#(the Key Word being 'Compassion' and not 'Empathy')

[starastrologyy]

Venus in Partners houses!🖤

“Love is not just a feeling, but a deep connection that transforms us, making us feel seen, valued, and whole.”

Please do not repost anything that I write on other social media platforms!🤍 I only have a TikTok & a tumblr! I also created this post with romantic synastry in mind x

Venus in Partner’s 1st house

This is one of the best indications of physical attraction in synastry (this is especially true if the Venus individual’s Venus makes a conjunction to the house person’s Ascendant). The Ascendant person is the physical embodiment of everything that the Venus person finds attractive. Their connection is likely one that is filled with mutual admiration, physical affection, and appreciation. Furthermore, the pair are likely to enjoy each other’s company, and they are apt to express their love, admiration, and appreciation for each other with ease.

Venus in Partner’s 2nd house

Venus is very comfortable in the 2nd house, as it is a Venus ruled house. When someone’s Venus falls into your 2nd house, you may find that they impact your finances, values, & personal resources. Unless Venus is adversely aspected, the Venus person is likely going to want to spend money on you (vice versa). The 2nd house also deals with security, self-worth, possessions, & the things that we deem valuable. Thus, themes of possessiveness & control can arise if one or both partners lack a solid sense of security or self-worth. Ultimately this overlay contends that the relationship is likely to have a strong focus on shared values, stability, and material security.

Venus in Partner’s 3rd house

Although the 3rd house is not a traditionally ‘romantic house’. People who are highly mercurial or air dominant are likely to appreciate 3rd house synastry overlays. Venus in a partners 3rd house indicates that your romantic connection is a byproduct of a strong intellectual bond . Both partners are likely to feel a strong sense of affection & connection when learning together and engaging in stimulating conversations. The pair are also likely to connect through humor, lively banter, & a shared sense of curiosity. If you value words of affirmation in your romantic relationships, you are likely to enjoy 3rd house synastry.

Venus in Partner’s 4th house

When someone’s Venus falls into your 4th house, emotional support, comfort, protection, & trust are key themes in your connection. Furthermore, you are likely to connect over shared values involving matters related to home, family, & emotional foundations. You are also inclined to treat each other with kindness, empathy, and compassion. Hence, you may even begin to feel like ‘home’ to each other as time goes on. The house person in particular, will appreciate the Venus individuals reassurance, nurturing, and emotional support. Interestingly, this a synastry placement/overlay that you often see in the synastry charts of couples who eventually move in together & those who genuinely enjoy living together.

Venus in Partner’s 5th house

This is a very fun, romantic, & playful overlay. The pair are likely connect over creativity, mutual hobbies, or matters involving children. This is another overlay that can indicate that a strong physical attraction exists between two people. Hence, it’s not uncommon to have a child or children with someone you have 5H synastry with. Venus in the 5th house often gets a bad rep, given it’s lighthearted ‘fling’ energy. However, if there are Saturn aspects that are being made to Venus, this may in fact be a long term relationship where the attraction strengthens/remains consistent over time.

Venus in Partner’s 6th house

This overlay emphasizes routine, service, and health. If “Acts of service” are one of your primary love languages, you are likely to appreciate/enjoy this overlay. Moreover, the Venus person in particular is apt to want to find ways to show their love for the house person though practical, every day actions. Thus, they essentially want to make the house persons life easier. For example, they may offer to pick up their dry cleaning, or take them to run errands. Ultimately, this connection is based on dependability, practical support, and acts of service.

Venus in Partner’s 7th house

Venus is very comfortable in the 7th house, as it is the house that governs partnerships, marriage, and close relationships. Thus, when someone’s Venus falls into your 7th house, they express their love & values in a manner that is in alignment with how you would like your ideal partner to express their love & appreciation. This is an overlay that you often see in the synastry charts of committed partners or spouses (unless the Venus person’s Venus adversely aspects the house persons Uranus etc..). Nevertheless, Venus in the 7th house in synastry can assert that you and your partner are likely to adopt a very idealistic & tolerant view of the relationship & each other within this connection.

Venus in Partner’s 8th house

The sexual attraction is likely to be very high in this connection. Moreover, the chemistry between the pair can feel intense, sultry, and binding! This is by no means a lighthearted or superficial connection. The relationship is likely to be highly transformative & emotionally charged. Both people in this connection will be required to navigate complex dynamics of trust, vulnerability, and emotional depth. 8th house synastry can often feel intoxicating which makes it difficult to let go. Yet, it tests our psychological strength & encourages us to heal the parts of ourselves that we have repressed or neglected.

Venus in Partners 9th house

When someone’s Venus falls into your 9th house, (vice versa), they are likely to stimulate your desire for expansion & exploration. This is especially true where matters related to higher education, foreign travel, religion/spirituality, and philosophy are concerned. As a couple, you may travel a lot, or spend a significant amount of time exploring different cultures & belief systems. As the house person, you may even begin to idealize the Venus person & place them on a pedestal, as they are likely to be a source of inspiration and enlightenment. Both partners are apt to grow tremendously as people, within this connection.

Venus in Partner’s 10th house

This is a wonderful overlay to have if you and your partner plan to work together/do business together. In this connection, the 10th house person may enjoy being seen publicly with the Venus person, as the Venus person has the potential to enhance their public image. Whereas, the Venus person will want to offer their support & encouragement to the house person, when it comes to the pursuit of their ambitions & career objectives. Hence, mutual admiration, respect, and career support are apt to be present in this union. However, there can be times when one or both people may feel as if the other cares too much about their career/public perception & thus the connection can feel superficial at times, if there aren’t any other synastry aspects that indicate that a strong emotional, romantic or intellectual bond exists between the pair.

Venus in Partner’s 11th house

This overlay contends that the connection is likely to be founded on a strong basis of friendship. The pair are inclined to be very accepting of each other’s quirks & eccentricities. Furthermore, the Venus person is likely to introduce the house person to new networks and social contacts. This can also be a very supportive bond when it comes to their shared goals & aspirations. Ultimately, this is a union in which both individuals are apt to feel accepted and valued for who they truly are.

Venus in Partner’s 12th house

When someone’s Venus falls into your 12th house you may feel inexplicably drawn to them. In some instances, this may be a hidden connection or it may be a connection where feelings are not openly expressed for whatever reason. However, Venus in the 12th house can also be indicative of a connection where both partners love & support each other unconditionally. Yet, they can also become each other’s blind spots. Meaning, they may not always see each other very clearly. Hence, there’s likely to be a very idealistic & sometimes unrealistic quality to this relationship. Nevertheless, the love that this overlay produces can often feel destined, transcendent, & highly spiritual.

As usual, my chart readings are open, and the link is in the bio for those interested! :) x

[agirlking]

Remmick is actually charming and capable of manipulation (he is also a bit off putting)

I see a lot of takes about how Remmick can't be suave, charming, seductive, so on, here's why I don't think they're entirely right.

(Though I agree he's not traditionally seductive, at least not when we see him in the film, he doesn't seem to focus on sex. But he can be seductive and tempting in another sense.)

Remmick's true strength in terms of charm and manipulation is not getting it right instantly, it's in his ability to rapidly adjust.

I think the scene with Bert and Joan shows this right away.

He stops using the word Choctaw when Bert starts using slurs. His manipulation wasn't perfect right away, but he adjusted almost right away. He sees how resistant they are and starts crying. People are going to be uncomfortable with someone they don't know crying in front of them, (unfortunately) all the more when they're a man, he was getting them to think less.

(Also he sees the robes and assumes that they don't have enough compassion to help someone out of the goodness of their hearts, which is a very reasonable assumption, and then he switches to offering money. Once again he is able to adapt rapidly.)

To touch on his limited background info; We know that Remmick came to America in 1911, and we know he lost his "family" on the boat, he was the only survivor. I personally believe that he spent the next 21 years isolated. He wasn't turning people, nor do I think turning people en masse was typical behavior for him.

He was leaving Ireland, he turned everyone on the boat (assuming none of them were older vampires who'd been with him for awhile) to hold onto his community, it just backfired horribly for one reason or another.

But if Remmick turned people like that all the time? There's no way he made it to 1300 without someone taking him out. Actually you can also look at his accent as further proof. He came to America in a time when he would absolutely be discriminated against for being Irish, and I think it must've taken time to hide his accent. If he was also super weird and off putting all the time on top of being Irish, again, he'd have constantly attracted violence. The fact he even put both the thought and the effort into faking an accent (which he's doing quite well at other than here or there where his real accent slips in) shows he's capable of calculation and manipulation.

I fully believe Remmick only turned Bert and Joan out of desperation. He approached the Choctaw (the real life Irish Choctaw history probably played a part in his decision making) wanting to turn them, the first major attempt he'd made since the boat, but they figured him out. He finally turns Bert and Joan because they were the only ones who opened the door, so to speak.

Then he gets to the Juke Joint, 21 years of isolation have him rusty, and he hasn't been around this particular community in that time I would bet. He doesn't have enough info to realize how strange he's coming across, and after seeing Sammie's gift and his desperation to see his ancestors he rushes into things. If he'd approached a group of people that didn't have reasons to be automatically wary of him then they'd likely have thought he was a bit odd but completely harmless and let him in.

(Notably, Cornbread liked the singing and so did Stack, and Stack was about to let him in but Smoke vetoed it. Even after, Stack gives him a chance and had Mary not... distracted him, Remmick would've gotten in. So it seems his manipulation isn't going too badly. Though obviously the money situation prompts a lot of that.)

When Mary approaches the group Remmick's already changed how he's handling things. His song is much more gentle and welcoming than the very creepy one he chose initially. He singles out Mary's specific pain, (I think this is key, he's better at manipulating individuals than he is massive groups. I also think he has some kind of telepathy or empathy because he seems to be able to sense Mary is grieving.), and her longing for companionship in her grief.

The way he speaks to her initially is completely normal ("were you lookin' for some fresh air, or?"), the only particularly strange thing is how Bert and Joan are acting (which I have thoughts about due to @cannibalfogdreams and I discussing this privately, but this post is long enough). When Remmick truly starts acting strange it's not because he can't act human or normal (he's been doing just fine in this conversation) it's because he's in a rush and doesn't need to do that. Mary's far enough away from the Juke Joint she has no chance of getting back to it even if she ran. He's already won.

I imagine if Remmick wasn't so frantic and if his goal had only been to turn Mary he would've taken his time and kept manipulating her and breaking down her walls until she was more inclined to listen to what he was saying. (I'm not swearing she ever would've fully bought into what he was selling, just that he was clearly succeeding at swaying her to some extent before he stopped bothering.)

Also why is it Remmick backs off when Mary pulls a gun on him? It's obviously not going to kill him, and there's reason to think their ability to feel pain (minus coming from something like garlic) is muted. Stack tells Sammie in 1992 he wouldn't hurt anymore, and Cornbread seems to be doing fine even with a ton of his face missing, same for the gentleman who got sliced up by the guy using loaded dice. So I don't think it's because a gunshot would be that painful for him.

I think it's because someone could've heard her fire and that would've made them suspicious of her and even more suspicious of Remmick and co than they already were. That's calculating.

He not only backed off and wiped his face when she pulled the gun, he waited until she fully turned her back and was walking away to attack and turn her. He could've just grabbed and bitten her then, but she probably would've fired a shot and/or screamed.

Later on he still attempts to convince everyone, but when Stack and Mary show up he lets them basically take over, and I do believe that is their own words, they are in a hivemind but their own self is not gone, just influenced. (As mentioned in a previous post I think they're basically high.) And it almost works! Stack nearly gets Smoke out the door. He knew to step back and let the people that know those in the Juke Joint take over the attempts at convincing.

There's probably more I'm forgetting but this has been bugging me a lot. Just because Remmick acts very strange sometimes doesn't mean he can't be suave and charming, it just depends on the situation, how much he wants to be convincing, and how much information he has.

TLDR: "Remmick is weird" and "Remmick is a capable, charismatic, manipulator" are takes that can coexist.

[mariuspompom]

George Martin, 2013: "In a very basic level winter is coming for all of us. I think that’s one of the things that art is concerned with: the awareness of our own mortality. “Valar morghulis” – “All men must die”. That shadow lies over our world and will until medical science gives us all immortality… but I don’t think it makes it necessarily a pessimistic world. Not any more pessimistic than the real world we live in. We’re here for a short time and we should be conscious of our own mortality, but the important thing is that love, compassion and empathy with other human beings is still possible. Laughter is still possible! Even laughter in the face of death… The struggle to make the world a better place… We have things like war, murder and rape… horrible things that still exist, but we don’t have to accept them, we can fight the good fight. The fight to eliminate those things.There is darkness in the world, but I don’t think we necessarily need to give way to despair. One of the great things that Tolkien says in Lord of The Rings is “despair is the ultimate crime”. That’s the ultimate failing of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, that he despairs of ever being able to defeat Sauron. We should not despair. We should not go gentle into that good night".

JRR Tolkien, 1962 : "One reviewer once said, this is a jolly jolly book, all the right boys come home [...]- this isn't true of course, he can't have read the story. [...] Human stories are practically always about one thing, really, aren't they? Death. The inevitability of death. . . . . . (He quotes Simone de Beauvoir) 'There is no such thing as a natural death. Nothing that ever happens to man is natural, since his presence calls the whole world into question. All men must die, but for every man his death is an accident, and even if he knows it he would sense to it an unjustifiable violation.' Well, you may agree with the words or not, but those are the key spring of The Lord Of The Rings".

"Lotr is all rainbows and unicorns and Asoiaf is nihilistic and grimdark". Wrong, and wrong. In all its hope and radiance, lotr often gets very dark, and despite all the death and suffering, the hopeful moments in asoiaf shine bright. The meeting point of these two is this: having hope while in despair, and even better, refusing to give up because you have to go on despite not having any hope left.

[fy-perspectives]

"Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right." 

Isaac Asimov

Reciprocity

The full quote is usually stated as "Whatever you are looking for is also looking for you," and it essentially means that the thing you actively seek in life is also actively seeking you out, often interpreted as a message of optimism and the power of intention. 

Key points about this quote:

Origin: While not definitively attributed to one person, it's often linked to the philosophy of Sufi poet Rumi, whose famous line is "What you seek is seeking you." 

Interpretation: This quote is generally understood as a positive affirmation, suggesting that if you put your energy towards finding something, it will likely appear in your life as well. 

Law of Attraction: Some people connect this quote to the concept of the Law of Attraction, which states that your thoughts and intentions can attract corresponding experiences into your life.

ethos

/ˈiːθɒs/

the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations.

"a challenge to the ethos of the 1960s"

Similar: spirit, essence, character, quintessence, motivating force, morality, principles, ethics

"Actions speak louder than words" 

is an idiom that means what someone does is more important than what they say. It's often used to describe a situation where someone's actions don't match their words. 

Karma is an ancient Indian concept that refers to an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences.

Karma

Karma, in its essence, is the principle of cause and effect, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. It suggests that every action—whether physical, verbal, or mental—has consequences that shape an individual's future, either in this life or in future incarnations. The idea is that positive actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions lead to suffering or undesirable consequences. Karma is often seen as a law of the universe that encourages ethical living, responsibility, and mindfulness, urging individuals to act with compassion, integrity, and awareness of the interconnectedness of all beings.

“I am a unique individual human being, breathing into the vastness of space and the essence of time, shaping my reality and affirming in existence.”

― A Abraham

This quote by A Abraham expresses a profound sense of self-awareness and empowerment. It acknowledges one's individuality as both a vital part of the universe and an active force in shaping reality. The words emphasise the significance of personal agency, as if each person is a living force that contributes to the unfolding of time and space. It reminds us that our existence is not just passive but transformative, affirming the unique mark we leave on the world through our actions, thoughts, and presence.

“Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolised.”

― Albert Einstein, Einstein on Politics: His Private Thoughts and Public Stands on Nationalism, Zionism, War, Peace and the Bomb

This quote by Albert Einstein emphasises the importance of recognising each person’s inherent worth while avoiding placing anyone on a pedestal. Respecting individuals for who they are, without elevating them to an unrealistic or unattainable status, promotes equality and a sense of shared humanity. It encourages us to appreciate people's unique contributions without turning them into idols or expecting perfection. This perspective fosters a more grounded, humble approach to relationships, where admiration doesn't lead to undue reverence, and individuals are valued for their true selves.

Whatever is hurtful to you, Do not do to any other person.

A command based on words of Jesus

This teaching, often referred to as the Golden Rule, aligns with Jesus' words in the Gospels: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31). It’s a profound moral principle that encourages empathy and compassion. The idea is simple yet powerful—before causing harm to others, we should consider how it would feel if the same were done to us. It promotes respect, kindness, and understanding, urging us to treat others with the dignity we wish for ourselves.

“Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love. I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.”

― Langston Hughes

This quote by Langston Hughes beautifully captures the balance between life's simple pleasures and the pursuit of knowledge. It reflects a holistic approach to living, where enjoyment and love coexist with work, learning, and personal growth. Hughes celebrates the richness of both the sensual and intellectual aspects of life, emphasising the importance of savouring each moment while also striving for deeper understanding. It’s a reminder that life is about finding harmony between the things that bring us joy and the things that help us grow.

“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.”

― Albert Einstein

This quote by Albert Einstein speaks to the importance of clarity in understanding. If we can explain complex ideas in simple terms, it indicates a true mastery of the subject. The ability to break down concepts to their most basic, understandable form reflects deep comprehension and insight. It encourages us to seek simplicity in communication and understanding, ensuring that we don't just know something, but that we can effectively share it with others, regardless of their age or background.

“Life is a journey through space and time. 

Time is the ever-present moment in motion. 

Invest in minds that are full of ideas, concepts, and resolve. 

Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.”

― A Abraham

This quote by A Abraham beautifully captures the essence of life as a continuous journey, where the present moment is a constant flow of time. It emphasises the value of investing in the minds of those who are driven by ideas, concepts, and determination. The message inspires collective effort toward building a better future, highlighting the power of collaboration and forward-thinking. It reminds us that each step we take, guided by purpose and knowledge, shapes not just our own destiny but also the world we leave behind for future generations.

"Sometimes you have to distance yourself to see things clearly.”

― A Abraham

That's a powerful statement. Taking a step back or distancing oneself from a situation can often provide the clarity needed to gain perspective. It allows for a broader view, free from the emotional or immediate impulses that may cloud judgment. This space can foster better decision-making, insight, and understanding, especially when navigating complex situations or relationships. Do you find yourself reflecting on this idea in relation to something specific?

“Don't ever fill Silence and Empty Spaces with Evil Voices and Useless Objects respectively. 

One will Infect your Mind, The other will Make You A Slave.”

― A Abraham

That's a powerful quote, reflecting the importance of being mindful of both external influences and the things we allow into our lives. Silence is a space for reflection and clarity, and empty spaces, when filled with distractions or meaningless possessions, can hold us back from true freedom and purpose. It seems to encourage cultivating wisdom by guarding both the mind and the environment.

“People will love you. People will hate you. 

And none of it will have anything to do with you.”

― Abraham Hicks  

This quote by Abraham Hicks encapsulates a profound truth about human relationships and perception. It highlights the idea that people’s feelings toward you often stem more from their own perspectives, experiences, and inner worlds than from who you truly are. It’s a reminder to stay authentic and not be overly influenced by external validation or criticism.

“You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realise how seldom they do.”

― David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest

This quote beautifully highlights the human tendency to overestimate how much others focus on us. It's a liberating reminder to prioritize self-awareness and authenticity over the fear of external judgment. Most people are preoccupied with their own lives, which means we often have more freedom to be ourselves than we might think. It's a cornerstone of confidence and personal growth.

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People

This quote from Dale Carnegie underscores the power of genuine curiosity and interest in others as the foundation of meaningful relationships. It reflects the idea that people are naturally drawn to those who make them feel valued and understood. By shifting focus from seeking attention to giving attention, you build trust and rapport more effectively.

“Any fool can criticise, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. 

But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People

This quote highlights a profound truth about human interaction: it is far easier to judge and find fault than to exercise understanding and forgiveness. Dale Carnegie emphasizes that these qualities—character and self-control—require emotional maturity and strength. Practicing understanding and forgiveness not only nurtures relationships but also fosters personal growth and resilience.

“Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.”

― Ali Ibn Abi Talib

This quote by Ali Ibn Abi Talib highlights the importance of living with kindness, integrity, and generosity. It encourages us to build relationships that leave a lasting impact—where our presence is cherished, and our absence is deeply felt. The essence is to live in a way that others appreciate, respect, and miss us, both in life and in death. It's a reminder to be present and meaningful in the lives of others, fostering love and genuine connections.

“No two things have been combined better than knowledge and patience.”

― Hazrat Muhammad

This quote attributed to Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) beautifully encapsulates the synergy between knowledge and patience. Knowledge allows us to understand, make informed decisions, and grow, while patience ensures that we endure challenges, give ideas time to mature, and navigate life's complexities with wisdom.

The combination of these two virtues is a recipe for success, as knowledge without patience can lead to haste, and patience without knowledge can lack direction. Together, they empower us to persevere and make meaningful contributions.

“The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you.”

― David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest

David Foster Wallace's quote from Infinite Jest encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of self-awareness and growth. It suggests that truth is transformative but often disruptive—it doesn’t grant liberation until we fully confront and grapple with it, no matter how challenging or uncomfortable.

This can resonate deeply with anyone pursuing personal growth, as true freedom often requires facing hard realities and breaking through illusions about ourselves or the world.

“Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.”

― David Gerrold

This quote by David Gerrold brings a darkly humorous perspective on the inevitability of life’s challenges and death. It’s a reminder of the transient nature of our existence, suggesting that despite life’s hardships, the order of events allows us to experience life before its end. It’s a way of encouraging gratitude for the time we have, even if it seems fleeting or difficult. The humour in it may also serve as a coping mechanism to remind us not to take life too seriously, embracing both its struggles and its brevity.

[loventian]

Touchstarved character name meanings!

Lemme preface this by saying I’m not a name meanings expert I just love crawling through google pages and over analyzing things ALSO to make sure the results weren’t influenced by fandom everything here is from pre-2020! With that let’s get into things!

Mhin:

Mhin is a little bit tricky, as I can’t find anything for their name spelled as it is. Min, however, has several different sources and meanings.

In Chinese, Min (敏) meanings “quick, clever, sharp” Which seems rather fitting for our neighborhood soulless hunter. An alternative script for Min (民) translates to “people, citizens” which could have some interesting implications, as Mhin is implied to have strong connections to the city of Lovent.

In Burmese Min means “king, ruler” which, connected with the second Chinese translation, could perhaps be some foreshadowing? We don’t know how Mhin is connected to Lovent, but the city must have had a ruling class, perhaps Mhin held a position of power? It could also be why they survived, and which a powerful curse nonetheless

Finally, in Irish Min is said to mean “smooth, fine, small”, though I can’t find as many sources on this one. I include it because people have pointed out Mhin’s cloak pins are triquetra, which are Celtic symbols.

Kuras:

Please know I adore Kuras when I say this, but he really got the short end of the naming stick it seems. The most promising thing I can find is the usage as a Hindi surname, which doesn’t seem to have a meaning listed. If you remove the S and go with Kura, it can mean “river” in Turkish or possibly “fierceness, tiger” in Japanese.

Now here’s the silly translations! In Arabic, Kuras (كراس) seems to translate to brochure. In polish, it translates to chicken.

I truly doubt the devs thought brochure/chicken were good labels for the dear doctor, so I’m favoring the Turkish translation. Mostly because Eridia is a city divided by a river; could there be something deeper hidden in there? Maybe!

Ais:

So clearly Ais has a lot of Japanese influence, with his design being inspired by Oni, so I looked for those possible translations first. Ai (愛) translates to love in Japanese, and is typically used as a broader term to refer to emotions tied to like compassion, empathy, or platonic forms of love (as opposed to 恋/koi which refers to romantic love).

I’m gonna focus on this translation for a bit. Someone on a translation forum phrased it in a way I really love: “Ai” is something you do or give. Ais is our introduction to the Seaspring, and to groupminds in general. While the concept of a hivemind is usually used in horror as a way of taking away agency, the Seaspring is framed as a refuge for people to turn to. Could Ais’ name be an allusion to a goal he keeps hidden? Is the Seaspring a manifestation of a desire to give love despite the violent world? Or am I just reading into this too deep?

Vere:

Vere actually has a straight up name meaning! Most of the sources I found say that Vere is a French/Gaulish name meaning “Alder”, and it usually pops up in the surname “De Vere”. Alders are a kind of bitch tree, and I have no idea how that tie into Vere as a character.

But if we take “Vere” as a word rather then a name, then Latin translates it as meaning “truly, really, actually, rightly”. Vere’s introduction to us is as someone to not trust, a cunning fox waiting for the next meal, stealing our darn room key and lying about it! So I find it really interesting that his name could be a word for truth. Perhaps before his chains Vere was someone a lot more truthful ?

Leander:

Big shout out to Leander for having a plain ass easy to translate name. I’ll give you googles exact definition here: "lion of a man", from leon, "lion", and andros, "man".

That was easy, so now let’s pick it apart!

Traditionally, lions are symbols of nobility, courage, strength, and protection. Leander has a reputation for being That Guy; he’s a leader, a protector of the masses, etc etc. for all intents and purposes, Leander really is a lion of a man!

…On the surface at least. Because under all the symbolism, lions are still predators, no matter how noble.

[thepapergirlandthespiegelman]

Sunday is not a Christian

Note: This post is being written prior to the release of Patch 2.7 and does not address any changes to Sunday's characterization from 2.7 onward.

Spoilers for Honkai: Star Rail "Penacony" arc below the cut

Especially since his drip marketing came out, I've seen a lot of people saying that Sunday is a Christian, "Sunday made me Christian," Christians complaining that Christianity is being vilified because Sunday is the antagonist of the Penacony arc, etc etc. I honestly don't understand how people can so radically misunderstand a character but let me provide some key quotes here to clarify the situation:

"It seems you have misunderstood my intentions. Allow me to clarify — My desire is not to resurrect a fallen Aeon or become one myself… My sole objective is to create a paradise free from Aeons, where the Order ensures the dignity and happiness of all humanity. A paradise exclusive to us human beings."

"The time has come. Creation will be reborn from the remains of the gods…"

"It was not you who created all things. It was humanity that created you! …Your divine being will become the foundation of our paradise!"

Sunday literally wants to usurp God's power to create heaven on earth for humanity. This is the literal opposite of Christianity. There is no version of Christianity in which this is not wildly heretical and blasphemous.

I understand that he has a halo and angel wings. I understand that he is (or at least was) a priest. I understand he has crosses on his gloves. I understand that he is absolutely drenched in Christian aesthetic and even sometimes phrases things in Christian, or at least religious, terms.

But if you listen to the actual words that he's saying, there is just absolutely no way to interpret him as a Christian.

Sunday is a complex character, and I think a lot of that complexity is being lost on people who want to flatten him into something more simple. Sunday is someone who had, and in a way still has, religious devotion. To the extent that Christianity exists in Star Rail in the form of the Harmony and the Order, it is true that Sunday's experiences and thinking have been shaped by Christianity. His profound empathy and compassion clearly originate in part from his religious experiences, including receiving confessions from his congregation. But he ultimately comes to realize that Aeons, the game's version of gods, cannot be depended upon to save humanity. While he maintains faith in his own values and dreams, which were influenced by his religion, he is no longer devoted to the religion itself or its gods.

Sunday is not a Christian but could perhaps be viewed as an ex-Christian who has become sort of a dystheist/misotheist/antitheist/atheist. Because the way that gods work is a little different in Star Rail compared to the real world, and because his perspective is complex, it's difficult to affix a particular label to him, but that's sort of the general ballpark. To really explain Sunday's philosophy and spirituality would require delving into some obscure concepts that I don't want to get into here (I would consider him sort of a spiritual anarchist, though I don't expect anyone other than me to know what that means), but I hope that this at least clarifies things a little.

[wistfulwanderingone]

"The Compass and the Blade"

Clavis Moments Snippet - College AU Pt 3 Clavis Lelouch x Reader

Fandom: Ikemen Prince Word Count: ~1881

Summary: Modern College AU

"The Compass and the Blade"

The next class should’ve been forgettable.

Same tired lighting, flickering faintly like it resented being awake. Same too-warm air with that faint hum of overworked vents. The professor was already at the board, scrawling today’s prompt like he was trying to spark a revolution with a dry-erase marker that had seen too many semesters.

And yet...something had changed. Clavis didn’t sit the same way anymore.

He still draped himself across his chair like royalty bored of ruling — legs stretched, collar loose, a sliver of lavender shirt just visible beneath his coat. But there was a shift. The way his fingers tapped his pen against his knee — slower. The way his head tilted, eyes half-lidded but watchful — not just scanning for entertainment.

He wasn’t performing for the room anymore.

He was watching you.

Not obviously. Not constantly. Just enough.

Enough to notice the pause in your pen mid-word, the way your fingers hovered just above the page like your thoughts had wandered somewhere more luminous.

Enough to catch the faint, contemplative smile that curved your mouth as you read a quote someone had scribbled in the corner of the whiteboard.

You reached up absently to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, fingers trailing against your cheek with a kind of unconscious grace. A breeze from the open window stirred the soft ends of your hair, carrying with it the scent of campus ivy and a hint of rain-soaked pavement.

And when your eyes flicked toward him—he winked.

Not flirtatiously — or not just flirtatiously. It was more complicated than that. Amused. Calculated. But also respectful, in the way only he could be: part invitation, part challenge, part admission that, yes, you’d earned his attention — and no, he wasn’t looking away.

Your heart skipped — just once — like it had stepped into a puddle of music.

Annoyingly traitorous thing.

You lowered your gaze quickly, lashes sweeping down as your fingers returned to the margin of your notes. But not before you smiled — just slightly.

But you did reach for your pen again — slowly, deliberately — and resumed writing, even though the words didn’t matter. Not yet.

You tapped the end of it once against your lip. And you didn’t stop watching him either.

That day’s topic: Justice and Empathy.

The board read it plainly in green marker, the handwriting slightly smudged from where the professor’s sleeve had dragged across it. The hum of the overhead lights was louder than the room itself. Half-filled mugs steamed faintly beside laptops. Windows let in the faintest warmth from an overcast sky, the kind of weather that made even deep thoughts feel a little drowsy.

The discussion started slowly.

Buzzwords floated like dust motes in the stale light: systemic, impartial, collective welfare, moral calculus. Students spoke with that familiar brand of performative intellect — voices even, inflections flat, as if true conviction might tarnish the polish of their arguments.

Until someone — someone very proud of his own voice — leaned forward in his seat and declared, “Justice isn’t compatible with emotion. That’s the whole point. Feelings get in the way.”

It was loud enough to claim authority. Smug enough to draw nods from a few corners. Clavis didn’t retort.

Not yet.

He turned his head — not toward the professor, not toward the smug voice — but toward you.

And you… You didn’t notice.

Instead, your pen stilled mid-stroke, ink blooming faintly on the edge of your page, then lifted your gaze — slow, composed, cutting through the dull fog of the room like a song played in the wrong key, but somehow right.  “I disagree.”

You didn’t say it loudly. But it carried just the same.

The professor stilled, marker hovering. “Would you elaborate?”

You nodded, your fingers brushing a lock of hair behind your ear. “Justice without empathy isn’t justice. It’s vengeance dressed in robes.”

The words landed. Softly. Like petals on stone. But the sound they made echoed deeper than expected.

You kept your voice even. Your expression calm. But there was fire tucked neatly beneath your tone — the kind that didn’t demand attention, only stated facts. The kind that knew it had nothing to prove.

“Empathy is what prevents justice from becoming cruelty,” you continued. “Without it, we stop seeing people. We only see rules.”

A scoff broke the moment.

The political science major — the one who always sat too far forward, as if he were about to be knighted — leaned back with a smirk. “Empathy just makes us biased,” he said. “That’s the whole problem. It clouds our judgment.”

Several heads nodded. The professor didn’t.

You turned to him — the student, not the professor — and tilted your head slightly, gaze steady. “So does the absence of it.”

The silence that followed was brief — but not empty. It shivered.

And then Clavis moved.

Not rose. Not stood. Unfolded.

Smooth and unhurried, as though he’d been waiting backstage and had just decided the scene was worthy of his entrance. One hand slipped into his coat pocket. The other draped casually over the back of the chair. His movements had the elegance of ritual — the kind of slow, deliberate grace that could just as easily precede a toast...or a coup.

“If I may,” he said, voice silk-drenched and amused — but edged now, precise as a blade’s kiss, “Bias is everywhere. Empathy has it. So does logic. So does history. The real question is simpler.” 

He paused. And smiled — sharp, feline.

“If justice depends on empathy...who gets to decide which feelings are valid?”

A hush rippled through the room, heads tilting in thought, or discomfort. The smirker looked triumphant.

But you sat up straighter, breath steady, the edge of your notebook nudging lightly against your wrist as you lifted your gaze to meet Clavis’s eyes. “That’s the wrong question.”

Stillness. Even Clavis blinked — slowly.

“It’s not about whose feelings are valid,” you said. “It’s about whether we’re willing to listen. Even when we disagree. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Empathy doesn’t erase logic — it contextualizes it. It doesn’t weaken judgment — it deepens it. Like a compass.”

Silence.

Not stunned — attentive. The kind that holds its breath.

Clavis tilted his head, eyes catching a slant of afternoon light. He looked...interested. Focused. Like someone watching a lock begin to turn.

“And what if the compass is broken?” he asked.

“Then we recalibrate,” you replied. “Not by erasing emotion — but by holding it accountable. Like we would with reason. Like we would with anything we value.” You smiled — faint but certain. “Bias isn’t always the enemy. It’s responsibility. And sometimes, it’s the part of us that still remembers how to care.”

He leaned back, folding his arms like a man watching the tide change. “Interesting,” he murmured. “And if empathy clouds judgment?”

You looked at him then — fully. It wasn’t a challenge. It wasn’t flirtation.

It was clarity.

“It doesn’t cloud it,” you said. “It complicates it. And that’s exactly how it should be.” Your pen returned to the margin of your notes. “Justice should never be easy.”

The professor exhaled slowly, marker forgotten in his hand. It was the look of someone who’d just been handed a key to a lock he’d forgotten existed.

Clavis watched you with a new expression.

At first glance, it could have passed for indifference — the lazy sprawl, the half-lidded eyes, fingertips resting against his temple like a prince posing for a portrait he didn’t intend to finish. His lashes hung low, veiling the sharp glint beneath like clouds just barely hiding the storm. But when you looked closer — because you always did — you’d noticed a quiet recalibration happening behind his gaze.

He wasn’t watching the way he usually did. Not like a hunter. Like a strategist. Someone trying to map the shape of a threat he hadn’t anticipated.

There was no smirk. Not yet. Only the smallest shift at the corners of his mouth — tension caught somewhere between an almost-grin and an almost-frown. Like even he couldn’t decide what the moment meant yet.

You hadn’t walked into his trap — because you’d seen it before it had fully formed. You’d stepped around it, elegant and unhurried. Like someone who knew exactly where every string was tied and simply refused to trip.

The realization had settled over him slowly. Not with a jolt — but with a hush. A quiet kind of awe, sharp-edged and unfamiliar.

He’d just watched the entire classroom orbit something new — something other than him — and only now was he recognizing its center.

You.

He leaned back in his seat, slower than before. Less languid, more deliberate. Fingers steepling just beneath his chin, half to appear thoughtful — half to steady the strange, warm flicker rising under his skin

It wasn’t just what you said. It was how you said it.

The calm confidence. The unshaken tone. The way your gaze never flinched from his, even when you parried him cleanly and the whole room stilled to listen.

You hadn’t dominated. You hadn’t performed. You had dismantled — gently, precisely, without ever raising your voice.

And the worst part? You hadn’t even meant to impress.

That’s what gnawed at him now. Or maybe lit something. He wasn’t sure yet.

The professor moved on. So did the class. Voices picked back up. Pens scratched against notebooks. One student yawned too loudly.

But Clavis remained still.

His attention hadn’t drifted — not even slightly. It lingered, anchored in place, fixed on one thing. You.

His pen sat idle in his fingers now, its weight forgotten, the metal warmed by his palm. Beneath the desk, his other hand drifted absently to the edge of his coat pocket, one thumb tracing the edge of his coat pocket where the old note still lived.

You weren’t looking at him anymore.

Not yet.

Your gaze had drifted out the window beside you, thoughtful and unreadable. A breeze moved just enough to stir the edge of the curtains. The late afternoon light cast warm ribbons across your desk, catching faint glints in your hair and turning the ink in your notes the color of twilight — dusky purple with hints of gold, like pressed lilacs folded into secrets.

You tilted your head. Brushed a strand of hair behind your ear — not nervously, but like your thoughts had caught on it. Your fingers lingered there a moment too long. A breath. A heartbeat.

And then — you looked up.

Your eyes met his. Calm. Present. Entirely unbothered.

Not baiting. Not challenging. Just seeing him.

And staying.

Clavis’s gaze didn’t waver.

He tilted his head slightly — a cat just before the pounce, or a king reconsidering a rival not as an enemy...but as an equal.

His mouth curved.

Not the usual grin — too cruel, too practiced. This one was quiet. Reflexive. Almost reverent.

Acknowledgment.

Like a fencer lowering their blade half an inch in recognition. Not surrender. A shift in stance.

You weren’t trying to be anything. And that — the nerve, the composure, the refusal to be unsettled — it scraped deliciously against the part of him that was always calculating, always circling, always three moves ahead.

Except now, for once, he wasn’t entirely sure whose game it was.

He didn’t know your rules. But he knew one thing:

It wasn’t boring.

And for Clavis Lelouch — That was reason enough to keep playing.

Tag List:

@rjthirsty @ithseem @chirp-a-chirp @aquagirl1978 @queengiuliettafirstlady

@nyxthepixystick @ikeprinces-stuff @kaizoku-musume @candiedcoffeedrops @missaengg

@ike-garden2024 @writingwhimsey @reborn-elven-spirit @william-rex @avellanas-nutty-empire

@notjonahclemence

[themindfulmind]

The Many Faces of Meditation: Exploring Its Types and Scientific Backing

Meditation is often painted with a broad brush, as if it’s a single practice. But in reality, meditation encompasses a wide range of techniques, each with its unique focus and benefits. Whether you’re looking to relax, enhance focus, or explore spiritual depths, there’s likely a type of meditation that suits your needs.

Below, we’ll dive into some of the most popular forms of meditation, their specific goals, and the science backing their benefits.

1. Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular and accessible forms. It involves paying attention to the present moment nonjudgmentally, often focusing on your breath, bodily sensations, or surroundings.

• What It Does: Helps cultivate awareness and reduces mind-wandering.

• Scientific Backing: A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2014) found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain. Moreover, research in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (2011) revealed that regular mindfulness practice increases gray matter density in the brain, particularly in areas associated with learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

2. Transcendental Meditation (TM)

TM involves silently repeating a mantra (a word or phrase) to settle the mind into a state of profound rest and relaxation. It’s highly structured and requires training from certified teachers.

• What It Does: Induces a state of restful alertness and reduces stress.

• Scientific Backing: A meta-analysis in Psychosomatic Medicine (2012) showed that TM can lower blood pressure, making it a valuable tool for cardiovascular health. Additionally, TM has been linked to reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and improved focus.

3. Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)

This practice centers on generating feelings of love and compassion toward yourself and others. It often involves repeating phrases like, “May I be happy,” “May you be safe,” and extending those wishes to all beings.

• What It Does: Boosts empathy, reduces anger, and enhances feelings of social connection.

• Scientific Backing: A study in Psychological Science (2008) showed that practicing loving-kindness meditation increases positive emotions over time, which in turn builds personal resources like resilience and improved relationships.

4. Body Scan Meditation

A type of mindfulness meditation, this practice involves systematically focusing on different parts of your body, noticing sensations, and releasing tension.

• What It Does: Reduces physical stress and enhances body awareness.

• Scientific Backing: Research in Biological Psychology (2010) suggests that body scan meditation significantly decreases cortisol levels and reduces symptoms of chronic pain.

5. Zen Meditation (Zazen)

Rooted in Buddhist tradition, Zen meditation involves seated meditation, focusing on the breath and observing thoughts as they arise and pass without judgment.

• What It Does: Promotes deep mental clarity and insight.

• Scientific Backing: A study in Frontiers in Psychology (2012) found that long-term Zen meditation practitioners showed increased attentional stability and reduced mind-wandering compared to non-meditators.

6. Yoga Nidra (Guided Sleep Meditation)

Often called “yogic sleep,” Yoga Nidra involves guided meditation designed to bring you into a state of deep relaxation between wakefulness and sleep.

• What It Does: Facilitates stress relief and improves sleep quality.

• Scientific Backing: A study in International Journal of Yoga (2013) found that Yoga Nidra reduces anxiety and improves heart rate variability, a key indicator of stress resilience.

7. Focused Attention Meditation

This practice involves concentrating on a single object, sound, or sensation, like a candle flame, mantra, or the rhythm of your breath.

• What It Does: Builds concentration and reduces mind-wandering.

• Scientific Backing: Research in Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2015) highlights that focused attention meditation strengthens the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in decision-making and attention regulation.

8. Movement-Based Meditation (Tai Chi and Qigong)

Unlike still meditation, these involve flowing movements synchronized with the breath.

• What It Does: Combines physical exercise with mental focus, reducing stress and enhancing balance.

• Scientific Backing: Studies in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2014) indicate that Tai Chi and Qigong reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain while improving physical health markers like balance and flexibility.

How to Start?

If you’re unsure where to begin, start small. Dedicate 5–10 minutes daily to exploring one practice. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can guide you, or you can find countless free resources online.

Meditation isn’t about being perfect or clearing your mind completely; it’s about showing up, being present, and exploring what works for you. As science continues to unravel its benefits, one thing is clear: meditation is a practice that nourishes both the mind and body.

What type of meditation do you practice (or want to try)? Let’s chat in the comments!

Sources

• Goyal, M., et al. (2014). JAMA Internal Medicine.

• Holzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.

• Fredrickson, B. L., et al. (2008). Psychological Science.

• Zeidan, F., et al. (2010). Biological Psychology.

[antiporn-activist]

The idea that you cannot therapise someone out of being abusive has been important to me because I used to think that “if I could just get him to go to therapy” then he would treat me better. Reading Why Does He Do That and accepting that therapy wasn’t a panacea was really important to me.

That all being said, I don’t believe that you were arguing that therapy is a panacea etc. and I’m curious about what role you believe therapy could play in an abusive man changing his behaviour and attitudes to non-abusive.

I do think attitude change is possible but I’m skeptical of the role therapy could play in that.

My main oppositions to the idea of therapy being helpful in an abusive man becoming nonabusive are the ideas that:

It is not in his self-interest to undergo such reform & therapy promotes the interests of the therapised person

Therapy focuses on the self whereas to not be abusive he needs to be less self-centred

Therapy may teach him more justifications (“it’s because of my childhood” or w/e) as the therapist tries to demonstrate empathy with him to increase his engagement

Curious to hear your thoughts! :)

Hi, thanks for the ask and opportunity to clarify.

The post you're referring to said you can't "therapize" misogyny out of a man because misogyny is not a disorder, it's a value.

First of all, I wouldn't use the word "therapize" because it's not a real word, and I don't actually think misogyny is a value but a value system like racism or fascism. The values we discuss in therapy are typically positive words like compassion, integrity, equality, freedom, respect, responsibility, empathy, generosity, honesty, inner peace, order...the list goes on. I'd say that misogyny is a value system which rejects equality, compassion, respect, etc in favor of the values of dominance, control, hierarchy, etc. Similar to racism and fascism.

Second, I have never tried to change someone's entire value system because I don't do that kind of therapy. That sounds maybe like conversion therapy, like if you had to un-brainwash a prisoner of war who'd been indoctrinated by the enemy, or cure someone's racism (and who'd be paying me to do that?), or working with IPV perpetrators in the court system (that's not my field of practice). I don't know if it can be done because it's not something I have to do myself and I've never looked at the research for it. I think it would take a long time so you'd need a population that couldn't drop out of the therapy, like prison inmates. I guess we could google it and see how effective it is.

Third, I believe you can change isolated values if the client decides they want to, or we determine the value in question is holding them back in some way. That is the key. Nobody changes anything that's currently working for them. People will generally continue to do whatever they can get away with. Men can generally get away with being assholes.

Therefore: If a man requested therapy because his wife was about to leave him and he didn't want that to happen, we could explore a "values mismatch." Perhaps she values equality and he values hierarchy and control. If he really wants to hang onto that marriage, he'd have to adjust his values. Could this happen? Yes, I believe it could. Does this happen often? Not sure. I don't do couples therapy, it requires family systems training that my graduate program didn't offer.

However: I did have a middle-aged dad who came to me individually because he wanted to break his intergenerational cycle of explosive fathers and stop freaking out on his kids for being noisy and bratty. We determined that the root of the problem was untreated anxiety (anxiety hates chaos, and he had three kids), we did a lot of psychoeducation on how anxiety functions in the body, he began doing more mindfulness and slowing down his reactions, and now he doesn't yell at his kids very much at all. Therapy was his idea, nobody sent him to me. That's probably the difference.

(Working with him made me suspect that some controlling behaviors might be viewed as a manifestation of generalized anxiety, and the need to control your immediate environment to feel safe. Anxiety likes predictability and certainty, and it wants everyone to behave in a predictable and orderly way so it can relax for a second. But I wouldn't say all abusive men are really just uwu untreated anxiety cases. Just an observation I made.)

Anyway, to your specific points:

It is not in his self-interest to undergo such reform & therapy promotes the interests of the therapised person

Like I said, if we can convince him that his behavior or the values underlying his behavior are negatively impacting his life, then we have a chance of changing them. He probably isn't gonna change just because he hates injustice.

Therapy focuses on the self whereas to not be abusive he needs to be less self-centred

Therapy focuses on relationships too, especially marriage and family therapy. I wouldn't tell a client "you need to be less self-centered." We'd look at underlying functions of the behavior, the triggers of the behavior, the harm that it's causing to themself and others, and what they really want from their life.

Therapy may teach him more justifications (“it’s because of my childhood” or w/e) as the therapist tries to demonstrate empathy with him to increase his engagement

Everyone's a product of their childhood and the larger culture. You are, and I am, and your abuser was too. It's not a justification, but it's an explanation. And then we decide what we're going to do with our lives despite what was done to us. Some people decide to break the cycle, many don't.

TL:dr

Can you change an individual value? I think so. The person has to be dedicated to the change because there's something they want more than holding onto this value.

Can you change an entire value system? I'm not sure. The person has to be dedicated to the change and is probably in some kind of legal trouble that is making them change their value system.

Hope this helps.

[scraftyisthebest]

Sometimes I feel like underneath Liko's incredibly self-sacrificial and caring nature she's actually kind of full of herself in an odd way. Like she's definitely genuine in her kindness and compassion/empathy and care for others but on the other hand deep down she does have a rather inflated ego that she tries to hide but it pokes through whenever she does get what she wants or is rewarded for being "good".

She's someone who is really considerate of others and tends to give up what she wants even though deep down she does want things. She doesn't want to inconvenience others or hurt them. Early Liko was so self-sacrificial that she put others' wants over her own and would often mince words and be overly careful and considerate of others' feelings so as to not hurt people. Current Liko has gone filter off and is willing to be "mean" if she feels it necessary, but the point stands.

But even pre-timeskip her low-key ego poked through at times. She agreed to stay behind on the Brave Olivine in Episode 8 because Roy wanted to explore the island shops with Friede and buddies, which was half her own considerate nature willing to let Roy get what he wants but also in part because she has a personal want which was getting to see Nidothing's livestream, and she was kinda smug about it too. When she got Wiglett sweet buns without having to wait in line and she very openly expressed how proud of herself she was that she got to do that (unfortunately Coral overheard her and got pissed). Her battle with Rika was the big turning point for her because that was when she really felt invested in battles and it's clear that she feels good when she can go all out full throttle, and winning makes her feel even better. She actually broke down crying when she lost because she felt the burning desire to win and the subsequent frustration of losing. I feel like her ruthless, underhanded battling style that's predicated in cunning, deception, and overall being a scheming, ruthless asshole in battle who stops at nothing to gain the upper hand, with absolutely no regard for honor or decorum, is a reflection of this. Early Liko would throw in the towel but she has learned that she finds joy in going all out and trying to win no matter what it takes to do it. Funny, she's kinda like Coral in that regard (that instance in Terastal Debut where she used Self-Destruct against Larry in which she said "Why does that matter? A win's a win!" highlights her approach, ie take the opponent down no matter what, disregard everything else).

I could probably think of more examples but she's definitely got a more selfish side behind her caring nature, for lack of better word, hiding a rather big ego underneath her empathetic and compassionate personality. It's kind of interesting. She's so considerate of others that she often puts aside her own desires so that others can get theirs, but deep down she does have a lot of personal wants and desires and a lot of feelings that she buries and pushes aside because she doesn't want others to hate her or feel hurt by her. Behind her selfless personality on the other hand she's weirdly kind of an egomaniac who feels really good about herself when she does get what she wants or things go her personal way. Well kind of might be understating it for that matter too. She's perhaps really egomaniacal deep down but refuses to act on her seemingly massive ego so that others don't hate her for it.

I'm probably looking into it a bit too much and I'm probably spewing nonsense too but I feel like that's something. Liko is definitely genuinely compassionate and empathetic to others' feelings but often bottles up and pushes aside her own, but her own feelings seem to point to someone who is ironically really egocentric at the same time as she is selfless and caring, which is kinda paradoxical but also...interesting.

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: daily transits 9/16

Today, 9/16, the Pisces Moon weaves a thread of compassion, empathy, and emotional depth into the cosmic energies. Luna’s shift into Pisces at 2:39 a.m. on Monday morning sets the tone for a reflective and sensitive start to the week. This watery Moon works to soften the atmosphere, which is necessary as Venus opposes Chiron, bringing up emotional wounds that can make us more sensitive or defensive. Midday on Monday, a helpful Moon–Mars trine supports healing actions, though misunderstandings loom later with a polarizing Moon–Mercury opposition just before midnight. As we navigate this three-day period, emotional understanding, communication, and healing are the key themes.

Key Influences

Pisces Moon:Empathy and Emotional Healing: The Moon’s entrance into Pisces early Monday morning imbues the next few days with a heightened sense of empathy, intuition, and emotional depth. Pisces is a water sign, known for its compassion and ability to feel the collective emotional undercurrents. This transit can encourage a softer, more introspective approach to life, where we’re more likely to tune into our emotions, dreams, and the needs of others. However, it can also increase our sensitivity, making us more vulnerable to emotional overwhelm or confusion. The Pisces Moon encourages us to go with the flow, trust our intuition, and embrace vulnerability as part of the healing process.

Venus Opposite Chiron:Wounds in Relationships: The Venus–Chiron opposition, which perfects on Monday, brings a focus on relationship wounds, self-worth issues, and vulnerabilities in love. Chiron, the "wounded healer," often reveals old, unhealed emotional scars, particularly in the areas of relationships, love, and self-esteem when opposing Venus. This aspect can make us more reactive, defensive, or sensitive to perceived slights, especially in romantic or close relationships. While the Venus–Chiron opposition can trigger discomfort or pain, it also offers an opportunity for deep emotional healing. By acknowledging our vulnerabilities and being compassionate with ourselves and others, we can heal old wounds and cultivate greater emotional resilience.

Moon Trine Mars:Supportive Action and Emotional Courage: The Pisces Moon forms a trine with Mars in Cancer on Monday afternoon at 2:03 p.m., providing a harmonious flow of energy between our emotions and our actions. Mars in Cancer is protective and nurturing, while the Pisces Moon is compassionate and empathetic, making this a good time for emotionally driven actions that promote healing and understanding. Whether it’s smoothing over disagreements, offering support to others, or taking courageous steps in addressing emotional matters, this trine helps to ease tensions and promote constructive, compassionate action. It encourages us to channel our emotional energy into actions that foster healing and support.

Moon Opposite Mercury:Misunderstandings and Communication Challenges: Later on Monday night, the Pisces Moon forms an opposition with Mercury in Virgo at 11:43 p.m. This aspect can create communication challenges, as the emotional, intuitive Pisces Moon clashes with the logical, analytical Mercury in Virgo. Misunderstandings, miscommunications, or heightened emotional reactions are likely under this aspect. It’s not a good time to try to resolve disagreements or have serious conversations, as emotions may cloud judgment, and words may be easily misinterpreted. Instead, it’s better to wait until the emotional intensity subsides and clarity returns before addressing any contentious issues.

Integrating the Influences

Nurturing Emotional Sensitivity:Pisces Moon and Venus–Chiron Opposition: With the Pisces Moon enhancing our sensitivity and Venus opposing Chiron, it’s important to be gentle with ourselves and others. The themes of vulnerability, emotional wounds, and self-worth are likely to arise, particularly in our relationships. This is a time to embrace empathy, practice active listening, and offer support where needed. Rather than shying away from difficult emotions, we can use the healing energy of Pisces and Chiron to confront our wounds with compassion and understanding. This is also an excellent time for creative or spiritual activities that allow us to process emotions in a non-verbal way, such as journaling, meditation, or artistic expression.

Channeling Emotions into Positive Action:Moon–Mars Trine: The supportive trine between the Moon and Mars on Monday afternoon offers an opportunity to channel our emotions into positive, healing actions. Whether it’s resolving conflicts, taking steps toward personal healing, or offering help to others, this aspect provides the emotional courage and motivation to act with compassion and empathy. If tensions arise from the Venus–Chiron opposition, this trine helps to smooth things over and restore harmony. It’s a good time to address emotional issues in a proactive and nurturing way, rather than letting them fester.

Avoiding Miscommunications:Moon Opposite Mercury: The Moon’s opposition to Mercury late Monday night can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, or emotional misinterpretations. To avoid unnecessary conflict, it’s best to avoid having difficult or emotionally charged conversations during this time. The Pisces Moon may make us more prone to emotional reactions, while Mercury in Virgo seeks precision and logic. This can create a disconnect between what we’re feeling and how we’re communicating. If disagreements arise, it’s better to hold off on discussing them until the emotional intensity subsides and we can approach the situation with more clarity and rationality.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)

[santoschristos]

CONCERNING THE AGE OF AQUARIUS AND ITS SHADOW

Since around 1997, we’ve been transitioning into the new astrological era of Aquarius, the dominant energy, or archetype of the collective unconscious which, through both creation of the new and destruction (of the obsolete), is now relentlessly shaping and energising all major global changes and events, both within and through the individual, and throughout the shared World Soul.

The guiding movement of Aquarius is symbolised as the individual human pouring the contained Water of Life upon the Earth. What this means is that through Aquarius as the human ‘incarnation’ of the divine, the power of God (as the core archetype of the World Soul) is being transferred from projected belief in an external deity, to the consciously whole individual who (at best) reunites all the opposing energies of life and humbly serves the World, by becoming a receptive vessel and vehicle of (what I’d describe as) the ‘previously unconscious Water of Life now being consciously shared’.

This is not, in other words, power to be used egotistically, hedonistically, tyrannically, or selfishly, but rather sacred power as wisdom, reverence for life, empathy and discernment which, when wielded with care and compassion, is able to counteract its dangerous shadow: the destructive, dark facet of the opposing energy of Leo - as the domineering ‘love of power’.

Individually, Aquarius is about finding our own spiritual truth and following our unique life path as the Tao of the ‘divine self’; it’s about living from an authentic core that, through the heart, is in empathic touch with the circumferential whole of life as an interwoven, interdependent web of relationships. C. G. Jung described the conscious realisation of this centred fullness of being as the ongoing journey of ‘individuation’, the unfolding of a personal wholeness that ultimately reconciles the human and the divine - and the World to itself.

As the polar opposite of Aquarius, Leo is the archetype of kingly power and courageous leadership; in its positive, or creative aspect, this is the charismatic golden Sun, the tribal Lion around whom others gladly gather and circle, the inspiring lighter of the path to the Grail. (As a Leo Sun, Jung was a prime example of this kind of natural authority, personal magnetism, moral courage and ‘leadership through shining example’.)

In contrast, the oppressive, or ‘dark’ face of Leo as the unconscious shadow of Aquarius, tends to manifest through control of the masses and suppression of individuality via enforced conformity, erosion of human rights, globally disseminated propaganda, and other forms of power-grabbing tyranny. Through the efforts of those ‘pulling the strings’, this unfolds through attempts to rob the individual of self-determination which invest power in key central locations, people, political structures, religious hierarchies, institutions, corporations, or organisations.

As the energy of Aquarius intensifies, so does its shadow side become increasingly activated; because the transition into Aquarius is a titanic global shift reflecting a ‘changing of the guard’ within the deepest level of the psyche - the collective unconscious - the tension between the two opposing tendencies of individuation and the annihilation of individual freedom will manifest in worldwide trends, conflicts, crises and events. Here global tyranny may erupt in many guises, from discrimination against, or demonising of certain groups of people on the basis of race, gender, medical status, political or religious beliefs; to restricting activities, travel, or freedoms through the use of coercion, draconian laws, threatening, bullying, punishing, or rewarding (for compliance).

It lies in the hands and hearts of each of us either to hinder, or help midwife, earth and nurture the transition into Aquarius that is ruthlessly unfolding as the ‘old ways’ and hierarchical structures break down, are swept aside, or exposed through bringing to light hidden power agendas that attempt to undermine our individual freedom and ethical duty to care for our World and remain true to the unique law of our own being.

We help to birth this new ‘Age’ when we’re prepared to undertake the hard but rewarding ‘inner work’ of consciously befriending all the energies of life, through which we withdraw the ‘projection’ of our (often despised) unconscious shadow onto others. Once free of the need to project our disowned, idolised, disliked, or repressed shadow - through which others are demonised, ostracised, deified, or deemed to be inferior - we are free to respond to life with discernment and compassion, through which the detached love of truth and the empathic truth of love work together as complementary, intuitive guides to wisdom, justice (for all) and ethical life that honours, firstly, the right of all of us to live free from tyranny; secondly, the responsibility we all have to serve the World Soul with heart-centred care and compassion, as we selflessly offer the unique gift which we each are. Maureen B. Roberts, PhD 'A Message from Celtic Shaman “The Dark” Nathair'

Image: Zeus, Dark Side of Aquarius by Mahaboka

[bootlegramdomneess]

What Will be the OutCome?

I was feeling bored and decided to ask my tarot cards a question...THE question. What are the writers intention for Sydney and Carmy? Here's what I pulled:

Starting in the middle (the top row). We have 7 of cups, 4 of swords, and 2 of cups. The bottom row, we have the 10 of cups, queen of cups, and the 2 of wands. On the outside, we have the hermit on the left, The world on top, and the Empress on the right.

When I read cards, I interpret them as though it’s a story. But first, let me identify some key words/phrases I’m hearing as I’m looking at these cards: healing from the past, taking care of your mental health. Withdrawing from something, making a choice, illusion, staying out of delusion. Emotional stability, harmony, contentment, creation, reset, finding your purpose, falling In love, coming full circle.

I will say this: their outcome looks good. Beautiful in fact. I’m interpreting these cards as the writer’s intention for these characters together.

Okay, so let’s start with the top row (7 of cups, 4 of swords 2 of cups)- The story is, both characters are making a choice. We left off on season 3 with Sydney having to make a choice concerning staying or going, and Carmy’s choice is about the C person. The 7 of cups represents choices, having options, being discerning in making the right choice, not being delusional or falling into delusion, not living in an illusion. This speaks to where both characters left off this season. Shapiro’s offer seems too good to be true. The 7 of cups is all about making sure you don’t make the wrong choice because, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Carmy is torn up about the C person. He thrives in delusion with his idolization of her, and what she really means to him. She is an illusion.

With the 4 of swords in between the 2 of cups and 7 of cups, this tells me there will be more emotional overwhelm. The 4 of swords represents a reset. It represents taking the time away to rest, get better mentally and physically. These 2 will be tired, but with the two of cups, it tells me they will heal each other. It’s a beautiful card. You see the two hands entwined over the cup full of water with the rainbows coming up? They’ll both be filling each other’s cups. It’s a card of emotional comfort, connecting with someone on a deeply emotional and intimate level, flirting,healing each other’s wounds. Falling in love.

Let’s take a look at the bottom row: We have the 10 of cups, Queen of cups, and 2 of wands. I also want you to pay attention to the top row because I am also looking at this vertically. The 10 of cups represent harmony in your relationships, happiness, contentment, fulfillment, and gratitude. With the 7 of cups on top of the 10 of cups, it tells me Carmy and Sydney will make the right choice for themselves ,which will bring on true fulfillment and harmony. (The options they have presented to them are making them miserable.)

The queen of cups represents emotional stability, empathy, compassion, being IN THE FLOW whether in a relationship with someone, your career etc. These two will heal. They’re both suffering with panic and anxiety and the queen of cups tells me they will find a way toward emotional stability. Toward dealing with their issues with themselves and each other.

Further proof of this is the four of swords on top of the queen of cups. This reset will give them emotional stability.  With the 2 of cups sitting in the diagonal position from the queen of wands, it shows me they will find emotional stability through their relationship/ partnership somehow. 2 of wands is about taking the first step after figuring out where you’re going. It’s also a card of stepping out of your comfort zone. Planning for the future, The two of cups is on top of this and oh boy, to me, that means these two will first discover their feelings for each other and then admit it to each other. They could also possibly travel somewhere.

Now, let’s look at the outside, we have: 1.The Hermit, 2.the World, and 3.The Empress. I’ll look at this as the past, present, and future.  (The Hermit and The world were the first 2 cards to jump out of the deck as I shuffled and asked the question).  

Okay 3 major arcana cards for the overall answer. Big Life Stuff guys.  The hermit represents a time of withdrawing and going within. It represents a fork in the road  and having to go within and do some deep, deep meditating and contemplation to discern where you are going in life. Will they go right or left? Also, it means to recuperate from the harder parts of life. It’s also an indication that you need to make more of an effort to get closer to someone. For me, I see, the separation is already happening, but this is needed because with the Hermit, it also means coming from a time of loneliness and isolation in order to recuperate and RESET. Sydney and Carmy need this in order to get back to where they were going.

The World means coming full circle. A sense of achievement, a sense of belonging,  finding your purpose, reaching your goals. These are things Sydney and Carmy will receive once they heal their relationship. Also, this confirms for me we will see these two travel…that may be apart of their reset.

Finally, we have the Empress. This card means so many things. Finding your power, Sensuality, nurturance, creation, creativity, love, marriage, commitment, pregnancy. The Empress, represents The Bear, Their relationship, their creativity. The Bear is Sydney and Carmy's baby. They will nurture it. They will nurture their relationship. Their creativity will be off the charts. They will commit to each other both as partners and lovers.

Well…there you have it folks..what do we think?

[saintescuderia]

The Growing Cracks of Formula 1

Even Lightning McQueen could show compassion

Well.

We all know what’s going on here. All the news sources are around it, trying as they may to talk about the thing they’re legally not allowed to directly address even though you best believe everyone has already seen the screenshots. I mean, a quick Google search that included, of course, the key word of reddit and I could find it.

And, oh, the rumours. There’s so many rumours flying back and forth. This person was told this. That person said that. They’re leaving. They’re leaving if they is leaving. It’s endless. Yet, we’ve all seemed to miss the key point.

I’ve already written about the cult side of F1 and how insular the world of ‘pinnacle motorsport’ truly is. Those thoughts are not the singular musings of one outlier fan. It seems the main response everyone is having is now can we finally address this?

Someone came forward with allegations and what has followed has been the most unprofessional storm of utter horse shit that is embarrassing, painful and disappointing. Though, perhaps, this is just to show how one wave could rock a boat so bad. Maybe F1 already had its cracks?

It was unfortunate that it took what it took, but at least now there can finally be conversations to the unjust nature of F1 , how cutthroat it is — and not in the sense of pressure on drivers and the team, but that there is a lack of fucking human compassion.

We’re not machines. Perhaps some people have been working alongside them for so long that they forget the difference between us and a car. Cars are the perfectly fine tuned pieces of machinery, calculated to the most singular finite measurement.

We are far more incomplete than that.

Any issues that arise with a car can be a ‘simple’ fix. Usually, we can find a reason for the problem and, therefore, the solution to it. Humans aren’t problems to be fixed, solved or removed. There is pain. There is empathy. There is genuine compassion.

I’ve used that word twice now because I think it hits home. That is what has been missing through this whole ordeal. This is not a business transaction or legal issue. First and foremost is the humanity is what’s happening in front of us and what message that is sending out.

So instead of dismissing a victim to generate news buzz about rumours or using the evidence to make memes, can we all just take moment to remember we’re all human beings.

Have some decency, please.

[slickbackdani]

Since Macklemore is officially Back-lemore™️, I want to take the time, before Pride Month draws to a close, to deliver a heartfelt "go fuck yourself" to everyone who called him homophobic years ago.

For those not in the know: 11 years ago, Macklemore released "Same Love", a song in which he voiced his his support of LGBT equality and opposition to the oppression and discrimination we face. It was a very moving, powerful, heartfelt ballad that was one of the early markers that the social justice movement was here to stay…

Or at least, that's what I would say if that same social justice movement didn't gang up on Macklemore and declare him the enemy, smearing him as a homophobe because… he talks about gay rights issues despite not being gay himself.

I've heard all the arguments, and they're all bullshit.

"He talks at length about not being gay, so he's ashamed of associating with us!"

First of all, his explanation of his sexuality is limited to the first half of the first verse. The entire rest of the song is dedicated to the message "homophobia is wrong and LGBT people deserve equal rights." Second, his explanation of his sexuality isn't just some "no homo" clarification, but an illustration of how far-reaching homophobic stereotypes are in our society and how they can give children the wrong idea.

"He used the F-slur!"

Take a look at the context he was using it in, smart one.

Our culture founded from oppression, yet we don't have acceptance for 'em

Call each other f——ts behind the keys of a message board

A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it

He wasn't calling anyone the F-slur or saying anyone should be called that. He was using it as an example of homophobic language that should never be used because it is bigoted and cruel. DEPICTION IS NOT ENDORSEMENT!

"He's paternalistically trying to speak for a group he doesn't belong to!"

No. No. No the fuck he isn't. If you listen to the actual lyrics, he's just making the basic statement that LGBT people deserve equal rights and that bigotry against us is wrong. Aside from the tiny minority of LGBT conservatives who try to move up in the world by sucking up to their oppressors and throwing their fellow queers under the bus, I can't imagine how the LGBT community as a whole would have any reason to object to any of that! He's not speaking for us; he's standing with us. The only ones trying to "speak for us" is you, doing this whole "I'm offended for you" schtick and thinking you know better than we do who our enemies are.

"He's from the privileged majority, he's never been oppressed before, so he can't really know what it's like and therefore doesn't really care!"

I can't believe I have to say this, but being privileged doesn't automatically make someone an evil bigoted monster who is incapable of basic human empathy or compassion. Since most of the people who slimed Macklemore were themselves straight people claiming to support LGBT rights — looking at you, Cody Johnston — THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT!

I'm genuinely baffled at the cognitive dissonance on display here. "Any straight person claiming to support LGBT Rights is a liar," says a group of straight people who claim to support LGBT rights. Are you honestly expecting me to believe that every single one of you are the exceptions to this rule you're claiming is otherwise immutable? From this, I'm forced to draw one of two conclusions:

You're Projecting. You're accusing Macklemore of not really caring about us and only using us for clout because you don't really care about us and are only using us for clout. I don't want to believe this is true, but look. If you're a straight person, and you see another straight person claiming to support LGBT rights, and your immediate reaction is to call them a liar, and you specifically use their straightness as evidence that they're lying… you're telling on yourself.

You're Fishing for Compliments. You think that, if you publicly flagellate yourself enough with this "all straight people are automatically evil" bullshit, the God Emperor of Gayness will descend from on high to officially declare you "one of the good ones" and ease your straight guilt.

I'll admit the second option isn't nearly as bad as the first, but it's still shitty because — to borrow some words from the Rap Critic — you're essentially clogging up an important conversation about our rights and freedoms just to beg us to confirm that you're not bad people. If you really cared about us, you wouldn't be making it about you in the first place!

And I'm sure there are some gays who were also ganging up on Macklemore and declaring him an oppressor and a bigot just like everyone else, and I have a message for them, too.

Darling. Bro. Baby gays. Listen.

The purpose of Pride isn't to tell all straight people everywhere to fuck off and die. It's to specifically fight back against the bigots and oppressors who have held positions of authority in our society since time immemorial, to undermine their power and create a free, equal society for everyone. I can't remember who first said this, but the struggle of social justice isn't "minorities vs non-minorities", but "minorities and non-minorities vs the system."

Here we had a straight person outspokenly demonstrating how emphatically he supports our fight for freedom and wholeheartedly agrees with us that oppressing us is wrong… so why the fuck were you treating him, personally, as the enemy?

You'd do well to remember the words of George Santayana: "Fanaticism consists in redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim."

[thetreehousenews]

TREE HOUSE NEWS🏡

Land of The Whispering Pines

Good morning! I pray that you all be well, at peace, provided for, and blessed🙏🌅

Well, to tell the truth, ain't much difference in the weather today than any other day before, it is a carbon copy of yesterday, or was that the day before yesterday last week, month, I don't know, but look at the mess I'm in, Oh, woe is me! MORE CLOUDS!🤪😜😝

But then there is an orange Schmuck-man in the white house who thinks he's the kink 👑of Bizarromarica.

Now pass me the fiddle, please. It's time to dance a little, don't you know? Dance every time an angel steps on a cockroach.💃👼👣🪳🤣

Just thinking about that orange thing made me feel like skipping breakfast.😡💩😝

EARTH ANGELS ARISE!👼 Only you know who you are; the time has arrived. Democrat and Republican leaders alike, grow a backbone, or this empire WILL FALL into dust and disarray.🌪💨

CANADIANS🍁 need more than ever to hold hands and stand by for heavy rolls as the ship comes about.🌊⛵️ That will be about it from the Newsroom for now. Now it's time for the Discussion of the Day.

TODAY'S DISCUSSION:

For the last couple of days, I have been discussing the concept of empathy and Earth angels, as I see it, they are an integral part of one another. Technically, you need both parts within the same component to make the rest of the mechanism work.

- Google Search -

Empathy is often considered a key trait of Earth Angels, who are believed to be spiritually sensitive individuals with a strong connection to the natural world and a mission to help others. Earth Angels are thought to be naturally drawn to helping and healing, often experiencing the emotions of others deeply. Their sensitivity and compassion are seen as essential tools in fulfilling their earthly purpose.

In other words, just normal human beings with the same feelings as the average person, just with a deeper sense of tiny energetic impulses, if channeled through the ears, you can hear a person's heartbeat without using instruments. The senses go to a depth of, just - a guess -, on a one to ten scale, I would guess from personal experience, let us say the average human perceptions are a 5 on my 1 to 10 scale, I would be at about an 8, even with my physical hearing being impaired somewhat, I can still sense the vibrations of the lower sound waves.

Humans possess a wide range of sensitivities across different senses. For hearing, the audible range is generally considered to be between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, with the greatest sensitivity to frequencies between 1,000 Hz and 3,000 Hz. In terms of light, humans are most sensitive to wavelengths around 555 nm under daylight conditions, shifting to 507 nm at night. Vibrations are sensed over a broader range than sound, from well below 1 Hz up to at least 100 kHz. Additionally, individuals vary in their level of sensitivity, with some being more sensitive to stimuli than others.

BREAKING NEWS:

Trump to announce trade deal with UK as tariffs continue to spark economic uncertainty

What we're covering:

• Trade deal: President Donald Trump said he will make a significant trade announcement with the United Kingdom at the White House this morning, adding that that it will be “the first of many.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will make a statement about the outcome of trade talks with the US later today.

• What could be in the agreement?

• Ongoing negotiations:

Updated 10:47 AM EDT, Thu May 8, 2025 - CNN -

Americans have rushed to beat Trump's tariffs

President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff regime is widely expected to jack up prices in the US. That has American consumers and businesses rushing to buy what they can to avoid that sticker shock.

Retail sales surged 1.4% in March, the strongest monthly gain since January 2023, which was largely driven by a car-buying frenzy that economists attributed to consumers trying to get ahead of Trump’s 25% tariff on imported cars, which went into effect in April. Additional levies on auto parts went into effect earlier this month.

Businesses also haven’t wasted any time. Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic output, declined at an annualized rate of 0.3% in the beginning of the year, the first quarterly contraction since 2022, on a surge in imports that far outstripped exports, subtracting from GDP. Business investment was up in the first quarter for the same reason.

But those brief buying sprints will eventually fade — and it’s unclear what any trade deals will mean for consumer spending and business investment moving forward.

Updated 9:53 AM EDT, Thu May 8, 2025 - CNN -

Bill Gates announces plan to give 'virtually all' his money away and end the Gates Foundation in 20 years

When Bill and Melinda French Gates created the Gates Foundation in 2000, they had planned for the organization to continue its work, using their remaining fortune, for several decades after they died. But now, the billionaire Microsoft founder says he doesn't want to wait that long to give away most of his wealth.

Gates announced on Thursday that he now plans to distribute "virtually all" of his wealth — around $200 billion, he estimates — within the next 20 years, before shuttering the foundation on December 31, 2045.

The announcement comes as President Donald Trump's administration is working to slash funding for health, foreign aid, and other public assistance programs — the types of causes the Gates Foundation supports — raising concerns about stalled progress on research and other crucial projects.

Updated 10:07 AM EDT, Thu May 8, 2025 - CNN -

Now, there is no better way to describe an EARTH ANGEL.

I believe that the light has begun to shine through a light beam of hope through the storm clouds.

Ontario greenlights construction of Canada's first small modular reactor

Ontario Power Generation wants to build 4 mini nuclear power plants at a total cost of $20.9B

Premier Doug Ford's government has given Ontario Power Generation the green light to start construction on Canada's first small modular reactor, a new nuclear energy technology to be built next door to the Darlington power plant.

The small modular reactor (SMR) would provide 300 megawatts of power, enough electricity to supply about 300,000 homes, according to briefing documents from Ontario's Ministry of Energy and Mines.

It would be the first of four such reactors that OPG aims to build on the site, at a total project cost of $20.9 billion, in an effort to meet what's forecast to be a steep rise in demand for electricity in the province.

Posted: May 08, 2025 9:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 31 minutes ago

- CBC -

"WOW!" Two pieces of good newses in one day? "Hey Ma, whars should I hang the crucifix?" Especially with Ford in charge.😆

Turned away, then jailed, family makes third attempt to enter Canada

Aracely Serrano and her two daughters spent 2 weeks in a U.S. holding cell after Canada turned them away

Aracely Serrano arrived on Monday, shortly after 8:30 a.m., in the parking lot next to the U.S. port of entry in Niagara Falls, N.Y., where she had recently been detained along with her common-law husband and two daughters in a windowless holding cell for two weeks.

She pulled a light blue suitcase and a black backpack from the trunk of a vehicle that ferried Serrano and her two daughters, Madelin, 14, and Itzayana, 4, from a shelter in Buffalo, N.Y,, to the parking lot.

The trio walked past the stone walls of the U.S. port of entry, beneath the bulbous eyes of the surveillance cameras, and through the metal turnstiles below the sign that read, "Entry to Canada."

Posted: May 08, 2025 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 32 minutes ago

- CBC -

Let us all pray that this will be the third good newses of the day.

NATURE'S SOUNDS AND MUSIC:

🪷🌼~A springtime melody in nature's garden~🌼🪷