#10 lines on independence day for class 1

[thedexcat]

VotV Speculation Megapost

(For posterity's sake, the latest major release is 0.8) (Also, buckle in. This post is a long one.) (Edit 9/20/24: Added Addendum 1) (Edit 10/14/24: Added Addendum 2) It should be extremely obvious, but spoilers ahead.

As we all know, Voices of the Void has a "story breadcrumbs" approach to its plot. Combine that with its alpha status, and we're left with a lack of hard answers. However, some pieces did seem to click into place. This is far from anything definitive, but here are some of the conclusions I've drawn. Let's start with everybody's favorite:

Part 1: The Arirals

god i want one to hold me like that

You know em. You love em. Like 90% of the fanart is about them. But the question is... what the hell are they doing here? Judging by the fact that they construct a campsite in the facility, they clearly expect to be here for a while. A common interpretation I hear from people is that the ones out in the facility are either political refugees, or just some sort of benign "tourist group". I've personally come to a different conclusion. Let's consider what they brought with them.

Exhibit A: The weapon (left)

The weapon they drop around Day 24 is no mere Star Trek phaser. If you drop it in the main building, pretty much EVERYTHING in the building is going to be sent flying from the resulting blast. Not only that, but the "human-wieldable" version that can be unlocked for the sandbox mode has one hell of a fire rate. Something tells me that there's no way in hell this thing is a civilian-grade weapon. And, as established in a previous post of mine, they're kitted out in full-body armored stealth suits.

Exhibit B: The stealth suit (Kerf dutifully remains there for scale)

These aren't tourists or runaways. They're goddamn Black Ops. But you're probably asking, "If that's what they are, then why do they have nothing better to do than to steal shrimp and prank you?" Don't worry, I'll get to that later. Eventually. Maybe.

For now, let's move on to a third thing of theirs: The letter to Kel.

Exhibit C: Esraniki's Letter (D-, see me after english class)

This is the letter left at the Ariral camp if you have maxxed reputation with them. There's one line in particular that's always stood out to me. "GET WE HOME YOU GET DEATH AVOID" So... why can't they go home? Let's review: A: They have perfectly functional spacecraft parked right behind you. Even if they were broken, surely some random Pre-FTL primitive wouldn't be able to help with a mechanical failure in their technology. Hell, they buzz you at the radio tower with one. So there seems to be nothing physically stopping them from leaving. B: They've come kitted out with some serious weapons and armor C: Something in the facility is drawing the attention of all manner of extraterrestrials (and ghosts and demons. are 'metaterrestrials' a good word for them?) So my take? They're monitoring something, waiting for an opportunity to act upon it. (In keeping with the Patch Note naming convention, I will be calling this unknown something "The Threat") Not only that, this 'opportunity' may only open up with the assistance of a human. But what could Dr. Kel possibly do that an Ariral couldn't? Well, I can think of one thing he can do better... Interface with human technology.

Exhibit D: Ariral Communique (quality: shit) Computer technology isn't some universal constant. You can't make a program and expect it to magically run on alien technology with an unknown architecture. This ain't Independence Day. The fact that the Arirals barely managed to send a heavily-garbled message to Kel's computer, quite frankly, speaks of an extreme amount of effort on their part. And it was all just to say the word "OUTSIDE".

If The Threat has some ties to human technology, then perhaps Kel actually could be more qualified to deal with it than the Ariral Black Ops. Hmm... An unknown threat with ties to human technology. Could it possibly involve...

Part 2: The Incredibly Suspicious Bunker

"I left a 'Do not enter' note on the floor. That'll stop people from investigating!" This damn thing is quite obviously, as TVtropes would put it, The Very Definitely Final Dungeon. It is my firm belief that this is what the Arirals were sent to monitor, and where The Threat can be found. But we can't really get much further in than a few doors. So... what's in there? An easy assumption to make is that it's some sort of fallout/storm shelter. But something nearby might tell a different story...

Exhibit E: *squints* ...Liberty Prime? If you take a metal detector over to the bunker entrance, you'll quickly discover a buried drive nearby. The image you just saw is its contents. It's clear that something is being depicted here. What exactly it is, well, that's hard to say. but if you look at that teeny tiny thing at the top, you'll see something that looks like the Alpha base and its radio tower

oh god we're getting into crusty duende video territory now

What this says to me is that there is a colossal something underneath the base. Some sort of mega-facility? Unnatural cave formations? Something else entirely? Or I could be looking at it entirely wrong. But the point is, it's very likely that something extremely expansive is down there.

What if we could just take a peek a liiiittle bit further in? Well, there is ONE way...

Exhibit F: The Least Cursed Elevator in Horror Fiction

Roughly around 3:33 each night, there is a chance that a camera inside the bunker will become active. It's monitoring what appears to be a heavy-duty elevator coated in blood. An elevator like this would also indicate something buried deep underneath the base. Say, this elevator seems familiar...

Exhibit G: Monique Santificer's Extremely Ominous Foreshadowing

...Huh. I'm sure that only means good things. So we have a Hellivator and evidence that there's some place that you'd need a Hellivator to get to. Are there any other clues around? Well, there's that handy instruction book on robotics. You can make your own little friend!

POV: You're 5'11 and she's 6'0 And... Oh! looking back at that camera, it looks like someone else made their... their own... friend...

Exhibit H: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA- ...I don't think they followed the instructions to the letter. So it seems the people in the bunker were working on combining robots and, er, 'biomass'. I don't think our meaty friend here is The Threat itself, but I do believe that it is some aspect of it, or at least a result of it. And whatever The Threat is, it seems to be "leaking" out of the bunker. After all, this toothy bot here seems to have little siblings burrowing out from underground!

Exhibit I: should start running Kerfus. Kerfur. Whatever name they have, they love you! Such a shame that the flesh inhabiting their chassis does not.

they seriously recalled the ++ models over a little thing like this, smh Something deep underground, cursed flesh, and occult sigils. Hmm. Things would tie together neatly if there were, say, some sort of demon around associated with flesh and dark depths.

Part 3: Furfur (and conclusions)

"I WATCH YOU SHIT AT NIGHT" The Great Earl of Hell and raw flesh afficianato, it's Furfur! Demonology refers to him as a liar, but also a teacher of secrets. And he seems to really really like flesh. Not bones, though. He's always leaving those behind.

They say that if you burn an offering of flesh at his altar, he'll give you a marketable Furfur plushie!

The children who survived loved them! Interestingly, there's a certain location connected to Furfur: The bottom of the well. If you pass out at the bottom of the well, you will end up in a (dream of a?) mysterious structure.

Exhibit J: all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well

A few things of note in this place: -More demonic sigils -The only 'exit' is a tunnel leading upward with a broken ladder. And even if you could reach up there, Furfur's giant skull-face is blocking the way. -A unique knife, which when examined in the inventory, says that it was found "deep underground".

How very interesting that this flesh-loving demon has his own little place down in the depths of the earth. And you say the bunker reaching downwards has been spawning horrific robot-flesh amalgamations? Robots that are specifically of human design?

Well then. So here's what I think is going down:

no i'm not crazy it's invisible alien catgirls versus demon cyborgs you weren't listening were you?

-Some scientists from before did a Very Bad Thing in the bunker depths. If I had to venture a guess, it's that they bargained with Furfur for secrets of the flesh, perhaps in the pursuit of cybernetics, biocomputers, or somesuch. This resulted in the Very Bad Thing happening, thus creating The Threat. -The Threat was contained to some extent, but is starting to noticeably leak out. It is also severe enough to have drawn extraterrestrial attention. -The Arirals have sent a squad to monitor the situation and act if necessary. Seeing as there's been no urgent need to act as of yet, they are bored out of their skulls and taking it out on you. -The fact that the bunker hasn't been blown up by catgirl black ops already says to me that the situation down there is delicate, and a 'guns-blazing' approach would be inadvisable. Not only that, but The Threat seems to be tied to technology they have little knowledge of. They would most likely need outside assistance if they want a 'clean' resolution to the problem. -And wouldn't you know it? Right there in the facility is some nerdy, crusty, half-crazed twink that seems to be very proficient in handling human technology. How very convenient.

"average person eats 3 roaches a year" factoid actually just statistical error. Dr. Kel, who-

That's how I think this ties together, personally. Of course, there's always unaccounted for 'loose ends' that may or may not be tied to the Bunker Conspiracy (the rozital pit in particular has been bugging me with its vagueness). Plus there's always the chance that I misinterpreted things like a dumbass. There were a few other smaller things I wanted to cover, but my fingers hurt from typing, and my ability to hyperfixate has its limits. And sorry if the screengrabs are a bit mismatched, I've already spent hours on this post without having to get screenshots from the game myself. If anyone actually read through this monstrosity of a post, congratulations! If you're as deeply brainrotted as I am, feel free to point out the reasons I'm dumb and wrong :)

Addendum 1: Meta Aspects

no, not this. wrong place. wrong time.

Every now and then I hear talk of lore clarifications in Discord servers, Google Docs, etc. Will I be covering these?

(source) The reason? I want to give my impressions based purely on the work as published. Death of the Author and whatnot. The furthest I'll reach 'outside' the games are those ambiguous little teasers on YouTube, which you don't have to be in any 'specific server' or anything to see.

haha what if funni meme robot was irreversibly corrupted by the horrors?

Think of it as me giving a form of feedback on how the game is presented as an isolated work. Anyway, I'll be posting another Addendum later, connecting more demon stuff to the bunker. Fun! One thing I intend to investigate between then and now is a rumor of a very poorly documented... item interaction. As a little preview, consider this note.

It seems, in my pursuit of knowledge regarding a mysterious bunker in an incomplete videogame story, I find myself investigating a skeletal entity of ambiguous origin described as having a single glowing eye. God. Fucking. Dammit. Every time with this shit.

This always seems to happen whenever the protagonist is bullied by tall monstergirls

Addendum 2: Classified

Progress on my investigation has been slow due to a combination of poor RNG and real-life stuff. Fun fact: I've never encountered the fossilhound in my many months of playing, and it looks like that won't change anytime soon!

I'll get you one day, ya boney bastard. In the meantime, it seems that someone has leaked classified pokemon data communications from our employers...

And just who do we encounter within the first few weeks?

Our classified documents are their vacation photos

So it seems that at the very least, our employers seem to be aware of the Arirals. So to what end do they want to draw them out? And why would the Arirals show any particular interest in a human presence in this facility specifically?

They clearly seem to be hiding their presence from the world at large with their cloaking ships and whatnot, but they seem almost eager to grab the attention of anyone working at this particular site.

And, as everyone already knows, Arirals are certified Goobers. They form like 3/5ths of the Counsel of Goobers*. The ones we encounter at the very least are very much not what our employers expect to kill us. So our employers are also aware of the existence of some other threat, possibly even THE Threat. *the remaining members are Kerfuses and Dinguses

Truly an incomprehensible menace from beyond the stars. (source)

Personally, I feel like this all feeds back into my previous thoughts. There is clearly a Threat at this location, and the Arirals probably believe that they may need human assistance to do something here. Or maybe I'm just biased towards whatever random thoughts got cooked up in my head.

Anyway, hopefully next time I'll be back with reports of yanking the lifecrystal out from the Fossilhound's head and shoving it up its ass. I am so, SO sick of trying to get that thing to show up.

[cityofjieun]

★ . . . . jia in 5-star era

highlights !!

they won a moonman!!!

jieunnie was among the members that had a big shocked reaction.

she, beomgyu, and jeongin took a selfie together (ily 01z).

ji also met megan thee stallion at the award show??

she had gone to the bathroom with one of their staff during the show and ran into her in the bathroom

jia is a huge fan and had to take the opportunity to compliment her performance earlier in the night. the two had a cute little convo and exchanged instas and even took a selfie together. long story short, jia is the first person in skz to follow a non-member.

she didn't get to mention the interaction to any of the members because after she returned from the bathroom, they were announced and everything was kind of a blur after

but imagine everyone's surprise when jia is trending the next morning because meg had posted the selfie on her story and stays have noticed that they are also mutuals now

also she’s so blonde now y'all.

really one of her best colors

we got tiktoks with lsf yunjin, p1h keeho, shinee key, and tbz eric.

the pilot fanmeet.

jia x seungmin x hyunjin cafe hopping rachalog.

they hit up like 4 cafes and spent time eating and chatting at all of them.

hyune brought his sketchbook and minnie brought a book while jia was writing notes for one of their dance practices.

side note: these last couple comebacks jia has really taken to helping lino monitor dance practices and stuff of that nature.

she has gained a lot of confidence in herself as a dancer.

anyways, they took some time to just do their little things independently.

it was giving very much study with me video.

a gift for the stays in school for real.

she also got to guest host on inkigayo.

this is the second time she's guest hosted on a music show and she really needs a full-time slot, someone get on that.

jia’s favorite schedule this era by far was kstar next door

she is an avid watcher of the show and was really upset to not go on last time

10/10 era

mv styling !!

photocards !!

concept a vers, concept b vers and digipack vers.

lines !!

hall of fame 0:00 - 0:20 (original: seungmin) ★ i write my name into the stars right now on gaelleorie nal namgyeo nal jungshimeuro doraga sunlight 0:57 - 1:00 (original: han) ★ ibi tteok beoreojige mandeuneun gwanggyeong legendary 1:12 - 1:16 (original: felix) ★ shaking the industry quaking reality making it iconic 2:24 - 2:29 (original: bangchan) ★ hear the people call my name here i’m on the hall of fame

sclass 0:20 - 0:28 (original: hyunjin) ★ byeollan geottuseongi byeonhameopji beonhwahaneun geori 0:57 - 1:00 (original: seungmin) ★ luxurious like i’m an s-class best of the best on first class 2:47 - 2:48 (original: han) ★ nune ttineun tenshyeon 3:11 - 3:13 (original: felix) ★ bichi beonjyeo deouk binnaneun star

item 0:52 - 0:58 (original: han) ★kkeunimeopshi i make it mine, never die 1:05 - 1:08 (original: han) ★aitemppal? igeon naeppal purop jangchak gadeuk cha 1:46 - 1:50 (original: seungmin) ★ got the best of the best nothing much, i confess 2:22 - 2:28 (original: han) ★ i do things that nobody can do god blessed, i’m the one and only

superbowl 0:37 - 0:40 (original: felix) ★ fresh taste, fresh scent fresh shape, fresh everything 2:23 - 2:29 (original: han) ★ i’ll do it again, just the way you want it i’ll do it again for the days to come 2:33 - 2:35 (original: han) ★ yeah we bring the rain

topline 0:43 - 0:48 (original: seungmin) ★ drawing, i’m moulding, i’m rolling my waves yeah i’m counting wins on the grand line 1:01 - 1:03 (original: felix ) ★ cause we dont give a fuck 1:22 - 1:25 (original: felix) ★ BOM DIGI DIGI BOM BOM BOM BOM 2:13 - 2:18 (original: jeongin) ★ gijuneul olligo mollineun moduga brave but they can’t pass me i’m the red line

dlc 0:00 - 0:11 (original: changbin) ★ we’re only going to dance like crazy It’s just that, I like it la la la 0:54 - 0:56 (original: han) ★sunrise 1:26 - 1:29 (original: felix) ★ amudo moreuge 2:50 - 2:18 (original: jeongin) ★ got me feeling like lalalala got me feeling like lalalala

get lit 0:35 - 0:40 (original: jeongin) ★ geocham soreum dotge tto hal georago saenggiji ilgeori sandeomi oh yeah 1:37 - 1:42 (original: bangchan) ★ I don’t wanna do it, I don’t wanna do it geunyang da naeryeonoko manyang michin deushi nollae 1:56 - 2:00 (original: seungmin) ★ oneul urin bureujua eokkae pyeogo danyeo dangdanghi saramdeul apeseo chumsawido 2:27 - 2:28 (original: han) ★ let's go

collision 0:31 - 0:36 (original: bangchan) ★ romantic haetteon chueok hwesang sogak haneullo heuteojyeo beorin maeyeon gatta 1:04 - 1:14 (original: hyunjin) ★ uri dul bappi chungdo 1:11 - 2:18 (original: hyunjin) ★ yeah chungdol 2:01 - 2:07 (original: seungmin) ★ shigani jina urin mannaseo buseojideora geu heunjeogi on uju jeonchereul maemdoneun i bam

fnf 0:31 - 0:37 (original: jeongin) ★ nal dulleossan fauna and flora meonjiga dwaedo i really want you back 1:26 - 1:28 (original: leeknow) ★ yeah i’ll never be the same 2:09 - 2:17 (original: bangchan) ★ i’m catching up 2:45 - 2:50 (original: felix) ★ dallyeoga jjochaga bulganeunghaed oh

youtiful 2:13 - 2:18 (original: bangchan) ★ “I don’t know if I’m ready to show myself” you worry day and night 2:13 - 2:18 (original: seungmin) ★ cause when you give me a glance i am sure that i see the universe in your yeyes 2:13 - 2:18 (original: jeongin) ★ then that little star was surely going to become the biggest thing 2:13 - 2:18 (original: hyunjin) ★ you are a miracle, miracle you are youtifull

the sound 0:48 - 0:51 (original: jeongin) ★ ttarawara da ttarawara da 1:27 - 1:30 (original: hyunjin/jeongin) ★ oh nothing better yeah nothing matters 2:12 - 2:17 (original: bangchan) ★ deo keuge nopyeo volume up jogeum deo gwitgaeneun hamseongsoriga meolli peojyeo ganda

time out 1:09 - 1:18 (original: han) ★ so come on let’s go tteona da mirugo eodideun gaja yeogiseo meolliro run to (run to) run to (run to) 2:39 - 2:47 (original: bangchan) ★ so come on pack up piryohan geon teong bin meori sallangineun baram ttaragaja we run to (run to) run to (run to)

©︎ cityofjieun, all rights reserved. pls, do not copy or repost my work.

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, today we have a rec list of bottom Louis fics where Louis is an independent omega. If you enjoy our fic rec lists and want them to continue, please be sure to like and reblog this post to help spread the word. Happy reading!

1) Something To Prove | Explicit | 9425 words

Louis is the first and only omega to work at Red Valley Medical Center. Despite being more than qualified, he still faces prejudice for his career choice everyday. From patients refusing his treatment to condescending alpha doctors intervening with his work, practicing medicine in Boston is more challenging than Louis had ever thought it would be.

2) Night Out | Mature | 9741 words | Sequel

Note: This fic has been locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Symphony hall was the first place Louis had felt at home in this city, and he always had the box to himself. Until tonight.

3) Where Do We Go Now | Explicit | 10617 words

Louis goes off to college ready to start a fresh life away from the oppressive alphas of his pack.  The odds aren't in his favour when his new dorm mate turns out to be an alpha.

Louis hates alphas.

4) Overwhelming | Explicit | 13261 words

Louis is an omega attending university to get his degree and most definitely not waste his time with unimportant things such as finding a mate. Harry is the alpha who manages to unwittingly mess up that plan.

5) Just Let Me | Mature | 14714 words

Note: This fic has been locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

The party was going well. So well, Niall had already sworn undying love to one multi-tiered chocolate cake, two friendly corgi-poodle mixes, Zayn’s hair, and the entire population of Los Angeles. So well, Zayn had only laughed and ruffled Niall’s hair and not even twitched towards a cigarette. So well, nearly everyone had spilled far past the boundaries of the night’s original plans, extracting bottles of vodka from the cabinets and losing a lot of clothes. Harry had proclaimed that he was finally going to throw a small and very grownup dinner party and of course here they were three hours later, fifty people half-naked in the pool. Soon to be full-naked, if Louis had to guess. Everybody in LA loved a heated pool. Everybody loved Harry.

6) I Still Crave It | Explicit | 16143 words

Louis is an independent omega, who doesn't need or want an alpha. When he becomes ill and meets alpha Harry, he agrees to let him take care of him and quickly gets addicted to his scent. Once he feels better though, he keeps making up lies so that the alpha continues scenting him.

7) With Love Comes Strange Currencies | Explicit | 16508 words

One day One Direction will be over and Louis won't be around Harry every waking moment. He'll be able to finally get some space, let their bond dissipate as it's bound to do, if they don't mess up again. He can move to Costa Rica and forget that Harry Styles popped his first knot inside him. Until then, he's going to have to deal with this.

8) Don’t Call Me Angel | Mature | 16648 words

Manhattan is a dangerous playground for the rich and entitled Alphas of New York. Those same wealthy Alphas are robbed after spending one night in the presence of a blue-eyed Omega and Officer Styles is assigned to the case.

9) I Didn’t Fall For You (You Fucking Tripped Me) | Explicit | 20681 words

These days Louis tends to steer clear of dating alphas. He’s dated too many knotheads in his time, and he’s ready to just focus on school and his friends and his pet monitor lizard, of course.

Too bad the alpha next door won’t take a hint and stop using the worst pick up lines of all time on him. He’s really got to stop laughing with him--and talking to him and walking to class with him and letting him bring him coffee and tea and gifts for his lizard and watching Netflix together and...

10) The Voice Of Range And Ruin | Explicit | 25470 words

It seemed as if the freshly formed Omega Uprising had always been a step or two ahead of the Commandant and the rest of the reigning Alphanian officials. The idea had been floated that there must be someone working with them from the inside, reporting back to them on the government’s plans so that they could be prepared. That person had yet to be discovered, and the Commandant and his surrounding forces had finally had enough of this game of cat and mouse. Harry understood. He agreed. It needed to come to an end, one way or another.

“Your job is to navigate their landscape and gain entry into their forces. You will pretend to be one of them and gain reliable intel for us. It’s clear that no one else has been capable of doing it, and you at least have some semblance of experience in this field. This has gone on for too long, Harry. Enough is enough.” He made direct eye contact with his son, holding it. “I’m counting on you.”

11) Yours To Lose | Mature | 25742 words

“I think I know the person that matches your descriptions of your dream alpha.”

“Who? And oh not my dream alpha, god you’re making me sound like a teenage school girl. I’m a mum, H.” They laugh as they watch kids gather in front of the verandah, getting ready to go back to the orphanage.

“Well, you’re gonna have to find out.” Harry winks before standing up to start cleaning their spot.

12) Where The Lights Are Beautiful | Mature | 31170 words | Sequel

Harry wasn’t wrong about that, not in a general sense. Lots of omegas did seek out rich alphas and betas, hoping or planning to go into heat at the right time. Plenty of omegas saw this as their duty, especially if their families weren’t well off.

Worse, Louis couldn’t honestly say he’d never thought about it.

If that had been his life, his goal, Louis would feel pretty good about himself now.

As it is…Louis feels like shit.

13) These Hallowed Woods | Not Rated | 35535 words

Louis becomes Luna of the Tomlinson Pack after the untimely death of his father, the Pack Alpha. Saddled with his newfound responsibility and an unpleasantly demanding pack council, he finds secret respite in the arms of a rogue wolf that camps out just outside his territory. The only problem? The rogue has no idea who Louis actually is, and as Louis falls harder and harder for the man he escapes to every night, the weight of his lies steers him along a path of certain misery.

14) Wild Hearts Run Free | Explicit | 42979 words

Harry is an alpha who is harbouring a dark secret, one that has forced him into self-imposed isolation, far from civilization and far from temptation.

Louis is an omega who has fought the predispositions of his secondary gender his whole life and suddenly finds himself cast aside by his beta partner, leaving him to question his place in the world.

When fate and Mother Nature conspire to trap the two strangers together, will Harry’s worst fears be proven, or will Louis find a way to break down his walls and lead him into the light?

15) Worth Dying For | Explicit | 44906 words

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Louis says, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. In the center of the table, a set of three glossy photos stares up at him, mocking him.

“A security detail is non-negotiable, Louis, you know this,” his mum reminds him, tapping the middle photo with two fingers.

Louis doesn’t look back down at the pictures, gesturing towards them wildly, over-dramatically. “This is not a security detail!” he protests. “This is a lanky college student. In what world do you hire someone like this kid to protect me?”

16) Tastes Like Summer, Smiles Like May | Explicit | 47519 words

A cold prince, an alpha with nothing left to lose and a kingdom with a secret.

17) Hold On To Your Heart | Explicit | 54183 words

The Proposal AU, where Louis is the no-nonsense editor in chief of one of the largest publishing houses in the country, and Harry is the unlucky assistant that gets roped into a fake engagement to prevent his boss from being deported. Things don't go as planned.

18) Let Your Damage, Damage Me | Explicit | 57077 words

A low and dangerous growl was ripped from the future King’s chest.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” the alpha snarled, eyes dark and nostrils flared.

Even as anger rushed through him at the alpha’s brutish display, Louis felt breathless at the intense gaze of the man that was going to be his future mate.

‘Tomorrow I’m going to be under all that. He will be inside me, all muscles and rage.’ Louis felt his cheeks heat again, but refused to be cowed. So he put his best smirk on display, the one alphas despised to see, the one that assured them all he had the upper hand.

“Thought you were expecting me, dear husband. I’m your future mate.”

19) I’ve Got You | Explicit | 62988 words

As a reward for saving the king's life, Harry is offered omega Prince Louis' hand in marriage. Neither of them has any interest in the union going forward, and so they concoct a plan to prove to the king that they are far from a perfect match.

20) Mead Of Poetry | Explicit | 65053 words

Under the pressure of continuing the Styles viscountcy line now that he is getting older, Harry sets himself three rules to finally settle down and marry: firstly, the omega needs to be reasonably attractive, secondly, they must be of great mind, thirdly, they cannot be anyone he would ever fall in love with.

Enters Charlotte Tomlinson, the diamond of the first water of the upcoming season and seemingly the perfect candidate to the viscount’s plan, but her omega brother, Louis, is in Harry’s way. Louis only seeks to protect his sister and he sure is not going to let a rake play with her heart.

21) I Want You So Much (But I Hate Your Guts) | Mature | 83648 words

AU in which Louis gets accepted to play for the Manchester University Alpha-Beta Football Team. The only problem: Louis is actually an Omega. He is determined to make it big in the football world, though, and he can't do that bound to an Omega team. With the help of a faked doctor's certificate and some pretty strong suppressants he is ready to fight for his dream.

That Harry Styles (Alpha, second year and youngest football captain of the A-B team in ages) doesn't seem to like him complicates matters, though.

22) Swim in the Smoke | Explicit | 101778 words

“What about this, Captain?” Liam asks, nudging the boy kneeling between their feet with the toe of his boot. The boy hisses and swipes at him, slurring out something unintelligible around the makeshift gag Niall had to stuff in his mouth. He misses by a mile and tries again, just as ineffectively.

Harry looks down at him, at the way the sun streams over his face and shoulders, at the way the gag stretches his mouth, lips pink and chapped. He’s lithe and pretty, smudged all over with dirt. They had found him tied up below deck, mostly unconscious, next to a barrel full of gold. He’s clearly a prisoner, but there’s something familiar about him, something that niggles at Harry’s brain. Something he can’t quite put his finger on.

“Put him in my cabin,” Harry decides, turning back to deal with the rest of the loot. The boys screams out jumbled curse words at Harry’s back, muffled by the gag, and Harry can’t understand any of it.

23) Billow and Breeze (Islands and Seas) | Explicit | 102506 words

It was bright; that was the first thing Louis could recall. With a groan, he winced at the throbbing behind the sockets of his eyes and rubbed his temples in an effort to soothe the pain. Maybe he really did hit his head when he took his tumble. The omega squinted as he looked at the surrounding rolling hills and fog hanging over the countryside. As strange as it was, the world felt different, though it looked practically the same.

Disoriented and confused, Louis padded through the moss and listened for his husband. “Liam?” he croaked shakily.

Nothing but a symphony of woodland creatures met his ears. His footsteps were muted by mossy green grass beneath his feet and soil fragrant as he neared the crest of the hill. At the top, he froze, lips parted in horror and eyes widening at the expanse of empty farmland—not a soul in sight. It had only been less than ten minutes prior that he could see Inverness from the crest, but now there was nothing.

“Impossible,” he whispered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief—his mind not quite able to make sense of it.

24) A Taste Of Desire | Explicit | 104414 words

A Victorian ABO where Harry is the owner of the most successful cotton mill in Manchester, and Louis is an opinionated social activist about to disrupt Harry’s world.

25) You’ve Got A Higher Power, You’re Once In Any Lifetime | Explicit | 113444 words

Giving up and letting them think they're right were never valid options in Louis Tomlinson's mind.

In a society full of prejudices, finding a family and being accepted, also seemed like an unrealistic utopia.

Louis sets out to do what no other of his kind ever has before and in doing so, he finds love, friendship and more about himself than he thought he would.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[loquaciousquark]

I see @eponymous-rose doing these sometimes and I've always thought it was so much fun, so here's a Day in the Life of a clinical Associate Professor™. For reference, I've been seeing patients & teaching at my current university since finishing my residency almost a decade (!!!!!) ago.

9:30 - 10:00 - Precious precious office hours, spent answering emails from students, colleagues, and a guest speaker from a national organization I'm trying to coordinate an event for in two weeks. Everything's lined up except the venue (all our regular lecture halls are booked), and of course we discover this just outside his window to refund his airline tickets. Rats.

10:00 - 12:00 - Clinical lab! I'm coursemaster for two complex lecture/lab courses in the spring (protip: never let admin do this to you), so right now I spend most of my week in the classroom. Friday AMs are my advanced procedures lab, & today the students are doing intradermal and subcutaneous injections of the forearm and eyelid. This course can be really scary for them, so I go to a lot of effort to get them mentally and emotionally prepped, practicing approach and needle manipulation, etc. All of them do wonderfully, and even after cleanup and taking the biohazard bag down to disposal, I'm out on time.

12:00-1:00 - Guest faculty candidate lecture! Our full-time faculty has been down by about five people for a few years, and we also have three more of our remaining full-timers out on medical leave until late February, so we are hurting for help. This applicant gives a phenomenal talk on diversity and optometric scope across the several continents she's taught in over the last twenty years. It's an extraordinary talk and I honestly learn more geography than I expected.

1:00 - 2:30 - Lecture! Advanced procedures lecture to the third-year class, usually the only barrier between them and their weekend. I really like today's lecture and it goes well, and even the chronic dozers in the side seats stay awake.

2:30 - 2:45 - Intended to be an interview/tour with the faculty applicant, except here comes the first wrench. Just as she gets to my office, the colleague delivering the speaker lets me know she's having tech trouble with her Zoom-in guest lecturer and also there's a very upset student in the hall outside the classroom. I go down with her right away; student is okay, just got some very bad news, and when I'm sure they're settled with their friends & support system I help the colleague with the tech.

2:45-3:10 - Tour finally happens! The students we encounter are chipper and cheerful (not always the case in practical season!).

3:10-4:00 - Meeting with my clinic coordinator to prep for next week's practicals. My other big course this semester caps with a high-stakes clinical entrance exam; in essence, the students must perform a complete, independent eye examination from start to finish, and they can't enter clinic with "real" patients until they pass. The setup & scheduling for this practical (which runs over three weeks) is probably the most complicated logistical nightmare of my year. However, my coordinator is amazing, and within the hour she has a detailed list of both her tasks and mine and will report back as each prep step is done.

4:00-5:00 - Desperately trying to finish this schedule, answer my most urgent calls from patients, and finish some time-sensitive grading. Another colleague comes by and asks what I thought of the guest speaker, and when I say I didn't get much time in my interview with her, she suggests I tag along to the faculty dinner with her tonight at 5:45. A fantastic idea! I'll just wear what I have on, yeah?

The faculty dinner is at a five-star steakhouse. I'm wearing scrubs and a pullover.

It's okay, I have time to make it home and change! I can make it!

5:15 - I accidentally overwrite 90% of my completed schedule with an old, mostly blank copy, and don't realize it until after saving multiple times (I was on a different tab in the spreadsheet).

5:15 - 5:45 - Meticulously recreate the schedule as quickly as I can. I've already emailed out some assignments to the students, so I can't start over from scratch (which would have honestly been faster). Finally finish & send out the details to needed parties.

5:45 - 6:35 - race home, feed the dog, change into slacks and my favorite blazer, race out to the steakhouse.

6:35 - 8:30 - I arrive just before the salads come out, hallelujah! I have the best steak I've ever eaten in my life, as well as have a fantastic conversation with the candidate and the other faculty. The time honestly flies by, and when I realize what time it is I'm feeling very guilty about leaving the dog. Still, I'm sure she'll be a fantastic fit for the program, and it's honestly a relief to have my questions about some of her experience answered.

8:50 - home at last, at last!

8:51 - I discover my fly has been unzipped all night.

8:52 - 9:00 - I indulge in paroxysms of shame until I rationalize that the restaurant was incredibly dim, I was sitting the whole time, and my undies are also black. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine.

9:00 - now - hot bath, a book of poetry, and a double bourbon. After today, I feel like I've earned it.

[digita1garden]

I feel like once I get out of the lab I got my masters with (within the week) and get a job in something relevant (hopefully by January) I have to decide if I want to say anything about how bad it was to the school. I know that grad school is famously fucking horrible and punishing, I know that it’s “normal” to be super depressed and overworked when you’re doing it but like. Surely the schools at least want to look like that isn’t the case?

I highly doubt anything would happen even if I did complain because my professor is well liked and pretty well known in his field, plus he has tenure, but I at least want to know if what I experienced is actually in line with others or not.

So if someone else in grad school could look at this list of lab members and their situations and tell me if this is the normal rate of attrition and suffering due to poor management by the PI? At least so I know, even if I don’t go out of my way to say anything about it.

Those who got a degree:

M - 8 years with the lab to get his Doctorate (graduated 2022)

M - 6 years with the lab to get his Doctorate (graduated 2024)

C - 4 years towards her Doctorate, mastered out (graduated 2023)

L - 1 year toward her Doctorate, mastered out (project, graduated 2024). I knew her personally and the decision to master out was very difficult for her. She loved the subject and was passionate (and said she might go back for a doctorate again later) but couldn’t do it at this place. She didn’t tell the PI for months after she had decided.

Myself - 3 years in the lab: 1 as an undergrad working on a group project, 2 working on my masters thesis when the original goal was 1. Skip the rest of this paragraph if you don’t want to hear me just complain hahah. Part of the delay was due to the microbes being difficult, and part was because I became incredibly depressed and was not handling that well. When I was balancing everything best I was there for at least five hours seven days a week, when I was not doing well or was doing something particularly trying I would work for twelve or so hours as many days a week as I could manage, but sometimes I would just be unable to be there at all for a week or more (not on vacation, not sick, just I Could Not Go In). There were several weeks when I was only able to work with my dad or a friend sitting next to me in the lab because if I was alone, every time I looked at the amount of work to be done I would instead start breaking down under the pressure. I was forced with no warning into a teaching position I was not ready for and didn’t want, then shamed when I had not taught according to the unclear expectations of the PI when he returned. I was expected to learn how to troubleshoot the TCD GC entirely independently while running 60 samples (in duplicate [not the preferred or “lab-standard” triplicate]) on a four minute run (=10 hours work time) several times a week, while also being in the lab during “working hours” only and sharing the GC with undergrads, and when the PI returned and saw my results he was frustrated and said they were basically useless but didn’t even complain because he thought I was just too useless to do it right {incorrect, I had been doing hundreds of injections per week from the same syringe and no one had taught me or included in protocol that the gas tight syringes needed tightening after use, so it was just leaking really badly the whole time and none of the many things I checked/adjusted in my methods or the GC settings could’ve solved the problem}. Also, out of the three members of the committee who decided if I graduated or not, two were asleep during at least part of my defense and one of them was my PI.

Those who didn’t get a degree:

Ju - Spent several months working towards their Doctorate with our lab but left after taking a class taught by the PI and taken by only them and L which went wrong (situation unclear to me but they all got interviewed by the school). Presumably working with another PI now.

A - currently perusing her Doctorate, was originally being advised by our PI. Worked with him for a few months, proposed research including traveling to our professors area of expertise. Was told by him to 1- learn Spanish, 2- learn the VERY complex carbon budget of the region, and 3- be entirely field ready in THREE MONTHS. She said that it was impossible to do it all but she would try her best regardless. The next time they discussed, he was firm on the requirements, and when she said she would at least need money to support herself so she could do those things rather than her 20 hr/week teaching position he basically laughed her off. She dropped him as her advisor and is now working with another person at the school who isn’t demanding she learn a language in three months.

Other leaving situations:

Ja- She was either a post grad or Doctorate student from Germany who came to the USA to work with our lab. Stayed for only six months. I was told her main complaint was (paraphrased) “a professor in Germany would never treat me this way”

Ji - post grad hired by our lab. Worked with us for maybe six months before leaving due to poor conditions.

And now that all of us have left, the only remaining lab “members” are:

W - six plus months into deciding whether or not to get his doctorate with the lab. He has presented his proposed research (very poorly) and does not seem to be what the professor is looking for, but for some reason neither of them will call the relationship either way so he is just. Around still.

V - 2 years into his doctorate, doing great work but missing a lot of skills that are very basic for our lab, which leads to him causing problems without noticing/catching them, and our PI is basically ignoring this from everything I can tell

J - 2 years into his doctorate, doing like four different projects at the same time. Lives with four loud undergrads so he is at the office until 11 every night working. Travels with the PI the most often, and has alluded to at least one very poor experience with that. I have only ever seen him actually smile once and it was when he was out of the lab/office and away from the PI so I hope he is okay.

D - undergrad. Already overworked. I went to move something to the freezer at 11 pm a few weeks ago and he was there working. He reminds me of myself in my early days there and I have tried to give him a few of the warnings I think I needed back then without being weird about it. When I leave, anything unfinished goes to him, which is why I’ve been going back these last few months at all.

Maybe some new undergrads? The other undergrads I knew last year were working with specific people who have now left, or didn’t come back this year.

[doubleaspectrum]

Ouran High School Host Club Ep. 10 Review

Previous Reviews:

To Episode 1 Review.

To Episode 2 Review.

To Episode 3 Review.

To Episode 4 Review.

To Episode 5 Review.

To Episode 6 Review.

To Episode 7 Review.

To Episode 8 Review.

To Episode 9 Review.

What Am I Reviewing?

Ouran High School Host Club – Episode 10: A Day in the Life of the Fujioka Family!

Have I Seen This Before?

Nope!

A Recap:

Tamaki has a nightmare that Haruhi lives just above the poverty line, and his solution is to invade her privacy with the rest of the Host Club. This is quickly resolved when it is revealed that Haruhi’s lives a more middle-class life. Her three love interests proceed to spend the rest of the visit trying not to make fools of themselves and failing miserably.

The comedy and drama start to pick up when Haruhi’s father shows up and steals the show.

Ranka establishes three pieces of information. First, he hates Tamaki. Second, he’s been in contact with Kyoya to keep tabs on Haruhi. And third, Haruhi has been independent and altruistic from a young age following the death of her mother.

The episode ends with the Host Club tailing Haruhi to the supermarket and establishing the idea that Ranka and Tamaki have a lot in common.

Which Character is the Strongest in Terms of Writing?

There’s a three-way argument between why it’s Haruhi, Tamaki, or Ranka.

Why it’s Haruhi:

This episode is making a point to establish the foundation of Haruhi’s character. We now know that she’s middle-class, has been independent from a young age, has dealt with Tamaki-esque nonsense thanks to her father, and is still dealing with the loss of her mother even if she’s not grieving.

While Haruhi has always been an altruist, it was the flashback with her father that has emphasized most of all that it comes from a place of love rather than a second-nature reflex.

And what catches my attention most of all is the emphasis on the mystery of why she entered Ouran High. The most that’s been revealed is that she signed up for it herself, but there’s still no answer on why she did it. Much like the last episode, this is fostering my curiosity.

Why it’s Tamaki:

Despite this episode being about revealing more about Haruhi, Tamaki steals the show by being the focal character and having his good moments.

One early part that I loved seeing is his inner monologue stating that he never questions his clubmates on their personal lives. I can see both the greatness and the problem of that mindset. On the one hand, Tamaki is trying to be honorable with his clubmates and professional with his club. On the other, this signals that he isn’t friends with his clubmates.

To explain the latter, I realized that his fear of pushing the envelope is holding him back. He isn’t being social with his clubmates, so he doesn’t actually know them that well. Moreover, this would hold back his relationship with Haruhi and it explains why he can barely understand her as a person despite both his interest and the time he’s spent with her so far.

This is a good establishment of an unexpected flaw. Despite all of Tamaki’s charisma and his insistence on teamwork, his fear of taking the extra step to be friends means that he actually has no friends.

Why it’s Ranka:

Ranka hits the ground running with establishing his character. We quickly learn his backstory, his ideals, his practices, his passions, his job, and even his sexual orientation.

It was really good to know that Haruhi mentions the club members to him and that he’s been in contact with Kyoya, because it keeps him outside of a narrative vacuum. To establish that characters are doing their own activities and have their own involvements offscreen helps to make them feel more three-dimensional.

Something else that I like is that Ranka has it out for Tamaki and isn’t in the wrong for his judgements. Tamaki really is an idiot who has little understanding of Haruhi as a person, so when Ranka calls Tamaki out on these he’s not being a jerk, he’s making a point. I also see it as karma for the victim-blaming incident. Tamaki may have gotten away with picking on Haruhi, but her dad will give no quarter.

Which Relationship is Strongest in Terms of Writing?

One of my favorite writing devices is the Foil. Having characters who are comparable yet contrastable makes for interesting revelations and interaction if they come together. Tamaki and Ranka are no exception to this.

It’s clear that Tamaki and Ranka have similar personalities and views on Haruhi as a person, and that Ranka himself recognizes this at the end of the episode when Tamaki parrots the shopping basket excuse that Ranka used in a flashback. What makes this interesting is that Ranka refuses to get along with Tamaki anyways. This comes with an aspect of protective parenting, but there is also their contrasting aspect that justifies this animosity.

The one thing that sets Tamaki and Ranka apart is that Ranka has a full comprehension of Haruhi as a person, while Tamaki does not. Tamaki’s constant fantasizing of Haruhi acting girly and his insistence that she conform to those fantasies presents how little he’s come to understand her.

Case in point, in this episode Tamaki and the twins kept acting like they were in a social minefield while the other club members could be casual with Haruhi. While Tamaki’s common sense is a problem, he hasn’t come to understand that he doesn’t need to overdo anything or worry about offending her because she’s not the woman he thinks she is.

On the opposite side, Ranka has a full comprehension on who Haruhi is and has chosen a compromise; he chose to allow Haruhi’s independence, but act as a backup to keep her out of mortal danger. When I look at that previous sentence, I can see that he’s trying to be a good parent.

The difference between our flamboyant goofs is their understanding and general intelligence, and I can see that Ranka understands that Tamaki is lacking in both areas in regards to Haruhi. So, Ranka’s active hatred for Tamaki is an interesting twist on a relationship between Foils, but it is a relationship that makes sense.

Which Character is Weakest in Terms of Writing?

Nobody.

None of the cast members bought the episode down at all.

Which Relationship is Weakest in Terms of Writing?

None of them.

How is the Conflict?

The Conflict was nice. Tamaki being overly worried was accurate to his character, helped to bring the plot forward, and got Haruhi’s backstory established so I can’t complain about anything.

As for Ranka showing up, I’ve made it pretty clear that I respect him and all the shade he throws at Tamaki. Not to mention throwing Tamaki at the nearby wall, call me salty but he had it coming.

So yeah, good Conflict all around.

Is there Anything Else I Can Praise or Criticize?

Outdated Views:

Man, this show really likes taking the early 2000s and having it rear its ugly head. I know that everything here is a product of its time, but that doesn’t make the twins feel any less punch-able when they use derogatory terms to Ranka’s face.

What Writing Lesson Can I Take from This Episode?

Ranka stands as a good example of keeping characters out of a narrative vacuum. When he’s introduced, we quickly learn that he’s busy with other things, but not uninvolved in Haruhi’s life.

This is a good way to introduce a new character. You have to justify why they weren’t present before and establish why they’re important to the overall narrative in a way that doesn’t make their existence seem sudden.

Keep this in mind when you want to bring in the new cast members. Justify their absence, then justify their place in the narrative. Do not keep them in the narrative vacuum, that’s just too cruel.

[confessions-official]

I'm so tired of my parents, listen they are wonderful people and I'm glad I have them and they aren't abusive at all but god they're so tiring

They talk about me being independent and how since I'm 17 I have to be ready for adulthood but then when I do something on my own they turn around and worry about someone else doing it for me

everyday before school they brushed my hair and picked me clothing for as long as I remember and the rare times they have to go somewhere so they won't do it they stress to my sister (mind you, she's 23 and in collage!!!!) to 'get me ready' when I'm in like, 10th grade? And I figured 'ok by the way this apartment is small and the way it's structured maybe this is why they'll stop eventually' but then they didnt

yesterday I decided to bake something so I went to the store, my sister at the time was at work and as she was coming home she was on the phone with mom and mom was seriously worried about if my sister dressed me not to look ugly, SHE WASNT EVEN THERE? and whatever I just threw something together because it's 30+ CRLCIUS OUTSIDE no one cares I was in there for like 20 minutes

And they do my homework, I'm being dead serious, this one's less """complainy""" because some people would kill for that and I get it but recently they started to only use chatgpt despite me askingif they can't, they still went with it so I don't bother, I don't bother with school cuz in reality my grades are theirs, the science teacher is weridly obsessed with ""my"" notebooks and wants to keep them (those notebooks were genially a nightmare, another story though), every teacher thinks I'm some werid super genius when in reality I myself haven't really done anything for the past 10 years, rightfully so cuz idk how to write an essay or a presentation, but I remember when I tried to write my homework my dad would erase everything and we'd do it again, my dad barges in the room to tell me everything about the lesson we had in whatever class cuz I haven't read it (mostly cuz A) I wanted to but I couldn't hastag executive dysfunction or B) there's no reason?) and he's so BORINGGG I can't hide it he's just so boring, I haven't used correctors in my life because they're worried about the Grammer being right on the first try (difficult relationship w my native toung lol)

and mind you, I don't think i need alot of support at all I'm a level 1 autistic (I don't like using the levels but it's the only way I can describe it) and admitibly I am a 'shut in' from the world (domino effect, I was the one who did it to myself, I know this is going to fuck me over in the future lol) but I am not stupid, I know how to usually get ready for the day I know how shopping works, the only real things I need support are going to places I don't know and things related to law

but I just can't, you guys preach about me having to be independent because you might kick the bucket soon and that's great! however you can't say that and then go to my sister panicking if SHE dressed ME for a walk to the STORE which is outside my HOUSE, I know you care so much for my wellbeing and I'm glad and appreciative for that even if I don't show it well but for me to overhear my parents arguing "well if we die and they take everything from her like money and houses what then" and my mom just replying with something along the lines of "that's her problem" like wow thanks you guys can't even decide if I should be independent or not because of the way you act, tired of you all

 

[solaarbeeam]

always on time - todoroki fuyumi x reader

notes :: gender is not specified, but fuyumi is pregnant with reader's child, this is for black readers only !!

warnings : pregnancy mention, vomiting mention, s3x mention but its hidden, nausea mention

if you had told fuyumi todoroki that she was going to have a blasian baby by one of the top heroes in the world, she would've thought that you were absolutely insane.

but here she was, sitting in bed, 8 weeks in, vomiting her life out while you were out completing hero duties. although she was nauseous, she decided that she was an independent 22 y/o woman, and drove over to your agency.

luckily for her, as soon as you met the top charts and hired people, she got to know and remember every single name of the people who work with your agency, including your assistant. therefore, as soon as fuyumi stepped on the premises, she was provided with everything she asked for.

as she walked towards your front office and opened the door, there you were signing your last few papers and typing things on your computer, as hero work doesn't only consist of beating people up and hooking them up with gods wifi.

as you look up, you see your assistant holding a trash can with a bag in it so she can throw up, as you quietly send your servant away to help your wife. you guide her over to lean against the side of the porcelain table, as you hold her by her waist

"what you doing here? i told you to stay home and ask the workers for the things you need."

"i wanted to see you. plus, its not fun being home alone without my significant other with me."

"fine, you can stay, just make sure you rest. cant have your fine ass running around hurt and/or sick even more."

sometimes she wishes she didn't blush every single time you said anything along the lines of that

sometimes there would be moments where fuyumi would think you'd never be there, and it really does hurt knowing that your not always there when she calls, but you somehow manage to always be on time and it really makes her wonder about your duality.

it was a late night, around 11:50 PM, and you hadn't answered your phone since she started calling at around 10:00. it reminded her about that day in her childhood, but she don't even wanna think about it. she starts to cry, not only from hormones but from the fact that you could be anywhere, injured, critically injured, or worse, dead.

the staff at the house help calm her down and rush her upstairs, and she sleeps, but once she wakes again around 1 AM, she feels the need to throw up again.

she throws up again in the bathroom, and walks downstairs to drink some water. the door clicks and you come through. you see the stains on your shirt and immediately rushes over, although she cuts you off, you try to kiss her, but she doesn't let you.

"so, i've been calling you since 10:00. I had to stop at 11:30 and then our blessed staff had to get me to bed. I wake up, i have to throw-up, i do so, then you waltz in here, try to kiss me without consent, after you haven't answered me for so long?"

you were silent. she isn't in the wrong, and you were gone for so long, you didn't even consider it.

"i was in a high-chase with one of the a-class villains, i told them i had to get home but they didn't let me, and you know from personal experience, the hero comission are D1 assholes and all of us are still working together to try and bring them down for good. the villain we was chasing was a former HC member, so we had to ransack the nigga for evidence."

"... don't do that shit ever again." there was a long pause before she turned around and gave you a bear hug. "i was worried, do that shit again and im gonna kill you."

"i'm not always gonna be there when you call, fuyu. i'll always be there on time, and i'm going to give you my all, all i ask is for you to be mine. forever."

from, jordan

[xcorikhang]

TASK #10 - GET BOLD

—

TW: mentions of sex and politics

WHERE DO THEY FIT IN

financial / class status: wealthy | middle class | poor

grew up: wealthy | middle class | poor

health / wellness: fit/healthy | moderate | disabled | ill

education: below high school | high school | college | beyond

legalities: clean record | has a record | trouble / prison

town status: local | new in town | somewhere in between

lives: downtown | suburbs | coast | countryside

Additional Information: Cori grew up in a time where her family’s business was expanding, so while her early years were a little different by the time she was a teen the thriving laundromat provided Cori with a fairly comfortable upbringing.

FAMILY LIFE

parents: alive | deceased | unknown

came to be: blood | adopted | other

siblings: multiple siblings | one sibling | only child

extended family: large (aunts, uncles, cousins) | small | none

children: none | has children | wants children

relationship status: single | complicated | taken

if taken: dating | relationship | engaged | married

if single: looking | not looking | whatever happens

pets: no pets | has pets | wants pets

Additional Information: Cori grew up knowing her biological parents and just who they were, as she was was adopted by her maternal aunt as a newborn. She is grateful to have been given that opportunity. After nearly a decade since the end of her last serious, long term relationship, she is finally opening herself up to the idea of dating seriously again.

PERSONALITY STUFF

extroverted | introverted | somewhere in between

organized | disorganized | somewhere in between

close minded | open minded | somewhere in between

calm | anxious | somewhere in between

easy to get along with | not so much | somewhere in between

cautions | reckless | somewhere in between

patient | impatient | somewhere in between

outspoken | reserved | somewhere in between

leader | follower | somewhere in between

empathetic | careless | somewhere in between

optimistic | pessimistic | somewhere in between

traditional | modern | somewhere in between

hard-working | lazy | somewhere in between

cultured | uncultured | somewhere in between

BELIEFS AND IDEALS

are they: religious | agnostic | atheist

do they believe in ghosts / spirits: yes | no | unsure

the afterlife: yes | no | unsure

reincarnation: yes | no | unsure

aliens: yes | no | unsure

astrology: yes | no | unsure

fate: yes | no | unsure

political alignment: conservative | liberal | independent | other

are they: pro-choice | anti-abortion | unsure

are they: pro-death penalty | anti-death penalty | unsure

are they: pro-euthanasia | anti-euthanasia | unsure

are they: pro-legalized drugs | anti-legalized drugs | unsure

Additional Information: Cori was raised Buddhist and still identifies as such. Politically, Cori is a registered democrat and tends to vote along party lines in every election.

SEX, ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIPS

sexuality scale: allosexual | in between | asexual | other

romantic scale: allromantic | in between | aromantic | other

experience: virgin | very little | moderate | experienced

number of partners: 0 | 1-5 | 5-10 | 10-25 | 25+

number of relationships: 0 | 1-5 | 10-25 | 25+

preferred partners: men | women | any gender | other | none

relationships: monogamous | polyamorous | other | none

with others: relationship person | casual sex | other | none

in bed: traditional sex | adventurous | kinks/fetishes | other

Additional Information: Cori doesn’t label her sexuality, but if she had to it would probably align closest with pansexual. She has only ever been in one serious relationship with a man, but has had short flings and hook ups with both men and women. It has taken her nearly ten years to open up to the idea of dating seriously again, so she is down for a relationship these days, but the last nine years have certainly been a preference for casual sex.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

cooking: good | in between | bad

cleaning: good | in between | bad

musical ability: good | in between | bad

artistic skills: good | in between | bad

driving: good | in between | bad

athleticism: good | in between | bad

swimming: good | in between | bad

horseback riding: good | in between | bad

fishing / hunting: good | in between | bad

gardening: good | in between | bad

communication: good | in between | bad

handiness: good | in between | bad

handwriting: good | in between | bad

technology: good | in between | bad

HABITS, GOOD & BAD

alcohol: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

smoking: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

pot/weed: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

drugs: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

shopping: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

gambling: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

sex: excess | frequently | average | infrequently | never

[f1]

Le Mans-style Balance of Performance system would ruin Formula 1 Wolff | 2023 F1 season

Formula 1 must not emulate the World Endurance Championship by introducing a ‘Balance of Performance’ system despite Red Bull’s current domination, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said. Red Bull have been undefeated since the season began and are on course to repeat last year’s championship double by an even more emphatic margin. However Wolff does not want to see Red Bull being reined in by a ‘Balance of Performance” system similar to that used by the World Endurance Championship and other series to create closer racing. “I think if we start to put in a balance of performance we’ll ruin this sport,” said Wolff in Monaco. “This is a meritocracy. Best driver and best car spending the same amount of money wins the championship. And if you break the rules in either you should be heavily penalised, but only then, not for a good job.” Report: Ferrari clinch historic victory on return to Le Mans after Toyota duel “Formula 1 is a meritocracy and they’ve just done a good job,” Wolff added. “The car is fast in all conditions, the driver is at the top of his game.” WEC introduced Balance of Performance regulations for its top class when the LMP1 regulations were replaced by the current Hypercar rules in 2021. The WEC Committee imposes different performance limits on the teams’ cars based on data gathered from each entry. The most recent changes to the BoP were made 10 days before this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. Toyota, which won the opening three WEC rounds, had its minimum mass increased to 1,080 kilograms, 16kg more than closest rival Ferrari. However it was also allowed to consume more energy over the course of a stint – 908 megajoules to Ferrari’s 901. Other teams were allowed to run lighter cars and use more energy. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free Ferrari took victory following a race-long fight with Toyota, who dropped back in the final hours after Ryo Hirakawa crashed. The cars crossed the line separated by 81 seconds. WEC’s regulations state “the aim of BoP is to allow cars of different engineering designs to compete in the same category.” “Manufacturers, Competitors, drivers and any persons or entities associated with their entries must not seek to influence the establishment of the BoP or comment on the results, in particular through public statements, the media and social networks,” it adds. Interactive: WEC Balance of Performance before and at Le Mans Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free World Endurance Championship Browse all World Endurance Championship articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[miatheaparnala]

Mia's Blog: Compilation of My Works in Creative Nonfiction

By: Mia Thea Parnala

All About My Writings

Autobiography

A Life Experience to Cherish ♡

In every life experience, there is a lesson and memories to treasure. 

“Can we please go to Jollibee and eat chicken joy?,” that is one of the lines I used to say to my parents. Every child is a fan of this fast food and excited to see the well-known mascot namely Hetty, Yum, Popo, Twirlie, and especially Jollibee. Going back, one peaceful and breezy night, at exactly 9:07pm, I was born in Philippine General Hospital in Manila and officially named me Mia Thea Kreenee Sarinas Parnala as the eldest daughter. Currently, we are residing in a single-story house in Alapan 1-C Imus, Cavite together with my four sisters, grandmother, father, and my stepmother as my biological parents decided to get separated. In one of our conversations, my grandmother, Priscilla, shared a story and some trivia about my childhood. During my kindergarten, I used to be described as someone friendly, jolly, and participative in every program and activities in our day care school. This is where I learn how to explore fun things. When the teachers also dismiss the class, we will go to the “10 pesos all items” store to buy some coloring books and stickers. After that, I will play some games with my grandmother, Edgar. Moreover, in my elementary days, I used to have a circle or group of friends. This is the stage where my learning shifts from children's books to advanced books and basic maths to mathematical or scientific equations that helps enhance my skills. Also, I know how to cook, do laundry, and perform tasks independently. I learn how to hang out with friends, eat street foods such as siomai, kwek-kwek, and fishball, and play traditional Filipino games particularly piko, Chinese garter, tumbang preso, tagu-taguan, and many more since the use of technology or internet is not prevalent in that time. It was indeed a meaningful part of my childhood without a doubt.

To further elaborate, throughout my junior high school year at Sangley Point National High School in Cavite City, I learn how to set realistic goals and improve my study habits as there are a lot of school workloads that I have to accomplish adding the household chores and other responsibilities that I need to fulfil as the “panganay” or eldest in our family. I also discover my hobbies or the things I enjoy the most during my leisure time such as reading books, travelling, writing journals, watching movies, and doing some arts that help me feel at ease. Fortunately, due to my determination and hardwork, I became a consistent achiever or honor student as I am aiming for scholarships for higher education. As a youth, I learned to participate in the advocacy of our school and community such as mental health awareness, anti-bullying, and human rights campaigns. On the other hand, I become introverted and unsociable. But since I developed resilience, I can adapt to the changes in my environment.

However, a sudden predicament called “COVID-19” came that negatively impacted almost all aspects including our education. It affects the employment and income of our family. All of us are forced to stay at home and school closes down. But for learning continuity, the institution of the government or DepEd implemented distance learning such as modular and online classes as an alternative for traditional education. During my 9th grade, I chose the modular as learning modality since we don't have stable internet connection and a gadget to use for online class. Admittedly, I am struggling since I have to help my sisters do their modules and study on my own. Furthermore, in my 10th grade, I managed to attend online classes and I effectively comprehend the lesson with the help of our teachers. The transition to “new normal” was not easy, but my family and I still managed to survive and overcome the difficulties.

“Lola, do you think we can overcome this pandemic? It's been 2 years now,” I said, being pessimistic in the midst of a pandemic where we are struggling to survive financially.

“Of course, my dear! There are no challenges that we can't overcome. Just don't lose hope,” she replied, smiling and patting my back to encourage me.

At present, now that I am 18 years old, I am currently studying in Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School. This level of education helps me to be better equipped and acquire skills for higher education or college. I am under the strand of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) as an aspiring teacher. Additionally, I discovered that I have passion in teaching and I want to share my knowledge to my future students to make a positive change. I met a lot of teachers that became my inspiration and role model. Since we are now graduating, I am looking forward to my college life despite being aware that it will be more challenging, but it will be worth our time, effort, and patience. Due to that reason, I always believe that there is always room for improvement, so I will strive harder to excel. Hence, I will just simply enjoy this journey and will continue to hope for a better future ahead of me. Hopefully, I will graduate with flying colors and offer great opportunities. As Helen Keller said, “life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood”. Which means that in every life experience, there is always a significant lesson we can learn from and memories to treasure.

Biography

A Kind Heart Always Offers Special Love ♡

“There is no change without sacrifice” -Gloria Alfred 

Everyone has their own life story that needs to be shared as it offers life changing lessons, experiences, memories, and journey. To begin with, there was a girl named Priscilla De Jesus, born in Imus, Cavite on October 19, 1965 as the eldest among her three siblings. One of the things she enjoyed during her leisure time was singing, listening to music, and sewing clothes as their family ran a small business in their house, so they have a lot of materials, equipment, and machines for sewing or repairing clothes. On the other hand, her mother, Antonina De Jesus was a dressmaker or tailor and her father used to work in Saudi Arabia as a mechanic to earn money and as a source of income. When she was little, she used to dream of being an accountant. In her elementary days, she really did not like the idea of socializing with others. But she joined a competition such as maths quiz bee, and that was the time her nickname “human calculator” was made. Other extracurricular activities she participated in, are games such as sack race and volleyball during their Sports Fest event in their school. As usual children do, she used to play traditional Pinoy games like luksong baka, piko, and patintero enjoying her childhood, but she always came home on time and never disobeyed her parents.

In her High School life, there was really not much to share. She loves listening to carpenters songs like “Yesterday Once More”. As what an average and typical student would do, she studied hard and participated in volleyball sports. Since her grades are good in mathematics, their school counselor advised her to take up and pursue civil engineering, so she decided to shift course. In her college years, she attended Manuel L. Quezon University. She also used to work as the secretary in creating catalogs or brochures for dresses. Moreover, she met her husband named Edgar Parnala during college and their so-called love story began as friends. Her kindness also makes her unique and a good example for others.

Moving forward, she got pregnant with two boys at the age of 20 years old, but unfortunately, it should have been three but she had miscarriage. She also worked as a teacher for two years in St. Emily Academy, teaching mathematics to nursery and grade 1 and 4 students. When she resigned due to certain reasons, she worked in the factory as a sewer. In addition, when the opportunity knocks on her door, she was 22 years old when she went to Paris as an OFW, specifically a domestic helper. She left her children with the care of her husband and family. She would do household chores such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning and she picked up children at school and fed her boss's cat. Also, she would send a balik bayan box carrying chocolate as per request of her children and other necessities. But unfortunately, she was forced to go home, as her younger child has dengue. When she went back to the Philippines, she struggled financially and had no savings to build a house and buy a car. It was like a bitter sweet experience. But she was not called the “light of the home” for no reason.

Currently, she is now 59 years old and has eight grandchildren and the eldest is now attending Senior High School. Priscilla has a part-time job every weekend because that is the only time her plate is not that loaded. One of her daily routines is to take care of her grandchildren who are now in kindergarten as both of their parents go to work. She is now self-employed and often stays at home, leaving her no choice. She should be working, but her second son's responsibilities to their children are passed to her. Hence, there were a lot of opportunities missed due to that reason. But despite all the challenges she's been through, she remains strong for the sake of her family. She is like the bright sunshine and a good role model to her grandchildren. That is why it is said, “grandmother's love is forever and always”. She is one of the living examples of that quote, as she would sacrifice and do everything she can for her children as well as for her grandchildren. No one will beat that kind of special love.

Personal Narrative

A Wisdom Gained from Various Collections of Life Experiences ♡

“Live your story you want to tell” -Simply Topaz

In every life experience, there is a lesson, knowledge, and wisdom that is acquired as it will teach us to embrace our fears and never be afraid of failure. That explains why life is a “trial and error” process and full of challenges. To begin with, there was a girl named Mia Thea Kreenee Parnala, the eldest and first born in the family. I lived in the province of Cavite, particularly in Imus. In fact, our house was surrounded with a lot of tall dark-green trees and grasses. Admittedly, I feel so lonely as I have no friends to play with, so I have reached the point where I feel so sick playing doll house, teddy bears, lego, clay, puzzles, and other toys that will help ease my boredom. But one day, surprisingly, I met a mysterious friend, not bothering to know her name and we used to play hide-and-seek and other all sorts of kid’s games. During that time, I was confused because my parents would not allow me to play outside. As a response, I threw a tantrum and argued that they should let me play because I have no sister I can play and bond with. Certainly, I enjoy the accompaniment of this unknown friend.

“Do you want to play with me?,” she asked, smiling while pointing to our favorite play place. “I would love to! You don't need to ask,” I replied with eagerness as we played together.

A day came that my parents told me the truth with concern in their faces. All this time, I have an imaginary friend which makes my jaw drop. It is all created in my imagination due to my loneliness. Aside from that, my parents are busy with work and I don't yet attend school, having no opportunity to socialize with others. But as time passed, I learned how to deal with this imaginary friend as I went to school and when my younger sister was born.

Moving on, in my elementary days, I did not study hard and I am fine as long as I have no line of 7 or failed marks. I only care about playing and hanging out with friends, such as going to the computer shop. I also used to be outgoing and extroverted, not until my teacher called my name in front and scolded me for being loud. I cried buckets of tears and locked myself up in the room. On the other hand, during my High School year, that is the time I learned how to prioritize my study to improve my academic performance. I excelled in class and became a consistent honor student. Honestly, the downside of being an achiever is the feeling of academic validation and trying to meet the expectations of others, so the pressure it brings is exhausting. However, I try to develop healthy coping skills such as taking regular breaks, exercising, giving myself a reward or tokens, and developing good study habits.

In addition, one of my experiences in the two years of lock down during the pandemic or “new normal”, in my ninth grade, I am under a modular distance learning approach due to limited access to the internet and technology device I can use for online class. I also learned how to comprehend and study the lesson alone as it is “self-learning”. I relied on the educational videos provided on the internet, so I can understand and answer the modules better. Moreover, I helped my sisters answer their own modules and school tasks. In my 10th grade, I am taking online classes, a form of flexible learning which helped me a lot as I can communicate with my teachers and classmates. It was truly a difficult experience as I struggled with my academic and house responsibilities, but it taught me how to be resilient and bravely face every situation.

Moving forward to the present time, I am now in Senior High School, deciding to pursue education. I also submitted my application in Cavite State University and I will also take the entrance exam in Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila when I received the E-permit. I joined an extracurricular activity in our school which is journalism and we compete for clusters and Division School Press Conference. It helps me improve my writing skills and I engage more in reading news articles to be aware about social issues. Currently, we are in the second semester, and we will be having a work immersion as part of the curriculum to gain some actual experience and to expose ourselves in the workplace. Furthermore, I am aiming for scholarships in higher education, and I am looking forward to graduating with flying colors. In the future, I am hoping to be a teacher with great passion in teaching and a good role model to others.

Reflection Essay

How Life Unfolds a Great Experience: A Lesson to Gain and Journey to Enjoy ♡

“Honest self-reflection opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success, and freedom”-Trudy Vesotsky

First and foremost, as someone who grew up in an average family who earned just enough money to put food on the table, I learned how to be aware of reality and be independent at an early age. The idea of being the eldest or “ate” means having the responsibility to take care of your siblings and graduate in order to escape poverty. I started learning how to do laundry, cooking, and other household chores. It is due to certain circumstances in life that necessitate me to also be parent-figure to my siblings. I become their support system and epitome of diligence as we face the challenges together. Moreover, one of our major struggles is financial, making it difficult for us to meet our basic needs and other expenses. But regardless of that, both of my parents, as a breadwinner, worked hard to provide. That became my inspiration to change and seek for growth.

Moving forward, I remember when I was in elementary school, we reached the point where we needed to borrow food such as one kilogram of rice and canned goods in one of the sari-sari stores in our neighborhood. Also, my siblings would ask for toys and chocolates to my parents, but still unable to grant their wishes. However, I am not in the position to complain and I understand the hardship we have been through. As a response, I tried my best to fullfil my role as I am assigned to look after my sisters and manage the house, so I would not add to their burden. In that time, I figured out that life would not throw or present problems we cannot overcome.

In addition to that, my grandmother never failed to make us feel loved. She took care of us when parents were working, so I grew with her care. I also recalled the time when she always let us first eat delicious food, and she would eat the leftover meals. When doing household tasks, particularly the laundry, I can see how she was suffering from all sorts of pain such as back and muscle pain, therefore, I would initiate massaging her body. In fact, she shouldered the duties of my parents, making me feel bad. I love how she bought us toys from the market and treated us to Jollibee when she had extra income. I wanted to return her sacrifices and hard work by finishing my studies and helping my parents as gratitude. It is also the least I can do for her.

As I always mentioned in my writings, ever since elementary, I have not excelled and performed outstandingly in class. I am satisfied as long as I have no line of seven in my report card. I participated in extracurricular activities such as girl scouts that helped shape my leadership skills and potential in different aspects. But as soon as I moved up to junior high school, I gave importance to my studies and became a consistent academic achiever as a product of my determination and dedication. Throughout my experience in junior high school, I learned a lot of things.

Unexpectedly, when we faced the health crisis called “COVID-19” pandemic, it changed our lives in terms of education, socialization, economic, employment, and many more. I learned how to be flexible and resilient as I acquired the ability to adapt to the changes in my environment. Even though I struggle with my academic and house responsibilities, I still manage to survive and find solutions. I helped my sisters do their modules and after that, I will study my school tasks that took a lot of time since I am not that fast learner. It was a difficult experience but it taught me how to bite the bullet or stand firm despite the challenges.

Finally, in the present time, now that I am in my senior high school years, graduating, I am giving extra priority and focus on my studies. I am aiming for scholarships, to lessen the expenses for higher education. This K-12 curriculum and other extracurricular activities I joined such as journalism helps improve my knowledge, vocabulary, skills, and comprehension. I engage more in learning as I want to be a licensed teacher in the near future. I am looking forward to our upcoming work immersion that will expose me to the working environment.

In my 18th year of life, many things happened, but it is all part of our journey and process of living. All we have to do is to enjoy it and take it as a lesson. Certainly, time flies so we should cherish every moment and appreciate what we have. One thing is for sure, we may have different experiences, situations, perspectives, and challenges, but the bottom line is it will be a significant lesson to reflect on that will change our life. I also know for sure that I am capable of more than I can imagine and there is so much to look forward to in life.

Travelogue

How Journey Creates An Everlasting Memories: A One that is Worth Sharing ♡

“Travel is an investment in yourself”

Our country, the Philippines, is known for its historical places, islands, and wonders of nature. There are many destinations that are worth visiting as it represents the rich culture, heritage, and tradition of our homeland. Therefore, I will share a fun story about the places that we visited during our family vacation and educational field trip. Just recently (March 9, 2024), on one of our family trips, we went to Patungan Beach Cove also called “Fisherman's Paradise” in Maragondon, Cavite. It is accessible by boat and there are a lot of recreational activities to engage in such as fish feeding, cliff diving, island hopping, and many more. We also tried bonfire and rented videoke. We shared stories and talked about life. Moreover, you can buy souvenirs such as keychains, bracelets, and personalized wallets and try local food products like delicacies and ice cream or “sorbetes”. During that time, I was so excited I could die.

My family also tried enjoyable stuff including catching crabs, collecting seashells, building sand castles, sunbathing, and watching the sunset together. In addition, I really enjoyed the view due to the perfect rock formations, and not to mention the friendly accommodations of the staff. Some of you might have heard of this place for the first time, but it is a highly recommended place to unwind. However, the place has poor signal, limited electricity, and some areas are polluted, so they need to improve that aspect. But overall, it was a great experience and memories to look back on. I can describe the feeling of “I am on cloud nine”.

Furthermore, the last to be shared is during our educational field trip. Last year (March 18,2023), we went on various itineraries such as Aguinaldo Shrine, El Deposito, Museo ng Katipunan, and Star City. In Aguinaldo Shrine, one of the historical landmarks located in Kawit, Cavite, there are many artifacts displayed in the gallery. It includes the badges of Katipuneros, dress and shoes worn by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, guns and bullets, and many more. It was wide and there were a lot of secret doors. There are many interesting things to explore inside and outside of the house. Moving to the next destination, in El Deposito in San Juan, Manila, an underground water reservoir built by the Spanish became one of the historical sites. It provides a natural source or adequate supply of water for the residents. There are also museums picturing the artifacts recovered back then. During the tour, I discovered a lot of new information from Philippine history.

Additionally, during our field trip, we also visited Museo ng Katipunan in San Juan, Manila. It featured Bonifacio's secret society, called “the Katipunan” through significant artifacts such as archival documents, cryptic messages, amulets, medals, and weapons used by Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution. Inside the museum, there are a lot of dioramas and miniatures of the battle of the Katipuneros. I learned a lot of interesting trivia and knowledge in this historical place. Finally, for our last itinerary, we went to Star City in Pasay. One of the places I am looking forward to and excited to go as it is ride-all-you-can. There are different extreme rides such as vikings, frisbee, rollercoaster, star flyer, and others. My friends and I took a lot of pictures for documentation and tried a horror house that made my voice hoarse. It was a fun and entertaining experience of mine.

In this trip and journey, I discovered the true beauty of the Philippines and its history. I learned how to value our culture, tradition, and heritage and promote it to other people. To conclude, It not only provides relaxation and entertainment, but also offers a lesson to gain about our country. I got an opportunity to strengthen my relationship with my family and friends and to see the wonders of nature. We should visit different places, especially the historical landmarks or sites as it has a great contribution in Philippine history. It will also help improve our well-being by participating in physical activities such as swimming, and to explore different cultures and acquire new perspectives. Every place in our country is worth visiting that we should be proud of as Filipinos. Indeed, it is truly an adventurous, fun experience, and everlasting memories to share.

Literary Journalism

Embrace Diversity: Exploring the Unique Filipino Culture and Tradition ⁠✯

“Understanding culture builds bridges”-Suzy Kazzen

Culture is a building block in attaining unity as it is made up of shared values, customs, and beliefs. However, there is a concept called “cultural diversity and relativism” that exists between groups of people. In fact, being hospitable and having a heart of gold is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. In times of catastrophe, they are resilient which explains the term “Bayanihan”, and have strong family ties for being oriented. They also use phrases like “po and opo” and “pagmamano” or putting the back of elders' hand to their forehead as a sign of respect. Now, what makes the Filipino culture unique and different from the other? A published book entitled, “Philippines – The Culture'' written by Greg Nickles in 2002, features the rich traditions and practice of the Filipinos. It includes celebrations, norms, arts, literature, and local products created due to Spanish and American influences.

In the book of Greg Nickles, it speaks truths about Philippine culture. First, it highlights the Christian celebrations such as Christmas (where people exchange gifts or sing carols) and Saint's day. Second, Muslims holidays such as Ramadan and festivals featuring Pahiyas, Dinagyang, Panagbenga, Sinulog, Moriones, and Giant Higantes showcased alongside a distinct culture that includes the singkil dance, carabao tales, and bamboo instruments. Third, celebration of fiestas throughout the year is held across towns and provinces to honor patron saints. Moreover, there are traditional arts such as weaving or using raw materials (e.g. cotton, fibers, and abacca) to produce a textile, and seashell crafts for decorating windows panes, lanters, and other objects using shells. Other arts in the Philippines are sculpture, pottery, murals, and carving. Then, the gong instrument called “kulintang” in Mindanao, and other bamboo instruments such as flute and guitars. There are also various groups in the Philippines including T’boli, Ifugao, Igorot, Mangyan, and Tagbanwa. Last but not the least, the native languages used are Tagalog, Cebuano, Waray, Hiligaynon, and many more.

In addition, in one of the articles of Kibin Website called, “An interview of a Filipino Boy About Their Lives and Culture”, is one of the living proofs about how the Philippines is different from other countries. A 14 year-old boy named Jake, who has lived in the City of San Diego for Twelve years, was asked about their culture.

“Filipinos are very strong in religion. Majority of Filipino households are Catholic and have mini-alters in their houses. Filipinos like singing at parties. Many of the Filipino households have sing-a-long machines,” he said in the interview.

Jake believes that Filipino food and tradition varies from other cultures. He also speaks about food lumpia and rice, which he states are always present in the Filipino food and occasions, particularly birthdays. He also added that Filipinos are very family-oriented. But the purpose of the interview was not to be ethnocentric or superior, but to take it as an opportunity to let other people recognize the rich culture of the Philippines and give importance to its values.

Finally, culture has a major impact in people's lives as it gives a sense of belonging and security. The book of Greg Nickles and interview of the boy named Jake, clearly show how creativity and hospitality is embedded in the Filipino culture. It opens a new door to understand the heritage and history of the places and encourages people to participate in local celebrations. The delicacies, literature, arts, dances, folktales, festivals, and other practices is something to be proud of with pride. Hence, it is important to view cultures with respect and equality, so it will not create gaps between people's lives, but to unite them despite the differences. Culture is like an onion, made up of different layers, and in order to understand it, one needs to peel it layer from layer. One also needs to treat cultural diversity as a living treasure and a rainbow river.

Memoir

A Reason to Continue: Life that Opens the Door of Opportunities ♡

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going, tough situations build strong people in the end” -Roy T. Bennet

Some may think that life is unfair, especially for those who are underprivileged and having no ability to provide for needs and wants. It feels like grasping at straws with slightest hope. However, it depends on how one views life and finding a way to escape that reality. A life long enough to put food on the table with little income earned by the breadwinner of the family and going to a nice place and dining in an expensive restaurant once in a blue moon, was how I described my life. But I was able to have a wide perspective as I reflected on life. Now, you will be able to gain an understanding on how I keep on striving hard despite those certain circumstances I faced. It was a single experience that changed my viewpoint and helped me grow independently.

To begin with my so-called “eye-opening life story”, I still vividly remember how my father struggled to search for our food, so that me and my three other sisters could ease hunger as my father was unemployed, and sometimes working sideline jobs. Just for us to fill our stomach, we have reached the point of eating plain porridge without totally no ingredients but rice, water, and salt, and eating rice with condiments like soy sauce, sugar, or salt as a dish. I felt like cutting an onion, as it made my eyes bawl. As an elder, it was hard seeing my family eating meals twice a day, but at the same time, I felt glad as I glimpsed a smile on their faces in spite of our situation. Moreover, we borrow food such as canned goods and kilograms of rice in one of the sari-sari stores in our neighborhood, hence, my family used to be in large debt. But it was thanks to my grandmother, who never neglected us and helped us pay our debt. Her sacrifice was one of the things that inspires me to work hard, for me to be able to pay back her kindness. Grandmother's love was always top-tier and it never failed. One more thing, I never heard my sisters complain about what life we had back then, and even though we are unable to buy them toys.

Truthfully, It has been five years now since my mother and father got separated. All of us decided to stay with our father, so everyone labelled us as “daddy's girl”, which was true. It opened many opportunities because I learned how to do basic household chores such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and doing laundry, and I learned how to figure out things as it taught me a life-long lesson that will remain embedded in my heart. I will be forever grateful to my father who stayed through thick and thin. He stood as both of our mother and father, who never failed to make us feel loved and appreciated.

Now, I am more motivated to exceed my potential in order to attain my goals in life. I have kept in mind that I will keep on standing, even if I fall down, especially that I will enter higher education next school year. In addition, I will work hard to escape poverty and give the good life they deserve. There are a lot of people who are deprived of education, work at an early age, not eating regularly, and having no decent shelter to live in. So, I am still thankful for what we have now.

Certainly, It was not always about pleasant things, but we also needed to see its bad aspects. The weight of the problems can make us feel like giving up, nevertheless, there are a lot of reasons to continue fighting. I also understand what life truly was. Most importantly, all of us should recognize the struggles, efforts, and sacrifices of our parents as earning money was not easy to give us a life worth living. Our family has genuine love, and I never forget to surrender my worries and have faith in God. Being brave is the only choice that we have to overcome or endure what life throws at us.

Facial Recognition

My Serotonin Booster ♡

“Be happy, be bright, be you”

Happiness is a common feeling caused by positive feelings, thoughts, and experiences. When that certain feeling occurs, happy hormones are released. It can also be about something that we love such as food, movies, clothes, and places. However, happiness is more than just money or luxurious things. Our family, friends, or maybe someone we admire can be a source of joy. To start with, I will be completing one of the tasks I am looking forward to which is sharing the one who makes me undeniably happy. Honestly, it is my first time telling a story about someone I admire, feeling shy about it and a topic I always avoid. It took a lot of time to finally have the courage to open up about him. But, he will remain anonymous as I will not mention his name. There are a lot of reasons why I felt that way, in fact, just the thought of him makes me giggle and makes my ear grinning. This is something new, so bear with me.

It is good to begin with describing him in terms of personality, body, and facial features. He is tall with a round face, pointed nose, rosy lips, dark eyebrows, and mole near his jawline and temple. He is also a responsible, diligent, caring, and hard working “kuya” or eldest of their family. His smile and eyes were an ocean of wonder, that I cannot help but get lost. I like our interactions inside and outside the school since 11th grade. Later on, we became close and shared each other's secrets. I also love how we send memes or collections of humorous pictures from social media, and how we react to our shared posts. As we are mutual friends in TikTok, he always sends me cute and funny videos. I nearly died laughing. Moreover, I always enjoy it when he invites me to eat street foods such as siomai, fishball, mais con yelo, ice cream, and grilled sweetcorn calling him my “food buddy”. He also loves taking pictures of the sunset and documenting every moment, so he will have something to look back at.

When I am stressed at school and worried about personal matters, he will cheer me up and affirm me with his nice words. In addition, I like how he pays attention to every detail I say and how he makes an effort and time like making hand-made flowers. Even if he cracks thousands of corny jokes and cheesy pick-up lines, I will let him do that and laugh at it without doubt. Most of the time, we will hangout and watch some movies with tragic endings, hence, I always prepare a box of tissues beside us. I also like how he gives me small and random stuff such as mushroom hair clips as I am not a fan of material things, believing in, “it is the thoughts that counts”. In case I don't say it enough, I am forever grateful and I appreciate his little gestures as I spend time with him. No matter what he does, I always catch myself smiling like a child who receives a candy.

In the end, life is better when we have someone we can rely on and can share what makes our day. I have someone I consider as my “happy pill” and who boosts my happy hormones. He is one of the people who helped me develop perseverance and taught me to not live up to others expectations. Even if we surround ourselves with silence and do not speak for hours, his presence is enough to make me feel at ease. Furthermore, he is the epitome of a happy-go-lucky person and his broad perspective in life is what makes him attractive. I am hoping to unlock more memories with him. Indeed, he shines like a bright star, the one I always admire and his number one fan. We should appreciate the people who contribute a lot to our growth and well-being, especially reciprocating the love, effort, time, and happiness they offer.

Self Obituary

Live Your Life: Overcoming A Fear of Certainty

“The value of life is not in the quantity of time. But in the quality of moments lived”

As I sat down in my room and grabbed my pen to take some notes about what I will write in my obituary, I put on my thinking cap to organize my thoughts and came up with an idea. I really don't know how to start talking about my last message and farewell before I took my last breath. In point of fact, death is inevitable and certain as we are immortals. Hence, I asked myself, why not begin writing your own obituary now? I'm not dying anytime soon (I hope not), but I will continue updating my self-obituary for the following years. Many people avoid talking about death as it puts shivers down their spine. However, there is nothing to fear and understanding death will help in self-discovery and giving value to your time and people around you. “What lesson do I want to mark in the people's mind?”, “what inspiration can I share?”, and “how do I want to be remembered?” Are the list of questions I repeatedly asked myself.

To begin writing my self-obituary journey, I was born on October 24, 2005. Many people described me as hard working, resilient, independent, and responsible. I also found solace in watching movies and reading books, like a bookworm. Every time I feel like a wilting flower, it is good to have a support system as I have the habit of not asking help and figuring things out alone. Admittedly, I am not as skillful and intelligent as people think. Maybe there are also a lot of things I can do, but there is not a single thing I am good at. But it is not enough to stop me from seeking improvement. I learned how to perform well in school and surpass all the academic validation, pressure, and challenges that I encounter along the way. I started achieving a lot of awards such as medals and certificates when I participated in nonacademic activities and competitions including journalism, essay writing, and advocacy campaign making. I want to say here that it is not too late to overcome your weaknesses and use them to your advantage and excel in certain fields.

Furthermore, a family who earns enough income to provide for basic needs and having less privilege is how I live my life. At an early age, I become aware and learn basic life skills such as doing household chores to perform my “ate duties” or role as an elder. It feels like I am drowning with responsibilities and being chained in the harsh reality of life. Finding a way to escape these circumstances is the least I can do as the success of my future is in my hand. I also dream to become a teacher to share my knowledge to the next generation and help students address their problems, especially impoverishment. I want people to remember me as an individual who advocates for human rights and encourage them to speak for themselves as they are the leader of their own life. With that being said, we may be different from one another, but there is one thing that we share in common, and that is death. A part of our life. When that time comes, I imagine that I will have grown up children and become a passionate teacher and contribute to the professional field.

In the end, I have realized that death is an integral part of human experience. Writing your own obituary may be challenging, but it will be helpful to know how you will live your life. The manner of death can be natural, accident, undetermined, and pending. Thus, we should live our life to the fullest before our time runs out. Keep in mind that no one has the ability to turn back time, undo mistakes, and get the opportunities that we missed. For my final message, strive hard to attain success and spend time with your loved ones. Do the things that bring you joy such as learning new skills, travelling from different places, eating your favorite food, listening to music, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can also start making a bucket list to jot down the things you want to experience during your lifetime. It is to avoid having regrets and live a more fulfilling life. I hope that this self-obituary will light a spark for you to give value to your life and view it as an opportunity of beginning.

Thank you for reading! (⁠•⁠ө⁠•⁠)⁠♡

[hiringhousehelp]

Taking Charge at Home: Why and How to Hire a Maid Independently

Imagine coming home after an extended day at work and your dwelling room is cleaned, the ground is brilliant and the dishes are washed — all without lifting a finger. The prospect of hiring a freelancer may additionally seem daunting, but it can be the sport changer you need to have a strain-loose home life. In this article, we’ll discover why you should control your own home’s interest and offer a step-by-step guide to hiring contractors without committing to an enterprise.

Why do you do not forget to hire a maid without an organization?

1. Cost performance:

In housework, each penny counts. Circumventing companies save you a huge premium and ensure that your difficult-earned coins is going without delay to the person doing the paintings. Isn’t it time to cut out the middleman and boom your budget?

2. Personal Service:

When you pick a person, you get to tailor the provider to your specific desires. From precise cleaning workouts to private possibilities, your maid works immediately for you, providing you with a handy and exceedingly fulfilling experience.

3. Direct conversation:

Don’t play smartphones through the business enterprise! Direct verbal exchange along with your maid creates an open and effective operating dating. This openness permits you to brazenly talk expectations, leading to extra harmonious partnerships.

4. Policy adjustments:

Life is unpredictable, and your grooming wishes can vary. Hiring a freelancer allows you to speak about guidelines with the individual at once in price. Say goodbye to a strict ordinary and say hey to an easy cleaning recurring that suits your lifestyle.

How to hire out-of-office retailers: A step-by-step manual?

1. Define your needs:

Start by using listing your unique cleaning needs. Knowing exactly what you want makes for a higher lease and he is capable of find a maid who fits your expectancies.

2. Look for guidelines:

Ask buddies, friends, or colleagues for recommendations. Individual shows frequently cause reliable and straightforward applicants. Word of mouth may be an effective device in finding the proper candidate for the surgery.

3. Conduct the interview:

Once you have got a listing of ability candidates, deal with the interview carefully. Ask about their revel in, cleansing techniques, and whether they are snug with any of your particular requests. The secret is finding a place whose values align with yours.

4. See references:

Don’t leave out this crucial step. Discuss the data supplied to gain a perception of the maid’s work ethic, self-belief, and professionalism. A sturdy reference take a look at assures you are making a knowledgeable choice.

5. Trial Period:

Don’t forget the trial period earlier than committing to an extended-time period settlement. This offers you and the maid the possibility to test compatibility and make sure the business plan is a superb match for both events.

6. Be clear about expectations:

Communication is fundamental. Clearly define your expectations for services, packages, and any precise options you can pick out. This lays the foundation for a successful partnership.

7. Communication Conditions:

Discuss charge phrases, frequency, and other relevant information. Be clean approximately your finances and make certain each parties are soft approximately agreed terms.

8. Create a Contract:

To keep away from misunderstandings, draft a simple agreement outlining the agreed-upon terms and situations. This record serves as a reference factor for both parties and establishes a professional framework.

9. Provide Necessary Supplies:

Ensure that you offer all the necessary cleansing components and gadgets. A nicely-ready maid can carry out the job more successfully, main to higher outcomes.

10. Regular Feedback Sessions:

Maintain an open line of conversation along with your maid. Regular feedback classes let you deal with any worries, make modifications if needed, and make certain a consistently excessively fashionable career.

In the adventure of dealing with your property, taking the fee of hiring a maid independently may be a worthwhile decision. The fee-effectiveness, personalized provider, direct communication, and flexibility make it a viable opportunity for the conventional business enterprise direction. By following a step-by-step manual, you can navigate the method seamlessly, making sure a smooth and harmonious residing area is tailor-made for your desires.

[manleycollins]

Journal Entry #75 - Happy Independence Day....Simply Talking

JOURNAL ENTRY #75 Name: Manley M Collins Social Security Number: 5 7 9 – * * – 6 5 4 1 Date of Birth: 06/21 Place of Birth: Washington, District of Columbia Country of Birth: United States of America Date: July 4, 2023

TOPIC: Happy Independence Day…Just Simply Talking

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) with SplitSpot and Pine Street Inn is in the appeals process. For some odd reason, I am telling them racism and discrimination during and after the end result of any situation. I am telling before applying for services and jobs, and now no one is hiring or accepting me for housing for telling before. What is the importance of Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination? Just like Southampton, what is the importance of Boston Public Health Commission?

Street money donations to me went to Boston Public Library (BPL), Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

I obtained my Zumba certification and started practicing plus putting videos on YouTube. I have joined the important Zumba groups. I got my first education course Cueing Like A Pro for free. My first instructor class was in Foxboro, Massachusetts at Fit Factory. It was fun and I was the only African (Cameroonian)-American male in the class. The photo is on my photostreams. Zumba did let me know I am independent contractor while doing classes. Along with my fitness coach interview from OrangeTheory, I received the inside track of how much personal trainers and group fitness instructors are paid per hour. I will be working a lot. I toured a space using Peerspace to host my first class. I am debating whether to go back to the Hartford Business Insurance or try K and K business insurance for the first time.

I am working with Massachusetts Vocational Rehabilitation Commission and they have done a wonderful job in helping revamp my resume, begin getting the motivation to job search, and listen to similar topics to DeVry University and University of Phoenix. They tried to push me to talk about my future like I was crazy, but I simply told them the past and present issues at hand. The only future situation is the upcoming Olympics 2024.

I attended another Inclusion Summit with the University of Phoenix.

My project and program management skills are very beneficial in managing the limited income and benefits.

My Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps benefits went from $450 per month during pandemic with federal help, then to $200 per month with state help, and now to $20 per month a reality in having cash available, and mind you I am still under the poverty line and low-income status.

My Medicare benefits are coming for the first time. I had to inquire about how to get my medical premium paid for and MassHealth Medicaid had an answer for me plus an application. I sent the application right back in. At the same time, I returned back to my roots with applying for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Part C with the ultimate plan including all the bells and whistles. BCBS also offers international travel insurance plans too. I am excited. Hello again Anthem BCBS and CareFirst BCBS. Nothing the other insurance policies, but I was introduced with BCBS when I had my internship with the federal government.

After suppressing my sugar for a long time, and no sugar and carbs diet, my body went haywire in March 2023, I gained ten (10) pounds because metabolism or the hunger gene or starvation body notification kept going off like crazy. I am drinking plenty of Powerade and Vitamin Water, eating a lot of 7-Eleven Pizzas and McDonald's French Fries combined with my nutritional shakes, Lenny and Larry's cookies, One A Day Multivitamin, and Metamucil. I went back to Digestive Advantage gummies again. Someone really loved my glowing skin, which means the collagen vitamin powders is working.

I attended a Meetup Memorial Day Picnic in Cambridge and it was fun. I met plenty of people. We played throw the football. I saw some new games that I never seen before. I spoke with a variety of different people. I played UNO and got some free food at the park. Thanks for a great time, Tal as the host and others. We shared food and drinks as well.

City of Boston Election Board sent me another rejection notice stating I am not allowed to vote, but I cannot help the automated processes connected to the RMV and any other departments to capture new residents.

Massachusetts is finally giving up sex in 2023, very surprising and I wonder why.

I attended the United States Department of State Foreign Service seminar. It was very enlightening and helpful to understand the positions. I gave real-time questions and got real-time answers.

I have a mentee from the University of Phoenix and met twice already to help guide her during her doctoral journey and process. I attended the University of Phoenix mentor and mentee conference in June 2023. It feels good helping someone else during their journey.

I changed therapist services until I find the right one. I left Boston Medical Center, then went to Life Stance, and then Trust Therapists, and then TCA Counseling Group, and then Boston Neurobehavioral.

I attended the Volontaire Paris Olympics 2024 Webinar, which gave more insight on the volunteer process. I am glad an investigation is going on regarding the Paris Olympics 2024 ticketing process, but I could not find any affordable seats for any of my events, such as athletics and basketball. Remaining athletic tickets were $900 per seat and basketball medaling ceremony games did not have anything.

I spent my birthday in Raynham, Massachusetts at the Marriott Courtyard. I did the gym, went to Walmart, ate at Applebee's, listen to audiobooks, synchronize my computer with the cloud, my smartphone and new USB drive, socialized over the sex apps and finally got one friend to come over, and slept naked. Yes, I made phone call to the Federal Express attorney team. I saw somewhat of the suburban and countryside of Greater Boston area.

Celebrating by communicating like no tomorrow across social media apps and at the Marriott Courtyard plus switching rooms in a different part of Massachusetts. Massachusetts has mobile homes parks, ya'll, all neat, clean, groomed to a 'T', and sparkly. It is my first trip on MBTA's Purple line or regional rail and GBTA bus system.

Black Entertainment Television "12 Years a Slave" movie pissed me the heck off. United States of America truly showed the separation of and disruption the African-American/Black family. It is still done through the courts.

Eric Tolendano and Olivier Nakache French film "The Intouchables" movie was fresh and exciting about two heterosexual men taking care of each other and serving a purpose in each other lives. English subtitles were great. I was able to match the language with how they say it French. However, the movie does depict Africans or Black people are the same no matter where we are. It was combined sad and happy emotional ending.

I lost another USB drive or taken from my back pocket, but re-purchased another one with storage upgrade. Still sending everything to the technology cloud.

I ate my meal (grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, vanilla ice cream, and blondie) at Applebee's and got a buzz from Peach on the Beach.

I had a happy birthday. God blessed me to see another year. Thank you and I am grateful.

I am still going to American Red Cross Boston Food Pantry and Boston Medical Center Food Pantry.

One of the individual human defendants is trying to settle and get out of a lawsuit they brought on themselves. I do not submit. I do not tolerate racism or discrimination in any shape form or fashion.

I met with Pine Street Inn leasing department for their permanent housing locations.

I attended the Boston Public Library Morning Brew discussing the preservation of Boston communities’ histories.

I registered for the USATF Masters Championships and already booked everything.

I attended my first Tend Dental appointment. They gave a referral to O'Trafford Dental Specialists and they were going to restart the same process as Tend to provide treatment for my 20-year root canal issue.

I attended Massachusetts Superior Court Hearing regarding Southampton and met the attorney general staff member attorney representing Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I spoke with the attorney after we got instructions from Judge and we, the attorney and I, discussed the notice of appearances and withdrawals during the case.

I had my Massachusetts Superior Court Rule 16 (Pre-Trial) Conference and it was okay. The attorney and an unexpected individual human defendant showed up, and bombarded the Judge. I kept calm and got my instructions. We are in the discovery phase. Just as fast Federal Express attorney team sending documents, and I sending the same punch or even harder back.

I did a lot of surveys. I updated my EZPassNY account. My Great Lakes account moved or migrated to the parent company Nelnet. Edfinancial/IDAPP is upgrading their systems too. I hope they are holding back the already payments made until the systems are finished upgrading. Joel Osteen is still giving great messages. I am still reading United States Congressmen and Congresswomen newsletters and emails. IBM reimagined my machine after installation of another SSD PC Card upgrade…thank goodness for backups. IBM Support did help after to find the parts that were missing from my machine, which was not on the original custom order. I signed up for another Google and FaceBook class action suit. Zoom application is becoming a more important role for my classes and meeting new individuals.

I requested my Annual Credit Report and saw some accounts as expected dropped off. I spoke to Paris 2024 Olympics - On Location Experience for the Olympic and Paralympic Games provided okay packages, but not customizable enough for customer to enough the events of his/her choice especially when priced $15,000 plus per week.

I attended the French Library Online Conversation Club and a Soiree. I researched more on the French language certifications. French Levels of Testing

Going for Nationality License, Long Term Residence Permit DILF - initial / first - A 1.1 DELF tout public - A1, A2, B1, B2 DELF prim - A1.1, A1, A2 DELF junior/scolaire - A1, A2, B1, B2 DALF - C1, C2

Campus France levels of testing TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français Test of Knowledge of French) TEF (Test d'Evaluation du français French Assessment) DELF DALF

I bought a new shoulder wallet and new shorts from Marshalls Clothing Store. I repurchased my Nike athletic outfit - white top, black long spandex.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) Certifications Taken at Boston Public Library

(Currently on => Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Professional by Oracle University)

Managerial Economics by Stefan Michel

Linux: System Maintenance by Scott Simpson

Programming Foundations: Database by Scott Simpson

Product Management First Steps by Doug Winnie

Introduction to Responsible Artificial Intelligence Algorithm by Martin Kemka

Foundations of Responsible Artificial Intelligence by Ayodele Odubela

Generative Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders by Tomer Cohen

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019: Administration by Robert McMillen

The Data Science of Economic, Banking, and Finance with Barton Poulson

Running a Profitable Business: Understanding Cash Flow by Jim Stice and Earl Stice

Oracle Cloud Database Migration and Integration 2022 Professional Workshop by Oracle University

Project Management Foundations: Integration by Oliver Yarbrough

Learning Apache Tomcat by Josh Samuelson

Apache Web Server: Administration by Jon Peck

Business Analysis Foundations by Greta Blash

Oracle Database 19c: Basic SQL by Bob Bryla

Project Management Foundations: Schedules by Bonnie Biafore

Cybersecurity for Small and Medium Businesses: Essential Training by Kristin Judge

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 Essential Training by Grant McWilliams

How to Regain Control of Your Time, Energy, and Priorities by Pete Mockaitis

Oracle Autonomous Database by Oracle University

Demonstrating Accountability as a Leader by Dr. Shirley Davis

Essential French in Two Hours with Paul Noble by HarperCollins

Essential Lessons for First-Time Managers by Dave Labowitz and Madecraft

Deploying Exchange Server 2016 by Robert McMillen

Project Management Skills for Leaders

QuickBooks Online Essential Training (2021) by Bonnie Biafore

Learning Cloud Computing: Core Concepts by David Linthicum

Learning Oracle Database 19c by Bob Bryla

Setting Up a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server by Sandra Toner

What is Business Analysis? by Laura Paton

From my Nokia first cellphone to current Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Apps:

ZIN Play App is Zumba's app to replicate the website. I can make playlists and work with the latest workouts, etc.

Massachusetts Lottery app is the ability to play the lottery, monitor the jackpot, and scan the tickets from the app. I am impressed on my first use.

ClassBuzz is Zumba's app to create gifs and manage virtual and in-person classes.

mTicket is a Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority purple line to manage automated tickets. It worked properly. The conductors were able to scan right from the smartphone.

AirFrance is an airplane app and keeps me updated on my favorite trip from Boston to European trip.

Wix Owner is an app that helps manage my websites and new options with VistaPrint. It works well, but VistaPrint and Wix hit a snag in letting customers change their website plan to take advantage of certain features. Wix is the first company I provided my corporation's business paperwork and bank account information.

Virgin Pulse is a health app that works in coordination of Massachusetts General Hospital to provide wellness, mental health, and self-care support with a MGH ACO HealthPlan (MassHealth Medicaid).

OpenTable is a restaurant reservation app that worked well when a new older friend decided to treat me to Eataly Boston (La Pizza & La Pasta diner) in the Prudential Center.

Health Plan Member is a health and medical app to help manage information regarding the MGH ACO HealthPlan (MassHealth Medicaid).

Top Ten (10) Personal Music Playlists

In My Feelings - Kehlani AND In My Feelings - Drake

Temperature Rising - Tory Lanez

Superhero - Dosseh

Birthday Cake - Rihanna

Birthday - Katy Perry

Rachet Birthday - Drake

It's Your Birthday - Luke

Champagne Life - Ne Yo

Break My Soul - Beyonce (Plus The Queens Remix and Honey Dijon Remix)

You Brought the Sunshine (DJ Spen Remix) - The Clark Sisters

The audio books are still letting me know what is happening in the world and how the world thinks. I am going through African-American/Black authors works and books because I am African-American/Black first. If time permits and I finish the African-American/Black authors, then I will visit other races and ethnicities on similar topics.

Eric Jerome Dickey's Blackbirds was a good sibling or friends’ story. I really loved my family and friends, but I guess I was slighted on always seeing the best version of themselves. I could not get too angry with someone (biological father and his family) that was never there. Thank goodness for getting through my child molestation therapy that I never encountered soft dicks or penises. The cocks, dicks, or penises I chased after or chased after me were good and great, and each one knew how to fuck or make love. I did meet some kings of ding-a-lings (for example 11 inches length by 7 inches round), but did not challenge myself to take them. I want to meet a dude with diphallia or anyone as a hermaphrodite. I still have not encountered the best besides myself. Unfortunately, my last bottoming or submission experience was 2010 after chasing each other for five years. I am very glad I evolved in being a dominant top or Type A or active male for females and males. This is probably another reason for me not getting along with males because I do not submit to anyone except to a female who wants the moment for an hour or two. I am very proud of the dominant and aggressive females that I had in life that taught me a good lesson or two in bed. I am very proud of the super feminine and submissive females that fed my ego to the max. It is only one vagina or pussy that I had had superpowers over me like kryptonite before I had to let her go. Yes, if I had preference, priority order 1. Vagina or Pussy, 2. Ass or Butt, 3. Dick or Cock or Penis in any sexual activity in the present or future. Most posts will be written in another language. This is not a coming out story, but taking the power from those who live to disrupt my peace, harmony, and healing, and my optimistic future. Friendships can be cherished if life can allow such closeness over time.

Eric Jerome Dickey's Genevieve was a good family story with a horny spouse. The past can be a detrimental thing, when people have to change names and stay away from family for years or decades. Despite all that happens in and with family, when a strong spouse goes through her final therapeutic session and stands by her man that is a bond no one can go against. Yes, Genevieve "Lakeisha Shawnna Smith" Forbes was my favorite character.

Eric Jerome Dickey's Drive Me Crazy was okay, but highlights again the spin on journalism on high crime, affairs, and mischievous moves. Even though, Earl "Driver" was the main character, his weakness was women and an impersonation of intelligence personality. This story highlights the horrible side of law enforcement, and overstepping and overuse of the law enforcement powers even after someone is long gone or left the force. This reflected back on my situations in Maryland, Ohio, and New York, "Who put all levels of law enforcement up to the decision when there was no supporting evidence?" Ohio, I can admit I was wrong, but could have been let go with a warning. Maryland and New York, as I mentioned an arrest for no reason, "Who made the decision?" Washington, DC and Delaware, still chasing me until something happens for when I miss child support payments and this is because of my ignorance or lack of knowledge of having a child is a criminal offense whether in or out of wedlock, but the church and family sees a child as a blessing and then rip the family apart. Soul stirring Rufus was my comedian in this book. The band of the two brothers was hilarious. Samantha "Panther" helps me understand how she came into Earl "Driver's" life and comes into play for Eric Jerome Dickey's Naughty or Nice. Plagiarism is so real, but Corporate America rejects original thoughts from people like myself, but everyone and even the news steal ideas to what can make the headlines or makes profits. And I am labeled the crazy one and loss all my sh*t.

Eric Jerome Dickey's Bad Men and Wicked Women was excellent. Jake Ellis and Ken Swift were my favorite characters in this one. I need an African male, heterosexual bull co-worker or friend like Jake Ellis in my life. This was another action packed and suspensefully written piece of work. Heterosexuals and Lesbians need to treat the wife right because the ones perceived weak and unsuspecting are the most powerful in a spouse's downfall. This story did give the perspective on how everything is the same in war and fighting, and the glorified world is partially fixed especially in the fields of journalism, such as what makes the news and how a severe crime scene(s) has/have a whole lotta spin. The good jobs perceived to be good and stable, but those getting the good and stable jobs do not realize the grunt work put into having that position. The business of money laundering and blood money is a concept I understand regarding the San Bernadino business. The real banks tried to show me how it is done with a little bit of my money and my own money. Most people believe killers or murderers have no heart, but this story gave whole another perception of protection around offspring, mistreated individuals, and family. In my heyday, this is why South Carolina, Georgia, and Washington, DC knew to contact Marvell (Jake Ellis and Ken Swift combined) and he will handle it, and I do not mind reliving it for any future offspring, protected class of people that can't defend themselves, and family. I have not killed anyone, yet, and if I did, I would not incriminate myself publicly, I would call someone like San Bernadino or ensure my DNA and GPS tracking is nowhere near the crime scene. Eric Jerome Dickey's books are having me flashback hard to my visit in 2011 to California…I actually physically saw most of the places, streets, and all he described.

Eric Jerome Dickey's A Wanted Woman was very action packed just like an action movie. A 14-hour audiobook. The main character "The Woman of a 1,000 faces" or "Reaper" or "MX401" was very good depiction of a superb assassin. I was highly impressed. In combination with movies, such as John Wick, 007, Wanted, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Equalizer plus violent video games plus news information about gangs, they all inform me that the Cain and Abel biblical depiction of life that killing without remorse does exist. The United States legal world and business world kept driving me into a path I never saw in real life as a way to make a living or never told by education in schools/college/universities. My foundational thought growing up was anyone dying by a gun or bullet was an accident, or someone was angry, or run away from the scene, and to always stay away from guns. As my honest way of living is dwindling down to nothing in the United States of America, no work experience in other avenues of work, or my work experience exceeds W-2, 1099, and Corporate-to-Corporate jobs, I want to meet a real assassin who got started with or without blood money. I do not want drug dealer money because it is too complicated. Doctoral research on my mental health issues already state that I have the capability to do it. As a former armed security guard plus my first legal gun license permit does start the seeding. As a former member of US Veteran Reserve Corp, I saw the weapon training at a secret location for assassins. The name or lingo changes from calling someone a mercenary. The lottery and lawsuits are long shots in trying to get money for all my losses. I am going to give this sports and fitness career a try, but I am inching closer to the unconsidered side of life that is coming out for real if I remain in United States of America. I always wondered by inflation and expensive locations going up, how people could afford that lifestyle?!?! I could travel and know the world another way. Honest living does take on a different connation. The hurt each other never stopped since the beginning of life.

Eric Jerome Dickey's One Night is a book recommended for everyone. I thought just like the character of "Man from Orange County." I am no more NAIVE about women. I really, really, sincerely really did not know about how WOMEN think, process, and do sht. Jacqueline Francesca Parker Summers is one hll of a woman. Best line: Crazy Got to Understand Crazy 2nd Best line: Who wants to battle for Cheesecake? Me: 20 babies…but I will settle to make or have four (4) babies…or at least keep trying. Thank God for this life's break to understand the world.

Eric Jerome Dickey's Naughtier than Nice was super naughty and connected so well. My favorite characters turned into an insane asylum with everyone stubborn. It was a complete opposite of the Naughty or Nice. This book does put in perspective what people do to get money or materialistic things or destroy their own lives. Criminals, con artists, people constantly changing their names or identity, blackmailers, and women or men scorn over a bad breakup do not come to me to pull a scam or got residual feelings. Everything was done the first time around in my life and my apologies for being Fort Knox, US Federal Reserve Bank, the Pentagon, and the entire United States Department of Defense forged as one unit. Thanks to all the servicemembers men and women who do serve in the military and fought for the USA to be free to be crazy. I like somewhat of the James Baldwin connection using the Beale Streets character. Again, everyone said I was crazy or insane. Now, I am definitely going somewhere else to have another country fight for my freedom after this book.

Eric Jerome Dickey’s Naughty or Nice was super hot and funny. Michael “CarpeDiem0707” Davidson and Olivia “Livvy” McBroom Badera are my favorite characters. There is nothing on this earth that can match a woman’s orgasm. Michael “Carpe” reminded me of being such a terrible person to the women in Atlanta, Georgia; Washington, District of Columbia; Maryland; and Chicago, Illinois for making the pussy or vagina talk, vibrate, gush, and sing, and put the women to sleep. Atlanta gave me my first Male-Female-Male (MFM) ménage à trois, but I will experience my Female-Female-Male-Female (FFMF) or Female-Male-Female (FMF) before I leave this world. My self-pleasure (masturbation) to all my fantasies with women is so fulfilling. Second chances on anything or anyone is where I get fcked up with the exception of Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness, or the gyms, and track and field. I believe and know there is an abundance of first chances and I will continue to chase those first chances until the end of time. I am that motherfcking sex athlete.

E. Lynn Harris’s What Becomes of the Brokenhearted is well deserving, and connects all the books together or at least gives the backdrop of how the books are written. I saved this book for last. Washington, DC’s Black Pride Memorial Day weekend was strong in 1980s and still going strong in 2020s. So many memories for me. Traxx nightclub DC was around in the 1980s….I did not see it until the 1990s. Good times dancing and chatting up conversation, and lots and lots of hugs. E. Lynn Harris books are therapeutic for plenty of various topics. It is disappointing how introverted E. Lynn Harris was, but real as alcoholism takes over, depression takes life to a specific low, and introverts driven for all their love in one person. I am very touched by his books coming at the right time of my life. Thank you, E. Lynn Harris and co-authors. Thanks to the publishing company, actors, and actresses making the audiobooks possible.

I love all of you despite all our differences. I am grateful for the organizations I joined, programs I participated, and schools/universities attended. I am grateful for therapy, medical, medication, and health help by all the research, doctors, nurses, and other heroes. I am grateful for my families, my friends, my social networks, my teammates, my peers, my co-workers, and those I met once in meetings, passing by, or conversations. I never took anything or anyone for granted. I am healing, but willing to talk and discuss about anything. I appreciate and love myself, and my spirit. God is the best person to keep first.

E. Lynn Harris and R. M. Johnson’s No One in the World was very well written. The End leaves room for more or an encore. Colby Aiden Winslow is my favorite character. I did not like him at first, but he knew family. Cissy Winslow is a close second favorite character. Tyler, the US Senator, was a good character also describing the benefits of family and how the world sees people. From all E. Lynn books presents attorneys as whores. Captain-Save-A-Hoe was a funny line. Family has it benefits, but for me, my family said my life would’ve been this way or that way and ended up being all lies for my entire life with the exception of my ex female partner that only came out right. Everyone is a criminal in some shape or form. However, the legal profession is making a path of reality on making someone like me a criminal despite all the education and navigation I prevented to get caught. As a criminal, I never do random…I presented everything upfront…I send everything including the consequences directly back to the source. Afraid of YOU…hll no. This book provides the sides of what family, people, and criminals do when anyone is in a tough spot. For Massachusetts, I tell the truth at the time it happened, then everyone does whatever it takes to turn it into lie. Again, to reiterate “Afraid of YOU…hll no!”

E. Lynn Harris’s Any Way the Wind Blows was good. John Basil Henderson is my favorite character. Bartholomew “Bart” Dunbar reminded me so much of all the gay men that wanted to out me since I was still finding myself in life’s current mess. This could be a root cause for me not getting along with gay men. Ava Harrington paints a very bad picture of mothers, actors, actresses, models, and singers. I thank God I never went that or pursued that route of life for acting, modeling, and singing. Ava’s motherhood issues do shed light that mothers can be more terrible than deadbeat dads. Corporate America does its dirt, but I understand the rewards and consequences of doing business. The hunt for stardom, revenge, or celebrity status is more dangerous than me and my mental health issues. Everyone wonders why I bolt so fast OR patiently wait for all consequences for your actions, and send back paperwork to discuss the issues and tell everywhere so everyone will know what you did along with my response.

E. Lynn Harris’s A Love of My Own was also good, down-to-earth, and more realistic. Sebastian, Zola Denise Norwood, William Jabbar Lewis, Hayden, and Drew Taylor were my favorite characters. I guess I see the reason Corporate America did not like me because I do/did not cross the rules or boundaries, just do the work and learn, and stuck to my data/information and decisions. I thank Corporate America second to Sports and Fitness for teaching me Termination (Let Go), Disconnect (Let Go), and Resilience (Bounce Back). Raymond Jr and Basil was bound to happen. Raymond Jr. and Drew reminded me to realize men can feel emotional just like women. However, I will stick to my realism and not fairy tales.

E. Lynn Harris’s I Say a Little Prayer was hilarious from start to finish. I laughed two days straight. A gun toting or weapon toting Skyler, and Pastor Kenneth and First Lady Sister Vivian were my favorite characters. I am impartial to Chauncey and Bassell because there are the 1% of people who do have self-control and can turn gay on and off, not every LGBTIQA+ or heterosexual cheats. For example, I never cheated in any of my relationships; what happens is the moment someone says let’s go monogamous, I do all my dirt up to the verbal commitment, always plays safe and get tested, then invest all my love, trust, sexual experience, 100% full attention, and energy all into that one person, then when the person leaves or we breakup, I go right back to serial dating. Quote from the book: “Save a Sin to not Lie to a Minister” was funny. The gay-for-play or gay-for-pay was new terminology for me and reminded me of Harvard University COOP Bookstore having a book, "How to be Gay." The acronyms were cute. The names and reflection on the black culture for those and me that can relate is too funny. I really miss and going to miss, Atlanta, Georgia, my first loving outweighs the hate city and good memories outweigh the bad memories there for me. It is awesome to visit the Atlanta metro area.

E. Lynn Harris’s Not a Day Goes By was spectacularly angry and wonderfully written. John Bassell Henderson and his daddy were my favorite characters. Despite everything going on, Bassell stuck to his core and never picked a team. I dislike Raymond Jr, Zuric, and Nico for attempting to make Bassell pick a team. The novel made me reflect on my heterosexual relationships heading in with all love and trust in women, then Yancey and Ava were revealed in the moment of change or distance or space (the difference with my females they kept the kids). With all the Derricks (male or female) of the world, I am still wondering with my Washington, DC or Chicago residences with family or my own place, who the f*ck kept showing up at my lobby or houses, introducing the themselves, and leaving no contact information? My families and receptionist told me constantly.

James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On the Mountain was seriously good to find out what happened before my birth. Richard and Debra were my favorite characters. Richard was strong and had my attitude, “Do me motherfckers!” and take them down right with him, but I am sorry he committed suicide after being set free without knowing he was a daddy and his soul was broken after being jailed for no reason. Debra was strong to show how stand by a cheating husband and pastor, and keep his sins with him even while he pastors a church or being a missionary. New York been doing its shady sht then in the 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s until now and the future. Latinos and everyone else want this country, and history repeats itself repeatedly just with new folks. Everyone, including Jesus, was and is a sinner. Adultery, Violators of the Ten Commandments, and everything was dumped at my doorstep and I never complained or created drama in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s until 2007. Thanks to my higher being or God for keeping me safe back then and now.

E. Lynn Harris’s Basketball Jones was okay. No favorite characters in this one. However out of guilt and not knowing, for and to all my 1980s, 1990s, 2000s male and female friends, my sincere apologies “I AM SORRY” if I lied out of not knowing what I was saying via any communication method in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, or did not tend to your needs as I should have, or did not give you the opportunity to be with me. More power to new beginnings as the story showed.

E. Lynn Harris’s Just Too Good to Be True was slightly depressing. Sports Athletes, I am amazed at the sports industry and I thought direct sales in Corporate America was hard. Women, the church and family culture, and disowning your own kids really surprised me and bad jokes are harmful. I did not know. Delmarr and Sylvester are my favorite characters in this one.

E. Lynn Harris's Abide With Me was more realistic. The World is Evil and I am glad I got mine out early. I may still be suffering, but better position. I was Raymond Tyler Jr mixed with Nicole until 2007. Thanks for my ten (10) Delaney friends. Bassell is too funny and reminds of every sport athlete or military person I ran across. Jared is my dude and still reminds me of my past, current, and future dream type of life always keep trying. Delaney is my stand-up girl. "Family and Friends at a distance."

Just As I Am by E. Lynn Harris is one of the most powerful and relevant novels read or heard so far. Some much Black love poured into it. 15 Hours of Listening…I couldn't stop listening. Self-Reflection, Retrospection of Culture, and Healing Therapy for me. No change in my rules.

E. Lynn Harris’s Invisible Life was relevant and spot on the cards life dealt. Thank you for letting me know my life was unique and okay to be me, a Black man. Black authors can write……….Words from a Stranger provides Healing.

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin is hot 🔥 🥵 Make me wanna have twenty (20) babies

Happy Independence Day or July 4th, Happy Canada or Dominion Day, Happy Nude Recreation Month, Happy Cell Phone Courtesy Month, Happy Global Forgiveness Day, Happy Disobedience Day, Happy Bastille Day, Happy National Motorcycle Day, Happy Buffalo Soldiers Day, Happy Systems Administrator Day, Happy National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

[antarathecoolchick]

Just another Sunday afternoon! My public health internship starts tomorrow sadly it's online 06/26/23. Yeah why don't I just tell everyone and their mothers right? It's nice to blog. I was suppose to go to Europe with my parents but now we are postponing to another time.I am going to be working with a nurse practitioner for this internship which is called the IHEART PRACTICUM but it will be online.The good news I'm already working as a public health advisor and it's a 9-5 which I love! Pay is not so good but there is overtime also we have office parties from time to time.. Public health doesnt pay much shouldve went into business ha right my math sucks. Nevertheless, I think I prefer being a part of the Healthcare team even if I am not on top of the chain and don't have the "status" for being a doctor. No offense to doctors yes I am jealous of you guys.. whatever go ahead and walk around with your white coats and look cool. Currently pursuing MPH in global health because I love writing about topics such as climate change, various diseases around the world such as tuberculosis in Bangladesh, leprosy that happened in India, HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria and my favorite is malaria in India. Atovaquone! So I am graduating in November 2023. Yay! We are in a country where age doesn't matter for education. Maybe late down the line I will try for Physician Assistant 😁. Now that I have the credentials. Thank you Murica! So how's my day to day for classes? We have 20 pages of papers to write for a final each term. I only have a 1 week break after a term ends. It's an accelerated program. But this is beyond the point getting back to the main point, I was thinking of writing about a embarrasing thing that happened to me just recently just because I wanted to blog on my tumblr. TUMBLR FOR THE 90'S KIDS AYO! ✌ Sooo... as we all know vagrants have increased in the subways in NYC. I was with my friend going to emo night at Shimanski and the show was from 10-4am. Yes I will never grow up and stop listening to emo music bite me! Its just nostalgic.. currently listening to your guardian angel by the red jumpsuit apparatus! Goodluck to me explaining to my desi parents about the timing of the show! J/k love my parents they're cool and gives me my independence! This is not classy and will sound a little trashy but I was reliving my teen years and had like two hard ciders. Thank you Magners and Angry orchard. I was sitting almost falling asleep from the hard ciders and then two homeless people comes and sits right next to me in each side. I like an idiot wake up and smell the stench but I felt a bit empathetic and was thinking what the homeless people would think of me so I stayed seated! Ahh thank god my stop was next!

[jakemarsigliofin]

Entry 1 - Your preparedness prior to commencing your internship and how you assimilated into the organisation’s culture.

“Experiencing the unknown due to a perceived lack of information leads to uncertainty, which undermines an individual’s ability to prepare effectively and efficiently for the future” (Kim et al. 2022) When I was fortunate enough to be selected for the Video Intern position at SEN I was lucky to have several prior experiences that enhanced my preparation. For instance, the task at hand was to be fully aided with the Adobe software program of Premiere Pro, an application that I had been using for well over 5 years. To add to this preparation my most recent usage of Premiere Pro was editing a TV show length program for Davin’s Video Journalism class. This meant I was well aware and up to date of the vast usage of features the program has to offer and therefore, was ready for a range of styles of editing if needed at SEN.  

To add to the preparedness was my internship that I previously did with Cricket Victoria earlier this year. Coming in for the second half of the Premier Season, the role shared similarities with my position at SEN particularly with the usage of the suite of Adobe software. This role that required producing media for the league in Photoshop and Premiere Pro in a professional setting created further understanding for what would come to be very helpful at the commencement of my tenure at SEN.  

(The CitiPower Centre (Formerly the Junction Oval) is the home to Cricket Victoria where I completed my first internship in early 2022, Uplift Events)

Living in Berwick is always tough to make the journey into the city on a quiet day let alone on a working one. The Monash Freeway is bumper to bumper and the Pakenham Line trains are often unreliable. Luckily my time previously at Cricket Victoria aided this understanding as its location was just down the road from SEN. A specific task I had to perform during my tenure at Cricket Victoria had me come to the location of SEN to watch their weekly TV show Premiere Cricket TV in the Rainmaker studios.

The blatantly obvious preparation that will naturally guide me in the Sports Entertainment Network is my passion and knowledge for sport. Its particular content revolves around topics and events that I have immersed myself in all my life. It covers a wide range of sport that I am heavily invested in and delivers a product that I would consume.

Essendon domination: The best of the Bombers' 20-game winning streak | 2000 | AFL

(I am a passionate fan of the Essendon Football club. The SEN’s main sport that accumulates an audience is AFL. AFL)

With all of this prior preparation backing in my corner there was still a great level of uncertainty. A job description and a zoom call interview can only say so much in what’s to come. I certainly wasn’t prepared fully and shouldn’t be as I will only be truly prepared once experiencing the role I have to perform.

To assimilate myself into the organisations culture all that I did was listen, ask questions and try as much as I could to take everything in as quickly as possible. My supervisor Dylan showed me the ropes, other co-workers came to aid in anytime I required and the work I performed created the best sense of an understanding with the organisations culture. This grew exponentially when my supervisor and fellow co-workers were confident enough of my skillset to allow me the independence of creating all the daily clips whenever I came in for a shift.

REFERENCES

 AFL. (2020, September 2) Essendon domination: the best of the Bombers’ 20-game winning streak. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccyw3e_pBdQ

 Kim, Oh, J., & Rajaguru, V. (2022). Job-Seeking Anxiety and Job Preparation Behavior of Undergraduate Students. Healthcare (Basel), 10(2), 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020288