#I love that you can pet cats. huge innovation

[mushroomates]

merry headcanons

as a child, he sincerely believed he could talk to cats. this ended at age 13.

can do cartwheels. pippin cannot. this is brought up in arguments more frequently that imagined

has a filter, contrary to some of what he says. he also acts as pippins filter

possesses an uncanny ability to sniff out weed. can tell the quality of such by smell alone. can also tell you where it may have come from, and how it was grown

has a small patch of cannabis growing in a back room of his estate. it used to be a sunroom but is now a greenhouse/weed lab.

merry religiously documents it’s growth, soil conditions, exposure to light, and most importantly: potentness

unfortunately this has manifested in a very strong but unpleasant tasting plant. this sort is hearty, can grow under any conditions, but really just tastes/smells. absolutely awful.

he did try and recruit sam into helping him until sam realized what was going on and wanted “no business in such a practice”

uses samples saved from the whole Saruman takedown and propagates what he can. also keeps some for comparison. he is very organized with this and has a whole spreadsheet he references frequently

merry also likes to know where everything is at all times. he’s not super weird about it but everything does have its place and he will know if you move it

got into furniture making. makes. questionable, ‘innovative’ ‘contemporary’ and ‘unique’ pieces

in reality it’s because he likes to make chairs that specifically make people want to leave because of how uncomfortable they are

like. he loves his family. but sometimes they get the squeaky chair. there’s a table with one leg slightly smaller than the rest that makes everyone uneasy. a couch that is just too low to the ground and cushy, so that you sink in but your legs are cramped. there’s a chair with the back curved slightly too steep, so when someone sits in it their posture is terrible. it also has a shorter than normal seat so you can’t scoot forward either

it’s not torture. people can endure it. it’s just mean to make sure no one does for very long.

this set is strategically in the foyer, so if he likes you well enough you’re granted entity into the living room with normal furniture. which is very tastefully decorated and has framed artwork of his many nieces and nephews.

he absolutely adores the littlest members of the shire and will spoil them however he can

draws maps of the most absurd things. just. maps that no one even asked for but are delightfully absurd

“directions to bagend, avoiding all dogs, aunts, sheep and red mail boxes” “brandybuck estate, but only the trees” “every pub in the shire, and who to avoid on your way back from a good time”

and, famously, “pippins brain”

this is a circle, and in it, two singular dots

one saying “pipe weed” and the other “bad ideas”

there use to be a third dot, that said “lack of cart wheels” but that has been a angerly scribbled out (culprit is still a ‘mystery’ )

decent navigational skills

of course, no one listens to him.

judges the annual pie contest

is actually. really good at it. has a very defined palette dispute the copious amount of weed he smokes

“is that rubarb? it adds a wonderful complexity to the strawberry and pistachio- though, i’d recommend not using molasses next time instead try brown sugar.”

like. merry. why do you know these things.

also judges the pie EATING contest. this is because there is a scandalous amount of cheating and he was part of a huge pie-in-the-trousers bust and now sits in the jury as an esteemed member

pippin thinks he’s a traitor to the cause. this is because pippin was a primary perpetrator in said pie-in-the-trousers bust.

has two pet rabbits. by pets i mean fellow members of the “raiding farmer maggots crops” club, who he saved from a few rodent traps and took home

merrys morals, to recap, does not allow him to permit pie-crimes, but he is totally okay with casual thievery

did not have the heart to said rabbits as they were cut from the same cloth. he let them out the back yard once he got home and they just. kind of. stayed

their names are gandalf and gandalf because ones gray and ones white. many hobbits have been taking after that and also naming their animals gandalf. this of course pisses gandalf off to no end.

is a great babysitter. mature enough to not get into trouble but still has a childish sense of adventure, and lots of stories

he is the trusted fun uncle. pippin being the reckless fun uncle.

he acts stories out more than tells them to the kids, as his way with words is not so great as his way with sound effects.

also makes his own sock puppets and will occasionally put on small shows for the kiddos during family gatherings. fan favorites are “merry takes down the witch-king” “the march of the ents” and “the hobbit who couldn’t cartwheel” (the last ends with the hobbit simply learns to accept that everyone has different talents- something not true to life because pippin still hasn’t accepted this)

is high key very smart. doesn’t do a lot with this. he prefers to enjoy the simple things in life, and has found that so long as he makes sure he and his are looked after, life can be very easy.

that being said. he is not as care free as he’d like to be

is very prepared and well organized. has rations for days and a go-bag, even in his later years. everyone mocked him for years but it took him maybe ten minutes to grab everything and join up with frodo and sam. he also has extra go-bags, which is why it only took pippin 15 minutes (an extra five because pippin lost his bag about two seconds after merry gave it to him)

merry got the “anxiety” hobbit gene that manifests in being (only slightly) a prepper. there’s cans of beans and fruit as well as bottled water hidden in the cellar of the brandy-buck estate. enough food to last nearly five years, but for a hobbit, three.

this gives him peace of mind, as he knows he is prepared for whatever life gives him

he also knows he has braved many things before and anything that may come now will be significantly less of a hardship

he will never have to face down another witch-king, or more importantly, go without second breakfast

[bizarre-blorbo-bracket]

Round 3 Poll 6: Leonardo the Robot from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Casey Murphey from the 2019-2020 Florida Mock Trial case: “State of Florida v. Casey Murphy”

Propaganda:

Leonardo

Leonardo is a social robot who was created by MIT in the early 2000’s. He is designed to be accessible and user-friendly for people who want to work with robots but may be inexperienced. He can learn and perform tasks on par with what a toddler is capable of. He’s designed to be cute so you’ll want to bond with him. He has a whole visual tracking system to respond to emotional cues and even mimic expressions the same way a pet dog or cat might mirror you to bond with you. He can emote with a great deal of complexity while responding to human interaction and the stimuli around him. One day I was bored and thumbing through my college psych textbook that I way overpaid for because we barely used it. I ended up on a page about Leonardo, found him fascinating, and had to learn more. And then there was a sentence that absolutely floored me. It might be slightly inaccurate because this was years ago but in essence it said: “Leonardo will never know love.” Something in me died that day and I started crying over a robot. To be so complex, years ahead of its time for the advancement of technology and robotics in the early aughts. To be purposefully engineered to be endearing, and for humans to pack bond and want to form connections with it. To even be intelligent enough to distinguish between itself and other beings, to help humans with tasks while accounting for human error, and to even understand the difference between intention and action. Feats of engineering and innovation that remain impressive over 20 years after its creation. And yet. The soul-crushing pathos that Leonardo will never be able to give nor receive love. It’s a lot. It’s all deeply heavy, but also deeply fascinating. He’s definitely hit blorbo status for me, he’s such a little guy who I just have very intense emotions about.

Casey Murphey:

I have a lot of obscure mock trial blorbos but I’m going to start with Casey Murphy because I think they best encapsulate the depths of weirdness some of my blorbo relationships with these characters can get to. So to start, I have never been enrolled in a school in Florida. Or even anywhere near there. I visited a few times as a very little kid, but my schooling has been in the Midwest and the Northeast. I also was not remotely involved in high school mock trial in the 2019-2020 school year. I only know Casey Murphy because I used to be part of an online mock trial group that picked up the case a few years later. In fact, I took Casey as a witness as a joke because I had also been a defendant named Casey in the case we did before State v. Murphy. But Casey is my tragic scrungly. The autism took hold on them. BASICALLY they were a slightly “below average” kid grappling with the huge academic expectations their family had. Specifically, there was a college (Southern Coastal University) that their family had been going to for generations. But when Casey applied, they got waitlisted. They managed to make it in right before the school year started, but they were put on probation because of the short notice. A few weeks into the year, though, Casey was talking to their older brother Patrick (basically their closest friend) and they find out about a secret society called SCU Underground that their family has been in since it was founded. Originally called SCU for Change, it was a student activist group. They learn about some shady things happening at the school and how SCUU planned to combat it by holding a protest bonfire. Patrick invited Casey to the next meeting, and Casey was very excited to prove themself. Later psychological testing showed that Casey was among the most easily suggestible in society, so it’s clear that this was important to them. Here’s where things get unclear. All we know for certain is that Casey bought lighter fluid and vodka (likely using a fake ID considering they were only 18) from a liquor store. They brought those things, along with their laptop, in their backpack to the meeting. There was an argument which ended in someone named Cal Robbins storming out of the old student union building which the meeting was being held in. Then, the building burned down, and Casey came out later than everyone else before being arrested and confessing to burning down the building. The prosecution’s claim is that Casey brought the materials to burn down the building to prove their loyalty to the cause. They might have been influenced by Patrick to do it, but either way they actually committed the act. The defense’s claim, which I find more compelling as a story, is that the lighter fluid was to show that they were prepared for the bonfire, the vodka was as a peace offering considering that they were a new member, and the fire was caused by a projector overloading the old building’s power. Casey ran back in to get their laptop so they could continue their school work, and also didn’t know the layout as well as the returning members, so they came back out later than everyone else. Then they were arrested, treated poorly, and were coerced into a false confession because they were lead to believe Patrick would be found guilty if they didn’t. It’s all just so sad and angsty to me, especially seeing as they were found guilty at the trial I did so I always mentally fill in them being falsely imprisoned at the end. They just wanted to prove themself to their family, to step out of their brother’s shadow, and this is where it lead them. Also here’s my playlist lol https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ccMwC9xV83ddZoANpejE1?si=nGtWp7MvS7WXJEWLMrBNVw Also also, like most mt witnesses, no canon gender or pronouns which is very cool of them

[mywidelyopeneyes]

Dating Gunther B Gunnerson Hcs

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH STUFF ABOUT THIS MAN HELP, SO I AM HERE TO DELIVER TO ALL THE OTHER FANS 🙏🏻.

Gunther is secretly a huge romantic. He loves romance novels, romantic comedies, and all things lovey-dovey. He might not show it, but he's got a mushball inside him.

Gunther has a pet cat named Mr. Whiskers. He adores his cat and loves to spoil him with toys and treats. He's also prone to talking to Mr. Whiskers as if he's a person, and will often tell him about his problems and struggles.

Gunther is a great cook. He loves trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. He's a master of the art of grilling, and can cook up a mean steak.

Gunther loves watching space-themed movies and documentaries. He's a total nerd for all things space-related, and loves learning about the cosmos. He's also prone to getting excited about the newest discoveries and innovations in the field of astronomy.

Gunther loves animals, especially dogs. He's always happy to pet a furry friend, and will never hesitate to stop and play with a playful pup.

Gunther's a good listener. He's always willing to offer a sympathetic ear and some support to those in need, and will never dismiss someone's feelings or struggles. He's the kind of guy who will always be there for you, whether you need a shoulder to cry on or just want someone to listen.

Gunther loves his ship, the Invincible II. He's proud of it and takes great care of it. He's always happy to talk about its many features and upgrades, and will often spend hours working on repairs or maintenance.

Gunther might be a tough and rugged space cadet, but inside he's still a sentimental sap. He loves his friends and crewmates from the Invincible II, and would do anything for them. He's the type of guy who puts others before himself, and will always lend a helping hand to someone in need.

Gunther is prone to getting into mischief. He might be a bit of a troublemaker at times, but he's always quick to apologize and own up to his mistakes. He's not afraid to make a fool of himself, and will often be the first to laugh at his own jokes.

Gunther's a total goofball.

Despite his tough exterior, Gunther is a huge softie. He's a total sucker for cuddles, hugs, and sweet nothings. He's always quick to offer a gentle touch, a kind word, or a soothing hug when you need it most.

Gunther's always looking for a good adventure. He loves exploring new places, solving puzzles, and facing challenges head-on. He's always up for a good dare, and will never hesitate to take on the impossible.

Gunther's a total nerd. He's a master at video games, and can often be found spending hours in front of the computer, gaming away. He's also a huge sci-fi fan, and can often be found talking about the latest movies and TV shows.

Gunther's a true friend. He's the kind of guy who will always have your back, no matter what. He's loyal, trustworthy, and always there when you need a friend. He's the kind of guy who will always offer a supportive word, a sympathetic ear, or a helping hand, no questions asked.

☆☆☆☆

[stupendousbookworm]

"I speak fluent English, French, German and bullshit"

"Do you think cinnamon rolls have a separate life before we eat them?"

"Rowan, can books fly?"

"What if every star in the sky represents a soul that departed from the world? I wouldn't mind ending up there"

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Name: Ara Annora Rose Black

Nicknames: Ara Bear, annoying bitch, black, cursed kid

Gender: Female

Age: 16

Sexuality: bisexual

Alignment: Chaotic neutral

Blood status: Pureblood

Date of Birth: 18th February 1973

Ethnicity: French/British

Nationality: British

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In front of the students of Hogwarts, she's the infamous curse breaker; a person not to be messed with. But in the eyes of her friends, she's the silliest and idiotic Ravenclaw known to kind. A girl with a dark past but huge ambitions, a sharp mind and a knack for attracting trouble, she's a chaotic person. But will she be able to find her brother and save Hogwarts?

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Personality:

Brilliant: although she can be a tad bit daft at times, she's rather smart, and can solve problems quite efficiently. If she understands the concept, nothing can stop her.

Stubborn: she's pretty adamant when she wants to achieve something. She doesn't stop until she reaches her goal. It comes as both a blessing and a curse

Sarcastic: she can hurt you when she wants to. Her sarcasm is rather brutal, and she always regrets saying anything rude. She really doesn't filter what she says before saying it.

Musically talented: she can sing, and play many instruments, including the guitar, piano, saxophone, flute and drums

Short tempered: she really can't control her anger. She gets pissed off rather easily and it gets on everyone's nerves. It's all a part of her defense mechanism

Kind: she's the person who acts like a bitch but actually cares for you, and looks out for you. Don't worry, she's got your best interests at heart

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What are her likes?

chocolate, cinnamon rolls, her Ravenclaw jumper, astronomy, her friends, coffee, old books, reading Shakespeare, singing, playing music, dueling, messing around with Tonks, Tulip and Jae, and sleeping

What are her dislikes?

being woken up, strawberries, Tonks eating her special banana ketchup sandwich, dungbombs, Mrs. Norris the dumb cat, when someone tears a page out of a book, and History of Magic

Where does she live?

Tonks Cottage, London, with Nymphadora, Andromeda and Ted

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Appearance:

Hair colour: Black

Eye colour: grey

Skin Tone: pale

Height: 6'0

Weight: 118 lbs

Build: thin and lanky with a slight slouch. She eats a lot of junk food but it doesn't show because of her "good metabolism"

Aesthetic: astronomical, academia and grunge (?)

Inventory: her wand, a half eaten bag of chocolate chips, a old family heirloom time turner (that's rather faulty), black finger-less gloves and Moonshine the baby kneazle

Face Claim: Steffy Argelich

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Magic

1st wand: Ash wood, 12 1/2 inches, phoenix feather core, great for transfiguration, nice and swishy

The ash wand cleaves to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of unicorn. Old superstitions regarding wands rarely bear close examination, but I find that the old rhyme regarding rowan, chestnut, ash and hazel wands (rowan gossips, chestnut drones, ash is stubborn, hazel moans) contains a small nugget of truth. Those witches and wizards best suited to ash wands are not, in my experience, lightly swayed from their beliefs or purposes. However, the brash or over-confident witch or wizard, who often insists on trying wands of this prestigious wood, will be disappointed by its effects. The ideal owner may be stubborn, and will certainly be courageous, but never crass or arrogant.

2nd wand: Ebony wood, 13 inches, dragon heartstring core, brilliant for dueling, very flexible

This jet-black wand wood has an impressive appearance and reputation, being highly suited to all manner of combative magic, and to Transfiguration. Ebony is happiest in the hand of those with the courage to be themselves. Frequently non-conformist, highly individual or comfortable with the status of outsider, ebony wand owners have been found both among the ranks of the Order of the Phoenix and among the Death Eaters. In my experience the ebony wand’s perfect match is one who will hold fast to his or her beliefs, no matter what the external pressure, and will not be swayed lightly from their purpose.

Boggart: herself, but as a death eater

Riddikulus form: being surrounded by friends, who have her back

Patronus: Black Raven

As a patronus a black raven represents knowledge, they carry intelligence and quick wit, matching perfectly with Ravenclaw. You find extreme comfort in those with intelligence and knowledge of past events, and how to handle new things calmly and with poise. You tend to have some moments of a delicate, sensitive side that comes out of them in times of fear or sadness.  You tend not to always a leader, but a follower because they know that others may have more experience or wisdom than them, but if you know you are the most intelligent, knowledgeable or wise, you take the reigns and lead the way. In the same way the owner of this patronus will give up leadership, to a wiser leader, they will do the same in a multitude of different situations. Despite this, you are very brave and cunning, but in other areas, when you do take leadership, you are a strong-minded and focused leader, you never let you guard down, even if you are scared or confused. You carry an extreme amount of knowledge with you at all times, waiting to find a use in the correct situation. This patronus matched with Ravenclaw, means that you are able to think of creative and innovative ideas for the better of the team, even when you are not the leader.

Patronus memory: When Andromeda and Ted accepted her as their own daughter. She realised that she did have a family who loved her and cared for her.

Animagus: a small Black Raven

Amortentia (what they smell like): old books, chocolate, a tad bit of cinnamon, coffee and lavender

Amortentia (what they smell): a library, petrichor, grass, cinnamon, and a very strong woody cologne

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Magical Abilities:

Legilimency and Occlumency:

Legilimency is the act of magically navigating through the many layers of a person's mind and correctly interpreting one's findings. A person who practices this art is known as a Legilimens. Muggles might call this "mind-reading," but practitioners disdain the term as naïve. The opposite of Legilimency is Occlumency, which is used to shield one's mind from the invasion and influence of a Legilimens.

Occlumency is the act of magically closing one's mind against Legilimency. It is ancient, and has existed since medieval times.[1] It can prevent a Legilimens from accessing one's thoughts and feelings, or influencing them. A person who practices this art is known as an Occlumens.

Favourite spells: Bombarda, Legilimens, Expecto Patronum, Reducto

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School:

Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw

Organizations joined: Hogwarts, Circle of Khanna, The Order of The Phoenix

Apprenticeships: worked as an intern at the Ministry of Magic for a while, and helped Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing with Chiara

Professions: Auror for a while, took a break after a bad injury and ended up teaching at Hogwarts for a year, and then became an Alchemist.

Best Subjects: Transfiguration, Potions, Flying, Charms, Astronomy and DADA

Worst Subjects: Herbology, History of Magic, Divination.

Extra curricular activities: Keeper of the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team, sometimes tutors first years

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Relationships:

Fuck her blood family, she's a part of the Tonks family now

Edward "Ted" Tonks

He might not be her father, but he sure is her dad. Muggle born Ted taught Ammie how to mess around with muggle tools, and introduced her to muggle movies and other random trinkets. He thinks of Ammie as his own daughter, and was the one who taught her how to ride a bicycle

Andromeda "Meda" Tonks (née Black)

Andromeda took in her niece when she had nowhere to go, treated her like family, and protected her from all sorts of danger. Provided love, care and support to Ammie during her traumatizing times. She was considered as a blood traitor, but that didn't stop her from saving her little niece

Nymphadora "Dora" Tonks

Ammie's sister, and best friend. Stood by her side for everything and supported her all the way. Provided comic relief and loves Ammie to death. With a stupid sense of humor, and a knack for creating mischief, she's Ammie's most beloved person

Jacob Black

The one who started it all. The idiot who got himself stuck in a portrait. All of this garbage began with him, and Ammie never lets him forget it. Very protective of his little sister and hates everyone for some reason

Misc family members: Sirius Black, Regulus Black, Walburga Black, Orion Black.

Friends: Rowan Khanna, Ben Copper, Bill Weasley, Penny Haywood, Nymphadora Tonks, Talbott Winger, Badeea Ali, Tulip Karasu, Jae Kim, Chiara Lobosca, Charlie Weasley, Barnaby Lee, and Liz Tuttle

Closest Canon Friends: Rowan Khanna, Nymphadora Tonks, Talbott Winger, Tulip Karasu, Jae Kim and Badeea Ali

Closest MC friends:

Alvina Arcane-Zheng ( @oneirataxia-girl)

Celeste Wheterstead ( @bananascrackersnuts)

Tessa Reed ( @hphm4ever)

Adel Young (@adellovesrowan)

Matthew Luther (@hphmmatthewluther)

Cato Reese (@catohphm)

Niky Dona, Sabina Ivylash and Persephone Palerosine (@nikyiscreepy)

Night Nur Rhea (@night-rhea)

(I don’t have much friends... Just lmk if your MC wants to be friends with mine)

Love Interest: Talbott Winger

Dorm Mates: Rowan Khanna, Tulip Karasu, Badeea Ali and Skye Parkin

Rival/ bestie: Merula Snyde

Enemies: Patricia Rakepick, R, The Wizard in White Robes

Pets: a female black kitten kneazle named Moonshine

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Trivia:

- Has a stuffed bear named Sir Boo Boo

- Really likes Indie Rock/Pop

- Ended up being in a band with Jae and Tonks by accident

- Pretty much hates the world in the morning

- Gets good marks in Divination by making up really tragic stories

- Can’t stand tea

- Fluent in French

- McGonagall claims to hate her, but she really thinks Ara’s rather daring

- Sings in the shower

- Annoys the heck out of Andre with her questionable fashion choices

- Stupid sense of humor

- Laughs like a witch

- Quotes Shakespeare when drunk

- Can skateboard like a pro

- Weird handwriting

- Messy yet organized

[shilohstrxfe]

Character  Intro - Shiloh Strife

╰☆╮ ROSS LYNCH ,  21 , CISMALE , HE/HIM ☆ — wait , is that ( SHILOH STRIFE ) ? dean lockwood has been looking for them . you didn’t hear it from me but , apparently the ( SOPHOMORE ) might know something about the whole omega chi & kappa tau situation . while they can be ( CRUDE & STUBBORN ) , they’re far too( DEDICATED & INNOVATIVE ) to be involved , right ? those who know them say they’re reminded of ( rainy days outdoors daring the lightning to strike you, chapped lips and a cold nose, a murky pond in the middle of the forest, something otherworldly and vaguely threatening, the light feeling that accompanies playing music for yourself ) whenever they’re around .  honestly , the ( MUSIC PERFORMANCE ) major should try to keep their head down . after the events of last semester , lockwood is out for blood . did you know that ( SHILOH ) is a member of ( KAPPA TAU GAMMA ) ? that might explain why their name is being brought up .  ☆ Z  ,19+ , HE/HIM , & EST ╰☆╮

Hey, it’s you boy Z back at it again with a second character! I’m excited to introduce y’all to Shiloh - little shit and younger brother to the wonderful Sam Strife. He’s here to make your life slightly more difficult and play some bitchin’ music along the way. 

I’m working on a connections page right now so when it’s finished, it should be linked here. Without further adu, here’s a shitstorm of an intro I wanted to get posted before I had to leave. if you have any questions, let me know and I’ll try my best to answer/clarify. 

Tw for below (if you can’t read because of these, let me know and I’ll give you an abridged version without triggers) : Child Abuse/Past Child Abuse, Verbal/Mental Abuse, Parental Neglect, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol/Drug Use

Basics -

Name: Shiloh Sebastian Strife

Age: 21

Gender: Cismale (he/him)

Sexuality/Romantic Orientation: Demiromantic Bisexual 

Siblings: 1 Older Brother (Samuel) and 2 younger siblings

Year of Study: Junior

Major: Music Performance

Minor: Psychology

Greek Life: Part of Kappa Tau Gamma

Extra-Curricular Activities: Men’s Swim Team, He’s part of an alt-rock band where he sings lead and plays bass when needed

Intro - (read sam’s intro for more on their childhood)

- His name means ‘the peaceful one/peace’, which is ironic since he’s the farthest thing from a peaceful person - He's the second eldest at 21 (literally just had a birthday on the 20th) but he doesn’t act like it. If Sam’s responsible and nurturing, Shiloh’s reckless and standoffish at the best of times. - He's a little shit through and through -  However, he wasn’t always. When he was still technically under his mother’s roof, he was extraordinarily well-behaved. Once he got out from under her thumb, however, he went a little crazy with the freedom - Pierced his ears, dyed his hair, drank till he passed out - anything he could do to shed his mother’s ideals, he did.  - He’s settled a bit, but not much, and he’s big into the party scene.  - Most of the time, he’s terrified. Fear is a constant in his life, even when it really has no reason to be there, and more often than not that fear is expressed as anger or he goes overboard trying to counteract it and does stupid shit that should very well be scary because it’s DANGEROUS - Overcompensation should be his middle name because it's basically all he does. He puts on a front of cocky fearlessness because he's tired of being afraid, he's tired of feeling like he's not good enough and he's basically hinging all his hopes on the philosophy 'fake it 'till you make it.'  - Getting into Hollingsworth was mandatory in his mind and so he followed in his brother's footsteps and used his musical talent to shoehorn his way in. He's a fantastic Cellist and he loves to play but he rarely makes it public knowledge because Cellos aren't really seen as a 'badass' instrument and he's gotta maintain the aesthetic.  - He loves Sam more than anyone else in the entire goddamn world - including his other siblings, though he puts them at a close second - and Shiloh would probably murder for him in need be. Seriously. Not exaggerating.  - His sense of self is super messed up. He doesn't really know who he is or what he wants to do with himself, so he puts a lot of effort into not thinking about it - His identity was basically ripped away from him by his mother and he never had a chance to figure out who he wanted to be until he moved away. Now, he doesn’t know where to start, but he does know he wants to squash the pieces of himself his mother encouraged.  -  Shiloh can be nice, he's great at being nice, he's just done with it. At this point, it feels wrong. Niceness is a mask, yet another thing their mother ruined for him. So manners can go fuck themselves, thank you very much  - he’s got a hard time forming interpersonal relationships, but when he does he clings to them like a lifeline. Fights with his friends/family member destroy him.  - he’s never had a serious boyfriend/girlfriend, but he kind of wants one

Lighthearted Headcannons - 

- He’s 5′10″ and pissed about it. His brother’s like six inches taller, which is just unacceptable, so he wears shoes with a bit of a heel to compensate  - he dyes his hair a lot. Most commonly it’s either black, blond, or peach. They’re his favorite colors and he thinks they look good on him.  - He plays bass/does lead vocals for an Alt Rock band in the area and performing is (oddly enough) one of the only times he doesn’t feel fear/anxiety - he loves cats - for a while he wanted a pet rat, but those dreams died when he went to go get one and realized their tales freaked him out - he’s a huge sci-fi nerd

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Michael in the Mainstream: Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel is one of the MCU’s most powerful characters right now, one of the few heroes who can even have a hope of defeating Thanos, so of course she needs to have a movie. Throwing in a bunch of heroes into an ensemble film without properly setting them up is what amateurs do, and at this point Marvel is no amateur; they know how to properly set up heroes… kind of. You see, Marvel Studios has a bit of a problem when it comes to origin films: they’re all very, very similar, very formulaic, and sometimes even predictable. That’s not to say they’re bad, far from it! Films like Black Panther, Ant-Man, and Doctor Strange are all rather formulaic but they all have interesting twists to the formula that makes them feel fun and exciting. Marvel is a lot better with quirkier fare, ensemble movies, and sequels than they are with solo origin films, Iron Man notwithstanding, but they usually find a way to make things feel fresh.

Captain Marvel… does and doesn’t achieve this. Captain Marvel is probably the most “Marvel” Marvel movie yet made; it feels like a film they would have released a decade ago, during Phase 1 or Phase 2. And there is actually a good reason for that; this movie has been in the plannig stages for a long, long time, but racist, sexist, cheapskate CEO Ike Perlmutter wouldn’t let this film be made because he didn’t think non-white, non-male leads could sell (a laughable sentiment when looking at superhero films nowadays), only relenting to let the film be made if Kevin Feige made an Inhumans movie, which fell through when Feige managed to get rid of the meddler and get him exiled to the Marvel TV department. This film has been a long time coming, and it feels like it.

But I can’t say the film is bad; it’s most definitely not, and there’s a lot to love in the film. At the same time though, it’s easy to see why someone might not find themselves sucked into this; it’s a film coming out in Phase 3 that feels like it belongs in Phase 1. Where it would have been one of the best Marvel films of the early phases, it struggles a bit to stand out in the current MCU where the past few films have been nothing but home runs, and competing superhero cinematic universes have also been producing quality films, with Spider-Verse and Aquaman in particular bringing a lot of new stuff to the table. It just feels like Captain Marvel is almost irrelevat in the current landscape aside from introducing Carol Danvers to the MCU.

And yet… this is still a good, fun movie, because it delivers exactly what it promises, and it does the one thing I consider the saving grace of any film that would otherwise be average: it is wholly, unabashedly cheesy.

So let’s talk about what I loved first. The Skrulls are easily the very best part of the film, particularly Talos. Talos is one of the most interesting and complex antagonists in the MCU so far, and there’s a lot more to him than it initially seems. Just the fact that in general the Skrulls are now part of the MCU is absolutely delightful, as it seemed for so long they’d be exiled from continnuity due to Fox owning the rights to the most famous Skrull, Super-Skrull, due to his close ties to the Fantastic Four (though this is no longer a problem). To say much more about what makes the Skrulls so great would be to spoil one of the few genuinely good twists the movie has to offer, but it is a pretty neat twist on what you’d expect from Skrulls.

Carol herself, as played by Brie Larson, is a mostly enjoyable character. I think Carol is a bit shaky right now, having to deal with the tired amnesia plot and not getting to use her powers all that much, but for the most part she’s an enjoyable hero. I think she’ll fare a lot better in ensemble films and sequels, because Larson does a really good job, it’s just that so much of the movie is spent with her being limited. However, this is mitigated by the fact that she has great chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson, and pretty much every scene with Fury and Carol interacting is amazing. Speaking of Jackson, the effects used to de-age him are nothing short of stunning; you can’t even tell its CGI, it’s that good. Far better than the de-aging effects used in films like Rogue One, that’s for sure

The soundtrack is pretty good, though sometimes it’s a bit too on-the-nose. The usage of “Come As Your Are” is so literal it hurts, and the usage of “Just a Girl” is so utterly cheesy. But I think stuff like this helps add to the film’s charm, as does the fact that this movie is honestly, genuinely funny, especially due to the aforementioned banter between Carol and Fury, as well as the presence of Goose the cat, who Fury dotes over and who plays quite an amusing and cool role in the film, shockingly enough. Goose might be one of the best characters in the film honestly, which is not often something you hear about a pet cat.

Of course, not everything is perfect. A lot of the action is nauseatingly shaky and weirdly poorly choreographed, with the exception of the final battle and perhaps Carol’s escape from the Skrulls near the start. For a superhero movie, having such wonky action is inexcusable, though thankfully there’s not too much fighting… or not thankfully, since again, this is a superhero film, the sort of film where you expect superhero action. It’s not all bad, but when it gets bad it gets really bad.

There’s also the underutilization of characters. You know how the return of Ronan and Coulson was hyped up? Well, unfortunately for everyone, both of their screentimes are incredibly limited to the point they are essentially cameos, though Ronan feels like a cameo moreso than Coulson. Korath, too, is a bit wasted, though he at least gets a little more prominence with him being part of Carol’s initial squad, though he’s still not exactly focused on to any great extent. It just feels so pointless to have these actors come back to these roles if they’re essentially playing meaningless bit parts, especially in the case of Korath and Ronan, seeing as we know they end up dying anyway. It just seems like a huge missed opportunity to do something with these characters.

And of course, the whole amnesia plot kind of holds things back. Not that it’s done poorly, but it is a tired trope that is tricky to pull off, and considering Carol’s amnesia holds back the plot and holds her back from using her powers to any great extent, it does feel like more of a burden than anything that leads to interesting developments. It doesn’t help that most of the stuff revealed over the course of her rediscovering who she is is stuff that you could easily figure out on your own from nothing more than promotional material and the obvious hints throughout the film; it just feels like a contrivance to keep Carol in a weakened, vulnerable state instead of letting her let loose. Say what you will about Superman movies, but he at least gets to be Superman for vast swaths of the film in his origin story movies. Here, Carol’s big Captain Marvel moments really only come at the end, though I can’t stress enough that the  final battle is a pretty cool sequence.

Still, nothing in this movie is done excessively poorly; there’s nothing here as bad as the Iron Man sequels or Thor: The Dark World. On the other hand though, there’s nothing here as innovative or impressive as in Thor: Ragnarok, Infinity War, Black Panther, or Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, with the exception of the Skrulls. There’s a lot of good elements here, obviously, but most of the stuff really just doesn’t elevate this movie to greatness; it’s merely a good, even very good film, but not as great as it should be nor as bad as some make it out to be. And this isn’t entirely the film’s fault; as I said, Perlmutter’s meddling did keep this on the backburner for a long, long time, so it’s frankly amazing the film is any good at all.

Really, whether you love or hate this is going to boil down to how much you can tolerate cheesiness. I live and breathe cheesiness, I have been exposed to cheese since I was young, so of course I’m pretty fond of this film. I’m also a huge fan of Skrulls so it’s a given I’d like a film with them in it. But if you don’t like this film, if you just don’t connect, well, it’s hard to blame you. It’s not an amazing or groundbreaking film, and really that’s a shame, because it could have and should have been. But on the other hand, not every film needs to exist to break new ground, not every film needs to change the world… sometimes films can just exist and be good.

Captain Marvel is a film that has attracted a lot of controversy, vitriol, and debating over it, making it one of the most controversial superhero movies in recent memory. Beyond that sentence I’m not going to even bother addressing any of that, because it is all the most idiotic drivel I have seen in regards to film in years. This is an utterly harmless superhero movie through and through, and any argument otherwise is just pointless drivel.

I really wish this could have come out years ago, because this would have been a game-changer back when superhero films were first breaking through. In this day and age? It’s just a good, fun movie, nothing less. I have faith Carol’s next outings, in Endgame and her inevitable sequels, will be a lot stronger and more polished and full of interesting developments, but her first outing is simply a fun time before the inevitable heartbreak and mindblowing that Endgame promises. I’m kind of okay with that; it’s nice to have a little calm before the storm.

[meditationadvise]

Blossoming with Summer

Mother nature has her transcending regimen. The sun collections and also increases each day. With the summer season solstice just passed, the apple trees branches hang reduced, birthing the weight of their fruit. It appears every little thing is in wealth: family members, close friends, food, sunshine, old hangouts, new locations, should do's. Our detects, feelings and body all accept the warmth which the summer period needs to offer.

Welcome the summer season with caring open arms. Give on your own (and your own) some love as well as remain top of your game this season. Right here are simply a couple of concepts to obtain you going ...

Love your body

1. TLC pampering:

Do points that make you feel attractive and special. This is a necessary component to caring your body, as well as maintaining your temple shipshape. Treat on your own. Light candles, play some songs, sing along if you wish. Style your favorite hairdo, use your favored Yogi Surprise products and also make use of that fragrance conserved for special celebrations. Feel special currently, there's no time like the present.

2. Dress for success:

Add a dash of color in your day-to-day closet. It's regarding feeling comfortable, lovely and also certain all day long. Think chakra, believe Anahata 'Heart' chakra, assume environment-friendly, the color of harmony, development, abundance, and nature.

3 Food-loving:

Increase your nutrient consumption by complimenting your diet which is a wonderful seasonal fruit shake. Spinach, blueberries, coconut milk, with a pinch of honey as well as a pinch of cinnamon is my favorite.

4. Strike a love body Yoga exercise posture:

Pump up your lung capability, boost your thyroid glands, whilst toning your abdominals and also quads with full power Ustrasana, camel pose.

Love your mind

1. Set your intention

How do you want to start your day? Most of us have our suitable routine and also experience shows us time after time that we gain the benefits when we proactively roll this into our lives. So take time out to arrange your ideas and create area. Summer constantly produces a busier schedule. You may have 101 things-to-do today, however exactly what if you could only do 3? Establish your purpose, draw understanding from your Yogi self and live a more conscious as well as willful life.

2. Gratitude meditation

Unwinding after your day, pause for a minute in representation. Quietly state, think or list what you're happy for. Take several occasions or people as you can, huge or small, no matter, it's the method you really feel. As your gratitude expands, it triggers your internal joy and also opens your heart. Try this just before bed and dream sweetly.

3. Strike a caring mindful Yoga exercise pose

Boost your psychological power by practicing Shirshasana (head stand), the king of all asanas.

Love your energy

1. Eating

Eating could have a profound effect on our energy degrees. The color from blue, purple and also red berries, for instance, originates from anthocyanins, an energy increasing effective anti-oxidant. Fiber from foods like nuts, beans, grains, fruit, aid to level out your energy levels and can aid your digestion.

2. Sleeping

Sleep, we all do it, all of us need it, yet do we get the suggested 7-8 hours a night? Obtaining a good evening's sleep assists our bodies to fix our heart and also capillary and has actually additionally been connected to enhancing our memory. Yes, please I truly need extra peaceful, peaceful, sleep-full evenings! 3 things have actually become important to my wind-down, bedtime routine:

No caffeine after 3pm, alright 4-5pm at a push.

No devices 1 hr prior to bed time.

Writing down my want list for the next day.

4. Breathing

Awareness of breath connects body and mind to the existing moment, to claim it has actually improved my life is an exaggeration. I utilize this method constantly and regularly advocate it to my enjoyed ones. The next time you capture on your own having a 'minute' where your tension levels increase, check yourself and take a few moments to simply take a breath. Breathe in peace, breathe out love-- resolve that negative energy.

5. Strike an energy offering Yoga pose

' Soham' is utilized to represent 'Inhale' as well as 'Exhale' and in Sanskrit really suggests 'I am that'. The following time you do Marjaryasana, pet cat posture, practice stating 'Soham' 10 times with your regular breath flow, then do another 10 rounds at a fast lane for an immediate Yoga energy pick me up.

Love your karma

Karma in Sanskrit means activity, work or act. It is among the four ancient paths of Yoga exercise. When we function as well as live our lives in a selfless style, we help other hearts and also ours also. Karma Yoga exercise is the course of self-transcending action. A course most of us walk, albeit unwittingly or mindfully. Take conscious activity, smile, send a note of admiration, be kind to somebody you do not like. The results might just astonish you.

Love your environment

1. Home

Now is the time to obtain entailed with that Do It Yourself you have actually been indicating to do. If it's a monster, take into consideration the enjoyable you might have obtaining loved ones to lend a helping hand. Also the smallest points, such as transforming your table establishing to reflect the very best of summertime, can make a buoyant difference.

2. Outdoors

It's growing terrific exterior. There are lots of communities organising wonderful occasions, sporting events as well as tasks, celebrations in all forms and also dimensions. If smaller sized groups are you thing, bring it house. Link with family members as well as close friends by hosting your very own mini festival. A BARBEQUE or picnic to celebrate the period is a terrific chance to get innovative with your themes.

3. People Power

What a benefit it is to border on your own with wonderful individuals. People motivate individuals, so get linked with others that make you really feel excellent. Assume shiny delighted people.

4. Eating seasonally

Take a leaf from Ayurveda approach. Consuming in your area and seasonally helps to sustain and sustain your regional atmosphere. It could be more budget-friendly on your pocketbook as well as preferences much better as well. Superfoods including corn, tomatoes, strawberries and also peaches are bang in season today. Enjoy!

5. Outdoor Yoga

Warmer, longer sunny days are best for a spot of outside Yoga. Recommend to your teacher hosting a class outside, or start a Yoga club with friends and family. Component of the fun is choosing a Shanti spot and appreciating what you love in the heart of Mother Nature.

The connection you have with your-self will last a lifetime, so make it count and also obtain, maintain and also invest your power carefully. Determine the elements in your life that bring much less worth. If you could reduce them out or readjust your priorities, you'll discover more energy and much less tension, pathing the way for love, light and also happiness.

[bethsblog-languageandnewmed-blog]

My Online Communities

It’s no secret that although Facebook is the most popular social networking site with over 2.3 billion active users, and was once the must have social media site, it has kind of become synonymous with middle-aged women over-sharing, re-runs of the same old Tasty videos, and pretty much just ad-central. Though one of the longest standing social networks and clearly the front runner when it comes to longevity and popularity, the site is full of affordances and constraints, with the majority of them, constraints as many argue that Facebook is pretty outdated - but I’m here to argue the opposite. I have more recently become aware of some of the innovative ways people have adapted Facebook’s widespread “popularity” - as let’s face it, it’s hard to find anyone under the age of 50 that doesn’t have their own Facebook account. And though young people may argue that this is a huge constraint (because who wants their nosey Auntie spying on their every move?) the fact that people of all ages, from all walks of life is actually, when it comes to online communities, is a huge affordance.  

Facebook is being adapted in really innovative ways to keep up with the times and provide us with communicative tools to achieve things that were never before possible. Pretty deep? Yes. True? Absolutely. 

If you think I’m being a bit vague - I’m talking about online communities. Boyd and Ellison (2008) stated that social networking sites are “web based service[s] that allows individuals to... articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system.” As soon as I read this I was reminded that I myself, am a member of three specific “online communities” in particular, each with their own very different purposes.

These groups and the media they share are rich in content, with the ability to react to posts, use polls and of course emojis, restricting the constraint of context and allow users to communicate how they are feeling with almost no ambiguity: this in itself has affordances and constraints - because I don’t think many people would be too pleased with a “sad” or “angry” react on a personal post, or a “haha” react on a sad story - so this can bring problems, but these are in the small minority. These little “reacts” are a great tool to eliminate the constraint of contextualisation and are used in my online communities consistently. 

GIRLSMOUTH

Now girls, if you haven’t heard of this one, let me tell you, you’re missing out on some top quality entertainment. In a nutshell, Girlsmouth is a private Facebook group that is strictly girls only. At the time of writing this, the group has 171,146 members, consisting of four admins and six moderators, who monitor the comments of posts they have approved to ensure that there is no selling, promotion, or horrible comments being made. The “founder” of the group, Chloe Todd, describes the group as;

“an empowering support group for women to bring females together rather than bash each other. #girlpower 💁🏼”

The purpose of the group is for members to post for advice, gain support and build relationships with one another. All women are welcome which means that the posts come from women all over the globe, wealthy or struggling, young and old. An example of a post made today is below, within an hour already 28 people have commented offering advice, regardless of the transaction costs of the “conversation” and of over 170,000 people having the ability to see and judge them on their advice and experiences: 

On the whole, the group is very supportive and many members have actually built real life friendships as a result of coming in contact on the site. It is not uncommon for women to post their struggles - whether that be regarding their health, relationship  or financial struggles, and many will come to their aid, offering support and even in some examples, a place to stay, money to tide them over and offerings of friendship to people at their lowest points. 

After being on the group for a while, you start to recognise names and faces and become familiar with people’s stories and struggles and even become a bit invested in some of the stories - a particular stand-out story to me is a girl that has been in hospital for over 13 months now, who has been sharing her story and the challenges shes faced.

Not all the stories are inspirational and moving, and to be honest, this is what I love most about this online community. When trying to find examples of posts to add it took me over thirty minutes to find at least five acceptable ones for an academic blog: I’m talking posts that didn’t mention polls on sexual encounters, disgusting flat mates and family meltdowns and every swear word in the book. As well as these, random questions about people’s favourite foods and make-up are regular features, but that’s all part of life too and really reiterates the idea that people come to Girlsmouth looking to connect and relate to others. I can guarantee now matter how wild or weird your story or post, there will be a group of women on Girlsmouth ready to relate to you. And that’s what makes Girlsmouth so great at what it does - and a huge source of entertainment.

In summary, Girlsmouth is pretty much the best procrastination there is. But aside from that, it reminds us that whilst social media may be full of unattainable goals - whether this be in our appearance, holidays, relationships of financial situations, at the end of the day, we are all just human, and we could all do with a bit of advice and support sometimes - even if it is just about which Diet Coke tastes best (which is obviously full fat instead...)

READING WOMEN WALKING HOME

The second online community I am part of is a pretty new development, and if you live in Reading (which considering this is a university blog, is all of you) you need to join this group. With 2538 members, including University of Reading security team member Steve, this group was created with the purpose of warning other women about the strange and worrying behaviour of members of the public to ensure we can all stay safe. Unfortunately, there are multiple new posts daily, with women experiencing harassment, break-ins and burglaries on a daily basis. 

Some may argue that this group does nothing but scaremonger, possibly stating that ignorance is bliss, as they say - but I couldn’t disagree more. As women it is our duty to stand together in the face of such adversities, and in a world where we are at risk simply from walking home from a lecture in the middle of the day, no precaution is too much. This feeling of support and community is exactly what we need when facing these issues.

Thankfully, this support group is not just something that is happening at our university. The group was inspired by The Tab newspapers article on another “Women Walking Home” group chat. As well as a page for women to join, there is also a Facebook messenger group chat in which members are encouraged to message if they feel unsafe so another member can ring them on their walk home in another selfless offering of support, between women with weak and strong ties alike. Some may argue that this group isn’t entirely inclusive because it is heavily orientated towards females, but this doesn’t stop the group from being an online community, as these are defined as a tool to enable users to “ articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection” (Boyd and Ellison, 2008) as aforementioned, and typically, males don’t get approached in this way. Males are present on the group as I have mentioned, in the form of the university security team. In fact, them joining the group could be a positive step, so that they are aware of what is going on, but this could also be negative as this could allow the members of the public who are engaging in this behaviour to become aware of the location of users and thus perpetuate the problem. So, in some cases, being inclusive of both genders is not of upmost importance.

This online community and utilisation of social media is a huge affordance of Facebook and social media, showcasing an amazing and innovative way to use the sites to stay safe. It’s also a great example of the constant development of social media and how we can use these advancements in everything we do. Which begs the question, is Facebook really as outdated and boring as everyone says?

LOST AND FOUND PETS IN BRISTOL/SOUTH GLOS

Finally, a group I have been a member of for a few years now: Lost and Found Pets in Bristol/South Gloucestershire. This group really epitomises the affordances of social media for me. With 30,208 members, this group is responsible for re-uniting thousands of lost, found and stolen pets with their owners, as well as re-homing pets with no where to go. The idea behind it is simple.

Lost an animal? Found an animal? 

Simply post a picture, location or description and the tens-of-thousands of members will get to work for you.

Due to the longevity of the group, members and admin have a great relationship with one another, and its a recipe for success. Admin are aware of members and their location so that when an animal or pet goes missing or pops up in their area, someone can be on site ASAP. It really is as simple and effective as that. The admins are so invested in the page that they have been known to recognise pets that have gone missing years prior when their little furry face pops up on their feed - with one cat and owner being re-united after eight years! EIGHT! This group proves that miracles really can, and do, happen.

Never have I lost a pet (thank goodness) but the sheer thought of losing my dogs motivated me to join this group to ensure that if I ever do, I know that 30,000 people in Bristol are aware of it almost instantaneously and can assist in my search, with success. In 2015, 7000 pets were reunited with their owners from the group alone - even pets with no microchip are often re-united purely from the work of this group! If that doesn’t convince you that Facebook can be used for good, I don’t know what can. I think that it is a priceless and hugely innovative way to use social media - gone are the days of soggy “LOST” posters stapled to lamp-posts and trees and loss of reunion hope. 

In summary, These communities are characterised by their complex nesting structure but this complexity and structure is what makes these groups so diverse, and so great: the variety of connections made possible by these communities is unparalleled. The media richness and participant framework within these groups, one many times a global level, allows users to be bound together by a common interest, concern or topic and though they may have no personal relationship with other users, referred to as weak ties, this factor doesn’t restrict their capacity to offer advice or engage in conversation, with mavens: who are people with access to things that are beneficial to others, and connectors: people who act as bridges for the facilitation of these things, working together to achieve positivity, costly or not.  

These communities are the future of Facebook.

Dunbar’s number, who? We have thousands of online friends now.

Boyd, D., & Ellison, N. (2008). Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 13, 210-230.

[thetygre]

30 Day Monster Challenge 2 - Day #14: Favorite Invisible Monster

Some of the monsters on this list are so good at being invisible that I couldn’t even find a good picture of them.

1.      Killer Brain (Fiend Without A Face)

The charm of any invisible monster is proportionate to how bizarre it is when it is inevitably revealed, and there are few monster that can compete with the killer brains from Fiend Without a Face. Even their explanation is unique; killer telekinetic thoughts that possess human brains and feed off nuclear radiation. These things are simultaneously adorable and grotesque; they’re slimy and have the eye tendrils of a slug, and even the way they move is creepy. They use their spinal cord tails to move around and strangle people, making more of their kind. These guys made it into Pathfinder where, frankly, I wish they had replaced Intellect Devourers in terms of being the game’s designated brain monsters (since the Mind Flayer is copyrighted). The killer brains just nail that perfect kind of creeping horror where I don’t want to touch one but I also kind of want to keep it in a tank as a pet. They do not disappoint once you finally get a look at them.

2.      Monsters from the Id (Forbidden Planet)

The artist Francisco de Goya once stated, “The sleep of reason produces monsters.” The Monster from the Id from Forbidden Planet is the living embodiment of that phrase. On the alien planet of Altair IV, advanced aliens used incredible technology to make their very thoughts manifest into beings. But in a single night, the entire race was driven to extinction when their own subconscious thoughts manifested and killed them. Years later, a scientist by the name Dr. Morbius finds the aliens’ technology and uses it for his own, and the cycle begins to repeat itself. The monster is only briefly seen, and even then it’s only by the light of laser-blasts and electricity in what is frankly a perfect embodiment of raygun gothic.

Design wise, the monster isn’t particularly innovative, but I really think that’s to its credit. The id is the primal, brutish part of our minds; it would make sense for a monster based on the id’s subconscious desires to be a bulky, angry brute. And of course there’s also the classical element to the Monster as well; Forbidden Planet can be interpreted as a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, with Morbius as Prospero. If Robby the Robot, as a product of high intellectual science, is the spirit Ariel, then the Monster is Caliban. Caliban of course represented the elements of water and earth in Prospero’s miniature cosmos, and just as Caliban represented the primitive state of the world, the Monster from the Id is representative of the primitive state of the mind. Both monsters play to humanity’s earlier states. The Monster from the Id is, put frankly, a spectacular monster. Its invisibility reminds us that no matter how much we try to suppress our darker feelings and desires, there is always a monstrous part of us just underneath the surface.

3.      Ghost Wolf (Fables)

Realistically speaking, all air elementals should be invisible, but so far Ghost from Fables is the only one to step up to bat. Ghost is of course the lost seventh son(?) of Bigby and Snow. He’s essentially an air elemental by virtue of Bigby’s father being the North Wind; it’s complicated. At first nobody even knows Ghost is around until he starts asphyxiating people to death. As an air elemental, air is his food, and the air in the inner city is polluted while the air in certain peoples’ lungs is nice and clean, which I think is a neat urban fantasy detail. After his mom sends him off so he doesn’t get killed, he joins up with his dad for some guerilla terrorism. It’s fine, trust me. I like Ghost first and foremost because we just don’t get a lot of air elemental characters, and when we do they tend to stick to the stock elemental character archetypes. But Ghost is an innocent kid, just a child trying to navigate around the mother of all handicaps. He doesn’t mean to be a monster, he’s just trying to survive. All Ghost wants his to be with his family; like all invisible monsters, Ghost’s is confronted with an issue of presence and acknowledgment. Ghost can’t be seen, but he can be felt, and his character makes us question how much that is worth is terms of bonding.

4.      Griffin (The Invisible Man)

There have been a lot of invisible men through the years, but Griffin is still my favorite for his blend of insanity and sadism with a bit of underlying tragedy. Griffin achieved invisibility by use of a special chemical that also drives him insane with its prolonged usage. With that said, it’s hard to know whether Griffin is cruel because of the drug, or if that was always some part of him; both prospects ultimately play in Griffin’s invisibility.

First, while Griffin’s insanity is attributed to the chemicals he uses, it really derives more from his lack of recognition from other people. As an invisible being, people don’t attribute to Griffin all the dozens of minor cues a person receives every day that reassures them that they exist; glancing at them, saying hello, moving out of the way, etc. An invisible man would have to cope with the fact that outside of their own ability to sense the world around them, they don’t really exist. They are a total non-person, dehumanized in the most profound way possible.

This leads to the second point; a person treated inhumanly will begin to act inhuman. A lack of recognition is also a lack of responsibility, a state where you don’t have to be held accountable for your actions. That kind of freedom gives a person the chance to show who they really are. That is the tragedy of the invisible man; Griffin already felt inadequate before he was invisible, and was a complete non-entity with his power, so he used that power to hurt people and lash out, further alienating himself from humanity.

5.      Prisoners (Silent Hill 2)

There’s a prison cell in Silent Hill 2. It’s not unusual to go to prison in Silent Hill; at this point it’s practically standard. And it’s also not unusual for the cells in that prison to have horrible monsters waiting inside. What is unusual is when you can’t actually see the monsters, and they don’t really do anything. They’re just… there. Existing. If you listen closely they seem to be chanting the word ‘ritual’, or maybe ‘are you sure’ backwards; it’s unclear. Like most monsters in Silent Hill, especially 2, all sorts of meanings and symbolism can be attributed to the prisoners. But more than anything, they’re there just to be creepy and add ambiance, and they’re disturbingly effective at it.

6.      The Dunwich Horror (H.P. Lovecraft)

We don’t get enough abominable half monsters anymore. Not enough deformed masses of flesh that were simply never meant to be. The Dunwich Horror is where you can really see Lovecraft drawing from The Great God Pan in terms of influence. Growing up in rural country, I was always fascinated by the concept of the family monster in the cellar or the barn. The Dunwich Horror is too great, too terrible to be in our world. Its invisibility stems from the fact that it simply isn’t meant for our meager reality. Like Lovecraft says, it has more of its father than its mother in it. The Dunwich Horror reminds me of a storm or some other kind of natural disaster, the kind of thing the ancients would say a god was behind. But it also brings to mind the original definition of monster; ‘monstrum’ were omens in the form of deformities in childbirth, given by the gods. The unnamed Whateley brother is just such an omen; a portent of forces beyond mankind.

7.      The Blair Witch (The Blair Witch Project)

Frankly, the Blair Witch could have gone on the witch list, and probably would have if I was doing a solely pop culture list. But I don’t think that should discredit the Blair Witch as an invisible monster, and there are angles to her absence that would be lost if she suddenly just showed up at the end of a movie. Most obviously, of course, is that the witch is supposed to be an ambiguous entity. Her existence could be entirely fictitious, and she might be nothing more than insanity. The Witch being invisible makes her manifest as a kind of madness, an insanity that appears solely through environmental cues. I would suggest that the Witch is invisible because she is a historic figure; specifically, she is a historic evil. She is something terrible that happened in the past, and even if that evil isn’t seen anymore, it’s still there, a part of the landscape. It’s a very basic horror reading, but I still think it applies to the Blair Witch as a monster.

8.      Stealth Sneak (Kingdom Hearts)

I have a lot of good memories of beating up this guy in the Olympus Colosseum. I mean it’s utterly pointless for it to be invisible; the monster’s so huge you can even jump on top of it. But I just love this chameleon monster design! Chameleons don’t get enough play as monsters; they’re always getting upstaged by komodo dragons and iguanas. And obviously the superior color palette is green. I know that shouldn’t matter for a monster that can change color at will, but a line has to be drawn somewhere.

9.      Death Sword (The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)

This guy almost looks like he belongs on the evil weapons list until you actually get to see him. Then when you finally get a look at him, he’s one of the coolest designs in the game! Just look at this horrible thing. What was he? Why is he locked up in this musty old desert tomb? And what did he do that he had to be bound with all these amulets? There’s a lot of mysteries for this mini-boss, and we’re probably better off not knowing. Just appreciate his design and respect the cleaver.

10.   Intangir (Final Fantasy VI)

This is just sheer nostalgia. When I was a kid, my cousin let me play her copy of Final Fantasy VI briefly, and I kept running into an invisible monster. Whenever I would attack it enough, it would appear and reveal this giant cat-dragon thing. For years, it became my default to assume that any invisible monster was a buff cat-dragon-man. Blair Witch? Cat-man. Cattle mutilators? Cat-man. Forbidden planet monster? Cat-man. This is Schrodinger’s Cat-Man, where every invisible monster is potentially a cat-man until proven otherwise. Years later, I can see now that this thing is a Behemoth palette-swap, but I like to think of it is a lesser subspecies.

[miragepetproducts-blog]

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE BUYING PET PRODUCTS AND SUPPLIES

A pet in your home is just like a family member. You also want to do everything that provides safety and comfort to your pet. In today’s time, there are lots of companies that provide a huge range of pet products. The ability to offer an innovative product has always been a key competitive strength of pet stores.

Here I am giving you the few tips for buying pet accessories:

Toys – Keep your pet size in mind when you’re shopping for a pet toy. Also, ensure that toys are not smelled, which the pet can swallow. Most pets love to play, but not all pets are super active. Think about your pets play preferences and how they use their toys.

Clothing – Always remember pets comfort in mind before buying clothes for pets. The choice of fabrics is important to ensure comfort for your pet. A good blend of washable wool and cotton or acrylic may be the best. Also, measuring your pets is the best way of assuring the best fit.

Food - A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your pet’s health. The food you choose for your pet should have an appropriate balance of protein and vitamins. It is essential to ensure your pet’s energy requirements before you purchase pet food supplies.

Health – Everybody knows a healthy pet is always a happy pet. So, the health of your pet should be the number one priority. Ensure you can use the appropriate flea and tick medications and the right dental products.

​

As a pet in your life, it’s your responsibility to keep a pet’s need in mind before doing anything. For buying the top quality of pet products, visit the online store of Mirage Pet Products. Here you can get the breakaway cat collars, comfortable dog collars, top-rated dog harness, dog collar charms, and many more pet products at very competitive rates. You must try at least once!

Source:  https://bit.ly/2F3H3IA 

[naturecoaster]

Shop Small for the Holidays all around the Nature Coast

Halloween is past. November is upon us and Thanksgiving is less than a month away. What a blessing it is to live in the paradise of Florida’s Nature Coast during the fall season. While we do not have extravagant color shows from the changing of the leaves, we do have beautiful wildflowers that change with the seasons, and more subtle things make this an ideal time of year. My favorite change is in the temperature moving into comfortable. With the temperatures averaging the mid-seventies during the day, the ideal time to get out and shop the friendly merchants of our downtowns is now. One of the unique features of our area is the number of historic downtown districts with friendly shopkeepers to visit.

At Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City, owner Donna Lillibridge is on-site daily and employees, friends and community members gather for classes throughout the seasons. Downtowns with a courthouse include Dade City, Inverness and Brooksville. Each of these historic districts offers you the ability to shop for antiques, cards, gifts, apparel, home décor, outdoor recreation items, furniture, art, food, coffee and more. I much prefer the selection of items available at these smaller retailers to the common items of the big box stores.

Mary Garcia, owner of Stay and Play Pet Getaway in Hernando loves dogs and cats. Her family runs the top-shelf boarding facility.

The Shop Small Movement

In 2010, American Express began the “Shop Small” program to help us discover the value of purchasing from a local merchant. In 2011, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to officially support Small Business Saturday. In 2015, 95 million Americans went out for Shop Small Saturday. While Small Business Saturday is highlighted as a special day when we can show our support as a nation for small business owners and our communities, the Shop Small Movement is a year-round campaign to celebrate and support small businesses every day.

Where to Find the Shops

Our NatureCoaster.com directory contains listings of local small businesses who will give you superior service, as well as in-depth knowledge of their product lines. For example, I recently needed a lot of lumber.  I went to my local big box store and found out that it’s a “small” big store and they do not carry the size of lumber that I want for my project. I was told that I could go to another of their larger stores and get what I wanted and the price.

The Royal Dalton House is a locally owned and managed Assisted Living Facility and Memory Care residence in Homosassa. The owners have made a huge commitment to the community. I was tired and decided to go home and do some research. I’ve been driving by a lumber and building supply store for several years but decided to call them and ask. They have what I need at 35% less! When I visited the store, they were very conscientious to pick out the straightest boards on their lot and had to check their warehouse to complete the order. After taking my number, they called the next day to tell me that they have what I need but it will take a couple days to “dig it out of the warehouse.” The same person called me who had helped me in the store and will call me back in a couple of days when the product is in stock. They know my name and I know theirs. This will now be my first stop when I need building supplies.

This little angel has just helped her mom, brother and grandma pick a bucket of strawberries at JG Ranch, a u-pick farm in Brooksville that offers strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, corn and assorted produce, as well as fresh eggs and locally-made items at their produce stand on the farm. Joan and George Casey, as well as Jeff and Debbie Casey and their children run this family farm.

Communities are Strengthened by Small Businesses

Which brings me to my next point – community relationships. You know, the more we talk to each other, the better our world is. The person who runs a shop is an expert on their merchandise. They go to trade shows where the newest products are shown and choose what they best think will sell, as well as the best quality products to sell within the price points of their market. They invest in the merchandise, pay rent or a mortgage for their storefront, taxes to the municipality they operate in, and provide jobs to residents of the area.

William Bunch and his grandson, Xavier, at William's restaurant, Oysters in Crystal River. Family owned and operated, William greets nearly every guest in the restaurant and is a consistent community supporter. And what is the price for this? Is it really more expensive to “shop small?” There are high end retailers in both large and small shops. Still, the fabric in a specialty fabric store is unlikely to cost more than a comparable quality fabric in a big box craft store. Years ago, most small retailers only wanted to carry the higher priced items but today I have noticed that most small shops carry a variety of price points to meet the needs of their patrons for inexpensive, mid-range and expensive items.

James Cook met his wife, Heather, while at Johnson and Wales University. They began roasting coffee in a popcorn popper. Today they have four Cattle Dog Coffee Roaster stores with fresh-roasted coffee, amazing breakfast, lunch and pastry items and are going to the World Food Championships for the second year in a row. Their stores are in Hernando, Lecanto and Inverness. In fact, one Chicago study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the city while only $43 of each $100 spent at a chain retailer.

The Service keeps me Coming Back

Laura Starkey wanted to combine her love of nature and caring for people with an innovative Nature Preserve and natural burial cemetery called Heartwood Preserve in Trinity. Some retailers offer free gift wrap with your purchase. In fact, I have become a loyal patron for just this service. A last-minute gift that is wrapped for me while I chat with the shopkeeper is so much more relaxing than running into a big box or discount store and gathering gift, paper, ribbon and card and haphazardly assembling things in the car. And the retailers make a much nicer package!

In Floral City, Aunt Martha's Produce is also known as the Floral City Visitors Center. Martha has lived in Floral City for most of her life, raising her daughters here. Now her granddaughters help in the fresh produce market that carries Amish goods and grass-fed beef. So, while big box retailers barrage you with Black Friday deals and online catalog ordering, let’s forego the hurry up and spend mentality this holiday season. Instead, enjoy your family on Friday. Go out to a small retailer and enjoy the process of holiday shopping within our community starting now.

Susan Gagliolo, co-owner of DogMania and Cats Too in Dade City, will help you find the perfect food to help your best friend with any ailments or the perfect outfit to dress them up. Her husband Bruce makes one-of-a kind gifts featuring your pet - and they have a huge assortment of pet-centric gifts and supplies. And a meal out! Locally owned restaurants provide a welcome pick-me-up between purchases. There are choices for every type of food throughout the Nature Coast’s shopping areas. Did you know that locally owned restaurants return 65% of each dollar you spend to the community vs. chain restaurants returning just under 35%?

Mrs. and Mr. Ebbecke began a winery in 2016 on their u-pick farm in Masaryktown, Upicktopia. They craft wines from several berries available at the farm and provide free tastings and regular weekend entertainment for guests. What a bargain it is to enjoy time with neighbors and make new friends while discovering your new favorite destination in Florida’s Nature Coast. Be sure to get out and shop small for big returns – and please, tell them NatureCoaster sent you. Post photos of your favorite finds on our Facebook page, or comment below with your favorites and we’ll have a great holiday season together.

David and Melissa Perry own Hunter Spring Kayaks in Crystal River. Local residents, who want to share their love of nature and watersports, they offer guided tours and rentals of all types of paddle craft. Read the full article

[entermates]

tagged by @colorfulwatcher

(Rules: Answer 11 questions, make 11 questions, tag 11 people!)

1) Favorite commission (If you have paid for one at all)?

i haven’t paid for one bc i don’t have money but when i do u bet i will commission the FUCK outta my artist friends

2) Favorite artist?

ok really weird but Jan Švankmajer is someone i really look up to when it comes to stopmotion shit like. for the time he was making stopmotion he was so innovative and resourceful and i love most of his works!! also Christiane Cegavske has a really good film, red tea & blood string, that’s a huge inspiration for me

3) What is he one book you would recommend above the others that you have read?

THE NIGHT CIRCUS THE NIGHT CIRCUS THE NIGHT CIRCUS

4) Have you ever had a fracture?

no but i’ve sprained my wrist playing sdr2

5) What is your favorite song (that you would put on repeat and never get tired)

africa by toto & cruel summer by bananarama

6) What is your favorite animal?

RED PANDA

7) What is your favorite Birthday Memory?

idk a favorite but this year i completely forgot about my birthday because I was really wrapped up in thesis work and i didn’t remember until like two days later when my friend texted me a happy late birthday message

8) Talk about one of your OC’s (if you have any).

can my fr dragons count?? bc if so then this is ringo!!

she’s tiny and she has 0 fucking impulse control and she likes to pull pranks w/ ecto and i lov her

9) Have you ever been to an anime convention (if so which was your favorite)?

i’ve been to a small local one w/ friends & it was ok?? i haven’t been in years and idk if i’ll ever go to another con imo

10) What is your heaven? (It doesn’t have to be a place. Just something that gives you ecstasy)

my godmother’s blueberry farm!! it’s so relaxing and she’s got 5 dogs and they’re all so sweet!!

11) Have you had any pets?

i had a cat when i was younger & i have a dog rn!!!

(him!! his name is bruno!!)

[normalrobot]

Devlog 2018/06

We made it to 1000 follows! Yay! After a huge dip in traffic because of my own stupid format changes without checking how they were actually appearing on the site, things got back on track, and we made those last 100 at a comfortable pace. I'm so happy and so proud to have you all come aboard.

I hope to keep upping the ante on what you can find here and I've been working my hardest to get exactly that ready. Which is what this post is about. Big progress update! There's plenty teasing on what I've been working on and some announcements of things already in store! I'm super nervous and excite about all this. I hope you like

Growth Report

New

1000 followers! *Fanfare doots*

OBS.Presence - I can now project myself via OBS. Making live streams possible

Gimp.Presence

LayerLFO script - This is the script I used in order to automatically render the Valentines #26 episode of Normal Comic using 3 source layers

Transparency art script - Quite excited to have finished this one. A lot cooler than my first script. It wouldn't be too hard to adapt it to work for animations. Keep a careful eye open for examples of this one hidden away in upcoming episodes of Normal Comic

Presence.Audio

Presence.Audio.Voice

Presence.Avatar prototype

Presence.Ghost prototype

Coming Up

LayerLFO python script release - I've got to clean it up a bunch but then I'll release the script

Some study music

Normal Comic

New

Numerous quality improvements - Still not entirely happy with the font/text work, but after having tried a ton of alternatives this is probably going to stand as is until I can find the time to roll my own. I’ve tried to optimize a balance between accessibility and non-intrusiveness. Keeping things sleek and tight, whilst also enjoyable through a diverse interface. If you’re somebody with an opinion on the matter, no matter your walk of life, I’d love to know what you think of the current format. I try pretty hard to make the comic fun as text and not just graphic and I’d love to know if I’m hitting the mark or if there’s improvements I can make!

Weekly episodes! - Starting nooowww! Yep yep. It's been a long time getting ready for this but Normal Comic is moving to a weekly slot, as of the very next episode. There won't be an episode this week, and then weekly eps will begin in their now regular slot, Tuesday 12th @1pm. I'll make a separate post so this one is easier to see

Coming Up

All new sets!

v0.1 Arc stream

Necromancer

A Little About Necromancer. What is all this Necromancer business I've been teasing about any way?

The Necromancer Framework is a modular set of libraries designed at game developers and myself in support of long term, deep mechanic simulation spaces. This includes my own games, primarily among them Necromancer, a sci-fi cityscape simulator

This iteration transformed the codebase from a small collection of independent modules into a full featured modular game engine. Over time, I hope that this broader implementation style might evolve into a high level, trope based augmentation to existing developer environments. For now, new libraries have been added that cover a wide range of the boilerplate area and work is underway on the model modules that are at the heart of my prototypes for the coming iteration

New In This Iteration

Aether - Contains thread control tools. Schedulers, thread safety shields, multi-threading, timing

Permanence - File, data model definition and management

Apotheosis - Input, command line, UI, API

Focus - Utilities, generics, etc

I don't think I'm going to be releasing these for free use just yet. While that is my eventual intent, I don't think it makes the best sense at this time. Given that these libraries cover a lot of boilerplate ground that is more foundational than innovative. I don't think it'll offer much to other developers at this point and I'm thinking to wait for some of the more interesting things I have planned. I'll reconsider this at the tail of the next iteration. There are a few cool thing in each of these that I might talk about at a later date

Next Iteration

Lair - A module for sequential management models. Generic tools for running sequences, complex scripts, branching paths. Higher level implementation of level-by-level world management and a script executor for flow control

Altar - A module for volumetric world management

Ziggurat - Tools for making chains of synthesis and modulation and other common tasks in procedural generation. A version for this already exists so the work on it is mostly wrangling it into line with the new libraries. I'm hoping to use this iteration to add to the available generators. Whatever my current game prototypes require with stretch to a starter selection of noise machines and graph builders

Prototypes - Including two games based on Lair, and Necromancer which has Altar and Ziggurat at the heart of its world management

Couch Multiplayer Arena Brawl Game

Eccentric Tamagotchi Pet Toy Game

Necromancer

For some screencaps of the early models I've been prepping together for these, check the end of the post!

Stretch Goals

Anima - A script engine host asset. This is another that already exists and just needs pulling into line with all the new stuff. A big part at this point would be adding a graphical component I have in mind, somewhat inspired by Scratch and numerous hacker mini-games

Marionette - Inspired by games like Dwarf Fortress and Spore. If I can't get this library in this next iteration, it'll definitely be in the one after. It is a fully extensible body structuring model. Full support for covering and containing behaviors

Cat Simulator Project Prototype

Phew

That was a lot

Thank you again, so much, for tuning in!

-Normal

[perfectirishgifts]

Fewer Pets Qualify To Fly With Passengers On U.S. Planes, According To New Ruling

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/fewer-pets-qualify-to-fly-with-passengers-on-u-s-planes-according-to-new-ruling/

Fewer Pets Qualify To Fly With Passengers On U.S. Planes, According To New Ruling

Grace Brown-Griffin smiles for the camera with Merlin, a crossbreed who works as a Support Dog for … [] Grace who is autistic and has ADHD. Photo by Lewis Whyld/PA Images via Getty Images)

There is no doubt that furry friends can be highly therapeutic, but not all are eligible as service dogs—a distinction that will become painfully clear when the flying public begins to travel routinely again post-pandemic. In a change of policy, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that only designated service dogs will be allowed to accompany passengers on flights starting next month. The federal ruling reclassifying emotional support animals (ESA’s) as pets (now, not allowed on flights) won’t be a surprise. The DOT reports receiving 15,000 opinions during the period open for public comment.

But during a pandemic in which health mandates are openly flouted and Americans, unable to connect with family and friends, have found deep comfort in pets, the implications of the ruling are huge.

The problem is that if you aren’t steeped in the finer points of distinguishing a psychiatric service dog from an ESA, the distinction may either be lost on you—or infuriate you. And if you are a disabled person who counts on a service animal for safety and independence, the nuances of the new law will also need review. There is some language about breeds and respectful questioning of passengers to protect disabled travelers from being interrogated or turned away.

The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that is “individually trained” to “perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” Tasks must be a clear service. “A seizure dog is a dog that has been trained (or has learned) to respond to a seizure in someone who has epilepsy,” according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

A service dog may also provide emotional support. Paws For a Cause, for example, trains dogs to be constant companions to autistic children.

A doctor’s note, no matter how official it seems, will not qualify an ESA as a service dog. ESA’s are essential to the people who use them and it will be a while before the full effect of this ruling affects their travel plans.

What some flight attendants called a “Noah’s Ark” in the air, where all types of creatures big and small— birds, pigs, miniature horses and rabbits—boarded with their owners, are over.

Defining Need Gets Blurred

Claims of pets being trained medical companions got out of hand several years ago, undermining the trust of the airline industry and putting people with a true medical need to have a pet as an aide in a precarious position. In 2018, airlines reported that requests for emotional support pets on airlines rose more than 75%, and not coincidentally, reports of bad pet behavior on planes also rose. According to a corporate statement that year, “Delta’s updated policy follows an 84% increase in reported incidents involving service and support animals (2016-2017), including urination/defecation, biting and even a widely reported attack by a 50-pound dog.” United Airlines reported carrying 76,000 emotional support animals in 2017, a steep increase from years past.

The New Normal for Flyers

Just two years later, we are living in a completely new normal, one in which a limit on any type of emotional support may seem like yet another highly unwelcome change. “I feel for dog owners who do not want to put their dogs into the cargo hold of an airplane, it’s not safe for the dogs and feels cruel given the freezing temperatures and total darkness,” said Brian Kelly, CEO and founder of the travel advice site, The Points Guy. But Kelly said, “too many people abused the existing rules for traveling with animals, leading even to passengers and crew members getting hurt. This made things harder for those who were traveling with a legitimate service animal for legitimate reasons.”

John Morris, blogger, disability advocate and founder of Wheelchairtravel.org said that “despite the fact that there was abuse, with some nondisabled people falsely representing their pets as emotional support animals, new restrictions on the carriage of those animals are likely to cause problems for those who have a legitimate need for the companionship of an emotional support animal. 

Accepting That Rules Change

The history of pets on flights may surprise you. In the past, it’s true that dogs, cats and, yes, miniature horses were given top priority as service animals. Now, the current rule reserves these spots for dogs only.

Morris is hopeful that the new documentation requirements for traditional service dogs will not be too significant a barrier to disabled people who must travel with a service animal. The Department of Transportation, he says, seems to have struck a reasonable balance after consultation with the disability community and industry stakeholders. 

Kelly is also hopeful that the new rules from the DOT will still allow those with true physical or mental health needs to travel with their service animals and hope the industry will change. “There’s no doubt that the vast majority of pet owners would pay a premium to keep their pets safe while traveling, and I’d love to see airlines come up with innovative methods and guidelines safely allow people to travel with their furry friends,” says Kelly.  

To reduce the stress of traveling as much as possible, educate yourself on the specifics of the airline you are flying. There are still some foggy areas. Delta, Southwest and others are still reviewing their policies, but by law, they are not required to accommodate nonservice animals. According to New Mobility magazine, people with disabilities plan on traveling, even through the pandemic, although probably staying closer to home and using a wide array of customizable vehicles.

Finding Comfort in Clarity

The updated service animal rules will require airlines to treat psychiatric service animals the same as other service animals. In exchange, the owner must provide documentation created by the Transportation Department. The forms are meant to ensure that owners are bringing pets that are healthy and well trained. If you are traveling over the holidays, check the current rules including a video with closed captioning.

Passengers with emotional support pets I spoke with were understanding. One snowbird in route to Florida will be sitting with their dog on their lap on a long drive down the East coast. Others said frankly it’s not an issue for them. Their family and beloved pet are staying put for the holidays, out of a fear of Covid-19, lack of funds or both. 

Saving Your Mental Energy

Of course, if you are dead set on finding a shortcut or workaround, you will likely find yourself typing in ‘service dog certification’ in your browser’s search area. Don’t, say experts. Your best bet is to know the current rules and follow them using the DOT guidelines. Your first red flag should be that most of these sites make no reference to the updated rules. The logos are also strikingly similar to the official ADA service dog certification, which can be confusing. Avoid the rabbit hole. By falling into what may be a fraudulent scheme, you are making it more difficult for people with qualified service animals to travel without disruption and repeated questioning.

From Diversity & Inclusion in Perfectirishgifts

[toffeebuzz]

Animals Are Way Smarter Than We Think

Since adolescence, https://real-123movies.best/other-brands/watch32 I immovably accept that creatures are path more intelligent than we might suspect. What's more, that we people, as an animal categories, are simply being excessively self-important. Logical proof demonstrates that our planet isn't the focal point of the close planetary system, however today it likewise shows that we are by all account not the only focus of insight.

However, what are viewed as levels of insight? How and who characterizes them? Do you feel that a few creatures are route more brilliant than certain individuals?

All through my encounters, I do accept so. Because creatures can't talk or peruse, for example, doesn't consequently demonstrate that they can't think or feel. When contrasting one types of creatures with another, or even to people, we can see various levels of knowledge.

Along these lines, we are beguiling ourselves into feeling that, for a huge number of years we are more shrewd than the remainder of the animals of the world collectively. Furthermore, that, notwithstanding developing proof these days to the inverse. Obviously, I don't reject that we, human creatures, are savvy with regards to doing what should be done to endure. However, different species might be path more brilliant than we are, accept or think.

Knowledge is Relative

Various creatures have excellent minds, however the vast majority absolutely misconstrue huge numbers of their capacities. There are currently realities that crows, canines, octopuses or koalas, just to give some examples, uncover prevalent knowledge. It is inescapable truth in the set of all animals. At times, creatures have more noteworthy thinking resources than any individual. Along these lines, some of them are most likely way more brilliant.

Also, a portion of their activities or practices can't only be viewed as impulse. At the point when we take a gander at different creatures, we frequently can't do what they do. Now and then, the manner in which they act or the things they do are extremely muddled, similar to a bat flying in obscurity. These animals can catch flying bugs in midair legitimately with echolocation.

Thus, it doesn't just takes impulse yet a great deal of mental ability to acknowledge such accomplishment. However we don't focus on these sorts of things since we think it is unessential. The vast majority don't assess the abilities of creatures, but instead contrast them with our own in term of knowledge. However long they can't reason, talk, or read, at that point they should not be as splendid as we seem to be.

Illustrating Who is Way Smarter

Through the ages, the decision classes, from religion to researchers, do rehash that equivalent conviction: "We, people are exceptional in light of the fact that we are the cleverest being in the collective of animals." They additionally imagine that creatures have no spirit or sentiments. Notwithstanding, science and life show us that creatures do have sentiments, a spirit, and thinking resources which makes them path more brilliant than we might suspect.

Along these lines, this conviction of reasoning that we are unrivaled in knowledge returns about 10,000 years prior. It began when man made horticulture, ranches, and taming of animals. It at that point picked up energy with the convictions of religion, which viewed people as the essential species in creation.

However, does it imply that our insight is at a more elevated level? Obviously not; they are simply of various sorts. At the point when an outsider attempts to converse with you utilizing a blemished, defective or broken rendition of your language, your initial introduction is that they are not extremely savvy. Yet, the fact of the matter is altogether extraordinary.

The Unconditional Love of Animals

With regards to creatures, they are path more astute than what we will in general give them kudos for. They are simply keen on their own terms, which frequently look in no way like yours or mine. I accept we can gain so much of things from them, for example, love, sympathy, and empathy. So when they give it a second thought, you can observer that they really do; it isn't only a phony camouflage like people do.

Of the animals of the world collectively, a portion of these creatures love people genuinely. In any case, many individuals actually mishandle and abuse such love. When something transpires, creatures don't put us down, push us aside or abruptly choose not to cherish us any longer. That disposition just shows that they are path more astute than we are.

Regardless of the conditions, they are there next to us until the end, and time and again, we underestimate this. However, a few people have no issue disposing of a creature when it doesn't accommodate their life or plan any longer. Also, we should be the most astute species on this planet; reconsider!

The Intelligence of Animals

Consistently, our pets speak with us through their requests and cause us to do things they want. The creature world is substantially more muddled than we appear to accept or think. My dad is a racehorse mentor, so I developed around ponies and lived for a long time in a condo over a racehorse stable. Felines and canines were likewise a fundamental piece of my life like with any standard equine animal dwellingplace.

During the 60's, there were no cell phones or modern cameras to make recordings in a moment or two. In any case, an amazing entirety, I saw practices, knowledge and memory stunts from creatures. The accompanying story is an ideal case of it.

At some point, my dad purchased a racehorse named "Murdoch" from another city, twenty miles away. Following a couple of days, he took the pony to the track to prepare him. While running, a farm hauler made a tremendous commotion which terrified the animal, and its rider tumbled off. The pony, at that point alone, ran over the track and hopped over the boundary vanishing into the forested areas.

A Story of Being Way Smarter

The time had come to get in the vehicle. I rode along, at my dad's side, to search for the pony. We looked all over the place yet without any result. A couple of hours after the fact, on our re-visitation of the outbuilding, the previous proprietor called. In awe, she told my father that the animal was at her farm.

Thus, it implied that the pony jogged over streets and through woods to return to his past horse shelter without a solitary scratch. Some way or another, he figured how to complete twenty miles of obscure domain and return where he originated from. The pony did this, but since of cameras around the farm, we had the option to perceive how he entered the pony ranch.

While showing up at the front passageway, the creature saw that it was shut. So it went around the back, pushed the little door and climbed the means hindering its. At that point found an open slow down, entered it and held up there, realizing that it was the main home he knew.

Creatures Are Way Smarter

Creatures are astonishing and merit as much regard as individuals for their memory, insight, constancy and unrestricted love.

Ponies, canines, and felines, among numerous species that invest energy around individuals, can perceive non-verbal communication signs that you or I don't focus on.

Primates, for example, chimpanzees can without much of a stretch beat individuals at recollecting a progression of numbers that they saw for a small amount of a second.

Octopuses figure out how to open childproof covers taking drugs bottles, which huge numbers of us can't open.

Bats do delineate space with echolocation and sonar.

Fowls sort out and comprehend the unpredictable mechanics of flying and landing.

Crows, envisioned with sickening dread films for inept reasons, are among the most savvy winged animals, however they are path more brilliant than most animals. They can achieve undertakings that three and four-year-old kids experience difficulty doing.

Creatures Have Feelings

While they have diverse cerebrum structures, specialists gauge that creatures, for example, crows and chimps handle and utilize a mix of mental devices. It even incorporates creative mind and the desire for possible future functions so they can tackle issues.

Once more, I saw a few crows figuring out how to utilize vehicles for separating nuts. They stand by persistently at convergences while keeping watch on the traffic signals. Thus, when the traffic stops they recover a nut that vehicles squashed, which they have put before out and about.

Besides, it is presently obvious that elephants lament. Most well evolved creatures feel euphoria, love, and misery or languishing. Once, in Ukraine, my relative brought home a lost feline that was living on an emergency clinic ground. It was anything but a little cat however a totally mature feline. The feline was currently living with her wide open house fifteen miles from the medical clinic, and he looked miserable.

Give Animals Credit

At some point, she opened the entryway, and the feline flew by her, fleeing into the fields. After ten days, imagining that she lost the creature everlastingly, it appeared on the clinic ground. The creature had lost a great deal of weight and appeared to endure a minor physical issue, however he was alive. He had discovered his path home through fields and against extraordinary hindrances.

Along these lines, individuals need to stop this fixation of contrasting creatures with human inclination. We pick things that we are acceptable at, similar to innovation or language. Also, we at that point partner it with insight to different types of our reality. Be that as it may, creatures are route more brilliant than we might suspect. In this way, how about we reconsider prior to making any presumption and give them the credit they merit.