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[hongluboobs]

what's the debt of tears and what's this about cutting bao-yu open ?? also how does this relate to hong lu? i don't have the context to ask anything more specific but i need to know this.. . please

(ask in reference to this post )

Hi Anon! Apologies this took a bit, i got distracted with some projects and didn't have the energy to answer this right away, hopefully you're still here to see this :)

First off, Bao-yu is Hong Lu's book equivalent. I don't know if you already knew this, but I made the diagram with the assumption people knew this and it kind of blew up way bigger than intended on both here and twitter 😅

The debt of tears is a really big concept in Red Chamber surrounding the fates of Bao-yu and Dai-yu. Bao-yu was originally a piece of jade that the goddess was using to create the sky, but he ended up unused and cast onto the earth. From there, he ended up finding the Crimson Pearl Flower, which he watered every day. Eventually, the flower ended up transforming into a fairy (Dai-yu) due to the care with which he watered her. Dai-yu thinks on how she could repay him for this and settles on “The only way in which I could perhaps repay him would be with the tears shed during the whole of a mortal lifetime if he and I were ever to be reborn as humans in the world below.”

And wouldn't you believe it! They do end up reincarnated as humans in the world below. Bao-yu and Dai-yu are very close throughout their mortal lives, but the debt of tears comes back into the picture during Bao-yu's wedding. He believes he is getting married to Dai-yu as his family told him (because he wouldn't agree to marriage otherwise), but it isn't until the wedding starts he discovers this isn't the case and the family chose for him to marry someone else with a higher social standing. Dai-yu thinks Bao-yu was willingly deceiving her with this and is so distraught about it that she cries until she dies (she is very sickly pretty much constantly and this book is written like a soap opera) which fulfills the Debt of Tears.

As you can imagine, this really messes up Bao-yu. His mental state degrades throughout the book, but that's the nail in the coffin for it all. The debt of tears and the wedding is the emotional climax of the book, and I cannot imagine limbus's adaptation of the story not doing something with it.

The thing about cutting Bao-yu open happens in a dream, and is also related to the debt of tears/ Bao-yu and Dai-yu's relationship actually!

It happens in a dream Dai-yu has in chapter 82 where she's chosen as a second wife for a man and has to leave the Jias. She does Not Want this at all and is unable to do anything in order to stop it. Eventually, she finds Bao-yu and this scene plays out (this next section is words taken directly from the book. because im really normal about it. theres a tldr at the bottom if you aren't reading all that) :

Suddenly she thought: ‘Why haven’t I seen Bao-yu today? He might still know of a way out.’ And as the thought entered her mind, she looked up and sure enough, there, standing right in front of her, all laughter and smiles, was Bao-yu himself. ‘My warmest congratulations, coz!’ This was too much for Dai-yu. Her last vestige of maidenly reserve vanished. She clutched hold of him and cried out: ‘Now I know how heartless and cruel you really are, Bao-yu!’ ‘No, you are wrong,’ he replied. ‘But if you have a husband to go to, then we must go our separate ways.’ Dai-yu listened in despair as this, her very last hope, was taken from her. Clinging to him helplessly, she gave a feverish cry: ‘Oh Bao! I’ve no separate way to go! How could you say such a thing!’ ‘If you don’t want to go, then stay here,’ he replied calmly. ‘You were originally engaged to me. That’s why you came to live here. Has it never occurred to you how specially I’ve always treated you? Haven’t you noticed?’ Suddenly it all seemed clear. She really was engaged to Bao-yu after all. Of course she was! In an instant her despair changed to joy. ‘My mind is made up once and for ever! But you must give me the word. Am I to go? Or am I to stay?’ ‘I’ve told you, stay here with me. If you still don’t trust me, look at my heart.’ With these words he took out a small knife and brought it down across his chest. Blood came spurting out. Terrified out of her wits, Dai-yu tried to staunch the flow with her hand, crying out: ‘How could you? You should have killed me first!’ ‘Don’t worry,’ said Bao-yu. ‘I’m going to show you my heart.’ He fumbled about inside the gaping flesh, while Dai-yu, shaking convulsively, afraid someone might burst in on them at any moment, pressed him to her tightly and wept bitterly. ‘Oh no!’ said Bao-yu. ‘It’s not there any more! My time has come!’ His eyes flickered and he fell with a dull thud to the floor.

tl;dr Bao-yu reassures Dai-yu that there's a way out of her new engagement because she was originally brought to the jia house to be engaged to Bao-yu. Dai-yu is unsure of this and Bao-yu decides to show her his heart to convince her he's telling the truth. he does this by physically cutting his chest open to pull out his heart, but he lacks a heart within his chest to find.

Red Chamber isn't free of violence by any means, but this scene always fucking Got me. its so shocking out of nowhere and its such a potent image, i've drawn something akin to it before because it Got Me so much.

I brought it up in the diagram because his lack of heart reminded me of how the gloom peccatuli contain organs within them, but do not appear to be living organisms, or play part in biological activities. We know Hong Lu has his jade eye, which is probably either prosthetic or a Secret Third (non-normal human eye) Thing, so what's to say he doesn't have other inhuman oddities to him.

It also connects "truth" to physical exposure, in this case exposure not stopping at the skin and going deeper to the organ level. The intertwining of truth and fiction is a HUGE thing in red chamber and this would be really cool if the hypothetical Hong Lu distortion had elements from the gloom peccatulum for this as well (false organs exposed through transparent skin would be both true and false. Really cool)

There's also the concept of "seeing with the eyes" versus "seeing with the heart" which would go crazy when combining all of this. I don't think i can go into that there but tldr is this quote from the little prince

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

And with Hong Lu's eye connection... do you see what im putting down

[bumblingbabooshka]

I’m fascinated by the previous ask’s mention of anime “or the Vulcan equivalent” since anime is literally just Japanese animation would Vulcan animation have a distinctive enough style to warrant a distinct name? What is the Vulcan cultures’ views on animation as an art form (in your opinion).

I don't know enough about animation or art as like an evolving discipline as it relates to society/culture to say much about it in an intelligent way but the newest Dungeon Meshi Extra makes me think about it in a purely 'what would be fun' way

Vulcans also have an incredibly long lifespan so it'd be funny if Vulcans were used to listening to stories that are much longer than other species. [See: Tuvok singing his children a 348 verse story as a lullaby and his children loving it]

You know those soap operas that go on for like decades? Vulcan soap operas are going on for CENTURIES.

I think a lot of the most popular stories on Vulcan center around enlightment or war. In fact I think a lot of Vulcan is probably dedicated to those topics - I headcanon that there are multiple museums and monuments about the many wars Vulcan fought with a heavy emphasis on the great toll it took on their people and how awful these actions were. They almost blew up everything with nukes! But then logic saved them...I believe this is also a common thread in stories that aren't about war - being saved by logic. A woman almost falls for charlatan...but logic saves her. A man almost kills his brother...but logic stills his hand. Etc Etc. A Vulcan author could probably write thousands of books in their lifetime, depending on the age they started. I think having an author with hundreds of books is fairly common and Vulcans are often a bit anxious about reading very good authors of other species...what if they die before they finish writing?? Television shows having like 40 seasons isn't that rare and I think their method of storytelling would probably have to differ from ours in order to facilitate that. That's interesting, isn't it?? I wonder about Vulcan media that isn't Surak's teachings. Like, Tuvok says he likes to read - what's he read about? In 'Riddles' Neelix mentions a "Proto-Vulcan Drama" called 'Clash on the Fire Plains' which has 23 parts. Tuvok apparently has this in book form in his quarters but he's often reading things off his PADD which I assume are also Vulcan literature. It seems that a lot of Vulcan stories we hear about are meant to teach some sort of lesson even if they are also entertaining. When it comes to ongoing media (EX: Television show) I think they'd probably follow a series of arcs and situations with the same characters learning and growing. If you start watching season 82 of a Vulcan program then go back to season 7 it's like a whole new set of characters but they just changed because of their experiences. (As your Vulcan friend will rant to you). It gets a bit ridiculous but it's a bit fun too~ I headcanon that Vulcans in Starfleet will often get together to watch popular Vulcan tv shows' new episodes...alleviates some missing home. Others join in and soon we're seeing tv shows from all over the universe! Surprisingly, Vulcan and Klingon programs are fairly similar in the aspect of 'a lot of battle focused shows which teach lessons' but the exact lessons differ, of course. Oh I bet Vulcan tv shows would also have so much intrigue and drama about clans and marriage and propriety etc which Klingons would love. Klingon: So T'Eyanra is going off with Sarun? Even though she was made aware that Sertik is ill and might be plagued with fever? Vulcan: Yes. And do not forget - Sarun's clan changed the water rights of her own, though she does not know this yet. Klingon: -settling in- Sarun's clan is without honor! That knave... -gasp- and the Ektinslahrah ritual is tonight! Vulcan: -also settling in- Indeed. Oh god this was about anime wasn't it? Well just apply all that stuff I said to anime somehow...Vulcan anime is like one piece's length and death note's complexity but with a shocking amount of painstaking slice of life. I think animation would be taken as seriously on Vulcan as it is on Earth - I can't think of anything that'd make them take it more or less seriously? I picture Betazoid animation would have a heavy emphasis on showing feeling though - like visibly as an ever present cloud behind the characters' heads and you have to know what all the colors mean.

[mensfactory]

1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly-P 1 Roadster

The 1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly P1 Roadster is a car that Allen Swift received as a graduation gift from his father in 1928.  Mr Swift drove the car for 82 years and is credited with owning a Rolls-Royce longer than anyone else in the world.  He died in 2005 at the age of 102 and ensured that the car would be preserved after his death. 

The 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I has a 7,668cc engine that some say has 113 brake horsepower. The Piccadilly Roadster style body is believed to have come from a Packard.

So by 1988, when Allen’s Rolls needed restoration, not only were we Connecticut based, but we already established 10 years of restoration experience. His pride and joy would soon enjoy a complete body off restoration, as well as engine rebuild in collaboration with one of the greatest Rolls Royce experts of that time, Frank Cooke. Over the course of M. Allen Swift’s lifetime, he made a great impression on the local AACA meets and car scene. Allen was notorious for being spotted in his Rolls in rain, fog, and sometimes snow. Over the years of his 77 year ownership, Mr. Swift accumulated over 170,000 documented miles. When we completed the restoration of Mr. Swift’s car, he was already at the age of 88. Asking whether he would like us to deliver the car for him, or have him transport the car, he had clarified that neither of which would work, as he intended on driving his freshly restored Rolls immediately. Sure as it would be, Mr. Swift hopped in his Rolls as if it were new once again, and immediately got on the highway and headed home.

Mr. Swift is known for owning a Rolls Royce longer than anyone else in the world- Rolls Royce presented him with a Spirit of Ecstasy award in 1994 for his length of ownership. Reportedly, it still presents incredibly well, and runs like a top.

The Rolls Royce was donated to the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, along with $1 million dollars to care for and preserve the vehicle. You can still see Allen’s car there today, in their transportation gallery.

[not-poignant]

82/? - Underline the Black (omegaverse) - Efnisien/Gary

Title: Underline the Black Rating: Explicit Pairing: Efnisien ap Wledig/Dr Gary Konowalous Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Darkfic, Disturbing themes, Age Gap, Omegaverse, Alpha/Alpha, no Mpreg, Medical experimentation, Medical trauma, Dominance/Submission, Dystopian universe, Forced bonding, Forced relationship, Imprisonment, Nonconsensual medical procedures, PTSD, Flashbacks, Nightmares, Chronic illness, Mating cycles/Heats, Knotting, Miscommunication, Trauma recovery, Mind control, Child Abuse, Hope, Hopeful ending.

Summary: Efnisien ap Wledig is an omega born into an all-alpha family. Abandoned by his birth mother and raised by his aunt, he is subjected to a lifetime of medical experimentation and brainwashing and believes himself to be an alpha. But the experiments begin to fail, and he is abandoned yet again to an Omega Rehabilitation Facility, where the family expects he will be retrained into the ‘perfect omega’ and placed in an arranged marriage, or be eliminated if this is no longer possible.

The Facility don’t know about the experiments, and Efnisien doesn’t even know why he’s in there in the first place, since he’s an alpha…isn’t he? One thing’s for certain, he definitely doesn’t need an alpha companion, no matter what the staff at the facility seem to think.

Underline the Black - Chapter 82 - Selfies @ AO3

In which Gary takes Efnisien walking along the trail again, and they have a conversation about different things. Gary sparks off Efnisien's interest in photography and encourages him, and breaks his heart in the process thinking about all the normal experiences Efnisien never got to have growing up.

– Thanks to all the Patreon and Ream supporters for making this story possible!

The following early access extras are also currently available on the Augus & Gwyn, and Efnisien & Gary tiers at Patreon and Ream:

Underline the Red - 05 - Caleb/Faber Underline the Red - 06 - Caleb/Faber Underline the Gold - 07 - Flitmouse/Anton The Nascent Diplomat - 42 - Augus/Gwyn Constellations - 05 - Efnisien + Gwyn (post Falling Falling Stars) Constellations - 06 - Efnisien + Gwyn (post Falling Falling Stars) Constellations - 07 - Efnisien + Gwyn (post Falling Falling Stars) Underline the Blue - 13 - Nate/Janusz Underline the Blue - 14 - Nate/Janusz

Want another way to support my writing? // I have a Patreon account! // Come check out REAM! (Patreon mirror) // Buy a Ko-Fi!

[beachyserasims]

♡ Winning Couple Ceremony | GENEVA ISLAND

Part 3 of 3

The final three couples have expressed their feelings and soon it will be time to announce the winning couple.

But first, to announce the second runner up couple...

Jasmine and Justin! With a friendship level of 100, they definitely made an impact on each other that will last a lifetime. And even if they don’t continue their romantic relationship that currently sits at 36, they surely will be friends forever.

That leaves us with the final two couples, Judi with Rowan, and Autumn with Darion!

The couple that is winning pulled through with a friendship score of 82 and a love score of 71. Up until episode 21, this couple was actually in second place, but during the final dates, they committed to each other in ways that no other couple did, bumping up their love 17 points higher than the couple who was forecasted to win. 

And so the winners are… Autumn and Darion!

Judi and Rowan finished off with a friendship score of 88 and a love score of 54. They worked really slowly on their relationship and stayed true to each other, but in the end, neither of them were willing to commit, and Rowan even decided that this experience showed him he doesn’t mind being single. While the same is true for Autumn, she was receptive to the idea of marriage with Darion, which is a loooong ways off for Judi and Rowans relationship.

And with that, the end of Geneva Island has come! We saw a lot of beautiful sims, all with their own uniquely amazing personalities, that showed us a glimpse into their personal lives in a way that no other love island show has. By revealing the true intentions of everyone involved, and allowing them the freedom to be who they really are, which is just the same as they would be behind closed doors, they were able to find love. Autumn and Darion will be moving in together into a beautiful penthouse suite, accompanied by Rowan and Judi!

Thank you to everyone who tuned in! I am looking forward to continuing onto my next series, Geneva legacy, where the story of Autumn, Darion, Judi, and Rowan continues.

Part 1 | Part 2

The Start || Beginning of Episodes || Previous || Next

[usafphantom2]

The story of the SR-71 Blackbird crew that ‘gave the birdie’ to a French Air Force Mirage III pilot, lit the afterburners and outran him

‘I looked out the left window and saw a French Mirage III sitting ten feet off my left wing. He came up on our frequency and asked us for our Diplomatic Clearance Number. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him to stand by…,’ Lt. Colonel William Burk Jr., former SR-71 pilot.

The SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft was the world’s fastest jet-propelled aircraft and the most advanced member of the Blackbird family developed by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s clandestine “Skunk Works” division. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world’s highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet, it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth’s surface per hour. The aircraft was designed to fly deep into hostile territory, avoiding interception with its tremendous speed and high altitude.

During its operational lifetime, the SR-71 provided intelligence about the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, the US raid on Libya in 1986 and the revelation of Iranian Silkworm missile batteries in 1987. The USAF ceased SR-71 operations in January 1990.

That time an SR-71 Blackbird crew ‘gave the birdie’ to a French Air Force Mirage III pilot before lighting the afterburners and leaving the fighter jet behind

This model is available in multiple sizes from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

One of the most entertaining stories about flying the Blackbird comes from Lt. Colonel William Burk Jr., who shares about a particular mission he flew [according to SR-71 pilot Stormy Boudreaux, Tom Henichek was Burk’s RSO for that mission] over Lebanon back in 1982 in the book Skunk Works by Ben Rich.

‘In the fall of ’82, I flew from Mildenhall on a mission over Lebanon in response to the Marine barracks bombing. President Reagan ordered photo coverage of all the terrorist basis in the region. The French refused to allow us overfly, so our mission profile was to refuel off the south coast of England, a Mach 3 cruise leg down the coast of Portugal and Spain, left turn through the Straits of Gibraltar, refuel in the Western Mediterranean, right turn into Lebanon and fly right down main street Beirut, exit along the southern Mediterranean with another refueling over Malta, supersonic back out the straits, and return to England.

‘Because Syria had a Soviet SA-5 missile system just west of Damascus that we would be penetrating (we were unsure of Syria’s intentions in this conflict), we programmed to fly above 80,000 feet and at Mach 3 plus to be on the safe side, knowing that this advanced missile had the range and speed to nail us.

That time an SR-71 Blackbird crew ‘gave the birdie’ to a French Air Force Mirage III pilot before lighting the afterburners and leaving the fighter jet behind

‘As we entered Lebanon’s airspace my Recon Systems Officer in the rear cockpit informed me that our defensive systems display showed we were being tracked by that SA-5. About 15 seconds later we got a warning of active guidance signals from the SA-5 site. We couldn’t tell whether there was an actual launch or the missile was still on the rails, but they were actively tracking us. We didn’t waste any time wondering, but climbed and pushed that throttle, and said a couple of “Hail Kellys.”

‘We completed our pass over Beirut and turned toward Malta, when I got a warning low-oil-pressure light on my right engine. Even though the engine was running fine I slowed down and lowered our altitude and made a direct line for England. We decided to cross France without clearance instead of going the roundabout way.

‘We made it almost across, when I looked out the left window and saw a French Mirage III sitting ten feet off my left wing. He came up on our frequency and asked us for our Diplomatic Clearance Number. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him to stand by. I ask my backseater, who said, “Don’t worry about it. I just gave it to him.” What he had given him was “the bird” with his middle finger: I lit the afterburners and left that Mirage standing still. Two minutes later, we were crossing the Channel.’

SR-71 Print

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. SR-71A Blackbird 61-7972 “Skunkworks”

Photo credit: U.S. Air Force and French Air Force Via FAST Museum Twitter Account

Thanks to Linda Sheffield Miller from Habubrats Facebook Page for helping with this article

@Habubrats71 via X

[arthur-lesters-tummy]

day 82 of the dreamlands

oy vey, today has not been great...

it started off okay, barbara opened up a bit and told us she had been in one of the rebellions - i knew i recognized her from somewhere, the photos from the secondhand shop! - and she'd been protesting in favour of unrestricted travel between worlds though it didn't end well, which would explain why we've had such a hard time finding an exit. it's purposefully hidden by those in charge... whoever they are. she said she'd seen enough action in her lifetime so unfortunately she didn't want to join us :( we will write to her though!

it's just as well she didn't come. we found the Warson Lollice guy with a helicopter, we could tell he didn't want to deal with us, but ribcage took him aside for a moment and afterwards he suddenly did a 180 and was welcoming us in... do you have dirt on this guy @arthur-lesters-ribcage ? anyway, i distracted him by getting a tour of the house while ribcage made for the vault of money. this guy was so boring and talked about his parents/grandparents who he'd inherited the estate from, tons of stories about them because he had no personality outside them. my distraction worked too well bc he went on and on, even when ribby came back.

made it sound like it was urgent that we had to leave, so we finally got to the helicopter and flew off. we went through the zone of forgetfulness, which he said he went through regularly. but when we came out of it he freaked out and we crashed into the ocean... i guess that was what my deck of cards meant by "beware", could've used a less vague warning!!

i got injured by the debris and from hitting the water so hard, but ribcage is fine, and Warson managed to contact the coastguards for help and we got to the mainland. i blacked out for a bit and now I seem to be in the hospital. Warson kept me company while ribcage is gone tracking down @arthur-lesters-tits @arthur-lesters-slutty-waist @arthur-lesters-trachea and the others, but the disguise wore off so he fled... the food is awful here. guys, come visit me :(

[wouldduskwood]

Jake's POV Descendants of Despair Part 82

"You're a smart guy, you work it out," Alan smirked, obviously still irked at my deliberate manipulation. "Or, I could always find a way to bring your little lass back in, if that would loosen your tongue."

"I think you know as well as I do that would be a big mistake on your behalf. I simply meant, where do you want me to start my story." I glared, my mind drifting back to her. Did she know? Was she safe and warm? How would all of this end for her? As if unbidden, thoughts began to creep into my mind. Her future, unencumbered by my presence, free to have a future. Maybe she would find someone else, marry and have a family.

My throat ached and I swallowed hard. She was free, but only to an extent. I still had not been able to free her from the troubles that she had before she met me. She would be no better off. Maybe worse. I had failed her. I shook my head a couple of times, then clenched my fists. No, calling off Alan's pitbulls would not be the last act I would do for her. I would find a way for them to investigate whatever was chasing her and, just like that, I had a hunch that I knew exactly how to do just that.

"What I am about to tell you is a long and complex and large scale situation. I know it sounds cliché, believe me, I do. But, this whole time, throughout it all, I have done nothing more than try and do the morally right thing. Legally right, maybe not. You will get to be the judge. But, along the way, as I tell you my story, I want you to find out some information for me. Information on another type of crime." I paused, breathing slowly.

Alan eyed me sceptically. "It is her, isn't it?" He asked with a knowing look. I wondered if he was trying to upset me, but he had no idea of the complexity and depth of my feeling for her. His mockery did nothing more than settle my resolve further. "Yes. What can I say," I shrugged, "Her situation mirrored mine in many ways, maybe not to the extent, but it did. She has something following her too, from doing the right thing. Maybe that is why we are so well suited." My voice had taken on an almost dream like quality. Partially sleep deprived and partially because I was forcing myself to focus only on her, not the situation I currently faced and the lifetime I still faced without her.

Alan, for his part, widened his eyes briefly but then sat back in his chair and watched me with steepled fingers. "So, you are the hero in your version of the story. I wonder if you still will be in my version." He mused, leaning back slightly further.

I lifted my head and met his eyes, properly for the first time since this situation began. "That," I announced, "is a very good question." I crossed my arms and closed my eyes as I let my mind drift back to that fateful day. The day I had been forced to disappear. A day that had for so long been a burden to my existence, until she came along. Now, in a weird sort of way, the day that was now one of the best things that had ever happened to me. It was a day that led me closer to her.

"It all began when I was working as a programmer and bug fixer for a large corporation. We were hired out to different companies, performing security updates, virus checks, that sort of thing. A lot of the time it was mundane, for someone of my skill level anyway," I gave a wry grin and shook my head slightly. "I had no idea then the type of situation I would find myself in when I was asked to perform a network check of a computer network that had experienced an attempted breach earlier that day." I considered my words carefully, trying to give enough information to keep him interested but not enough that I wouldn't be able to barter for better treatment for her.

"As I was doing the routine checkup, I stumbled upon something. Something I knew I shouldn't access...which is how this whole tale begins..."

Part 83

[nameless-brand]

Will probably be a two part post.

Lan. She's the "retired" gang lady who broke the robber's arm when he pulled out a gun. The civil case for "excessive force" has been thrown out, but the DA is pushing for the criminal case for the robber. I'd imagine it's an open and shut case given video footage.

I visited her in the new employee residential area. She's 82, doesn't look a day over 60. Speaks English okay - occasionally drops an article or two - but we both speak Chinese anyway.

I'm met by two kids at the door. I recognize one of them - Eve. She's the 5-year old girl that the Nameless Church brought back a lifetime ago - the one with the BC named Taxes followed a lot.

The other is Stacy, an 8-year old girl. Later I found out, she'd underwent brain surgery a month ago for an aggressive pituitary cancer that was pushing on her brain stem - I was told that was very bad, and it was good that it was removed before really bad things happened.

They're Lan's great-grand-kids, and she's taking care of them because her granddaughter's husband revealed himself to be an abusive pig. Their mom is still in physical therapy, but apparently the man struck Stacy in the hospital after the surgery. And her surgeon took extreme offense to that - like stabbing the man in the gut with a scalpel and pulling down. Not quite sure how he survived that, but Lan says the damage was actually very superficial.

She's moving in to the employee housing because her granddaughter lent her her co-op'd apartment - and if anyone complains about it, she'll flip their tables. Given this old lady was casually lifting a bookcase taller than me, I'd say that's a pretty substantial threat.

Chi tagged along with me, given the choice between staying in the Inn or coming with me on semi-official business, and now she's hanging out with the kids in the living area as we talk. She said she's never played a video game before - and now the two younger kids are showing off their games and asking her to try it.

[dankxsinatra]

Ask me my top threes:

1: Top 3 ice cream flavors

2: Top 3 Disney Movies

3: Top 3 vacation destinations

4: Top 3 places to shop

5: Top 3 subjects of study/classes to take

6: Top 3 make up products

7: Top 3 music artists

8: Top 3 spices/herbs

9: Top 3 drinks

10: Top 3 apps to use

11: Top 3 months of the year

12: Top 3 clothing items

13: Top 3 binge perfect tv shows

14: Top 3 romantic dates

15: Top 3 kinds of flower

16: Top 3 christmas movies

17: Top 3 OTPs

18: Top 3 quotes to describe your life

19: Top 3 characteristics you love about yourself

20: Top 3 kinds of candy

21: Top 3 ways to exercise/ be active

22: Top 3 spirit animals

23: Top 3 petnames

24: Top 3 books read outside of school

25: Top 3 most used websites

26: Top 3 people you last texted

27: Top 3 hashtags you use

28: Top 3 instagram accounts you follow

29: Top 3 guilty pleasures

30: Top 3 summer activities

31: Top 3 things to draw/doodle

32: Top 3 aesthetics

33: Top 3 things you'd buy if you gained three million dollars

34: Top 3 ways to treat yourself

35: Top 3 celebrity crushes

36: Top 3 books from your childhood

37: Top 3 accents to hear

38: Top 3 scents

39: Top 3 "Friends" quotes

40: Top 3 cupcake flavors

41: Top 3 fruits

42: Top 3 places you've had amazing pizza from

43: Top 3 sports teams to watch

44: Top 3 crayola colors

45: Top 3 things you hope to accomplish in college

46: Top 3 fanfictions you've read

47: Top 3 people you miss right now

48: Top 3 fears

49: Top 3 favorite literary devices

50: Top 3 pet peeves

51: Top 3 physical things you find attractive

52: Top 3 bad habits

53: Top 3 pets you've had/wish to have

54: Top 3 types of foreign food

55: Top 3 things you want to say to someone in your lifetime

56: Top 3 dog breeds

57: Top 3 cheesy romance movies

58: Top 3 languages you speak/wish to speak

59: Top 3 series (book, movie, television)

60: Top 3 pizza toppings

61: Top 3 youtubers you're subscribed to

62: Top 3 tattoo / piercing ideas

63: Top 3 awards you want to win

64: Top 3 emojis

65: Top 3 cars you dream of owning

66: Top 3 authors

67: Top 3 historical figures

68: Top 3 baby names

69: Top 3 DIYs

70: Top 3 smoothie combos/flavors

71: Top 3 songs of this month

72: Top 3 questions of this post you want to be asked

73: Top 3 villains

74: Top 3 Cities you want to see

75: Top 3 recipes you want to try

76: Top 3 dream jobs

77: Top 3 lucky items

78: Top 3 traditions you have

79: Top 3 things you miss about being a kid

80: Top 3 harry potter characters

81: Top 3 lies you were told

82: Top 3 pictures in your camera roll right now

83: Top 3 turn ons

84: Top 3 turn offs

85: Top 3 magazines/news papers/ journals to read

86: Top 3 things you wish you had known earlier

87: Top 3 spongebob episodes

88: Top 3 places to be in the world

89: Top 3 things you'd do differently

90: Top 3 TV shows from your childhood

91: Top 3 meals you love

92: Top 3 kinds of tea

93: Top 3 embarrassing moments

94: Top 3 holidays to celebrate

95: Top 3 things to do in the rain

96: Top 3 things to do in the snow

97: Top 3 items you can't leave the house w/o

98: Top 3 movies you'd like to see

99: Top 3 art mediums

100: Top 3 things you don't/Won't miss

[lboogie1906]

Antoine Carraby (December 11, 1961) known professionally as DJ Yella, is a DJ, record producer, and film director. He was born in Compton and raised in Los Angeles. The second youngest of nine children. His parents divorced when he was four years old, and he lived primarily with his mother.

He grew up listening to funk music and learned to play the drums. He performed at various clubs in Los Angeles by the name of Yella, inspired by Tom Tom Club’s Mr. Yellow. After watching Run-D.M.C. perform, they attempted to make a few records themselves in the nightclub Eve After Dark.

He began his career as a member of the World Class Wreckin’ Cru. He joined N.W.A and became the longest-lasting member of the group. His first and only studio album One Mo Nigga ta Go was released through Street Life Records. He left the music industry to direct pornographic films. He says he produced more than 300 adult films.

He helped produce Eazy-E’s debut album Eazy-Duz-It and the two N.W.A. albums, along with the 100 Miles and Runnin’ EP, he co-produced J.J. Fad’s gold-certified debut (Super Sonic) and Michel’le’s (self-titled) album and contributed to The D.O.C.’s album No One Can Do It Better. In his memoir, Ruthless witnessed Dre and his work together.

He produced J.J. Fad’s second album Not Just a Fad, Yomo & Maulkie’s album Are U Xperienced?, two tracks from Eazy-E’s It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa, the gold-selling hit single “Foe tha Love of $” from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Creepin on ah Come Up EP, Menajahtwa’s album Cha-licious, and tracks from H.W.A.’s Az Much Ass Azz U Want E.P. He helped produce Eazy’s album Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton.

He released his debut solo album One Mo Nigga ta Go on Street Life Records as a tribute to Eazy-E. The album peaked at #82 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and at #23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the US.

He was played by Neil Brown Jr. in Straight Outta Compton. He reunited with the former members of N.W.A at Coachella. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A. He and the other members of N.W.A. received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[mainstoryarchive]

Kingdom - 82: Temptation

Eichi: Well then.

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: Student Council Office

Eichi: Well then.

Let me first tell you what brought this on. I think you understand it since you're all smart but the fact that you won yesterday's DreamFes was a miracle; it was just a fluke.

Thanks to it being a surprise attack, the cooperation of UNDEAD and 2wink, the special position of the transfer student, my absence…

And other big factors such as those that kept piling up, it's a victory you grasped thanks to luck as if walking on thin ice.

If we were to come attack you from the front you would not stand a chance.

Keito's AKATSUKI which is wishing to take revenge, or my fine, are able to easily crush you.

Hokuto: (That… Indeed, it pains me to admit it, but it's just as the president says.)

(Yesterday's victory was a miracle. A miracle won't occur again and again, the difference in strength is clear. I'm not as conceited as to think we can win fair and square.)

(Even if he is rotten, the president still is the top idol of Yumenosaki Academy.)

(It isn't as if he has been reigning with just his authority. He has real skill. Because he is a wall nobody can conquer, he has been able to reign.)

(We are still inexperienced. We are a new-born Trickstar…)

(Like that we desperately kept working harder and harder, came up with a plan, gained the support of a lot of comrades and then barely grasped victory.)

(There won't be a next time. We are unarmed compared to the student council.)

(If we spend enough time then someday we will surely be able to catch up. However at the moment there is a clear difference in strength.)

Eichi: However, you are the flowers that bloomed in this Yumenosaki Academy, even though you shouldn't have been able to. You yourselves embody a miracle, I think of you as precious existences.

It would be more than a shame to just crush you here.

Which is why I want to make a proposal. That is why I have called you here today.

Listen properly until the end. This will be a nice opportunity for you.

I feel bad for Trickstar but I will have Trickstar disband. However I am thinking of assigning all of its members to units which will be able to bring out the best in them.

We will have a swift transfer. That's right, first off… Hidaka Hokuto-kun, Akehoshi Subaru-kun.

To have the both of you in a mish-mashed unit such as Trickstar is a waste.

I'll have you become part of my fine, one of the strongest units in this Yumenosaki Academy.

The reason I called you here is to recruit you, not to punish you.

Become one of my comrades. I want you to become outstanding talents who will carry fine, Yumenosaki Academy, and this idol industry.

You have potential, you have shining talent. You are the precious buds who should blossom in full glory not as my enemy, but as my comrade.

I want you to allow me to not have to trample over the bud that has just started to sprout.

I want you to let me love it, I want you to let me grow it. This is a request, this Tenshouin Eichi is lowering his head and requesting you. I want to have you so much I just can't help it.

I have always been waiting for a beautiful flower, for a young idol with great promise for the future.

Of course… I have also thought of the other two members, not just of Hidaka-kun and Akehoshi-kun.

First, I will have Isara Mao whom Keito highly values become part of AKATSUKI.

As for Yuuki Makoto-kun, the unit an acquaintance of mine is in, Knights, has raised its hand saying they want him.

Sena Izumi-kun, it seems that he especially is strongly asking for Yuuki-kun's enrollment.

Among the units that don't bow down to the student council, Knights is the strongest.

To Yuuki-kun, who is a leftover and poorly equipped student, it's the chance of a lifetime.

That is something I can say to all of you. Will you keep fighting against us of the student council, picking at us until there aren't even remains left?

Do you want to fight a hellish battle to exhaustion?

At first you may misunderstand that you're doing something great, and enjoy yourselves like that. But in the end, that's just playing around; you're just playing revolutionists.

In time, you'll realize that there isn't any meaning in doing that.

Aren't we comrades of the same Yumenosaki Academy? It's sad to have to fight each other.

It isn't productive; please also think about the future. This absolutely won't mean you have lost. It isn't an act you need to sell your soul for.

You have won. My proposal is the reward for that.

Your talent will shine because it is in my hands. I am convinced of that, which is why I want you to say yes. I want you to take my hand, let us walk together.

I will include your dreams into mine.

I'm sure those dreams will bring out the maximum amount of shine. They will become the hope that shines upon this whole world.

You guys are Cinderellas, you will be able to climb the stairs higher and higher.

This is the best compliment I can give you. There is no meaning in just standing still. In order to grow up, it is also important to have a rebellious period, but you can't keep rebelling forever.

Some day you will be included as one of the gears of the system, of society.

You can't keep being a child forever; you have to become adults. And for you, that moment is now.

I want you to not waste this chance.

Right now is the time to stop pulling back, you have to compromise. If you want to keep on being an idol from now on, then you will have to make a decision like an adult.

I have always been waiting for talented people like yourselves. I want you to not let this encounter end in an unfortunate manner. I am asking this of you from the bottom of my heart.

I want you to allow me to not have to trample on the flower that has finally bloomed.

If you won't listen to this request, then however sad it is, we will have to wage war.

[ ☆ ]

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[alpacaexpeditions]

Trekking the Inca Trail: An Unforgettable Adventure with Alpaca Expeditions

The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic and sought-after trekking routes in the world. Trekking the Inca Trail offers adventurers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. Alpaca Expeditions, a leading tour operator in Peru, provides unparalleled experiences on this legendary trail.

Discovering the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is a network of ancient paths that once connected the vast Incan Empire. Today, it is a four-day trek that leads hikers through stunning mountain scenery, lush cloud forests, and ancient Incan ruins, culminating at the majestic Machu Picchu. The trail is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty, making it a must-do for any trekking enthusiast.

The Journey Begins

Trekking the Inca Trail with Alpaca Expeditions begins with a briefing in Cusco, where you will meet your guides and fellow trekkers. The first day starts at Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the trail. As you set off, you'll cross the Urubamba River and begin your ascent into the Andes. The initial portion of the trail is relatively gentle, allowing you to acclimate to the altitude and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Challenges and Rewards

The second day of the Inca Trail is considered the most challenging. You'll climb to the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman's Pass, at an elevation of 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). The ascent is steep and demanding, but the sense of accomplishment and the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. After a well-deserved rest, the descent into the Pacaymayo Valley begins.

On the third day, you'll encounter several remarkable Incan ruins, including Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. The trail winds through cloud forests and lush vegetation, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the Andes. The day concludes at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, named after the nearby ruins, which translates to "Forever Young."

Reaching Machu Picchu

The final day of trekking the Inca Trail is a short but exciting journey to Machu Picchu. Rising early, you'll make your way to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just in time to witness the sunrise over the ancient citadel. The sight of Machu Picchu emerging from the mist is a moment you'll never forget. After capturing the perfect photo, you'll descend into the site for a guided tour, learning about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why Choose Alpaca Expeditions?

Alpaca Expeditions is renowned for its exceptional service and commitment to sustainable tourism. Their experienced guides, porters, and chefs ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, providing delicious meals and comfortable accommodations along the way. Alpaca Expeditions also prioritizes the well-being of their team, offering fair wages and support for local communities.

By choosing Alpaca Expeditions, you're not only embarking on an unforgettable adventure but also contributing to the preservation of the Inca Trail and the well-being of the people who make it possible.

Conclusion

Trekking the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure, history, and natural beauty. With Alpaca Expeditions, you can be confident that you're in good hands, allowing you to fully enjoy this incredible journey. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker, the Inca Trail promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Embark on your adventure today and discover the magic of the Inca Trail with Alpaca Expeditions.

[iusedtobemeanmrmustard]

Prince - Chaos and Disorder - 1996

I've been doing a deep dive on Prince albums lately. The mood just struck, and I decided I'd seek out some of the things I didn't know. He released 39 albums in his lifetime, most of them I never bothered with. Many of them are soul crushingly long.

This is one I never heard until a week ago. Released right in the middle of his Artist Formerly Known As phase and his war with Warner Brothers, it's known colloquially as Prince's "guitar album". He dismissed it as a tossed off "contract fulfillment", but here's the thing. It's really good.

If you like Prince's songs from his golden era ('82-'89), then there's a lot to like here. The songs are just catchy and sound pretty much like they played live in the studio. It might take a second listen to get it, but I was surprised at how solid this album really is.

Highlights (for me) are the title track, I Like It There, Right The Wrong, and Dig U Better Dead.

[thestoriesofimmigration]

Looking for a Job Change? These Are 2023’s Most In-Demand Jobs That Have the Highest Salary

Think it's time to change careers? Perhaps you've had a particularly tough week at work and want to see what else is out on the horizon. Maybe your passion has waned too.

Interestingly, research shows that each of us will go through approximately three to seven career changes throughout our lifetime.

Either way, we're happy to report there are plenty of jobs out there for you to choose from for your next chapter - and they're occupations that are very in-demand right now.

The number of occupations with workers in short supply jumped to 332 in 2023 from 286 in 2022, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.

With this in mind, we looked at which industries are looking for lots of employees right now, and we've narrowed it down based on the options with the highest salary. Because in this cost-of-living crisis, we all deserve a decent raise.

Trades - Electricians

Jobs and Skills Australia has identified 38 critical occupations, mainly in trades and technical occupations. Electricians and electrical engineers are critically important across these areas.

These occupations can make you around $130,000 annually according to data. Considering the call-out fee alone at the moment for a good electrician can set you back $300 - these tradespeople are making some good bank.

In Australia, electrical apprenticeships take around four years and they involve both on-the-job and off-the-job training. And another great aspect of being an electrician is that it's an in-demand job across the country.

Health Industry - Anaesthetists

Data shows that the most severe shortages in the Aussie labour market are seen among health professionals, where 82 per cent of occupations lack workers.

This included dentists, radiographers, optometrists and general practitioners. Of course, frontline workers such as nurses and paramedics are also always desperately needed. But the rates of burnout and poor mental health associated with these roles are sadly quite high.

Right now in particular though, there is one major job in the health industry that is in big demand. And it's anaesthetists. According to Seek, the salary for anaesthetists is approximately $222,000.

The downside however, is that the training and studying it takes to be an anaesthetist, while necessary, will set you back years and years. There will also be a hefty tertiary education bill, though the future salary will certainly have you sitting pretty years down the track.

So if the healthcare industry is one you've been considering getting into, and you're up for gaining new skills and qualifications - becoming an anaesthetist might be a good option.

Hospitality - Chefs

If you consider yourself quite the whiz in the kitchen, you could always consider training to become a chef and working in hospitality. The catch though is climbing to the top of the ladder, as that's where the higher salaries come about. We're talking about the executive chefs and food and beverage managers, where the salaries can be around the $150,000 mark.

Just recently chefs were added to the top 10 most in-demand jobs in Australia, as per the Federal Government's latest Skills Priority List.

The work-life balance for this job though is notoriously not fantastic. There's nights and weekend work, and public holidays are often a chef's busiest days of the year.

But when you have a passion for food and cooking and it's one of your greatest skills - this is an industry where you can truly flourish. Plus, a great bonus about working in the hospitality sector is that you are working in an international industry - there is no limit to where you can work in the world.

ICT - Software Engineers

The Australian Financial Review reports that almost 70 per cent of information technology jobs are deemed short of workers, including software engineers, web developers, and cybersecurity specialists.

Software and application programmers remain among the top three most in-demand jobs in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, and the most in-demand in the ACT.

Despite the need for these jobs, very few people choose to go down this path - likely due to the high-level results required to enter the university courses. But if you have quite the knack for ICT and digital skills, it's worth it for the salary - often ranging anywhere from $100,000 to $220,000.

Construction - managers.

A LOT of people in construction are doing well financially.

If you're in this industry and you have 'manager' as part of your title, there's a good chance you're making over $140,000.

Some examples include construction managers, contracts managers, health safety and environment managers, safety managers, quality managers, project managers, site managers and more. Simply put - there's a lot on offer. 

It's important to consider though that lately a lot of construction firms have been going into liquidation. It's ironic timing considering construction managers are listed in the top 20 occupations in-demand right now.

Legal - solicitors.

Last but certainly not least, we have a good 'ol solicitor. While these jobs certainly aren't the highest-paid options in law, they still will leave you with a sizeable salary - over $100,000.

This is an occupation that is newly in shortage in 2023. As for why this is, Jobs and Skills Australia estimates it's because of the training gap and how long it takes for applicants to have the necessary skills and qualifications.

The demand is so high right now that Australian law firms recorded a demand growth of 4.9 per cent in the second half of this latest financial year, compared to US firms, where demand dropped by 2.6 per cent.

So if you want to live out your Suits fantasy - the long hours, competitiveness and all - then becoming a solicitor could be on the cards.

Source: Mamamia

[mdshariful]

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