#UPM Open

[lit3rallyll0yd]

when it snows on your first date with them

dazai, chuuya, ranpo<3

warnings: lowercase writing

a/n: expect many christmas themed oneshots throughout all december!

dazai osamu 🩹

the two of you would have a blast!!

despite dazai not being a huge fan of the cold, and would just prefer to be inside wth some hot cocco and a butt load of blankets cuddling with you-

you loved the snow, and dazai would just fulfil your wishes and go out on this winter wonderland of a date.

snowball fights, snowangels, building snowmen; no matter what you both did he would love and cherish every second of it.

and he knows you do as well!

~

you woke up cold. your feet were cold, your arms were cold, your face a bit cold, despite the two blankets that covered your entire body. you twirled around on your sheets, looking any sense of warmth you could offer yourself.

the past two minutes went by and you were still cold. you slowly sat upm your hair a mess, drool on your sheets and your PJ's all wrinkly. you looked left and right, rubbing your eye as you leaned over to look at the clock on your bedside.

"11: 35.." you mummer to yourself. as you woke yourself up by streching and stepping out of the bed, your entire body shivered as you walked toward your bedroom apartment window.

as you opened the curtains, your eyes widen to find it wide open and the sight of pure, white snow sparkled in your eyes.

suddenly a bright smile appeared on your face.

"it's snowing..."

you closed the window to warm the room up and took out your phone.

"it's snowing..!" you chanted a bit louder to yourself.

you unlcoked your phone and smiled at the homescreen. it was a beautiful picture of your boyfriend and you.

you never saw yourself dating osamu dazai; him of all people! yet here you are!

"it's snowinggggg!!" you squealed as you called him, fixing the bedsheets and waited for him to pick up.

"'m'hello?" his morning voice caused you to smile brighter, "IT'S SNOWING, DAZAI, IT'S SNOWING!!" you cheered, you swore your neighbors could call out a noise complaint in less then two seconds, but you didn't care.

dazai's laugh to himself caused you get butterfiles as you heard shuffling on the other end as well; "well, what do you know~ you're right!"

you squealed, putting him on speaker mode, hearing him yawn as you ran to your closet.

"are you ready for our date?" you called out to him and you heard him...

"what do you mean?"

you paused and went silent.

on the other end dazai bite his lip, waiting to see if you'll answer...and when you didn't he felr suddenly bad and laughed; "i'm just messin' with you, 'donna~ of course i am...however, i'm not the hugest fan of winter..."

dazai admitted and you rolled your eyes; "come on- it'll be fun! meet you at the park?"

before he could asked, he knew the park by your apartment. of course.

"not if i meet you first!"

and he hangs up...taking a whole 10 minutes to actually get ready for this winter date<3

~

"osamu..."

"y/n..."

both you and him looked at each other, your laughter threating to escape as you saw your boyfriend. there he was, standing in front of you with a black winter hat, two striped scarfs, one vest, another large brown leather jacket, a pair of baggy jeans and winter boots.

oh, and we cant forget the gloves that you can barely use your fingers!!

"osamu, you look ridiculous." you laughed.

"and you look astonishing- one of us has to sell the look, and i'm so happy it's you." he waddled up to you, and you didn everything in your power to not laugh as he kissed your lips.

"you walk like a penguin!" you grabbed his coat and laughed into his puffy chest.

he chuckled; "a sexy penguin?" "if you want to thihink that!"

you giggled, until you felt something wrap around your neck. you opened your eyes to see a black and white scarf get placed around your neck, "you'll catch a cold, love." dazai spoke close to your ear, causing you to shiver.

you smiled and thanked him; "now, where shall we begin?"

chuuya nakahara 🍷

what?- what do you mean it's snowing?

great, now your going be cold!!

chuuya doesn't mind the winter weather, he just hates seeing you cold.

however, he would still make this date the best date he can for you.

because you deserve it!

~

"y/n! it's 8 degrees out here; can you please wear the jacket i got for you?!" he called out to you as you threw the jacket off you, accidentaly, and ran toward he pile of fresh snow that wasat the park close to where chuuya lived.

he couldn't help but smile at your childish laughter; almost as if you have never seen snow in your life.

you jumped into the snow and chuuya cringed; "oh- come on! love, your going to catch a cold!!" he raced after you and helped you out of the pile of the cold snow and wrapped the jacket around your arms, dusting off as much snow as he can off from your sweater.

you smiled to yourself as he started to zip up the jacket as well, "you need to be more careful! i know you love the snow, but you could easily get sick in this weater, y/n!"

you nod as he pats your shoulders and kissed your cheek; pulling back to put on his gloves.

"okay, so we already had our lunch; are you still hun-EEHA!!"

his sudden shriek caused you to cackle out loud and almost fall backwards. ther was your beloved boyfriend hopping around the snow like a bunny as he tried to shake out the snow from his jacket.

as you were about to do it again, you looked up to see chuuya's back to you...you giggles turned into nervous laughter; did you piss him off??

"chuhuya? are you-"

your boyfriend suddnenly turned around and quickly grabbed your arm and used his gravity manipulation on you, pinning you to the snow gently and sat ontop of you.

"you've done it now~" he teased; your bidy squirming under him.

"wahait! chuuya- it's cooold! i'm sohoarry!"

"so am i; but this is deserved."

before you could react, a loud shriek followed by laughter caused chuuya to grin to himself. his hands that were holding two large snowballs were shoved up your sweater and jacket onto your bare skin, his hands that rubbed up and down your sides caused you to burst out into laughter as it tickled.

"wahait- what happened toho 'you'll cahatch a coOOHALD!!'" you shrieked again at the new feeling of cold snow on your bare back.

"don't worry babe; if you get sick i'll take care of you. but for now~...."

let's just say, side eyes were sent toward you and chuuya as you both fought like children in the snow.

~

you sneezed, feeling chuuya wrap a blanket around your shoulders. it was night, and you've caugh a cold from the amount of hours you both have been outside. your nose was red, and your ears were cold.

you sipped on your hot coco; chuuya sitting beside you.

"see;" he started as he finished ordering take-out, "told you i'll take care of you~"

ranpo edogawa 🔎

he already knew it was a bout to snow, which is why he chose today to ask you out.

he knew how much you didn't like the snow, so when you told him at was snowing he gave you THIS EXACT SMILE!!!

"then why don't we spend our date in here?~"

~

you gasped and smile widely, feeling a burst of happiness as you ran toward him and hugged him, spinning around. "lets bake cookes!! GASP, and make a gingerbread house!!"

your boyfriend laughed as he was spun around; "you've read my mind, sweetheart!!"

then the two of you went downtown. the kitchen...was a mess after you two were done. it started wth just the both of you mixing cookie batter; until your boyfrien's childish antics were summoned; and that's another reason you've fallen in love with him.

you felt a bunch of flour smack against your back, and a white smoke clouded our vision.

you suddenly started to laugh; "oh, you want to play that game?" you teased and grabbed a handful of batter and threw it at ranpo.

however he dodged; knowing you would throw back and attack.

then...turned into a food fight it did, and you an just figure out who won this one.

after the cookies were made; the two of you fed each other...and he complimented you...however he ate almost all the cookies you have baked.

althogh he helped, all he did was eat the batter and frosting.

same for the gingerbread house; you just needed 5 minutes to not have his fingers grabbing gingerbread pieces and snacking on them.

you both took a bunch of videos and photos of each other, having these memories hopefully forever!

ranpo had asked if he could watch christmas movies with you as you two went to bed, and with a lot of begged and pleading from him and with a sigh you agreed.

now here's you and ranpo, all snuggled in bed and with a click of the button you put on netflix and spent the night with ranpo.

"you knew it would snow, right?"

ranpo smirked and grinned, kissing your head.

"what if i did~"

you laughed, leaning up and kissed his lips.

"then nothing~ today was amazing!"

he smiled; "get ready for many more to come this fine winter~"

[kaeso4ka]

A titan falls from the sky, but not the one you expect to see

Pairing: yandere Optimus Prime x reader

You saluted silently as you passed the captain. He looked gaunt: the last sortie had brought the Survey Corps a lot of corpses. Mutilated, chewed up. Dead. With a look of pain in their eyes that was forever frozen.

Here, for a long time, the dead were not counted: everyone knew they were expendable. To do anything, for the victory of humanity; to give their heart - sometimes literally.

You didn't know how you got into the Survey Corps. Or rather, no, she didn't. You knew why you were brought here in the first place. You were too weak for police or wall guards. Not the best of the best: they didn't allow them to keep the bigwigs and civilians safe. But how did you get into the army, with your temper...?

The answer was simple: you had nothing to lose. In a world surrounded by high walls, it was hard to find happiness. While the struggle - the eternal struggle against a huge, terrifying enemy - led you forward.

Toward freedom.

***

The fifty-eighth Survey Corps foray beyond the walls turned out to be another bloody feast for the Titans. Your wing was completely shattered: you were the only survivor. The horse beneath you was bucking, galloping fast. The horse was wounded: one of the five-meter titans, obviously a deviant, had swung at you minutes earlier, but only caught the animal.

Your heart was beating somewhere in your throat, and your sweat-wet hair blocked your view. You had to find survivors from the other squads and then make your way to the walls: it was too long before nightfall to wait for it.

A bright flash in the sky to your right caught your attention: something was falling from the sky. A bright ball of fire cut through the blue, and afterward flashed even brighter, blinding you for a moment. The horse beneath you spooked, reared up; and you flew down. There was a terrible crashing sound.

“Stop, you vile brute!”

You fell face right into the mud, miraculously not breaking your neck; you froze. There was no one around you. The Titans seemed to have gone to where the people were most numerous; and the rest of you was forgotten.

But not for long. Oh, and then there's that... Flash!

You looked up at three o'clock and marveled. Something huge was towering where the bright fireball had fallen. Was it... Titan? You weren't sure: it wasn't the tallest individual, but he was different. Very different! There were so many differences in him, from his appearance to his behavior. And how did he end up in that ball falling from the sky...?

You spit on the ground, the taste of grass in your mouth. Wiped her face with the sleeve of her torn uniform. Well, I wonder, if you finish off this titan and bring the remains back to the base, will you be promoted then?

Pulling your swords out of their sheaths, you jerked forward and then took off. The 3DMG, fortunately, was not damaged in the fall and was working properly. The trees were sparse and small, but it was enough to fly above the titan and aim for his scruff.

The wind whipped at her face, but it didn't make her feel any better. You always lost control of yourself when you were flying at full speed on the UPM. Flying is a beautiful thing. And yet, even with your UPM skills, you've never killed a single titan in your entire service.

It was time for the first one.

As you spun in the air, you swung downward, straight for the neck...

... and was immediately grabbed by a metallic grip. Literally metal.

The palm that gripped you was like stone. It wasn't the usual rough titanium skin, no. And the titan itself... Bright, red-blue, with luminous blue eyes....

You braced yourself for death. Right now, this thing's gonna squeeze your hand and crush you. Or bite your head off, like its kin like to do?

Neither of those things happened. The fingers that were clutching you relaxed. The titan opened his palm, and you were surprised to note that you were still... Alive. And healthy. And sitting in the palm of this strange creature's hand... Not a titan! In stature and size, yes, but now you could clearly see that it was not their kin. Not an insane killing machine that wanted to devour all humans in its path.

You looked at the 3DMG. It was definitely broken now: this titan hadn't calculated its power to keep the device normal. It was too high to jump, and you wouldn't reach the walls on your own feet.

You swallowed, and then looked at the blue lights that replaced the creature's eyes. Oh, now you could get a good look at it. And you could have sworn he was looking at you... Mockingly? No, condescending! And interested.

And... Reasonable?

The Titan opened his mouth - so unusual! - and a strange mixture of crackles and clicks filled the space. You bowed your head. Were you being spoken to? You're the first person to be spoken to by... This?

“I don't understand,” you smiled confusedly, and the huge titan fell silent.

Loud pops caught your attention: the red lights of smoke flares were rising to the sky. The recon corps' sortie was a failure.

But that was for the others. You had a new mission to accomplish.

***

You didn't know what it was, but it was… Cool.

That day the titan took you to the forest of the Big Trees. The unexpected guest from the sky was not afraid of titans: no deviants, big or small. The red-blue one could shoot fire - or what was that blue stuff? - could change his body with a strange mixture of sounds, and was also extremely comprehensible.

When the titans saw you in the palm of a giant's hand, they tried to attack. They didn't react to the red-blue man himself, even when he turned his hand into a blade and began to slash at them. Then you attracted his attention with a shout and hit yourself on the neck, saying, Watch where you hit.

And you were understood!

The red-blue was easily destroying titan after titan - destroying technically - while managing not to drop you to the ground from a decent height.

You, meanwhile, were delighted. You still didn't fully understand what was happening, but... Who cares what! What matters is that you're with you.

***

You were sitting on the giant's shoulder. He was making strange noises, unlike anything you were familiar with.

You were... Afraid. The creature was strange, but not aggressive to you; it was deep night now, and all the titans were asleep.

You wondered what to do. Take it outside the walls? Would he go? And how would people react? No, there had to be another way out of here.

You should have gone home alone first, thought it over, reported back to your command. Then decide what to do about the red and blue guy.

You fixed the 3DMG. A broken 3DMG. You sighed. It seemed it wasn't fated to come back. At least, not like this.

You sat on the strange titan's shoulder again and fell into a restless sleep.

Only then Optimus Prime allowed himself a smile full of adoration that you could recognize without any words.

He had found you, and he wouldn't let you go.

[ishuess]

With the whole chaos going on, I have a few things to say here..(a neutral perspective) This might not reach the involved individuals but here we go:

Fans fighting Fans: Do any of us realise that the fans which are arguing and fighting, their idols or whoever they r a fan of, are if not best friends, friends atleast civil with each other. So why don't we also follow their footsteps.

Digging out past: In their personal clash of opinions, they start dragging the celeb's past. Do they forget that those celebs r also human first and they can make past mistakes when just like us. I'm sure most young people have had some bad relationships that didn't work out, or hook ups or whatever. They are allowed to have personal lives. How would u like if someone dug out ur past relationship or your body count and presented in public with a possibility that three quarter of it is false or lie. If you can't understand the meaning of the term 'privacy' then atleast try to look up the term 'empathy'.

PR to make good impression: The term PR means 'public relations.' More than good reputation, it works as a barrier between personal life and professional life. Nobody announces their personal life in their work space to their boss. In case of celebs, the audience and the fans are the boss. They have every right to have a PR. So if someone shames a fan for believing in PR stories then I'm sorry to tell u but that's the whole point of PR to make believe. And if you know smth personal about the celeb you don't have the right to sell it on internet. Again the reason is privacy and empathy.

Fans becoming offended when their idols are questioned: Saying this from a neutral perspective, every celeb is asked what they do. Each one of them faces trolls. Even Ishan did face trolls and some of them were big celebs themselves but there is a saying, "Actions speak louder than words." Every starkid faces questions like, what does he/she do? and that they r there because of their family but do you ever see Ananya Pandey or Babil or Arjun Kapoor act like they owe explanation. They just work to prove themselves. Then why do 'certain' fans get worked up. Relax and understand this is the social world where these celebs will have to face such things. Trolling is smth each and every celeb faces and if you keep defending ur idol, it's waste of time. I would suggest that wait for the day ur idol shuts them by their work.

Homophobia and clash of opinions: Assuming people's sexuality and degrading others opinion is also very wrong. Yeah ok u think they r straight while the other thinks they r gay. None of you know the actual answer, only the person in question knows that. Then why would u both argue to prove your point. Sometimes it's not even about gender, it's about the person and thier nature that one falls in love with. So you're free to assume ur opinion but not free to degrade other's opinion and make them guilty about it.

Respecting the boundaries of being a fan: there's a nice and simple way of being a fan- appreciate and accept. Just appreciate whoever you're a fan of and accept that some might not like them. And before shaming the other celeb, think once of your idol will like it or not.

So a simple summary of the situation is

-have empathy and respect boundaries of the celebs.

-take jokes and accept that there is no point in fighting.

-enjoy ur time as a fan without ruining others experience.

-past is past and people change and grow upm

That was my general perspective. You're still free to form opinions but please do it respectfully and peacefully. This is not a battleground. I hope some people find this as an eye opener and if not realise their mistakes but atleast read it with an open mind and consider your actions. Wishing you a good day ahead.

[xxlady-lunaxx]

Make me smile | {Doukaza}

Theme: Fluff

Kinda inspired by the picture ^

{Takes place right after the upm meeting abt Daki and Gyutaro's deaths}

"Akaza-dono~" Douma said, poking the shorter male's side over and over.

"What?" Akaza snapped, moving out of reach from Douma.

"Can you hang out with meeee?" Douma whined, moving back to the other's side.

Akaza sighed deeply and turned away. "No. Now shut up and leave me alone."

He dashed off but Douma, being a rank higher than him, managed to catch up easily. "C'mon, Akaza-dono! It'll be fun!" he insisted, tugging on the striped demon's haori.

"No."

"...PLEASE!" Douma whined, following Akaza around.

The way the blond was acting was so childish and it made Akaza's face break into a small smile. Douma was just like a little kid and it almost made Akaza give in. Almost.

"Yeahhhhhhh...No. I need to go on my mission now, so just leave me alone," Akaza ordered, although he didn't think the other would listen. He turned to look at Douma, but he wasn't expecting to see him staring at Akaza, mouth open wide in surprise. "What the- What's wrong with you?" Akaza asked, stepping back.

"You...smiled," Douma said. He grinned-a real one, this time-and was at the other upper rank's side in a second.

He picked up Akaza by the waist and smiled. "You smiled...! And at me!"

Akaza struggled to get out of Douma's grasp, but he was too strong. He slumped slightly, annoyed. "Let me down, you idiot! And I did not smile."

"You did! Do it again! C'mon, Akaza-donooo~" Douma urged.

Akaza rolled his eyes and tried once again to get out of the higher ranked demon's hold. And again, he failed. "Ugh, no I need to go now. Just let me go already," he said.

Douma shook his head. "Not until you smile for me again!"

Sighing, Akaza said, "Only if you let me down."

"...Fine."

Letting the shorter male down, Douma patted Akaza's head and said, "Alright! Smile for me!"

"Ugh, no."

"But...you said you would!"

"...no I didn't." Akaza turned, his back to Douma.

"You did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did-" a hand was placed on Douma's mouth before he could finish. "Hm?"

"Oh shut up, fine. This is getting annoying anyways," Akaza grumbled.

Douma's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Akaza nodded begrudgingly. "But if have to give me a reason to smile, otherwise I won't."

Douma nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, okay!

Akaza waited for something to happen, and he was confused when nothing did. But then Douma said, "Close your eyes."

"Hell no! What're you going to do to me, you creep?!" Akaza exclaimed, backing up several paces.

"I'm not a creep!" Douma whined.

"Right. Anyways, I am not closing my eyes, who knows what you might do to me," Akaza said, crossing his arms.

"Oh. Okay," Douma said, slightly disappointed.

He stepped forward, placing his hands on the shorter of the two's shoulders so he couldn't escape. "It won't be bad, I promise!" Douma said.

Akaza sighed but didn't try getting out of his grasp. He shivered slightly as Douma's cold hands moved from his shoulders to his waist. "What're you doing...?"

"Nothing bad!"

"Douma..."

"It'll only be a moment!"

"...Hurry up, then."

"Okay!"

Douma moved closer and leaned down. His face was barely and inch away from Akaza's (A/N I almost wrote 'and inch away from Doukaza's 💀). Douma smiled and moved even closer, only a breath away now. "Pull away if you want..." he whispered.

Akaza didn't move.

Douma smirked slightly and then, to his surprise, he felt warm lips meet his as Akaza tiptoed slightly, kissing the other fully on the mouth. It took Douma a second to process what was happening, but once he did, he was quick to kiss back, his hands curling around Akaza's waist. He felt warm arms wrap around his neck as the two buried deeper into the kiss, their breath in sync, their body, the movement, everything. It was...perfect.

But then Akaza pulled away and the feeling was gone. Mostly, at least. A lingering touch still stayed on both of them.

Akaza felt his face heat up as Douma looked him over, trying to find a small movement, something, to clue him in. Tell him how Akaza felt about all of this.

And then he remembered the whole reason he'd done this was to make Akaza smile. But...he wasn't smiling. Akaza was looking away, face (adorably) red. But...not smiling.

Maybe it wasn't enough, maybe the upper 3 wanted more. But, more of what? He didn't have more to give.

Douma sighed deeply and went to turn around, feeling defeated. A hand was placed on his arm and he saw Akaza looking at him strangely. A familiar look. What was it again? Where had he seen it before?

Although...he'd seen the same expression on somebody else's face, but he hadn't felt the same as he did right now. This feeling was new. Fairly new.

"I..." Akaza mumbled. He looked away. Actually, on second thought, maybe he shouldn't say anything. Who knows how Douma would react. Besides, the taller of the two couldn't even feel emotions! That kiss couldn't have been real, could it?

"Hm?" Douma cocked his head to the side, confused.

"...Nothing." Akaza sighed and turned.

"Akaza-dono! Wait, before you go," Douma started, grabbing Akaza's shoulders to keep the other to stay.

Surprised, Akaza stayed still, wondering what happened.

"Can I ask you a question, first? No wait- Two?" Douma asked, quietly.

The redhead nodded. Douma smiled brightly, not that Akaza could see.

"Okay! My first one is, there's this thing I'm feeling, and...I don't know what it is. I've never felt it before!" the blond said.

Akaza stood there for a moment, waiting for Douma to go on. When he didn't he said, "You have to be more specific. I don't know what you mean."

"Oh! Well, it was when and after we kissed that I felt it," Douma said.

Akaza was silent, wondering what it could be. Disgust? Rejection? Fury? He doubted Douma had felt either of those before.

"So...my face felt all warm like I was close to a fire. And then my heart felt like...I was sick, maybe? Or like...you know when you're human, you can only run for a certain amount of time, and you have a limit. Your breath gets shaky and stuff, but your heart rate goes up, too. So that's what I felt. I also felt...warm inside. Like, after you eat a sick human, and like they've got a fever so they're all warm? But a good kind of warm, I think. Not like how they taste all weird because of them being all weak, but like...when you're cold and you drink something warm and you feel better! That's what it is, I think," Douma rambled.

He paused and looked at Akaza, waiting for a reaction. But he was standing so still that Douma was about to ask if he was even alive, before Akaza turned abruptly, his face seeming to be so red it would explode. "Akaza-dono? Are you okay?" Douma asked, concerned.

"What you're feeling. What you're feeling, it's- It's..." Akaza said, unsure whether he should go one or not. Unsure whether Douma was just playing with him or something.

"It's what? Tell me, I want to know!" Douma pleaded.

"...I think it's love," Akaza whispered. He said it quietly, hoping Douma wouldn't hear him, but all the same wishing with all his might that he would.

He looked up to see Douma staring at him, wide-eyed. "Woah... Really?" Douma breathed.

Akaza cocked his head to the side. "What?"

"I can feel love?" Douma exclaimed, making the strawberry hair-colored male jump.

"I guess?" Akaza muttered, perplexed.

Douma looked like an excited puppy, eyes shining. He jumped up and down, cheering. "I can love!! Master said I couldn't, but I can! People said if you don't have it given to you, you can't feel it, but I did!"

Akaza was beyond confused now, as he watched the other uppermoon act like an overjoyed child, as he seemed to be celebrating.

"Wait," Douma said, pausing.

"What?" Akaza asked.

"Maybe I was given love!!" Douma said. Suddenly, he turned and grasped Akaza's hands. "Akaza-dono. Do you...love me too?"

Feeling his heart rate speed up, the striped male flushed and he tried getting out of Douma's hold. But, feeling vulnerable and weak at the moment, he wasn't able to and settled for looking at the ground.

"Hm? Hm? Akaza-dono~" Douma whined, "answer meeee."

"I...-" Akaza was silent, thinking things over. Could he handle rejection? Or would it be too much. Maybe, though, he could see what Douma would say. Rejection wasn't the worse thing that had happened to him before.

Besides, he'd handled rejection before. By Kyojuro! So surely this wouldn't be too bad, right? Except...he'd barely met Kyojuro, and he'd known Douma for over a century. He'd been able to kill Kyojuro after the rejection, but killing Douma wouldn't be possible. He hadn't risen in ranks faster than Akaza had, because Akaza had won.

Maybe he couldn't handle it.

Wait.

Douma has said, "Do you love me too?" to him. Not, Do you love me. There was a 'too' in the question. Which meant...

Douma loved him. He actually did. Maybe Akaza could do this. He would. He had to.

And this way, he would have somebody who he wouldn't lose. He'd lost Kyojuro and...somebody else. So, this was it. He wouldn't lose Douma, they were both demons and the third and fourth strongest in the world.

Douma was getting slightly impaitent, but he stayed quiet letting Akaza mull over his thoughts.

"I do," Akaza said quietly.

Douma leaned forward. "What?"

Akaza growled under his breath. "I'm only going to say this one more time. Don't make me repeat it."

Douma nodded.

"I do," he said more firmly.

Douma stayed still for a second, taking a moment to process what he'd just heard. "Really?!" His face seemed to brighten up, and Akaza couldn't help but smile.

Douma grinned even wider at the sight of the shorter male smiling. "I'VE GOT A BOYFRIEND AND I MADE HIM SMILE!!" he shouted happily.

Letting go of Akaza, he ran in circles around and around, laughing and shouting.

Akaza started, surprised. "Wha- I NEVER SAID I WAS YOUR BOYFRIEND, YOU IDIOT!"

Douma stopped. "You didn't?"

"No! I just said 'I do,' not 'I'll be your boyfriend!'" Akaza exclaimed.

"Oh." Douma looked down, and he looks so miserable and sad that Akaza sighed and gave in.

"Fine. I'll be your boyfriend, but stop shouting! People might hear you and see what's happening!" Akaza ordered.

"Oh. YAY!!!" Douma said, excited. He ran over and hugged the other tightly.

Akaza sighed but hugged back. Douma picked him up and smiled at him.

Wrapping his legs around Douma's waist, the upper three leaned against the older of the two, sighing contently.

It worked out in the end. Douma wouldn't die, neither would he, and he could have a 'happy ending,' not that there would be an ending, of course.

"Wait," Akaza said, remembering something.

"What is it?" Douma asked, looking at his boyfriend.

"You said you had two questions, what was the other one?" he asked.

"Oh! I was going to ask if you could be my boyfriend!" Douma said, nodding to himself.

Akaza frowned. "But you said you didn't know what the feeling was, how would you know to ask that?"

"I don't know, I just wanted to ask that for some reason, but it all makes sense, now!"

"Oh."

"Mhm!" Douma smiled as Akaza relaxed against his body. "I love you, Akaza-dono!" he said, caressing the other's cheek.

"Mm...I love you too," Akaza mumbled burying his face in the crook of Douma's neck.

Content, Douma started walking, finding a good place the two could stay when the sun came up. "Akaza-dono?" he asked, when he found himself in a small hut. They could stay here, if Akaza approved of it.

When the other didn't respond, Douma looked down and saw the Akaza was asleep. "Oh..." he said softly, "sleep well, Akaza-dono."

He settled Akaza onto a bed he found in the hut. Sitting next to it, he waited for his boyfriend to wake up as the sun started to rise outside.

Word count: 1,943

{This one is longer then the others-! ✨

Hope you liked it!! Btw, I wrote half of this last night and the rest this morning (rn) so uh something might not add up, sorry- I also don't edit, so... 😓

Oh and- PLEASE GIVE ME REQUESTS. Idk what to do, maybe a KokuZan one?}

Edit: (ANOTHER REPOST FROM WATTPAD- SO SORRY IF THIS IS SHITTY BC I WROTE IT SOME MONTHS AGO..)

[anglesofthalamus]

Finding Strength in Community: Miss Anton's Path of Resilience and Faith in Early Adulthood.

Sometimes what we need is a community that helps us not feel lonely. This is something we learned while interviewing a lady full of resilience. We interviewed a member of a church (Rhiah's Churchmate) to get a distinct perspective on what it is like to be in early adulthood in a community of believers. She is a fifth-year college student at the University of the Philippines, Mindanao, studying BS in Food Technology. We can call her " Ate Anton." She is in her twenties, an eldest daughter, and she has a younger sister who shares the same goals as her. Miss Anton is a lady who feels insecure about her appearance, believing she is not pretty, even though she is. But the thing is, there are people who always appreciate her beauty, including us, because there’s something different about it. A beauty that shines, especially when she leads and uses her talent for God. Miss Anton is a homebody who enjoys resting, but she tries to challenge herself to be more physically active by participating in her favorite sport and hobbies like hiking. Eating and sleeping regularly and having time with the community are important to her, but to maintain them, she has her daily checklist to prioritize and organize her tasks. She likes planning everything and even mentioned breaking tasks into subtasks, consistent tasks, and priority tasks, which was new to us since we view daily tasks as the same. Regarding her school life, one major focus for her is completing her thesis. This has been a challenging task, especially since she plans to attend medical school after graduation. She has goals to review for medical school, find scholarships, enroll in medicine school, and prepare for the board exam in food technology. However, her thesis has delayed her graduation, which was supposed to happen last year, so she expects to finish college next year.

Despite feeling left behind, we love that she is determined to achieve her goal and is supportive of her sister, who started UPMED only this year. In terms of her social life, she is part of a community where she can talk to others and seek advice. It is like a Bible study group but more intimate, as they share their problems and hold each other accountable. She meets a lot of people, and while some stay and others leave, she finds it both exciting and a bit scary, but she surrenders it to God. To cope with stress, she reads the Bible, makes a time to rest, and opens up to her small group. When things get tough, she finds comfort in her faith, family, and the community around her. She believes that spending time with that kind of community is important because being alone can lead to feelings of loneliness and negative thoughts. When asked about relationships, she gives importance to her family, but she is closest with her sister, who is also in the same Bible study group. She also mentioned that there are times she wants a special someone in her life, but only in situations like having someone fetch you and take care of you, but only sometimes or during menstruation, she said. For now, she is focused on her goals, like getting into medical school and being involved in church activities, including conducting Bible studies. Her story reminds us of the importance of having someone to share our struggles with. We were truly amazed by her openness, her goals, and her strong relationship with God. Despite her challenges, she is filled with the love of God and supported by the people around her. It made us do a reality check and question ourselves: "Where am I? What am I doing? Am I still on my grounds, or have I been swayed away by struggles with school and home, with no time to rest, filled with worries?" With this interview, we are reminded that we have God and should not let these struggles blind us to reality and His love.

Overall, her story highlights how we can choose to take care of ourselves, not feel lonely, avoid overthinking, find happiness even during tough times, and be part of a community that will help us stay grounded, or in the end, it's really up to us how we take it and those people who surround us, as that is how adulting really works fruitfully.

[caymannewsservice]

Bid opened on $150 million loan for UPM projects

(CNS): The finance ministry has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from financial institutions for a CI$150 million loan facility. The borrowing was approved in the 2024/25 budget and is to cover the shortfall between the current UPM government’s anticipated surplus and its growing bill for capital projects. A government press release said the money would be used for school building projects,…

[edulink012]

Why Malaysia is the Ideal Destination for Your Higher Education Journey

Choosing the right destination for your higher education is a crucial decision that can shape your future career and personal growth. While many students consider studying in Western countries, Asia has emerged as a strong contender in the global education arena. Among the Asian nations, Malaysia stands out as an increasingly popular choice for international students. With its diverse culture, affordable living costs, high-quality education, and strategic location, Malaysia offers a unique blend of opportunities that make it the ideal destination for your higher education journey.

Study in Malaysia

1. World-Class Education System

Malaysia is home to some of the top universities in Asia, many of which are recognized globally for their academic excellence. Institutions like the University of Malaya (UM), University Kembangan Malaysia (UKM), and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) consistently rank among the best in the world. These universities offer a wide range of programs, from engineering and business to medicine and the arts, catering to students with diverse academic interests.

Moreover, Malaysia hosts several branch campuses of prestigious foreign universities, such as Monash University Malaysia and the University of Nottingham Malaysia. These campuses provide students with the opportunity to earn a globally recognized degree at a fraction of the cost of studying in their home countries.

2. Affordable Education and Living Costs

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Malaysia for your higher education is the affordability factor. Tuition fees in Malaysian universities are significantly lower compared to those in Western countries. This makes Malaysia an attractive option for students who want to receive a high-quality education without accumulating massive student debt.

In addition to lower tuition fees, the cost of living in Malaysia is very affordable. Whether it's accommodation, food, transportation, or entertainment, you’ll find that your money goes much further in Malaysia than in many other study destinations. This allows international students to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while focusing on their studies.

Study Abroad Agents in Kenya

3. Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, with a population that includes Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous groups. This cultural diversity is reflected in the country’s festivals, food, and everyday interactions. As an international student, you will find it easy to adapt to life in Malaysia, where people are welcoming and open to different cultures.

The multicultural environment also enhances your educational experience, as you will interact with students from various backgrounds, broadening your worldview and preparing you for a global career. English is widely spoken in Malaysia, and it is the language of instruction in most universities, making it easier for international students to integrate and excel academically.

4. Strategic Location in Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s location in the heart of Southeast Asia makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. With easy access to neighboring countries like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, you can enrich your educational journey with travel experiences that broaden your cultural understanding and global perspective.

The country’s strategic location also makes it a hub for business and trade in the region, offering students ample opportunities for internships, networking, and career development. Malaysia’s rapidly growing economy, coupled with its focus on innovation and technology, provides a fertile ground for students to launch their careers.

Study Abroad Consultants in Kenya

5. Safe and Stable Environment

Safety is a significant concern for students and their families when choosing a study destination. Malaysia is known for its political stability, low crime rates, and overall safety. The government places a strong emphasis on maintaining a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. This peace of mind allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about their safety.

Additionally, Malaysia has a well-developed healthcare system, ensuring that students have access to quality medical care if needed. The country’s tropical climate, with its warm weather year-round, also contributes to a comfortable living environment.

 6. Vibrant Student Life

Malaysia offers a vibrant and dynamic student life, with numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to join. Whether you’re interested in sports, arts, culture, or community service, there’s something for everyone. Malaysian universities often have active student associations that organize events, workshops, and social activities, helping international students to make friends and feel at home.

The country’s bustling cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, offer plenty of entertainment options, from shopping malls and restaurants to cultural sites and nightlife. The combination of academic rigor and a lively social scene ensures a well-rounded university experience.

Study in Malaysia Agents in Kenya

7. Pathways to Global Opportunities

Studying in Malaysia can open doors to global opportunities. The country’s education system is recognized internationally, and degrees obtained from Malaysian universities are respected worldwide. Furthermore, many Malaysian universities have strong ties with industry, providing students with internships, research opportunities, and job placements that can enhance their employability.

Malaysia’s focus on developing industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare means that there are plenty of opportunities for graduates to build successful careers in the country or abroad. The skills and experiences gained during your time in Malaysia will be valuable assets in the global job market.

Conclusion

Malaysia is more than just a study destination; it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities. With its world-class education system, affordable living costs, cultural diversity, and strategic location, Malaysia offers an unparalleled experience for international students. Whether you’re looking to advance your academic pursuits, explore new cultures, or lay the foundation for a successful career, Malaysia is the ideal place to embark on your higher education journey.

[highereducation01]

Legal Studies Degrees in Malaysia: Courses and Career Paths

Legal studies is a dynamic and challenging field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. In Malaysia, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Malay with a focus on legal studies provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, preparing them for various roles within the legal profession.

Why Choose a Legal Studies Degree?

A degree in legal studies equips students with knowledge of the law, critical thinking skills, and an understanding of legal processes. This foundation is essential for those pursuing a career in law, whether as a lawyer, legal advisor, or academic.

Core Areas of Study:

Constitutional Law: Examines the principles and structures of government and the protection of individual rights.

Criminal Law: Focuses on offenses against the state and the legal processes for prosecution and defense.

Civil Law: Covers non-criminal legal matters such as contracts, property, and family law.

International Law: Studies the rules governing relations between countries, including trade, diplomacy, and human rights.

Career Opportunities with a Legal Studies Degree

Graduates with a degree in legal studies can pursue various career paths, including:

Lawyers and Solicitors: Represent clients in legal matters, providing advice and advocacy in courts and legal proceedings.

Legal Advisors: Offer legal guidance to organizations or individuals, helping them navigate complex legal issues and compliance requirements.

Judicial Officers: Serve as judges or magistrates, presiding over legal cases and ensuring justice is served.

Legal Consultants: Provide expertise on specific legal issues or industries, assisting organizations in understanding and managing legal risks.

Benefits of a Legal Studies Degree

In-Depth Knowledge: Students gain a thorough understanding of the law and legal principles, preparing them for various legal roles.

Develop Critical Skills: Legal studies enhance skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Diverse Career Options: The degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities within the legal field and beyond.

Top Universities Offering Legal Studies Degrees

In Malaysia, several universities offer reputable legal studies programs:

University of Malaya (UM): Known for its strong law faculty and comprehensive curriculum, UM provides a solid foundation in legal studies.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Offers a range of legal studies programs with a focus on practical experience and academic excellence.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Provides specialized programs in legal studies, preparing students for careers in various legal professions.

Conclusion

A bachelor's degree in Malay with a focus on legal studies is a valuable investment for those interested in pursuing a career in law. The program provides a deep understanding of legal principles, essential skills, and diverse career opportunities. By choosing a reputable university and engaging fully with the coursework, students can pave the way for a successful career in the legal field.

Read More

Degrees in Diversity: Malaysia’s Unique Approach to International Education

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Master’s Degree Students in Malaysia Exploring the Benefits of Studying a Diploma Course in Malaysia: Launch Your Career or Take it to the Next Level

[psatalk]

UPM Raflatac's sustainable label stock solutions in India

UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products, helping brands, designers, and printers in selecting the optimal label to bring their packaging designs to life. Through its innovative solutions, the company aims to enhance the sustainability and circularity of the label material's value chain.

In India, UPM Raflatac – which opened a new slitting and distribution terminal in Mumbai in March 2024 – provides a range of products, including general category chromo label stock, filmic, and specialized application labels, catering to various industries such as food, pharma, logistics, FMCG, retail, textile, wines, spirits, beverages, durable and automotive segments, said Suresh Valecha, country manager – India, UPM Raflatac. 

“Alongside facilitating transactional exchanges with converters, we offer value-added services for label customization and developing tailored products to critical applications. Our sustainable approach aims to boost production efficiency while minimizing customer pain points and ensuring satisfaction,” Valecha added.

UPM Raflatac is supplying these products in the entire Indian subcontinent along with Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka with dedicated sales and marketing teams based in India, Valecha said, adding that all major converters and end users in India make up their customer base.

Sustainable label stock solutions for the Indian market

“Our commitment to sustainability allows our customers to provide the best sustainable options to consumers without compromising end-product performance. We are contributing to a critical mission – a future beyond fossils. Sustainability is at the core of how we operate,” he added.

UPM Raflatac is contributing to UPM's target to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 in its value chain, operations, and products, with the ultimate aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, he said. “In India, we offer 100% FSC-certified products, ensuring the highest standards of sustainability. Employing the principles of reduce, recycle, renew, and reuse, we empower brand owners and printers to make a positive impact with sustainable labels,” he added

UPM Raflatac actively reduces label stock thicknesses to alleviate the burden on our renewable resources and minimize paper/film consumption throughout the value chain. In addition, the company's focus extends to facilitating the reuse of packaging containers across various industries, including glass, PP, HDPE, LDPE, or PET types. UPM Raflatac has also introduced a wash-off adhesive product range for glass and PET containers, along with a specially designed adhesive (PURECYCLE) for HDPE/LDPE containers.

In India, the company has introduced 100% recycled-based chromo label stock, which incorporates 30%, 70% or 90% recycled content based on PP/PE/PET, tailored for different industries. UPM Raflatac's recycled portfolio holds certifications from RECYCLASS and APR, along with food-grade certification for future applications in food secondary packaging in India, Valecha shared.

UPM Raflatac's latest innovation, Forest Film, is produced using 100% non-renewable sources, offering a sustainable alternative that reduces dependency on renewable resources across packaging applications, he told Packaging South Asia.

New slitter terminal in India

UPM Raflatac opened a new slitting and distribution terminal in Mumbai, India in March 2024. The new facility is aimed at further improving service and quality to UPM Raflatac’s customers and strengthening the relationships in the region.

“Customers welcomed the step of the new world-class terminal, which will enhance production capacity, reduce turnaround time, leading to better service, shorter lead times, and most importantly happier customers,” Valecha said, adding converters and end-users are welcome to visit the new terminal and see for themselves what goes on behind the curtains of label-stock production, conversion, and deliveries.

“India is in a very good space now, whether it is concerning the economy, consumer spending or industry growth. We have a huge consumer base with very low packaging per capita consumption as compared to the rest of the world,” Valecha shared.

“Packaging and labels are an integral part of products, and consumers want exquisite and sustainable packaging. So, we want and will cater to end-users in all parts of South of Asia. We keep a tab on growth engines and on accelerating revenues to set up the base soon other than in central India,” he concluded.

[chemicalsectorupdates]

Exploring the Dynamics of the Global Copper Plate Paper Market

Copper Plate Paper Market will grow at highest pace owing to increasing application in Printing and Packaging Industry Copper plate paper is a high quality coated paper which features a strong printing surface that allows for crisp images and rich colors to be printed upon it. It is coated on both sides providing an ultra smooth surface ideal for fine art printing, packaging, signage, labels and more. The copper coating applied to this paper gives an unparalleled printing performance allowing for sharp details and precise color matching even for the most intricate designs. The robust construction of copper plate paper also makes it suitable for laser and UV printing applications. Global copper plate paper market is estimated to be valued at US$ 910 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the copper plate paper market are International Paper Company, Domtar Corporation, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., UPM-Kymmene Corporation, Sappi Limited, Mondi Group, Stora Enso Oyj, Smurfit Kappa Group, Metsä Board Corporation, WestRock Company, Oji Holdings Corporation, Verso Corporation, Burgo Group, Lecta Group, Catalyst Paper Corporation. These key players are focusing on capacity expansion and new product launch to cater to the growing demand for copper plate paper. Technological advancements are expanding the application scope of copper plate paper. Developments in coating compositions are resulting in papers with improved surface properties like higher gloss levels, better opacity and enhanced printing capabilities. Market Trends Growing preference for silver copper papers - Silver copper papers provide superior printing results compared to traditional copper plate papers. The metallic silver coating layer allows for highly saturated and vibrant color reproduction. This has led to increasing replacement of standard copper plates with silver copper varieties. Market Opportunities Increasing application in food contact packaging - Developments in safe coating compositions and food grade papers is opening up opportunities to use copper papers for food contact applications like confectionary wrappers, frozen food packaging and beverage cartons. Impact of COVID-19 on Copper Plate Paper Market Growth The pre-COVID scenario of the market was promising with steady growth driven by increasing demand from publishing and packaging industries. However, during the pandemic, publishing activities reduced drastically as people avoided non-essential purchases. Demand from retail packaging also declined due to closure of shops and falling consumer spending during the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. As restrictions are being lifted globally post vaccination drives, industrial activities are resuming gradually. The copper plate paper market is also recovering from pandemic losses as demand from printing and packaging sectors picks up with restart of economic activities. Differences in COVID-19 Impact across Geographical Regions for Copper Plate Paper Market In terms of value, Europe currently accounts for the largest share in the global copper plate paper market. Countries like Germany, Italy, France and the UK have significant presence of printing and publishing industries which drive copper plate paper demand. However, during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the market faced greater impact in Europe due to rigorous lockdowns which disrupted industrial activities. The Asia Pacific region excluding Japan represents the fastest growing regional market for copper plate paper globally. Countries like China, India and Southeast Asian nations have shown rising demand over the past few years from their developing publishing, retail and e-commerce sectors.

[beardedmrbean]

Keskisuomalainen is among the papers headlining Thursday's escalation of political strikes that are hitting a wide range of sectors including grocery stores, industry and air transport.

Unions taking part are striking against social security cuts and working life reforms by the government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP).

Nearly 300,000 people are expected to take part in the strikes organised by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK and the Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK.

The big chain grocery stores are on a one-day strike Thursday, but Keskisuomalainen says that at least the S Group, Kesko and Lidl are trying to keep their stores open. Hotels and restaurants are also affected by the strike.

Postal workers are on strike Thursday and Friday. Posti estimates that the industrial action will cause delays of a few days in mail deliveries.

In the banking and insurance sector, the strike will last a single day. Banks are urging customers to use digital self-service and to be prepared for customer service backlogs.

Air traffic is affected Thursday and Friday. Finnair, for example, has said it will cancel around 550 flights due to the strike.

The political strikes will have a wide impact on public transport, including passenger trains, trams and buses on Friday.

Hundreds of industrial sites across the country will be closed down by the strikes on Thursday and Friday. The industrial action also includes forestry companies UPM and Stora Enso in various locations and chemical plants in Porvoo and Kokkola.

Demonstration in the capital

The SAK and STTK trade union federations are holding a demonstration against the government's labour market policies and social security cuts at Helsinki's Senate Square, beginning at noon on Thursday. It is scheduled to continue until 2pm.

Savon Sanomat reports organisers say that the demonstration is open to all members of the public concerned about the government's policies, and to NGOs.

The SAK and STTK say the demonstration is intended to send a message to the government that it needs to put the brakes on the preparation of measures that undermine working life and public wellbeing.

Aiming at employers

Trade unions are now putting pressure, above all, on employers, political journalist Teemu Muhonen writes in an analysis in Thursday morning's Helsingin Sanomat.

The official aim of the strikes is to pressure the government to come to the negotiating table and give up on measures such as limiting political some strikes, promoting local wage agreements, making it easier to dismiss workers and cutting social security.

The trade unions do oppose the government's programme, but they no longer believe that the government will voluntarily back down from its plans, says Muhonen. Based on background briefings with union leaders it is clear that the main target of the strike is now employers, not the government.

The aim of the SAK unions, in particular, is to instill fear in companies that they will suffer so much financial damage that the business community will eventually ask the government to put on the brakes.

In the view of the unions, it is the employers that want labour market reforms and they are hiding behind the government's back. Both sides know that a left-wing majority in parliament is unlikely any time soon. And so, employers can safely leave these changes to the politicians.

Underage vaping ban

According to an Uutsisuomalainen news group report, the government plans to ban the possession of all electronic cigarettes by people under the age of 18.

At present, persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to possess tobacco products or nicotine liquids. However, the law does not apply to nicotine-free electronic cigarettes, energy snuff or nicotine pouches. Electronic cigarettes in particular have become a major problem in Finnish schools.

Currently, teachers and school administrators can confiscate regular tobacco products, e-cigarettes containing nicotine, and snuff from pupils. Nicotine-free e-cigarettes can only be taken away if they interfere with learning or teaching.

A bill amending the Tobacco Act is being drawn up by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health so that minors will no longer be allowed to possess electronic cigarettes or other tobacco substitutes.

The sale of all types of e-cigarettes to minors is already prohibited.

Battle of the ties

Iltalehti takes a look at what it calls the "hidden messages" being broadcast by both candidates in the second round of Finland's presidential election.

All messaging matters, the paper writes, as the candidates who were eliminated in the first round of the race left 1.5 million votes up for grabs, roughly the same number as the combined total polled by the finalists, Alexander Stubb (NCP) and Pekka Haavisto (Green/independent).

The paper points out that the first-round election night, Stubb was wearing a blue tie and Haavisto a red tie. A tie may be a small thing, but the choice of colours was no coincidence. On Monday, Stubb wore a red tie and Haavisto a blue tie in an Yle broadcast.

"The race for votes is fierce," writes Iltalehti.

On Tuesday, during a debate organised by Ilta-Sanomat, Haavisto wore a rose-red tie, which could be seen as referencing the Social Democratic Party.

During that same debate, Haavisto courted rural Centre and Finns Party voters by saying that Finland's wolf problem needs to be tackled. The Greens have generally been in favour of protecting wolves.

In turn, when Stubb was asked about critical remarks targeting him by Finns Party leader Riikka Purra, Stubb responded by praising the first-round election result for that party's candidate, Jussi Halla-aho, as "stunning".

[pavelmamichev]

Sources and Significance - Blog Post 7

Session 7 - Representation, Visual Culture and Identity

For this Blog post I will be analysing representation, visual culture and identity in the video game - Bioshock

The game is set in an underwater city called "Rapture" which was founded and built secretly by a man known as "Andrew Ryan". The idea of this city is that it provides and alternate ideology to capitalism/communism/religion or anything that exists in our time. Rather the ideology of the city is embodies extreme individualism, and puts no boundaries of any citizen regarding morality or state-control.

The game also features representation of Power Dynamics, particularly Authoritarianism. For instance, the leader of the city Andrew Ryan imposes his ideology over the city which is what led to the cities demise.

Another aspect of Bioshock that relates to this is Moral Choices. The game allows you to kill or save certain characters (in particular these mutated female children called Little Sisters). This relates to the idea of Multiple Readings as each player will be able to make their own choices based their personal perspectives and values.

References

2K Boston, 2K Australia. (2006). Bioshock. [Video Game]. 2K.

WarpNine. (2010). Bioshock Opening Scene. [Online Video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfZ30sfjdLY [Accessed 28 December 2023]

Hall, S. (2013). The work of representation. [PDF]. Available at: https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/55352_Hall_ch_1.pdf [Accessed 28 December 2023]

[evoldir]

Fwd: Postdoc: Madrid.Computational.MicrobialEvolution

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Postdoc: Madrid.Computational.MicrobialEvolution > Date: 28 November 2023 at 06:30:43 GMT > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > Postdoc in computational biology at the Polytechnic University of Madrid > > We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic postdoc willing to contribute > to our understanding of how mutation and recombination biases shape > evolution in plant-associated bacteria, both from fundamental and > applied perspectives. Your primary role will involve using comparative > genomics and computer modeling to explore the forces that determine the > evolutionary persistence of both natural and synthetic genetic elements. > While the main project is curiosity-driven basic science, the post is > embedded within a consortium deploying systems and synthetic biology > approaches to agriculture. This consortium acknowledges that a fine > understanding of the evolutionary forces influencing genetic constructs > is crucial for this initiative. > > The ideal candidate holds a doctoral degree in bioinformatics, > comparative genomics, computer modeling, or similar. We expect a high > degree of autonomy, with active participation in shaping the research > direction. This position offers ample opportunities for career > development, including the potential to co-supervise students, pursue > funding opportunities, engage in teaching, and showcase your work at > international conferences. The candidate will join the Centre for Plant > Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP), a mixed research centre supported by > the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) and the National Research > Council (CSIC). The position offers a competitive salary according to > experience with all the benefits of the Spanish National Social Security > System, comprising generous sick/maternity/paternity leaves and health, > unemployment and retirement insurances. The post is available from > January 2024 for 2 years. > > How to apply: please send a single PDF file with a motivation letter and > a CV to Alex Couce (a.couce@upm.es). Candidates short-listed for > interview will be additionally requested contact information of two > references. The post will be open until a suitable candidate is found - > early applications are thus encouraged. Please include the word “eEMMA” > in the subject line. > > > Dr Alejandro Couce > Evolutionary Systems Genetics of Microbes Lab > Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP, UPM-INIA) > Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain > > phone: +34 910679195 | website: short.upm.es/EvolSysGen > > > A Couce

[educationinmalaysia]

Best Public Universities: A Welcoming Hub for International Students

Malaysia, a captivating nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and mouthwatering gastronomy, takes immense pride in its esteemed public universities. As an international student fortunate enough to have pursued my education at one of these prestigious institutions, I am excited to reveal the hidden gems that make Malaysia’s public universities an outstanding choice for those seeking a world-class education and an immersive journey into the vibrant tapestry of Asian culture.

List of Public Universities in Malaysia

The University of Malaya (UM), a prestigious institution with a rich history, stands as the oldest university in Malaysia. Renowned for its academic excellence, UM consistently secures its position among the top universities in Asia. With an extensive array of programs, this esteemed university caters to a diverse range of interests and aspirations.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)! With a reputation for excellence in engineering programs, UTM is the perfect place to hone your skills. Plus, their campus in Johor Bahru is nothing short of impressive.

UPM, the renowned Universiti Putra Malaysia, stands tall with its exceptional agricultural and environmental science programs. Nestled amidst a picturesque landscape, the campus embraces a vibrant atmosphere, adorned with abundant greenery that captivates the senses.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Nestled in the heart of this vibrant island, USM offers more than just a world-class education. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and tantalizing cuisine that Penang is famous for, while also exploring the cutting-edge advancements in medical and health sciences that make this region a true hub of innovation.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the grandest public university in Malaysia. With its sprawling campuses scattered across the nation, UiTM stands tall as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity.

Public Universities in Malaysia for International Students

Why should international students consider a public university in Malaysia? Let me tell you, it’s a no-brainer! Firstly, the majority of programs are taught in English, making it a breeze for non-Malay speakers to adapt. No language barriers here! Secondly, the cost of living is incredibly affordable, allowing you to stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering local cuisine that won’t break the bank. Lastly, the warm and welcoming locals will embrace you with open arms, making you feel like you’ve found a second home. So, why wait? Malaysia is calling your name!

These universities have specialized offices solely dedicated to supporting international students. From visa matters to cultural adaptation, they are there to assist you every step of the way. Moreover, they provide various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to alleviate any financial burdens you may face.

Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia adds an exciting twist to your study breaks. It serves as a gateway to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia, allowing you to embark on thrilling adventures. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen to protect yourself from the tropical sun and bring along a zest for exploration.

In conclusion, Malaysia’s public universities provide an incredible blend of academic brilliance, cultural richness, and budget-friendly options. So, if you’re seeking an educational adventure brimming with tantalizing cuisine, friendly faces, and unforgettable moments, Malaysia could very well be the destination of your dreams. Take a leap of faith and who knows, you might just discover yourself embracing this enchanting nation as your home away from home!

India Head Office B-16 Ground Floor, Mayfield Garden, Sector 50, Gurugram, Haryana, India 122002 Phone: +91–9818–560–331 Email: info@educationmalaysia.in Website: Education Malaysia

[chemicalresearchupdates]

Security Labels Market Regional Size and Share Forecast

The security labels market is a rapidly growing industry that involves the production and sale of labels used to protect products from theft and counterfeiting. Security labels are typically used in the retail and pharmaceutical industries, but they are also used in other industries where product safety and authenticity are important.

Security labels can be used in a variety of ways, including tamper-evident labels that indicate if a product has been opened or tampered with, holographic labels that feature unique patterns and designs to deter counterfeiting, and RFID (radio-frequency identification) labels that allow for tracking and monitoring of products throughout the supply chain.

The security labels market is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for product safety and authenticity, the growth of the e-commerce industry, and the rise in global trade. The market is also influenced by advancements in technology, such as the development of new materials and printing techniques that enhance the security features of labels.

The market is highly competitive, with several major players dominating the industry. These include companies such as Avery Dennison, 3M Company, CCL Industries, and UPM-Kymmene Corporation. These companies offer a wide range of security label products, including holographic labels, tamper-evident labels, and RFID labels.

The security labels market is segmented by product type, material, and application. By product type, the market is segmented into tamper-evident labels, holographic labels, RFID labels, and others. By material, the market is segmented into paper, plastic, and others. By application, the market is segmented into food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, retail, and others.

North America and Europe are the largest markets for security labels, with Asia-Pacific expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. The growth in the Asia-Pacific region is driven by the increasing demand for product safety and authenticity, as well as the rise of e-commerce and global trade.

In conclusion, the security labels market is a growing industry that plays an important role in protecting products from theft and counterfeiting. The market is highly competitive, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for product safety and authenticity. The market is segmented by product type, material, and application, with North America and Europe being the largest markets.

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