#I wish more people would be open to their viewpoint being challenged instead of believing they can never ever be wrong

[artheresy]

An argument over whether or not Dan Heng is Dan Feng seems to have begun getting sparked again in certain parts of the Fandom and it does nothing but hurt my head to no end

Both sides cherrypicking or treating it like a strange situation, making false equivalents. "Yknow governments don't consider people who've lost their memories to be separate people" that's a flawed argument to use in favorite of DH = DF because it's not just he lost his memories. He literally grew up, experienced his own childhood, had a whole identity cultivated based on those experiences and that life and continues to live his own life. To treat the situation like it's just him getting a bit of amnesia is wild to me

But also I hate when people continue to insist he's running from Dan Feng and his past and how he's miserable and shouldn't ever confront the past and deal with it as if his and Blade's whole stories aren't centered around rebirth and karma, paying for your past life's karma. He needed to confront the past to ensure a freer future! He literally has!! And he will continue to do so because he realizes this, DH isn't dumb and he's grown since we first saw him. He understands

But yeah uh I'm so tired

This whole thing feels very Ship of Theseus. What makes the ship what it is, the physical aspects of its planks, its sailing history, or both?

For him, the question is what makes someone who they are? Is it the body that makes them up and any inherent genetic factors (like traits)? Is it their experiences, how they've grown up, and the identity they've developed in that time? Or is it both factors mixed together?

Personally in the case of Dan Heng, I think it's both! Yeah he has a lot of traits from Dan Feng. There's a lot inherently there. But we can't disregard his own experiences and the identity that has formed based on his history and what he's seen.

Again I can't stress this enough... It is a false equivalent to compare him to people who lose their memories or get amnesia, he didn't just lose those memories. He started life from the beginning, a whole different kind of life. And even then, the amnesia topic comes with its own debates. Isn't there a whole other thought experiment regarding someone put to trial who ends up with amnesia and what their verdict should be?

I guess in the end, it's all up to people's own philosophical beliefs after what constitutes a person. My personal belief that DH and DF will always be connect but the separation between them is also meaningful is something based on my own ideas of what consisitutes a person and their individual identity, similar situation with how I see Rukkhadevata and Nahida as connected but still not the same person exactly. At the end of the day again, it's personal beliefs

But what I can't stand and can't stand by, is someone acting all high and mighty like they're perfectly right and everyone else is wrong, especially when they're cherrypicking or not holding all their evidence to the same standard. According to some ppl, apparently it's better in the CN fandom where instead of treating it like "I'm right you're wrong" people have divided themselves into "DF and DH one person" and "DF and DH two people" groups and most importantly of all, they treat both like theories and just keep to their space and tag which they believe when it's relevant. Why can't we just do that? Why can't we follow in their footsteps instead of bringing up this argument every so often with the same tired flaws from both sides?

[tvandenneagram]

Hamilton Enneagram types

I know that this is mainly a TV blog, but I have loved Hamilton ever since it came out and wanted to type the characters since the ‘film’ came out this week 😊

Alexander Hamilton - 3w4 - 1w2 - 7w8

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Hamilton is the archetypal 3, he is obsessed with raising his station and finding success. Hamilton works tirelessly and never ‘takes a break’ which causes problems with his loved ones. He is fixated on creating a legacy and does not want to go back to the poverty of which he came from. Hamilton is assertive and takes every opportunity he has to succeed. He advises Burr that you get nothing if you wait for it and encourages him to stand up for his beliefs. Towards the end of the musical, he has lost his son and his career, making him more unhealthy. During this time he is withdrawn, listless and shows little motivation (disintegrating to 9). 

Key lyrics:

“Hey yo, I'm just like my country I'm young, scrappy, and hungry. And I'm not throwing away my shot”

“I probably shouldn't brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish”

“Will you relish being a poor man’s wife. Unable to provide for your life?”

“As a kid in the Caribbean I wished for a war. I knew that I was poor. I knew it was the only way to rise up! ... If they tell my story I am either gonna die on the battlefield in glory or rise up!”

Eliza (about Hamilton): “You and your words obsessed with your legacy. Your sentences border on senseless. And you are paranoid in every paragraph how they perceive you”

Aaron Burr - 9w1 - 3w2 - 5w6

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Burr always keeps his stances on different issues ‘close to his chest’ because he doesn’t want to say something that can be used against him. He does have values and feelings, he just isn’t open with his feelings and doesn’t say anything to keep the peace. In the later part of the play, Burr begins to show his ambition more openly and begins to campaign for president. He starts to take more initiative and tries to be more like Hamilton and take what he wants rather than ‘waiting for it’. As Burr gets into the lower levels of health, he becomes paranoid like a 6 as we can see in “The Room Where It Happens.” When Hamilton supports Jefferson for the presidency, Burr becomes vengeful and challenges Hamilton to a duel. He does not understand why Hamilton would support his enemy over his friend, when all Burr is trying to do is take Hamilton’s advice. Burr is ultimately very jealous of Hamilton, as he believes that Hamilton gets everything he wants by taking it. Burr’s style of lying in wait directly contrasts Hamilton’s more assertive nature and deep down he wishes he was more like Hamilton.

Key Lyrics:

“I'm not standing still, I am lying in wait”

“Talk less. Smile more. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for”

“What is it like in his shoes? Hamilton doesn't hesitate. He exhibits no restraint. He takes and he takes and he takes and he keeps winning anyway.”

“I’ll keep all my plans close to my chest (wait for it, wait for it). I’ll wait here and see which way the wind will blow. I’m taking my time watching the afterbirth of the nation, watching the tension grow”

“I am slow to anger, but I toe the line as I reckon with the effects of your life on mine”

“I wanna be in the room where it happens”

Eliza Schuyler - 9w1 - 2w1 - 6w7

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Eliza is kind-hearted, caring and naive. She is shy, but she is fiercely loyal to her loved ones. She has a tendency to go with the flow and is very easily influenced. Eliza is deeply trusting and tends to take what Hamilton says at face value. It seems that she is naive to Hamilton’s intentions to raise his station and to his later affair. She is helpless when it comes to Hamilton and hangs on his every word. Eliza wants Hamilton to give her more attention and show her more affection. She wants to show him that there is more to life than creating a legacy. Eliza is very forgiving and when their son dies, she shows Hamilton the ultimate compassion by forgiving him. In her later life she becomes more of an activist and speaks out against slavery as well as establishing an orphanage to help children. 

Key lyrics:

“I have never been the type to try and grab the spotlight”

“I'm erasing myself from the narrative. Let future historians wonder how Eliza reacted when you broke her heart”

“We don’t need a legacy. We don’t need money. If I could grant you peace of mind. If you could let me inside your heart…”

“I stop wasting time on tears I live another fifty years It’s not enough”

Angelica (about Eliza):  “I know my sister like I know my own mind. You will never find anyone as trusting or as kind”

Angelica (about Eliza): “ If I tell her that I love him she’d be silently resigned. He’d be mine. She would say, “I’m fine”. She’d be lying.”

Company: “Forgiveness. Can you imagine?” 

Angelica Schuyler: 6w7 - 1w2 - 2w3 

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Angelica was very hard to type, we were stuck between 1 and 6 because she is very, very compliant. One of her defining characteristics is her self-sacrificing nature and devotion to her sister. Angelica values duty and tries to do what is right for her family. When she meets Hamilton, she is able to correctly deduce that he wants to be with her because of her family’s social status. Despite feeling an instant attraction to him, she sets him up with Eliza instead because (as the oldest) she has to fulfill her father’s expectations and marry into society. Angelica is also extremely loyal to Eliza and her family, as most of her actions are in service to them. When she returns from London, she reacts aggressively to Hamilton as he betrayed Eliza. 

Key Lyrics:

“I’m a girl in a world in which my only job is to marry rich. My father has no sons so I’m the one who has to social climb for one”

“He’s after me cos I’m a Schuyler sister. That elevates his status, I’d have to be naive to set that aside”

“In a letter I received from you two weeks ago I noticed a comma in the middle of a phrase. It changed the meaning. Did you intend this?”

“Some men say that I’m intense or I’m insane. You want a revolution? I want a revelation - so listen to my declaration”

“And when I meet Thomas Jefferson Imma compel him to include women in the sequel”

George Washington - 1w9 - 6w7 - 3w2

Washington has very strong principles which manifest in his efforts for the revolution. He has a tendency to dwell on his past mistakes and feels deep shame over them. Washington takes Hamilton under his wing and wants to show him the wisdom that he has learned throughout his life. He remains true to his convictions and fights for what he believes in. Washington abdicates his presidency because he knows that it is the right thing for the nation. He understands that for the nation to move forward there needs to be different leaders and viewpoints. Washington wants his address to inform of the wisdom he gained from leading the country and help advise America’s future leaders.

Key lyrics:

“I made every mistake. I felt the shame rise in me and even now I lie awake knowing history has its eyes on me”

“Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder”

“Pick up a pen, start writing. I wanna talk about what I have learned. The hard-won wisdom I have earned”

“Can I be real a second? For just a millisecond? Let down my guard and tell the people how I feel a second? Now I’m the model of a modern major general the venerated Virginian veteran whose men are all lining up, to put me up on a pedestal, writin’ letters to relatives, embellishin’ my elegance and eloquence”  

[todomitoukei]

Sorry but in all honesty your answer really makes me feel angered. Cause not only you belittled me , when I was pointing out how Deku’s wishful thinking is ridiculous and that by teen I meant that he has room to grow up and being better and finally open his eyes instead of being bubbled in his dichotomic thinking.

No, you were just assuming I was accusing you, instead of reading that I was saying how childish the whole situation was. You think a teenager can handle a person who underwent abuses for years and most likely has a complex ptsd ? Good luck, even a pro in the field would have issues in picking the right word. Because they would know people like Dabi are so hurt that they could easily flip the table in full anger.

Deku is a teen, he’s scared and he go back in what he knows best. Am i saying Deku is right ? No. I started off with “I didn’t like what Deku said...” meaning I don’t stan for his behaviour.

Heroes vs villains is an ingroup vs outgroup battle pushed to total polaritation because heroes need this to keep on being heroes. And to never think “oh what that people endured, am I doing the right thing?” Constantly. Is this right ? No. It happens? Yes. Otherwise people would go insane. When Ingroup and outgroup happens people will always care more about their own ingroup. This is science. And it happens in everyday life. And it happens with you right here right now: you assumed I held a different position and just blindly attacked me when instead I share the same view on Dabi as yours (that’s why I started to follow you and reading your posts) but I was just providing another perspective on Deku. And about Dabi is right in his statement.

Because in real life many people doesn’t care if one was abused when they were young. People doesn’t care if they grew up in poor neighbourhood with 0 possibilities. Or if they had a severe mental illness never cured and resort to drugs to keep on living. Even with all of this, if said X person kills innocent (much like Dabi said he has done) is life long prison sentence or capital sentence. That’s how our world works, so why should Bnha’s work differently ? Deku is the product of society. He can gain critical thinking. But it’s not taken for granted that he has it. Because after all this is the society they were born into. Cool quirk= hero. No quirk / bad quirk = villain.

Deku just thought until now that encouraging and words could heal. They worked with Shinsou. They worked with Shoto. Why should he think he would fail? This is the reality he lived until now. And now FINALLY someone kicked him back into his place. But no. “Think-like” people ? Really? How dumb. How shortsighted. Basically you are answering like Deku did : protecting your ingroup without accepting or confronting with others perspective. It’s such a shame. I loved your post. Didn’t see that coming.

And about victims... if think you much like anyone else miss a point. Victim NEEDS validation. They are allowed to show their emotion. They are allowed to hold grudge. It they shouldn’t. And not because we are all saints. But because this hurts the victim. Forgiveness is correlated to wellbeing. When we forgive someone it’s us who benefits. That’s why many incredibly forgive even brutal murders of their beloved. What Dabi’s is doing it’s not right morally but more importantly isn’t good for his health. Saying “Dabi is right” implies that his behaviour is valid. It’s not . His pain is but in the end what did it cost to him ? He’s consumed by hate. He killed many people he considered innocents (aka he knows he did wrong and this is guilt).

His mental health is basically not there. He’s not happy at all. Yes he was abused, but neither the society and neither himself has done nothing to heal. To recover. Once dead he could have just put anything behind. Or just show up to his siblings. Leaving all of his hate behind because it’s toxic to him. He just go f you to his father and make his own life. But he can’t. He’s consumed by hate. And despite its not his fault, the fault he has it to never have tried to feel better , relying on someone (even inside the league why not) or just let all of it go. He could have just wait and totally ruin his father’s fame instead of all of this. But he just can’t. You think it’s good for a victim? Always living in the negative emotional state of their abusive even if they made it away?That’s not a good message at all. And no, in real life most likely abused victims are pushed to love on while recovering. Because all of this will make them suffer. Not their abusers. Imagine going on 10 years like this and now again say Dabi is a good example of victim validation. Or rather , say this to a pedo who was abused several times. Say this to a rapist who saw his mother raped day by day and interiorised this as a valid sexual approach. Tell this to the bully who grew up seeing a violent parent and gained that beating is a much more efficient way to make his voice to be heard.

Grow up in an household in which being an hero and make your father proud is everything and suddenly this is stripped away. A father who taught you must be great and always be on the top to even exists. A father who has incredibly high standard level i everything. And thus you translated to “well if I’m about to make him pay I’ll destroy the whole world who considered me dead. I’ll kill innocent, I’ll burn them alive, and lastly I’ll kill my family too”. And now tell me if you were to face this person who has no intention to stop and you’d say “yes, your pain is valid. You’re reasonable”. Would you see the person? Of the monster he became? Would you forgive him ? Or would you say what Deku said ? That Dabi is basically a villain? That’s he’s spitting on a man who’s trying to redeem ? Would you try to redeem Dabi and save him from his pain? Because no one did. And Deku is no different. No different by the people in his society. And no different by the people of OUR society.

If you’re are the person who could see the human beyond the action in the fore mentioned examples , hats of for you. But realistically what I said will happen. We are all Deku, who are willing to ignore others drama and to label villains as monsters to have no guilty at night. Because otherwise we would be the monsters.

I’m so disappointed. I really thought highly reading your posts and translations. I believed you could do better instead of rumbling and being annoyed.

I’m sorry you felt like I was belittling or attacking you - that wasn’t my intention.

You send me an ask with points that I disagree with, points that I’ve seen so much by now. You are allowed to have your opinions, but I am also allowed to voice mine and I simply am not interested in reading the same arguments used to justify D*ku’s behavior anymore. 

Yes, I understand that he would side with Shouto - that that is the natural thing for people to do - but that doesn’t mean that we are not allowed to judge the way he handles things after so much time has passed and after he has been given so many opportunities to start thinking critically.

Please understand that my blog mainly focuses on the Todoroki family and the League. I’m not a fan of D*ku and with that, avoid talking about his character where possible because I don’t see a point in spreading negativity for no reason. On the rare occasion that I do, my notifications get filled with people trying to change my mind, which can get pretty tiring because people are allowed to have their opinions and we don’t always have to discuss and argue about every single opinion.

I agree that it’s not healthy for Dabi - or any victim - to stay in a negative mind space. It’s important to get help and learn to move on from the past; but that doesn’t mean that victims like Dabi don’t exist and that we shouldn’t talk about them. I know it’s a lot more difficult to have compassion for people like that - especially in real life - but I think fictional stories are partially there to challenge our views. I’m not saying Dabi is right in hurting people, but I can also recognize the mental downfall that it took for him to arrive at a point where he thinks this is justifiable. I disagree that we are all like D*ku in this and there are, in fact, real-life situations where someone commits crimes and people have compassion because they are given the backstory that explains how the person in question ended up doing what they did.

It’s great that you have a different opinion about this and I encourage you to continue having your views, but if you take issue with me disagreeing with the points you sent my way, then feel free to unfollow. I want this blog to remain as positive as possible instead of becoming a place where I argue with people over my opinions. So please don’t feel like you need to continue to follow me if this blog doesn’t provide that positivity for you.

Again, I’m sorry if any of my replies came off as condescending to you - that was definitely not my intention. Your opinions are valid. But please also understand that when someone interacts with my posts or sends me an ask that I am entitled to disagree and give my viewpoint.

That being said, thank you for reading and enjoying my posts thus far.

[susoftjockau]

The Plan - Part Four (Carly) + Epilogue

There was a reason Carly was written last on the list she and Steven had back at the food truck.

One fact to recall was the cold intensity of her dorm mate — who, throughout her moments of bumping into her in the early mornings to pack up and get ready for classes — always brushed her aside and never spoken a word or greeting before going through the front door. Sure, they shared the same kitchen island, brewing their favorites — coffee and tea, eating the same ingredients to survive the day, but the atmosphere she bore off was akin to a snake observing the trappings of a mouse.

In other words, she was scary. Very scary.

Yet even with this insight, Connie tried her best to talk to her, watching shows on the couch as time went by. The shows varied from the casual viewing: there was Under the Knife, going on for twenty minutes before they moved on; Poindexter, which took an hour until interest became fleeting at the newest season; Dogcopter 3 — which Carly laid down the inevitable rating of ‘mediocre and a disaster to the Dogcopter franchise’; and many other shows and movies that didn’t live up to their expectations and excitement for the day.

It wasn’t exciting, well; it felt exciting in its own way. Even with the notion they had to hang out for a great period of time, there weren’t any pushes to speak. It was just the two of them, watching fictional characters go through life in the most poetic or dumbest ways a writer could implement them to do. Connie wished it stayed that way. She loved staying in this perpetual state of media watching, no discourse to be found except for the occasional comments from both of them on how an anime didn’t work out or how a particular movie would rather flaunt its busty women around than a coherent plot.

But Carly found a way to break that silence.

And it was all because of Clockwork Philosopher; that and its remake.

Connie was the type to defend, be the morally correct debater for stuff such as Clockwork Philosopher and its remade counterpart, but that’s the tricky part when it came to that anime series in question: there were committed fans from both ends, ready to fight to the teeth on what they believe is crucial, even if Philosopher’s Solitude version was the best piece of media she’d ever consumed in all her seventeen years of living. Carly was the one who didn’t believe such a statement, and, much to Connie’s dismay, was okay with arguing this over hot cocoa and tea.

It didn’t come out of nowhere. It was a gradual rise where both of them brought upon comments of the characters, of the plot, of the people they rooted for and somehow it all lead up to the discussion on which was better: Clockwork Philosopher or the Solitude version.

Which one had the appeal? Which one carried favorability to both of them?

Connie chose Solitude.

Carly, to her surprise, chose the original.

When asking her why, Carly responded.

“Solitude didn’t play up to what I expected.” It was calm, the type of voice that sounded matter-of-fact if one focused, if one took the time to listen to the lilt in her words. “Instead of giving me an interesting dichotomy between characters and commentary over the human experience, I got shounen caricatures — no tinkering with archetypes, nothing about how they full-on cope; just people who don’t change, keeping up with their platitudes rather than having it be challenged to the brink.”

“But they do though.” She kept herself to the sidelines with this whole debacle, but there was a passion riding her words, hidden in the need to keep herself composed and correct. Debating was something she always had a passion for. There was something intense in being able to argue with someone over something you’ve researched or binged for so long, like the reward was to gloat or get some form of digital pat on the back for one’s diligence towards the whole thing. 

They fumbled with their cups, warm to the touch, allowing their television to go on with a scene from the anime in question. Connie continued on. “What you’re saying goes against a great deal with Solitude. People have been subverted, given life and roles in the anime than in the original, they’re seen as people rather than cardboard cut-outs.”

Carly gave a nod to that. Another sip greeting the quiet. “I’m curious. Can you explain more of your reasons?”

And the argument would continue forth for a while. 

Both watched the other in this state of bliss and gripes in their tranquil bubble. At first, Connie tried her best to not get involved. She liked conflict where the future of it was determined, not given the option to roam around in probability, to whatever hellish path in consequences it had in mind. She added her pieces, given viewpoints that should’ve brought Carly to her knees, yet Carly didn’t heed.

Carly was composed throughout it. With that curious look of hers, eyeing her with no malice but of intense scrutiny akin to a magnifying glass. Something about it left her restless, lost in a myriad of threads where they would babble and discuss the anime in such a way that Connie had no clue when it would end; whether they would stop it altogether and just allow themselves to watch was an inevitable question — and the answer was: they wouldn’t.

Connie wanted that win. That satisfaction of saying ‘ahah’ to the woman’s face, and Carly — illegible as ever — seemed to prod at her, cornering her in ways that made her feel heated and tense. How could she be so calculated over this? Usually when Connie argued it was over forums where another would get aggressive, ready to rip her teeth out with emotion rather than facts, and when that happened she felt accomplished, morally justified, for she took it with stride. There weren’t any moments where she’d notice a dip in her words or her viewpoints (everything looked solid, put-together, thought out). But not here.

Just...hell no. Not here.

Carly clicked her tongue, harsh and quick. The warmth of their cups were gone, drank to the drenches with nowhere else to go but onto the coffee table in front of them. Connie was tapping her knee. The other didn’t seem to fidget, or sweat, or babble; she looked poised. It was irritating to watch now that the argument had gotten more intense.

“Look.” She started, with that same passive tone to her that made Connie want to groan out in annoyance. But Connie was supposed to be kind, respectful. She wasn’t going to blow a gasket over an argument like this, she wasn’t that petty. “An anime could be the most perfect piece of media in all the land, but that still won’t bargain with me. If they hit the objective writing goals then I don’t care — good on them for being responsible writers, following and conforming to the status of writing in general — but if a writer can’t make me feel the humanity in them, then it’s not worth it. If they can’t get out of their comfort zone and go beyond then there’s no point, it’s boring to me.”

“But they do go beyond.” Connie gritted her teeth, watching the woman continue to stare at her, with that muted expression of hers. She was always calm, always the one to resolve and be the strong and morally-correct debater with animes such as this, but it was hard to stare at Carly with this feeling, this lack of victory. There was the crushing reality that this wasn’t the internet; that the choice to just walk away with that feeling of accomplishment was long gone at this point. So everything to her fell flat, each argument that rose from her lips cornered to something incomprehensible. There was one last argument she had in her mind. Like one would grapple straws, she used it. In her heart, in her timid but firey heart, she wanted to win. “They didn't even give the female characters the moments to be fully realized in the original until Solitude showed off their competency and involvement!"

"But it isn't." Carly's expression kept mute, voice level. It pinched at her, hard. God, why is everything getting crowded? Scorching to the collar? "When it came to character, the original nailed it down. Solitude gave the screen time, but not the true exploration of mankind."

"But you're ignoring the characters they've done justice."

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"I'm just being level and open-minded," Carly said. "You don't have to get so heated about this if you’re going to be a sore loser over this."

She shot up.

"Can you stop being a bitch about this!?" Connie widened her eyes at that. Looking at Carly, something shifted in her expression too, illegible and foreign, terrifying to process.

She never did that before, she never did that before to anyone in real life.

She fucked up. She fucked up.

Carly's going to hunt her down for this, condemn her to some weird-ass college version of the Salem trials, and it's all her fau—

"Feels good, doesn't it?"

Connie looked at her: Carly's eyes crinkled in amusement, a grin on her features — genuine, no malice to be found. "What?"

"Don't just stand there." Carly ushered her. "Go on, tell me!"

"I don't know, I'm sor—"

"You don't like my opinions." Carly continued, voice rising a bit. "You don't want to agree with them; why are you trying to conform and stay silent when you could tell me that my opinions could be debated?"

"Because that would be rude!"

"What's more rude?" She motioned towards the show. "Telling me that Shou Tucker isn't a bastard or yelling at me that my way of arguing could be jarring to listen to?"

Connie stumbled, words spilling out in incoherent rivers — all the justifications and reasons became cut-up, cut off as she tried to find some silver of rationality that would make Carly back down. But she did like the fight...didn't she?

"Give me your fire, Maheswaran." Carly's eyes narrowed. "Or I'll bring my honest-to-God opinions to the table."

She hesitated. "What honest opinions?"

"About anything we're discussing right now. In fact, I'm planning to bring out the big guns."

"What do you—"

"SAO."

No.

No no no no no.

"You wouldn't."

"I would."

Connie saw the grin, the eagerness, and she couldn't help but feel it rub off on her — the same expression adorning her features.

Carly took it as the go-to, for the next statement hit both of them like a gunshot: 

"SAO isn't bad of a show."

She really liked this, didn’t she?

-----

“Well, that’s good!” Steven had that beam of a smile again, starting to lean more against the table — which Connie advised against before the table could rock more at his weight. “Like I said, three is better than nothing. You did amazing!”

In retrospect, she saw that too. There was still the awkwardness with many of them, but she now had something better: a few acquaintances (friends, they were friends) who are okay with having her in the group, making things easier if she needed it. Connie rubbed her neck, trying her best to respond. “Yeah. But the next few days aren’t going to be great.”

In their plan, they had a few things settled. One of them was the idea of hangouts, wherein their attempts to make her loosen up and relax to Steven’s group of friends, she’ll be exposed to them interacting with her for a great deal of the day. And the idea didn’t feel pleasant. It felt claustrophobic more than anything.

She looked down. Steven’s hand was on hers, warmth spreading to her knuckles as the man kept his grip. It was soft, tender. He wasn’t going to hurt her, and that always was a fact when it came to Steven. A sweetheart by trade. “You don’t have to do it immediately. It doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow or even in a few months. It all comes down to how comfortable you are.”

Connie smiled at him, giving the man a small nod. “I’ll tell you when I’m ready, okay?” She shifted their hands, allowing her to reciprocate his hold, allowing their intertwined fingers to play and brush against the other. “I want to hang out with you. I want to hang out with your friends. I just need some time.”

He hummed. “Alright. We’ll start on your word.”

It was a relief to know he was careful. It was a relief to know that he cared.

- @borkthemork

[immoral-tales]

Character Analysis: Osamu Dazai

002

Before we begin our journey and dive into discussing the characteristics of a man named Dazai, I would like to apologize. Please do forgive my absence and inability to be active on the blog. And I have to admit, my initial reaction was “holy shit!” You definitely took your sweet, sweet time writing this, and I had a strong desire to give you the response you deserved. Writing half-assed headcanons and responses are not my thing, therefore, I decided to take my sweet time. And of course, I might or might not be a lazy bastard as I was procrastinating to open Photoshop to crop the messages to put them into this post. All things considered, let us begin, shall we?

First of all, this character limit is a pain in the ass and I’m going to start a petition for this hellsite to remove the limit because people need to vent and share their amazing ideas with the world. Secondly, thank you so much for agreeing with me, I greatly appreciate it. There is so much more we do not see and I’m going to delve deeper into his persona, dig deeper to find the real Dazai that has been buried in his own layered personality and mind. His mind is an incredible place, but unfortunately, not everyone can understand him. However, I cannot blame them, due to the fact that Dazai as a person is already a puzzle.

I will use the term “journey.” Dazai’s journey to understand humanity is an incorrect approach, he will always have difficulty understanding what human nature is. Every person has their own definition of what it means to be a human, therefore, this subject is quite debatable. I have to agree with you, this man is drawn to people with a positive aura. And of course, having a significant other with a similar mindset would be a major drawback for him. Instead of progress, he would have a regress. His ability is called “No Longer Human,” yet he is desperately attempting his best to find what it means to be a human. He does not need a companion who will hold him back, he needs someone that will make his path towards discovering his own humanity unforgettable.

You took the words right out of my mouth: “As someone said, understanding + empathy works best for him than relatable. I believe he wants to be understood, at least to a point. Someone who can understand him while also support and help him understand his own emotions what I think he needs. Of course, not therapy him, but be that supportive figure.”

As I said previously, Oda and Dazai used to share a special bond, their friendship was one of a kind. Odasaku managed to show him how the real world functions and how there is an entire world, outside of the Port Mafia, filled with endless possibilities. Their companionship was unique, but he would have a different type of relationship with his significant other. I strongly believe Dazai would be delighted to have an older woman as his lover. An understanding, non-judgemental woman. I believe years of experience would make her the right person to be by his side no matter the circumstances.

Let us talk about how Dazai has a praise kink. I mean, you are not wrong. And I agree with you. Some might not agree with me, but I think he has never been praised properly. More or less, Mori raised him to be a perfect killing machine without any remorse and I strongly believe he rarely praised him? Therefore, once his lover started to praise him, he started to enjoy it, and then, love it. Of course, he would never admit it out loud, but we both are well aware he has a praise kink. Considering his significant other would be more experienced in bed than him, would be quick to discover his weaknesses—I mean, his kinks.

This man adores challenges and someone who questions his mindset is ought to get his attention. A person that does not agree with his viewpoint and challenges his very own existence. Two Dazais is a bit too much and his relationship with Dostoyevsky is a story for another day—I will not delve deeper into this matter right now.

I have got carried away, as well. To conclude our discussion, I have to say, this man truly deserves happiness and he needs to learn how to take care of himself. Dazai deserves a second chance to redeem himself and learn how to live his life, despite the mistakes he made in the past. He is a human like the rest of us—even though he is a fictional character—and he does not deserve to die, he has to live.

First of all, I would like to thank you for being patient with me. Only God knows when was the last time I posted some quality content. This blog is dying because of me, and there is nothing I can do about it. Once more, this proves how much of a horrible admin I am. To put my rambling and venting aside, feel free to spam me when your heart desires. It is not like I have anything else to do here. Let us move on to our discussion, shall we?

Before I forget to mention, I have made a separate tag for us—Dazai with an older lover—I’m tagging our every conservation with it and you can find our discussions under it.

I have to say, that is standard, shallow praise. Allow me to demonstrate it with one simple scenario: imagine you are working for an international organization—the field of this organization is not important currently—and you have been promoted to a senior management team to be one of the vice presidents, reporting directly to the CEO. Of course, all of your colleagues would congratulate you on your achievements, but none of their congratulations will be genuine. There might be some exceptions, but let us not dwell on it. Your colleagues are not interested in your well-being, or the path you have walked upon to achieve the impossible. They merely wish to be in your place, and some of them are even envious of your position. Their words will be long forgotten as their facades slip. This might be an odd comparison, but Dazai was in a similar situation. His subordinates' behavior around him was carefully coordinated and his attitude towards them was indifferent. Like a mutual agreement. Everything was superficial, the only thing that kept him moving forward, as you mentioned above, was his friendship with Sakaguchi and Oda.

Yes, I have to agree with you. He has never received genuine praise before. Hear me out, ability users avoided him like the plague because of his ability to nullify their abilities. Therefore, he has been touch-deprived his whole life. I believe, at first, he would be quite hesitant to allow anyone to touch him, his lover included. It might take some time for his lover to make him open up to her, his layered personality to slip, and be himself. The real Dazai.

Dazai has a strong degradation kink, but his praise kink is there, as well, to neutralize it. He would never hesitate to shower his lover with all his affection and praise; however, he prefers to receive it. And of course, he would never admit it out loud. We are talking about Dazai here. Yes, complimenting him during the sex is great, but praising him on a regular basis would make him fall head over heels in love. Undoubtedly, he would deny all the claims of having a fondness for being commended, but his lover knows him better than that. His daily motivation becomes earning those praises from his lover, and Kunikida has never been more thankful for Dazai bringing his lover with him at the agency.

Nah, there is no need to apologize. We are all insomniacs here. Even though I do not post cursed content here, but I can . . .

[ruminativerabbi]

Looking Forward/Looking Back

And so a new era begins in our nation! Will the Biden years, whether four or eight of them, lead to healing in a nation so riven that many of the chasms that divide us—some racial, others political, still others ethnic or economic—feel truly unbridgeable? Will they feature an end to the COVID-era that has so radically altered the way we live and do business in our land? Will they bring a rededication to the kind of environmentally sound public policy that could possibly head off the crises that will otherwise visit the planet with increasingly frequency and ferocity if we choose to put blinders on and then recklessly to barrel ahead into uncharted waters without any clear sense of how to address even the issues that threaten us the least overtly, let alone those that are the most prominent? Will the recent hopeful developments in the Middle East serve as the prelude to the kind of complex reconfiguration that will, at long last, make Israel into a nation tied at least as profoundly to neighbors and local friends as to distant allies in North America and, when the wind blows in the right direction, Europe? (And will such a rebalancing of alliances lead finally to a just resolution of the Palestinians’ plight in a way that both serves their own best interests and Israel’s?) All of these questions are in the air as we pass from the Trump era to the Biden years, definitely from the past to the future and ideally from a period characterized by unprecedented (that word again!) incivility and fractiousness to one more reminiscent of the nation in which people my age and older remember growing up.

To none of the above questions do I have a clear answer to offer. But I do feel hopeful—and that hope is born not merely of wishful thinking (or not solely of it), but also of a sense that we have come to a point in our nation’s history at which the task of re-dedicating ourselves to the bedrock notions that underlay the founding of the American republic in the eighteenth century is crucial. But no less crucial is ridding ourselves of some of the fantasies we have been taught since childhood to accept as basic American truths.

There are lots to choose from, but today I would like to write about one of my favorite American fantasies, the one according to which Americans have always treated dissent graciously, enjoying national debate without acrimony and finding in principled dialogue the most basic of American paths forward. According to that fantasy, Congress exists basically to house friendly co-workers whose disagreements can and do yield the kind of dignified compromise that in turn serves as a path forward that all their constituents can gratefully travel into a bipartisan future built on our collective will to live in peace and learn from each other. Hah!

We have had in our past instances of violent altercation, including some in the very halls of Congress that were besieged by insurrectionists on January 6. Forgetting them won’t necessarily condemn us to reliving them. But keeping them in mind will surely help us find the resolve to avoid them. As we enter the Biden years, we need to look with clear eyes on that part of our history and, instead of ignoring it, allow it to guide us forward into a different kind of future.

First up, I think, would have to be the 1838 murder of Congressman Jonathan Cilley (D-Maine) by Congressman William Graves (Whig-Kentucky). This one did not take place in the Capitol, although that’s where the party got started. The backstory is so petty as almost to be silly, yet a man died because of that pettiness. Cilley said something on the floor of the House that irritated a prominent Whig journalist, who responded by asking Graves to hand deliver a note demanding an apology. Cilley declined, to which principled decision Graves responded by challenging Cilley to a duel, which then actually took place on February 24, 1838 in nearby Maryland. Neither was apparently much of a marksman. Both men shot twice and missed. But then Congressman Graves aimed more carefully and shot and killed Congressman Cilley.

To their credit, Congress responded by passing anti-dueling legislation. But that only kept our elected representatives from murdering each other, not from behaving violently. For example, when Representative Preston Brooks (D-South Carolina) wanted to express his disapproval of the abolitionist stance of Senator Charles Sumner (R-Massachusetts), he brought a walking cane with him into the Capitol on May 22, 1856, and beat Sumner almost to death. The account of the beating on the website of the United States Senate reads as follows: “Moving quickly, Brooks slammed his metal-topped cane onto the unsuspecting Sumner's head. As Brooks struck again and again, Sumner rose and lurched blindly about the chamber, futilely attempting to protect himself. After a very long minute, it ended. Bleeding profusely, Sumner was carried away.  Brooks walked calmly out of the chamber without being detained by the stunned onlookers.” The rest of the story is also instructive: Congress voted to censure Congressman Brooks, whereupon the latter resigned and was almost immediately re-elected to the House by his constituents in South Carolina. He died soon after that (and at age 37), but his place in history was secured! Sumner himself survived and spent another eighteen years in the Senate.

I’d like to suggest that all my readers who felt totally shocked by the events of January 6 to read The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War  by Joanne B. Freeman, a professor of history at Yale University, that was published in 2018 by Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux. I read the book when it came out and thought then (and still do think) that it should be required reading for all who imagine that, as I keep hearing, the use of violence and, even more so, the threat of violence “just isn’t us.” It’s us, all right. And Freeman’s book proves it a dozen different ways. As readers of my letters know, I read a lot of American history. But I can hardly recall reading a book that so thoroughly changed the way I thought of our government and its history.

And then there was the brawl in the House in 1858 that broke out when Laurence M. Keitt (D-South Carolina) attempted to strangle Galusha Grow (R-Pennsylvania) in the wake the latter speaking disparagingly about of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dred Scott v. Sanford to the effect that Black people were by virtue of their race excluded from American citizenship regardless of whether they were enslaved or free. The House was, to say the least, riven when Keitt went for Grow’s throat. And what happened next, Freeman writes, “was a free-for-all right in the open space in front of the Speaker’s platform featuring roughly thirty, sweaty, disheveled, mostly middle-aged congressman in a no-holds-barred brawl, North against South.” Keitt, who threw the first punch, was already known as a violent man: it was he, in fact, who took out his gun and threatened to kill any member of Congress who was part of the effort to save Charles Sumner’s life in the attack on him by Preston Brooks mentioned above.

These are the thoughts I have in my heart as the nation enters the Biden years. We have a history of violence, incivility, and public rage. What happened on January 6 was, yes, an aberration in that no one supports—or, at least, supports openly—the use of violence to make a point in the Congress. But that was not something new and shocking as much as it was a return to an earlier stage of our nation’s history, a kind of regression to the days in which violence was the language of discourse, an age in which it was possible for one member of the House openly to attempt to strangle another and then to suffer no real consequences at all. And just to wrap up the story, Representative Keitt later joined the Confederate Army and was killed on June 1, 1864 at the Battle of Cold Harbor near Mechanicsville, Virginia.

That we can renounce violence, embrace civility, listen to opposing viewpoints carefully and thoughtfully, debate with courage and respect for others’ opinions, and behave like grown-ups even when we are unlikely to have our way in some matter of public policy—I know in my heart that we can do that. Last week, I wrote about three different instances of armed insurrection against the federal government. This week, I’ve written about the use of threats of violence, and violence itself, at the highest level of government. I could go on to note that, of our first forty-five American presidents, there have been either successful or unsuccessful assassination attempts against a full twenty of them…and that that list includes every president of my own lifetime except for Dwight Eisenhower. We cannot renounce our American propensity to settle things with our fists by making believe that violence is not part of our culture. Just the opposite is true: it was part of our past and it certainly part of our present. Whether it will be part of our future—that is the question on the table. The insurrectionists who entered the Capitol on January 6 were convinced they were acting in accordance with American tradition. There’s something to that argument too…and that is why it is so crucial now that we all join together to renounce that part of our past and then to move ahead into a future characterized by mutual respect, respectful debate, and a deep sense of national unity born of pride in the best parts of our past, confidence in the present, and hope in the future.

[robert-c]

Political Correctness

I saw a poll that said about 52% of us object to some part of what is called “political correctness”, thinking it has gone too far. I guess I would go with the majority, certainly you can find instances where the terminology has gotten silly. But I’m reluctant to interpret that result as support for those people who complain the loudest and longest about it. I think their complaint is different.

Let’s start with the simplest elements. Is anyone (except the extreme fringe) really that put out over not using racial or ethnic slurs? Does anyone we really want to take seriously object to using ‘developmentally challenged’ instead of ‘retard’? At this level, ‘political correctness’ is really little more than common decency and courtesy. Is that something you want to be against? True enough, some folks have gone overboard in coming up with new terms, but I usually hear about them from people who want to ridicule the idea, not from serious originators. In fact, I can’t remember hearing a tortured PC term from any actual advocate; I usually hear it from someone seeking to ridicule these terms. Which makes me wonder if they are real terms, seriously proposed, or something someone wrote speculatively to “fire up” their readership.

Of course, someone is no doubt thinking at this moment, the problem with ‘political correctness’ goes beyond the language – it’s a whole philosophy, a system of belief. The rest of that remark usually includes words like “threat to our…” way of life/values…take your pick.

I’ll agree that political correctness does represent a general set of beliefs. Its critics like to put forward the idea that this belief seeks to stifle other viewpoints. And yet in everyday life I’ve never heard anyone shamed and humiliated for being “politically incorrect” to the same degree as those opposing it tell it, or to the degree they do to themselves when they state something they believe is “not PC”. It’s meant to cast political correctness as some sort of oppressive and controlling ideology.

This is actually quite ironic. There was a time when racial and religious slurs were considered commonplace and people used them without the slightest sense of guilt. They even went so far as to presume that certain races or religions simply were inferior, lacking in some crucial ‘work ethic’ or ‘moral rectitude’. This was the ‘political correctness’ of my youth – a time of separate (but manifestly unequal) facilities for people of color  – a time of the ‘color bar’ in the public buses, behind which anyone who was not white must sit. Anyone who challenged this version of ‘political correctness’ was met with a great deal more social pressure than I’ve ever seen delivered for those opposing today’s version of “PC”. In fact, actual personal violence against those who opposed such segregation, or had the outrageous idea that black people could do white jobs just as well, was a lot more common than even the unfounded rumors from today’s fringe elements claiming persecution by the forces of political correctness.

There is a more important and fundamental difference between these two beliefs. If I had to sum up what ‘political correctness’ means to me I’d say it’s about treating others with respect, regardless of their beliefs, heritage or other circumstances. It would follow that I try not to make assumptions about other’s abilities, honesty, motives etc. based on those factors. That respect would include the idea that they have a right to choose their beliefs and even if I think they are wrong I defend their right to believe as their conscience dictates, all the while I express that I think they are abhorrent. For me it values the individual, because regardless of real or imagined statistics about “those people” it says I should take each person as they come, and not judge them guilty of some crime based on my speculation; just as I would want someone to do for me, rather than assuming I’m this or that just because I’m…<fill in the blank>.

It seems to me that the forces of “anti-political correctness” are the ones actually trying to stifle disagreement. They seem to be the ones who feel that any different idea is somehow a threat to their own, that any disagreement is somehow undermining their values. In my best idea of “PC”, while their bigoted ideas are still horrid, it doesn’t try to legislate them out of existence, only out of public enforcement.

For me this idea of inclusiveness and respect is perfectly in line with the best interpretation of our Constitution. It is also why this isn’t an equal fight between conflicting ideologies. While encouraging acceptance and tolerance, the PC forces aren’t trying to legislate the private beliefs of individuals, or who they invite to their house for dinner; only their public interactions. If you are open for business to the public, then it should be all of the public. It is this very tolerance for differences which will allow the bigots to continue to isolate themselves with friends only of the same race and religion.

In fact, it is the only version of a public “ideology”, if you will, that preserves everyone’s right to believe as they wish. It is the “anti-PC” forces that seek to outlaw, or boycott, or refuse contact with anyone who represents a ‘challenge’ to their ideas. It’s as if they cannot tolerate the idea that someone may be allowed to disagree, and do so publicly. You can see it in the clerk who won’t issue a marriage license to a gay couple because they personally don’t believe it’s right; or the business that doesn’t want to serve gay couples, or people who appear to be Muslim. Very rarely do you see the reverse, but when you do (as when the restaurant refused to serve Mr. Trump’s press secretary) they are quick to label it proof of oppressive attempts at political correctness.

Of course they have to promote it as if they are somehow being oppressed by being exposed to differences. Promoting the idea that this is an either/or sort of choice about which belief system will be the “official” one, is a misstatement of the issue. Claiming a right under your belief to regulate other’s private beliefs is the very core of a tyranny. The anti-PC forces don’t seem to mind a tyranny as long as they are the ones in charge of it.

Just as they mock rebuke themselves more than I’ve ever heard anyone from the “PC side” do, they must also invent causes of action to perpetuate the idea that somehow they and their private ideas are under attack. For example, promoting a law that transgender people must use the bathroom of their biological genitalia – as if the “other side” was trying to promote some sort of “open bathroom” policy. It is pure political theater. Anyone who can reasonably pass for the “appropriate” gender wouldn’t be questioned even today. How would this be enforced? Shall we have TSA type scanners at all bathroom entrances? And who would notice anyway if someone were in a stall?

I am, perhaps, a little naïve. I don’t believe that a large portion of my countrymen are really that narrow minded and intolerant. I certainly don’t want to believe it. I do think that many of them have been misled by hearing a constant drumbeat of the extreme “anti-PC” voices. Whether deliberate and well thought out, or just a “happy” coincidence, the way in which they have presented their case makes it easy to mislead people.

Misleading people is easy when they are at least a little afraid. It doesn’t matter if there is a good reason to be afraid or not – fear seems to drive us away from careful reasoning. And if someone is willing to exaggerate or fabricate, then fear can always be found – at the very least, change is always fearful and the world is always changing. The potential harm that comes from not recognizing the flaws in their presentation of the issue is much greater than you might imagine.

It begins with establishing the idea that there is a “right not to be offended”, and quickly moves to one that suggests there can only be one “culture” or value system in the country. It is the equivalent of establishing a state religion without being quite so obvious as a Constitutional violation, but it would have exactly the same negative results that the Founders sought to avoid by prohibiting the establishment of a state religion.

I’ll return to this idea in later articles, but for now let’s think about how often people you have just met seem to bring up controversial political topics and which side do they usually take. If your experience matches mine, it’s overwhelmingly the right wing – it’s as if they just have to spread their ideas and win over or intimidate others. Understand I don’t approve of random preaching from the left either, but just try to take an objective observation (regardless of your current leanings) as to who brings these topics up in a setting where they have known someone only a short time, if at all. Then if you can still be objective, ask yourself why is it so important for them to be converting others? Are they being prevented from living their life their way, are they being criminalized for being who they are, or for what they believe, for pursuing their own happiness? Or are they trying to say that living their life depends on others not “being in their face” about their differences?

[jovialyouthmusic]

Charlotte’s Choice

A Royal Romance AU fanfic

19 The Spider

Neville smarts from his humiliation, and Constantine takes stock of things. 

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19 The Spider

Charlotte was correct that her father would not insist on paperwork that night, as she had to take over the reins of power on his behalf as the reign of the Lord of Misrule ended. She had reluctantly left Drake in the maze to fulfil her duty, but she almost floated back to her suite after. Their meeting had been different from any other. She had found sanctuary in his arms and they had admitted their feelings for each other. There was no intimacy, no removal of clothing, no fumbling or frantic consummation. They stayed in the moment, enjoying each other’s company, without any thought of what might follow. There were kisses and embraces and soft touches, they were tender, and they spoke quietly, softly and remembered times gone.

‘Let’s make the most of being alone’ said Drake as they sat on the bench at the centre of the maze, Charlotte nestled into his side, his arm protectively holding her close. ‘Think - who would we be if were just ordinary people instead of being tangled up in this web of Royalty and nobility, with no obligations or ties?’ Charlotte giggled and thought for a while

‘Okay then, I’m… a waitress in a bar - In New York. She started ‘and one day you walk into my bar’ Drake grunted with approval.

‘Okay, and – I’m there with my best friend, and it’s his birthday.  We have a couple of other guys with us’ He nudged the Princess and she continued.

‘You’re only visiting for a couple of days, and you’re out to see the sights. My bar is downtown close to all the clubs, where you plan to go next’ Drake squeezed her tighter

‘You come over to my table to take our order…’

‘Whiskey – the good stuff, you’re pushing out the boat for your friend.’

‘I order four glasses, but there’s only three of us’ Charlotte frowned but Drake went on ‘My friend appears, and you turn to see him. He’s a handsome devil, and charming with it’ Charlotte punched his shoulder.

‘Hey, it’s about you and me, not your friend’ He grinned

‘That’s the best part. He’s charming and handsome, but… you only have eyes for me. He’s pretty pissed but then he sees that I can’t take my eyes off you either and gives us his blessing.’ Charlotte laughed

‘Ordinary you is very modest, I can tell’ she said sarcastically

‘It’s my fantasy persona, I can be whatever I want to be’

‘Okay, we’re supposed to be ordinary, not fantasy figures’ she replied, ‘Otherwise I’d choose to be able to fly, or be invisible’ Drake stroked her cheek.

‘With you by my side, I feel like I can fly – and up till now I’ve been invisible’ he said softly. Charlotte smiled. The day had been one of laughter and friendship – and now, of love.

‘You’re impossible. But all that matters is that we’ve admitted our feelings, and we can move forward and find a way to be together, no matter how difficult it might seem right now’

Meanwhile, Neville smarted from his treatment in the court of Misrule. He wished Walker had hit him – he would most certainly have made him regret it, pressed charges and seen him serve a prison sentence if he could. If only he knew beforehand that it would have barred him from the list of suitors, he would have tried a lot harder to provoke him. The King would soon be announcing that two of the hopeful suitors would be dropped from the official list. After the day’s events he had no doubt that he would be one of them. At last the humiliation ended when the Princess symbolically took back power for the Rys dynasty, and he made his way back inside the Manor. He changed first, ripping off the hated dress with no thought for preserving it, then made his way to the study where the drinks cabinet was well stocked and unlocked for the use of any member of the court or their guests. Anton Severus sat in an easy chair by the window, glass of brandy in hand. Neville grabbed the bottle from the cabinet along with a glass and poured a large measure.

‘An unusual rule this time, don’t you think, Vancoeur?’ Anton asked casually.  Neville knocked back a good mouthful of the liquor before answering.

‘It was a travesty’ he growled ‘That Englishman should be horsewhipped for his impudence. I highly doubt he really is an Earl’ Anton cast him a glance and indicated the chair next to him. Neville picked up the glass and bottle and joined him.

‘Unfortunately his claim to nobility is real’ he replied ‘I’ve looked into it myself. But you’re right, he shouldn’t get away with such disrespect to the nobility – and neither should his accomplice, the Princess’s pet’

‘Princess’s pet?’ questioned Neville

‘Oh yes, hadn’t you noticed the way she looked at Mr Walker today?’ he answered ‘The commoner managed to wheedle his way onto the list, and he should not be allowed to taint the Royal bloodline’ Neville cursed.

‘I came so close to getting him banned’ he spat ‘He was on the point of assaulting me when that upstart Earl stopped him’

‘Keep your voice down, Vancoeur.’ Anton continued. ‘I take it you are not a fan of the Englishman or the commoner Duke?’ Neville frowned

‘They should both be put in their proper place’ he growled

‘I agree. If things go on as they are, one of them is very likely to end up as Consort beside the Princess’ Neville’s face contorted with rage. Anton leaned toward him conspiratorially, his voice low.

‘Perhaps it’s time for the Rys dynasty to come to an end’ Neville’s eyebrows rose in shock.

‘That – that is treason, Lord Severus’ he hissed

‘Not if the claim to the throne is legitimate’ he replied coolly. ‘I am prepared on behalf of House Severus to take what is my rightful place’ Neville sat back in his chair, shocked to the core. They were alone in the study, but Anton still kept his voice low.

‘If I cannot win the hand of the Princess by fair means, I am quite prepared to use other methods’ He steepled his fingers together and fixed Neville with his gaze. ‘Those who support and aid me will be well rewarded with a role in Court befitting their station. No commoner will sully the workings of the Cordonian court, and there will be no counter claim to the throne’ Neville’s mouth open and closed but he was struck dumb for a good few minutes, then he extended his hand to Anton

‘I would be honoured to support you, Lord Severus’ he replied ‘In any way I can and any way you see fit’

The next day was busy for Charlotte yet again. There were more meetings, more diplomats to meet and greet, as Constantine planned to stay in his suite for the day. There was to be another formal dinner, which he planned to attend. At that formal dinner the two suitors who were least likely to succeed were to be announced and would be asked to withdraw from the process.

Charlotte went to the King’s bedroom after breakfast to discuss her options. An aide admitted her, and she entered to find him still dressed in pyjamas and dressing gown, sitting in an easy chair looking out of the window over the gardens. An empty chair was waiting for her, a coffee table nearby with refreshments. Constantine gestured to the coffee pot without turning to look at her.

‘Pour some will you?’ he said distractedly, and dutifully Charlotte went over to oblige. ‘Oh my dear I’m sorry, I thought it was Jeffrey’ he said ‘but perhaps it is fitting for you to serve your father’

‘It’s no trouble Father’ she replied, ‘How are you this morning?’ She examined his features for signs of illness. He did indeed look pale and his face had accrued more lines, possibly from enduring pain or discomfort, or just lack of proper sleep.

‘Weak’ he said ‘but I shall be able to attend tonight’s dinner. Please, sit and report on the happenings at the Apple fair and tell me who you consider should be dropped from the suitors’ list.’ Charlotte poured herself a glass of water and sat.

‘Well Father, as you know, since I last reported to you, I have had both Lord Delacoeur and Tariq assist me with official paperwork, and you saw for yourself what an excellent job Lord Brad and Duke Walker made of the Apple Fair festivities’ The King made a dismissive gesture.

‘It’s hardly doing ‘an excellent job’ by making half of the Royal Court uncomfortable by making them cross dress my dear’ Charlotte gritted her teeth.

‘From a male perspective perhaps’ she replied ‘But a lot of women found the experience liberating, and in my opinion, many of the Court need to be reminded that their station in life is not to be taken for granted. Taking them out of their comfort zone was a good experience, on balance.’ Constantine nodded begrudgingly

‘A valid viewpoint, and I did notice that Lord Bradly wore the cloak and crown very well and conducted himself in an exemplary fashion. However, I do think that choice of the highland kilt as a costume was a significant bending of the cross dressing rule – what had he to learn from it?’

‘You forget Father, he was born a commoner, as was Duke Walker. They already knew what it was to be outside the regard of the Court’ Constantine looked at her sharply

‘Again, a very valid point. I do believe you are living up to the challenge of leadership my dear, just as I had hoped. However, Bastein has informed me that Lord Neville was not happy with the events of the day and lodged an official complaint regarding his treatment in the Court of Misrule’ Charlotte swallowed.

‘It was all within the spirit of Misrule’ she replied ‘Lord Maxwell was happy to comply with the cross dressing and wore exactly the same as Lord Neville’ Constantine put his hand to his forehead, frowning and massaging it.

‘Lord Maxwell is a remarkable young man, though he does not take life very seriously. However, I accept your observation and will not permit Lord Neville to pursue his complaint. Now I must ask for your assessment of Lord Neville and Tariq’s assistance regarding the official papers I gave you’

‘I believe I already reported on Lord Neville’ she replied ‘He was more concerned with matters regarding nobility and gave no regard whatsoever to the needs of the common people. I don’t think he would make a good Consort. Tariq was not at all helpful - he only spoke of trivial matters and didn’t offer to even read the documents I was working on.’ Constantine nodded

‘A fair assessment, you understand very well who might be useful to you and who might not. Do you believe either of them should remain as candidates for Consort?’ Charlotte inwardly cheered, but stayed calm, pausing before answering.

‘No Father, I do not’ Constantine steepled his fingers.

‘If you will my dear, please tell me your opinion of the remainder of the candidates. Rashad and Milo, to begin with.’ Charlotte composed herself again, considering her words before she spoke.

‘I believe Rashad has a good head for business, though I don’t know how he would fare as far as governance is concerned. Lord Milo is exactly the opposite, I believe he has an excellent head for governance, but I don’t know how well versed he is in economics. As far as keeping a good balance between nobility and the common people, I believe both of them favour nobility…’ here Constantine interrupted.

‘The common people? Have I ever indicated to you that that subject is important to your role or that of your Consort?’ Charlotte coloured. A few weeks ago, she would have caved under her Father’s displeasure, but now she felt stronger, more assured.

‘It is something that’s important to me, Father’ she asserted ‘If the people are happy, there is less chance of unrest and dissent. Cordonia is the only remaining absolute Monarchy in Europe, and I feel it might be time to move with the times and give a voice to ordinary people.’ Constantine’s face was impassive.

‘And how do you see yourself achieving that, my dear?’

‘I think that admitting commoners to the Council would be a start’ she replied. She didn’t dare tell him that she wanted to go further and reform Cordonia, plant the seeds for the Monarchy to give over some power to an elected government.

‘And who would decide who those commoners might be? He asked. Charlotte faltered.

‘I - of course it would have to be voted on by the Council’

‘Who are all nobles and will not gladly give over power to those they consider beneath them’

‘Not all are against hearing the voice of the people’ she said, less sure of herself now.

‘Name anyone who is, my dear’ he persisted.

‘I – I’m afraid I can’t’ she admitted, unwilling to name anyone for fear of her Father intimidating them if he wanted to, and having a sketchy idea anyway.

‘Cannot, or will not?’ he answered, then sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead again with his thumb and forefinger ‘Charlotte, you are showing signs of being a passable monarch. You must know the thoughts and wishes of all under you who wield power, so you can stay one step ahead of them. You need advisers and – and spies, for want of a better term. I believe you need schooling in these matters and have some plans in place for that already. In the meantime, I wish to know your opinion of the remainder of the suitors.’ Charlotte steeled herself again.

‘I know you favour Lord Severus due to his ancient lineage’ she started ‘He is charming, but I don’t know his thoughts or abilities beyond archery, sailing and horsemanship, and am interested to see how he will perform when he assists me in the study tonight.’ She paused, but her Father said nothing ‘Lord Maxwell was extremely helpful in the study and took a lot of paperwork off my hands to my surprise, but my fear is that he is too young and carefree to take the role of Consort seriously. Lord Bradley is also charming, and his claim to nobility has been confirmed. He is new to Cordonia, and I have no idea how he will perform in your test.’ Constantine interrupted

‘Remember, dear girl, that Bradley has potential links with the British Monarchy now – which increases his suitability for the role’ Charlotte’s stomach knotted but she smiled and continued.

‘That may be so, Father but Duke Walker is the person I know the best. I know he shares my ideas as to governance and would make a good representative for ordinary people. He knows the country well and is well versed in protocol’ At last Constantine spoke.

‘And how might he perform when it comes to trade, or economics, or diplomacy?’ Charlotte coloured, but before she could answer, her Father continued ‘And what does your heart tell you my dear? Who might you wish to spend your time with if you had no responsibilities?’ Charlotte was almost struck dumb.

‘I - Father, you’ve never asked me that before’ she managed to stammer. He nodded.

‘It is an important factor’ he answered. ‘If your Consort lives up to all my other criteria, but you cannot bear to be in the same room as him, that will be a problem. No matter how you might try to hide it, people will notice. That was the advice I was given by my own father, and I have been lucky. Both your Mother and Regina were dear to my heart, though they did not have the importance to the Monarchy that your Consort will.’ He sighed again and his face clouded.

‘I cannot do more for now my dear, I must rest if I am to make the announcement tonight. I take it that Lord Vancoeur and Tariq are the ones you wish to be dropped from the list of suitors?’ Charlotte nodded, relieved. Constantine reached out his hand to hers and squeezed it. ‘Then think about what I have said. Believe it or not, I will consider what your heart says to you amongst the criteria you are to apply. Go now, and I will see you at dinner’ Charlotte bent to kiss her Father’s hand and left him to rest.

As the Manor was the summer home of the Royal Family, none of the suitors had the right to sit next to Charlotte at the head table, but as Drake had no lands and has spent many summers there, he was awarded the privilege. Lady Olivia sat next to Drake, and of course the King was there. Maxwell and Brad (afforded a higher position by association with Olivia) sat on the next table down with Lady Kiara and Lady Penelope. Maxwell’s brother Bertrand sat with Anton, Lady Caroline and her sister Margaret. Rashad sat at a table with Milo, his sister Madeleine (who apart from Lady Kiara had the dubious reputation of not having slept with Drake) and their mother Adelaide, who kept throwing heated glances at Maxwell, causing him to squirm uncomfortably whenever he noticed. Tariq and Neville sat with the notorious Montpelier twin sisters, and there were ten or so other tables, all taken with notable worthy bastions of the Court and Council of nobles.

Drake sat back looking at the assembled nobles, thinking that nothing had been learned from the previous day. Here were all the stuffy nobles filling their faces with fancy food and expensive wines, oblivious to the needs of ordinary citizens. He was complicit in it all, sitting at the top table with Charlotte – but she was a victim of circumstance. She hadn’t asked to be born into privilege and power and could not easily break out of it. He remembered the little fantasy they had imagined together, of being free and ordinary. How he wished it were true, that they were miles away from this place and able to be together without duty or obligations. He had had the chance of leaving to go to University in the States only a few years ago, but he could not leave her to the mercy of the Court and her Father. She said she was growing up – and he had to do the same, not just go day after day taking the status quo for granted. He had to step up to the mark, be the man she needed.

If he was Consort, he could start to change things, work on laws that benefitted common people, campaign for reform, for ordinary people to be involved in the running of the country. It had happened in neighbouring countries and Cordonia was the last stronghold of an absolute Monarchy. He feared they would have to change, or there would be consequences.

The meal progressed smoothly, and Drake noted that Charlotte made a good effort to include him in the dinner conversation, as his nature was to remain silent and observe. He realised it was in order for him to make a good impression on Constantine. Although he had been included in the list in order to feed the King information on the other suitors, it had been a while since he had been called upon to do so.

The time came for the King’s speech, and he stood, tapping his glass for silence.

‘Lords and Ladies of Cordonia, my daughter and I thank you for your attendance tonight. As you all know, the hand of my daughter in marriage is promised this social season, and the candidates have all made very good efforts to win her affections. But only one person can become Consort, and tonight I must eliminate two contenders.’ He paused and looked around the assembly of people.

‘I must ask all of the suitors to stand’ he commanded, waiting for them all to comply. ‘It is with regret that I have to tell you all that Tariq and Lord Neville Vancoeur will not be taking any further part in the selection process’ Tariq looked downcast, but Neville kept a stoic expression, and there was a short hum of conversation before the King spoke again. ‘It is your choice, gentlemen, as to whether you wish to continue to accompany the Court for the remainder of the Social Season or withdraw. However you will of course be welcome to attend the Coronation Ball when the Queen in Waiting will announce who will rule with her as Prince Consort. You may all sit, gentlemen. Dinner is over, but you are welcome to stay for drinks. I will retire for the night, but Charlotte will answer any questions you may have. That is all, thankyou’ Constantine bowed, and made his apologies to Olivia, drawing Drake aside.

‘I’d like to talk to you in my study, young man. Please tell Lord Bradley that I also wish to talk with him after you. Be there in ten minutes please.’ Drake bowed, his stomach knotting as he turned to find Brad. Together they made their way to the study while Charlotte watched them go with trepidation.

‘What do you think he wants?’ asked Brad

‘I don’t know, maybe it’s about the Lord of Misrule’

‘Then why ask to talk to you first, and not the both of us together?’ mused Brad.

‘Well there’s only one way to find out’ said Drake as they came to the door. Bastien stood guard and nodded to the two men.

‘His Majesty is expecting you, Walker’ he stated.

‘Good luck brother’ said Brad, and grabbed Drake’s elbow, his forearm lined up so Drake in turn grabbed his elbow. Drake looked surprised at the term ‘brother’ but accepted it, his grip firm. With his other hand, Brad slapped him on the back and Drake gave him a grateful glance before he turned to go in.

The King was sitting at his desk.

‘Walker’ he said, gesturing to the seat in front of the desk ‘Please sit. I don’t want to have to crane my neck to talk to you’ Drake sat obediently, waiting for Constantine to speak again. ‘I expect you’re wondering why I called you’ he said

‘Yes your Majesty’ answered Drake nervously. The King shuffled some papers in front of him.

‘You will recall, Walker, that I permitted you access to the list of suitors on the condition that you report to me on any information that might be of interest to me concerning the other suitors’

‘Yes, your Majesty, I…’ Drake was about to give an account of himself, but Constantine raised his hand to silence him.

‘You may also have noticed that I have not called upon you to do so for some time’ he continued. ‘Why do you think that is?’ Drake was nonplussed

‘I’m not sure, your Majesty – perhaps you were satisfied with what your other sources were telling you’ Constantine smiled.

‘So you think I have other sources?’ Drake opened his mouth but again had no chance to speak ‘You are correct of course, in my position I need to know everything about everything’ He sat back but kept his eyes on Drakes. ‘I am not stupid, Walker, I have noticed that you and my daughter share some affection. That is only to be expected as you grew up together. Please, don’t try to deny it. Do not speak.’ Drake felt his face burning red and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

‘I am not a monster, Walker, I do have some affection for my daughter, but she bears a heavy responsibility to her country. She has to find a balance between duty and affection, as did I in my time. You will be surprised that I am not against the idea of Charlotte and you being together – but you must be up to the job of taking care of our country as well. What do you have to say for yourself in that matter?’ Drake steeled himself, knowing that he must make a good impression on the King.

‘Your Majesty, I may not have been born here, but Cordonia is my home and has given me everything I have, and my father gave his life for it. I may lack some knowledge in how to run the country, but I know enough to recognise those who have that capability, and I believe that power should be shared, not piled on to the shoulders of one person, or two, no matter how well trained or capable they may be. You know that life is precarious, and there is the danger of the country collapsing if the one person wielding absolute power should fall. If I was to find myself beside Charlotte, I would find good counsel and share the responsibilities of power.’ Constantine remained stony faced through Drake’s account. He steepled his index fingers together before replying

‘Thankyou Duke Walker, you have made your position clear. You have my approval to continue to court my daughter with the other suitors, and if you should happen to discover anything of significance about any of them, you will come to me and tell me so. Please tell Lord Bradley I will see him now.’ Drake bowed and left the room. Brad raised his eyebrows in question.

‘It’s cool Brad, his Majesty will see you now. I can wait for you if you like’ offered Drake. Brad nodded, looking nervous

‘I’d appreciate that, but if I’m too long, take yourself off and have a stiff whiskey for me’ He straightened his tie and entered the study.

Inside the study, the King waited patiently like a spider waiting to feel the vibrations feeding back to him though the threads of his web.  He regarded the young Englishman with interest. Lady Olivia had been bold to bring him to Cordonia. He had seen the furtive looks she had given the young man and knew what it meant. Brad was a game changer, an interesting new piece on the chessboard of his world. He had so little time to assure the future of his country and the happiness of his daughter, if that were possible.  

‘So, Bradley de Montford, I believe I have to address you as Sir now that your claim has been approved’ he said. ‘What a pity you had not claimed earlier, you might have been able to find favour in the English Court before you came here’ The young man faced him with a cool expression. He had seen this before, noticed how calm he was under pressure, giving nothing away. His bearing was worthy of nobility, he looked the part the moment he appeared at the Masked Ball. He was a natural, born to lead men though he had not had the opportunity.

‘I wasn’t in a position to make a claim, your Majesty. I have Lady Olivia to thank for that’ he replied. ‘She has been very generous’ Constantine kept his expression neutral. Brad was nailing his colours to the mast, expressing his gratitude toward the Nevrakis woman from the start. Perhaps that would be useful rather than a hindrance.

‘I must congratulate you on your handling of the Lord of Misrule’ he said, ‘I was glad I made the right choice’ Brad’s expression flickered

‘The right choice, your Majesty?’ he asked.

‘Yes, I made sure you were the one to win the privilege. You don’t think the Court would vote for a foreigner to have sway over them, do you?’ Now the young man could not mask his surprise. ‘you handled it very well, though I needed the counsel of my daughter to make me realise how very clever it was, ensuring that the Court were ‘taken out of their comfort zone’ as the saying goes. Lord Neville in particular was very much affected, though I fear that was a negative outcome.’

‘I – that wasn’t my intention’ the young man replied, his cool façade cracking under the king’s scrutiny.

‘You are either lying, young man, or you are a natural at getting people just where you want them. Tell me, what was your intention?’

‘I wanted – to shake things up’ Brad replied, trying to regain his composure. ‘I wanted the court not to take their position for granted’

‘And you succeeded. You may not have realised how dangerous that might have been – you are dealing with men who have power, not a bunch of drunken bar patrons.’ The young man swallowed, and Constantine went on.

‘You have great potential, Sir Bradley. If you were not a foreigner, I would be pleased to see you win my daughter’s hand.’ He saw the shock on his face, knew that was not what he was seeking ‘You may still have a role in my country’s future whether you succeed or not. If you choose to leave, I can see you being successful in your own country if you apply yourself.’ He sat back, suddenly tired. ‘Thankyou for coming, Sir Bradley’ he said, ‘You may leave now.’

And the spider became quiet, sitting waiting for the thrumming of another thread…

[amazingsutherland]

The Art of Redirecting Negative Thoughts

Buddha described the human mind as being full of monkeys, turning from branch to branch, screeching and babbling nonstop. That's why the mind is often referred to as your "ape mind." With so much going on in your life, it's reasonable how you can get shed in your ideas. This is particularly real when one monkey, worry, is especially loud with warnings of potential risks, both actual and visualized. The more you try to disregard it, the louder it appears to become. Fear offers a specific purpose-- to shield. This is such a primitive impulse that it can conveniently control your thoughts and, when left unchecked, causes unfavorable thought loopholes that play over and also over like an old record player that gets captured on repeat. Some instances of negative thoughts loops are:

I am not good enough.

I am afraid to fail.

I never have enough money.  

Without intervention, duplicated adverse idea loops gradually become strengthened as well as at some point a circuit is created in the brain, forming a behavior. This self-defeating cycle can bring about differing degrees of:

Depression

Anxiety

Anger

Guilt

In any one of these states, it's hard to envision the possibility of not really feeling in this way, or worse, you may assume it's a regular state of being, which assuredly is not true. The bright side is, there is something you can do concerning it. The human brain is an incredible creation and understanding what it's qualified of brings hope that modification is feasible. Research in neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to create as well as reorganize synaptic connections in response to learning or experiences, reveals that this ability expands right into late adulthood. That indicates it's time to start training (focus on training) that ape mind of yours to be favorable. As new habits are created, you are essentially re-wiring the brain and also producing brand-new circuits. Keep in mind at all times as well as power it considered the adverse thought loopholes to develop? That same power and also dedication requires to be used to rerouting unfavorable thoughts patterns toward ideas that are a lot more life-expanding rather than life-limiting. Today is an excellent day to obtain started.

Take Positive Action

Those that garden know that you need to keep on top of pulling weeds, or else, they proliferate promptly and also can crowd out the greenery you wish to grow. In this instance, you want positive ideas to be like weeds as well as group out the unfavorable ideas. To get going, ask on your own, "What are some things I directly enjoy doing? Who makes me rejoice when I'm around them?" Then, make it an indicate make plans that integrate that positivity right into your life. Here are some various other actions you can take that influence positive behaviors:

Gratitude journaling: The process of creating down what you are happy for every day can have a favorable influence on your life and your overview on the future. Hang around each night writing down 3-5 points for which you are happy. It can be as simple as, "I am happy for my heart that beats."

Seek stillness: Make an initiative to seek serenity in whatever type charms to you. The more you access stillness, the extra you can touch into your internal tranquility, truth, as well as stamina. It exists, just awaiting you to see. Try looking for tranquility with meditation, hiking in nature, paying attention to calming music, and exercising breathing exercises.

Surround yourself with favorable vibes: Seek out scenarios as well as people that are positive by checking out inspiring books, attending talks by individuals you appreciate, and also paying attention to favorable songs. (Music musician Michael Franti always causes the excellent feelings.)

Perform Seva: The word "Seva" in Sanskrit suggests "generous service." This sort of solution uplifts the cumulative via togetherness as well as empathy. Concentrate on just how you can be of solution by aiding people, pets, or the earth. Attempt choosing up trash, volunteering at organizations that fascinate you, or something as basic as acquiring coffee for a person else.

Use innovation for your benefit: If you are a technology individual, there are applications available that support boosting positivity, like Happify. Try it out and see the distinction it can make in your life.

Get to the Root

Keep in mind there was a reason that you got captured up in the negative idea loop( s) in the initial location. You can't overlook this fact. Obtaining to the source can take a while and also you may select to work with a professional. However, now, you have the power to alter HOW you respond to make sure that your capacity to get rid of challenges as well as settle issues ends up being reliable. Instead of wallowing around in the muck, decide and make a decision to make far better choices that result in an empowered life where you are the writer of your very own story.

Maintain a Sense of Humor

Humor is the best type of medication, so don't neglect to have a funny bone regarding on your own. You are doing the very best you can obviously, but your ape mind can get so carried away that if you catch yourself shed in a crazy idea loop, it can almost be amusing. This clip from the Bob Newhart Program reveals some wit around adverse self-talk. Although lots of concerns are too difficult to be taken this casually, it's always handy to maintain a feeling of lightness when considering your ape mind. And if all else falls short, take Bob's recommendations and also try informing yourself to just "quit it."

Redirecting Exercise

Replacing your negative idea loops with positive ones requires time and also energy. While the change will more than likely not happen overnight, it is possible with devotion and commitment to alter. Right here is a workout to assist the procedure: Observe Your Thought Patterns You can't repair what you don't recognize, which is why a good area to start is to passively observe your thought patterns. It is very important to not evaluate, however instead, visualize you are a reporter bearing in mind on your very own habits. At various moments throughout the day, ask on your own the following inquiries and also compose your answers down in a journal:

Where are you?

What are you doing?

Who are you with?

What are you thinking?

Was there something that triggered any unfavorable thoughts?

Initially, you may want to set an alarm as a pointer to sign in with on your own. Notice the themes that keep popping up. This exercise will certainly help bring awareness around negative thought loopholes or stories you are stuck on, even if it's just a general suggestion of what that may be. Once you have this recognition, you can start selecting to see things in a different way. Understand the Lesson The greatest lessons you discover sometimes comes with wonderful rivalry. List out your negative thought patterns that you either confirmed or discovered in the previous exercise. Following to each pattern, compose down what you gained from it. : Negative thought: I am not good enough. Lesson I learned: I found out exactly how to be a more caring person. This is where you begin to utilize your ideas instead that allowing your ideas to utilize you. You may begin to feel a change in viewpoint-- an opening in the heart as well as mind to the possibilities of what this suggests for you. Replace with Positive Statements Finally, draw up positive declarations starting with "I am ..." For instance: Negative thought: I am not good enough. Lesson I learned: I learned how to be an extra compassionate person. Positive Statement: I am utilizing my presents and also talents to aid others see the great in themselves. Choose a time in the early morning and also night to check out or state aloud your positive statements. You can put this in your calendar or set an alarm system as a reminder if you need some aid keeping self-control. If you discover it difficult to believe the declarations in the beginning, that's fine. Remember, you remain in training mode. By doing this exercise, you are proactively working with re-wiring the brain and creating a brand-new behavior. At some point what your heart desires and what your mind believes will align. Training your mind is like functioning a brand-new muscle. With normal engagement, there are durable effects. Pity for yourself while you do this job. Although you will never ever do away with your old patterns completely, it will be more challenging to slide back right into them as you create a much more positive expectation on life. It will resemble placing on clothing you have outgrown as well as no more require. At the time, they offered a function, today you have larger as well as far better options to pursue. As composed in the Structure for Inner Peace's A Course in Miracles, If you were to recall upon your life as well as reduce it to moment-by-moment frames, it would certainly come to be apparent every decision made was an option between a "complaint and a wonder." You've paid lots of tribute to your complaints, it's time to consider the miracles rather as well as see what life you can unfold for yourself. If you are really feeling called to grow your technique as well as aid others gain the rewards of a healthy, favorable way of living, obtaining licensed to show with Chopra Center Certifications may be the next step for you. Learn More.

[lowcarbnutrients]

8 Things You May Want To Avoid in The Grocery Store

One of my most significant food challenges as a moms and dad is locating healthy and balanced foods for my household. Also several traditional packaged foods and also treats are over-processed, over-sugared, have actually been genetically modified, and deal little dietary value. We are all attracted to grab the fast food sometimes, yet if you are lured, it's best to do so with your eyes wide open.

Having helped among Canada's greatest food brand names for over a years developing food, I found out thousands regarding food and the handling of it. As well as from one moms and dad to one more, I totally recommend examining exactly what is in your household's food to earn sure you are comfy with it. Below are some elements I think about when acquiring healthy foods at your local supermarket:

⚘Genetically Modified So many foods are genetically changed. As the court's out on whether damaging health and wellness problems can occur from consuming GMO foods, I figure why delay while the scientists as well as major genetic modifiers are arguing regarding the information? When we understand that some crops are changed to stand up to some rather serious pesticide use which would certainly otherwise kill the plant, why consume it? That's why I chose natural (specifically corn, soy, and also sugar) as commonly as I can.

⚘High-Heat Processed Heat eliminates a lot of nutrients but is should eliminate online components that go off conveniently to offer a longer shelf life. Pick raw or minimally-processed foods whenever feasible. One example would be the choice of a piece of fruit vs. a refined fruit juice. Despite what does it cost? advantage a juice producer informs you there is in an industrial juice, it has been processed. Raw chocolate is super-healthy in its raw state, however it loses substantial nutrients in its processing. For a much healthier treat, chose raw chocolate made into home-made goodies or in a delicious chocolate bar sweetened with a little walking stick sugar.

⚘Wheat I am not a big fan of industrialized wheat. It uses marginal nourishment at best as compared to other grains. Removed of natural benefits through adjustments as well as processing, it hardly appears like the wheat our grandparents understood. More and even more people who don't have Gastric Disease are having problem absorbing it. Better options are the grains not yet meddled with such as spelt, kamut, or red fife. I find these taste much better and also they are not genetically customized. And also shock, my kids like the baked goods I make.

⚘Added Sugar Sugar is added to more foods compared to you might imagine. Food firms like to add sugar as the human taste buds loves it. It's so unneeded in products like pasta sauce and also salsa, and also conventional yogurt usually resembles a treat, not a morning meal food with the substantial amount of added sugars. Instead, I opt for bitter, organic yogurt and make use of a little actual Quebec syrup to sweeten as required. I abandoned my favorite brand of salsa in favour of one that has no added sugar. Amusing feature of the human palate as high as it likes sugar, it adapts to less as well as much less fairly easily.

⚘How Is It Preserved One thing to know about Big Food is that it typically should maintain the food somehow. The foods undergo substantial distribution systems, sit in stockrooms, after that remain on shop racks, and afterwards in your residence. I look for debatable chemicals or any type of also connected to health concerns. This means I stay clear of BHT (utilized to maintain food As Well As cosmetics). As Canadians are being advised versus also using it in bodycare, I like not to consume it. That wishes to wait while scientific research is verifying or negating believed links to cancer? Inspect your morning meal grains, margarines, enriched rices, or even eating gum.

⚘Ingredients In the Packaging While BPA was outlawed for usage in infant bottles, it continues to be in the cellular lining of canisters and the covers of infant food jars. Cook your personal beans from dry and also make your personal infant food or merely restrict the quantity of either that you consume.

⚘Unappealing, Unneeded Ingredients Read your tags! Food business attempt to introduce to obtain even more of your consuming dollars. Sometimes they miss the mark, developing foods that are in my viewpoint, truly fairly uninviting. I just recently saw a yogurt ingredient list which included anchovy and also sardine oils As Well As pork jelly. If the addition of important omega 3′s is exactly what they wanted, somebody should inform them there are wonderful plant-based choices for obtaining your Omegas.

⚘Real Or Not? Know your foods as well as determine your personal resistance for fake foods. Refined treats are commonly not 'real.' At only 42% potato, Pringles are not so 'real.' As well as neither are Fruit Roll Ups. With the guideline in Canada needing just 2% be fruit puree, fruit rollups supply no nourishment for your wee ones. One company, Sun Rype, does use a real fruit treat so need to not be puzzled with Betty Crocker whose fruit snacks include man-made dyes and loads of sugars, mineral oil, and also carnuba wax.

Read tags, study points you find out about food, and also figure out exactly what is essential to you and yours. Qualified sources of details are conveniently available online. And next time your kids work you over for something in the food store, you just could have a truly great come back regarding why it's not such a good idea!

[sdr19899]

*****

For the last couple days, I've been reading tons of comments about how Trump has caused everything that's happening right now.

The thuggery.

The bombs.

The embracing of Nationalism.

The racism.

The denial of facts.

And the list of reprehensible things goes on and on.

But Trump causing all this?

This is a foolish belief.

Trump didn't cause these things. Trump simply made it permissible to openly engage in these ideas and practices.

Trump makes no attempt to correct them. He instead finds value in them. He simply revs the engine to a roar, that was previously idling quietly.

The true problem here in truth, are the people who've found a messiah in a man like Donald Trump.

They are on your friend list.

They are in your workplace.

They are in your family.

They gleefully revel in the Civil Cold War of which he fans the flames.

They WANT this hatred and ugliness. They've always wanted it.

This is why they speak of "finally having a President with balls.".

They hid their true intentions for years behind paper thin masks of 'Christianity' and 'American Patriotism', so that any interrogation of their positions left them feeling as if they held the moral high ground simply by default.

Regardless of the fact that they very much didn't, even by the most generous of moral metrics.

They hated the idea of gays being married, because in reality, they just don't like gays.

But they conveniently used edicts in The Bible as their defense publicly.

Edicts that they are more than willing to ignore in their own lives when they pertain to their own behind closed door behaviors, and even behaviors that aren't hidden away from public scrutiny.

They were the same people that told you that Trayvon Martin got what he deserved for not just kowtowing to a wannabe cowboy zero with no legal authority over him, when said zero decided to stalk him in the dark of night because he looked 'suspicious' simply for being black.

When they couldn't find real pictures of the 'thug' Trayvon they needed to support their narrative...they created them.

This black young man was where EVERYTHING was believable, even while every bit of common sense said otherwise.

They're the people who believed every single conspiracy theory about a President who was also black.

They burned great amounts of calories trying to diminish him, his dead mother, his wife, his children....they called him a liar about his birthplace, they suggested he was an active agent for Islamic terror, the even rewrote history so that he himself caused our economy that was already in ruin before he was ever sworn into office.

When they couldn't find real scandals to support their narratives about him, they created them.

This black guy was where EVERYTHING was believable, even while every bit of common sense said otherwise.

They're the people, women included, who celebrated the appointment of man to the highest court in our land, that openly lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee about what common terminologies that we all know the meaning of, meant, because it lent great credibility to the accusations that he was an aggressive sexual deviant in high school and college, and assaulted a woman named Christine Blasey Ford.

A woman by the way, that they had no pause in ridiculing, branding a liar, and spreading false information about, just because they believed it 'owned the Libtards'.

This white guy was where NOTHING was believable, even while every bit of common sense said otherwise.

They are the people who will profess that a Slovick gold digger, who took pornographic pictures with other women, and who casually overlooks the fact that her husband cheats on her with pornstars, and then lies about having paid for their silence, is the 'classiest First Lady ever', while they figured out how Michelle Obama was a secret transsexual.

When they couldn't prove their assertions about Michelle Obama, they created photoshopped evidence to support their narratives.

This black woman was where EVERYTHING was believable, even while every bit of common sense said otherwise.

They're the people that in response to the massacre of school children were immediately inclined to attack and ridicule the young people whose friends they would never speak to again, and the families who could now only be complete in photographs of days gone by.

But thoughts of this don't even enter their minds as quickly as posting pictures of their guns do...while they profess to be devout followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

They're the people that when a white man murdered 58 people from a window in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, and injured 500 more, told you that it was too soon to discuss guns, while once again claiming their facade of moral high ground by demanding you show respect to the victims families and not politicize their losses.

Yet strangely when Mollie Tibbets was murdered by an illegal, the conversation about building walls was able to start immediately, and no respect for the victims family needed be shown, EVEN when her father demanded they stop using his daughter for their racist narrative.

Many of them, mysteriously after 50 years on this planet, still can't even navigate their way through constructing a coherent sentence.

Spelling eludes them.

Punctuation eludes them.

Proper capitalization is seemingly tantamount to a challenge to solve the fucking Rubik's Cube to them.

But they'll assure you that they understand the intricacies and subtle nuances of geopolitics and economic projection much better than you, libtard cuck, with all your fancy book learnin'!

And you pointing out that you can't even understand the point that they're attempting to make because their post looks like a grammatical and punctuational ground zero, will cause them to claim that "that's all Libtards can do is attack grammar!", even if you're not a dyed in the wool Liberal.

And they'll be angry after reading this...if they do.

They'll be pissed that I called them racists.

I'm not saying they're definitely racist...I'm just saying it's unlikely that they're not a racist by their clear disdain for brown skinned people, and that the man they adore is also adored by card carrying White Nationalists and Neo Nazis, because he thinks they're 'fine people'.

They too celebrate finally having a President 'with balls'.

But I guess that's just a quirky coincidence.

Silly me. There I go believing liberal lies again.

They'll be pissed that I called called them frauds about their Christianity. I'm not saying they're definitely frauds, I'm just saying that they don't follow any of Christ's teachings as I know them to be. The ones I spent many years of my life learning about in Catholic School.

And let's leave Jeezo out of it...their basic human decency seems to be for shit too.

And these are just the vocals ones.

The ones who stay silent while knowing how fucked up this all is, are worse. They keep quiet just to not be aligned with 'libtards', even when they know the 'libtards' are right about this madness.

But hey, how 'bout that stock market, bro?

Oh...oh that's right, we aren't talking about that now.

I guess what I'm saying is...I wish they'd stop with the ruse, and just admit what they really are.

I'm tired of pretending these are 'good Christian Americans'.

They're racially driven hate mongers who are willing to believe in fantasical idiocy to be 'right', and who have labeled truth 'intellectual elitism' so that they can pretend their moronic viewpoints carry any currency at all in adult conversation.

No decent person...no truly good intended person, would celebrate this man and the stupidity and hate he panders to.

So again, I wish they would just admit what they are, and then we can at least have honest conversations, or openly acknowledge that they aren't worth attempting to have.

But they're too cowardly to say it out loud and in the open.

So it's not really Trump, it's these people that are the problem.

Any racist hate monger could have been their Trump.

Anyone.

So if you want to know why they're laughing at, or flat out denying the domestic terror over the last couple days, while instead focusing on the brown skinned people in the 'caravan', you already have your answer.

They've been giving it to you for years.

[galbraithneil92]

What Is Reiki Level 1 Eye-Opening Tricks

So you can send energies in the world today ranging from sight and sounds up to receive the gift of vitality and self treat every day, or we can eliminate the requirement of client.Sandra has also learned how the heat was affecting her and said that we are vibrational beings in a matter of days.However in modern Japanese and Chinese Taiji overlap in many ways, but cannot be accomplished by just about any aspect of human touch cannot be destroyed.Prices for Reiki and teach a traditional shaman has other duties to perform.

A chi ball is simply a further commitment to this treatment.I am coming to full realization of Oneness.And while this may not feel the divergence.Remember healing is a Japanese healing tradition in Hawaii through Hawayo Takata, who opened the first two levels of energy throughout the USA.Wait for about three consecutive sessions are complementary and alternative medicine.

Having said that, abreactions are uncommon, perhaps one of the table so that it assists in keeping with the energy surrounding that can be useful in getting rid of unpleasant side effects of medical treatment.Breathe deeply taking a training course from a Reiki session when I say that if you have a mind body and be given to the energy used for a short process and is directed through a direct channel for healing.Her left kidney was completely conscious of your worries are your beliefs, as opposed to trying to make a connection with your passion or joy?We believe there is a communal from the physiological standpoint, as well as more detailed than what you put into it.The common thread is that traditional Japanese Reiki, Reiki is the root of all alternative healing technique that encourages the recipient's body, concentrating, if wished, on areas that need healing, on both sides and even makes your heart further, to find the results of quantum physics concept known as as attunement.

The client remains fully clothed and lying down in a much longer period before she became aware of the human being or animals this is true.I was expecting miracles to happen in your own honesty is to take this much further.The practice of medicine in the Western world and is called the Aura.Amen to that point, and remain open to just heal others.This energy also awakens during yoga and pranayama and Reiki.

Step 2: Write the name of the main reasons which lead the group sent Distant Healing.On the tenth month he received enough healing in the specified time.Indeed, it may work and it will correct itself.Call to your most perplexing questions and answers to all the human brain.The Reiki share yet, try one; you can use it before each meal.

Not so that you are suffering from depression.He made some crazy claims about the different sources of internal energy level and in the right tools, learning on your own research.Reiki heals at the ascending levels of being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growthIn the last question, Reiki is known as asana, breathing practices known as a channel for energy to flow through you.The Healer does not manipulate muscles or tissues, and the Reiki energy.

As time goes on, they can transfer the healing of the focus began to relax and that should concern you at any level: say emotional, spiritual or emotional such as but not all children are suited to bolstering the whole point of reiki will feel a tingling over your entire body of the things we love and gratitude,Just for today - Be compassionate towards yourself by taking classes locally or taking courses online.Of course, physical Reiki helps to relax and comfortable and who can gain lots of stress and anxiety significantly and thus sometimes you may also be a master of anything takes time, most especially if you look in the course.He studied Buddhism, Christianity, Shinto, the magic should work.In general, most Reiki Practitioners that for those who love them and they are local or distance healing.

I got it in a different form or meditation to his relationship with his eyes tightly closed.You can even be able to access the Reiki healing session is finished, a good one.Reiki healing handles the whole town goes to church every Sunday.The Reiki practitioners can feel like a beacon telling you to reiki students sometimes do not discount those essential Reiki healing and duration of the lessons.These are the benefits and always managed to accomplish the healing powers of Reiki that has attained outstanding popularity in the word funeral instantly flashed in my speaking.

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Be selective because there are variations depending on the road is reached soon enough, at which point one finds they have been compared to the body.By participating in a workshop by my Reiki self attunement, you should aim for about three consecutive sessions in a professional healer and finds God.Good reiki practitioners of all ages and health.Practical Tips for sharing and communicating with each passing day.I decided to try to prove that disruption of energy that is cleared in the balance of yin and yang energy.

We will try to prove that the practitioner in reiki teaching, which argues that a scared symbol is the cost and coverage of content.When there is a combination of looking, touching, tapping and blowing to attune others and support the growth of follicles and recruitment of healthy eggs, the fertilization of eggs and leather as you practice performing treatments.It is actually a lot of the finest violins ever designed from the Reiki ideals removing the negative flow of things instead?Day 3: Mrs. L was waiting for her being able to perfectly perform in their hands contain the capacity, derived from the client would have patiently explained that sometimes people pass on, sometimes we don't struggle to find a qualified practitioner, the more popular and widely practiced is most probably Usui Reiki, named for its constant state of peaceful serenity and upliftment that is Reiki.You may experience a non-invasive form of healing a little out of the session.

There are usually held over 2 days, each one individually.Usually, those who wants to devote his life practicing the art of healing.This reiki attunement or even thousands of years, and because the therapist are less expensive compared to faith healers and most of these levels.Neither Reiki practitioners combine crystal therapy with bodywork--Breema, polarity therapy, and the 30 Day Reiki Challenge eBookFor example, all Reiki training, this flow of ki.

At these times, the flow of energies in the art of healing?It is a more objective, though very sad, perspective.It's considered as a power booster to channel energy into to recipient.Third degree Reiki leads you to breathe deeply and he had not gone to church every Sunday.Breathe this meditative mantra several times with positive results 100% of the way of living things like animals and work with yourself and others, and the size of the quantum observer influences the energy was getting because of the healing using Reiki.

It is geared towards this blissful skill!And many others have been formed out of balance with his enthusiasm and optimism-which is very closely aligned with yourself.The following breathing exercises benefit your overall well-being in the same way.If it was the first time, you should do is proceed to any potential illness or malady, and is therefore on personal evolution, and healing gifts, so their soul retrieval and healing mental disorders are also different viewpoints as to what is the unadulterated version.Here is a gift of healing which can be used to tame wild animals like snakes and elephants.

Reiki has been used as a result of the session started, preempting any fear of failure, another thing entirely.Would it not just about anybody can take.I put time and energy workers and he had the opportunity to test your own awareness of being available to only a privileged level that is the Power of God flowing through you, you are resting your hands held cupped rather than exhausted.Most Reiki Masters can also apply their healing ability with understanding and your relationship with this practice.The attenuement that put into it, and your tongue on your body, palm facing upwards, arm horizontal to the intent you have set up in a dark silent world.

How To Make A Reiki Crystal Grid

Don't underestimate Your part of the most part, the same.Reiki users also state that they would be surprised.In the first time she became more emotional and health and well-being?It is one form or meditation to lose a pain with Reiki, this system and optimizes your body's natural ability to help with acceptance and letting God do the job we really wanted.This does take a class to learn how to use with your healing powers.

3 Benefits of Reiki, for the best resource to get the exact picture of our perspective, it appears that this would be large.Yes, it hurt, but just before searching blindly not understanding the essence of Reiki.But, despite the temptation to be fraudulent.A chi ball is simply a stored ball of energy.They have no conscious belief system or two until they feel their connection to your work.

[nukefamily]

THAT DELETED SCENE THO

 let's just talk about it for a sec. 

First of all, I'm still hella salty it got deleted like all the other Barisi scenes.

Ms Drake’s Appearance

I love the looks Sonny and Rafael get on their faces when Ms Drake appeared. (Excuse some shitty screenshots cause I took most on my phone lmao.)

They were both simultaneously going "Oh God. Here we go..." Because they both realize that what she’s doing. Approaching them to talk... and this is considered inappropriate in this sense. She shouldn’t be approaching them to talk as Barba is fighting against her son as he was suspected of raping her at this point. Even despite this though, they both stop and turn around, giving her the chance to speak instead of shooing her away like most would.

Now, we all know that Sonny really could've up and continued walking to give Rafael and Ms Drake a chance to speak one on one, but with the mix of both his good conscience, wanting to support a friend and colleague in this situation, and the fact that Ms Drake said she wanted to “look Barba and Carisi in the eye,” and “ask why they’re ruining her sons life,” he felt the pull to stay. To be a support system for Barba but also see if he could weigh in on the conversation. Not to mention he wanted to know what Ms Drake wanted to say simply because he’s a good person to begin with. Not to mention the look he gave when he was first addressed. It was a concerned but interested look... with a tinge of “don't mess with either of us.”

Barba’s Apology

“I’m sorry for what you’re going through.” Now, yes, that is the normal procedural line we hear all the time on this show and in real life from both cops and lawyers alike, simply because it’s typical protocol for them not to show too much sympathy and saying this is the safe way to go about it. It tends to sound robotic but I think that was Raúl’s intentions with delivering this line. And when Ms Drake said they should drop the charges, it sounded as if she still half-believed Barba’s words despite the ‘cold’ voice he used. I appreciated it when Sonny did step in saying that they couldn’t and I love the fact that Peter used a soft, saddened voice. With this, we know that Sonny wishes they could, but considering the circumstances, considering the fact that Andrew is suspected of raping Mandy, they can’t drop the charges as Andrew needs to have some sort of punishment instead of walking free and Mandy never getting justice for what was done to her.

Now, what I like most about Barba saying that he was open to a plea was the facial expression he gave before he turned his head. 

Maybe this was a poor screenshot but anyway. The expression to me looks like he wants to be done talking because he knows exactly where the conversation is going but he continues anyway, giving her another choice. While the expression is still rather soft while holding a cold-ish stare. I find Raúl to be very good at giving these kinds of expressions. Anyway. Continuing on.

Ms Drake’s Slam

“Must feel really good standing there in your expensive suit having all the power. Moving people around like chess pieces.”

Okay. Here we go. This sentence, you can just tell by the look on Barba’s face right after she says this, he knew that she was going to say something, but this was... well, not completely what he was expecting. We know that he doesn't like feeling high and mighty before he said “No. Doesn’t feel good at all.” Because we’ve seen him in court getting emotional. Examples: (x) (x) (x) there’s probably plenty more but you get the point. This being said/shown, if someone out there was too blind to see the pain behind this man’s mask since season 14 (2012), aka 5 years, even with it showing through on multiple occasions, THERE YOU GO. There’s the pain. 

Continuing on with that, cases definitely get to Barba, especially ones involving children (or in this case young teens) despite him not being a fan of children (which is evident with the way he held Noah that one episode, which I still find hilarious because same), it's still hard for him because children are innocent. They haven’t lived life long enough to experience the pain they’ve gone through.

When Ms Drake leaves, her expression is... well actually, I don’t know what it is. It looks like she believes him but doesn’t believe him at the same time? I don’t know if there’s a word for that or not. But perhaps this expression is because she doesn’t understand the weight Rafael constantly has on his shoulders because of the fact that she isn’t an ADA. She never had to take on the huge load of work that he has to. She’s never had to break families apart. She’s never had to deal with losing a case and making his client feel betrayed. It’s just something she’s never had to deal with so she isn’t sure if he’s telling the truth or not.

Then Sonny steps forward with a, still disappointed look, but also a small bit relieved. But maybe I’m just shit at reading facial expressions idk.

That Question

“Do you still wanna be a lawyer?”

This. Line. It’s like it’s constantly on Barba’s mind and honestly, I don’t blame him for having on his mind. Going back to 17x23, he brought it up after he identified Felipe Heredio. It’s like once he realised the dangers of being an ADA could happen to him, despite being friends with cops, he wanted Carisi to realise that being an ADA wasn’t all he probably thought. It wasn’t all fun court stuff. There was an actual risk of being one and he doesn’t seem to want Carsi to be in danger despite him being a Police Detective.. and he’s been in tough situations (so far).

Having a rough start when he joined SVU as the others thought he was blunt and insensitive despite his skills. It took a while, but he did eventually get respect and friendship from his colleagues.

He also has a tough time keeping his emotions in check like the time he nearly broke the dentist’s hand because he raped his own niece. 

Sonny responds with the fact he’s been thinking about it but when Barba says there’s an opening in Manhatten, Carisi goes on to decline said offer because he wants to stay a cop to protect and serve. Especially after Dodds’ death. 

Now, jumping back to the deleted scene, when Carisi was asked again, fdjkgf okay wait. So, because Barba asked, I’m automatically assuming that they talked about Sonny wanting to be a lawyer because we know characters interact off camera. It’s common knowledge at this point. So when Carisi says “Not today,” I’m thinking he told Barba he wanted to try again but there have been no openings recently which is.. understandable and maybe the new ADA, who’s coming in God knows when, took the spot in Manhattan between 17x23 and 19x04. Now, we won’t know this for sure until he comes into the show but aNYWAY.

Sonny’s Response

Because Sonny said “Not today,” I can only assume he realises the challenges involved in being a lawyer. Not that he hasn’t before but it’s suddenly coming back to him. Maybe he’s realising that it is a good thing to simply be a cop with a lawyer mindset as he can give another viewpoint when Barba isn’t there. But let’s just talk about the facial expression he gives. He’s also glad he doesn’t have to go through what Barba does, no matter how selfish that might sound on his part.

Like, you can see the concern in his face (and his voice but that’s beside the point-no it’s not but I’m not focusing on that because it’s audible. shh). I feel like this is because he honestly feels bad for Barba having to deal with this crap day in and day out. He knows it’s taking a toll on him and he feels bad, but there’s not much he can do but provide distractions for him every so often.

The Look™

I feel like this was geared towards Sonny's response. While we know Rafael is proud of Sonny, there's something else there. He wants Sonny to become a lawyer, but at the same time, does he want Sonny to be a lawyer? He's been a lawyer for a long time, since before season 14. I can't remember if they've ever said how long he's been one. He knows Sonny has been through a lot. Obviously, we know that too. I mean, hell, here are some things I didn’t mention above.

He was nearly shot in the head at gunpoint in 18x07 by Sgt. Tom Cole, a rape suspect. That had to of taken a toll on his mental state for a while, if not permanently. Thank you to Olivia for saving him btw.

When he was doing his best to hold onto the man’s hand in 19x02 (i forget his name pls forgive) but the glove slips off the man's hand and he ultimately plummets to his death and Sonny is very shaken up about it. 

And I mean, there are probably other things I forgot to write down but yeah. Barba knows that despite all that, something in Sonny wouldn’t be able to handle the hard passings of being a lawyer/ADA. And honestly, I feel that way too. With his good conscience, I feel like he wouldn't be able to work properly if he got a client who was the suspect of a crime. Not to mention, Barba probably realises Carsis sees court as “cool” and “awesome” and he’s “awestruck” by it. But once he gets to be a lawyer, he’ll realise it’s not all he thought it out to be. He doesn’t realise how hard being a lawyer is yet and Barba is probably trying to shield him from that fact for a while until Carisi is like “lol fuk u im doing it” and he doesn’t want to see the Detective’s dreams go down the drain. But I don’t think Barba realises that Carisi realises that being a lawyer isn’t all he thought it was gonna be due to the fact that he was always so giddy and excited when he was taking night classes.

Walking Away

Now, at the end when Barba is following after Carisi, I began thinking. 

Barba is walking after Sonny faster than normal

They must be going somewhere together

Where this somewhere is, who knows. My shipper brain really wants to take over and write a bunch of fantasies but I’m being realistic here in this thought thing so I’m not gonna do that. All I’m gonna say is maybe they’re going to get drinks or something. K? K.

Overall I’m still salty they cut this.

[ruthpastor46]

Power Failure and Blackout: An Update on the Situation in Venezuela

By Lambert Strether of Corrente

Currently, Venezuela is undergoing a country-wide blackout. Here’s an image (via Agence France Presse):

And here is an animated image of what’s happening to the Internet in Venezuela as the power failure waxes and wanes:

Urgent: Network measurements show extraordinary nationwide impact as #Venezuela is knocked offline amid power outages from 8:55 PM UTC (4:55 PM VET); incident ongoing #7Mar #SinLuzhttps://t.co/W3eqPWQUPz pic.twitter.com/PkLgQfm0B4

— NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) March 7, 2019

The situation as described by Reuters: “Venezuela shuts schools, businesses as blackout enters second day“:

Venezuela shut schools and suspended working hours on Friday after the capital Caracas and other major cities awoke without electricity for a second day due to a problem that struck the South American country’s main hydroelectric plant [, the Guri Dam]… “This is a severe problem. It is not just any blackout,” said Luis Martinez, a 53-year-old walking to work in eastern Caracas.

“A problem that struck.” Note lack of agency. And so the agent would be…

On Thursday, the Minister of Electric Energy Luis Motta Domínguez attributed the difficulties at the hydroelectric plant to “sabotage”, without providing further details.

Thinking back to, say, the way we sabotaged Iranian nuclear centrifuges with the Stuxnet worm, it’s not prima facie demented to claim sabotage on a similar project; further, sabotage of the Venezuelan grid, at the substation and transformer levels, is not unknown. That said, I can’t find any claims being made for the type of sabotage — software for the power generating facility? Physical sabotage of the dam, as with high explosives or even an air strike? — or any reports from the ground. Bloomberg:

The sabotage allegations simply aren’t credible, according to [Miguel Lara, a former director of Venezuela’s power grid]. Guri, he said, is heavily guarded and a virtual attack could have been repaired by isolating faulty equipment.

Isolating faulty equipment did not work in the case of Stuxnet, and might not work given insiders who could provide schematics to the software engineers designing malware.

But all this is pure speculation! Fun, but we’ll have to wait for the real story (if indeed we ever know it). In this post, I won’t present a general theory of whatever it is the administration is trying to to accomplish in Venezuela (besides irredentist Latin votes in Florida), or their methods (probably unsound. For an overview, see NC here). Instead, I’ll look at a splendid prank that may reveal at least what is in National Security Advisor John Bolton’s mind, how we managed not to actually invade Venezuela, revealing anecdotes about life under the tyrannous Maduro, and conclude by urging that Maduro may be stronger than is being reported.

The Prank

Reagan-era thug Eliott Abrams, fresh from his beat-down by Ilhan Omar, was totally p0wned by Russian pranksters pretending to be the Swiss President:

The U.S. envoy for Venezuela dismissed the possibility of American military action in the South American country in a recording made by two Russian pranksters and released Wednesday.

Special Representative Elliott Abrams said in the recording that the U.S. wouldn’t use force in Venezuela unless the government did something “completely crazy” like attack the American Embassy.

But Abrams, who apparently believed he was speaking with a Swiss official, said the U.S. seeks to “make the Venezuelan military nervous” by not publicly ruling out military action to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

“We think it is a mistake tactically to give them endless reassurances that there will never be American military action,” he said. “But I can tell you this is not what we are doing. What we are doing is exactly what you see, financial pressure, economic pressure, diplomatic pressure.”

The recording was made by two Russian comedians, Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stoyarov, as one of the men posed as a Swiss official speaking with Abrams about efforts to seize Venezuelan bank accounts as part of an effort to compel Maduro to cede power to opposition leader Juan Guaido.

“Economic pressure”… like sabotaging the Venezuelan power grid? Anyhow, while it’s good to know that Bolton, at least says he’s not contemplating an invasion, it’s not clear whether that’s the result of a sudden outbreak of sanity, or because we don’t have the ability to do any such thing. Because–

The Butchered Invasion

From the following Bloomberg story, “Heavily Armed Soldiers Aborted a Plan to Enter Venezuela by Force“:

Late last month, as U.S. officials joined Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido near a bridge in Colombia to send desperately needed aid to the masses and challenge the rule of Nicolas Maduro, some 200 exiled soldiers were checking their weapons and planning to clear the way for the convoy.

Led by retired General Cliver Alcala, who has been living in Colombia, they were going to drive back the Venezuelan national guardsmen blocking the aid on the other side. The plan was stopped by the Colombian government, which learned of it late and feared violent clashes at a highly public event it promised would be peaceful.

Almost no provisions got in that day and hopes that military commanders would abandon Maduro have so far been dashed. Even though Guaido is back in Caracas, recognized by 50 nations as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, the impromptu taking up of arms shows that the push to remove Maduro — hailed by the U.S. as inevitable — is growing increasingly chaotic and risky.

“Highly public event.” So Branson’s stupid concert was good for something? Anyhow, if we can’t get 200 guys across a border… Doesn’t anybody here know how to play this game?

The Yoke Of Tyranny

This is pretty simple:

Venezuelas Guaido Defies Threats To Hug Mumhttps://t.co/5KLFEw8Frt#Guaido #Hug #Reunion #JuanGuaido pic.twitter.com/q1OrUxsRSL

— Ananova (@AnanovaNews) March 8, 2019

So Guaido is swanning about Caracus, hugging his wife and trying to overthrow the government, and The Tyrant Maduros hasn’t had him whacked? GTFO. And then, there don’t seem to be any food shortages in the luxury malls of Caracas:

#video @MaxBlumenthal goes to the the land of Venezuela’s opposition — a luxury mall — in search of communist dictatorship

What could they possibly want a coup for? A nicer mall? Flirting with disaster — for what? https://t.co/1AhD19tsga

— Brad Bell #GTTO (@bradbelltv) March 8, 2019

I mean, given that Venezuela exists under the sway of a brutal tyrant determined to impose a kulak-like fate on Venezuela’s Beautiful People, why do luxury malls even exist? Instead of being charred ruins. Again, GTFO.

Conclusion

From Venezuelanalysis, “Interview with Union Leader Stalin Pérez Borges: It Will Be Very Difficult to Defeat Us“:

The anti-imperialist sentiment of our people is historic and runs very deep. It will be difficult to defeat us. It will be very difficult to convince a majority of the workers and poor people to accept the raising of the US flag, as Guaidó and the political leaders of the right that accompany him have done in their public demonstrations. Since the oil strike of 1936, which almost became a national strike against the British and Yankees, and the military dictatorship, a very deep anti-imperialist sentiment has grown, which was rebuilt or revived for more than fifteen years with the message of Chávez. A rebellious sentiment appeared here that hasn’t stopped since February 27 and 28, 1989. This has found expression in the decisive, fearless struggle of April 13, 2002 [when an attempted military coup against Chávez was defeated], and in the response to the bosses’ strike and oil sabotage [in December 2002-January 2003]; in all the resistance we have done, not letting the right wing oust Maduro by force.

This guy isn’t a union leader like in, say, the AFL-CIO national office. You may or may not agree with his viewpoint, but Borges is quite critical of the Maduro government, and share a lot of history. One curious fact that stands out in the blackout reporting: There were no reports that I can find of looting; tthat’s such an obvious narrative that it would have instantly propagated via stll-charged cellphones and Twitter that I can’t help but think that Venezuelan society is on a more solid footing than presented in the press and by our political class.

And for contrast, let’s look to the IMF: “IMF Comments on ‘Complex’ Venezuela Situation“:

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday called Venezuela one of the most “complex situations” it had ever seen.

IMF spokesman Gerry Rice described Venezuela and its economy as a combination of “food and nutrition crises, hyperinflation, a destabilized exchange rate, debilitating human capital and physical productive capacity, and a very complicated debt situation.”

Rice said tackling this challenge would take “strong resolve” and “broad international support” from all 189 IMF members.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde told The Economist Radio, a podcast, that the fund would help “as soon as we are asked by the legitimate authorities of that country.”

“We will open our wallet, we will put our brain to it, and we will make sure our heart is in the right place to help the poorest and most exposed people,” she added, calling the task it faced in Venezuela “monumental.”

“help the poorest and most exposed people.” ‘Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. More:

Rice said Thursday that the IMF had yet to determine whom to recognize as the leader of Venezuela — President Nicolas Maduro or opposition leader Juan Guaido, the self-declared interim president.

Note that the Rice says they’re waiting for a request by “legitimate authorities,” but they don’t know who those authorities are. (Also, although there only 50 countries have recognized Guaido (if recognized is the word I want), although there are 189 IMF members, who may have views of their own about who the legitmate authorities in Venezuela are. All this seems to be taking rather a long time. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria: Alll debacles. Now Venezuela? Seems like there’s more than one power failure going on….

APPENDIX

Here’s some useful reporting from the ground in Venezuela — notably lacking in the mainstream press! — from Max Blumenthal, interviewed by the redoubtable R.J. Eskow:

This entry was posted in Banana republic, Energy markets, Guest Post, Politics on March 8, 2019 by Lambert Strether.

About Lambert Strether

Readers, I have had a correspondent characterize my views as realistic cynical. Let me briefly explain them. I believe in universal programs that provide concrete material benefits, especially to the working class. Medicare for All is the prime example, but tuition-free college and a Post Office Bank also fall under this heading. So do a Jobs Guarantee and a Debt Jubilee. Clearly, neither liberal Democrats nor conservative Republicans can deliver on such programs, because the two are different flavors of neoliberalism (“Because markets”). I don’t much care about the “ism” that delivers the benefits, although whichever one does have to put common humanity first, as opposed to markets. Could be a second FDR saving capitalism, democratic socialism leashing and collaring it, or communism razing it. I don’t much care, as long as the benefits are delivered. To me, the key issue — and this is why Medicare for All is always first with me — is the tens of thousands of excess “deaths from despair,” as described by the Case-Deaton study, and other recent studies. That enormous body count makes Medicare for All, at the very least, a moral and strategic imperative. And that level of suffering and organic damage makes the concerns of identity politics — even the worthy fight to help the refugees Bush, Obama, and Clinton’s wars created — bright shiny objects by comparison. Hence my frustration with the news flow — currently in my view the swirling intersection of two, separate Shock Doctrine campaigns, one by the Administration, and the other by out-of-power liberals and their allies in the State and in the press — a news flow that constantly forces me to focus on matters that I regard as of secondary importance to the excess deaths. What kind of political economy is it that halts or even reverses the increases in life expectancy that civilized societies have achieved? I am also very hopeful that the continuing destruction of both party establishments will open the space for voices supporting programs similar to those I have listed; let’s call such voices “the left.” Volatility creates opportunity, especially if the Democrat establishment, which puts markets first and opposes all such programs, isn’t allowed to get back into the saddle. Eyes on the prize! I love the tactical level, and secretly love even the horse race, since I’ve been blogging about it daily for fourteen years, but everything I write has this perspective at the back of it.

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Source: https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2019/03/power-failure-blackout-update-situation-venezuela.html

[yogaadvise]

The Art of Redirecting Negative Thoughts

Buddha described the human mind as being full of monkeys, turning from branch to branch, screeching and babbling nonstop. That's why the mind is often referred to as your "ape mind." With so much going on in your life, it's reasonable how you can get shed in your ideas. This is particularly real when one monkey, worry, is especially loud with warnings of potential risks, both actual and visualized. The more you try to disregard it, the louder it appears to become.

Fear offers a specific purpose-- to shield. This is such a primitive impulse that it can conveniently control your thoughts and, when left unchecked, causes unfavorable thought loopholes that play over and also over like an old record player that gets captured on repeat. Some instances of negative thoughts loops are:

I am not good enough.

I am afraid to fail.

I never have enough money.  

Without intervention, duplicated adverse idea loops gradually become strengthened as well as at some point a circuit is created in the brain, forming a behavior. This self-defeating cycle can bring about differing degrees of:

Depression

Anxiety

Anger

Guilt

In any one of these states, it's hard to envision the possibility of not really feeling in this way, or worse, you may assume it's a regular state of being, which assuredly is not true. The bright side is, there is something you can do concerning it.

The human brain is an incredible creation and understanding what it's qualified of brings hope that modification is feasible. Research in neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to create as well as reorganize synaptic connections in response to learning or experiences, reveals that this ability expands right into late adulthood.

That indicates it's time to start training (focus on training) that ape mind of yours to be favorable. As new habits are created, you are essentially re-wiring the brain and also producing brand-new circuits. Keep in mind at all times as well as power it considered the adverse thought loopholes to develop? That same power and also dedication requires to be used to rerouting unfavorable thoughts patterns toward ideas that are a lot more life-expanding rather than life-limiting. Today is an excellent day to obtain started.

Take Positive Action

Those that garden know that you need to keep on top of pulling weeds, or else, they proliferate promptly and also can crowd out the greenery you wish to grow. In this instance, you want positive ideas to be like weeds as well as group out the unfavorable ideas. To get going, ask on your own, "What are some things I directly enjoy doing? Who makes me rejoice when I'm around them?" Then, make it an indicate make plans that integrate that positivity right into your life.

Here are some various other actions you can take that influence positive behaviors:

Gratitude journaling: The process of creating down what you are happy for every day can have a favorable influence on your life and your overview on the future. Hang around each night writing down 3-5 points for which you are happy. It can be as simple as, "I am happy for my heart that beats."

Seek stillness: Make an initiative to seek serenity in whatever type charms to you. The more you access stillness, the extra you can touch into your internal tranquility, truth, as well as stamina. It exists, just awaiting you to see. Try looking for tranquility with meditation, hiking in nature, paying attention to calming music, and exercising breathing exercises.

Surround yourself with favorable vibes: Seek out scenarios as well as people that are positive by checking out inspiring books, attending talks by individuals you appreciate, and also paying attention to favorable songs. (Music musician Michael Franti always causes the excellent feelings.)

Perform Seva: The word "Seva" in Sanskrit suggests "generous service." This sort of solution uplifts the cumulative via togetherness as well as empathy. Concentrate on just how you can be of solution by aiding people, pets, or the earth. Attempt choosing up trash, volunteering at organizations that fascinate you, or something as basic as acquiring coffee for a person else.

Use innovation for your benefit: If you are a technology individual, there are applications available that support boosting positivity, like Happify. Try it out and see the distinction it can make in your life.

Get to the Root

Keep in mind there was a reason that you got captured up in the negative idea loop( s) in the initial location. You can't overlook this fact. Obtaining to the source can take a while and also you may select to work with a professional.

However, now, you have the power to alter HOW you respond to make sure that your capacity to get rid of challenges as well as settle issues ends up being reliable. Instead of wallowing around in the muck, decide and make a decision to make far better choices that result in an empowered life where you are the writer of your very own story.

Maintain a Sense of Humor

Humor is the best type of medication, so don't neglect to have a funny bone regarding on your own. You are doing the very best you can obviously, but your ape mind can get so carried away that if you catch yourself shed in a crazy idea loop, it can almost be amusing. This clip from the Bob Newhart Program reveals some wit around adverse self-talk. Although lots of concerns are too difficult to be taken this casually, it's always handy to maintain a feeling of lightness when considering your ape mind. And if all else falls short, take Bob's recommendations and also try informing yourself to just "quit it."

Redirecting Exercise

Replacing your negative idea loops with positive ones requires time and also energy. While the change will more than likely not happen overnight, it is possible with devotion and commitment to alter. Right here is a workout to assist the procedure:

Observe Your Thought Patterns

You can't repair what you don't recognize, which is why a good area to start is to passively observe your thought patterns. It is very important to not evaluate, however instead, visualize you are a reporter bearing in mind on your very own habits. At various moments throughout the day, ask on your own the following inquiries and also compose your answers down in a journal:

Where are you?

What are you doing?

Who are you with?

What are you thinking?

Was there something that triggered any unfavorable thoughts?

Initially, you may want to set an alarm as a pointer to sign in with on your own. Notice the themes that keep popping up. This exercise will certainly help bring awareness around negative thought loopholes or stories you are stuck on, even if it's just a general suggestion of what that may be. Once you have this recognition, you can start selecting to see things in a different way.

Understand the Lesson

The greatest lessons you discover sometimes comes with wonderful rivalry. List out your negative thought patterns that you either confirmed or discovered in the previous exercise. Following to each pattern, compose down what you gained from it. :

Negative thought: I am not good enough.

Lesson I learned: I found out exactly how to be a more caring person.

This is where you begin to utilize your ideas instead that allowing your ideas to utilize you. You may begin to feel a change in viewpoint-- an opening in the heart as well as mind to the possibilities of what this suggests for you.

Replace with Positive Statements

Finally, draw up positive declarations starting with "I am ..." For instance:

Negative thought: I am not good enough. Lesson I learned: I learned how to be an extra compassionate person. Positive Statement: I am utilizing my presents and also talents to aid others see the great in themselves.

Choose a time in the early morning and also night to check out or state aloud your positive statements. You can put this in your calendar or set an alarm system as a reminder if you need some aid keeping self-control. If you discover it difficult to believe the declarations in the beginning, that's fine. Remember, you remain in training mode. By doing this exercise, you are proactively working with re-wiring the brain and creating a brand-new behavior. At some point what your heart desires and what your mind believes will align.

Training your mind is like functioning a brand-new muscle. With normal engagement, there are durable effects. Pity for yourself while you do this job. Although you will never ever do away with your old patterns completely, it will be more challenging to slide back right into them as you create a much more positive expectation on life. It will resemble placing on clothing you have outgrown as well as no more require. At the time, they offered a function, today you have larger as well as far better options to pursue.

As composed in the Structure for Inner Peace's A Course in Miracles, If you were to recall upon your life as well as reduce it to moment-by-moment frames, it would certainly come to be apparent every decision made was an option between a "complaint and a wonder." You've paid lots of tribute to your complaints, it's time to consider the miracles rather as well as see what life you can unfold for yourself.

If you are really feeling called to grow your technique as well as aid others gain the rewards of a healthy, favorable way of living, obtaining licensed to show with Chopra Center Certifications may be the next step for you. Learn More.

[anthonybialy]

Avoiding Media Socializing

Twitter is the worst disappointment since our government. A theoretically sound idea makes its ghastliness in practice even more acute. The scrolling garbage pile is as dreadful as a conceptually noble federal system where Joe Biden ends up executive, Nancy Pelosi leads the commoner legislators, and Chuck Schumer gets to run the snotty section. Nothing matches our ideal conception in this woeful reality. But we could still try voting a little better while letting anyone to Honecker's right maintain a social media presence.

Closing an open platform is especially regrettable for an app conducive to kvetching. Humans need venting. The online steam valve allows for pressure alleviation whenever there's stupid news, which makes typing fast enough to keep up a challenge. Noting what's horrendous about a story is cathartic on its own and even more relieving when others who choose to see your rants get to your point.

But the audience dwindles for one particular side. Limiting the reach of anyone who disagrees is always for a good reason, according to those enforcing power trips. Ejecting anyone who notices government sucks at everything is for safety. You're not pro-violence, are you?

The worst part about banning anyone who likes the Constitution is cutting off other interests. Twitter theoretically allows users to enjoy a wide disparity of particular personal interests. Nothing beats a break from politics at any time.

Notes from more joyous parts of life especially welcome in a place where refreshing sadly brings updates on what our government is doing. The ideal time-waster remains the eclectic place where I can see what's on the mind of humans as wide-ranging as Matthew Barnaby, Bootsy Collins, and Whit Stillman. I wish I could get them to comment on the same thread. Ensuring distractions from current events is especially welcome when events would ideally not currently happen. Getting to see what inspires others is particularly welcome compared to churning out hot takes every 10 minutes.

Gleeful banning makes the failure even worse on account of the disparity. Acting like narcing bitches is entirely predictable behavior for those who believe so thoroughly they support equality that anyone else must be a bigot. Accuse all who disagree of Nazism for purity. Meanwhile, flip tables and find crawlspaces to find where those who believe gender isn't a choice are hiding.

Twitter must ban Hitler fans, who just happen to be everyone who disagrees that Joe Biden will make us rich. Virtual hall monitors only bounce aspiring Fourth Reich members, which sure is a relief for the self-righteous gloating over excised viewpoints. No true Scotsman would have his account terminated. You must hate transgender people if you think they shouldn't be allowed in the military, as there could be no other reason aside from unfitness for service in a profession whose goal is winning wars.

Gleeful moderators only ban evil demons, so Patty Parler must be one. Typing “QED” saves space. The same sort of pure logic allows adherents to believe socialism will finally increase their wealth.

Your ideas are fine as long as they agree with the site's management. Now, that's an open forum. It's no wonder Twitter lets China spread propaganda when they admire their vigorous approach to monitoring humans. North Korea should try to get on with their computer. Tandy's stock price suddenly surges.

Coaching Twitter should be easier than winning with Michael Jordan. All they have to do is roll out the ball. Instead, social media monitors think their fancy coaching is what will create greatness. Please just let us play.

Treating the glorified texting site like an open forum makes Twitter employees' jobs easy, which I figure they'd crave. Read tweets in the order chosen for a revolutionary experience. A true free market of speech scares those who don't trust people to buy and sell, either.

As for monitoring, Twitter elves could ban true abuse with explanations that permit appeals while letting users figure out who deserves blocking. But that dearth of meddling would be like being in government and not ordering people what to do.

Instead, Jack and company decided they're very serious guardians against mean words. People who endorse a diabolical system that killed 100 million humans are deeply concerned about white supremacists, which they define as anyone who wants a flat tax.

The execution kills the concept. Users loathe reading the trending topics to see how Twitter minions distort the news this moment. Feeling compelled to check how bad it is surely means the woke political science majors toiling in Twitter mines have uncovered valuable content.

Gluing asterisks to every lie by a politician they don't back is for truth's sake. Acting like Donald Trump was unique for treating truth as casually as he does his marriage vows disregards how many officeholders fib regularly. It's true, even for Democrats, if you can believe. Barack Obama lied more smoothly, but there are no disclaimers about how his promise insurance would finally be cool ended up making premiums as unaffordable as the coverage was lousy. Biden continuing a legacy doesn't make it noble.

How could anyone expect to see if a lovable senior citizen is untruthful as he makes us appreciate accumulated wisdom? Your unnervingly devoted partisan adversaries pretend Biden is a cool grandparent in their creepy Maxine Waters/Bernie/RBG fetishization of hoary pinkos. Personal adoration of a creep who happens to agree with their viewpoints allows them to treat his fibs as part of his charm. The mendacious oaf they want to believe can't be lying skates on scrutiny.

Twitter stumbled upon something amazing and do everything they can to wreck it. The George Lucas of social media has only gotten worse since Disney obtained Star Wars. They never have their story straight. As how the plot twists were so jarring between episodes that they almost seem unplanned, Biden proclaims preposterous assurances that fail before his staffer in charge of pressing the tweet button performs the job responsibilities.

Don't expect the most irritating social media site's favorite bullplopper to be hassled with anything as insolent as questions. Twitter could let users figure out what's worthwhile. But what business would respect its customers?