#Strategy and Soul Bookstore

[fightforthesoulofthecities]

VOTE YES ON THE STRATEGY CENTER ON YOUR FUNDRAISING BALLOT 2023 VOTE NO ON TRUMP AND BIDEN

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1701230330704{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7283″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1701228154161{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] Vote Yes on the Strategy Center on Your Fundraising Ballot 2023 Vote No on Trump and Biden The Strategy Center is a multi-racial, Black-led “change the world…

[shabbytigers]

a dark night of the soul has hit, due to reasons.

got into a horrible catastrophizing spiral of realization that every single move i have made in the last five years and arguably in my whole life has been a Mistake and consequently i am thoroughly and irretrievably fucked

then i was like, okay, but setting aside a huge tranche of deeper personal shit and the moon falling out of the sky (which i am not getting into), most of my terrible horrible irresolvable problems of a practical nature* will go away or at least recede into manageable quiescence if i just get myself another remote nyc job

*briefly. saddled with a silly huge n expensive apartment that i rented when i had a nyc payscale salary and considerably more space reqs; now have neither, but cannot look for smaller cheaper flat because no one will rent to me because i’m jobless 🙃 kafka auflauf of a gordian knot, but another nyc job would slice right through it. (German job listings dire; there may be a strategy where i get, like, a job at a bookstore and qualify for a cheap flat, but i’m not sanguine about it)

unfortunately this is not quite a one-weird-trick fix

if i succeed, i have a new problem: the job 💀 i seriously have the screaming doanwannas about it

this is the worst job market i’ve ever looked in, my industry is going through something similar to tech with layoffs all over for the last year

partly in response to that, partly just bc the pendulum is on a natural swing away from all-remote, employers are pulling back on remote-friendly policies. which i need, unless i want to crawl back to nyc with my tail between my legs, and i still have enough will to live to not want to do that. have struck out a few times on this one stupid sticking point already

anyway

today i applied directly to two jobs online, talked to a recruiter about a third (no), “reached” “out” “to” (vomitous expression) two former colleagues at agencies that have plausible job postings, another who seems to be freelancing in Paris successfully, and an old manager who was theoretically putting me forward for yet another job last month

also: found a detailed english walkthrough for how to register as a ‘sole proprietor’ freelancer

also also: registered with a Mieterverein and looked up open clinic hours. someone is going to have to walk me through the ins and outs of the housing sitch

also also also: found a Pberg language school that offers a twenty-hour B1-B2 grammar course priced at only a bit more than the VHS charges for half of B1. I am into this. just explain me the damn grammar and check my work at the next class. queried them about dates, will see if the VHS has anything faster too

tl;dr i’ve bought a big stick. i’m all ready, you see. now my troubles are going to have troubles with me

[rockislandadultreads]

Book Recommendations: National Hobby Month

Refuse to Be Done by Matt Bell

They say writing is rewriting. So why does the second part get such short shrift? Refuse To Be Done will guide you through every step of the novel writing process, from getting started on those first pages to the last tips for making your final draft even tighter and stronger.

From lauded writer and teacher Matt Bell, Refuse to Be Done is encouraging and intensely practical, focusing always on specific rewriting tasks, techniques, and activities for every stage of the process. You won’t find bromides here about the “the writing Muse.” Instead, Bell breaks down the writing process in three sections. In the first, Bell shares a bounty of tactics, all meant to push you through the initial conception and get words on the page. The second focuses on reworking the narrative through outlining, modeling, and rewriting. The third and final section offers a layered approach to polishing through a checklist of operations, breaking the daunting project of final revisions into many small, achievable tasks.

Whether you are a first time novelist or a veteran writer, you will find an abundance of strategies here to help motivate you and shake up your revision process, allowing you to approach your work, day after day and month after month, with fresh eyes and sharp new tools.

One: Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones

In this exciting new collection of over 200 simple recipes, Anna Jones limits the pans and simplifies the ingredients for all-in-one dinners that keep things fast and easy. These super varied every night recipes celebrate vegetables and deliver knock-out flavour but without taking time and energy.

There are one-tray dinners, like a baked dahl with tamarind-glazed sweet potato, quick dishes like tahini broccoli on toast, one-pot soups and stews like Persian noodle as well as one-pan fritters and pancakes such as golden rosti with ancho chilli chutney.

One brings together a way of eating that is mindful of the planet. Anna gives you practical advice and shows how every small change in planning, shopping and reducing waste will make a difference. There are also 100 recipes for using up any amount of your most-eaten veg and ideas to help you use the foods that most often end up being thrown away.

This book is good for you, your pocket and the planet.

The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Guide by Jenny Rose Carey 

The colors, shapes, and scents of flowers are as ravishing to the senses as to the soul. But it’s all too easy get things wrong: colors that clash, flowers that bloom at the wrong time, plants that fail to thrive. Enter The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Guide by expert gardener Jenny Rose Carey. She tells you exactly how to get started, how to combine plants for the most spectacular effects, and how to keep your garden going from year to year. Whether you’re interested in dramatic color combinations, how best to use a favorite flower, or how to create a garden for a specific purpose, such as nourishing pollinators, you’ll find the answers in this friendly, information-packed book. As Jenny herself says, “Don’t be afraid - just have a go!”

The Year of Reading Dangerously by Andy Miller

Andy Miller had a job he quite liked, a family he loved, and no time at all for reading. Or so he kept telling himself. But, no matter how busy or tired he was, something kept niggling at him. Books. Books he'd always wanted to read. Books he'd said he'd read that he actually hadn't. Books that whispered the promise of escape from the daily grind. And so, with the turn of a page, Andy began a year of reading that was to transform his life completely.

This book is Andy's inspirational and very funny account of his expedition through literature: classic, cult, and everything in between. Beginning with a copy of Bulgakov's Master and Margarita that he happens to find one day in a bookstore, he embarks on a literary odyssey. From Middlemarch to Anna Karenina to A Confederacy of Dunces, this is a heartfelt, humorous, and honest examination of what it means to be a reader, and a witty and insightful journey of discovery and soul-searching that celebrates the abiding miracle of the book and the power of reading.

[rafi420]

Coffees and reconstructing the new four-wheel drive of the brand: defining , alienation, labeling and attitude

In this coffee market that can conquer everything, in the face of the five major forces that dare to fight and the HE Tuber boundless competition on the track, if you want to become the industry leader, it is not enough to burn money and cost-effective products; similarly, start-up brands If you want to gain a foothold and grow, it is not enough to rely solely on innovative ideas and high-quality products.

companies need the courage to revolutionize the coffee industry; innovators need the desire to continuously iterate on their core capabilities; entrepreneurs need unique & extreme development thinking.

In fact, this article has been about "how to think", just like other articles about "what to do". In order to have a place in the future coffee market, a brand must have the following four new ways of thinking:

New Thought 1: Find someone who loves you—define rather than position.

New thinking 2: Differentiation – different, extraordinary and unique.

New thinking 3: Motivational thinking-labeled love.

New Thought 4: Make a cup of coffee with attitude - the promised land of love and faith!

 Find someone who loves you - define rather than position

The rise of Luckin has always been accompanied by two soul problems:

Question 1: Does the positioning of "professional fresh coffee" influence ' purchasing behavior, or does the marketing strategy of "who doesn't love the little blue cup" or "the first cup is free" used in the advertisement play a more important role?

Question 2: Is it the fission discount that saves Luckin’s life, or do factors such as stable quality, speed and convenience, unified image and transparent supply chain play a more critical role?

Brand Ape believes that allowing  to taste Luckin for the first time may be affected by many factors, including advertising, spokespersons, brand image, price and convenience; 

The fact is that many brands talk a lot about "positioning", as if "positioning" can win the market, but in fact it is meaningless unless you have a mine at home.

Think about it, even though there were once so many Luckin ads, how many people were impressed by the positioning?

All ambitious brands claim to be "user-centric" and are determined to create experiences that exceed user expectations. Unfortunately, they have never been able to effectively describe who chooses their coffee when and why?

Many idealistic coffee entrepreneurs regard "user connection" as the core of their operations, but most of them think that dual micro and live streaming are "connections", let alone what they will do after the connection.

At this moment, a coffee revolutionist, innovator, entrepreneur or operator, in this imaginative coffee market, first needs to have a new understanding of "positioning" and 

Data such as age, income, occupation, and interests under big data are difficult to cover the habits and behavior patterns of fragmented new consumer groups. Only granular individual research and exploration can truly and effectively explore people's beliefs, interests, habits and emotions.

In other words: there are only about 500 to 1000 different types of people in the world. Therefore, effective information only requires to draw conclusions and then influence marketing strategies.

This has been proven effective by Steve Jobs:Masuda Soaki's Tsutaya Bookstore and Suzuki Toshifumi's 7-11 .

Therefore, " The "7C methodology" proposed by Martin Lindström also provides a systematic approach

Connection, correlation, cause and effect, compensation and concept.

Brand building in today's era is a bit like the philosophers in the pre-Qin era: a hundred schools of thought contending, a hundred flowers blooming - they promote themselves with unique ideas, find circles, attract followers, and then achieve success in the world: Confucianism, political strategists, Mohism, Legalism, and military strategists , farmhouse, miscellaneous family.

By analogy to "positioning", in the post-growth era, it is difficult to position yourself/brand throughand attract  to "invest"; instead, you need to "define" yourself with some new concept The phenomenon of consumption stratification is becoming more and more obvious. Behind the "subculture" that can be initiated at any time, gathered at any time, and trendy at any time, there are more and more small circles, small cognitions, small labels, small scenes, small communities, small cultures, small lifestyles, and small values. With the help of mature digital infrastructure, these small circles have become new and the basis for supporting new business and new categories.

Circles develop more warm user relationships. This means truly empowering and finding meaning for every individual; it means that mobile time and fragmented space are reconnected and integrated; it also means that online activity and market prosperity go hand in hand.

Another understanding is that in the past, the competition for ’ minds was to seize the minds of . The competition for the minds of new consumer  is

relationship value-added", and "connection depth" means more business opportunities(this is the fundamental reason for Luckin's turnaround).

Because of this, the focus of marketing has changed a lot In other words, marketing has shifted from emphasizing "what it has" to "what it does", to "what you will feel", an

Follow changes and define yourself with new concepts; define communities by interests, tribes by attitudes, and lifestyles based on consensus; find the interest circles that are compatible with the brand and start conversations, which is more suitable for the coffee track and more Highly efficient and faster matching method.

At this time, what is the category? Is it important?

[bookswagononlinestore]

Buy the Best Motivational Books for Students

In the hunt for knowledge and personal growth, the journey through academics can be exhilarating and challenging. As students navigate the paths of learning, they often seek inspiration and guidance to fulfill their potential. Motivational literature- a genre that transcends textbooks and imparts wisdom, encouragement, and strategies needed to thrive in the academic arena.

These literary works work as guiding lights, offering insights to the students in resilience, goal-setting, and the development of a mindset that helps you embrace challenges as opportunities. From practical advice to profound philosophical perspectives, these Motivational Books are crafted to empower students to overcome hurdles, discover their passions, and forge a path toward success.

 My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions – APJ Abdul Kalam

“My Journey is a story of a life that is rich in beautiful lessons to be learned from it.”, “Dreams are not those that we see in our sleep, they should be the ones that never let us sleep.” – APJ Abdul Kalam

The book reveals the famous story of how a normal child from Rameswaram went on to become the President of India. It is an extraordinary tale of India’s most celebrated scientist who along with his research found time for his fellow people and worked hard towards their development. In this book, Dr. Kalam sheds light on several personal aspects like the people to whom he was very close and their influence on him. He talks about his upbringing and family as well as the various pangs and toils he had to go through.

I always felt that Dr. Kalam was a wise person who was open to helping people and always making the right decisions. He was a kind of role model for me.

A major part of this book deals with Dr.Kalam’s work in India’s space program. He talks about the difficulties they faced while developing India’s first space vehicle. Written candidly, you can now go through the minute details of the life of Dr. Kalam as told by the former President himself.

2. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Written by Paulo Coelho way back in 1988, this book is still helping people find their purpose. More than this, this book also teaches that if you have the sheer determination to achieve your goal then nothing can stop you from achieving it.

The book follows a young shepherd named Santiago who has a recurring dream about a treasure hidden near the Pyramids in Egypt. To pursue his dream, he decides to travel to Egypt. On his way to Egypt, Santiago learns to listen to his heart, meets mentors, falls in love, and realizes that his dreams are part of the Soul of the Universe.

It inspires you to work toward your dreams despite failures, and troubles you may face.

Its primary theme is that all individuals should live in the singular pursuit of achieving their dreams.

In conclusion, The Alchemist is a book that is full of wisdom and valuable life lessons that inspire us to live more purposeful and meaningful lives.

            Bookswagon is the biggest online bookstore where you can purchase the Best-Selling Motivational Books Online at affordable prices. So visit the online store and shop for books right now.

[amazonseoservice]

Elevate your Online Journey on Amazon with Holistic Guidance

In this field of e-commerce, seller-central experts are seasoned professionals who have the experience and knowledge to shape your business to victory. Beginning its journey from a humble bookstore, it soon gained its space as the leading online retail shop in the world. It is your chance to capture the attention of the millions of customers on the platform, earning a massive fortune to not only sell on Amazon but also captivate the minds of individuals. From listing optimization service to Enhanced Brand Content is the synergy between the two that guides sellers and vendors to the new clouds of accomplishment. If you keep waiting to make millions, you will never achieve your dreams without comprehensive guidance. It is time to call the eStore Factory, your number-one guide.

Amazon Listing Optimization Service – The initial step on Amazon is to accelerate the sales journey. It is more than just essential to craft product descriptions that strike at the soul of the customers. These are not just product images or plain text and content but the perfect blend of persuasion with technical brilliance. From keyword analysis, title, bullet point, and description, experts work meticulously to design each component in favour of the brand. One of the most significant yet forgotten services is the competitive pricing strategy. Based on the market price point, they develop affordable prices that compel customers to pick your brand over others.

Dive deep into the world of product listings –

Keywords research – Incorporating highly relevant keywords that match your customer’s search queries perfectly. This makes sure it improves product visibility and reaches the right audience.

Title Optimization – The product title is the perfect synopsis of the key features of the product within two lines. Shortly and crisply, you can engagingly write the introduction.

Bullet point check – With 5 to 8 target sections, you can highlight the product’s key features and benefits that persuade customers to readily understand what the product entails and make an informed purchase decision.

Describe it right – Within 200 words, you can weave a piece of detailed information, penning down every piece of information about it in the most empowering ways. Within this section, you can add an extended version of the title and the bullet points making sure no points are forgotten.

Product lifestyle images made special – Did you know that images have a higher chance of leaving a more significant impact in the minds of the customers? Make your pictures lively and awe-striking when you have a team of designers available at your service. From brand logos, lifestyle images, and product photography to other content types, it is all done here!

Amazon Enhanced Brand Content – In the modern world, the product content is the comprehensive representation of the brand. Visually captivating listings can showcase the products, pushing the clicks with impressions and finally making sales. Are you ready to show product benefits and functionality for a better experience? Partner with the best Amazon seller consultant.

[cleverfoxpublishing-blog]

Navigating the Literary Seas: A Deep Dive into Book Publishing

Book publishing is a world of words where ideas take flight and stories find their forever home. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the intricate and fascinating realm of book publishing, where creativity and commerce intertwine to bring literary dreams to life.

The Conception: From Manuscript to Masterpiece

Every book is born from an author's vision, a story yearning to be told. The journey from manuscript to published work unfolds in several vital phases:

1. Writing and Refinement:

Authors pour their hearts and souls into crafting compelling narratives. Editors work diligently with authors to refine manuscripts, ensuring clarity, coherence, and literary finesse.

2. Design and Aesthetics:

Book designers craft the visual elements that give books their unique charm. Cover design, typography, and page layout all play crucial roles in enhancing the reader's experience.

3. Production and Craftsmanship:

Printing, whether through traditional or digital methods, transforms manuscripts into tangible masterpieces. High-quality paper, ink, and binding are essential to this process.

The Business of Publishing

Publishing is not just an art; it's also a business that demands strategy and financial acumen. Publishers must carefully weigh market trends, target audiences, and distribution channels:

1. Market Analysis:

Understanding reader preferences and market dynamics is paramount. Publishers analyze data and trends to make informed decisions about which manuscripts to transform into books.

2. Distribution Expertise:

Getting books into the hands of readers requires a well-organized distribution network. This often involves partnerships with bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.

3. Strategic Marketing:

Books need visibility. Marketing teams conceive and execute campaigns that encompass everything from social media outreach to author engagements and book reviews.

Technology's Impact

The digital age has revolutionized book publishing. E-books, audiobooks, and online platforms have expanded how readers access and enjoy literature. Publishers must adapt to these transformations:

1. Digital Formats:

E-books and audiobooks offer new avenues for authors and readers. Publishers must optimize content for these formats while considering issues like DRM (Digital Rights Management).

2. Self-Publishing Revolution:

Authors now possess the means to self-publish through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Traditional publishers distinguish themselves by offering unique value, such as editorial expertise and robust marketing.

3. Data-Driven Insights:

Data analytics empower publishers to comprehend reader behavior better. These insights inform decisions on book pricing, marketing tactics, and even content creation.

Charting the Future

The future of book publishing is an ever-evolving landscape filled with exciting prospects. Trends such as sustainable printing practices, AI-driven content creation, and immersive storytelling through virtual reality are reshaping the industry.

In this digital age, books remain powerful conduits for storytelling and knowledge sharing. The art and science of book publishing bridge the gap between authors and readers, unlocking new worlds, fresh ideas, and boundless imagination.

In conclusion, book publishing is a multifaceted realm where creativity, commerce, and technology converge. Whether you are an author, a publisher, or an avid reader, understanding the intricacies of this world enriches your appreciation for the written word.

[booktownn]

Welcome to Book Town: Your Ultimate Online Bookstore

Discover a world of literary treasures at Book Town, the premier online bookstore where knowledge meets convenience. With an extensive collection of books from renowned authors and publishers, we cater to the diverse reading preferences of book lovers worldwide. Whether you seek thrilling mysteries, insightful non-fiction, or captivating fiction, Book Town is your go-to destination for all things literary.

Ramniwas Mathuriya Books

Embark on a journey of wisdom and self-discovery with the compelling books by Ramniwas Mathuriya. From his enlightening masterpiece "The Quest for Wisdom" to the empowering "Unlocking Your Potential," Mathuriya's works offer profound insights and practical guidance for personal growth. Dive into the depths of spirituality with "Reflections of the Soul," and let Mathuriya's words awaken your inner consciousness.

Ram Singh Yadav Books

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of historical fiction and gripping mysteries penned by Ram Singh Yadav Books. Experience the drama and intrigue of ancient times in "The Forgotten Kingdom," or unravel complex secrets in the heart-pounding thriller "Murder at Midnight." For a poignant exploration of human emotions, don't miss "Shades of Love," Yadav's collection of captivating short stories.

Shiv Kumar Ojha Books

Indulge in the beauty of poetry and insightful narratives with Shiv Kumar Ojha's remarkable books. "Whispers of the Soul" offers a collection of poignant poems that delve into the human experience, capturing the essence of emotions and dreams. Ojha's lyrical language and thought-provoking storytelling will leave you inspired and introspective.

Mahesh Kumar Barnwal Books

Explore the world of competitive examinations and educational success with Mahesh Kumar Barnwal's books. His comprehensive study guides and exam-oriented materials are invaluable resources for students aiming to excel in various competitive exams. With books tailored to specific subjects and exams, Barnwal's publications equip students with the knowledge and strategies they need to achieve their academic goals.

McGraw Hill Books

Discover a wealth of educational resources and textbooks with McGraw Hill Books. As a renowned publisher in the field of education, McGraw Hill offers a diverse range of academic materials for learners of all ages. From textbooks that cover a wide array of subjects to test preparation guides and supplementary resources, McGraw Hill's publications are trusted by educators and students worldwide.

Youth Competition Times Publication Books

Prepare for competitive exams with confidence using the meticulously crafted books from Youth Competition Times Publication. With a focus on various entrance exams, their study materials provide comprehensive coverage of syllabi, practice questions, and valuable exam strategies. From engineering and medical exams to civil services and banking, Youth Competition Times Publication ensures you have the tools necessary to succeed.

SSGCP Publication Books

Enhance your knowledge and academic pursuits with SSGCP Publication's wide range of books. Covering diverse subjects, their publications cater to students, researchers, and professionals. From textbooks to reference materials, SSGCP Publication ensures that you have access to the latest information and resources to excel in your chosen field.

At Book Town, we are committed to bringing you the best books from acclaimed authors and trusted publishers. With our user-friendly website, you can easily navigate through genres, explore new releases, and find recommendations tailored to your reading preferences. Enjoy the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home and have your favorite Books.

For More Info:-Shiv Kumar Ojha Books

[quietlyimplode]

Clintasha Advent - Day 7 (free day)

This will be a 2 parter (second part on the next free day I hope) based on this picture and headcannon by @shieldagentnatasharomanoff - thank you for letting letting me touch on it.

.

Natasha doesn’t feel well.

That’s not true.

She doesn’t feel right.

She considers herself and realizes that she’s not allowed to be unwell or not right and admitting that out loud would be akin to death. She quietly admits it to herself though and tightens her fists harder into the palm of her hand.

They keep saying she doesn’t belong, tell her that she’s a defector and as such she can’t be trusted.

She’s defected away so will never be accepted back into Russia, and she’s betrayed her country so will never be truely accepted by America.

They’re not wrong, but it leaves her as an outlier. Barton tells her it will ease. The psychiatrist tells her that her feelings are valid. No one offers practical strategies to cope with the intrusive thoughts that plague her.

As she wanders down the street, she’s drawn to the bookstore on the corner, it’s bright red doors standing out against the grey of the day.

She has to be back by 7pm, the curfew set by Shield for defectors, she muses. She’s not angry about it, truthfully; she doesn’t have a say. At least she’s allowed to leave now; but even as she’s allowed to leave, she doesn’t have anywhere to go.

For the last six months, she’s gone exactly four places.

Barton’s apartment, her hovel, the psychiatrists office, and Shield. Now that she’s cleared, they trust her not to run; even if it’s all she wants to do.

Taking a chance, she enters the bookshop.

It’s not as small as it looks outside, it widens to books on one side and a café on the other.

Natasha loosens her scarf, and her legs take her to the back of the café; she can see the doors, there’s no one behind her and there’s only one blind spot to her left, that she reasons if she rearranges the metal tins in the middle of the table, it’s better.

She’s greeted by a kindly old woman, who offers her a menu. Natasha smiles and shakes her head, ordering a fizzy drink, hoping the bubbles make her feel more grounded and a part of the world.

There’s seven people in here.

The two at the counter, a man in the stacks, a woman and child in the children’s books section, one leaving and one sitting at the table across the way.

“You can grab a book, if you want,” the woman tells her. “No obligation to buy, but sometimes a book can be a good companion.”

Kindness, Natasha finds, always hits her low in the guts, and she doesn’t know what to do with it.

“Any recommendations?” She asks, recovering herself quickly, remembering how to make conversation.

The woman nods and leaves, Natasha’s eyes follow her as she disappears and then reappears. She hands her a book with a twinkle in her eye and a knowing look.

“Lora Mathis, The Women Widowed to Themselves,” the woman says, “please don’t be offended.”

Natasha’s eyes narrow.

She’s not offended but feels like the woman is looking into her soul as she nods and walks away, leaving her to her drink.

She flips through the offered book, and opens it randomly. The words she lands on seem to hit her squarely in the gut.

“I don’t want to do anything.

I don’t want to be anything.

I want to disappear elegantly.

I want people to look for my goodbye note

and find nothing but smoke.”

She gulps and closes the book, the words swirling in her head as all the feelings she’s been holding onto are held in them.

Her phone goes off and she’s pulled from her musings, it Barton, checking on her, sending her stupid jokes and trying like mad to connect. She ignores it, but is thankful there’s at least one person in the world that cares.

Natasha sips her drink, wanting to open the book again. She doesn’t have the courage, so she stares at the inanimate object and vows to come back.

.

(Now a 3 parter)

[northernstories]

African American Literature Suggestions from NMU English Department

The English Department at Northern Michigan University has prepared this list of several dozen suggested readings in African American literature, with some materials also addressing Native American history and culture. The first section contains books that will help provide a context for the Black Lives Matter movement. It includes books that will help readers examine their own privilege and act more effectively for the greater good. Following that list is another featuring many African American authors and books. This list is by no means comprehensive, but it does provide readers a place to start. Almost all of these books are readily available in bookstores and public and university libraries.

Northern Michigan University’s English Department offers at least one course on African American literature every semester, at least one course on Native American literature every semester, and at least one additional course on non-western world literatures every semester. Department faculty also incorporate diverse material in many other courses. For more information, contact the department at english@nmu.edu. Nonfiction, primarily addressing current events, along with some classic texts: Joni Adamson, Mei Mei Evans, and Rachel Stein, editors. The Environmental Justice Reader: Politics, Poetics, and Pedagogy. This classic collection of scholarly articles, essays, and interviews explores the links between social inequalities and unequal distribution of environmental risk. Attention is focused on the US context, but authors also consider global impacts. Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. A clear-eyed explication of how mass incarceration has created a new racial caste system obscured by the ideology of color-blindness. Essential reading for understanding our criminal justice system in relation to the histories of slavery and segregation. Carol Anderson, White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. A very well-written but disturbing and direct analysis of the history of structural and institutionalized racism in the United States. Gloria Anzaldua, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Anzaldua writes about the complexity of life on multiple borders, both literal (the border between the US/Mexico) and conceptual (the borders among languages, sexual identity, and gender). Anzaldua also crosses generic borders, moving among essay, story, history, and poetry. James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time. A classic indictment of white supremacy expressed in a searing, prophetic voice that is, simply, unmatched. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me. A combination of personal narrative in the form of the author’s letter to his son, historical analysis, and contemporary reportage. Angela Davis, Are Prisons Obsolete? In this succinct and carefully researched book, Davis exposes the racist and sexist underpinnings of the American prison system. This is a must-read for folks new to conversations about prison (and police) abolition. Robin DiAngelo, What Does It Mean To Be White? The author facilitates white people unpacking their biases around race, privilege, and oppression through a variety of methods and extensive research. Ejeris Dixon and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarshnha, editors. Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories From the Transformative Justice Movement. The book attempts to solve problems of violence at a grassroots level in minority communities, without relying on punishment, incarceration, or policing. Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. The most well-known narrative written by one of the most well-known and accomplished enslaved persons in the United States. First published in 1845 when Douglass was approximately 28 years old. W.E.B. DuBois, The Souls of Black Folk. Collection of essays in which Dubois famously prophesied that “the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.” Henry Louis Gates, Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow. Must reading, a beautifully written, scholarly, and accessible discussion of American history from Reconstruction to the beginnings of the Jim Crow era. Saidiya Hartman, Lose your Mother: A Journey Along the Atlantic Slave Route. In an attempt to locate relatives in Ghana, the author journeyed along the route her ancestors would have taken as they became enslaved in the United States. bell hooks, Black Looks: Race and Representation. A collection of essays that analyze how white supremacy is systemically maintained through, among other activities, popular culture. Harriet Jacobs, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Narrative of a woman who escaped slavery by hiding in an attic for seven years. This book offers unique insights into the sexually predatory behavior of slave masters. Ibram X. Kendi, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. A detailed history not only of racist events in American history, but of the racist thinking that permitted and continues to permit these events. This excellent and readable book traces this thinking from the colonial period through the presidency of Barack Obama. Winona LaDuke, All Our Relations: Native Struggles for Land and Life Any of LaDuke's works belong on this list. This particular text explores the stories of several Indigenous communities as they struggle with environmental and cultural degradation. An incredible resource. Kiese Laymon, Heavy: An American Memoir. An intense book that questions American myths of individual success written by a man who is able to situate his own life within a much larger whole. Cherrie Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua, This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color This foundational text brings together work by writers, scholars, and activists such as Audre Lorde, Chrystos, Barbara Smith, Norma Alarcon, Nellie Wong, and many others. The book has been called a manifesto and a call to action and remains just as important and relevant as when it was published nearly 40 years ago. Toni Morrison, The Source of Self-Regard. An invaluable collection of essays and speeches from the only black woman to win a Nobel Prize in literature. Throughout her oeuvre, Morrison calls us to take "personal responsibility for alleviating social harm," an ethic she identified with Martin Luther King. Ersula J. Ore, Lynching: Violence, Rhetoric, and American Identity. Ore scrutinizes the history of lynching in America and contemporary manifestations of lynching, drawing upon the murder of Trayvon Martin and other contemporary manifestations of police brutality. Drawing upon newspapers, official records, and memoirs, as well as critical race theory, Ore outlines the connections between what was said and written, the material practices of lynching in the past, and the forms these rhetorics and practices assume now. Claudia Rankine, Citizen: An American Lyric. A description and discussion of racial aggression and micro-aggression in contemporary America. The book was selected for NMU’s Diversity Common Reader Program in 2016. Layla F. Saad, Me and White Supremacy. The author facilitates white people in unpacking their biases around race, privilege, and oppression, while also helping them understand key critical social justice terminology. Maya Schenwar, Joe Macaré, Alana Yu-lan Price, editors. Who do you Serve, Who Do You Protect? Police Violence and Resistance in the United States. The essays examine "police violence against black, brown, indigenous and other marginalized communities, miscarriages of justice, and failures of token accountability and reform measures." What are alternative measures to keep marginalized communities safe? Ozlem Sensoy and Robin DiAngelo, Is Everyone Really Equal? The authors, in very easy to read and engaging language, facilitate readers in understanding the ---isms (racism, sexism, ableism etc.) and how they intersect, helping readers see their positionality and how privilege and oppression work to perpetuate the status quo. Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. An analysis of America’s criminal justice system by the lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative. While upsetting, the book is also hopeful. Wendy S. Walters, Multiply / Divide: On the American Real and Surreal. In this collection of essays, Walters analyzes the racial psyche of several major American cities, emphasizing the ways bias can endanger entire communities. Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery. Autobiography of the founder of Tuskegee Institute. Harriet Washington, Medical Apartheid. From the surgical experiments performed on enslaved black women to the contemporary recruitment of prison populations for medical research, Washington illuminates how American medicine has been--and continues to be shaped--by anti-black racism. Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Autobiography of civil rights leader that traces his evolution as a thinker, speaker, and writer.

If you would like to enhance your knowledge of the rich tradition of African American literature, here are several of the most popular books and authors within that tradition, focused especially on the 20thand 21st centuries. Novels and Short Stories James Baldwin, Go Tell It on the Mountain James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man Langston Hughes, The Ways of White Folks Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God James Weldon Johnson, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man Nella Larsen, Passing Nella Larsen, Quicksand Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye Toni Morrison, Beloved Richard Wright, Native Son Drama Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun Ntozake Shange, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf August Wilson, Fences August Wilson, The Piano Lesson Poetry A good place to begin is an anthology, The Vintage Book of African American Poetry, edited by Michael S. Harper and Anthony Walton. It includes work by poets from the 18th century to the present, including Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, Countee Cullen, Rita Dove, Robert Hayden, Langston Hughes, Yusef Komunyakaa, Claude McKay, Phillis Wheatley, and many others. Here are some more recent collections: Reginald Dwayne Betts, Felon Wanda Coleman, Wicked Enchantment: Selected Poems Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, The Age of Phillis Tyehimba Jess, Olio Jamaal May, The Big Book of Exit Strategies Danez Smith, Don’t Call Us Dead

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7283″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1701228154161{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] Vote Yes on the Strategy Center on Your Fundraising Ballot 2023 Vote No on Trump and Biden The Strategy Center is a multi-racial, Black-led “change the world organization.” We address “the totality of urban life and work on many…

[magic-and-moonlit-wings]

Reaction to ‘Wizards’

There were some elements of Wizards that I was quite pleased with and others I found disappointing.

Here are some notes I took while watching it: 

“I was busy,” says the guy who was ASLEEP.

Cuckoo clock in bookstore looks like Bular’s head.

Green Knight can teleport, confirming potential parallel character to Angor Rot and Tronos Madu, both yellow-eyed assassins with teleportation and tragic backstories (later confirmed, yes, there are parallels between this character and those two besides the visual one)

Jim always tips at the cafe; yup, that sounds like Jim 

Gunmar saving Jim: irony. Is Jim going to go to the Gumm-Gumm camp now? 

Confirmation that portrait was Arthur and Guinevere and she is “gone”, presumably by magic or killed by a troll - is she dead or did she just leave? (Later confirmed, dead)

Morgana’s name is carved on the tree under Arthur’s and Guinevere’s - was she in love with Guinevere too? 

Is that Nari with Morgana and Guinevere? (Later confirmed, yes)

Stone doll Callista finds looks like Angor’s totems - same village? He said it was “Gunmar’s war” that destroyed it, and she says it was a human attack, but Angor might’ve seen it as a retaliatory attack by the humans which Gunmar’s actions had provoked?

Arthur being the one to cut off Morgana’s hand makes Merlin SLIGHTLY less of an asshole for using it in the Amulet, but a lot of this still could’ve been avoided if Merlin had been willing to shut up and listen. 

Oh, except it wasn’t Arthur who cut off Morgana’s hand the first time anyway? 

Episode 3 ends without Steve getting knocked on his back, so that scene must’ve been his sparring match with Lancelot in Episode 2 instead of keeping it an Episode 3 tradition (like how Zuko and Iroh hug in Episode 18 of each season of Avatar the Last Airbender)

Why would Douxie be grossed out at the idea of swimming naked? Swimsuits have only been around for, what, 80 years? Presumably it was a specific lack of desire to see Steve naked.

Neat take on the Lady of the Lake. 

AAARRRGGHH used to have a triple set of horns - what happened to the other two? Receded, amputated, knocked off? Also, Gunmar says AAARRRGGHH is ‘holding back’ when they spar and has yet to win against him - if AAARRRGGHH was doing that on purpose, this supports my theory that he was debating how safe it was to stay on Gunmar’s side for some time before deserting. 

Morgana possessed? 

Angor Rot saved Morgana/recovers her body and gives a funerary-sounding blessing, showing he was sympathetic to humans before losing his soul�� 

Oh, and Nari gave her the new hand 

Wait, so who steals Angor’s soul in this timeline? 

Called it on that servant guy being a Changeling - he appears in the background of, like, every scene that episode where they’re talking about Morgana using unexpected strategies to sneak into Camelot. 

Wait, except his human form is an adult - so is he a polymorph? Or Familiars can be taken as adults but babies are easier to contain and have less ‘established personality’ to match after replacing them? Or has Morgana already been creating Changelings? AAARRRGGHH calls Jim “impure” when they meet in Dwoza, suggesting Gumm-Gumms already know what Changelings are, except Morgana wasn’t working with them yet

Is Callista going to be Deya? (Later confirmed, yes)

Show seems to be matching up with old theories about Deya being the first Trollhunter, confirming that the show, comics, and novels are all separate continuities (since comics and novels show pre-Deya Trollhunters). 

Gumm-Gumm berserkers - mind-controlled or grit-shaka’d (talisman of “no fear”), to throw themselves into sunlight like that?

Steve seems ready to refer to any half-decent older man as his dad, like when he refers to Merlin as ‘Wizard-Dad’. Maybe it’s because I was watching Brooklyn 99 recently but I’m reminded of Jake Peralta.

Big Jim’s crystal neck protrusions look like Strickler’s knife collar back when I thought that was part of his body. Glowy lines look like Gunmar; tie-in to Gunmar born of a “corrupted Heartstone” since Jim is “corrupted” now?

Aw, Krel called Ricky his dad. 

How did AAARRRGGHH fit through the HexTech door to the backroom?

“Cat and mouse” line cuts to a shot of Archie obviously imitating Nari (confirmed a few minutes later)

Toby has obviously seen Ghostbusters. “When someone asks you if you are a god, you say YES!”

Decoration in bookshop looks like Angor’s head.

Was that lightshow of Nari searching the world for Jim’s soul just a visual metaphor for her powers or did literally everyone on Earth see that?

“There’s a force neither of us can escape - gravity!” says the woman who can fly.

Morgana’s occasional echo-y voice in Trollhunters matches Bellroc and Skael - possession/magical-influence related?

So did Merlin have that book on him or did his body turn into the book?

Are all dragons fluffy and/or shapeshifters in this universe? 

Might’ve been smarter to keep Merlin’s staff intact and destroy the Grimoire so the Arcane Order never knows where to find the Genesis Seals, just saying.

If Morgana didn’t become “the Eldritch Queen” until, like, IMMEDIATELY before Angor approached her (therefore days earlier at most in the unaltered timeline), how had he heard of her to seek her aid? Was he actually reaching out to the Arcane Order? At least this explains why he didn’t go to the Trollhunter for help - there was no Trollhunter to approach yet.

Big Jim ‘dies’ in the same pose as AAARRRGGHH in Trollhunters Season 1 and Draal in Unbecoming, both false death scenes, for five-second foreshadowing Jim was alive. 

Mixed feelings about him being human again - like I’ve said, I didn’t think the Troll Jim subplot was well-executed but I also felt like, now that it’s been established, the show needs to stick with it. Since everything’s over I’m going to headcanon Jim having shapeshifting powers now and being able to switch between human and troll at will, he just didn’t think to try to do so on-camera.

Also, I feel like Jim’s relationship with Claire is once again completely overshadowing his relationship with Toby, instead of them being different kinds of relationships with equal weight. 

Barbara is going to be pretty shocked when her human son shows up again. She and Strickler don’t appear at all in this series, even in cameo. 

Maybe Jim’s not a troll anymore because, with Merlin and Morgana both dead, their magic is “broken” and that’s what was holding his transformation in place? Merlin’s through the potion, Morgana’s through the Changeling femur, both through the Amulet.

Is Jim still going back to New Jersey? Blinky’s got to, unless the trolls there have elected a new leader or they’re bringing the New Jersey Heartstone back to Arcadia.

Series ending scene also would work as the final scene of a movie, setting up a sequel hook even though it’s supposed to be over now. 

Seems like wizards are long-lived and age really slowly? Possibly a “will not die but can be killed” situation, like vampires, or unicorns (at least in The Last Unicorn) 

Additional thoughts after finishing the show and thinking for a while: 

I don’t get how Morgana could end up with such a reputation among trolls - enough to have superstitions about her, seen when Dictatious objects to Usurna saying her name - when they only interacted with her for like a few days at most. I guess she made a pretty strong impression on Gunmar, who passed that on to everyone else? Or maybe she cultivated that reputation over time via the Changelings?

Speaking of the Changelings, does this mean that, while Morgana designed the process to create them, she doesn’t make each individual one? Otherwise she would’ve had to pre-make a bunch in the time between getting her new hand and being trapped in the Heartstone. Although, if she can steal Angor’s soul remotely (with the idea she was already trapped in the Heartstone when that happened), she can probably also make Changelings remotely. 

I’m kind of sorry the Changelings got invented so quickly; I figured there would be some trial-and-error to that process.

How I think the Original Timeline went: 

Morgana would’ve turned to the Arcane Order seeking magic allies, later in the day that gets changed when the time-travelers arrive. Possibly she seeks out Nari, specifically, remembering her from childhood. 

Merlin then sees Morgana as the Future Threat and he or one of the knights (not Arthur) cut off her hand in the resulting fight. 

Merlin makes the Amulet. It chooses Callista, who is still in Camelot’s dungeon at the time, and she agrees to fight Gunmar in exchange for her freedom. 

She fully intending to go back on the deal and run for it, but then something-something-something and she learns her original name and saves the world anyway. Probably she’s the one who took down and imprisoned AAARRRGGHH in Dwoza, which inspired the other trolls there to follow her. 

Morgana finds out about the Trollhunter shortly before Angor arrives to ask her for magic, which is why she orders him to hunt the Trollhunters down.

Arthur thinks Merlin killed Morgana and wants to avenge her, leading him to the Arcane Order for the original not-time-loop-prompted attack.  

Show did a good job establishing and developing Douxie’s relationship with Merlin

Also, how did that bookshop end up a center of Merlin’s power? He’s only been in the modern world for a few months. Did he set a shop up off-camera while the trolls were travelling to New Jersey and the Akiridions were discovering Earth? 

How did Ricky Blank lose his head, anyway? Can Hex Tech fix him? Krel says magic and Akiridion tech combine harmoniously. 

[skyflyinginaction]

Shinhiro Aragaki Transulations from the Persona 3 Portable Fanbook

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Blog Handle Gaki

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[handwritten title at top] Gaki-san Cafeteria

Profile Name: Shinjiro Aragaki Sex: Male Birthday: 1991/8/11 [This profile uses year/month/day format.] Blood type: A Group: Gekkoukan Academy Upper Class Year 3 Class C (Suspended) Club: Unaffiliated

Ugh...  Me? Having a blog? So lame... Still, everyone's doing it, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Dunno what's with the goofy title. I'm just gonna write whatever I want. So uh, maybe gimme some ideas for posts?

Well... Might as well pass the time while I'm here. Anyway... enjoy?

Favorite Sites: [banners] A Dog's Heart [in snail] Sea slug [to right] Umiushi Family Cooking [white text, bottom right] Official Site

[large white text below blog page] I'm keeping my eyes peeled. Because there's an unimaginable way back...

[main body]

Aragaki, the lone wolf who sticks out like a sore thumb at nightly meetings, is from the same orphanage as Sanada. Three years ago, Aragaki was a member of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, where Sanada awakened the power of Persona within him. However, he wasn't able to fully control his powers. One day, a horrible accident occurred and a number of people were driven mad. Aragaki's Persona went berserk and snatched away the life of an innocent bystander. Despondent, Aragaki dropped out of school and began aimlessly roaming the streets at night. In order to restrain his Persona ability, whenever Aragaki is faced with danger, he takes a suppressant drug - although it has its side effects. Aragaki only returned to the SEES to bear his past deeds. Aragaki gave his life as a final apology to those tied to the past and unable to move forward, saying: "I'm the only one who deserves to rot in hell."

[at bottom:]

Shinjiro Aragaki

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Like A Whole Nother World

Category: Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad 2009/9/3 (Thu) 23:18

People are taking my return to the SEES really nicely... What the hell happened. Back when it was just me and Aki and Kirijo, the lounge felt way too big... But with all the new members, it's stuffed. Girls, a little kid, and even a dog... Some real variety in this lineup. Did Aki and Kirijo just get swept up in all that?

And on top of that, they're all treating me real good, even though they barely know me. The 2nd years think I bailed their asses out at the meeting place, when really I was just chasing off some pests. Either way, they're being real nice to me.

I don't bother with school or club activities or whatever, so I can focus all my energy on battle. Hit me up whenever you're heading off to Tartarus. I mean, that's why I came back here in the first place.

COMMENT Comments (4) ・ Trackback (0)

2009/9/4 (Fri) 01:23 JUN☆P-

Never gonna forget the hero at the meeting spot, dude. You totally bailed us out. With Aragaki-san on our side, we're like a hundred-man army!

2009/9/4 (Fri) 18:51 Yukaricchi♥

So you helped found the club, Aragaki-senpai... Thank you so much for saving us. I think you might actually be a really good guy, deep down...?

2009/9/4 (Fri) 21:00 Aigis

Koromaru-san reports that you often give him treats. It seems you two have become fast friends. Aragaki-san, you are rather reserved.

2009/9/4 (Fri) 23:06 Gaki

Oh come on, are you guys really kicking things off with a bunch of embarrassing comments? Hundred-man army, good guy... Don't just make stuff up about me. Ugh, I dunno how to deal with this.

[righthand column]

Boy's & Girl's Event

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Escapade

Category: Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad 2009/9/6 (Sun) 21:55

Under the full moon, a Shadow appeared, as promised. I hang out at Escapade plenty, but this time everyone on the floor was complaining about the power being on the fritz. I guess that was an omen or something that a Shadow was about to appear. Can't let things like that slip you by.

But man, there were some real annoying tagalongs last night. Junpei thought he was gonna party his ass off, the poor guy. That chick from Strega was totally stringing him along, but Junpei still managed to be worried about her. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but pure-hearted guys like him are the ones that fall for that kind of thing.

But still, the chick's Persona was really something... Might be worth worrying about. I think I'll pop my head into the hospital too.

[screenshot:]

Junpei Iori

Hey, uh... I just wanna know one thing... Was that really all just an act?

COMMENT Comments (4) ・ Trackback (0)

2009/9/6 (Sun) 22:23 Yukaricchi♥

I mean, Junpei's so unsubtle about things like this... I bet he's going to visit at the hospital again today. Maybe if Junpei keeps talking to her, Chidori-san will start to open her heart... Or maybe I'm naive for even thinking that?  

Boy's & Girl's Event

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Passing the Persona Torch

Category: Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad 2009/9/15 (Tue) 22:36

Man, you guys are a real pain. Though I guess I can't be so quick to judge if Koro-chan hangs with you...

⬤ Questions From Persona Users ⬤

1. How did it feel when your Persona awakened?

I don't remember anything from back then...

2. What did you think when you saw your Persona?

Don't really care, that's just how he looks. He's Aki's Persona's brother. I mean, me and Aki go way back. You couldn't separate us even if you tried.

3. What's your favorite attacking strategy?

I'm not a big fan of whittling enemies down bit by bit. Better to give 'em one big hit and knock 'em dead, all in one go.

4. Any Shadows you have trouble with?

I don't got any weak points. I mean, if your Persona is weak, that just means your heart is weak.

5. What do you want to do when we're done fighting?

Hell if I know. I just want to take responsibility for what I've done. I think I'm just about there. After that... Aki, it's your turn.

COMMENT Comments (4) ・ Trackback (1)

2009/9/15 (Wed) 19:47 Aki

So it's my turn... Got it. Shinji, it may very well be because of my influence that the power of Persona was awakened within you...

[left column]

Boys & Girl's Event

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What Are You Weirdos, a Cosplay Group?

Category: Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad 2009/9/16 (Wed) 22:58

Come on... I am not gonna participate in your little cosplay thing. The bus stop was one thing, but this time you　want me to wear a tailcoat? What? Is that a butler costume? Like I'm gonna play some servant role.

Oh, and when we're going off to Tartarus, don't expect me to act like we're going on a picnic, or whatever. When a Shadow pops out, I want to look like a grown-up warrior. We didn't get this far by being stylish.

I mean, if you're fighting to win, then I'll quit whining. Just don't mess around too much. And don't forget that lives are on the line.

COMMENT Comments (4) ・ Trackback (0)

2009/9/17 (Thu) 19:48 Yukaricchi♥

Please don't call us all "weirdos"! Our leader is the one who's into dressing up. I'm a victim too.

2009/9/17 (Thu) 22:39 JUN☆P-

That's the first time I've seen you hatless, Aragaki-san. ...And your head looks totally normal. So disappointing...

2009/9/17 (Fri) 19:29 Aki

I've never brought this up, but... Junpei, what do YOU look like with your hat off? I mean, even when you went swimming at the beach, you refused to take it off.

2009/9/17 (Fri) 21:46 Gaki

What kind of weird ideas are you having about people's heads... Hey Aki, meet me at the strategy room for a tactical debriefing on stealing Junpei's hat.

[right column] Boy's & Girl's Event Public Post

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Haven't Seen a Movie In Ages

Category: Posts 2009/9/23 (Wed) 22:26

Man, I haven't been to the movies in ages. It's a lot nicer to go on your own, but... Well, if you're inviting me, you must be kind of a weirdo. I guess I don't mind coming along though, kills some time.

But like, did you pick that movie on purpose? "Woof-Meow Kingdom"... We were surrounded by family, made me weirdly sweaty. And the climactic scene where they got dragged in the river... That was... Well, whatever...

Right, I need to give Koro-chan the special dog food and assorted bones I got on the way home. The leash we use on walks is filthy, so maybe I should get a new one, too... Oh, and I'm going to give him a bath later tonight. Shoot, I forgot to get a massage brush...

Anyway, do you think Koro-chan's good at doggy paddling? Never know when something bad might happen around water...

[screenshot:]

> Somehow, Aragaki's eyes seem red...

COMMENT Comments (3) ・ Trackback (0)

2009/9/24 (Thu) 10:00 Aigis

Koromaru-san is profoundly moved by your exceptional treatment of him, Aragaki-san.

2009/9/24 (Thu) 19:13 Fuu＊ka

Aragaki-senpai, you're a real animal lover, aren't you? Nobody who likes animals is a bad person, or so they say. I'll have to cook up something nice for Koro-chan too!

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Family Cooking

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September edition of the textbook now on sale. If not at your local bookstore, go here → to order online.

[button:] I Want It!

[left column]

Boys & Girl's Event Public Post

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Evening Walk

Category: Posts 2009/9/26 (Sat) 23:14

You guys keep going off about how taking a walk at night soothes the soul, and I kinda have to agree. I used to kill time at night by hanging out in back alleys or clubs, but I guess it's not so bad doing something more healthy with my evenings. And this is so weird, but taking a nice walk makes me want to make dinner for Koro-chan.

It's fall and everything's being harvested, which makes it the season for eating. You guys need to remember to eat up and stay healthy. Or else you're gonna end up bedridden, like our leader was. What would you even do if a shadow popped out then? Well, I guess everything's going good on that front, so it's fine for now. Just remember to get a nice square meal in every day.

[screenshot]

Shinjiro Aragaki

You hungry? I'll fix you something when we get home.

Girl's Event Public Post

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The Trick to Cooking

Category: Cooking 2009/9/27 (Sun) 23:47

Fall's the season for eating, but I don't think that fancy kitchen we have is getting any use. The fridge is full of sports drinks and milk, the cupboards are crammed with protein shakes and cup noodles and junk food... It's messed up. Do you people seriously never cook? We didn't even have a good set of utensils, so I brought some in. Yamagishi's the only one who seems excited about cooking, but she doesn't have the basics down yet. Don't get me wrong, enthusiasm's great, but...

Well, if you've heard someone say that cooking is an act of love, it probably came from someone who's mastered their basics. Doesn't matter how much love you pour into your cooking, if you mess up some fundamental part, it's not gonna taste good. A super common mistake beginners make is ignoring what the recipe says and improvising instead. Get your basics down pat, then you can switch things up. Remember, you don't gotta rush it. Doesn't matter what you're doing, taking it one step at a time is key.

COMMENT Comments (2) ・ Trackback (0)

2009/9/28 (Mon) 18:51 Fuu＊ka

Aragaki-senpai, thank you... You put it pretty bluntly, but you're trying to help, aren't you? I'll start working my way up with simple things like onigiri. If you'd like, feel free to come sample my work?

2009/9/28 (Mon) 19:52 Mitsuru

Aragaki, I'm rather surprised at how good you are at cooking. I wouldn't say you surpass my family's professional chef, but your food was indeed exquisite. Perhaps eating together with everyone isn't so bad, every once in a while.

[right column]

Girl's Event

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Making Things Right

Category: Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad 2009/10/3 (Sat) 02:45

[screenshot]

Shinjiro Aragaki

...They're in your hands now. I believe in you.

[post body]

So tomorrow's the long-awaited full moon, huh. And you know another huge Shadow's gonna pop out. But I never thought the full moon would fall on tomorrow's date, of all days... I can't bring myself to call it a coincidence.

It's not like I think I won't be coming back, but with what I have in the palm of my hand... Well, I can't tell if it's a coincidence or a cruel prank. And the whole time I sit here agonizing about it, the pocketwatch in my palm keeps on ticking. If I had to name the one thing I can never change, it'd be my past self. Who's bound by their past now? It's not just me... So, the only thing left for me to do is to make things right. Because no matter what I choose, I don't got much time left...

I'm not gonna write anything more here, I promise. You don't have to forgive me for my selfishness. And no matter what happens, don't you dare cry...

COMMENT Comments (5) ・ Trackback (0)

2009/10/7 (Wed) 18:36 Fuu＊ka

Aragaki-senpai, they said you wouldn't wake up... When I first read this post, I didn't get it at all, but... Looking back, I think you knew what you were about to do...

2009/10/7 (Wed) 20:28 Mitsuru

Of course I was aware of the situation between Aragaki and Amada. It was a failing on my part that it came to this. From hereafter, the Kirijo family will dedicate all available resources to his medical care. Perhaps Aragaki's strong spirit will grant us a sliver of hope...

2009/10/8 (Thu) 01:36 JUN☆P-

I know you were ready to give your life in this battle, but... Now that it's actually happened, it hurts like hell... Aragaki-san, please wake up...

2009/10/8 (Thu) 20:38 Aki

When I thought Shinji was all but gone, he whispered, "This is what I wanted." While some may dismiss his way of making things right, I would not count myself among them. Everyone, we need to face forward!

2009/10/9 (Fri) 18:46 Amadaman

I've decided to keep fighting here. Until Aragaki-san returns, I will protect his place.

[bubble at top left]

If You Get Into A Relationship...

Social links with Aragaki don't turn romantic until you max out your S. Link rank with him. But once you do get to max, if you call him one more time, you can have the protagonist confess to him. After a short period of heated questioning, you can enter Aragaki's room. Acting much unlike the Aragaki you've seen so far, he will embrace the protagonist and make an unexpectedly bold move. While it's quite the mushy event, if you do get in a relationship, he'll actually be quite assertive. By the way, the protagonist confesses to him in the dorm lounge. If you think about it, Yukari and Junpei and all the other members would be right next to them the whole time...

[screenshot:]

Shinjiro Aragaki

You're uh... not married, so don't get this wrong, but...

[bubbles at top right]

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Break

[center of circle:] Shinjiro Aragaki

[by tarot card:] Moon

[spiky bubble at bottom:] Shinjiro Aragaki

[to left of portrait, beneath "Persona capable to summon once Moon's commu rank reaches the max:]

Sandalphon, the Angel That Conveys Prayers

[tag labeled 27]

From the Iwatodoi Dormitory Lounge ......Edition 27

[junpei:] Man, Aragaki-san's cooking is the best. [koro:] Woof!! [aegis:] Koromaru-san says he enjoys it too. [aragaki:] H, hey. You guys suck at eating balanced meals. Try to take care of yourselves. [mitsuru:] I agree completely. Akihiko could stand to eat something aside from gyudon. [Rice with beef and vegetables.] [sanada:] I, I eat more than just gyudon! I get plenty of protein shakes in too!

[next column] [mitsuru:] Ugh... You're giving me a headache. [junpei:] Gyudon and protein shakes and nothing else... That's uh, really... [aragaki:] Don't act like you're any different. You basically live off cup ramen. Balance your diet. [junpei:] Uh, well... I uh, how do I put this, just like, think it's good... [fuuka:] Okay, I'll keep balance in mind and cook something up! [aragaki] How about you focus on learning how to cook, first. ...Although, you can go ahead and start practicing.

[vertical line of text in center:]

Brotherly Lines

[column on right]

S. Link Rank 3 Female Protagonist

Look at the balance in these meals... Do you guys live off this...?

S. Link Rank 4 Female Protagonist

...You're not going to leave those vegetables on your plate, are you?

S. Link Rank 7 Female Protagonist

Get some good sleep. ...'Night.

S. Link Rank 9 Female Protagonist

Feels like I got a place to come home to.

S. Link MAX Female Protagonist

Now that you're here, I don't have a care in the world...

[screenshot to left:] Shinjiro Aragaki

Does everyone here eat like crap...?

[block labeled Girl's Side] Like An Older Brother

Shinjiro Aragaki always makes sure his fellow club members make it home safe. While he comes off as rather blunt, he's actually deeply worried about everyone's unhealthy eating habits. Following the protagonist's advice, he throws a party. While putting everything together for the party, he teaches Fuuka (who is hopeless at cooking) how to cook. Drawn by the smell, their dormmates gather, and the lounge springs to life. While everyone enjoys the meal, Aragaki steps out for a bit, and asks the protagonist for a private chat. Then, gazing at the protagonist with a gentle smile, he says, "I'm leaving Sanada and everyone else in your hands."

[screenshot to right:]

Aegis

Koromaru-san is distraught.

[caption below screenshot:] Even Koromaru-san can tell how bad Fuuka's cooking is. But with Aragaki teaching her, she'll be able to make delicious food someday.

TRANSULATIONS NOT MINE THEY ALL BELONG TO THE LOVELY (https://kasael.tumblr.com) ALL CREDIT OF THIS ENTIRE TRANSULATION BELONGS TO THEM NOT ME DON’T REBLOG WITHOUT CREDITING THEM FIRST.

[jaydenhill69-blog]

Get yourself a pleased shopping at Australia's cross stitch pattern

When we say art we need certainly to mention art within an identical verse. Creativity, designs, patterns, embroidery and poetry and truths are a few. Celts had been born tribes that were warriors and amazing way also. Celts left their footmarks around Europe mostly because they certainly were nomadic at soul and nature.If we read or know that our history well we will find that there has never become a tribe that is more famous warring futility. That their art remains living is evidence of their longevity. Yet another fantastic instance with this is we still have myths, steel cravings, and knot works; human anatomy operates are artwork layouts to remind us.They were purely nomads could be understood from the simple fact that they inhabited are as from Britain, Ireland, Spain, into regions like Italy, Turkey and Bohemia. That is the ordinary ground the reason people find that French, Spanish, English, Irish and Italians mostly have Celtic layout into their needleworktattoos tattoos, drapery together with jewellery.Cross design pattern is just actually a quite basic yet classy fashion of creating embroidery. Now we understand that cross stitch is an obsolete pattern yet it is so famous because it had been in prehistoric times. The cross design pattern is more widely common while becoming one of the most cherished form as well.What we would enjoy is the heavy colors and bright ones mixed thus giving splendor of color coded with layouts which make the last result an visual cure next to none. The principal the heart of celtic cross stitch patterns is classically over cut layouts with design patterns, spiral, inter-weaving designs, knot mechanics, animal strains, alphabets together side zoomorphic patterns.Celtic cross stitch sewing is mostly an art that we have inculcated due to the Scott's, Minx along with Irish. These complex layouts are widely put in usage by people in every day life, be it at pillow protect, tablemats the enjoys warm cozies to drape pallets decoration.And these patterns are available easily all over the world, only search the net or see the nearest bookstore in which design layouts are there in novels , design yourself kits along with art guides. Unlike other causal embroideries, Cross stitch weaving will be much better to learn. You will find several types that jelqing Celtic cross stitch patterns but exactly what you would most relish is currently trying to craft a Cross design drawings. You may start having a blueprint leading way up into the ones. Once started you will probably have the ability to produce some magnificent décor craft things for-you home.So if at any time you feel that Polynesian cross stitch design has transferred you enough to carry it up as a pastime or fire then I would advise you to usually do not spend your time at opening a style blueprint of you choice. You can start with modest layouts onto a bit cloth and then slowly if only a tad bit more confident you'll be able to cause some thing specific for yourself or for present purpose.Celtic cross stitch patterns aren't restricted by few matters you can explore with making armbands using Alphabets, and headgear sporting animal patterns. Kits are available with complete accessories like ribbons and needles along with other stuff to create the pattern.Choices are made of aplenty, some kits possess frames while some others come sans a framework, when you would want to buy. Need not go to a shop, as home deliveries really are a real benefit. Now that you would like to begin off I really would like you best of luck in this venture.If you are an avid cross stitcher then your odds are that at any point you will probably need a blueprint you could not find. Within cases like this a proven manner you may overcome this dilemma is by simply using cross legged pattern by drawing on the blueprint yourself. Regrettably there will also be disadvantages to cross stitch pattern making applications and we'll consider both the advantages and disadvantages in this article.In the past cross stitch patterns were regularly made using pencils and chart paper. This was time intensive and tedious job plus yet one that I'm sure few people nowadays would enjoy. Fortunately cross stitch design manufacturing software has speeded up the process which makes it feasible to produce your own personal cross stitch patterns a ton quicker and more easily.What I've noticed when utilizing cross legged design making software is the fact that should you're scanning an image in your pc afterward you will frequently need to be sure alterations to the colours to get it done only perfect. In addition, I like to use colors that are less as I think it is becomes complicated when using as many colors as the picture could commonly come out at. Even though these alterations could become time consuming that they are nothing in comparison to needing to draw it all out on graph paper. The most greatest advantage of cross border design making software could be that your flexibility that it offers to develop any pattern that you prefer to make. You may use any graphic or possibly draw out anything that comes into your mind and transform into a cross stitch design and you also don't need to be restricted to the patterns that can be found the market.Cross sew design making software is just a good device for any avid cross stitcher and enables one to make an extensive range of cross stitch layouts yourself. You might need to earn some alterations or require a small additional time however in the long run this will probably be worth it.Who uses graphs and counted cross stitch designs? Anyone who desires them, however you will find a number of applications for these patterns. Free cross stitch patterns are often . Some people utilize the patterns merge and to incorporate them together with different patterns and motifs to build a brand-new pattern strategy. These customized patterns can subsequently either used for private use or are advertised and marketed with a fresh title or title.A developer that focuses on free crossstitch designs is Connie G. Barwick who gifts patterns to the general community for individual use only. Also, a website named Better cross-stitch Patterns.com offers great nice, unique totally free layouts. The air is very favorable , plus so they go out of the way to create a stitcher feel in home.Large companies like DMC and several more provide patterns free of charge in their web sites to both newbies and professional stitchers. Their patterns include floral patterns lettering graphs and animal graphs. The free patterns function as an effective approach to get you in their site, download the free pattern(s), and then they are trusting you might observe different goodies you simply cannot live without which leads for the expected purchase.While several businesses have become special about your usage of the routines saying they are for private use only, the others allow one to download the totally free pattern, stitch it, and then sell the completed stitched project for your profit as long as you make the proper attribution to owner by giving a link back to owner's web site. Yet, these of you who down load those completely free patterns are discouraged from re selling the authentic totally absolutely free routine itself.People who mix legged and use completely absolutely totally free patterns also prefer to trade and switch back and forth with different stitchers on cross stitch website sites, thus developing a system of layouts that can end up with exciting variations (in hues ) according to how imaginative you are.As much as creating belongs, you can find sites on the market like Cyberstitchers.com who have free chart document that you publish off for use in developing your own layouts. Software such as PatternMaker offers a library of motifs for used in developing and creating a custom made pattern. Embroideryall across the world is thought of being a parcel of tradition. This heritage has been with us. As a talent is indeed obsolete that none people can pinpoint the accuracy of its ancientness. Since time of our mothers, grand mothers and their ancestors have followed that particular art, despite the planet be-ing poles apart.Where we live will not produce a gap most of us were introduced to embroidery as cross legged embroidery. That is since it's very simple to master. It requires the most common of supplies. So how much I go ga ga more than celtic cross legged it's going to be modest because I love its own patterns.Cross sew just isn't with no opinions of various cultures and tribes and areas. Styles of cross stitch really are a excellent mix of some primitive, cultural, contemporary and contemporary versions. While a few patterns are clear other too have their own impressions. Like Victorian cross lace is admired for its classic designs, African American stitch is famous for his or her ethnicity and Celtic due to his or her intricacy.Celtic Crochet lace is a early form of embroidery. Its patterns are properly known the diversity of its patterns are something that we can take pride in. That the impressions of their art understood no more boundaries, Due to the fact Celts have been nomads so. These routines can be seen on possibly every possession of theirs.On their possessions the motifs and design work had minute details that a job could well be a masterpiece inside our life. Cross stitch designs utilized by Celts had impressions of the day-to-day life styles. Designs like blossoms animals, styles, alphabets and a lot more. They didn't only stop with making patterns together with embroideries, even they were found of those patterns which their swords, utensils walls and walls could float with this kind of patterns.All of you would now be asking about the ways to find them gorgeous and distinctive routines. 25 odd years back I wouldn't have been at a position. But today I am blessed enough to have enough knowledge about this art to have the ability to share it with you.Simply see your nearest store or art and craft vendor to get yourself that nice Celtic cross stitch design apparel. Then you could find one in a bookshop if you are not successful on your effort to locate an crafts shop nearby. And only in case that you do not want to dispose with the relaxation of your house with this purpose I could help you here too.You can easily place an on-line order requesting your apparel. Consider locating patterns that are absolutely totally free on the Internet while in the event that you wouldn't like to spend a dime onto the blueprint. There are a lot of sites which offer these layouts. Make your decisions depending up on your own ability. I sincerely hope I have left no rock unturned you do not take up cross legged embroidery. I am hoping that I don't need to drive one. To receive supplementary information on this please see additional info. Cross-stitching is extremely comforting and concentrating pastime. Once you see your job transform in one stitch for the whole 22, the procedure for stitching could increase your spirits. And select your future work and it is leaving to check through patterns. You may find different patterns and fashions. You can produce a really big images of fine smaller pictures which you are able to hang over your own place or give them as a gift to your family and pals or all tiles. But is Cross Stitch Patterns consistently were exactly the exact same as now?Cross Stitching leaves to get a time also it shifted through out many years. Years ago girls commenced cross stitching as young as 5 years of age and did all their lifetime to it. Nevertheless, it was not just a spare time activity at that time for them. They stitched maybe not merely for their home however also they cross sew their garments to show everyone else how they mastered this particular craft. There have been days when girls throughout the village revealed in garments people may decide on which one were the optimal/optimally venture and that they stitched. Sometimes boys chose that a girls to check throughout her job. Thus stitching plaid a big role in ladies life.There ended up a lot of cross stitch designs and layouts from old occasions . however, it wasn't only a typical patterns, all of patterns had any significance and for different intention people built different designs. As an example, weddings always were more rich in cross legged designs which express fantasies of happy and very long existence for newly-married. Patterns at different places had various meanings but usually old layouts included a great deal of critters (represents independence and beauty at certain states ), bushes and sunlight (normally reflect fertility), houses and ships (at certain cultures reflect riches ). Some times that routines had been pretty easy to produce although not pointless. It means when our ancestors dressed man a fabrics they can state this man washow old and how rich he/she was, what position in culture he/she has, just how prudent he/she was and so on. Would you think about exactly how every big or small party persons dressed up in a excellent fabrics with stitching from top to bottom and using this stitching you're able to readily emptied out exactly what afternoon they observe, exactly what they stand for and that they are.Cross Stitching comes with a good heritage and a number of individuals still discover that it's exciting to make older style designs. Of this layouts look classic. But if you understand the route of each and every crossstitch Pattern work won't be only a craft, it will be an email for everyone.

[demytasse]

[Shizaya] Coping Mechanism — Ch 6

[Previous Chapters | Ao3]

     The thing about running away from your problems is that it's not a solution, it's a coping mechanism. It resolves one issue but replaces it with another; a cowardly deed that re-stations one’s weakness out of sight while it remains in mind for everyone else.

It’s a strategy, running away, and not a very good one. Nothing more than a poor excuse for a sad soul — and a detriment to an unfortunate case put in recess.

    “So you're back to ignoring him?”

Izaya flipped his phone so the screen could meet the table surface; it amplified a vibration or two.

    “Now what would give you that idea?”

A buzz came from Shinra’s coat pocket which interrupted another and a subsequent in queue; he brought it out to hold a foot before Izaya in a seamless flash. Normally some amount of glee would have met the doctor's lips for how he mimicked one of his love’s trademark poses, but flat displeasure won out.

    “I wonder why that could be?”

    “How many times has it been?” The informant skimmed the screen before it was pulled from his purview.

Certain keywords had stuck out from the rest as if bolded; words like, ‘Izaya’ and ‘kill’ were interspersed between phrases, like ‘I swear’ at the beginning, ‘this time’ in the middle, and ‘I won’t’ somewhere near the end. Shizuo's compulsion to clarify his intent was so natural that it may as well have been a confession of murder before it was committed. Maybe that should be reassuring?

    “I don't pay attention past my disappointment to count. It's annoying to assume that the stream of text messages is Celty narrating her day for me only to find that it's your boyfriend—”

    “Ex.” Izaya corrected, a stern look to his eye.

    “—that’s been abusing redial and over-utilising text prediction. Or maybe it’s text-to-speak; sometimes I get incoherent messages that somehow manage to sound more rage filled than if he abused my doorbell instead.”

    “That's not my fault. You could pick up your phone, you know.”

    “So could you!” Shinra threw his hands onto the back support of the couch, not too far from clipping Izaya’s nose while he slammed them down in frustration; upon impact his glasses fell askew, made him more comical than intimidating.

In jest, Izaya pulled back from Shinra’s tired pout and into a shrug. “Now that's silly. Why would I pick up your phone?”

—

    The act of weakness stretched out across a week — less than tolerable for all of Izaya’s friend-like connections, easier to deal with himself as he fled Shizuo’s text message war zone with ease, but those neutral parties forced into the fray dragged him back into the trenches to which he met hell without so much of a helmet to protect him.

    “Why would Shizu-chan assume we're hanging out?”

    “I don't know, ask him when you call him back.” Kadota’s eyes flashed and his crossed arms mimicked a disappointed father.

Izaya was lucky that any attacks weren’t physical just heavily fired with baritone.

    “But you realise, Dotachin, calling him would defeat the purpose of ignoring him.”

    “I'm not even going to act surprised that you’ll admit to ignoring him. For my sake, at least, get him to stop calling me. It’s annoying on its own, but Erika’s demands for the next installment of her real-life soap opera are worse, and I don’t think I can fake that the messages stopped for much longer.”

    “Sounds like trouble in otaku paradise.”

    “Any paradise, if there ever was one, has been lost.”

They shared an easy chuckle. One of the two bookstore loiterers tugged his beanie back into place while the other corrected the lay of fur over his shoulders; they walked each other to the automatic sliding doors without a single glance to confirm they were going the same way.

    “Well, it's been nice catching up with you old chum.” Izaya clapped Kadota on the back as he lead their exit through the doorway. “Maybe next time your gang and us can share cup ramen out of the back of the Mystery Machine.”

With a shocked expression, Kadota felt impressed that any effort was made to schedule time to hang out — faked or not, it was more than Izaya ever tried to in the past.

    “I'll even splurge for you guys and bring the 900¥ kind, my treat!”

And it was that syrupy sarcasm that called the comment for what it was meant to be: a precursor of Izaya committing to nothing, promising nothing. Running from his duty to end Kadota's involvement with the odd-couple’s immature fight.

    “It really is a wonder that Shizuo thinks we hang out.” Kadota sighed as Izaya gave him a cutesy wave goodbye.

—

    It was quickly day seven — the dawn of week one since the incident and Izaya was still avoidant of the simple solution that everyone else seemed to know but him. Rather he knew it, he just didn’t care to put it into practice; and everyone wished he would stop pretending that his bone-bruised ego paralysed him from fixing things with Shizuo. It was psychological warfare at this point, stubbornness to win against his ex’s persistence for closure or resolution.

The whole scenario was pathetic.

      [Ku] Iza-nii, it's weird for Shizu-nii to be texting us and not the other way around.       [Ku] Are you going to text him back already?

      [Mai] Fool.

      [Ku] Exactly! You’re a fool! An idiot brother. We’re not even in high school anymore, but you’re involving us in adolescent drama like we are!!!       [Ku] Gah! You’re like a teenage girl!!

      [Mai] You’re sad.

      [Ku] Tell you what! We’ll send Shizu-nii over to your place so you can just make up and fuck.

      [Ku] Or fuck and make up. Either one.       [Ku] Hahaha.

      [Kanra] If you two interfere I will stop sending my dear sisters loving gifts of extra spending money.

      [Mai] No bother.

      [Ku] Keep the petty change, Nii-nii. We make enough on our own.       [Kanra] Do I even want to know where you get your money from?

      [Mai] …

      [Ku] Huehue, better off only knowing that we make more than you do!       [Ku] Bye-bye, Nii-nii~.       [Ku] We do this out of love!

      [Mai] Die.

Izaya wasn’t positive that their proclamation was legitimate, all things considered he’d act as if it were. Though his line of defense was likely to go against their wanted outcome, they wouldn’t know that fact until it was too late.

    “Too bad your brother can outwit you two twerps.” Upon his schedule, he made a note on to send the obsessed duo on a wild-Yuhei hunt and moved onto better use of his work hours.

Furthermore he ignored a stray text message. Despite the sender’s hopes, the fairy had a fairly low chance to get a conversation going — that scarily passive threat was the type that’d only have an affect on her partner, assuredly not him.

      //I'm tired of you playing this game, Izaya. Shizuo is really messed up this time around...//

Celty could play no head games with him.

—

    Days later Izaya had been made an audience to a concert of metal all afternoon; intentionally raucous and purposely harsh, the crashes, clangs, and slams of kitchenware upset his continued productivity. All musical measures were a tune played out by an ornery employee, these days a willing partner in crime, but her overpaid salary still wasn’t enough to mute her percussion nightmare.

It only stopped when Izaya stopped his keyboard staccato for the day, progress little as it might be.

    “Take it.”

    “Woah there, Namie-san. Didn't know you were into that.”

Izaya addressed her phrasing rather than the food container wrapped in a cloth bag that was extended out to him. Namie’s arm was firm in front of herself, her offer pressed against his chest and demanded that he ‘take it’ or face repercussions.

    “Take your cowardly ass over to your boyfriend's—”

    “Ex.”

    She spoke louder, “—to your boyfriend's apartment and talk things over with the bastard over dinner.”

Although it looked like it was a traditional bento made with love, akin to ‘what mom used to make’, his secretary looked a lioness that threatened an attacker of her pride rather than the human mother of a man-child that she was.

    So thanks to the literal shove through his apartment door, Izaya found himself propped against the front of another. Slunk with his elbows upon his knees, a cloth bag dangled by an ear between his legs. He watched it spin before he directed it to go counterclockwise and around again to meet the same pattern.

Whether it was his misjudgement of time or Shizuo was late, it didn't change the fact that the mystery wasn’t one he could solve with pulled fabric, not like the uncover of what food Namie had made for the unhappy couple. For some reason it felt wrong to peek without the other recipient present as well. Maybe it was bad luck, as if anything that Namie touched could be blessed with good omens. What misfortune awaited him upon Shizuo’s eventual arrival made him refuse to take chances with weak willed boredom, and it itched his fingers to fiddle with the tight knot.

    “No.”

Izaya perked up; he hadn’t noticed an elevator beep nor heavy footsteps — an oddity for the perceptive man.

    “Don’t pretend that you weren’t desperate for my attention all week.”

    “I’m not pretending.” Shizuo stoically defined his scowl.

    “Are you sure? Maybe you were secretly hoping that I would fulfill some psychic booty call.”

    “Fuckin’ hell, just go home! You’re drunk.”     “We both know I’m not.” He muttered, “and that joke was hardly funny the first time, Shizu-chan.”     “Then how else are you here?”     “Easy, I walked.”     “WHY else are you here?”

    The long since hot, now room-temperature meal finally made its cameo. Izaya held up the bag with a dainty flirt, his pinky up on high, “a gift from my secretary.”     Shizuo scowled harder. “Give my compliments to the chef and leave.”

    “There’s dessert.” The emotionally exhausted man grumbled while he kicked his head back, his eyes pinched closed just as he pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed with aggression. Shizuo was annoyed that everyone assumed that sugary sweets would automatically sway him. In any other case it would have, but in this particular scenario...it still did, though only to shut Izaya up and get him to stop with the needy pout that he wore as a secondary tactic.

Izaya knew that Shizuo couldn’t make him disappear, he also knew that he couldn’t let him run away of his own volition — he was certain that in a matter of seconds he would invite him in just to stop their passive aggressive squabble performed through pigeon mail.

    “Hm, looks like it’s strawberry shortcake too. She knows you—”

    “For the love of… Just get the fuck in here, fleabag!!”

AN: Needless to say, I had a tad bit fun with this one — what, with a horde of characters all randomly showing up within the same chapter, just to prove how much I love writing dialogue between petulant Izaya and anyone annoying Izaya and Shizuo can be to everyone around them. Feel free to comment or give feedback.

[ailelie]

The biggest issue for me with this article, and I say this as a Christian, was the utter lack of self-awareness. Christianity also provides a fantasy narrative in which people can pretend to be greater than they are, just like right wing propaganda. He does mention in the last paragraph that this also affects the church, but that is undermined by the previous several paragraphs talking about how it isn't a problem for Christianity.

Christians in America imagine how one day Bibles will be confiscated and their religion outlawed. In America. The nation that just overthrew Roe for arguably religious reasons.

Christians participate in the fantasy of evil, Satanic baby-killers (to borrow from Fred Clark).

Paganism, after all, demands the sort of significance that is heroic, in which one’s virtues of strength and power are celebrated in story and song. Joseph Campbell famously popularized Jung’s idea of the “hero’s journey” a half century ago, but the quest for an imagined heroism is even stronger now—and often much, much darker.

...And Christianity? Just google "Warrior for God." Sure, some of the articles, Bible studies, and so on focus on humility, grace, and love, but they still use the imagery of a warrior. They still compare the reader to warriors, soldiers, and fighters in the Bible.

Many hymns also draw deeply on the imagery of battles.

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!   Ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner,   It must not suffer loss: From vict’ry unto vict’ry   His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished   And Christ is Lord indeed.

and

Stormin' the gates Stormin' the bates of hell We won't pull back We won't retreat We're putting the enemy Under our feet

and

Our call to war to love the captive soul But to rage against the captor And with the sword that makes the wounded whole We will fight with faith and valor When faced with trials on every side We know the outcome is secure And Christ will have the prize for which He died An inheritance of nations

and

I march into battle no doubt in my mind That my God is with me and victory is mine I'll dance in the shadow of my enemy 'Cause God is my champion and He fights for me Oh God is my champion and He fights for me Bigger the battle greater my faith There is no giant you cannot slay You're stronger than 10,000 armies You're stronger than 10,000

and

Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil, Never run, nor even lag behind; If you would win for God and the right, Just keep on the firing line.

I mean. Come on. I did a search on the Vineyard Bookstore website (a Midwestern Christian bookstore, very conservative) and found the following titles:

Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle by Tony Evans

Armed and Dangerous: The Ultimate Battle Plan for Targeting and Defeating the Enemy by John Ramirez, Nicky Cruz [Foreword by]

The Military Guide to Armageddon: Battle-Tested Strategies to Prepare Your Life and Soul for the End Times by Col David J. Giammona, Troy Anderson, Matt Hagee [Foreword by]

Throw the First Punch: Defeating the Enemy Hell-Bent on Your Destruction by Beth Guckenberger

Armed for Victory: Prayer Strategies That Unlock the End-Time Armory of God by Alan Didio, Mario Murillo [Foreword by]

There are more. This is just a tasting.

Our culture of fantasy role-playing is leading us to some perilous places. Sadly, we often replicate it even within the church. There are dragons indeed, both within and without. Yet sometimes the dragon is not the one we’re slaying in our fantasies but the one offering us the illusion of belonging, glory, and meaning—the very one that will just chain us up in one more dungeon.

No. Shit.

The church needs to stop approaching life like a battle in which we are warriors against evil powers trying to corrupt the world. It creates a very us vs. them mindset and leads people to treat others as enemies rather than neighbors. It robs us of grace and mercy for fear of being weak. It is bad theology and this article irritates me to no end for pretending that it is a minor issue in the church rather than one of the primary ones fueling a lot of what is wrong.

Promise?