#BUT i understand the need for a mandatory vaccine

[its-not-too-late-for-coffee]

Things I Did Not Know Were Controversial Until Christmas Dinner

Everyone deserves FREE public Healthcare. You only have one life on this world, why would you have to choose between eating and healthcare?

Healthcare should not be FOR PROFIT. The only industry that profits from LIVES and DEATHS is WAR.

Everyone should have access to affordable higher education. Learning is our only way to combat oppression.

Everyone should be able to control what they do to their bodies. Their bodies should not be regulated and procedures should not be signed off on another entity. Minors are the only exception as they may be too young to understand a specific procedure so a DISCUSSION would be beneficial between parent/guardian, the minor, and the doctor.

The Death Penalty is wrong. People are wrongly committed because of the corrupt justice system that sides with who has more money and connections.

Physical punishment is wrong. A child does not need to be hit to learn when something is wrong.

VACCINATE THE CHILDREN! It is NOT herd immunity. You can get sick with disease while vaccinated, but your risk of getting it and ot being severe is LOWERED.

FREE SCHOOL LUNCH. It is mandatory for children to go to public school for EIGHT hours for free. Why should they pay for lunch when they go for 8 hours for free and it's mandatory?

ANYTHING OTHER THAN A DEFINITIVE YES IS A NO!

ABORTION BANS ARE IMMORAL. Why punish people who have medical issues with their lives at risk and force birth (and don't care about a child once it's here) so the elite can continue stuffing pockets full of green?

GUNS SHOULD BE MORE REGULATED. An AR-15 (weapon designed for quick massive death) and a shotgun (for hunting) are two different things.

WE ARE A COUNTRY BUILT ON IMMIGRATION. Why punish thought that did the same as our ancestors?

PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXIST EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT LIKE YOU! Why punish people for being different than you?

TAX THE ULTRA WEALTHY! Anything over a billion dollars should be taxed. If the elite benefit from scamming the working class, they should be punished by taking away their hoard of wealth.

EVERYONE DESERVES THE RIGHT TO THE COST OF LIVING! Minimum wage was designed to be the cost of living. Why isn't it anymore?

EVERYONE DESERVES SHELTER! You cannot address the issues of poverty without providing housing. Providing housing reduces stress.

I am currently writing this as I am traveling home (not driving, but passenger), so I will add more as I remember more. If you wonderful people have more to the points, feel free to add more.

[fragileizy]

had to teach my coworker what vaccines do today.

he was in the marines so he got the mandatory covid shot, and when i asked him if he would've gotten it without the marines telling him to do so he said no, because he was afraid of the consequences in a few years. when i asked him what he meant, he said something along the lines of "well, isn't it in my body? won't that make me sick?" and i realized that this man had absolutely no idea how vaccines work.

i made it really easy for him. i explained to him that essentially vaccines are either dead versions of the disease, or pieces of the disease. just to simplify and not to get too complicated with it.

he asked "how come people get so sick from the vaccine?"

i answered "the body sees something malicious, and attacks it as if it's alive, so sometimes it starts a fever or a runny nose or whatever it was you felt, because it's trying to fight it off. the vaccine doesn't have anything alive and can't reproduce, so it's not going to reproduce in your body. it's essentially a dead body being dragged around, and our white blood cells looking at the face. 'if you see this guy, kill him', that type of stuff. you're essentially letting your cells inside your body know that the things being introduced into your body are bad, and fight it off. 'remember this face, remember this name, shoot on sight' type of stuff."

he genuinely thanked me. he said no one had taken the time to explain to him, even so basic like that. all he'd been told is that he needed to take it, and no one had bothered to explain what a vaccine does.

i'm glad i was able to help him understand more. i wish someone had taken the time to explain it before, though.

[lapdogchase]

long vent post abt covid + my sister

i genuinely dont know when the last time my little sister wasnt sick for more than two weeks was. im trying to remember but i cant . its been almost constant since she got covid in dec2021. and she has all these new allergies and symptoms and stuff she had as a baby came back after. and my parents are like antivax antimask "its just a cold" conspiracy theorists and they arent going to protect her they only got her her mandatory vaccines bc our doctor finally made them and theyre convinced shes always sick bc of the vaccines and not bc of covid. and i know theres nothing i can say or do that will get through to them. and i know my sister doesnt understand Why shes sick all the time so of course shes going to believe our parents because shes a kid why wouldnt she believe them. and i know eventually she'll figure out why shes so sick. when long covid gets talked about more when i figure out how to explain it to her etc eventually she'll find out and it's going to like. ruin her view of our parents and the world at large

and i spent my whole childhood since the day she was born making it like my lifes mission to keep her safe but i had no hope of protecting her against this there was no way i could have done much but my parents could have and should have and now they blame it all on the vaccines its because the doctor gave her vaccines no it isnt!!! no it is not!!! and every time i see her or facetime her or she sends me an audio message i hear the crackle in her throat and i dont know if it will ever go away

and if youre not looking for it youll miss it but if you go in public and sit and listen .youll hear the coughing and sniffling and the crackle in people's throats. i keep my windows open bc my dorm gets too hot and all day i hear people walking by and coughing. my only other covid cautious friend has noticed it. none of my non cc friends have. but i swear to god it's there sit in a library for a few hours and listen it's there it gets worse every year. and nobody even notices and people look at you weird when you mention that everyone's been getting sicker recently

but they are they fucking are ive read the studies ive looked at the data. everyone's sick all the time and they dont even notice it they go "it's the freshman flu" "it's allergies" you arent even a freshman you dont even have allergies. "man ive just been so short of breath recently" then i'm the crazy one if i say the obvious reason for that. i feel fucking crazy i know im not im looking at the studies im looking at the data im learning the science but nobody will listen

i share covid data and protection and everything on instagram all the time im always talking about it because im always thinking about it because i hear it everywhere and nobody listens nobody is masking and i dont understand why i dont understand how - i heard someone cough out my window just now - i don't understand how social pressure can win over the objective truth when the objective truth is killing and disabling people. how do people not care??? i need people to care one-way masking is better than nothing but so much could have been prevented if people would just put on the fucking mask

what am i even supposed to do when everyone's just accepted being sick forever when people dont 'even notice how fucked up their bodies are becoming when people seem to think it could never happen to them and they don't seem to care that they can and will pass it to other people even if they never are symptomatic . how are we supposed to live like this??? are we going to reach a breaking point or are people just going to fucking die forever??? what will it take for people to start masking again??? to start caring???

i dont know what infection number my sister is on. three that i know of for sure but i'd be shocked if she hadn't had it at least five times. shes thirteen . i dont know what to do

[darkmaga-returns]

Monday April 7, 2025 Truth Bomb

Karen Bracken

Globalists, Satanists, and Pedophiles - I had never heard of the guy (Col. Larry Kaifesh) doing this presentation so I looked him up and found him to be legit. He has been referred to as the Constitutional Colonel. Worth taking a listen. 1 hr. 32 min. ARTICLE/VIDEO (the presentation is 60 min. the rest is Q&A)

A review of the $2.2 TRILLION blown in the CARES Act - now where is DOGE on this one?? ARTICLE

British man’s body flown 3,700 miles to ‘deep freeze’ chamber for chance of reawakening - ARTICLE

Planned Parenthood's gift to kids: Sexually graphic coloring books - ARTICLE/VIDEO (4 min.) just remember the earlier people start having sex the more abortion customers for Planned Parenthood…THAT is the REAL reason they exist. Just follow the MONEY.

State Dept. Shuts Down Country’s Entire Visa Program After They Refuse Deportees - Rubio should shut down ALL immigration from ALL countries until every illegal is removed from America. Then we need to scale back the immigration laws to what they once were. LIMITED. Had to have promise of a job and a sponsor and only people with skills to fill American jobs in which there were not enough Americans to fill…..In todays world I can never see a REAL situation in which they could not find an American to fill a job need (aside from seasonal work) or find an American willing to be trained. Immigration was never meant to be an open door to our country. Immigration was meant to benefit America. That is why immigration from the Middle East was banned at one time. It was well known they would not and could not ever assimilate to America culture and assimilation was also a requirement. It was US Senator Ted Kennedy that fought to have that changed and of course he was successful in convincing (?) his fellow Congressmen that people from the Middle East could and would assimilate. That was a lie then and it is a lie today. ARTICLE

Freedom-loving Scotsmen protested the National Museum's Pro-Globalism, Pro-Lockdown, Pro-W.H.O. exhibit - more and more countries are following the US lead to get out of the WHO - they will need 2/3 of the member states in June to vote in favor of the Pandemic Treaty and it is quite possible they will never reach that objective - ARTICLE

How MMR Adverse Events Led to Market Removal in Japan and Change from Mandatory to Elective Childhood Vaccine Schedule - Those that have followed me for years (even before Substack) is well aware that I have repeatedly talked about how the Japanese addressed their extremely high SIDS rate. Understand, healthy babies do not die for no reason. SIDS deaths are deaths with no apparent cause. Well I believe Japan proved that to be false many years ago. Today Japan has one of the lowest infant mortality rates of any industrialized country (while the US doesn’t even make the top 20) and it all started to decline after they made changes to their vaccine agenda. They no longer give the combined MMR shot. So glad someone of importance has finally talked about this. I felt like I have been screaming into the wind for years. What Japan proved is ignored here in the US. Gee, I wonder why??? Ya’ll know why. M O N E Y. ARTICLE

[analyzingadventure]

[Ni/digitalgate02 here] See, this is what i've been thinking for ages and i don't like to limit myself into what is stated on wikimon and other fansites' databases to make lines... They're not a mandatory rule, and with things like the new TCG DigiCa they just embraced the wild combos you can make and evolution rules are by card color and not by specific lines (tho they do have some... suggestions now on the cards, i think?)

i also like the wild combos like Tailmon's OG Adv/02 line?? Which is slime → cat blob → puppy → cat → angel woman → PINK FLUFFY DRAGON

I wish we had more things like these... At least consistent theme, but not like Agu → Grey → MetalGrey → WarGrey sort of line... (and look, i love this line, it just... I love the design + shapes to change a little... ya got me?)

i love most of the main kid/protag mons and their forms, tho...

Like to be fair to Toei/Bandai, there is partially a reason to why the main partners especially tend to have such linear, specific evolution trees; not only because it makes the Digimon easier to sell, but also because the characters need to be easily recognizable to small children. Like the main character(s) having really bizarre evolutions could make it hard for a child to keep up with who's who (especially if they missed an episode), while having very consistent and strong thematic and color coding (etc) will make it always super easy for kids to keep up with. So I understand WHY the main partners tend to be the way they are, it just is the way it is. (It's also why I really loved the evolutions in Survive because aside from Agumon's Vaccine-line, that shit was WILD and I was LIVING for it, Dracumon alone had me losing my fucking shit, Floramon too)

Also I do feel like the emphasis on evolution lines is something the fandom tends to enforce more than Bandai/Toei. And, much to my shock and horror, a lot of people do kind of dislike wild evolutions, some people prefer the Pokémon-esque strict evolution lines. (See: every person who has ever made fun of Tailmon's evolution line for "not making sense") So often I see people share their Tamer OCs and their partner Digimon with full evolution lines and more often than not it's just a known partner Digimon with their default evolution line. Everybody has their own comfort food, and strict evolution lines are just that for some people. Which is fine, I'm just a little 🔪 if anybody tries to enforce strict evolution lines in places they don't belong (aka any space for creativity)

But indeed, I wish we could see more Wild Evolutions in canon more often, or at least have the main partner's evolutions change things up a little more than they tend to (honestly probably the best protag evolution is Gumdramon -> Arresterdramon, like despite the mostly identical color palette and many key visual elements, they really do look nothing alike and yet the evolution feels like a natural progression and is still easily recognizable, really love that.)

[panicinthestudio]

The cycle played out almost exactly like with original SARS -CoV-1 in the 2000s: the discrimination, the global panic, and the denial of how serious it was. Facts are it spread and made it out to major travel hubs, but killed too effectively and wasn't able to become endemic globally to trigger lockdowns and mass quarantine. By then for places that were the hardest hit, it was too late for a lot of people. No vaccines, no proven antivirals, just fear and constant news about new cases, how it chewed through medical staff trying to treat and comfort patients.

All the anxiety after about swine and avian influenzas, foot and mouth, MERS, and other zoonotic diseases was because of that wake up about the speed of transmission and global health infrastructure that was used to localized outbreaks not being up to the task. There was even the whole spike in zombie and epidemic media that happened at the time which continued long after the pandemic ended in 2004.

For the last 20+ years since, places like Hong Kong and other major Asian population centers at least seasonally update if there's a change in the varieties of flu and other respiratory infections. The reason so many Asian countries have an established custom of masking is because they've been expecting potential pandemics and epidemics ever since and they never stopped cropping up. The dissonance was real because we watched it happen, and when most of the pandemics failed to really interfere or touch most people's lives outside of the outbreak centers it was compartmentalized away as some faraway, abstract problem for someone else.

The difference between flying out to HK before and after SARS was night and day. We had expected in 2004 to need masks on hand in case we needed them when we got there or worst case on the plane, there was still a soft one week isolation for travelers or if we caught something while in transit. Hand sanitizer was a travel-sized novelty we fit in our liquids bags for a two to three month trip because it was suggested on the advisory, no one was constantly masked or doing hand hygiene, everything else was same old. The culture shock started when people just silently started putting on masks before lining up at the gate to board; kids, adults, and seniors with whatever they could get from woodworking and dust masks to N95s and they stayed on except for food until we got to where we were staying.

When we got there all high traffic surfaces were plastic wrapped and/or disinfected like clockwork; personnel was always masked or shielded; a sneeze or a cough would draw a crowded queue's attention; while mandatory infrared cameras and thermometers were something you just had to get used especially at customs and crossings. Minimal pandemic awareness was cranked to "this is how things are for the foreseeable future," and it stayed that way for more than a decade. The reason why I remember it so vividly is because living in that environment even for a few months at a time was a constant awareness and jarring reminders that this could happen anywhere, in parallel to returning home and getting temporal whiplash to a time before the need for any of it.

COVID is not done with us, directly or indirectly, and the trauma will keep seeping out in new and unforeseen places because people want to forget. The privileged ignorance of not being affected is dead while the denialism is absolutely about trying to claw back the appearance of that bubble of security. Abandonment for political and economic convenience is the tip of what we've lost in people, time, and mental space/distance from it as an ongoing and present situation informing how we live.

I guess all that to say, keep talking about it and remember how we got here. At the personal level it's at least a step towards processing and understanding where we are.

it's practically taboo to still talk about covid but god i wish we could acknowledge the worldwide trauma it's clearly still causing in people. like, it's flat out just. not "polite" to talk about how a mass deadly event might, JUST MIGHT, emotionally affect us a little bit. how an airborne invisible-to-the-eye thing can just BE anywhere now. how abandoned we still feel by our respective governments. how we've lost family, friends, either to death or misinformation and cults, which they cling to because they're ALSO afraid but often refuse to admit it because it'd mean admitting covid is real and ongoing. we just. can't talk about it i guess.

[jordanandegypt]

Besaw Island

October 3, 2024

We are home, still feeling the joy of travel - but tired - real tired.  Our suitcases are empty and after 4 loads of laundry every single item we hauled around - or purchased - is clean, folded, but not yet put away. 🥴. I’m not going to lie about this - I greatly prefer my laundry set up here over my hand wash in the sink or tub.   (I’m such a spoiled brat!) My brand new formerly white gym shoes are thumping around in the washing machine right now. Temps are in the  high 60s and it feels WONDERFUL!  I have a scarf draped around my shoulders and it is perfect.

We left our hotel in Cairo yesterday at midnight, for a 3:00 AM three hour flight to Paris.  We had an almost 4 hours layover - but frankly you need about 3 hours to negotiate that crazy airport.  Our flight home was just under 8 hours and was flawless.  We have 7 hours to flip to get back to “our time” and Mark went to bed at 6:00 PM last night, but I made it until 9:00.  It is now 4:00 AM Eastern time and I’m on my second cup tea and Mark has been up for a couple of hours.  It will take a couple days…

As I feared, I fell far behind on my blog - but I will complete it in the next couple of days.  Let me take you back to Wednesday, September 25, 2024.  We were on our beautiful dahabiya gently floating down the beautiful Nile.  

We were already underway during breakfast this morning heading to Besaw Island for something OAT calls “A Day in the Life.”   This activity takes us into the life of a family, neighborhood or community in the region we are visiting and gives us better understanding into the lives of the people.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this day!!!  In the past we have spent the day with a sheep farmer in Argentina, a nomad in the Sarah Desert in Morocco, a dairy farmer in Sicily, a farmer who runs a huge ranch for bulls for bull fights in Spain and many other amazing activities.  We usually meet the family, explore the farm/region/island and then enjoy a local lunch, very often that we have helped to prepare.  Our hosts are ambassadors for their countries because making friends from strangers is a wonderful joint adventure and surely beneficial to all.

  Ayman had written our name is Arabic and in preparation for our trip we pinned them on your shirts.

This says Gayl and I can’t find Mark’s name tag…🤬

Sayed, our host for the day, arrived via a small motorized, boat- name tag in place.  That boat would be our transportation to the island.

Once we stepped off the boat and onto the island, Sayed walked us around his village.  They do not have a Dr or a clinic on the island and have never had a covid case.  The government made the vaccine mandatory and each house has the covid vaccine mark on it.  

Each house now has water and sewer - but that is new and people are frustrated that they have to pay for it. Water used to be drawn from a pump put in by the United Nations in 1923.

First stop - bread making.

The bread is called sun bread.  It is a sour dough bread made with sour dough starter, flour and water.  NO ONE would think of eating bread that was made yesterday so this baking happens every morning.  The ball of dough is placed on the little “plate” and set out in the sun to raise.  Then it is brought into the oven to await baking.  It is flipped gently from the “plate” to the hand then onto the bread “shovel” to be placed in the oven.

“The bread raising plate”:  The island residents raise chickens and sell eggs.  When the cardboard egg cartons wear out - they are torn into pieces, cooked with water until it is a mush - then patted into cake pans.  After they dry in the sun - they become these great little plates.  LOVE IT.  

The ladies baking the bread were all good sports and we laughed together at our inability to do with ease something they have done everyday of their lives. This bread will appear on our lunch table. They know some English  (probably much more than they let on) and we know almost NO Arabic - but we do know “shokran” with means “thank you.”  Despite the language problem - we got along just great!

While the bread baked some children joined us and taught us some games.

Sayed, who is 40 years old, told us about life on Besaw. Until the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970, the island flooded annually. The village didn’t exist because the water covering the island would have been about two feet high. Before that, farmers came each year after the floodwaters receded, living in tents. So the entire village, and all the villages on the island, only sprang up after 1970. The floods still come, but only high enough to cover the fields along the shore, bringing nutrients that feed the soil.

Sayed spoke no English before 2018. In that year, a friend of his who lives in Cairo and worked with OAT contacted him and asked him if he would be interested in becoming a sort of local ambassador for OAT. He has since taught himself English, watching movies and videos, and his facility with the language was impressive.

As we toured the village we saw a group of men harvesting dates.  Do you see the little piece of white in the top of the middle tree? That is the harvester. 

 He climbs up the tree, machete in hand and cuts the cluster of dates that fall to the ground.

The men seated below pull the dates from the stems.  Each of these men are climbers and harvesters.  They wear no shoes or safety equipment.

Of course we tasted the dates and they were fabulous.  No pesticides ever.  Sayed was very adamant about that!

Here is our group with these hard working men

On the island they grow dates, bananas and mangos (currently not is season). They grow most of the vegetables and meat they eat on the island.  The rest they sell to the cruising ships or at the market on the mainland.

I was fascinated by the bananas.  Check out the size of the banana flower.

We learned that a banana plant has one bunch of bananas. After the bunch is picked it is chopped to about 5 feet.  There will be 2 “suckers” at that time - a small one (I’m going to call it the grandhchild) and a medium sized one. (I’m going to call it the parent). The plant that has just grown the banana bunch I’ll call grandparent.  When grandparent is chopped down it continues to feed the parent and grandchild.  The parent grows large and another bunch of bananas is ready for harvest every 45 days.  The grandparent is also feeding the grandchild - but when the grandchild is ready to have its own bunch - the grandparent is cut to the ground.  And the beat goes on.

Sayed is standing by the “grandparent” but do you see the “parent” growing right in front?

We arrived near the school just a lunch time when the kids were out of class and sharing their lunch.  Check out the “lunch cafeteria”

After their lunch break, we were invited in to see their school.  The children stay on the island for elementary and middle school. High school requires a trip across the river.  Many boys go to HS - very few girls do.  We could not take photos inside the school.  The principal is standing in the entrance behind the girls.

The school had four classes and 4 teachers - all men -  within one large room.  Grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5,  6-8

The children were sitting in two rows with 2 people per desk - boys and girls in separate rows.  I asked about the fact that there are all men teachers - but Sayed explained that the government assigns teachers to different schools yearly and since this school is reached with a boat it would be a hardship of women - especially those married with children to add the additional commute time.  Ok - I buy that (almost). When ever we travel - especially to rural areas children are anxious to speak English to us.

English and Arabic are taught from grade 1.  Ayeman told us that learning to speak English can change your life.

There is a sense of community here that is strong.  We have seen it everywhere in the rural communities.  I believe that most people on this island are related.  Girls will marry someone who lives on the island.  The boys - especially those that go to high school may expand the gene pool - but for the most part everyone is related. 

When we arrived at Sayed’s home we were greeted with lots of people - all family members.  We were given the choice of welcome drinks, tea with mint, hibiscus juice or hibiscus tea.    We were asked to into their home and sit down for a chat.

They introduced themselves and asked us to do the same while we passed a map of the US around.  When we were done Sayed, his wife and daughter and sister-in-law reintroduced themselve while holding the map.  Sayed’s daughter  -age 16 - said - I’m from Texas and I like cowboy boots.  Sayed’s was most interesting as he said, I am from Georgia and I love your president Jimmy Carter.  He had lots to explain to use about why.  Jimmy Carter had brokered peace between Israel and Egypt to begin with.  Then we he was no longer president he went on to do wonderful things around the world and he named many - like monitoring elections and helping to control waterborne illnesses like guinea worm.  Did you know that that horrible disease has almost eradicated?  Only 4 cases have been reported in 2024.  THIS IS A HUGE IMPROVEMENT IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.

We asked him how much he was following the US Presidential election and looked at us like we were nuts.  "EVERYONE in the world follows your elections."  The United States has the potential to do great good or great harm for the whole world, he told us.  He is praying everyday that Kamala Harris is our next president.  A cheer went up from the others in the room. 

People paint their houses with their dreams.  Sayed’s dream is to fly to Mecca for the Haj one day.

The village owns a bunch of cows and water buffalos.  The cows spread out on this island and a small island nearby.  They return twice a day to be milked.  Sayed’s brother Mufassa,  clicked his tongue and made some gentle hand motion but when they saw us - they turned away.  Sayed’s said that the vet wears the same kind of clothes as were wearing - so the water buffaloes figured we were vets and they were like “no thanks”. Their dairy products are from their cow and water buffalo milk.

They served us a wonderful lunch then it was time to go.

By the time we left the village, took our little boat back to our boat, I was whipped.  We were going to take a little hike to a quarry but I bowed out and took a nap.  

After dinner we watched a documentary about the Rosetta Stone.  Loved it.

Tomorrow will be another busy day

Salam

[satyamprimarycare]

Choosing the Right Immigration Medical Doctor in Raleigh: Your Essential Guide

When navigating the complex process of immigration, obtaining a thorough and accurate medical examination is a crucial step. If you are seeking an immigration medical doctor in Raleigh, this guide will help you understand the importance of the medical exam, what to expect, and how to choose the right provider for your needs.

Understanding the Immigration Medical Exam

The immigration medical exam is a mandatory part of the immigration process to the United States, carried out by a certified civil surgeon recognized by the United States. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this exam ensures that the applicant is in good health and does not pose a public health risk.

Key Components of the Exam

The exam includes several key components: a medical history review, a thorough physical examination, a vaccination assessment, laboratory tests for communicable diseases, and a mental health evaluation.

Choosing the Right Immigration Medical Doctor in Raleigh

Selecting a qualified and experienced immigration medical doctor in Raleigh can make a significant difference in your immigration journey. The following advice will help you select the ideal provider:

Verify Credentials

Make sure the physician you select is a USCIS-approved, authorized civil surgeon. The USCIS website has a list of approved physicians.

Check Experience and Specialization

Look for doctors who specialize in immigration medical exams and have extensive experience in the field. Experienced doctors are more likely to be familiar with the specific requirements and can help streamline the process.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews and testimonials from previous patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and service provided by the doctor. Look for consistent positive feedback and any specific mentions of smooth and hassle-free experiences.

Evaluate Accessibility and Convenience

Select a physician whose practice has flexible appointment hours and is easily accessible.

Accessibility is crucial, especially if you have to make multiple visits for follow-up tests or vaccinations.

Consider communication skills

Effective communication is key to a successful medical exam. Ensure that the doctor and their staff are communicative, responsive, and able to explain medical procedures and requirements clearly.

Preparing for Your Appointment

To ensure a smooth and efficient medical exam, prepare by gathering the necessary documentation and information: a valid photo ID, vaccination records, and any previous medical records. Be ready to discuss your medical history in detail and carry any prescribed medications you are currently taking.

Expectations for the Exam and Its Follow-Up

During the exam, the doctor will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the procedures and feel comfortable. After the exam, the doctor will complete Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) and seal it in an envelope for submission to USCIS.

Conclusion

Choosing the right immigration medical doctor in Raleigh is a crucial step in your immigration journey. By verifying credentials, checking experience, reading reviews, evaluating convenience, and ensuring effective communication, you can find a trusted doctor who will help you navigate the process smoothly. With proper preparation, you can confidently approach your immigration medical exam and move one step closer to achieving your immigration goals. Whether you're new to Raleigh or a long-time resident, finding a reliable immigration medical doctor will provide peace of mind and ensure that your medical examination meets all necessary requirements.

Meet us at Satyam Primary Care to get the best service for your immigration process. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive support every step of the way. From securing appointments with USCIS-approved civil surgeons to ensuring all your documentation is accurate and complete, we prioritize your needs and strive to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Trust us to deliver personalized and efficient service that addresses all aspects of your immigration medical exam, helping you move closer to achieving your goals.

[globalpetcabservices]

Traveling with Pets: Best Pet Transportation Services Reviewed

Introduction

When it comes to moving our beloved pets, whether across the city or across the globe, the process can be as nerve-wracking for us as it is for them. Choosing the best pet transportation services ensures that your pet travels comfortably, safely, and stress-free. In this blog, we will explore the various services offered by Global Pet Cab, a leader in pet transportation, and guide you on how to select the perfect service for your pet's needs.

Understanding Pet Transportation Services

Pet transportation services cater to the needs of pet owners who require assistance in relocating their pets. This can include everything from domestic moves to international relocations. Services typically include:

International Pet Transportation: Moving pets across countries, involving complex processes such as health certifications, customs clearances, and adherence to international pet transport regulations.

Domestic Pet Transportation: Services designed for national travel, ensuring your pet's comfort and safety over shorter distances within the same country.

Pet Taxi Services: Ideal for local travel, such as visits to the veterinarian, groomer, or any other location within your city.

Choosing the Best Pet Transportation Services

Selecting the best Pet Transportation service for your pet involves understanding their specific needs, the distances they will travel, and the logistics involved. Here are some tips to ensure you choose wisely:

Assess Your Needs: Determine if your pet needs domestic or international transport. Consider the duration of the journey and the comfort level required for your pet.

Research and Reviews: Look for service providers with excellent reviews and transparent practices. Companies like Global Pet Cab that specialize in various types of pet transportation can offer tailored services based on your needs.

Compliance and Certification: Ensure that the service provider follows animal welfare laws and holds valid certifications. This is crucial for international pet transport, where legal compliance is not just important but mandatory.

Preparation and Process: Understand the process involved. A good service provider will guide you through the necessary preparations, including health checks, vaccinations, and travel crates.

Highlight on International Pet Transport and Costs

When transporting pets internationally, understanding the cost involved is crucial. These costs can vary widely depending on the destination, the size of the pet, and the specific requirements of the destination country. Services like those offered by Global Pet Cab include detailed breakdowns of international pet transport costs, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.

Success Stories of Pet Relocation

Hearing about successful pet relocations can ease your mind. Global Pet Cab prides itself on countless happy clients who have safely relocated their pets across borders. Each story highlights the attention to detail and personalized care that go into every pet's journey.

FAQs in Pet Transportation

What documents are needed for international pet transport?

How should I prepare my pet for travel?

What are the typical costs involved in domestic vs. international pet transport?

How do I ensure my pet's comfort during the journey?

Conclusion

Choosing the right pet transportation service doesn't have to be daunting. With Global Pet Cab, you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands, whether traveling across the country or around the world. Embrace the journey ahead with confidence, knowing your pet's comfort and safety are our top priorities.

[tri-nationsmigration]

A Step-by-step Information To The Brand New Zealand Visa Application

A visa application must be submitted previous to travelling to South Africa. Start by choosing the visa possibility that the majority suits the explanation on your go to after which submit a visa application to our staff of immigration attorneys to process. New Zealand immigration recommendation cannot be provided without a licence, which includes advising an individual on visa options or how best to fill out an software form. Exempt individuals embrace present New Zealand legal professionals and Immigration New Zealand workers. The firm focus is on residence, investor and entrepreneur visa applications as nicely as the compilation and submission of major appeals when required.

Overseas college students have to have a pupil visa and an affordable stage of cash to spend in order to undertake a course of study at a New Zealand based instructional establishment. New Zealand instructional institutions will inform the appropriate immigration authorities if a pupil ceases to attend their enrolled programs, who may then suspend or cancel that scholar new zealand immigration from south africa's visa. Educational institutions typically additionally trade this enrollment and attendance information electronically with different authorities companies responsible for providing scholar assistance. Currently, South African passport holders do not need to apply for a customer visa before travelling to New Zealand, with genuine visitors being granted a visitor visa on arrival.

Catriona Robinson mentioned she is confident that INZ is properly placed to extend its onshore processing capability. However, Robinson stated that these offices have been closed since March 2020 and with no certainty about when visa volumes may return to normal, INZ has needed to make some tough decisions. "The girl had started making some good progress in New Zealand, and from what I understand, the South African system sees disabled individuals as a burden on society and wants immigration to new zealand from south africa to maneuver them out of the method in which." A South African crew visa may be issued to a member of the crew of any transport conveyance. A South African treaty visa gives foreigners permission to enter South Africa to participate in programmes which have been agreed upon by South Africa and their respective international locations. Further to this, ANZSCO sets out the tasks that visa candidates should be succesful of perform as part of their on an everyday basis duties.

To talk and write, all you need is a primary understanding of English. Also, you must be acquainted with the tradition and legal guidelines of the nation earlier than you migrate. The social and cultural expectations of New Zealand and South Africa are utterly different. Consequently, you must plan and make sensible decisions regarding your way of life within the new surroundings. Only college students who have received a suggestion of admission are granted a scholar visa. The INZ recognizes that totally different cultures could have totally different ideas of what constitutes a relationship.

The laws units out examples of the forms of companies that can fall under every of the licence categories. Children travelling alone, or in a unique cabin class to their parents new zealand immigration, are thought of Unaccompanied Minors and pay the total adult fare. If you are paying or receiving child maintenance monies, you should update your private information.

Anyone considering moving to Australia ought to contact Network Migration. Currently, people from SA do not want to use for a visitor visa earlier than travelling to New Zealand, with genuine guests being granted a customer visa on arrival. There is a major quantity of vet visits to get all the mandatory paperwork and vaccines. It can immigration new zealand visa be important that the proper vaccines and certificates are carried out. At PETport we are going to facilitate this course of with our confirmed community of veterinary professionals. If you do not meet a number of the necessities it can lead to a 180-day quarantine interval or worse even returning the pet to South Africa.

Also, keep in mind that it is an offence for anybody other than a lawyer or a registered immigration advisor or Immigration New Zealand, to give immigration recommendation. So, we now have been careful to assist with the links to the relevant websites only, and solely used data available on the official websites. If you've a smartphone remember some airlines require all cell phones immigration new zealand have to be switched off throughout then flight including those telephones with ’in-flight’ mode or the ability to change the network connection off. Check along with your airline/s as to what their policy relating to good telephones is earlier than you rely on your cellphone on your leisure.

[1ddotdhq]

👱🏻‍♀️Thurs 12 Nov ‘20🎸

Niall and Ashe’s performance on yesterday’s Late Late Show was, of course, gorgeous! No other songs, unfortunately, but the interview did give Niall a chance to run through all of his RAH talking points again, as well as describing the odd circumstances that had brought him and Ashe together. Ashe said they instantly felt like old friends, and then they compared the situation to a reality dating show, cue awkward chuckling all around. Oddly enough, I almost think they had more chemistry through zoom than they do irl, sigh. Guess it's all right we can’t all meet our online friends: sometimes distance truly does make the heart grow fonder! In what could perhaps be called the end of the HBW era, Niall has changed his twitter layout to pictures of himself during the RAH show. The question now becomes: is this just the end of an era, or the beginning of a new one as well? He's been clear that NH3 won't happen until the circumstances of the world change (change back?) so what would that mean? Anne-Marie, who was working with him earlier this month, said that they wrote three “brilliant” songs in the studio that day (she was like “wow, you’re actually talented” when Niall began showing off his instrumental prowess). Niall + blond female collaborator/promo tour BFF has proved to be a winning formula many times over now, perhaps we can mark time in these uncertain months by how many of these collabs we see from Niall! He is also donating a signed guitar to Wishio (an app that connects celebrities with causes) to raise more money for We Need Crew. I wonder if this guitar will sell for more or less than the $28k Harry's did, do you think, and will this one actually sell to a fan? Whatever it goes for will just be the icing on top of the over ￡2 million the RAH show ended up bringing in for the cause.

Speaking of $28k guitars and the people who signed them, we learned a bit more about H’s project with Gucci: it’s a seven episode mini-series that follows the character of Silvia (presumably Not Harry) through her “eccentric morning routine” in her home in Rome before “the arrival of an unexpected visitor”, who seems to work some kind of magic, and her day becomes a surrealist experience in a Gucci-filled reality. The titles of some of these episodes are “The Theatre”, “In the Cafe” and “The Neighbours”, none of which sound very COVID-friendly to me, but at least there is one called “At Home”. The series, which will be streamed online from the 16th to the 22nd (which, holy shit, that’s next week, how are we not still in July?), and is called “Ouverture of Something That Never Ended”, which would be a stunning alternative title to Fine Line, tbh. It is unclear which exact episodes Harry will appear in, or who will be playing the part of Silvia, but I have created a Gucci account to receive regular updates on this thing (the things I do…) so you will all know when I do! Harry has also been nominated for, uh, EVERY category of J-14′s 2020 Teen Icon Awards, Niall is in almost as many, and Liam and Louis and Zayn are each in one. Gotta say, I think J-14 is a bit obsessed. It’s okay, love, we’ve all been there. 

Abby Roberts, the Spooky Makeup Queen, put up a ‘Day in the Life’ video on YouTube with some fun bloopers and behind the scenes from the LP show, which means we got to relive the moment where Liam admitted that Louis dared him to pull Harry’s pants down, and the Tik Tok live, which broke several times, because it’s not a 1D event without the full array of technical difficulties. Liam continued his celebration of the armed forces today with a one on one golfing outing with ex special forces/current TV personality Jason Carl Fox. The picture is of them standing around, and WHOA Liam’s beard is REALLY growing (uh, pun not intended, but please feel free to take it that way). Is this a picture evidence of a flagrant disregard for the UK’s  lockdown? Uh, it appears to be, yes, but I’m happy to see Liam happy, at any rate. And, in true supportive Liam fashion, Liam sent out an email reminding people that Tom Felton will be doing a Veeps “19 years later” watch-along at 12 PT, ft. Willow, Tom’s dog. Liam asks us, “I’ll be watching along, will you?” 

[mcyt-peach]

Could I pls request mcyt x reader with needle phobia? Just loads of comfort when they have to go gey a vaccine bc panic attack ect and maybe more comfort afterwards bc next few days of side effects am I right... they/them pronouns pls and I'd love it if u could do wilbur and ranboo as well as any others u want

Tysm

mcyt with an s/o who's afraid of needles

⋆｡˚ summary: today you're getting a shot, so you bring along someone to comfort you through one of your worst fears

⋆｡˚ including: cc!wilbur, cc!george, cc!niki and cc!punz

⋆｡˚ warnings: needles, injections, reader uses she/her pronouns, brief mentions of panic attacks and crying

⋆｡˚ note: I know when you requested this I had Ranboo on my "will write for" list but I was recently updated on his boundaries so he isn't included, sorry :( let me know if you want anyone else added

Wilbur

he is unbelievably understanding of your fears

some people think certain phobias are silly, but Wilbur does the best job of simultaneously calming you down while making sure you feel validated for your feelings

Wilbur’s no stranger to mental health issues and has many coping mechanisms that he’ll go over with you before you even see the doctor

he makes sure you breathe out when you get the shot, so your muscles relax and the injection causes less damage

when the doctor leaves the room and the two of you have some time to yourselves, he runs through your checklist

“Y/n, darling, can you tell me five things you can see?”

he keeps his voice calm, so you can unconsciously follow his breathing pattern

“That’s great love. What about four things you can touch?”

he’s so, so encouraging to you, just working on calming you down and showing you that you’re ok no matter your worry

George

George may not be the most understanding about why you’re afraid of needles, but he knows everyone has their own worries

but if we’re being honest, George was definitely the type of kid to get scared of the doctors office

so while he might have grown out of his fear, he knows that support is what will help you most

he’s mostly a quiet supporter, just sitting by you and letting you squeeze his hand as hard as you need, not complaining even when it feels like you’re breaking his hand

at home, he feels much more confident about taking care of you

all the words he felt embarrassed to say in public come flooding out, albeit in a gentle, soothing tone

“You did so well, my love. M’so proud of you. You we’re so brave.”

he’ll have you lie down on top of him on the couch, keeping your arm from getting pushed into the cushions

sporadic forehead kisses and soft massages to relax your muscles are just what you need after a stressful day, and George is more than happy to deliver that

Niki

you couldn’t imagine anyone better to help comfort you

Niki just wants to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible before, during and after the shot

as someone who cries when stressed, Niki is totally considerate if you freak out while getting the shot

she’ll sit with you in the car afterwards, not passing any judgement, just letting you get all the stress out that you’ve been bottling up

fluffy activities are mandatory for the rest of the day

she basically barcades you and her in bed, insisting on taking care of you for the rest of the day

but not before she brings the cats into the room of course

“Y/nnn, you’ve got some cute little visitors who want to cheer you up!”

she’ll load up one of your favorite comfort movies on her laptop and crawl into bed with you for a movie night

she knows that it won’t make all the stress of the day disappear, but you best believe she’s gonna get at least one smile out of you before the day ends

Punz

Punz may talk a lot of smack, but he really truly hates seeing you in pain

so, even if he’s not perfect at comforting you in the moment, he’ll try his best

he’ll let you curl up into his arm while the injection’s being prepared and your arm is being sanitized

he’d totally stare down the doctor giving you a shot

like he doesn’t even mean to, he just gets overprotective seeing someone cause you pain

if you get any weird looks for your reaction, he’s calmly quieting you and then sending an even harsher death stare their way

he all but tells the doctor to beat it after the shot and lets you cry into his shoulder and won’t let you leave the room until you feel better

when you get home, he’ll dress you up in something big and soft, so the fabric won’t bother the injection site

sure there’s a chance you’ll see the bandaid and spiral again, but he does a good job of keeping you grounded while you’re changing

“Baby, arms up. No, no, don’t look at it. Just let me take care of you.”

[tirsynni]

Ongoing from this rant because that entire situation and everything arround it continues to frustrate me.

In this specific case, the client failed to maintain employment, and it’s unknown how much of it was due to her and how much of it was because those around her failed her and enabled the negative behaviors/failed to provide appropriate support. It’ll probably remain unknown, because there is no policy in place to assess such situations. It is being dismissed as “it was just the client.” (IMO, assessments should always be mandatory to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.)

Previous post listed some of the ways the client was failed due to those around her not assessing her current supports and recognizing they needed adjustment to match the current situation. We’ll never know how much of that contributed to the failure.

But there was another side to it. The poisonous phrase from multiple people involved: “As a parent.”

No one is arguing that being a parent gives one specific insights and knowledge. However, despite the popular memes you see on Facebook, becoming a parent also doesn’t provide you with a medical degree or professional understanding regarding multiple situations. Thus, parents arguing that spanking is a good thing despite plenty of evidence pointing to otherwise and parents deciding not to vaccinate their children based on their independent research. When you raise a child, it doesn’t suddenly provide you with information and knowledge others need to go to school for years to learn and doesn’t provide you with information based on years of research. You don’t have a teaching license or medical degree. You just now have a child in your care. 

In this case, the people responsible for many of the client’s needs and supports were her parents. There was no case manager or professional overseeing her and providing support. If so, I believe that person would have recommended an updated assessment long before I needed to suggest it. It would be the case manager’s job to do that. It didn’t occur to the parents at all. Why should it? They didn’t have the education or knowledge to recognize why it would be necessary! 

The parents decided to take care of the client as independently as possible. Mental health and other appointments were independently managed and thus were largely disconnected from each other, lacking a unifying understanding of the situation and client. There was no agreement or communication among the parties working with her. From what I understand, there was no strong consistency, either, as shown by covid stopping her counseling appointments and the parents failing to look into alternatives.

To make matters worse, one of the professionals involved repeatedly informed me that she understands things “as a parent” and can communicate with the parents “as a fellow parent.” While this can increase empathy and positive communication, I believe this strengthened the parents’ convictions that as parents they had the abilities, knowledge, and skills necessary to independently care for their child’s needs. It lessened the need for professional support and strengthened the belief that as parents their insights were the most significant in understanding the client’s needs. 

As parents, they loved and supported her. As parents, they didn’t understand her medication regime like a professional would and thus didn’t understand it needed changed. As parents, they didn’t recognize how counseling assisted her and how the lack of it contributed to the negative situation. As parents, they didn’t recognize which of her behaviors were not her disliking the situation but were symptoms of her diagnosis creating hurdles and that it was the hurdles she disliked. Just like other parents don’t recognize that, although they were spanked and it is normal for them, spanking their children is not helpful and will create long-term problems. Just like other parents are convinced that healthy eating and time in the outdoors is more effective in reducing illness than someone with a needle putting various chemicals in their child’s body. Loving and supporting does not provide this information, no matter how fiercely you do it.

The “as a parent” philosophy can be incredibly toxic. It enables parents to believe they have a better grasp of the situation than trained professionals, when in reality that lack of education and training can support poor decision making and create gaps in case simply because the parents would have no way of knowing those gaps existed. It can lead to emotion-based and biased decisions instead of decisions based on up-to-date information and what is actually needed. It can lead to an emphasis on tradition rather than the need for change, flexibility, and understanding. It can allow others to manipulate the parents because the parents don’t have the knowledge necessary to combat it. Most importantly, it can lead to the parents abusing and/or neglecting the person under their care. 

As a parent, one needs to recognize that they don’t have all the facts and look into finding someone who has that information and can assist rather than doing it all on their own. It’s always “It takes a village” until someone recommends talking to the village doctor.

(Note for the person who will inevitably bitch about how doctors failed them: no, doctors are not perfect, yes, mistakes can be made, etc. Yes, we are all aware that sometimes doctors suck and can be bigots. Please don’t read everything on the ‘net and then complain about how it doesn’t apply 100% to your situation or how it isn’t universal. Thank you.)

(Bonus note: yes, social services, especially in the US, sucks sometimes, but that is unfortunately due to many people in power believing that social services is unnecessary and never requires funding or government support, thus resulting in overworked people, high turnover, and unqualified workers being hired. If you dislike it, remember to vote and push for more support for social service programs.)

[homoose]

Weird is Good

Summary: A story about two people tryna make it through the age of COVID-19 in a country where people are fucking dumb lmao. My hc is that Spencer would be like wtf at all these science-denying anti-maskers. Also, two teachers just tryna make it through quarantine and remote teaching in a one bedroom apartment (this is taking place during a mandatory leave/lecture cycle).

Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem!reader

Category: fluff

Warnings/Includes: no warnings. reader is both a kindergarten teacher and a bruh girl with a pirate’s mouth. lots of Spencer x factz.

Word count: 3.1k

———

“We’re home for the next two weeks. ”

Spencer looked up from his desk to see Y/N kicking off her shoes, dropping her bag, and walking directly to the sink. “Starting when?”

“We get to go in on Monday to say goodbye to the kids and get any materials we might need. Then we’re home for two weeks. They’re calling it an early, extended spring break.” Y/N began her hand washing routine. As a kindergarten teacher, she’d always been a strict hand-washer. In the time of COVID, she had only become more zealous. She looked at Spencer. “Have you heard anything?”

“Since we’re so close to the end of the semester, the department head thinks they’ll try to finish out the year as normal.” He set down his pen. “I honestly don’t know. It will all depend on whether people follow the CDC guidelines. The spread of any virus is deducible mathematically, and SARS-COV2 is no different. Based on the outbreak in Italy prior to their lockdown, we can accurately describe its reproductive number, or Rt, to between 2.43 – 3.10.”

Y/N shut off the water and dried her hands on a paper towel. “In layman's terms, Dr. Reid.”

“The Rt tells how many people are infected by the contagious host,” he explained. “In the case of this strain, each infected person is infecting between two and three others. For comparison, the standard seasonal flu has an average Rt between 1.4 and 1.7.”

“So in other words, fucking yikes,” Y/N groaned. She moved to perch on the edge of Spencer’s desk.

“Indeed,” Spencer agreed. “We know how fast the flu can travel through an office or a classroom, so imagine if it was two times as transmissible. But it's also really important to understand that this number changes depending on the mitigations in place. Even prior to full lockdown, mask wearing and social distancing was somewhat common in Italy, so it’s likely the uncontrolled Rt is higher.”

“Jesus Christ.” Y/N scrubbed a hand over her face. “We’ll probably never go back.”

Spencer rubbed his hand up from her ankle to the inside of her knee. “The good news is there’s nothing special about this virus compared to others in terms of how it spreads— it’s just aerosols. So if everyone wears their mask, we’ll be able to keep the spread low.”

⧭⧭⧭

“It’s safe to say that everyone did not wear their fucking masks,” Y/N snapped. She watched from the couch as Mayor Bowser delivered the news that DC Public Schools would remain closed for the remainder of the year. “This is crazy. I mean, I knew it was coming because people in this country are absolute buffoons.” She looked at Spencer, fingers pressed to her temple. “But holy shit, are we ever going to be able to go outside again?”

“With schools and universities closed, people working remotely, and lockdown orders in place, the Rt in the US could stay low. But masks have to be worn at all times, and social distancing has to be strictly followed.” Spencer pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I just— I can’t believe people are refusing to wear masks. The empirical, peer-reviewed data clearly shows—”

“This is ‘Murica, boy.” Y/N mocked. “Ain’t no tyrannical government gonna tell me what to do!” She rolled her eyes. “Trust me, your choice to abstain from social media is paying dividends to your sanity right now.”

Spencer looked truly dumbfounded, setting his newspaper down in his lap. “But that’s just it. It’s not just in social media circles.” He gestured to the article in front of him. “This economist just argued for ‘reopening’ the economy using the justification of herd immunity. Herd immunity can be a plausible option for less lethal diseases. But this virus is not like varicella—the chickenpox,” he clarified at Y/N’s raised eyebrow. He waved his hands around in exasperation. “Putting aside the fact that one facet of herd immunity is vaccinating as many people as possible, its success completely hinges on the Rt of a disease. If you model a population based on an Rt of 2.5, herd immunity wouldn’t be achieved until approximately sixty percent of the population has been infected. Consider that the US population is currently 328 million, and sixty percent of that is 196.8 million. The current mortality rate for SARS-COV2 is 3.06 percent. 196,800,000 multiplied by 0.0306 is 6,022,080. Over six million people would die. It's simple mathematics.”

Y/N let out an exasperated breath. “It used to be that simple math and facts were enough. Now you’ve got basement scientists who think they know better than actual, literal scientists who’ve spent their entire lives studying these things.” She ran a hand over her face and gestured at the news conference still playing. “How long do you think it’ll be before we’re both trying to teach from this tiny ass living room?”

⧭⧭⧭

“Goooooooood morning, kindergarten! It’s Friday, and no Friday is a bad Friday!” Spencer smiled. As he poured his first cup of coffee, he hummed along with Y/N and 23 six-year-olds as they sang their morning song. Observing fourteen days of remote kindergarten from across the living room had given Spencer a new appreciation for elementary school teachers, particularly Y/N. She sang, danced, conducted science experiments, held puppet shows, read stories, led art projects, and fielded questions for four hours a day— three hours less than when they were in the school building. He was exhausted by proxy.

But he was also grateful for the opportunity to watch Y/N in her element. Even though they were at home, she still got dressed every day in bright, patterned sweaters and dresses— her Ms. Frizzle attire, she’d told him once. She was able to channel her personality into a kid-friendly version that her students clearly adored, never afraid to be silly or strange to get their attention and keep them engaged during the long days. He worked from home whenever possible, strangely happy to have the background noise of kindergarten over his quiet university office.

...

“Okay, but where do I put the biiiiiiiiiiiig number?” Y/N made a wide gesture with her arms. “Ariah, where should I put it? In the big box, yes! But oh no, my small number needs a friend. My three is soooooo lonely!” Y/N drew her mouth into a pout. “DJ, how can I help my three not be so sad? You’re absolutely right, let’s put that two right next to him in our number bond.”

…

“I’ve been waitin’  for a girl to mute,” Y/N sang into the gold karaoke mic. “I said, muuuuuuuuuute, I’m blinded by loud sounds. No, I can’t hear the friend who’s tryin’ to talk.”

…

“Oh boy. Kev, honey, we can— we can see you. Kevin, Kevin, Kevin. We can see all of you. I can’t turn your camera off, buddy. You gotta— there we go.”

…

“Mute please, I need— I need everybody to mute, please. Oh my goodness where is that music coming from?” Y/N frantically searched for her index card with the picture of the mute icon, as the sounds of a highly inappropriate song blared through the computer speaker. “I know it’s so loud, guys. Why is my mute power gone?! This is why we need to make sure we keep our mute button on, kindergarten.”

…

“No sweetie, it’s not time to log off yet. I’m sorry, I know it’s such a long day. We have about an hour left. Do you guys wanna do a countdown? It’s the fin-al count-down! Do-do doo dooooo. Do-do-d-do-dooo…”

…

“Annnnnd, I should see all my friends on mute. William, hang on just a second. All my friends need to look at my picture, it’s an oval with a line through it… Okay, William, what did you bring to show us?” Y/N leaned toward the computer screen. “Grandma Kathy? O-oh, she’s— she’s in the—“ Y/N’s eyes widened. “Is that— is that an urn? Oh wow. Um, well, wow. It’s beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing that with us, William. Grandma Kathy, may she rest in peace.”

⧭⧭⧭

A week into Y/N teaching kindergarten from their living room, the university had announced its transition to online coursework for the remainder of the academic year. Spencer had to host his first zoom lecture, and he was absolutely dreading it.

“Spence, it’s going to be fine. It’s not like you’ve never been on a video conference,” Y/N assured him. She sat cross-legged on the couch, waiting for him to let her in to his practice zoom.

“Yeah, but I wasn’t running those meetings. I just showed up.” He squinted at the computer screen. “Are you in?”

Y/N barely resisted the urge to make a joke, knowing that Spencer probably wouldn’t appreciate the innuendo. “No, you have to admit me.”

“What do you mean? How do I do that?”

“There should be a box with a button that says admit.”

Spencer gestured at the computer. “Well there’s a bunch of boxes— which one should I be looking at?”

Y/N sighed and got up from the couch. “IQ of 187 and can’t find the box.”

Spencer dragged a hand through his hair. “I know I shouldn’t find this so difficult. I’m sorry you have to waste your time on this.”

“Hey, it was a joke.” Y/N grabbed his hand from where he was frustratedly pulling on his frazzled curls. “I’m sorry. That was mean and you’re already stressed enough.” She used her free hand to smooth his hair back into place. She scrunched her nose. “I love you and your limited technology skills. And honestly it’s kind of nice to have one thing I can actually teach you about.” She squeezed his hand, leaning over him to peer at his computer screen. “All right, let’s find that elusive admit button.”

When the day of his lecture rolled around, Spencer thanked all the atoms in the observable universe that Y/N had a break during his class. Within the first ten minutes, he’d managed to accidentally kick himself out of his own meeting and then somehow lose track of the screenshare button.

“No one can see me and I don’t know what happened to the screenshare option. It was there and now it’s just… gone,” he told Y/N.

She leaned over his desk, eyes tracking over the screen and mouse clicking around the desktop. “How in the world did you manage to block your camera?”

“I don’t know! I didn’t even touch it!” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t understand how it’s even possible to be this bad at this.”

Y/N bumped his knee with her own, pulling up his camera settings and preferences. “Relax. You can’t be good at everything. It’s a refreshing reminder that you’re a mere mortal like the rest of us.” With a few rapid clicks, Y/N unblocked his camera and located the screenshare bar. “There. Crisis averted. I’m just going to share your whole screen in case you want to toggle between application windows. So just be aware that they’ll be able to see everything. And then you just click here when you’re ready to stop sharing.”

When Y/N turned her head toward him to check that he understood, Spencer grabbed the side of her face and caught her lips in a kiss. Y/N smiled against his mouth, heart speeding up as he traced the seam of her mouth with his tongue.

“Um, Dr. Reid? Your um— your camera’s working now.”

Spencer nearly fell out of his chair, his cheeks about the color of the Leave Meeting icon. Y/N dropped her head, debating whether she wanted to laugh or let the earth open up and swallow her whole. She ultimately decided to compose herself, stepping back and giving a little wave to the sea of tiny, grinning zoom faces before slinking out of frame, miming sorry to one very mortified professor.

⧭⧭⧭

“Would you want to be our mystery reader next week?” Y/N asked, bookmarking the page of her novel and reclining back in bed. “You just have to pick a story to read. Oh, and think of four clues about your identity to give the kiddos.”

Spencer raised his eyebrow, continuing to read. “Any story?”

Y/N laughed. “Well they’re six, so maybe hold off on the Chaucer and Bradbury for now. A picture book would be preferable.”

“Did you know that the first picture book, Orbis Sensualium Pictus, or Visible World in Pictures, was published in 1658?” He looked up from his own book. “Czech educator John Amos Comenius wanted to create a book that would be accessible to children of all levels of ability. The educational theories he explored are actually still in practice in the field of early childhood education.” He turned toward her from his spot under the covers. “For example, when you have your students make a hissing sound and slither their arms when they produce the sound represented by the letter s? Comenius included an alphabet chart with various animal and human sounds representing each letter. He wanted to demonstrate that the incorporation of multiple senses could help increase learning.”

“I guess you don’t fix what isn’t broken,” Y/N mused. “300 years later, and we’re still using the same methods.”

“362, actually,” Spencer corrected.

She gave him a look. “Maybe we can save the Comenius for another time.”

“The genre of children’s literature encompasses some of the most profound and philosophical story telling of all time.” Spencer returned his attention to his reading.

“...So is that a yes?”

Spencer smiled. “I’ve got a book in mind.”

“And clues,” Y/N reminded him, snuggling down under the covers and reopening her book. “We need some fun clues, mystery reader.”

…

“Kindergarten, we have a very special mystery reader this week. Oh man, are you ready for the first clue? The mystery reader loves jell-o! Raise your little hand if you love jell-o, too. Okay, kindergarten, I see you! Lots of jell-o lovers in the house.”

…

“Okay, clue number two! Our mystery reader works as a community helper— remember we learned about all different kinds of community helpers; firefighters, nurses, police officers. But if the mystery reader could be anything, they’d want to be a cowboy! How cool is that?”

...

“Clue number three for our mystery reader!” Y/N sucked in a gasp. “You guys. The mystery reader can do magic. Oh my goodness, I am so excited for Friday,” she sing-songed. “Will they show us a trick? Hmmm, I don’t know. Maybe if you ask nicely.”

…

“Okay, my friends, the last clue. The mystery reader loves reading. They read every day, and they’ve been reading since 1983! Yes, that was a very long time ago.”

⧭⧭⧭

“Okay, any last guesses about who our mystery reader might be?” Y/N questioned.

“I think it’s your dad,” a little voice called out.

Spencer made a choking noise from where he sat, slightly off camera. Y/N laughed. “The mystery reader is decidedly not my dad, Keyshon. Remember I showed you guys the picture of him— my dad’s a farmer, so he’s kind of already a cowboy.” She clapped her hands together. “Okay, without further ado, drumroll please... Our mystery reader is…” Y/N pushed her desk chair out of frame to allow Spencer to roll in, holding her hands out. “Spencer!”

He gave a little wave, smoothing his hair, suddenly painfully self-aware and nervous about the opinions of two dozen six-year-olds. “Hi guys.”

“You’re the boy on Ms. Y/L/N’s phone.”

“Your hair is so fluffy!”

“Do you have a cowboy hat?”

“I like your sweater.”

“Can you really do magic?”

“What’s your favorite jell-o?”

“Whoa, okay, let’s remember our mute button,” Y/N, holding up her index card. “I promise you’ll get to ask Spencer all your questions after he reads the story.”

Spencer smiled at the excited faces beaming through the screen. “Yes, I’m on Ms. Y/L/N’s phone; I don’t own a cowboy hat, yet; yes, I really can do magic; and the red jell-o is my favorite.”

Y/N watched with interest as Spencer pulled out his book. He’d been secretive about his choice, so she was as curious as her students.

“This is one of my favorite stories. It’s written by Munro Leaf, and illustrated by Robert Lawson. It’s The Story of Ferdinand.” Spencer held the cover up to the camera. “Ferdinand is the bull here on the cover. This story was written in 1935, which was a long time ago! Okay are you ready?” Spencer looked out on a sea of thumbs up, turning the page to the beginning of the story. “Once upon a time in Spain, there was a bull, and his name was Ferdinand.”

Y/N smiled as she listened to Spencer read each page, recounting the story of the peaceful bull. He was an excellent storyteller, changing the inflection and expression of his voice to match each sentence. He held each page up for just the right amount of time, panning it so her students could see each detail of the black and white pictures. He added his own wonderings and exclamations here and there, and her students were decidedly enthralled. Her heart ached at how comfortable he was, how natural this was for him. She rested her chin in her hand, trying to keep her mind in the present— ignoring the persistent little mental image of Spencer as a dad.

“So they had to take Ferdinand home. And for all I know, he is sitting there still, under his favorite cork tree, smelling the flowers just quietly. He is very happy… And that’s The Story of Ferdinand.” Spencer closed the book with a soft smile. “I love this story. Ferdinand is a very special bull. What do you think makes him so special?”

“Ferdinand didn’t fight,” a little voice piped up.

“Yes!” Spencer agreed. “He practiced pacifism in the face of the persistent, ingrained militarism of his country’s culture.”

Y/N placed a hand on Spencer’s knee and gave a quick squeeze. “Right, Ferdinand chose not to fight, even though everybody else he knew wanted to.” Y/N winked at him before turning back to the screen full of kids. “All his friends thought he was kind of weird, but he just really wanted to hang out in the shade and smell the flowers, huh? Sounds pretty good to me.”

“He wasn’t bothered that the other bulls thought he was strange for wanting to be peaceful,” Spencer added. “Sometimes being different can be a good thing. The Story of Ferdinand reminds me that it’s okay to be yourself, even if other people think you’re weird.” His eyes met Y/N’s. “Because there will always be people who love and appreciate you for who you are.”

[melias-cimitiere]

I decided to ask here, in case anyone else was also wondering. What are the thoughts of the vaccine with the deities? Some of us growing up, including nowadays, have been confused and conflicted about vaccines than years ago, where we hardly were obsessed with trusting them with helping us be protected from serious illnesses, to uncertainty due to anti vaxxers, especially because of this day in age with social media's and new stations and other forms of media that spreads misinformation and causing blame in countries and even racism. It took me courage to take the covid vaccines and the recent booster shot, as i want to be safe from serious illness and at the same time protect my family, and seeing those who are becoming seriously ill from the virus, including seeing my own family members becoming affected by the recent wave of variant with only 2 shots of current 3. It does bother me that many folks, including even my own friends and neighbors, think ill of the vaccines to the point of telling me there are horrible ingredients in these vaccines and that it alters you (like DNA), causes infertility, and debilitating your physical and mental health, as well as cause your immunity to be destroyed, causing blame on so many areas and calling it a hoax, making me feel bad about taking it and want me to stop taking upcoming boosters, and countless more I could say... I know, ridiculous right? I have heard countless "claims" of blaming the vaccine for things that are caused by other things. I even understand peoples viewpoints of both trust and mistrust of vaccines and the government and world health information. I honestly think this world is overreacting and allowing this to continue instead of changing in order to allow this to end, and not make such a big deal about it. I'm still partially confused on things, but I'm wanting to understand better, and I'm sure many others here also want to understand better.

I totally understand your frustration. This is a huge topic, and I don't want to tell people what to do. It's up to everyone's sense of right and wrong, their perspective and their medical history. So many things have been twisted, from both sides; there's a war of propaganda that sometimes defies logic. The truth is somewhere in - between. Deities and spirits have warned us of how certain truths can be manipulated to serve specific agendas, and to safeguard our freedoms, as they are going to be severely challenged. So I would prefer to focus on that. Any real cause of danger, in this case, a virus that appeared in our lives causing so much misery, can be used as a tool of manipulation by both extremists. Fear - mongering is just as dangerous as total denial. Yes, the covid exists. Did it occur naturally or is it man-made? No-one knows, and even if they did, they wouldn't be foolish as to make a public statement, in case they were "added" to the casualties. Should we have a vaccine created to combat such a thing? Absolutely. Are these vaccines compliant to the safety tests for other vaccines? That's unclear, since some of the safety protocols were bypassed in order to produce them faster. Are the vaccines safe for all? No. There have been documented deaths or handicaps / health complications with enduring effects, and some of these people were either hidden from the statistics, or blamed the virus instead of the vaccines. But ask yourself this: are there any vaccines with 100% safety record? No. And this time, this type of vaccines use novel approaches involving DNA modification to some extent. Are they generally safe (statistically speaking)? Yes, with the problem of not knowing long-term side-effects (in the future, especially if they make successive boosters mandatory). Some people fear that there is no return, because maybe once you have had a couple of vaccinations, you will be needing more of them in order to remain healthy, and in this way, some Pharmaceutical giants will benefit making billions of dollars, having enforced an atypical "slavery" to their products. But if we keep thinking of extreme scenarios, it's a never-ending thing. So it has to stop at some point. It's a matter of trust, ultimately. Do you trust those who rule the countries? Do they lie? Do they have reason for any of this to happen, and to maintain the fear? Do you trust the pharmaceuticals, and the people who say all this is for your health, for your benefit? Why did they suddenly start to "care" so much for us, compared to a few years ago? Consider all this. In closing, I'd like to say the following: Try to keep yourself safe, but never at the expense of your freedom. Unless you prefer the safety of a gilded cage; in this case, the left hand path and the demonic teachings are not for you.

[forsetti]

On The Right’s Response To Covid: The Backlash of Losing Cultural Relevance

Right now we are in the middle of a surge of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, a virus that has already claimed the lives of 640,000+ Americans. Yet, in spite of hospitals in the hotbed states of Florida, Alabama, Texas...being filled to capacity, people suffering from the virus being sent out of state for care, makeshift patient rooms being set up in hospital garages, and the new variant hitting younger people much harder than its previous version, there is an angry sector of the public that is still adamant the virus is a hoax, refuses to get vaccinated, protests any mask mandate, and is getting more and more violent against anyone who disagrees with them. Whenever all this madness comes up in conversation with anyone not part of the anti-science, anti-functioning cerebral cortex, the following always comes up, “I just don't understand why they are acting this way. It makes no sense.”

I fully understand and appreciate why it is difficult to grasp why there is a very vocal, very angry faction of our country that is actively doing whatever it can to undermine even the most basic solutions for dealing with a world-wide pandemic. Their words and actions defy fundamental common sense and basic humanity. When things like this happen a lot of people respond with shock, amazement, and even anger. Whenever someone expresses these feelings to me, a part of me completely understands and sympathizes. It is when the discussion shifts from, “Can you believe?” to “Why are they acting this way?” is where a discussion about the hard truths need to happen.

Whenever someone asks, “Why are they acting this way?” what they mostly want is some quick, easy explanation to make them feel good about why some of their family, friends, coworkers...are acting so horribly. I wish the answer to this question was something that was easy and allowed the person asking the question to feel good when they heard it. Most people have a difficult time believing people they know, care about are not the sweet, caring, smart people they think they are. The hard truth is, in a lot of cases, this is exactly who these people are. This answer may be difficult to come to terms with but it should be is easy if you understand the big picture of how/why of belief systems, a passing understanding of American history, and a grasp of modern-day conservatism.

The main reason there is a good-sized chunk of American society who are standing in the way of properly dealing with a pandemic is the same reason the U.S. is the ONLY major economy that doesn't have some form of universal healthcare. It is the same reason twenty three school children were murdered in cold blood and not one single law could be passed to protect against future school shootings. It is the same reason a significant number of Republican voters still believe President Obama was not born in the U.S. It is the same reason these same voters believe the 2020 election was stolen. There is a significant portion of American society who have been on the losing end of the “culture wars,” and instead of adjusting their belief systems to adopt even a fraction to meet these changes, they've dug in their heels in order to protest not only past loses but the ones they are certain to lose now and down the road. These cultural loses can be traced back to the South losing the Civil War. More recently, the loses go back to the Supreme Court decision in Brown versus Board of Education. For a good number of Americans, black people are naturally inferior to whites and that is just the way God intended the world to be. How dare anyone suggest or make mandatory that their precious, God-blessed, God-preferred white children be in the same classroom, be considered in any way equal to black children. To make matters worse, a few years later, these “inferiors” were legally given the right to eat at the same diners, drink from the same water fountains, swim in the same public pools, and *gasp be allowed to vote. In 1964, black people didn't have one iota of economic, legal, or political power. Hell, one can easily argue they don't have these things in 2021. Yet, to those opposed to the Civil Rights Act, it doesn't matter what black people really have. The ONLY thing that matters is the very idea that black people can be equal, even theoretically, to whites. The next “L” American conservatives took was with women's rights. No matter how adamant they have been that women don't belong in the workplace, shouldn't be treated equally to men, have no rights over their bodies...our society has delivered them one loss after another and continues to do so. Conservatives feel “forced” to have a woman as the Vice President. They are “forced” to see women referees and assistant coaches in major league sports. They are “forced” to have women as their bosses, doctors, state representative... Deep down, they don't want any of these things and see these changes as a slap in their face and in the face of God because, like whites being inherently superior to non-whites, men are naturally superior to women. People don't “get over” things like this. They internalize them. They fume about them. They build up anger and hatred about them. They do not get over things like this or cope with them. The next major cultural losses conservatives experienced was the election of the first black president which was quickly followed with gay people being granted the right to marry. Despite what the Civil Rights Act says, for a lot of Americans, black people are inferior to whites. For conservatives, having a black man sitting in the Oval Office was like having Judas being granted sainthood or Bin Laden being given the Congressional Medal of Honor. It was an affront to God, America, apple pie, and the ghosts of the Founding Fathers. Instead of coming to terms Barack Obama was president, even if they didn't vote for him, the conservative outrage cottage industry fed their base's already built-in racism to undermine not just his policies but the very legitimacy of his election. This didn't happen by accident or came out of nowhere. It was already baked into the belief systems of conservatives and has been reinforced over and over and over again for decades. As bad as having a black man as their president was for conservatives, it wasn't nearly as bad as gay people being allowed to marry. For these people, blacks are inferior. However, gay people are an abomination. America may have elected an inferior to be president, that can be rationalized as a one-off, a Black Swan event (no pun intended,) something that will never happen again. Barack Obama was a single individual. Gay people being allowed to marry is an entire subset of people and, unlike a one-off, happens over and over and over and over...again. After eight years in office, the black man in the White House went away. Gay couples legally being able to marry doesn't have an end date. It may be decades before America elects another person of color to the highest office in the land. Every day, gay couples are getting married, having kids, attending PTA meetings, being accepted as normal, fully functioning members of society. If Brown versus Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act were the genesis of American conservatives losing their minds, the election of President Obama pushed them to the edge and Obergefell versus Hodges pushed them right the fuck over. Because these two events took place directly after a major financial crisis, a lot of people missed the real underlying reasons why conservatives lost their minds and blamed it on “economic anxiety.” Excusing racism and bigotry on “economic anxiety,” allowed people to “feel good” about the batshit nuttery coming from every pore of the American conservative movement. White people, in particular, will go to amazing lengths to avoid viewing or calling a fellow white person, “racist,” “bigoted.” Deep down, we know being a racist/bigot is really, really horrible. This is why we have such a difficult time calling out people when they say/act in racist/bigoted ways. Yet, this is exactly what has been going on and driving American conservatism since the first European stepped foot in the New World. As deeply ingrained as racism and bigotry are in conservatism and even though it has been this way for centuries, the one thing white conservatives could always rely and fall back on has been the fact they are the majority and had all the power in society. However, since the passage of the Civil Rights Act, in spite of their majority, it has been one cultural loss after another for American conservatives. Each loss doesn't count as a single loss to be added to the total. Because of the personal nature of the issues involved, each loss increases the sense of loss by a factor. It isn't three straight losses equals three. It is three straight losses equals eight. Four losses becomes sixteen. The more they've lost, the more angry they have become. In Trump, they really believed they had someone who was going to reverse this losing tread and put them back in their self-appointed place of prominence in society. Trump knew this and used it to his advantage and in the process, gave conservatives a false sense of hope which is and will continue to be dashed on the rocks of reality, only fueling their outrage.

Certainly, there have been cultural “wins” for conservatives since 1964 but they have been few and at best, briefly slowed the culturally shift. They have never completely stopped or reversed the changes they've spend their lives fighting against. Deep down, conservatives know, when it comes to culture wars, their winning record is in Washington Generals territory. This has to sting. It sure as hell has led to some very nasty and dangerous consequences. Consequences we are seeing played out right now when it comes to dealing with a pandemic.

If you feel your belief system, which in turn becomes inseparable from your self-identity, your self-worth, is always under attack and no matter what you do, you can't get a “win,” you will latch onto anything and everything that might remotely make you feel like you are on the right side of things. If you've lost a bunch of large battles, this means you are relegated to fighting small, often meaningless ones. Conservatives can't win the war against blacks, minorities, women...being viewed and treated as equals but they will damn sure try to win the war over wearing masks or getting vaccinated. Because they've lost so many big battles, making sure they win the smaller battles take on even greater importance. The fights whether to wear/not wear a mask or get/not get vaccinated are not really about these particular issues. If they are, it is only tangentially. The fight is about winning a battle against their opponent, against a world, that has kicked their ass up and down the cultural field their entire life.

This is why so many people on the right are willing to risk the health and well-being of others. The “others,” are viewed as the enemy and must be defeated, no matter the cost. This cost even means the health and well-being of themselves and their own children. If someone is willing to sacrifice their kid's health to “own the libs,” which really means, “win a culture war,” they can't be reasoned with. There are not arguments or data point sets or incentives that will change someone's mind who is willing to let their own child get sick, suffer, and possibly die rather than wear a small piece of cloth over their mouth when in public or get vaccinated just like millions and millions of Americans of all political persuasions have done for decades. It doesn't take much to see just how far conservatives are willing to go right now to get a cultural win. They will willingly inject bleach into their system. They will happily inject medicine specifically to rid livestock of worms. They will scream at grocery store cashiers for wearing a mask. They will be on their deathbed in a hospital, dying of COVID-19, and with oxygen-depleted lungs, insist they don't have the virus. They will assault cancer clinic workers and patients over a mask mandate for the clinic, even though they themselves don't work their and aren't a patient. They will threaten public health experts with harm and death for telling them things they don't want to hear and/or believe. They will literally put themselves, their families, their friends, their coworkers...at risk of a very transmittable, dangerous virus rather than wear a piece of cloth other their nose and mouth when they are out in public. If this sounds crazy, it is because it it.

As crazy and seemingly unbelievable the right has been the past few months with their reactions to the 2020 election and the pandemic, they are only going to get worse. The world where they have relevance and where their ideas are deemed even marginally acceptable is shrinking. There really are not many big cultural battles for them to fight anymore. This doesn't mean they have or will stop fighting these large battles. They do and will continue to do so. However, I don't think they really believe they can win battles they lost years ago and continue to lose. This means they are reduced to fighting smaller and smaller battles-battles that have crazier and crazier rationalizations and justifications. The size of the battle no longer matters. What matters is getting a win, even if it means the deaths of hundreds of thousands of their fellow citizens. Even if it means losing their own lives or their children's. This kind of mindset cannot be changed through persuasion. An individual here or there might change but it will only be because of some deeply personal reason. For the masses, they are going to be who they are. The only thing the rest of us can do is make sure they don't get the levers of power because as they continue to rack up cultural losses, they will lash out in more and more violent ways against anything and anyone they see as being responsible for their losing streak. America has been moving towards this moment for a long time. It is very much at a “make it or break it,” moment where it either becomes the multicultural democracy it has promised it could be or it becomes some form of an apartheid, authoritarian state. My heart is always with the former but knowing how mean, angry, and spiteful conservatives are, the latter is more of a possibility than I like to admit.