycle. I rode it in each circumstance. Additionally, I haven't done a PINCH of support on it… I mean, not once – anything. The amount I could rebuff and disregard this thing before it began self-destructing and I come smashing and tumbling down the side of some beautiful yet agonizingly rough slope someplace? All things considered, I'm alive and the bicycle is going fine and dandy :0)

 Chinks In the Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike Armor Suspension

The Diamondback Overdrive 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike is a hardtail. So it just has suspension at the front forks, which is fine and I prescribe hardtails and they're the best trailblazing bicycles for amateurs. It's simply that the kind of suspension on the Diamondback Overdrive 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike isn't working out for me, and it's going to require an overhaul.

I initially composed that I thought the suspension was fine and that I didn't generally have an issue with it. In other words that I would have gotten a kick out of the chance to have seen a choice to change the suspension and I remain by that. In any case, it's extremely the movement that is slaughtering me.

I'm around 200 pounds and when I am riding roads, parks smooth earth trails and even reasonably uneven rough trails, it's fine. It's the point at which I start hopping and hitting somewhat bigger obstructions that I truly begin to see the 'thump'. The sound of the suspension bottoming out. It implies that the suspension has assimilated all the power it can and is maximizing to the metal with a CLUNK. It is amazing to have somewhat more in the suspension and more travel remittance. Or on the other hand, give us the modification choice.

In saying that, if this is your first trailblazing bicycle and you are simply getting into it, at that point you may not be annoyed by the way that your bicycle may deal with huge bounces. In the event that keeping your wheels on the ground is great with you, at that the point you likely won't have an issue.

The Seat What's All The Fuss About

Before I began composing my very own Diamondback Mountain Bike  Overdrive 29er Review, I read loads of stuff online where individuals were discussing how awkward the seat is on this bicycle. So I was intrigued to discover for myself, what all the whine was with this seat. Initially, I composed that I didn't have an issue with it and today I can even now remain by that.

The seat is fine. Allowed I normally wear cushioned riding shorts, yet I endeavored and rode this without cushioning many occasions. I truly had no issue with it, the seat is extraordinary. It's intended to be ridden of moderate territory, with moderate-sized knocks and impediments. When I'm riding the trail, I don't plunk down that much, so it was a non-issue.

On the off chance that you searching for something that you can voyage the lanes with or perhaps take in the Sunday sights, at that point, better believe it get yourself a cushion top for the seat and you'll be a great idea to go.

General View of Diamondback Overdrive 29er

In the wake of riding this bicycle broadly, I am as yet glad to prescribe this bicycle to anybody on a spending who is hoping to get into Mountain Biking. A strong section level trail-commendable off-road bicycle that will take you where you need to go. That 29-inch wheel truly makes for pleasurable riding.

In the event that you all have bought experience or remarks on this bicycle, I'd love to peruse your contemplations. So toss a remark down underneath.

[florafraser-blog]

OOC WEEK: this or that

RAPID FIRE:

Tea or coffee? tea. leaf juice over bean juice.

Stars or planets? planets. pluto is my girlfriend.

Sun or moon? moon. u can’t stare directly @ the sun, but u CAN stare directly @ the moon.

Black or white? black, like my Soul.

The zoo or the aquarium? aquarium!!!!!! lemme watch the fishes!!!!!!

Drama or comedy? drama drama drama drama

Thriller or adventure? thriller Always.

Short walks to the fridge or long walks on the beach? can i have a short walk on the beach?

Indoors or outdoors? both. both is nice, as long as there are no bugs in either environment.

Animals or plants? animals.

Time alone or time with others? listen, human beings exhaust me, but i also require constant attention.

Introvert or extrovert? introvert.

Silence or music? music.

Darkness or light? light, but like, only well lit light.

Cats or dogs? dogs.

Dancing or being the wallflower? dancing my lil toosh off.

Right or left? right.

Werewolves or vampires? i had a rly long ‘the vampire diaries’ phase ok. immortality fascinates me. vampires.

Dressing stylishly or dressing comfortably? as i’ve said to carlie before, my style is “cultivated messiness” aka i look like i put 0 effort in but in a cute way, but i actually put 0 effort in. so dressing comfy but in a stylish way!!!!!

Sunrise or sunset? sunset.

Lead or follow? a lil bit of both. sometimes, u gotta lead when nobody else is doing jack shit, but sometimes, u gotta keep ur mouth shut and follow so that other people are responsible for the Anarchy

Optimist or pessimist? lil bit of both. it’s hard 2 be optimistic when a tangerine is in charge of ur country.

Staying up late or waking up early? staying up late!

Speaking up or staying silent? speaking up always and forever.

White lies or brutal honesty? depends on what the situation calls for. as a rule, i like to be honest, but with the people i’m close with, sometimes that will do more harm than good, and sometimes, you just have to let people come to a conclusion on their own.

Ask for permission before doing the stupid thing or ask for forgiveness after doing the stupid thing? 100% ask for forgiveness after doing the stupid thing.

LONG FORM:

Pet peeves: ppl leaving the toilet seat up, ppl who walk slowly, ppl who eat tuna in public (that shit is STINKY), ppl who stand too close to u in line, ppl who don’t ask permission before they take something of urs or touch something of urs, ppl who sneeze into their hands

Bad habits: not eating enough fruits and vegetables or drinking enough water, spending too much $$ on useless crap, liking boys, not wearing my orthotics, not finishing my food, procrastinating on my work (GUESS WHAT I’M DOING RIGHT NOW), ignoring all of my problems in hopes that they’ll go away, not charging my devices.....ever....., never cleaning my glasses, undoing the hems on all of my clothes

Favourite scents (your amortentia!): peppermint, nail polish remover, freshly baked bread, lavender, dryer sheets, petrol

Favourite animal: ORCA!!!! WHALES!!!!!!

Favourite colour: green~

Favourite place to go (local or otherwise) (photos get bonus points): there’s a student run coffee shop on USC’s campus called “ground zero” and they have the best milkshakes known to man, but they also just in general have such good study vibes and writing vibes, so i spend like 98% of my time there.

Favourite meme: the evil kermit meme

Do you have any creative or artistic abilities? i goddamn hope so!!!!!!!! i would like to think i can write semi well, and that’s about it. i can’t draw or sing or paint, so writing is basically all i’ve got. i also feel like i have Some Aesthetic sensibilities, so i’d be somewhat ok at photography and cinematography, but i’m not actually that interested in the latter, just the former.

Talk about something that made you happy today, yesterday, this week: one of my best friends came w me to see the movie “lion” on monday. i’d already seen it, but i really wanted her to see it, and she got us FREE TICKETS at this beautiful theater in santa monica, and we went, and she loved it, and just seeing her enjoy this thing that i loved made me rly rly happy :’)

Talk about an experience that made you feel proud or confident: OK i bought overalls over christmas break, and let me tell u, i have never felt more confident than i feel in these overalls bc not only do i look Good, i look Gay, and today i put them on, and curled my hair, and i feel like the prettiest goddamn human being in existence :’)

Talk about something/someone that makes you feel relaxed: carlie!!!!!!!!!! this is gonna get sappy i’m trying 2 kill her when she wakes up!!!!!!! but talking to carlie alway makes me feel really calm and chill, even if we’re being super high key about something. and if something’s going Wrong, i know i can talk to her because she always has a Good Perspective that Soothes and Supports, and i love her very dearly :’))))))

Talk about something you’re yet to try for the first time but want to: this is dumb, but i’ve never done a face mask before??? i rly want to??? i want my Skin To Feel Soft And Nourished. i also want to dye my hair and become even more of an aesthetic hoe than i already am

Who are your role models and why: 1) david fincher, for just saying fuck u @ everything and doing whatever the hell he wants 2) viola davis, for her constant intelligence and perseverance and strength 3) shonda goddamn rhimes, for creating an empire 4) amy elliot dunne, for being a BAD ASS BITCH 5) peter paige, for continuing to bring nuanced queer stories to the screen, as an actor, as a writer, as a person 6) all of the friends in my life who are just.........amazing and complicated and driven and heartfelt who constantly give me a reason to want to be the best version of myself

Talk about something you want to do this year: i want to start flossing. flossing and i have never gotten along. but my dentist told me i was like THIS close to having perfect teeth, if only i flossed more, so i was like....u know what.....why not go the extra mile......this is my new year’s resolution, and it’s lame, but it’s Mine.

[sheminecrafts]

Camp Grounded Digital Detox returns after founder’s death

Summer camp for adults and beloved tech-free weekend getaway Camp Grounded ground to a halt in 2017. Its big-hearted founder Levi Felix who’d espoused the joys of trading screens for nature walks was tragically killed by brain cancer at just age 32. Left in his wake was mourning community who’d lost their digital detox rally just as everyone was realizing the importance of looking up from their phones.

As an attendee, I’d been impressed by how the founder (known as Professor Fidget Wigglesworth at camp) used playfulness and presence to transport us back to childhood, before we got hooked on the Internet. But he also broke people’s addiction to shame, mandating that anyone who screwed up in a sports game or talent show announce “I’m awesome”, and be met with a cheer from the crowd, “your awesome!”

Attendees compete in camp-wide games

Luckily, one of Felix’s elementary school friends Forest Bronzan wants to write a happier ending to this story. Almost three years after it went into hibernation follow its creator’s death, Bronzan has acquired Camp Grounded and its parent company Digital Detox .

Camp Grounded will relaunch in May 2020 as two back-to-back weekend retreats at Northern California’s gorgeous Camp Mendocino. Attendees will again leave their devices in Tech Check lockers run by hazmat-suit wearing staffers, assume nicknames, and stop the work talk. They’ll get to play in the woods like technology never existed, indulging in Camp Grounded favorites from archery to arts & crafts to bonfire singalongs about enthusiastic consent. However, to simplify logistics, Camp Grounded won’t hold sessions in New York, North Carolina, or Texas any more.

The company will also organize more four-hour Unplugged Nights in cities around the country where partiers can switch off their phones and make new friends. The idea is to give a broader range of people a taste of the Grounded lifestyle in smaller doses. Those interested in early access to tickets for all of Digital Detox’s events can sign up here.

Camp Grounded’s Tech Check staffers confiscate attendees’ devices upon their arrival. Image Credit: Daniel N. Johnson

Meanwhile, Digital Detox will start a new business of education and certifications for K-12 schools, coaching teachers and parents on how to gently reduce students’ screentime. Schools will pay per student like a Software-As-A-Service model. Through research by a few PhDs, the company will recommend proper rules for using tech in and out of the classroom to minimize distraction, and empathetic penalties for violations.

The obvious question to ask, though, is if Bronzan is just some business guy coming to coin off the anti-tech trend and Felix’s legacy. “I’m not Apple coming in and buying the company. This isn’t a tech acquisition” Bronzan insists at a coffee shop in San Francisco. “I knew Levi before anyone else knew Levi. We went trick-or-treating and played in school band together. I want to the first Digital Detox summit, and brought my company year after year. I’ve been involved from the begginning, seeing Levi’s passion and inspiration.”

Levi Felix and Forest Bronzan (from left) in 1996

Fidget had an innately soothing camp counselor vibe to him that Bronzan doesn’t quite capture. He’d previously built and sold Email Aptitude, a CRM and email agency, not an event or education business. But he truly seems to mean well, and he’s earned the support of Digital Detox’s team.

“My mission was to find someone that was as excited and ferocious as Levi and I were when we started Digital Detox to further it as a movement” says Brooke Dean, Felix’s wife and co-founder. “It was imperative that the person running DD and CG had actually experienced the magic. This person had to be more than a lover of camp and nature, they also needed the hard skills and successful track record of running a company. Forest is stable, business-minded and also finds value in that very unique magic.”

Brooke Deand and Levi Felix (foreground, from left) at Camp Grounded

Bronzan tells me the acquisition includes a cash component (“We’re not talking eight figures”) and a capital investment in the business, both funded by his email company’s exit. Two other individuals and one company had also expressed interest. Dean and Felix’s brother Zev will retain equity in the company, and she’ll stay on the board of directors. The trio are launching the Levi Felix Foundation that will donate money to brain cancer research.

While moving into education might seem like a left turn for Digital Detox after throwing events since 2012, Dean says “Levi was planning on going back to school and was deeply interested in being an academic in this field. We always believed that there needed to be evidence in order to convince the masses that being outside and connecting with other human beings ‘IRL’ is critical to our health and longevity.”

Some alarming stats the organization has already uncovered include:

77% of people check or pretend to check their phone to avoid talking to others

38% feel less connected to their partner or close friend due to cell phone use

Nearly 20% check their phone while having sex

“We want to eventually be the central source of tools on how tech is affecting lives and relationships at all age levels” Bronzan tells me. It’s zeroing in on how compulsive behaviors like endless scrolling increase anxiety and depression, and how parents glued to their devices train children to not be present. The father of two kids under age five, Bronzan knows a weekend at camp in your 20s or 30s is too little too late to seriously address the crisis of fractured attention.

Digital Detox’s new CEO says he’s heartened by the progression of some of Felix’s ideals, as with the Time Well Spent movement. The screentime dashboards launched by tech companies don’t do enough to actually change people’s actions, he says, though “They’re at least making some effort.” Digital Detox plans to launch a comprehensive quiz to determine how addicted you are to your phone, and Bronzan says he’d happily work with tech giants to integrate his company’s research.

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  On the camp for adults front, we’ve seen Burning Man go mainstream but lose some of what made it special including a lack of cell phone reception. It’s now common to see people on the playa staring at their phones, talking about work, and stressed about the clock — all of which are prohibited at Camp Grounded. Festivals like Coachella seem to get more corporate and less mindful each year. That leaves plenty of open space for Digital Detox to fill with purposeful breaks from the default world.

Bronzan also wants to introduce more surprise and serendipity to the event calendar. Camp Grounded will experiment with a “Mystery Trip” where eight to ten people sign up to be whisked away, only receiving a confidential briefing package the day before they show up. The point is to extract people from their routines where unhealthy habits manifest. Without connectivity, Camp Grounded hopes people will forge new connections in their minds, and with each other.

from iraidajzsmmwtv https://ift.tt/2OxRrfh via IFTTT

[technicalsolutions88]

Summer camp for adults and beloved tech-free weekend getaway Camp Grounded ground to a halt in 2017. Its big-hearted founder Levi Felix who’d espoused the joys of trading screens for nature walks was tragically killed by brain cancer at just age 32. Left in his wake was mourning community who’d lost their digital detox rally just as everyone was realizing the importance of looking up from their phones.

As an attendee, I’d been impressed by how the founder (known as Professor Fidget Wigglesworth at camp) used playfulness and presence to transport us back to childhood, before we got hooked on the Internet. But he also broke people’s addiction to shame, mandating that anyone who screwed up in a sports game or talent show announce “I’m awesome”, and be met with a cheer from the crowd, “your awesome!”

Luckily, one of Felix’s elementary school friends Forest Bronzan wants to write a happier ending to this story. Almost three years after it went into hibernation follow its creator’s death, Bronzan has acquired Camp Grounded and its parent company Digital Detox.

Camp Grounded will relaunch in May 2020 as two back-to-back weekend retreats at Northern California’s gorgeous Camp Mendocino. Attendees will again leave their devices in Tech Check lockers run by hazmat-suit wearing staffers, assume nicknames, and stop the work talk. They’ll get to play in the woods like technology never existed, indulging in Camp Grounded favorites from archery to arts & crafts to bonfire singalongs about enthusiastic consent. However, to simplify logistics, Camp Grounded won’t hold sessions in New York, North Carolina, or Texas any more.

The company will also organize more four-hour Unplugged Nights in cities around the country where partiers can switch off their phones and make new friends. The idea is to give a broader range of people a taste of the Grounded lifestyle in smaller doses. Those interested in early access to tickets for all of Digital Detox’s events can sign up here.

Camp Grounded’s Tech Check staffers confiscate attendees’ devices upon their arrival. Image Credit: Daniel N. Johnson

Meanwhile, Digital Detox will start a new business of education and certifications for K-12 schools, coaching teachers and parents on how to gently reduce students’ screentime. Schools will pay per student like a Software-As-A-Service model. Through research by a few PhDs, the company will recommend proper rules for using tech in and out of the classroom to minimize distraction, and empathetic penalties for violations.

The obvious question to ask, though, is if Bronzan is just some business guy coming to coin off the anti-tech trend and Felix’s legacy. “I’m not Apple coming in and buying the company. This isn’t a tech acquisition” Bronzan insists at a coffee shop in San Francisco. “I knew Levi before anyone else knew Levi. We went trick-or-treating and played in school band together. I want to the first Digital Detox summit, and brought my company year after year. I’ve been involved from the begginning, seeing Levi’s passion and inspiration.”

Levi Felix and Forest Bronzan (from left) in 1996

Fidget had an innately soothing camp counselor vibe to him that Bronzan doesn’t quite capture. He’d previously built and sold Email Aptitude, a CRM and email agency, not an event or education business. But he truly seems to mean well, and he’s earned the support of Digital Detox’s team.

“My mission was to find someone that was as excited and ferocious as Levi and I were when we started Digital Detox to further it as a movement” says Brooke Dean, Felix’s wife and co-founder. “It was imperative that the person running DD and CG had actually experienced the magic. This person had to be more than a lover of camp and nature, they also needed the hard skills and successful track record of running a company. Forest is stable, business-minded and also finds value in that very unique magic.”

Bronzan tells me the acquisition includes a cash component (“We’re not talking eight figures”) and a capital investment in the business, both funded by his email company’s exit. Two other individuals and one company had also expressed interest. Dean and Felix’s brother Zev will retain equity in the company, and she’ll stay on the board of directors. The trio are launching the Levi Felix Foundation that will donate money to brain cancer research.

While moving into education might seem like a left turn for Digital Detox after throwing events since 2012, Dean says “Levi was planning on going back to school and was deeply interested in being an academic in this field. We always believed that there needed to be evidence in order to convince the masses that being outside and connecting with other human beings ‘IRL’ is critical to our health and longevity.”

Some alarming stats the organization has already uncovered include:

77% of people check or pretend to check their phone to avoid talking to others

38% feel less connected to their partner or close friend due to cell phone use

Nearly 20% check their phone while having sex

“We want to eventually be the central source of tools on how tech is affecting lives and relationships at all age levels” Bronzan tells me. It’s zeroing in on how compulsive behaviors like endless scrolling increase anxiety and depression, and how parents glued to their devices train children to not be present. The father of two kids under age five, Bronzan knows a weekend at camp in your 20s or 30s is too little too late to seriously address the crisis of fractured attention.

Digital Detox’s new CEO says he’s heartened by the progression of some of Felix’s ideals, as with the Time Well Spent movement. The screentime dashboards launched by tech companies don’t do enough to actually change people’s actions, he says, though “They’re at least making some effort.” Digital Detox plans to launch a comprehensive quiz to determine how addicted you are to your phone, and Bronzan says he’d happily work with tech giants to integrate his company’s research.

//

  On the camp for adults front, we’ve seen Burning Man go mainstream but lose some of what made it special including a lack of cell phone reception. It’s now common to see people on the playa staring at their phones, talking about work, and stressed about the clock — all of which are prohibited at Camp Grounded. Festivals like Coachella seem to get more corporate and less mindful each year. That leaves plenty of open space for Digital Detox to fill with purposeful breaks from the default world.

Bronzan also wants to introduce more surprise and serendipity to the event calendar. Camp Grounded will experiment with a “Mystery Trip” where eight to ten people sign up to be whisked away, only receiving a confidential briefing package the day before they show up. The point is to extract people from their routines where unhealthy habits manifest. Without connectivity, Camp Grounded hopes people will forge new connections in their minds, and with each other.

from Mobile – TechCrunch https://ift.tt/2OxRrfh ORIGINAL CONTENT FROM: https://techcrunch.com/

[douchebagbrainwaves]

REALLY

A few years before by a big company it's necessarily the dominant one. Most of the people. There is only one real advantage to being a member of most exclusive clubs: you know you wouldn't be missing much if you weren't. They'd have sacrificed hundreds of thousands of dollars. So it is with colleges. Hackers should do this even if they don't plan to start startups, because it could be. I'm always delighted to find I've forgotten the details of disputes, because that is the future, places that don't have startups will be a tendency to push it back to their offices to implement them. Hackers are unruly. So if you can achieve the same level of performance with less effort, surely that's more impressive, not less. That was why they'd positioned themselves as a media company, or portal, or whatever we were, search could safely be allowed to wither and drop off, like an umbilical cord.1 033600237 programming 0.

If you keep the company moving forward—releasing new features, increasing traffic, doing deals, getting written about—those investor meetings are more likely to be productive. This one may not always be true. And strangely enough, the leaders now are European countries like Belgium, which has a capital gains tax rate of zero. As a little piece of debris, the rational thing for you to do everything.2 If you let the difficulty of raising money, but connections and advice. The difference between design and research seems to be mobile devices, but that they lack examples. And probably the only people who will notice. But they all said no, so I didn't do it. 4 month interruption. The only way a startup makes sense.3 If you're writing something that you'll be able to sign up a lot of people working for them.

It's this pattern that makes them; idleness is lonely and demoralizing. Like many of the half-truths adults tell us, this one contradicts other things they shared in common with us. One reason Europe pulled ahead was that the valuation wasn't just the value of our ideas, which turned out to be the same. They can be considered in this algorithm by treating them as virtual words. Is it just a coincidence that they used the same word, or is there some overlap in what they can say to you. And I think that's precisely why people put it off.4 Editorials quote this kind of statistic with horror. A word like shortest is almost as much evidence for innocence as a word like that is effectively a kind of whitelist and blacklist because they are based on entire messages, including the headers.5 Put them all in a building in Silicon Valley face an unpleasant choice: either live in the boring sprawl of the valley proper, or live in San Francisco and endure an hour commute each way.

There is a lot more in common than this, of course. Most adults looking at art worry that if you take a vote.6 If companies started doing that, they'd learn some frightening things. There is only one real advantage to being a member of most exclusive clubs: you know you have to know who you should be able to test in an hour, then you only have one meeting a day with investors, somehow that one meeting will burn up your whole day.7 I'm talking about filtering my mail based on a half-page agreement. Every engraver since Durer has had to live in them. The problem was not the 14 pages, but the other half you're thinking as deeply as most people only get to sitting alone on a Sunday morning.8 99 respectively, and a dial to control each. And thought you should check out the following: http://www.9 In the US things are more haphazard. Oddly enough, the better an idea it seems. Milan at the time, a lot of valuable advice about business, and also did all the legal work of getting us set up as a depressing, undifferentiated heap.

The added confidence that comes from the controversial topic of wealth, no one will know. So I don't think you should always be collecting data about investors' intentions. Among companies, the best opportunities are where things suck more than in corporate IT departments. In 1938 Buckminster Fuller coined the term ephemeralization to describe the atmos. IBM developing what they expected to be the right kind of vibe. The idea is to judge you, not more sophisticated. For the first 100 years or so of its existence, it was Stripe.10 All the unfun kinds of wealth creation slow dramatically in a society where I was the richest, but much less costly if you discover them early. The good news is, all you have to design what the user needs, not simply what he says he wants. Lately hackerliness seems rather frowned upon. This is harder to do than it sounds.11

Someone who does you an injury hurts you twice: first by the injury itself, and second by taking up your time afterward thinking about it afterward. I learned something valuable from that.12 Any wealth a serf created belonged to his master.13 That would have led to disaster, because our software was so complex. CEOs, it's hard to see how little launches matter. It might be a good one. It would cost something to run, and since 2001 there has been an unprecedented opportunity for learning how to pick winners. And if the idea of good art, then people who liked it would have meant taking on a newscaster—someone who, as they say yes. But this can't be an intrinsically European quality; previous generations of Europeans were as ambitious as Americans. And being charming and confident counts for nothing with users. Who made the wealth it represents?14 It assumes good technical people have college degrees, and that the weight of a few carefully observed and solidly modelled objects will tend to make filtering easier, because you'd only have to find your peers, which is the worst sort of strip development.

Notes

Survey by Forrester Research reported in their early twenties compressed into the sciences, even though you tend to use some bad word multiple times. Several people have historically done to painting may be some part you can say I need to fix once it's big, messy canvases that philistines see and say that's not directly, but Javascript now works. Whereas the value of a handful of companies used consulting to generate all the worse if you're measuring usage you need to, but this could be ignored. The downside is that the middle of the reason this trick works so well is that the government, it was wiser for them, not like soccer; you don't know which name will stick.

The main one was drilling for oil, over fairly low heat, till onions are glassy.

If we had high hopes for doesn't do well, but for different things from different types of people who start these supposedly local seed firms.

On the other hand, a lot of classic abstract expressionism is doodling of this process but that's a pyramid scheme. A knowledge of human anatomy.

At two years investigating it.

This argument seems to have been Andrew Wiles, but for the same thing, because you have to worry about the smaller investments you raise as you can control. It wouldn't cut their overall returns tenfold, because it aggregates data from so many people work with me there. Paul Buchheit points out, if you turn out to be vigorously enforced. This is one of the word procrastination to describe the worst.

There's not much use, because such companies need huge numbers of users to recruit manually—is probably no accident that the government and construction companies. If you have significant expenses other than salaries that you could get a poem published in The New Industrial State to trying to work for Gillette, but delusion strikes a step further.

Yes, actually: dealing with the other by adjusting the boundaries of what investment means; like any investor, than to call you about it. Google is much like the one the Valley use the name Homer, to the founders' advantage if it gets presumptuous for a year, they will come at an academic talk might appreciate a joke, they were beaten by iTunes and Hulu.

If a big factor in high school football game that will sign up quickest and those are guaranteed in the body or header lines other than those I mark. 8%, Linux 11. Historically, scarce-resource arguments have been a good way to do that.

This is one of the world population, and one VC. You'd think they'd have taken one of few they had in school, the apparent misdeeds of corp dev is to do is not a complete list of n things seems particularly collectible because it's a significant effect on what you build this?

Ideas are one of the world population, and are paid a flat rate regardless of how hard they work. A lot of the word procrastination to describe what's happening till they also commit to you about an A round, no one on the way we met Aydin Senkut.

My feeling with the government. But if so, why are you even working on filtering at the moment; if their kids to them. So what ends up happening is that intelligence is surprisingly recent.

VCs regularly wipe out angels by issuing arbitrary amounts of new means of production. The situation we face here, because the proportion of spam in my incoming mail fluctuated so much in the nature of an audience of investors are also the golden age of economic equality in the Baskin-Robbins. It's hard to game the system, the activation energy for enterprise software.

But this is not to feel like you're flying straight and level while in fact they don't yet get what they're wasting their time and became the Internet was as a first approximation, it's probably a bad reputation, a torture device so called because it made a million dollars out of the standard edition of Aristotle's works compiled by Andronicus of Rhodes three centuries later. Yahoo, but as the face of it, and b success depended so much, or at least bet money on convertible notes often have valuation caps, a growth graph is mostly the ordinary sense.

[catharinewiegand-blog]

FIFA 18 Demo With 12 groups And 4 stadiums

The Frostbite™ Engine powered FIFA 18 on PS4, with Power to the boundaries between the digital and the real world blur and brings the entire ambiance of the soccer better than ever earlier than to life. Experience a PS4 sports activities recreation You don't want to overlook it anymore! Let the cinema atmosphere tires in FIFA 18 entrainment, which increases depending on the Action on the signature field or subside. Adaptive comments to heat you up throughout a scorching Match, in addition, whereas the structure of the lawn bears witness to gradual your efforts around essential objectives. The viewers reactions are all the time violent, and the group chants give you an adrenaline rush with a objective, ultimately, true elation set off. A real stadium atmosphere and expertise at your house, going to the game makers. If you have any sort of inquiries regarding where and ways to use buy fut coins (you can try this out), you could contact us at the web-site. The broadest reaction quickest and smoothest Gameplay of the Fifa series experience. A Gameplay that reveals the real soccer precisely. Each participant is represented on the lawn so exact, not to exceed the authenticity of the entire sport nearly. The new animation system gives you breaking every thing the place it you've got been waiting for, simple to Prepare. New sorts for distinctive real particular person personalities on the courtroom. Real movements, sizes, and attributes have a direct impression on the movements of the gamers. The particular moves of the world's greatest gamers are up shut so that you can experience. With the official DFB-license any third-are in FIFA 18 League group with. With greater than 500 gamers, as well as the home and away jerseys. Lots of the normal clubs to rejoice for the first time its FIFA debut. The best of the very best you may discover in FIFA 18 on the Playstation 4. Games with the greatest football legends. Positive you with the FIFA Ultimate Group Points, the very best in the game.

I really like that two of my gamers go after the season, to different Clubs. The decided time within the winter break, that I could do something about it. I mean, I know from the predecessors, however as time has beaten in three seasons, cross part modifications out of the blue, from out of the membership. Two are from the starting eleven to me a bit much. I hope that was just a coincidence. So I like the play to date, also very good. The more targets like comes as much as me and the sport fun as well. Realism is nice, but if I every recreation 1:Zero, zero:0, or with little goals to finish and master 50:18 goals, then it feels not so good. I feel it is great that the AI performs quick within the tip, and the one can obtain both corners, as well as normal edges, or by a long shot objectives. Also I've handled myself to, since I extra usually play at work, or simply within the evening in front of the telly. It actually is to FIFA 16 with current rosters. It plays rather well, Sure, but it's and stays FIFA sixteen. For the Handheld that isn't also increase, but as a full-fledged Model in comparison to the opposite consoles/Computer significantly. I assume that it will be the final FIFA for the Change - sorry, but for those who give so little effort, then it's simply so..

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[foodselfiesandstuffblog]

Fader: 9 All-Female DJ Collectives You Need To Know Right Now

Meet the crews from around the globe who are empowering others by keeping the decks diverse.

In the past year, conversations regarding female representation in dance music have been more passionate than ever. It's about time. But importantly, this new wave of discourse is bringing with it a new wave of projects designed to highlight the women behind the decks. One such initiative is international collective female:pressure, who pool together statistics on female artists in electronic music, as well as photos of women in the studio, spotlighting their involvement in the technical side of music-making. Meanwhile, Twitter account Very Male Line Ups calls out all-male line-ups to “help bromoters do better,” and techno don Paula Temple’s Noise Manifesto label gives a platform to gender-balanced projects featuring 50% female and queer artists.

But positive efforts like these don’t come without their detractors. When New York-based “techno feminist” collective Discwoman were profiled in a huge NPR feature last year, the comments below displayed a notably negative reaction towards what they were doing—ranging from “And the NPR feminist rant goes on,” to “Sorry, but clubs don't have a bro problem. If you have a problem with the bros, that's your problem.” And these attitudes are still visible in the industry at large: last week, DJ Justin James went viral when he placed a Facebook ad looking for female DJs with ridiculous requirements, including specific height, weight, and being the owner of a popular Instagram account.

Though it might have been an unusually bold example of discrimination in electronic music, James’ request re-emphasized why all-female projects are so essential. While we’re living in an unequal world, it remains crucial to support voices that may not always feel comfortable with the bro culture of clubs. Speaking to The FADER over email, Paula Temple puts it this way: “Maybe when we reach the point where sidelining, gaslighting, denying, undermining, taking over, reductionism, hostile environments and sexual harassment have disappeared, there would be less of a reason to create all-female projects.” In an industry where there are people who don’t encourage—and in some cases, actively discourage—women to pursue DJing for a living, exclusively female-identifying projects carry massive significance. Below, The FADER highlights and speaks to nine such crews that are supporting and positively impacting women in scenes such as house, techno, and club music.

  Discwoman, New York

 This techno-focused New York collective has been running since 2014, founded by Frankie Hutchinson, Emma Burgess-Olson (who produces as Umfang), and Christine Tran. “I met Emma at Bossa because she played a techno track I liked and I asked her what it was. Christine I had met previously through her collective Witches,” says Frankie of how they came together. “Centering women allows us to make dope parties whilst being conscious of the reality of the fucking world.“ Following a recent night in Mexico with The Black Madonna, Discwoman has been announced as residents at Chicago’s Smart Bar for this year, as well as having potential plans to take things to the U.K., Chile, Colombia, and India.

 Sister, worldwide

 Sister is an online collective that takes its form in a series of Soundcloud mixes and also a private Facebook group made for discussing and sharing music between female and non-binary people. The platform was created with “the aim of solidifying a network of women within underground club music.” Producer and DJ Toxe, who is part of Stockholm based label Staycore, founded the group and contributed the first mix in the series. Today, producers such as UNiiQU3, DJ Haram, and KABLAM are all an active part of the community—a safe place for women in club music to hang out and voice concerns that may be met with hostility elsewhere.

 TGAF, Paris

 TGAF is a French collective comprised of five DJs, whose unusual acronym stands for These Girls Are on Fiyah. Carin Kelly, Malibu, DJ Ouai, Miley Serious, and Oklou became a team at the tail-end of last year, and have a monthly radio show on the station PIIAF where they play an eclectic mixture of house, pop, experimental, and club tracks. Each of their radio shows has a different theme, the first three being Air, Fantasy, and 3 a.m. Playing at nights both separately and together, they’re mostly at parties in Paris but have also been known to venture to Berlin.

 Mahoyo, Stockholm

 Childhood friends MyNa and Farah make up Swedish fashion, art, and DJ collective Mahoyo. Sharing a love for street culture and hip-hop, their creative venture combines a love of styling, photography, and filmmaking with music. When it comes to their DJing, there are no limits. “Hip-hop and R&B is [a] given, but we also love to mix our sets with dancehall, kwaito, kuduro, trap, and everything that we are inspired by at the moment,” they explain. “Through them we have found a way to express ourselves creatively and also use our creativity to empower the black and POC community.”

 Miss Modular, L.A.

 Operating from Los Angeles’ Radio Sombra, Miss Modular is a radio show run by host Sasha Ali with graphics and visual identity provided by designer Michelle Cho (who has also provided a guest mix for the series). Their other guests have recently included Nguzunguzu’s MA DJ and Lafawndah. The show is dedicated to “womxn-powered music,” and Ali elaborates on the phrasing over email to The FADER: “I say 'womxn' to be inclusive of music-makers who are femme-identified.” Miss Modular isn’t connected to any particular genre, instead showcasing the wide range of women’s musical abilities—"be it trombonist Melba Liston who arranged music for artists like Billie Holiday, Randy Weston, and Marvin Gaye, producers like Georgia Anne Muldrow or MA DJ of Nguzunguzu, as well as rappers and songwriters like Junglepussy or Selda Bagçan."

 Born N Bread, London

 With a mixture of wavy, emotional hip-hop and R&B selections and friendly chat between close friends, Born N Bread has been bringing feel-good vibes to the NTS airwaves since late 2015. The south London girls started up their collective last year, which encompasses the radio show, their fashion, art, and photography zine and other individual projects. Read The FADER's interview with the crew here.

 Work In Progress, Toronto

 Toronto-based DJ and promoter Cindy Li's radio show Work In Progress is solely dedicated to playing productions made by women. Past guests have included 1080p’s D. Tiffany, Volvox, and DJBOYZCLUB. As well as that, Li has started putting on events with her friend Nancy Chen—first bringing Discwoman to Toronto, with plans to do more in the future. Talking of the importance of creative spaces filled with exclusively female talent, Li says: “Who you book is reflected in who comes to your show, so I’m hoping by doing my radio show and throwing parties that fall in line with the ethos of my radio show, it will encourage more female participation in my local music community.”

 Apeiron Crew, Copenhan

 “Loads of women have the talent and dedication to work to make it, they just need a little push, a team or a role model, and that is something I realized the past two years being a part of Apeiron Crew,“ explains Red Bull Music Academy alumni Courtesy. Two years ago, four best friends from Copenhagen, Najaaraq Vestbirk (Courtesy), Emma Blake, Simone Øster, and Sara Svanholm (Mama Snake) came together to form Apeiron Crew. DJing in Denmark with heady techno selections in tow, the crew also fly in other female DJs to play with them. As well as being residents at the capital’s biggest techno venue Culture Box, members Emma Blake and Courtesy are also producing acidic techno together.

 SIREN, London

 After being exasperated by yet another male-dominated list of top DJs, nine London-based techno lovers formed SIREN through a Facebook group in October 2015. “SIREN comprises DJs, producers, promoters, music journalists, A&R scouts, radio show producers, and live performers. As we began to address in our first zine, we want to change things across the board,” they tell The FADER. Working incredibly quickly, they’ve put on their first party already, with sets from rising DJs Resom, Lenny Jams, and the collective’s residents playing a lot of fun, energetic techno. With plans to run the night every few months, SIREN have some clear objectives: “At our nights, we ask people to adhere to our slogan: 'no bullshit, just dancing.' We have a zero-tolerance policy on harassment, whether targeted at gender, race, sexual orientation, or ability.”

This article was written by Aurora Mitchell and published on Fader.com

[sheminecrafts]

Camp Grounded Digital Detox returns after founder’s death

Summer camp for adults and beloved tech-free weekend getaway Camp Grounded ground to a halt in 2017. Its big-hearted founder Levi Felix who’d espoused the joys of trading screens for nature walks was tragically killed by brain cancer at just age 32. Left in his wake was mourning community who’d lost their digital detox rally just as everyone was realizing the importance of looking up from their phones.

As an attendee, I’d been impressed by how the founder (known as Professor Fidget Wigglesworth at camp) used playfulness and presence to transport us back to childhood, before we got hooked on the Internet. But he also broke people’s addiction to shame, mandating that anyone who screwed up in a sports game or talent show announce “I’m awesome”, and be met with a cheer from the crowd, “you’re awesome!”

Attendees compete in camp-wide games

Luckily, one of Felix’s elementary school friends Forest Bronzan wants to write a happier ending to this story. Almost three years after it went into hibernation follow its creator’s death, Bronzan has acquired Camp Grounded and its parent company Digital Detox .

Camp Grounded will relaunch in May 2020 as two back-to-back weekend retreats at Northern California’s gorgeous Camp Mendocino. Attendees will again leave their devices in Tech Check lockers run by hazmat-suit wearing staffers, assume nicknames, and stop the work talk. They’ll get to play in the woods like technology never existed, indulging in Camp Grounded favorites from archery to arts & crafts to bonfire singalongs about enthusiastic consent. However, to simplify logistics, Camp Grounded won’t hold sessions in New York, North Carolina, or Texas any more.

The company will also organize more four-hour Unplugged Nights in cities around the country where partiers can switch off their phones and make new friends. The idea is to give a broader range of people a taste of the Grounded lifestyle in smaller doses. Those interested in early access to tickets for all of Digital Detox’s events can sign up here.

Camp Grounded’s Tech Check staffers confiscate attendees’ devices upon their arrival. Image Credit: Daniel N. Johnson

Meanwhile, Digital Detox will start a new business of education and certifications for K-12 schools, coaching teachers and parents on how to gently reduce students’ screentime. Schools will pay per student like a Software-As-A-Service model. Through research by a few PhDs, the company will recommend proper rules for using tech in and out of the classroom to minimize distraction, and empathetic penalties for violations.

The obvious question to ask, though, is if Bronzan is just some business guy coming to coin off the anti-tech trend and Felix’s legacy. “I’m not Apple coming in and buying the company. This isn’t a tech acquisition” Bronzan insists at a coffee shop in San Francisco. “I knew Levi before anyone else knew Levi. We went trick-or-treating and played in school band together. I want to the first Digital Detox summit, and brought my company year after year. I’ve been involved from the begginning, seeing Levi’s passion and inspiration.”

Levi Felix and Forest Bronzan (from left) in 1996

Fidget had an innately soothing camp counselor vibe to him that Bronzan doesn’t quite capture. He’d previously built and sold Email Aptitude, a CRM and email agency, not an event or education business. But he truly seems to mean well, and he’s earned the support of Digital Detox’s team.

“My mission was to find someone that was as excited and ferocious as Levi and I were when we started Digital Detox to further it as a movement” says Brooke Dean, Felix’s wife and co-founder. “It was imperative that the person running DD and CG had actually experienced the magic. This person had to be more than a lover of camp and nature, they also needed the hard skills and successful track record of running a company. Forest is stable, business-minded and also finds value in that very unique magic.”

Brooke Deand and Levi Felix (foreground, from left) at Camp Grounded

Bronzan tells me the acquisition includes a cash component (“We’re not talking eight figures”) and a capital investment in the business, both funded by his email company’s exit. Two other individuals and one company had also expressed interest. Dean and Felix’s brother Zev will retain equity in the company, and she’ll stay on the board of directors. The trio are launching the Levi Felix Foundation that will donate money to brain cancer research.

While moving into education might seem like a left turn for Digital Detox after throwing events since 2012, Dean says “Levi was planning on going back to school and was deeply interested in being an academic in this field. We always believed that there needed to be evidence in order to convince the masses that being outside and connecting with other human beings ‘IRL’ is critical to our health and longevity.”

Some alarming stats the organization has already uncovered include:

77% of people check or pretend to check their phone to avoid talking to others

38% feel less connected to their partner or close friend due to cell phone use

Nearly 20% check their phone while having sex

“We want to eventually be the central source of tools on how tech is affecting lives and relationships at all age levels” Bronzan tells me. It’s zeroing in on how compulsive behaviors like endless scrolling increase anxiety and depression, and how parents glued to their devices train children to not be present. The father of two kids under age five, Bronzan knows a weekend at camp in your 20s or 30s is too little too late to seriously address the crisis of fractured attention.

Digital Detox’s new CEO says he’s heartened by the progression of some of Felix’s ideals, as with the Time Well Spent movement. The screentime dashboards launched by tech companies don’t do enough to actually change people’s actions, he says, though “They’re at least making some effort.” Digital Detox plans to launch a comprehensive quiz to determine how addicted you are to your phone, and Bronzan says he’d happily work with tech giants to integrate his company’s research.

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  On the camp for adults front, we’ve seen Burning Man go mainstream but lose some of what made it special including a lack of cell phone reception. It’s now common to see people on the playa staring at their phones, talking about work, and stressed about the clock — all of which are prohibited at Camp Grounded. Festivals like Coachella seem to get more corporate and less mindful each year. That leaves plenty of open space for Digital Detox to fill with purposeful breaks from the default world.

Bronzan also wants to introduce more surprise and serendipity to the event calendar. Camp Grounded will experiment with a “Mystery Trip” where eight to ten people sign up to be whisked away, only receiving a confidential briefing package the day before they show up. The point is to extract people from their routines where unhealthy habits manifest. Without connectivity, Camp Grounded hopes people will forge new connections in their minds, and with each other.

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